LIVE
Tue, 07 April 2015
US approves USD 952 mn sale of helicopters, missiles to Pak
Timeline Refresh
23:32 7 killed in plane crash while returning from NCAA tournament
A county sheriff is confirming that seven people have died in a small plane crash in central Illinois while returning home from the NCAA basketball tournament in Indianapolis.
McClean County Sheriff Jon Sandage says the county coroner pronounced all seven occupants dead. Their identities were being withheld pending notification of family.
23:03 German pilots' doctors urge more tests in light of crash
German aviation industry doctors said today that pilots should undergo more extensive medical checks in the wake of the Germanwings crash in the French Alps that killed 150 people.
In response to prosecutors' allegations that co-pilot Andreas Lubitz deliberately crashed the Duesseldorf-bound Germanwings plane on March 24 on a day that he was supposed to be off sick, the head of the German Pilots' Doctors Association urged more thorough examinations.
22:06 US approves USD 952 mn sale of helicopters, missiles to Pak
The US State Department has approved sale of USD 952 million worth of attack helicopters, missiles and other defence equipment to Pakistan to help Islamabad with its counter-terrorism operations in South Asia.
Notification for the proposed sale of the AH-1Z Viper Attack Helicopters and AGM-114R Hellfire II Missiles and associated equipment, training and logistical support has been sent by Defence Security Cooperation Agency to Congress.
"This proposed sale of helicopters and weapon systems will provide Pakistan with military capabilities in support of its counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency operations in South Asia," the agency said in a statement.
Read full story HERE.
21:38 Dutch justice ministry: 190 people have left to fight jihad
The Dutch justice ministry says about 190 people have traveled from the Netherlands to fight in overseas "jihadi conflicts," some 35 have returned home and 30 have been killed.
The ministry published the latest figures Tuesday without a specific breakdown of what countries the 190 had traveled to. Most are believed to have gone to Syria and Iraq. It also maintained its terror threat level at the second-highest: "substantial."
The latest threat assessment says that, although there are no "concrete signs" of possible attacks, deadly terror incidents in Paris and Copenhagen and a foiled plot in neighboring Belgium "underscore ... the threat against Europe and therefore also against the Netherlands."
Read full story HERE.
21:23 Students in Kenya march for better security following al-Shabab massacre
Hundreds of students marched through Kenya's capital demanding better security following last week's massacre by al-Shabab militants at a Garissa university. Kenyan authorities presented several attack suspects in court.
Singing, chanting and with some dressed in black to symbolize mourning, about 200 students marched through downtown Nairobi on Tuesday in response to last Thursday's massacre of 148 people at Garissa University College. The attack was claimed by Somalia-based Islamic extremist group al-Shabab.
"We are mourning the loss of our fellow comrades, we have lost the vibrant blood that would have built tomorrow's Kenya," Nairobi University engineering student Maureen Mucheri, 21, told news agency AFP, admitting she was avoiding shopping malls and churches in fear of another attack because "the government is doing nothing."
Read full story HERE.
21:05 Ex-CM Chavan criticises mandatory screening of Marathi movies
Former Maharashtra chief minister Prithviraj Chavan has criticised the governement for forcing film theaters to play Marathi movies.
"Govt promoting Marathi producers & helping them would be a good call, forcing theaters to play Marathi movies isnt ok," Prithviraj Chavan said about the Fadnavis government's DECISION.
20:59 112 proposed as India's single emergency number
A single number '112' should be used for all emergency phone calls across the country including for police, fire and ambulance, telecom regulator Trai proposed on Tuesday.
Similar to the '911' all-in-one emergency service in the US, the government can integrate all existing emergency numbers such as 100, 101, 102 and 108 into the proposed '112' helpline number, Trai said in its recommendations on emergency number.
"Authority recommends that the number 112 be adopted as the single emergency number for India. This new number may be popularised extensively through a public awareness campaign by the Government," Trai said.
The regulator suggested existing emergency numbers such as 100, 101, 102 and 108 can be retained as secondary numbers. If any call is made to these numbers, the call should be directed to the new single emergency number 112, the Trai said.
People will be able to make calls on 112 from their mobile or landline phones even if their outgoing call facility has been debarred or the service is temporarily suspended.
20:31 South African authorities detains teen girl en route to join ISIS
Authorities detained a 15-year-old girl from Cape Town, South Africa, at the city's airport after receiving information she was leaving the country to join ISIS, State Security Minister David Mahlobo said.
"We are still conducting further investigation. The girl over the past period has been using technology on social media platforms interacting with strange people and reading material that suggested she expressed an interest in joining a terrorist group called ISIS," he said.
Read full story HERE.
20:18 Heavy rain delays IPL 8 opening ceremony
Heavy rain has delayed the opening ceremony of the eighth edition of the Indian Premier League, leaving fans at the decked-up Salt Lake stadium in Kolkata disappointed.
Even as rain continues unabated spectators are glued to their seats hoping the downpour will subside and the evening's proceedings, to be hosted by Bollywood star Saif Ali Khan, will get underway.
Bollywood stars Hritik Roshan, Anushka Sharma, Farhan Akhtar and Shahid Kapoor are scheduled to perform at the star-studded event.
Even as rain continues unabated spectators are glued to their seats hoping the downpour will subside and the evening's proceedings, to be hosted by Bollywood star Saif Ali Khan, will get underway.
Bollywood stars Hritik Roshan, Anushka Sharma, Farhan Akhtar and Shahid Kapoor are scheduled to perform at the star-studded event.
20:13 Salman ran away after mishap, did not help victims: Prosecutor
In a bid to prove that 2002 mishap involving Bollywood superstar Salman Khan was a hit-and-run case, the prosecution today told the trial court that the deposition of witnesses indicated the actor had run away after the incident and did not take the injured to hospital.
Khan is accused of ramming his Land Cruiser SUV into a roadside bakery in suburban Bandra on September 28, 2002, killing one person and injuring four who were sleeping outside.
The prosecution has also alleged he was drunk and was driving without a licence, a charge denied by the actor. Soon after the mishap occurred at a place close to the residence of Khan, an angry mob converged at the spot and some of them were holding rods while a few others had stones in their hands, said Prosecutor Pradeep Gharat in his final arguments while referring to evidence of a witness.
Khan's childhood friend and neighbour, Francis Fernandez, whom the actor fondly called as "Commander", asked the 49-year-old actor to leave in a car driven by his wife. Khan soon went away in that car, Gharat said while quoting the deposition of Khan's friend.
Khan is accused of ramming his Land Cruiser SUV into a roadside bakery in suburban Bandra on September 28, 2002, killing one person and injuring four who were sleeping outside.
The prosecution has also alleged he was drunk and was driving without a licence, a charge denied by the actor. Soon after the mishap occurred at a place close to the residence of Khan, an angry mob converged at the spot and some of them were holding rods while a few others had stones in their hands, said Prosecutor Pradeep Gharat in his final arguments while referring to evidence of a witness.
Khan's childhood friend and neighbour, Francis Fernandez, whom the actor fondly called as "Commander", asked the 49-year-old actor to leave in a car driven by his wife. Khan soon went away in that car, Gharat said while quoting the deposition of Khan's friend.
19:46 Cabinet clears real estate bill
The Cabinet has cleared the bill to regulate the real estate sector. It is aimed at curbing malpractices and harassment.
The bill will ensure that ever real estate promoter is registered.
The bill will ensure that ever real estate promoter is registered.
19:34 India accepts Pak offer to fly back its nationals rescued from Yemen
India has accepted Pakistan's offer to fly back from Karachi by special plane the 11 Indians evacuated by Pakistani naval ship from Yemen.
In gesture of goodwill, Pakistan PM Nawaz Sharif, has offered to fly out the Indians. The 11 Indian citizens were among 35 foreign nationals who were rescued with 148 Pakistani citizens from the Ash Shihr port in Yemen on April 4.
India has evacuated around 4000 of its nationals from Yemen so far by air and sea and has now received requests for assistance in evacuation from 26 countries, including the US, Bangladesh, France, Germany, and Sri Lanka.
Yemen is witnessing continuing fighting between the Shia Houthi rebels and the Saudi Arabia-led coalition of 10 nations, which has launched air strikes in Yemen.
In gesture of goodwill, Pakistan PM Nawaz Sharif, has offered to fly out the Indians. The 11 Indian citizens were among 35 foreign nationals who were rescued with 148 Pakistani citizens from the Ash Shihr port in Yemen on April 4.
India has evacuated around 4000 of its nationals from Yemen so far by air and sea and has now received requests for assistance in evacuation from 26 countries, including the US, Bangladesh, France, Germany, and Sri Lanka.
Yemen is witnessing continuing fighting between the Shia Houthi rebels and the Saudi Arabia-led coalition of 10 nations, which has launched air strikes in Yemen.
19:22 First SBI, now HDFC cuts lending rates after Rajan talks tough
Just in: After the State Bank of India, HDFC has cut loan rates by 0.15 per cent to 9.85 per cent. This will be effective from April 13.
Reserve Bank of India chief Raghuram Rajan today pushed banks to lower their lending rates.
Earlier in the day, the RBI in its first bi-monthly monetary policy for 2015-16 kept its key rates unchanged. But Dr Rajan nudged banks to lower their rates as the central bank has already cut its repo rate twice earlier this year
Reserve Bank of India chief Raghuram Rajan today pushed banks to lower their lending rates.
Earlier in the day, the RBI in its first bi-monthly monetary policy for 2015-16 kept its key rates unchanged. But Dr Rajan nudged banks to lower their rates as the central bank has already cut its repo rate twice earlier this year
19:17 No Rafale sale announcement before Modi's visit: French prez
French President Francois Hollande said there will be no news on the sale of Rafale fighter jets to India before the arrival of Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday for a state visit to France, Reuters reported.
"There will be no announcement on the Rafale sales before the visit of Prime Minister Modi in France and I do not want the Indian premier's visit to be put in the context of a contract," Hollande told reporters in Paris.
"There will be no announcement on the Rafale sales before the visit of Prime Minister Modi in France and I do not want the Indian premier's visit to be put in the context of a contract," Hollande told reporters in Paris.
19:11 Human rights panel pulls up Andhra govt over killing of smugglers
The National Human Rights Commission today issued a notice to Andhra Pradesh government seeking a report on the killing of 20 alleged red sanders smugglers by police in the state, observing that the incident "involved a serious violation" of human rights of individuals.
NHRC Member Justice D Murugesan observed the opening of firing cannot be justified on the ground of "self defence" since it resulted in the loss of lives of 20 persons. According to an NHRC statement, notices have been issued to the Chief Secretary and the DGP of Andhra Pradesh calling for report explaining the act of police and forest officials within two weeks.
The matter will be taken up for hearing in the camp sitting of the Commission to be held at Hyderabad on April 23. The notices were issued after the Commission took suo motu cognizance of media reports that 20 alleged red sanders smugglers were killed in firing by a joint team of special police and forest personnel in the Seshachalam forests of Chittoor district, Andhra Pradesh, in the early hours today.
NHRC Member Justice D Murugesan observed the opening of firing cannot be justified on the ground of "self defence" since it resulted in the loss of lives of 20 persons. According to an NHRC statement, notices have been issued to the Chief Secretary and the DGP of Andhra Pradesh calling for report explaining the act of police and forest officials within two weeks.
The matter will be taken up for hearing in the camp sitting of the Commission to be held at Hyderabad on April 23. The notices were issued after the Commission took suo motu cognizance of media reports that 20 alleged red sanders smugglers were killed in firing by a joint team of special police and forest personnel in the Seshachalam forests of Chittoor district, Andhra Pradesh, in the early hours today.
19:07 4,000 Indians evacuated from Yemen, govt to stop rescue op tomorrow
The total number of Indian evacuees from war-ravaged Yemen today touched the 4,000 mark with nearly 700 more nationals, including 600 from Sanaa, rescued in three air sorties as the government decided to end the air evacuation operation tomorrow.
While 600 were rescued by Air India, over 100 were being evacuated from Al Hudaydah by INS Turkish, officials said.
"We will end our air evacuation efforts from Sanaa tomorrow and all those who want to leave should do so by tomorrow," the spokesperson in the External Affairs Ministry said.
Asked about any remaining Indians, sources said 4100 Indians had registered with the Indian mission in Yemen and most of them are out. The government may continue the evacuation by sea route for some more time, they added.
Meanwhile, 11 Indians who were evacuated by the Pakistan Navy's Aslat from Yemen's southeastern city of Mukallah reached Karachi today and are expected to return home tomorrow.
India had also received requests from 26 countries including the United States, Bangladesh and Iraq for assistance in evacuating their nationals from the strife-torn country. While Pakistan has not sought help for the evacuation of its nationals, India during the operation also rescued Pakistani nationals.
While 600 were rescued by Air India, over 100 were being evacuated from Al Hudaydah by INS Turkish, officials said.
"We will end our air evacuation efforts from Sanaa tomorrow and all those who want to leave should do so by tomorrow," the spokesperson in the External Affairs Ministry said.
Asked about any remaining Indians, sources said 4100 Indians had registered with the Indian mission in Yemen and most of them are out. The government may continue the evacuation by sea route for some more time, they added.
Meanwhile, 11 Indians who were evacuated by the Pakistan Navy's Aslat from Yemen's southeastern city of Mukallah reached Karachi today and are expected to return home tomorrow.
India had also received requests from 26 countries including the United States, Bangladesh and Iraq for assistance in evacuating their nationals from the strife-torn country. While Pakistan has not sought help for the evacuation of its nationals, India during the operation also rescued Pakistani nationals.
18:39 SBI pays heed to Rajan: Loans get cheaper
Just in: RBI chief Raghuram Rajan's message to banks for "not passing on the previous rate cuts to customers" seems to have been heard.
The State Bank of India has just reduced the lending rate by 15 bps to 9.85 per cent effective April 10.
Rajan said the RBI wanted to facilitate the transmission of rate cuts to customers. "When banks have to raise rates, they quote higher policy rates... Why don't they cut when policy rates go down," he said. Rajan kept policy rate unchanged even as he wanted banks to pass on benefits of previous two rate cuts.
The State Bank of India has just reduced the lending rate by 15 bps to 9.85 per cent effective April 10.
Rajan said the RBI wanted to facilitate the transmission of rate cuts to customers. "When banks have to raise rates, they quote higher policy rates... Why don't they cut when policy rates go down," he said. Rajan kept policy rate unchanged even as he wanted banks to pass on benefits of previous two rate cuts.
18:28 Amal gets on board former Maldives prez legal team
Jailed opposition leader Mohamed Nasheed has unveiled an international legal team including heavyweight human rights lawyers such as Amal Clooney.
Clooney, who has advised the UN and is the wife of Hollywood actor George Clooney, is accompanied by the founder of Freedom Now, Jared Genser, and former UN rights chief on counter terrorism and human rights, Ben Emmerson.
Nasheed was sentenced to 13 years in jail last month on terrorism charges in a trial criticised by observers including the UN and Amnesty International for its apparent lack of due process.
His office said Clooney's presence would boost flagging attention on the case.
Read more
Clooney, who has advised the UN and is the wife of Hollywood actor George Clooney, is accompanied by the founder of Freedom Now, Jared Genser, and former UN rights chief on counter terrorism and human rights, Ben Emmerson.
Nasheed was sentenced to 13 years in jail last month on terrorism charges in a trial criticised by observers including the UN and Amnesty International for its apparent lack of due process.
His office said Clooney's presence would boost flagging attention on the case.
Read more
18:22
Hrithik tweets this picture during a practice session: "Rain threatens 2stop d event tom nite.I told them 2 keep d cameras on,cause come rain or storm, I gonna dance."
18:18 Fangirl Mamata tweets picture with Hrithik ahead of IPL opening
West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee had a fangirl moment when she met Bollywood actor Hrithik Roshan earlier today.
Roshan is in Kolkata to perform at the opening ceremony of the Indian Premier League 8 in Kolkata this evening.
Mamata tweeted: @iHrithik called on me at Nabanna on a courtesy visit. He has come to #Kolkata for IPL inauguration I was happy to meet @iHrithik. We had a nice round of discussions. My best wishes to him and his team.
Hrithik tweeted his love for the city: "City of joy, I love you!! So much love here in Kolkata! My dida would have been so proud..."
Hrithik who will be performing with Anushka Sharma arrived in Kolkata on April 6, a day ahead of their much-awaited performance at the IPL inaugural.
The two will also be joined by Shahid Kapoor and Farhan Akhtar.
Roshan is in Kolkata to perform at the opening ceremony of the Indian Premier League 8 in Kolkata this evening.
Mamata tweeted: @iHrithik called on me at Nabanna on a courtesy visit. He has come to #Kolkata for IPL inauguration I was happy to meet @iHrithik. We had a nice round of discussions. My best wishes to him and his team.
Hrithik tweeted his love for the city: "City of joy, I love you!! So much love here in Kolkata! My dida would have been so proud..."
Hrithik who will be performing with Anushka Sharma arrived in Kolkata on April 6, a day ahead of their much-awaited performance at the IPL inaugural.
The two will also be joined by Shahid Kapoor and Farhan Akhtar.
18:05 Focus on duty, don't make unwarranted remarks: Cong to VK Singh
The Congress party has slammed Minister of State (External Affairs) VK Singh for his statement that overseeing the evacuation of Indians from war-torn Yemen was less exciting than going to the Pakistani embassy.
The Congress said Singh should focus on his duty and not make unwarranted remarks.
Singh, a former Army chief, who is camping in Djibouti to oversee evacuation of Indians from Yemen, made the comments early Tuesday while briefing the media about the rescue operation of fellow citizens.
Singh termed the evacuation process a difficult task and said that the government is trying its best to evacuate as many people as soon as possible.
The Congress said Singh should focus on his duty and not make unwarranted remarks.
Singh, a former Army chief, who is camping in Djibouti to oversee evacuation of Indians from Yemen, made the comments early Tuesday while briefing the media about the rescue operation of fellow citizens.
Singh termed the evacuation process a difficult task and said that the government is trying its best to evacuate as many people as soon as possible.
17:39 Reactions to Marathi movies: Nako Nako Nako!
Milind Deora tweets: If @Dev_Fadnavis is serious about promoting Marathi cinema, he should announce a grant for filmmakers who develop & produce Marathi movies.
Shobhaa De tweets: Devendra 'Diktatwala' Fadnavis is at it again!!! From beef to movies. This is not the Maharashtra we all love! Nako!Nako! Yeh sab roko! I love Marathi movies. Let me decide when and where to watch them, Devendra Fadnavis. This is nothing but Dadagiri.
Shobhaa De tweets: Devendra 'Diktatwala' Fadnavis is at it again!!! From beef to movies. This is not the Maharashtra we all love! Nako!Nako! Yeh sab roko! I love Marathi movies. Let me decide when and where to watch them, Devendra Fadnavis. This is nothing but Dadagiri.
17:37 Nawaz Sharif offers to fly out Indians rescued by Pak from Yemen
In gesture of goodwill, Pakistan PM Nawaz Sharif, has offered to fly out 11 Indians rescued by Pakistan from Yemen. The 11 Indian citizens were among 35 foreign nationals who were rescued with 148 Pakistani citizens from the Ash Shihr port in Yemen on April 4.
India has evacuated over 3,000 of 4000 of its nationals from Yemen so far by air and sea and has now received requests for assistance in evacuation from 26 countries, including the US, Bangladesh, France, Germany, and Sri Lanka.
Yemen is witnessing continuing fighting between the Shia Houthi rebels and the Saudi Arabia-led coalition of 10 nations, which has launched air strikes in Yemen.
India has evacuated over 3,000 of 4000 of its nationals from Yemen so far by air and sea and has now received requests for assistance in evacuation from 26 countries, including the US, Bangladesh, France, Germany, and Sri Lanka.
Yemen is witnessing continuing fighting between the Shia Houthi rebels and the Saudi Arabia-led coalition of 10 nations, which has launched air strikes in Yemen.
17:27 TN CM for speedy enquiry into killing of red sander smugglers
Seeking to know whether the Andhra Pradesh Task Force personnel acted with adequate restraint on red sander smugglers, 20 of whom were killed, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister O Panneerselvam today shot off a letter to his Andhra Pradesh counterpart Chandrababu Naidu seeking a "credible and speedy enquiry" into the matter.
Many of those killed hailed from Tamil Nadu with some suspected to be labourers.
"I am very distressed to learn that in an operation conducted early this morning by the Red Sanders Anti-Smuggling Task Force personnel of Andhra Pradesh in the Srivarimettu and Eesagunda areas in Seshachala forest area, about 20 persons sustained bullet injuries and succumbed to the injuries on the spot," Panneerselvam said in his letter.
"Many of these persons are reportedly from Tiruvannamalai and Vellore districts of Tamil Nadu," he said.
"While it is possible that these persons may have been engaged in illegal activities, the occurrence of such high casualties in the operation raises concerns whether the Task Force personnel acted with adequate restraint," he said. Even if a person was engaged in illicit tree cutting, Panneerselvam said "efforts could have been made to apprehend them rather than take such drastic action and cause such high casualties".
Many of those killed hailed from Tamil Nadu with some suspected to be labourers.
"I am very distressed to learn that in an operation conducted early this morning by the Red Sanders Anti-Smuggling Task Force personnel of Andhra Pradesh in the Srivarimettu and Eesagunda areas in Seshachala forest area, about 20 persons sustained bullet injuries and succumbed to the injuries on the spot," Panneerselvam said in his letter.
"Many of these persons are reportedly from Tiruvannamalai and Vellore districts of Tamil Nadu," he said.
"While it is possible that these persons may have been engaged in illegal activities, the occurrence of such high casualties in the operation raises concerns whether the Task Force personnel acted with adequate restraint," he said. Even if a person was engaged in illicit tree cutting, Panneerselvam said "efforts could have been made to apprehend them rather than take such drastic action and cause such high casualties".
17:20
Omar Abdullah on aviation minister Ashok Gajapati Raju carrying a matchbox while flying. "The absence of frisking is a courtesy extended, it isn't a relaxation of the rules. Bragging about carrying match boxes on flights is silly."
17:13 What do American Pie's lyrics mean?
As the original manuscript for Don Mclean's 1971 classic goes up for auction, fans may finally discover what the "Song of the Century" is really about. So what are the popular theories? Read
17:01 Maha govt asks Mumbai multiplexes to screen Marathi films between 6-9pm
A busy day in the Maharashtra assembly today. After CM Devendra Fadnavis said that the beef ban will NOT extend to other animals, his cabinet colleague Maharashtra cultural minister Vinod Tawde told the assembly that he will ensure that Marathi films are mandatory in multiplexes between 6 pm and 9 pm, a prime time slot.
Actor Riteish Deshmukh, who made his acting debut in Marathi cinema with the action film Lai Bhaari, said people prefer Hindi films and it is for Marathi films to compete.
The minister's announcement received a mixed response on Twitter.
@harihar1977 supported the move and said "@Dev_Fadnavis agree good marathi films to be given preference instead of blanket prime time for mediocrity
While @AadhuriKahani tweeted saying "I think this new government loves to force their ideologies on us. the latest being Marathi films to be screened at prime time in theatres.
@apskate tweeted saying, "#Marathi trending! Marathi films I've seen are better than Hindi ..wish our Marathi people realised the more u watch, better slots you get."
While @NotSoSnob is clearly unimpressed. "There is already mandatory provision for running marathi films in multiplexes. Why dictate time slots too? And who wl buy expensive tickets?"
Actor Riteish Deshmukh, who made his acting debut in Marathi cinema with the action film Lai Bhaari, said people prefer Hindi films and it is for Marathi films to compete.
The minister's announcement received a mixed response on Twitter.
@harihar1977 supported the move and said "@Dev_Fadnavis agree good marathi films to be given preference instead of blanket prime time for mediocrity
While @AadhuriKahani tweeted saying "I think this new government loves to force their ideologies on us. the latest being Marathi films to be screened at prime time in theatres.
@apskate tweeted saying, "#Marathi trending! Marathi films I've seen are better than Hindi ..wish our Marathi people realised the more u watch, better slots you get."
While @NotSoSnob is clearly unimpressed. "There is already mandatory provision for running marathi films in multiplexes. Why dictate time slots too? And who wl buy expensive tickets?"
16:46 The bat wallahs
In the agitated Kashmir Valley, cricketers need to tread the fine line between loyalty and ambition, writes one India's most respected sports journalists. Read
16:43
Former and one of India's most respected president's APJ Kalam, tweets his congratulations: "Meanwhile. . India has managed to rescue thousands of its and 26 othr nations citizens frm Yemen.. well done navy and air men !! Respect."
And Amul's response to the India's terrific evacuation efforts.
And Amul's response to the India's terrific evacuation efforts.
16:32 Six-minute CD to capture BJP's 1 year of governance
The PMO is said to have designed a six-minute CD with the major achievements of the BJP government and the Modi leadership, which will be released on May 26, 2015, when it completes one year in government. The text is in Hindi and the slides have been selected and approved. A dummy copy has already been viewed by the PM and by the end of this month the CD will be released in 22 languages and telecast on DD.
16:14 Advani, the next President of India?
BJP senior leader LK Advani is believed to be in a funk after he was not 'officially' invited for the party's foundation day celebrations on April 6. While Advani was invited through an SMS, it was a general one sent to all party workers.
It's a message that has been sent out to Advani -- retire from active politics.
The prize that awaits him (if he refrains from making statements) is the possibility of his elevation as President of India, but if he sulks, the BJP has decided to ignore him.
Senior leaders are also speculating that his daughter Pratibha is provoking her father (ably assisted by close confidant Deepak Chopra).
BJP sources say that Advani does not command the confidence of a single MP or National Executive member.
The question is will Advani finally bow out willingly?
It's a message that has been sent out to Advani -- retire from active politics.
The prize that awaits him (if he refrains from making statements) is the possibility of his elevation as President of India, but if he sulks, the BJP has decided to ignore him.
Senior leaders are also speculating that his daughter Pratibha is provoking her father (ably assisted by close confidant Deepak Chopra).
BJP sources say that Advani does not command the confidence of a single MP or National Executive member.
The question is will Advani finally bow out willingly?
16:04 Ravi Shankar Prasad's fracture and BJP's triumph in Bihar
Ravi Shankar Prasad, the union minister for communications and IT, has fractured his left arm in Bengaluru at the BJP national executive meet. Prasad returned to Delhi for treatment after taking permission from BJP president Amit Shah and other senior leaders, but not before he jokingly said he saw it as a good omen.
Prasad spoke about how when a firing took place in Patna 10 years ago, he had to get his left arm bandaged and that was when the BJP-JDU government was formed.
Now, in September 2015, Prasad hoped that during the Bihar polls, the BJP would triumph.
In fact, Prasad was to have joined Prime Minister Modi during his visit to Germany where there would have been a power point presentation (Modi's fave) on digital India.
Unfortunately, he has had to cancel on the PM.
Prasad spoke about how when a firing took place in Patna 10 years ago, he had to get his left arm bandaged and that was when the BJP-JDU government was formed.
Now, in September 2015, Prasad hoped that during the Bihar polls, the BJP would triumph.
In fact, Prasad was to have joined Prime Minister Modi during his visit to Germany where there would have been a power point presentation (Modi's fave) on digital India.
Unfortunately, he has had to cancel on the PM.
15:57 NO ban on slaughter of other animals: Maha CM
That's a relief! Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis clarifies in the Assembly that no meat other than beef will be banned.
This assurance comes in the wake of the Maharashtra government telling the high court that it has the power and may extend the ban on possession and consumption of cow, bull and bullock meat to other meat as well.
Advocate General Sunil Manohar told the Bombay high court on Monday, "This is just the beginning. We may consider banning slaughter of other animals too. As of now the state felt it was necessary to protect cows, bulls and bullocks," said Manohar.
Burp.
This assurance comes in the wake of the Maharashtra government telling the high court that it has the power and may extend the ban on possession and consumption of cow, bull and bullock meat to other meat as well.
Advocate General Sunil Manohar told the Bombay high court on Monday, "This is just the beginning. We may consider banning slaughter of other animals too. As of now the state felt it was necessary to protect cows, bulls and bullocks," said Manohar.
Burp.
15:45
Syed Akbaruddin @MEAIndia tweets: "We will end r air evacuation efforts from Sana'a tomorrow, 8th April. All who want to avail should leave tomorrow. Spread the word around."
15:38 How Ola cabs won Twitter after request for Hindu driver
A toast to Ola cabs for this reply to an incredibly partisan request.
A person who goes by the name of Seelam Veerapa Naidu tweeted @Olacabs saying, "Being a Hindu i usually prefer Driver of Hindu Faith Only , Particularly in Hyderabad.. pls Give us a chance to Choose a Driver."
Ola responded saying, "Sorry, we do not discriminate against our drivers on the basis of their religion."
Naidu (pictured), who calls himself: a "Physician, SapioSexual, Neophyte, Political Scientist, economist, dreamer of alternate capital" on Twitter, replies, "@Olacabs Why Shld we see it as Discrimination instead of Customer Preference."
Naturally Mr Naidu has been battered with well-deserved tweets like this: '@justhowifeel_97 @Olacabs @SVeerapaNaidu why should they see you as a customer instead of a giant conservative pig."
The exchange between Naidu and Ola actually took place on 6 April, but came to the fore only today.
Among Ola's supporters are rivals Uber who tweeted @Uber_Delhi
@Olacabs Well said, guys. #respect @SVeerapaNaidu.
J-K CM Omar Abdullah joined the cheerleaders tweeting, @abdullah_omar "Well done @Olacabs. More power to you. "
Seeing the traction on Twitter, as an afterthought, Naidu tweeted, "@Olacabs My intention is not to hurt any one."
A person who goes by the name of Seelam Veerapa Naidu tweeted @Olacabs saying, "Being a Hindu i usually prefer Driver of Hindu Faith Only , Particularly in Hyderabad.. pls Give us a chance to Choose a Driver."
Ola responded saying, "Sorry, we do not discriminate against our drivers on the basis of their religion."
Naidu (pictured), who calls himself: a "Physician, SapioSexual, Neophyte, Political Scientist, economist, dreamer of alternate capital" on Twitter, replies, "@Olacabs Why Shld we see it as Discrimination instead of Customer Preference."
Naturally Mr Naidu has been battered with well-deserved tweets like this: '@justhowifeel_97 @Olacabs @SVeerapaNaidu why should they see you as a customer instead of a giant conservative pig."
The exchange between Naidu and Ola actually took place on 6 April, but came to the fore only today.
Among Ola's supporters are rivals Uber who tweeted @Uber_Delhi
@Olacabs Well said, guys. #respect @SVeerapaNaidu.
J-K CM Omar Abdullah joined the cheerleaders tweeting, @abdullah_omar "Well done @Olacabs. More power to you. "
Seeing the traction on Twitter, as an afterthought, Naidu tweeted, "@Olacabs My intention is not to hurt any one."
15:22 Guru leads top business buzzwords in the world
Indian-origin term 'Guru' has retained its place among the top-50 business buzzwords globally, while the term 'content' topped the list for the second consecutive year, according to a latest survey.
Guru, a Sanskrit-origin term which means teacher or master, has moved down to 15th position in 2014 from 6th slot a year ago on the latest annual list for top business buzzwords compiled by Global Language Monitor (GLM).
After 'content', which topped the chart for 2014, the most popular used words by the business world were -- 'net-net', 'big data', 'at-the-end-of-the-day' and 'social media'.
Other words named in the chart were: 'offline' (6th), 'face time' (7th), 'ping' (8th), 'rock-and-a-hard-place' (9th), 'win-win' (10th).
Guru, a Sanskrit-origin term which means teacher or master, has moved down to 15th position in 2014 from 6th slot a year ago on the latest annual list for top business buzzwords compiled by Global Language Monitor (GLM).
After 'content', which topped the chart for 2014, the most popular used words by the business world were -- 'net-net', 'big data', 'at-the-end-of-the-day' and 'social media'.
Other words named in the chart were: 'offline' (6th), 'face time' (7th), 'ping' (8th), 'rock-and-a-hard-place' (9th), 'win-win' (10th).
15:16 Senior CPI-M leader apologies to American artist
Senior CPI-M leader M A Baby has apologised on behalf of Kerala to American artist Waswo X Waswo, who destroyed some of his artifacts showcased at the recent Kochi-Muziris Biennala show, after unions allegedly demanded exorbitant rates to load some of his works onto a truck.
"We cannot console ourself under the fact that it was not done by CITU and AITUC workers. Whoever has done it... disgrace is for Kerala. Not only that deliberate attempt was also on to blame Left trade unions for this type of incidents," Baby said.
Waswo, settled in Rajasthan, destroyed some of the art works on March 31. He uploaded visuals on the social media destroying some terracotta sculptures, irked at the huge amount sought by the unions to load around 30 boxes.
"We cannot console ourself under the fact that it was not done by CITU and AITUC workers. Whoever has done it... disgrace is for Kerala. Not only that deliberate attempt was also on to blame Left trade unions for this type of incidents," Baby said.
Waswo, settled in Rajasthan, destroyed some of the art works on March 31. He uploaded visuals on the social media destroying some terracotta sculptures, irked at the huge amount sought by the unions to load around 30 boxes.
15:10 26 and counting...
External affairs ministry spokesperson Syed Akbaruddin tweeted on Monday evening that there was a surge in evacuation efforts from Yemen and 26 countries had asked India to help. This is the list of countries which require help from India. Click on the picture for a larger image.
15:08 US asks India to evacuate Americans from Yemen
India has evacuated over 3,000 of 4000 of its nationals from Yemen so far by air and sea and has now received requests for assistance in evacuation from 26 countries, including the US, Bangladesh, France, Germany, and Sri Lanka.
Yemen is witnessing continuing fighting between the Shia Houthi rebels and the Saudi Arabia-led coalition of 10 nations, which has launched air strikes in Yemen.
Yemen is witnessing continuing fighting between the Shia Houthi rebels and the Saudi Arabia-led coalition of 10 nations, which has launched air strikes in Yemen.
14:51 The prime minister has given a recipe for undermining the Constitution
And here's a must read: Former Additional Solicitor General Indira Jaising writes, "To suggest that activists -- and that too 'five star activists' -- are driving the courts is to betray an ignorance of the functioning of the legal system of the most gross kind." Read
14:47 AAP's Atishi Marlena's scathing attack on rebels Bhushan, Yadav
Rebel AAP leader Prashant Bhushan responds to colleague Atishi Marlena's letter saying, she was not present during discussions and negotiations, and therefore is not aware of the full facts. "Yadav-ji and I had responded to her on email. These were private conversations, did not want to make them public," Bhushan said.
Senior spokesperson Atishi Marlena on Tuesday shot out a scathing letter to rebels Prashant Bhushan and Yogendra Yadav for remaining adamant in their demands and tarnishing the image of the party.
"Admiral Ramdass (and other senior leaders) were involved in a dialogue to resolve the crisis, which would have paved the way forward for the very changes Prashantji and others talked about in the party," the letter says.
"But I was appalled Prashantji, because you refused to accept these terms since Shanti Bhushanji said no. The same Prashant Bhushan, who can take on the strongest forces in this country, didn't agree to something in the larger interest of the party because his father said no," it says.
"When Sanjay Singh's consensus-building broke down because of Prashantji's action, all of you repeatedly said in public that talks broke down on matter of principles, that the other side was not serious about the negotiation. It was just one side of the picture and not the complete truth," she says.
Senior spokesperson Atishi Marlena on Tuesday shot out a scathing letter to rebels Prashant Bhushan and Yogendra Yadav for remaining adamant in their demands and tarnishing the image of the party.
"Admiral Ramdass (and other senior leaders) were involved in a dialogue to resolve the crisis, which would have paved the way forward for the very changes Prashantji and others talked about in the party," the letter says.
"But I was appalled Prashantji, because you refused to accept these terms since Shanti Bhushanji said no. The same Prashant Bhushan, who can take on the strongest forces in this country, didn't agree to something in the larger interest of the party because his father said no," it says.
"When Sanjay Singh's consensus-building broke down because of Prashantji's action, all of you repeatedly said in public that talks broke down on matter of principles, that the other side was not serious about the negotiation. It was just one side of the picture and not the complete truth," she says.
14:37 Driver ignores mortally injured woman by roadside... discovers shes his mom
A driver who ignored an injured elderly woman by the roadside later found out that the victim was his own mother, the Anhui Business Daily reported. The man from Nanling county in Wuhu city was on his way to visit his mother early one morning last week when he spotted the badly hurt old woman next to the road. "My car does not have a dashboard recorder, so I didn't stop," he was quoted as saying. Read
14:18 Perception vs performance
In the last one year the Bharatiya Janata Party has experienced both exciting highs and depressing lows. From being seen as a party that was pro-growth and pro-reforms, the BJP is now struggling to fight off the perception that it is anti-poor and anti-farmer. Read more
14:17 Centre will not tolerate ceasefire violation : Rijiju
Sending out a strong message to insurgent groups active in the North East, Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Kiren Rijiju today said the Centre will not tolerate any violation of ceasefire agreement.
"If any group violates ceasefire agreement, action will be taken against them. No group can operate outside the ceasefire operation area," Rijiju said replying to questions by the media on the ambush of an army convoy by suspected NSCN in Tirap district of Arunachal Pradesh on April 2 last in which three jawans were killed.
"If any group violates ceasefire agreement, action will be taken against them. No group can operate outside the ceasefire operation area," Rijiju said replying to questions by the media on the ambush of an army convoy by suspected NSCN in Tirap district of Arunachal Pradesh on April 2 last in which three jawans were killed.
14:16 The water wives
In a drought-stricken village near Mumbai, men marry a second -- sometimes even a third -- woman whose only role is to fetch water for the family. Read the amazing story here.
14:12 I always carry a matchbox with me when I fly: Aviation minister slams airport security
Aviation minister Ashok Gajapati Raju sparks a row with an explosive statement while speaking on airport security.
Addressing the meet, Raju said he is a heavy smoker and his matchboxes always got confiscated. But ever since he became minister he has stopped being frisked.
"Once I became minister of civil aviation, people stopped frisking me. I carry a matchbox with me when I fly. I dont know how a matchbox can become an explosive.
"We need to make security more meaningful and less obstructive," he said.
Addressing the meet, Raju said he is a heavy smoker and his matchboxes always got confiscated. But ever since he became minister he has stopped being frisked.
"Once I became minister of civil aviation, people stopped frisking me. I carry a matchbox with me when I fly. I dont know how a matchbox can become an explosive.
"We need to make security more meaningful and less obstructive," he said.
13:59 Monster who led Kenya university mass killers is unmasked
A 24-year-old former University of Nairobi law student was the leader of the Al-Shabaab killer squad that slaughtered 148 people at Garissa University College. Read
13:52 'All we could hear were gunshots and bombs exploding'
Renju CK, an anaesthesia technician at the Al-Naqib Hospital in Aden, Yemen, was part of the first batch of 362 Indians rescued from the war-torn country. On his return to Alleppey, Kerala, he recounts the eventful journey and the dire conditions in Yemen to Shobha Warrier/Rediff.com. Read
13:36
News updates at this hour:
1. Delhi's most wanted gangster Bawana held.
2. The Juvenile Justice Bill will be reviewed today.
1. Delhi's most wanted gangster Bawana held.
2. The Juvenile Justice Bill will be reviewed today.
13:29 Land Bill battle begins: Rajya Sabha to reconvene from April 23 to May 13
Just in: Rajya Sabha will reconvene from April 23 to May 13, 2015. The Cabinet Committee on Parliamentary Affairs met today to take a call on reconvening the Rajya Sabha.
The budget session of Rajya Sabha was cut short on March 28 as the House was prorogued to pave the way for re-promulgation of the Land Acquisition Ordinance.
The Upper House of Parliament was in the midst of the budget session when it went into recess from March 20. The budget session was to end on May 8.
The bill on Land Acquisition, which provides for amending the Act of 2013, was passed by Lok Sabha during the first half of the budget session but it got stuck due to opposition in Rajya Sabha where ruling NDA is woefully short of numbers.
13:25
Is Saudi Arabia trying to divide the Pakistan Army by asking for Sunni soldiers? Read the blog on The Nation.
13:21 Maoist leader Sabyasachi Panda discharged from hospital
Maoist leader Sabyasachi Panda was discharged from a hospital in Berhampur, Odisha, following an improvement in his health condition, prison officials said today.
Panda had gone on a hunger strike in the Berhampur Circle Jail on March 31, protesting against solitary confinement, blocking of his petitions to court and denial of information on cases pending against him.
Panda had gone on a hunger strike in the Berhampur Circle Jail on March 31, protesting against solitary confinement, blocking of his petitions to court and denial of information on cases pending against him.
13:19 BJP, Cong close ranks behind FabIndia bosses
All India Congress Committee General Secretary Digvijay Singh today came to the defence of Fabindia management saying the top officials should not be harassed if it is someone else's mischief.
Singh, who is also the party's desk in-charge for Goa, today tweeted, "If some outlet in Goa shifted CCTV camera focus the top management of Fabindia shouldn't be harassed."
In another tweet, he praised the ethnic apparel chain for promoting the work of the weavers from rural India. "Fabindia has done an excellent work in promoting Village Industry Products which KVIC couldn't," he tweeted.
The former Madhya Pradesh chief minister's comments come a day after Goa Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar said the top management (of Fabindia) should not be blamed for the incident.
Singh, who is also the party's desk in-charge for Goa, today tweeted, "If some outlet in Goa shifted CCTV camera focus the top management of Fabindia shouldn't be harassed."
In another tweet, he praised the ethnic apparel chain for promoting the work of the weavers from rural India. "Fabindia has done an excellent work in promoting Village Industry Products which KVIC couldn't," he tweeted.
The former Madhya Pradesh chief minister's comments come a day after Goa Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar said the top management (of Fabindia) should not be blamed for the incident.
13:02 When Mohan Bhagwat became a hardliner
"RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat was on the Hindu extremists' hit-list. In June 2008, this information was made public. Prior to that, you should hear Bhagwat's speeches and listen to his 'liberal' statements. After he was informed that he was on their hit-list, he became a hardliner. He was not like that before."
Maharashtra MLA Kapil Patil tells Rediff.com/Neeta Kolhatkar about his fight against Hindu extremist groups whom he accuses of being behind the murders of activists Narendra Dabholkar and Govind Pansare.
Read
Maharashtra MLA Kapil Patil tells Rediff.com/Neeta Kolhatkar about his fight against Hindu extremist groups whom he accuses of being behind the murders of activists Narendra Dabholkar and Govind Pansare.
Read
13:00 Terror suspect among 5 killed in police encounter in Warangal
Five persons, including the founder of local militant group Tehreek-Ghalba-e-Islam (TGI) Viqaruddin Ahmed, were today killed in an encounter with police in Telangana's Warangal district.
The encounter took place near Janagaon in Warangal, around 80 kms from here, when Ahmed and four of his associates tried to snatch weapons from the escort police while they were being brought to a court in Hyderabad from Warangal Central Prison, police inspector V Satish said.
The police are still trying to ascertain the details of the incident, he said.
The encounter took place near Janagaon in Warangal, around 80 kms from here, when Ahmed and four of his associates tried to snatch weapons from the escort police while they were being brought to a court in Hyderabad from Warangal Central Prison, police inspector V Satish said.
The police are still trying to ascertain the details of the incident, he said.
12:38
BFF: J-K CM Mufti Mohd Sayeed with union home minister Rajnath Singh.
Rajnath Singh tweeted: Had a good meeting with Shri Mufti Mohd. Sayeed. We discussed a range of issues related to development of the state.
Rajnath Singh tweeted: Had a good meeting with Shri Mufti Mohd. Sayeed. We discussed a range of issues related to development of the state.
12:36 Mufti's 1st meeting with PM since he became J-K CM
Meanwhile, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed today called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and home minister Rajnath Singh to brief them about the situation in the state.
This is the first official meeting of Sayeed with the Prime Minister since he became Chief Minister on March 1 and comes in the backdrop of reports of cabinet expansion in which his party PDP may get a berth.
Sayeed met Rajnath Singh thereafter.
During the meeting with the Home Minister, Sayeed briefed him about the law and order situation in the state especially the recent attacks on police forces.
Three policemen were gunned down yesterday in Shopian district by suspected terrorists of Lashker-e-Taiba. Sayeed, who arrived last night, is scheduled to meet all prominent cabinet ministers to discuss issues pertaining to development of Jammu and Kashmir.
This is the first official meeting of Sayeed with the Prime Minister since he became Chief Minister on March 1 and comes in the backdrop of reports of cabinet expansion in which his party PDP may get a berth.
Sayeed met Rajnath Singh thereafter.
During the meeting with the Home Minister, Sayeed briefed him about the law and order situation in the state especially the recent attacks on police forces.
Three policemen were gunned down yesterday in Shopian district by suspected terrorists of Lashker-e-Taiba. Sayeed, who arrived last night, is scheduled to meet all prominent cabinet ministers to discuss issues pertaining to development of Jammu and Kashmir.
12:36 Rajan rebukes banks: Why have rate cuts not passed on to customers?
Reserve Bank Governor Raghuram Rajan on Tuesday rebuked banks for "not passing on the previous rate cuts to customers." Rajan said the RBI wanted to facilitate the transmission of rate cuts to customers. "When banks have to raise rates, they quote higher policy rates... Why don't they cut when policy rates go down," he said.
Rajan kept policy rate unchanged even as he wanted banks to pass on benefits of previous two rate cuts.
"Transmission of policy rates to lending rates has not taken place so far despite weak credit off take and front loading of two rate cuts. With little transmission, and the possibility that incoming data will provide more clarity on the balance of risks on inflation, the Reserve Bank will maintain status quo," he said in the first bi-monthly policy review for 2015-16.
Rajan kept policy rate unchanged even as he wanted banks to pass on benefits of previous two rate cuts.
"Transmission of policy rates to lending rates has not taken place so far despite weak credit off take and front loading of two rate cuts. With little transmission, and the possibility that incoming data will provide more clarity on the balance of risks on inflation, the Reserve Bank will maintain status quo," he said in the first bi-monthly policy review for 2015-16.
Unseasonal rains and hailstorm have impacted rabi crops across North and Western India, raising fears of spike in food prices.
12:22 Fabindia CEO, MD fail to appear before Goa police
Fabindia's CEO and Managing Director, who were summoned by the Goa police in connection with the voyeurism case, today failed to appear before the investigating officer, even as police summoned 11 employees of the outlet for questioning.
The voyeurism case was filed against the outlet's staff after Union HRD Minister Smriti Irani, who visited the Fabindia store at Candolim last week, alleged that it had a CCTV camera focusing at the trial room.
The Goa crime branch had summoned the company's Chief Executive Officer Subrata Dutta and Managing Director William Bissel to appear before it at 10 am today.
"The company officials have failed to appear. Their lawyer has sought more time for them to appear. We will have to see what time is given to them. They had sent their representative yesterday who was quizzed by the investigating officer," Inspector General of Police Sunil Garg said.
"They didn't come. We are waiting to study the order given by district court while granting anticipatory bail to Fabindia's store manager," said lawyer Raju Paulekar who is representing Fabindia.
The voyeurism case was filed against the outlet's staff after Union HRD Minister Smriti Irani, who visited the Fabindia store at Candolim last week, alleged that it had a CCTV camera focusing at the trial room.
The Goa crime branch had summoned the company's Chief Executive Officer Subrata Dutta and Managing Director William Bissel to appear before it at 10 am today.
"The company officials have failed to appear. Their lawyer has sought more time for them to appear. We will have to see what time is given to them. They had sent their representative yesterday who was quizzed by the investigating officer," Inspector General of Police Sunil Garg said.
"They didn't come. We are waiting to study the order given by district court while granting anticipatory bail to Fabindia's store manager," said lawyer Raju Paulekar who is representing Fabindia.
12:16 The General in mufti
As VK Singh, MoS External Affairs, oversees evacuation of Indians from Yemen, extremely successfully at that, an interesting read from the Telegraph on Singh's presence at Pakistan's National Day celebrations in New Delhi.
"Mercifully, the hurricane that swept through the electronic media on Pakistan's National Day has receded, and other more enticing issues have taken centre stage, making one wonder what all the fuss was about.
"India is, after all, host to many diplomatic missions, and civility requires that we fulfil our protocol obligations in good grace, notwithstanding diplomatic issues that may exist between our countries.
"So, one is left wondering whether there was more to it than meets the eye? Could it be the persona of the minister of state, V.K. Singh, for whom controversy appears to be a constant companion?"
Read
Image: Gen (retd) V K Singh overseeing the rescue operations of Indians from Yemen in Djibouti.
"Mercifully, the hurricane that swept through the electronic media on Pakistan's National Day has receded, and other more enticing issues have taken centre stage, making one wonder what all the fuss was about.
"India is, after all, host to many diplomatic missions, and civility requires that we fulfil our protocol obligations in good grace, notwithstanding diplomatic issues that may exist between our countries.
"So, one is left wondering whether there was more to it than meets the eye? Could it be the persona of the minister of state, V.K. Singh, for whom controversy appears to be a constant companion?"
Read
Image: Gen (retd) V K Singh overseeing the rescue operations of Indians from Yemen in Djibouti.
12:07 Will Italian marines get to stay home? SC decides today
Italian Marine Massimiliano Latorre, who along with a colleague is accused of killing Indian fishermen in 2012, today moved the Supreme Court seeking extension of his stay in Italy on medical grounds.
A bench comprising justices A R Dave and Kurian Joseph fixed the plea of Latorre for hearing on April 9. Latorre, who had undergone a cardiac surgery in Italy in January this year, has sought the extension saying that recently he had developed certain medical complications and the court be pleased to extend his stay on this ground.
A bench comprising justices A R Dave and Kurian Joseph fixed the plea of Latorre for hearing on April 9. Latorre, who had undergone a cardiac surgery in Italy in January this year, has sought the extension saying that recently he had developed certain medical complications and the court be pleased to extend his stay on this ground.
12:04
Who is this?
Three clues to help you along...
The man is in disguise.
The picture was taken during India's Emergency -- the 21-month period from 197577.
The man is a well-known politician.
Three clues to help you along...
The man is in disguise.
The picture was taken during India's Emergency -- the 21-month period from 197577.
The man is a well-known politician.
11:59 My wife is right: Way people dress today fuels rape, says Goa minister
Coming out in support of his wife who stoked a controversy by stating that rapes are on the rise as women are aping western culture, Goa Factories Minister Deepak Dhavalikar on Tuesday said the "way people dress today, fuels incidents of rape".
"When girls used to follow Hindu culture, there were no instances of rape. Now, people have changed the way theybehave and dress and you have seen how the number of rapes are on the rise," Dhavalikar said when asked for a reaction over his wife Lata's remarks.
Lata, a functionary of controversial right wing organisation Sanatan Sauns was addressing a convention in Margao on Sunday where she appealed to the parents not to enrol their children in missionary schools.
She had also said rapes are on rise as women are aping Western culture.
The minister said what his wife said was true, adding, "Are convent schools teaching about our culture? You meet the students from convent and judge yourself. They have no knowledge about our culture," he said.
Theirs is obviously a marriage made in heaven.
"When girls used to follow Hindu culture, there were no instances of rape. Now, people have changed the way theybehave and dress and you have seen how the number of rapes are on the rise," Dhavalikar said when asked for a reaction over his wife Lata's remarks.
Lata, a functionary of controversial right wing organisation Sanatan Sauns was addressing a convention in Margao on Sunday where she appealed to the parents not to enrol their children in missionary schools.
She had also said rapes are on rise as women are aping Western culture.
The minister said what his wife said was true, adding, "Are convent schools teaching about our culture? You meet the students from convent and judge yourself. They have no knowledge about our culture," he said.
Theirs is obviously a marriage made in heaven.
11:46 Swachh Bharat? First clean garbage spilling out of the mouths of MPs, Sena tells BJP
You can count on the Saamna to write tart copy.
Slamming the BJP's silence over its MP Dilip Gandhi's controversial comment supporting tobacco, the Shiv Sena today took a jibe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying he has taken a broom to clean dirt from roads, but who will clean the "garbage spilling out from people's mouths".
The Sena also mocked the MP for backing tobacco consumption, saying he should be awarded a "Nobel prize" for his surprising discovery that tobacco consumption does not lead to cancer.
"For coming up with this surprising discovery that tobacco does not cancer, Dilip Gandhi does not need a doctor. He needs to be given a Nobel Prize. The MP has gone to the next level of discovery and has thereby stunned all those who oppose tobacco," the BJP ally in Maharashtra said in an editorial in its mouthpiece 'Saamana'.
"Don't ask him when did he do this discovery and what is the scientific explanation behind his findings. But this man (Gandhi) has done immense service to the tobacco lobby by describing gutka in this way. May be that's why the paan association has welcomed this," it added.
Slamming the BJP's silence over its MP Dilip Gandhi's controversial comment supporting tobacco, the Shiv Sena today took a jibe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying he has taken a broom to clean dirt from roads, but who will clean the "garbage spilling out from people's mouths".
The Sena also mocked the MP for backing tobacco consumption, saying he should be awarded a "Nobel prize" for his surprising discovery that tobacco consumption does not lead to cancer.
"For coming up with this surprising discovery that tobacco does not cancer, Dilip Gandhi does not need a doctor. He needs to be given a Nobel Prize. The MP has gone to the next level of discovery and has thereby stunned all those who oppose tobacco," the BJP ally in Maharashtra said in an editorial in its mouthpiece 'Saamana'.
"Don't ask him when did he do this discovery and what is the scientific explanation behind his findings. But this man (Gandhi) has done immense service to the tobacco lobby by describing gutka in this way. May be that's why the paan association has welcomed this," it added.
11:42 Pakistans all-weather friend counsels caution
The opinion of an 'all-weather friend' should always count. Will Pakistan take Chinas estimation of the Yemen situation seriously before crossing the Rubicon to meet Saudi Arabias expectations from it? Pakistans Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, who returned from a visit to Riyadh leading a military delegation, told the national assembly in Islamabad on Monday, 'Saudi Arabia has asked for combat planes, warships and soldiers.'
11:28 Just in time
The smooth efficiency of Operation Rahat, once it got under way, is the latest example of how India's response systems are at their best when they are put to the test.
In a matter of days, the Navy, the Air Force, and Air India were able to rescue thousands of Indians from the heart of Yemen's war-zone, in an effort coordinated by the Ministry of External Affairs.
This has been done under trying conditions, navigating around Saudi Arabian air strikes and negotiating clearances, Houthi firepower, and even al-Qaeda fighters in several areas. Read more
In a matter of days, the Navy, the Air Force, and Air India were able to rescue thousands of Indians from the heart of Yemen's war-zone, in an effort coordinated by the Ministry of External Affairs.
This has been done under trying conditions, navigating around Saudi Arabian air strikes and negotiating clearances, Houthi firepower, and even al-Qaeda fighters in several areas. Read more
11:24
Just in: Five undertrials, including 3 SIMI suspects, killed as they try to escape while being taken to Hyderabad court from Warangal prison.
11:23
Rupa Subramanya retweeted @ggiittiikkaa Pak Ambassador flees Yemen, leaving behind 1000s of stranded Pakis. Where is @ndtv, who was gloating over rescue of 11 Indians by Pakis?
11:21 Evacuation plans in Yemen
MEA spokesperson Syed Akbaruddin tweets: "Early morning in Djibouti - planning afoot for day's evacuation."
India on Monday evacuated 1,052 of its nationals from Yemen, taking the total number of Indians rescued from the strife-torn country to nearly 3,300 as the government was looking at wrapping up the massive evacuation operation 'Rahat' in a couple of days.
While 574 Indians were evacuated from Sanaa by Air India, which did three sorties, another group of 479 was rescued from Al Hudaydah by INS Mumbai, the Spokesperson in the External Affairs Ministry.
With nearly 3,300 of its nationals out of Yemen, India was looking at wrapping up the evacuation operation in a couple of days.
Meanwhile, 25 countries, including the US, Bangladesh and Iraq have sought India's assistance in evacuating its nationals from the war-ravaged country. While Pakistan has not sought help for the evacuation of its nationals, India during the operation also rescued Pakistani nationals.
Image: The MEA's plan of action tweeted by Akbaruddin. Click on the picture for a larger image.
India on Monday evacuated 1,052 of its nationals from Yemen, taking the total number of Indians rescued from the strife-torn country to nearly 3,300 as the government was looking at wrapping up the massive evacuation operation 'Rahat' in a couple of days.
While 574 Indians were evacuated from Sanaa by Air India, which did three sorties, another group of 479 was rescued from Al Hudaydah by INS Mumbai, the Spokesperson in the External Affairs Ministry.
With nearly 3,300 of its nationals out of Yemen, India was looking at wrapping up the evacuation operation in a couple of days.
Meanwhile, 25 countries, including the US, Bangladesh and Iraq have sought India's assistance in evacuating its nationals from the war-ravaged country. While Pakistan has not sought help for the evacuation of its nationals, India during the operation also rescued Pakistani nationals.
Image: The MEA's plan of action tweeted by Akbaruddin. Click on the picture for a larger image.
11:15
RBI: Next rate cut will depend on effective transmission of policy stance by banks. We expect a growth rate in 2015-16 at 7.8 per cent, up from 7.5 per cent in 2014-15.
11:12 Drunk Salman made driver scapegoat, ban alcohol, cries Owaisi
All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen leader, Asaduddin Owaisi, known for his controversial comments, targeted Bollywood star Salman Khan on Sunday, saying he ran over people sleeping on the footpath in an inebriated condition and made his driver a scapegoat.
He was speaking at a public meeting on Sunday organised in Mumbai in the wake of the Bandra bypolls, where the AIMIM has also fielded a candidate.
He gave Salman's example while batting for an alcohol ban and said that when beef could be banned, so should alcohol.
On March 30, Salman had told the court that his driver was at the wheel and not him.
He has been charged with killing one person and injuring four others by ramming his vehicle into a bakery shop in suburban Bandra in the early hours of September 28, 2002.
He was speaking at a public meeting on Sunday organised in Mumbai in the wake of the Bandra bypolls, where the AIMIM has also fielded a candidate.
He gave Salman's example while batting for an alcohol ban and said that when beef could be banned, so should alcohol.
On March 30, Salman had told the court that his driver was at the wheel and not him.
He has been charged with killing one person and injuring four others by ramming his vehicle into a bakery shop in suburban Bandra in the early hours of September 28, 2002.
11:12 No change in CRR, EMIs will NOT fall
RBI also keeps CRR rates unchanged. This means that your EMIs will NOT come down.
Speculation that the RBI may slash CRR (cash reserve ratio), in a bid to push banks to lower lending rates seems unfounded.
SBI and ICICI Bank have not lowered lending rates despite back-to-back repo cuts this year.
Speculation that the RBI may slash CRR (cash reserve ratio), in a bid to push banks to lower lending rates seems unfounded.
SBI and ICICI Bank have not lowered lending rates despite back-to-back repo cuts this year.
11:08 RBI keeps repo and interest rates unchanged, Sensex in the red
Just in: The Reserve Bank of India has kept the repo rates unchanged at 7.50 per cent. RBI governor Raghuram Rajan in his monetary policy announcement at 11
am today announced a status quo on interest rates as well.
Dr Rajan has already cut repo rates twice this year, both times outside the policy meetings, surprising markets. Immediately after the announcement Nifty and Sensex was in the red.
Dr Rajan has already cut repo rates twice this year, both times outside the policy meetings, surprising markets. Immediately after the announcement Nifty and Sensex was in the red.
10:43 Pakistans all-weather friend counsels caution
The opinion of an 'all-weather friend' should always count. Will Pakistan take China's estimation of the Yemen situation seriously before crossing the Rubicon to meet Saudi Arabia's expectations from it? Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, who returned from a visit to Riyadh leading a military delegation, told the national assembly in Islamabad on Monday, 'Saudi Arabia has asked for combat planes, warships and soldiers.'
10:25 Para-athletics games fiasco: PCI chief Rajesh Tomar suspended
The Paralympic Committee of India has acted by suspending president Rajesh Tomar over lack of facilities at the National Para-Athletics championship where the athletes were put up.
The three-day National Para Athletic Championship has been labelled a national shame. The participants were forced to use filthy toilets which doubled up as bathrooms and dormitories with no beds.
There was a sheer lack of basic disabled friendly infrastructure in the National Para Athletics Championship that was held in 2015.
The venue too was an undersconstruction building at a village in Ghaziabad where rooms allotted to various national teams had no furniture at all.
Tomar had admitted that there was "goof-up" on the part of his officials but sought to lay the blame on the government which he said has not given any fund and refused to arrange for a proper venue to host the event.
"I had approached the ministry to provide their facility to host the event but Sports Authority of India refused saying that their venues are being used by abled-bodied athletes. I did not have a venue to host the event. So, I said yes when the Uttar Pradesh unit of the PCI offered to host the event," Tomar said.
10:21 AP: 20 red sandalwood smugglers killed in encounter in Chittoor
The Andhra Pradesh police on Tuesday shot dead at least 20 red sandalwood smugglers in a major encounter in Chittoor district of the state, television reports said.
According to reports, the encounter is still on and many others have sustained serious injuries due to heavy exchange of gunfire from both sides.
Initial reports suggest that a group of heavily armed smugglers attacked the cops during a combing operation, which resulted in severe retaliation from the police personnel.
More details are awaited.
10:04 VK Singh finds evacuating Indians from Yemen less exciting than visiting Pakistan embassy
Zee News reports: Minister of State (External Affairs) VK Singh has again stirred up a controversy by saying that overseeing the evacuation of Indians from war-torn Yemen is less exciting than going to the Pakistani embassy.
Singh, former Army chief, who is camping in Djibouti to oversee evacuation of Indians from Yemen, made the comments early Tuesday while briefing the media about the rescue operation of fellow citizens.
Singh termed the evacuation process a difficult task and said that the government is trying its best to evacuate as many people as soon as possible.
Last month, Singh had raked up a controversy by tweeting with the hashtag "DISGUST" after attending the Pakistan Day celebrations in New Delhi.
Singh had said that he was asked by the government to represent it at the Pakistan National Day reception at the Pakistani High Commission here.
09:54 Bihar MP's son, nephew thrashed in Delhi over parking dispute
Son and nephew of Bihar's Jehanabad MP Arun Kumar were allegedly thrashed in south Delhi's Hauz Khas area by their neighbour and his friends over a parking dispute, police said on Monday.
Kumar's son Rituraj suffered a shoulder dislocation, while nephew Rishabh was also injured in the incident which took place Sunday evening. Both of them are in their early twenties.
Three persons, identified as Manohar Lal, Ramesh and Rajkumar, have been arrested, a senior police official said.
According to the complaint filed by Rishabh, they had returned from Kumar's South Avenue official residence to South Extension part II where they live with their maternal aunt and sister around 9:40 pm.
"When they reached home, they found several scooties parked outside their gate which belonged to people who had come to their neighbour's place," the official said.
An argument ensued between the two parties over the issue during which Manohar Lal and his friends thrashed Rituraj and Rishabh and even misbehaved with women of their family who tried to intervene, he added.
09:28 Smriti voyeur case: Goa Police summons FabIndia top bosses
Goa Police has summoned top officials of FabIndia for questioning in connection with the voyeurism case filed against the outlet's staff after Union HRD Minister Smriti Irani alleged last week that the store had a CCTV camera suspiciously placed near the trial room.
Reports, Tuesday, said that Goa Crime Branch has issued summons to FabIndia's Chief Executive Officer Subrata Dutta, Managing Director William Bissell and nine other top officials asking them to remain present for the investigation.
"Both of them have informed us that they will remain present before the investigating officer, " Superintendent of Police Kartik Kashyap had told reporters yesterday.
Goa Police had reiterated that all the persons involved in the voyeurism case, registered following the complaint by Irani, would be brought to book and "other victims" too would be called for recording their statements.
09:06 Neeraj Bawana, Delhi's most wanted criminal, arrested
The Delhi Police on Tuesday arrested 'most wanted criminal' Neeraj Bawana.
Bawana is an extortionist, who targets rich businessmen and realtors in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR).
Bawana, wanted in several cases of murder and extortion, last year figured in in the list of 10 'most wanted criminals' compiled by the Delhi Police.
He is the resident of Bawana in Delhi's outer district.
08:40 RBI credit policy today; interest rates unlikely to be lowered
Reserve Bank is expected to leave the repo rate unchanged during its annual monetary policy on Tuesday due to increased food prices after unseasonable rains in various parts of the country.
However, RBI may indicate a rate cut in future after some improvement on the price front.
RBI had lowered its policy rate by 25 basis points to 7.5 percent on March 4, after a similar cut on January 15, on the back of softening inflation and the government's commitment to continue with the fiscal consolidation programme. Both the rate cuts were announced outside RBI's regular policy review.
The CRR has been kept at 4 percent since 2013, while RBI had brought down SLR by 50 bps in February 2015.
The unseasonal rainfall in recent weeks across the northern and central regions of the country have sparked expectations that the RBI might wait till the full impact of the weather disturbance becomes evident and keep the key policy rates unchanged at the forthcoming review on April 7.
08:35 Rain, storm could spoil IPL inauguration, opening match
After upsetting the practice session, rain and thunderstorm could play spoilsport at the opening ceremony of the Indian Premier League tournament, slated to be held at the Salt Lake stadium here on Tuesday, according to the Met Office forecast.
Wednesday's IPL opener between Kolkata Knight Riders and Mumbai Indians at the Eden Gardens here also looks threatened with heavy showers predicted on the day.
Regional Meteorological Centre director G.C. Debnath said apart from the showers, there is a high chance of a thunderstorm striking Kolkata and the surrounding 50 km area on Tuesday afternoon.
The two-hour gala featuring Bollywood stars Farhan Akhtar, Shahid Kapoor, Anushka Sharma, Pritam and Hrithik Roshan is scheduled to start at 7:30 pm.
08:19 4th man charged in NYC over Islamic State recruitment plot
A fourth man has been charged in a terrorism case accusing him of raising money for a plot to have US residents travel overseas to fight for the Islamic State group.
Dilkhayot Kasimov was named with three other previously charged defendants in a revised indictment unsealed in federal court in Brooklyn yesterday. He faces charges of conspiracy and attempting to provide material support to a terrorist organisation.
Prosecutors accused Kasimov of working closely with another man, Abror Habibov, to raise USD 1,600 for a third, Akhror Saidakhmetov, to travel to Syria to join the Islamic State militant group, also known as ISIS or ISIL. Saidakhmetov was carrying the cash when he was intercepted at John F Kennedy International Airport on February 25 trying to board a flight to Turkey, court papers say.
After being detained on immigration charges, Kasimov admitted he delivered the money to the 19-year-old Saidakhmetov and knew that the teen "might be" traveling to Syria, court papers say. Agents also uncovered "electronic communications in which Kasimov encouraged others to participate in violent jihad," they said.
Kasimov "served as a money man in support of a co-defendant's efforts to join ISIL," Diego Rodriguez, head of New York's FBI office, said in a statement.
There was no immediate response to inquiries yesterday with the US Attorney's office in Brooklyn about when Kasimov would appear in court or if he had a lawyer.
03:50 UN demands access to Yarmouk refugee camp in Damascus
The UN Security Council has demanded humanitarian access to the Palestinian refugee camp of Yarmouk in Damascus.
One UN official described the situation for the 18,000 refugees there as "beyond inhumane".
The situation has deteriorated since 1 April, when Islamic State launched an offensive.
03:48 Turkey lifts ban on Twitter as it removes photos of prosecutor
Turkey today blocked access to Twitter, Facebook and YouTube over the publication of images of a Turkish prosecutor killed by leftist militants during a hostage standoff last week.
The online sites were inaccessible for many users in Turkey, with the Hurriyet newspaper saying that service providers received an order from prosecutors to block those three internet giants as well as other websites.
03:46 UN Security Council condemns siege of Syrias Yarmouk Camp
The U.N. Security Council has strongly condemned the siege of a Palestinian refugee camp in the Syrian capital by self-proclaimed Islamic State militants and fighters from the Nusra Front.
In an emergency session Monday, the Council called for the protection and safe evacuation of civilians and access for humanitarian aid workers to the approximately 18,000 people still living in the Yarmouk camp.Reports emerged last week that fighters from the two armed groups had seized large parts of the camp on the outskirts of Damascus.
02:03 Artists place Snowden statue in New York park
A group of artists today installed a bust of fugitive US intelligence analyst Edward Snowden on a war memorial in a New York park, though authorities quickly removed the illicit statue.
The trio of artists placed the bronze-looking bust atop a column on a memorial to Revolutionary War soldiers in Brooklyn's Fort Greene Park, just before dawn. The name "Snowden" was also affixed to the bottom of the column.
02:02 Islamists kidnap then free 300 Kurds in Syria
Islamist fighters today kidnapped some 300 Kurdish civilians at a checkpoint in northwestern Syria, holding them several hours before setting them free, Kurdish officials and a monitor said.
Newaf Khalil, a spokesman for the Kurdish Democratic Union Party (PYD), said the group had been detained by Jaysh al-Islam, a powerful Islamist group allied to Al-Nusra Front, Al-Qaeda's Syrian affiliate.
01:18 Yemen clashes kill more than 140 as aid delayed
Fierce clashes raged today between rebels and loyalists in southern Yemen, leaving more than 140 dead in 24 hours, as the Red Cross faced delays to urgently needed aid deliveries.
Relief workers have warned of a dire situation in the impoverished Arabian Peninsula state, where a Saudi-led coalition is waging war on Iran-backed Huthi Shiite rebels.
The bloodiest fighting occurred between rebels and loyalists of President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi in the main southern city of Aden, officials said.
00:36 Donetsk separatists release 16 captured Ukrainian soldiers
Pro-Russian separatists in Ukraine's eastern region of Donetsk have freed 16 Ukrainian prisoners of war.The release happened on April 6 and the separatists said that it was a unilateral gesture.
Darya Morozova, the so-called ombudsman of the self-proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic (DNR), said the 16 were the last Ukrainian soldiers held as prisoners by the DNR.
00:27 Turkey maintains block on YouTube, Twitter access restored
A Turkish court Monday banned access to Twitter Inc. and Google Inc.'s YouTube for failing to remove content related to a deadly hostage crisis last week, marking the second time in a year that the social-media platforms have been blocked after getting mired in Turkey's political turmoil.
The blackout came after an Istanbul court ordered the two U.S. companies, as well asFacebook Inc. and dozens of other local and foreign websites, to take down images, voice and videos recordings linked to the hostage crisis, threatening a blanket blockade for noncompliance.
By Monday evening, Twitter access was restored as authorities said the microblogging service confirmed it had removed tweets containing the banned material and listed in the court decision, while YouTube remained blocked.
00:25 Obama defends preliminary Iran deal, calling it 'our best bet'
US President Barack Obama strongly defended last week's framework nuclear deal with Iran as a "once in a lifetime opportunity" to curb the spread of nuclear weapons in the Middle East, The New York Times reported Monday.
"This is our best bet by far to make sure Iran doesn't get a nuclear weapon," Obama said in an interview with Thomas L. Friedman, an Op-Ed columnist for The Times.
00:23 Gardner Taylor, preacher and civil rights figure, dies at 96
A pastor who played a key role in the American civil rights movement has died. The Progressive National Baptist Convention says the Rev. Gardner Taylor died yesterday.
He was 96 and lived in North Carolina. Taylor was the grandson of former slaves who gained national prominence as pastor of the Concord Baptist Church of Christ in Brooklyn.
00:23 Top headlines in that last 24 hours
Rahul's return: Cong gears up to ensure good show at farmers' rally
Yemen: 3,300 Indians out so far; operation Rahat to wrap up soon
IAS officer's death: K'taka govt removes deadline after CBI refuses probe
'There is nothing unconstitutional or illegal about ordinances'
In Meerut, no cry of justice for Hashimpura victims
Yemen: 3,300 Indians out so far; operation Rahat to wrap up soon
IAS officer's death: K'taka govt removes deadline after CBI refuses probe
'There is nothing unconstitutional or illegal about ordinances'
In Meerut, no cry of justice for Hashimpura victims
00:20 Jordan evacuates almost 300 nationals from Yemen
Jordan has evacuated almost 300 nationals from conflict-hit Yemen, where it has joined a Saudi-led coalition waging air raids on Shiite rebels, a foreign ministry spokesman said today.
Spokesman Sabah al-Rafei said 130 Jordanians returned home from Yemen today, travelling overland from neighbouring Saudi Arabia, bringing the total number of evacuees to 287.
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