LIVE
Thu, 30 October 2014
2 dead, 5 injured in small plane crash at Kansas airport
Timeline Refresh
23:57 'Alarming gaps' remain in fighting Ebola
At least four people are dead after a prop plane crashed into a building this morning at an airport in Wichita, Kansas, officials said.Five others have been rushed to a local hospital, fire marshal Brad Crisp said more than three hours after the crash.
"We don't know what may have caused the incident," Wichita Fire Department Chief Ron Blackwell said, noting that responders faced a "horrific firefight for several minutes."
Read the full story here
"We don't know what may have caused the incident," Wichita Fire Department Chief Ron Blackwell said, noting that responders faced a "horrific firefight for several minutes."
Read the full story here
23:34
From the BBC: Burkina Faso's President Blaise Compaore has imposed a state of emergency to end violent protests against his 27-year rule.
The government has also been dissolved, a statement signed by Compaore said. Mass protests against his rule are continuing in the capital, Ouagadougou.
Angry crowds had earlier set fire to parliament and other government buildings, forcing MPs to abandon a vote aimed at allowing Mr Compaore to seek re-election in 2015.
Image: Anti-government protesters set fire to the parliament building in Ouagadougou, capital of Burkina Faso. Photograph: Joe Penney/Reuters
The government has also been dissolved, a statement signed by Compaore said. Mass protests against his rule are continuing in the capital, Ouagadougou.
Angry crowds had earlier set fire to parliament and other government buildings, forcing MPs to abandon a vote aimed at allowing Mr Compaore to seek re-election in 2015.
Image: Anti-government protesters set fire to the parliament building in Ouagadougou, capital of Burkina Faso. Photograph: Joe Penney/Reuters
23:30 Modi govt can't bring even a rabbit into country: Sharad Pawar
Unmoved with the Central government's initiative on black money, JD-U President Sharad Yadav today said the dream Narendra Modi government weaving before the nation on bringing back illegal money stashed in foreign banks would never be fulfilled.
"The dream Narendra Modi government showing to the nation about bringing back black money into the country will never be fullfilled...the government will not be able to bring even a rabbit into the country from outside," Yadav told reporters.
There was no relevance of ongoing debate over black money, triggered by the government placing a list of 627 persons having accounts off shore to the Supreme Court, the JD-U chief said at Patna Airport on arrival from Delhi.
"I can say definitely that no black money will come back into the country," he said.
"The dream Narendra Modi government showing to the nation about bringing back black money into the country will never be fullfilled...the government will not be able to bring even a rabbit into the country from outside," Yadav told reporters.
There was no relevance of ongoing debate over black money, triggered by the government placing a list of 627 persons having accounts off shore to the Supreme Court, the JD-U chief said at Patna Airport on arrival from Delhi.
"I can say definitely that no black money will come back into the country," he said.
23:02 ISIS militants killed 600 Iraqi prisoners, claims rights group
From the Fox News: Militants from the Islamic State carried out a mass killing of hundreds of Iraqi prison inmates when they seized the country's second-largest city of Mosul in June, an international rights group said on Thursday.
Some 600 male Shiite inmates from Badoosh prison outside Mosul were forced to kneel along the edge of a nearby ravine and shot with automatic weapons, Human Rights Watch said in a statement based on interviews with 15 Shiite prisoners who survived the massacre.
Read the article here
Some 600 male Shiite inmates from Badoosh prison outside Mosul were forced to kneel along the edge of a nearby ravine and shot with automatic weapons, Human Rights Watch said in a statement based on interviews with 15 Shiite prisoners who survived the massacre.
Read the article here
22:49 Roman Polanski freed after Polish police questioning over historical sex offence
From The Independent: Roman Polanski has been released after being questioned by Polish police on a US arrest warrant for sexual offence.
The director fled the US in 1977 before he could be sentenced for having sex with a 13-year-old girl.Krakow prosecutors were contacted by the US authorities asking them to arrest Polanski after he attended for the opening of the Museum of the History of Polish Jews.
Read the full story here:
The director fled the US in 1977 before he could be sentenced for having sex with a 13-year-old girl.Krakow prosecutors were contacted by the US authorities asking them to arrest Polanski after he attended for the opening of the Museum of the History of Polish Jews.
Read the full story here:
22:23 Closing Jerusalem holy site 'a declaration of war': Palestinian president
CNN reports: Tensions between Palestinians and Israelis spiked in Jerusalem Thursday as Israel closed access to the Temple Mount, a move Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas called a 'declaration of war'.
Presidential spokesman Nabil Abu Rudeineh told CNN on Thursday that the decision to close off the site, which includes the al-Aqsa Mosque, was a 'brazen challenge' and 'grave behavior' that would lead to 'further tensions and instability'.
Read the full story here
Presidential spokesman Nabil Abu Rudeineh told CNN on Thursday that the decision to close off the site, which includes the al-Aqsa Mosque, was a 'brazen challenge' and 'grave behavior' that would lead to 'further tensions and instability'.
Read the full story here
21:56 US nurse defies Ebola quarantine
A nurse who vowed to defy US voluntary quarantine for health care workers who treated Ebola patients followed through on her promise, leaving her home for an hour-long bike ride. Kaci Hickox and her boyfriend stepped out of their home in the morning and rode away on mountain bikes, followed by a state police cruiser. It was the second time Hickox broke quarantine. She left her home Wednesday evening briefly to speak to reporters, even shaking a hand that was offered to her. Hickox contends there's no need for quarantine because she's showing no symptoms. She's also tested negative for the deadly disease.
21:20 World Bank gives $100 million for Ebola health workers
The World Bank said it was immediately providing $100 million to support the deployment of more health workers to Ebola-stricken West Africa. The money is in answer to appeals for reinforcement of health workers in Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone, where the deadly disease has killed nearly 5,000. The United Nations estimates that the three countries need another 5,000 international medical, training and support personnel in the coming months.
20:51 40-yr-old teacher sexually assaults student
Days after a school assistant sexually molested a minor in a Bangalore school, a 40-year-old teacher has been booked for sexually assaulting a 6-year-old girl. The girl complained to her parents about the incident on Tuesday following which they approached the cops.
20:47 UK's national first sperm bank opens
The UK's first national sperm bank opened its doors today in a bid to end the shortage of donors that has forced the country to massively import sperms from the US and Denmark. The facility, aimed to help single women, men with fertility problems and same-sex couples to build families, will be based initially at Birmingham Women's Hospital before being extending to cover the whole country. The Department of Health has given 77,000 (Rs 75 lakh) to fund the national sperm bank.
20:34 VHP to plant Tulsi saplings in all Hindu homes
The Vishwa Hindu Parishad as part of its golden jubilee celebration will plant a Tusli sapling in every Hindu home across the country, said a top functionary of the Hindu right-wing organisation.
Read the full story HERE
20:19 3 injured in crude bomb blast in WB's Birbhum
Three people have been injured in West Bengal's Birbhum district after a crude bomb exploded. Today, the area also witnessed high drama after BJP leaders were arrested for defying orders.
20:06 Ambulance Drone unveiled In the Netherlands
Before graduating from the Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands, Alec Momont needed to complete a final project. Motivated by negative headlines about drones, he set out to find a positive use for the unmanned aerial vehicles. Momont's parents had recently lost a neighbor to cardiac arrest after an ambulance wasn't able to arrive in time. The 23-year-old wondered, what if drones could be used to carry emergency supplies? So Momont reached out to Living Tomorrow, an organisation known for undertaking innovation projects and began collaborating on an ambulance drone.
Read the full story HERE
19:50 BJP reacts to reports about Uddhav's absence at swearing-in
Reacting to reports that Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray won't be attending Maharashtra CM-designate Devendra Fadnavis's swearing-in tomorrow, RP Rudy said, "The swearing-in ceremony is a democratic process, all those who believe in democracy should participate in such occasions. I'm sure most of the parties will be there." He added, "Don't think there should be any reason why Uddhav Thackeray shouldn't come."
19:41 Malaysia's top cleric issues fatwa against Halloween celebrations
Malaysia's top Islamic council has issued a fatwa against the Halloween celebrations calling it haram and anti-Islamic. The National Fatwa Council has said the Shariah law does not allow celebrations such as Halloween, which is to mark the remembrance of dead people. "The Halloween celebration is clearly against the values of Shariah. It cannot be celebrated by Muslims. To remember those who have passed away, Islam suggests the practices of reciting doa (prayers) and Quran," the council said
19:00 Over 2,500 policemen to be deployed during Fadnavis swearing-in
A strict vigil will be maintained during the swearing-in of Devendra Fadnavis as Maharashtra chief minister at Wankhede stadium on Friday, with over 2,500 security personnel being deployed in and around the sprawling ground.
18:48 Khadse, Mungantiwar, Tawde, Munde to be sworn in tomorrow
A small Cabinet of about a dozen ministers including state BJP Core Committee members Eknath Khadse, Sudhir Mungantiwar, Vinod Tawde and Pankaja Munde besides MLAs from Schedule Castes and Scheduled tribes is also likely to be sworn in.
"A slim and trim government will take oath tomorrow," a BJP leader said.
BJP had emerged as the single largest party in the 288-member state Assembly with 122 seats but one of its MLAs Govind Rathod died.
Though technically it will be a minority government until Sena joins it, declared support from 41-member NCP will act as a hedge for the BJP dispensation. It also has the support of several independent MLAs and those from some smaller parties.
"A slim and trim government will take oath tomorrow," a BJP leader said.
BJP had emerged as the single largest party in the 288-member state Assembly with 122 seats but one of its MLAs Govind Rathod died.
Though technically it will be a minority government until Sena joins it, declared support from 41-member NCP will act as a hedge for the BJP dispensation. It also has the support of several independent MLAs and those from some smaller parties.
18:29 I have benefited from the sacrifice of others: Tim Cook
What an absolutely awesome thing to say! Apple CEO Tim Cook on being gay, writes: "I don't consider myself an activist, but I realize how much I've benefited from the sacrifice of others,' Cook writes in the essay. "So if hearing that the CEO of Apple is gay can help someone struggling to come to terms with who he or she is, or bring comfort to anyone who feels alone, or inspire people to insist on their equality, then it's worth the trade-off with my own privacy."
18:25 India should do more to maintain peace at border: China
China's military on Thursday expressed concern over India's plan to construct 54 new border posts in Arunachal Pradesh, saying India should not complicate the situation and do more to maintain peace as it is a "disputed area'.
"We have noticed relevant report. Dispute still exists in the eastern part of China-India border,' Defence Ministry spokesman Yang Yujin told a media briefing in Beijing when asked about the plans announced by the Union Home Ministry to build 54 new border posts along the border in Arunachal Pradesh.
"We urge the Indian side to do more to maintain peace and stability in the area and not do things that may complicate the situation,' he said.
"We have noticed relevant report. Dispute still exists in the eastern part of China-India border,' Defence Ministry spokesman Yang Yujin told a media briefing in Beijing when asked about the plans announced by the Union Home Ministry to build 54 new border posts along the border in Arunachal Pradesh.
"We urge the Indian side to do more to maintain peace and stability in the area and not do things that may complicate the situation,' he said.
18:00 Modi govt bars first class travel, five-star hotel meetings for babus
The NDA does an UPA with its just-launched austerity drive. The Narendra Modi government will cut non-plan expenditure by 10 per cent and has barred bureaucrats from travelling first class on overseas visits and have been asked to use video conferencing as much as possible.
With an aim to restrict fiscal deficit to 4.1 per cent of GDP in 2014-15, the Finance Ministry has barred officials from holding meetings in five-star hotels and put a freeze on fresh appointments and filling up posts lying vacant for over one year.
"While officers are entitled to various classes of air travel depending on seniority, utmost economy would need to be observed while exercising the choice keeping the limitations of budget in mind. However, there would no bookings in the first class,' said the office memorandum.
The facility of Video Conferencing, it said, "may be used effectively'.
Remember the Congress govt's austerity drive? Read this.
With an aim to restrict fiscal deficit to 4.1 per cent of GDP in 2014-15, the Finance Ministry has barred officials from holding meetings in five-star hotels and put a freeze on fresh appointments and filling up posts lying vacant for over one year.
"While officers are entitled to various classes of air travel depending on seniority, utmost economy would need to be observed while exercising the choice keeping the limitations of budget in mind. However, there would no bookings in the first class,' said the office memorandum.
The facility of Video Conferencing, it said, "may be used effectively'.
Remember the Congress govt's austerity drive? Read this.
17:51 A silence hangs over gay CEOs
Before Tim Cook, there was Beth Brooke.
For nearly two decades, Ernst & Young executive Beth Brooke navigated the office like it was a minefield, dodging water-cooler chatter for fear that someone might corner her with a personal question.Her colleagues whispered that she was a "loner," she said, scarred from her divorce or perhaps just reclusive by nature.
Read more
For nearly two decades, Ernst & Young executive Beth Brooke navigated the office like it was a minefield, dodging water-cooler chatter for fear that someone might corner her with a personal question.Her colleagues whispered that she was a "loner," she said, scarred from her divorce or perhaps just reclusive by nature.
Read more
17:42
SEBI moves SC seeking its direction against Sahara for non-payment of dues of Rs 47,000 crore to it.
17:39 Sena on Maha investiture boycott: Why attend when we won't be respected
Vinayak Raut of the Shiv Sena on the party's boycott of the swearing-in ceremony: "Jahan maan na ho uss samaroh mein kyun jaane ka hai, ye sawaal sab vidhayako ke dimaag mein aya. (All MLAs thought why should we attend a function where we won't be respected.)
17:27 Shiv Sena paints itself in a corner: Party will boycott Fadnavis swearing-in tomorrow
The Shiv Sena will boycott the swearing-in ceremony of the Devendra Fadnavis government in Maharashtra tomorrow. However, BJP general secretary Rajiv Pratap Rudy said today that talks for a possible tie-up are on with it in an "amicable atmosphere", but "it seems unlikely that any Shiv Sena minister will be sworn in tomorrow.
Maintaining that the BJP was looking forward to a decision soon, he said, "This may not happen tomorrow."
Rudy said BJP has accepted NCP's offer of outside support in the larger interest of development of Maharashtra.
"Any political group, formation or individual ready to extend unconditional support to the BJP government in the larger interest of development of Maharashtra will certainly be welcome without reservations," he said.
Asked if the party had submitted any written communication about NCP's support while staking claim to form government, he said, "We have not given any written submission. We have just staked claim for the formation of government as the single largest party."
Maintaining that the BJP was looking forward to a decision soon, he said, "This may not happen tomorrow."
Rudy said BJP has accepted NCP's offer of outside support in the larger interest of development of Maharashtra.
"Any political group, formation or individual ready to extend unconditional support to the BJP government in the larger interest of development of Maharashtra will certainly be welcome without reservations," he said.
Asked if the party had submitted any written communication about NCP's support while staking claim to form government, he said, "We have not given any written submission. We have just staked claim for the formation of government as the single largest party."
17:24 Apple CEO Tim Cook says, 'I'm proud to be gay'
Apple CEO Tim Cook confirmed Tuesday that he identifies as gay, and in doing so instantly becomes the most prominent openly gay business executive. Salute! Read
17:16 2nd SIT report on black money on Dec 3
Just in: SIT on black money to submit its second report to Supreme Court by December 3: Justice M B Shah tells PTI. The first report is due by the end of November and will focus on 220 individuals whose names are on the list of a total of 627. The SIT will also release an email id where anyone can give information on black money defaulters. The panel will meet today to work out details of its inquiry.
16:56
No wall and no fly on the wall, either. Nitin Gadkari meets Maharashtra's CM elect Devendra Fadnavis who is in Delhi today to invite senior BJP leaders to his swearing-in ceremony tomorrow.
16:27
Over a dozen BJP ministers are expected to take oath in presence of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi on October 31 at the sprawling Wankhede stadium.
Read more on the preparations.
Read more on the preparations.
16:22 NO Shiv Sena leader to be inducted in new Maha govt tomorrow: BJP
BJP general secretary Rajiv Pratap Rudy said that NO Shiv Sena leader to be inducted in the new Maharashtra government tomorrow. Rudy however said that talks with the Shiv Sena were still on for a possible tie-up in Maharashtra.
The Shiv Sena made another desperate effort on Thursday to reach out to the BJP, even as it promised to announce its stand on joining the Devendra Fadnavis government soon.The Sena, in an editorial in mouthpiece Saamna, praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi and chief minister-designate Devendra Fadnavis, saying the state can expect 'acchhe din' (good days) under them, but cautioned its former ally against accepting Nationalist Congress Party's (NCP's) support.
The Shiv Sena made another desperate effort on Thursday to reach out to the BJP, even as it promised to announce its stand on joining the Devendra Fadnavis government soon.The Sena, in an editorial in mouthpiece Saamna, praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi and chief minister-designate Devendra Fadnavis, saying the state can expect 'acchhe din' (good days) under them, but cautioned its former ally against accepting Nationalist Congress Party's (NCP's) support.
16:14
We feel these fishermen aren't guilty: Syed Akbaruddin on death penalty to 5 Indian fishermen in Sri Lanka.
16:12 The salon helping acid attack victims
Beauticians are hard at work in a high-end salon in an affluent area of Pakistan's Lahore. The sound of women's chatter and laughter is mixed with the continuous roars of hairdryers.It is hardly a place you would associate with acid attack victims. But for more than a decade Musarat Misbah's salon has been a refuge for women who've been attacked by acid. Read
16:01
Prime Minister Narendra Modi today appreciated film star Amitabh Bachchan, Indian Hockey captain Sardara Singh and few other personalities who took the broom and participated in Swachh Bharat campaign.
"Who won't get inspired when @SrBachchan himself wields the broom & joins Swachh Bharat Mission! Very significant effort," Modi tweeted.
He also posted a picture of Bachchan cleaning a street with a broom along with a few others.
Referring to the Hockey captain, Modi tweeted, "After the hockey stick, Sardara Singh scores with the broom! A great effort by him towards a Swachh Bharat."
In another tweet, the Prime Minister appreciated religious leader Baba Ram Rahim, saying it "Will motivate people across India to join Swachh Bharat Mission!
"Who won't get inspired when @SrBachchan himself wields the broom & joins Swachh Bharat Mission! Very significant effort," Modi tweeted.
He also posted a picture of Bachchan cleaning a street with a broom along with a few others.
Referring to the Hockey captain, Modi tweeted, "After the hockey stick, Sardara Singh scores with the broom! A great effort by him towards a Swachh Bharat."
In another tweet, the Prime Minister appreciated religious leader Baba Ram Rahim, saying it "Will motivate people across India to join Swachh Bharat Mission!
15:57 Rs 5 lakh to kin of anti-Sikh riot victims, announces govt
Just in: The government has announced a Rs 5 lakh compensation to the kin of each of the 3,325 victims killed during anti-Sikh riots in 1984.
Just yesterday, Human Rights Watch (HRW) in a damning statement said India had failed in punishing those responsible for the 1984 anti-Sikh riots and it reflected the country's "weak efforts" to fight communal violence.
"Successive Indian governments failure to prosecute those responsible for 1984's anti-Sikh killings and other abuses during the 1984 anti-Sikh violence highlights India's weak efforts to combat communal violence," the statement said.
The 1984 anti-Sikhs riots or the 1984 Sikh Massacre were a series of pogroms directed against Sikhs in India, by anti-Sikh mobs, in response to the assassination of Indira Gandhi by her Sikh bodyguards.
Just yesterday, Human Rights Watch (HRW) in a damning statement said India had failed in punishing those responsible for the 1984 anti-Sikh riots and it reflected the country's "weak efforts" to fight communal violence.
"Successive Indian governments failure to prosecute those responsible for 1984's anti-Sikh killings and other abuses during the 1984 anti-Sikh violence highlights India's weak efforts to combat communal violence," the statement said.
The 1984 anti-Sikhs riots or the 1984 Sikh Massacre were a series of pogroms directed against Sikhs in India, by anti-Sikh mobs, in response to the assassination of Indira Gandhi by her Sikh bodyguards.
15:37
Just in: BJP general secretary Rajiv Pratap Rudy said that NO Shiv Sena leader to be inducted in the new Maharashtra government tomorrow.
15:36
MEA spokesperson Syed Akbaruddin says India will pursue all legal measures to help them.
15:34 Lanka court gives death sentence 5 Tamil fishermen
Just in: Five Tamil fishermen who were arrested in Sri Lanka for allegedly smuggling drugs in 2011 have been given the death sentence. The fishermen have been given until November 14 to appeal before the Sri Lankan Supreme Court.
The five fishermen from Rameswaram set out to sea from Pamban on November 28, 2011. A few hours after they crossed the International Maritime Boundary Line to fish in Sri Lankan waters, they were picked up by the Sri Lankan Navy.
Instead of following the established convention in such cases -- as both India and Sri Lanka have been doing in the recent past -- the Sri Lankan authorities charged them with smuggling narcotic drugs into the country.
In Sri Lanka, drug use is rampant, and the government has stringent punishment for the offense.
More than 40 Indians are in Sri Lankan jails for trying to smuggle in drugs, and some have already completed over 15 years in prison.
The five fishermen from Rameswaram set out to sea from Pamban on November 28, 2011. A few hours after they crossed the International Maritime Boundary Line to fish in Sri Lankan waters, they were picked up by the Sri Lankan Navy.
Instead of following the established convention in such cases -- as both India and Sri Lanka have been doing in the recent past -- the Sri Lankan authorities charged them with smuggling narcotic drugs into the country.
In Sri Lanka, drug use is rampant, and the government has stringent punishment for the offense.
More than 40 Indians are in Sri Lankan jails for trying to smuggle in drugs, and some have already completed over 15 years in prison.
15:11 Stone pelting in Srinagar after Yasin Malik's arrest
Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) leader Yasin Malik's supporters protested against their leader's arrest in Srinagar on Thursday.
Malik was reportedly leading a campaign to boycott assembly elections scheduled to be held in Jammu and Kashmir next month, for which he was taken into preventive custody today.
The supporters pelted stones at the police in the city's Maisuma area, after which the police resorted to firing of tear gas shells and a baton charge to disperse the mob.
Malik was previously arrested earlier this month, ahead of Eid prayers at Abi Guzar near Lal Chowk while he was preparing to hold an anti-election protest.
Malik was reportedly leading a campaign to boycott assembly elections scheduled to be held in Jammu and Kashmir next month, for which he was taken into preventive custody today.
The supporters pelted stones at the police in the city's Maisuma area, after which the police resorted to firing of tear gas shells and a baton charge to disperse the mob.
Malik was previously arrested earlier this month, ahead of Eid prayers at Abi Guzar near Lal Chowk while he was preparing to hold an anti-election protest.
15:02 How Mr Modi has outplayed the media
From a ruling party's perspective, the BJP is in a sweet spot; editorial independence and analytical coverage of governance is rapidly declining. Read
14:51 NCP raps BJP for lavish swearing-in ceremony
Taking a dig at the BJP for an extravagant swearing-in ceremony of its first government in Maharashtra, the NCP today said it (BJP) has proved that it's a party with a difference.
"A party with a difference, hence the most lavish oath taking ceremony in the history of Maharashtra government formation," NCP spokesman Nawab Malik posted on twitter.
Sharad Pawar's NCP with 41 MLAs has already extended outside support to the BJP-led government which will take oath tomorrow.
Pic: A sniffer dog at Wankhede stadium ahead of the swearing-in ceremony tomorrow
"A party with a difference, hence the most lavish oath taking ceremony in the history of Maharashtra government formation," NCP spokesman Nawab Malik posted on twitter.
Sharad Pawar's NCP with 41 MLAs has already extended outside support to the BJP-led government which will take oath tomorrow.
Pic: A sniffer dog at Wankhede stadium ahead of the swearing-in ceremony tomorrow
14:40 Rs 10 lakh penalty on Ramdev's Patanjali for concealing tax
The Uttar Pradesh Trade Tax Department has imposed a penalty of Rs 10 lakh on Patanjali Yoga Peeth for allegedly concealing tax on sale of goods here.
A fortnight ago, a truck loaded with ayurvedic medicines and goods of the Patanjali brand, owned by the trust run by yoga guru Ramdev, was intercepted by department officials and seized following which the action has been taken.
A fortnight ago, a truck loaded with ayurvedic medicines and goods of the Patanjali brand, owned by the trust run by yoga guru Ramdev, was intercepted by department officials and seized following which the action has been taken.
14:38 Sweden recognises Palestinian state
Sweden today officially recognised the state of Palestine, Stockholm's foreign minister said, less than a month after the government announced its intention to make the controversial move.
While Palestinians cheered the move, Israel summoned Sweden's ambassador to protest and express disappointment.
Seven EU members in eastern European and the Mediterranean have already recognised a Palestinian state -- Bulgaria, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Malta, Poland and Romania. Non-EU member Iceland is the only other western European nation to have done so.
While Palestinians cheered the move, Israel summoned Sweden's ambassador to protest and express disappointment.
Seven EU members in eastern European and the Mediterranean have already recognised a Palestinian state -- Bulgaria, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Malta, Poland and Romania. Non-EU member Iceland is the only other western European nation to have done so.
14:36
JUST IN: Govt announces austerity measures; to cut non-plan expenditure by 10 per cent this fiscal.
14:31 Partial prohibition in Kerala will see huge dent in revenue
According to the government's plans, state-run liquor stores, where men queue up for their daily fix, will be phased out at a rate of ten per cent a year for the next decade, leaving a big hole in the state coffers after alcohol taxes and fees generated more than Rs 6,000 crore in financial year 2012-13.
14:29 Kerala HC upholds govt's decision: 700 bars to shut down, 5 stars, heritage hotels exempt
No relief for bar owners in Kerala. The High Court has pronounced its verdict on a clutch of petitions challenging the state government's decision to shut down over 700 bars in the state.
The court upheld the state government's decision which means over 700 bars in the state will shut down with immediate effect. The court however said that four and five star hotels as well as heritage hotels were exempt from this rule. All bars in two and three star hotels will also have to shut down.
Announcing a 10-year plan that would bring prohibition to Kerala, Chief Minister Oommen Chandy said in August that over 700 bars across the state will have to shut down.
He added that only five-star hotels would be allowed to keep serving alcohol and even they will have go dry on Sundays. The court has amended this to include four star hotels and heritage hotels.
The bar owners had challenged that order in court, contending that the decision was taken in haste. They also said that it would impact tourism and would also affect revenues.
The court upheld the state government's decision which means over 700 bars in the state will shut down with immediate effect. The court however said that four and five star hotels as well as heritage hotels were exempt from this rule. All bars in two and three star hotels will also have to shut down.
Announcing a 10-year plan that would bring prohibition to Kerala, Chief Minister Oommen Chandy said in August that over 700 bars across the state will have to shut down.
He added that only five-star hotels would be allowed to keep serving alcohol and even they will have go dry on Sundays. The court has amended this to include four star hotels and heritage hotels.
The bar owners had challenged that order in court, contending that the decision was taken in haste. They also said that it would impact tourism and would also affect revenues.
14:02 Delhi's Shahi Imam invites Sharif, not Modi, for son's anointment
Shahi Imam invites Nawaz Sharif but leaves out PM Narendra Modi for son's anointment. Read
13:59
@news_houndz Actor Rishi Kapoor in Leelavati Hospital with Dengue
13:58 Rumble in the Jungle: the night Ali became King of the World again
In an exclusive extract from his new book on Muhammad Ali, Kevin Mitchell remembers the fight in Kinshasa 40 years on when George Foreman was defeated, and history rewritten. Read
13:52 Eyewitness account of the Trilokpuri clashes
"'Aaj toh minimum teen ko kaatenge', we heard a man say gleefully, brandishing a double-edged dagger which he then slipped behind his shirt and began strolling about after the crowd, after a seeming mood swing, dispersed into the several gullis leading inside."
Read an eyewitness account of the Trilokpuri riots.
Read an eyewitness account of the Trilokpuri riots.
13:44 Fadnavis in Delhi to meet PM, invite Advani, Rajnath, Jaitley for swearing-in
Maharashtra's Chief Minister-designate Devendra
Fadnavis has reached Delhi, where he will invite senior BJP leaders for
the swearing-in ceremony of the new BJP government in Maharashtra which
is slated for October 31. Speaking to reporters in the capital, Fadnavis said, "I will speak after I take oath. I will meet my party leader today."
Fadnavis is expected to meet senior party leader LK Advani, Home Minister Rajanth Singh, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and Union Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari and handover the invitation for tomorrows event.
Fadnavis is expected to meet senior party leader LK Advani, Home Minister Rajanth Singh, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and Union Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari and handover the invitation for tomorrows event.
Later in evening, Fadnavis will call on Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Also read: MAHA preparations for new Maharashtra CM
13:37 Hoot asks Times of India 'what are you scared of?'
An article published in the Times of India about the increase in assets of few union cabinet ministers from the time of assuming office till October has been taken down from its website, Hoot reports. Read
13:25 BJP workers detained in Birbhum, WB
BJP workers led by national vice-president Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi has been been detained as they try to forcibly enter a village in Birbhum by breaking barriers.
With the violence hit area in Birbhum made out of bounds, BJP on Thursday stepped up its attack on Trinamool Congress government saying instead of stopping opposition, it should use its energy for "curbing anti-national forces" working in West Bengal.
BJP national vice-president Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi, who was leading a three-member party team to Makra in Birbhum district where TMC and BJP supporters clashed leading to death of three persons last Monday, said the state Home department has asked them not to proceed as prohibitory orders were in force there but they would not change their plan.
With the violence hit area in Birbhum made out of bounds, BJP on Thursday stepped up its attack on Trinamool Congress government saying instead of stopping opposition, it should use its energy for "curbing anti-national forces" working in West Bengal.
BJP national vice-president Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi, who was leading a three-member party team to Makra in Birbhum district where TMC and BJP supporters clashed leading to death of three persons last Monday, said the state Home department has asked them not to proceed as prohibitory orders were in force there but they would not change their plan.
13:21
Aapka naam Digvijaya Singh hai par ab "vijay" aapke pass kabhi nahi aaega: Venkaiah Naidu in Bhopal.
13:18
Sensex jumps 260.68 points to hit all-time high of 27,358.85.
13:06 Christopher Nolan may not be attending IIT fest
So, is he or isn't he?
Mood Indigo, the annual cultural festival' of IIT Bombay, announced on their Facebook page on Monday, October 27, that Christopher Nolan will be attending their festival, creating massive hysteria among the director's diehard fans across India.
However, Hollywoodreporter.com has quoted a representative of the star director saying that he is unaware of the event slated for December 28, and has no plans to attend it. Read more
Mood Indigo, the annual cultural festival' of IIT Bombay, announced on their Facebook page on Monday, October 27, that Christopher Nolan will be attending their festival, creating massive hysteria among the director's diehard fans across India.
However, Hollywoodreporter.com has quoted a representative of the star director saying that he is unaware of the event slated for December 28, and has no plans to attend it. Read more
13:03 Swamy to target Jaya's 'benami' companies
Even as the Supreme court stayed proceedings on criminal defamation cases
filed against BJP leader Subramanian Swamy by AIADMK supremo J
Jayalalithaa, Swamy is not taking it easy. Swamy tweets that he is now going file a fresh affidavit against Jayalalithaa for having 12 benami companies which are doing business with the Tamil Nadu government.
12:50
Why did Uddhav Thackeray say 'Afzal Khan ki aulaad' in election campaign? Read more
12:45 Now, Mayaram shifted to Minority Affairs Ministry!
Arvind Mayaram, who was shunted from Finance Ministry to Tourism only a fortnight back, has now been transferred as Secretary in Minority Affairs Ministry even before he took charge of his new post.
The Appointments Committee of Cabinet (ACC) has approved cancellation of order of appointment of Mayaram, a 1978 batch IAS officer of Rajasthan cadre, as Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, a statement issued today by the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) said. Mayaram had been replaced by Rajiv Mehrishi, who was Rajasthan Chief Secretary, as the Finance Secretary on October 15.
The Appointments Committee of Cabinet (ACC) has approved cancellation of order of appointment of Mayaram, a 1978 batch IAS officer of Rajasthan cadre, as Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, a statement issued today by the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) said. Mayaram had been replaced by Rajiv Mehrishi, who was Rajasthan Chief Secretary, as the Finance Secretary on October 15.
12:41 SC stays proceedings on Jaya's defamation cases against Swamy
The Supreme Court today stayed proceedings on criminal defamation cases filed against BJP leader Subramanian Swamy by AIADMK supremo J Jayalalithaa.
A bench of Justices Deepak Mishra and U U Lalit also issued notices to Centre and Tamil Nadu government on Swamy's plea for scrapping the provisions for criminal defamation in penal laws.
The court stayed the proceedings in all five defamation cases filed against Swamy in a Sessions court of Chennai.
Swamy submitted that the provision of criminal defamation is unconstitutional as it put unreasonable restrictions on people's right to free speech and expression.
He challenged the validity of Section 499 and 500 of Indian Penal Code and section 199 (2) of criminal procedure code pertaining to criminal defamation.
A bench of Justices Deepak Mishra and U U Lalit also issued notices to Centre and Tamil Nadu government on Swamy's plea for scrapping the provisions for criminal defamation in penal laws.
The court stayed the proceedings in all five defamation cases filed against Swamy in a Sessions court of Chennai.
Swamy submitted that the provision of criminal defamation is unconstitutional as it put unreasonable restrictions on people's right to free speech and expression.
He challenged the validity of Section 499 and 500 of Indian Penal Code and section 199 (2) of criminal procedure code pertaining to criminal defamation.
12:33
Two of every three persons incarcerated in India have not yet been convicted of any crime, and Muslims are over-represented among such undertrials, new official data show. Read
12:30 Twins born to parsi couple, more births due
The twins have landed.
Another eight arrivals are expected by the year-end.
A central scheme that encourages Parsis to multiply has sired twins, in a double delight for the community whose numbers have been dwindling over the years. Read more
Another eight arrivals are expected by the year-end.
A central scheme that encourages Parsis to multiply has sired twins, in a double delight for the community whose numbers have been dwindling over the years. Read more
12:21 Bangalore techie arrested under Section 377 after wife discovers he is gay
A 32-year-old engineer working with a top software firm in Bangalore was arrested recently after his wife discovered that he is homosexual.
The techie has been booked under the controversial Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code that criminalises homosexuality. Read more
The techie has been booked under the controversial Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code that criminalises homosexuality. Read more
12:10 Cyclone Nilofar will weaken when it reaches Gujarat: Met
Update on Cyclone Nilofar: Manoroma Mohanty, Director MET, says rainfall will be experienced in coastal Saurashtra, Kutch and north Gujarat today with heavy rainfall in some parts. Cyclone Nilofar has formed a depression when it reaches north Gujarat coast and damage will be less.
Right now, Cyclone Nilofar is at the central Arabian Sea and till the time it reaches north Gujarat coast, it will weaken and form a depression.
The National Disaster Response Force has deployed 14 rescue and relief teams with boats and other flood rescue equipment as proactive measure to mitigate the situation during cyclonic storm Nilofar which is expected to hit the Gujarat coast on Friday.
Right now, Cyclone Nilofar is at the central Arabian Sea and till the time it reaches north Gujarat coast, it will weaken and form a depression.
The National Disaster Response Force has deployed 14 rescue and relief teams with boats and other flood rescue equipment as proactive measure to mitigate the situation during cyclonic storm Nilofar which is expected to hit the Gujarat coast on Friday.
11:46
The Delhi HC issues a notice to the ED, and the Centre on the bail plea of Gautam Khaitan, arrested in the Rs 3,600-cr VVIP chopper deal related money laundering case.
11:42 S Gurumurthy on the black money case
And while on the black money case, read S Gurumurthy's column today: The way the Supreme Court slammed the government on October 28 for not disclosing the names of black money holders given by the French government is like the classic case of both eating 100 onions and taking 100 lashes when the option was given to a person to do either of the two.
Here's more of that.
Here's more of that.
11:34 Black money case impact: India pulls out of information sharing agreement
A day after the Centre submitted its list of 627 Indians who have
accounts in HSBC bank, Geneva, for a tax probe for suspected black money to
the Supreme Court, India has pulled out of multilateral information sharing
agreement.
The Mutilateral Competent Authority Agreement was signed by 51
countries in Berlin on Wednesday. The agreement was designed to enable
automatic information to combat black money and also provides for
collecting, exchanging information between participating countries on
taxpayers' overseas assets.
11:28
SC issues notices to the Centre and the Tamil Nadu government on Subramanian Swamy's plea challenging the constitutional validity of the provisions of criminal defamation in the IPC and the CrPC.
11:26 Mangalore: Man assaulted for dropping girl home
An accessories store owner in Mangalore, Zabeullah, was on Monday attacked by a gang when he was escorting one of his women employees home. She happened to be a Hindu and the attackers allegedly accused Zabeullah of being a 'love jihadist' as they assaulted him.The police have arrested six Bajrang Dal activists for the attack and identified them as Prasad (21), Arun (24), Rakshit (21), Praveen (26), Deepak (26) and Yuvaraj (23). Read
11:07 Minority govt in Delhi?
So, what it basically means is that the Supreme Court has given the Lt Gov time till November 11 to decide whether Delhi should have fresh elections. LG Najeeb Jung had said he would explore possibilities of govt formation and consult all parties.
The SC said it took Jung's decision to consult all party heads as a positive step.
The SC also said that there could be a minority govt with an outside support of a political outfit. "Let us wait for sometime," the court told AAP.
The SC said it took Jung's decision to consult all party heads as a positive step.
The SC also said that there could be a minority govt with an outside support of a political outfit. "Let us wait for sometime," the court told AAP.
10:51 Delhi govt formation: SC adjourns hearing to Nov 11
Delhi Government formation: Hearing in the Supreme Court adjourned till 11th November.
The Supreme Court was to decide on Aam Aadmi Party's plea on dissolving the Delhi assembly today.
In any case, lieutenant governor Najeeb Jung will kick off consultations with BJP, AAP and Congress in fresh efforts to install an elected government in the capital.
The Supreme Court was to decide on Aam Aadmi Party's plea on dissolving the Delhi assembly today.
In any case, lieutenant governor Najeeb Jung will kick off consultations with BJP, AAP and Congress in fresh efforts to install an elected government in the capital.
Jung, who returned to Delhi on Wednesday, met Union Home Minister
Rajnath Singh and discussed with him possible solutions to end the
political uncertainty in Delhi which is under President's Rule since
February after AAP quit power.
10:38 Africans in New York complain of Ebola stigma
Members of the west African community in New York have complained that their children were being bullied at school and businesses were losing money because of hysteria over Ebola. Panic has gripped many Americans since a Liberian citizen brought the killer virus into the country and died on October 8 of the disease in a Texas hospital.
Two nurses who treated him became infected, though recovered, and a US doctor who returned to New York from treating Ebola patients in Guinea was diagnosed with the virus last week. In the face of public panic, some US states and the Pentagon have imposed quarantine rules for people returning from Ebola-afflicted countries, Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone.
(Scroll down to read Chuck Hagel's mandatory quarantine for Ebola).
Two nurses who treated him became infected, though recovered, and a US doctor who returned to New York from treating Ebola patients in Guinea was diagnosed with the virus last week. In the face of public panic, some US states and the Pentagon have imposed quarantine rules for people returning from Ebola-afflicted countries, Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone.
(Scroll down to read Chuck Hagel's mandatory quarantine for Ebola).
10:06 Maradona accuses girlfriend of theft after video leaked
Former Argentine soccer star Diego Maradona filed a theft complaint against his girlfriend, Rocio Oliva, after a video was released that allegedly shows him hitting her.
"I spoke to Diego and he filed the complaint," Oliva told Argentine television.
Oliva, 22, has a turbulent relationship with 53-year-old Maradona. He lives in Dubai and has a sports promotion contract.
Argentine television channels have released a short video supposedly shot by Oliva in a room in Maradona's home.
In the blurry footage, Oliva can be heard saying "Stop, stop" as if she is trying to stop an attack.
Maradona has said he had knocked the phone from her hands but denies hitting Oliva, a female footballer.
Oliva said she was not responsible for the video being released and instead blamed an unnamed "nephew" of Maradona.
Maradona in March accused Oliva in Dubai of stealing jewelry and other valuable items. The couple are a staple of Argentina's tabloid and celebrity press.
09:58 SC may today decide on AAP plea on Delhi govt formation
The Supreme Court is on Thursday likely to decide on a petition filed by the Aam Aadmi Party, seeking dissolution of the Delhi assembly and fresh polls in the national capital.
The Delhi assembly has been under suspended animation and city under President's Rule since the AAP government led by Arvind Kejriwal quit in February.
At the hearing on Tuesday, the Supreme Court had slammed the Central government as well as Delhi Lieutenant Governor Najeeb Jung for failing to break the deadlock over government formation.
In a democracy, the President's Rule cannot go on forever, a five-judge constitution bench headed by Chief Justice HL Dattu said in scathing remarks.
The remarks came even as the Centre informed the SC that President has given his consent to the LG's proposal to invite the Bharatiya Janata Party to form the government in Delhi. The court then rapped the government for the five-month delay and questioned why the authorities failed to act expeditiously.
09:31 Sena to decide on joining BJP govt in Maharashtra today
As Bharatiya Janata Party readies itself to form the first government in Maharashtra on Friday, its erstwhile ally Shiv Sena will on Thursday take a final decision on whether it will be a part of the Devendra Fadnavis-led government in the state.
On Wednesday, Sena leaders held a marathon meeting at party chief Uddhav Thackeray's residence 'Matoshree' to discuss the pros and cons of joining the BJP-led government.
Senior party leaders Subhash Desai, Anil Desai, Sanjay Raut, Vinayak Raut and others attended the crucial meeting.
Meanwhile, a BJP leader, speaking on condition of anonymity said that talks with Sena on government formation will only resume after Friday's swearing-in ceremony.
The swearing-in ceremony of the BJP's first government in Maharashtra will be held at Wankhede Stadium on Friday. Maharashtra Governor CV Rao will administer the oath of office and secrecy to chief minister-designate Devendra Fadnavis, 44, and a small initial team of cabinet ministers.
09:27 UFO in the sky above Kochi?
India Today reports: An Unidentified Flying Object was allegedly spotted in Kochi on Wednesday.
The UFO-like lights were spotted in the sky by a group of people when it was raining. While the veracity of this claim is open to question, the photo of this alleged UFO was captured by one of them and circulated on WhatsApp.
If witnesses are to be believed, the nail-shaped UFO hovered in the sky for sometime before vanishing under the cover of rain and passing clouds.
See the image HERE
See the image HERE
09:21 Amravati Express derails near Kalyan; no casualty
The engine and a passenger-cum-guard coach of the Mumbai-bound Amravati Express derailed today while entering the suburban Kalyan station this morning but no one was hurt.
However, the incident has disrupted traffic on the Nashik-Igatpuri-Kalyan section of the Central Railway, a Central Railway spokesperson said in Mumbai.
"Engine and one SLR (general second class cum Guard's Van) of 12112 Amravati-Mumbai Express derailed while entering
platform no 4 at Kalyan at 04:50 am today," a railway statement said.
Kalyan is 54 kms from Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, Mumbai.
Efforts to restore traffic are in full swing and many trains have been short-terminated, diverted and cancelled due to the derailment, it said.
08:58 Run for Unity: Govt offices to close early
The nationwide Run for Unity programme to commemorate the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhai Patel has given the employees of some central government offices an unexpected half-day off on Thursday.
According to an official circular issued late on Wednesday, all government offices in and around Vijay Chowk in Delhi, will remain closed from 2 pm on Thursday to 9:30 am on Friday.
These include the North and South blocks that house the finance, home and external affairs ministries apart from the railways and agriculture.
08:37 Will Kerala bars shut down today?
The Kerala High Court will today pronounce its verdict on a clutch of petitions challenging the state government's decision to shut down over 700 bars in the state.
Announcing a 10-year plan that would bring prohibition to Kerala, Chief Minister Oommen Chandy said in August that over 700 bars across the state will have to shut down, adding that only five-star hotel would be allowed to keep serving booze and even they will have go dry on Sundays.
According to the government's plans, state-run liquor stores, where men queue up for their daily fix, will be phased out at a rate of ten per cent a year for the next decade, leaving a big hole in the state coffers after alcohol taxes and fees generated more than $1 billion or Rs. 6,000 crore in the 2012-13 financial year.
The bar owners had challenged that order in court, contending that the decision was taken in 'haste' and would be counter-productive as it would lose substantial revenue, besides impacting tourism.
08:31 New York street harassment video goes viral
A video that shows a woman being pestered by men on the streets of New York has gone viral, sparking renewed debate about harassment endured by women and minority groups.
The two-minute video shows actress Shoshana B. Roberts walking silently in jeans and a T-shirt through Manhattan as man after man greets her with remarks such as "hey, baby" or "hey, beautiful."
When she does not respond, she is admonished for being rude with comments such as "smile" or "somebody`s acknowledging you for being beautiful. You should say thank you more."
Called "10 Hours of Walking in NYC as a Woman," the video has been viewed 9.8 million times since being uploaded to YouTube on Tuesday. It was produced for charity Hollaback! which works to end street harassment endured by women and minority groups.
At one point the video shows a man who walked alongside Roberts for five minutes without saying a word, causing her clear alarm.
The organizers said she encountered more than 100 instances of verbal street harassment within 10 hours and endured countless other winks and whistles.
03:10 Homeless man shot at 46 times by police in the US
From The Independent: Graphic footage has emerged showing a homeless man being shot and killed by police in the US who fired a barrage of 46 bullets as he held a penknife.
Milton Hall, who was mentally ill, was surrounded by eight officers training their guns in a shopping centre car park in Saginaw, Michigan, in July 2012.
Read the full story here
Milton Hall, who was mentally ill, was surrounded by eight officers training their guns in a shopping centre car park in Saginaw, Michigan, in July 2012.
Read the full story here
03:10
Voice of America reports: Witnesses say Boko Haram militants have taken over a city in northeastern Nigeria, again defying a cease-fire declared by the government earlier this month.
Read the full story here
Read the full story here
01:56 Dewani fixer 'knew about plot to murder Anni on honeymoon'
A fixer given immunity by investigators in the murder of British honeymooner Anni Dewani knew all about the plot to kill her, a court heard.
Monde Mbolombo was aware of the plan to kill Bristol millionaire Shrien Dewani's wife in a hijacking staged by the entrepreneur himself, according to the convicted hitman allegedly hired to help.
Read the story here
Monde Mbolombo was aware of the plan to kill Bristol millionaire Shrien Dewani's wife in a hijacking staged by the entrepreneur himself, according to the convicted hitman allegedly hired to help.
Read the story here
01:44 Hagel announces mandatory Ebola quarantine
CNN reports: A 21-day quarantine for all military personnel serving in Ebola stricken areas of West Africa was approved by Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel Wednesday.
The quarantine was pushed for by the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Hagel said.Initially the measure will apply to all personnel leaving the West Africa area. But Hagel said the policy will be reviewed within 45 days.
Read the full story here
The quarantine was pushed for by the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Hagel said.Initially the measure will apply to all personnel leaving the West Africa area. But Hagel said the policy will be reviewed within 45 days.
Read the full story here
01:29 Will rocket blast set back space industry?
CNN reports: Orbital Sciences, which built the Antares rocket that exploded in a massive fireball Tuesday, described the explosion as a "catastrophic failure." It certainly looked like it. Will this failure also be a setback for the burgeoning private space industry?
Read the story here
Read the story here
01:20 Malaysian Indian jailed for stabbing compatriot in the back
A 47-year-old Malaysian Indian, extradited from Malaysia was today sentenced to 18 months in jail by a Singapore court for stabbing a compatriot three times in 2006.
Charles Issac Santhianathan, a security guard stabbed his colleague Rajan Arumugam in the back on June 7, 2006, in what District Judge Victor Yeo today called it as a "wholly disproportionate" act.
The court heard that Charles had angrily confronted Rajan, at an international school for speaking about him behind his back to his wife and supervisor.
During the fist fight that followed, Charles picked up a 15cm-blade knife and committed the offence after Rajan ignored his threats and tried to walk away. Court documents did not specify how the blade came to be on the table.
Charles Issac Santhianathan, a security guard stabbed his colleague Rajan Arumugam in the back on June 7, 2006, in what District Judge Victor Yeo today called it as a "wholly disproportionate" act.
The court heard that Charles had angrily confronted Rajan, at an international school for speaking about him behind his back to his wife and supervisor.
During the fist fight that followed, Charles picked up a 15cm-blade knife and committed the offence after Rajan ignored his threats and tried to walk away. Court documents did not specify how the blade came to be on the table.
01:20
India today offered assistance to Sri Lanka to help hundreds of people affected by the landslide in Uva province of that country. Indian High Commissioner Y K Sinha spoke to Sri Lankan External Affairs Minister G L Peiris and offered the assistance to deal with the landslide disaster which took place this morning.
Around six line houses of plantation workers collapsed in the disaster and Sri Lankan Army was already undertaking disaster relief. As per reports, over 200 persons have gone missing.
Plantation Estate houses and other buildings were destroyed in Koslanda, Haladamulla and Meeriyabadda.
Around six line houses of plantation workers collapsed in the disaster and Sri Lankan Army was already undertaking disaster relief. As per reports, over 200 persons have gone missing.
Plantation Estate houses and other buildings were destroyed in Koslanda, Haladamulla and Meeriyabadda.
00:27 UPA govt offered amnesty to black money account holders: BJP
The BJP today accused the previous UPA government of offering amnesty to 100 people having black money accounts in foreign banks abroad.
"Who are they and what was the amnesty deal between them and the government of India and why did the UPA give them amnesty," the party asked.
The BJP relied on a newspaper article on the subject published in 2012 to buttress its attack on the UPA which was headed by the Congress.
"Who are they and what was the amnesty deal between them and the government of India and why did the UPA give them amnesty," the party asked.
The BJP relied on a newspaper article on the subject published in 2012 to buttress its attack on the UPA which was headed by the Congress.
00:14
Egypt has begun demolishing homes along its border with the Gaza Strip as part of a planned 500m buffer zone that is intended to prevent weapons smuggling.
Residents living along the border with the Palestinian territory have been given 48 hours -- and promised compensation - to leave their homes.
Image: Smoke rises after a house is blown up during a military operation by Egyptian security forces in Rafah, near the border with southern Gaza Strip. Photograph: Suhaib Salem/Reuters
Residents living along the border with the Palestinian territory have been given 48 hours -- and promised compensation - to leave their homes.
Image: Smoke rises after a house is blown up during a military operation by Egyptian security forces in Rafah, near the border with southern Gaza Strip. Photograph: Suhaib Salem/Reuters
00:13 Top headlines of the last 24 hours
More than 100 buried alive in Sri Lanka landslide
Delhi stalemate: Jung to hold consultations with BJP, AAP, Cong
Uncertainty lingers over Sena joining BJP govt
Kejriwal attacks govt on 'selective approach' in black money case
Cyclone Nilofar won't be as severe as Hudhud
Anger over JK DIG's 'king size' life pics posted by son
Delhi stalemate: Jung to hold consultations with BJP, AAP, Cong
Uncertainty lingers over Sena joining BJP govt
Kejriwal attacks govt on 'selective approach' in black money case
Cyclone Nilofar won't be as severe as Hudhud
Anger over JK DIG's 'king size' life pics posted by son
TOP STORIES
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