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Thu, 29 October 2015
Live! Hardik moves HC against interception of phone calls by cops
Timeline Refresh
23:47 CAF jawan killed in landmine blast in Chhattisgarh
A Chhattisgarh Armed Force jawan was today killed in a landmine blast in insurgency-hit Bijapur district of the state, police said. The explosive was planted allegedly by Naxals.
The incident took place at around 2 pm in the forests near Pandemurga village under Nelasnar police station limits where security forces were deployed to ensure safety to an under- construction road, Bijapur Additional Superintendent of Police Indira Kalyan Elesela told PTI.
A joint squad of CAF and district force was deputed to ensure security to construction of Nelasnar-Bhairmgarh road.
While cordoning off forests in Pandemurga region, around 450 kms away from here, a jawan inadvertently stepped over a pressure improvised explosive device triggering the blast in which he sustained severe injures in his leg and thigh, the ASP said.
23:19 Chautala's parole: AAP govt refuses to relent after Jung's clarification
A day after Lt Governor Najeeb Jung refuted the accusation of Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal that he "presurised" Home Minister Satyendar Jain to grant parole to former Haryana CM O P Chautala, the AAP dispensation claimed the matter refers to a fresh parole plea filed by Chautala.
An official said that Chautala had filed a fresh plea on October 16 after his first plea for parole was rejected by LG on October 5 earlier this month. "Government had recommended rejection of the fresh parole plea of former Haryana Chief Minister.
Lt Governor should clarify that why he had summoned Jain on October 21 and then pressurised him to grant parole to Chautala," a government official said. INLD leader Om Prakash Chautala is serving a decade-long jail term in teachers' recruitment scam case.
Sources said within days of the parole plea being rejected on October 5, another plea had been filed by Chautala on October 16, after which the Delhi Home Minister had been summoned by Jung on October 21.
23:17 Hardik moves HC against interception of phone calls by cops
Patel quota agitation leader Hardik Patel today moved the Gujarat high court challenging the interception of his and his associates' phone calls by the police and seeking an independent inquiry into it.
"The petitioner challenges the legality...of unlawfully tapping telephones not only of the petitioner but of several thousands persons of the Patidar community...which they (police) have admitted in the FIR against the petitioner," said his plea calling it the "grossest violation of personal liberty".
Hardik's father Bharat Patel filed the petition on his behalf as Hardik himself is in the custody of police.
The city crime branch had on October 21 registered an FIR against Hardik and his aides Chirag Patel, Ketan Patel, Dinesh Patel, Alpesh Kathiria and Amrish Patel on charges of sedition and waging war against the government. The FIR mentions details of call interceptions of the Patel leaders.
23:16 No pre-arrest bail for 4 corporators in builder suicide case
The Thane district court today rejected the anticipatory bail applications of four corporators of the Municipal Corporation whose names figure in the suicide note of city-based builder Suraj Parmar.
The judge V V Bambarde rejected the pre-arrest bail pleas of NCP city president Najeeb Mulla, Hanumant Jagdale (leader of opposition in Municipal Corporation, NCP), Vikrant Chavan (Congress) and Sudhakar Chavan (independent). Parmar, who committed suicide earlier this month citing harassment by a nexus of corporators and officials, has named the four corporators in his letter.
The corporators had earlier moved the Bombay high court after the district court didn't take up their applications immediately. However the HC asked them to approach the district court itself.
22:28 UK rejects new 'mega mosque' plans in London
The UK government has rejected plans by an Islamic group to build a new 290,000-square-foot "mega mosque" in east London, citing a "conflict" with authorities' local plans for the borough.
Tablighi Jamaat's mosque with 190-foot minarets near the Olympic Park would have accommodated up to 9,300 worshippers in two main gender-segregated prayer halls and a further 2,000 in a separate hall. The Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) has dismissed appeals against the refusal of planning permission for the mosque in Newham area of the city.
A DCLG spokesperson said: "The decision was based on concerns that include local housing provision and conflict with the council's local plan for the borough.
"It also took account of the evidence from all parties and is in line with the council's original determination and advice from the independent planning inspector on the main appeal."
22:27 Rajaji Marg bungalow allotment to Sharma as per rules: Naidu
Defending the allotment of the bungalow of former President A P J Abdul Kalam to Tourism and Culture Mahesh Sharma, Urban Development Minister M Venkaiah Naidu today said the allocation was made as per "rules and procedures" of the government.
"All our ministers have been allocated government accommodation one after another. Only Mahesh Sharma could not be allocated. Earlier, 7 Tyagraj Marg was allotted to him but the occupant that time did not vacate the bungalow," he told PTI.
"Now the 10 Rajaji Marg bungalow, which has become vacant, has been allocated to Sharma as per rules and procedures on the basis of vacation by former President Kalam's staff," he said.
Quoting Rule 3 of the Ministers Residence Rules, 1962, he said, "Cabinet Ministers and Ministers of State shall be allotted Type VIII accommodation subject to availability and in that order."
21:34 Chandy writes second letter to PM on 'beef' row
Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy today wrote his second letter in three days to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the Kerala House 'raid' episode pointing out legal violation by the Delhi police and maintained that the state would resort to legal action if it did not receive a satisfactory reply from the Centre.
The state views the act of the Delhi police, who raided the state-run guest house on October 26, "as one of total disregard of niceties and refinement by the police which is controlled by the Centre in a constitutionally federal structure," he said.
The chief minister maintained in the letter that the state would resort to legal action if it did not receive a satisfactory reply from the Centre. The Congress-led UDF government had yesterday threatened to take legal action over police 'raid' at Kerala House on complaints of cow meat being served there, if the "mistake" was not admitted, and said it had affected Centre-State relations.
"We are waiting for the reply from the Centre," Chandy said while speaking at a meet-the-press programme here earlier in the day.
21:32 HC asks Maharashtra govt to regulate online sale of medicines
The Bombay High Court today directed the Maharashtra government to take steps to regulate the online sale of medicines, until a specific law or rules are enacted.
A division bench of Justices Naresh Patil and S B Shukare was hearing a PIL against the online sale of medicines. The government informed the HC today that it had set up an experts' committee under the chairmanship of Foods and Drugs Administration Commissioner for regulation of sale of medicines through online portals.
The committee has invited suggestions till October 30 from the people, NGOs and pharmaceutical organisations, and after perusing them, it would issue recommendations for amendments to Drugs and Cosmetics Act, the government pleader said. The high court advised the committee to study laws of developed countries such as the US, UK and Norway where online sale of medicines is allowed, and also of Turkey, Thailand and Korea where it is not allowed.
The pleader submitted that two portals selling medicines were being prosecuted and the government was also thinking of blocking them.
20:53 Paul Republicans just elected Paul Ryan as their speaker nominee
Wisconsin Republican Rep. Paul Ryan was elected on Thursday to serve as the next speaker of the House '" a vote that followed weeks of uncertainty and came on the heels of the House passage of a sweeping two-year bipartisan budget deal.
Ryan is expected to call for a renewed effort to make the House function as a great deliberative body again. And he asked members to put the concerns of working families front and center.
"We have nothing to fear from honest differences honestly stated," Ryan was expected to say in prepared remarks. "If you have ideas, let's hear them. A greater clarity between us can lead to a greater charity among us."
Read this story HERE
20:14 Zuckerberg talks Net neutrality at luncheon meet with MPs
Facebook founder & CEO Mark Zuckerberg today hosted a luncheon meeting with political and industry leaders to discuss various matters, including the controversial issue of net neutrality and zero-rating.
Those present at the meeting included DIPP Secretary Amitabh Kant, Parliamentary Standing Committee on IT Chairman Anurag Thakur, Department of Telecom Secretary Rakesh Garg, Trinamool Congress MP Derek O' Brien, Member of Parliament Rajeev Chandrasekhar and FICCI Secretary General A Didar Singh.
"Among the issues that were discussed were the role of technology, regulation and policy in accelerating access to the internet... Specific issues and concerns relating to Net Neutrality and Zero Rating, as well as Internet.org and Free Basics (were also discussed)," Singh said.
He added that discussions also revolved around social media and eGovernance.
19:46 SC reserves judgement on Sadananda Gowda's plea
The Supreme Court today reserved its judgement on the pleas filed by Union Law Minister Sadananda Gowda and a BJP MLA against the Karnataka High Court verdict quashing the sanction of a five-storey building in Bangalore built in violation of rules.
A bench comprising Justices Madan B Lokur and S A Bobde reserved its verdict after counsel for the different parties concluded their arguments. "Arguments concluded. Judgment reserved," the bench said after hearing arguments advanced by the counsel for the law minister and lawyer Prashant Bhushan, representing an activist who had approached High Court against the BJP leader.
During the hearing, Bhushan said the entire events show blatant disregard and violation of the law by a person who was the then Chief Minister of Karnataka.
"This kind of fraud is being played right under the nose of authorities. He (Gowda) made a single building and bifurcated it into two. They are carrying out commercial activity and no law permits them so.
19:41 Modi to visit INA memorial in Singapore
Just in: PM Narendra Modi will visit the Indian National Army memorial in Singapore during his visit in November and pay homage at the war memorial, located at the Esplanade Park.
Modi is the only Indian PM to visit the memorial. In 1946, Nehru visited the original INA memorial at the Esplanade, which was later demolished by India's then viceroy Lord Mountbatten.
Modi is the only Indian PM to visit the memorial. In 1946, Nehru visited the original INA memorial at the Esplanade, which was later demolished by India's then viceroy Lord Mountbatten.
Interestingly, since Nehru was yet to hold office and since no other prime minister visited the memorial since, Modi will become the first Indian prime minister to visit the memorial.
The memorial was rebuilt in 1995 by the National Heritage Board of the Singapore government to observe the 50th anniversary of the end of World War II. The Indian diaspora in Singapore had contributed to the construction of the monument with financial donations.
In fact, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose had laid the foundation stone for the original memorial, which was built during the Japanese Occupation on 8 July 1945.
Now, a signboard is put in the Esplanade Park to guide tourists to "Site of the Former INA Monument". Singapore will celebrate its 50th anniversary of its Independence on August 9, 2015.
Modi began the process of declassification of secret files related to Subhas Chandra Bose beginning 23 January (Bose's birthday) next year, in a move he explained saying, "there is no need to strangle history".
The memorial was rebuilt in 1995 by the National Heritage Board of the Singapore government to observe the 50th anniversary of the end of World War II. The Indian diaspora in Singapore had contributed to the construction of the monument with financial donations.
In fact, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose had laid the foundation stone for the original memorial, which was built during the Japanese Occupation on 8 July 1945.
Now, a signboard is put in the Esplanade Park to guide tourists to "Site of the Former INA Monument". Singapore will celebrate its 50th anniversary of its Independence on August 9, 2015.
Modi began the process of declassification of secret files related to Subhas Chandra Bose beginning 23 January (Bose's birthday) next year, in a move he explained saying, "there is no need to strangle history".
18:44 No female leader in 50 years!
As Nepal gets its first female president, Bidhya Devi Bhandari, here are countries that have never had a female leader in the last 50 years.
18:37 Dr Bhargava a habitual protester, says BJP of scientist who will return Padma
The BJP reacts to renowned scientist Dr PM Bhargava returning the Padma Bhushan to protest the attack on rationalism. The BJP says Bhargava is a habitual protester and asks why he did not register his dissent when the Emergency was imposed. The party said Dr Bhargava was awarded for political not scientific temperament.
In a strongly-worded response to PM Bhargava's announcement that he was returning the award, BJP said he expressed "no moral indignation or even a murmur of dissent" when Indira Gandhi imposed Emergency and was "rewarded" with a top assignment soon after it was lifted.
"The reality seems to be that he was rewarded then for his political temperament rather than his scientific temperament. For Dr Bhargava now to protest that India's democracy is under threat under Prime Minister Narendra Modi is not only trivial but reeks of hypocrisy of the highest order.
"He is a habitual protester and has strong prejudices against BJP and the central government. He was a signatory to the letter of solidarity with Greenpeace signed by 182 persons on April 24 this year. The list is a who's who of Hate BJP and Hate Modi brigade and comprises most cheer leaders of Sonia Gandhi," BJP spokepserson G V L Narasimha Rao said.
They have only one agenda and that is to "abuse" BJP and the Prime Minister all the time, he said. BJP termed it "unfortunate" that the media was carrying Bhargava's "irresponsible, motivated and malicious" remarks. "He is a beneficiary of Congress-era Emergency excesses and has been a habitual protester against the BJP government's policies," Rao said.
Read Syed Firdaus Ashraf's interview with Dr Bhargava.
In a strongly-worded response to PM Bhargava's announcement that he was returning the award, BJP said he expressed "no moral indignation or even a murmur of dissent" when Indira Gandhi imposed Emergency and was "rewarded" with a top assignment soon after it was lifted.
"The reality seems to be that he was rewarded then for his political temperament rather than his scientific temperament. For Dr Bhargava now to protest that India's democracy is under threat under Prime Minister Narendra Modi is not only trivial but reeks of hypocrisy of the highest order.
"He is a habitual protester and has strong prejudices against BJP and the central government. He was a signatory to the letter of solidarity with Greenpeace signed by 182 persons on April 24 this year. The list is a who's who of Hate BJP and Hate Modi brigade and comprises most cheer leaders of Sonia Gandhi," BJP spokepserson G V L Narasimha Rao said.
They have only one agenda and that is to "abuse" BJP and the Prime Minister all the time, he said. BJP termed it "unfortunate" that the media was carrying Bhargava's "irresponsible, motivated and malicious" remarks. "He is a beneficiary of Congress-era Emergency excesses and has been a habitual protester against the BJP government's policies," Rao said.
Read Syed Firdaus Ashraf's interview with Dr Bhargava.
18:33 Chhota Rajan fears threat to life in Bali
Arrested gangster Chhota Rajan seeks Indian consular access claiming his life is under threat in Bali, Indonesia. He says the security provided to him is not enough.
17:35 Pipe burst at Bandra, more water cuts, Mumbai?
There has been a major water pipe burst at Kalanagar, Bandra (East). Not good news at all in a city staring at huge water cuts.
Following a poor monsoon, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is likely to continue with water cuts in the city until July 2016.
The city is currently facing a 15 per cent water deficit, which has forced the civic body to continue with the water cuts. The civic body had imposed a 20 per cent water cut on residential properties and 50 per cent cut on commercial establishments at the end of August.
Following a poor monsoon, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is likely to continue with water cuts in the city until July 2016.
The city is currently facing a 15 per cent water deficit, which has forced the civic body to continue with the water cuts. The civic body had imposed a 20 per cent water cut on residential properties and 50 per cent cut on commercial establishments at the end of August.
17:30 Why Egypt's prez lost his way to Rashtrapati Bhavan
Egypt President Abdel Fatah al-Sisi was an hour late for his appointment with President Pranab Mukherjee this afternoon thanks to poor traffic management. What happened was that the pilot car got lost in and carcade and reached Khan market instead of Rashtrapati Bhavan. Now we hear that the programme this evening has been postponed by an hour. Incidentally, the Congress party will be attending the President's dinner party today.
17:24 Saudi blogger flogged for liberal writing wins human rights prize
Saudi blogger Raif Badawi, whose flogging sentence caused global outcry, awarded Sakharov human rights prize.
Saudi Arabia is set to resume the flogging of Raif Badawi, the blogger whose first 50 lashes became the center of international outcry, according to his wife, The Telegraph reports.
Ensaf Haidar said she's been told by an "informed source" the punishment will be administered in prison. She is currently living in Canada with the couple's children.
Badawi has been behind bars since 2012 and is currently serving a 10-year sentence after being convicted in 2014 of breaking Saudi Arabia's technology laws and insulting Islamic religious figures through his blog, "Saudi Arabian Liberals.'
He was also sentenced to 1,000 lashes over 20 weekly sessions and fined $266,000. The lashings were halted after a team of doctors deemed Badawi unable to endure further beatings.
Saudi Arabia is set to resume the flogging of Raif Badawi, the blogger whose first 50 lashes became the center of international outcry, according to his wife, The Telegraph reports.
Ensaf Haidar said she's been told by an "informed source" the punishment will be administered in prison. She is currently living in Canada with the couple's children.
Badawi has been behind bars since 2012 and is currently serving a 10-year sentence after being convicted in 2014 of breaking Saudi Arabia's technology laws and insulting Islamic religious figures through his blog, "Saudi Arabian Liberals.'
He was also sentenced to 1,000 lashes over 20 weekly sessions and fined $266,000. The lashings were halted after a team of doctors deemed Badawi unable to endure further beatings.
17:18 Call drop compensation rules stay, Trai to hear out telcos
Telecom regulator Trai has asked mobile service providers to ready their systems to compensate consumers for call drops from January 1. And in the meantime, it has expressed its willingness to examine the issues raised by them.
"I have made it very clear. It's a valid regulation. Neither overturned by a competent authority, nor annulled, modified or cancelled. The operators must take steps to prepare themselves to implement this," Trai Chairman R S Sharma told reporters today.
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India had already held a meeting with telecom operators on implementation of call drop compensation rules and steps taken by them to improve quality of service.
According to the guidelines, telecom operators will have to compensate consumers Re 1 for every call drop that occurs due to fault in their network, which is limited to a maximum of Rs 3 a day per consumer.
"I have made it very clear. It's a valid regulation. Neither overturned by a competent authority, nor annulled, modified or cancelled. The operators must take steps to prepare themselves to implement this," Trai Chairman R S Sharma told reporters today.
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India had already held a meeting with telecom operators on implementation of call drop compensation rules and steps taken by them to improve quality of service.
According to the guidelines, telecom operators will have to compensate consumers Re 1 for every call drop that occurs due to fault in their network, which is limited to a maximum of Rs 3 a day per consumer.
17:15 Zuma praises India, calls for deepening Indo-African ties
South Africa President Jacob Zuma today lauded India for its role in helping Africa overcome economic and political marginalisation and underdevelopment while calling for deepening partnership to address various challenges.
Describing Indo-Africa relations as an embodiment of South-South cooperation, Zuma credited Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi (even though the India government didn't) for building the foundations of strong ties between the two sides.
Describing Indo-Africa relations as an embodiment of South-South cooperation, Zuma credited Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi (even though the India government didn't) for building the foundations of strong ties between the two sides.
17:10 SpiceJet COO Sanjiv Kapoor quits
SpiceJet's Chief Operating Officer Sanjiv Kapoor today put in his papers, nearly ten months after original promoter Ajay Singh took over the reins of the budget airline.
Kapoor, 48, was appointed to the post by then owner Kalanithi Maran in November 2013. His abrupt resignation comes over a year before the expiry of his employment contract, SpiceJet sources said.
Kapoor is believed to have been sidelined after the new management took over earlier this year following the Marans offloading their entire holding to Singh.
An avid Twitter user, Kapoor has been a visible face of the no-frills airline and a strong supporter of flash sales of discounted tickets. When contacted, Kapoor did not offer any comment. SpiceJet spokesperson also declined to comment.
Kapoor, 48, was appointed to the post by then owner Kalanithi Maran in November 2013. His abrupt resignation comes over a year before the expiry of his employment contract, SpiceJet sources said.
Kapoor is believed to have been sidelined after the new management took over earlier this year following the Marans offloading their entire holding to Singh.
An avid Twitter user, Kapoor has been a visible face of the no-frills airline and a strong supporter of flash sales of discounted tickets. When contacted, Kapoor did not offer any comment. SpiceJet spokesperson also declined to comment.
16:46 Sensex drops 202 pts as Fed signals December rate hike
The benchmark BSE Sensex slipped for a fourth session today by falling 201.62 points to crash below the 27,000-mark, ahead of the monthly derivative contracts expiry and as the US Federal Reserve hinted at a possible interest rate hike in December.
16:34 Saudi blogger wins human rights prize
Saudi blogger Raif Badawi, whose flogging sentence caused global outcry, awarded Sakharov human rights prize.
Saudi Arabia is set to resume the flogging of Raif Badawi, the blogger whose first 50 lashes became the center of international outcry, according to his wife, The Telegraph reports.
Ensaf Haidar said she's been told by an "informed source" the punishment will be administered in prison. She is currently living in Canada with the couple's children.
Badawi has been behind bars since 2012 and is currently serving a 10-year sentence after being convicted in 2014 of breaking Saudi Arabia's technology laws and insulting Islamic religious figures through his blog, "Saudi Arabian Liberals.'
He was also sentenced to 1,000 lashes over 20 weekly sessions and fined $266,000. The lashings were halted after a team of doctors deemed Badawi unable to endure further beatings.
Saudi Arabia is set to resume the flogging of Raif Badawi, the blogger whose first 50 lashes became the center of international outcry, according to his wife, The Telegraph reports.
Ensaf Haidar said she's been told by an "informed source" the punishment will be administered in prison. She is currently living in Canada with the couple's children.
Badawi has been behind bars since 2012 and is currently serving a 10-year sentence after being convicted in 2014 of breaking Saudi Arabia's technology laws and insulting Islamic religious figures through his blog, "Saudi Arabian Liberals.'
He was also sentenced to 1,000 lashes over 20 weekly sessions and fined $266,000. The lashings were halted after a team of doctors deemed Badawi unable to endure further beatings.
16:29 China's demographic time bomb
This is the Independent on China's one-child policy: Some three decades after China launched its highly controversial policy restricting families to having one child, the government may soon allow a two-child policy to curb a demographic time bomb. Read
16:24
Must read on China's one-child policy: Time running out for China's one-child policy after three decades
16:19 China ends one-child policy, couples can have 2 kids
Just in: In a historic move, China scraps its one-child policy and allows all couples to have two children.
The decision comes after the policy-making arm of China's Communist Party met this week to hammer out a strategy for the country's economic and social development in the next five years.
The decision comes after the policy-making arm of China's Communist Party met this week to hammer out a strategy for the country's economic and social development in the next five years.
16:13 Chhota Rajan at best can be called a criminal, we're after Dawood: BJP leader
In the midst of efforts to extradite gangster Chhota Rajan from Bali, Indonesia, comes BJP leader RK Singh's statement that nabbing Rajan was not a big challenge and that the real challenge would be nabbing Dawood Ibrahim. Dawood is the mastermind behind the 1993 Mumbai serial blasts.
Reports say that RK Singh said that it was no doubt good news that Chhota Rajan had been apprehended but the biggest catch would be if Dawood is caught or killed. He said at best, Chhota Rajan can be called a criminal, he's not a big catch.
Rajan, who has been arrested after being on the run for over two decades, on Wednesday claimed that he did not surrender and wants to return to India. There is intense speculation that the arrest of the gangster, who is wanted in over 75 heinous crimes ranging from murder, extortion to smuggling and drug trafficking, was part of a deal with Indian security agencies.
Reports say that RK Singh said that it was no doubt good news that Chhota Rajan had been apprehended but the biggest catch would be if Dawood is caught or killed. He said at best, Chhota Rajan can be called a criminal, he's not a big catch.
Rajan, who has been arrested after being on the run for over two decades, on Wednesday claimed that he did not surrender and wants to return to India. There is intense speculation that the arrest of the gangster, who is wanted in over 75 heinous crimes ranging from murder, extortion to smuggling and drug trafficking, was part of a deal with Indian security agencies.
I never surrendered. I want to go back to India. Dont want to go to Zimbabwe, the one-time trusted aide of terrorist and crime boss Dawood Ibrahim told reporters.
Rajan, one of Indias most wanted gangsters, was arrested in this popular Indonesian tourist destination on a Red Corner Notice issued by Interpol after eluding law enforcement agencies for over two decades.
Out of these 75 cases, Rajan is facing four cases under Terrorist and
Disruptive Activities (Prevention) Act, one under Prevention of
Terrorism Act and over 20 cases under the stringent Maharashtra Control
of Organised Crime Act.
16:00 Now, 53 historians slam PM over for 'vitiated atmosphere'
After writers, artists, filmmakers and scientists, over 50 historians on Thursday came out strongly against Prime Minister Narendra Modi for not making any reassuring statement following concerns over "highly vitiated atmosphere" prevailing in the country.
A total of 53 historians, including leading names like Romila Thapar, Irfan Habib, KN Pannikar and Mridula Mukherjee, have in a joint statement released by Sahmat raised their serious concerns over recent developments, reports the Tribune.
"Differences of opinion are being sought to be settled by using physical violence. Arguments are met not with counter arguments but with bullets," the statement said referring to the Dadri lynching incident and the recent ink attack on Sudheendra Kulkarni during a book launch function in Mumbai.
"When writer after writer is returning their award of recognition in protest, no comment is made about the conditions that caused the protest; instead the ministers call it a paper revolution and advise the writers to stop writing. This is as good as saying that intellectuals will be silenced if they protest," it said.
This was particularly worrying for historians who have already experienced attempts to ban their books and expunge statements of history despite the fact that they were supported by sources and the interpretation is transparent, they said.
"What the regime seems to want is a kind of legislated history, a manufactured image of the past, glorifying certain aspects of it and denigrating others, without any regard for chronology, sources or methods of enquiry that are the building blocks of the edifice of history," the statement said.
The historians expressed concern over the silence of the Prime Minister on the issue. "And when it is hoped that the Head of Government will make a statement about improving the prevailing conditions, he chooses to speak only about general poverty; and it takes the Head of the State to make the required reassuring statement, not once but twice."
A total of 53 historians, including leading names like Romila Thapar, Irfan Habib, KN Pannikar and Mridula Mukherjee, have in a joint statement released by Sahmat raised their serious concerns over recent developments, reports the Tribune.
"Differences of opinion are being sought to be settled by using physical violence. Arguments are met not with counter arguments but with bullets," the statement said referring to the Dadri lynching incident and the recent ink attack on Sudheendra Kulkarni during a book launch function in Mumbai.
"When writer after writer is returning their award of recognition in protest, no comment is made about the conditions that caused the protest; instead the ministers call it a paper revolution and advise the writers to stop writing. This is as good as saying that intellectuals will be silenced if they protest," it said.
This was particularly worrying for historians who have already experienced attempts to ban their books and expunge statements of history despite the fact that they were supported by sources and the interpretation is transparent, they said.
"What the regime seems to want is a kind of legislated history, a manufactured image of the past, glorifying certain aspects of it and denigrating others, without any regard for chronology, sources or methods of enquiry that are the building blocks of the edifice of history," the statement said.
The historians expressed concern over the silence of the Prime Minister on the issue. "And when it is hoped that the Head of Government will make a statement about improving the prevailing conditions, he chooses to speak only about general poverty; and it takes the Head of the State to make the required reassuring statement, not once but twice."
15:52 Those returning awards are rabid anti-BJP elements: Jaitley
Finance Minister Arun Jaitley today hit out at those creative personalities returning awards terming them as "rabid anti-BJP elements" and said some of them had gone to Varanasi to campaign against Narendra Modi in the last general elections.
"Those returning awards are playing politics by other means. They are rabid anti-BJP elements," Jaitley, who also holds charge of the Information and Broadcasting Ministry, told reporters, while replying to a question on the returning of awards by writers and film-makers.
Stating that space of the Left has reduced, he claimed that those returning awards were in a way electioneering against the BJP in Bihar polls. Rejecting the charge that an atmosphere of intolerance was prevailing in the country, he said there was normalcy in the country and there was no atmosphere (of intolerance) for which the central government was responsible.
He condemned all the incidents being dubbed as examples of intolerance and called for strict action against those responsible for it. The union minister, however, said there was a disproportionate political reaction to the incidents taking place in the country and asked those returning awards if their conscience had pricked when corruption and scams to the tune of lakhs and crores of rupees were taking place during the UPA rule.
On the students of FTII withdrawing agitation and resuming academic activities, Jaitley welcomed the move and said the government wanted to make FTII an institution of excellence.
"Those returning awards are playing politics by other means. They are rabid anti-BJP elements," Jaitley, who also holds charge of the Information and Broadcasting Ministry, told reporters, while replying to a question on the returning of awards by writers and film-makers.
Stating that space of the Left has reduced, he claimed that those returning awards were in a way electioneering against the BJP in Bihar polls. Rejecting the charge that an atmosphere of intolerance was prevailing in the country, he said there was normalcy in the country and there was no atmosphere (of intolerance) for which the central government was responsible.
He condemned all the incidents being dubbed as examples of intolerance and called for strict action against those responsible for it. The union minister, however, said there was a disproportionate political reaction to the incidents taking place in the country and asked those returning awards if their conscience had pricked when corruption and scams to the tune of lakhs and crores of rupees were taking place during the UPA rule.
On the students of FTII withdrawing agitation and resuming academic activities, Jaitley welcomed the move and said the government wanted to make FTII an institution of excellence.
15:26 Sonia not invited to PM's dinner for African leaders, did not boycott: Reports
The Congress has reacted to reports saying it boycotted the dinner hosted by PM Narendra Modi for visiting African leaders, saying in fact, party president Sonia Gandhi had not been invited by the government, reports ANI.
The Congress on Wednesday stayed away from the dinner hosted by the PM for the visiting African leaders, who are participating in the third edition of India-Africa Forum Summit.
The party, however, will attend the official banquet being hosted by President Pranab Mukherjee today.
Reports said that Congress leaders will boycott all the functions hosted by Prime Minister Modi for the visiting dignitaries, protesting his alleged ploy to erase the contribution of Jawaharlal Nehru, who was the architect of India-Africa relations.
Pic: PM Modi waits for African dignitaries at the dinner he hosted yesterday.
The Congress on Wednesday stayed away from the dinner hosted by the PM for the visiting African leaders, who are participating in the third edition of India-Africa Forum Summit.
The party, however, will attend the official banquet being hosted by President Pranab Mukherjee today.
Reports said that Congress leaders will boycott all the functions hosted by Prime Minister Modi for the visiting dignitaries, protesting his alleged ploy to erase the contribution of Jawaharlal Nehru, who was the architect of India-Africa relations.
Pic: PM Modi waits for African dignitaries at the dinner he hosted yesterday.
15:12 How the PM helped an African head of state today
While India helped prop up African fortunes with a concessional credit of $10 million over the next five years, PM Narendra Modi helped a head of state, who missed his step and almost fell, at India-Africa summit this morning.
Sources tell us that the dignitary was about to fall when he missed his step at the raised platform at the summit venue. Realising this, the PM walked briskly up to him and steadied him.
The PMO has also asked the Chief of Protocol about the incident, though the usher did caution the dignitary about the raised step.
Meanwhile, the PM has asked his office about coverage on private TV channels and whether there was live coverage in English and Hindi channels.
Sources tell us that the dignitary was about to fall when he missed his step at the raised platform at the summit venue. Realising this, the PM walked briskly up to him and steadied him.
The PMO has also asked the Chief of Protocol about the incident, though the usher did caution the dignitary about the raised step.
Meanwhile, the PM has asked his office about coverage on private TV channels and whether there was live coverage in English and Hindi channels.
15:03
Brad Pitt's stunning black and white photos of Angelina Jolie. Take a look.
15:02
Just in: UP chief minister Akhilesh Yadav has sacked eight cabinet ministers and will induct new ministers. Details awaited.
14:29 Gunmen attack Pakistan girls' school, no casualties
Unidentified gunmen on Thursday opened fire at a girls' school in the Shabqadar area of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's Charsadda district.
District Police Officer Charsadda Shafiullah Khan stated that attackers have escaped from the school after retaliatory firing by area residents. No loss of life or property has been reported yet.
Last year, Tehrik-i-Taliban (TTP), a terrorist outfit, attacked Army Public School in the northwestern Pakistani city of Peshawar and killed over 140 people mostly children
District Police Officer Charsadda Shafiullah Khan stated that attackers have escaped from the school after retaliatory firing by area residents. No loss of life or property has been reported yet.
Last year, Tehrik-i-Taliban (TTP), a terrorist outfit, attacked Army Public School in the northwestern Pakistani city of Peshawar and killed over 140 people mostly children
14:27 No timeline set for Pak to undertake operations against LeT:US
The US has said President Barack Obama's meeting with Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif at the White House last week did not set a timeline for actions against terrorist outfits like Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT).
"We're not dictating to Pakistan the timeline under which they would or would not undertake operations against that or any other terrorist group," State Department Spokesman John Kirby told reporters at his daily news conference.
"We know that they know that these are serious threats, we know that they know how much it matters not just to the region but to the world. And it's a difficult problem to crack," he said.
In response to a question on an interview given by the former Pakistan president Pervez Musharraf in which he said that Pakistan supported and aided terrorist organisations like LeT, Kirby said, "I didn't see the former President's comments."
"All I would say is that we have a shared concern with Pakistan about violent extremism in that part of the world. Two, we know that safe havens still exist along that border region and we've been very plain about our concerns over those continued safe havens," he said.
"We're not dictating to Pakistan the timeline under which they would or would not undertake operations against that or any other terrorist group," State Department Spokesman John Kirby told reporters at his daily news conference.
"We know that they know that these are serious threats, we know that they know how much it matters not just to the region but to the world. And it's a difficult problem to crack," he said.
In response to a question on an interview given by the former Pakistan president Pervez Musharraf in which he said that Pakistan supported and aided terrorist organisations like LeT, Kirby said, "I didn't see the former President's comments."
"All I would say is that we have a shared concern with Pakistan about violent extremism in that part of the world. Two, we know that safe havens still exist along that border region and we've been very plain about our concerns over those continued safe havens," he said.
14:16 Hop on to the 'Modi Express' in UK
Also read: They are calling it 'Bus Pe Charcha'. To mark the PM's maiden visit to the United Kingdom in November, the desis have launched a bus service that will tour iconic landmarks
14:07 Modi's lunch date with the queen on Nov 13 at Buckingham Palace
PM Narendra Modi will lunch with Queen Elizabeth II during his two-day visit to the United Kingdom. Modi's lunch date is on November 13 at Buckingham Palance. After London, the PM will head to Turkey to attend the G-20 Summit. Modi will also address the Indian diaspora at Wembley Stadium on November 13. Around 60,000 people are expected to turn up at the grand reception for the Prime Minister.
13:57 I didn't surrender, want to return to India: Chhota Rajan
Underworld don Chhota Rajan, who has been arrested after being on the run for over two decades, today claimed that he did not surrender and wants to return to India.
There is intense speculation that the arrest of the gangster, who is wanted in over 75 heinous crimes ranging from murder, extortion to smuggling and drug trafficking, was part of a "deal" with Indian security agencies.
"I never surrendered. I want to go back to India. Don't want to go to Zimbabwe," the one-time trusted aide of terrorist and crime boss Dawood Ibrahim told reporters.
Rajan, one of India's most wanted gangsters, was arrested in this popular Indonesian tourist destination on a Red Corner Notice issued by Interpol after eluding law enforcement agencies for over two decades.
Out of these 75 cases, Rajan is facing four cases under Terrorist and Disruptive Activities (Prevention) Act (TADA), one under Prevention of Terrorism Act (POTA) and over 20 cases under the stringent Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA).
Indian security agencies are likely to send a team of officials here to bring back the gangster who is in custody since Sunday. The sources are tight-lipped about the exact arrangements to bring him back because of security concerns arising out of his fierce rivalry with underworld don Dawood Ibrahim and his gang.
They said agencies are working on more than one plan to bring back 55-year-old Rajan, once known as Dawood's right hand man, factoring various permutations and combinations.
Rajan was travelling with the identity of Mohan Kumar with passport number G9273860 when he was apprehended at the airport in Bali, after arriving there on a Garuda Indonesia flight GA715, by the Indonesian Police on a tip off from Australian authorities, they said.
The sources said Rajan was in touch with various police officials for last six months seeking a passage to return to India as he feared for his life in Australia from Chhota Shakeel, a henchman of Dawood. In 2000, there was an attempt on his life when Dawood's men tracked him down to a hotel in Bangkok but he managed a dramatic escape through the hotel's roof.
There is intense speculation that the arrest of the gangster, who is wanted in over 75 heinous crimes ranging from murder, extortion to smuggling and drug trafficking, was part of a "deal" with Indian security agencies.
"I never surrendered. I want to go back to India. Don't want to go to Zimbabwe," the one-time trusted aide of terrorist and crime boss Dawood Ibrahim told reporters.
Rajan, one of India's most wanted gangsters, was arrested in this popular Indonesian tourist destination on a Red Corner Notice issued by Interpol after eluding law enforcement agencies for over two decades.
Out of these 75 cases, Rajan is facing four cases under Terrorist and Disruptive Activities (Prevention) Act (TADA), one under Prevention of Terrorism Act (POTA) and over 20 cases under the stringent Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA).
Indian security agencies are likely to send a team of officials here to bring back the gangster who is in custody since Sunday. The sources are tight-lipped about the exact arrangements to bring him back because of security concerns arising out of his fierce rivalry with underworld don Dawood Ibrahim and his gang.
They said agencies are working on more than one plan to bring back 55-year-old Rajan, once known as Dawood's right hand man, factoring various permutations and combinations.
Rajan was travelling with the identity of Mohan Kumar with passport number G9273860 when he was apprehended at the airport in Bali, after arriving there on a Garuda Indonesia flight GA715, by the Indonesian Police on a tip off from Australian authorities, they said.
The sources said Rajan was in touch with various police officials for last six months seeking a passage to return to India as he feared for his life in Australia from Chhota Shakeel, a henchman of Dawood. In 2000, there was an attempt on his life when Dawood's men tracked him down to a hotel in Bangkok but he managed a dramatic escape through the hotel's roof.
13:33 The World Bank has not been able to help countries like India
The formal name of the World Bank is the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development. It, however, loves to pretend to be the world's financial boss and encourages the more imperial-sounding designation. It would offer bonds in the New York stock market at low rates to raise funds which in the immediate post-World War years would be mainly used for the rehabilitation of war-ravaged Western Europe. Read
13:22 'The farmer is the most stubborn of men'
The plains of the Ganga in Bihar have a raw, unmatched, beauty but also bear the anguish of its farmers. Archana Masih met the men who live and die by the land as Rediff.com looks at poll-bound Bihar through the lives of its people. Read
13:18 Anupam Kher slams 'Awardwapsi gang' for returning honours
Hours after a group of filmmakers announced their decision to return their awards, actor and former chairman of Central Board of Film Certification, Anupam Kher on Wednesday slammed the filmmakers for their decision, reports India Today.
Kher said the filmmakers have insulted the Censor Board jury and the audience who watched their films by returning the awards.
In a series of tweets, the 60-year-old actor said some of these filmmakers are anti-Modi and never wanted Narendra Modi to become the prime minister.
The row over the appointment of Gajendra Chauhan as the chairman of the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) turned on its head with 10 filmmakers, including senior documentary filmmaker Anand Patwardhan and Bollywood new wave director Dibakar Banerjee, announcing their decision to return national awards.
The decision came on a day when the protesting students threw in the towel and offered to attend classes but under protest.
The list of filmmakers who have announced their decision barring Patwardhan and Banerjee are Paresh Kamdar, Nishtha Jain, Kirti Nakhwa, Harshvardhan Kulkarni, Hari Nair, Rakesh Sharma, Indraneel Lahiri and Lipika Singh.
Speaking to the media, Banerjee said, "I am not here out of anger, outrage. Those emotions have long been exhausted. I am here to draw attention. Returning my very first National Award which I received for 'Khosla Ka Ghosla' is not easy. It was my first film and for many my most loved," Banerjee told a press conference in New Delhi.
If there is intolerance of debate, of questioning and usually intolerance of a student body wanting to have a better teaching environment and that intolerance manifests in apathy, then that is what we are protesting against," he said. "I don't think any government will have the sense of fantasy to call us anti-national," he added.
Noted documentary maker Patwardhan said the government has encouraged "extreme right wings". "I haven't seen so many incidents happen at the same time. This is a sign of what is beginning to happen and I think that is why people are responding all over the country in different ways," he said, referring to the instances of writers returning their Akademi awards.
However, FTII chairman Chauhan appealed filmmakers not to return their awards.The filmmakers, who were addressing a press conference in Mumbai, also condemned the murders of rationalists including that of MM Kalburgi and Govind Pansare.
This is what Kher tweeted last night:
Some of these usual suspects of #AwardWapsiGang were instrumental in getting me out of Censor Board d moment Congress came in Power. #Agenda @AnupamPkher
Some more usual suspects who never wanted @narendramodi to become PM in d first place have joined the #AwardWapsi gang. Jai Ho.:)
U shud name me. I wont feel bad. I respect people who gave me awards. My protest is not based on hidden agendas.:)
Kher said the filmmakers have insulted the Censor Board jury and the audience who watched their films by returning the awards.
In a series of tweets, the 60-year-old actor said some of these filmmakers are anti-Modi and never wanted Narendra Modi to become the prime minister.
The row over the appointment of Gajendra Chauhan as the chairman of the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) turned on its head with 10 filmmakers, including senior documentary filmmaker Anand Patwardhan and Bollywood new wave director Dibakar Banerjee, announcing their decision to return national awards.
The decision came on a day when the protesting students threw in the towel and offered to attend classes but under protest.
The list of filmmakers who have announced their decision barring Patwardhan and Banerjee are Paresh Kamdar, Nishtha Jain, Kirti Nakhwa, Harshvardhan Kulkarni, Hari Nair, Rakesh Sharma, Indraneel Lahiri and Lipika Singh.
Speaking to the media, Banerjee said, "I am not here out of anger, outrage. Those emotions have long been exhausted. I am here to draw attention. Returning my very first National Award which I received for 'Khosla Ka Ghosla' is not easy. It was my first film and for many my most loved," Banerjee told a press conference in New Delhi.
If there is intolerance of debate, of questioning and usually intolerance of a student body wanting to have a better teaching environment and that intolerance manifests in apathy, then that is what we are protesting against," he said. "I don't think any government will have the sense of fantasy to call us anti-national," he added.
Noted documentary maker Patwardhan said the government has encouraged "extreme right wings". "I haven't seen so many incidents happen at the same time. This is a sign of what is beginning to happen and I think that is why people are responding all over the country in different ways," he said, referring to the instances of writers returning their Akademi awards.
However, FTII chairman Chauhan appealed filmmakers not to return their awards.The filmmakers, who were addressing a press conference in Mumbai, also condemned the murders of rationalists including that of MM Kalburgi and Govind Pansare.
This is what Kher tweeted last night:
Some of these usual suspects of #AwardWapsiGang were instrumental in getting me out of Censor Board d moment Congress came in Power. #Agenda @AnupamPkher
Some more usual suspects who never wanted @narendramodi to become PM in d first place have joined the #AwardWapsi gang. Jai Ho.:)
U shud name me. I wont feel bad. I respect people who gave me awards. My protest is not based on hidden agendas.:)
12:54 Congratulations!
Indian ambassador to Nepal Ranjit Rae calls on President-elect of Nepal Bidya Devi Bhandari, the first woman to hold the post in the country.
12:48 Looking for JP
Jayaprakash Narayan was the People's Hero, a leader unmatched in Independent India. Archana Masih/Rediff.com travels to his village looking for Bihar's greatest son as the claimants of his legacy go to war in what is being called the Election of Elections. Read
12:41 If BJP wins Bihar, nation will fall into a deep pit: Nitish
While on Nitish Kumar, read his exclusive to ANI reproduced here, where the Bihar CM asks, "For how long will the people wait for the so called achhe din? The people are mockingly saying that Prime Minister Modi should keep his 'achhe din' and return their 'purane din'. Read
12:40 What's wrong with aspiring to be PM, asks Nitish
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has ruled out assertions that the cause of his exit from the BJP-led NDA fold was anything to do with his prime ministerial ambitions.
However, when insisted he quipped that to nurture prime ministerial ambitions was not a crime. Nitish also backtracked from his earlier remark that some leaders in the BJP had urged him to stand for the Prime Minister's post.
"When they (the BJP) talk about pride and say that he split from the alliance because he wanted to become the Prime Minister, so I repeatedly say that I never wanted to become the Prime Minister neither there was any aspiration. But if somebody wants to become the Prime Minister then is it a crime," he told ANI in an exclusive interview.
The Bihar Chief Minister had walked out of the NDA in 2013 in protest against the elevation of Narendra Modi, bringing to an end the 17-year-old alliance between the Janata Dal (United) and BJP.
However, when insisted he quipped that to nurture prime ministerial ambitions was not a crime. Nitish also backtracked from his earlier remark that some leaders in the BJP had urged him to stand for the Prime Minister's post.
"When they (the BJP) talk about pride and say that he split from the alliance because he wanted to become the Prime Minister, so I repeatedly say that I never wanted to become the Prime Minister neither there was any aspiration. But if somebody wants to become the Prime Minister then is it a crime," he told ANI in an exclusive interview.
The Bihar Chief Minister had walked out of the NDA in 2013 in protest against the elevation of Narendra Modi, bringing to an end the 17-year-old alliance between the Janata Dal (United) and BJP.
12:32 Al-Sisi meets President Mukherjee
Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi, the President of the Arab Republic of Egypt called on the President Pranab Mukherjee yesterday at Rashtrapati Bhavan.
Al-Sisi to India, the President said participation of Egypt in the 3rd India Africa Forum Summit will contribute to the deepening of Indias ties with Africa.
Al-Sisi to India, the President said participation of Egypt in the 3rd India Africa Forum Summit will contribute to the deepening of Indias ties with Africa.
12:21 India loses fuel supply monopoly as Nepal signs deal with China
India's strategic establishment was scrambling last evening to counter Nepal's biggest diplomatic swerve away from New Delhi in years after Kathmandu inked a pact to import fuel from Beijing.
The first such deal in four decades was sealed amid a blockade along Nepal's border with Bihar. The agreement, signed by Nepal Oil Corp and Petro China in Beijing today, is being viewed as a message to New Delhi from Nepal that it had given up efforts to ease the blockade and was seeking a bear hug with India's strategic rival, officials in New Delhi said.
China promised gasoline worth $1.3 billion as a grant, beyond which Nepal can buy fuel under the agreement. Nepal has not bought fuel from China for four decades in a bid to pacify India. Read more
The first such deal in four decades was sealed amid a blockade along Nepal's border with Bihar. The agreement, signed by Nepal Oil Corp and Petro China in Beijing today, is being viewed as a message to New Delhi from Nepal that it had given up efforts to ease the blockade and was seeking a bear hug with India's strategic rival, officials in New Delhi said.
China promised gasoline worth $1.3 billion as a grant, beyond which Nepal can buy fuel under the agreement. Nepal has not bought fuel from China for four decades in a bid to pacify India. Read more
12:19
A night patrol with India's cow protection vigilantes. Read
12:07 Delhi police gets protocol in place after Kerala House botch up
Under attack for "breach of protocol" in connection with the Kerala House episode, Delhi Police has issued a circular asking officials to contact the Residence Commissioners of state bhavans, in case of situations requiring preventive action.
The circular issued by the Delhi police yesterday noted that the officials who went enquiring for beef at Kerala House here "did not establish liaison with the Resident Commissioner or his representative, while securing the place and making enquiries".
The circular, signed by Senior Special Commissioner of Police (Law & Order) further stated, "Henceforth, whenever any occasion/situation arises and preventive or other action is required at any of the State Bhawans, efforts should also be made to contact the Resident Commissioner or his representative." "Where delay can result in any commission of crime or escalate law and order problem or damage to life and property, appropriate legal action should be initiated without any delay. "In such situations, assistance of the Resident Commissioner or his representative should be obtained at the first opportunity," the circular added.
The communication was issued hours after Hindu Sena chief Vishnu Gupta was detained -- and later arrested yesterday-- for breaching peace and tranquillity of an area, said a senior official.
Gupta had allegedly made a false complaint that beef was being served at the Kerala house canteen. Police Commissioner B S Bassi had later said that they were contemplating action under Section 182 of IPC against Gupta for the "false complaint".
The Delhi Police had come under the attack from various quarters, including the Kerala government, for failing to contact the Resident Commissioner before they "raided" the Kerala House canteen.
The police maintained that it wasn't a raid, but just an enquiry, which they claimed was under the law of the land.
The circular issued by the Delhi police yesterday noted that the officials who went enquiring for beef at Kerala House here "did not establish liaison with the Resident Commissioner or his representative, while securing the place and making enquiries".
The circular, signed by Senior Special Commissioner of Police (Law & Order) further stated, "Henceforth, whenever any occasion/situation arises and preventive or other action is required at any of the State Bhawans, efforts should also be made to contact the Resident Commissioner or his representative." "Where delay can result in any commission of crime or escalate law and order problem or damage to life and property, appropriate legal action should be initiated without any delay. "In such situations, assistance of the Resident Commissioner or his representative should be obtained at the first opportunity," the circular added.
The communication was issued hours after Hindu Sena chief Vishnu Gupta was detained -- and later arrested yesterday-- for breaching peace and tranquillity of an area, said a senior official.
Gupta had allegedly made a false complaint that beef was being served at the Kerala house canteen. Police Commissioner B S Bassi had later said that they were contemplating action under Section 182 of IPC against Gupta for the "false complaint".
The Delhi Police had come under the attack from various quarters, including the Kerala government, for failing to contact the Resident Commissioner before they "raided" the Kerala House canteen.
The police maintained that it wasn't a raid, but just an enquiry, which they claimed was under the law of the land.
11:58 LIVE! US$ 600 million aid for Africa, announces PM at summit
Just in: Prime Minister Narendra Modi announces concessional credit of USD 10 billion over the next five years for Africa. India also offers a grant assistance of USD 600 million which will include India-Africa Development Fund of USD 100 million and India-Africa Health Fund of USD 10 million.
The India-Africa summit is being seen as India's most successful outreach ever to the resource-rich continent which has all major powers vying for influence. Given the time and attention he has spared for the summit, Modi is looking to use his personalized style of diplomacy to not just make the event memorable but to also prove that foreign policy remains his strong point despite recent reverses in the neighbourhood, most notably in Nepal.
The India-Africa summit is being seen as India's most successful outreach ever to the resource-rich continent which has all major powers vying for influence. Given the time and attention he has spared for the summit, Modi is looking to use his personalized style of diplomacy to not just make the event memorable but to also prove that foreign policy remains his strong point despite recent reverses in the neighbourhood, most notably in Nepal.
11:48 For a change, he spoke the truth: India on Pervez Musharraf's terror admission
Political parties and security experts on Wednesday reacted sharply to former Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf acknowledging that his country supported and trained terror groups like LeT and said that the truth is finally out. Both the BJP and the Congress were together in attacking Pakistan for aiding terrorists against India after Musharraf's statement and demanded that wanted terrorists be handed over to India.
Union minister Venkaiah Naidu said, "For a change he spoke the truth ... If they at all are really interested in fighting terror, sometimes they should also raise voice ... They should really make these people available to India because they have committed heinous crimes here."
He said now that Musharraf himself has made it very clear that they have given support to Dawood Ibrahim and given him shelter earlier, "Pakistan understands responsibility and should hand over Dawood and other people who all are required in India."
National Security Adviser Ajit Doval took a dig at Musharraf's statement saying, "Jaise hero honge, waise hi log honge" (people will always be like their heroes).
When asked about it, Pakistan high commissioner to India Abdul Basit did not respond and merely said, "I will talk about these issues later."
Former Army chief V P Malik said the truth has come out now that how Musharraf was trying to deceive people both within and outside his country.
Army's retired Maj Gen G D Bakshi said there is official sanction to whatever the former Pakistan President has said and termed his statement as a "bland admission that Pakistan raised and trained the Taliban".
Union minister Venkaiah Naidu said, "For a change he spoke the truth ... If they at all are really interested in fighting terror, sometimes they should also raise voice ... They should really make these people available to India because they have committed heinous crimes here."
He said now that Musharraf himself has made it very clear that they have given support to Dawood Ibrahim and given him shelter earlier, "Pakistan understands responsibility and should hand over Dawood and other people who all are required in India."
National Security Adviser Ajit Doval took a dig at Musharraf's statement saying, "Jaise hero honge, waise hi log honge" (people will always be like their heroes).
When asked about it, Pakistan high commissioner to India Abdul Basit did not respond and merely said, "I will talk about these issues later."
Former Army chief V P Malik said the truth has come out now that how Musharraf was trying to deceive people both within and outside his country.
Army's retired Maj Gen G D Bakshi said there is official sanction to whatever the former Pakistan President has said and termed his statement as a "bland admission that Pakistan raised and trained the Taliban".
11:44 Reforms need to reach the needy
Though reforms are aimed at increasing the efficiency through enhanced competition, they do not automatically result in growth. Neither does economic growth by itself translate into better social sector outcomes. A definite policy paradigm that prioritises social welfare is needed. Read
11:43
Special vigilance court in Thiruvananthapuram orders further investigation against Kerala Finance Minister K M Mani in bar bribery case.
11:26 Two-thirds of India and Africa are under the age of 35 years: PM
Highlights of PM Modi's speech at the India-Africa summit being held at New Delhi.
-- We have formed a partnership of prosperity among ourselves. We have stood together under blue helmets to keep peace. And have fought together against hunger and disease.
-- There is something precious that unites us - our youth.
-- Two-thirds of India and Africa are under the age of 35 years, if the future belongs to youth then this century is ours.
-- Africa like the rest of developing world has its challenges. It has its own concerns of security and stability, especially from terrorism and extremism. But I have confidence in African leadership and people to rise to those challenges.
-- Africa and India are two bright spots of hope and opportunity in the global economy.
-- India and Africa must speak in one voice for reforms of the United Nations, including its Security Council. Partnership beyond strategic concerns and economic benefits, it is formed on emotional bonds.
-- India is now a major source of business investments in Africa. Thirty-four African countries enjoy duty-free access to Indian markets.
-- Nearly 25,000 young Africans have been trained and educated in India, and they are the 25,000 new links between us.
-- There are times when we have not done as well as you have wanted us to. Occasions when we have not been as attentive as we should be, there are commitments we have not fulfilled as quickly as we should have. But you have embraced India with warmth and without judgement. We will raise the level of our support for your vision of a prosperous integrated and united Africa.
-- We will help connect Africa from Cairo to Capetown, From Marrakesh to Mombasa.
-- We will help develop infrastructure, power, irrigation, set up IT parks.
-- Will expand and extend the pan-Africa e-network, conceived by former President Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, which links African countries to India.
-- We will work to reduce digital divide within Africa and with rest of world.
-- When the sun sets, tens of millions of homes in India and Africa go dark. We want to light up lives. We will deepen India-Africa partnership on clean energy, sustainable habitats, public transport and climate resilient agriculture.
-- We wish to deepen our cooperation in maritime security and hydrography, and countering terrorism and extremism.
-- No one can be more conscious of climate change than Indians, Africans. We wish to deepen our cooperation in maritime security and hydrography, and countering terrorism and extremism.
-- No one can be more conscious of climate change than Indians, Africans. We are the inheritors of nature's precious gifts, and our lives remain most connected to Mother Earth. I invite you to join alliance of solar-rich countries that I have proposed to launch in Paris. Our goal is to make solar energy an integral part of our lives and reaching to most unconnected villages.
-- We pledge to walk together, with our steps in rhythm and our voices in harmony.
-- We have formed a partnership of prosperity among ourselves. We have stood together under blue helmets to keep peace. And have fought together against hunger and disease.
-- There is something precious that unites us - our youth.
-- Two-thirds of India and Africa are under the age of 35 years, if the future belongs to youth then this century is ours.
-- Africa like the rest of developing world has its challenges. It has its own concerns of security and stability, especially from terrorism and extremism. But I have confidence in African leadership and people to rise to those challenges.
-- Africa and India are two bright spots of hope and opportunity in the global economy.
-- India and Africa must speak in one voice for reforms of the United Nations, including its Security Council. Partnership beyond strategic concerns and economic benefits, it is formed on emotional bonds.
-- India is now a major source of business investments in Africa. Thirty-four African countries enjoy duty-free access to Indian markets.
-- Nearly 25,000 young Africans have been trained and educated in India, and they are the 25,000 new links between us.
-- There are times when we have not done as well as you have wanted us to. Occasions when we have not been as attentive as we should be, there are commitments we have not fulfilled as quickly as we should have. But you have embraced India with warmth and without judgement. We will raise the level of our support for your vision of a prosperous integrated and united Africa.
-- We will help connect Africa from Cairo to Capetown, From Marrakesh to Mombasa.
-- We will help develop infrastructure, power, irrigation, set up IT parks.
-- Will expand and extend the pan-Africa e-network, conceived by former President Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, which links African countries to India.
-- We will work to reduce digital divide within Africa and with rest of world.
-- When the sun sets, tens of millions of homes in India and Africa go dark. We want to light up lives. We will deepen India-Africa partnership on clean energy, sustainable habitats, public transport and climate resilient agriculture.
-- We wish to deepen our cooperation in maritime security and hydrography, and countering terrorism and extremism.
-- No one can be more conscious of climate change than Indians, Africans. We wish to deepen our cooperation in maritime security and hydrography, and countering terrorism and extremism.
-- No one can be more conscious of climate change than Indians, Africans. We are the inheritors of nature's precious gifts, and our lives remain most connected to Mother Earth. I invite you to join alliance of solar-rich countries that I have proposed to launch in Paris. Our goal is to make solar energy an integral part of our lives and reaching to most unconnected villages.
-- We pledge to walk together, with our steps in rhythm and our voices in harmony.
11:12 Dreams of 1/3 of humanity have come together under one roof: PM at Africa summit
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is addressing leaders of
54 African nations today at the Indo-African summit in the New Delhi. Highlights of the speech.
- Fabric of this world is richer because of the 54 sovereign flags of Africa.
-- We are deeply, deeply honoured by your (African leaders) presence today and we send you a warm embrace of welcome and friendship from India.
-- This is not just a meeting of India and Africa. Today, the dreams of one-third of humanity have come together under one roof.
-- Today the heartbeat of 1.25 billion Indians and 1.25 billion Africans are in rhythm.
-- We are the world's oldest civilisation. We are each a vibrant mosaic of languages, religion and culture.
-- Once united by geography, we are now linked by the Indian Ocean. The currents of the mighty ocean have nurtured the kinship for centuries.
-- Two-third of India & Africa is under the age of 35. And, if the future belongs to the youth, then this century is ours to shape and build.
-- Either way, we have enriched each other and strengthened our ties. We have lived in the long shadow of colonialism and we have fought for our liberty and dignity.
-- We have struggled for opportunity and also for justice.
- Fabric of this world is richer because of the 54 sovereign flags of Africa.
-- We are deeply, deeply honoured by your (African leaders) presence today and we send you a warm embrace of welcome and friendship from India.
-- This is not just a meeting of India and Africa. Today, the dreams of one-third of humanity have come together under one roof.
-- Today the heartbeat of 1.25 billion Indians and 1.25 billion Africans are in rhythm.
-- We are the world's oldest civilisation. We are each a vibrant mosaic of languages, religion and culture.
-- Once united by geography, we are now linked by the Indian Ocean. The currents of the mighty ocean have nurtured the kinship for centuries.
-- Two-third of India & Africa is under the age of 35. And, if the future belongs to the youth, then this century is ours to shape and build.
-- Either way, we have enriched each other and strengthened our ties. We have lived in the long shadow of colonialism and we have fought for our liberty and dignity.
-- We have struggled for opportunity and also for justice.
11:01 Star India snaps up broadcast rights to Sachin-Warne's Cricket All-Stars
Star India has snapped up the broadcast rights of the much awaited venture of Sachin Tendulkar and Shane Warne namely The Cricket All-Stars T20 tournament, featuring cricket legends from across the globe. Confirming the development to Indiantelevision.com a source close to the development said, "The rights are with Star and we all are looking forward to the tournament." Read more
10:59 Despite being Mahesh...
The Union minister who marvelled at APJ Abdul Kalam being a "nationalist, despite being a Muslim" now has the chance to ponder the phenomenon at close quarters. Mahesh Sharma, the culture and tourism minister known as much for promoting Hindutva as for being a motormouth, has been allotted the late President's recently vacated bungalow at 10 Rajaji Marg. Read more
10:47 Why I am returning my national film award: Anand Patwardhan
National awards have always meant a lot to me. They were more precious than International awards and awards from private institutions precisely they represented those rare moments when the government of India became willing to uphold the spirit of our secular, socialist and democratic Constitution.
Today this spirit is evaporating. Our nation is at a crossroads. On one side is the secular path that our freedom fighters laid out for us and on the other, the path towards majoritarian fascism that the present regime seems bent upon. I am not saying we are already a fascist state. I am saying that the early warning signs are unmistakable.
Read the full column HERE
10:42 Indrani's dengue results are NEGATIVE
Indrani Mukerjea, the prime accused in the Sheena Bora murder case does not have dengue as reported yesterday. Doctors at JJ Hospital where she is admitted said, "Indrani Mukerjea's dengue reports came out negative. She's not suffering from dengue. Her condition is getting better."
On Wednesday, Indrani was rushed to JJ Hospital from the Byculla women's prison after jail authorities suspected she was suffering from dengue.
Doctors at JJ Hospital said that Indrani would be discharged from hospital and sent back to Byculla women's prison after her next platelet test was taken.
10:14 If BJP wins Bihar polls, nation will fall into deep pit: Nitish Kumar
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar warned that if the Bharatiya Janata Party wins the assembly elections, it would push the nation into a deep pit. "If the BJP wins the elections by default, then this nation will fall into a deep pit. They (BJP) have done nothing significant in the last 17 months. Neither have they fulfilled any of the promises made during the Lok Sabha elections, nor have they given any example of good governance," Nitish said in an interview.
"All they are focused is on winning the elections in one state, and then, in another. They have got the mandate to run the government at the Centre and serve the people, but what they are seeking is absolute power and are working on the basis of that strategy only," he added.
10:11 Swamy recommends Teen Murti House be made PM residence as retribution
In what may not go down well with many Congressmen, senior BJP leader Subramanian Swamy recommended that Teen Murti Bhawan, which was an official residence of former prime minister Pt Jawahar Lal Nehru and later converted into a museum, be made the PM's residence. Through his Twitter handle, Swamy shared, "I recommend that Teen Murti House be made PM residence as retribution for the numerous murders of national leaders during Nehru tenure."
09:28 Karachis elite Sindh Club refuses to host Indian envoy
In a development likely to further hit Indo-Pak relations, the elite Sindh Club in Karachi refused to host Indian high commissioner to Pakistan TCA Raghavan and his wife for a function on September 26. Sources in Delhi and Karachi confirmed that the club, one of Karachi's oldest institutions, said no to hosting Raghavan without giving any reason and even after Raghavan had arrived in Karachi to attend the event. Sources said the high commissioner and all other guests had received invitation cards saying Sindh Club, which has existed since 1871, was going to host the event. Raghavan got a rude shock though after he checked into his hotel in Karachi with officials informing him that Sindh Club had decided that it was not going to host him. The club never got back to Indian authorities to explain why it had decided to back out at the last moment.
Image: Indian high commissioner to Pakistan TCA Raghavan
09:03 IndiGo bars woman in 'short dress' from flight
A woman passenger who was "inappropriately dressed" according to Indigo Airline was not allowed to board an IndiGo flight from Mumbai to New Delhi on Monday.
The woman in question is a a former IndiGo employee and her sister is now employed by the same airline. According to co-passengers, the woman, who was wearing a dress, missed her flight, though she was accommodated on a later flight after she reportedly changed into trousers.
While IndiGo confirmed the incident, it said the woman was stopped in accordance with a 'specific dress code' that applies to its employees and their family members when they travel using the 'staff leisure travel privileges' offered by the airline.
08:45 Top scientist Bhargava to return Padma Bhushan to protest science and reason being eroded in the country
Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology founder-director P M Bhargava became the first Indian scientist to join the bandwagon of writers and filmmakers returning their awards when he said that he will return his Padma Bhushan to protest against "the government's attack on rationalism, reasoning and science".
Bhargava's decision came hours after 107 senior scientists signed an online statement to join the chorus of protests by other scientists, artists and writers.
"The Padma Bhushan had a special place in my collection of more than 100 awards for science. Now I feel no sentimental attachment to it when the government tries to institutionalise religion and curtail freedom and scientific spirit," said Bhargava, who received the Padma award in 1986. He said it was a personal decision and that he had no idea if other scientists would return their awards. "I, however, hope young scientists too will raise their voice," Bhargava said.
08:12 Michelle will travel to Qatar and Jordan next month
US First Lady Michelle Obama will travel to Qatar and Jordan in the Middle East next month, the White House has said. Her solo overseas visit from November 1 to 7 is part of her 'Let the Girl Learn campaign'.
In Doha, Qatar, Michelle will deliver remarks at the 2015 World Innovation Summit for Education, addressing an audience of education leaders from the region and around the world about global girls' education and the Let Girls Learn initiative.
In Amman, Jordan, the First Lady will visit a school constructed with USAID funding and technical support. She will meet with adolescent girls attending the school, deliver remarks and commend Jordan for its generosity and commitment to educating all children living within its borders.
07:51 Top LeT leader Abu Qasim killed in encounter in Kashmir
A top militant commander of Laskhar-e-Tayiba has been killed in an encounter with the Indian Army in south Kashmir's Kulgam district late last night.
A senior army officer told Rediff.com that the army surrounded Khandaypora village in Kulgam district last evening on specific information about presence of militants there.
"Hiding militants opened fire at the troops triggering an encounter during which Abu Qasim, a top commander of the LeT was killed, "the officer said.
He said Abu Qasim was the most wanted militant commander who was involved in the Udhampur attack.
Militants had ambushed a passing paramilitary Border Security Force convoy on the strategic Jammu Srinagar national highway near Udhampur on August 5 killing a trooper on the spot.
The security forces had caught alive a Pakistani militant after the attack.
A defence spokesman said, "Encounter in Kulgam. Top LeT commander Abu Qasim killed in operation by the army in Khandipura district Kulgam. One weapon recovered. Operation still on."
01:51 No timeline set for Pak to undertake operations against LeT: US
The US has said President Barack Obama's meeting with Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif at the White House last week did not set a timeline for actions against terrorist outfits like Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). "We're not dictating to Pakistan the timeline under which they would or would not undertake operations against that or any other terrorist group," State Department Spokesman John Kirby told reporters at his daily news conference.
"We know that they know that these are serious threats, we know that they know how much it matters not just to the region but to the world. And it's a difficult problem to crack," he said.
In response to a question on an interview given by the former Pakistan president Pervez Musharraf in which he said that Pakistan supported and aided terrorist organisations like LeT, Kirby said, "I didn't see the former President's comments."
01:51 CBI expresses inability to probe case, J'khand HC asks govt to file affidavit
The Jharkhand High Court today directed the state government to file an affidavit after the CBI expressed its inability to probe a case of some students allegedly turning in as Maoists to get benefits under the surrender policy at the instance of an organisation.
The CBI yesterday filed the affidavit expressing its inability to probe into the case as its officials were already busy in more than 50 cases. It further said the state could not provide the probe agency's request for officials to investigate the case.
On the direction of the bench of Chief Justice Virendra Kumar Singh, the state government said it would file the affidavit by November 2.
00:16 Ankara bombings were ordered by ISIS: Turkish prosecutors
A massive twin bombing in the Turkish capital Ankara this month that killed 102 people was ordered by the terrorist Islamic State group, prosecutors said today.They said there was "strong evidence" that it was also behind other attacks in the country, including one on the border with Syria in July, and was planning more.
"This terrorist organisation carried out the attack on the Ankara train station on the orders of the terrorist group in Syria and sought a suicide bomber of Turkish origin," Ankara prosecutors said in a statement.
A cell in the southeastern province of Gaziantep which borders Syria "planned attacks inside Turkey after taking direct orders from Daesh in Syria," the statement said, using an another acronym for ISIS.
00:03 Top headlines of the last 24 hours
A miracle called Chumki
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'Beef Fry' back on Kerala House menu; sold out in 45 minutes!
Nepal elects Vidya Devi Bhandari as its first woman president
Kerala House row: Hindu Sena chief arrested
China ends India's monopoly over Nepal's fuel supply
India to ban foreign surrogate services
Another family in UP claims Geeta is their daughter
139-day FTII stir ends; Gajendra remains as chairperson
Dadri to Faridabad: Is BJP encouraging India's Ku Klux Klan?
'Beef Fry' back on Kerala House menu; sold out in 45 minutes!
Nepal elects Vidya Devi Bhandari as its first woman president
Kerala House row: Hindu Sena chief arrested
China ends India's monopoly over Nepal's fuel supply
India to ban foreign surrogate services
Another family in UP claims Geeta is their daughter
139-day FTII stir ends; Gajendra remains as chairperson
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