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Thu, 18 September 2014
Islamic State releases video of British hostage

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23:21   IS group seizes 21 villages in northern Syria
Islamic State fighters backed by tanks have captured 21 Kurdish villages over the past 24 hours in northern Syria near the Turkish border, prompting civilians to flee their homes amid fears of retribution by the extremists sweeping through the area, activists said. 

For more than a year, the Islamic State group and Kurdish militias have been locked in a fierce fight in several pockets of northern Syria where large Kurdish populations reside. The clashes are but one aspect of Syria's broader civil war, a multilayered conflict that the UN says has killed more than 190,000. 

Since yesterday, Islamic State militants appear to have gained the upper hand in Syria's northern Kurdish region of Kobani, also known as Ayn Arab, overrunning 21 Kurdish villages, the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said.

It said there were casualties on both sides, but that Kurdish civilians were fleeing their villages for fear that Islamic State group fighters "will commit massacres against civilians." 

Nawaf Khalil, a spokesman for Syria's powerful Kurdish Democratic Union Party, the Kurdish fighters withdrew or lost up to 20 villages in the Kobani region and evacuated civilians with them.
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22:03   US military 'ready to strike IS inside Syria'
CNN reports: Top US military leadership has approved a plan to strike Islamic State targets inside Syria, US Defence Secretary Chuck Hagel told a House panel today.

Hagel said President Obama was briefed on those plans, approved by Hagel and the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, during his visit to US Central Command on Wednesday. Obama has not signed off on those plans yet, CNN has learned.

Read the full report here
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21:48   China's spectacular success is inspiring: President Pranab
Delivering a speech in honour of China's Xi Jinping, President Pranab Mukherjee said at the Rashtrapati Bhavan, "The people of India see China as a great civilisation, a nation that has achieved unprecedented progress and prosperity in a remarkably short span of time. The spectacular success of the People's Republic of China in economic development, poverty alleviation, infrastructure creation and information connectivity is, indeed, inspiring."

"As a neighbour, India would be happy to see China continue on its path of robust economic growth and productivity and further contribute to a stronger global economy and peace in the region and the world."

Talking about the border conflict, the President said, "Our nations share a desire for early resolution of the outstanding issues between our states -- including the boundary question. We are both committed to the maintenance of peace and tranquility at our borders; we both would like to ensure that the dialogue mechanisms that we have created for this purpose are error-proof."

"It is important for us to improve the dialogue and co-operative engagement between our two militaries and constantly strive to enhance the communication between them at all levels," he added.   
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21:19   BJP-Shiv Sena alliance in trouble
The Bharatiya Janata Party-Shiv Sena talks on seat-sharing in the Maharashtra assembly elections have come to a dead end.

Signalling more trouble for the BJP, the Shiv Sena said it will not be dictated to by anyone and that any decision taken by party chief Uddhav Thackeray on alliance with the saffron party will be final, CNN-IBN reports. 

"We won't compromise on self-respect. We all met Uddhavji today and discussed about alliance with the BJP. All leaders have given Uddhavji the final authority to decide on it," Sena MP Sanjay Raut said.
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20:40   Islamic State releases video of British hostage
BBC reports: A new video has been released showing a British man believed to be held hostage by Islamic State militants. 

IS has already killed three hostages and, in its video showing the death of UK aid worker David Haines, threatened to kill British man Alan Henning next.

The latest video, which does not feature a beheading, shows a third British man wearing orange clothing who says he is a prisoner. He asks why he and others have been abandoned by the US and UK governments.
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20:22   Sushma Swaraj to inaugurate Nalanda University tomorrow
The ancient Nalanda University, which had attracted students from the world over, will be formally inaugurated tomorrow in its modern 'avatar' by External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj.

Bihar Chief Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi will also be present at the inaugural function to be held at Rajgir, around 100 km southeast of Patna.

Classes have already begun at the under-construction residential international university, located around 12 km away from the ruins of the ancient university, on September 1 by way of a soft launch and without any ceremony.
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20:18   Indian, Chinese troops move back
Standoff cools down between Indian and Chinese troops in Ladakh; troops on both sides have moved back, said sources.

Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday raised 'serious concerns' over the repeated incidents along the border and sought an early settlement of the boundary question.

Meeting visiting Chinese President Xi Jinping against the backdrop of Chinese army and civilian incursions, the prime minister made it plain to him that the agreement between the two countries on maintaining peace and tranquility on the border should be 'strictly observed'.
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18:31   I see you, sistah! Gujarat CM signs sister province MoUs
A high-level delegation led by China's Guangdong province's executive vice government Xu Shaohua and Guangzhou Mayor Chen Jianhua today called on Gujarat Chief Minister Anandiben, a day after sister city MoU signed between Ahmedabad and Guangzhou and sister province MoU signed between Gujarat and Guangdong in presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping in Ahmedabad.
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17:51   It's made in India goodies for Mrs Jinping
So what is the First Lady of China do when she is in Delhi, in between her many engagements?

Why, shop of course!

Even as we write this, Peng Liyuan is at the Taj Khazana, shopping.

And why not!

This is what the Taj hotel website has to say about the high end store: 'From silver and bronze artifacts to miniature art, from a range of weaves in silks and cottons to pashminas, stoles and shawls, from objet d'art to leather, woven and beaded accessories, Taj Khazana offers a collection that is rare and uniquely Indian.'

Can soft power get softer than this?
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17:23   Scottish independence referendum: the essential guide
Everything you need to know about the Scottish referendum on September 18: how it came about, the key arguments, what will happen on the day and how the future may look. Read
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17:20  
Read: Last surviving female food taster, 96: 'I never saw Hitler, but I had to risk my life for him every day'.
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17:05   China refuses to explain whereabouts of envoy to Iceland
If you haven't read this yet... Chinese Ambassador to Iceland reportedly taken away by Chinese state security amid spy claims. Read
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17:02  
@suhasinih Sources say Army standoff in Ladakh has ended. But standoff has had clear impact on Modi-Xi talks.
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17:00   Mkts cheer Fed policy, China ties; Indices up most in 3 mths
Markets approved of the Indo-China talks. Markets today rose the most in over 3 months with Sensex jumping 481 points to 27,112.21 and Nifty soaring over 139 points to 8,114.75 as FIIs pumped funds on Fed's pledge to retain rates at low levels for a considerable time and rising optimism over India's trade ties with China.
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16:49   Xi: We have decided to forge a close relationship for development
So, Chinese President Xi Jinping is now addressing the Indian Council of World Affairs. He says he is impressed by the developments he has seen in India. "I am back in India after a gap of 17 years and India's development is truly incredible. We have decided to forge a close partnership for development. Under Modi's leadership, India's people have more confidence in the future. India enjoys a splendid past and a spectacular future, he says.

"Deng Xiaoping had said Asia would progress if India and China come together. Buddhism has linked China and India for centuries. PM Modi has taught me that India and China are two bodies with one spirit." says Jinping.
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16:30  
Rupert Murdoch on the big vote: @rupertmurdoch Nonsense reports alleging violence in Scotland, surprisingly good mannered crowds both sides. May change tonight with pubs open all night!
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16:28  
Brahma Chellaney: The bumbling Khurshid labeled China's 2013 Ladakh intrusion an "acne" but Modi responds forthrightly to new incursions & wants LAC clarified.
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16:27   Scottish independence: Murray backs Yes campaign in 11th hour decision
Andy Murray has backed Scottish independence in a move stunning supporters. In an eleventh hour decision the British tennis player tweeted fans: "Huge day for Scotland today! No campaign negativity last few days totally swayed my view on it. Excited to see the outcome. Lets do this!"

Read
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15:59   Chinese President's movement causes traffic jams in Delhi
Traffic snarls were today reported from different parts of central and south Delhi after some roads were closed for the movement of Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Motorists had to face bumper to bumper traffic on several roads which were jam packed in Dhaula Kuan, ITO, Daryaganj, Delhi Gate, around India Gate after traffic police shut down parts of India Gate and Ring Road for the visit of Xi Jinping to Rajghat and Hyderabad house after that.

Due to protests by Tibetans, a massive traffic jam was also reported from Dhaula Kuan, and motorists had a harrowing time.

Traffic Police yesterday issued an advisory asking commuters to avoid Sardar Patel Marg, Dhaula Kuan and Ashoka Road as they would be closed for intermittent periods throughout the day today.

Traffic snarls were also reported on roads leading to Hyderabad House, where scores of Tibetans staged a vociferous protest and also clashed with police.

Policemen and paramilitary personnel have been stationed at every intersections during the movement of Chinese President.
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15:50   What the 12 MoUs between India and China are about
India and China today signed 12 MoUs in New Delhi on second day of Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit to India.

1. MeoU between the MEA India and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs China on opening a new route for Indian pilgrimage (Kailash Mansarovar Yatra) to the Tibet Autonomous Region of the People's Republic of China. The MoU provides for conducting the annual Kailash Manasarovar Yatra through Nathu La Pass in Sikkim in addition to the existing Lipulekh Pass in Uttarakhand. The route through Nathu La will augment the capacity and reduce the hardship and journey time enabling many more pilgrims in particular aged pilgrims to undertake the Yatra.

2. MoU between Ministry of Railways, India and the China on strengthening cooperation in Railways. Under the MoU, both sides have agreed to enhance cooperation in the Railway sector in following areas: (i)speed-raising, (ii)studying feasibility of cooperation in High-Speed Railways, (iii)Heavy-Haul transportation training of Indian Railway personnel, (iv)Redevelopment of Railway stations, (v)setting up of a Railway University in India, etc.

3. Action Plan between Ministry of Railways, India, and the National Railway Administration, China on strengthening cooperation in Railways. It provides specific projects for cooperation in railway sector.

4. Five year Trade and Economic Development Plan between Ministry of Commerce and Industry of the Government of the Republic of India and the Ministry of Commerce of the Government of the People's Republic of China. It lays down a medium term roadmap for promoting balanced and sustainable development of economic and trade relations between China and India, on the principle of equality and mutual benefit.

5. Agreed Minutes of the Tenth Session of India-China Joint Economic Group. Both sides held detailed discussions on issues to promote broad and deep bilateral trade and economic cooperation between India and China and agreed to undertake measures to achieve sustainable and balanced trade. Specific measures to enhance market access to Indian products such as agricultural, pharmaceutical and export of services will be expedited.

6. Agreement on Audio-Visual Co-production between The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, India and the State Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television, China. Pool creative, artistic, technical, financial and marketing resources to co-produce films. It would help Indian audio-visual products to gain greater market access.

7. Agreement on mutual administrative assistance and co-operation in Customs matters. Will help in enhancing cooperation to fight trans-border economic crimes and custom offences through sharing of information. It would also facilitate trade through enhanced customs cooperation.

8. MoU between ISRO and China National Space Administration on Cooperation in the Peaceful use of Space. Cooperation in the exploration and use of outer space for peaceful purposes, including research and development of scientific experiment satellites, remote sensing satellites and communications satellites.

9. MoU between the Ministry of Cultures on strengthening the exchange and cooperation between cultural institutions.These cultural institutions include museums, archaeological organizations and performing art centers.

10. MoU between National Book Trust, India and the State Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television of China. China will participate in the New Delhi World Book Fair 2016 as the Guest of Honour Country. The Agreement will help provide greater access to their nationals of publications of the other side.

11. Work Plan on Drug Administration and Cooperation Between China Food and Drug Administration of the People's Republic of China And Ministry of Health & Family Welfare of the Republic of India.The two sides will carry out cooperation in fields of drug standards, traditional medicine and drug testing, etc. Both sides will exchange delegations to enhance cooperation in this area.

12. Agreement on establishing Sister City relationship between Mumbai and Shanghai. It will enhance people-to-people exchanges fostering greater mutual understanding.
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15:30   More troops in border face-off
Even as Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping pledge to settle border issues, Indian and Chinese troops reinforced numbers in the eyeball-to-eyeball positions in southeast Ladakh after a second flag meeting in three days ended inconclusively. Read what happened.
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15:20   Independent Scotland could put Indias Whiskey industry in high spirits
The Scotch industry might hit the bottle early today, fretting over an independence vote that could prove a nightmare for them -- and a potential boon for Indian whiskey distillers. The Scotch Whisky Association, based in Edinburgh, last week raised concerns that an independent Scotland would mean the industry risked losing a "fundamental' protection for Scotch. Read
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15:18   The Brazilian league goalscorer and the unluckiest celebration of all time
A break from Xi Jinping to give you this. Coritiba striker Joel, delighted with his match-sealing goal against high-flying Sao Paulo, makes a beeline for the home fans.

With only the advertising hoardings separating the goalscorer from a unifying expression of unbridled joy, he leaps like an Olympic 3,000m steeplechaser'straight down the tunnel stairs that lurk behind. See
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14:57   Jadavpur VC called us, says police commissioner
Meanwhile, a Jadavpur university update: Police Commissioner Surajit Kar Purkayastha says that the police did not beat up the students. "They (the police) handled the situation very well. We got a distress call from Jadavpur University VC to intervene," he says.
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14:51   Just 1/5th of expected $100 billion
After that build-up (China to pump in $100 bn: Should India believe Xi?), Xi has committed just $20 billion, which is less than Japan's $35 billion. 
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14:36   China determined to settle boundary question
Xi Jinping: The two sides are fully capable to manage the border issues effectively.
-- China is determined to settle the boundary question at an early date.
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14:33   Xi: Boundary question a legacy of the past
Xi steers clear of a commitment towards resolving the border issue:
-- China-India border question is an issue left over from years.
-- China supports India's full membership in Shanghai Cooperation Organization.
-- Both sides have agreed that the year 2015 will be the year to visit India in China & 2016 will the year to visit China in India.
-- When India and China speak in one voice the world will listen.
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14:29   Takeaways from Xi Jinping's speech
-- China will set up one industrial park in Gujarat and another in Maharashtra, says Xi Jinping, Chinese Prez.
-- We should move towards peaceful, cooperative & inclusive  development, important that we strengthen exchanges at all levels.
-- We talked about development of railways, encourage improvements of speed of trains between Chennai and Mysore.
-- China will participate in Goa International Film Festival and Book Fair.
-- More market access to India.
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14:24   Who put the border back in news now?
Who is raking up the border incursion issue when Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping are talking?

The needle of suspicion points in five directions, you may take your pick.

Could it be the home ministry trying to sabotage the talks as was done when V B Vajpayee was talking in Beijing and the Advani-led ministry created pressure back home?

Is the Rajnath-led ministry indulging in similar mischief? 

Or, is it the Omar Abdullah government trying to shift the media attention away from mess caused by the floods?

Could it be an RSS faction doing it, thinking there has been an overdose of mehman-nawaazi, the culture of welcoming guests?

Or is it the Army's way of reminding its civilian bosses that any settlement of the border issue will come with a cost?

Perhaps the internal governmental system striking back at the leader who has cut its wings?

As we said, take your pick. 
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14:23   Xi invites Modi to China 'at the earliest'
This is a joint presser, so now that Modi's speech is over, Xi takes over.

Xi invites Modi to China at the earliest. Xi says he convey the regards of the Chinese people to the people of India. He says he had fruitful talks with PM Modi.

He says India has achieved enormous development and achievements, and we are happy to see what you have accomplished.  
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14:19   Mumbai ban gaya Shanghai?
Agreement on establishment of twin relations between Mumbai and Shanghai signed.
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14:17  
MEA says that this is a historic opportunity for the relationship between India and China, filled with vast possibilities. 
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14:15   Modi: Discussed visa policy, clarity on LAC
PM Modi: Discussed India's concerns relating to China's visa policy & Trans Border Rivers. Early resolution would enhance mutual trust . For peace & stability at the border clarity on LAC is important and essential. PM Modi
India and China have a shared interest in a peaceful and stable region, including peace, stability and prosperity Afghanistan.
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14:12   China pledges $20 billion in India over five years
So, it's not $100 billion, but $20 billion investment that China is looking at in India.

Modi says that on behalf of the people of India he thanks the President that he has agreed for a new road to open for Kailash Mansarovar from Nathu La.

"We need to settle the border issue fast," sais Modi.

Modi urges for Indian goods to have better market access in China.

China has committed $20 billion investment in 5 years in India.
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14:08   Quick takes from the PM's presser
PM Modi says:
-- There should be peace in our relations and at borders. If this happens we can realise true potential of our relations.
-- Glad that President Xi Jinping has come to India within months of our Government taking office.
-- In the last 2 days, in Ahmedabad and Delhi we talked about all aspects of India-China relations.
- Respect for each other's sensitivities & concerns, peace and stability in our relations and along our borders are essential.
-- We feel we can increase our economic relations. I urged that our companies get easier market access & investment opportunities in China.I urged Prez Xi Jinping that our companies get easier market access & investment opportunities in China.
-- Two Chinese industrial parks to come up in India. I invited investment in infrastructure and manufacturing sectors. I am glad 2 Chinese industrial parks will be built in India.
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14:04   Modi: We need peace at the border to develop full potential
PM Modi addresses the press conference after the agreements are signed between the two countries. Modi says he gives great importance to the ties between the two countries. He says China is India's greatest neighbour. Addressing the issue of incursions, Modi, says we need peace at the border to develop our full potential. India and China are the world's two largest developing nations, he adds.
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14:00   India, China sign 12 agreements after 90-minute meeting
The new Mansarovar route will be via Sikkim.
First takes...
-- India, China have signed 12 agreements.
-- Pact on extending cooperation in railways.
-- India-China exchange agreement on peaceful uses of outer space.
-- Various agreements are being exchanged between China and India in the presence of President Xi Jinping & PM.
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13:57   India, China sign pact for new Mansarovar route for pilgrims
The 90-minute meeting between PM Modi and Chinese Premier Xi Jinping ends. Sushma Swaraj, Arun Jaitley and Ajit Doval were also part of the talks. According to a government source, the one-on-one meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping lasted 35 minutes. The delegation level talks between the two sides went on much beyond schedule.

India, China sign pact for new Mansarovar route for pilgrims.
India and China sign 5-year trade pact
Pact for railways signed.

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13:45   Gujju food brought to Xi by a Delhi chef
What's the use of serving Gujarati food to Xi Jinping in Gujarat when the food is supervised by the chef at Hyderabad House, the state kitchen for VVIP guests in New Delhi!

Achint, deputy manager of the VVIP kitchen, was flown from New Delhi to ensure that the dinner served by the Sabarmati waterfront in Ahmedabad last evening was top notch.

If this was the case, many asked, why could the PM not have arranged for the same Gujju food in Hyderabad House itself?
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13:44  
Jadavpur University Pro-VC tells local media that the decision to call the police and the RAF was not discussed at the executive council.
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13:35   Guess who else came to Xi, PM's meeting?
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping had a one-on-one meeting today, after which Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj and Finance/Defence Minister Arun Jaitley joined them.
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13:30  
Protests, rallies continue to stall traffic in and around Jadavpur University in Kolkata. There will be an indefinite taxi strike from tomorrow in protest against government's decision to not hike fares.
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13:24   Prashant Bhushan refuses to name whistleblower, fears danger to source
Senior lawyer Prashant Bhushan has refused to disclose the identity of the whistleblower in the case against Central Bureau of Investigation chief Ranjit Sinha in the 2g scam.

Bhushan has told the Supreme Court that revealing the name of source will endanger the life of the source.

The apex court had on Monday directed Bhushan, who has levelled allegations against Sinha of protecting accused in the 2G case, to reveal the name of the whistleblower from whom he got CBI documents and guest list of Sinha's residence.

The apex court had said that it would go into the merit of allegations against Sinha after knowing name of the whistleblower who leaked documents including the purported entry register of Director's residence.
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13:01  
Dalai Lama: Sino-Indian relations on the basis of mutual trust is very important. Sooner or later you have to solve this problem (Tibet), not by force but by understanding and understanding comes though talk.
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12:43   Dalai: Tibet's problem is also India's problem, Xi should learn from India
Dalai Lama: Xi Jinping's thinking is more realistic and more open minded so he can learn more from India. Tibet's problem is also India's problem, understanding comes through talks.
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12:38   Dalai: I told Hu Jintao he can learn some good things from India
Dalai Lama today on Indo-China relations: Good Indo-China relations are very important. The populations of these countries are over 2 billion. Good relations will benefit not just India but also entire Asia. I told Hu Jintao he can learn some good things from India.

Pic: Peng Liyuan, wife of President Xi Jinping, pays tribute at the samadhi of Mahatma Gandhi in New Delhi.
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12:35  
Meeting between PM Modi, Arun Jaitley, Sushma Swaraj, Indian Ambassador to China Ashok Kantha and Chinese Prez Xi Jinping begins at Hyderabad House.
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12:34   Modi's extraordinary sure-footedness in foreign policy, so far
The visit to the White House of the prime minister, Narendra Modi, at the end of this month has occasioned considerable interest, mainly, it appears, because of the ridiculous visa ban imposed on him by the United States of America since 2005, which the Americans have now recanted.

The prime minister has the advantage of knowing that few will expect any great break-through from the visit, unlike his encounters with other major powers like Japan and China. Read
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12:32   Outside PM, Xi's meeting, Tibetans detained after scuffle with cops
Scores of Tibetans today staged a vociferous protest and clashed with police outside Hyderabad House, the venue for the bilateral talks between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The protesters reached Gate No 3 of the building around 11:45 am and started shouting anti-China slogans.

The police tried to pacify them but they did not relent and eventually clashed with the police as they were stopped from approaching the gate.

Some of the protesters were also detained by the police. A group of Tibetans also held a protest at Dhaula Kuan and were forcefully removed from the spot.

Yesterday, 10 Tibetans were detained after they staged a protest outside Chinese Embassy in the capital against the visit of the Chinese President. @ShubhajitRoy tweets: "Delhi policemen tell each other: don't go near the Tibetan girls. Let the women cops come."
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12:11  
Busy day ahead for Xi. In the evening, he will meet vice president Hamid Ansari at 4:30pm.

Xi's speech comes on thereafter and after a brief break, it's the banquet at Rashtrapati Bhavan at 8 pm.

Another picture of the Tibet protests in New Delhi.

At the Tagore Intnl school in Delhi, Peng Liyuan has conquered detractors with her warm smile, her grace and a kiss to a beaming school boy.
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12:03   Zhou Enlai's statement 64 years ago...
A lesson from history perhaps, on why the Chinese envoy was changed days before Xi's visit.

Writer Claude Arpi in his blog, says that after several days of extensive talks between the then Prime Minister of India (Jawaharlal Nehru) and the then Premier of the State Council of China (Zhou Enlai), the latter held a press conference on April 15, 1960 at Rashtrapati Bhavan. Read more
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11:59   Xi must rein in the PLA from running its own foreign policy
So, can India trust Jinping? Brigadier Gurmeet Kanwal (retd) says there is a wide gap between the stated intentions of China's top leadership to improve relations with India and the PLA's aggressive border management posture. Read
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11:56   Why did China change its envoy days before Xi's visit?
So, how often does an ambassador get changed a few days ahead of a head of state's visit? Chinese President Xi Jinping has appointed an ambassador to India according to a statement from the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress on Tuesday. Le Yucheng was appointed ambassador to India, replacing Wei Wei.

Pic: The Ambassador-designate of People's Republic of China, Le Yucheng presenting his credential to the President, Pranab Mukherjee, at Rashtrapati Bhavan. Yucheng is now the Chinese envoy in India. 
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11:48   Free Tibet protests welcome Xi Jinping to Delhi
Visiting Chinese president Xi Jinping was greeted by protesting Tibetans in New Delhi as he began the second day of his three-day trip to India.A Tibetan activist carrying the Tibetan flag climbed a TV tower near Dhaula Kuan in South Delhi, sending the security personnel into a tizzy.

Jingping, at that time, was at Rajghat, laying a wreath at the memorial of Mahatma Gandhi.

The Tibetan protesters had also gathered at the Chinese embassy on Wednesday, raising slogans against Jinping's visit.
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11:45   Soft diplomacy: School kids sing for Xi's wife in Mandarin
Students at the Tagore International School sing for Peng Liyuan in Mandarin. The visit is entirely nonpolitical, said Preeti Chadha, director (international relations), Tagore International School. "We have heard that Ms Peng is an exceptional artist and we are thrilled to welcome her," she said. Students of the school have been learning Chinese for the last two years with the help of teachers from a school in Shanghai.

Pic: Peng Liyuan with the principal of Tagore International School, Delhi.
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11:37   Dinner at Rashtrapati Bhavan tonight for Jinping
That's President Pranab Mukherjee with the Chinese president and the First Lady and PM Modi. Pranab Mukherjee will host a state banquet for Xi at 8 pm today.
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11:31   Modi-Xi talks at Hyderabad House still on
Amid the seeming bonhomie between PM Modi and Premier Xi Jinping, the face-off between Indian and Chinese troops has only become worse with 1,000 Army and PLA troops clashing at the Chumar sector in Ladakh.

This Chinese incursion is being touted as the worst in recent years.

Right now, Modi and Xi are holding talks at Hyderabad House.

Pic: Prez Xi signing the guest book at Rajghat this morning .
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11:26   Peng Liyuan at Tagore Intl School
Chinese Premier's wife Peng Liyuan at the Tagore International School, Vasant Vihar, New Delhi. Students at the school learn Tai Chi and Chinese calligraphy via videoconferencing.
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11:10   Xi visit: Delegation-level talks begin at Hyderabad House
Chinese president Xi Jinping reaches Hyderabad House. Xi and PM Modi will be holding delegation-level talks here. Earlier in the day, Xi met President Pranab Mukherjee (pictured) and visited Raj Ghat. 
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10:57   Modi offers Xi home away from home
Prime Minister Narendra Modi had yesterday said he wanted foreign leaders to step outside Delhi to flavour the rest of India. But in his home state of Gujarat today, he dished up for visiting Chinese President Xi Jinping an experience as close to China as India can offer.

 Xi landed in Ahmedabad in the afternoon at the start of his three-day India trip to a reception Gujarati in substance, but very Chinese in style '" marked by clockwork precision, a carefully orchestrated display of Ahmedabad's development and restrictions on the local population.

Read more
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10:55   We must always be friends, says Xi while border incursions continue
The External Affairs Ministry said PM Modi raised the latest Chinese incursions with Chinese Premier Xi Jinping on Wednesday, during the latter's six-hour stopover in Ahmedabad, where the leaders walked down the Sabarmati waterfront and later had dinner under a Swiss tent.

"Yesterday the issues of substance have been raised at the highest level," External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Syed Akbaruddin said, adding that India will raise the incursions more extensively during talks today.
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10:28   Civil secretariat reopens in Srinagar after 11 days
Just In: J and K's Civil Secretariat in flood-hit Srinagar opens after 11 days, less than 10 per cent of the employees report for work at the scheduled opening time.
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10:14   Hema Malini says widows from Bengal, Bihar should not crowd Mathura
Bharatiya Janata Party leader, actor-turned-politician Hema Malini, has now stoked a controversy with her statements. The BJP MP from Mathura said that widows from Bengal and Bihar should not crowd the holy city and should stay in their own states instead.

"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, so widows who are from Bengal should stay in Bengal and those from Bihar should stay there," the 65-year-old Lok Sabha BJP MP said.
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10:11   BJP blinks on seat-sharing with Shiv Sena
Late on Wednesday night, the BJP drew up a list of 119 seats that the party would like to contest in next month's state elections in Maharashtra. It is seen as a climb down from the 135 it was insisting on a few days ago.

Since then, however, it has suffered reverses in by-elections giving ally Shiv Sena an advantage in tough negotiations over seat-sharing. After a meeting at Union Minister Nitin Gadkari's Mumbai residence on Wednesday night, attended by senior Maharashtra unit leaders, the BJP said it wanted its 25-year alliance with the Sena to continue.
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10:07   PM raises issue of incursions with visiting Chinese Prez
Prime Minister Narendra Modi raised the issue of Chinese incursions with the visiting Chinese President Xi Jinping during their meeting last night. 

The issue will be further raised by the Indian side today when the two leaders meet for a summit meeting, MEA spokesperson said.
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09:34   'PM Modi raised China's incursions into Ladakh with President Xi Jinping'
PM Narendra Modi raised China's incursions into Ladakh with Chinese President Xi Jinping yesterday, say Foreign Ministry officials.

MEA officials say the incursion issue will be raised again today.
 
National Security Advisor Ajit Doval is personally monitoring the situation at the border.
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08:01   Over 1,000 Chinese troops intrude 4-5 km inside Ladakh
The fresh transgression by the Chinese People's Liberation Army in Ladakh's Chumur that began on Thursday morning -- hours before Chinese President Xi Jinping landed in India -- tuned grave by late night. 

In terms of numbers, this is the third. One other has been on at Chumur, and one in Demchok. But going by the scale, this is the worst Chinese transgression in years.
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07:55   Obama to meet Ukrainian President at White House
US President Barack Obama would meet his Ukrainian counterpart Petro Poroshenko at the White House today, the White House said. 

"The visit will highlight the United States' firm commitment to stand with Ukraine as it pursues liberal democracy, stability, and prosperity," the White House said.
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07:53   Sanctions do not serve a purpose: Zarif
Asserting that the United States is obsessed with sanctions, the visiting Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif has said that sanctions, having become an end in themselves, do not serve any purpose. 

Addressing a Washington audience, Zarif alleged that the US is infatuated with sanctions.
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01:55   Killer new features make Apple iOS better
Two days before the launch of the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus, iOS 8 is finally here, bringing with it a lot of minor new features that add up to an attractive package. Every change is welcome, but there's also a lot of questions about the update that remain unanswered.

iOS 8 by itself simplifies and enhances features you already had in iOS 7 and adds more conveniences to the apps you already know. 

It's not a drastic change like the redesign in the previous version, and it's not even as big an overhaul as iOS 6. 

But it is definitely something you'll want to download for the improvements it adds across the board. Just keep in mind that its most promising features may still be in development.

iOS 8 has hundreds of new, minor changes in addition to the ones listed here. One new convenient feature lets you double tap the home button to bring up currently running apps like before, but now you'll see photo circles for contacts across the top.

Read more on the new Apple operating system HERE
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01:47   Rocket attack kills 10 amid shaky ceasefire in Ukraine
A rocket attack by pro-Russia rebels killed 10 civilians and injured 12 others in eastern Ukraine on Wednesday, the Ukrainian military said. It was the latest report of violence amid a shaky ceasefire in the region.

The rebels fired Russian-made Grad rockets near the village of Nyzhnya Krynka, where Ukrainian forces are positioned, the military said. 

The village is near the rebel-held city of Donetsk.

Nine civilian buildings were destroyed in the attack, according to the Ukrainian military.
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01:43   No US combat troops on the ground: Obama
Ruling out US ground troops in a combat role against the Islamic State (IS), President Barack Obama today called on other countries to fight the dreaded terror group that has gained control over a large part of Iraq and Syria and threatens regional peace and stability.

"I want to be clear, the American forces that have been deployed to Iraq do not and will not have a combat mission. They will support Iraqi forces on the ground as they fight for their own country against these terrorists," Obama said in his remarks at Tampa, Florida after meeting with commanders of the US Central Command. 

"As your Commander-in-Chief, I will not commit you and the rest of our Armed Forces to fighting another ground war in Iraq. After a decade of massive ground deployments, it is more effective to use our unique capabilities in support of partners on the ground so they can secure their own countries' futures. And that's the only solution that will succeed over the long term," he said in his address to the soldiers. 

"We'll use our air power. We will train and equip our partners. We will advise them and we will assist them. We will lead a broad coalition of countries who have a stake in this fight. Because this is not simply America versus ISIL (IS) - this is the people of the region fighting against ISIL. It is the world rejecting the brutality of ISIL in favor of a better future for our children, and our children's children - all of them," he said.

But the US is not going to do this alone, he asserted.

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