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Wed, 20 July 2016
Melania's speechwriter apologises for 'using' Michelle Obama's words
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23:30 Melania's speechwriter apologises for 'using' Michelle Obama's words
An in-house Trump staff speechwriter today apologised for using First Lady Michelle Obamas quotes in a speech delivered by Melania Trump at the Republican National Convention and offered her resignation.
In working with Melania Trump on her recent First Lady speech, we discussed many people who inspired her and messages she wants to share with the American people, the staffer Meredith McIver, said in a statement issued by the Trump Campaign.
McIver said Melania had always liked Michelle Obama and over the phone, she read some passages from Michelles speech as examples of what she wanted to tell the convention.
I wrote them down and later included some of the phrasing in the draft that ultimately became the final speech. I did not check Mrs Obamas speeches. This was my mistake, and I feel terrible for the chaos I have caused. No harm was meant, she said.
I apologise for the confusion and hysteria my mistake has caused, Today. More than ever, I am honoured to work for such a great family, she said.
However, her resignation was rejected by Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump.
Yesterday, I offered my resignation to Trump and the Trump family, but they rejected it. Trump told me that people make innocent mistakes and that we learn and grow from these experiences, McIver said.
I personally admire the way Trump has handles this situation and I am grateful for his understanding, McIver said.
In working with Melania Trump on her recent First Lady speech, we discussed many people who inspired her and messages she wants to share with the American people, the staffer Meredith McIver, said in a statement issued by the Trump Campaign.
McIver said Melania had always liked Michelle Obama and over the phone, she read some passages from Michelles speech as examples of what she wanted to tell the convention.
I wrote them down and later included some of the phrasing in the draft that ultimately became the final speech. I did not check Mrs Obamas speeches. This was my mistake, and I feel terrible for the chaos I have caused. No harm was meant, she said.
I apologise for the confusion and hysteria my mistake has caused, Today. More than ever, I am honoured to work for such a great family, she said.
However, her resignation was rejected by Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump.
Yesterday, I offered my resignation to Trump and the Trump family, but they rejected it. Trump told me that people make innocent mistakes and that we learn and grow from these experiences, McIver said.
I personally admire the way Trump has handles this situation and I am grateful for his understanding, McIver said.
23:10 Rohtak gang rape: SIT formed, to submit report in 90 days
Haryana police today formed a Special Investigation Team to probe the alleged gangrape of a 21-year-old Dalit woman in Rohtak.
The SIT will submit its report within 90 days.
Additional Director General of Police (Law and Order) Mohammad Akil, who paid a visit to the victim in a Rohtak hospital today, ordered setting up of the SIT.
Stating this, state Health Minister Anil Vij told reporters on the sidelines of a state cabinet meeting in Chandigarh that the SIT will have two DSPs as members.
As part of the investigations, the DNA samples of the complainant and the accused will also be matched. I can assure you of a fair probe. Whosoever has done any wrong will have to face the law, he said, adding that the SIT has been asked to submit its report within 90 days. IMAGE: The accused in Rohtak gang rape case being taken to a court on Wednesday. Photograph: PTI Photo
The SIT will submit its report within 90 days.
Additional Director General of Police (Law and Order) Mohammad Akil, who paid a visit to the victim in a Rohtak hospital today, ordered setting up of the SIT.
Stating this, state Health Minister Anil Vij told reporters on the sidelines of a state cabinet meeting in Chandigarh that the SIT will have two DSPs as members.
As part of the investigations, the DNA samples of the complainant and the accused will also be matched. I can assure you of a fair probe. Whosoever has done any wrong will have to face the law, he said, adding that the SIT has been asked to submit its report within 90 days. IMAGE: The accused in Rohtak gang rape case being taken to a court on Wednesday. Photograph: PTI Photo
22:01 May meets Merkel: historic encounter dominated by Brexit
Theresa May is in Berlin for her first talks since becoming UK prime minister with German chancellor Angela Merkel.A guard of honour greeted Mrs May, who succeeded David Cameron a week ago.
Mrs May is expected to say the UK is in no rush to trigger the two year process of leaving the EU - and that continued strong trading links were vital.Ahead of her first foreign visit as PM Downing Street announced it was to relinquish its upcoming six-month presidency of the Council of the EU.
The two leaders will have a working dinner on Wednesday before Mrs May has talks with France's Francois Hollande on Thursday.
Read this story here
21:50 War over Bal Thackeray's will: HC orders in-camera deposition
The war over Bal Thackeray's will got murkier today with Jaidev Thackeray, son of the late Shiv Sena supremo Bal Thackeray, claiming in the Bombay high court that Aishwarya Thackeray, the son from his former wife Smita, was not his child.
Jaidev, Bal Thackeray's estranged son, is currently being cross-examined by the lawyer of his brother and the current Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray. Jaidev has challenged Bal Thackeray's will which does not give him any share in the property.
Aishwarya is part of the will and got a share of property. To a question about his movements between his flat and the Thackeray residence 'Matoshree' in suburban Bandra, Jaidev said post 2004, he stayed on the second floor of Matoshree whenever he visited it, since the first floor was occupied by "some unknown person".
Asked by advocate Rohit Kapadia, Uddhav's lawyer, who this person was, Jaidev replied, "The first floor was often locked up. And when it was not, some unknown person used to stay there. I did not know that person and when I asked my father, he said that somebody named Aishwarya was staying there." "Is Aishwarya your son?" advocate Kapadia asked.
"No, he is not. In fact, I have wanted to set the record on Aishwarya's paternity straight for a while now but have not got a chance," Jaidev said. At this point, Justice Gautam Patel restrained Jaidev from elaborating and the court adjourned for lunch break.
21:47 Dayashankar remarks: Stern action if FIR is filed, says SP
Condemning the derogatory remarks made against BSP Supremo Mayawati by BJP's Dayashankar Singh, ruling Samajwadi Party today said the government will take stern action against if an FIR is filed in this connection.
"The government has decided if a case is lodged under the SC/ST act against the culprit in connection with the remarks made against the BSP chief, stern action as per the law will be initiated," a ruling party spokesman said.
"Action will be taken against the culprit in a just and impartial manner," the spokesman said. He said Samajwadi Party has always held women in high esteem and will not tolerate comments which damage their dignity. He said the party condemns the utterances made by Singh in the strongest of words.
21:43 No objection to use of Kalam's name by political party: EC to HC
The Election Commission of India today informed the Madras High Court it has no objection to use of the name 'Abdul Kalam Vision India Party' by the late president's secretary and two others who had formed the party.
Ponraj, who was the Secretary to A P J Abdul Kalam, had formed the party with one S Kumar and R Thirusenduran on February 28 this year. ECI's counsel submitted an order of the poll panel in this regard to Justice M M Sundresh, before whom the petition filed by A P J Mohammed Muthu Meera Maraikayar, came up before it seeking to restrain them from using the name.
Earlier, Justice S Vimala had stayed use of the name. Later, Justice M V Muralidharan had passed an order modifying it, allowing office bearers to use the name in an individual capacity and not in the name of the political party as the registration and recognition was yet to be decided by ECI.
The EC's counsel today submitted it's July 19, 2016 order stating that national leaders cannot be said to be the exclusive right or property of any particular party or organisation and those who believe in the philosophy and ideology of such leaders cannot be prevented from propagating the same by using such leaders name. EC while referring to its November 23, 1992 order on a similar issue in the matter of the name All India Indira Congress, said it had allowed the name to be used by the
21:38 HC issues notice to Rajnikanth on 'Lingaa' distributor's plea
The Madras high court today issued notice to superstar Rajnikanth on a petition seeking to restrain release of his upcoming film 'Kabali' until the actor paid Rs 89 lakh, promised as compensation, to distributor of his previous outing 'Lingaa', which was released in 2014.
Justice M M Sundresh before whom the petition by Sukra Films, a film distribution firm came up, issued notice to Tamil Film Producers Council, Rajnikanth and other respondents and adjourned the matter for tomorrow. Petitioner R Mahaprabhu of Sukra films submitted that Rajni-starrer 'Lingaa' had bombed at the box office despite assurances given by its producer Rockline Venkatesh, the director and Rajnikanth.
He also claimed that the company had a financial loss of Rs 7.45 crore in Coimbatore distribution circle alone. He submitted that Rajnikanth and Venkatesh had agreed to compensate the overall loss of the distributors and theatres in Tamil Nadu and as part of the deal, Rs 2.59 crore was allotted to the Coimbatore region.
20:50 Peter had many women in his life, alleges CBI witness
A CBI witnesses has claimed that Peter Mukerjea, former media baron and an accused in Sheena Bora murder case, had "no morals" and had many women in his life
"Peter has no morals and is always fascinated towards young women around him. He was fond of late night parties and had several women in his life. This was the only reason I decided to break my marriage with him," said Peter's former wife whom CBI has presented as a 'secret witness'.
Special judge H S Mahajan, while passing order on Peter's application seeking the statement of this witness, had directed CBI to furnish him a copy while asking it to delete one of the paragraphs from it before it was given.
The CBI shared with the defence counsel the statement of the witness. The court named the secret witness in its order and directed the central agency to take care of her safety.
The witness also told the agency that after their divorce, Peter introduced Indrani, the prime accused in the Sheena case, as his girlfriend.
20:32 B'desh officials seek more samples from cafe attackers' bodies
Bangladeshi investigators have sought more samples from the bodies of the slain attackers to check whether the ISIS' 'super soldiers' carried out the country's worst terror attack at an upscale restaurant in Dhaka's diplomatic zone early this month, killing 22 people.
"Police's counter-terrorism unit has asked for samples of hair, 20 mililitres of blood among other things. So we will ';qextract them from the dead bodies," assistant professor of Forensic Medicine at Dhaka Medical College and Hospital Soheil Mahmud was quoted as saying by the bdnews24.com today.
The autopsy officials took samples of the attackers' blood, teeth and flesh from their thighs to check if they were under the influence of drugs the ISIS uses to create "super soldiers", said Mahmud.
"We had collected five mililitres of their blood. But the investigators want 20 mililitres and more samples. We will collect them at a suitable time," he said.
ISIS fighters use an amphetamine-based drug in the form of a pill, Captagon, for energy and agility at the battlefront, according to investigators and military analysts.
According to experts, Captagon users can go on without sleeping for days and without feeling hungry.
20:21 IAS officer arrested on corruption charge suspended in Bihar
M I Khan from Patna: Jitendra Gupta, a 2013 batch IAS officer who was arrested in a corruption case by Vigilance, was today suspended by the Bihar government.
A General Administration Department notice stated that Gupta has been suspended till next order.
Gupta, who was Sub Divisional Officer of Mohania in Rohtas district was held by the Vigilance department on July 12 for allegedly indulging in corruption.
A case was registered against Gupta in the vigilance police station under anti-corruption law.
Papers of some trucks seized in the sub-division were found in possession of the IAS officer on complaint lodged by a trucker.
Arrest of the officer had triggered protest from state IAS officers' association. The association had held a meeting here on last Sunday and decided to petition Governor Ramnath Kovind and Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on the issue.
20:12 NIA seeks assistance of six countries in IS case probe
The National Investigation Agency has sought assistance from six countries, including the US, UAE and Canada, in its ongoing investigation against various suspected ISIS operatives and their terror activities in the country.
The probe agency disclosed this in its charge sheet filed before District Judge Amar Nath against 16 suspected ISIS operatives, arrested from across the country allegedly on the charges of recruiting and financing people to join the terror group. The agency claimed that these accused were trying to "advance the cause of ISIS and establish Caliphate in India.
It also alleged that they were seeking assistance from Maoist groups and had also planned to use forests of Telangana as hideout.
"Investigation confirmed that the accused persons were using different mobile numbers and they had contacted and interacted with their associates on web-based social media networks for purpose of recruitment, preparation of IEDs, identifying places for training and hideout and finally committing terror strikes at various public places and vital installations in India...
19:29 Schools in four district in valley to reopen tomorrow
Jammu and Kashmir government today decided to reopen schools in four of the 10 districts of the violence-hit valley from tomorrow.
"In partial modification to the orders in regard to summer vacation, it has been decided that the schools in the districts of Baramulla, Bandipora, Budgam and Ganderbal as well as winter Zone of Jammu Division will reopen on July 21, 2016," an order issued by Commissioner-Secretary Education Department Shaleen Kabra reads.
The schools, which were closed for 17-day summer vacation from July 1, were scheduled to reopen on July 18. However, the state government had extended the vacations by one week till July 25 in view of the ongoing turmoil in the valley.
The government order did not make any mention about reopening of schools in the remaining six districts including Srinagar.
19:23 The Amar Singh solution: Kashmiri Pandits will be rehabilitated in UP
Hitting out at the PDP-BJP coalition government in Jammu and Kashmir for its "failure" on a range of issues, Samajwadi Party leader Amar Singh today said Kashmiri Pandits will be rehabilitated in Uttar Pradesh.
"On the Kashmir issue, the PDP and BJP government has failed. The Centre did not have any concrete policy for Kashmir. Whatever schemes are meant for it are mired in corruption,' he told reporters.
On the much contested issue of return of Kashmiri Pandits to the Valley, Singh said, "Kashmiri Pandits will be rehabilitated in Uttar Prdaesh."
The SP leader also attacked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for undertaking "no development' in his constituency Varanasi."In the name of development, there are broken roads and garbage scattered everywhere and as far as development of Assi Ghat is concerned, not even 'assi' (80) stones were installed there. This is PM's development," he said.
Singh said all the development projects announced by the Samjwadi government will be completed before the 2017 state Assembly elections and the people could see the results.
Singh was in Mirzapur along with Jaya Prada and Dimple Kapadia to pay obeisance at Vindhyachal temple.
"On the Kashmir issue, the PDP and BJP government has failed. The Centre did not have any concrete policy for Kashmir. Whatever schemes are meant for it are mired in corruption,' he told reporters.
On the much contested issue of return of Kashmiri Pandits to the Valley, Singh said, "Kashmiri Pandits will be rehabilitated in Uttar Prdaesh."
The SP leader also attacked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for undertaking "no development' in his constituency Varanasi."In the name of development, there are broken roads and garbage scattered everywhere and as far as development of Assi Ghat is concerned, not even 'assi' (80) stones were installed there. This is PM's development," he said.
Singh said all the development projects announced by the Samjwadi government will be completed before the 2017 state Assembly elections and the people could see the results.
Singh was in Mirzapur along with Jaya Prada and Dimple Kapadia to pay obeisance at Vindhyachal temple.
18:54 Five minors who burnt three puppies alive sent for counselling
In yet another horrific attack on dogs, five minor boys have been sent for counseling by police after they burnt three puppies alive in Hyderabad today.
The boys also video recorded the incident for posterity. The video shows the boys putting the puppies who were tied up together on a pile of dry leaves and hay.
Initially, the puppies are silent accept for a few barks, but then as their fur catches fire, they yelp desperately and try to crawl out of the fire. But the boys use sticks and push them back and watch them burn alive.
The video was uploaded on Facebook and animal lovers lodged a complaint at the Mushreerabad Police Station where the incident occurred.
This comes just weeks after two final year MBBS students threw a dog from the terrace of a three-storey building. The incident was first reported after students uploaded the video footage on social media and it went viral.
The boys also video recorded the incident for posterity. The video shows the boys putting the puppies who were tied up together on a pile of dry leaves and hay.
Initially, the puppies are silent accept for a few barks, but then as their fur catches fire, they yelp desperately and try to crawl out of the fire. But the boys use sticks and push them back and watch them burn alive.
The video was uploaded on Facebook and animal lovers lodged a complaint at the Mushreerabad Police Station where the incident occurred.
This comes just weeks after two final year MBBS students threw a dog from the terrace of a three-storey building. The incident was first reported after students uploaded the video footage on social media and it went viral.
18:12 Pakistan to pass law against honour killings, promises Sharif's daughter
Pakistan's ruling party plans to pass long-delayed legislation against "honour killings" within weeks in the wake of the high-profile murder of an outspoken social media star, the daughter of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said on Wednesday.
The bill will go before a parliamentary committee as early as Thursday, said Maryam Nawaz Sharif, who is an increasingly influential member of her father's ruling party.
The government has faced mounting pressure to pass the law against murders carried out by people professing to be acting in defence of the honour of their family.
The law would remove a loophole that allows other family members to pardon a killer.
The brother of social media star Qandeel Baloch, often described as Pakistan's Kim Kardashian, has been arrested in connection with her strangling death and told a news conference he was incensed by her often risqu posts on social media.
Some 500 women are killed each year in Pakistan at the hands of family members over perceived damage to "honour" that can involve eloping, fraternising with men or any other infraction against conservative values that govern women's modesty.
Maryam Nawaz Sharif said the government wanted to pass the law unanimously and had been negotiating with religious parties in parliament.
"We have finalised the draft law in the light of negotiations," she told Reuters in an interview. "The final draft will be presented to a committee of joint session of parliament on July 21 for consideration and approval."
Maryam said once the parliamentary committee approved the bill, it would be presented for a vote in a "couple of weeks" before a joint session of parliament.
A spokesman for Jamaat-e-Islami, one of the two major religious parties in parliament, said his party would not oppose the bill.
Pakistan's other main religious political party, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam, could not be reached for comment but it has only a small number of seats in parliament. -- Reuters
The bill will go before a parliamentary committee as early as Thursday, said Maryam Nawaz Sharif, who is an increasingly influential member of her father's ruling party.
The government has faced mounting pressure to pass the law against murders carried out by people professing to be acting in defence of the honour of their family.
The law would remove a loophole that allows other family members to pardon a killer.
The brother of social media star Qandeel Baloch, often described as Pakistan's Kim Kardashian, has been arrested in connection with her strangling death and told a news conference he was incensed by her often risqu posts on social media.
Some 500 women are killed each year in Pakistan at the hands of family members over perceived damage to "honour" that can involve eloping, fraternising with men or any other infraction against conservative values that govern women's modesty.
Maryam Nawaz Sharif said the government wanted to pass the law unanimously and had been negotiating with religious parties in parliament.
"We have finalised the draft law in the light of negotiations," she told Reuters in an interview. "The final draft will be presented to a committee of joint session of parliament on July 21 for consideration and approval."
Maryam said once the parliamentary committee approved the bill, it would be presented for a vote in a "couple of weeks" before a joint session of parliament.
A spokesman for Jamaat-e-Islami, one of the two major religious parties in parliament, said his party would not oppose the bill.
Pakistan's other main religious political party, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam, could not be reached for comment but it has only a small number of seats in parliament. -- Reuters
17:47 Turkey erupts in celebrations after failed coup
Turkey President Recep Tayyip
Erdogan's ecstatic supporters celebrate at Taksim Square. The defeat of the coup was seen as the strongman's greatest
victories after he stared down a military coup. Our Deep Throat in Istanbul sent us this video of celebrations last night. Take a look.
17:23
Rajya Sabha unanimously condemns remarks against BSP Chief Mayawati by BJP leader.
16:46 BJP leader sacked from party post for derogatory slur against Mayawati
Just in: Dayashankar Singh, who compared Mayawati to a prostitute, has been removed as UP BJP's vice-president.
The senior BJP leader stoked a major row by making derogatory remarks against BSP Chief Mayawati that drew severe condemnation from parties while an embarrassed BJP expressed regret but furore over the issue forced adjournment of Rajya Sabha for the day.
"Mayawati is breaking the dream of Kanshi Ram into pieces. Mayawati is selling tickets like...," BJP Vice President Dayashankar Singh told reporters in Mau. "Mayawati gives tickets for Rs one crore and if there is someone who can give Rs 2 crore than she sells it for Rs 2 crore within an hour. If someone is ready to give Rs 3 crore by the evening, she gives the ticket to him," Singh alleged.
"She is even worse than a prostitute. The BSP workers, who are in BSP since Kanshi Ram's days are deserting the party," said Singh, who was in Mau for the first time after becoming party vice president to meet party workers this morning.
Singh's remarks drew severe flak from members in the Rajya Sabha, including women MPs, with Deputy Chairperson P J Kurien saying that the House wants the Government to ensure that stringent action is taken against the BJP leader, as per law, for his "unforgivable" comments.
Image: A screen grab of BJP leader Dayashankar Singh.
The senior BJP leader stoked a major row by making derogatory remarks against BSP Chief Mayawati that drew severe condemnation from parties while an embarrassed BJP expressed regret but furore over the issue forced adjournment of Rajya Sabha for the day.
"Mayawati is breaking the dream of Kanshi Ram into pieces. Mayawati is selling tickets like...," BJP Vice President Dayashankar Singh told reporters in Mau. "Mayawati gives tickets for Rs one crore and if there is someone who can give Rs 2 crore than she sells it for Rs 2 crore within an hour. If someone is ready to give Rs 3 crore by the evening, she gives the ticket to him," Singh alleged.
"She is even worse than a prostitute. The BSP workers, who are in BSP since Kanshi Ram's days are deserting the party," said Singh, who was in Mau for the first time after becoming party vice president to meet party workers this morning.
Singh's remarks drew severe flak from members in the Rajya Sabha, including women MPs, with Deputy Chairperson P J Kurien saying that the House wants the Government to ensure that stringent action is taken against the BJP leader, as per law, for his "unforgivable" comments.
Image: A screen grab of BJP leader Dayashankar Singh.
16:35 How Erdogan may exploit Turkeys failed coup
Turkeys July 15 coup attempt shocked the international community.
However, the coups failure does not mean that Turkish politics will
soon return to normal. After such failed attempts to remove them from
power, populist leaders such as President Recep Tayyip Erdogan typically
respond with heightened repression and a paranoid style of politics
that bodes ill for a return to normal democratic life. Even worse, all
indications suggest that post-coup Turkey will be at the more intense
end of the spectrum of backlash. Read more
16:05
Congress MP Renuka Chowdhary reaction to Rahul Gandhi caught 'sleeping' in Lok Sabha: "Garmi se hum andar aate hain aur AC mein aankh band karte hain".
16:02
Sensex advances 128.27 points to end at 27,915.89; Nifty gains 37.30 points at 8,565.85.
15:43 BJP leader apologises for calling Maya prostitute
An apology is extracted out of the BJP leader who compared BSP leader Mayawati to a prostitute. Daya Shankar Singh issues a statement saying, "I apologise for using prostitute word for Mayawati. I respect her a lot, my intention was not to hurt her."
15:39 Jaitley apologises to Mayawati, says he is personally hurt at comment
BJP senior leader and leader of the house in the Rajya Sabha apologised on behalf of his party colleague for the shocking statement on BSP chief Mayawati.
BJP's UP Vice president Dayashankar Singh on Wednesday compared Mayawati to a 'prostitute' saying, "Even a prostitute, when she enters into a contract with a man, sticks to the contract. But former UP CM Mayawati does not follow any binding when selling tickets. If she has sold it for Rs 1 crore and she gets another contender who is ready to pay Rs 2 crore, she would give it away to him," Singh said.
He also claimed that the reign of Mayawati has ended and that she is leaving no stone unturned to shatter the dream of BSP founder Kanshi Ram.
Condemning the statement, Jaitley said party leaders should refrain from saying such words. "I am personally hurt that a BJP party person used such derogatory words against Mayawati. I should tell Mayawati-ji that the BJP shares her grief over this issue. I will look into this matter. We stand with her," he said.
UP BJP chief Keshav Maurya also apologised for the comment. "I think this is wrong and I apologise. Such words shouldn't be used," Maurya said.
BJP's UP Vice president Dayashankar Singh on Wednesday compared Mayawati to a 'prostitute' saying, "Even a prostitute, when she enters into a contract with a man, sticks to the contract. But former UP CM Mayawati does not follow any binding when selling tickets. If she has sold it for Rs 1 crore and she gets another contender who is ready to pay Rs 2 crore, she would give it away to him," Singh said.
He also claimed that the reign of Mayawati has ended and that she is leaving no stone unturned to shatter the dream of BSP founder Kanshi Ram.
Condemning the statement, Jaitley said party leaders should refrain from saying such words. "I am personally hurt that a BJP party person used such derogatory words against Mayawati. I should tell Mayawati-ji that the BJP shares her grief over this issue. I will look into this matter. We stand with her," he said.
UP BJP chief Keshav Maurya also apologised for the comment. "I think this is wrong and I apologise. Such words shouldn't be used," Maurya said.
15:14 Maya rages after Rahul is caught napping in Parliament during Dalit debate
Embarrassment for the Congress as party vice-president Rahul Gandhi is caught sleeping in Parliament as the debate on Dalit attacks in Gujarat is heard today. An irate BSP chief Mayawati said the very fact that Rahul was sleeping shows just how serious the Congress is when it comes to these issues.
Images of Rahul sleeping in the Lok Sabha were beamed across TV channels just when the Leader of the Congress in the Lower House Mallikarjun Kharge was making his statement after Home Minister Rajnath Singh's speech in the house.
The Congress today targeted RSS and BJP in Lok Sabha over attacks on some dalit men in Gujarat for skinning a dead cow, saying the Hindutva organisation was working for "dalit-mukt Bharat" which was "sponsored" by BJP to polarise communities ahead of next year's assembly polls there.
The opposition party demanded constitution of a joint parliamentary committee to go into the incident but Home Minister Rajnath Singh strongly refuted its charges and cited figures to claim that cases of atrocities against dalits have declined in the state since 2001 when Narendra Modi took over as chief minister, and commended the state government for its "swift and effective" action.
This is the third time Rahul has been photographed sleeping in the House.
Read this.
Image: A screen grab of Rahul Gandhi taking a nap in the Lok Sabha this morning
Images of Rahul sleeping in the Lok Sabha were beamed across TV channels just when the Leader of the Congress in the Lower House Mallikarjun Kharge was making his statement after Home Minister Rajnath Singh's speech in the house.
The Congress today targeted RSS and BJP in Lok Sabha over attacks on some dalit men in Gujarat for skinning a dead cow, saying the Hindutva organisation was working for "dalit-mukt Bharat" which was "sponsored" by BJP to polarise communities ahead of next year's assembly polls there.
The opposition party demanded constitution of a joint parliamentary committee to go into the incident but Home Minister Rajnath Singh strongly refuted its charges and cited figures to claim that cases of atrocities against dalits have declined in the state since 2001 when Narendra Modi took over as chief minister, and commended the state government for its "swift and effective" action.
This is the third time Rahul has been photographed sleeping in the House.
Read this.
Image: A screen grab of Rahul Gandhi taking a nap in the Lok Sabha this morning
14:48 Don't politicise Una incident, asks Gujarat CM
The bandh call given by Dalit organisations to protest the brutal thrashing of the community youths in Una town got a mixed response today with incidents of stone-pelting and road blockade reported at some places, even as Chief Minister Anandiben Patel met family members of the victims and the victims themselves. She also appealed on Twitter to give a "political color to this incident, instead show compassion and humanity in this time of distress." She said she "met and spoke to victims in Rajkot. Thankfully they are all recovering fast & better now."
Image: Gujarat CM meets the victims of the Una attack
Image: Gujarat CM meets the victims of the Una attack
14:48 JNU tag brings jeers for yoga gold medallist
Let alone the respect an international gold medal earns, the JNU tag has ensured that yoga practitioner Tejasvi Sharma will not even get the courtesy a differently abled person deserves. Read more
14:41
BJP UP party chief Keshav Maurya reacts to shocking statement on Mayawati: "I don't know what he (Dayashankar) has said. If anything objectionable is found, party will deliberate on it."
14:38 BJP's UP leader calls Mayawati 'worse than a prostitute'
Political discourse plunged to a new low in the country today when a BJP leader compared BSP chief Mayawati to a prostitute. The BSP leader responded that it was simply a sign of frustration at her party's rising strength in the state.
Daya Shankar Singh, who is the vice president of the BJP in Uttar Pradesh, said: "Mayawati is selling tickets...She is such a big leader, a three-time chief minister...but she gives ticket (to contest) to anyone who gives her Rs. 1 crore. If someone comes with 2 crores, she gives him a ticket. If somebody gives her 3 crores, she cancels the tickets of the previous candidates and chooses him. Today her character is worse than that of a prostitute." Elections in UP will be held next year.
BJP spokesperson Shaina NC condemned the statement saying it was unacceptable and there has to be dignity in discourse and the party did not approve of the language.
Daya Shankar Singh, who is the vice president of the BJP in Uttar Pradesh, said: "Mayawati is selling tickets...She is such a big leader, a three-time chief minister...but she gives ticket (to contest) to anyone who gives her Rs. 1 crore. If someone comes with 2 crores, she gives him a ticket. If somebody gives her 3 crores, she cancels the tickets of the previous candidates and chooses him. Today her character is worse than that of a prostitute." Elections in UP will be held next year.
BJP spokesperson Shaina NC condemned the statement saying it was unacceptable and there has to be dignity in discourse and the party did not approve of the language.
14:11 Bansal gets bail to cremate wife, daughter
Delhi court grants interim bail to DG Corporate affairs BK Bansal who was in CBI custody after he was arrested in a bribery case. Bansal has been granted bail to perform the last rites of his wife and daughter.
The wife and daughter of Director General Corporate Affairs B K Bansal, who was arrested by the Central Bureau of Investigation two days ago for alleged bribery, committed suicide on Tuesday at their apartment, police said.
The wife and daughter of Director General Corporate Affairs B K Bansal, who was arrested by the Central Bureau of Investigation two days ago for alleged bribery, committed suicide on Tuesday at their apartment, police said.
Bansals wife Satyabala, 58, and daughter Neha, 28, allegedly hung themselves from ceiling fans in two separate rooms at their residence in Nilkanth Apartments in east Delhis Madhu Vihar, leaving separate suicide notes, saying the CBI raid had caused great humiliation and they did not want to live after that. They, however, held nobody responsible for their death.
Two separate suicide notes were recovered. They said that the CBI raid caused them (the family) great humiliation in the society and they did not want to live any more. Nobody is responsible for our death, Deputy Commissioner of Police (East) Rishipal Singh said.
Bansal, an additional secretary-rank officer in the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, was arrested by the CBI on July 16 for allegedly accepting bribe from a prominent pharmaceutical company.
The CBI had carried out searches at eight locations in connection with the case during which the agency had claimed to have made cash recoveries.
CBI spokesperson Devpreet Singh said, We are deeply shocked and saddened by the incident. It may be mentioned here that both the deceased were neither accused nor questioned or summoned in the ongoing investigation. The matter is being looked into by the local police.
Tuesdays incident came to light after the Bansals domestic help arrived around noon but no one opened the door for a long time. She managed to force open the door and found the bodies hanging from stoles, a police official said.
Bansals son was not present at home at the time of the incident.
Neighbours told police that they had not seen him at least for the past
four days.
14:05 Una incident: Guj CM visits victims; Rahul, Kejriwal to follow suit
The bandh call given by Dalit organisations to protest the brutal thrashing of the community youths in Una town got a mixed response today with incidents of stone-pelting and road blockade reported at some places, even as Chief Minister Anandiben Patel met family members of the victims.
The Congress, meanwhile, announced that party vice president Rahul Gandhi will visit Una tomorrow. AAP national convener and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal is also likely to visit the place on Friday. Some parts of Saurashtra and north Gujarat regions observed total bandh where sporadic incidents of stone-pelting and road blockade were witnessed. The bandh has been largely peaceful so far, police said, adding that it had no affect in other parts of the state.
The Dalit community members continued their protest across the state against the brutal assault on some community members on July 11 for allegedly skinning a cow at Una in Gir-Somnath district. Police has been deployed as standby in many areas of the state.
File picture.
The Congress, meanwhile, announced that party vice president Rahul Gandhi will visit Una tomorrow. AAP national convener and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal is also likely to visit the place on Friday. Some parts of Saurashtra and north Gujarat regions observed total bandh where sporadic incidents of stone-pelting and road blockade were witnessed. The bandh has been largely peaceful so far, police said, adding that it had no affect in other parts of the state.
The Dalit community members continued their protest across the state against the brutal assault on some community members on July 11 for allegedly skinning a cow at Una in Gir-Somnath district. Police has been deployed as standby in many areas of the state.
File picture.
13:27 'Pretty Woman' director Garry Marshall dies at 81
Veteran filmmaker Garry Marshall, the man behind some of the best Hollywood romantic comedies like "Pretty Woman", "Runaway Bride" and "Valentine's Day", has died at the age of 81. According to his representative, Marshall died from complications of pneumonia following a stroke at a hospital in Burbank, California, yesterday, reported E! Online. His sister, actress and director Penny Marshall, also confirmed the news.
When Rediff.com celebrated Pretty Woman's 20th anniversary. Take a look
When Rediff.com celebrated Pretty Woman's 20th anniversary. Take a look
13:20 Making all efforts to locate Father Tom, says Sushma after FB post
Foreign minister Sushma Swaraj reacts to reports that Father Tom Uzhunnalil may not be safe in Yemen. She tweeted saying, "We are making continuous efforts to locate Father Tom. Want to assure you that we are making same efforts for Father Tom as we did in case of Father Alexis who was brought back from Afghanistan. We're in touch with countries that can assist us in locating him, not only at my level but PM himself held discussions during his visits."
Months after he was feared abducted by ISIS in Yemen, a picture of Father Tom Uzhunnalil, a Catholic priest from Kerala has been posted on Facebook.
Though the priest had gone missing in March this year, the government had insisted that he was safe.
While it is unclear who posted the photo on Facebook, the status claims that an 'Entreaty' or plea would be uploaded soon.
Tom Uzhunnalil had gone missing in Yemen after the Islamic State militant group attacked a care home run by Mother Teresa's Missionaries of Charity.
Gunmen had stormed the refuge for the elderly earlier in April and killed a Yemeni guard before tying up and shooting 15 other employees.
Four foreign nuns, including an Indian, working as nurses were among those killed.
Father Tom was captured from the southern Yemeni city of Aden.
Image: That's the picture of Father Tom looking weary on his Facebook page
Months after he was feared abducted by ISIS in Yemen, a picture of Father Tom Uzhunnalil, a Catholic priest from Kerala has been posted on Facebook.
Though the priest had gone missing in March this year, the government had insisted that he was safe.
While it is unclear who posted the photo on Facebook, the status claims that an 'Entreaty' or plea would be uploaded soon.
Tom Uzhunnalil had gone missing in Yemen after the Islamic State militant group attacked a care home run by Mother Teresa's Missionaries of Charity.
Gunmen had stormed the refuge for the elderly earlier in April and killed a Yemeni guard before tying up and shooting 15 other employees.
Four foreign nuns, including an Indian, working as nurses were among those killed.
Father Tom was captured from the southern Yemeni city of Aden.
Image: That's the picture of Father Tom looking weary on his Facebook page
13:00 Rajnath condemns Dalit attacks, but praises Gujarat govt
Home Minister Rajnath Singh making a statement in the Lok Sabha on the attack on six Dalit youths in Una, Gujarat.
"The government strongly condemns the attack on Dalits in Gujarat. Nine accused have been arrested -- 7 remanded to judicial custody, 2 sent to police custody.
"PM Modi is upset about the attack on Dalits in Gujarat. We strongly condemn the Una incident. The PM has taken cognizance of the issue.
"Four police officials have been suspended for negligence of duty," the home minister says.
Opposition uproar in Lok Sabha after Rajnath Singh praises efforts of Gujarat govt in handling the situation post the Una incident.
After the Speaker calms the Opposition, the home minister continues, "To ensure speedy trial of the matter, the state govt is working towards forming a special court for hearing. Atrocities against Dalits are a social evil. We must take it up as a challenge. Urge all parties to come together to fight this," he said.
"The government strongly condemns the attack on Dalits in Gujarat. Nine accused have been arrested -- 7 remanded to judicial custody, 2 sent to police custody.
"PM Modi is upset about the attack on Dalits in Gujarat. We strongly condemn the Una incident. The PM has taken cognizance of the issue.
"Four police officials have been suspended for negligence of duty," the home minister says.
Opposition uproar in Lok Sabha after Rajnath Singh praises efforts of Gujarat govt in handling the situation post the Una incident.
After the Speaker calms the Opposition, the home minister continues, "To ensure speedy trial of the matter, the state govt is working towards forming a special court for hearing. Atrocities against Dalits are a social evil. We must take it up as a challenge. Urge all parties to come together to fight this," he said.
12:48 No newspapers for 6th day in J-K, owners demand assurance from govt
Meanwhile, in Kashmir local newspapers in curfew-bound Kashmir Valley failed to hit the stands for the sixth consecutive day today, even as the state government said there were no restrictions on their printing and publishing.
No local newspaper '" whether English, Urdu or Kashmiri -- was available in the Valley as the newspaper owners decided not to publish them after the alleged clampdown by the government on Friday night and demanded that the government must "own the ban" and issue a statement guaranteeing that media operations will not be hampered in any way.
The newspaper owners claimed that police raided their printing facilities and seized newspapers, plates and even detained the printing staff last week. Following the police action, a meeting of Kashmir-based newspaper editors, printers and publishers, was held on Saturday at Press Colony in which the issue was discussed.
The journalists also held a protest against the government action, terming it as an attack on the freedom of press and stopped their publications. However, yesterday, the government said there said there were no restrictions on printing and publishing of newspapers.
"The District Magistrates of Srinagar and Budgam have clarified that there are no restrictions on printing and publishing of newspapers in the districts," an official spokesman said here yesterday. A statement issued by the owners and editors of Srinagar-based newspapers yesterday said since the government has "not changed its press emergency", the editors and the owners of the newspapers regret that it may not be possible to resume the publication of newspapers.
No local newspaper '" whether English, Urdu or Kashmiri -- was available in the Valley as the newspaper owners decided not to publish them after the alleged clampdown by the government on Friday night and demanded that the government must "own the ban" and issue a statement guaranteeing that media operations will not be hampered in any way.
The newspaper owners claimed that police raided their printing facilities and seized newspapers, plates and even detained the printing staff last week. Following the police action, a meeting of Kashmir-based newspaper editors, printers and publishers, was held on Saturday at Press Colony in which the issue was discussed.
The journalists also held a protest against the government action, terming it as an attack on the freedom of press and stopped their publications. However, yesterday, the government said there said there were no restrictions on printing and publishing of newspapers.
"The District Magistrates of Srinagar and Budgam have clarified that there are no restrictions on printing and publishing of newspapers in the districts," an official spokesman said here yesterday. A statement issued by the owners and editors of Srinagar-based newspapers yesterday said since the government has "not changed its press emergency", the editors and the owners of the newspapers regret that it may not be possible to resume the publication of newspapers.
12:17 Photo of Fr Tom Uzhunallil feared captive by IS in Yemen emerges
Months after he was feared abducted by ISIS in Yemen, a picture of Father Tom Uzhunnalil, a Catholic priest from Kerala has been posted on Facebook.
Though the priest had gone missing in March this year, the government had insisted that he was safe.
While it is unclear who posted the photo on Facebook, the status claims that an 'Entreaty' or plea would be uploaded soon.
Tom Uzhunnalil had gone missing in Yemen after the Islamic State militant group attacked a care home run by Mother Teresa's Missionaries of Charity.
Gunmen had stormed the refuge for the elderly earlier in April and killed a Yemeni guard before tying up and shooting 15 other employees.
Four foreign nuns, including an Indian, working as nurses were among those killed.
Father Tom was captured from the southern Yemeni city of Aden.
The photo shows the once clean-shaven priest, now looking weary and tired, with a long beard.
Though the priest had gone missing in March this year, the government had insisted that he was safe.
While it is unclear who posted the photo on Facebook, the status claims that an 'Entreaty' or plea would be uploaded soon.
Tom Uzhunnalil had gone missing in Yemen after the Islamic State militant group attacked a care home run by Mother Teresa's Missionaries of Charity.
Gunmen had stormed the refuge for the elderly earlier in April and killed a Yemeni guard before tying up and shooting 15 other employees.
Four foreign nuns, including an Indian, working as nurses were among those killed.
Father Tom was captured from the southern Yemeni city of Aden.
The photo shows the once clean-shaven priest, now looking weary and tired, with a long beard.
12:12
Rajya Sabha adjourned for the third time till 12:31 as opposition continues protests over attacks on Dalits in Gujarat.
11:56 The coming revolution in Indian banking
Increasing penetration of smartphones, Aadhaar-linked bank accounts and a host of powerful open and programmable capabilities is set to create the 'WhatsApp moment' for Indian banking. Read more
11:54 When India was minutes away from bombing Pakistan....
If you haven't watched the programme, read the report on how India was minutes away from bombing Pak bases during the Kargil War. Read
11:48 Blame on CBI raid for family suicide
The wife and the daughter of a senior bureaucrat arrested for alleged corruption killed themselves in their east Delhi apartment today, leaving behind two purported suicide notes that said they felt "humiliated by CBI raids".
Police sources said B.K. Bansal's wife Satyabala, 57, and his daughter Neha, 27, were found hanging in separate rooms in their Madhu Vihar apartment and that "prima facie", it appeared to be a case of suicide. Satyabala was a homemaker. Neha was pursuing a course under a private university. Read more
Police sources said B.K. Bansal's wife Satyabala, 57, and his daughter Neha, 27, were found hanging in separate rooms in their Madhu Vihar apartment and that "prima facie", it appeared to be a case of suicide. Satyabala was a homemaker. Neha was pursuing a course under a private university. Read more
11:34 Mamata calls Una incident organised crime against Dalits, Parl adjourned
Parliament witnessed stormy scenes over alleged atrocities against Dalits in Gujarat. West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee said the incident in Una is organised crime against Dalits.
Why was Gujarat Congress silent on Dalit issue, BSP chief Mayawati asked and said the incident was shameful. She also added that no party raises Dalit issues other than the BSP.
Congress president Sonia Gandhi and AAP MP Bhagwant Mann are likely to raise the issue.
Gujarat Chief Minister Anandiben Patel and the state social justice minister are likely to visit Una today. Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal will also visit the state later. Gujarat has seen violent protests since video emerged of five Dalit men being beaten in Una for allegedly skinning a cow. Seven people tried to commit suicide to protest the incident.
Image: A video grab of the incident.
Why was Gujarat Congress silent on Dalit issue, BSP chief Mayawati asked and said the incident was shameful. She also added that no party raises Dalit issues other than the BSP.
Congress president Sonia Gandhi and AAP MP Bhagwant Mann are likely to raise the issue.
Gujarat Chief Minister Anandiben Patel and the state social justice minister are likely to visit Una today. Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal will also visit the state later. Gujarat has seen violent protests since video emerged of five Dalit men being beaten in Una for allegedly skinning a cow. Seven people tried to commit suicide to protest the incident.
Image: A video grab of the incident.
11:34
FLASH: Hockey legend Mohammad Shahid passes away.
10:58 MPs disrupting Parliament to be named?
What may not go down well with the opposition benches and could hurt the smooth running of Parliament is a new effort to shame those members and parties who disrupt the proceedings of the House to protest against moves or legislations that they do not agree with.
A Times of India report citing government sources said there is a plan to have a new daily index of disruptions in Parliament, during sessions and name the disrupter of the day or the party which has created the most obstructions in the House on a given day.
While it is not a government effort, a private agency is working on monitoring the disruptions and protests in the House and planning to bring out the names of those who have been most active on this count on a daily basis.
This move could be welcomed by the government which has been blaming every failure to pass a legislation on opposition parties saying they are obstructive and are against the development of the country and are hence blocking reform and other moves.
Read more HERE
10:20 We will raise Dalit issue in Parliament today; BJP has destroyed institutions: Cong
Congress president Sonia Gandhi says her party will raise the Dalit issue in parliament today.
BJP has destroyed institutions and the SC has given a befitting reply, she said.
Congress has given notice in Lok Sabha on the incident in Una, Gujarat where some persons claiming to be "Gau rakshak" thrashed seven Dalit youths in Una last week alleging that they had killed a cow which they were skinning.
The victims claimed that they were skinning the cow which had died of natural causes.
Video of the incident went viral, sparking protests. A policeman was killed in mob violence and a Dalit committed suicide as protests against last week's incident.
The Dalit who died on Tuesday was among the five persons from the community who tried to take their own lives in separate incidents in Gujarat.
Dalit protesters set on fire three state transport buses, including two in Dhoraji and one in Dhrol near Jamnagar, and vandalised a telephone exchange in Rajkot.
09:55 Kathmandu-bound Air India flight makes emergency landing
An Air India flight from Kolkata to Kathmandu on Wednesday made an emergency landing in Kolkata after the pilot informed the authorities that there was a problem with one of the engines of the plane, AI officials said.
The Kathmandu-bound flight took off at around 8.18 am with 56 passengers and seven crew members. The aircraft made an emergency landing at Kolkata at 8.31 am, after the pilot reported a problem with the right engine of the plane, an AI official said.
All passengers and crew members were safe and they were soon taken to Kathmandu in another flight, the official said. The plane had been grounded at Kolkata and was being examined by the engineers, he said.
09:50 Kashmir: Curfew continues, internet shut, mobiles blocked
Curfew imposed by the authorities and a protest shutdown called by separatists paralysed life in the Valley for 13th day on Wednesday.
Police said curfew will continue in most parts of the Valley as precautionary measure to maintain law and order.
Internet connectivity on all mobile phones remained suspended for the ninth day in the Valley.
Calling facility on mobile phones has also remained suspended during this period except for limited calling facility on post-paid mobile phones provided by Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited.
After remaining closed because of the killings of three civilians in army firing during protest in Qazigund area, the Jammu-Sringar National Highway was restored for limited traffic during the night.
Trucks carrying supplies of essential goods and vehicles carrying Amarnath yatris, who had been stranded on the highway, were cleared during the night.
09:29 Mohd Hashim Ansari, oldest litigant in Babri case, dies
The oldest litigant in the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri mosque dispute, Mohammad Hashim Ansari died in Ayodhya on Wednesday due to heart-related ailments. He was 95.
Ansari had been associated with the Babri mosque dispute case since December 1949.
In 1961, he along with six others became main plaintiff in the 'Ayodhya title suit' filed by the Sunni Central Waqf Board in the court of Faizabad civil judge.
Five other plaintiffs were Mohammad Farooq, Shahabuddin, Maulana Nisaar, Mahmood Sahab and Hashim Ansari.
He was first to file the suit in the court of civil judge of Faizabad on the matter.
09:09
Bhagwant Mann, AAP MP from Sangrur will move adjournment motion in Parlaiment on atrocities against Dalits today
09:06 Tokyo jolted by third quake in four days
Tokyo was struck by a third quake in four days on today, but there were no reports of damage or casualties.
The 5.0 magnitude jolt struck Tokyo and areas of eastern Japan at 7:25 am (3:55 am IST), the US Geological Survey said.
The quake's epicentre was east of the capital in Ibaraki at a depth of about 44 kilometres, the USGS said.
There was no threat of a tsunami. It was the third to shake the capital's high-rise buildings this week, after a 4.8 magnitude quake yesterday and a 5.0 on Sunday.
Japan sits at the junction of four tectonic plates and experiences a number of relatively violent quakes every year, but rigid building codes and strict enforcement mean even powerful tremors frequently do little damage.
09:00 N Korea says missile tests simulated nuclear strike on South
North Korea said today its latest ballistic missile launches tested detonation devices for possible nuclear strikes on US targets in South Korea and were personally monitored by supreme leader Kim Jong-Un.
Tuesday's test firing of three missiles in violation of existing UN resolutions was seen as an angry reaction to the planned deployment of a US missile defence system in the South.
The launch of the two Scud missiles and one intermediate-range Rodong was condemned by the United States, Japan and South Korea, who vowed a collective diplomatic response.
The tests were ordered and monitored by Kim Jong-Un and the range of the missiles was limited to simulate pre-emptive attacks on South Korean ports and airfields hosting US military "hardware", the North's official KCNA news agency said.
The tests "examined the operational features of the detonating devices of nuclear warheads mounted on the ballistic rockets at the designated altitude over the target area," it said.
08:39 Rahul to meet top Punjab leaders to chart poll strategy today
Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi will hold a meeting with top leaders of the party's Punjab unit today in Delhi to discuss the strategy for the high-stake assembly polls in the state in 2017.
The meeting will be attended by Punjab Congress chief Amarinder Singh and state in-charge of the party Asha Kumari, party sources said.
Besides, Leader of Opposition in the Punjab Assembly Charanjit Singh Channi and the party's campaign committee chairperson Ambika Soni will also be there.
The meeting will take place in the backdrop of BJP MP Navjot Singh Sidhu resigning from Rajya Sabha amidst speculation that he, along with his wife, a BJP MLA, may join the Aam Aadmi Party.
The Congress, which has twice lost the Punjab assembly polls to the SAD-BJP combine, is eyeing to wrest power in the state next year.
Amarinder has already launched a mass outreach programme, 'Halke Vich Captain' (Captain in your constituency), which Congress leaders claim has been getting a "massive response" from the public. Besides, several sessions of 'Coffee with Captain' had also taken place before 'Halke Vich Captain'.
08:36 No newspapers in Kashmir today as well
Newspapers failed to hit the stands in Kashmir Valley for the fifth consecutive day. This after publishers and editors alleged that the PDP-BJP government was not speaking in one voice and not owning up the "press emergency" imposed by it.
The decision to was taken after a two-hour meeting of owners and editors of newspapers who met in Srinagar on Tuesday to take stock of the situation, especially after Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti's advisor Amitabh Mattoo had personally met them on Monday and "apologised".
The announcement came hours after Information and Broadcasting Minister M Venkaiah Naidu said in Delhi that Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti had told him there was no ban on publication of newspapers in the Valley.
The meeting, which was called for reviewing the 'press emergency' imposed by the government on printing and distribution of newspapers, asked the state government to own up the raids that were carried out on the printing presses during the intervening night of July 15 and 16 when printed newspapers and plates were seized, and even the printing staff was detained.
08:32 Army chief in Kashmir today to review situation
Army Chief General Dalbir Singh will be on a day-long visit today to review the security situation in Kashmir valley and along the Line of Control.
"The Chief of Army Staff will review the security situation in Kashmir during meetings with the Corps Commander of China Corp and other officers," a defence source said.
Gen Singh, who is scheduled to arrive at Army's Badamibagh Cantonment area in the morning, will be briefed about the situation in the Valley and the counter-infiltration operations along the LoC.
Gen Singh's visit to the curfew-bound Valley comes in the backdrop of violent mobs attacking army camps and installations in the wake of killing of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani in an encounter on July 8.
Three persons, including two women, were killed in firing by army personnel on Monday at Qazigund in Anantnag district when their vehicle came under stone pelting. Army has ordered an inquiry into the incident.
08:30 Delhi: Dengue awareness campaign begins today
The Delhi government has decided to launch a 'dengue awareness programme' today in association with Delhi Medical Association to check the spread of the disease of which at least 50 cases have been reported in the national capital this season.
A senior government official said the initiative will begin in 200 schools today during which doctors will make students and teachers aware on how to prevent the spread of the vector-borne disease.
As per the plan, students will also be told to cover three houses near their residences for persuading people not to allow any water accumulation point- either from washing of cars or water dripping from coolers and air conditioners.
Twenty two of the 50 cases of dengue in the national capital have been reported this month, according to a municipal report.
Last year, the city saw a staggering 15,867 dengue cases, the worst in 20 years with the disease claiming 60 lives, as per the report.
04:20 Turkey targets media and schools in post-coup purge
Turkey widened its massive post-coup purge to schools and the media on Tuesday, vowing to root out supporters of an exiled Islamic cleric it accuses of orchestrating the attempted power grab.
Global alarm is mounting over the retaliatory action since Fridays failed putsch, which has already seen a massive crackdown in the military, police and judiciary and thousands detained including top generals.
Prime Minister Binali Yildirim said Turkey had sent dossiers to the United States to demand for the extradition of reclusive preacher Fethullah Gulen, who has emerged as President Recep Tayyip Erdogans greatest foe.
Tuesdays action largely targeted supporters of Gulen, who lives in Pennsylvania but retains vast interests in Turkey ranging from media to finance to schools and wields influence in various apparatus including the judiciary and police.
The government suspended 15,200 state education employees allegedly linked to the Fethullah Terrorist Organisation -- its name for Gulens network -- and demanded the resignation of almost 1,600 deans from private and state universities.
The authorities also cancelled licences for radio and television stations said to be linked to the so-called Gulenists.
The state-run Anadolu news agency said 24 media outlets were hit, while 34 journalists were stripped of their press cards.
Global alarm is mounting over the retaliatory action since Fridays failed putsch, which has already seen a massive crackdown in the military, police and judiciary and thousands detained including top generals.
Prime Minister Binali Yildirim said Turkey had sent dossiers to the United States to demand for the extradition of reclusive preacher Fethullah Gulen, who has emerged as President Recep Tayyip Erdogans greatest foe.
Tuesdays action largely targeted supporters of Gulen, who lives in Pennsylvania but retains vast interests in Turkey ranging from media to finance to schools and wields influence in various apparatus including the judiciary and police.
The government suspended 15,200 state education employees allegedly linked to the Fethullah Terrorist Organisation -- its name for Gulens network -- and demanded the resignation of almost 1,600 deans from private and state universities.
The authorities also cancelled licences for radio and television stations said to be linked to the so-called Gulenists.
The state-run Anadolu news agency said 24 media outlets were hit, while 34 journalists were stripped of their press cards.
03:31 Scuffles erupt among protesters at Republican National Convention in Cleveland
Scuffles broke out between opposing protesters in Cleveland on the second day of the Republican National Convention. A planned demonstration against police shootings of African-Americans devolved into mayhem on Tuesday, with punches thrown and shouting matches.
Approximately 100 police officers separated the dueling groups and maintained a strict cordon, quickly defusing tensions between rival protesters -- who also numbered around 100. There were no immediate arrests, according to Cleveland Police Chief Calvin Williams, who was at the scene.
As the protest was getting under way, witnesses said Alex Jones -- a controversial radio show host who espouses various conspiracy theories -- challenged the assembled crowd and a few protesters punched him.
Police immediately moved in to separate the two sides. Another group of counter-protesters, with signs including one that said 'Every Real Muslim is a Jihadist', needled the crowd.
They were met with a chorus of boos, and comments such as 'You're miserable'.
Other protesters were yelling: 'Indict! Convict! Send the killer cops to jail! The whole damn system, is guilty as hell'.
Approximately 100 police officers separated the dueling groups and maintained a strict cordon, quickly defusing tensions between rival protesters -- who also numbered around 100. There were no immediate arrests, according to Cleveland Police Chief Calvin Williams, who was at the scene.
As the protest was getting under way, witnesses said Alex Jones -- a controversial radio show host who espouses various conspiracy theories -- challenged the assembled crowd and a few protesters punched him.
Police immediately moved in to separate the two sides. Another group of counter-protesters, with signs including one that said 'Every Real Muslim is a Jihadist', needled the crowd.
They were met with a chorus of boos, and comments such as 'You're miserable'.
Other protesters were yelling: 'Indict! Convict! Send the killer cops to jail! The whole damn system, is guilty as hell'.
02:16 Obama pledges US help to Erdogan in probing coup attempt
United States President Barack Obama on Wednesday pledged US assistance to his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan for the investigation into last week's attempted coup, the White House said.
During a phone call, Obama 'strongly condemned' the violent uprising and 'urged that the investigations and prosecution of the coup's perpetrators be conducted in ways that reinforce public confidence in democratic institutions and the rule of law,' it said in a statement.
Obama 'lauded the Turkish people's resolve against this violent intervention and their commitment to democracy,' the White House said. 'President Obama made clear that the United States is willing to provide appropriate assistance to Turkish authorities investigating the attempted coup.'
During a phone call, Obama 'strongly condemned' the violent uprising and 'urged that the investigations and prosecution of the coup's perpetrators be conducted in ways that reinforce public confidence in democratic institutions and the rule of law,' it said in a statement.
Obama 'lauded the Turkish people's resolve against this violent intervention and their commitment to democracy,' the White House said. 'President Obama made clear that the United States is willing to provide appropriate assistance to Turkish authorities investigating the attempted coup.'
01:51 New York to host 1st presidential debate after Ohio bows out
The first presidential general election debate is moving to New York after an Ohio college withdrew as host, citing rising security concerns and costs.
Wright State University President David Hopkins said on Tuesday that the school in Dayton has a large, open campus and there has been growing concern about what it would take to 'guarantee the safety and security' of the school and surrounding community for the Sept 26 debate.
The Commission on Presidential Debates announced quickly that Hofstra University would take over. The Hempstead, New York, school had agreed last year to serve as an alternate site.
Hofstra hosted a debate in 2012. The shift means the first debate will be in the home state of the two major parties' presumptive nominees.
Wright State University President David Hopkins said on Tuesday that the school in Dayton has a large, open campus and there has been growing concern about what it would take to 'guarantee the safety and security' of the school and surrounding community for the Sept 26 debate.
The Commission on Presidential Debates announced quickly that Hofstra University would take over. The Hempstead, New York, school had agreed last year to serve as an alternate site.
Hofstra hosted a debate in 2012. The shift means the first debate will be in the home state of the two major parties' presumptive nominees.
01:03 Indian software engineer killed by roommate in US, says family
A 24-year-old software engineer from Kachiguda in Hyderabad was allegedly stabbed to death by his roommate in Austin in the United States, his family said on Tuesday.
"Today morning we got a call from our relatives and Pranith, one of his friends, that Sankeerth was stabbed by one Sai Sandeep Goud, a roommate, yesterday," Sankeerth's uncle Srinivas said.
Sankeerth died while being shifted to a hospital and the accused had been taken into custody by the local police, Srinivas said.
"Today morning we got a call from our relatives and Pranith, one of his friends, that Sankeerth was stabbed by one Sai Sandeep Goud, a roommate, yesterday," Sankeerth's uncle Srinivas said.
Sankeerth died while being shifted to a hospital and the accused had been taken into custody by the local police, Srinivas said.
00:55 AAP woman activist ends life after 'molester party colleague' gets bail
A woman activist of the Aam Aadmi Party allegedly committed suicide in Narela area of outer Delhi on Tuesday with her family members claiming that she had gone into depression after her alleged molester, a party colleague, was released on bail.
Police said the woman consumed poisonous substance at her home in Narela in the afternoon and died during treatment at LNJP Hospital.
The woman had filed a complaint against party colleague Ramesh Wadhwa for allegedly touching her inappropriately and a case of molestation was registered in June and the accused was arrested, said a senior police officer.
Family members of the woman told police that she went into depression after bail was granted to the accused who, she had alleged, was being protected by the local MLA.
Delhi Bharatiya Janata Party alleged that AAP leaders had ignored her 'harassment' complaint. 'It may be recalled this girl had been raising issue of her harassment for months but AAP leaders ignored. This incident has established anti-woman character of AAP,' said Delhi BJP president Satish Upadhyay in a statement.
'Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal and local MLA Sharad Chauhan are responsible for her death,' he alleged.
The AAP refuted the allegations and accused the BJP of playing politics over her death. "There is no mention of the MLA's name in any of the complainants. Whosoever is alleged to have harassed the girl has no connection with the party. The BJP should not stoop this low and play politics over the death of a poor girl. We also want action against the culprit," AAP spokesperson Deepak Bajpai said.
Police said the woman consumed poisonous substance at her home in Narela in the afternoon and died during treatment at LNJP Hospital.
The woman had filed a complaint against party colleague Ramesh Wadhwa for allegedly touching her inappropriately and a case of molestation was registered in June and the accused was arrested, said a senior police officer.
Family members of the woman told police that she went into depression after bail was granted to the accused who, she had alleged, was being protected by the local MLA.
Delhi Bharatiya Janata Party alleged that AAP leaders had ignored her 'harassment' complaint. 'It may be recalled this girl had been raising issue of her harassment for months but AAP leaders ignored. This incident has established anti-woman character of AAP,' said Delhi BJP president Satish Upadhyay in a statement.
'Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal and local MLA Sharad Chauhan are responsible for her death,' he alleged.
The AAP refuted the allegations and accused the BJP of playing politics over her death. "There is no mention of the MLA's name in any of the complainants. Whosoever is alleged to have harassed the girl has no connection with the party. The BJP should not stoop this low and play politics over the death of a poor girl. We also want action against the culprit," AAP spokesperson Deepak Bajpai said.
00:32 AI Kathmandu-bound flight makes emergency landing in Kolkata
An Air India flight from Kolkata to Kathmandu on Monday made an emergency landing in Kolkata after the pilot informed the authorities that there was a problem with one of the engines of the plane, AI officials said.
The Kathmandu-bound flight took off at around 8.18 am along with 56 passengers and seven crew members and after the pilot informed about a problem with the right side engine of the plane, the aircraft made an emergency landing at Kolkata at 8.31 am due to precautionary reasons, an AI official said.
All passengers and crew members were safe and they left for Kathmandu in another flight after sometime, the official said adding, the plane which developed the technical snag has been grounded at Kolkata and was being examined by the engineers.
The Kathmandu-bound flight took off at around 8.18 am along with 56 passengers and seven crew members and after the pilot informed about a problem with the right side engine of the plane, the aircraft made an emergency landing at Kolkata at 8.31 am due to precautionary reasons, an AI official said.
All passengers and crew members were safe and they left for Kathmandu in another flight after sometime, the official said adding, the plane which developed the technical snag has been grounded at Kolkata and was being examined by the engineers.
00:14 Kejriwal to visit Gujarat, meet protesting Dalits
Aam Aadmi Party's National Convener Arvind Kejriwal will visit Gujarat on Friday, his second visit in a fortnight, to meet the members of the Dalit community in the wake of assaults on them after some members allegedly skinned a cow at Una last week.
The decision on Kejriwal's visit to the state comes a day after Gujarat Chief Minister Anandiben Patel ordered a CID probe in the incidents, and also announced setting up of a special court for 'speedy' trial.
The incident at Una town in Gir-Somnath district, where Dalit youths were paraded and flogged for allegedly killing a cow, caused nation-wide outrage after its video went viral.
The victims' contention was that they were skinning a dead cow and had not killed it.
"Kejriwal will visit Una to meet the dalit victims on July 22," said a party official.
The decision on Kejriwal's visit to the state comes a day after Gujarat Chief Minister Anandiben Patel ordered a CID probe in the incidents, and also announced setting up of a special court for 'speedy' trial.
The incident at Una town in Gir-Somnath district, where Dalit youths were paraded and flogged for allegedly killing a cow, caused nation-wide outrage after its video went viral.
The victims' contention was that they were skinning a dead cow and had not killed it.
"Kejriwal will visit Una to meet the dalit victims on July 22," said a party official.
00:09 Top headlines at this hour
Kashmir violence: Army 'regrets' Qazigund firing
Apologise for anti-RSS remark or face trial: SC rebukes Rahul Gandhi
FIR against K J George in DSP suicide case
Gujarat Dalit protests: 1 cop killed in attack, buses targetted
JNU blocks registration of Kanhaiya, Umar, Anirban, 18 others
To describe her husband, Melania Trump 'plagiarises' Michelle Obama
Three persons arrested in Rohtak gangrape case
Read yesterday's live commentary HERE
Apologise for anti-RSS remark or face trial: SC rebukes Rahul Gandhi
FIR against K J George in DSP suicide case
Gujarat Dalit protests: 1 cop killed in attack, buses targetted
JNU blocks registration of Kanhaiya, Umar, Anirban, 18 others
To describe her husband, Melania Trump 'plagiarises' Michelle Obama
Three persons arrested in Rohtak gangrape case
Read yesterday's live commentary HERE
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