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Mon, 29 August 2016
When John Kerry got stuck in Delhi traffic jam
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23:29 When John Kerry got stuck in Delhi traffic jam
Visiting United States Secretary of State John Kerry and his convoy were stuck in massive traffic near Satya Marg in New Delhi on Monday evening due to water-logging caused by heavy rains while on his way to the hotel from the Indira Gandhi International Airport.
The convoy of Kerry, who arrived in New Delhi to participate in the Second Indo-US Strategic and Commercial Dialogue, was heading to the hotel in Chanakyapuri in south Delhi when it was stuck in the traffic jam near Satya Marg on Monday, an official said.
Senior Delhi Police and traffic officials declined to share details of the incident claiming it was a 'security matter'.
Mediapersons, accompanying Kerry's convoy, posted on social media pictures of vehicles stuck up.
Officials sought to downplay the incident saying the convoy was not stuck but had only slowed down due to heavy traffic and rainfall.
Also read
The convoy of Kerry, who arrived in New Delhi to participate in the Second Indo-US Strategic and Commercial Dialogue, was heading to the hotel in Chanakyapuri in south Delhi when it was stuck in the traffic jam near Satya Marg on Monday, an official said.
Senior Delhi Police and traffic officials declined to share details of the incident claiming it was a 'security matter'.
Mediapersons, accompanying Kerry's convoy, posted on social media pictures of vehicles stuck up.
Officials sought to downplay the incident saying the convoy was not stuck but had only slowed down due to heavy traffic and rainfall.
Also read
22:49 Shimla: Supply bridge for Rohtang tunnel project washes away
JUST IN: Part of supply bridge for Rohtang tunnel project washes away due to floods in river Chandra in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh.
No casualties have been reported so far. Driver of the truck that got stuck between the heavy current of Chandra was safely rescued.
More details are awaited.
No casualties have been reported so far. Driver of the truck that got stuck between the heavy current of Chandra was safely rescued.
More details are awaited.
22:06 Centre will have to apply balm on wounds of Kashmiris: CM
The central leadership will have to take "one or more steps" than Pakistan to "apply balm on the wounds" of Kashmiris, Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti said today and hoped that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will use his mandate to save the lives and future of children of Kashmi.
"I met Prime Minister recently. I have full hope that the mandate and power he has, he (PM) will use that power to save the lives and future of children of Kashmir," she said.
"May be we (Government of India) have to take one or more steps than our neighbouring country (Pakistan) as Jammu and Kashmir is our state and we have to apply balm on wounds of the people," she added.
21:56 Australian court restricts newspaper from releasing leaked Scorpene data
An Australian Court today granted a temporary injunction against further publication of leaked Scorpene submarine data by 'The Australian' newspaper on an application moved by French defence firm DCNS that has been rocked by the document leak scandal.
The newspaper, which said the temporary injunction was granted by the court, had earlier said that it will publish the documents regarding the weapons system of the submarine on Monday but had not done so.
"DCNS, through the application filed, has demanded The Australian to remove the documents which it has published on its website and prevent further publishing of other documents," the company's headquarters in Paris said in a statement earlier in the day.
Over 22,000 pages of top secret data on the capabilities of six highly advanced submarines being built for the Indian Navy in Mumbai in collaboration with the French company, have been leaked.
21:16 Another Haryana minister donates funds to Dera chief
Another Haryana minister Manish Grover today announced Rs 11 lakh for Dera Sacha Sauda from his discretionary fund for "promotion of games" in the state even as Sports Minister Anil Vij, who had done a similar thing, justified his decision.
"I have full blessings of Guru Dera Sauda head Gurmeet Ram Rahim and he will take the youth forward...On this occasion being the representative of Haryana government, I am giving Rs 11 lakh to Dera Sacha Sauda from my discretionary fund," Grover said.
Vij, who on Saturday donated Rs 50 lakh to the religious sect in Sirsa, today said he would have doled out more money had the ceiling of donating from discretionary fund been more than Rs 50 lakh.
"What is wrong in that (giving Rs 50 lakh)? Schools are being run there; sports is being promoted there," Vij said.
The sports minister, who recently returned from Rio de Janeiro after being part of the Indian Olympic delegation, announced the donation to Dera Sacha Sauda for "promoting" rural games.
21:06
JUST IN: Hillary Clinton aide Huma Abedin says she is leaving husband Anthony Weiner after latest sexting revelation.
21:05 Guess who is stuck in Delhi traffic!
Heavy rains lashing the national capital has thrown traffic out of gear, causing snarls all over Delhi.
And guess who is stuck in the traffic?
It's reported that the cavalcade of the US Secretary of State John Kerry who is visiting India today, is also stuck in the flooded gridlocked roads from the airport to the city.
Kerry is in New Delhi to attend the second India-US Strategic and Commercial Dialogue.
Before his India visit, Kerry flew to Bangladesh where he said that there was strong evidence that the Islamic State group had a link to militants in Bangladesh.
20:55 Panic grips Jammu border as Pak plane flies close to IB
Panic gripped Jammu border today as a small civilian plane flew close to the International Border in Arnia sector. "A small plane flew close to the International Border in Arnia Sector and was seen by the BSF troops posted along the borderline around 1350 hours," a BSF officer said. "I think it was airspace violation. However further details are awaited", he said, adding it happens sometimes by mistake.
20:54
JUST IN: Govt defers spectrum auction by two days; sale to start from October 1
20:35 Journalists exposing corruption in India vulnerable
Media persons working to expose corruption in India face "grave dangers", an international media rights body has concluded claiming there has not been a single conviction in 27 cases of murder of journalists that it has tracked and documented since 1992.
The Committee to Protect Journalists in its latest report recommends the Centre convene a parliamentary hearing on the issue of impunity in anti-press violence and identify shortcomings and ways to overcome challenges of capacity in law enforcement and in the judiciary.
New York-based CPJ in the report mentioned "there have been no convictions," in the 27 cases of work-related murder of journalists it tracked since 1992.
Corruption and politics were the two "deadliest beats", it said.
The CPJ said it could find only one case in 10 years where a suspect was prosecuted and convicted for murdering a journalist, but was later released on appeal.
It lamented often there is little outrage among the media fraternity and society at large when a journalist is attacked or killed.
The report also noted that even the country's own watchdog, the Press Council of India, has felt the culprits are getting away with impunity and advocated the Parliament enact a nationwide safety law for journalists.
20:18 Dengue cases climb to nearly 500 in Delhi
A record high 487 cases of dengue have so far been reported in the national capital this season, with 368 of them being recorded in August, a municipal report said today.
Three hundred and eleven cases of the vector-borne disease were reported till August 20, while 176 cases came to light in last week alone, marking a rise of nearly 57 per cent, said a senior official of the South Delhi Municipal Corporation, which compiles dengue report on behalf of all the civic bodies in Delhi.
An 18-year-old boy died yesterday of dengue at Apollo Hospital in south Delhi, taking to five the number of fatalities from the disease here. "He was brought to the hospital in a critical state on August 26. He was earlier admitted to some private hospital in south Delhi area and later referred to Apollo Hospital. He died of dengue shock syndrome," a hospital source said.
19:50 Jaya announces 'Amma Gyms, Parks,' for Tamil Nadu
The latest in a series of initiatives under brand 'Amma', the Tamil Nadu government will set up 500 'Amma Gyms' for youth and develop as many 'Amma Parks' for the public in rural areas.
In a suo motu statement in the Assembly, Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa said 500 'Amma Gyms' would be set up in rural areas to promote physical and mental health of youth, at an estimated total cost of Rs 50 crore. Each gym would be set up at a cost of Rs 10 lakh, she said.
Jayalalithaa also announced setting up of 500 'Amma Parks' in village panchayats wih all amenities, including play equipment for children, toilets, cement benches for seating and paved pathways for walking at a total outlay of Rs 100 crore.
18:49 No blanket ban on pellet guns, but to be used in rare cases
Pellet guns, which are being used by security forces for crowd control in Jammu and Kashmir, will not be completely banned but will be fired in "rarest of rare cases", a top government official said on Monday.
Senior government functionaries have arrived at this conclusion after extensive consultations with security forces and examining the ground realities in Kashmir Valley.
The option of firing pellet guns will remain but it will be used only in rarest of rare cases, the official said.
The government is facing severe criticism for using the pellet guns for crowd control in Kashmir Valley as the weapon has caused large-scale injuries in the 51-day unrest following killing of Hizbul Mujahideen militant Burhan Wani on July 8.
During his two-day visit to Kashmir on August 24-25, Home Minister Rajnath Singh had said an alternative to pellet guns will be given to security forces in the coming days.
"In the coming few days, we will give an alternative to the pellet guns. These guns were earlier considered non-lethal but some incidents have taken place... We formed an expert committee a month ago which was expected to give report in two months but it will be coming very soon," he had said.
18:34 RSS starts sale of their new uniform at Nagpur headquarters
The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh's new khaki pants were delivered today at its shop that sells uniforms near its headquarters in Nagpur, Maharashtra. 10,000 of them in the first batch, each for Rs. 250.
The pants replace the knee-length khaki shorts that members of the RSS, the BJP's ideological mentor, have worn for the last 90 years. The RSS will shift to pants on Vijaydashmi on October 11 this year.
The new look was revealed today at the Nagpur office to mixed reviews. Older members say they preferred the shorts for the ease they afford while performing martial arts and marching. They also said that the shorts gave RSS workers a distinct identity.
18:12 Data of 1.7mn may have been compromised after breach on Opera
Opera Software, which offers mobile browser under the same name, has warned that some user data may have been compromised, following a security breach on its 'Sync' service.
Opera's Sync service, which allows users synchronise their browsing data across different devices, has a total active userbase of about 1.7 million.
"Earlier this week, we detected signs of an attack where access was gained to the Opera sync system. This attack was quickly blocked. Our investigations are ongoing, but we believe some data, including some of our sync users' passwords and account information, such as login names, may have been compromised," Opera said in a blogpost.
It added that while the Norwegian company only stored encrypted passwords, it has "reset all the Opera sync account passwords as a precaution".
Opera said it has also sent emails to all Opera sync users to inform them about the incident and ask them to change the password for their Opera sync accounts.
"In an abundance of caution, we have encouraged users to also reset any passwords to third party sites they may have synchronised with the service," it said.
The total active number of users of Opera sync in the last month was 1.7 million, less than 0.5 per cent of the total Opera user base of 350 million people.
Opera has about 50 million users of its mobile browser in India. The company is betting big on the country as a significant portion of people accessing Internet use their mobile phones to do so.
18:02 Rahul to set off on UP mahayatra from Deoria on September 6
Rahul Gandhi will embark on a mahayatra from Deoria in eastern Uttar Pradesh to Delhi from September 6 traversing as many as 233 assembly constituencies to reach out to people ahead of crucial polls slated early next year.
Rahul's programme was announced by AICC general secretary Ghulam Nabi Azad, who said the Congress vice president would travel through 39 districts of Uttar Pradesh covering 2,500 km in the nearly month-long exercise.
The mahayatra is a programme organised after the successful road show of Sonia Gandhi earlier this month and the two yatras of state party leaders which are currently going through various districts of the state.
Azad said no big public meeting is being planned during the mahayatra in which Rahul will address small rallies as also hold road shows in towns along the way.
Asked if the Congress vice president would visit Ayodhya as part of the mahayatra, Azad evaded a direct answer saying,
"He would visit whatever places that would come in between and not to create any controversy out of it."
The senior Congress leader, who is also in-charge of party affairs in Uttar Pradesh, said Rahul will meet men, women, and the youth and discuss the various issues that they are facing.
He said in 21 districts Rahul will have 'khaat sabhas' also while there will be road shows in numerous large towns and cities. Azad claimed that Rahul's interaction with party workers and Sonia's roadshows have been a success so far.
17:42 Panama papers: SC grants 2 more weeks to Centre to file reply
The Supreme Court on Mondya granted two more weeks to the Centre to file its response on a plea seeking CBI probe against Indian offshore bank account holders named in the Panama papers.
A bench, comprising Justices Dipak Misra and C Nagappan, granted more time to the government to file the affidavit after the Centre told the court that investigation is in progress and it was looking into the allegations.
It also issued a notice to the Centre on a similar but fresh plea filed by Manik Bhimrao Jadhav, a former Maharashtra MLC, seeking setting up of a commission of Inquiry to look into "illegal investments" made in off-shore companies.
The bench said it would tag the fresh one with the earlier pending PIL on the issue.
A Multi-Agency Group of various investigative agencies has been formed by the government to go into the disclosures made in the list which includes about 500 Indian entities.
The leak of Panama Papers contain an unprecedented amount of information, including more than 11 million documents covering 2,10,000 companies in 21 offshore jurisdictions. Each transaction spans different jurisdictions and may involve multiple entities and individuals.
17:38 Cut bra scene from Baar Baar Dekho: Censor board
Sanskari censor chief is at it again.
The Pahlaj Nihalani-led board has demanded a shot showing a woman's bra to be removed from the upcoming Sidharth Malhotra-Katrina Kaif-starrer film Baar Baar Dekho before granting it a 'U/A' certificate,
The CBFC found bras, essential innerwear for women, offensive.
The board also wanted a reference to comic-book porno Savita Bhabi deleted.
Since he took over in January 2015, Nihalani courted several controversies with instructions such as reducing the length of kissing scenes, drawing up a list of blacklisted cuss words and suggesting indiscriminate cuts to movies such as Udta Punjab .
17:23 Aarushi Murder case: Nupur Talwar granted parole
Nupur Talwar, who is serving a jail term for the murder of her daughter Aarushi Talwar, has been granted parole for three weeks to visit her unwell mother.
Rajesh and Nupur Talwar were sentenced to life in jail after a court in Uttar Pradesh held them guilty of murdering their 14-year-old daughter and domestic help Hemraj in 2013.
Aarushi, 14, was found murdered inside the Talwars' residence in May 2008, while the body of Hemraj, who was initially suspected for the killing, was recovered from the terrace of the house a day later.
16:57 Bihar mid-day meal horror: Principal gets 17 years for deaths of 23 kids
A court in Bihar's Saran district on Monday sentenced former principal of the Gandaman Government Primary School, Meena Devi, to 17 years imprisonment.
On August 25, Meena Devi was pronounced guilty in the case. Her husband Arjun Rai, another accused, was let off for lack of evidence against him by a trial court.
Meena Devi is charged in the case of the unfortunate death of 23 children after they consumed the mid-day meal at Dharmasati Gandaman Primary School in Saran district of Bihar on 16 July 2013.
Additional District and Sessions Judge of Saran VA Tiwari has awarded 17 years prison to Meena Devi including 10 years under section 304 and 7 years under section 308 of the IPC.
The court found Meena Devi, guilty of serving the poisonous mid-day meal to students and convicted her of culpable homicide "not amounting to murder'.
-- MI Khan, Patna/Rediff.com
Also read: It took the deaths of 23 children for change to come to this village
On August 25, Meena Devi was pronounced guilty in the case. Her husband Arjun Rai, another accused, was let off for lack of evidence against him by a trial court.
Meena Devi is charged in the case of the unfortunate death of 23 children after they consumed the mid-day meal at Dharmasati Gandaman Primary School in Saran district of Bihar on 16 July 2013.
Additional District and Sessions Judge of Saran VA Tiwari has awarded 17 years prison to Meena Devi including 10 years under section 304 and 7 years under section 308 of the IPC.
The court found Meena Devi, guilty of serving the poisonous mid-day meal to students and convicted her of culpable homicide "not amounting to murder'.
-- MI Khan, Patna/Rediff.com
Also read: It took the deaths of 23 children for change to come to this village
16:37 Nothing to forgive, says Jain monk on Vishal Dadlani
Vishal Dadlani, Bollywood singer and music composer, has been forgiven by Tarun Sagar, the famous Jain monk, of whom he offered criticism over the weekend.
"Maharaj-ji has already forgiven and forgotten this incident. He said that this a very small happening for me and does not affect me in anyway," said Satyendar Jain, a Delhi minister and top leader of the Aam Aadmi Party or AAP, which Mr Dadlani said he was quitting on account of the controversy.
An FIR has been filed against Mr Dadlani on charges of offending religious sentiments in Haryana, which is governed by the BJP.
Tarun Sagar, referred to as Maharaj ji by followers, was invited to address all Haryana state lawmakers on Friday. Mr Dadlani was critical of the speech, suggesting that it reflected an unhealthy trend of religion colouring politics.
Dadlani, 43, referred to the speech as "monkery" on Twitter. He later deleted his comment and issued a public apology to Jains "and all others offended".
AAP leader and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal was quick to distance the party from the controversy, describing the monk "as a very revered saint, not just for Jains but everyone. Those showing disrespect is unfortunate and should stop."
In a rarity, this placed him on the same side as the BJP which faulted Mr Dadlani for disrespecting "a revered saint".
"Maharaj-ji has already forgiven and forgotten this incident. He said that this a very small happening for me and does not affect me in anyway," said Satyendar Jain, a Delhi minister and top leader of the Aam Aadmi Party or AAP, which Mr Dadlani said he was quitting on account of the controversy.
An FIR has been filed against Mr Dadlani on charges of offending religious sentiments in Haryana, which is governed by the BJP.
Tarun Sagar, referred to as Maharaj ji by followers, was invited to address all Haryana state lawmakers on Friday. Mr Dadlani was critical of the speech, suggesting that it reflected an unhealthy trend of religion colouring politics.
Dadlani, 43, referred to the speech as "monkery" on Twitter. He later deleted his comment and issued a public apology to Jains "and all others offended".
AAP leader and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal was quick to distance the party from the controversy, describing the monk "as a very revered saint, not just for Jains but everyone. Those showing disrespect is unfortunate and should stop."
In a rarity, this placed him on the same side as the BJP which faulted Mr Dadlani for disrespecting "a revered saint".
15:58 Have daughters, would not enforce skirt ban: Minister's U-turn
After controversially suggesting that
foreigners visiting India should avoid wearing skirts or going out alone
at night, Union Minister Mahesh Sharma clarified today that he was
referring only to religious places, and that he spoke out of "concern".
"I am a father of two daughters...I would never tell women what they should wear or not. Our culture is Atithi Devobhava (the guest is almost like God). Such a ban is unimaginable, but it is not a crime to be cautious. Different countries issue advisories from time to time, but I never said change anyone's way of dressing," Sharma, the Minister of State for Culture, said to reporters on Monday.
On Sunday, Sharma was responding to questions on the government's steps for tourist safety in popular destinations like Agra when he spoke about the list of dos and don'ts for visitors to India.
"When tourists arrive at the airport, they will be given a welcome kit which has a card with dos and don'ts... it has instructions like if they are in small areas, they should not roam around alone at night or wear skirts," said the 55-year-old.
"I am a father of two daughters...I would never tell women what they should wear or not. Our culture is Atithi Devobhava (the guest is almost like God). Such a ban is unimaginable, but it is not a crime to be cautious. Different countries issue advisories from time to time, but I never said change anyone's way of dressing," Sharma, the Minister of State for Culture, said to reporters on Monday.
On Sunday, Sharma was responding to questions on the government's steps for tourist safety in popular destinations like Agra when he spoke about the list of dos and don'ts for visitors to India.
"When tourists arrive at the airport, they will be given a welcome kit which has a card with dos and don'ts... it has instructions like if they are in small areas, they should not roam around alone at night or wear skirts," said the 55-year-old.
15:24 Is Nitish Kumar wooing the BJP?
New Delhi political circles are agog with speculation of the 15-minute meeting between Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The meeting happened after the official meeting on the Bihar floods and once the officers withdrew, these two leaders were seen in a closed door meeting. Nitish held Modi's hands when the PM saw him off at the door. Their body language has now given rise to speculation about a new turn that Bihar politics may be taking that Nitish is not happy with Lalu Prasad and his dominance as an alliance partner.
The meeting happened after the official meeting on the Bihar floods and once the officers withdrew, these two leaders were seen in a closed door meeting. Nitish held Modi's hands when the PM saw him off at the door. Their body language has now given rise to speculation about a new turn that Bihar politics may be taking that Nitish is not happy with Lalu Prasad and his dominance as an alliance partner.
14:56
"There is nothing wrong in what I have said," says Azam Khan on saying Bulandshahr rapes were a political conspiracy.
14:27
Just in: Empty external fuel tank falls from a flying MiG 29K Navy aircraft at CISF quarters in Visakhapatnam
14:21 Mamata drops 'Bongo'
West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee on renaming the state: "Discussion on renaming West Bengal underway at legislative assembly, one of the proposed names 'Bongo' has been dropped. Resolution passed in state assembly. West Bengal to be renamed to 'Bangla' in Bengali, Bengal in English and 'Bangal' in Hindi. We are sending this resolution to Centre as it needs to be passed in the Parliament."
14:02 Bengal, Bangal, Bangla... Mamata renames her state in three languages
West Bengal to be renamed to 'Bangla' in Bengali, Bengal in English and 'Bangal' in Hindi, reports ANI.
After Calcutta changed into Kolkata, West Bengal is all set to be rechristened. After mulling on the idea for years, the state cabinet finally adopted the resolution to rename the state on Tuesday. After getting it ratified in a special meeting of the assembly it would be sent to the Centre for an approval by the houses of parliament.
Three different versions for a name will be a trifle difficult to remember, won't it Didi?
After Calcutta changed into Kolkata, West Bengal is all set to be rechristened. After mulling on the idea for years, the state cabinet finally adopted the resolution to rename the state on Tuesday. After getting it ratified in a special meeting of the assembly it would be sent to the Centre for an approval by the houses of parliament.
Three different versions for a name will be a trifle difficult to remember, won't it Didi?
13:50 Rocket launcher found in a sack in Punjab
Punjab: Ammunition including a rocket launcher found in a sack near the shop of a scrap dealer in Amritsar, Army has been informed.
13:46 Jaya Prada gets a new role
Former MP Jaya Prada, a close associate of Samajwadi Party leader Amar Singh, has been appointed Chairperson of the Uttar Pradesh Film Development Board. A veteran actress, her rise in politics in Uttar Pradesh is remarkable given her Andhra Pradesh roots, but here's the inside story on Jayaprada's appointment.
The appointment comes after a nod from SP chief Mulayam Singh Yadav. UP CM and Mulayam's son, Akhilesh Yadav had been dilly dallying with the appointment, but when Amar Singh threatened that he was ready to quit the Rajya Sabha if Jaya Prada was not appointed as chairperson UPFDB, got the government acting in 24 hours.
Clearly, Mr Singh still wields some power.
The appointment comes after a nod from SP chief Mulayam Singh Yadav. UP CM and Mulayam's son, Akhilesh Yadav had been dilly dallying with the appointment, but when Amar Singh threatened that he was ready to quit the Rajya Sabha if Jaya Prada was not appointed as chairperson UPFDB, got the government acting in 24 hours.
Clearly, Mr Singh still wields some power.
13:37 Suicide bombing kills 60 at Yemen army camp
A suicide car bomb attack on an army training camp in Yemen's second city of Aden killed at least 60 people today, medical sources said. A security official said the attacker drove his vehicle into a gathering of new recruits at the camp in northern Aden. The assault killed 60 people and wounded 29 others, medical sources from the three hospitals where the victims were taken told AFP. Security officials had provided an earlier toll of 11 dead.
13:29 Encounter in Baramulla
Just in: Encounter breaks out between security forces and terrorists at Sultan Pora, Baramulla district, J&K. At least two terrorists believed to be hiding. One soldier injured in an ongoing encounter, that began yesterday between security forces and terrorists in Baramulla, J&K.
13:23 Who won what
So, here's the full list of the 2016 Khel Ratna awardees:
P.V. Sindhu, Badminton
Dipa Karmakar, Gymnastics
Jitu Rai, Shooting
Sakshi Malik, Wrestling
The full list of Arjuna Awardees
Rajat Chauhan Archery
Lalita Babar Athletics
Sourav Kothari Billiards & Snooker
Shiva Thapa Boxing
Ajinkya Rahane Cricket
Subrata Paul Football
Rani Hockey
Raghunath V.R. Hockey
Gurpreet Singh Shooting
Apurvi Chandela Shooting
Soumyajit Ghosh Table Tennis
Vinesh Wrestling
Amit Kumar Wrestling
Sandeep Singh Mann Para-Athletics
Virender Singh Wrestling (Deaf)
The full list of Dronacharya Awardees:
Nagapuri Ramesh Athletics
Sagar Mal Dhayal Boxing
Raj Kumar Sharma Cricket
Bishweshwar Nandi Gymnastics
S. Pradeep Kumar Swimming (Lifetime)
Mahabir Singh Wrestling (Lifetime)
P.V. Sindhu, Badminton
Dipa Karmakar, Gymnastics
Jitu Rai, Shooting
Sakshi Malik, Wrestling
The full list of Arjuna Awardees
Rajat Chauhan Archery
Lalita Babar Athletics
Sourav Kothari Billiards & Snooker
Shiva Thapa Boxing
Ajinkya Rahane Cricket
Subrata Paul Football
Rani Hockey
Raghunath V.R. Hockey
Gurpreet Singh Shooting
Apurvi Chandela Shooting
Soumyajit Ghosh Table Tennis
Vinesh Wrestling
Amit Kumar Wrestling
Sandeep Singh Mann Para-Athletics
Virender Singh Wrestling (Deaf)
The full list of Dronacharya Awardees:
Nagapuri Ramesh Athletics
Sagar Mal Dhayal Boxing
Raj Kumar Sharma Cricket
Bishweshwar Nandi Gymnastics
S. Pradeep Kumar Swimming (Lifetime)
Mahabir Singh Wrestling (Lifetime)
13:17
Meanwhile, in Punjab, ammunition including a rocket launcher found in a sack near the shop of a scrap dealer in Amritsar, Army has been informed.
13:11
Wrestler Vinesh Phogat being conferred with Arjuna Award by President Mukherjee.
One of India's finest wrestlers, Phoghat had to bow out of the Rio Olympics after she sustained a knee injury during a match.
She had bright chances of winning a medal for our country at the Olympics. But disaster struck when she injured her right knee in the middle of her 48 kg quarterfinal fight against China's Sun Yanan.
13:07
President Pranab Mukherjee presents Arjuna Award to Raghunath V R for Hockey.
Raghunath is referred to as one of the best drag-flickers in Indian hockey in recent years, and is an integral part of the India men's hockey team.
13:05
Shiva Thapa was conferred with Arjuna award for his fine performances in the past four years, which included two Asian Championships medals and World Championship bronze.
13:04
President Pranab Mukherjee presenting the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award to shooter Jitu Rai.
On the eve of the ceremony, Jitu told media persons, "I worked so hard for four years for the Olympics. But I couldn't execute my plans. I couldn't live up to the expectations that I and others had on me."
"I believe that a person learns more from his failures than from victories. This was my first Olympics and I have learnt a lot. There is a big difference in final and qualification. The pressure in the final is immense and one has to use to the mind and handle the pistol both in such a short time. I couldn't do it," he added.
13:04
President Mukherjee handing over the Arjuna Award to Lalita Babar.
Maharashtra's steeplechase specialist Lalita Babar qualified for the final and finished a creditable 10th in women's 3000m in the Rio Olympics
12:57 SC stays CBI probe in Bulandshahr rape case
Just In: Supreme Court stays CBI probe in Bulandshahr rape case.
The CBI had earlier this month taken over investigation in the case in which a woman and her minor daughter were assaulted by a gang in July.
The incident had taken place when six members of a Noida-based family were travelling to Shahjahanpur in western UP.
At the national highway passing through Bulandshahr, their car was stopped by criminals who dragged the 13-year-old girl and her mother out and raped them in a field nearby.
The Allahabad High Court had ordered CBI to take over investigation in the case.
The police had said earlier that the seven accused allegedly planned the crime days in advance, even conducting a reconnaissance of the incident site. The group used Kithore in Meerut district as their base and the accused sought help from a local, identified as Rayeesuddin.
The Uttar Pradesh police received flak from multiple quarters over the investigation of the incident.
12:54
Dipa Karmakar (left), who missed an Olympics medal by a whisker, had finished fourth in the vault event and stunned the world with her risky Produnova vault.
12:52
President Pranab Mukherjee handing over the Khel Ratna to Sakshi Malik who won the bronze medal in the 58 kg category, becoming the first Indian female wrestler to win a medal at the Olympics.
Asked if the feeling of winning an Olympic medal has sunk in, Sakshi said: "I couldn't believe it when I was in Rio. But now it has started to sink in. I am getting a lot of love and everyone has made me feel very special."
12:49 Sindhu, Dipa conferred Khel Ratna
Just In: President Pranab Mukherjee presents Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna award to shuttler PV Sindhu.
Sindhu scripted history by winning the silver in women's singles badminton while Sakshi took the bronze in women's 58kg freestyle category at the Rio Games.
In a first in Indian sports, Dipa finished fourth in artistic gymnastics at Rio.
On Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi hosted the National Sports awardees at his 7 Race Course Road residence.
Talking about her Olympic glory, Sindhu said, "It is great feeling to have won an Olympic medal. It was my dream and it has come true. I am very happy. I am thankful to everybody, Gopi sir, my parents. I am really thankful to the Government as they have been very supportive and also to the sponsors."
Asked if the feeling of winning an Olympic medal has sunk in, Sakshi said: "I couldn't believe it when I was in Rio. But now it has started to sink in. I am getting a lot of love and everyone has made me feel very special."
12:38 All-party team led by Rajnath to visit Srinagar on Sept 4
An all-party delegation will visit Srinagar on September 4 in the wake of the recent unrest in Kashmir Valley where 70 people have died in clashes between security forces and protesters after the death of a militant commander last month.
The team will be led by home minister Rajnath Singh. The decks appeared to have cleared for a meeting between Kashmiri separatists and the delegation, as the Centre and the Jammu and Kashmir government reached an understanding that such an engagement wont be discouraged.
In Kashmir, curfew was lifted from most parts on Monday -- after 51 consecutive days of lockdown and subsequent clashes in the aftermath of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wanis death on July 8.
12:35
Just In: NGT issues notice to UP government, UP Jal Nigam for failing to provide drinking water to the poor.
12:35 Kerala train derail: Services resume
Railway resumed train services in Ernakulam and Thrissur route today, a day after rail traffic on the route was affected due to derailment of Mangaluru-bound express train near Karukutty, about 45 km from Kochi.
The railways could commence the train services on the route at 7.15 am. Trains connected with electric engines have started running through both the tracks, a railway spokesman said.
Several trains from Thiruvananthapuram and Palakkad divisions have been regulated today. Many trains are running late or rescheduled, railways said.
Passengers of the Mangaluru-bound express train escaped unhurt yesterday when 12 of its bogies derailed amid heavy rains at Karukutty.
Railways have ordered a probe into the incident which occurred at 2.55 AM yesterday, shortly after the train 16347 Thiruvananthapuram-Mangaluru Express left Aluva station and was running at a slow speed.
12:29 Blast at Belgian criminology unit damages building, no one hurt
The bomb that went off outside the Brussels criminology institute damaged an empty building and no one was injured, report Belgian media.
Reports said a car rammed through barriers at around 3 am local time, with an occupant triggering the explosive device.
Although the building has suffered extensive damage, reports said no one was hurt in the incident. The police have cordoned off the area and are conducting searches.
11:53
PTI: Banks tell Supreme Court that Vijay Mallya deliberately did not make full disclosure of his assets, including $40 million he received in February.
11:51 Vishal Dadlani booked over tweet on Jain leader
The Mumbai Police have received a complaint against composer-singer Vishal Dadlani for his comment against Digambar Jain guru Tarun Sagar, mocking the latter for making a speech in Haryana assembly naked.
Dadlani had tweeted the following: "If you voted for these people, YOU are responsible for this absurd nonsense! No #AchcheDin, just #NoKachcheDin." (See image on left)
Jain guru Tarun Sagar is a saint of Digambar sect of Jainism, who don't wear clothes as a part of their religious practice.
However, soon after the singer made this tweet, he was ridiculed by several Jain sect followers. Dadlani was quick to reply to everyone with an apology: "I apologise to you too, wholeheartedly, Sir. I hope that religion and governance can be separated, for Indias sake. I am sorry to have offended you and your beliefs too, Sir. My intent was not to hurt anyone. Spoke without thinking."
Delhi CM and AAP Chief Arvind Kejriwal too took to Twitter to praise the Jain monk and said that his family deeply respects Tarun Sagar.
The Jains are an influential community in the poll-bound Gujarat where AAP is seeking to make a powerful debut. Kejriwal and Jain's tweets promptly condemning Vishal's off-the-cuff tweet may have been influenced by that consideration.
Following this, Dadlani on Twitter announced that he was quitting from all active political work and affiliations.
11:39 SC notice to Azam Khan over 'Bulandshahr gang-rape political conspiracy' remark
Just in: The Supreme Court takes cognisance of UP minister Azam Khan's statement that the Bulandshahr gang-rape case is a "political conspiracy" and serves a notice to the minister.
Khan had said the elections are near and a desperate opposition could stoop to any level to defame the government. "We must also probe whether this entire controversy is a move by some Opposition elements to defame the government. People who want to come to power may be stooping this low for political interests,' the minister had said.
Early this month, dacoits had waylaid a family travelling from Noida to Shahjahanpur by car, dragged the woman and her 14-year-old daughter out of the vehicle to a field, and raped them while the men were held at gunpoint.
Khan had said the elections are near and a desperate opposition could stoop to any level to defame the government. "We must also probe whether this entire controversy is a move by some Opposition elements to defame the government. People who want to come to power may be stooping this low for political interests,' the minister had said.
Early this month, dacoits had waylaid a family travelling from Noida to Shahjahanpur by car, dragged the woman and her 14-year-old daughter out of the vehicle to a field, and raped them while the men were held at gunpoint.
11:33 Chetan Bhagat's new book
For all Chetan Bhagat fans -- the author's ninth book One Indian Girl is slated for an October release.
11:28 Navy chief contradicts govt: Scorpene leak is a serious concern
"Leak of information related to Scorpene submarine is a matter of serious concern," says Navy Chief Admiral Sunil Lanba. This is in direct contrast to the stand taken by Defence minister Manohar Parrikar who said "basically what is on the website is not of concern to us but we are assuming on our own that this has been leaked and are taking all precautions."
The navy chief said today, "We have ourselves set up a high level committee to investigate into this. Based on the report of the committee, we will see what mitigation measures need to be taken."
In fact, embattled French defence firm DCNS has approached the Supreme Court in Australia seeking an injunction against 'The Australian' from further publishing the leaked documents of India's Scorpene submarine project.
The DCNS has also sought a court order to the newspaper to hand over the documents in its possession and removal of the contents from its website.
More than 22,000 pages of top secret data on the capabilities of six highly advanced submarines being built for the Indian Navy in Mumbai in collaboration with a French company have been leaked, ringing alarm bells on Wednesday in the security establishment.The combat capability of the Scorpene submarines being built at Mazagon dock at a cost of $3.5 billion (over Rs 23,495 core) by French shipbuilder DCNS, went public when an Australian newspaper, "The Australian", put the details on the website. Reacting with alacrity to the development, Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar, who learnt about the leak at midnight, ordered Navy Chief Admiral Sunil Lamba to go into the 'entire issue". A detailed report is also being sought by the Indian government from DCNS.
The navy chief said today, "We have ourselves set up a high level committee to investigate into this. Based on the report of the committee, we will see what mitigation measures need to be taken."
In fact, embattled French defence firm DCNS has approached the Supreme Court in Australia seeking an injunction against 'The Australian' from further publishing the leaked documents of India's Scorpene submarine project.
The DCNS has also sought a court order to the newspaper to hand over the documents in its possession and removal of the contents from its website.
More than 22,000 pages of top secret data on the capabilities of six highly advanced submarines being built for the Indian Navy in Mumbai in collaboration with a French company have been leaked, ringing alarm bells on Wednesday in the security establishment.The combat capability of the Scorpene submarines being built at Mazagon dock at a cost of $3.5 billion (over Rs 23,495 core) by French shipbuilder DCNS, went public when an Australian newspaper, "The Australian", put the details on the website. Reacting with alacrity to the development, Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar, who learnt about the leak at midnight, ordered Navy Chief Admiral Sunil Lamba to go into the 'entire issue". A detailed report is also being sought by the Indian government from DCNS.
11:19 Usain Bolt advised to eat beef twice a day, won nine gold medals: BJP MP Udit Raj
BJP MP and Dalit leader Udit Raj raised a few eyebrows today with a tweet which suggested that Jamaican athlete and Olympics Triple Gold winner Usain Bolt went on to win nine Olympic gold medals despite being born in poverty after his trainer advised him to eat beef twice a day.
"Usain Bolt of Jamaica was poor and trainer advised him to eat beef both the times and he scored 9 gold medals in Olympics,' the Lok Sabha member from North West Delhi tweeted.Beef is an emotive issue for the BJP. States ruled by the party have come out with tough laws banning its trade.
Udit Raj, however, later tried to play down any controversy saying that he merely repeated what Bolt's trainer had said and all he meant was the athletes can find a way to excel despite adversities and they should not blame circumstances for their failures.
"Usain Bolt of Jamaica was poor and trainer advised him to eat beef both the times and he scored 9 gold medals in Olympics,' the Lok Sabha member from North West Delhi tweeted.Beef is an emotive issue for the BJP. States ruled by the party have come out with tough laws banning its trade.
Udit Raj, however, later tried to play down any controversy saying that he merely repeated what Bolt's trainer had said and all he meant was the athletes can find a way to excel despite adversities and they should not blame circumstances for their failures.
11:12 'Worryingly, there's a growing cult of marytdom in Kashmir'
"Burhan Wani's killing served as a spark for the anti-establishment fire that has been raging in the minds of Kashmiris ever since the Centre stopped engaging them for their political future. Before the upsurge the Hurriyat had begun to feel isolated and marginalised, many had begun to term them as irrelevant. But they are now back in the game. The cardinal weaknesses shown in use of pellet shotguns are clearly due to lack of training on their use."
Air Vice Marshal (retd) Kapil Kak, who has been part of the track II process which seeks to reach out to members of the civil society in the Valley to understand the ground reality and provide inputs to the government spoke to Vipin Vijayan/Rediff.com. Read
Air Vice Marshal (retd) Kapil Kak, who has been part of the track II process which seeks to reach out to members of the civil society in the Valley to understand the ground reality and provide inputs to the government spoke to Vipin Vijayan/Rediff.com. Read
10:52 False alarm: LA airport shootout turns out to just 'loud noises', say cops
So, the LA airport shootout thankfully turns out to be just 'loud noises'. Police at Los Angeles International Airport say reports of gunfire have proven to be "loud noises only". No shots fired, no gunman found at Los Angeles airport, say police.
Police had said they were searching the terminals and social media posts show people fleeing Los Angeles International Airport amid rumors of a possible shooting.
Airport police say they are searching terminals on Monday morning, but there is no confirmation of any shootings or injuries.
Police had said they were searching the terminals and social media posts show people fleeing Los Angeles International Airport amid rumors of a possible shooting.
Airport police say they are searching terminals on Monday morning, but there is no confirmation of any shootings or injuries.
10:50 Bomb in Brussels
A bomb has gone off outside the Brussels criminology institute, reports Belgian media: BBC.
10:19 The Spell of Sylvia Dyer
We'll get you updates on that possible shootout at LA airport, but meanwhile walk down this nostalgic road in pre-Independence India with 90-year-old Sylvia Dyer. A woman who who spent her childhood on a plantation along the Bihar-Nepal border in the 1930s, lived through the 1965 war as the wife of a decorated army officer and saw an era grow and fade in front of her eyes.
Archana Masih/Rediff.com comes away spellbound. Here's her story.
Archana Masih/Rediff.com comes away spellbound. Here's her story.
10:07 LA airport evacuated as cops investigate reports of shootout
Los Angeles Airport police investigating unconfirmed reports of shots fired at LA airport. The Federal Aviation Administration issues a ground stop at Los Angeles Airport until 10 pm (local time) as police respond to unconfirmed shooting report.
Reuters reports that multiple calls are coming in for terminals 1, 5, and 7. The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) says there are people possibly barricaded in bathrooms in terminal 6, Culvercity311 reported on Twitter.
A report from LA County Scanner's Twitter account said the shooting is taking place at terminal 8.
Details awaited.
Image: The LA airport terminal
Reuters reports that multiple calls are coming in for terminals 1, 5, and 7. The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) says there are people possibly barricaded in bathrooms in terminal 6, Culvercity311 reported on Twitter.
A report from LA County Scanner's Twitter account said the shooting is taking place at terminal 8.
Details awaited.
Image: The LA airport terminal
09:51 After 51 days, curfew relaxed in Kashmir Valley
After remaining under continuous restrictions for 51 days following violent protests against the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen terrorist Burhan Wani, curfew was lifted from most parts of the Valley on Monday.
Restrictions under Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code or CrPC, however, remain enforced which prohibits unlawful assembly of 10 or more people.
Around 70 people have died and over 11,000 have been injured in violent clashes between protesters and security forces.
"Following improvement in the situation, there will be no restrictions in Kashmir valley from Monday except Pulwama town and the areas falling under the jurisdictions of police stations MR Gunj and Nowhatta," a police spokesman informed.
In a fresh bid to reach out to people of the valley, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had on Monday said "Ekta" (unity) and "Mamata" (love) are the basic mantras for addressing Kashmir problem even as he slammed those pushing "innocent" children to violence, saying they will have to answer them some day.
Seeking to strike a chord with the people of Kashmir, he said if any life is lost in the valley, whether of any youth or any securityman, "that loss is ours, of our own, of our own country".
09:19 Porn clip on Pune bill board: Ad firm technician booked
Nearly a week after a giant digital bill board installed on the busy Karve Road in Pune suddenly started streaming a porn clip, the police have booked a technician associated with an advertisement firm.
The police on Sunday took a suo motu action and registered a case in connection with the incident that took place on August 24 between 3 to 3:30 pm.
However, the matter came to light after a person posted pictures of the bill board on the social media, they said.
"Since images of the bill board streaming a porn clip went viral on the social media, we decided to register a case against the technician," said Inspector Sucheta Khokale of Deccan Gymkhana police station.
Accordingly, the technician Nitesh Shelar of the publicity firm was booked under section 67 of the IT Act, she said.
The bill board suddenly started streaming the porn clip and some commuters clicked its pictures, Khokale said.
09:13 Beyonce's 'Formation' wins MTV Video of the Year
Beyonce's Formation wins MTV Video of the Year at Madison Square Garden.
The other singers in contention were Adele for Hello, Drake for Hotline Bling, Justin Bieber for Sorry and Kanye West for Famous.
According to media reports Beyonce owned the MTV Video Music Awards -- like she did in 2014 -- with a 16-minute performance featuring her recent hits from Lemonade, working various stages with strong, layered vocals, skilled dance moves and even an outfit change -- all as the audience watched in awe and cheered her on.
She kicked off her strong set with Pray You Catch Me as blue lights beamed onstage. She was wearing white, but later stripped down to a black leotard with full sleeves as she sang Hold Up and Sorry. She grew angry and twerked while performing Don't Hurt Yourself and ended with the anthemic Formation.
09:06 Hope sportsmanship always shines in our society: PM on National Sports Day
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday congratulated all sports lovers across India on the occasion of National Sports Day.
The prime minister posted on his Twitter account, "On National Sports Day I congratulate all sports lovers across India & hope sports & sportsmanship will always shine in our society."
The prime minister also paid tributes to the legendary hockey player Dhyan Chand.
On the eve of national sports day, PM Modi met Rio Olympic champions silver medallist P V Sindhu, bronze medallist Sakshi Malik and gymnast Dipa Karmakar at his residence in New Delhi.
He also met ace shooter Jitu Rai, Khel Ratna awardees, Dhyan Chand awardees, Dronacharya awardees, and Tenzing Norgay awardees.
After the meeting, he tweeted that every Indian is proud of them, adding that a major role in the success of every athlete is the perseverance of their coaches.
08:59
ANI reports: After Gilgit, Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and Balochistan now 'azaadi' slogans in Sindh (Pakistan), demanding separate 'Sindhudesh'
08:45
Two coaches of a goods train derail in Chhattisgarh's Dantewada, due to a technical glitch. Railway officials to reach the spot shortly: ANI
08:22 Scorpene leak: DCNS moves Aussie court for injunction against 'The Australian'
Embattled French defence firm DCNS has approached the Supreme Court in Australia seeking an injunction against 'The Australian' from further publishing the leaked documents of India's Scorpene submarine project.
The DCNS has also sought a court order to the newspaper to hand over the documents in its possession and removal of the contents from its website.
"The publication of this highly valuable document causes a direct harm to DCNS and its customer in terms of spread of sensitive and restricted information, image and reputation," The Australian quoted an affidavit by DCNS lawyer Justine Munsie.
The newspaper had said that it will publish the documents regarding the weapons system of the submarine on Monday.
Over 22,000 pages of top secret data on the capabilities of six highly advanced submarines being built for the Indian Navy in Mumbai in collaboration with a French company have been leaked.
The move by DCNS comes after a former commander of US Pacific fleet Submarine Force warned that the leaks would undermine the confidence in the ability of French companies to protect classified information.
08:15 India, US set to sign key logistics agreement
India and the US are set to sign a key logistics agreement this week which will enable both militaries to use each other's assets and bases for repair and replenishment of supplies.
Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar will meet his American counterpart Defence Secretary Ashton Carter today and carry forward talks on jet engine technology and unmanned aerial vehicles.
After meeting Carter, he will also visit the air force base at Langley besides going to the Boeing facility in Philadelphia.
One of the key takeaways from the visit would be signing of the agreement called the 'Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement'. The agreement was announced during the visit of Carter to India in April this year.
The move will allow both countries to use each other's bases as well as assets for replenishment of supplies and refuelling.
However, it will not allow stationing of troops in each other's bases.
08:12 Sindhu, Sakshi, Jitu Rai, Dipa to get Khel Ratna today
Olympics silver medallist PV Sindhu, bronze winner Sakshi Malik, ace shooter Jitu Rai and trailblazing gymnast Dipa Karmakar will be conferred with the prestigious Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award by President Pranab Mukherjee in New Delhi today.
Sindhu scripted history by winning the silver in women's singles badminton while Sakshi took the bronze in women's 58kg freestyle category at the Rio Games.
In a first in Indian sports, Dipa finished fourth in artistic gymnastics at Rio. While Jitu has won over half a dozen medals in the past two years.
On Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi hosted the National Sports awardees at his 7 Race Course Road residence.
Talking about her Olympic glory, Sindhu said, "It is great feeling to have won an Olympic medal. It was my dream and it has come true. I am very happy. I am thankful to everybody, Gopi sir, my parents. I am really thankful to the Government as they have been very supportive and also to the sponsors."
Asked if the feeling of winning an Olympic medal has sunk in, Sakshi said: "I couldn't believe it when I was in Rio. But now it has started to sink in. I am getting a lot of love and everyone has made me feel very special."
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