Live! Don't use Godse as a publicity tool: Tushar Gandhi

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Sun, 01 February 2015

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20:21 After Delhi, BJP will win in UP too: V K Singh

Asserting that BJP will register a landslide victory in the Delhi elections, Union Minister V K Singh today said his party will also win the Uttar Pradesh Assembly polls.

The Union minister of state for external affairs said his Bharatiya Janata Party will register a landslide victory in the Delhi elections and was also preparing for assembly polls in Uttar Pradesh slated for 2016.

Singh, a former army chief, was here to attend a event in Sahibabad on the occasion of birth anniversary of Bharat Ratna Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya and Swami Vivekananda.

Some attempts were allegedly made by a senior bureaucrat to stop the arrest of former Union Minister Mantang Sinh who was picked up by the CBI in connection with the multi-crore Shardha scam, agency sources claimed today.

While the CBI was officially mum on the alleged pressure, sources in the agency claimed that phone calls were being received from a senior bureaucrat to the top brass of the agency for preventing the arrest of Sinh, who was Minister of State in Home in P V Narasimha Rao's cabinet.

Sinh was arrested yesterday.

Criticising those 'glorifying' Nathuram Godse, Mahatma Gandhi's great grandson Tushar Gandhi has said people who know little about the Mahatma's assassin were using him as a 'tool' to build an image.

"People used Bapu as a means for their publicity. Now don't use Godse for it.... First understand Godse. How much do the people who are praising Godse know about him. Are they using Godse as a ladder to build a certain image," he told PTI.

Asked about attempts by a right wing Hindu organisation of Uttar Pradesh to build a temple dedicated to Godse,55-year- old Tushar said, "The society has room for all thoughts. Like we believe in Bapu and his idealogy of non-violence, the others who have faith in hatred and enmity too have the freedom to do so. The society should be left to choose the principles it wants to follow."

The police today rescued 49 persons, including 21 children, while they were being illegally ferried to neighbouring Andhra Pradesh to work as labourers, the police said.

"We have arrested four persons, including one middle man, who were found engaged in taking the poor people by luring them with good food and handsome wage," said Dinabandhu Behera, inspector-in-charge of Motu police station.

According to Behera, police swung into action following a tip-off from the Child Welfare Committee, Malkangiri. Of the 21 children, 16 were girls. The children were between the age of nine years to 16 years, he said.

India and China today exchanged notes on modalities for opening the second route for people undertaking the Kailash-Manasarovar Yatra in Tibet via Sikkim, expected to benefit Indian pilgrims.

The route through Nathu La Pass will facilitate comfortable travel for Indian pilgrims by buses. "India-China exchange notes on modalities for additional route for Kailash Manasarovar Yatra in 2015," Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Syed Akbaruddin tweeted.

The notes were exchanged between officials of the two sides after visiting External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj held talks with her Chinese counterpart Wang Yi.

Faced with criticism over the government issuing several ordinances, Union Minister M Venkaiah Naidu today said the government has "no fancy for issuing ordinances" and that the Opposition should allow the Parliament to function properly.

"Nobody has got a fancy for issuing ordinances. We don't want to issue ordinances. But a violent minority cannot obstruct a silent majority from taking the country's development forward," the parliamentary aAffairs minister said.

Noting that it is the right of the opposition parties to oppose the government, he said they can resort to democratic methods, like walkout to register their protest.

Records related to the 1857 mutiny are in Urdu and not in a condition to be copied, according to National Archives of India, which expressed its inability to provide an RTI applicant with the information.

RTI activist Salim Beg, who filed the query, also wanted to know details about the freedom fighters up to the end of the British rule.

On the query seeking information on those who contributed in the 1857 mutiny and on various movements and meetings related to freedom struggle, the NAI said, "The records are available with the department in Urdu and are not in a condition to be copied."

Replying to the query related to freedom fighters, the department said, "Providing this information needs a lot of analysis. "

And in the absence of definitive context e.g. file number, department/ ministry, branch/section sharing the information warrants a lot of research. As per the rules, Central Public Information Officer needs to provide information available with government bodies and not conduct researches on behalf of any applicant," the RTI reply said.

The NAI said that extensive records relating to that period are available with it and any Indian citizen is entitled to access and study them on any working day, according to the Public Records Act, 1993.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today sought a majority for BJP in Delhi by presenting himself as a "lucky" person as he ridiculed his rivals for giving all credit for "successes" during his tenure to his good fortune only.

Addressing a rally here, he talked about the performance of his eight-month-old government and said the prices of commodities like petrol and diesel have come down, benefitting the people and helping them save some money.

The "rivals", particularly the Congress, say the prices have come down just because he is "lucky", he said, adding "Do you want a lucky person or someone who is less lucky?

Congress President Sonia Gandhi today slammed Prime Minister Narendra Modi and AAP chiefArvind Kejriwal, saying one was a "pracharak" and the other a"dharnebaaj", as she asked voters to save Delhi from those who make only "hollow promises".

"While one party has a pracharak, who only does 'prachar' the other just has a dharnebaaj, who is all the time busy organising dharnas. Delhi needs good governance and not false promises... BJP and AAP can only talk big and make hollow promises.

"There is a need to be careful of those doing politics of pretension. The country is not run by mere slogans," she said.

16:26 Modi addresses rally in Dwarka

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is addressing an election rally at DDA ground sector 14 in Dwarka in Delhi.

Read this story HERE

US President Barack Obama will appear at a high-profile public event this week that the exiled Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama is also attending, a move that is set to anger China.

Obama will address attendees about the importance of religious freedom on February 5 at the annual National Prayer Breakfast.

The 14th Dalai Lama, who fled Tibet in 1959 after a failed uprising against Chinese rule in his Himalayan homeland and has lived in exile in India ever since, has also been invited to the meeting.

Beijing accuses the Dalai Lama, 79, of being a separatist seeking to split Tibet from the rest of China and of fomenting unrest in the remotely-located strategic region.

15:53

Congress president Sonia Gandhi slammed the Modi government for making changes in Land bill and other people-friendly measures brought by UPA at a rally in new Delhi.

15:25 US company pays cash for your poo!

An American non-profit is paying healthy people $40 for each sample of their poo in an effort to gather more materials for fecal microbiota transplants.

FMT is a relatively new but 90 per cent effective treatment for the debilitating Clostridium difficile infection. Although many can carry the C difficile bacteria and suffer no ill effects, others will experience severe diarrhea, abdominal pain and fever.

FMT involves introducing the stool containing microbes that include bacteria, fungi and viruses from a healthy donor into the gut of the person suffering a C difficile infection.

A chemical weapons expert who once worked for longtime dictator Saddam Hussain and was preparing to defend the biggest city in the Islamic State with poison gas has been killed in a US-led air strike in northern Iraq.

Salih Jasim al-Sabawi alias Abu Malik was killed in an air strike near the ISIS-held city of Mosul on January 24, The Telegraph reported.

Malik, who is believed to have worked for Saddam's poison gas programme before it was dismantled in the 1990s, may have been tasked to prepare poison gas to hold Mosul, it said, quoting Hamish de Bretton Gordon, former commander of the British army's defences against chemical and biological weapons.

Nearly 200 foreign tourists had a narrow escape when a fire broke out in one of the two engines of an international luxury train soon after it departed from Thailand's western Kanchanaburi station today.

The fire broke out in Eastern Oriental Express carrying tourists mostly from Europe at 8.20 am local time, police said. There were no reports of deaths or injuries, but the fire caused severe damage to the engine.

Pichitsamart Suntaranusorn, one of the two train drivers, said he noticed heavy smoke coming out of the front engine when the train was about 500 metres from Don Rak station. He and the other train driver stopped the train and disconnected the front engine.

A fire has destroyed parts of one of Russia's largest public libraries, containing millions of items.

The blaze began late on Friday at the Institute of Scientific Information on Social Sciences in a south-western district of the capital, Moscow.The roof collapsed but the library's rare medieval Slavic texts appear undamaged.

Read the full story HERE

AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal has once again apologised for his actions during his 49-day tenure as chief minister of Delhi last year and promised not to quit again.

"Many people across Delhi feel that our actions have let them down. In May (last year), we apologised to the people of Delhi for the disappointment caused; and in case you missed it the first time, I do so again - so you hear us loud and clear," he said.

"We did not lie, and we did not steal. However, I acknowledge that people were still hurt by our actions, because what AAP represents is bigger than all of us. People felt hurt that they invested so much of themselves in a party and movement that was seen to have walked away," Kejriwal said writing on the NDTV website.

Kejriwal, who quit on February 14 last year just 49 days after being sworn-in, has faced flak for his decision to resign mid-way.

13:20 Modi to visit China in May: Swaraj

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit China in May this year, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said today ahead of her meeting with her Chinese counterpart Wang Yi.

"Modiji is going to come in May. I will give them dates today. This is a preparatory visit," she told the Indian media after she addressed the Indian Community here.

The National Investigation Agency has recommended departmental action with severe punishment against at least five officials of the Delhi police's elite special cell for allegedly fabricating a case against a resident of Kashmir and projecting him as a 'suicide attacker' of Hizbul Mujahideen terror group.

They include an officer of the rank of an assistant commissioner of police and a couple of inspectors who had allegedly connived with Aslam Halka, who had gone to Nepal to receive Liyakat Shah, a resident of Lolab in North Kashmir, official sources said.

They said the NIA has recommended regular departmental action with major penalty for the officials of the anti-terror cell ofthe Delhi police. NIA had submitted a report on the role of the Delhi police's special cell officials after which top sources in the home ministry indicated that tough action will be taken against the delinquent officers who had allegedly "framed and fabricated" terror charges against Shah.

On her maiden visit to China, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj today proposed a six point "template" to broad base Sino-India engagement with an action oriented approach to usher in Asian century.

Addressing an India-China Media forum at the start of her visit here, Swaraj proposed the two countries should follow action oriented approach, broad base bilateral engagement, convergence of common, regional and global interests, develop new areas of cooperation, expand strategic communication, fullfill common aspirations to usher "Asian century".

Highlighting that her visit is taking place against the backdrop of new government taking over office in India with a decisive mandate, Swaraj said the Prime Minister Narendra Modi led government propelled the aspiration of young, vibrant and enterprising generation.

Congress leader Digvijay Singh today attacked Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his charge that Congress ruined the country and accused him of "U turn" on policy issues, which he had earlier opposed.

"Modi in his campaign had blamed Congress for ruining India in its 60 Yrs of misrule ! Would he pl tell us which UPA Policy has he reversed ? "Another U Turn by Modi! Biggest critic of Direct Benefit Transfer Scheme now supports ! Mr PM at least be magnanimous and give Credit to UPA," Singh said on Twitter.

12:13 Cong, BJP, AAP field just 19 women candidates

Assurances on women safety are galore in the national capital in the run up to the Delhi Assembly polls but when it comes to fielding women candidates, the major parties in the fray have fared poorly.

A total of 19 women candidates have been fielded by three major political parties in the contest- BJP, Congress and AAP in the election for the 70-member House. BJP has given tickets to maximum number of women candidates for the February 7 polls including its chief ministerial nominee Kiran Bedi who is contesting from Krishna Nagar.

The party has fielded eight women including former Union minister Krishna Tirath from Patel Nagar, former DUSU presidents Rekha Gupta from Shalimar Bagh and Nupur Sharma from high-profile New Delhi constituency, Kiran Vaidya from Trilokpuri, Rajni Abbi from Timarpur, homoeopathy practitioner Nandini Sharma from Malviya Nagar and former South Delhi mayor Sarita Chaudhary from Mehrauli.

12:02 A tipping point for Japan's foreign policy

In Japan "I am Kenji' has replaced "I am Charlie' as the rallying cry of choice. The Kenji in question is Kenji Goto, a respected freelance journalist captured by militants from Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (Isis) in Syria.

On Saturday, a video was released of Mr Goto wearing a now all-too-familiar orange jump suit.

Read this article HERE

Actress Geraldine McEwan, who is known for playing the title character in Agatha Christie's 'Marple', has died at the age of 82 in Charing Cross Hospital in London.

The British actress died on January 30 following a stroke at the end of October, her family said, reported BBC online.

Confirming the news in a joint statement, her children Greg and Claudia said: "Following a stroke at the end of October and a period in hospital, Geraldine McEwan passed away peacefully on January 30. Her family would like to thank the staff at Charing Cross Hospital who cared for her incredibly well."

Actress Geraldine McEwan, who is known for playing the title character in Agatha Christie's 'Marple', has died at the age of 82 in Charing Cross Hospital in London.

The British actress died on January 30 following a stroke at the end of October, her family said, reported BBC online.

A government-appointed committee has recommended constitution of a SIT for re-investigation of the 1984 anti-Sikh riot cases.

The committee headed by former Supreme Court Judge Justice (retd) G P Mathur has submitted its report to Home Minister Rajnath Singh last week and recommended fresh probe of the anti-Sikh riot cases through a Special Investigation Team, official sources said. An order to this effect is likely after the February 7 Delhi assembly polls as the Model Code of Conduct is in place in the national capital now, the sources said.

The anti-Sikhs riots were triggered after former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi was assassinated by her Sikh bodyguards on October 31, 1984.

Of the 3,325 victims, 2,733 were killed in Delhi alone while the rest were from Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and other states.

00:16 This is how ISIS sends jihadis to Europe

An ISIS operative traveled across the Syrian border late last year, settled in a Turkish port city, and began work on a mission to sneak jihadis into Europe.

It has been successful, he said, in an interview near the Turkey-Syria border: "Just wait".

The operative, a Syrian in his thirties with a close-cropped black beard, said ISIS is sending covert fighters to Europe -- as did two smugglers who said they have helped.

He smuggles them from Turkey in small groups, he said, hidden in cargo ships filled with hundreds of refugees.

He said the fighters intend to fulfill ISIS's threat to stage attacks in the West. He views this as retaliation for US-led airstrikes against the group that began in Iraq last summer and Syria last fall.

"If someone attacks me," he said, speaking with BuzzFeed News on condition of anonymity, "then for sure I will attack them back."

Read more HERE

Chhattisgarh is the theme state of the 29th Surajkund International Crafts Mela which begins today and will see participation of 18 countries.

The event will be inaugurated by Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal in the presence of Chhatisgarh Chief Minister Raman Singh, Union Ministers Mahesh Sharma and Krishan Pal and others.

Chhattisgarh will be showcasing its unique cultural and historical heritage in an impressive manner. The state will present its tribal heritage and culture, which is still found well-preserved in the forests of Bastar.

The artistes from Chhattisgarh will put up a vibrant show with folk dances namely Panthi, Rawat Nacha Pandwani, Chaitra,

Kaksar, Saila and Soowa.

Lebanon, the 'Partner Nation' of the Mela this year, will unveil its ancient heritage of creating crafts in style. The craftspersons, cultural troupes and master chefs from the Mediterranean nation will exhibit their skills to enthral visitors during the mela.

Many new initiatives have been undertaken for this year's event. A free mobile application 'Surajkund Mela' has also been launched for smartphones and online ticketing. Entry tickets will also be available at 22 Delhi Metro stations.

About 15 countries from Europe and Africa, including SAARC countries participated in the event last year.

The pay packages offered to IIT Bombay students during their campus placements have always made it to the headlines.

A recent survey, however, shows that despite hefty amounts, many of these students don't always stick to their jobs for a long time.

More than 37 per cent of students taking up jobs out of campus placements in IIT-Bombay have switched jobs at least once in 2-3 years, says a survey by Insight, the students' media body of IIT-Bombay.

Also, 50 per cent of the respondents who changed jobs seem to think that there are issues with the placement process, said the survey 'Post-Placement Dilemma'.

Read more HERE

Nine persons, who had reached Istanbul on tourist visas from Bengaluru, were detained by Turkish authorities while they were trying to cross over to Syria, and deported to India with the city police stating it is probing whether they have any links with terror group ISIS.

These individuals had reached Istanbul on tourist visas on December 24 last from Bengaluru and were sent back to India on January 30, by Turkish authorities, Bengaluru City Police Commissioner M N Reddi said.

"On their arrival at BIAL, they (nine individuals) were questioned by the Bengaluru City Police along with central agencies regarding the circumstances of their visit to Turkey," Reddi said in a statement.

"Enquiry is going on into their background and motive behind travelling to Syria via Turkey," he said.

Police sources said it was also being probed whether these people had any plan to join ISIS.

Turkish authorities had detained these individuals at the Turkish border while they were trying to cross over to Syria, Reddi said.

They have been identified as Muhammed Abdul Ahad (46) and his family consisting of his wife and five children, natives of Chennai, Javeed Baba (24) native of Khammam district, Telangana, and Ibrahim Nowfal (24) of Hassan, Karnataka, he said.

00:09 Top headlines at this hour:

PMO wanted Modi reference in my letter deleted: Sujatha Singh

Hyderabad girl drops plan to join ISIS; returns from Turkey

AAP a 'backstabber'; Bedi will take Delhi to new heights: Modi

Saradha scam: Former Union minister Matang Sinh arrested, grilled

Do you want a 'govt of dharnas', Amit Shah asks Delhi

Tendulkar stars as chaotic National Games kick off

Inspirational Serena claims milestone Slam

In Case You Missed: Saturday's commentary

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