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Sat, 18 July 2015
LIVE: 4-storey building collapses in West Delhi, 15 trapped
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23:13 4-storey building collapses in West Delhi, 15 trapped
A four-storey building collapsed on Saturday night in Vishnu Garden area of west Delhi and over 15 people were feared trapped under the debris. Eight fire tenders, teams of National Disaster Relief Force, local police and officials from district administration have rushed to the spot to rescue those trapped in the debris.
"We received the call about the building collapse at 9.07 pm and immediately eight fire tenders were rushed to the spot to rescue the affected people. It is a four-storey building and many people are feared to be trapped, a fire department official told PTI.
A senior official of local administration said 15-20 people are feared trapped in the debris.
Deputy Commissioner of Police of West Delhi Pushpendra Kumar said that the building in Vishnu Garden in Khayala area caved in and NDRF, local police and civil administration were carrying out a rescue operation.
21:50 Saudi arrests 431 ISIS-linked suspects in Riyadh
Saudi Arabia arrested 431 people as part of a crackdown on a cluster of cells linked to the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria militant group, the kingdom's Ministry of Interior said.
Authorities also thwarted seven mosque attacks that had been planned by the suspects in the capital Riyadh as well as the Eastern Province, MOI Spokesman Maj. Gen. Mansour Al Turki said in a press conference carried by Al Arabiya News Channel.
Read this story HERE
21:45 3 UK tourists held in China after watching Genghis Khan docu
The three include Hoosain Jacobs, 74, and his wife Tahira, 68, from west London, who were among a tour group detained by officials during a seven-week trip to China.
The visit went "horribly wrong" when the group of 20 were arrested at Ordos Airport, Inner Mongolia, on July 10. Of this group 11 people, including six British nationals, have already been deported.
It was originally thought members of the group might have been watching videos linked to propaganda or terrorism, but it has now emerged they were watching a documentary on Mongol emperor Genghis Khan.
20:33 Somnath Chatterjee to be back in CPI-M soon
even years after his expulsion, veteran Marxist and former Lok Sabha Speaker Somnath Chatterjee is likely to be reinducted into the CPI(M) shortly.
The homecoming of the 86-year-old former MP, who had served 10 terms in Lok Sabha, is on the basis of a recommendation by the party's West Bengal state unit, highly-placed sources in the party said. The recommendation was under the active consideration of the CPI-M's top leadership, they said. For the second time in three weeks, party General Secretary Sitaram Yechury will share dais with Chatterjee at his hometown Bolpur tomorrow at a Shantiniketan college function, where the former has spent over Rs one crore from his MPLAD funds.
Earlier this month, Chatterjee had joined Yechury and top West Bengal party leaders including Biman Basu and Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee at a programme to mark the 102nd birth anniversary of party patriarch Jyoti Basu.
20:18 It's not Left-Right battle at FTII: Richa Chadha
Actress Richa Chadha and "Masaan" director Neeraj Ghaywan today said the ongoing agitation against Gajendra Chauhan as FTII chairman is not a battle of ideologies and the "Mahabharat" actor should resign from the post. "... if the protesting students don't want him, he should resign. It is not Right versus the Left.
The thing is people are questioning the credibility of Gajendra Chauhan. They have nothing against him personally," Richa told PTI in an interview here. Neeraj feels a chairman should be someone who inspires the students.
"It is a clear, no-brainer that he should resign. It is not about a certain ideology or a particular ideology or the RSS. It is a simple fact that the students don't feel inspired by him," said Neeraj, who is in the city to promote "Masaan".
Reacting to the agitation in the premier institute, an article in RSS mouthpiece "Organiser" dubbed the protesting students as "anti-Hindu" and smelt a "conspiracy" behind the demonstrations.
19:37 Modi govt's Pak policy an 'international joke': Cong
As tensions escalated with fresh ceasefire violations by Pakistan, Congress today said India's Pakistan policy under Narendra Modi dispensation has become an "international joke".
"The prime minister must spell out clearly what India has achieved by this so-called joint statement with Pakistan at Ufa... Pakistan has continued to backstab us in the last 15 months," party spokesman R P N Singh told reporters. Attacking Modi for his "prompt" acceptance of Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's invite to visit the neighbouring country, Singh said he must explain to the nation what was the "tearing hurry" in taking the decision as Pakistan has not taken any action against the perpetrators of Mumbai attack.
"There have been more than 800 ceasefire violations. At least a dozen soldiers have lost their lives and 18 civilians have been killed since the time BJP came to power, but Modi has ignored all these sacrifices in order to register his so-called victory in the context of Pakistan policy," he said.
19:19 5 injured in fresh ceasefire violations in Poonch
Hostilities at the border escalated today with fresh ceasefire violations by Pakistan in Rajouri and Poonch sectors on Eid leaving five civilians including three women injured, in six incidents in the last four days.
The Pakistan army used 82 MM mortar shells, RPG, PIKA and MMG fire as they targeted two Indian villages of Jutrian and Kasba in the Poonch sector, a senior Army officer said. "Even as the people were celebrating Eid, Pakistan troops resorted to the use of heavy fire targeting two villages on our side," the officer said.
All the injured have been evacuated and shifted to the district hospital Poonch for treatment, he said. He said that the Indian army retaliated but "We did not increase the calibre of the fire as people across the border are also celebrating Eid today." Amid the prevailing tension, Pakistani Rangers refused to accept sweets offered by BSF, leaving a bitter note on the occasion of Eid.
18:50 ISIS Kills 115 on Eid in one of Iraq's deadliest attacks
An attack by ISIS on a crowded marketplace in Iraq killed 115 people, including women and children, in one of the deadliest single attacks in the country in the past decade.
The mostly-Shiite victims were gathered to mark the end of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, which ended Friday for Iraqi Shiites and a day earlier for Iraqi Sunni Muslims.
The police said a small truck detonated in a crowded marketplace in the town of Khan Beni Saad Friday night in what quickly turned celebrations into a scene of horror, with body parts scattered across the market. At least 170 people were injured.
Read this story HERE
17:45 14 injured in Puri rath yatra
Update: Fourteen people have been injured during the Nabakalebar rath yatra of Lord Jagannath in Puri. Among them 10 were injured after a building roof collpased, CNN IBN reports.
17:34 4 injured in stampede at Puri rath yatra
Four people have been injured in a stampede during the rath yatra in Puri. Two are critical and have been shifted to a hospital in Cuttack.
Amid tight security, the century's first Nabakalebar Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath was held in Puri with fanfare, religious fervour, enthusiasm and a spirit of camaraderie. Lakhs of devotees from across the country and abroad descended on the pilgrim town of Puri in Odisha to witness commencement of the nine-day journey of the new idols of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra to Gundicha Temple and back to their abode.
Amid tight security, the century's first Nabakalebar Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath was held in Puri with fanfare, religious fervour, enthusiasm and a spirit of camaraderie. Lakhs of devotees from across the country and abroad descended on the pilgrim town of Puri in Odisha to witness commencement of the nine-day journey of the new idols of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra to Gundicha Temple and back to their abode.
17:29 : 2 women injured in Poonch as Pak targets villages
Just in: Two women injured in the Poonch sector of Jammu and Kashmir as Pakistani troops target two villages in the district.
The Pakistan army violated ceasefire again along the Line of Control in the Poonch sector of Jammu and Kashmir by targeting several Indian positions with small arm fire, the second such incident in the past 12 hours, an army officer said.
Image: Representation picture
The Pakistan army violated ceasefire again along the Line of Control in the Poonch sector of Jammu and Kashmir by targeting several Indian positions with small arm fire, the second such incident in the past 12 hours, an army officer said.
Image: Representation picture
17:06 Delhi govt order magisterial probe in stabbing of 19-year-old
The Delhi government today ordered a magisterial probe into stabbing of 19-yr-old girl in Anand Parbat area of Delhi.
Meenakshi was with her neighbour, returning home with groceries from a market at Punjabi Basti colony in Anand Parbat, when the accused, Jai Prakash, 22, blocked her way and passed a lewd remark.
Witnesses said Meenakshi protested instantly. Her police complaint in 2013 had led to Prakash and his mother Shashi Bala being taken into preventive custody. Prakash's family had since been pressuring her to withdraw the complaint.
Meenakshi was with her neighbour, returning home with groceries from a market at Punjabi Basti colony in Anand Parbat, when the accused, Jai Prakash, 22, blocked her way and passed a lewd remark.
Witnesses said Meenakshi protested instantly. Her police complaint in 2013 had led to Prakash and his mother Shashi Bala being taken into preventive custody. Prakash's family had since been pressuring her to withdraw the complaint.
16:38 'By 2030, the entire world will be Hindu'
Calling the victory of the Bharatiya Janata Party-led alliance in the 2014 Lok Sabha elections as an initiation of a "revolution" in the country, Vishwa Hindu Parishad patron Ashok Singhal today said by 2020, India would be a Hindu nation.
"I was at the Sai Baba Ashram where Sai Baba told me by 2020 the entire country will be Hindu and 2030 the entire world will be Hindu. I feel that revolution has started," he said at a function attended by External Affairs MinisterSushma Swaraj and other RSS functionaries.
Hailing the coming to power of the Narendra Modi government, he said the victory has put an end to the 800 years of "slavery". "This is not a modest revolution. It will not remain confined to India but present a new ideology before the world," he said.
He was speaking at a programme for release of a book on the life and work of former RSS chief K S Sudarshan, who died last year with speakers remembering him as someone who encouraged promotion of 'swadeshi' model for the country's development.
"I was at the Sai Baba Ashram where Sai Baba told me by 2020 the entire country will be Hindu and 2030 the entire world will be Hindu. I feel that revolution has started," he said at a function attended by External Affairs MinisterSushma Swaraj and other RSS functionaries.
Hailing the coming to power of the Narendra Modi government, he said the victory has put an end to the 800 years of "slavery". "This is not a modest revolution. It will not remain confined to India but present a new ideology before the world," he said.
He was speaking at a programme for release of a book on the life and work of former RSS chief K S Sudarshan, who died last year with speakers remembering him as someone who encouraged promotion of 'swadeshi' model for the country's development.
16:24 Iran nuclear deal will make America and world safer, says Obama
The agreement reached between Iran and six major powers to limit its sensitive nuclear activities will make America and the world more secure, United States President Barack Obama said today as he sought support from his countrymen over the issue.
In his weekly address to the nation, Obama said, "It might not come around again in our lifetimes. That's why we're going to seize it today and keep America a beacon of hope, liberty, and leadership for generations to come," he said.
"This deal will make America and the world safer and more secure," he said. Obama said though this deal does not resolve all of the threats Iran poses to its neighbours and the world, but it would ensure Iran does not obtain a nuclear weapon.
"This deal actually closes off Iran's pathway to a nuclear weapon," he argued. Today, Iran has enough nuclear material to produce up to 10 nuclear weapons, he said, adding under the deal, Iran will have to ship 98 per cent of that material out of the country.
"With this deal, they'll have to re-purpose two key nuclear facilities so they can't produce materials that could be used for a nuclear weapon," he said.
So this deal actually pushes Iran further away from a bomb. And there's a permanent prohibition on Iran ever having a nuclear weapon, the US president said. "Second, you might hear from critics that Iran could just ignore what's required and do whatever they want. That they're inevitably going to cheat. Well, that's wrong, too," Obama said adding that with this deal, US will have unprecedented, 24/7 monitoring of Iran's key nuclear facilities.
In his weekly address to the nation, Obama said, "It might not come around again in our lifetimes. That's why we're going to seize it today and keep America a beacon of hope, liberty, and leadership for generations to come," he said.
"This deal will make America and the world safer and more secure," he said. Obama said though this deal does not resolve all of the threats Iran poses to its neighbours and the world, but it would ensure Iran does not obtain a nuclear weapon.
"This deal actually closes off Iran's pathway to a nuclear weapon," he argued. Today, Iran has enough nuclear material to produce up to 10 nuclear weapons, he said, adding under the deal, Iran will have to ship 98 per cent of that material out of the country.
"With this deal, they'll have to re-purpose two key nuclear facilities so they can't produce materials that could be used for a nuclear weapon," he said.
So this deal actually pushes Iran further away from a bomb. And there's a permanent prohibition on Iran ever having a nuclear weapon, the US president said. "Second, you might hear from critics that Iran could just ignore what's required and do whatever they want. That they're inevitably going to cheat. Well, that's wrong, too," Obama said adding that with this deal, US will have unprecedented, 24/7 monitoring of Iran's key nuclear facilities.
15:41 Pak pounds Indian posts at Poonch
Pakistan has once again violated ceasefire in the Poonch sector of Jammu and Kashmir.
Last night, Pakistani troops targeted several Indian positions in the Naushera sector of Rajouri district of Jammu and Kashmir.
Last night, Pakistani troops targeted several Indian positions in the Naushera sector of Rajouri district of Jammu and Kashmir.
15:37 BCCI took no action to clean up IPL mess, says former chief
Former BCCI president Shashank Manohar today said that the Board did not take any timely steps to clean up the mess in the Indian Premier League and now it has no choice but to comply with Lodha Committee's recommendations.
"The BCCI has done nothing to improve its image and now the Board has no option but to implement Lodha Committee's findings," Manohar told reporters in Kolkata.
He insisted that the BCCI's indifference compelled the Supreme Court-appointed Lodha Committee to take action. "There has been no action from the BCCI to clean the mess and the Board's work is done by the court. The BCCI has to be proactive and look at the interest of the institution and not that of an individual in order to re-impose faith in the minds of the people," Manohar, who met the current BCCI president Jagmohan Dalmiya, said.
Manohar criticised N Srinivasan, saying that the Tamil Nadu strongman should have stepped down as BCCI president when the spot-fixing scandal first broke out in 2013. "Srinivasan should have stepped down in 2013, no individual is ahead of institution and he too is the root of all scandal and should immediately step down from his position as chairman of ICC," he said.
"The BCCI has done nothing to improve its image and now the Board has no option but to implement Lodha Committee's findings," Manohar told reporters in Kolkata.
He insisted that the BCCI's indifference compelled the Supreme Court-appointed Lodha Committee to take action. "There has been no action from the BCCI to clean the mess and the Board's work is done by the court. The BCCI has to be proactive and look at the interest of the institution and not that of an individual in order to re-impose faith in the minds of the people," Manohar, who met the current BCCI president Jagmohan Dalmiya, said.
Manohar criticised N Srinivasan, saying that the Tamil Nadu strongman should have stepped down as BCCI president when the spot-fixing scandal first broke out in 2013. "Srinivasan should have stepped down in 2013, no individual is ahead of institution and he too is the root of all scandal and should immediately step down from his position as chairman of ICC," he said.
15:02 Jammu and Kashmir's special status cannot be altered: HC
In a landmark ruling, the Jammu and Kashmir high court has said that the sovereignty of the state remains "legally and constitutionally" intact and cannot be challenged, altered or abridged.
"The sovereignty of the state of J&K under the rule of Maharaja, even after signing of Instrument of Accession and in view of framing of its own Constitution, thus 'legally and constitutionally remained intact and untampered'," a division bench of the court said.
The bench comprising justices M A Attar and A M Magray made these observations while ruling that the Securitisation and Reconstruction of Financial Assets and Enforcement of Security Interest Act, enacted by Parliament in 2002, cannot be enforced in the state.
The power of Parliament to make laws in respect of the state of Jammu and Kashmir is circumscribed and it can make laws for it only where permitted by state and not other side, and that too in accordance with mechanism prescribed by Article 370 of Constitution of India, the bench observed.
"It has been authoritatively ruled by the Supreme Court that signing of Instrument of Accession did not affect the sovereignty of Maharaja over his State," the court said referring to a judgement of the Supreme Court. The high court, while referring to law laid down by the apex court in some other cases, said "State of J&K occupies a distinct, unique and special position. Thus, in law, the state of J&K constitutes a class in itself and cannot be compared to the other states of the country.
"The sovereignty of the state of J&K under the rule of Maharaja, even after signing of Instrument of Accession and in view of framing of its own Constitution, thus 'legally and constitutionally remained intact and untampered'," a division bench of the court said.
The bench comprising justices M A Attar and A M Magray made these observations while ruling that the Securitisation and Reconstruction of Financial Assets and Enforcement of Security Interest Act, enacted by Parliament in 2002, cannot be enforced in the state.
The power of Parliament to make laws in respect of the state of Jammu and Kashmir is circumscribed and it can make laws for it only where permitted by state and not other side, and that too in accordance with mechanism prescribed by Article 370 of Constitution of India, the bench observed.
"It has been authoritatively ruled by the Supreme Court that signing of Instrument of Accession did not affect the sovereignty of Maharaja over his State," the court said referring to a judgement of the Supreme Court. The high court, while referring to law laid down by the apex court in some other cases, said "State of J&K occupies a distinct, unique and special position. Thus, in law, the state of J&K constitutes a class in itself and cannot be compared to the other states of the country.
14:28 Drone shot down by Pak made in China: Chinese state media
In an embarrassing disclosure for Pakistan, Chinese official media today reported that the "spy"drone Pakistani army shot down along the Line of Control, claiming it belonged to Indian security forces, was made in China.
The drone was "recognised in Beijing as the Chinese made DJI phantom 3," the ruling Communist Party of China-run People's Daily said in a report on its website.
Quoting Shanghai-based Observer website, the report said that the Phantom 3 advanced drone represents the most intelligent, most powerful, and most accessible drone to date. Observer says the drone sells for $1,200 each.
DJI is a Chinese technology company founded in 2006 by Frank Wang and headquartered in Shenzhen, Guangdong. The firm manufactures commercial and recreational unmanned aerial vehicles for aerial photography and videography, it said.
The People's Daily report confirming the Chinese identity of the drone may put Pakistan military in a spot considering the close and strategic ties between Islamabad and Beijing. The Indian Army and the Indian Air Force had already denied the allegations.
The drone was "recognised in Beijing as the Chinese made DJI phantom 3," the ruling Communist Party of China-run People's Daily said in a report on its website.
Quoting Shanghai-based Observer website, the report said that the Phantom 3 advanced drone represents the most intelligent, most powerful, and most accessible drone to date. Observer says the drone sells for $1,200 each.
DJI is a Chinese technology company founded in 2006 by Frank Wang and headquartered in Shenzhen, Guangdong. The firm manufactures commercial and recreational unmanned aerial vehicles for aerial photography and videography, it said.
The People's Daily report confirming the Chinese identity of the drone may put Pakistan military in a spot considering the close and strategic ties between Islamabad and Beijing. The Indian Army and the Indian Air Force had already denied the allegations.
14:23 Iraq car bombing: Toll mounts to 90, 17 missing
The toll for a massive suicide car bomb attack carried out by the Islamic State group north of Baghdad rose to 90 dead and 17 missing today.
A top official in Khan Bani Saad, the predominantly Shiite town 20 kilometres north of Baghdad where the attack occurred yesterday, put the number of wounded at 120. He said 15 children were killed in the attack, which ripped through the heart of the town's market area as people were shopping on the eve of the Eid al-Fitr holiday marking the end of Ramzan, reports AFP.
A top official in Khan Bani Saad, the predominantly Shiite town 20 kilometres north of Baghdad where the attack occurred yesterday, put the number of wounded at 120. He said 15 children were killed in the attack, which ripped through the heart of the town's market area as people were shopping on the eve of the Eid al-Fitr holiday marking the end of Ramzan, reports AFP.
14:09 Minister part of $1 million bribe for Goa project: US firm
A New Jersey-based construction management firm has been charged with bribing Indian officials several crores of rupees to win two major water developmental projects in Goa and in Guwahati.
The bribery of $976,630 for a Goa project by Louis Berger included payments to a minister, details of which have not been disclosed by the US Department of Justice.
Yesterday, the company agreed to pay $17.1 million criminal fine to resolve charges that it bribed officials in India, Indonesia, Vietnam and Kuwait to secure government construction management contracts.
Two of its former executives - Richard Hirsch, 61, of Philippines, and James McClung, 59, of the UAE - pleaded guilty to the bribery charges.
McClung previously served as senior vice president responsible for the firm's operations in India and in Vietnam.
The bribery of $976,630 for a Goa project by Louis Berger included payments to a minister, details of which have not been disclosed by the US Department of Justice.
Yesterday, the company agreed to pay $17.1 million criminal fine to resolve charges that it bribed officials in India, Indonesia, Vietnam and Kuwait to secure government construction management contracts.
Two of its former executives - Richard Hirsch, 61, of Philippines, and James McClung, 59, of the UAE - pleaded guilty to the bribery charges.
McClung previously served as senior vice president responsible for the firm's operations in India and in Vietnam.
13:32 Pak refuses Eid sweets from India solidiers at Wagah
Pakistani soldiers refuse to accept Eid sweets from Indian counterparts at Wagah border.
The tension between India and Pakistan continued as the neighbours once again violated ceasefire today
.A woman was killed and six others, including two BSF jawans, were injured on July 15 in firing and mortar shelling in Jammu district by Pakistan Rangers.On July 9, Pakistani troops had fired at a forward border post in North Kashmir killing a BSF jawan.
Pakistan earlier in the week shot down a drone and claimed it belong to India. However, India has rubbished the allegations.
The tension between India and Pakistan continued as the neighbours once again violated ceasefire today
.A woman was killed and six others, including two BSF jawans, were injured on July 15 in firing and mortar shelling in Jammu district by Pakistan Rangers.On July 9, Pakistani troops had fired at a forward border post in North Kashmir killing a BSF jawan.
Pakistan earlier in the week shot down a drone and claimed it belong to India. However, India has rubbished the allegations.
13:25 Kejriwal picks Prasanna Kumar Suryadevra as adviser to Delhi speaker
Prasanna Kumar Suryadevra is set to occupy the plum post as secretary to the Delhi assembly, reports our correspondent from Delhi.
Born in Khammam, Prasanna was earlier the media adviser to Vice President and Rajya Sabha chairman Hamid Ansari and also worked with former Lok Sabha speaker Somnath Chatterjee.
Till recently, he served as the joint secretary of the Rajya Sabha secretariat and dealt with media relations. An able media handler, he was primarily responsible for turning Rajya Sabha TV to a success.
As AAP has 99 per cent strength in the assembly -- 67 out of 70 member house of Delhi Assembly -- there shall be no opposition to Prasanna's selection to advise the speaker of the Delhi assembly.
Having been closely associated with Leftist movement during college days, Prasanna has been a guiding factor for senior Telugu journalists and is a well-known figure in Central Hall of Parliament.
Born in Khammam, Prasanna was earlier the media adviser to Vice President and Rajya Sabha chairman Hamid Ansari and also worked with former Lok Sabha speaker Somnath Chatterjee.
Till recently, he served as the joint secretary of the Rajya Sabha secretariat and dealt with media relations. An able media handler, he was primarily responsible for turning Rajya Sabha TV to a success.
As AAP has 99 per cent strength in the assembly -- 67 out of 70 member house of Delhi Assembly -- there shall be no opposition to Prasanna's selection to advise the speaker of the Delhi assembly.
Having been closely associated with Leftist movement during college days, Prasanna has been a guiding factor for senior Telugu journalists and is a well-known figure in Central Hall of Parliament.
13:16 Buckingham Palace defends Queen over Nazi salute
Buckingham Palace has said it is disappointed that footage from 1933 showing the Queen performing a Nazi salute has been released, BBC reports.
The Sun has published the film which shows the Queen aged about seven, with her mother, sister and uncle.The palace said it was "disappointing that film, shot eight decades ago... has been obtained and exploited".
The newspaper has refused to say how it got the footage but said it was an "important and interesting story".
Image: The front page of The Sun
Read the full report here
The Sun has published the film which shows the Queen aged about seven, with her mother, sister and uncle.The palace said it was "disappointing that film, shot eight decades ago... has been obtained and exploited".
The newspaper has refused to say how it got the footage but said it was an "important and interesting story".
Image: The front page of The Sun
Read the full report here
12:48 Pakistan violates ceasefire again
Violating the ceasefire again, Pakistani troops targeted several Indian positions in the Naushera sector of Rajouri district of Jammu and Kashmir.
The Pakistani army started "unprovoked" firing on Indian positions at 9:25 last night and the firing lasted till 11:45 pm, a defence spokesman said today. "Our troops effectively retaliated to the unprovoked firing from across the border," the spokesman said.
He said no loss of life or injury was reported from the Indian side when the reports last came in. There has seen a sudden spurt of ceasefire violations from across the border this month.
A woman was killed and six others, including two BSF jawans, were injured on July 15 in firing and mortar shelling in Jammu district by Pakistan Rangers.
The Pakistani army started "unprovoked" firing on Indian positions at 9:25 last night and the firing lasted till 11:45 pm, a defence spokesman said today. "Our troops effectively retaliated to the unprovoked firing from across the border," the spokesman said.
He said no loss of life or injury was reported from the Indian side when the reports last came in. There has seen a sudden spurt of ceasefire violations from across the border this month.
A woman was killed and six others, including two BSF jawans, were injured on July 15 in firing and mortar shelling in Jammu district by Pakistan Rangers.
12:41 4 more Amarnath yatris die, toll rises to 22
Four more pilgrims died due to cardiac arrest enroute to the 3,880 metre-high cave shrine of Amarnath in south Kashmir Himalayas, taking the death toll in the ongoing yatra to 22, officials said today.
Forty-seven-year-old Satpal Gogyal, a Delhi resident, suffered cardiac arrest at Panjtarni along the traditional 45-km Pahalgam-cave route in Anantnag district last evening, the officials said. They said 29-year-old Amandeep, a resident of Punjab, died near the holy cave due to cardiac arrest.
60-year-old Ram Autar from Manipur died due to cardiac arrest at Panjtarni camp while Banu Dass of Maharashtra died at Baltal due to same reason, the officials said. With the latest deaths along the twin routes, the toll in the ongoing yatra, which started on July 2, has risen to 22.
The dead also included a Central Reserve Police Force jawan. So far, over 2.40 lakh pilgrims have paid obeisance at the cave shrine which houses the naturally formed ice-shivlingam.
Meanwhile, fresh batches of pilgrims were allowed to proceed to the holy cave shrine from both Baltal and Pahalgam routes this morning after suspension from the shorter route of Baltal due to the cloudburst that took place on Thursday night.
Forty-seven-year-old Satpal Gogyal, a Delhi resident, suffered cardiac arrest at Panjtarni along the traditional 45-km Pahalgam-cave route in Anantnag district last evening, the officials said. They said 29-year-old Amandeep, a resident of Punjab, died near the holy cave due to cardiac arrest.
60-year-old Ram Autar from Manipur died due to cardiac arrest at Panjtarni camp while Banu Dass of Maharashtra died at Baltal due to same reason, the officials said. With the latest deaths along the twin routes, the toll in the ongoing yatra, which started on July 2, has risen to 22.
The dead also included a Central Reserve Police Force jawan. So far, over 2.40 lakh pilgrims have paid obeisance at the cave shrine which houses the naturally formed ice-shivlingam.
Meanwhile, fresh batches of pilgrims were allowed to proceed to the holy cave shrine from both Baltal and Pahalgam routes this morning after suspension from the shorter route of Baltal due to the cloudburst that took place on Thursday night.
12:18 Teenager stabbed to death by stalker in Delhi market
A 19-year-old girl from Delhi was stabbed to death on Thursday night at a crowded market by the man she had sent behind bars for stalking her, The Times of India reports.
Meenakshi was with her neighbour, returning home with groceries from a market at Punjabi Basti colony in Anand Parbat, when the accused, Jai Prakash, 22, blocked her way and passed a lewd remark.
Witnesses said Meenakshi protested instantly. Her police complaint in 2013 had led to Prakash and his mother Shashi Bala being taken into preventive custody. Prakash's family had since been pressuring her to withdraw the complaint, according to the report.
Enraged by her protest, Prakash allegedly fished out a knife and stabbed her.
Read the full report here
Meenakshi was with her neighbour, returning home with groceries from a market at Punjabi Basti colony in Anand Parbat, when the accused, Jai Prakash, 22, blocked her way and passed a lewd remark.
Witnesses said Meenakshi protested instantly. Her police complaint in 2013 had led to Prakash and his mother Shashi Bala being taken into preventive custody. Prakash's family had since been pressuring her to withdraw the complaint, according to the report.
Enraged by her protest, Prakash allegedly fished out a knife and stabbed her.
Read the full report here
11:14 Eid protests in Kashmir: Pak, Islamic State flags raised
Update on Eid protests: The Islamic State, Lashkar-e-Tayiba and Pakistani flags were raised in Kashmir during protests led by Hurriyat.
The Jammu and Kashmir police had to resort to using teargas shells to control the stone-pelting protesters.
Photograph: ANI/Twitter
The Jammu and Kashmir police had to resort to using teargas shells to control the stone-pelting protesters.
Photograph: ANI/Twitter
10:42 Stone-pelting reported in Kashmir after Eid prayers
Just in: The hardline Hurriyat held protests in Anantnag and Srinagar in Jammu and Kashmir after Eid prayers this morning.
Stone-pelting was reported and Pakistan flag was raised, reports CNN IBN.
Eid-ul-Fitr is celebrated across India today marking the culmination of the fasting month of Ramzan.
Photograph: Representation picture
Stone-pelting was reported and Pakistan flag was raised, reports CNN IBN.
Eid-ul-Fitr is celebrated across India today marking the culmination of the fasting month of Ramzan.
Photograph: Representation picture
10:15 F1 driver Jules Bianchi dies from crash injuries
French Formula 1 driver Jules Bianchi has died from injuries he sustained in the 2014 Japanese Grand Prix, reports BBC.
The 25-year-old suffered severe head injuries when he crashed in wet conditions into a recovery vehicle last October. He had remained in a coma since the accident in Suzuka.
In a statement his family said, "Jules fought right to the very end, as he always did, but today his battle came to an end."
He died in hospital near his parents' home in Nice in the south of France.
The 25-year-old suffered severe head injuries when he crashed in wet conditions into a recovery vehicle last October. He had remained in a coma since the accident in Suzuka.
In a statement his family said, "Jules fought right to the very end, as he always did, but today his battle came to an end."
He died in hospital near his parents' home in Nice in the south of France.
10:12 ! After expelling us, 'hypocrite' Kejriwal wants us back: Prashant Bhushan
Expelled Aam Aadmi Party leader Prashant Bhushan lashed out at Arvind Kejriwal, calling him "shameless" and a "hypocrite", after the Delhi Chief Minister said he would be happy if the activist-lawyer, along with Yogendra Yadav, returned to the party fold.
In a tweet, Bhushan said that "after abusing" and "orchestrating a physical attack" by his lawmakers at an important party meeting in March, "Kejriwal wants us back! Hypocrite Shameless!"
Bhushan, one of the founder members of the Aam Aadmi Party, had rebelled against the party leadership, raising questions over an array of issues in the organisation including Kejriwal's leadership. This also included giving tickets to controversial persons.
In a tweet, Bhushan said that "after abusing" and "orchestrating a physical attack" by his lawmakers at an important party meeting in March, "Kejriwal wants us back! Hypocrite Shameless!"
Bhushan, one of the founder members of the Aam Aadmi Party, had rebelled against the party leadership, raising questions over an array of issues in the organisation including Kejriwal's leadership. This also included giving tickets to controversial persons.
09:44 May Eid strengthen bonds of unity and peace, tweets PM Modi
After a month of prayers and fasting, Eid is celebrated with great fervour across the world.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted Eid greetings this morning. "My greetings on this pious occasion of Eid," he said and posted this card.
OfficeofRG also tweeted: #EidMubarak everyone! As we celebrate today with family & friends let us pray for peace, prosperity & happiness for all: Rahul Gandhi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted Eid greetings this morning. "My greetings on this pious occasion of Eid," he said and posted this card.
OfficeofRG also tweeted: #EidMubarak everyone! As we celebrate today with family & friends let us pray for peace, prosperity & happiness for all: Rahul Gandhi
09:26 UN body calls for probe into death of journalist investigating Vyapam scam
The head of a United Nations agency mandated to defend freedom of expression has called on Indian authorities to investigate the mysterious death of TV reporter Akshay Singh while covering the Vyapam scam in Madhya Pradesh, saying crimes against journalists must not go unpunished.
Director-General of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation Irina Bokova expressed condolences to Singh's family, friends and colleagues and urged the authorities to investigate his death. "It is essential for rule of law and for society's right to be kept informed, that the authorities do all they can to clarify the cause of Singh's death. Reporters must be able to carry out their professional duties in a safe environment and crimes against them must not go unpunished," Bokova said.
Singh, 38, an investigative journalist with a private Hindi news channel, was investigating the Vyapam scandal in Madhya Pradesh when he died mysteriously earlier this month. Doubts have been raised over the circumstances in which he died.
The Vyapam scam, simmering for nearly a decade, exploded before the Indian public after Singh's death. With more than two dozen people connected in some way with the scam mysteriously dying, the Supreme Court has ordered that the corruption scandal be investigate by the Central Bureau of Investigation. The Vyapam scam is an admission and recruitment scandal allegedly involving politicians and senior officials in Madhya Pradesh.
Director-General of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation Irina Bokova expressed condolences to Singh's family, friends and colleagues and urged the authorities to investigate his death. "It is essential for rule of law and for society's right to be kept informed, that the authorities do all they can to clarify the cause of Singh's death. Reporters must be able to carry out their professional duties in a safe environment and crimes against them must not go unpunished," Bokova said.
Singh, 38, an investigative journalist with a private Hindi news channel, was investigating the Vyapam scandal in Madhya Pradesh when he died mysteriously earlier this month. Doubts have been raised over the circumstances in which he died.
The Vyapam scam, simmering for nearly a decade, exploded before the Indian public after Singh's death. With more than two dozen people connected in some way with the scam mysteriously dying, the Supreme Court has ordered that the corruption scandal be investigate by the Central Bureau of Investigation. The Vyapam scam is an admission and recruitment scandal allegedly involving politicians and senior officials in Madhya Pradesh.
09:10 Indian arrested in China for terror links released
A 46-year-old Indian national, who was held in China for alleged terror links, was released and deported back today, Indian officials in Beijing said.
Rajiv Mohan Kulshrestha, who travelled along with 19 other foreigners from Gift of the Givers, a South African charity, was taken into custody at Ordos's in China's Inner Mongolia province on July 10 for allegedly watching videos of a banned terror group in their hotel rooms.
Kulshrestha, stated to be a businessman from Delhi, was brought to Beijing last evening before being allowed to leave for India. His release was facilitated by the Indian embassy which kept in close touch with the Chinese officials in Beijing and Mongolia, a statement from Indian embassy said. Indian officials were given consular access to Kulshrestha before his release.
The Indian officials were at the airport at the time of the departure, the statement said. Kulshrestha repatriation came after China had earlier released 11 British and South African nationals.
Rajiv Mohan Kulshrestha, who travelled along with 19 other foreigners from Gift of the Givers, a South African charity, was taken into custody at Ordos's in China's Inner Mongolia province on July 10 for allegedly watching videos of a banned terror group in their hotel rooms.
Kulshrestha, stated to be a businessman from Delhi, was brought to Beijing last evening before being allowed to leave for India. His release was facilitated by the Indian embassy which kept in close touch with the Chinese officials in Beijing and Mongolia, a statement from Indian embassy said. Indian officials were given consular access to Kulshrestha before his release.
The Indian officials were at the airport at the time of the departure, the statement said. Kulshrestha repatriation came after China had earlier released 11 British and South African nationals.
03:54 Embedded UK pilots took part in Syria airstrikes, defense ministry says
British pilots embedded with coalition forces have conducted airstrikes in Syria against ISIS, the UK Ministry of Defence said Friday, despite Britain's Parliament having voted in 2013 against UK military action in Syria.
The Ministry of Defence released the information in response to a request from human rights group Reprieve.
"The UK itself is not conducting air strikes in Syria," a Ministry of Defence statement said.
"But we do have a long-standing embed programme with allies, where small numbers of UK personnel act under the command of host nations. That has been the case in Syria, although there are currently no pilots operating in this region."
The ministry added that "when embedded, UK personnel are effectively operating as foreign troops" and are subject to the mandate of that government.
UK troops have been embedded with French, Canadian and U.S. forces, of which only the latter two have been conducting sorties in Syria.
Read more HERE.
03:49 Washington plane crash survivor desperately tried to save grandparents
A 16-year-old girl agonizingly tried to save her step-grandparents after a fiery small plane crash into a Washington mountain last weekend, she told CNN.
Autumn Veatch described the chaos after the Beech A35 aircraft hit the side of the mountain on Saturday and her amazing two-day journey to rescue.
"I got out. There was fire. That's how my face got burned. My hair was burning. ... And -- my immediate response was to go and try to help them out. Because they were alive. They were alive. They were both screaming," she said.
Autumn said she realized that she couldn't get to her grandmother, Sharon Bowman, who was on the other side of the airplane. She thought if she could get her grandfather, Leland Bowman, out first, then his wife could follow them to safety.
She tried and tried, she said, until she realized there was no saving him.
Read more HERE.
03:48 'Dragon' dinosaur found in China
Around 125 million years ago, a mule-sized dinosaur with a long tail and short, resplendently-feathered wings roamed a corner of what is now northeastern China.
Researchers revealed the discovery of Zhenyuanlong suni, a close relative of its far more famous cousin -- the velociraptor, after publishing a photo of a remarkably preserved fossil.
The relic shows the complete skeleton of the animal, as well as its skull displayed in profile. Clearly visible around the creature's short arms are a pattern of long feathers, which also appear to have decorated the dinosaur's tail.
"The cool thing here is that it is a dinosaur that looks a lot like a bird," says Stephen Brusatte, a Scotland-based paleontologist who is one of the co-authors of the report.
The discovery has left scientists with a question.
Read more HERE.
01:51 Eid holiday passengers stranded as Indonesia volcanoes close airports
Thousands of passengers traveling home for the Muslim Eid festival have been stranded in Indonesia after five airports were closed because of ash spewing from two erupting volcanoes.
Fears over airspace safety let to the closure of four small airports on Java, Indonesia's most populous island, after fresh eruptions from Mt Raung, on the east of the island.
National airline Garuda Indonesia suspended flights to and from Abdul Rachman Saleh airport in Malang, Blimbingsari airport in Banyuwangi and Noto Hadinegoro airport in Jember.
The same volcano last week temporarily caused the closure of airports including Bali's Denpasar International.
Read more HERE.
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