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Wed, 17 February 2016
Modi asks ministers to complete projects within deadline
Timeline Refresh
23:10 Modi asks ministers to complete projects within deadline
Prime Minister Narendra Modi today advised his Council of Ministers to ensure projects were completed within the timeframe and due publicity given to the achievements of the government.
Addressing his Council of Ministers in New Delhi this evening, Modi said the deadlines, especially of social sector schemes, are "sacrosanct" and should not be missed at any cost. He said when government announces a scheme, it increases the expectations of the people.
"People maintain a watch on the end results. To live upto the expectations of the people, we should not miss deadlines," Modi is learnt to have told his ministerial colleagues.
When some ministers said schemes of the previous UPA government are still fresh in the minds of the people due to massive publicity, Modi said if ministers give concrete proposals, the government can also highlight its achievements through billboards.
The prime minister showed keen interest in the progress made in his pet project Swachh Bharat Abhiyan. He was informed about several PSUs having made massive contributions for the project which did not receive due publicity.
When a minister was highlighting the work done by his Ministry, Modi said when I do not know about your achievements, how would a common man know.
22:33 Kanhaiya moved to Tihar Jail; kept under high security
JNUSU president Kanhaiya Kumar was tonight taken to Tihar Jail and kept in a separate cell, following which authorities have sounded a high security alert inside the prison complex, and are keeping a round-the-clock watch for the safety of the student leader facing sedition charges.
"Kanhaiya who was brought to Tihar at around 8 pm has been lodged in a separate cell of ward number 4 of jail number 3. Two Tamil Nadu Special Police personnel have been deputed to keep a round-the-clock watch over him and ensure his safety," said a senior Tihar official.
"In view of the prevailing tension over sedition charges being faced by Kanhaiya, maximum vigil will be maintained and a high security alert has been sounded to ensure all the precautions and measures are taken to prevent any untoward incident," the official said.
"We are also taking steps to thwart any attempt to harm him from within or outside the jail," the official added.
22:27 3 ABVP members resign over govt's way of tackling the JNU row
Three office-bearers of JNU unit of ABVP today resigned from the student wing of the BJP strongly protesting against the Centre's handling of the raging row at the premier university and "legitimising" actions of right wing fascist forces.
Pradeep Narwal, Joint Secretary of JNU unit of ABVP, said he has quit the party. Rahul Yadav, President of ABVP unit of JNU's School of Social Sciences (SSS) and its Secretary Ankit Hans have also said they have quit.
In a joint statement, the three leaders said have decided to quit ABVP as they have serious differences over the way the NDA government was handling the issue, adding there is a difference between "interrogation and crushing ideology and branding entire Left as anti-national."
They also expressed deep anguish over assault on mediapersons and JNU students and teachers in Patiala House Court complex on Monday as well as attack on JNUSU President Kanhaiya Kumar in the same court complex today, alleging that the government was "legitimising" the action of right wing fascist forces.
22:26 Unprecedented security when Jaitley came, absent today: Lawyer
A senior advocate, who was one of the six commissioners appointed by the Supreme Court, today said unprecedented security arrangements were made at the Patiala House Court when Finance Minister Arun Jaitley had gone there in connection with a defamation case filed by him against AAP leaders, which was absent when JNU leader Kanhaiya Kumar was brought there today.
Senior counsel Dushayant Dave, who was critical of the security provided to JNUSU President Kanhaiya Kumar, submitted before a bench of Justices J Chelameswar and A M Sapre that such was not the situation when Jaitley had come for recording of his statement.
"There was unprecedented security when Jaitley had come," he said.
The Apex court bench, however, preferred to refrain from making any remark on his this submission.
22:18 JNU sedition case: Raids on in various states to nab accused
Delhi Police has conducted a numbers of raids in Maharashtra, Jammu and Kashmir, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar in search for 10 persons in connection with the case of alleged sedition for which JNU Students' Union president Kanhaiya Kumar was arrested.
"Teams have raided several places in Maharashtra, Jammu and Kashmir, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar in the past two days. They are looking for 10 specific persons, of whom some are JNU students and the others are believed to be outsiders," a police source said today.
Earlier today, Delhi Police Commissioner B S Bassi said "people in huge numbers participated in it (the event), and we have already identified the ring leader. Now we are looking for all those who have been identified. Very soon, we will get hold of them."
The names of the ten persons, excluding Kumar, had emerged on the day the police had registered a case of sedition and criminal conspiracy in connection with an event held in JNU campus, the source said.
21:33 RAF Typhoons scrambled to intercept 2 Russian bombers
BBC reports: RAF Typhoons have been scrambled to intercept two Russian bombers heading towards UK airspace, the UK defence ministry has said.
The incident is currently ongoing, a spokeswoman said.
The UK's airspace extends 12 miles from the UK coastline.
21:26 Attacks on media highly improper, condemnable: Jaitley
Amid mounting criticism over attacks on scribes at a court complex here, Union Minister Arun Jaitley today termed the incidents as "highly improper and condemnable" and asserted that the media has unhindered right to report.
"Media has an unhindered right to report; Attack on media persons is highly improper and condemnable," the Information & Broadcasting Minister said in a tweet.
Media persons covering JNU sedition case were attacked by men dressed in lawyers' robes on Monday and the violence was repeated today at the Patiala House court complex. The attack took place when JNU student leader Kanhaiya Kumar was being produced in the court.
Earlier in the day, Telecom Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said that "alternative voice" in the university should also be heard.
"JNU is a very premier institution of India, widely respected also. It has produced outstanding civil servants, great academicians and also well known public figures. Its faculty and students also excel well.
"We all think there is also a very eloquent, powerful and constructive alternative voice in the JNU. The country is equally eager to hear that voice," Prasad said.
21:02 'Rs 251 smartphone' upsets mobile industry
Expressing concern over the launch of a smartphone at price as low as Rs 251, mobile industry body ICA has written to Telecom Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad to get into depth of the issue, saying the rate could not be below Rs 3,500 even after a subsidised sale.
The Indian Cellular Association also said that it is not appropriate for the senior political and government leadership to be present at the launch till the air around this is cleared and it is not shrouded under controversies.
Noida-based Ringing Bells is launching India's most affordable smartphone, priced at Rs 251, a move that is set to disrupt the booming Indian mobile handset market.
The 3G handset, Freedom 251, features a 4-inch display, Qualcomm 1.3-GHz quad-core processor and 1 GB RAM, according to details shared by the company.
Defence Minister Manohar Parrikkar launched the smartphone Freedom 251 this evening.
"For your kind information, the bill of material (BOM) value for a product like this when sourced from the cheapest supply chain cost approximately USD 40 (Rs 2,700).
"And this, when translated into retail price after addition of applicable duties, taxes and with distribution and retail margins would be at least Rs 4,100 while the product is being sold at Rs 251," ICA National President Pankaj Mohindroo said in the letter.
20:57 Apple to fight order to help FBI unlock shooter's iPhone
Apple Inc CEO Tim Cook says his company will fight a federal magistrate's order to help the FBI hack into an encrypted iPhone belonging to one of the San Bernardino, California shooters.
The company said that could potentially undermine encryption for millions of other users.
Cook's response, posted early today on the company's website, set the stage for a legal fight between the federal government and Silicon Valley with broad implications for digital privacy and national security.
US Magistrate Judge Sheri Pym had ordered Apple to help the FBI break into an iPhone belonging to Syed Farook, one of the shooters in the December 2 attack that killed 14 people. Farook and his wife, Tashfeen Malik, died in a gun battle with police.
The ruling by Pym, a former federal prosecutor, requires Apple to supply software the FBI can load onto Farook's county-owned work iPhone to bypass a self-destruct feature that erases the phone's data after too many unsuccessful attempts to unlock it.
The FBI wants to be able to try different combinations in rapid sequence until it finds the right one.
20:52
Russia sues Ukraine in London over unpaid $3 billion debt: AFP
20:47 UP court admits petition seeking sedition trial against Rahul
An Allahabad court has admitted a petition seeking trial of Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi on charges of sedition for his opposition to the police action against students of the Jawaharlal Nehru who had taken part in a demonstration where "anti-national" slogans were allegedly raised.
Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate Sushil Kumar ordered that the petition of advocate Sushil Kumar Mishra be admitted for recording of statements under Section 200 of the Criminal Procedure Code on March 1.
In his petition, Mishra has contended that Gandhi, by virtue of support he had extended to the jailed JNU students, was "guilty of treason" and liable to be tried under Section 124A of the Indian Penal Code.
Incidentally, Mishra had been in news last year for filing a petition seeking trial of US President Barack Obama for allegedly defaming India by making statements about rising religious intolerance in the country.
The petition was dismissed by a judicial magistrate who had noted that the American President enjoyed "diplomatic immunity".
20:34 Alok Verma to be next police commissioner of Delhi
Alok Verma, a 1979 batch IPS officer of the Union Territories cadre will be next commissioner of police in Delhi.
Sources said his name was cleared for the post in the evening. BS Bassi, the present commissioner is hanging in his boots on February 29.
Verma at present is director general of prisons in Delhi.
He was the senior-most officer in contention for the top post in Delhi police. Besides him, the other name in contention was of 1984 batch IPS officer Dharmendra Kumar.
Verma will take charge on March 1.
20:31
Media has an unhindered right to report; attack on media persons is highly improper and condemnable: Arun Jaitley
19:55 Court attack: Delhi police 'openly flouting' SC orders: Kejriwal
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal today alleged that Delhi Police is "openly flouting" Supreme Court orders and wondered what instructions Commissioner BS Bassi has from his "bosses" after an attack on JNUSU leader Kanhaiya Kumar and mediapersons at Patiala Court premises.
The chief minister also said he has sought time from the President to discuss the law and order situation in the national capital. The Commissioner is acting "brazenly", Kejriwal alleged while seeking to know what was the "source of his (Bassi's) confidence".
"Delhi police openly flouting SC orders. Bassi acting so brazenly. What is source of his confidence? What instructions does he have from his bosses?," Kejriwal tweeted. In another tweet, he said, "Delhi law and order situation fast deteriorating. Have sought time from Hon'ble President to discuss the situation."
The chief minister also said he has sought time from the President to discuss the law and order situation in the national capital. The Commissioner is acting "brazenly", Kejriwal alleged while seeking to know what was the "source of his (Bassi's) confidence".
"Delhi police openly flouting SC orders. Bassi acting so brazenly. What is source of his confidence? What instructions does he have from his bosses?," Kejriwal tweeted. In another tweet, he said, "Delhi law and order situation fast deteriorating. Have sought time from Hon'ble President to discuss the situation."
18:59 Unprecedented atmosphere of fear at Delhi court, panel of lawyers tell SC
The panel of six senior lawyers appointed by the Supreme Court to look into whether JNUSU president Kanhaiya Kumar is safe in custody said today that they witnessed "an unprecedented atmosphere of fear and terrorising" at the Delhi court. Kanhaiya Kumar was brought today from police custody to the Patiala House court.
Violence erupted at the court - just as it had on Monday - before Kumar's arrival. Lawyers chanting nationalist slogans barged into the compound and threw stones at reporters outside, in defiance of this morning's Supreme Court order banning protests and asking for highly controlled access to the court complex.
As pictures of the rioting lawyers were televised, the Supreme Court rushed senior lawyers including Kapil Sibal and Prashant Bhushan to investigate the violence which by then included Kumar being punched on his way into court.
The lawyers reported to the Supreme Court that there was "a crowd of a proportion we haven't seen," that the police had failed to control the situation, and that Kumar, who is 28, told them he was "terrorised."
Violence erupted at the court - just as it had on Monday - before Kumar's arrival. Lawyers chanting nationalist slogans barged into the compound and threw stones at reporters outside, in defiance of this morning's Supreme Court order banning protests and asking for highly controlled access to the court complex.
As pictures of the rioting lawyers were televised, the Supreme Court rushed senior lawyers including Kapil Sibal and Prashant Bhushan to investigate the violence which by then included Kumar being punched on his way into court.
The lawyers reported to the Supreme Court that there was "a crowd of a proportion we haven't seen," that the police had failed to control the situation, and that Kumar, who is 28, told them he was "terrorised."
18:14 Do not support anti-national slogans raised at JNU, Kanhaiya tells court
JNUSU leader Kanhaiya Kumar appeals for peace in court. Excerpts of what he told the court today.
-- I was attacked by a person sitting right in front of me in court. The police saved me. The man left the courtroom without being stopped by the police.
-- Send me to jail if there is evidence against me. If not there should be no media trial against me.
-- I am an Indian. I have full faith in the Constitution as well as the judiciary of the country.
-- I appeal to my country and the society not to disturb the peace.
-- I do not support any unconstitutional activities. I condemn the unfortunate incident that happened on February 9th.
-- I do not support anti-national slogans raised in the JNU campus. I believe in the unity and integrity of India.
Pic: Kanhaiya Kumar's appeal for calm tweeted by Delhi police chief BS Bassi.
-- I was attacked by a person sitting right in front of me in court. The police saved me. The man left the courtroom without being stopped by the police.
-- Send me to jail if there is evidence against me. If not there should be no media trial against me.
-- I am an Indian. I have full faith in the Constitution as well as the judiciary of the country.
-- I appeal to my country and the society not to disturb the peace.
-- I do not support any unconstitutional activities. I condemn the unfortunate incident that happened on February 9th.
-- I do not support anti-national slogans raised in the JNU campus. I believe in the unity and integrity of India.
Pic: Kanhaiya Kumar's appeal for calm tweeted by Delhi police chief BS Bassi.
17:20
Former Resident Editor of the Times of India Darryl D'Monte addressing the journalists at the Mumbai press club after the solidarity march protesting against colleagues who were beaten up in Delhi while covering the Kanhaiya Kumar story.
17:15 SC asks Delhi police chief to 'personally guarantee' Kanhaiya's safety
Delhi Police Chief BS Bassi asked by the Supreme Court to personally guarantee safety of JNU student Kanhaiya Kumar, who was attacked by lawyers today while being brought to the Patiala House court for a hearing on the sedition case filed against him. .
17:02
@apurva_hv Doctors reportedly tell judge that Kanhaiya Kumar has suffered minor injuries. Police seen assuring visibly shaken doctor of his safety.
16:49
NDTV reports that JNUSU president Kanhaiya Kumar has been seriously injured. He was hit on his way to court despite a police cordon. Reports suggest that he may internal injuries.
16:48
Lawyers' panel tells SC there is serious threat to safety and security of accused who was beaten outside and was even pushed by unknown persons.
16:45 Kanhaiya jostled, not beaten up: Delhi police chief
Delhi police commissioner refutes reports that JNUSU president Kanhaiya Kumar was roughed up while being escorted inside the court premises.
Bassi says that Kumar was escorted by the requisite number of policemen, he was taken care of by the police.
"We had to wade through the crowd, there was lot of jostling. Police officers were also heckled in court. I don't think you can call that situation has gone out of hand, I don't think he (Kanhaiya Kumar) was beaten up," Bassi said. "My information is that there was jostling when he was brought to court, he was escorted by police officers and was taken care of."
He added that lawyer Vikram Singh Chauhan, who led the protests in the Patiala House court premises has also been summoned by the police. Summons have also been issued to two other lawyers. "I will be sending a report to the home ministry," he said.
A medical team now arrives in Patiala House. A doctor and two paramedics too see Kanhaiya Kumar before he is taken to Tihar jail. Bassi said the police will not oppose Kanhaiya's bail.
Bassi says that Kumar was escorted by the requisite number of policemen, he was taken care of by the police.
"We had to wade through the crowd, there was lot of jostling. Police officers were also heckled in court. I don't think you can call that situation has gone out of hand, I don't think he (Kanhaiya Kumar) was beaten up," Bassi said. "My information is that there was jostling when he was brought to court, he was escorted by police officers and was taken care of."
He added that lawyer Vikram Singh Chauhan, who led the protests in the Patiala House court premises has also been summoned by the police. Summons have also been issued to two other lawyers. "I will be sending a report to the home ministry," he said.
A medical team now arrives in Patiala House. A doctor and two paramedics too see Kanhaiya Kumar before he is taken to Tihar jail. Bassi said the police will not oppose Kanhaiya's bail.
16:17 Delhi police 'incapable' of providing security to Kanhaiya Kumar
The panel of six lawyers appointed by the Supreme Court to report on the happenings at the Patiala House Court today tell the court that the Delhi Police was incapable of providing adequate security to Kanhaiya Kumar.
16:10 JNUSU leader Kanhaiya Kumar sent to jail till March 2
JNUSU president Kanhaiya Kumar sent to judicial custody till March 2. the jail superintendent has also been directed to take necessary steps to prevent any harm to the accused. Kumar will be taken to Tihar jail immediately. The student leader told the court today that he was attacked by a mob inside the court premises.
In open defiance of the Supreme Court order, the group of lawyers which assaulted journalists on Monday, again attacked mediapersons and Kumar when he was being produced at the Patiala House Court.
In open defiance of the Supreme Court order, the group of lawyers which assaulted journalists on Monday, again attacked mediapersons and Kumar when he was being produced at the Patiala House Court.
15:57 Sedition case: Suspects 'still in JNU', police debate entering campus again
After a week of search operations for more people allegedly involved in the Jawaharlal Nehru University sedition case yielded no results, Delhi Police now believe the suspects are still on campus, reports the Indian Express. Police are now debating whether they should enter the JNU campus again to conduct fresh searches.
Police have already arrested JNU students' union (JNUSU) president Kanhaiya Kumar and are trying to identify others who were present at the alleged "anti-national' demonstration in JNU on February 9.
A team of Delhi Police's anti-terror unit, the Special Cell, is helping police track the students who are suspected to be hiding inside the JNU campus, said sources.Investigators are going through video footage of the demonstration, obtained from TV channels and other media sources.
A 30-minute video, which the police received from Zee News, has been sent to the Central Forensic Science Laboratory for forensic tests, said sources.Meanwhile, police have started questioning former Delhi University professor SAR Geelani, who was arrested in connection with a sperate case of sedition Tuesday. Officials from intelligence agencies as well as the Special Cell will question Geelani, said sources.
Police have already arrested JNU students' union (JNUSU) president Kanhaiya Kumar and are trying to identify others who were present at the alleged "anti-national' demonstration in JNU on February 9.
A team of Delhi Police's anti-terror unit, the Special Cell, is helping police track the students who are suspected to be hiding inside the JNU campus, said sources.Investigators are going through video footage of the demonstration, obtained from TV channels and other media sources.
A 30-minute video, which the police received from Zee News, has been sent to the Central Forensic Science Laboratory for forensic tests, said sources.Meanwhile, police have started questioning former Delhi University professor SAR Geelani, who was arrested in connection with a sperate case of sedition Tuesday. Officials from intelligence agencies as well as the Special Cell will question Geelani, said sources.
15:34
Writer Chetan Bhagat gives us his perspective. This was tweeted on Feb 15. "Modi hate can blind you to the point that you can even tacitly support anti-India protestors."
15:32 Lawyers shout slogans against SC's panel of lawyers
Just in: SC's panel of six lawyers reach the Patiala House and enters the court room. Group of lawyers protests against the panel and shout slogans against Kapil Sibal. The panel comprises senior lawyers Kapil Sibal, Rajeev Dhavan, Dushyant Dave, A D N Rao, Ajit Sinha and Hiren Rawat.
15:28 SC asks Delhi police to adjourn Kanhaiya's hearing
Kanhaiya Kumar hearing: The Supreme Court orally asks Delhi Police counsel Ajit Sinha to communicate to the magistrate to adjourn the hearing, and evacuate those present in the court room.
The NHRC has also issued a notice to Home Secy, Chief Secy (Delhi), Delhi CP and Registrar (Jawahar Lal Nehru University) over police action in JNU.
The NHRC has also issued a notice to Home Secy, Chief Secy (Delhi), Delhi CP and Registrar (Jawahar Lal Nehru University) over police action in JNU.
15:24
A six-member team of lawyers rushed to the Patiala House court comprises Kapil Sibal, Rajeev Dhavan, Dushyant Dave, A D N Rao, Ajit Sinha and Hiren Rawat.
15:22
Justice J Chelameswar personally speaks to Delhi CP BS Bassi regarding security at the Patiala House Court.
15:20 Kanhaiya NOT attacked, claims Delhi police
Even as eyewitnesses say JNUSU president Kanhaiya Kumar was attacked as he arrived at the Patiala House Court, the Delhi police say Kanhaiya was not attacked. Only an attempt was made and he was taken into the court promptly.
15:18
Slogans like 'Media ko phaasi do' gets louder in the Patiala House court.
15:16
The Supreme Court has been informed by senior advocate Indira Jaising that Kanhaiya Kumar has been attacked in the court premises.
15:12 The FIR against Kanhaiya Kumar
The Indian Express has accessed the First Information Report filed by the Delhi Police in the sedition case against JNUSU president Kanhaiya Kumar.
Kanhaiya was arrested by the police last week in connection with an event at the university in which anti-national slogans and those in favour of terrorist Afzal Guru were allegedly raised.
The controversy has led to huge students protests both at the university as well as in several cities across the country.Following the event, Home Minister Rajnath Singh had said that any kind of sloganeering against the country would not be tolerated.
Click on the picture to enlarge the image.
Kanhaiya was arrested by the police last week in connection with an event at the university in which anti-national slogans and those in favour of terrorist Afzal Guru were allegedly raised.
The controversy has led to huge students protests both at the university as well as in several cities across the country.Following the event, Home Minister Rajnath Singh had said that any kind of sloganeering against the country would not be tolerated.
Click on the picture to enlarge the image.
15:09
SC rushes a team of lawyers with police protection to assess the ground situation at Patiala House court.
15:06 Lawyers rough up JNUSU leader Kanhaiya Kumar as he appears in court
ABP News reports that JNUSU leader Kanhaiya Kumar, who has just reached the Patiala House Court, is beaten up by lawyers.
Ahead of his appearance, in an open defiance of the Supreme Court order, a group of men barged into the Patiala House court complex and assaulted a journalist and student ahead of the hearing in the sedition case involving JNU students' union president Kanhaiya Kumar.
The group, which was seen raising slogans "Vande Mataram' and waving the India flag in the court premises, was led by Vikram Chauhan, one of the lawyers who had attacked the JNU students and faculty on February 15.
A journalist present at the court said the clashes erupted in the court complex and the police presence did not deter the 'lawyers' from shouting slogans and assaulting others.
The Supreme Court had, earlier in the day, restricted the number of people inside the courtroom, allowing only five reporters and two supporters of the arrested students to attend the hearing.
The apex court had acted on a petition that alleged that the police were a "mute spectator to the brazen display of brute force' on February 15.
Ahead of his appearance, in an open defiance of the Supreme Court order, a group of men barged into the Patiala House court complex and assaulted a journalist and student ahead of the hearing in the sedition case involving JNU students' union president Kanhaiya Kumar.
The group, which was seen raising slogans "Vande Mataram' and waving the India flag in the court premises, was led by Vikram Chauhan, one of the lawyers who had attacked the JNU students and faculty on February 15.
A journalist present at the court said the clashes erupted in the court complex and the police presence did not deter the 'lawyers' from shouting slogans and assaulting others.
The Supreme Court had, earlier in the day, restricted the number of people inside the courtroom, allowing only five reporters and two supporters of the arrested students to attend the hearing.
The apex court had acted on a petition that alleged that the police were a "mute spectator to the brazen display of brute force' on February 15.
14:56
@rameshsrivats tweets:
Patiala House Court -
Some lawyers are there to fight for the just.
And some lawyers are there just for the fight.
Patiala House Court -
Some lawyers are there to fight for the just.
And some lawyers are there just for the fight.
14:54 Delhi top cop may get promotion despite JNU mess
Even as the Delhi Police is facing questions on the handling
of the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) case, its chief BS Bassi is
likely to get a promotion.
According to reports, the Delhi Police commissioner is likely to become the next Information Commissioner. The selection panel is slated to choose the information commissioner on February 19.
14:53
#JNU row case: JNUSU leader Kanhaiya Kumar reaches the Patiala House Court.
14:51 Tim Cook says it's too dangerous to create a backdoor to iPhone
Apple Inc, creator of the madly popular iPhone, has been ordered to break into the iPhone of one of the killers in the San Bernardino, California shootings of December last.
On Tuesday, a federal judge in the United States ordered Apple to provide "reasonable technical assistance" to the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Specifically, the court wanted a feature disabled whereby the phone automatically erases all its data after a pre-determined number of failed attempts to unlock it.
In December 2015 Tashfeen Malik and her husband Syed Rizwan Farook shot dead 14 people before being killed in a gun battle with the cops. An iPhone was found in their vehicle later, which the cops have been trying to unlock.
Reacting to the court's order, Apple CEO Tim Cook posted a letter to his customers: 'We have great respect for the professionals at the FBI, and we believe their intentions are good. Up to this point, we have done everything that is both within our power and within the law to help them. But now the US government has asked us for something we simply do not have, and something we consider too dangerous to create. They have asked us to build a backdoor to the iPhone'.
More of the letter can be read here.
14:45 The man with Rajnath Singh attacked protestors at the Delhi court yesterday
Former Attorney General Soli Sorabjee reacts to the clashes between lawyers inside the Patiala House court. "They are goons not lawyers, never been so pained to see such people in legal community," he said.
The fresh incident of violence at the court complex brought to the notice of the SC, which has sought the presence of the Delhi Police today.
Vikram Singh Chauhan, the lawyer seen on camera attacking people on Monday, today climbed the gate of the court where Kanhaiya Kumar's case was being heard. Despite his role in Monday's violence, he has not been arrested.
While media houses have clearly identified some of the people responsible for the attack on teachers, students and journalists at Patiala House Court on February 15, the police officially is still only "trying to identify some of the men involved".
Chauhan has admitted to organising the protest against "anti-nationals". Though he claims not to belong to any political party, Chauhan has been photographed with several BJP leaders in the past, including union home minister Rajnath Singh. Chauhan is leading the protest at Patiala House Court again on Wednesday afternoon.
Photo credit: Vikram Singh Chauhan's FB page
The fresh incident of violence at the court complex brought to the notice of the SC, which has sought the presence of the Delhi Police today.
Vikram Singh Chauhan, the lawyer seen on camera attacking people on Monday, today climbed the gate of the court where Kanhaiya Kumar's case was being heard. Despite his role in Monday's violence, he has not been arrested.
While media houses have clearly identified some of the people responsible for the attack on teachers, students and journalists at Patiala House Court on February 15, the police officially is still only "trying to identify some of the men involved".
Chauhan has admitted to organising the protest against "anti-nationals". Though he claims not to belong to any political party, Chauhan has been photographed with several BJP leaders in the past, including union home minister Rajnath Singh. Chauhan is leading the protest at Patiala House Court again on Wednesday afternoon.
Photo credit: Vikram Singh Chauhan's FB page
14:29
This is pure fascism: Lawyer Prashant Bhushan to NDTV on scuffle between lawyers ahead of JNU hearing in Delhi court.
14:25
People who said "Pakistan Zindabad" have been made heroes and we are being called "gundas", says lawyer Vikram Chauhan, who is in the lead of the protests at the Patiala House court.
14:22 Lawyers openly defy SC orders
Huge media presence outside the Patiala House court. Inside, lawyers shouting slogans and threatening journalists. To prevent violence around the highly-volatile case, the Supreme Court had ordered restrictions this morning for the hearing of Kanhaiya Kumar. Judges had said only five reporters would be allowed into the lower court hearing the case, along with two supporters for the arrested student.
14:14 Lawyers clash during JNUSU prez hearing, journalist beaten again
The sedition hearing against JNUSU leader Kanhaiya Kumar being heard at the Patiala House court has been postponed to February 22.
This afternoon, despite the Supreme Court order restricting the number of people in the court during the proceedings, lawyers clashed against each other and beat up a journalist from First Post.
Reports said that lawyers barged inside the premises and started shouting slogans and waving the national flag. The slogan-shouting inside court was led by Vikram Chauhan, one of the lawyers who attacked JNU students and faculty on Monday. Cries of "Bharat mata mein rehna hoga, Vande Mataram bolna hoga" and "Gaddaron ko Phansi do" rent the air.
Chauhan, the lawyer seen on camera attacking people on Monday, today climbed the gate of the court where Kumar is due. Despite his role in Monday's violence, he has not been arrested.
Journalist Tarique Anwar (pictured), who is from First Post was assaulted today. He said the lawyers gathered at the court today were shouting competing slogans in favour of and against Kumar.
Water cannons and a fresh batch of police officers have arrived now at the Delhi court.
This afternoon, despite the Supreme Court order restricting the number of people in the court during the proceedings, lawyers clashed against each other and beat up a journalist from First Post.
Reports said that lawyers barged inside the premises and started shouting slogans and waving the national flag. The slogan-shouting inside court was led by Vikram Chauhan, one of the lawyers who attacked JNU students and faculty on Monday. Cries of "Bharat mata mein rehna hoga, Vande Mataram bolna hoga" and "Gaddaron ko Phansi do" rent the air.
Chauhan, the lawyer seen on camera attacking people on Monday, today climbed the gate of the court where Kumar is due. Despite his role in Monday's violence, he has not been arrested.
Journalist Tarique Anwar (pictured), who is from First Post was assaulted today. He said the lawyers gathered at the court today were shouting competing slogans in favour of and against Kumar.
Water cannons and a fresh batch of police officers have arrived now at the Delhi court.
13:38 JNU Row: Adequate evidence against Kanhaiya, says Bassi
Faced with mounting criticism for slapping sedition charges on JNUSU leader Kanhaiya Kumar, Delhi Police Commissioner BS Bassi today asserted there was "adequate evidence' against him.
"We have adequate evidence against him,' Bassi told reporters while emerging from the PMO.Bassi was asked about reports citing inputs from security agencies that Kumar may not have raised anti-national slogans or made an inflammatory speech at the JNU event which is at the centre of a raging controversy.He said he had come to the PMO to invite some officials for the 'At Home' programme being hosted by him in the evening.
The Police Commissioner said there was no question of giving clean chit to the JNUSU president. "Not at all,' he said when asked whether there was no clean chit to Kumar, who was arrested last week on sedition charges.
Police claimed he had raised anti-India slogans at an event to discuss the "judicial killing of Afzal Guru and Maqbool Bhat' in the university.Senior Supreme Court lawyer Prashant Bhushan, on the other hand, alleged that Kumar has been "falsely implicated' and that he is ready to represent him in court.Kumar also had support from BJP MP Shatrughan Sinha, who has often taken a position at variance with the party's stand. "Hope wish and pray that he's released soon, sooner the better...,' the actor-turned-politician said, adding that Kumar has said nothing anti-national, contradicting his party's stand on the issue.
"We have adequate evidence against him,' Bassi told reporters while emerging from the PMO.Bassi was asked about reports citing inputs from security agencies that Kumar may not have raised anti-national slogans or made an inflammatory speech at the JNU event which is at the centre of a raging controversy.He said he had come to the PMO to invite some officials for the 'At Home' programme being hosted by him in the evening.
The Police Commissioner said there was no question of giving clean chit to the JNUSU president. "Not at all,' he said when asked whether there was no clean chit to Kumar, who was arrested last week on sedition charges.
Police claimed he had raised anti-India slogans at an event to discuss the "judicial killing of Afzal Guru and Maqbool Bhat' in the university.Senior Supreme Court lawyer Prashant Bhushan, on the other hand, alleged that Kumar has been "falsely implicated' and that he is ready to represent him in court.Kumar also had support from BJP MP Shatrughan Sinha, who has often taken a position at variance with the party's stand. "Hope wish and pray that he's released soon, sooner the better...,' the actor-turned-politician said, adding that Kumar has said nothing anti-national, contradicting his party's stand on the issue.
13:19
JNU Controversy: Eight students named in University's interim report on anti-India sloganeering on campus, says vice chancellor.
13:17 SRK gets his degree after 28 years
It's been 28 years since Shah Rukh Khan graduated from Hansraj College in Delhi University and the 50-year-old actor recently returned to his alma mater to promote his upcoming film Fan. SRK, who studied Economics, had never collected his degree from the college and it was on his recent visit that he finally received his degree after all these years.
13:06
JUST IN: Union Cabinet recommends revocation of President's Rule in Arunachal Pradesh.
13:05 SC tells Delhi police chief to ensure Kanhaiya's security in court
The Supreme Court has ordered restricted entry into the court room at Patiala House in New Delhi where JNU students' union president Kanhaiya Kumar is to be produced today.
No other advocates other than that of the accused and the prosecution will be present during proceedings in the court room.
The court also permits either two members of the accused's family or one member of the JNU faculty and one student, and five journalists to be present in the court room.
The court has also directed the Delhi police commissioner to ensure full security to the accused when he is produced in the court, and has asked the registrar general of Delhi high court to be present in Patiala House court complex when the accused will be produced for the proceedings.
Only 20 people will be allowed inside the courtroom during the hearing.
No other advocates other than that of the accused and the prosecution will be present during proceedings in the court room.
The court also permits either two members of the accused's family or one member of the JNU faculty and one student, and five journalists to be present in the court room.
The court has also directed the Delhi police commissioner to ensure full security to the accused when he is produced in the court, and has asked the registrar general of Delhi high court to be present in Patiala House court complex when the accused will be produced for the proceedings.
Only 20 people will be allowed inside the courtroom during the hearing.
12:33 Police report at 2 pm on names of JNU students who shouted slogans
The Delhi Police is carrying out searches in Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Maharashtra and Jammu and Kashmir for students of the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), accused of shouting anti-India slogans at a controversial event. The police to submit its report in the Delhi High Court at 2 pm.
The police claim to have identified all the students who shouted slogans at an event on February 9 to mark the anniversary of the execution of terrorist Afzal Guru, who was hanged in 2013.
The JNU students' union president Kanhaiya Kumar was arrested last week on sedition charges for allegedly raising slogans at the event.
A similar incident at Bengal's prestigious Jadavpur University has now drawn the notice of the Centre. The home ministry has asked for a report from the state government on anti-India slogans raised at the university yesterday.
The government has so far not budged from its view that Kanhaiya Kumar chanted anti-India slogans and is guilty of sedition.
The police claim to have identified all the students who shouted slogans at an event on February 9 to mark the anniversary of the execution of terrorist Afzal Guru, who was hanged in 2013.
The JNU students' union president Kanhaiya Kumar was arrested last week on sedition charges for allegedly raising slogans at the event.
A similar incident at Bengal's prestigious Jadavpur University has now drawn the notice of the Centre. The home ministry has asked for a report from the state government on anti-India slogans raised at the university yesterday.
The government has so far not budged from its view that Kanhaiya Kumar chanted anti-India slogans and is guilty of sedition.
12:19 Govt denies IB report linking JNU protestors to JeM
The government has denied that the Intelligence Bureau (IB) had generated a report which said that Umar Khalid, one of the students who was shouting slogans at a pro-Afzal Guru event at JNU on February 9 was a supporter of Pakistan based terrorist outfit Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM).
Some television news channels carried a report that Khalid, who was among the most vocal supporters of Afzal Guru at the JNU event had been to Pakistan on several occasions and received help from the terrorist group to organise protests in Delhi.
"We have not issued any such alert. It is a figment of someone's imagination. You can always attribute anything to the IB, since we don't come out in the open to deny or confirm,' a top intelligence official told The Hindu.
A senior Home Ministry official also said that he was not privy to any such IB report. Officials also said that Delhi Police acted in an "overzealous' manner while handling the student issue at JNU and they could have been hasty in arresting JNUSU president Kanhaiya Kumar.
"The aspect that outsiders would have raised 'anti-India' slogans is also being looked into. We are not sure but we are closely watching the activities of Committee of Release of Political Prisoners, an organisation which called the meeting at the Press Club of India for which Kashmiri activist SAR Geelani was arrested," said the official.
Officials said that the case could have been investigated in a more professional more and should have gathered enough evidence before arresting Kanhaiya Kumar.
Some television news channels carried a report that Khalid, who was among the most vocal supporters of Afzal Guru at the JNU event had been to Pakistan on several occasions and received help from the terrorist group to organise protests in Delhi.
"We have not issued any such alert. It is a figment of someone's imagination. You can always attribute anything to the IB, since we don't come out in the open to deny or confirm,' a top intelligence official told The Hindu.
A senior Home Ministry official also said that he was not privy to any such IB report. Officials also said that Delhi Police acted in an "overzealous' manner while handling the student issue at JNU and they could have been hasty in arresting JNUSU president Kanhaiya Kumar.
"The aspect that outsiders would have raised 'anti-India' slogans is also being looked into. We are not sure but we are closely watching the activities of Committee of Release of Political Prisoners, an organisation which called the meeting at the Press Club of India for which Kashmiri activist SAR Geelani was arrested," said the official.
Officials said that the case could have been investigated in a more professional more and should have gathered enough evidence before arresting Kanhaiya Kumar.
12:13 Lawyer shouts Vande Mataram inside SC as JNU scuffle plea is heard
A day after lawyers attacked journalists and students while a Delhi BJP MLA assaulted a CPI member at the Patiala House Courts complex in the heart of the Capital, the Supreme Court is hearing the petition on the violence at the courts complex.
Inside the courtroom, the SC says only the lawyer concerned with the sedition case of JNUSU President Kanhaiya Kumar should be present for the hearing today.
Counsel for the Delhi Police has assured the Supreme Court that enough security arrangements have been made for today's hearing at the Patiala House court.
Meanwhile, a lawyer present in court, Rajeev Tadac, shouts 'Vande Mataram' inside SC courtroom. The bench hearing the case responds, "Is this what happens in a top court?"
Tadac seeks forgiveness, in response to which the court has agreed to pardon him. The
police take him into custody.
Yesterday, senior lawyer Indira Jaising mentioned the petition before Chief Justice T S Thakur who agreed to have it listed for hearing Wednesday.
The petition filed by N D Jaiprakash, an alumnus of JNU who was injured in the attack, also sought directives to ensure the safety of JNU students' union president Kanhaiya Kumar '" booked for sedition, Kanhaiya has to be produced in court at the end of his police custody.
The petition said the safety of journalists and lawyers too must be ensured and it must also be seen that nobody is denied access to justice. It sought a direction to the Ministry of Home Affairs and Delhi Police to take all preventive measures so that no violence takes place either inside the court room or within the court complex.
Inside the courtroom, the SC says only the lawyer concerned with the sedition case of JNUSU President Kanhaiya Kumar should be present for the hearing today.
Counsel for the Delhi Police has assured the Supreme Court that enough security arrangements have been made for today's hearing at the Patiala House court.
Meanwhile, a lawyer present in court, Rajeev Tadac, shouts 'Vande Mataram' inside SC courtroom. The bench hearing the case responds, "Is this what happens in a top court?"
Tadac seeks forgiveness, in response to which the court has agreed to pardon him. The
police take him into custody.
Yesterday, senior lawyer Indira Jaising mentioned the petition before Chief Justice T S Thakur who agreed to have it listed for hearing Wednesday.
The petition filed by N D Jaiprakash, an alumnus of JNU who was injured in the attack, also sought directives to ensure the safety of JNU students' union president Kanhaiya Kumar '" booked for sedition, Kanhaiya has to be produced in court at the end of his police custody.
The petition said the safety of journalists and lawyers too must be ensured and it must also be seen that nobody is denied access to justice. It sought a direction to the Ministry of Home Affairs and Delhi Police to take all preventive measures so that no violence takes place either inside the court room or within the court complex.
11:58 Fadnavis denies Aamir is brand ambassador for Drought-free Maharashtra
CM Devendra Fadnavis has denied reports that Aamir Khan will be brand ambassador for Jal Yukt Shivar, reports ABP News.
Earlier reports claimed that the Maharashtra government had got the Bollywood star on board to partner with it for one of its flagship schemes.
Earlier reports claimed that the Maharashtra government had got the Bollywood star on board to partner with it for one of its flagship schemes.
Officials said that the project will see Khan proactively work with the government for its Jal Yukt Shivar scheme, Fadnavis' pet project that aims at making state villages drought free in five years through water conservation programmes.
The Maharashtra CM is expected to make a joint announcement of the initiative at Sahyadri, the government guesthouse today.
Meanwhile, Twitter is flooded with anti-Aamir posts which mostly say that the person most suitable to be a brand ambassador for a drought-free Maharashtra is veteran actor Nana Patekar. The actor's efforts to help drought-hit farmers of Maharashtra has seen a collection of Rs 80 lakh in a day. Patekar set up the Naam Foundation last year.
Patekar along with actor Makrand Anaspure has distributed financial help to 113 families in Latur and Osmanabad last year.
Meanwhile, Twitter is flooded with anti-Aamir posts which mostly say that the person most suitable to be a brand ambassador for a drought-free Maharashtra is veteran actor Nana Patekar. The actor's efforts to help drought-hit farmers of Maharashtra has seen a collection of Rs 80 lakh in a day. Patekar set up the Naam Foundation last year.
Patekar along with actor Makrand Anaspure has distributed financial help to 113 families in Latur and Osmanabad last year.
11:33 Indian father goes missing from daughter's wedding
A 55-year-old Indian man, who was on a visit to the US to attend his daughter's marriage, went missing after the wedding reception.
Prasad Moparti, from Hyderabad, had been in the US since January and was scheduled to return to India on February 26.
He was attending his daughter Durga Moparti's wedding at Grand Island Mansion in Walnut Grove in Northern California on Saturday when he walked away about 4 pm and never returned, said Tony Turnbull, spokesman for the Sacramento County Sheriff's Department.
"I believe that he was just walking and he fell unconscious, and he just tripped or something like that, but I'm really not sure what happened, and this seems like a total mystery," Durga, 29, said.
Turnbull said authorities suspended their search for Moparti as there was no "suspicious circumstances or foul play leading to his disappearance".
He said Moparti was considered a voluntary missing person but considering his lack of familiarity with the area and history of depression, the department used "all resources available in attempts to locate him".
"Family members ... indicated Moparti suffered from depression, and that he showed indicators of his depression leading up to the wedding," the Sheriff's Department said in a statement.
That contradicts the picture painted earlier Tuesday by daughter Durga. She could not be reached after the search was suspended. "Our dad was really very happy. He was dancing. He was really joyful," she told reporters hours before the search was called off.
She said her father, an avid walker who manages apartments in Hyderabad, danced at the party on Friday and enjoyed the ceremony on Saturday.
She said as people were packing to leave the mansion on Saturday, Prasad Moparti told a family member that he was going for a short walk. When he didn't come back, she said the family searched for 10 miles before calling the police.
Prasad Moparti, from Hyderabad, had been in the US since January and was scheduled to return to India on February 26.
He was attending his daughter Durga Moparti's wedding at Grand Island Mansion in Walnut Grove in Northern California on Saturday when he walked away about 4 pm and never returned, said Tony Turnbull, spokesman for the Sacramento County Sheriff's Department.
"I believe that he was just walking and he fell unconscious, and he just tripped or something like that, but I'm really not sure what happened, and this seems like a total mystery," Durga, 29, said.
Turnbull said authorities suspended their search for Moparti as there was no "suspicious circumstances or foul play leading to his disappearance".
He said Moparti was considered a voluntary missing person but considering his lack of familiarity with the area and history of depression, the department used "all resources available in attempts to locate him".
"Family members ... indicated Moparti suffered from depression, and that he showed indicators of his depression leading up to the wedding," the Sheriff's Department said in a statement.
That contradicts the picture painted earlier Tuesday by daughter Durga. She could not be reached after the search was suspended. "Our dad was really very happy. He was dancing. He was really joyful," she told reporters hours before the search was called off.
She said her father, an avid walker who manages apartments in Hyderabad, danced at the party on Friday and enjoyed the ceremony on Saturday.
She said as people were packing to leave the mansion on Saturday, Prasad Moparti told a family member that he was going for a short walk. When he didn't come back, she said the family searched for 10 miles before calling the police.
11:23
BJP to embark on Swabhimaan Rallies across the country on 18th, 19th and 20th of this month. Traffic mayhem ahead.
11:20 Why Raju Rai lives 1980 km from home
A story of migration.
Raju Rai was 17 when his mother was diagnosed with cancer, forcing him to leave his village in Jharkhand's overwhelmingly rural Jamtara district in search of a livelihood. He's 22 now and earns Rs 10,000 a month, painting buildings in Bangalore, about 1,980 km to the southwest.
"As a gift, God gave us poverty,' said the lean, unsmiling young man, whose chief ambition is to save enough money, find his sister a "good man' and get her married with dhoom-dham (in style)."
Rai's story is common among many of the 307 million Indians who report themselves to be migrants by place of birth, according this 2001 census report (the 2011 data are not final). Read more
Raju Rai was 17 when his mother was diagnosed with cancer, forcing him to leave his village in Jharkhand's overwhelmingly rural Jamtara district in search of a livelihood. He's 22 now and earns Rs 10,000 a month, painting buildings in Bangalore, about 1,980 km to the southwest.
"As a gift, God gave us poverty,' said the lean, unsmiling young man, whose chief ambition is to save enough money, find his sister a "good man' and get her married with dhoom-dham (in style)."
Rai's story is common among many of the 307 million Indians who report themselves to be migrants by place of birth, according this 2001 census report (the 2011 data are not final). Read more
11:18
JNU controversy: Police raids in Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar to locate students accused of anti-India sloganeering.
11:16 Swaminathan Aiyar weighs in on what is anti-national, what is not
Writing in the Economic Times Swaminathan Anklaseria Aiyar points out: 'India's sedition law has been misused grossly for jailing a Tamil folk singer, sundry cartoonists, demonstrators against the Kudankulam power station, and even some people who simply 'liked' a Facebook post.'
'To me, these are all anti-national acts for which those in power should be held accountable. I reject the anti-national definition of the government,' writes Aiyar, here.
10:58 Mumbai journalists join Delhi's protests; to gather today at 3 pm
A day after journalist marched to the Supreme court protesting against the attacks on media persons in the Patiala House court premises on Monday amidst the JNU row, members of the Mumbai Press Club along with TV Journalist's Association and Bombay News Photographers Association will be holding a silent protest outside the Press Club premises at 3 pm today.
In a statement, the journalists' body said that it would also hold a public meeting to discuss what steps need to be taken to safeguard the independence of the third and fourth estate. A formal protest note will also be handed over to Maharashtra Governor CV Rao.
10:48 Mahindra to partner BAE systems in howitzer deal with India
BAE systems has selected Mahindra as its partner for the nearly USD 700 million M-777 lightweight howitzer gun deal with India.
"BAE Systems looks forward to working with Mahindra in the coming weeks to finalize details of this AIT facility and to negotiate the terms of its contractual arrangement", Joe Senftle, vice president & general manager, weapon systems, BAE Systems Inc, said in a statement.
"As a founding partner of defence manufacturing in India, BAE Systems is pleased to partner with Mahindra on our offer to develop an assembly, integration and test facility in India. The facility is a fundamental part of the M777 production line," the statement added.
India and America are in talks for the sale of 145 M777A2 LW155 howitzers for the Indian Army, India's first purchase of howitzers since the Bofors deal in the 1980s.
10:25 Noam Chomsky, Orhan Pamuk, others lend support to JNU students
Eminent academicians, scientists and writers from across the world, including Noam Chomsky and Orhan Pamuk, have recorded their condemnation of the arrest of a JNU student in a strongly-worded statement that says it is "evidence of the present government's deeply authoritarian nature, intolerant of any dissent".
A statement signed by 86 academicians from renowned universities also condemns "the culture of authoritarian menace that the present government in India has generated".
The statement says: "We have learnt of the shameful act of the Indian government which, invoking sedition laws formulated by India's colonial rulers, ordered the police to enter the Jawaharlal Nehru University campus and unlawfully arrest a student leader, Kanhaiya Kumar, on charges of inciting violence -- without any proof whatever of such wrongdoing on his part."
10:06 Pakistan's Nawaz Sharif accepts Kargil war was stab in back for Vajpayee
In what could be said to be a vindication of India's stand, Pakistan's Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif accepted that the occupation of Kargil by Pakistani troops in 1999 was a misadventure, as per a media report.
He also said that it was a stab in the back for then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. At the time of Kargil war India and Pakistan were involved in a peace process at Lahore.
"Vajpayee told me that he was stabbed in the back because of Pakistan's misadventure in Kargil, especially during the process of Lahore Declaration. Vajpayee was right. I would have said the same thing -- he was certainly backstabbed (in Kargil)," the Pakistan PM was quoted as saying by the report.
"But, who do I complain to about that now. We (India and Pakistan) pray to the same God," he added.
09:40 Kanhaiya has done nothing anti-national: Shatrughan Sinha
BJP lawmaker Shatrughan Sinha has fired another salvo at the BJP government by saying that JNUSU president Kanhaiya Kumar has done nothing anti-national or against constitution. "Have heard transcript of speech of Kanhaiya, our Bihar boy president of JNUSU. He has said nothing anti national or against constitution," the senior BJP leader tweeted.
In a series of tweets, Shatrughan even wished for the JNU students' union president's early release. "Hope, wish and pray that he's released soon, sooner the better...", he said.
"JNU is going through a crisis for reasons best known to politicians. It is an institution of international repute, enviable record & history," he added.
09:04 Four SIMI terrorists arrested from Rourkela
Four terrorists of the banned Students' Islamic Movement of India were arrested by the Police in Rourkela late last night after a three-hour-long gunbattle. It was a joint operation by the Odisha Police, Special Operations Group and the Intelligence Bureau. These terrorist were under the scanner of the National Investigating Agency.
09:02 'To be anti-Indian is not a criminal offence, and it's definitely not sedition'
Sedition is in the air. And a lot of hot air has been generated after the JNU incident.
When a person is dubbed 'anti-Indian', it is distasteful to India's citizenry, but then to be 'anti-Indian' is not a criminal offence, and it is definitely not 'sedition'. (It only means that you are a freak, and that it is high time to have your head examined!)
Read eminent lawyer and constitutional scholar Fali S Nariman's column HERE
08:49 Aamir likely to be ambassador for 'drought-free Maharashtra' scheme
Less than three months after actor Aamir Khan found himself in the midst of an 'intolerance debate' earning the ire of the right wing, the Maharashtra government has got the Bollywood star on board to partner with it for one of its flagship schemes.
Officials said that the project will see Khan proactively work with the government for its Jal Yukt Shivar scheme, Fadnavis' pet project that aims at making state villages drought free in five years through water conservation programmes.
The Maharashtra CM and the star are expected to make a joint announcement of the initiative at Sahyadri, the government guesthouse today.
08:19 Urgently stop this fire: Kejriwal's suggestions to Modi on JNU crisis
Amid the JNU stand-off Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying it was completely wrong to brand the varisty as a "centre of terrorists" and demanded the immediate release of "innocents" arrested in the case.
In his letter, Kejriwal said,"It is not correct to convert nationalism into a device for creating a fear psychosis by
using constitutional institutions to run them according to whims and fancies."
Kejriwal asked the PM to break his silence on the incident. "I request you with folded hands to urgently stop this fire from spreading any further. People are waiting with desperation for you to break your silence and intervene to bring the situation under control," he said.
In his letter, he said political interference in JNU and other academic institutions should be stopped immediately and left be to managed by the academicians.
02:16 Lord Hanuman has been summoned to a court in Bihar
ANI reports that a Sub-Divisional Magistrate's court in Rohtas district of Bihar has reportedly issued summons to Lord Hanuman to appear in the court.
Though, the news agency did not elaborate, it did put out this photograph on its Twitter feed.
Just last week, Lord Hanuman had found himself at the receiving end in Bihar when civic authorities in Begusarai district issued an encroachment notice against 'Bajrang Bali,' as Lord Hanuman is referred to, for a roadside temple constructed in his honour in the Lohia Nagar area.
While issuing the notice to 'Hanuman,' a circle official ordered the temple to be demolished as it created an obstruction for vehicular traffic.
Hours later, Bajrang Dal activists and their supporters blocked roads in protest and demanded that the notice be withdrawn at once.
A trouble-wary district administration promptly dumped the circular.
02:13 New Rajasthan textbooks drop western writers
The BJP government in Rajasthan has omitted poems by the likes of John Keats, Thomas Hardy, William Blake, T S Eliot and Edward Lear from the revised Class VIII English textbooks.
They have been replaced by mostly lesser-known authors whose works have a regional flavour.
So while Hardy's When I Set Out For Lyonnesse, Eliot's Macavity: The Mystery Cat and Blake's The School Boy have been dropped, works such as My first visit to the bank, The Brave Lady of Rajasthan, Chittor and Sangita the brave girl have been included in the first lot of revised textbooks that have arrived at state textbook depots in Ajmer, Udaipur, Dausa, Bharatpur and Jaipur.
Read more HERE
02:04 IS faces budget crunch, killing perks and slashing salaries
Faced with a cash shortage in its so-called caliphate, the Islamic State group has slashed salaries across the region, asked Raqqa residents to pay utility bills in black market American dollars, and is now releasing detainees for a price of $500 a person.
The extremists who once bragged about minting their own currency are having a hard time meeting expenses, thanks to coalition airstrikes and other measures that have eroded millions from their finances since last fall.
Having built up loyalty among militants with good salaries and honeymoon and baby bonuses, the group has stopped providing even the smaller perks: free energy drinks and Snickers bars.
Necessities are dwindling in its urban centers, leading to shortages and widespread inflation, according to exiles and those still suffering under its rule.
Interviews gathered over several weeks included three exiles with networks of family and acquaintances still in the group's stronghold in Raqqa, residents in Mosul, and analysts who say IS is turning to alternative funding streams, including in Libya.
02:04 France's Sarkozy formally probed over 2012 campaign funding
Former French president Nicolas Sarkozy was placed under formal investigation Tuesday over alleged illegal campaign funding in 2012, prosecutors said.
Sarkozy, who is manoeuvring for another run at the presidency in 2017, was questioned during the day over allegations of false accounting that allowed him to greatly exceed spending limits.
The head of conservative The Republicans party is being formally probed over "illegal election campaign funding by having, as a candidate, exceeded the legal limit for electoral expenses," said a statement by Paris prosecutors.
He was also designated as an "assisted witness" in connection with "accusations of using false documents, fraud and breach of trust," it added.
The case against Sarkozy has hinged on the activity of PR firm Bygmalion, which organised some of Sarkozy's appearances during his failed election campaign four years ago and is accused of using a vast system of false accounting.
Read more HERE
02:03 Ukraine PM Yatsenyuk survives no confidence vote
Ukraine's embattled Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk survived a no confidence vote in his government today that came just hours after the president asked him to stand down.
The motion to oust the pro-Western government leader collected only 194 of a required 226 votes in Ukraine's 450-seat parliament.
President Petro Poroshenko had earlier asked Yatsenyuk to resign because he had lost the public's trust in his ability to fight corruption and overcome Ukraine's deep economic malaise.
Recent opinion polls show 70 per cent of Ukrainians supporting Yatsenyuk's ouster and only one percent backing his People's Front parliamentary bloc.
But Yatsenyuk put up a stiff defence of his record, in a passionate address to lawmakers delivered shortly before the vote.
"We saved this country and I want you to respect that," Yatsenyuk said.
02:01 US, Cuba sign deal on commercial flights
The United States and Cuba signed an agreement today to resume commercial air traffic for the first time in five decades, starting the clock on dozens of new flights operating daily by next fall.
US Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx and Cuban Transportation Minister Adel Yzquierdo Rodriguez signed the deal in a ceremony at Havana's Hotel Nacional.
US airlines can now start bidding on routes for as many as 110 US-Cuba flights a day -- more than five times the current number. All flights operating between the two countries today are charters.
The agreement allows 20 regular daily US flights to Havana, in addition to the current 10-15 charter flights a day. The rest would be to other Cuban cities.
02:01 Top headlines at this hour:
'Was there a murder', asks Rijiju on police 'inaction' during court violence
JNU students staying on rent are being told to vacate: BJP MP
JNU arrest: Did 'over enthusiastic' Delhi Police officers goof up?
Now, pro-Afzal Guru slogans raised in Jadavpur University
JNU library website hacked, sends warning to 'anti-nationals'
Read Tuesday's Commentary HERE
JNU students staying on rent are being told to vacate: BJP MP
JNU arrest: Did 'over enthusiastic' Delhi Police officers goof up?
Now, pro-Afzal Guru slogans raised in Jadavpur University
JNU library website hacked, sends warning to 'anti-nationals'
Read Tuesday's Commentary HERE
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