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Wed, 17 September 2014
IPhone and iPad owners rejoice! iOS 8 is out.
Timeline Refresh
23:19 IPhone and iPad owners rejoice! iOS 8 is out.
IPhone and iPad owners rejoice! iOS 8 is out.
Apple's iOS8 update comes with new messages and photos features, predictive typing for Apple's QuickType keyboard and Family Sharing so can you enjoy the things you buy from iTunes store on multiple device.
There's also a new health app and an iCloud drive, which will allow you to store files and access them from anywhere.
IOS 8 will let apps display useful information in the Today screen, including sports scores and weather updates.
You can answer phone calls on a Mac, install a third-party keyboard on your iPhone and ask Siri to identify what song is playing on the radio.
You can even share iTunes purchases with your family.
21:38 Please don't deviate from duty of the CM: Mahasweta Devi to Mamata
Read more about the clashes at Jadavpur university HERE
Sources told rediff.com that writer and social activist Mahasweta Devi sent a 'private' letter to Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee this evening following the violence at Jadavpur University.
"Please don't deviate from the duty of the chief of the state," she is known to have written to the CM.
Political analysts are of the opinion that the JU incident will spark off a series of protests in Bengal.
"Jadavpur will be Mamata (Banerjee)'s Nandigram," said painter and activist Samir Aich.
Read more about the clashes at Jadavpur university HERE
21:13 Widows from other states should not crowd Mathura: Hema Malini
Actor-turned politician Hema Malini has stoked a controversy with her remarks that widows from Bengal and Bihar should not crowd Vrindavan, the holy city in Uttar Pradesh and home to thousands of destitute women.
"If they (widows) are not from here then there is no need for them to come here from other states. There are many famous temples in Bengal and Bihar too," where they can stay, the 65-year-old Lok Sabha BJP MP said.
On a visit to her parliamentary constituency Mathura, of which Vrindavan is a part, she said there are already 40,000 widows in Vrindavan and there was no room to accommodate more.
"There are 40,000 widows in Vrindavan. I think there is no more place in the city. A large population is coming from Bengal... that's not right. Why don't they stay in Bengal? There are nice temples there. The same is true for those from Bihar," she said.
The responsibility of looking after widows should be of states from where they hail, she said.
Malini, who won the Lok Sabha seat from Mathura in the recent elections with a big margin, said she would speak to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and others on the issue.
21:11 Far more displaced by disasters than conflict: study
Disasters last year displaced three times more people than violent conflicts, showing the urgent need to improve resilience for vulnerable people when fighting climate change, according to a study issued today.
The Norwegian Refugee Council, an independent group that focuses on emergency aid, released the findings ahead of a United Nations summit on Tuesday aimed at building momentum for a global agreement on climate change.
The report said that 22 million people were displaced in 2013 due to disasters brought on by natural hazards, nearly three times the number who were forced from their homes due to violence.
The problem has been worsening, with roughly twice as many people displaced around the world due to disasters now than in the 1970s, even as better forecasting and relief operations have reduced the number of deaths.
"It's a wake-up call, I think, to world leaders coming here -- as bad as it is today, it would be dramatically worse unless much more is invested in resilience," said Jan Egeland, the Norwegian Refugee Council's secretary general.
"We have to make people in the Philippines or Chad or in Haiti as resilient as we are in Norway or in many parts of the United States," he told AFP.
21:10 New IS video warns US over Iraq deployment
The militant Islamic State group released a video warning the United States that its fighters are waiting for it in Iraq if President Barack Obama sends troops there, as his top general said may happen if the current strategy of airstrikes fails.
The slick 52-second video entitled "Flames of War" shows militants blowing up tanks and images of wounded US soldiers. It then shows a clip of Obama saying that combat troops will not be returning to Iraq, ending with a text overlay that reads "fighting has just begun."
The video's timing, released yesterday, suggested it was a response to Gen Martin Dempsey, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, who said in testimony to the Senate Armed Services Committee that if the current Iraq strategy doesn't prevail, he may recommend the use of ground troops.
"To be clear, if we reach the point where I believe our advisers should accompany Iraqi troops on attacks against specific ISIL targets, I will recommend that to the president," Dempsey, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, declared in testimony to the Senate Armed Services Committee. He referred to the militants by an alternative name.
The video was released by the Islamic State group's Al Hayat media center and was portrayed as a trailer for a longer video to follow. The group operates a sophisticated propaganda machine with slick production techniques, using social media to broadcast a stream of battles, bombings and beheadings to a global audience.
21:10 India, US start joint military exercise
India and the US today kickstarted their joint military exercise at Chaubattia in Uttarakhand where they will practice counter-terrorist operations.
"The focus of the ongoing exercise is to carryout counter-insurgency and counter-terrorist operations in mountainous terrain under the United Nations (UN) Charter where the troops of an American infantry division will hold drills with the Garud division of the Indian Army," an Army release said.
Army's Central Command officer Maj Gen Ashwani Kumar urged both the contingents to achieve optimum cohesion and interoperability to achieve objectives of the exercise.
He stressed on the importance of free exchange of ideas and concepts between the troops and the necessity to learn from each others experiences.
"The two-week event will see the contingents honing their tactical and technical skills in countering-insurgency and terrorism in UN Peace Keeping scenario involving a detachment of Special Forces," the release said.
19:57 Indian, China movie co-production treaty to be inked tomorrow
India and China will sign a movie co-production treaty in film production tomorrow, Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Prakash Javadekar said today.
"We have signed co-production treaties with nine countries. Tomorrow we will sign a co-production treaty with China," Javadekar told reporters in Panaji today.
Without elaborating on the co-production treaty during the press conference, Javadekar said that all countries who have inked co-production treaties with India will be invited for International Film Festival of India 2014, which will be held from November 20 to November 30 in Goa.
"We have signed co-production treaties with nine countries. Tomorrow we will sign a co-production treaty with China," Javadekar told reporters in Panaji today.
Without elaborating on the co-production treaty during the press conference, Javadekar said that all countries who have inked co-production treaties with India will be invited for International Film Festival of India 2014, which will be held from November 20 to November 30 in Goa.
19:53 Congress releases booklet on 100 days of BJP 'misrule'
The Congress today brought out a booklet on BJP's "100 days of misrule" insisting that results of all the by-polls after the Lok Sabha election reflect "people's anger" over "hollow promises of a useless government".
The slide of the ruling party was a "significant trend" that will gather momentum with the "unmasking" of the BJP, the party claimed in the booklet titled 'Modi government: The truth of BJP government: 100 days of misrule'.
"The story till now is only of slogans and more slogans. The nation is worried at what lies in store for India for the remaining tenure of this government", the AICC said in the booklet released by party spokesman Anand Sharma.
The slide of the ruling party was a "significant trend" that will gather momentum with the "unmasking" of the BJP, the party claimed in the booklet titled 'Modi government: The truth of BJP government: 100 days of misrule'.
"The story till now is only of slogans and more slogans. The nation is worried at what lies in store for India for the remaining tenure of this government", the AICC said in the booklet released by party spokesman Anand Sharma.
19:45 Fresh transgression by Chinese troops along LAC
NDTV reports: The face-off in Chumur in the Ladakh sector has intensified amid reports of fresh transgression by Chinese troops.
Army jawans have been rushed to the spot. The tension at the border between the two countries even as Prime Minister Narendra Modi hosted Chinese President Xi Jingping in Gujarat.
More details are awaited.
Army jawans have been rushed to the spot. The tension at the border between the two countries even as Prime Minister Narendra Modi hosted Chinese President Xi Jingping in Gujarat.
More details are awaited.
18:54 Big three BJP leaders to look out for
Three BJP leaders to watch out for: Sushma Swaraj, M Venkaiah Naidu and Rajnath Singh.
These BJP leaders will occupy positions of importance very soon at Raisina Hill.
Recently at a get-together of senior BJP leaders there was talk that two years on, Sushma Swaraj will certainly be in the race as successor to President Pranab Mukherjee.
Rajnath Singh will also be in the race.
As for M Venkaiah Naidu, after VV Giri, there has been no president from Andhra Pradesh who has occupied the position of the Chairman Rajya Sabha and Vice President of India. BD Jatti, R Venkataraman and KR Narayanan have held the post of Vice President of India.
These BJP leaders will occupy positions of importance very soon at Raisina Hill.
Recently at a get-together of senior BJP leaders there was talk that two years on, Sushma Swaraj will certainly be in the race as successor to President Pranab Mukherjee.
Rajnath Singh will also be in the race.
As for M Venkaiah Naidu, after VV Giri, there has been no president from Andhra Pradesh who has occupied the position of the Chairman Rajya Sabha and Vice President of India. BD Jatti, R Venkataraman and KR Narayanan have held the post of Vice President of India.
18:47
Jadavpur University Vice Chancellor Abhijit Chakraborty is going on long leave from tomorrow.
18:46 It's D-day for Modi baiters
Blame games have already begun in the BJP after their poor showing in the Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan bypolls.
Sources say group-ism in the BJP will soon rear its head after the Maharashtra election results are announced.
Insiders at the BJP office at 11, Ashok Road say that a meeting between LK Advani and Shatrughan Sinha in Delhi -- will pave the way for dissension to surface.
Modi baiters have been waiting for the right opportunity to denigrade Narendra Modi. Among the baiters are around four union ministers. Watch this space.
Sources say group-ism in the BJP will soon rear its head after the Maharashtra election results are announced.
Insiders at the BJP office at 11, Ashok Road say that a meeting between LK Advani and Shatrughan Sinha in Delhi -- will pave the way for dissension to surface.
Modi baiters have been waiting for the right opportunity to denigrade Narendra Modi. Among the baiters are around four union ministers. Watch this space.
18:39 Sachin Pilot told not to share Rajasthan bypoll success
In other news: Rahul Gandhi is believed to have told Sachin Pilot to reach out to Delhi Congress leaders and tell them that the success in BJP-ruled Rajasthan (2 seats) was entirely due to Pilot's efforts. Pilot was the Rajasthan Pradesh Congress Committee head.
Pilot's adversaries have been whispering that Pilot will soon go the Jagan Reddy way -- Pilot will be inducted into the AICC as General Secretary and a new chief of RPCC will be appointed. The reason, they say, is that the old guard does not anyone to supersede Rahul.
Pilot's adversaries have been whispering that Pilot will soon go the Jagan Reddy way -- Pilot will be inducted into the AICC as General Secretary and a new chief of RPCC will be appointed. The reason, they say, is that the old guard does not anyone to supersede Rahul.
18:31 Gujarati cuisine, all-veg dinner for Xi
Chinese president Xi is already running behind schedule. His dinner with the PM under the Swiss tents at the Sabarmati waterfront was supposed to begin at 6:35 pm. His flight to Delhi is an hour later and he lands in the capital at around 9:30 pm. Here's what's on the menu.
18:10
Desh Gujarat informs us that the swing is called a Sankheda swing. The dance was the Porbandar's Maher dance and the umbrella at the airport was called a Tarnetar umbrella. There you go...
18:08 Modi, Xi get into the swing of things at Sabarmati
Awww! Gujarat's traditional lac swings occupy centrestage for the Modi-Xi meet.
18:04 That's called a garba, Mrs Xi
Before Xi Jinping and his wife left for their stroll down the Sabarmati waterfront, there was this dance as well.
17:59 Miniature charkha, painting of Gandhi for Xi
One of the gifts presented to Jinping at Gandhi ashram was miniature charkha and a painting of Gandhi. (See the 17:54 post)
17:58 Modi, Xi take a strol down the Sabarmati waterfront
Right now, the PM and Xi are on a stroll at the Sabarmati waterfront. The Sabarmati waterfront project was inaugurated in 2013 by LK Advani and Narendra Modi, then Gujarat CM. The project was undertaken in order to promote tourism and preserve the river.
17:54
The PM gifts Xi a painting of the Mahatma.
17:53 Gujarat govt asks north-eastern staff to stay away from Xi's hotel
Did you know this?
The Gujarat police don't want any untoward incident to mar the Chinese president's visit to Ahmedabad.
Keeping the objective in mind, the police have asked the management of the hotel where Xi Jinping will be staying to ask its staff from north-east to keep away from the venue on Wednesday.
According to reliable sources, the police don't want anything or anybody to make a bad impression on Jinping.
"So, they have asked the management to communicate verbally with its north-eastern staff and those from Tibet and ask them to stay away from the venue," sources said. Read the full story here.
The Gujarat police don't want any untoward incident to mar the Chinese president's visit to Ahmedabad.
Keeping the objective in mind, the police have asked the management of the hotel where Xi Jinping will be staying to ask its staff from north-east to keep away from the venue on Wednesday.
According to reliable sources, the police don't want anything or anybody to make a bad impression on Jinping.
"So, they have asked the management to communicate verbally with its north-eastern staff and those from Tibet and ask them to stay away from the venue," sources said. Read the full story here.
17:51 President returns after 'highly successful' Vietnam visit
Meanwhile, President Pranab Mukherjee today returned home after a "highly successful" four-day visit to Vietnam during which key pacts to further strengthen bilateral ties were signed.
The visit also saw the two countries declaring a united Indo-Vietnam stand for free navigation in the disputed waters of South China Sea and adjoining maritime areas.
The visit also saw the two countries declaring a united Indo-Vietnam stand for free navigation in the disputed waters of South China Sea and adjoining maritime areas.
17:47
Xi looks at a charkha at the Sabarmati ashram, but stops short of actually spinning yarn in more ways than one.
17:39
Some rare and lovely pictures of Xi Jinping's family (and no, his wife is not part of this collection). Take a look.
17:34
Modi and Xi pay tribute to a bust of Mahatma Gandhi at the Sabarmati Ashram.
17:29
Xi tries his hand at a charkha at the Sabarmati ashram.
17:25
Mandarin and Hindi translators do their bit as Modi and Xi talk at Sabarmati.
17:24
Narendra Modi guides Chinese President to the Sabarmati gallery featuring Gandhiji's years in Ahmedabad.
17:23
Students, garba dancers, tribal dancers inside the Sabarmati ashram.
17:21
Here you go, President Xi. PM Modi drapes a khadi stole around Xi before they take a stroll around Sabarmati ashram.
17:20 Chinese Prez takes a stroll around Gandhi ashram wearing khadi stole, jacket
Chinese president wears khadi jacket as he is welcomed at the Gandhi ashram by PM Modi with a khadi stole.
17:15 PM receives Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Sabarmati Ashram
PM Narendra Modi receives Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Sabarmati Ashram.
17:14 Gujarat's influence increasing in India's foreign policy?
Prof. Shrikant Kondapalli, Foreign Affairs Expert: Prez Xi's visit to Ahmedabad indicates Gujarat's influence in India's foreign policy increasing.
17:12
Early this morning, Japanese PM @AbeShinzo @narendramodi wished Modi. "Happy Birthday, Modi-san! We had a great time together in Kyoto and Tokyo. See you next time!"
16:55
Just in: Main eyewitness in Badaun rape and murder case fails to pass lie detector test.
16:53 What the three MoUs between India and China are about...
The three MoUs signed today are:
1. Sister province state relation between Guangdong and Gujarat state MoU signed by Gujarat Chief Secretary from Indian side.
2. Sister city relation between Guangzhou and Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation signed by Municipal Commissioner Thennarsan from Indian side.
3. MoU in industrial sector between China Development Bank Corporation and Indext-B( Industrial Extension Bureau) signed by Mamata Verma who heads Indext-B from the Indian side.
The third MoU in industrial sector is about extending support to Industrial park project in Gujarat.
Captains of Gujarat's top industrial and business groups, Chief Minister of the state and ministers were present during the MoU ceremony among others.
1. Sister province state relation between Guangdong and Gujarat state MoU signed by Gujarat Chief Secretary from Indian side.
2. Sister city relation between Guangzhou and Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation signed by Municipal Commissioner Thennarsan from Indian side.
3. MoU in industrial sector between China Development Bank Corporation and Indext-B( Industrial Extension Bureau) signed by Mamata Verma who heads Indext-B from the Indian side.
The third MoU in industrial sector is about extending support to Industrial park project in Gujarat.
Captains of Gujarat's top industrial and business groups, Chief Minister of the state and ministers were present during the MoU ceremony among others.
16:51 'Guide' Modi takes Xi on virtual tour
After a photo-up outside the hotel entrance, Modi took Xi Jinping to a specially set up gallery showcasing Buddhist heritage in Gujarat. The gallery had pictures and details of Buddhist heritage from Vadnagar and Devni Mori towns in north Gujarat. Modi narrated the details of panels to Chinese President and the first lady.
16:48
India and China sign sister city agreement between Guangzhou in China and Ahmedabad.
16:47 Three Gujarat-Guangdong MoUs signed
All the three MoUs are Ahmedabad specific. A break now for tea and refreshments, announces MEA spokesperson Syed Akbaruddin. The pacts are between China's Guangdong province and Gujarat.
16:39 MoUs between banks signed
Third MoU being signed between the Gujarat Development Bank and the China Development Bank.
The other two MoUs were Ahmedabad-specific as well.
The other two MoUs were Ahmedabad-specific as well.
16:36 India-China sign MoUs
India-China sign MoUs. Agreements between Guangzhou and Ahmedabad being signed.
16:29 Factory China and Back Office India can together drive global growth: Xi
Ahead of the visit, Chinese President Xi Jinping has urged China and India to join forces to build an Asian century of prosperity. Xi, referring to China's strong manufacturing base and India's software and scientific skills, has said that a combination of the "world's factory" and the "world's back office" will drive global economic growth.
16:26
The PM and President Xi surrounded by the Chinese press inside the Hyatt.
16:25
And a study in contrasts: That's a grim PM standing at the Hyatt, waiting for Xi to arrive. When the Chinese prez and his wife arrive seconds later, it's all smiles. See the picture below.
16:23
One for the camera: Xi and his wife and Modi at the Hyatt an hour ago.
16:16
Modi-Xi one-on-one begins.
16:12 Modi takes Xi on virtual tour to his birthplace, Hiuen Tsang's destination
Ahead of one-to-one formal meet with Xi Jinping, Prime Minister Narendra Modi showed him a gallery featuring Vadhnagar. Vadhnagar, which is where Modi was born, is where seventh century Chinese traveler Hiuen Tsang had visited during his 15-year stay in the country.
15:58 150-course Gujju dinner for Xi at Sabarmati riverfront
Just 30 minutes for Premier Xi and his wife Peng Liyuan to freshen up, following which is MoU time.
When the couple landed at the Ahmedabad airport, apart from a guard of honour, there was a traditional Gujarati dance.
A moonlight dinner (unless there is cloud cover) with Modi awaits Xi on the banks of the Sabarmati river. The 150-course Gujarati banquet will be hosted in a luxury tent. Then the two heads of state take a walk down the riverfront, which has been patterned around the Thames riverfront.
When the couple landed at the Ahmedabad airport, apart from a guard of honour, there was a traditional Gujarati dance.
A moonlight dinner (unless there is cloud cover) with Modi awaits Xi on the banks of the Sabarmati river. The 150-course Gujarati banquet will be hosted in a luxury tent. Then the two heads of state take a walk down the riverfront, which has been patterned around the Thames riverfront.
15:49 Gujarat CM tweets 'privilege'
Anandiben Patel @anandibenpatel: Privileged to welcome President Xi Jinping & First Lady of China on their historic visit to Gujarat - the land of Gandhi and Sardar.
15:48 PM Modi at the Hyatt entrance awaiting Xi's arrival
PM Modi at the Hyatt entrance awaiting Xi's arrival. They will get down to business in approximately 30 minutes from now. A bouquet for Mrs Xi and smiles all around.
15:47
At the Hyatt hotel ahead of Xi Jinping's arrival, the room where the MoUs will be signed. Adani, Pankaj Patel (Cadila Healthcare) others spotted waiting for Modi and Xi.
15:33
People line the roads, watch from rooftops along the route that will take Xi and his entourage to the Hyatt. Some nervous pacing by Hyatt staff as they wait for Xi to arrive.
15:31 It's the Sabarmati Ashram at 5:08 pm today
PM Modi will be Xi's guide today.
He will accompany Chinese President Xi Jinping to the tranquil Sabarmati Ashram on Ahmedabad's Ashram road.
At 5:08 pm, during the 22 minute-long visit, Modi will explain the ashram's historical significance to the Chinese leader.
Interpreters fluent in Hindi and Mandarin will be available at the Gandhi monument.
Pic: The guard of honour for Xi Jinping at the Ahmedabad airport.
He will accompany Chinese President Xi Jinping to the tranquil Sabarmati Ashram on Ahmedabad's Ashram road.
At 5:08 pm, during the 22 minute-long visit, Modi will explain the ashram's historical significance to the Chinese leader.
Interpreters fluent in Hindi and Mandarin will be available at the Gandhi monument.
Pic: The guard of honour for Xi Jinping at the Ahmedabad airport.
15:21 The lady in pink on Xi's arm
Chinese Premier Xi Jinping was accompanied by his singer wife Peng Liyuan. Dressed in a pale pink knee-length dress with a sash down the dress, Peng is a fashion icon in China.
A well accomplished folk-singer and a household name in China for her television opera success, she has become part of Xi's diplomatic charm offensive in all his foreign visits making waves with her colourful attires and social calls on leaders' wives.
A well accomplished folk-singer and a household name in China for her television opera success, she has become part of Xi's diplomatic charm offensive in all his foreign visits making waves with her colourful attires and social calls on leaders' wives.
15:17 What can we expect from Xi?
Officials said the Chinese decision for investment of $100 billion came very recently and because the government of Japan promised to put in $35 billion or 3.5 trillion yen into infrastructure for the same period.
Whether this will help address the trade deficit remains a question. This investment will largely be made in India's infrastructure and manufacturing sectors through the establishment of two industrial parks, in Gujarat and Maharashtra.
While investment is not directly linked to the trade deficit, it could help if manufacturing in India leads to substitution of imports from China.
Pic: Xi Jinping with Anandiben Patel and governor OP Kohli
Whether this will help address the trade deficit remains a question. This investment will largely be made in India's infrastructure and manufacturing sectors through the establishment of two industrial parks, in Gujarat and Maharashtra.
While investment is not directly linked to the trade deficit, it could help if manufacturing in India leads to substitution of imports from China.
Pic: Xi Jinping with Anandiben Patel and governor OP Kohli
15:12 Two heads of state will sign crucial MoUs in Ahmedabad
Posters welcoming Xi across the city of Ahmedabad are in Mandarin, English, Gujarati and Hindi. Xi is now being accorded a ceremonial welcome. PM Modi is not at the airport. Xi was welcomed by Gujarat governor OP Kohli and CM Anandiben Patel.
15:11 PM to receive Xi at hotel
PM Modi will receive the Chinese prez and the first lady at the Hyatt, which is where the couple is headed now.
15:07 Chinese Premier, first lady arrive in Ahmedabad, MoUs to be signed today
Chinese prez and the first lady can now be seen as they walk down to the tarmac. During his three-day visit, Xi is expected to make an investment
commitment of $100 billion for developing the countrys creaky
infrastructure, over five years.
Apparently, the Indian government has told Beijing that if it wants to enter the Indian market, it has to be through investments and not by tariff.
Apparently, the Indian government has told Beijing that if it wants to enter the Indian market, it has to be through investments and not by tariff.
15:01
PYTs in chaniya cholis at the Ahmedabad airport. A private dinner tonight, strictly no media. Xi yet to make an appearance.
14:59
PM Narendra Modi is at the Ahmedabad airport to receive Xi. Red carpet welcome awaits the Chinese prez.
14:56 50-member delegation with Xi
Xi is accompanied by a 50-person strong delegation. The two heads of state will sign key agreements outside Delhi.
Xi is due in New Delhi on Wednesday for a three-day visit focused on trade, investment and the resolution of decades-old border disputes.
With the world's second-largest economy and a proven track record at building highways, railways, and industrial zones, China has much to offer India as it seeks to upgrade its creaky infrastructure. India wants China to cease military aid to Pakistan.
Xi is due in New Delhi on Wednesday for a three-day visit focused on trade, investment and the resolution of decades-old border disputes.
With the world's second-largest economy and a proven track record at building highways, railways, and industrial zones, China has much to offer India as it seeks to upgrade its creaky infrastructure. India wants China to cease military aid to Pakistan.
14:51 Air China with Jinping on board touches down
Chinese President Xi Jinping's trip to India suggests subtle shifts in the regional power dynamic that are bringing warmer ties between the two Asian giants, challenging China's traditional relationship with Pakistan, and opening a new chapter in Beijing's ongoing competition for influence with arch-rival Japan.
14:45 Chinese Premier Xi Jinping arrives in Ahmedabad
Just in: Chinese Premier Xi Jinping arrives in Ahmedabad. At many places on Xi's route slums have been covered, riverfronts beautified.
14:42 We were just strumming guitars, when we were attacked: Jadavpur students
Jadavpur students' representative Godhuli Biswas (pictured) vehemently denies allegations by Jadavpur University Vice Chancellor that he was held hostage by the JU students.
"We were just sitting there peacefully, singing songs and strumming our guitars," Godhuli told Rediff.com's Indrani Roy.
"There were some outsiders who, along with policemen, attacked us all of a sudden around 2 am. Lights were switched off and many of our classmates were beaten in the dark. Some of the female students were molested.
"These outsiders, we hear, were Trinamool Congress cadres. Who let them in so late in the night?
"Is it the administration's effort to gag our attempts to seek justice for one of our classmates who was molested?
The VC, who is holding this post on a temporary basis, belongs to the Trinamool Congress camp, says students.
Jadavpur university is known for its anti-TMC stand, and students are now wondering if it was the the state administration's way of teaching the students a lesson.
Beginning today, JU students have decided to boycott their classes indefinitely and are seeking an unconditional apology from the VC and Education Minister Partha Chatterjee.
"We were just sitting there peacefully, singing songs and strumming our guitars," Godhuli told Rediff.com's Indrani Roy.
"There were some outsiders who, along with policemen, attacked us all of a sudden around 2 am. Lights were switched off and many of our classmates were beaten in the dark. Some of the female students were molested.
"These outsiders, we hear, were Trinamool Congress cadres. Who let them in so late in the night?
"Is it the administration's effort to gag our attempts to seek justice for one of our classmates who was molested?
The VC, who is holding this post on a temporary basis, belongs to the Trinamool Congress camp, says students.
Jadavpur university is known for its anti-TMC stand, and students are now wondering if it was the the state administration's way of teaching the students a lesson.
Beginning today, JU students have decided to boycott their classes indefinitely and are seeking an unconditional apology from the VC and Education Minister Partha Chatterjee.
14:32 Jadavpur alumni shocked at attack on students
Jadavpur clashes: Rediff.com's Indrani Roy reports.
Madhumita Chatterjee (pictured), an electrical engineering graduate from Jadavpur University in 1989 rushed to her alma mater this morning -- her son, Kabir studies English here.
"It's such a shock for me. Such an incident never happened in the university's history. How can the police and the Rapid Action Force? attack students who were seeking justice for a victim of molestation?
"So many students had to be hospitalised. It's a shame for Bengal.Though I was not at the university when the incident took place, as a mother and an ex-student of the university, I expect an apology from the university officials. I wonder who called the RAF?"
Pic: Deepak Chakraborty
Madhumita Chatterjee (pictured), an electrical engineering graduate from Jadavpur University in 1989 rushed to her alma mater this morning -- her son, Kabir studies English here.
"It's such a shock for me. Such an incident never happened in the university's history. How can the police and the Rapid Action Force? attack students who were seeking justice for a victim of molestation?
"So many students had to be hospitalised. It's a shame for Bengal.Though I was not at the university when the incident took place, as a mother and an ex-student of the university, I expect an apology from the university officials. I wonder who called the RAF?"
Pic: Deepak Chakraborty
14:19 Angry mob tosses Ukrainian politician Into the trash
One of Kiev's prominent politicians is full of rubbish -- or rather, the rubbish is full of him. Vitaly Zhuravsky, once a member of former President Viktor Yanukovich's Party of the Regions and now a member of the Economic Development Party, came face-to-face with an angry mob outside Ukraine's parliament. This is what happened.
14:15 Students file FIR against Jadavpur VC, cops
Students of Jadavpur University filed a FIR against Vice Chancellor Abhijit Chakraborty, Additional Commissioner of Police Debashish Roy and Officer-in-charge of Jadavpur Police Station Vijay Kumar Singh this morning.
14:13 Can't feed dhokla, fafda to China when they seize our land: Cong
Congress spokesperson Rajiv Shukla says, "Aisa nahin chalega, ek taraf woh hamari zameen par kabza karein aur doosri taraf hum unhe dhokla, faafda khilaayein!" (On the one hand, they usurp our land and on the other hand we feed them dhokla and fafda. This is unacceptable.)
This of course, is the Congress getting back at the BJP for courting Pak PM Nawaz Sharif. The BJP, which was in the opposition then, had said it was unacceptable that the government was feeding biryani to Pakistan when our jawans were being killed.
This of course, is the Congress getting back at the BJP for courting Pak PM Nawaz Sharif. The BJP, which was in the opposition then, had said it was unacceptable that the government was feeding biryani to Pakistan when our jawans were being killed.
13:54
JUST IN: Jawan killed, Dy Commandant of CRPF'S Cobra unit injured in encounter with Maoists: DIG (Kolhan Range)
13:52
CEO of Bennett & Coleman Ravi Dhariwal retires. Former Walmart executive Raj Jain to head the group.
13:42 Uma says human excrement' caused U'khand floods
If you haven't read this, please read this gem from Uma Bharti.
A year after floods devastated Kedarnath, Union water resources minister Uma Bharti has revealed the "underlying" cause of the disaster -- defecation near the shrine by non-believers.
Her observations came during an interaction with experts -- albeit bemused -- of the Dehradun-based Himalayan Institute of Glaciology and Forest Research Institute.
Pointing out that human excretory activities were forbidden within the natural boundary formed by the Mandakini and Saraswati rivers which flowed near the shrine in 1882, Bharti said, "However, as time passed, atheists came here, mainly for business purposes. This resulted in nature's fury at Kedarnath in 2013'.
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A year after floods devastated Kedarnath, Union water resources minister Uma Bharti has revealed the "underlying" cause of the disaster -- defecation near the shrine by non-believers.
Her observations came during an interaction with experts -- albeit bemused -- of the Dehradun-based Himalayan Institute of Glaciology and Forest Research Institute.
Pointing out that human excretory activities were forbidden within the natural boundary formed by the Mandakini and Saraswati rivers which flowed near the shrine in 1882, Bharti said, "However, as time passed, atheists came here, mainly for business purposes. This resulted in nature's fury at Kedarnath in 2013'.
Read more
13:39 Saradha scam ex-DGP kills himself
Just in: Former DGP Assam Shankar Baruah, who was being investigated in the Saradha scam, has committed suicide.
13:34
Just in: Lalitha Kumaramangalam has been appointed the NCW chief.
13:33 Widows from Bengal, Bihar should not crowd Vrindavan, beg out of habit: Hema
Actor-parliamentarian Hema Malini has come under intense criticism for her uncharitable comments about the widows of Vrindavan. The actress who is an MP from Mathura, (Vrindavan is part of the Mathura district) said that the widows who are mostly from West Bengal and Bihar should go back home and not crowd Vrindavan.
The holy city of Vrindavan in Uttar Pradesh is home to thousands of destitute women.
For good measure, she also said that the Vrindavan widows have a bank balance and "a good income, nice beds, but they beg out of habit."
The BJP MP, made the comments while visiting her parliamentary constituency on Monday. She said she would talk to West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee over the matter.
Read: Why elections mean NOTHING to these Vrindavan widows
The holy city of Vrindavan in Uttar Pradesh is home to thousands of destitute women.
For good measure, she also said that the Vrindavan widows have a bank balance and "a good income, nice beds, but they beg out of habit."
The BJP MP, made the comments while visiting her parliamentary constituency on Monday. She said she would talk to West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee over the matter.
Read: Why elections mean NOTHING to these Vrindavan widows
13:28 Here's to you, Mrs Jinping
"Wife diplomacy", which has become focus of China's new leadership, would come into full play in India on Wednesday when Chinese Xi Jinping arrives in Ahmedabad along with his singer wife Peng Liyuan, who has become a fashion icon. Read
13:18 Jadavpur students challenge VC-Mamata to face-off
Jadavpur university clashes: Abhijit Chakraborty, Jadavpur Univ, VC says some alleged students thrashed him and he had to call the police for rescue. "I will consult our executive council on the matter," he said.
Rediff.com's Indrani Roy reports that students walked into the campus this morning challenging the Mamata Banerjee government and the VC for a face-off with them. With slogans of "Ai Mamata dekhe ja, Jadavpurer khomotoa." (Mamata come and see the capability of Jadavpur students).
The VC and pro-VC asked the students to leave after they demanded justice over the incidents of molestation last night.
Rediff.com's Indrani Roy reports that students walked into the campus this morning challenging the Mamata Banerjee government and the VC for a face-off with them. With slogans of "Ai Mamata dekhe ja, Jadavpurer khomotoa." (Mamata come and see the capability of Jadavpur students).
The VC and pro-VC asked the students to leave after they demanded justice over the incidents of molestation last night.
13:08 Pranab heads home after 4-day conquest of Vietnam
President Pranab Mukherjee today wrapped up his four-day state visit to Vietnam and left for home after inking key pacts and declaring a united Indo-Vietnam stand for free navigation in the disputed waters of South China Sea and adjoining maritime areas. The President was seen off at the airport by the Vice Chairman of People's Committee of Vietnam Tat Thanh Cang and Ambassador of Vietnam to India Nguyen Thanh Tan.
13:07 Dalai in Mumbai tomorrow
Dalai Lama will be in coming to Mumbai tomorrow at the Indian Merchants' Chamber where he will deliver a spiritual talk on the occasion of 108th Foundation Day celebration of the IMC.
12:45
Gujarat CM Anandiben Patel: Thankful to PM @narendramodi for launching 11 schemes of state govt under 'Swavalamban Abhiyan'. Guj continues to tread on path shown by him.
12:43
Jadavpur clashes: Facebook posts said one engineering student beaten up by the police was in critical condition in hospital.
12:37 Jadavpur university horror: Students protesting sexual assault beaten up
Students of Jadavpur University in Kolkata, protesting against what they called the university authorities' apathy over the sexual assault on a student on campus on August 28, were brutally beaten up by the police, Rapid Action Force troopers, and plainclothed goons late last night.
Rediff.com's Sumit Bhattacharya reports that students at the protest said it was a case of organized assault, and that women were molested, assaulted, kicked, hit with batons by the all-male police force called in by the university authorities.
They said initially outsiders affiliated with the ruling Trinamool Congress Party came and heckled the students who were protesting peacefully -- singing songs to the accompaniment of guitars and violins -- and threatened them if they did not break up their protest.
The protest outside the vice chancellor's office premises was in its seventh day on Tuesday.
One student said two of the members probing the August 28 sexual assault had visited the victim at her home and tried to blame her, which had left her scared.
The protest began from there -- demanding a better probe and an end to blaming the victim.
"When the police action began at around 1 am on Wednesday, they switched off the lights so that the media could not film what was happening," said Aritry Das, a student of comparative literature at the university.
Das, and other students who spoke to Rediff.com on condition of anonymity, said girls were molested, their clothes torn. They said the all-male police force and plainclothed goons dragged girls by the hair, kicked them with their boots, hit them on their breasts.
"It was clearly sexual assault to make the women flee,' said a student of another reputed Kolkata college, who was at the protest "in solidarity' with her friends.
Male students were beaten with helmets and batons. Das said she saw the police and plainclothed goons beating a friend of hers on the head even after he had fallen down, unconscious.
Das said she jumped in to protect her friend, and was dragged away by her legs, and hit with batons and helmets.
At least 35 students were arrested by the police, after which the students shifted their protest to the busy road intersection outside the Jadavpur police station.
The police threatened more RAF action if the students did not clear the road blockade. "One of the students arrested is a cancer patient,' said Das.
"The police were groping at women,' said another student who was at the protest.
West Bengal Education Minister Partha Chatterjee told the Press Trust of India that students should vent their grievances in a democratic way and not resort to gherao.
The students insisted their protest was democratic and peaceful, and that the police action was premeditated and calculated.
Raw video footage shot by students and uploaded on YouTube seemed to validate the students' complaints.
Rediff.com's Sumit Bhattacharya reports that students at the protest said it was a case of organized assault, and that women were molested, assaulted, kicked, hit with batons by the all-male police force called in by the university authorities.
They said initially outsiders affiliated with the ruling Trinamool Congress Party came and heckled the students who were protesting peacefully -- singing songs to the accompaniment of guitars and violins -- and threatened them if they did not break up their protest.
The protest outside the vice chancellor's office premises was in its seventh day on Tuesday.
One student said two of the members probing the August 28 sexual assault had visited the victim at her home and tried to blame her, which had left her scared.
The protest began from there -- demanding a better probe and an end to blaming the victim.
"When the police action began at around 1 am on Wednesday, they switched off the lights so that the media could not film what was happening," said Aritry Das, a student of comparative literature at the university.
Das, and other students who spoke to Rediff.com on condition of anonymity, said girls were molested, their clothes torn. They said the all-male police force and plainclothed goons dragged girls by the hair, kicked them with their boots, hit them on their breasts.
"It was clearly sexual assault to make the women flee,' said a student of another reputed Kolkata college, who was at the protest "in solidarity' with her friends.
Male students were beaten with helmets and batons. Das said she saw the police and plainclothed goons beating a friend of hers on the head even after he had fallen down, unconscious.
Das said she jumped in to protect her friend, and was dragged away by her legs, and hit with batons and helmets.
At least 35 students were arrested by the police, after which the students shifted their protest to the busy road intersection outside the Jadavpur police station.
The police threatened more RAF action if the students did not clear the road blockade. "One of the students arrested is a cancer patient,' said Das.
"The police were groping at women,' said another student who was at the protest.
West Bengal Education Minister Partha Chatterjee told the Press Trust of India that students should vent their grievances in a democratic way and not resort to gherao.
The students insisted their protest was democratic and peaceful, and that the police action was premeditated and calculated.
Raw video footage shot by students and uploaded on YouTube seemed to validate the students' complaints.
12:28 Kashmir separatists claim that they have been helping flood victims too
Divisions between the Kashmir separatists are apparent even in tragedy: each is running its own relief effort. Read
12:26
Meanwhile, read this: Fareed Zakaria never stopped plagiarizing: How dozens of episodes of his CNN show ripped others off.
12:15 Chinese Prez wishes Modi on his birthday
Chinese President Xi Jinping wished Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his birthday today. Chinese Ambassador to India Le Yucheng met the Prime Minister at the Raj Bhavan in Gandhinagar this morning and conveyed the best wishes of the President and top Chinese leadership to him on the occasion of his birthday, official sources said.
Xi will arrive in Ahmedabad today on a three-day visit to India which will be the third by any Chinese President to India.
Modi and Xi will hold talks on two occasions -- first when the Prime Minister will host a private dinner for the visiting dignitary after his arrival in Ahmedabad and then in New Delhi tomorrow in restricted and delegation-level formats.
Pic: Posters of Modi, Anandiben and Xi across Ahmedabad
Xi will arrive in Ahmedabad today on a three-day visit to India which will be the third by any Chinese President to India.
Modi and Xi will hold talks on two occasions -- first when the Prime Minister will host a private dinner for the visiting dignitary after his arrival in Ahmedabad and then in New Delhi tomorrow in restricted and delegation-level formats.
Pic: Posters of Modi, Anandiben and Xi across Ahmedabad
12:11 I'm not paid to speak to students, it is below my dignity: Jadavpur VC
The chargesheet filed against the Jadavpur students have been withdrawn.
Students had gheraoed Vice Chancellor Abhijit Chakrabarti demanding that two external members be included into the committee that is investigating the alleged molestation of a girl student.
Rediff.com's Indrani Roy spoke to students who said that the VC said the committee was formed as per the guidelines of the Supreme Court. Students said they were upset at his attitude, when he told them, "I'm not paid to speak to students. It is below my dignity to speak to students."
The VC and Registrar were freed in the early hours today by a strong contingent of police force which arrested 35 students.
Video grab of protesting students inside Jadavpur university last night. Courtesy: Eye Zine
Students had gheraoed Vice Chancellor Abhijit Chakrabarti demanding that two external members be included into the committee that is investigating the alleged molestation of a girl student.
Rediff.com's Indrani Roy spoke to students who said that the VC said the committee was formed as per the guidelines of the Supreme Court. Students said they were upset at his attitude, when he told them, "I'm not paid to speak to students. It is below my dignity to speak to students."
The VC and Registrar were freed in the early hours today by a strong contingent of police force which arrested 35 students.
Video grab of protesting students inside Jadavpur university last night. Courtesy: Eye Zine
11:57 Boxer Manoj Kumar likely to get Arjuna Award after all
Just in: Boxer Manoj Kumar is likely to get the Arjuna Award. The Kapil Dev-led award committee had earlier refused to give the coveted award to the 2010 Commonwealth Games gold medallist. Angry with the government's decision not to give him the award, Manoj had filed a case in the Delhi High Court.
Read what happened right here.
Read what happened right here.
11:53
Video footage of the police crackdown on students of Jadavpur university who were protesting the inaction over the molestation of a female student of the university.
Footage courtesy: Eye Zine
Footage courtesy: Eye Zine
11:48
In Delhi, pro-Tibet protestors outside the Chinese embassy ahead of premier Xi Jinping's visit.
11:41 I feared for my life: JU Vice-Chancellor
Jadavpur University Vice Chancellor Abhijit Chakrabarti, who was rescued by the police after being held hostage by students, today said he feared that he would have been killed had the police not come.
"I would have died at their hands had the police not come. They were attacking us and I fear we would have been killed," Chakrabarti told reporters. Recalling the harrowing time they had in the campus since yesterday, he said that they had no other option but to call the police to rescue him, registrar Pradip Ghosh and other members of the executive council.
The VC said he saw the students hurling abuses at him and he felt sick after being not allowed to leave office after 4 PM. "We told them to let us go but they did not relent and so I was forced to call police. When the police took me out of the office I saw students trying to attack me," Chakrabarti said.
The students had gheraoed them demanding that two external members be included into the committee that is investigating the alleged molestation of a girl student. The VC said the committee was formed as per the guidelines of the Supreme Court.
"I would have died at their hands had the police not come. They were attacking us and I fear we would have been killed," Chakrabarti told reporters. Recalling the harrowing time they had in the campus since yesterday, he said that they had no other option but to call the police to rescue him, registrar Pradip Ghosh and other members of the executive council.
The VC said he saw the students hurling abuses at him and he felt sick after being not allowed to leave office after 4 PM. "We told them to let us go but they did not relent and so I was forced to call police. When the police took me out of the office I saw students trying to attack me," Chakrabarti said.
The students had gheraoed them demanding that two external members be included into the committee that is investigating the alleged molestation of a girl student. The VC said the committee was formed as per the guidelines of the Supreme Court.
11:24
All ready for Modi: Mega screens across Ahmedabad will beam birthday celebrations of the PM as well as Chinese Premier Xi Jinping's visit to the city.
11:19 Gujarat CM 'salutes' Modi's mother
Updates from Jadavpur in a bit...
Meanwhile, Gujarat Chief Minister Anandiben Patel today 'saluted' Prime Mininster Narendra Modi's mother Heeraben. In an early morning tweet, Patel said, "On the occasion of his b'day, I salute Prime Minister Narendra Modi's mother Heeraben for giving us a nationalist son". Patel also posted a photograph of Modi with her mother. She also visited Rajbhavan this morning to personally greet Modi on his birthday, an official said.
Meanwhile, Gujarat Chief Minister Anandiben Patel today 'saluted' Prime Mininster Narendra Modi's mother Heeraben. In an early morning tweet, Patel said, "On the occasion of his b'day, I salute Prime Minister Narendra Modi's mother Heeraben for giving us a nationalist son". Patel also posted a photograph of Modi with her mother. She also visited Rajbhavan this morning to personally greet Modi on his birthday, an official said.
11:14 Modi to play guide for Xi at Ahmedabad
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will play guide today, on his 64th birthday. He will accompany Chinese President Xi Jinping to the tranquil Sabarmati Ashram on Ahmedabad's Ashram road.
During the precisely timed 22 minute-long visit Modi will himself explain the ashram's historical significance to the Chinese leader.
Both leaders are likely to reach the Sabarmati Ashram at 5.08 pm. Interpreters fluent in Hindi and Mandarin will be available at the Gandhi monument.
During the precisely timed 22 minute-long visit Modi will himself explain the ashram's historical significance to the Chinese leader.
Both leaders are likely to reach the Sabarmati Ashram at 5.08 pm. Interpreters fluent in Hindi and Mandarin will be available at the Gandhi monument.
11:13 Jadavpur molestation: Gherao won't be lifted till fresh probe, say students
Jadavpur molestation: Last night, additional commissioner of Police Debasish Roy along with a strong contingent of police rushed to the campus to control the situation but the impasse continued as the students could not be convinced till midnight to withdraw their agitation.
The students' union demand a fresh probe panel and insist that the gherao would not be lifted until some assurance was given in the matter.
The vice chancellor is learnt to have slammed the gherao as "torture".
He said that the matter could be resolved through discussion.Police said the students gheraoed VC Souvik Bhattacharya and registrar Pradip Ghosh to protest against the August 28 incident inside the campus at a boys' hostel and the delay in the investigation of the same
The students' union demand a fresh probe panel and insist that the gherao would not be lifted until some assurance was given in the matter.
The vice chancellor is learnt to have slammed the gherao as "torture".
He said that the matter could be resolved through discussion.Police said the students gheraoed VC Souvik Bhattacharya and registrar Pradip Ghosh to protest against the August 28 incident inside the campus at a boys' hostel and the delay in the investigation of the same
09:44 Jadavpur molestation case: Students clash with police on campus
Thirty-five students from the Jadavpur University have been arrested after they held massive protests on campus on Tuesday night over the alleged molestation of a female student two weeks ago. The students surrounded the vice chancellor of the university alleging that the internal probe being conducted by the university on the case was unfair. The police resorted to lathicharge to break the protests. Students allege that teachers and staff, who are Trinamool Congress supporters, beat up the protesters. More than 30 students have been injured after the clashes.
The students have been sitting on protest at the main administrative building of the university since last Wednesday. They want an investigation into the alleged molestation of a second year student by boys from the university.
09:27 No media invites to Modi-Xi visit in Gujarat
The Gujarat government has decided not to invite any media to any of the events when PM Narendra Modi will welcome and meet Chinese President Xi Jinping. The Gujarat government has refused to issue any passes to any visiting journalists to enter the venues where Jinping will be. Journalists from outside Gujarat will have to wait till the press conference in the evening to report on the historic visit made by the Chinese president.
Image: One of the posters put up in Gujarat to welcome Chinese President Xi Jinping
08:48 Girl alleges coach, gymnast harassed her
Indian gymnastics faces huge embarrassment after a woman gymnast accused her coach and an international level player of passing obscene comments and making vulgar gestures at her during practice sessions at the Indira Gandhi Sports Complex. Police said the accused have been identified as Manoj Rana (coach) and Chandan Pathak. The two were scheduled to leave for Incheon for the Asian Games on Tuesday night and may be called back by the cops.
08:30 Amit Shah to discuss seat sharing with Sena today
Bharatiya Janata Party president Amit Shah will meet with Sena and senior BJP leaders in Mumbai today to take a final decision on the seat-sharing formula. Sena chief Uddhav has also convened a meeting of district presidents on Wednesday to decide the future course of action. The BJP suffered a jolt in the bypolls to 33 assembly constituencies managing to win only 11 seats, casting a shadow on the BJP-Sena ties.
07:53 PM Modi seeks mothers blessings on 64th birthday:
On the occasion of his 64th birthday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Gandhinagar to seek blessings from his mom. He started off his day meeting Hiraben at his younger brother's, Pankaj's home in Gandhinagar. Mother and son shared some intimate moments and ate some sweets prepared by her. This is Modi's first visit to Gujarat since he became the prime minister. He will later in the day meet Chinese President Xi Jinping who is on a 3-day visit to India.
03:02 Obama to deploy troops to combat Ebola
US lawmakers called for a government-funded "war" to contain West Africa's deadly Ebola epidemic before it threatens more countries, building on an American pledge to send 3,000 military engineers and medical personnel to combat the virus.
"Here's the hard truth. In West Africa, Ebola is now an epidemic, the likes" of which have not been seen before, President Barack Obama said during a meeting with top U.S. public health officials.
"It's spiraling out of control, it's getting worse," he said at the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), where he flew to outline the plan to deploy 3,000 troops to West Africa.
The deployment represented a ramping-up in the Obama administration's response to the worst Ebola outbreak on record. It comes after repeated calls for governments to step in and help West African countries whose healthcare systems have been overwhelmed by the epidemic.
Acknowledging that the epidemic represented a national security crisis, US administration officials said the focus of the military deployment would be on Liberia, where the threat of chaos is greatest. The disease has also hit hard in Sierra Leone and Guinea, and has turned up in Nigeria and Senegal.
Read more HERE
02:42 Russian billionaire placed under house arrest
A billionaire Russian tycoon was today placed under house arrest in a money-laundering case that has drawn comparisons with a government crackdown on Russia's Yukos oil company more than a decade ago.
The Investigative Committee, Russia's top investigative agency, said that Vladimir Yevtushenkov, the head of Sistema holding company, was suspected of involvement in a money-laundering scheme involving oil assets in the province of Bashkiria. Sistema owns the Bashneft oil company, which is based in Bashkiria.
Sistema said in a statement that it considers the charges "totally unfounded" and pledged to fight them.
Russian media reports said in June that Russia's largest oil company, state-controlled Rosneft, considered buying Bashneft. In July, a Moscow court froze Bashneft's stock under a money-laundering probe.
Rosneft is run by Igor Sechin, a powerful longtime assistant of President Vladimir Putin.
Sechin, who has been placed on the US and the EU sanctions lists over the Ukrainian crisis, was seen as the mastermind behind the 2003 arrest of Russia's then-richest man, Mikhail Khodorkovsky.
Khodorkovsky's Yukos oil company was broken into pieces and sold in dubious auctions with Rosneft seizing the most lucrative elements. Khodorkovsky was pardoned by Putin last December after spending a decade in prison.
02:41 IMF, World Bank warn of renewed Gaza violence
The World Bank and International Monetary Fund today warned that insufficient funding and political efforts to rebuild Gaza would make economic recovery almost impossible and lead to further violence.
The warnings came three weeks after Israel and Hamas signed a ceasefire to end 50 days of conflict, and as the Israeli army said a mortar fired from Gaza hit southern Israel -- the first since the truce.
"Without immediate action by the Palestinian Authority, donors and the government of Israel to revitalise the economy and improve the business climate, a return to violence as we have seen in recent years will remain a clear and present danger," the World Bank quoted Palestinian territories director Steen Lau Jorgensen as saying in a statement.
And the IMF, in a report published Tuesday, mostly borrowing from statistics collected before the war, called for international efforts to alleviate an eight-year Israeli-imposed blockade.
Israel's blockade has restricted and sometimes entirely prevented certain building materials from entering Gaza, with the Jewish state saying they could be used by militants to make weapons or build attack tunnels.
The IMF said the war's economic impact was difficult to evaluate, but that the level of destruction and limited resources in Gaza required a "fundamental change of the political status quo," and significant provision of international aid.
02:40 Leaders pledge powers in final push before Scottish vote
The leaders of Britain's three main parties on today issued a joint pledge to give the Scottish parliament more powers if voters reject independence, in a final drive to stop the United Kingdom from splitting.
The promise was published on the front page of leading Scottish newspaper the Daily Record and was printed to look like a yellowed scroll with the signatures and faces of the three party leaders.
Published under the headline "The Vow", the promise by Conservative Prime Minister David Cameron, opposition Labour party leader Ed Miliband, and Liberal Democrat Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg re-iterates previous commitments.
"We agreed that: The Scottish Parliament is permanent and extensive new powers for the Parliament will be delivered," the text read.
"People want to see change. A 'No' vote will deliver faster, safer and better change than separation."
Pro-independence Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond immediately hit back, calling it a "last minute desperate offer of nothing".
He said on BBC Radio Scotland that it was "not going to dissuade people in Scotland from the huge opportunity of taking Scotland's future into Scotland's hands this coming Thursday".
Polls have showed a late surge in support for independence, putting the outcome on a knife edge, after the "No" led for many months. The "No" is still marginally ahead in most of the polls, more of which were due to be published on Wednesday on the final day of campaigning.
02:39 Brazil removed from UN World Hunger Map
Brazil has hailed a new United Nations report that for the first time removed Latin America's biggest country from the World Hunger Map.
Social Development Minister Tereza Campello says in a statement that "leaving the Hunger Map is a historic milestone for Brazil. We are very proud because overcoming hunger was a priority for the Brazilian state."
The State of Food Insecurity in the World 2014 was released today by the UN's Food and Agriculture Organisation, the International Fund for Agricultural Development, and the United Nations World Food Programme.
According to the report, the number of undernourished Brazilians has fallen by more than 80 per cent in 10 years. Campello says the feat was achieved through a mix of public policies and an increased food supply.
02:39 Media reaping profits from Internet: study
The Internet is no longer draining profits from media and entertainment companies, which have learned to make online services pay, a new study shows.
The study by Ernst & Young released yesterday found that media and entertainment companies "are continuing to increase their lead as one of the most profitable industries" with profit margins of around 28 per cent.
The study covers a variety of segments in media and entertainment, including cable TV operators, interactive media, music, broadcast television and even publishing -- an area which lags behind other segments but remains profitable.
"We are seeing that digital is very much driving profits now, instead of disrupting it," said Ernst & Young's John Nendick.
"Companies are figuring out how to monetize the migration of consumers to a variety of digital platforms, and this insatiable demand for content is fueling growth throughout the industry."
Media and entertainment firms have increased profit margins in every year since 2010, according the study.
Cable TV had the highest profit margins in the industry at 41 per cent, followed by cable networks (37 per cent), interactive media (36 per cent), electronic games (29 per cent), conglomerates (26 per cent) satellite television (26 per cent), publishing and information services (21 per cent) television broadcasting (19 per cent), film and television production (12 per cent) and music (11 per cent).
The study also found that interactive media saw profits grow at the fastest pace, while publishing had the slowest profit growth.
The interactive media segment, which includes firms such as Google, Netflix and Facebook, has seen profits climb at a 19 per cent pace, while the publishing segment, which includes the New York Times Co. and Gannett, has been growing at just one per cent.
02:38 Top headlines at this hour:
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