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Thu, 08 December 2016
Issued Rs 4.27 lakh crore notes post demonetisation: RBI
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23:53 Under-construction building collapses in Hyderabad
Several people are feared trapped as an under-construction building collapsed in Nanakramguda area in Hyderabad tonight.
About 10 families, mostly labourers, were living in the premises of the building, according to Hyderabad Mayor B Rammohan.
Telangana Home Minister N Narsimha Reddy and several other leaders and officials rushed to the spot where rescue work is underway.
Reddy said violation of rules has been noticed in the construction of the building.
23:43 Issued Rs 4.27 lakh crore notes post demonetisation: RBI
RBI today said that currency notes worth over Rs 4.27 lakh crore have been issued to public through banks and ATMs following the demonetisation of old high value bills.
The Reserve Bank also said that it "will shortly" issue Rs 500 denomination banknotes in the Mahatma Gandhi (New) Series, without any inset letter, bearing signature of Governor Urjit R Patel.
Consequent to the announcement of withdrawal of legal tender status of banknotes of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 from the midnight of November 8, 2016, the central bank made arrangements for exchange and/or deposit of such notes, it said.
The RBI has also made arrangements for supply of adequate quantity of banknotes in various denominations to the public through banks, the central bank said in a statement.
"During the period from November 10, 2016 and December 7, 2016, banks have reported that banknotes worth Rs 4,27,684 crore have been issued to public either over the counter or through ATMs," it said.
23:38 James Bond would not get job as real spy: MI6 chief
The world's most famous fictional spy, James Bond, would not find a job as a real world special agent, the new chief of Britain's Secret Intelligence Service MI6 said on Thursday.
Alex Younger said that while Ian Fleming's famous character had helped popularise Britain's secret service brand, it bore no resemblance to reality.
Younger, the 16th chief since MI6 was founded in 1909, is known as "C", rather than "M" as in the Bond films.
"I am conflicted about Bond. He has created a powerful brand for MI6: as C, the real-life version of M, there are few people who will not come to lunch if I invite them. Many of our counterparts envy the sheer global recognition of our acronym," Younger said.
"And to be fair, there are a few aspects of the genre that do resonate in real life: fierce dedication to the defence of Britain, for example. The real life 'Q' would want me to say that we too enjoy -- and, indeed, need -- a deep grasp of gadgetry. Buts thats pretty much where the similarity ends. And, were Bond to apply to join MI6 now, he would have to change his ways," he said in a speech at MI6 headquarters on the banks of the river Thames in London.
C is the only member of MI6 who can be publicly identified.
The 53-year-old former army officer who joined MI6 in 1991 also revealed that UK intelligence and security services had disrupted 12 terrorist plots since June 2013.
23:25 'Indian secularists selective,' says Taslima Nasreen
Exiled Bangladeshi author Taslima Nasreen today said she sometimes felt that "Indian secularists are very selective."
"..They fight against Hindu fanatics, but very silent about Islamic fanaticism," said Nasreen, who is in the city as part of launching her latest book 'Exile', a memoir in Thiruvananthapuram.
"I think secularism is practised in India. But, sometimes I feel, Indian secularists are very selective...."
"I protest against all types of fundamentalism and I think that is the good way to do it," she said at an interaction with the audience.
Stating that she was forced to leave her country, she said "after long years of exile, now I believe that people who love me, support me, express solidarity, secularists and human right activists are my home and country...You are my home and you are my country," she said, amid cheers from the audience.
Asked about "Islamophobia" in some Western countries, she said the situation was alarming and "I think secular, humanist, peace loving Muslims should fight the extreme right wings and also the Islamic terrorist."
In this regard, the writer said she was against US president-elect Donald Trump, who she said got elected only because of his speeches "against Muslims". "There are many peace loving Muslims and their percentage is much higher than those who advocate Islamic terrorism," she pointed out.
22:26 Centre is acting like a salesman, started selling plastic cards: Mamata
The Centre has turned into a salesman trying to sell plastic cards, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee today said, minutes after Finance Minister Arun Jaitley held a press conference advocating digital transactions.
"The Govt is acting like a salesman. They have started selling products. They have started selling plastic cards," Banerjee tweeted.
"This is a desperate attempt to divert from the main issue. They are making more than a blunder a day," she said in another tweet.
In a bid to promote a 'less-cash economy', the government today announced discount on an array of services from buying petrol to insurance and railway tickets through the digital mode and waived service tax on card transactions of up to Rs 2,000.
A discount of 0.75 per cent will be offered on purchase of petrol and diesel through either credit/debit cards, e-wallets and mobile wallets.
22:25 Old notes invalid for rail, metro, bus tickets from Dec 10
The government today curtailed use of old and junked 500 rupee notes for purchasing tickets of railway, metro and state road transport buses till December 10, as against December 15 announced previously.
The finance ministry issued a notification withdrawing facility of using the now-defunct notes at suburban and metro rail services, railway ticketing counters and ticket counters of government or PSU buses from December 10.
The same would also not be valid for making payments to catering services on board, during travel by train.
The government had on November 8 while withdrawing legal tender of 500 and 1,000 rupee notes allowed them to be used for utility bill payments for first 72 hours.
This deadline was extended repeatedly and the last extension was granted till December 15.
In between, the government withdrew use of 1,000 rupee notes for utility bill payments and discontinued use of even 500 denomination notes for services like purchase of petrol and diesel at petrol pumps as well as for buying air ticket at airport counters.
The old 500 rupee notes will, however, continue to be used for making payments of utility bills like electricity and water as well as buying cooking gas and mobile recharge.
Since the November 8 demonetisation announcement, the government has been trying to promote digital transactions and today announced a package to incentivise cashless payments.
Now petrol, railway tickets and insurance policies of PSU companies will cost less if bought through debit/credit cards or other digital modes.
The government also waived service tax for payments up to Rs 2,000 made through cards and decided to do away with transaction fee for payment to the central government departments and PSUs.
21:11
A 6.5 magnitude quake strikes off northern California coast: USGS
21:11 If not cashless let's become less-cash society: Rajnath
Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh today said if India cannot achieve the goal of a cashless economy as whole then it should at least try to become 'a less-cash economy' to ensure transparency.
"Some may say that our country can never become a cashless economy. Even if we don't become a cashless economy, then our country can at least become a less-cash economy," Singh said.
He was speaking at the inauguration of the 2nd India International Science Festival, backed by the government's Ministry of Science & Technology and RSS-linked Vijnan Bharati.
Appealing to the youths to take the message of cashless transactions to people, Singh said the e-payments, e-wallets, mobile phone banking and various other modes of cashless transactions will not only lead to less-cash transactions but also help realise a corruption-free society.
21:05 Don't want to live in perpetual hostility with India: Pak
Striking a conciliatory note amid rising tension in ties, Pakistan today said it does not want to live in "perpetual hostility" with India, noting time has come for the two neighbours to decide whether status quo should continue or a new beginning be made.
Calling for an "uninterrupted and uninterruptable" bilateral engagement, Pakistan High Commissioner Abdul Basit said the two countries must overcome the differences in order to embark on a "irreversible trajectory" of cooperative relationship.
Maintaining that Pakistan was ready for comprehensive talks with India, Basit, however, said the desire for engagement was missing from the Indian side, adding his government has patience and was ready to wait for resumption of dialogue.
"I think we have wasted 70 years of our existence. Time has now come to make up our mind on what do we want. Whether we would like to continue with the status quo or we want to make a new beginning in our ties," Basit said.
His comments at a discussion on Indo-Pak relations came amid escalating tension between the two countries over a number of cross-border terror attacks, including at army establishments in Uri and Nagrota, and India's surgical strikes across the LoC in September.
"Pakistan does not wish to live in perpetual hostility with India. We remain positive and constructive but it takes two to tango. There are serious problems between the two countries. We cannot shy away from them but at the end of the day we can engage in purposeful diplomacy, we can realise results for mutual satisfaction and make a good beginning," he said.
20:39 No more security stamps on hand bag tags at 6 airports: CISF
Passengers flying from six major airports in the country will soon travel hassle-free as the mandatory practise of getting a security stamp on their hand baggage is being done away with by the CISF as part of a pilot project to smoothen air travel.
A decision in this regard was today firmed up during a high-level meeting between the airport security brass of the security force and top executives of over a dozen major airlines operating in the country.
"Starting December 15, we are beginning a pilot project at six major airports where passengers will not be required to get the security stamp on the tags on their hand baggages. They can get their other security checks done and board their flights. This is a passenger friendly measure that we have initiated," CISF Director General O P Singh told PTI after the meeting in New Delhi.
The pilot project will be started at airports in Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Hyderabad and Bengaluru.
The CISF DG added that the initiative will be extended to other airports too, based on the feedback received.
As per rules now, a passenger flying to a destination, either within the country or abroad, has to get a security stamp on the tag put on his or her hand baggage, that they take with them in the aircraft.
The stamp ensures that the baggage has been thoroughly checked and is safe to be carried in the plane.
20:35
Just In: Junior Men's Hockey World Cup: India beat Canada 4-0 in their opener
20:14 India demands immediate consular access to Kulbhushan Jadhav: MEA
With Pakistan Prime Minister's Advisor on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz yesterday admitting that the government was presented with only insufficient evidence on alleged Indian 'spy' Kulbhushan Jadhav who is under detention, the Ministry of External Affairs on Thursday said the government has always maintained that Pakistan's allegations against Jadhav, an Indian national and a former Indian Navy officer, were completely baseless and demands immediate consular access to him.
"We have seen conflicting media reports about this issue. This is a pattern we have seen in the past as well. Government has always maintained that Pakistan's allegations against Jadhav, an Indian national and a former Indian Navy officer, were completely baseless," said Vikas Swarup, MEA spokesperson, here during his weekly media briefing.
"Even after more than nine months of keeping him wrongfully and illegally in custody, the Pakistani authorities have not found a shred of evidence against him," he said.
"We demand immediate consular access to him in accordance with relevant international conventions and his earliest release from wrongful confinement. We have also sent eight Note Verbales to the Pakistan Foreign Office on this issue," Swarup added.
"We have seen conflicting media reports about this issue. This is a pattern we have seen in the past as well. Government has always maintained that Pakistan's allegations against Jadhav, an Indian national and a former Indian Navy officer, were completely baseless," said Vikas Swarup, MEA spokesperson, here during his weekly media briefing.
"Even after more than nine months of keeping him wrongfully and illegally in custody, the Pakistani authorities have not found a shred of evidence against him," he said.
"We demand immediate consular access to him in accordance with relevant international conventions and his earliest release from wrongful confinement. We have also sent eight Note Verbales to the Pakistan Foreign Office on this issue," Swarup added.
19:38 'Nero fiddled while Rome burned': Congress on PM Modi vis-a-vis note ban
In the wake of demonetisation that has put the nation through 'great hardships', Congress today likened Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Roman Emperor Nero who fiddled while Rome burned.
'There is a saying, Nero fiddled while Rome burned. As the story goes, in the time of a crisis, the Roman Emperor was busy playing the violin. He was both whimsical and ineffectual when Rome needed him the most.
'It has been a month since that fateful day when Modi decided that 86 per cent of the cash in the economy was illegal. Since then, the entire nation has been put through great hardships, whose cost in terms of human lives has been significant,' the main opposition party said.
In a commentary on the party website on a day marking one month to the demonetization announcement, the All India Congress Committee noted that people were told that the government was prepared to face the situation.
'We were told that we would have to bear with the government for only a few days. But, as the extent of the pain across the nation became apparent, Modi began to change the rules around demonetisation. It has been a month and there is still not enough money in the banks. Rules have been changed more than 120 times,' it said.
'There is a saying, Nero fiddled while Rome burned. As the story goes, in the time of a crisis, the Roman Emperor was busy playing the violin. He was both whimsical and ineffectual when Rome needed him the most.
'It has been a month since that fateful day when Modi decided that 86 per cent of the cash in the economy was illegal. Since then, the entire nation has been put through great hardships, whose cost in terms of human lives has been significant,' the main opposition party said.
In a commentary on the party website on a day marking one month to the demonetization announcement, the All India Congress Committee noted that people were told that the government was prepared to face the situation.
'We were told that we would have to bear with the government for only a few days. But, as the extent of the pain across the nation became apparent, Modi began to change the rules around demonetisation. It has been a month and there is still not enough money in the banks. Rules have been changed more than 120 times,' it said.
18:51
United States Defence Secretary Ashton Carter meets Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar in New Delhi. Photograph: ANI
18:41 Banks informally told to not accept more than Rs 2.5 lakh deposit per transaction
The Modi government has discreetly directed banks to not accept more than Rs 2.5 lakh as deposits from individual account-holders per transaction, knowledgeable sources said today, reports Rajeev Sharma from New Delhi.
This directive has been given to the banks orally, and not in writing. Banks are now putting a software in place to comply with the order.
The cap has been put in place to curb deposits of banned notes which have already crossed the Rs 13 lakh crores mark.
The last date for depositing banned notes in individual bank accounts is December 30.
17:52 Centre announces sops for people paying in digital mode
Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley announces several decisions taken by the government after one month since demonetisation decision:
* Today its one month since PM announced demonetisation decision.
* Petrol/diesel cheaper for those who pay by digital mode, to get 0.75 per cent.
* NABARD will give Rupay card to people who have Kisan Credit Card.
* People buying monthly seasonal tickets in the Suburban railway networks through digital payment mode, to get 0.5 per cent discount.
* This is effective from Jan 1st 2017, starting from the Mumbai suburban railways.
* People booking Railway tickets online will get Rs 10 lakh insurance free.
* People paying for Railway facilities like retiring room, catering etc. will get 5 per cent discount if paying through digital mode.
* 8 per cent off on payment of life insurance premium in digital mode will bring. 10 per cent off on general insurance.
* Centre to expedite digital switchover; 2 POS machines will be given to villages with 10,000 population, 1 lakh villages to be selected.
* 10 per cent off on paying in digital mode at toll plazas.
* Today its one month since PM announced demonetisation decision.
* Petrol/diesel cheaper for those who pay by digital mode, to get 0.75 per cent.
* NABARD will give Rupay card to people who have Kisan Credit Card.
* People buying monthly seasonal tickets in the Suburban railway networks through digital payment mode, to get 0.5 per cent discount.
* This is effective from Jan 1st 2017, starting from the Mumbai suburban railways.
* People booking Railway tickets online will get Rs 10 lakh insurance free.
* People paying for Railway facilities like retiring room, catering etc. will get 5 per cent discount if paying through digital mode.
* 8 per cent off on payment of life insurance premium in digital mode will bring. 10 per cent off on general insurance.
* Centre to expedite digital switchover; 2 POS machines will be given to villages with 10,000 population, 1 lakh villages to be selected.
* 10 per cent off on paying in digital mode at toll plazas.
17:24 Rs 70 cr in new currency seized in Chennai
Income Tax sleuths busted a money exchange racket in Chennai on Thursday and seized Rs 90 crore in cash, of which 70 crore was in new notes, and 100 kg of gold in raids at eight locations.
The locations where the raids were conducted included Anna Nagar and T Nagar, ANI reported.
The IT Department also questioned several businessmen. -- ANI
Representative image.
The locations where the raids were conducted included Anna Nagar and T Nagar, ANI reported.
The IT Department also questioned several businessmen. -- ANI
Representative image.
17:14
Woman dies during ruckus in a bank queue in Punjab's Ludhiana, locals protest.ANI
17:05 Paneerselvam holds discussions with Sasikala
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister O Panneerselvam today held discussions with his predecessor J Jayalalithaa's confidante Sasikala Natarajan for about two hours at the Poes Garden residence of the departed All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam supremo in Chennai.
Panneerselvam did not speak to the waiting media after emerging from the meeting.
He was accompanied by senior ministers of his Cabinet including C Srinivasan and Edappady K Palaniswamy and P Thangamani.
It was not known what was discussed in the meeting which comes in the wake of the death of Jayalalithaa on December 5.
The AIADMK has to now select a replacement to lead the party even as Panneerselvam has taken over the reins of administration following Jayalalithaas demise.
Speculations are rife that Sasikala might be given a significant role in the AIADMK.
Panneerselvam did not speak to the waiting media after emerging from the meeting.
He was accompanied by senior ministers of his Cabinet including C Srinivasan and Edappady K Palaniswamy and P Thangamani.
It was not known what was discussed in the meeting which comes in the wake of the death of Jayalalithaa on December 5.
The AIADMK has to now select a replacement to lead the party even as Panneerselvam has taken over the reins of administration following Jayalalithaas demise.
Speculations are rife that Sasikala might be given a significant role in the AIADMK.
16:33 Only women wearing sari will be allowed in Padmanabhaswamy temple: Kerala HC
The Kerala high court on Thursday banned women from to wearing salwar kameez and churidar inside the Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Thiruvanathapuram.
As per the traditions of the temple, women devotees have to wear a mundu (dhoti) over their waist if they are attired in salwar or churidar.
Only those women clad in saris would be allowed inside the temple, said the court.
Earlier on November 30, 2016, temple executive officer K N Satheesh had allowed women to visit the temple wearing churidar. The decision was protested by a certain section of the temple authority and common devotees as well.
As per the traditions of the temple, women devotees have to wear a mundu (dhoti) over their waist if they are attired in salwar or churidar.
Only those women clad in saris would be allowed inside the temple, said the court.
Earlier on November 30, 2016, temple executive officer K N Satheesh had allowed women to visit the temple wearing churidar. The decision was protested by a certain section of the temple authority and common devotees as well.
16:28
JUST IN: Old 500 notes to not be accepted by Railways, in Buses and Metro after December 10: ANI
15:49 For God's sake, do your job: President tells MPs
President Pranab Mukherjee on Thursday expressed regret at the repeated disruption of Parliament proceedings over the demonetisation issue.
Addressing a meeting of Defence Estates Organisation, he said:
* For God's sake, do your job. You are meant to transact business in Parliament.
* Majority never participate in disruptions.Only minority come to the well, shout slogans,stop proceeding & create a situation. The chair has no option but to adjourn the house. This (parliamentary disruption) is totally unacceptable.
* I have no intention of accusing any individual but it (disrupting Parliament) has become a practice.
The winter session has been hamstrung by protests and adjournments with the opposition aggressively taking on the government on the notes ban announced on November 8 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
On a month of the demonetisation drive today, the opposition marked a "black day", wore black bands to parliament and protested near the iconic Gandhi statue in the parliament complex.
15:41 Four-day break for Parliament
Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha will have a four-day break from Saturday with both Houses today giving their nod to recommendations made by their respective Business Advisory Committees to declare December 12 a holiday.
After one working day on Friday, Parliament will now meet on December 14, as December 13 has already been declared a holiday on account of Eid-e-Milad-un Nabi.
Leaders of some major parties had raised the issue, as in some southern states the Prophet's birthday was being observed on Monday.
Speaker Sumitra Mahajan sought the approval of the House in this regard during the Zero Hour and members supported it.
In the Rajya Sabha, Chairman Hamid Ansari declared in the House that the BAC in its meeting on December 8 had decided that the sitting of the House on December 12 may be cancelled.
"There will be no sitting of the House on that day," he announced in Rajya Sabha.
15:39 Why Censor Board approved the 40 kissing scenes in 'Befikre'
So why did the Censor Board clear Ranveer Singh and Vaani Kapoor-starrer Befikre without chopping any of the 40 kissing scenes?
Here is CBFC chairperson Pahlaj Nihalani's explainer on Scroll.in:
"Firstly, there is a difference in the intention and purpose of the kisses in Befikre, and the ones you mention in the earlier films (Tamasha & Ae Dil Hai Mushkil). Those earlier kisses were very intimate and sexual in nature, and were also shot in lingering close-ups. In Befikre, the kisses are used as signs of affection warmth and kinship. And they are not shot in close-ups. That makes a helluva difference in terms of impact."
Read more HERE
15:30 Deepika Padukone is the 'Sexiest Asian woman in the World'
Actress Deepika Padukone has added to her rapidly growing list of achievements by being crowned the Sexiest Asian woman in the World.
The award-winning movie star dethroned Bollywood rival Priyanka Chopra, who won the title the last two years, in the popular long-running list annually published by UK-based Eastern Eye newspaper.
The win rounds off a dream year for the current queen of Bollywood, who has won numerous 2016 Best Actress awards for her acclaimed role in Indian film Piku and commenced shooting her high-profile Hollywood debut xXx: Return of Xander Cage opposite Vin Diesel.
Eastern Eye's Entertainment Editor Asjad Nazir said, "This was the year Deepika not only won awards, but also became the undisputed queen of Bollywood and the highest paid leading lady in Indian cinema. It was also the year she smashed her way into Hollywood and generated mass excitement with none-Bollywood audiences even before the release of her mega-budget Hollywood debut. With huge films releasing next year, it looks like 2017 will be an even bigger year and more international producers will try stealing away the jewel in Bollywood's crown."
15:27 15 new castes in central OBC list
Fifteen new castes have been included in the central list of Other Backward Classes with the government issuing notification in this regard.
The National Commission of Backward Classes had recommended a total of 28 changes in respect of eight states -- Assam, Bihar, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir and Uttarakhand.
Out of these 28, 15 castes, including Gadheri/itafarosh in Bihar, Jhora in Jharkhand and Labana in Jammu and Kashmir, were new entries, nine were synonyms or sub-castes of the castes which were already in the list and four were corrections.
15:22 Alert! Cyclone Vardah to slam into Andhra coast on Dec 12
Cyclone Vardah is expected to hit the Andhra coast near Machilipatnam by December 12 noon. Fishermen have been advised not to go to sea from December 10.
The clonic storm is expected to further intensify into a severe cyclone and will continue to move towards the north and then recurve in the northwest direction towards Andhra Pradesh Coast.
According to private weather forecaster Skymet, Warm sea surface temperatures of the Bay of Bengal and longer sea travel will help in the further intensification of the storm. The system will continue to pour heavy to very heavy rains over Andaman and Nicobar Islands during the next 24-48 hours, which will further affect rescue operations.
We can expect light to moderate rains to commence over Andhra Pradesh Coast around December 10 onward. By December 11 and 12, the region will witness moderate to heavy rains, with isolated places recording extremely heavy spells, it added.
15:21
ANI reports: Committee recommends Bhagwant Mann be suspended for the rest of the sittings of the session in connection with the Parliament security breach video. House to adopt a resolution on it on Friday and will decide. The report has been laid before the house today.
15:14 Lok Sabha adjourned for the day after uproar on note ban
Lok Sabha was adjourned till tomorrow amid uproar over demonetisation issue.
Earlier, speaking in the Lok Sabha, Union finance minister Arun Jaitley said, "The PM has said that till December 30 the situation will be back to normal and we're trying to solve all problems."
He also hit out at the Congress saying they were 'in power from 2004-14, I challenge them to tell about even one step taken to curb black money in the 10 years'.
Earlier, speaking in the Lok Sabha, Union finance minister Arun Jaitley said, "The PM has said that till December 30 the situation will be back to normal and we're trying to solve all problems."
He also hit out at the Congress saying they were 'in power from 2004-14, I challenge them to tell about even one step taken to curb black money in the 10 years'.
15:10
ANI reports: Committee recommends Bhagwant Mann be suspended for the rest of the sittings of the session in connection with the Parliament security breach video. House to adopt a resolution on it on Friday and will decide. The report has been laid before the house today.
14:55 Jaya's successor as AIADMK gen-sec to be elected on Dec 15
The top echelons of the AIADMK will meet in Chennai on December 15 to elect its new general secretary following the demise of the all-powerful Jayalalithaa, according to highly-placed political source in the party.
Lobbying has since begun among the Thevar and Gounder communities for the all-powerful post, since the incumbent will directly control the ruling party.
There is also buzz that the Gounder community, peeved at the chief minister being from the Thevar community, is demanding the deputy chief ministership in case it also cedes control of organisational matters.
Senior AIADMK leaders hope that a showdown over the issue is averted at all costs on the day of the election of the general secretary as it could ultimately lead to a split in the party.
14:37 Pakistan lifts ban on Indian cotton imports
Pakistan has lifted an "undeclared" ban on import of ginned cotton from India, days after rejecting a consignment of 10,000 bales of cotton from India citing violation of plant quarantine rules by importers.
Earlier, the Department of Plant Protection (DPP) of the Ministry of National Food Security and Research put cotton imports from India on hold through Wagah and Karachi port from November 23, saying the shipments did not fulfil phyto-sanitary conditions, Dawn newspaper reported.
The rising border tensions between the two neighbours had prompted Islamabad to impose the ban on 10,000 bales of cotton worth $3.3 million from India.
"The DPP has started issuing permits for importing cotton from India via Wagah. But the DPP has also made it clear to importers that only the consignments free from cotton seeds will be accepted and allowed into the country," a DPP official said.
"If implemented strictly, we will not be able to import cotton from any country in the world, let alone India, because no consignment is completely free from cotton seeds," he said.
14:36 Gunmen rob nearly Rs 10 lakh from bank in Pulwama
Gunmen today looted a bank branch in Pulwama district of south Kashmir and fired several rounds before fleeing with cash, police said.
This is second incident of looting of a bank in Kashmir in a month.
Four masked gunmen barged into the Jammu and Kashmir Bank branch at Arihal in Pulwama district and took away cash at gunpoint, a police official said.
The gunmen fired five to six rounds before escaping from the spot, he said, adding, bank officials were counting the cash to determine the amount of money the gunmen have taken. Preliminary estimates have revealed that the gunmen managed to take away nearly Rs 10 lakh from the bank, he said.
14:35 Karnataka HC dismisses petition; calls demonetisation laudable
Dismissing the petition against demonetisation, Karnataka High Court has upheld certain restrictions that accompanied the decision saying they are matters for central government and RBI to decide.
In his order, Justice Ashok B Hinchigeri observed that "laudable objectives" to tackle the menaces of fake currency notes, black money and terrorism cannot be achieved without imposing restrictions.
"...but in a situation of this nature, no directions, much less time-bound directions, can be given to the government of India and the RBI," he said.
The order was issued by the Karnataka High Court in a writ petition seeking removal of cap on withdrawal imposed by government and RBI following demonetisation of Rs 500/1000 currency notes effective November 9.
"In the larger interests of the society, when a comprehensive mission is being accomplished, certain regulatory measures during the period of transition are bound to affect the interests of some sections of people," the order said.
"There cannot be any dispute that the collateral damage, if any on any section is to be minimised, if it cannot be avoided. What steps are to be taken, are the matters for the central government and RBI to decide," it added.
14:14 Short term pain will pave way for long term gains: PM
PM Narendra Modi takes to Twitter to respond to Opposition barbs on demonetisation earlier in the day.
He says: "I salute the people of India for wholeheartedly participating in this ongoing Yagna against corruption, terrorism & black money."
"The government's decision has several gains for farmers, traders, labourers, who are the economic backbone of our nation."
"I always said that the Government's measure will bring a degree of inconvenience but this short term pain will pave way for long term gains."
"No longer will the progress & prosperity of rural India be curtailed by corruption & black money. Our villages must get their due."
"We also have a historic opportunity to embrace increased cashless payments & integrate latest technology in economic transactions."
"Together, we must ensure India defeats black money. This will empower the poor, neo-middle class, middle class & benefit future generations."
14:05 Tarun Vijay recalls Jaya's help in putting up Thiruvalluvar's statue in Haridwar
Former Rajya Sabha member from Uttarakhand, Tarun Vijay, was among those who went to Chennai to pay homage to former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalithaa at the memorial on Marine beach. Later he called on Governor Ch Vidyasagar Rao, and Chief Minister O Panneerselvam (seen in the photograph alongside) to offer his condolences.
Tamil Nadu has a special place in Tarun Vijay's heart, and he has taken up the task of spreading ancient sage-poet Thiruvalluvar's seminal work Thirukkural in north India with zeal.
Recalling Jayalalithaa's assistance in helping the sage-poet's statue come up at Haridwar, Vijay said she will always be fondly remembered by the people of Uttarakhand.
"She was courageous, admirable and an affectionate mother to millions of poor people. I will spread the message of Thiruvalluvar in a special campaign in the North and also urge Tamil homes to have one statuette of Thiruvalluvar in her memory," Tarun Vijay said.
13:53 Umpire Reiffel off field after being hit on head by ball
On-field umpire Paul Reiffel was forced to leave the field today for medical attention after being hit on the back of the head by a throw from fielder Bhuvneshwar Kumar in the post lunch session of the fourth Test between India and England in Mumbai.
The former Australia fast bowler was stationed at square leg when the ball thrown by Kumar from deep square leg hit him flush on the back of the head and he fell down on the turf.
Play was halted for a while as on-field medical attention was administered before the dazed official left the ground to go into the pavilion for further rest and recuperation.
Reiffel was replaced by Marias Erasmus, who was doing the third umpire's duty indoors and his duties were transferred to reserve official C Shamsuddin sitting inside.
The incident happened close to the first hour of play in the second session and drinks were taken ahead of schedule to make up for the stoppage.
13:43
Kerala HC orders that women should not be allowed to wear salwar kameez and churidar inside the Sri Padmanabhaswamy temple: ANI
13:07 Service Tax on debit/credit card transactionsup to Rs 2,000 waived off
Government will waive service tax on debit and credit card transactions of up to Rs 2,000 in a bid to promote digital transactions amid cash crunch following withdrawal of old Rs 500 and 1,000 banknotes.
The government has decided to "exempt services by an acquiring bank to any person in relation to settlement of an amount up to Rs 2,000 in a single transaction through credit, debit card or other payment card service", sources said.
A notification to this effect will be tabled by Finance Minister Arun Jaitley in Parliament.
Following demonetisation of old high value notes, there has been a cash crunch in the country as people have been making a beeline for banks and ATMs to withdraw new currency.
The government has been taking steps to promote cashless or digital transactions to take India towards a less-cash economy. Recently, the government asked banks to install additional 10 lakh PoS terminals by March 31 in different parts of the country.
12:52 Who will be new AIADMK gen-sec, and other questions
In her lifetime, Jayalalithaa combined the posts of chief minister and AIADMK general secretary. Now that she is no more, and with O Panneerselvam made the new CM, what everyone wants to know is, who will be the new party gen-sec?
Will there be two power centres in the party, with the two posts being kept different?
Will the all-powerful Sasikala Natarajan, already the power behind the throne, assume the role for herself?
In which case, with both the CM and gen-sec coming from the Thevar community, where will that leave the other dominant caste in the party, the Gounders?
Or, to prevent their alienation and possible migration, will Lok Sabha deputy speaker Thambidurai be made the gen-sec?
What exactly is the BJP central leadership's attitude towards Tamil Nadu?
Will Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi, who doesn't seem to much care for his party's alliance with the rival DMK, get closer to the AIADMK?
As the party MPs skip Parliament owing to the 7-mourning for Jayalalithaa, these are some of the questions playing on their mind.
Hopefully, by the time they resume attendance next week, at least some of the queries will be answered.
12:39 Sasikala's G-18. Who are they?
What caught everyone's eyes on Tuesday was how Sasikala's 18 family members had surrounded the mortal remains of the late Jayalalithaa in full public glare at Rajaji Hall, Chennai.
Why were they paraded so openly, when during her lifetime Jayalalithaa had kept them firmly away from her Poes Garden bungalow, including M Natarajan, the husband of Sasikala?
Out of the 18, some, including Sasikala herself, are facing various legal cases.
So was there a fear that Jayalalithaa's family might throw them out? Will Jayalalithaa's relatives claim the release of the will authored and registered by the late chief minister which contains details of her properties?
Political watchers in Tamil Nadu are curious about which way things will take a turn now, and are convinced that the 18 family members are a pointer to the future developments not only within the ruling AIADMK but also in the government of Tamil Nadu.
12:15 Triple talaq unconstitutional, violates rights of Muslim women: Allahabad HC
Asserting that triple talaq violates the rights of Muslim women, the Allahabad High Court on Thursday termed it as unconstitutional.
The court also said that no Personal Law Board is above the Constitution.
The practice has also been challenged in the Supreme Court by several women and the central government has told the top court that it is against gender justice, equality and the Constitution.
The influential All India Muslim personal law board has defended the practice, saying it is better to divorce a woman than kill her. The rights bestowed by religion can't be questioned in a court of law, it has said.
12:04
Rajya Sabha adjourned till 2 pm over opposition protests on demonetisation
11:45
Import duty on wheat slashed from 10 per cent to nil
11:37 2 Lashkar terrorists killed in Anantnag encounter
Two Lashkar-e-Tayiba terrorists have been shot dead in an encounter with security forces in south Kashmir's Anantnag district on Thursday, police said.
A search operation was launched in Hassanpora village in Bijbehara area of Anantnag this morning following specific intelligence inputs about the presence of terrorists in the village, a police official said.
He said as the security forces were conducting the search operation, the terrorists fired upon them triggering an encounter.
Two terrorists were killed in the exchange of fire.
Further details are awaited.
11:20
Dharna by opposition parties near Gandhi statute in Parliament premises is big 'tamasha' and insult to Father of Nation: Union Minister Venkaiah Naidu.
11:18
Rajya Sabha adjourned till noon over Oppoisiton protests on demonetisation
11:14 Vineyard, Rs 44 cr house, Nilgiri Estate: What Jayalalithaa leaves behind
Speculation is rife whether former Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa has left a will and who would inherit her assets, if she had not.
The late AIADMK supremo had declared her assets and liabilities, ahead of the recent assembly elections.
The affidavit reveals most of her Rs 113-crore worth assets were acquired during her pre-politics days.
Her most valuable possession was the Poes Garden residence (bought in 1967), valued at Rs 44 crore, followed by the Rs 14-crore vineyard near Hyderabad (1968).
Read more HERE
10:57 Industries are suffering, people are loosing job: ASSOCHAM president
One Month Since Demonetisation: Sunil Kanoria, president of ASSOCHAM, tells ANI: "Demonetisation has negative impact as well. Industries are suffering, people are loosing jobs. The government must take some follow-up measures and significantly increase infrastructure and social sector expenditures, reduce taxes substantially."
10:55 Farmers are dying, PM seems to be having fun: Rahul
Opposition leaders on Thursday observed a 'black day' to mark one month of demonetisation next to the Gandhi statue inside Parliament premises.
Talking to media persons, Congress Vice-President Rahul Gandhi said:
"It has devastated poor, farmers, daily wage workers. We want to have a discussion. We want a vote, the government doesn't."
"This is not a bold decision, it is a foolish decision which has been taken without any due consideration."
"The responsibility of running the House is with the Govt and Speaker not the Opposition."
"The PM started by saying that demonetisation is against black money, then terrorism, then counterfeit currency and later cashless economy."
"Farmers are dying, PM seems to be having fun."
"Before decision on demonetisation, PM Modi's friends deposited their money in the bank."
"PM Modi is running away, if he comes to the House for debate, we won't let him run."
"The idea behind cashless economy is that few people must get max benefits from these transactions; this has damaged the nation."
10:47 Airlines asked to stick to advisory on operating in low visibility
A day after 362 flights were delayed at IGI Airport due to weather and other issues, DGCA today directed domestic airlines to adhere to its advisory on operating aircraft in low visibility, making it clear that no flights be planned during zero visibility and only CAT III aircraft be scheduled in fog.
The aviation regulator has also directed the airlines to reschedule non CAT III aircraft between 10 AM to 8 PM.
While the regulator observed that 38 flights including 24 departures were also cancelled and three flights diverted during the low visibility period at IGIA yesterday, the Delhi Airport put out
DIAL in its statement said only 24 flights were delayed because of weather and 34 cancelled during low visibility period due to "other reasons". It had also said that no flight was cancelled during the low visibility period yesterday.
In a communication to all airline heads and Delhi Airport authorities, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation said, "Once again all are directed to obey (its) instructions in letter and spirit.
10:38
Army and security agencies cordon the Arvani forest area, where according to sources, Lakshar commander Abu Dujana is hiding.
10:05 Delhi: 94 trains delayed, 2 cancelled due to heavy fog
Thick fog once again engulfed national capital New Delhi on Thursday morning, leading to cancellation of two train services, while 94 others were running behind schedule "by several hours" due to poor visibility.
Flight operations at the Indira Gandhi International Airport, however, were not affected in the morning, airport officials claimed.
According to a MeT department official, the visibility was recorded at 400 metres at 5:30am, which dropped to 100 metres three hours later. Relative humidity was recorded at 97 percent at 8:30 am. Minimum temperature was recorded at 8.7 degrees Celsius, considered as normal for the season.
"Two train services were cancelled, while 94 others were running behind schedule by several hours due to the dense fog cover," a railway official said.
10:02 Dilip Kumar doing fine, says Saira Banu
Legendary actor Dilip Kumar is recovering well, says his wife Saira Banu.
Kumar, 93, was rushed to the Lilavati hospital in suburban Bandra in Mumbai, on Tuesday morning, after he complained of swelling in his right leg.
"He is doing much better now. But he will be in hospital today and tomorrow as we want to get his body profile done. The doctors here are taking good care of him," Saira said.
"He will get his body spa done and then he will have his tea. He is doing well," she added.
09:59
Opposition stages protest at Gandhi statue inside Parliament premises over demonetisation issue, reports news agency ANI
09:35 DMK chief Karunanidhi discharged from hospital
Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam chief Karunanidhi has been discharged from the Kauvery hospital.
He was admitted on December 1 for dehydration and allergy related issues.
The hospital in a statement said that Karunanidhi has improved substantially after medical treatment.
"All his vital signs and biochemical parameters have normalised now. He has been advised rest and Kauvery Hospital will continue to assess and provide the necessary medical and nursing care to facilitate his recuperation at home," it added.
08:57 Navy on standby to rescue tourists at cyclone-hit Havelock Island
Home Minister Rajnath Singh on the situation in the cyclone-hit Havlock Islands in the Andaman: "All the tourists who are stranded in Havelock Island are safe. The government has made all the preparations to evacuate them."
"Spoke to Lieutenant Governor of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Dr Jagdish Mukhi who apprised me of the situation in Havelock Islands."
"The government will launch the rescue operations immediately after the intensity of the cyclone reduces. The teams are ready in Port Blair."
"I appeal to the family members of stranded tourists that they should not panic as everyone in the Havelock Islands are reported to be safe."
Nearly 1,500 tourists were stranded at two famous tourist destinations in Andaman and Nicobar Islands, namely, Neil and Havelock. However, the Navy ships that were deployed for the evacuation continue to remain anchored near Havelock Island, due to the high intensity of the cyclone.
Meanwhile, the Indian Navy tweeted on Thursday morning that the weather conditions at Port Blair and adjoining islands remained very bad with continuous heavy rains, strong winds and very rough seas.
In a series of tweets, the defence ministry said:
"Ships standing by at PortBlair and Evacuations shall commence as weather improves. Indian Navy Keeping a close watch to provide all help."
"Depression lay 260 kms South West of Port Blair moving North and likely to intensify into a cyclonic storm in next 24h."
08:56
Meeting of government-appointed committee of chief ministers and experts on demonetisation to be held at RBI headquarters at 10am
08:46 What's making news at this hour
* Opposition to stage protest at Gandhi statue inside Parliament premises over demonetisation issue at 10am.
* Dilip Kumar is fine and recovering, soon he will be shifted out of the ICU: Dr Jalil Parkar, Lilavati Hospital, Mumbai
* Fresh exchange of fire between terrorists and security forces starts in Arwani, Anantnag, J&K.
* Delhi fog: 94 trains running late, two cancelled and 16 rescheduled due to low visibility.
* Delhi fog: Over 6 international and 7 domestic flights operating from Delhi's IGI airport delayed, 1 domestic flight cancelled.
* 77 people died of grief, shock over illness and demise of Jayalalithaa, AIADMK announces Rs 3 lakh compensation for their families: AIADMK
00:15 Trump taps China-friendly governor for ambassador to Beijing
President-elect Donald Trump has picked Iowa Governor Terry Branstad, who has longstanding ties to China's president, to serve as ambassador to Beijing, a spokesman confirmed.
Trump announced his selection of Branstad -- an early supporter of the Republican billionaire during his campaign -- at a fundraising breakfast in New York, Jason Miller told reporters.
The transition team said the governor had accepted the position, chosen for his experience in public policy, expertise on trade issues and "tremendous understanding of China and Chinese people."
Branstad has "considerable public policy experience," a "great grasp" of trade and agriculture issues, and "very much impressed the president-elect," Miller told reporters.
"It is very clear that Governor Branstad is someone who will represent our country well on the world stage and we couldn't be prouder of this selection," he added.
Bloomberg first reported news of the nomination, citing anonymous people close to the matter.
The Iowa governor had met with the Republican billionaire earlier on Tuesday at Trump Tower in New York. Afterward, Branstad, 70, declined to comment on whether he had been offered a job, telling reporters only that he was excited about a Trump presidency and the "quality of the people that he's attracting to the cabinet."
Branstad has known Chinese President Xi Jinping since 1985, when Xi visited Iowa as a provincial official, Bloomberg reported.
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