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Mon, 25 May 2015
Syria warplanes batter jihadists in ancient Palmyra
Timeline Refresh
23:41 Syria warplanes batter jihadists in ancient Palmyra
Syrian government aircraft carried out intense strikes today against the Islamic State group in and around the ancient city of Palmyra after its fall to the jihadists, a military source said.
"The air force struck more than 160 Daesh targets, killing and wounding terrorists and destroying weapons and vehicles equipped with machineguns" on Palmyra's outskirts and elsewhere in the east of Homs province, the source said.
"We are pursuing Daesh wherever they are," the source said, using the Arabic acronym for IS.
"Military operations, including air raids, are ongoing in the area around Al-Suknah, Palmyra, the Arak and Al-Hail gas fields and all the roads leading to Palmyra," he said.
State television said "more than 50 Daesh terrorists" had been killed in the air strikes.
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said at least four civilians had been killed in the raids, which were the most intense since the jihadists overran the city on Thursday.
Dozens of people had also been wounded in the raids, and IS was believed to have taken losses when a military security building was hit, said Observatory director Rami Abdel Rahman.
The strikes targeted several areas of the city, including some close to the city's famed Greco-Roman ruins, a UNESCO world heritage site, he said.
23:02 Indo-Bangla friendship bus arrives from Dhaka
The Indo-Bangladesh friendship bus that began its journey from Dhaka arrived in Dwaki, Meghalaya on Monday amid tight security.
The 26-seater BRTC bus that left Dhaka with over 20 Bangladesh government officials at around 3 pm on Sunday arrived at 9 am and Meghalaya Transport Corporation Manager Anthony Pariat received the entourage.
Aimed at improving people-to-people contact, the bus is expected to foster friendships and contacts between the residents of the two neighbouring countries and slated to be officially launched next month.
Bangladesh Road Transport and Bridges Ministry Joint Secretary Md Azharul Islam Khan said they halted at Sylhet for the night before resuming their journey at 7:30 am today.
The security and custom checks took nearly three hours causing an additional delay to the journey that should have been completed within nine hours travel time, he told PTI.
Khan said the minor glitches will be worked out between the officials of the two countries and expressed hope the bus would make a daily run in the very near future.
Among the other concerns, according to Khan, was the narrow old iron bridge at Dawki and also the snaky climb up the hills from Dawki onwards where the road is under construction.
22:39 Black money probe: Switzerland begins revealing names of Indians
Read full story HERE.
Two Indian women figure among scores of foreign nationals with Swiss bank accounts, whose names have been made public by Switzerland in its official gazette for being probed in their respective countries.
Making public these names, the Swiss Federal Tax Administration has asked the two Indians to file an appeal within 30 days before the Federal Administrative Court if they do not want their details to be shared with the Indian authorities under their 'mutual assistance' treaty on tax matters.
At least 40 such 'final notices' have been published in the Swiss Federal Gazette so far this month, while more such names are expected to be published going forward.
Read full story HERE.
22:34 Tens of thousands turn up for funeral of Saudi suicide attack victims
Tens of thousands of people turned out at a mass funeral in eastern Saudi Arabia for 21 Shi'ite Muslims killed last week in a suicide bombing claimed by Islamic State, a Reuters witness said.
Saudi security forces stayed away from the funeral in Qatif, as delegates converged on the city from various regions in the eastern province, where most of the country's Shi'ite Muslim minority live, to attend the burial.
"Here I am, O Hussein," the crowd chanted, invoking the name of Prophet Mohammad's grandson Imam Hussein, one of the most revered figures in Shi'ite Islam, as they marched towards the cemetery behind the flower-covered coffins, held shoulder-high by local men.
At the funeral, activists posted a picture of prominent rights activist Mikhlif al-Shammari, a member of a large Sunni Muslim tribe who had been jailed in the past, holding a placard that read: "Sectarian incitement is a time-bomb."
Read more HERE.
21:36 Taliban truck bomber wounds more than 70 in southern Afghanistan
Read full story HERE.
A Taliban truck bomber detonated about a tonne of explosives outside a government complex in southern Afghanistan on Monday, wounding more than 70 people as the summer fighting season sends civilian casualties surging.
Women and children were among those injured in the attack at the gate of the complex in Zabul province, which includes several government buildings including the provincial council.
The attack comes as the Taliban steps up attacks on government and foreign targets despite Kabul's repeated overtures to the insurgents to reopen peace negotiations.
"Seventy-three people have been wounded in the suicide attack on the complex" in the provincial capital Qalat, deputy provincial police chief Ghulam Jilani Farahi told AFP.
Provincial police chief Mirwais Noorzai said more than 70 were hurt and four of them were in critical condition.
"Around 1,000 kilograms of explosives was used in the attack," he said.
Six police officers and four members of the provincial council were among the wounded, while other victims were government workers and nearby residents.
Read full story HERE.
Picture for representation only.
21:08 Boko Haram hacks to death 10 in northeast Nigeria: Official
Boko Haram fighters hacked to death 10 people in a remote village in northeast Nigeria, a local government official told AFP.
Maina Ularamu, local government chairman of Madagali, in the north of Adamawa state, said the attack happened early Friday morning in Pambula-Kwamda village. "The attackers went into the village around 4.00am (11am Singapore time) while residents were still asleep and used machetes to attack their victims," he added.
News of the attack only emerged on Monday because of the remote location and communications difficulties caused by the insurgency. The attack is the latest by Boko Haram in northern Adamawa state, which was declared "clear" of insurgents in March by the military.
A number of villages in the area have been hit as troops try to flush out rebels from their Sambisa Forest stronghold, just across the border in neighbouring Borno state.
Read full story HERE.
20:43 At least three dead, 12 missing in US flooding
Rescuers searched on Monday for at least 12 people missing in spectacular flash flooding in Texas and Oklahoma that also left at least three dead. More heavy rain with potential for additional flooding was forecast.
The raging waters destroyed hundreds of homes and sent cars floating down streets, rolling and bobbing like giant toys.
In the Texas city of San Marcos, residents were ordered to evacuate their homes as flood waters rose menacingly around them, following torrential rain that turned streets into meandering rivers.
Read full story HERE.
20:29 Number of Indian students in China crosses 13,500
The number of Indian students in China has steadily risen to over 13,500 as India ranked among the top 10 nations sending the highest number of students to Chinese varsities, amid talks for mutual recognition of degrees.
The number of Indian students coming to China have increased, and most of them come here to study medicines, while the number of Chinese students in India is holding steady, state-run China Daily reported today. In recent years, India has remained one of the top 10 sources of international students in China, according to the Chinese Ministry of Education.
Last year, 13,578 Indian students were studying in China, compared with only 765 a decade ago.
Eighty per cent of them were following undergraduate clinical medical courses in various medical institutions in China. Officials say low tuition fee, good accommodations and classes taught in English resulted in about 8,000 Indian students coming to China.
Human Resources Minister Smriti Irani, who visited Chinese city of Qingdao during the past four days, held talks with her Chinese counterpart Yang Guiren on several issues, including a proposal for mutual recognition of academic degrees and collaboration for teacher's training.
Their discussion focused on setting up a consortium of higher educational institutions, and sharing experiences on the respective systems for ranking universities, it said. Besides medicine, the second most sought-after course for the Indian students is Chinese language and culture, the report said.
The number of Chinese students in India has remained steady, but "very low", at about 2,000 for the last few years, it said.
20:24 3rd attack in 24 hours: 3 soldiers, 1 militant killed in Tangdhar, Kashmir
In the third such attack in Kashmir, 3 soldiers and a militant have been killed in the Tangdhar sector in Kashmir.
A defence spokesperson said that the incident happened when the militants were trying to infiltrate India. "A patrol of a forward battalion led by a JCO intercepted the militants. Heavy fire followed during which three soldiers died. From the dead militant, an AK-47 and a pistol was recovered," he said.
Earlier in the day, militants opened fire
After militants opened fire at a Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited franchise in Sopore, Kashmir, killing 1 and injuring 2 others. After that, in a second attack, an army jawan was critically injured by militants in south Kashmir's Kulgam district. One militant was also killed.
-- Mukhtar Ahmad/Rediff.com in Srinagar
20:04 VHP rakes up Ram temple as Modi completes a year in office
On a day the Modi government completed its first year in office, VHP piled pressure on it to construct Ram temple at the disputed site in Ayodhya by "clearing hurdles" in the path of its construction.
A delegation of saints would be formed to take up the matter with the government so the impediments are removed, a resolution passed on the first day of the two-day meeting of VHP's 'Kendriya Margdarshak Mandal' at Haridwar said.
A VHP spokesperson said its international working president Pravin Togadia and president Raghava Reddy are present in the meeting which has given a push to the Hindutva agenda by reiterating its exclusive claim over two other holy sites in Mathura and Varanasi.
19:48 Bihar issues high alert after Nepal landslide
As the expected sudden release of massive volume of water from the blocked Kali Gandaki river in Nepal loomed, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar called a high-level meeting of the Disaster Management Department officials over the emergency situation. "A high alert has been issued in the state after the landslide in Nepal. Precautionary measures have been completed. We have asked district magistrates and Water Resources Department officials to keep themselves ready," Kumar said.
The CM said a huge piece of a mountain had fallen in the Kali Gandaki river due to landslide in Myagdi district of Nepal. This has obstructed the flow of the river and formed an artificial lake there. "It is suspected that the flow of water will be very fast once the landslide blocking the river route is removed. We have estimated the expected flow and all precautionary measures have been taken," he added.
19:34 Modi's (shaky) race to save Indias girls
Modi is not the first prime minister to realise that India is losing girls. While the 1990s saw three such programmes, since 2005 there have been 11 schemes, one following the other, to ensure that more girls -- discriminated against at birth and in upbringing -- are born, live, go to school and do not marry early.
Yet, the girls continue to disappear. About 2,000 girls die -- aborted or starved, poisoned or otherwise killed after birth -- every day in India, according to Women & Child Development Minister Maneka Gandhi, who provided this data in April.
Read more HERE
19:28 One month on: Nepal calls for direct earthquake funding
One month after the devastating 7.8 magnitude earthquake hit Nepal, the country's finance minister has called for more direct aid funding. Dr Ram Sharan Mahat said that less than 10 per cent of the money spent on relief by his government came from overseas. His comments comes as Nepal's government faces growing criticism over its handling of the crisis. Dr Mahat said he hoped future international donations would be managed directly by his government.
19:08 J&K has improved, revoke AFSPA, says PDP
Ruling PDP today pitched for revocation of the controversial Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) in Jammu and Kashmir, saying there is "tangible improvement" in the security situation and people need to feel the change on the ground.
"The tangible improvement in security situation in Jammu and Kashmir needs to be reciprocated with matching measures like revocation of the controversial AFSPA so that people feel the real change on the ground," PDP chief spokesperson Mehboob Beg said in a statement.
He said the people of the state are the biggest custodians of the state's interests and it has to be recognized.
The "legitimate aspirations" voiced by the people of the state through democratic means have to be respected to address the issues of trust-deficit and alienation, Beg said.
"The tangible improvement in security situation in Jammu and Kashmir needs to be reciprocated with matching measures like revocation of the controversial AFSPA so that people feel the real change on the ground," PDP chief spokesperson Mehboob Beg said in a statement.
He said the people of the state are the biggest custodians of the state's interests and it has to be recognized.
The "legitimate aspirations" voiced by the people of the state through democratic means have to be respected to address the issues of trust-deficit and alienation, Beg said.
18:43 If God is with you, don't worry who is against you: Kejriwal
Addressing the 'Open Cabinet' Kejriwal says, "67 seats would not be possible without God's help. If God is with you it doesn't matter who is against you."
18:39 Gamln, the catalyst in the Kejri-LG battle, on stage
Chief Secretary KK Sharma and Principal Secretary Shakuntala Gamlin on stage at the Delhi government's 'Jan Samwad'. The unseemly battle between Kejriwal and Delhi Lt Governor Najeeb Jung began with Jung appointing senior bureaucrat Shakuntala Gamlin as Chief Secretary. This despite strong reservations by Kejriwal who termed the decision as "unconstitutional".
18:18
Clash between AAP supporters and Congress supporters outside the 'jan samwad' venue.
18:14 100 days of AAP: I congratulate you on the HC order
CM Arvind Kejriwal: Yesterday, our govt completed 100 days of governance, so I thought it was our responsibility to share our work with you. HC ka judgement aaya hai, uske liye mai aap sab ko badhai dena chahta hoon. I congratulate everyone on the high court judgment.
18:09 Will Kejriwal push for full statehood for Delhi?
The Arvind Kejriwal-led government is planning to push for full statehood for Delhi -- a key move in its turf war with the lieutenant governor and against what the party calls "bulldozing' by the Bharatiya Janata Party-led Central government.
The announcement is likely to be made at the public meeting, which has just begun at the central park in Connaught Place where Kejriwal and his ministers will highlight achievements of the 100-day old AAP government.
The party's two-day emergency assembly session that begins on May 26.
The announcement is likely to be made at the public meeting, which has just begun at the central park in Connaught Place where Kejriwal and his ministers will highlight achievements of the 100-day old AAP government.
The party's two-day emergency assembly session that begins on May 26.
18:06 It's a searing 45C in Delhi as Kejriwal begins Jan Sabha
Meanwhile, it's a searing 45C in Delhi -- the hottest day of the season. But Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal has reason to feel pleased. Just ahead of the Jan Sabha, Kejriwal has received solid vindication in
court.
Delhi's anti-corruption branch must take its orders from Kejriwal's government and not the Centre, the Delhi High Court said today. The judge also said that Lieutenant Governor of Delhi Najeeb Jung is "bound to act upon the aid and advice of the Council of Ministers."
"Today's HC judgement a huge embarassment for central govt, (sic)" tweeted Kejriwal.
Delhi's anti-corruption branch must take its orders from Kejriwal's government and not the Centre, the Delhi High Court said today. The judge also said that Lieutenant Governor of Delhi Najeeb Jung is "bound to act upon the aid and advice of the Council of Ministers."
"Today's HC judgement a huge embarassment for central govt, (sic)" tweeted Kejriwal.
17:55 Modi@Mathura: Every Indian will own a house by 2022
Big promises at the rally:
All Indians will have a house of their own by the end of year 2022.
Government has decided to increase minimum pension to Rs 1,000, says Modi.
All Indians will have a house of their own by the end of year 2022.
Government has decided to increase minimum pension to Rs 1,000, says Modi.
17:36 Modi@Mathura: Will get 1300 laws abolished:
-- During the last elections I had said, that if I had my way I would end one law every day. In the coming days 1300 laws will be abolished.
-- We want to create an environment where there is a sense of social security within people, we have introduced Atal pension yojana.
-- Did you ever imagine that a farmer in our nation could get pension after 60 years?
-- We want to create an environment where there is a sense of social security within people, we have introduced Atal pension yojana.
-- Did you ever imagine that a farmer in our nation could get pension after 60 years?
17:23 Modi@Mathura: Will be pradhan santri, not pradhan mantri
-- I won't be pradhan mantri, but pradhan santri.
-- Issue of farmers' suicide must not be politicized, we must look into why farmers are unhappy after 60 years of Independence.
-- Have thought about soil health cards for farmers, through this the farmer will know about the condition of the land.
-- We opened bank accounts for the poor. The poor were not given the opportunity to enter banks for so many years.
-- Issue of farmers' suicide must not be politicized, we must look into why farmers are unhappy after 60 years of Independence.
-- Have thought about soil health cards for farmers, through this the farmer will know about the condition of the land.
-- We opened bank accounts for the poor. The poor were not given the opportunity to enter banks for so many years.
17:16 Those who looted India face worse days ahead: PM
The PM mops his brow repeatedly in the 42 C searing heat of Mathura.
-- Rajiv Gandhi ji ne kaha tha Dilli se ek rupeya nikalta hai to gaon jaate jaate 15 paisa ho jaata hai, beech mein bicholiye hote hain.
-- It's been 60 years, more than 3 lakh farmers have committed suicide, I'm not here to discuss who's responsible for that.
-- Those who looted India face worse days ahead.
-- Delhi power circle has been busted.
- Has any scam surfaced in the last one year?
-- Rajiv Gandhi ji ne kaha tha Dilli se ek rupeya nikalta hai to gaon jaate jaate 15 paisa ho jaata hai, beech mein bicholiye hote hain.
-- It's been 60 years, more than 3 lakh farmers have committed suicide, I'm not here to discuss who's responsible for that.
-- Those who looted India face worse days ahead.
-- Delhi power circle has been busted.
- Has any scam surfaced in the last one year?
17:13 Modi@Mathura: Achche din are here, but burre din for some
Modi@Mathura:
-- If you wouldn't have chosen our govt and stayed with the previous govt, would you have seen any development?
-- Time is up for people who looted the nation.
-- Loot lo, hum bhii lootein tum bhi looton, yahii kartey thii pehli sarkar. Things have changed in the last one year. I have stopped the rampant looting.
-- If you wouldn't have chosen our govt and stayed with the previous govt, would you have seen any development?
-- Time is up for people who looted the nation.
-- Loot lo, hum bhii lootein tum bhi looton, yahii kartey thii pehli sarkar. Things have changed in the last one year. I have stopped the rampant looting.
17:05 Mathura@Mathura: I want to give you hisab of 365 days in power
Modi@Mathura: I want to give you 'hisab' of 365 days in power.
-- In the past year, has there been any news of corruption from our government, or any malpractice?
-- Pehle remote control se sarkar chalti thi ki nhi? koyle ki chhori hui ki nhi? kitne bure din the,bure karma the
-- Aap mujhe bataiye agar aapne yeh sarkar nahi chuni hoti, toh kya desh ka haal badla hota? Parivartan aaya hota?
-- Yeh parivartan Modi nahi laaya, yeh parivartan aap laaye hain
-- I have stopped the rampant looting.
-- Are the bad deeds days not over? My government is dedicated to the poor.
-- In the past year, has there been any news of corruption from our government, or any malpractice?
-- Pehle remote control se sarkar chalti thi ki nhi? koyle ki chhori hui ki nhi? kitne bure din the,bure karma the
-- Aap mujhe bataiye agar aapne yeh sarkar nahi chuni hoti, toh kya desh ka haal badla hota? Parivartan aaya hota?
-- Yeh parivartan Modi nahi laaya, yeh parivartan aap laaye hain
-- I have stopped the rampant looting.
-- Are the bad deeds days not over? My government is dedicated to the poor.
16:50
PM begins his speech at the Mathura rally.
16:49 Mathura MP Hema Malini shares the stage with PM at mega rally
PM Modi reaches the venue of the rally in Mathura after addressing a small gathering at the Pt Deen Dayal Upadhyay dham. On the stage is Mathura MP Hema Malini.
At the dham, the PM said one can learn the way Panditji led his life and how the lives of the poorest of the poor can be changed. "The satisfaction or strength that we get from the achievements of this past one year, we get more strength from the life of Deen Dayal Upadhyay. And this will inspire us to work harder in the future," the PM said.
At the dham, the PM said one can learn the way Panditji led his life and how the lives of the poorest of the poor can be changed. "The satisfaction or strength that we get from the achievements of this past one year, we get more strength from the life of Deen Dayal Upadhyay. And this will inspire us to work harder in the future," the PM said.
16:20
Just in: High Court relief for Arvind Kejriwal. The Delhi High Court rules that the Anti-Corruption branch will take orders from the Delhi govt and not the L-G.
@ArvindKejriwal tweets his relief: Del HC strikes down centre's effort to weaken Delhi's ACB. Del HC- Centre has no jurisdiction to pass notification on ACB's powers.
@ArvindKejriwal tweets his relief: Del HC strikes down centre's effort to weaken Delhi's ACB. Del HC- Centre has no jurisdiction to pass notification on ACB's powers.
16:16
The rally in Mathura will kickstart the 200 other rallies to be held to celebrate the Modi government's first year in power.
16:05
PM Narendra Modi garlands Deendayal Upadhyay's bust at the Dham in his name in Nagla Chandrabhan village in Mathura today.
16:03 PM Modi reaches Mathura for mega rally
Just in: PM Modi reaches Mathura for the mega rally. Mathura is the birthplace of the Jansangh ideologue Deendayal Upadhyay, which is why it is being held here. The PM is expected to garland a statue of Upadhyay ahead of his speech.
Modi is expected to announce the implementation of the "one rank one pension' scheme for retired personnel of the armed forces at his rally in Mathura to mark one year of his government.
Modi is expected to announce the implementation of the "one rank one pension' scheme for retired personnel of the armed forces at his rally in Mathura to mark one year of his government.
15:22 TMC minister makes security personnel tie his shoelaces
In what has become routine for Indian politicians, West Bengal Minister for Planning Rachpal Singh embarrassed his party, Trinamool Congress, when he was caught on camera making his security personnel tie his shoe laces.
Singh was seen attending the birthday celebration of sculptor and painter Ramkinkar Baij at Nabanna, the Bengal state secretariat, after which he was spotted taking assistance from his security personnel in getting his shoelaces tied.
Singh is in good company.
In October 2014, pictures of Deputy Inspector General of Police in Jammu, Shakeel Beig getting his shoelaces tied by an armed security man went viral when his son tweeted the pictures. In another photograph, an army jawan acts as a caddie while the DIG's son is playing golf.
In September, 2014, Union home minister Rajnath Singh got his shoelaces tied by a jawan of the Border Security Force, which led to bitter criticism of the minister.
Singh was seen attending the birthday celebration of sculptor and painter Ramkinkar Baij at Nabanna, the Bengal state secretariat, after which he was spotted taking assistance from his security personnel in getting his shoelaces tied.
Singh is in good company.
In October 2014, pictures of Deputy Inspector General of Police in Jammu, Shakeel Beig getting his shoelaces tied by an armed security man went viral when his son tweeted the pictures. In another photograph, an army jawan acts as a caddie while the DIG's son is playing golf.
In September, 2014, Union home minister Rajnath Singh got his shoelaces tied by a jawan of the Border Security Force, which led to bitter criticism of the minister.
15:09 G Mohan Kumar takes over as Defence Secretary
G Mohan Kumar today took over as the new Defence Secretary, succeeding RK Mathur, who laid down office yesterday. Belonging to the 1979 batch of IAS, Odisha cadre, Kumar is a post-Graduate in Chemistry and an MBA from UK. He has worked in various ministries and departments including Steel, Water Resources, Rural Development, Fisheries, Export Development and VAT Administration.
15:05 Chidambaram joins Twitter
Senior Congress leader and former Union Finance Minister P Chidambaram finally succumbed and joined Twitter today. "Hello! On #Twitter for sharing serious commentary on contemporary issues," he said in his first Tweet posted at 11.25 pm yesterday.
As there were already some people who have Twitter accounts by the same name "P Chidambaram", some had requested the former minister's son Karthi who is on Twitter since 2009 to confirm if it was a genuine Twitter account of his father. He confirmed it and, replying to some of the queries on his father's Twitter account said "Better late than never."
So far, P Chidambaram has tweeted 11 times and is following seven people and has over 4000 followers.
One of PC's telling tweets today: 'A king with no guardian or critic to rebuke him, will be ruined even if he has no enemies' - Thirukkural
Holds good for the Gandhis and Modi.
As there were already some people who have Twitter accounts by the same name "P Chidambaram", some had requested the former minister's son Karthi who is on Twitter since 2009 to confirm if it was a genuine Twitter account of his father. He confirmed it and, replying to some of the queries on his father's Twitter account said "Better late than never."
So far, P Chidambaram has tweeted 11 times and is following seven people and has over 4000 followers.
One of PC's telling tweets today: 'A king with no guardian or critic to rebuke him, will be ruined even if he has no enemies' - Thirukkural
Holds good for the Gandhis and Modi.
15:00
Muri Express derails in Kaushambi, four feared dead. The train was travelling from Tata Nagar to Jammu.
14:35 And now, ISIS massacres 400 people in the ancient city of Palmyra
Isis has slaughtered more than 400 mostly women and children in the ancient city of Palmyra, two days after capturing the ancient city.Syrian state television reported the massacre, quoting residents of the city.
The Independent, quoting the state news agency said: "The terrorists have killed more than 400 people.. and mutilated their bodies, under the pretext that they cooperated with the government and did not follow orders."
Opposition activists claimed that hundreds of bodies littered the streets. They said that many of the victims were from groups or families loyal to the government. Read more
Also see: Iconic ancient city in Islamic State clutches
The Independent, quoting the state news agency said: "The terrorists have killed more than 400 people.. and mutilated their bodies, under the pretext that they cooperated with the government and did not follow orders."
Opposition activists claimed that hundreds of bodies littered the streets. They said that many of the victims were from groups or families loyal to the government. Read more
Also see: Iconic ancient city in Islamic State clutches
14:28 Salman guest of honour at Arpita's wedding reception
Six months after the marriage, Salman Khan's sister Arpita Khan Sharma held her wedding reception at Mandi, Himachal Pradesh on Sunday (May 24).
Salman was the guest of honour at the wedding, which was hosted by Anil Sharma, a cabinet minister and father of Arpita's husband Aayush. Mandi, is Ayush's hometown. Arpita posted this picture of her hennaed feet on Twitter, saying: "Mehendi & the celebrations go on ! Reception in Mandi HP inlaws hometown."
If you missed the November wedding, take a look these pictures.
Salman was the guest of honour at the wedding, which was hosted by Anil Sharma, a cabinet minister and father of Arpita's husband Aayush. Mandi, is Ayush's hometown. Arpita posted this picture of her hennaed feet on Twitter, saying: "Mehendi & the celebrations go on ! Reception in Mandi HP inlaws hometown."
If you missed the November wedding, take a look these pictures.
14:09 Avoid Connaught Place between 5-7 pm: Delhi police on AAP meet
Just in: Delhi Police asks motorists to avoid Connaught Place between 5 and 7 pm when AAP is scheduled to hold its public cabinet.
The Aam Aadmi Party, which completed 100 days in office and plans to escalate its power battle with the Centre has called for a massive public meeting, an "open Cabinet," this evening in Delhi.
In the meeting dubbed as 'Jan Samvaad' at Central Park in Connaught Place, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal is expected to push for full statehood for Delhi and call for a referendum.
The Aam Aadmi Party, which completed 100 days in office and plans to escalate its power battle with the Centre has called for a massive public meeting, an "open Cabinet," this evening in Delhi.
In the meeting dubbed as 'Jan Samvaad' at Central Park in Connaught Place, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal is expected to push for full statehood for Delhi and call for a referendum.
14:02 2nd terror attack in J-K: Army jawan injured in Kulgam
In the second attack in Jammu and Kashmir today, an army jawan was injured in south Kashmir's Kulgam area. Details awaited.
This morning, one person was killed and two others were injured in a militant attack on a telecom company outlet in Sopore town of north Kashmir's Baramulla district. The militants opened firing on the franchisee of BSNL at Iqbal Market in Sopore, 52 kms from Sringar.
This morning, one person was killed and two others were injured in a militant attack on a telecom company outlet in Sopore town of north Kashmir's Baramulla district. The militants opened firing on the franchisee of BSNL at Iqbal Market in Sopore, 52 kms from Sringar.
13:58 Asaram's son Narayan Sai gets bail to meet unwell mom
Self-styled 'godman' Asaram's son Narayan Sai, jailed in a rape case, was today granted three weeks' temporary bail by the Gujarat High Court to attend to his ailing mother, who is schedule to undergo a surgery.
The court told Sai to surrender in four days from the date of his release from Surat jail if his mother's surgery does not take place till then. Sai, who is in jail since December 2013, is likely to come out of Surat jail tomorrow. The relief for Sai came amid reports of attacks on witnesses of rape cases against him and his father Asaram, who is behind bars in Jodhpur in connection with a rape case.
The court told Sai to surrender in four days from the date of his release from Surat jail if his mother's surgery does not take place till then. Sai, who is in jail since December 2013, is likely to come out of Surat jail tomorrow. The relief for Sai came amid reports of attacks on witnesses of rape cases against him and his father Asaram, who is behind bars in Jodhpur in connection with a rape case.
13:23 Modi@1: BJP's 7 popular defensive tactics
A simple guide to the strange defensiveness of the government and its supporters, and how and why the arguments they're making are wrong. Read
13:08 CBSE website crashes as lakhs of students log in for results
The Central Board of Secondary Education was scheduled to declare the Class 12 board examination results today, at 12 pm. As lakhs of students attempted to check their results, the CBSE official website crashed due to excessive online traffic.
Students can however get their results through the CBSE's interactive voice response system, by calling (011) 24300699 or (011) 28127030. The charges for IVRS are 30 paise per minute.
Or, through the board's SMS service at 57766 or 7738299899. This service will cost them Re 1 per SMS.
In a change from the past years' routine, this year the board is declaring the Class 12 examination results before the Class 10 results.
Students can however get their results through the CBSE's interactive voice response system, by calling (011) 24300699 or (011) 28127030. The charges for IVRS are 30 paise per minute.
Or, through the board's SMS service at 57766 or 7738299899. This service will cost them Re 1 per SMS.
In a change from the past years' routine, this year the board is declaring the Class 12 examination results before the Class 10 results.
12:59
Just in: The CBSE Class XII results were declared on Monday. This time, results have been declared earlier than last year.
12:54 DMK to file appeal against Jaya's acquittal
DMK to file appeal against Tamil Nadu CM J Jayalalithaa's acquittal. DMK general secretary K.Anbazhagan is one of the petitioners in the Rs 66 crore disproportionate assets case against Jayalalithaa. In 2014, a trial court convicted Jayalalithaa with 4 years jail term and Rs.100 crore fine, but the Karnataka High Court accepted Jayalalithaa's appeal and acquitted her of all charges.
12:51 Blast targets Pak President's son's convoy in Balochistan, 3 dead
Three people were killed and 15 injured in an explosion that targeted the motorcade of the son of Pakistan President Mamnoon Hussain in the restive province of Balochistan, officials said on Monday.
Explosives planted in a motorcycle parked near a hotel were detonated by remote control as the motorcade was passing through the industrial city of Hub on Sunday.
The injured, including four policemen, were taken to a nearby hospital.
"The convoys of the President's son Salman Mamnoon and Lasbela district police officer Bashir Brohi were passing by the area when a huge explosion occurred,' assistant sub-inspector of police Jam Mandokhel told the media.
Four policemen who were part of Salman Mamnoon's security detail were injured. Police officials said the convoy of the President's son was the target of the attack. Salman Mamnoon, who escaped unhurt, frequently visits a farm in Hub, officials said. No group claimed responsibility for the attack. Balochistan has witnessed numerous attacks by separatist groups over the years.
Explosives planted in a motorcycle parked near a hotel were detonated by remote control as the motorcade was passing through the industrial city of Hub on Sunday.
The injured, including four policemen, were taken to a nearby hospital.
"The convoys of the President's son Salman Mamnoon and Lasbela district police officer Bashir Brohi were passing by the area when a huge explosion occurred,' assistant sub-inspector of police Jam Mandokhel told the media.
Four policemen who were part of Salman Mamnoon's security detail were injured. Police officials said the convoy of the President's son was the target of the attack. Salman Mamnoon, who escaped unhurt, frequently visits a farm in Hub, officials said. No group claimed responsibility for the attack. Balochistan has witnessed numerous attacks by separatist groups over the years.
12:15 Gujarat: a tale of two cities
The Gujarat Chief Minister's attempt to distinguish herself from her predecessor by making women's issues a priority hardly gets around the deep discrimination that Muslims in the State face in the form of communalism and a lack of housing. Read more
12:04
One of the three BSNL employees critically injured has been taken to Srinagar for treatment: Police.
11:59
Just in: Supreme Court stays execution of death sentence of a woman and her lover convicted for murdering seven members of her family. Details awaited.
11:56 Militants shoot BSNL staffers in Sopore, Kashmir
Three BSNL employees shot at and injured in a market in Sopore, Kashmir, reports Mukhtar Ahmad/Rediff.com. Details awaited.
Militants stormed a police camp in Kashmir in March, killing two policeman and wounding three, a police official said, snapping a three-month lull in attacks that the state government has sworn to end.
Pic: Police have cordoned off the market place where the incident occurred.
Militants stormed a police camp in Kashmir in March, killing two policeman and wounding three, a police official said, snapping a three-month lull in attacks that the state government has sworn to end.
Pic: Police have cordoned off the market place where the incident occurred.
11:47 'John Nash will be remembered forever: Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday expressed grief on the demise of US mathematician John Nash and his wife Alicia, who died in a car crash in New Jersey.
Prime Minister Modi took to Twitter to share his thoughts."An intellectual powerhouse with a long lasting contribution to mathematics, John Nash will be remembered forever. RIP Alicia and John Nash," he said.
According to reports, 86-year-old Nash and his 82-year-old wife were killed when their taxi crashed.
The mathematician, who is well-known for his work in game theory, had won the Nobel Prize for Economics in 1994. His breakthroughs in maths - and his struggles with schizophrenia - were the focus of the 2001 film 'A Beautiful Mind'.
Prime Minister Modi took to Twitter to share his thoughts."An intellectual powerhouse with a long lasting contribution to mathematics, John Nash will be remembered forever. RIP Alicia and John Nash," he said.
According to reports, 86-year-old Nash and his 82-year-old wife were killed when their taxi crashed.
The mathematician, who is well-known for his work in game theory, had won the Nobel Prize for Economics in 1994. His breakthroughs in maths - and his struggles with schizophrenia - were the focus of the 2001 film 'A Beautiful Mind'.
11:35 Neo-liberalism and the peasantry's distress
When I first started teaching at the Jawaharlal Nehru University in July 1973, the starting basic salary of an associate professor was Rs 700 per month. Nowadays the starting basic salary of an associate professor in a Central university is about Rs 47,000 per month. The take-home pay, of course, is always larger than the basic salary, and there are certain benefits in kind, such as campus housing, which accrue to some. Read more
11:23 So, who is Rakhi Tandon?
Rakhee Kapoor Tandon was ruling the twitter and trending at the top. Many people, specially those on twitter woke up with a surprise on Monday. Most of twitterati were seen praising her looks and calling her the best thing in this year's IPL. Here's more on that story. Read
10:57
A telling sign that the PM has mellowed towards the press...
Narendra Modi @narendramodi tweets: Dear @aroonpurie, congratulations for the remarkable 40 year journey & my best wishes on the start of the new @IndiaToday channel.
Narendra Modi @narendramodi tweets: Dear @aroonpurie, congratulations for the remarkable 40 year journey & my best wishes on the start of the new @IndiaToday channel.
10:55 Mumbai Indians invite fans to join celebrations at the Wankhede
The Wankhede Stadium will open its gates this evening to all their die-hard supporters as Mumbai Indians are all set for euphoric celebrations after their second triumph in the IPL T20 cricket tournament.
Rohit Sharma and Co, who are scheduled to leave the city in batches in the afternoon, will head to their home venue along with their team mentor Sachin Tendulkar and owner Nita Ambani and the celebrations will begin at 8 pm.
"Mumbai Indians want all its fans who have supported the team to converge at Wankhede from 7pm onwards. It will be a celebration like never before," a team official told PTI.
The entry to the stadium would be free and will be on a first-come-first-in basis. This would be the first opportunity for the fans as the last time in 2013, the celebrations were limited as the team owners were out of country.
Rohit Sharma and Co, who are scheduled to leave the city in batches in the afternoon, will head to their home venue along with their team mentor Sachin Tendulkar and owner Nita Ambani and the celebrations will begin at 8 pm.
"Mumbai Indians want all its fans who have supported the team to converge at Wankhede from 7pm onwards. It will be a celebration like never before," a team official told PTI.
The entry to the stadium would be free and will be on a first-come-first-in basis. This would be the first opportunity for the fans as the last time in 2013, the celebrations were limited as the team owners were out of country.
10:09 Mumbai: 11 killed in bus accident after driver falls asleep on wheel
Eleven persons, including a five-year-old, died and 15 others were injured after a minibus, on its way to Surat, crashed into a luxury bus on NH 8 in Thane Rural at around 3.30 am on today.
According to state highway patrol security officials, the driver of the minibus fell asleep at the wheel and caused the crash. "We have made inquires with eye-witnesses, mainly nearby truck drivers, and also the tyre prints of the minibus left on the road indicates a sudden change in course of the vehicle," Gaurav Shinde, a police official with the state highway patrol told The Indian Express.
Police said that the incident took place on National Highway 8 that connects Mumbai to Gujarat in front of Sahayadri Hotel in Talasari area. The luxury bus was on its way to Mumbai from Surat, Gujarat.
Read the complete report here
According to state highway patrol security officials, the driver of the minibus fell asleep at the wheel and caused the crash. "We have made inquires with eye-witnesses, mainly nearby truck drivers, and also the tyre prints of the minibus left on the road indicates a sudden change in course of the vehicle," Gaurav Shinde, a police official with the state highway patrol told The Indian Express.
Police said that the incident took place on National Highway 8 that connects Mumbai to Gujarat in front of Sahayadri Hotel in Talasari area. The luxury bus was on its way to Mumbai from Surat, Gujarat.
Read the complete report here
09:53 100 days of AAP: Kejriwal likely to demand full statehood for Delhi
The Aam Aadmi Party has
completed 100 days in office and plans to escalate its power battle with
the Centre in a massive public meeting, which it calls an "open
Cabinet," this evening in Delhi.
In the meeting dubbed as 'Jan Samvaad' at Central Park in Connaught Place, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal is expected to push for full statehood for Delhi and call for a referendum, according to an NDTV report.
Kejriwal received permission to hold the meeting this morning from the Delhi police, which reports not to his government but the Centre. Huge traffic jams are anticipated in the city because of the rally.
In the meeting dubbed as 'Jan Samvaad' at Central Park in Connaught Place, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal is expected to push for full statehood for Delhi and call for a referendum, according to an NDTV report.
Kejriwal received permission to hold the meeting this morning from the Delhi police, which reports not to his government but the Centre. Huge traffic jams are anticipated in the city because of the rally.
09:48 Rahul doesn't know difference between pyaaz and pizza
Union Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi launched a scathing attack on Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi in Bjopal yesterday, saying that he does not understand the difference between pyaaz (onion) and pizza or brinjal and burger, but tries to become a leader of farmers.
"Rahul, who can't understand the difference between onion and pizza or brinjal and burger, is trying to become the leader of farmers. He won't succeed," Naqvi told a media management workshop organised for Madhya Pradesh BJP's state spokespersons.
Praising the BJP-led NDA government's performance, the Union Minister of State for Minority Affairs said it is for the first time in the country that a government has risen above politics to focus on development.
"India's image has grown taller in the world under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership. The government is often accused, but your duty is to hit back at the opposition with solid facts and reach out to the media as well as the public," he told BJP spokespersons.
"Rahul, who can't understand the difference between onion and pizza or brinjal and burger, is trying to become the leader of farmers. He won't succeed," Naqvi told a media management workshop organised for Madhya Pradesh BJP's state spokespersons.
Praising the BJP-led NDA government's performance, the Union Minister of State for Minority Affairs said it is for the first time in the country that a government has risen above politics to focus on development.
"India's image has grown taller in the world under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership. The government is often accused, but your duty is to hit back at the opposition with solid facts and reach out to the media as well as the public," he told BJP spokespersons.
09:10 Over 30 trucks set on fire by Naxals in Bihar's Gaya
NDTV reports: Thirty two trucks in Bihar's Gaya district have been set on fire, reportedly by Naxals following a two-day bandh call in the region.
The trucks were set on fire post midnight as the bandh came into effect. The bandh call has been given by the CPI-Maoist to protest against the killing, by security forces, of a woman cadre about a week ago in an encounter.
At least six other people, alleged to be top Naxal commanders in the area, were arrested in that operation, the report says.
The trucks were set on fire post midnight as the bandh came into effect. The bandh call has been given by the CPI-Maoist to protest against the killing, by security forces, of a woman cadre about a week ago in an encounter.
At least six other people, alleged to be top Naxal commanders in the area, were arrested in that operation, the report says.
08:41 PM's Mathura rally today first of BJP's 200 to mark one year in power
Celebrations to commemorate the completion of first year of NDA government would commence from the native village of Jan Sangh leader
Deen Dayal Upadhyay in Mathura today with a public rally of Modi. This is the first of BJP's 200 rallies to mark its government's one year in power.
The PM will address the rally at village Nagla Chandrabhan, which is Upadhyay's birth place. Through his 'Jan Kalyan' rally, he is likely to address some of the problems and assuage concerns of people living in the village.
Tight security measures have been put in place for the Modi's visit to the district. The village has turned into a fortress, has heliports for three choppers and over 3000 policemen and commandos have been deployed for security.
Ahead of the rally in Mathura today, security agencies and district administration went into a tizzy after a message threatening to kill Modi reached the police and media.
The Uttar Pradesh police has identified the sender of the WhatsApp message and taken his brother into custody. Several people, including SSP Rakesh Singh and some media personnel, had received the message on May 20, following which the mobile number through which the threat message was sent was put under surveillance, police officials said.
SSP Singh said the sender has been identified as Ramvir, a resident of Navli village, and a team under superintendent of police (city) has been constituted to nab him.
"Ramvir's brother Laxman Singh has been taken into custody and is being interrogated. Ramvir had sent the message to some people including media persons," he said.
District Magistrate Rajesh Kumar said Ramvir has sent similar kind of messages on previous occasions as well to scare people. "Ramvir had bought the SIM card under a fake name. A case under relevant sections of the IPC will be registered against him," he said.
The PM will address the rally at village Nagla Chandrabhan, which is Upadhyay's birth place. Through his 'Jan Kalyan' rally, he is likely to address some of the problems and assuage concerns of people living in the village.
Tight security measures have been put in place for the Modi's visit to the district. The village has turned into a fortress, has heliports for three choppers and over 3000 policemen and commandos have been deployed for security.
Ahead of the rally in Mathura today, security agencies and district administration went into a tizzy after a message threatening to kill Modi reached the police and media.
The Uttar Pradesh police has identified the sender of the WhatsApp message and taken his brother into custody. Several people, including SSP Rakesh Singh and some media personnel, had received the message on May 20, following which the mobile number through which the threat message was sent was put under surveillance, police officials said.
SSP Singh said the sender has been identified as Ramvir, a resident of Navli village, and a team under superintendent of police (city) has been constituted to nab him.
"Ramvir's brother Laxman Singh has been taken into custody and is being interrogated. Ramvir had sent the message to some people including media persons," he said.
District Magistrate Rajesh Kumar said Ramvir has sent similar kind of messages on previous occasions as well to scare people. "Ramvir had bought the SIM card under a fake name. A case under relevant sections of the IPC will be registered against him," he said.
08:16 Andhra, Telangana worst hit by heat wave; over 400 killed
The searing heat wave in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana has killed 432 people so far with more deaths being reported as vast swathes of the country reeled under the unrelenting summer heat.
There was no respite in sight with the India Meteorological department warning that severe heat wave conditions are expected to continue in the two worst-hit southern states.
In Delhi, the maximum temperature was recorded at 43.5 degree Celsius, a degree less than Saturday while Palam recorded 46 degree Celsius. Uttar Pradesh continued to reel under sweltering heat with mercury in Allahabad touching 47.7 degree Celsius, which was the hottest in the state.
There was no respite in sight with the India Meteorological department warning that severe heat wave conditions are expected to continue in the two worst-hit southern states.
In Delhi, the maximum temperature was recorded at 43.5 degree Celsius, a degree less than Saturday while Palam recorded 46 degree Celsius. Uttar Pradesh continued to reel under sweltering heat with mercury in Allahabad touching 47.7 degree Celsius, which was the hottest in the state.
08:12 News as it happens
Top headlines in the last 24 hours
Mathematician John Nash, who inspired 'A Beautiful Mind', killed in car crash
Working Sunday for Jaya; opens 'Amma' canteens, clears schemes worth Rs 18K crore
Nepal warns India of flash floods after major landslide blocks river
Why Mr Modi may have missed the bus
Naidu on Rahul: Zeroes cannot see beyond zero
100 days of AAP ki Sarkar: Hits
Yesterday's live commentary
Mathematician John Nash, who inspired 'A Beautiful Mind', killed in car crash
Working Sunday for Jaya; opens 'Amma' canteens, clears schemes worth Rs 18K crore
Nepal warns India of flash floods after major landslide blocks river
Why Mr Modi may have missed the bus
Naidu on Rahul: Zeroes cannot see beyond zero
100 days of AAP ki Sarkar: Hits
Yesterday's live commentary
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