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Mon, 05 December 2016
AIADMK MLAs meeting begins at party headquarters

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23:46   AIADMK MLAs meeting begins at party headquarters
A meeting of ruling All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam MLAs in Tamil Nadu has began at party headquarters in Royapettah in the wake of the "grave" health situation of party supremo and Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa.

The meeting is being attended by all 136 MLAs.

Leader of the Tamil Nadu House Madhusudan is presiding over the meeting.

Earlier, the AIADMKA said that the Tamil Nadu chief minister, who suffered a cardiac arrest and is in a critical condition, is "responding" to the treatment being given by experts, who include a four-member AIIMS team.
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23:33  
Heavy police deployment has been made outside Apollo Hospital. Photograph: ANI/Twitter
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23:10  
Just In: Senior AIADMK leader O Panneerselvam leaves from Apollo Hospital.
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22:47   Haryana bans weapons, celebratory firing at weddings
A day after the death of an orchestra dancer in Bhatinda, the Haryana government has banned carrying of arms at wedding functions with immediate effect.

The Haryana government has issued the prohibitory orders while invoking Section 144 of the IPC in the state through the district magistrates. 

Now, any kind of celebratory firings at weddings or social function in Haryana will be an offence. 

 "It has been noticed that some people often indulge in celebratory firing during weddings after consuming alcohol. Taking serious note of such incidents, the Police Department has been directed to put a check on carrying of arms at wedding functions, in coordination with the district magistrate concerned," state's additional chief secretary (Home) Ram Niwas said.

Notably, incidents of people falling prey to the celebratory fires have been witnessed over the period of past couple of months. 

Death of the woman, who happened to be the aunt of groom, due to celebratory fires by Sadhvi Deva Thakur and her men in Karnal last month was the latest example in Haryana. Besides death of a woman, three persons, including an 11-year-old girl were also seriously injured in the accident.

Representative image 
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22:27   Jaya is responding to treatment: AIADMK
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa, who suffered a cardiac arrest and is in a critical condition, is "responding" to the treatment being given by experts, who include a four-member AIIMS team, her party AIADMK said today.
"The AIIMS team... they have come and are treating (Jayalalithaa). She is responding to it," a spokesperson from the ruling party said tonight without elaborating.
The senior leader's remarks came even as Apollo Hospital, where Jayalalithaa is admitted, said its specialists and those from AIIMS were constantly monitoring the 68-year-old chief minister very closely.
The Centre had earlier in the day dispatched a team of specialists from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences to the Apollo Hospital where Jayalalithaa is undergoing treatment after suffering cardiac arrest late yesterday.
The team of AIIMS doctors include pulmonologist Dr G C Khilnani, anaesthetist Dr Anjan Trikha, cardiac surgeon Dr Sachin Talwar and cardiologist Dr Rajiv Narang.
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21:48   PM Modi briefed on Jaya's health by Naidu
Union minister M Venkaiah Naidu, who has been camping in Tamil Nadu since today morning, has apprised Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the latest health condition of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa.
Naidu, who met doctors from the Apollo hospital, where she is admitted and those from AIIMS who have been called in to treat the AIADMK chief, briefed the Prime Minister on the latest health condition of the 68-year-old chief minister, sources said.
Jayalalithaa suffered a cardiac arrest late last night and is said to be in an "extremely grave" condition.
Naidu also met top leadership of AIADMK, including party legislators, during the day, sources said.
They said Jayalalithaa's condition would be evaluated once again around 10.30 pm.

Photograph: PTI
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21:28   No law and order problem in Tamil Nadu: Rajnath
Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh today ruled out the possibility of law and order problems in Tamil Nadu in the wake of the latest update on the health condition of Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa.
"There is no issue of law and order. Law and order is not a concern yet," he told reporters in New Delhi.
Singh had last night spoken to Tamil Nadu Governor Ch Vidyasagar Rao and enquired about the health of Jayalalithaa, who, according to Apollo Hospitals, "continues to be very critical," a day after suffering cardiac arrest.
She is on various life support systems, the hospital said.
Meanwhile, a senior home ministry official said the central government was closely monitoring the situation in Tamil Nadu all efforts are being made to maintain law and order so that no untoward incident takes place.
The home ministry officials are in constant touch with the officials of Tamil Nadu government and assessing the situation.
Law and order situation in Tamil Nadu was normal so far and adequate central forces were available in the state to assist the state administration, the officials said.
As many as 900 personnel of Rapid Action Force of CRPF have been put on stand-by to be immediately airlifted from various places in the country to Tamil Nadu, if needed, they said.
A near total shutdown-like situation prevailed in Chennai today with shops and other establishments downing shutters and office goers returning home early as CM Jayalalithaa's health condition continued to remain critical.
Some people were seen protesting against some tv channels, which aired "wrong news" on Jayalalilthaa's health condition earlier in the evening.
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20:46  
Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Sunil Lanba leaves for Mumbai to take stock of situation of INS Betwa incident, ANI has reported. 
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20:30   Aadhaar must for sr citizen train ticket concession from Apr 1
Come April 1, 2017, reservation of rail tickets for senior citizens will be directly linked to Aadhaar or Unique Identification cards on a mandatory basis for availing concessions at both counter and e-tickets.

However, such a requirement will be optional during January-March 2017.

Railway Ministry has decided to implement Aadhaar-based ticketing system for senior citizens in a two-phased manner.

Accordingly, from January 1 to March 31, 2017, requirement of Aadhaar verification for getting concessional tickets for senior citizens will be on a voluntary basis.

From April 1, 2017, such a requirement would become mandatory.

"The linking of Aadhaar cards with train tickets for senior citizens is a salutary measure designed to streamline the reservation process for people in such a category.

"This is a most ambitious push to Aadhaar-based ecosystem in Indian Railways network that would end fraudulent bookings and curb cases of impersonation. In future, all ticket bookings will require an Aadhaar card," IRCTC Chairman and Managing Director A K Manocha said.
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20:01  
Rupee vs Dollar.
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19:47   Can Rahul Gandhi sing national anthem: Anupam Kher
Actor Anupam Kher took a dig at Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi on Monday, asking whether the latter can sing the national anthem.

"Not doubting his Indianness, but I wish to see Rahul Gandhi sing our national anthem, want to see if he knows the words or not," said the veteran actor.

Kher, who was delivering speech at VCCI Expo in Vadodara, backed the governments demonetisation decision.

On being asked about common peoples plight post-demonetisation, the 61-year-old actor said the decision to ban Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 note was matter of secrecy and that is why it was not disclosed to anybody beforehand.

Condemning the Opposition for protesting against the demonetisation drive, he said they are showing intolerance on the matter.
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19:28   Use old Rs 500 notes to pay toll till Dec 15: MHA
Toll fees on National Highways can be paid through credit/ debit cards, e-wallet; old Rs 500 notes will be accepted till December 15, the Union home ministry has said.

Earlier, the Centre had reduced the deadline to use old Rs 500 notes to pay toll from Dec 15 to Dec 2.

The home ministry asks states to deploy adequate police, duty magistrates at toll booths in National Highways to avoid law and order problems. -- PTI
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19:17   Rajkummar Rao to play Bose in Ekta Kapoor's digital show
Aligarh star Rajkummar Rao is all set to essay the role of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose in a new digital series by Ekta Kapoor.

The web series, to be produced by Kapoor's ALT Balaji, teases to showcase the untold story of Netaji's life.

Rajkummar, a national-award-winning actor best known for working in biopics like Shahid and Aligarh, said he is looking forward to playing Bose on screen.

'I'm extremely excited to explore the unheard journey of Netaji on screen. It's a great opportunity for me as an actor. I was totally blown away hearing his life story.

'He is one of the most mysterious and fascinating persons of our history and of course, we all know about his true love for the country and with Ekta and Synergy backing it I don't have any doubts that our audience will get to witness something never seen before on Indian screen,' the actor said in a statement.

"The unknown side of events, happenings and personalities has always intrigued me, I am drawn to these mysteries! Bose is such a strong character from our history and yet there is so much about him that we don't know, and that hasn't been told on any medium before.

"The unbounded mystery around him is so fascinating and that was my trigger to tell this side of his story on the digital platform. It is edgy, fast paced and it's everything that you don't expect it to be!" Kapoor said.

Rajkummar is currently researching for the role.

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18:51   INS Betwa mishap: 2 missing crew members declared dead
Two people have been confirmed dead in the INS Betwa incident at Mumbai dockyard.

Others being treated for minor injuries.

Earlier, the two were reported missing.

More detals awaited.
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18:31  
JUST IN: B S Bhullar appointed as Director General of Civil Aviation.
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18:29  
Union Minister Venkaiah Naidu reaches Apollo Hospital. Photograph: ANI
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18:11  
The statement issued by Apollo Hospitals.
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18:10   Apollo Hospital rejects reports of Jaya's death; AIADMK flag raised again
As Apollo Hospitals put out a release, terming reports of Jayalalithaas death in local media 'totally baseless and false', the party flag at All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagams headquarters was again raised to full mast.

Earlier, violence broke out outside Apollo Hospital in Chennai after reports said that Jayalalithaa was no more.

However, Sangita Reddy of Apollo Hospitals said, "A large team of doctors from Apollo and AIIMS continues to provide all life saving measures to Jayalalithaa."
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17:49   Jaya health: AIADMK flag lowered; Apollo Hospital says treatment continues
All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam flag lowered at party headquarters in Royapettah, though no official word on Jayalalithaa's latest condition.

A scuffle broke out between AIADMK workers and police outside Apollo Hospital in Chennai.

'The treating doctors are continuing all life saving measures. The treating doctors are continuing all life saving measures. #GodblessAmma,' the Apollo Hospitals tweeted.

The hospital denied local media reports that she is dead.
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17:19   AIADMK MLAS to meet at 6 pm, OPS likely to be elected CM
Television channel Times Now is reporting that 135 MLAs have signed a declaration backing O Panneerselvam to replace Jayalalithaa as chief minister.

AIADMK MLAs are meeting at the party headquarters in Royapettah, Chennai, at 6 pm today to elect the legislative party leader.

Once a tea stall owner, Panneerselvam, 63, held two key portfolios of Finance and Public Works in the Jayalalithaa ministry. 

Panneerselvam is the first man from the Thevar community to become the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu. 

Representing Bodinayakanur Assembly constituency in Theni District in the current assembly, Pannerselvam has risen from humble origins. 
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17:13   Jaya's condition remains critical: Apollo Hospital
Apollo Hospital says:

Our team of expert doctors continue to monitor & treat Honourable CM. However her condition remains critical. -- ANI
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17:10   Centre will put forces on standby whenever TN requires: Rijiju
Union Minister Kiren Rijiju today said Tamil Nadu may require extra forces which the Union Home Ministry will be ready to put on standby whenever they are required.

The Union minister of state for home affairs said the Centre cannot intervene on its own but is willing to send extra forces to Tamil Nadu if the state asks for it.

"They haven't asked anything formally,' Rijiju said, adding that the state has a significant number of central forces.

"If there is a law and order situation then the Centre is always willing to send extra forces. It is our primary duty to ensure that the state is being helped in whatever possible way they require.

"Because of the prevailing health condition of the Chief Minister (Jayalalithaa) they may require extra forces which the home ministry will be ready to be put on standby, whenever and whatever they require," the minister said.

He, however, said the Centre 'cannot intervene on its own'.
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17:06  
JUST IN: Rajvinder Singh Latu, one of the accused who escaped from Nabha Jail in Punjab on November 27, has been arrested and sent to police remand till December 9.
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16:46  
Just In: Britain's Supreme Court begins hearings on historic Brexit challenge
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16:46  
Just in: US President-elect Trump chooses former campaign rival Ben Carson to be housing secretary
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16:27   Nagrota terrorists gained entry from forest behind Army camp
The terrorists who attacked the Army camp at Nagrota in Jammu and Kashmir, had entered the premises from the forest area in its rear, official sources said on Monday.

The sources claimed that the militants used the forest area located behind the Army camp to gain entry.

The area has barbed wire and a small wall, they said. 

Two Indian Army officers and five jawans were killed in an eight-hour long gun battle at the military camp near the Army's 16 Corps headquarters in Nagrota on November 29. Three terrorists were also neutralised in the attack.

The Army unit is located just three kms from the Corps Headquarters at Nagrota.
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16:19   Doctors giving Jayalalithaa the best chance of surviving: Richard Beale
Giving an update on Jayalalithaa's health, Professor Richard Beale, London-based expert in lung injuries and intensive care management, says: "I can confirm that everything possible is being done to give her the best chance of surviving this shocking event."

"She is being cared for by a highly expert multidisciplinary team, and is now on extra-corporal life support."

"This is the most advanced level of support available, and is an approach that best centres internationally would take in this situation."

"Madam has received exceptional care from the Apollo and AIIMS Teams, which are the equal of any in the world."
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15:51   INS Betwa slips while undocking at Naval Dockyard
INS Betwa, which is undergoing a refit at the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai, slipped on the dock blocks while undocking on Monday afternoon, Navy informed on Monday.

The incident occurred at about 1.50 pm. "The extent of the damage is being assessed," the navy spokesman said.

INS Betwa is an indigenously designed and built guided missile frigate of the Brahmaputra Class. 

The 125-metres long ship displaces 3,600 tonnes and is capable of operating at extended ranges, with speeds up to 30 knots. It has state-of-the-art sensor suites and an impressive weapon package, including long range surface-to-surface missiles and anti-missile defence systems. 

In January 2014, the same ship had run aground and collided with an unidentified object while approaching the Mumbai naval base. The sonar system of the frigate was cracked, leading to faulty readings and an ingress of saltwater into sensitive equipment.
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15:32  
SC issues notice to Facebook, Google and Microsoft seeking its response on how to control cyber crime committed by using their network.
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15:31   Gold falls Rs 200 on weak global cues, muted demand
Gold prices drifted lower by Rs 200 to Rs 29,050 per 10 gm at the bullion market in New Delhi today, tracking a weak trend overseas amid tepid demand in the domestic spot market on prevailing cash crunch following demonetisation of high value notes.

Silver strengthened however by Rs 200 to Rs 41,200 per kg on increased offtake by industrial units and coin makers. 

Traders said that apart from a weak trend overseas, fall in demand from jewellers and retailers in view of scarcity of funds weighed on gold prices.

Government on November 8 had announced the demonetisation of 500 and 1,000 rupee notes in a bid to flush out black money, leading to cash crunch in the financial system. 

Globally, gold fell by 0.64 per cent to USD 1,169.60 an ounce in Singapore.
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15:10   Despite best efforts, CM remains in grave situation: Apollo Joint MD
Apollo Hospitals Joint MD Sangita Reddy gives an update on Jayalalithaa's health. She posted on Twitter, "Despite our best efforts, our beloved CM remains in a grave situation."

Meanwhile, India Today TV is reporting that AIADMK MLAs called to Apollo Hospital one by one; MLAs asked to sign declaration making O Panneerselvam as successor to Jayalalithaa.

Tamil Nadu Governor Ch Vidyasagar Rao will visit Apollo Hospital around 3:15pm.

According to an NDTV report, Jayalalithaa's doctor was by her side when she had a cardiac arrest at around 5.15 pm on Sunday.

Quoting senior doctors, the channel said after a patient has been on the extracorporeal membrane heart assist device or ECMO -- a life support system that aids the functioning of the heart and lung -- for 24 hours, an assessment is considered critical to see whether she needs to stay on the device and that will happen between 5 and 6 pm today.

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14:51   RBI Governor Urjit Patel earns Rs 2 lakh a month
Reserve Bank of India Governor Urjit Patel gets a little over Rs 2 lakh as salary and has not been provided with any supporting staff at his residence, the central bank has said.

Patel, who took over as RBI governor in September, is presently in possession of the bank's flat (Deputy Governor's flat) at Mumbai, it said.

"No supporting staff has been provided to the present Governor, Urjit Patel at his residence. Two cars and two drivers have been provided to the present Governor," RBI said in reply to an RTI query.

The bank was asked to provide details of remuneration given to former RBI Governor Raghuram Rajan and incumbent Patel. 

For the month of October -- the first full month Patel was in office as Governor -- Patel got Rs 2.09 lakh as his salary, the same amount drawn by Rajan as his August's salary. 

Rajan demitted office on September 4, and was given Rs 27,933 as remuneration for four days. 

Rajan assumed the charge of RBI Governor from September 5, 2013 at a monthly salary of Rs 1.69 lakh. His salary was revised to Rs 1.78 lakh and Rs 1.87 lakh respectively during 2014 and March 2015. His salary was hiked to Rs 2.09 lakh from Rs 2.04 lakh in January this year, the RTI reply said.
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14:28  
Demonetisation: Both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha adjourned for the day
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14:16   Don't know whether there'll be another miracle: Swamy
Expressing disquiet over Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalithaa's medical condition, Bharatiya Janata Party Rajya Sabha MP Subramanian Swamy on Monday said that he is pinning his hope for another miracle.

Swamy told ANI, "She was recovering in a miraculous way but then 74 days in hospital. As a consequence, the heart will be put to great deal of strain, and so, just as she was about to be discharged the heart gave out. So, it has to revive, and now, she is on support systems and top experts are coming in. We don't know whether there will be another miracle or not."

Swamy said that Jayalalithaa was able to fill the gap of Marudur Gopalan Ramachandran and she had many other qualities. "She was far more intelligent, she had much more education, self education. Jayalalitha used to read books, facts and share a tremendous memory. So she became bigger then MGR in one sense, but more feared. MGR was generally loved never feared," he added.

"Bharatiya Janata Party is a party without stature there; AIADMK have been ministers from a long time. They don't have anybody of stature whom they would accept as a leader. So, therefore, I am afraid BJP might not be able to take advantage of it. AIADMK guys will not do chaos because they are in grief, the other parties, particularly Naxalites, LTTE, IS... They would like to create this kind of chaos. So our centre has been preparing for this situation from a long time, almost 75 days to be exact," Swamy said.
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13:26  
Vineet Jain, managing director of The Times of India tweets:

''We should drop tax rate to 25 per cent to reduce the severe negative impact of demonetisation on the economy and industries'.

Representative image.
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13:23   Team of AIIMS doctors flown to Chennai
The Centre has dispatched a team of specialists from the All India Institute of Medical Science to Apollo Hospital in Chennai where Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa is undergoing treatment.

Four specialists from AIIMS will soon be reaching Apollo Hospital, Union Health Minister J P Nadda said.

The team of AIIMS doctors includes Pulmonologist Dr G C Khilnani, Anaesthetist Dr Anjan Trikha, Cardiac Surgeon Dr Sachin Talwar and Cardiologist Dr Rajiv Narang.
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12:58   Jayalalithaa very critical, says Apollo in latest bulletin
Apollo's latest medical bulletin says 'Jayalalithaa continues to be very critical. Under constant monitoring.'

She continues to be very critical and is on ECMO and other life support systems, the release said.

Jayalalithaa had earlier in the day underwent a surgery
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12:37   No holiday in schools, colleges, confirms TN education minister
Tamil Nadu's School Education Minister K Pandiarajan has clarified that there was no direction for closure sent out to educational institutions in the state.

While some private schools have opted to remain closed without citing any reason, most schools and colleges remained open on the day. 

According to reports, examinations of Anna University and Madras University will be conducted as per the schedule.
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12:13  
Rajya Sabha adjourned till 2pm as Opposition uproar over demonetisation continues.
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11:38  
Lok Sabha adjourned till noon following Opposition uproar over demonetisation issue.
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11:37   Services sector contracts on cash shortage; worst in 3yrs: PMI
Hit hard by cash shortage, services sector contracted in November -- that too at sharpest rate in three years -- as new orders fell for the first time since June 2015 though subdued inflationary pressure opened up room for RBI to lower rates, a monthly survey showed today. 

The Nikkei India Services Purchasing Managers' Index, which tracks services sector companies on a monthly basis, stood at 46.7 in November, down from 54.5 in October. A reading above 50 means the sector is expanding while a score below this mark signals contraction. 

The index has registered a contraction for the first time since June 2015 and marked the sharpest reduction in output in almost three years.

"The latest set of gloomy PMI figures for the Indian service sector shows that companies were heavily impacted by the ban on Rs 500 and 1,000 notes. The cash shortage resulted in fewer new business intakes, which in turn caused a fall inactivity and ended a 16-month sequence of expansion,"  said Pollyanna De Lima, IHS Markit economist and author of the report.

The Nikkei India Composite PMI Output Index also dropped to 49.1 in November from October's 45-month high of 55.4, pointing to a contraction in entire private sector activity, including the manufacturing sector.
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11:35  
Supreme Court has dismissed a PIL filed by BJP leader Ashwini Upadhyay seeking to establish a National Judicial Service Commission on the lines of UPSC.
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11:31  
Rajya Sabha adjourned till noon after Opposition stages protest against demonetisation in the House
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11:31  
PM Narendra Modi has won the online reader's poll for TIME magazine's Person of the Year, 2016.
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11:10   Jayalalithaa's health: Tight security across Tamil Nadu
Here's what we know about the security situation in Tamil Nadu following the deterioration of Chief Minister Jayalalithaa's health on Sunday evening

* Security has been stepped up across Chennai to attend any eventuality and buses plying out of the city have been reduced tonight and security has been tightened.

* Security beefed up near Kerala-Tamil Nadu borders. Local police stations on high alert.

* Section 144 imposed at Nellore district border areas

* Home Minister Rajnath Singh speaks to Tamil Nadu Governor Ch Vidyasagar Rao who informs the former that there is no law and order situation in the state.


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10:54   Demonetisation: ED arrests two Axis bank officers
The Enforcement Directorate has arrested two officials of Axis bank in New Delhi in connection with its money laundering probe for alleged irregularities in the conversion of old currency and supply of new notes leading to blackmoney generation.

Officials identified the two managers as Shobit Sinha and Vineet Sinha, working as managers in the Kashmere Gate branch of Axis bank, and said they were arrested late Sunday under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act.

They will be produced in a court today for further custody, they said.

A gold bar, part of alleged kickbacks payment given to the bankers, has been seized by the agency from a location in Lucknow, they said.

The Axis Bank issued a statement in this regard saying: "The bank is committed to following the highest standards of corporate governance and has zero tolerance towards any deviation on the part of any of its employees from the set model code of conduct.In this particular case, the bank has suspended the erring employee and is cooperating with the investigating agencies." 
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10:39   No law and order situation in TN: Governor tells Rajnath
ANI reports: Home Minister Rajnath Singh speaks to Tamil Nadu Governor Ch Vidyasagar Rao who informs the former that there is no law and order situation in the state.
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10:29   For me, energy sustainability is a sacred duty: PM Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday inaugurated the 12th International Oil and Gas Conference, Petrotech-2016 in New Delhi.

Addressing delegates, PM Modi said: 

* India needs energy which is accessible to the poor. It needs efficiency in energy use.

* Sustainable, reasonably priced energy crucial for development

* The Ujjwala Yojna has provided nearly 10 million new connections in just seven months

* We are building a new gas pipeline to the least developed eastern region, which has become a catalyst to new jobs

* Indian economy expected to grow five times by 2040.

* While global economy goes through uncertainty, India has shown tremendous resilience. FDI at highest level.

* Energy in general and hydrocarbons in particular are an important part of my vision for India's future.

* Hydrocarbons will continue to play an important part in India's growth.

* Energy sustainability for me is a sacred duty, must do it out of commitment and not out of compulsion
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10:12   4 eminent cardiologists rush to Chennai to treat Jaya
A team of four eminent cardiologists -- Dr Narang, Dr Talwar, Dr Trehan and Dr Trikha -- has left for Chennai to treat Jayalalithaa, says Health Minister J P Nadda
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10:02   Jayalalithaa's health: US consulate in Chennai issues advisory
The US Consulate in Chennai has temporarily suspended  routine services to American citizens and visa applicants. 

The consulate will operate with reduced staffing today. 

The Consulate General has also issued a security advisory for US citizens urging them to review their "personal security plans" and remain "aware of surroundings", in the wake of Jayalalithaa's health deterioration.

The alert issued by the consulate says: "Review your personal security plans; remain aware of your surroundings, including local events; and monitor local news stations for updates. Maintain a high level of vigilance and take appropriate steps to enhance your personal security."

"US citizens are reminded that even gatherings intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate into violence. You should avoid areas of demonstrations, and exercise caution if in the vicinity of any large gatherings, protests, or demonstrations," it said.

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09:53  
11 dead and around 70 injured as fire broke out in Karachi's Regent Plaza Hotel, reports ANI quoting Pakistani media
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09:49   Jayalalithaa undergoes surgery
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalithaa, who suffered cardiac arrest on Sunday evening, underwent a surgery this morning," AIADMK spokesperson CR Saraswathi tells NDTV.

The AIADMK chief is fine, she says.

A medical bulletin is expected by noon.

On Sunday night, the hospital, in a statement, said: "She is being treated and monitored by a team of experts including cardiologists, pulmonologist and the critical care specialists." 

It later said in a tweet that she "is on extracorporeal membrane heart assist device and is being treated by a team of expert doctors and critical care specialists."

"Dr Richard Beale from London has also been consulted and he has concurred with the line of treatment by our cardiologists & pulmonologists," it said in another tweet. 

In an another tweet, the hospital said: "The Honble CM is the beloved leader of the masses. Please join us in praying for her speedy recovery. #GodblessAmma #Jayalalithaa." 

"The Apollo TN CM #Jayalalita is critical.multi speciality team @hospitalsapollo trying everything, including ecmo. praying for her recovery."
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09:30  
Just in: AIADMK lawmakers summoned to meet at party headquarters in Chennai at 11 am
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09:08   HC verdict on plea against Modi's Varanasi win likely today
The Allahabad High Court is likely to pronounce its judgement today on a petition challenging the election of Prime Minister Narendra Modi from Varanasi Lok Sabha seat. 

The petition has been filed by sitting Congress MLA Ajay Rai, who was the party's candidate against Modi from Varanasi in the 2014 general elections and was defeated.

Rai has challenged the election of Modi alleging that there were discrepancies in his nomination papers, that the expenses on campaign had exceeded permissible limits, voters were "bribed" through distribution of freebies and that religious sentiments were exploited through slogans like "Har Har Modi" whereby people were appealed to vote in favour of the BJP candidate in the name of Hindu pride. 

The Congress candidate, who had finished third and forfeited his deposit in the one-sided electoral battle wherein Modi defeated his nearest rival Arvind Kejriwal of the Aam Aadmi Party by a margin of 3.71 lakh votes, had moved the court in June, 2014 -- less than a month after results for the elections were announced.
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09:06   Family 'declares' Rs 2 lakh crore, Centre rejects claim as false
Times of India reports: The government has rejected a declaration of Rs 2 lakh crore made under the Income Disclosure Scheme by four members of a Mumbai family as it was found to be "suspicious" and was made by persons with "very small means".

Abdul Razzaque Mohammed Sayed, Mohammed Aarif Abdul Razzaque Sayed, Rukhsana Abdul Razzaque Sayed and Noorjahan Mohammed Sayed claim to be residents of Jubilee Court in Bandra (West) and three of them had obtained PAN cards from Ajmer which were migrated to Mumbai in September.

Their declaration of Rs 2 lakh crore was nearly three times the size of the IDS mop-up estimated by the government. The tax department said it was probing the false declaration.

The government also said that the I-T department had rejected Ahmedabad-based Mahesh Shah's declaration of Rs 13,860 crore. Shah had gone missing after making the declaration, only to surface on Saturday. On questioning, he claimed he had made the disclosure on behalf of certain politicians and bureaucrats.

In a statement, the I-T department said the two declarations had not been included in its IDS calculations. Finance ministry sources said the Rs 2lakh crore declaration looked suspicious from the word go as basic details such as the mobile number could not be verified.
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08:58   6.0-magnitude undersea quake hits eastern Indonesia
A strong 6.0-magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of eastern Indonesia today, US seismologists said, but no tsunami warning was issued and there were no immediate reports of casualties or damage. 

The undersea quake hit about 190 kilometres northeast of Maumere, a holiday destination in Flores, at 09:13 am (6:43 am IST), at a depth of 522 kilometres, said the US Geological Survey.

Indonesia's disaster agency said officials were checking to see if the quake had any impact. 

Indonesia experiences frequent seismic and volcanic activity due to its position on the Pacific "Ring of Fire", where tectonic plates collide 
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08:08   What's making news now
* Hundreds of Jayalalithaa supporters pray outside Chennai's Apollo Hospital, where the Tamil Nadu chief minister has been admitted since September 22.

* Apollo administration has asked for a team of doctors; the Union Health Ministry is in touch with AIIMS, which is expected to send a team as soon as possible: Health Minister J P Nadda tells CNN-News18.

* Karnataka State Road Transport Corp has temporarily stopped bus services to Tamil Nadu after an incident of stone-pelting near Tiruvannamalai: Latha, KSRTC PRO, informs.

* Indo-Bangladesh Home Secretary level talks scheduled to take place later today.

* Congress Lok Sabha strategy meeting scheduled to take place at 10:30am.

* Over 200 students admitted to hospital, they say they felt sick after consuming meal in hostel: Latur medical college dean

* Italian Premier Matteo Renzi announced he will resign Monday after suffering a stinging loss in a reforms referendum, triggering immediate calls from a populist party and other opposition forces for elections to be held soon.

* New Zealand Prime Minister John Key, who won praise for his economic stewardship after the global financial crisis, unexpectedly announced his resignation on Monday, saying it was time to leave politics after more than eight years in power.
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07:59   Trump tweets against China's currency, military policies
US President-elect Donald Trump railed against China in a series of tweets, accusing the Asian giant of currency manipulation and flexing its military might in the South China Sea. 

"Did China ask us if it was OK to devalue their currency (making it hard for our companies to compete), heavily tax our products going into their country (the US doesn't tax them) or to build a massive military complex in the middle of the South China Sea? I don't think so!"

It was not clear what prompted the last night's tweets, which came amid a controversy over a phone conversation Trump held with the leader of Taiwan, a self-ruled island Beijing considers part of its territory.
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07:57  
Tamil actor Sarathkumar, who visited the Apollo hospital on Monday morning, told media persons: "With all blessings she (Jayalalithaa) will come out of this situation; being treated by the medical team."
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07:46   Tamil Nadu on high alert; crowd grows outside Apollo
Tamil Nadu was on alert after Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa, under treatment since September 22 at the Apollo Hospitals in Chennai, suffered a cardiac arrest Sunday evening, according to a bulletin issued by the hospital.

Around 1,000 police personnel have been on duty outside the hospital around midnight, with police resorting to a mild lathicharge to control the crowd. 

Many supporters were seen wailing and praying for the well-being of the chief minister. 

News agency ANI reported that CRPF teams had been put on high alert.

Heavy police force has been deployment outside the hospital to control the mammoth crowd.
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00:47   Apollo hospital asks people to join in prayers for Jaya's recovery
Just In: Apollo Hospital, Chennai, where Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalitha has been undergoing treatment since September 22, has tweeted: 'The Hon'ble CM is the beloved leader of the masses. Please join us in praying for her speedy recovery. #GodblessAmma #Jayalalithaa.'
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00:45   What exactly is ECMO that is being use on Jayalalitha?
Earlier in the evening Apollo hospitals, Chennai, in its bulletin said Chief Minister Jayalalithaa was on extracorporeal membrane heart assist device following her cardiac arrest.

What exactly is ECMO, Wikipedia provides the answer: 

'Also known as extracorporeal life support (ECLS), it is an extracorporealtechnique of providing both cardiac and respiratory support to persons whose heart and lungs are unable to provide an adequate amount of gas exchange to sustain life.' 

Wiki further says: 'This intervention has mostly been used on children, but it is seeing more use in adults with cardiac and respiratory failure. ECMO works by removing blood from the person's body and artificially removing the carbon dioxide and oxygenating red blood cells. Generally it is only used in the later treatment of a person with heart or lung failure as it is solely a life-sustaining intervention.'

You can read about it here.
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00:38   Governor to meet TN ministers
Tamil Nadu governor Ch Vidyasagar Rao, who met the specialists at Apollo hospital, Chennai, to get an update on Chief Minister Jayalalitha's health, will soon meet the state's ministers, Sun News has reported.

The Tamil TV news channel also said the governor will issue a bulletin on the CM's health.
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00:27   Governor Rao spends 12 minutes at Apollo, leaves
Tamil Nadu governor Ch Vidyasagar Rao spent 12 minutes at the Apollo hospital in Chennai, inquiring after Chief Minister Jayalalithaa's condition, reports News18 Tamil Nadu. After getting the medical update, he has left for the governor's bungalow in Guindy.

Jayalalithaa suffered a heart attack on Sunday evening following which she was admitted to the hospital's ICU.



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00:22   TN police asked to report for duty at 7 am
Just In: Tamil Nadu DGP T K Rajendran has asked the state's police force to report for duty at 7 am on Monday, reports Raj News.
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00:19   Maharashtra prays for Jaya's recovery, says Fadnavis
Just In: Got to know about Tamil Nadu CM #Jayalalithaa ji's health. Maharashtra prays for her speedy recovery!, tweets Maharashtra Chief Minister Fadnavis.
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00:15   Governor Rao reaches Apollo hospital to see Jaya
Ch Vidyasagar Rao, governor of Tamil Nadu, who landed in Chennai from Mumbai a little while ago, has reached Apollo Hospital, where Chief Minister Jayalalithaa was admitted to the ICU today evening following a cardiac arrest. 

Rao, who is also governor of Maharashtra, was in Mumbai to attend a Navy Day function.  
Meanwhile, the Chennai collector has asked all tahsildars to report to him immediately. 
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00:08   Stalin wishes for Jaya's speedy recovery
Just In: DMK leader M K Stalin wishes for speedy recovery of Jayalalithaa.
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00:07   Actor Ajith's UK fans pray for Jaya's recovery
Just In: 'Our prayers are with her and we hope she will recover soon,' tweets Ajith UK Fans.
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00:06   'Next 12 hours crucial for Jaya'
Just In: 'Tamil Nadu CM #Jayalalithaa has been put on cardiac assist system. Next 12 hours crucial: Top medical sources to @Radha_Network18', tweets CNN-News18.
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00:02   TN schools to remain open on Monday
Just In: Schools and educational institutions in Tamil Nadu will remain open tomorrow, it was announced, with the authorities asking people not to pay heed to rumours.

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