LIVE
Thu, 22 December 2016
Berlin market attack suspect's fingerprints found in truck
Timeline Refresh
23:25 Trump: US must greatly expand nuclear weapons
Donald Trump has called for the US to "greatly strengthen and expand" its nuclear arsenal.
The president-elect, who takes office next month, said the US must take such action "until such time as the world comes to its senses regarding nukes".
He spoke hours after President Vladimir Putin said Russia needs to bolster its military nuclear potential.
The US has 7,100 nuclear weapons and Russia has 7,300, according to the US nonpartisan Arms Control Association.
22:47 Berlin market attack suspect's fingerprints found in truck
The fingerprints of the Tunisian man being sought over the Berlin truck attack have been found in the vehicle's cab, Germany's interior minister has confirmed.
Thomas de Maiziere said the fingerprint discovery strengthens Germany's case linking Anis Amri, 24, to Monday's attack, which left 12 people dead and 48 others injured after the truck ploughed through a Christmas market.
German authorities have issued a wanted notice for Amri, describing him as potentially violent and armed.
de Maiziere spoke after visiting Germany's federal criminal police office alongside chancellor Angela Merkel.
German authorities have offered a reward of up to 100,000 euro for information leading to Amri's arrest.
Islamic State has claimed responsibility for the carnage in the German capital.
22:44
JUST IN: Franca Sozzani, editor-in-chief of Italian Vogue, passes away at 66.
22:32 Prince Charles warns of 'dark days' in Christmas message
Britain's future king today issued a heartfelt plea against religious persecution and "rise of populism", warning against going back to the "dark days of the 1930s," in his special Christmas message.
Talking on BBC's 'Thought of the Day' segment, Prince Charles urged respect for those of different faiths or risk repeating the "horrors of the past".
"We are now seeing the rise of many populist groups across the world that are increasingly aggressive towards those who adhere to a minority faith. All of this has deeply disturbing echoes of the dark days of the 1930s," the 68-year-old royal said in his pre-recorded special Christmas message, aired on radio today.
He added: "I was born in 1948, just after the end of World War II, in which my parents' generation had fought and died in a battle against intolerance, monstrous extremism and an inhuman attempt to exterminate the Jewish population of Europe.
"That nearly 70 years later we should still be seeing such evil persecution is, to me, beyond all belief. We owe it to those who suffered and died so horribly not to repeat the horrors of the past."
22:17 Post note ban, I-T detects Rs 3,590 crore undisclosed income
Income Tax department has detected over Rs 3,590 crore of undisclosed income while more than Rs 93 crore in new notes have been seized as part of its country-wide operations against black money hoarders post the
demonetisation of two high value currencies by the government.
Official sources said the taxman has carried out a total of 760 search, survey and enquiry operations under the provisions of the Income Tax Act since the note ban was declared on November 8, even as the department has issued 3,589 notices to various entities on charges of tax evasion and hawala-like dealings, till yesterday.
The department has seized cash and jewellery worth over Rs 505 crore during the same period even as the new currency seized is valued at more than Rs 93 crore.
"The total undisclosed income admitted or detected as part of this action, till December 21, is more than Rs 3,590 crore," they said.
The agency has also referred a total of 215 cases to the Enforcement Directorate and 185 cases to the CBI in order to enable them to probe other financial crimes like money laundering, disproportionate assets and corruption as part of their legal mandate.
22:06 Raipur: Man who never filed income tax return declares Rs 10 cr to I-T dept
The Income Tax Department has seized Rs 70 lakh in cash, with Rs 43 lakh in new currency, and unearthed Rs 10.3 crore undisclosed income after it conducted searches on a financier based in Raipur, as part of its raids against black money hoarders in the wake of demonetisation.
Interestingly, the financier had never filed an income tax return and was not an assesses till now but after the I-T action he admitted to having "undisclosed income of Rs 10.3 crore", official sources said.
"The searches also led to the seizure of Rs 70 lakh cash in total from his premises with Rs 43 lakh being in new currency," they said.
The department did not disclose the identity of the man as they said investigations in the case are still ongoing.
They added that the financier allegedly made black money by purchasing gold at Rs 48,000 per 10 grams on the night of November 8 when the note ban was announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The market rate for gold per 10 gram, that night, was about Rs 32,000.
"Though he is not assessed to tax, his annual net income has been about Rs 2 crore for some years now. Two of his lockers will be opened soon," they added.
21:34 Airtel, Aircel to appear before Parliament panel on call drops
The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Information Technology has called telecom operators Airtel and Aircel to appear before it to brief on the issue of call drops on January 5.
A notice of the panel said meeting will be held on January 5, 2017 to "to hear the views of the representatives of Bharti Airtel Limited and Aircel Limited on the subject 'issues related to quality of services and reported call
drops'".
The panel, chaired by BJP MP and BCCI President Anurag Thakur, had earlier met officials industry lobby Cellular Operators Association of India and Reliance Jio to discuss call drop issue.
COAI urged the committee to also hear out incumbent operators, including Bharti Airtel, Idea Cellular, and Vodafone, for a fairer assessment of the situation.
The members of the panel in November meeting, among various issues, sought to know about service quality challenges arising out of free calls being offered by the newcomer RJio, and how these issues are being sorted, as per sources.
As per telecom regulator Trai report for April-June quarter, maximum call drop was reported on Aircel network across most telecom circles in the country. Call drops were also noticed on the networks of RCom, Telenor, BSNL and Vodafone in April-June period.
21:32 Jung's resignation freed Delhi women from his tyranny: DCW chief
Terming Najeeb Jung's tenure as Delhi Lt Governor a "black chapter" on safety of women in the national capital, DCW chief Swati Maliwal today said they are now free from his "tyranny" following his resignation.
In a sudden move, Delhi Lt Governor Najeeb Jung resigned today, ending a nearly three-and-half-year-long eventful tenure, mostly marked by bitter confrontation with AAP government on a range of issues that virtually brought governance to a halt on many occasions.
"Double win for DCW. Delhi women freed from Jung tyranny. HC orderd release of 2 month DCW salary. Hope new LG will work toward women safety.
"Black chapter for women in Delhi over. Jung ji failed as LG. 6 rapes daily, didnt hold single meet on women safety, brutally attacked DCW," Maliwal said in a series of tweets.
Claiming that Jung had not convened a single meeting on women safety in the last one year despite instructions from he from the Union home ministry, the Delhi Commission for Women chief claimed his sudden resignation proves all have to be accountable for women's safety in Delhi.
"Jung ji failed to even meet DCW. Last week 2 Notice issued on him by HC on DCW petition to explain why no meet in women safety in Delhi. LGs sudden resign proves all have to be accountable for women safety in Delhi. If you ignore and attack women, you will have to step down," she tweeted.
20:34 SC order banning liquor shops on highways will affect half of Goa: Parrikar
Alluding to the recent Supreme Court order banning liquor shops within 500 metres of highways, Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar today said half of Goa will be affected by the decision though the apex court's concern over the issue has a "base".
Referring to a proposed elevated road on NH4A and NH17, he said, "Once this road is completed, we will have to denotify the road that runs below.
Now the excise department will have to think on how to calculate 500 metres from the elevated road.
"I have not understood the meaning of the Supreme Court's decision. We will have to think about it. If we go 500 metres, half of Goa will be affected," he said.
Parrikar, however, said the apex court's verdict has a "base as there is no doubt that those who drink and drive cause accidents".
He was quick to add: "I have not commented on anyone. I have just stated the fact."
On December 15, the apex court ordered a ban on all liquor shops on national as well as state highways across the country and made it clear that licenses of existing shops will not be renewed after March 31 next year.
A three-judge bench headed by Chief Justice T S Thakur had also directed that all signages indicating presence of liquor vends will be prohibited on national and state highways.
20:19
Just In: Up to December 30, payment towards tax, surcharge, penalty and deposit under Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana can be made in old notes of Rs 500 and 1000.
20:12 Be warned, cash crunch to worsen
Rajeev Sharma tells us: The cash crunch is likely to worsen this weekend as the Reserve Bank of India will not send a fresh supply of currency notes to the banks for the next few days.
The RBI has instructed all banks to disburse the available cash very judiciously, knowledgeable sources said on Thursday.
It is not known why the RBI is going slow on refurbishing cash supplies to the banks at a time when the entire country is reeling under a cash crunch and only one week is left for people to deposit banned notes in their accounts.
The Central Bank of India has already issued a circular to all its branches, quoting the RBI as mentioned above.
Saturday, December 24, is a working day for banks. This means that the next two days are set to witness chaotic scenes and long queues at the banks.
19:48 Suhag, Raha to attend their last DAC meet tomorrow
Army chief Gen Dalbir Singh Suhag and Indian Air Force chief Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha will tomorrow take part in their last meeting of the Defence Acquisition Council) during which several key projects will be discussed.
Both the chiefs retire on December 31, sources said adding that most of the proposals that will be considered are for the army and the IAF.
Also on the agenda are two classified projects, one pertaining to acquisition of arms and ammunition for the Special Forces and another related to the Airborne Warning And Control System (AWACS).
Another key proposal is the procurement of six multi-mission maritime aircraft (Dornier) for the Coast Guard, besides possible purchase of one more transport aircraft C-17. The DAC, chaired by Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar, has moved fast on proposals that have been stuck for ages.
19:39 Trump names campaign manager Conway as Counsellor to President
United States president-elect Donald Trump today named his campaign manager Kellyanne Conway, who played a crucial role in his victory in the November election, as Counsellor to President.
"Kellyanne Conway has been a trusted advisor and strategist who played a crucial role in my victory. She is a tireless and tenacious advocate of my agenda and has amazing insights on how to effectively communicate our message. I am pleased that she will be part of my senior team in the West Wing," Trump said.
In her position, 49-year-old Conway will continue her role as a close advisor to the president and will work with senior leadership to effectively message and execute the administration's legislative priorities and actions, the
presidential transition team said.
During the grilling election campaign, Conway was first ever woman campaign manager of a presidential campaign.
After the elections, she has been serving as a senior member of the President-elect's transition team.
Conway is the first female campaign manager of either major party to win a presidential general election.
"I want to thank the President-elect for this amazing opportunity. A Trump presidency will bring real change to Washington and to Americans across this great nation. I am humbled and honoured to play a role in helping transform the movement he has led into a real agenda of action and results," Conway said.
19:15 Critically-acclaimed writer Jerry Pinto awarded Sahitya Akademi
Mumbai-based critically-acclaimed writer Jerry Pinto is among the 24 authors named for the prestigious Sahitya Akademi Award 2016 for his book Em and the Big Hoom.
Pinto has been a mathematics tutor, school librarian, journalist and a columnist and is now associated with child rights NGO Meljol.
Set in Mumbai, Em and the Big Hoom is a gripping story of a dysfunctional family, The Hindu reported. The novel, published in 2012, had also won the prestigious Windham-Campbell Prize.
Pinto had won the National Award for the best book on cinema in 2007 for his book Helen: The life and times of an H-Bomb. -- Agencies
Pinto has been a mathematics tutor, school librarian, journalist and a columnist and is now associated with child rights NGO Meljol.
Set in Mumbai, Em and the Big Hoom is a gripping story of a dysfunctional family, The Hindu reported. The novel, published in 2012, had also won the prestigious Windham-Campbell Prize.
Pinto had won the National Award for the best book on cinema in 2007 for his book Helen: The life and times of an H-Bomb. -- Agencies
19:02 Mamata to hit streets against note ban with the slogan 'Modi hatao, desh bachao'
Terming demonetisation as 'the biggest scam in independent India', Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee today said her party would hit the streets with the slogan 'Modi hatao, desh bachao (oust Modi, save country)' from January 1, as the country is not 'safe' in the hands of a person who has been 'baptised in politics through communal riots'.
"Now Alibaba and four aides are taking all decisions, even the finance minister doesn't know it. Only God knows what is happening in the country. They are bulldozing the people, the country and even their party (the Bharatiya Janata Party)," the West Bengal Chief Minister said in a dig at Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Banerjee who presided over the extended core committee meeting of the TMC said, "The Modi government which is talking about cashless economy has become faceless. Modi government is very good to those who are really black."
"Our party's only slogan will be 'Modi hatao, desh bachao' and we will organise meetings throughout the state from January 1 to 8," the CM told a press conference.
Claiming there is no money in banks, she said, "A person who has no credibility can't lead a country like India. The decision (demonetisation) has led to economic disaster in the country."
"From sunrise to sundown, this government is changing decisions more than hundred times. They are changing decision even in their sleep," she remarked.
Banerjee said Modi government did not make any statement on a big decision like demonetisation in the Parliament, the temple of democracy. -- PTI
"Now Alibaba and four aides are taking all decisions, even the finance minister doesn't know it. Only God knows what is happening in the country. They are bulldozing the people, the country and even their party (the Bharatiya Janata Party)," the West Bengal Chief Minister said in a dig at Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Banerjee who presided over the extended core committee meeting of the TMC said, "The Modi government which is talking about cashless economy has become faceless. Modi government is very good to those who are really black."
"Our party's only slogan will be 'Modi hatao, desh bachao' and we will organise meetings throughout the state from January 1 to 8," the CM told a press conference.
Claiming there is no money in banks, she said, "A person who has no credibility can't lead a country like India. The decision (demonetisation) has led to economic disaster in the country."
"From sunrise to sundown, this government is changing decisions more than hundred times. They are changing decision even in their sleep," she remarked.
Banerjee said Modi government did not make any statement on a big decision like demonetisation in the Parliament, the temple of democracy. -- PTI
18:42 Paytm woes: Money deducted but did not reach wallet
Mobile payments company Paytm is still facing issues in transacting as many users have complained that money was deducted from their bank accounts but did not reach the e-wallet.
Besides, the users said they are not able to see the existing balance in their Paytm wallet and their attempts to transfer the balance back to bank accounts were failing. Paytm customers have been facing such issues for the last few days.
Its customer care hasn't been of much help as no transaction IDs are getting generated on its platform to help track details, they said.
Several customers using Apple handsets complained that they could not even access their accounts and pay through using.
When contacted, a Paytm spokesperson said there are regular cases wherein owing to server connectivity issues, bank downtime or other technical reasons, many times money gets deducted from the account but does not get credited to the recipient.
"Such transactions are automatically corrected within 48 hours. Currently, bank servers are strained thereby, increasing the frequency of such issues," the spokesperson added.
Some users claimed that they are still waiting to get their transferred money back despite raising the issue with Paytm customer care.
On Apple users facing difficulties, Paytm in a blog said the company had 'found a bug in its iOS app where certain app users were not able to pay, thereby hanging their app. Soon the system logged them out preventing them from further accessing their account'.
"We are sending an app update to Apple immediately and requesting them to approve the same as soon as possible. Once live, we request our users to update their iOS app," it added.
The company also sought to pacify users saying the users' 'data and money is absolutely safe and secure. This is a minor issue that we are fixing,' it said. -- PTI
Besides, the users said they are not able to see the existing balance in their Paytm wallet and their attempts to transfer the balance back to bank accounts were failing. Paytm customers have been facing such issues for the last few days.
Its customer care hasn't been of much help as no transaction IDs are getting generated on its platform to help track details, they said.
Several customers using Apple handsets complained that they could not even access their accounts and pay through using.
When contacted, a Paytm spokesperson said there are regular cases wherein owing to server connectivity issues, bank downtime or other technical reasons, many times money gets deducted from the account but does not get credited to the recipient.
"Such transactions are automatically corrected within 48 hours. Currently, bank servers are strained thereby, increasing the frequency of such issues," the spokesperson added.
Some users claimed that they are still waiting to get their transferred money back despite raising the issue with Paytm customer care.
On Apple users facing difficulties, Paytm in a blog said the company had 'found a bug in its iOS app where certain app users were not able to pay, thereby hanging their app. Soon the system logged them out preventing them from further accessing their account'.
"We are sending an app update to Apple immediately and requesting them to approve the same as soon as possible. Once live, we request our users to update their iOS app," it added.
The company also sought to pacify users saying the users' 'data and money is absolutely safe and secure. This is a minor issue that we are fixing,' it said. -- PTI
17:40 Best wishes for Jung's future endeavours: Kejriwal
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal says he had not idea about Lieutenant Governor Najeeb Jung's plan to resign.
After the sudden resignation by the L-G, Kejriwal tweeted, 'Sh Jung's resignation is a surprise to me. My best wishes in all his future endeavours.'
After the sudden resignation by the L-G, Kejriwal tweeted, 'Sh Jung's resignation is a surprise to me. My best wishes in all his future endeavours.'
17:14 What was there in 10 packets given by Sahara to you?, Rahul asks PM
Unfazed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi ridiculing him on his charges of personal corruption, Rahul Gandhi on Thursday stuck to his guns and wanted Mr. Modi to tell what was contained in the 10 packets allegedly given by the Sahara Group to him when he was the Gujarat Chief Minister.
Modiji first tell us what the 10 packets from Sahara contained, the Congress vice president tweeted in Hindi.
Along with the tweet he posted a document purportedly with the Income Tax Department of nine entries from October 2013 to February 14 detailing cash payments made to Modiji.
His comments came close on the heels of the Prime Minister ridiculing Rahuls remarks about creating an earthquake with accusations of corruption against him.
Modi said he is happiest since the Congress leader has learnt to speak as he has unwittingly admitted the failure of his partys reign.
Modiji first tell us what the 10 packets from Sahara contained, the Congress vice president tweeted in Hindi.
Along with the tweet he posted a document purportedly with the Income Tax Department of nine entries from October 2013 to February 14 detailing cash payments made to Modiji.
His comments came close on the heels of the Prime Minister ridiculing Rahuls remarks about creating an earthquake with accusations of corruption against him.
Modi said he is happiest since the Congress leader has learnt to speak as he has unwittingly admitted the failure of his partys reign.
17:08 Child taken from Indian couple: Swaraj seeks report
This is why External Affairs minister Sushma Swaraj will always remain the go-to mantri in this government for Indians in distress.
Swaraj, was discharged from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences on December 19 where she underwent a kidney transplant. She has now been recuperating at home but is not allowed visitors for at least three months.
Evidently, the foreign minister has NOT been taking it easy and is doing what she does best -- reaching out to Indians in trouble in foreign shores.
Swarak tweeted to say: I have asked Indian Ambassador in Norway to send me a report.
BJP leader Vijay Jolly had written to her and the Indian Ambassador in Norway after the couple sought his help in getting back the custody of their child.
In his letter to Indian Ambassador Debraj Pradhan, Jolly had raised concern on forcible custody of the boy Aryan by Child Welfare Department of Norway on baseless and fabricated complaint in Oslo on December 13. Sharma is a member of Overseas Friends of BJP.
Jolly said he has received a call from a senior MEA official saying that help will be given to the Indian couple.
This is the third case since 2011 when children have been taken away from their Indian-origin parents by the authorities in Norway on the grounds of abuse.
In 2011, a three-year-old and a one-year-old were separated from their parents, prompting the then UPA government to take up the issue with Norway. The Norwegian court later allowed the children to be reunited with their parents.
In December 2012, an Indian couple was jailed on charges of ill treatment of their children, 7 and 2 years. Later, they were were sent to their grandparents in Hyderabad.
Swaraj, was discharged from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences on December 19 where she underwent a kidney transplant. She has now been recuperating at home but is not allowed visitors for at least three months.
Evidently, the foreign minister has NOT been taking it easy and is doing what she does best -- reaching out to Indians in trouble in foreign shores.
Swarak tweeted to say: I have asked Indian Ambassador in Norway to send me a report.
BJP leader Vijay Jolly had written to her and the Indian Ambassador in Norway after the couple sought his help in getting back the custody of their child.
In his letter to Indian Ambassador Debraj Pradhan, Jolly had raised concern on forcible custody of the boy Aryan by Child Welfare Department of Norway on baseless and fabricated complaint in Oslo on December 13. Sharma is a member of Overseas Friends of BJP.
Jolly said he has received a call from a senior MEA official saying that help will be given to the Indian couple.
This is the third case since 2011 when children have been taken away from their Indian-origin parents by the authorities in Norway on the grounds of abuse.
In 2011, a three-year-old and a one-year-old were separated from their parents, prompting the then UPA government to take up the issue with Norway. The Norwegian court later allowed the children to be reunited with their parents.
In December 2012, an Indian couple was jailed on charges of ill treatment of their children, 7 and 2 years. Later, they were were sent to their grandparents in Hyderabad.
16:31 Delhi Lt Governor Najeeb Jung resigns
Just in: Delhi Lt Governor Najeeb Jung submits his resignation to the Government of India. He has cited personal reasons for his resignation. his office says that he wants to return to his first love, academics. His term was marked by several face-offs with the Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal. The differences between them led to very public battles.
His office also said that Jung has been considering a resignation for some time and the decision is not sudden nor is there any controversy about the resignation.
The Lt Governor has resigned 18 months ahead of his tenure.
Jung has thanked the Delhi CM, the people of Delhi and the PM for their support.
Details awaited.
His office also said that Jung has been considering a resignation for some time and the decision is not sudden nor is there any controversy about the resignation.
The Lt Governor has resigned 18 months ahead of his tenure.
Jung has thanked the Delhi CM, the people of Delhi and the PM for their support.
Details awaited.
16:09 Don't beat around the bush, come clean on kickbacks, Cong tells PM
The Congress Party on Thursday dared Prime Minister Narendra Modi to come clear on the kickback charges alleged by party vice-president Rahul Gandhi and asked him not to beat around the bush.
"We will only say... please do not run helter skelter. Please do not beat around the bush. Come straight to the point. Did Modi ji take money from Birla and Sahara or did Modi ji not take the money...for Birla papers reflect a payment of Rs. 25 crores to Gujarat Chief Minister and Sahara papers reflect a payment of Rs. 40 crore and 10 lakh to Modi ji," Congress spokesperson Randeep Surjewala told ANI.
Asserting that the country is changing because it has started asking questions, Surjewala pointed out that the nation wants to know whether the Prime Minister has taken money or not.
Speaking in Gujarat's Mehsana yesterday, Gandhi alleged that in the records with the Income Tax, there were notings of Sahara officials' claims that they paid Prime Minister Modi nine times between October 2013 and February 2014 and that the total amount was Rs. 40 crore.
He also alleged that according to documents with the IT department, the Birla Group too paid Rs. 12 crore to the Prime Minister.
Seeking an independent inquiry, Gandhi said that he was raising the issue "on behalf of the country".
"We will only say... please do not run helter skelter. Please do not beat around the bush. Come straight to the point. Did Modi ji take money from Birla and Sahara or did Modi ji not take the money...for Birla papers reflect a payment of Rs. 25 crores to Gujarat Chief Minister and Sahara papers reflect a payment of Rs. 40 crore and 10 lakh to Modi ji," Congress spokesperson Randeep Surjewala told ANI.
Asserting that the country is changing because it has started asking questions, Surjewala pointed out that the nation wants to know whether the Prime Minister has taken money or not.
Speaking in Gujarat's Mehsana yesterday, Gandhi alleged that in the records with the Income Tax, there were notings of Sahara officials' claims that they paid Prime Minister Modi nine times between October 2013 and February 2014 and that the total amount was Rs. 40 crore.
He also alleged that according to documents with the IT department, the Birla Group too paid Rs. 12 crore to the Prime Minister.
Seeking an independent inquiry, Gandhi said that he was raising the issue "on behalf of the country".
15:42
Najeeb Ahmed disappearance case: Delhi HC asked for lie detector tests of 9 suspects in the case. Matter adjourned till January 23.
15:27 Bhupathi replaces Amritraj as India's non-playing Davis Cup captain
Mahesh Bhupathi to take over as India's non-playing Davis Cup captain after Asia/Oceania zone tie against New Zealand in February.
The veteran tennis player's name had cropped up as a possible candidate for Davis Cup captaincy, but beleaguered Anand Amritraj had sought one more term. The AITA Executive Committee however decided in favour of Bhupathi.
The veteran tennis player's name had cropped up as a possible candidate for Davis Cup captaincy, but beleaguered Anand Amritraj had sought one more term. The AITA Executive Committee however decided in favour of Bhupathi.
14:55 Indrani Mukerjea gets 1-day bail for father's funeral
Just in: Indrani Mukerjea, accused of murdering her daughter Sheena Bora, has been granted bail for a day to perform her father's last rites.
The Special CBI Court yesterday had rejected her interim bail application. She had filed the bail plea seeking permission to attend her father's funeral in Guwahati, Assam. Her father, Upendra Kumar Bora passed away on December 15.
The CBI had made a submission that Indrani's bail can affect the case as she would have to be escorted to Guwahati and that her presence in the court is mandatory on December 22, when charges will be framed against her.
The Special CBI Court yesterday had rejected her interim bail application. She had filed the bail plea seeking permission to attend her father's funeral in Guwahati, Assam. Her father, Upendra Kumar Bora passed away on December 15.
The CBI had made a submission that Indrani's bail can affect the case as she would have to be escorted to Guwahati and that her presence in the court is mandatory on December 22, when charges will be framed against her.
13:49 In Mulayam Singh's Mainpuri woman brutally beaten for resisting molestation
The Uttar Pradesh police has arrested a man for brutally beating a woman in a market place for resisting molestation. A case has been registered at Kishani area police station in Mainpuri against the three miscreants. One of the suspects, Anand Yadav, has been arrested. A special team has been made to nab the remaining two culprits.
"I was asking a few persons about Ajay's shop, but they said that come inside with us, we will tell you. I asked him to talk with respect. But he started abusing us and started fighting. The person used a stick to beat my husband, but hit me instead," the victim said.
Superintendant of Police Sunil Saxena said, "We have registered the case and after that the medical checkup was done. We have taken the preventive action by arresting the accused. The accused was arrested within hours of the incident and after that a special team has been made to arrest the remaining culprits. We have made a team which includes the surveillance team and sub-inspectors. I am monitoring that; soon we will complete the remaining proceedings."
Image: A video grab of the man hitting the victim
"I was asking a few persons about Ajay's shop, but they said that come inside with us, we will tell you. I asked him to talk with respect. But he started abusing us and started fighting. The person used a stick to beat my husband, but hit me instead," the victim said.
Superintendant of Police Sunil Saxena said, "We have registered the case and after that the medical checkup was done. We have taken the preventive action by arresting the accused. The accused was arrested within hours of the incident and after that a special team has been made to arrest the remaining culprits. We have made a team which includes the surveillance team and sub-inspectors. I am monitoring that; soon we will complete the remaining proceedings."
Image: A video grab of the man hitting the victim
13:23 And the NaMo calendar ...
But PM Modi is not the first leader to feature in a calendar. Russian President Vladimir Putin beat him to it last month and that calendar we hear has flown off the shelves. Taking a cue from Putin, Rediff.com imagined what a calendar featuring our Pradhan Sevak would look like. Remember this?
13:16 PM walks the talk on 2017 calendar
The Government of India calendar for 2017 featuring the PM on every single month, is out. Here's what January looks like.
13:03 Indian off-spinner R Ashwin named ICC Cricketer of the year
India's Ravichandran Ashwin wins the Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy after being named ICC Cricketer of the Year 2016 and is also ICC Test Cricketer of the Year.
Virat Kohli was named captain of the ICC ODI Team of the Year. Misbah-Ul-Haq won the ICC Spirit of Cricket Award at the 2016 ICC Awards as he became the first Pakistan player to win the award.
First reactions from the cricketer: "Its an absolute pleasure to be awarded with this great honour. It feels great to follow the likes of Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid in being named as the ICC Cricketer of the Year. To also win the ICC Test Cricketer of the Year makes it even better."
Virat Kohli was named captain of the ICC ODI Team of the Year. Misbah-Ul-Haq won the ICC Spirit of Cricket Award at the 2016 ICC Awards as he became the first Pakistan player to win the award.
First reactions from the cricketer: "Its an absolute pleasure to be awarded with this great honour. It feels great to follow the likes of Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid in being named as the ICC Cricketer of the Year. To also win the ICC Test Cricketer of the Year makes it even better."
12:25 Tamil Nadu chief secy suspended, Girija Vaidyanathan replaces him
Tamil Nadu Chief Secy P Rama Mohana Rao suspended after income tax raids.
Girija Vaidyanathan, Additional Chief Secretary and Commissioner of Land Administration has been appointed Chief Secretary of Tamil Nadu in his place , a government order said.
This comes after the income tax department on Wednesday carried out raids at the residence and office of P Rama Mohana Rao, the residence of his son Vivek in the city, and the latter's in-laws' house in Chittoor in Andhra Pradesh.
Tax officials said Rs 30 lakh in new Rs 2,000 notes, five kilograms of gold and documents with details of undisclosed assets worth about Rs 5 crore were recovered during the raids carried out at 11 places.
Girija Vaidyanathan is an officer of the 1981 batch of Indian Administrative Service (IAS). She has about two-and-a-half years to go for retirement.
She will also hold full additional charge of Vigilance Commissioner and Commissioner for Administrative Reforms.
Girija Vaidyanathan, Additional Chief Secretary and Commissioner of Land Administration has been appointed Chief Secretary of Tamil Nadu in his place , a government order said.
This comes after the income tax department on Wednesday carried out raids at the residence and office of P Rama Mohana Rao, the residence of his son Vivek in the city, and the latter's in-laws' house in Chittoor in Andhra Pradesh.
Tax officials said Rs 30 lakh in new Rs 2,000 notes, five kilograms of gold and documents with details of undisclosed assets worth about Rs 5 crore were recovered during the raids carried out at 11 places.
Girija Vaidyanathan is an officer of the 1981 batch of Indian Administrative Service (IAS). She has about two-and-a-half years to go for retirement.
She will also hold full additional charge of Vigilance Commissioner and Commissioner for Administrative Reforms.
12:15 Trump's 'told you so' after Berlin, Ankara, terror attacks
US President-elect Donald Trump said on Wednesday that attacks this week in Berlin and Ankara proved he was correct to propose curbing Muslim immigration to the United States.
"What's going on is terrible, terrible," Trump told reporters, when asked about the truck attack that killed 12 people at a Christmas market in Berlin and the killing of Russia's ambassador to Turkey.ISIS claimed responsibility for the Berlin killings though US officials say they had seen no evidence that the terrorist group had directed the attack.
Trump was asked by reporters outside his Mar-a-Lago resort in Palm Beach, Florida, if Monday's violence would affect his consideration of a ban on Muslims entering the United States or of a registry for immigrants from Muslim countries.
"You know my plans. All along, I've been proven to be right. 100 percent correct. What's happening is disgraceful," Trump said.
"What's going on is terrible, terrible," Trump told reporters, when asked about the truck attack that killed 12 people at a Christmas market in Berlin and the killing of Russia's ambassador to Turkey.ISIS claimed responsibility for the Berlin killings though US officials say they had seen no evidence that the terrorist group had directed the attack.
Trump was asked by reporters outside his Mar-a-Lago resort in Palm Beach, Florida, if Monday's violence would affect his consideration of a ban on Muslims entering the United States or of a registry for immigrants from Muslim countries.
"You know my plans. All along, I've been proven to be right. 100 percent correct. What's happening is disgraceful," Trump said.
11:59
TN Chief Secy sacked. Girija Vaidyanathan to be made the new Tamil Nadu Chief Secretary
11:54 A day after Rahul's allegations, PM taunts 'young leader's earthquake'
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is addressing a public meeting in Varanasi, his Lok Sabha constituency, where he is expected to flag off some projects.
Highlights of his speech. The PM is speaking at the foundation stone laying ceremony of Mahamana Pt Madan Mohan Malaviya Cancer Centre in Varanasi.
-- Arts and culture have a paramount place in our society.
-- Today so many development works will be inaugurated during my Varanasi visit.
-- We thought, why not have a cancer research institute here itself. Why should patients from here have to travel far for cancer treatment.
-- I am thankful to Banaras Hindu University for providing land for the construction of Cancer centre.
-- The role of technology in medical science is increasing and we are moving towards providing best medical facilities in India.
-- Indian doctors have distinguished themselves at the world stage.
-- Need of the hour is to provide quality and affordable healthcare to the people of India especially the poor.
-- Notes ban is a big cleanliness drive. People are supporting our drive.
-- But the opposition is siding with corruption.
-- I had never thought some political leaders would have the audacity to stand with the corrupt.
-- Ex-PM's image clean, but several scams in his tenure.
-- PM Modi on Rahul Gandhi: Now that their young leader has spoken, we have seen what the ''earthquake'' is all about.
-- Pak gives cover fire to terrorists, opposition covering the corrupt.
-- Notes ban move is like a big cleanliness drive.
-- When they say large parts of India did not get access to education, whose report card are they giving?
-- I urge the youth to move towards online banking. Your mobile phones can be your banks and wallets.
Highlights of his speech. The PM is speaking at the foundation stone laying ceremony of Mahamana Pt Madan Mohan Malaviya Cancer Centre in Varanasi.
-- Arts and culture have a paramount place in our society.
-- Today so many development works will be inaugurated during my Varanasi visit.
-- We thought, why not have a cancer research institute here itself. Why should patients from here have to travel far for cancer treatment.
-- I am thankful to Banaras Hindu University for providing land for the construction of Cancer centre.
-- The role of technology in medical science is increasing and we are moving towards providing best medical facilities in India.
-- Indian doctors have distinguished themselves at the world stage.
-- Need of the hour is to provide quality and affordable healthcare to the people of India especially the poor.
-- Notes ban is a big cleanliness drive. People are supporting our drive.
-- But the opposition is siding with corruption.
-- I had never thought some political leaders would have the audacity to stand with the corrupt.
-- Ex-PM's image clean, but several scams in his tenure.
-- PM Modi on Rahul Gandhi: Now that their young leader has spoken, we have seen what the ''earthquake'' is all about.
-- Pak gives cover fire to terrorists, opposition covering the corrupt.
-- Notes ban move is like a big cleanliness drive.
-- When they say large parts of India did not get access to education, whose report card are they giving?
-- I urge the youth to move towards online banking. Your mobile phones can be your banks and wallets.
11:44
PM Modi being received at Varanasi airport ahead of his meeting with booth-level workers.
11:22
PM Modi lays foundation stone for Mahamana Pt. Madan Mohan Malviya Cancer Centre & Centenary Super Specialty Hospital in Varanas.
11:19 Arise and awake, Muggles... JK Rowling is working on new books
J.K. Rowling took to Twitter to fill her fans in on what magic she's been making lately. The Harry Potter author hasn't published a novel since 2015's Career of Evil under her alias "Robert Galbraith", so naturally readers everywhere have been wondering what's next.Rowling revealed on Wednesday that she's been working on a new Galbraith novel and that she'll be publishing two works under both the Galbraith alias and her own name. Read more
10:48 PM, Rahul to face off in UP, a day after bribe allegations
So, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Rahul Gandhi face off today in UP. A day after the Congress vice-president accused the prime minister of receiving crores in kickbacks as Chief Minister of Gujarat, they will address separate meetings in Uttar Pradesh. The state will go to the polls next year.
Yesterday, during a rally at Mehsana in Gujarat, Rahul Gandhi said that in the I-T records there are notings of Sahara officials' claims that they had paid 9 times to Modi between October, 2013 and February, 2014.Gandhi said the documents in this regard were with IT department which had raided the company when Modi was Gujarat Chief Minister.
It is believed that the PM will respond to these allegations wen he addresses BJP workers in his parliamentary constituency Varanasi this afternoon.
Reacting to Gandhi's allegations, Union minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said in New Delhi that the charges are "baseless, false, shameful and mala fide" and an attempt to divert attention from the AgustaWestland probe as names of Congress leaders and the "family" are coming up.
Party spokesperson G V L Narasimha Rao said Gandhi was immature and was just indulging in bluff and bluster because people are not taking him seriously.
"People of India have stopped taking him seriously. Rahul Gandhi is just bluff and bluster. There is no substance in what he says. He is just showing his and his party's incompetence," he said.
Yesterday, during a rally at Mehsana in Gujarat, Rahul Gandhi said that in the I-T records there are notings of Sahara officials' claims that they had paid 9 times to Modi between October, 2013 and February, 2014.Gandhi said the documents in this regard were with IT department which had raided the company when Modi was Gujarat Chief Minister.
Similarly, as per documents with Income Tax department, the Birla group also paid Rs 12 crore to Modi when he was Chief Minister.
It is believed that the PM will respond to these allegations wen he addresses BJP workers in his parliamentary constituency Varanasi this afternoon.
Reacting to Gandhi's allegations, Union minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said in New Delhi that the charges are "baseless, false, shameful and mala fide" and an attempt to divert attention from the AgustaWestland probe as names of Congress leaders and the "family" are coming up.
Party spokesperson G V L Narasimha Rao said Gandhi was immature and was just indulging in bluff and bluster because people are not taking him seriously.
"People of India have stopped taking him seriously. Rahul Gandhi is just bluff and bluster. There is no substance in what he says. He is just showing his and his party's incompetence," he said.
10:31 Review: Dangal is the perfect finish to 2016
Dangal is one of those few films that discuss strategy and technique in a manner that's easy and entertaining to grasp. I am not familiar with the sport but by climax point, I could predict the winning move because of how well it was spelt out on earlier in the story. What evokes sheer awe though is the raw, rough, visceral choreography of the fights, quite a few memorable ones in this 161-minutes long film. The first ever between a young Geeta and a boy at local dangal and the final two at Commonwealth games, where she faces tough competition from Nigeria and Australia respectively. Aggression wears itself attractively in these scenes wearing a real-time quality even as our support for the Phogats amplifies. Sport is at its centre but the essence of Dangal lies in the simple highs and lows of the people Tiwari chronicles.
The definitive Dangal review. Sukanya Verma for Rediff.com. Read it here.
The definitive Dangal review. Sukanya Verma for Rediff.com. Read it here.
10:27
Rajdeep Sardesai @sardesairajdeep Buzz in Delhi: @PMOIndia to make big announcement on Jan 3 to soften demonetisation impact. Rs10,000 in Jan dhan accounts?
10:25 Making a mark
In Karnataka, the Gulbarga City Corporation using Aadhaar Enabled Biometric Attendance System for sanitation workers.
10:24 Kolkata businessman arrested for converting Rs. 25 crore old currency
The Enforcement Directorate on Thursday arrested businessman Parsamal Lodha for converting over Rs. 25 crore old currency into new.
The Enforcement Directorate earlier on December 1 raided multiple hawala operators across the country involved in illegal conversion of old currency notes of Rs. 500 and Rs. 1,000 to valid legal tender since demonetisation on November 8.
The ED raided multiple locations in Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Ahmedabad, Chennai among others based on intelligence gathered by the agency.
Two days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced scrapping of Rs. 500 and Rs 1,000 notes to curb corruption and black money, the Income Tax department raided several hawala dealers and jewellers across the country for cutting barter deals with people to convert invalid currency notes into valid legal tender.
The Enforcement Directorate earlier on December 1 raided multiple hawala operators across the country involved in illegal conversion of old currency notes of Rs. 500 and Rs. 1,000 to valid legal tender since demonetisation on November 8.
The ED raided multiple locations in Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Ahmedabad, Chennai among others based on intelligence gathered by the agency.
Two days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced scrapping of Rs. 500 and Rs 1,000 notes to curb corruption and black money, the Income Tax department raided several hawala dealers and jewellers across the country for cutting barter deals with people to convert invalid currency notes into valid legal tender.
10:15
Kolkata realtor Parsamal Lodha arrested for converting over 25 crores in banned currency into new notes
09:56 News at this hour
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to hold a meeting with party MPs and MLAs at the party headquarter at 2 pm today.
The StandingCommittee, Finance, to hear RBI Governor on the issue of demonetisation.
The StandingCommittee, Finance, to hear RBI Governor on the issue of demonetisation.
09:48 J-K: Army cordons off Bandipora's Hajin village, suspect presence of terrorists
The Army and police on Thursday cordoned off Hajin village of Bandipora, Jammu and Kashmir early this morning.
They suspect the presence of terrorists in the area.Two terrorists and an Army jawan were killed earlier on November 25 in the ongoing encounter between terrorists and security forces in Bandipora.
Since the surgical strike on terrorist launch pads in PoK on September 29, there have been a staggering 286 incidents of firing and shelling along the LoC and the International Border (IB) in Jammu and Kashmir by Pakistani troops, which have resulted in the death of 26 people, including 14 security personnel.
Representational image
They suspect the presence of terrorists in the area.Two terrorists and an Army jawan were killed earlier on November 25 in the ongoing encounter between terrorists and security forces in Bandipora.
Since the surgical strike on terrorist launch pads in PoK on September 29, there have been a staggering 286 incidents of firing and shelling along the LoC and the International Border (IB) in Jammu and Kashmir by Pakistani troops, which have resulted in the death of 26 people, including 14 security personnel.
Representational image
09:10
ANI reports: Enforcement Directorate officials conduct inspections in state cooperative banks in Kannur, Kozhikode and Thrissur; CBI in Kollam and Malappuram in Kerala.
Officials are examining documents pertaining to huge deposits after November 8 to 14th, fake accounts and hawala deposits.
More details are awaited.
09:04 No gallows in Telangana or AP to hang Yasin Bhatkal
Hindustan Times reports: The National Investigation Agency's special court in Hyderabad has awarded the death penalty to Indian Mujahideen co-founder Yasin Bhatkal and four other terrorists in connection with the 2013 twin blasts at the bustling Dilsukhnagar area in Hyderabad.
There is a problem, though. None of the prisons in Hyderabad, Telangana or for that matter neighbouring Andhra Pradesh have the facility to hang them. And, as there are no gallows, the department has not bothered to fill the vacancies for hangmen either.
One such facility was constructed at the Secunderabad Central Jail in Musheerabad during the British regime, but it was demolished along with the rest of the prison in 2003 to make space for the Gandhi Hospital.
Read more HERE
09:00 Venakaiah Naidu to release Government Calendar 2017
Information & Broadcasting Minister M Venkaiah Naidu will today release the Government of India Calendar 2017 on the theme Mera Desh Badal Raha Hai, Aage Badh Raha Hai.
Hope our readers did see our 2017 Narendra Modi calendar. No? SEE IT HERE
08:53
J&K: Gunshots heard after security forces cordoned of Haijin village of Bandipora
08:47 Trump meets military brass to discuss cutting F-35 costs
US President-elect Donald Trump has met with some of the US military's top brass to discuss ways of reducing costs, particularly for the F-35 stealth fighter programme.
The meeting at his Mar-a-Lago club in Florida came after Trump last week blasted the F-35's costs as "out of control" in a message on Twitter.
Several three- and four-star generals and admirals attended the meeting, including the F-35 program chief Lieutenant General Christopher Bogdan.
"Trying to bring costs down," Trump said when asked what the meeting was about.
"Primarily the F-35, trying to get the costs down. A program that is very, very expensive."
With a current development and acquisition price tag of USD 379 billion for a total of 2,443 F-35 aircraft -- most of them destined for the Air Force -- the Lockheed Martin-built plane is the most expensive in history, and costs are set to go higher still.
08:45 Nokia sues Apple for patent infringement
Nokia has announced it is suing Apple in German and US courts for patent infringement, claiming the US tech giant was using Nokia technology in "many" products without paying for it.
Finnish Nokia, once the world's top mobile phone maker, said the two companies had signed a licensing agreement in 2011, and since then "Apple has declined subsequent offers made by Nokia to license other of its patented inventions which are used by many of Apple's products."
"After several years of negotiations trying to reach agreement to cover Apple's use of these patents, we are now taking action to defend our rights," Ilkka Rahnasto, head of Nokia's patent business, said in a statement.
The complaints, filed in three German cities and a district court in Texas, concern 32 patents for innovations related to displays, user interface, software, antennae, chipsets and video coding. Nokia said it was preparing further legal action elsewhere.
08:43 Kargil villages finally get power after 70 years
DNA reports: It took more than 70 years for the people in the upper reaches of Kargil to see an electric bulb glowing.
Thanks to solar energy, Stakchey brok and Fooker Bodh Kharbu villages situated at the altitude of 14000 feet, have been electrified for the first time since independence.
Since the villages are located at a higher altitude, the authorities had not laid electric cables and poles in these remote areas. This resulted in the people living in abject darkness and using traditional and hazardous means of lighting.
Read more HERE
08:39 I-T dept's raid at TN Chief Secretary's residence ends
Income Tax raids at Tamil Nadu Chief Secretary P Ramamohana Rao's residence in Anna Nagar concluded on Thursday morning.
The department had on Wednesday searched 11 locations linked to the chief secretary, including his official chamber and residence, besides those of his son, and claimed to have seized Rs 30 lakh in new currency and five kilogram gold.
The searches were also conducted in Chitoor on premises of Rao's relatives in neighbouring Andhra Pradesh. IT officials claimed Vivek had admitted to having undisclosed income of Rs 5 crore.
The searches followed the recent seizure of Rs 135 crore cash and 177 kg of gold from sand mining baron Shekar Reddy and his associate Srinivasulu, the largest since the Modi government announced demonetisation of Rs 500 and Rs 1000 currency notes.
Read more HERE
08:34 What's making news at this hour
* Human trafficking racket busted in Chhattisgarh's Bastar yesterday, 70 rescued including 20 minor boys and 13 minor girls. 5 arrested.
* 33 trains delayed (arriving late in Delhi), three rescheduled due to fog/other operational reasons.
* Old currency notes of Rs 500 and Rs 1000 worth Rs 31 lakh seized from a person at New Delhi Railway station, income tax department informed
* Seventh meeting of the GST Council to be held today.
* Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address a public rally in Varanasi today.
* Manipur BJP delegation will meet Home Minister Rajnath Singh at 9:30 am at his residence on the UNC blockade issue.
00:10 Evacuation of Aleppo resumes, last hospital patients removed
Syrian rebels said they have reached an agreement with the government in Damascus on Wednesday to complete their withdrawal from Aleppo, once the country's largest city.
"An agreement has been reached to resume the evacuation of Aleppo," announced Ahmad Qara Ali, spokesman for the Ahrar al-Sham faction. He said the evacuations would begin "shortly."
The UN said Wednesday morning the evacuation had resumed.
"Buses are now moving again from east Aleppo. We hope that this continues so that people can be safely evacuated," the UN official in Syria said.
By Wednesday evening local time, the International Committee of the Red Cross said it had evacuated the last hospital patients from east Aleppo.
TOP STORIES
© 2024 Rediff.com - Investor Information - Advertise with us - Disclaimer - Privacy Policy - Feedback - About us - Terms of use - Grievances