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Wed, 11 March 2015
Military copter crash off Florida leaves 11 presumed dead
Timeline Refresh
23:29 Military copter crash off Florida leaves 11 presumed dead
Seven Marines and four soldiers were presumed dead after an Army Black Hawk helicopter crashed during a nighttime training mission off the Florida coast, where some human remains have washed ashore, U.S. military officials said on Wednesday.
A spokeswoman for the Eglin Air Force Base in north Florida did not provide details on the remains and officials did not immediately release information on what might have caused the crash.
23:25 Mahatma Gandhi awaits his unveiling in Parliament Square
Michael Crick (@MichaelLCrick) tweeted this picture: Mahatma Gandhi, bound in plastic, awaits his unveiling in Parliament Square.
23:10 AP sues State Department, seeking access to Clinton records
The Associated Press filed a lawsuit today against the State Department to force the release of email correspondence and government documents from Hillary Rodham Clinton's tenure as secretary of state.
The legal action comes after repeated requests filed under the US Freedom of Information Act have gone unfulfilled. They include one request AP made five years ago and others pending since the summer of 2013.
22:00 Greenpeace activist Priya Pillai to learn of fate tomorrow
Greenpeace activist Priya Pillai, who was put on a no fly-list, will learn of her fate tomorrow as the judgment in her matter will be delivered. 37-year-old Pillai had sought permission to travel to London to make a presentation before British MPs on alleged human rights violation at Mahan in Madhya Pradesh which, she claimed, was the reason why she was offloaded from the flight at IGI Airport on January 11.
21:37 UN plans to resettle Syrian refugees in Europe
The UN has drawn up radical plans for an "orderly relocation" of thousands of Syrian refugees from southern Europe to richer countries in the north, and is pressing the European Union to agree to a year-long pilot programme.
On the eve of the fourth anniversary of the start of the Syrian conflict, and with ever greater numbers of refugees arriving in southern European countries, the UN refugee agency, the UNHCR, has approached senior EU figures to get backing for its pilot programme.
21:09 After Seychelles, PM Modi makes his way to Mauritius
Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Mauritius on the second leg of his three-nation visit. PM Modi, who arrived from Seychelles, met President Rajkeswur Purryag. Prime Minister Anerood Jugnauth will also host a state banquet for Narendra Modi. On Thursday, PM Modi will be chief guest at the Independence Day celebrations in Mauritius.
21:00 Lanka to release 86 Indian fishermen to mark Modi's visit
As many as 86 Indian fishermen arrested for allegedly poaching in Sri Lankan waters are set to be released as a goodwill gesture to mark Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit, the first by an Indian premier to this country in over 25 years. Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena's office said the decision to release the fishermen had been taken. Prime Minister Modi, who is due in Colombo on Friday, will be the first Indian PM since Rajiv Gandhi in 1987 to make a bilateral visit to the island.
20:33 Indian women are refusing to accept evil of rape: Satyarthi
India's Daughter is a documentary so controversial that it was banned in the country in which it was filmed; a story so upsetting and bleak that the Indian government appealed to the BBC not to show it.
But for one of the country's most celebrated sons, the documentary is an important step in ending impunity, and encouraging women to speak out. "The most promising thing is that girls and women are rising up," said Kailash Satyarthi, who was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in December, jointly with Malala Yousafzai.
"In spite of all that has happened with the Delhi gang rape and many other rapes, which are not uncommon -- they have been there forever -- they are refusing to accept this evil under the garb of social taboo and shame. They are going to the police stations and complaining. That is something very new. They are breaking their silence," said the Nobel prize winner.
Read full report HERE
20:02 BJP should withdraw support from Mufti govt: Ramdev
Yoga Guru Ramdev advised the BJP to immediately withdraw support from the coalition government in Jammu and Kashmir headed by Mufti Mohammed Sayeed. Talking to reporters, Ramdev noted that the release of separatist leader Masarat Alam clearly shows the intentions of the Mufti government and BJP should immediately withdraw support to it to reaffirm its uncompromising stand on terrorism and separatism.
19:35 Rushdie to teach at NYU's journalism institute
India-born author Salman Rushdie will join the journalism faculty at the New York University later this year to teach courses and advise graduate students. Rushdie will join the NYU journalism faculty as a 'Distinguished Writer in Residence' at the Arthur L Carter Journalism Institute of the Faculty of Arts and Science in September, 2015. Over the next five years, Rushdie would be teaching courses in the institute, providing public readings and advising graduate students, the institute's director Perri Klass said in a statement.
19:31 Unidentified persons attack AAP office
Amidst the alleged charges of horse trading and senior leader Anjali Damania's resignation, Aam Aadmi Party's Delhi Patel Nagar office has been attacked by unidentified persons.
19:20 Blast in Imphal: 3 people have died, 15 injured
JUST IN: Three people have died in a blast in Imphal. 15 people have been injured in the blast.
The blast reportedly took place at the OK Chicken Centre in Imphal market.
The blast reportedly took place at the OK Chicken Centre in Imphal market.
More details awaited.
Picture for representation only.
19:01 France keeps 10,000 troops on streets after jihadist attacks
France will maintain its deployment of 10,000 troops that have been patrolling across the country in the wake of January's jihadist attacks, the presidency said today.
"The threat of terrorist attack against our country remains high," the office of President Francois Hollande said in a statement after a special meeting of top ministers.
"The head of state has decided to maintain the level of the army on the national territory at 10,000 troops in support of security forces from the interior ministry."
It added that, 7,000 of them are deployed primarily for surveillance and protection at religious sites that are particularly threatened.
"Soldiers have also been patrolling stations, media buildings and other potential targets since the jihadist attacks in Paris in January that left 17 dead.
18:43 Over 700 government websites have been hacked since 2012
Over 700 government websites that are hosted under 'gov.in' and 'nic.in' domains have been hacked by cyber criminals since 2012.
The government websites host information for public dissemination and no sensitive information is hosted on such portals, Communication and IT Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad told Lok Sabha in a written reply.
"As per the guidelines of the government, the computer systems with sensitive information are isolated from Internet," he added.
"As per information reported to and tracked by CERT-In, a total of 371, 189, 155 and 13 government websites hosted under 'gov.in' and 'nic.in' domains were hacked by various hacker groups during the year 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015 (January), respectively," the Minister said.
18:33 PM Modi arrives in Port Louis, capital of Mauritius
Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in the Mauritian capital of Port Louis today.
Upon arriving PM Modi undertook an inspection of the guard.
18:23 Political realignment is a reality in politics: Khetan
"Some people are using the big word like horse trading very irresponsibly," Khetan added, "Political realignment is a reality in politics, but 'horse trading' is wrong."
Khetan was speaking in reference to the departure of Maharashtra AAP leader Anjali Damania, who left the party during a phase of controversies regarding infighting amongst senior leadership.
Damania had also alleged that the AAP was trying to align itself with Congress after its failure in the Lok Sabha polls last year.
"We do accept political realignments have taken place in past, are happening in present, will continue to take place in future," Khetan explained.
"PDP-BJP have formed Govt in J&K, this is also an example of realignment," Khetan stated.
17:54 Parliament nod to allow e-rickshaws in Delhi
Parliament today gave nod to a Bill seeking to pave the way for plying of e-rickshaws on the roads of the national capital region, with the government considering a proposal to provide credit to buy these battery- operated vehicles.
The Rajya Sabha passed the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Bill, 2015 to amend the 1988 Act by a voice vote. The measure was adopted by the Lok Sabha on March 3.
The Rajya Sabha passed the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Bill, 2015 to amend the 1988 Act by a voice vote. The measure was adopted by the Lok Sabha on March 3.
17:49 Maha: 14 die of swine flu, toll mounts to 235
Fourteen people succumbed to swine flu in Maharashtra today, taking the death toll due to H1N1 virus to 235. "Fourteen deaths were reported today. Till date, there have been 2,890 cases in the state and as many as 40 people infected by the H1N1 virus are on ventilator," a public health official said.
Meanwhile, opposition Congress-NCP legislators today staged a protest outside Assembly flaying the state government for its "apathy" on the swine flu issue. "There is no action, only inaction on tackling swine flu," read a banner held by one of the legislators.
Meanwhile, opposition Congress-NCP legislators today staged a protest outside Assembly flaying the state government for its "apathy" on the swine flu issue. "There is no action, only inaction on tackling swine flu," read a banner held by one of the legislators.
17:37
Karnataka High Court reserves its verdict on appeals filed by formerTamil Nadu CM Jayalalithaa in disproportionate assets case.
17:23
Nitish Kumar wins confidence vote in Bihar Assembly amid walk-out by BJP.
17:17 Damania: AAP was a ray of hope for this country
Anjali Damania tweets, "Arvind, Prashant Bhushan and Yogendra Yadav should beg an apology to karyakartas in 48 hours for their acts. AAP is not a political party. It was a ray of hope for this country. Thousands of volunteers slogged for it. Just no one can play with the principles."
17:07 Dimapur lynching: Victim was never raped, Nagaland govt tells MHA
A week after an angry mob broke into the Dimapur Central Jail and lynched a man accused of rape in public, the Nagaland government on Wednesday told the Ministry of HomeAffairs that the alleged victim was never raped.
Earlier, Nagaland IGP Wabang Jamir said the victims medical examination did not indicate rape. The report however said she had scratch marks on her thumb and some minor injuries on her body.
Reports of the alleged rape first appeared on social media. The mob had overpowered jail security, tied up the man and dragged him for seven kilometres, thrashing him along the way. By the end, he succumbed to his injuries.
Earlier, Nagaland IGP Wabang Jamir said the victims medical examination did not indicate rape. The report however said she had scratch marks on her thumb and some minor injuries on her body.
Reports of the alleged rape first appeared on social media. The mob had overpowered jail security, tied up the man and dragged him for seven kilometres, thrashing him along the way. By the end, he succumbed to his injuries.
16:51 Why did the AIADMK see-saw support for the govt bills
PM Narendra Modi called AIADMK chief J Jayalalitha yesterday seeking support on major bills to be passed in Parliament.
Narrating the sequence of events in Central Hall of Parliament today, a senior BJP leader who is a Union Minister said there were see-saws in the stand the AIADMK took in Parliament.
First, the AIADMK opposed the Land Bill in the Lok Sabha yesterday. The AIADMK also wanted the BJP to withdraw support to the Mufti government and order fresh polls in J&K.
But in the evening, AIADMK MPs received instructions from Poes Garden to vote with the government.
All's well that ends well.
Narrating the sequence of events in Central Hall of Parliament today, a senior BJP leader who is a Union Minister said there were see-saws in the stand the AIADMK took in Parliament.
First, the AIADMK opposed the Land Bill in the Lok Sabha yesterday. The AIADMK also wanted the BJP to withdraw support to the Mufti government and order fresh polls in J&K.
But in the evening, AIADMK MPs received instructions from Poes Garden to vote with the government.
All's well that ends well.
16:41 Did Kejriwal promise Cong Dy CM portfolio?
So, did Arvind Kejriwal meet fomer Union Ministers Ghulam Nabi Azad and Jairam Ramesh in April 2014 to seek the support of the Congress?
Titbits of information are being leaked by senior Congress leaders in the Central Hall of Parliament of the AAP cozying up with the Congress last year.
And did Kejriwal drive to Ramesh's bungalow in Lodhi Garden to get a meeting with Rahul Gandhi?
Kejriwal is believed to have told Azad that the the best way to keep the BJP away is to revive the alliance between Congress and AAP. Kejriwal said he would give the deputy chief minister's portfolio to the Congress, but Rahul declined the offer.
Rahul's decision came after Sheila Dikshit, who was then the governor of Kerala, called up Sonia and Rahul asking them not to entertain Kejriwal.
Titbits of information are being leaked by senior Congress leaders in the Central Hall of Parliament of the AAP cozying up with the Congress last year.
And did Kejriwal drive to Ramesh's bungalow in Lodhi Garden to get a meeting with Rahul Gandhi?
Kejriwal is believed to have told Azad that the the best way to keep the BJP away is to revive the alliance between Congress and AAP. Kejriwal said he would give the deputy chief minister's portfolio to the Congress, but Rahul declined the offer.
Rahul's decision came after Sheila Dikshit, who was then the governor of Kerala, called up Sonia and Rahul asking them not to entertain Kejriwal.
16:36
This is what Yogendra Yadav wrote to AAP volunteers. Read
16:05 Google in talks to buy mobile advertising network InMobi to counter Facebook's ad dominance
Google is in talks to buy mobile advertising network and one of India's earliest startup posterboys, InMobi, the planned acquisition being the US-based Internet search behemoth's first in India and part of a strategy to counter Facebook's dominance in advertising on mobile devices.
Read more
Read more
16:03 'Naga society must reflect and ask where we are going'
'This was a total and complete failure of the State. When we begin to ask the right questions, only then will we know what led to a rape accused being dragged out of prison and being lynched by a mob. It is also the failure of Naga society. Naga society must ask where we are going."
Voices from Nagaland discuss with Archana Masih/Rediff.com the vigilante justice meted out in the street, the failure of the State on March 5 and the need for retrospection for Naga society.
Read
Voices from Nagaland discuss with Archana Masih/Rediff.com the vigilante justice meted out in the street, the failure of the State on March 5 and the need for retrospection for Naga society.
Read
16:01
Prashant Bhushan, AAP, says of his letter with Yogendra Yadav, "In letter we have given a background to recent happenings and responded to allegations put on us."
15:49 Surmai Fry, Malvani Curry for Jay Panda
Meanwhile, we have it on good authority that BJD MP Jay Panda ate surmai fry for lunch among a host of other Maharashtrian delicacies, catered by NCP MP Supriya Sule.
And how do we know?
The MP tweeted this picture, saying, "Parliament's best hostess in a generation, @supriya_sule 's lunches for MPs legendary."
Hajmola, Sir?
And how do we know?
The MP tweeted this picture, saying, "Parliament's best hostess in a generation, @supriya_sule 's lunches for MPs legendary."
Hajmola, Sir?
15:42 And now, Yogendra Yadav's letter bomb to AAP volunteers
Yogendra Yadav releases a letter bomb to AAP volunteers barely an hour after Anjali Damania quit the party.
Addressing the media, AAP leader Yadav, said he and Prashant Bhushan have decided that they won't make any more statements in the media. "Today, me and Prashant Bhushan wrote a letter to volunteers to tell them everything they should know, it will be released everywhere."
The five-page letter addressed to AAP volunteers explains their stand. The letter says that the party is bigger than individuals and explains that both Yadav and Bhushan were against taking support from the Congress when the party had first formed government in Delhi.
Addressing the media, AAP leader Yadav, said he and Prashant Bhushan have decided that they won't make any more statements in the media. "Today, me and Prashant Bhushan wrote a letter to volunteers to tell them everything they should know, it will be released everywhere."
The five-page letter addressed to AAP volunteers explains their stand. The letter says that the party is bigger than individuals and explains that both Yadav and Bhushan were against taking support from the Congress when the party had first formed government in Delhi.
15:27 Remove Yogendra Yadav, Prashant Bhushan to set example for others: AAP MLAs
Meanwhile, AAP MLAs have written to the party leadership seeking removal of senior leaders Yogendra Yadav and Prashant Bhushan to "set an example for others".
The letter mentions the charges against the two leaders, which include 'anti-party activities', 'making adverse statements in the media', 'conspiracy to tarnish the image of Arvind Kejriwal and remove him' among others. The letter addressed to party national convener Arvind Kejriwal has been signed by 60 AAP MLAs.
Last week, Yadav and Bhushan were sacked from the party's Political Affairs Committee.
The letter mentions the charges against the two leaders, which include 'anti-party activities', 'making adverse statements in the media', 'conspiracy to tarnish the image of Arvind Kejriwal and remove him' among others. The letter addressed to party national convener Arvind Kejriwal has been signed by 60 AAP MLAs.
Last week, Yadav and Bhushan were sacked from the party's Political Affairs Committee.
15:10 Arvind Arvind Party, says Cong
First reactions from the Congress: RS Surjewala says, "AAP is now Arvind Arvind party, the party that said it will be diff has proven to be autocratic.
15:03 Former AAP MLA says Kejriwal encouraged horse-trading to form govt
Damania's resignation comes in the aftermath of former AAP MLA Rajesh Garg releasing an audiotape
of a conversation between him and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal
claiming that the latter, before the dissolution of Delhi Assembly in
2014, had indulged in horse-trading of six Congress MLAs to form
government.
Garg claimed that Kejriwal wanted to form government in Delhi by breaking MLAs from Congress so that he can enjoy full majority on the floor of the House.
He also said that top party leaders including Manish Sisodia were in regular touch with Congress MLAs.
15:00
In June 2014, activist-turned-politician and senior Aam Aadmi Party leader from Maharashtra, Anjali Damania had resigned from the party, ahead of the state assembly elections.
She had sent out a note saying, "Dear colleagues, with a heavy heart, I am ending my association with AAP."
Damania, who unsuccessfully contested the Lok Sabha elections against BJP leader Nitin Gadkari from Nagpur, said, "My greatest regards for Arvind (Kejriwal), who is like an elder brother. All I want to request is that please do not have conspiracy theories over my exit."
She had sent out a note saying, "Dear colleagues, with a heavy heart, I am ending my association with AAP."
Damania, who unsuccessfully contested the Lok Sabha elections against BJP leader Nitin Gadkari from Nagpur, said, "My greatest regards for Arvind (Kejriwal), who is like an elder brother. All I want to request is that please do not have conspiracy theories over my exit."
14:54 AAP's Anjali Damani quits: I backed Arvind for principles not horse-trading
Activist-turned-politician and senior Aam Aadmi Party leader from Maharashtra, Anjali Damania, quits the party.
Damania tweeted, saying, "I believed in Arvind. We backed him for his principles."I quit, I have not come into AAP for this nonsense.
"I believed him, I backed Arvind for principles not horse-trading."
Damania tweeted, saying, "I believed in Arvind. We backed him for his principles."I quit, I have not come into AAP for this nonsense.
"I believed him, I backed Arvind for principles not horse-trading."
14:45
Just in: Anjali Damani quits AAP.
14:38
PM Narendra Modi tweets this picture from Seychelles: @narendramodi Beautiful Seychelles 'a picture taken by me. The affection of the people of Seychelles has been phenomenal!
14:29 Indias millionaires have been leaving the country in droves
The latest Knight Frank's annual Wealth Report'"which looks at the spending habits of the rich, the super-rich and the "I have my own Boeing but forgot where I parked it," rich -- estimates that more than 43,000 Indian millionaires left the country to settle elsewhere in the past 10 years. That is second only to China, which saw a private-plane drain of more than 76,000 people, according to estimates from property company Knight Frank and immigration consultancy Fragomen. Read
14:27
David Hale nominated as next US ambassador to Pakistan.
14:26 Email by Prashant Bhushans sister was left out
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), which seems to have made a habit of washing dirty linen in public through the media, ran into yet another controversy yesterday. A set of emails written in January by Shalini Gupta, who was former coordinator of AAP Global Supporters and happens to be sister of Prashant Bhushan, was leaked. Read
13:55 All that bull about the beef ban
The Maharashtra government's decision to ban beef has led to a vertical division between vegetarians and others. A discussion on the subject is fraught with multiple layers, and could go from preserving animals, non-violence, to minority appeasement, uniform civil code.. and can never reach a conclusion. Check out one such conversation between an ardent beef eater and an avowed vegetarian for whom the BJP government's decision in Maharashtra is the right way to go.
Read
Read
13:51 Kejriwal to move into 5-bedroom apartment, Sisodia gets Dikshit's home
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal is expected to move into his official five-bedroom residence in Civil Lines, north Delhi, next week, after he returns from Bengaluru where he's undergoing naturopathy treatment for diabetes.
Preparations for his move to his new residence at Number 6, Flagstaff Road, are almost complete, sources in the Chief Minister's office said. Mr Kejriwal is expected to return to Delhi on March 17.
Kejriwal had said at his oath-taking ceremony last month that he plans to stay in a house just big enough to run an office and with enough space for him to be able to meet people who come to speak to him.
Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia has been allotted a four-bedroom duplex flat on Mathura Road that was earlier occupied by former Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit. -- NDTV
Preparations for his move to his new residence at Number 6, Flagstaff Road, are almost complete, sources in the Chief Minister's office said. Mr Kejriwal is expected to return to Delhi on March 17.
Kejriwal had said at his oath-taking ceremony last month that he plans to stay in a house just big enough to run an office and with enough space for him to be able to meet people who come to speak to him.
Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia has been allotted a four-bedroom duplex flat on Mathura Road that was earlier occupied by former Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit. -- NDTV
13:21 The other Nirbhaya
"We will call her baby Nirbhaya, hoping the name shakes up the sleeping consciousness of our society, which even four days after the incident, has not bothered to make noise.
On Friday, March 6, around 11.15 am, baby Nirbhaya came to her mother crying. Her frock was soaked in blood.
"She was in terrible pain and would not stop crying. She pointed her fingers at the site's security guard who was standing a few feet away from us. She told me, 'he did it' and I understood," her mother said.
The illiterate mother called up her husband and they rushed the child to Sola Civil Hospital. By then even the cops had reached the spot. Later, in the night, the doctors referred her to Ahmedabad Civil Hospital and she was shifted there. Investigation revealed horrific details, the kind that we last heard when the Nirbhaya case was first reported.
Read the full story here
On Friday, March 6, around 11.15 am, baby Nirbhaya came to her mother crying. Her frock was soaked in blood.
"She was in terrible pain and would not stop crying. She pointed her fingers at the site's security guard who was standing a few feet away from us. She told me, 'he did it' and I understood," her mother said.
The illiterate mother called up her husband and they rushed the child to Sola Civil Hospital. By then even the cops had reached the spot. Later, in the night, the doctors referred her to Ahmedabad Civil Hospital and she was shifted there. Investigation revealed horrific details, the kind that we last heard when the Nirbhaya case was first reported.
Read the full story here
12:55
PM Narendra Modi in talks with James Michel (Seychelles, President) in Mah, Seychelles
12:47 Harbour Line trains stalled?
If you're in Mumbai, heads up.
News coming in of a public agitation at Mankhurd after a signal failure at Wadala station stalls Harbour Line trains.
Details awaited.
News coming in of a public agitation at Mankhurd after a signal failure at Wadala station stalls Harbour Line trains.
Details awaited.
12:45 That's the PM's handwriting in English
If you can analyze handwriting, try this. That's PM Modi's entry at the Visitors Book at the after the Ceremonial Reception in Seychelles.
On the first leg of his three-nation tour, Prime Minister Narendra Modi late last night arrived in Seychelles and received a warm welcome by the Indian community.
Modi, took to Twitter and wrote, "Landed in Seychelles. Wonderful seeing the Indian community at the airport."
Pic: PM Modi's writes in the visitor's book at the State House in Seychelles. Click on the picture for a larger image.
On the first leg of his three-nation tour, Prime Minister Narendra Modi late last night arrived in Seychelles and received a warm welcome by the Indian community.
Modi, took to Twitter and wrote, "Landed in Seychelles. Wonderful seeing the Indian community at the airport."
Pic: PM Modi's writes in the visitor's book at the State House in Seychelles. Click on the picture for a larger image.
12:44 New ISIS video claims to show child killing Palestinian captive
A newly released ISIS video shows a child shooting a man the group claims is an Israeli spy.The video identifies the man as 19-year-old Mohamed Said Ismail Musallam, an Israeli citizen of Palestinian descent.In the video, ISIS shows Musallam's Israeli passport and claims he's an agent sent to infiltrate the group.
The 19-year-old's family told CNN Tuesday that he had no ties with the Mossad, Israel's spy agency, and had, in fact, been recruited by ISIS."Mohamed told me and his brother that ISIS took him," according to Said Musallam, his father.
"They sent him money through the Western Union. They said you will have girls, money, cars, villas, paradise, but afterwords he discovered that there is nothing.
"It wasn't long before Musallam's family members didn't recognize him when they talked to him on Skype. The man they knew as a kind and funny brother and son who was once a volunteer firefighter had grown a long beard and was carrying a rifle.
Read more
The 19-year-old's family told CNN Tuesday that he had no ties with the Mossad, Israel's spy agency, and had, in fact, been recruited by ISIS."Mohamed told me and his brother that ISIS took him," according to Said Musallam, his father.
"They sent him money through the Western Union. They said you will have girls, money, cars, villas, paradise, but afterwords he discovered that there is nothing.
"It wasn't long before Musallam's family members didn't recognize him when they talked to him on Skype. The man they knew as a kind and funny brother and son who was once a volunteer firefighter had grown a long beard and was carrying a rifle.
Read more
12:29
India and Seychelles sign four agreements, including cooperation in hydrography, renewable energy and infrastructure development.
12:28 India-Seychelles to sign four agreements
India-Seychelles leaders meet, stress on common values anchored in shared oceanic history. To extreme left of the picture is foreign secretary S Jaishankar and next to him is NSA chief Ajit Doval. India and Seychelles have decided to sign four agreements.
12:28 Court summons does not make one guilty: Cong on coal scam
With former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh summoned as accused by a special court in a coal scam case, Congress today said that receiving court summons does not make one guilty.
"Sorry to puncture the brouhaha, but receiving a court summons does not make one guilty. That is elementary law. Right?" party spokesman Sanjay Jha said in a series of tweets.
Jha insisted that it was former PM Singh who pushed for auctions in coal block allocations.
"He sought transparency, resisted by BJP-ruled states. The truth is coal block dubious allocations were all in non-Congress ruled states; MP, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Orissa, WB etc," he said.
Singh, industrialist Kumar Mangalam Birla, ex-coal secretary P C Parakh and three others were today summoned as accused by a special court in a coal scam case pertaining to allocation of Talabira-II coal block in Odisha in 2005 and asked to appear before it on April 8.
"Sorry to puncture the brouhaha, but receiving a court summons does not make one guilty. That is elementary law. Right?" party spokesman Sanjay Jha said in a series of tweets.
Jha insisted that it was former PM Singh who pushed for auctions in coal block allocations.
"He sought transparency, resisted by BJP-ruled states. The truth is coal block dubious allocations were all in non-Congress ruled states; MP, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Orissa, WB etc," he said.
Singh, industrialist Kumar Mangalam Birla, ex-coal secretary P C Parakh and three others were today summoned as accused by a special court in a coal scam case pertaining to allocation of Talabira-II coal block in Odisha in 2005 and asked to appear before it on April 8.
11:57 Manmohan on coal scam summons: Of course, I'm upset but truth will prevail
Former PM Manmohan Singh reacts to his summons as an accused in the coal scam case. Speaking to reporters outside Parliament Dr Singh said, "Of course I am upset, but this is a part of life. I'm sure that truth will prevail and I will get a chance to put forward my case with facts.
Manmohan Singh, industrialist Kumar Mangalam Birla, ex-coal secretary P C Parakh and three others were on Wednesday summoned as accused by a special court in a coal scam case pertaining to allocation of Talabira-II coal block in Odisha in 2005 and asked to appear before it on April 8.
Manmohan Singh, industrialist Kumar Mangalam Birla, ex-coal secretary P C Parakh and three others were on Wednesday summoned as accused by a special court in a coal scam case pertaining to allocation of Talabira-II coal block in Odisha in 2005 and asked to appear before it on April 8.
Special CBI Judge Bharat Parashar summoned the six accused on April 8 for the alleged offences punishable under Sections 120B (criminal conspiracy) and 409 (criminal breach of trust by public servant, or by banker, merchant or agent) of the IPC and under the provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act.
Besides these three, the court also summoned M/s Hindalco, its officials Shubhendu Amitabh and D Bhattacharya as accused in the case.
11:48 Dimapur lynching: Guwahati HC issues notice to Centre, Nagaland govt
The Guwahati High Court has issued notices to the Centre and Nagaland government over the March 5 lynching incident of a rape accused in Dimapur after he had been forced out of the jail by a huge mob.
Rediff.com/K Anurag reporting from Guwahati writes, admitting a PIL on the Dimapur incident which has attracted the attention of the entire nation as well as global community, a division bench comprising Chief Justice (acting) K S Shreedhar Rao and Justice P K Saikia served notices to the Centre and Nagaland government to file their responses within two weeks.
The High Court also directed the Nagaland government to ensure adequate security of inmates in its jails.
The Central government today submitted before the court a preliminary status report which stated that four cases have been registered and 43 persons arrested so far. Each case is being investigated by a special investigation team.
Rediff.com/K Anurag reporting from Guwahati writes, admitting a PIL on the Dimapur incident which has attracted the attention of the entire nation as well as global community, a division bench comprising Chief Justice (acting) K S Shreedhar Rao and Justice P K Saikia served notices to the Centre and Nagaland government to file their responses within two weeks.
The High Court also directed the Nagaland government to ensure adequate security of inmates in its jails.
The Central government today submitted before the court a preliminary status report which stated that four cases have been registered and 43 persons arrested so far. Each case is being investigated by a special investigation team.
11:39
If you haven't read it, do read, Hurriyat hardliner Masarat Alam's interview to Rediff: 'I have faith in the judiciary'. Click here.
11:34 Nitish govt to seek trust vote in Bihar assembly
The Nitish Kumar-led government will seek a trust vote in the Bihar Assembly on Wednesday.
Bihar Governor Keshari Nath Tripathi had asked Nitish to prove majority on the floor of the House after he took over as the Chief Minister following Jitan Ram Manjhi's resignation.
The Janata Dal (United) has issued whip to its MLAs to vote in favour of confidence vote presented by the government.
Meanwhile, the Budget Session of Bihar Assembly will begin today with the Governor 's address.
Bihar Governor Keshari Nath Tripathi had asked Nitish to prove majority on the floor of the House after he took over as the Chief Minister following Jitan Ram Manjhi's resignation.
The Janata Dal (United) has issued whip to its MLAs to vote in favour of confidence vote presented by the government.
Meanwhile, the Budget Session of Bihar Assembly will begin today with the Governor 's address.
11:23
Two rivers flowing through India find mention in the 14 most beautiful rivers in the world. Take a look.
11:14 Karnataka governor walks off during national anthem
Karnataka Governor Vajubhai Vala walked off the podium when the national anthem was being played at an official function at Raj Bhavan on Tuesday, landing him in a controversy.
Vala, who administered the oath of office to Justice Raghavendra Singh Chauhan as a Judge of the Karnataka High Court, walked down the stage as the national anthem was being played as per protocol.
As the Governor, who appeared unaware of the national anthem being played, walked off, others on the dais and guests stood in attention.
Vala's act left everyone present, including Chief Justice of Karnataka High Court DH Waghela, Justice Chauhan and Chief Secretary Kaushik Mukherjee who were on stage, surprised.
However, as Vala was walking away, one of the Governor's aides alerted him about the lapse, following which he soon returned to the podium and stood in attention.
There was no word of explanation from Raj Bhavan, as the visuals of the incident were aired by TV channels, raising a controversy over showing "disrespect" to the national anthem.
Vala, who administered the oath of office to Justice Raghavendra Singh Chauhan as a Judge of the Karnataka High Court, walked down the stage as the national anthem was being played as per protocol.
As the Governor, who appeared unaware of the national anthem being played, walked off, others on the dais and guests stood in attention.
Vala's act left everyone present, including Chief Justice of Karnataka High Court DH Waghela, Justice Chauhan and Chief Secretary Kaushik Mukherjee who were on stage, surprised.
However, as Vala was walking away, one of the Governor's aides alerted him about the lapse, following which he soon returned to the podium and stood in attention.
There was no word of explanation from Raj Bhavan, as the visuals of the incident were aired by TV channels, raising a controversy over showing "disrespect" to the national anthem.
11:03 Four Africans attacked by mob in Bengaluru
Four African nationals were allegedly attacked by a mob in Bengaluru after locals were reportedly "annoyed" with them for creating "nuisance" in the area.
The attack took place when we were returning home, John, an African national said, adding, he has received multiple injuries.
"The mob attacked us around 12.30 am and it continued till 3 am. The incident took place when I and three others were returning home. I was chased and beaten up .... have sustained multiple injuries," he said.
John said they did not know why they were assaulted, even as the police denied any assault in the incident which took place on the intervening night of March 9 and 10 at Byrathi near Kothanur in north-east Bengaluru.
The attack took place when we were returning home, John, an African national said, adding, he has received multiple injuries.
"The mob attacked us around 12.30 am and it continued till 3 am. The incident took place when I and three others were returning home. I was chased and beaten up .... have sustained multiple injuries," he said.
John said they did not know why they were assaulted, even as the police denied any assault in the incident which took place on the intervening night of March 9 and 10 at Byrathi near Kothanur in north-east Bengaluru.
10:40 Bombay HC seeks report from Maharashtra govt on steps taken against swine flu
The Bombay high court has sought a report from the Maharashtra government on steps taken by the latter to contain swine flu in the state.
According to reports, a division bench headed by Justice Mohit Shah heard a PIL, seeking directions from the state government to take adequate preventive measures against the spread of the disease.
The petition further calls for the state to set up a number of laboratories for testing H1N1 samples, alleging that the current number is only one, and wants the government to ensure adequate supply of medicines to all hospitals.
As per reports, the Bombay HC has directed the state government to file the affidavit within four weeks.
10:12 Manmohan Singh summoned as accused in coal scam case
Just In: Former prime minister Manmohan Singh has been summoned as an accused by a special court in a coal scam case.
10:09 AAP MLAs write to Kejriwal: Sack Yadav and Bhushan to set an example
The rift within the Aam Aadmi Party is widening with each passing day and now MLAs have written to party leadership seeking removal of senior leaders Yogendra Yadav and Prashant Bhushan to set an example for others.
The letter mentions the charges against the two leaders, which include 'anti-party activities', 'making adverse statements in the media', 'conspiracy to tarnish the image of Arvind Kejriwal and remove him' among others.
Kapil Mishra, AAP MLA from Karwal Nagar, has also demanded Yogendra Yadav and Prashant Bhushan's sacking from the party. He said, "We will not tolerate anyone trying to break our agenda no matter who it is. We want Yogendra Yadav, Prashant Bhushan and Shanti Bhushan to be expelled from the party."
He also refuted claims that AAP MLAs were being forced to sign a letter against Yadav and Bhushan. Everyone is signing the letter on their own accord, no one refused until now, Mishra added.
08:57 Jaya DA case: HC to wind up hearing on Wednesday
The Karnataka High Court will on Wednesday wind up hearing of the appeals filed by former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalithaa and three others challenging their conviction in the disproportionate assets case.
"Even if Subramanian Swamy (BJP leader) does not submit his written arguments tomorrow (on Wednesday) before the court, I am going to wind up the hearing," Justice C R Kumaraswamy, who is hearing Jayalalithaa's appeal, had said on Tuesday.
The Special Bench has been set up after the Supreme Court had on December 18 last directed the Chief Justice of Karnataka High Court to constitute it to decide Jayalalithaa's appeal within three months.
Justice Kumaraswamy had on Tuesday directed Swamy to make written submissions by March 11.
The judge had in his February 5 order said the court would decide on Swamy's prayer to allow him to make written submissions after completion of arguments.
Swamy had filed an application seeking permission to implead himself in the case.
08:53 Bihar CM Nitish Kumar to seek trust vote today
With the JDU-RJD-Congress alliance doing well in Bihar, winning Wednesday's confidence vote seems to be a mere formality for the Nitish Kumar government.
Kumar, who was sworn in as chief minister of Bihar for the fourth time on February 22, had been directed by Governor Keshari Nath Tripathi to seek a trust vote on March 11.
The JD-U has issued a whip to all its 110 members in the Assembly, excluding Speaker Uday Narayan Choudhary, to vote for the trust motion, Parliamentary Affairs minister and JD(U) Chief Whip Shrawan Kumar said.
Kumar said as per provisions of the 10th schedule of the Constitution which is related to anti-defection laws, a whip has also been issued to outgoing CM Jitan Ram Manjhi and a handful of other dissidents siding with him.
"Manjhi has been declared an unattached member but his membership of the party has not yet been terminated, hence as per provisions of anti-defection law he has to obey the whip or invite disqualification," Kumar, a close confidante of the CM, said.
Though the BJP having 87 MLAs said it would decide its strategy during its legislature party meeting in the evening, indications are that it would abstain from voting, aware of the inevitable outcome.
The Bihar assembly at present has an effective strength of 233 with 10 vacancies. The magic figure is 117. With 110 JD(U) members, 24 RJD, 5 Congress, 1 CPI and some Independents among five, Nitish Kumar seems confident of sailing through.
08:50 Solar Impulse 2 makes historic night landing in Ahmedabad
The solar-powered aircraft, Solar Impulse 2 (Si2), which aims to fly around the globe without a drop of fuel, made a historic night landing in Ahmedabad in Gujarat late on Tuesday.
The aircraft successfully landed in the western state of Gujarat at 11:25 pm local time (1755 GMT) to complete its first major sea leg and to finish its second leg in a little less than 16 hours after taking off from the Omani capital Muscat.
After the plane landed at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, Ahmedabad, members in the control room applauded Pilot Bertrand Piccard, who was at the controls on the 1,465 kilometre (910 mile) journey over the Arabian Sea.
According to the Swiss embassy, the Solar Impulse will be in Ahmedabad for four days during which "several events are planned on the theme of renewable energy and sustainable development".
Capable of flying over oceans for several days and nights in a row, Si2 will travel 35,000 km around the world in 25 days over the course of roughly five months. It will pass over the Arabian Sea, India, Myanmar, China and the Pacific Ocean.
08:49 UK Foreign Secretary to visit India today
UK's Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond will make his first visit to India starting on Wednesday during which he is expected to hold talks with External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on key bilateral issues.
Hammond will reach New Delhi today and as part of his key engagements during the two-day trip, will inaugurate a new Deputy High Commission in Chandigarh and is also expected to meet External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj.
"I am delighted to be making my first visit to India as foreign secretary. The UK's partnership with India is indispensable for both our countries' prosperity and security," the senior Conservative party minister said in a statement here.
"I am particularly pleased to be opening our new Deputy High Commission in Chandigarh. The UK now has more diplomatic missions in India than any other nation does, and more than it has in any other country a sure sign of the great importance we place on our relationship," he said.
04:49 Myanmar police arrest scores in violent student rally crackdown
Myanmar arrested 127 protesters when baton-wielding police dispersed a student rally, as the second crackdown in days deepens fears that authorities are returning to the repressive reflexes of the junta era.
Two large truckloads of protesters were taken away after riot police violently broke up the rally in the central town of Letpadan, according to an AFP reporter on the scene, ending over a week of stalemate between the authorities and students calling for education reforms.
02:44 Myanmar police arrest scores in violent student rally crackdown
Myanmar arrested 127 protesters when baton-wielding police dispersed a student rally, as the second crackdown in days deepens fears that authorities are returning to the repressive reflexes of the junta era.
Two large truckloads of protesters were taken away after riot police violently broke up the rally in the central town of Letpadan, according to an AFP reporter on the scene, ending over a week of stalemate between the authorities and students calling for education reforms.
02:43 London schoolgirls 'stole jewellery' to fund Syria flight
Three London schoolgirls who fled to Syria are believed to have stolen family jewellery to fund their travel, police said today as the trio's relatives expressed disbelief at their actions.
Schoolfriends Kadiza Sultana, 16, and 15-year-olds Shamima Begum and Amira Abase, left their homes last month and flew to Istanbul, from where they are believed to have joined Islamic State (IS) jihadists in Syria.
02:41 Pakistan police kill militants in four-hour gun battle
Four militants and one policeman were killed during a four-hour shootout in restless northwestern Pakistan late today, officials said.
Heavily armed militants attacked local police in the Shawa area of Swabi district, occupying a house and trading fire with officers for nearly four hours, district police chief Muhammad Saeed Khan told AFP.
01:33 US police kill unarmed black man in Georgia state
A white policeman in the southern US state of Georgia shot dead an unarmed black man who was possibly deranged and lunged at the officer while naked, authorities said.
It was the latest in a series of fatal police shootings of unarmed black men and youths that have ignited criticism and scrutiny of police tactics in minority communities in the United States.
01:00 Landmark medical marijuana bill introduced in US Congress
US senators introduced the most comprehensive legislation on medical marijuana ever brought before Congress, a bipartisan effort aimed at ending federal restrictions on the increasingly accepted treatment.
Twenty-three states already allow the use of cannabis to treat medical conditions like multiple sclerosis (MS) and epilepsy, but federal law still exposes users of the drug to potential investigation and arrest.
00:19 Court told Berlusconi had 'dragon's passion' for young girls
Rome, Mar 10 (AFP) An Italian prosecutor described Silvio Berlusconi as having a "dragon's passion" for teenage girls as the country's top court considered whether to confirm the former prime minister's acquittal in his "bunga bunga" sex case. Berlusconi, 78, was convicted in 2013 of paying for sex with an under-age dancer known as "Ruby the heart stealer" and then abusing his power as premier to cover it up.
00:18 BBC suspends 'Top Gear' host Jeremy Clarkson
The BBC says it has suspended "Top Gear" host Jeremy Clarkson following a "fracas" with a producer. The popular TV presenter was given a so-called final warning last year following a racism row, after he used an offensive word while filming the car show.
00:16 Boko Haram hits Maiduguri again as Nigeria dismisses IS link
The Nigerian city of Maiduguri came under attack again, just days after Boko Haram bombings killed 58 people, as the government dismissed the militants' link to the Islamic State group.
Twin blasts ripped through the northeastern city's crowded Monday Market, which has been repeatedly hit by suicide bombers, including on Saturday, as well as a nearby street.
00:16 PM Modi arrives in Seychelles
Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived here in the Seychelles' capital late tonight on the first leg of his three-nation tour that will also take him to Mauritius and Sri Lanka, observing that strong relations with Indian Ocean island countries were "vital" for India's security and progress.
Modi was flown to the Seychelles' capital by a special Air India flight after nearly six-hour journey.
00:15 Top headlines in that last 24 hours
Govt bows in RS, ready to send mines bill to select panel
Activist detained for screening banned rape film
AAP rift widens; Kejriwal loyalists attack Yadav, Bhushans
Land bill clears Lok Sabha test amid protests
Day after PM's rap, J-K not to release any more political prisoners
Will India get its own Prophet Muhammad museum?
UP politician D P Yadav gets life term in MLA murder case
Uber rape accused can't recall witnesses, rules SC
Masarat Alam to Rediff: 'I have faith in the judiciary'
Did she or didn't she? Mystery around Lalu's daughter's speech at Harvard
Satyameva (Kadapi) Jayate. Truth Triumphs, Sometimes
Activist detained for screening banned rape film
AAP rift widens; Kejriwal loyalists attack Yadav, Bhushans
Land bill clears Lok Sabha test amid protests
Day after PM's rap, J-K not to release any more political prisoners
Will India get its own Prophet Muhammad museum?
UP politician D P Yadav gets life term in MLA murder case
Uber rape accused can't recall witnesses, rules SC
Masarat Alam to Rediff: 'I have faith in the judiciary'
Did she or didn't she? Mystery around Lalu's daughter's speech at Harvard
Satyameva (Kadapi) Jayate. Truth Triumphs, Sometimes
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