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Mon, 25 July 2016
Donald Trump bounces into the lead
Timeline Refresh
23:55 Una incident: Dalit writer from Gujarat to return his award
As a mark of protest against the thrashing of Dalit youths in Una, Amrutlal Makwana, a Dalit writer from Gujarat, today announced that he would return the award conferred on him by the state government, accusing the
administration of having no sympathy for the community.
Makwana told PTI he would return his award, including Rs 25,000 cash, to District Collector of Ahmedabad on Wednesday.
Makwana, a resident of Wadhwan town of Surendranagar district, said, "Such incidents are occurring in Gujarat on a regular basis but the government is not doing enough to ensure that Dalits get justice."
The 44-year-old writer, who has been associated with Congress, was conferred the 'Dasi Jeevan Shreshth Dalit Sahitya Kruti Award' for 2012-13 by Gujarat government for his work 'Kharapat Nu Dalit Lok Sahitya'. He was given Rs 25,000 cash along with a certificate and a shawl.
"What happened in Mota Samadhiyala village of Gir-Somnath district was ghastly and barbaric. Such atrocities on Dalits are condemnable and it shook me to the core. Sadly, such incidents are happening around us regularly," he said.
"Around 50 persons thrashed some Dalit youths but only 16 were arrested. Why are other people still roaming free? I doubt the government's intentions. I no longer have faith in this government. If the leaders do not have any sympathy for Dalits, there is no meaning in keeping such awards," he said.
23:52 Donald Trump bounces into the lead
Donald Trump comes out of his convention ahead of Hillary Clinton in the race for the White House, topping her 44% to 39% in a four-way matchup including Gary Johnson (9%) and Jill Stein (3%) and by three points in a two-way head-to-head, 48% to 45%. That latter finding represents a 6-point convention bounce for Trump, which are traditionally measured in two-way matchups.
There hasn't been a significant post-convention bounce in CNN's polling since 2000. That year Al Gore and George W. Bush both boosted their numbers by an identical 8 points post-convention before ultimately battling all the way to the Supreme Court.
22:44 Is Parl video bigger security breach than inviting ISI at air base: AAP
Backing his party MP Bhagwant Mann over the Parliament video issue, AAP leader Ashutosh today said he wanted to "expose" the lucky draw system of choosing questions in the House and asked if the act involved bigger
security breach than Prime Minister Narendra Modi "inviting ISI to Pathankot air base".
"Mann wanted to expose lucky draw sys to raise issues abt constituency. Modi says it is security breach. Is it bigger than ISI in Air base?
"ISI organised every terrorist attack including on Parliament. Modi invites ISI to visit Pathankot Air base. This is not security breach?" Ashutosh tweeted.
Earlier today, Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan said Mann's videography of the Parliament House complex had put its security "in peril" and asked him not to attend the House till a decision has been taken on the matter while setting up a nine-member panel to probe the issue.
The panel, chaired by BJP member Kirit Somaiya, has been asked to submit its report by August 3, while Mann has time till July 28 to submit his explanation to the committee.
22:15 NIA chargesheets 3 men with alleged IS links
The National Investigation Agency today filed a charge sheet in a court here against three accused, who were deported from the United Arab Emirates for their alleged Islamic State links, claiming that they were conspiring to carry out terror strikes in India and other countries.
According to sources, NIA chargesheeted the accused -- Sheikh Azhar Al Islam, Mohammad Farhan Shaikh and Adnan Hussain -- for allegedly supporting Islamic State.
The charge sheet was filed in the court of District Judge Amar Nath.
The three suspects, along with other unidentified associates, were allegedly involved in a conspiracy to identify, motivate, radicalise, recruit and train Indian citizens, located in India and abroad, for planning and executing terror attacks, the NIA has claimed.
It alleged that they were in close contact with several active members of IS via internet, telephone and other means of communication in furtherance of its activities.
The NIA alleged that the accused were conspiring to recruit of resident and non-resident Indians for IS activities.
Adnan, who hails from Karnataka, Farhan who is from Maharashtra and Sheikh Azhar from Jammu and Kashmir were arrested on January 29 by NIA after being deported from the UAE.
According to sources, NIA chargesheeted the accused -- Sheikh Azhar Al Islam, Mohammad Farhan Shaikh and Adnan Hussain -- for allegedly supporting Islamic State.
The charge sheet was filed in the court of District Judge Amar Nath.
The three suspects, along with other unidentified associates, were allegedly involved in a conspiracy to identify, motivate, radicalise, recruit and train Indian citizens, located in India and abroad, for planning and executing terror attacks, the NIA has claimed.
It alleged that they were in close contact with several active members of IS via internet, telephone and other means of communication in furtherance of its activities.
The NIA alleged that the accused were conspiring to recruit of resident and non-resident Indians for IS activities.
Adnan, who hails from Karnataka, Farhan who is from Maharashtra and Sheikh Azhar from Jammu and Kashmir were arrested on January 29 by NIA after being deported from the UAE.
21:53 Mann gets time till July 28 to respond to panel probing videography
A committee set up to probe the videography controversy of Bhagwant Mann on Monday gave the Aam Aadmi Party member of Parliament time till July 28 to respond to the charge that his action had compromised security of the Parliament House complex even as it decided to seek the views of experts on the issue.
Earlier, he was asked to submit his explanation to the committee by Tuesday morning.
Since Mann had sought three more days, we have now asked him to respond by July 28. We have to hear his side before arriving at a conclusion, said a member.
In its first meeting on Monday, the nine-member panel headed by Bharatiya Janata Partys Kirit Somaiya, decided to seek the views of commissioner of police or his representative and joint secretary (security) of the complex.
The committee would ask them to explain the security aspects of the complex and areas surrounding the building.
The committee, which has decided to meet every day, will also hear others associated with the incident. These could include other Members of Parliament and security staff who could have seen Mann videographing the complex.
In the nearly 12-minute video, apparently shot on July 21, Mann gives a running commentary as his vehicle crosses security barricades and enters Parliament. Ill today show you something you would not have seen earlier, he says.
Mann then enters a room where questions to be taken up inside Parliament are being sorted and describes the process.
Acting tough, Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan on Monday said Manns videography of the complex had put its security in peril and asked him not to attend the House till a decision is taken on the matter.
AAPs arch rival in Punjab, the Shiromani Akali Dal, has no member on the panel investigating the issue.
Earlier, he was asked to submit his explanation to the committee by Tuesday morning.
Since Mann had sought three more days, we have now asked him to respond by July 28. We have to hear his side before arriving at a conclusion, said a member.
In its first meeting on Monday, the nine-member panel headed by Bharatiya Janata Partys Kirit Somaiya, decided to seek the views of commissioner of police or his representative and joint secretary (security) of the complex.
The committee would ask them to explain the security aspects of the complex and areas surrounding the building.
The committee, which has decided to meet every day, will also hear others associated with the incident. These could include other Members of Parliament and security staff who could have seen Mann videographing the complex.
In the nearly 12-minute video, apparently shot on July 21, Mann gives a running commentary as his vehicle crosses security barricades and enters Parliament. Ill today show you something you would not have seen earlier, he says.
Mann then enters a room where questions to be taken up inside Parliament are being sorted and describes the process.
Acting tough, Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan on Monday said Manns videography of the complex had put its security in peril and asked him not to attend the House till a decision is taken on the matter.
AAPs arch rival in Punjab, the Shiromani Akali Dal, has no member on the panel investigating the issue.
21:46
JUST IN: Army apprehends commander-in-chief of terrorist outfit UPLA along with 2 cadres in Diphu, Karbi Anglong district (Assam).
21:23 Turkey arrests 62 children; charges them with treason
Turkey has arrested 62 children and accused them of treason after the botched military coup last week. The youngsters, aged 14 to 17, were from Kuleli Military school, the oldest of its kind in Istanbul.
They have reportedly been thrown in jail and are not allowed to speak to their parents, The Telegraph reported.
Their families say that just before the coup the children were invited to a school cocktail party but were made to parade with guns, dress in army uniforms and guard their campus.
The mother of an arrested 15-year-old boy was desperately waiting for news outside Istanbul's Maltepe Prison. Our child has never held a gun before, she said. They were used, they were forced to do this.
They have reportedly been thrown in jail and are not allowed to speak to their parents, The Telegraph reported.
Their families say that just before the coup the children were invited to a school cocktail party but were made to parade with guns, dress in army uniforms and guard their campus.
The mother of an arrested 15-year-old boy was desperately waiting for news outside Istanbul's Maltepe Prison. Our child has never held a gun before, she said. They were used, they were forced to do this.
20:42 IS claims German music festival attack
The Islamic State has taken responsibility for the suicide attack by a 27-year-old Syrian asylum seeker outside an open-air music festival in Germany, even as German authorities found a video on the mobile phone of the suicide bomber in which he pledged allegiance to IS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi.
Bavarian Interior Minister Joachim Herrmann said the man, who has not been named, also announced an act of revenge against Germans because they were standing in the way of Islam.
The asylum seeker from Syria detonated a backpack device after being refused entry to an open-air music festival in the German city of Ansbach, killing himself and injuring 12 others.
Bavarian Interior Minister Joachim Herrmann said the man, who has not been named, also announced an act of revenge against Germans because they were standing in the way of Islam.
The asylum seeker from Syria detonated a backpack device after being refused entry to an open-air music festival in the German city of Ansbach, killing himself and injuring 12 others.
20:27 Mobile internet services restored in Jammu
The mobile internet services, which were suspended in Jammu for the past 15 days, have been restored.
The services were suspended in view of the violence in state that erupted after Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wanis killing in the Valley.
In Kashmir, however, curfew remained in force in the five districts of Anantnag, Kulgam, Pulwama, Shopian and Baramulla and 11 police station areas of Srinagar.
Reports of brief clashes between security forces and protesters were received from Natipora in the city, Arwani, Bijbehara, Anchidora, Batengo, Achabal (in Anantnag), Opmora, Choon (in Budgam district) and Safapora in Ganderbal district, the official said.
The services were suspended in view of the violence in state that erupted after Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wanis killing in the Valley.
In Kashmir, however, curfew remained in force in the five districts of Anantnag, Kulgam, Pulwama, Shopian and Baramulla and 11 police station areas of Srinagar.
Reports of brief clashes between security forces and protesters were received from Natipora in the city, Arwani, Bijbehara, Anchidora, Batengo, Achabal (in Anantnag), Opmora, Choon (in Budgam district) and Safapora in Ganderbal district, the official said.
20:10 Pak dismissive of India's decision to withdraw diplomats' kids
Pakistan was today dismissive of India's move to withdraw children of diplomats and High Commission officials from schools in the country, describing it as an 'informal, internal, administrative' arrangement.
Pakistan Foreign Office also said it was informed of the decision two months ago and that 'no other considerations were communicated' to it.
Amidst growing strain in Indo-Pak ties, India has advised its diplomats and officials posted in its High Commission here to make arrangements for education of their wards outside Pakistan from this academic session, virtually downgrading it as a 'non-school-going station'.
"This is an informal, internal, administrative arrangement we were informed of two months back. No other considerations were communicated to us," Pakistan Foreign Office Spokesperson Nafees Zakaria said.
Pakistan Foreign Office also said it was informed of the decision two months ago and that 'no other considerations were communicated' to it.
Amidst growing strain in Indo-Pak ties, India has advised its diplomats and officials posted in its High Commission here to make arrangements for education of their wards outside Pakistan from this academic session, virtually downgrading it as a 'non-school-going station'.
"This is an informal, internal, administrative arrangement we were informed of two months back. No other considerations were communicated to us," Pakistan Foreign Office Spokesperson Nafees Zakaria said.
19:58
JUST IN: 'Thank you for your support and prayers,' tweets Salman Khan after being acquitted in black buck poaching case.
19:30 Lok Sabha panel meet to decide on action against Bhagwant Mann ends
AAP MP Bhagwant Mann's fate being decided. The first meeting of the committee formed by Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan on Bhagwant Mann which began at 5 pm today ends. Mann has asked for 3 days to submit his deposition.
The Lok Sabha Speaker todday told disgraced Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MP Bhagwat Mann+ to not attend Parliament until a panel investigating his security-breach video submits its report.
The 9-member panel is expected to submit its report by August 3.
The Aam Aadmi Party MP last week filmed a video clip of his journey from his residence to Parliament House and shared it on social media. The video, showing various high security areas in Parliament, put the security of Parliament "in peril", Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan said.
The Lok Sabha Speaker todday told disgraced Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MP Bhagwat Mann+ to not attend Parliament until a panel investigating his security-breach video submits its report.
The 9-member panel is expected to submit its report by August 3.
The Aam Aadmi Party MP last week filmed a video clip of his journey from his residence to Parliament House and shared it on social media. The video, showing various high security areas in Parliament, put the security of Parliament "in peril", Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan said.
19:11 China shows rancour at Russian doublespeak
The scathing attack on Russian foreign policies in the Global Times newspaper on Sunday has no precedents. It goes way beyond the occasional sparring in a spirit of 'glasnost'. Read MK Bhadrakumar's blog here.
18:38 Bollywood vs MPs football match in winter
Baba Ramdev playing football with MPs was the main topic of discussion in the Central Hall of Parliament today. But NCP MP Praful Patel who is the real coordinator of the Members of Parliament Foodball Team was unaware of Baba Ramdev being invited. On being informed about it, Patel announced that there would be another football match between Bollywood and Members of Parliament during the Winter session of Parliament. Patel will organise the event with the active association of Amar Singh.
17:59 Will Jairam Ramesh lunch with Dimple?
Samajwadi Party MP Amar Singh will host a lunch for Congress MP Jairam Ramesh and fimlstar Dimple Khanna.
Here's how it came to pass.
Singh who is now active in the Central Hall of Parliament was seen today talking to Ramesh and the topic of discussion veered away frpom politics into general knowledge.
Amar Singh said that Dr Karan Singh, the sitting Rajya Sabha MP was a Union Minister in the Jawaharlal Nehru cabinet.
Ramesh said, no, Dr Singh was in the Indira Gandhi cabinet and quoted many books as proof.
But Amar Singh stood his ground and the two went on to lay a wager. Loser has to host the winner to lunch.
Both Jairam Ramesh and Amar Singh went up to Dr Karan Singh and asked him.
Ramesh won the bet and is now awaiting lunch with the lovely Dimple Khanna.
Here's how it came to pass.
Singh who is now active in the Central Hall of Parliament was seen today talking to Ramesh and the topic of discussion veered away frpom politics into general knowledge.
Amar Singh said that Dr Karan Singh, the sitting Rajya Sabha MP was a Union Minister in the Jawaharlal Nehru cabinet.
Ramesh said, no, Dr Singh was in the Indira Gandhi cabinet and quoted many books as proof.
But Amar Singh stood his ground and the two went on to lay a wager. Loser has to host the winner to lunch.
Both Jairam Ramesh and Amar Singh went up to Dr Karan Singh and asked him.
Ramesh won the bet and is now awaiting lunch with the lovely Dimple Khanna.
17:23 Will Sidhu be India's envoy to Canada?
Here's what happened after former BJP MP Navjot Singh Sidhu's presser this morning where he outlined the reasons for quitting the Rajya Sabga. While he said he had been told to stay away from Punjab, he refused to comment on whether he was joining the AAP.
And this probably why.
Vijay Sampla, BJP President Punjab, met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Parliament soon after the Sidhu press conference got over. Sampla put a formula before the BJP leadership to accommodate Sidhu, which would ensure he stays within the fold.
BJP insiders have sent feelers to Sidhu if he would like to be sent as Ambassador to Canada or UK after the Punjab assembly polls. So far, there has been no response from Sidhu, according to a PUnjab BJP source.
If this is true, it's a huge setback for the AAP, which had welcomed him with open arms.
And this probably why.
Vijay Sampla, BJP President Punjab, met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Parliament soon after the Sidhu press conference got over. Sampla put a formula before the BJP leadership to accommodate Sidhu, which would ensure he stays within the fold.
BJP insiders have sent feelers to Sidhu if he would like to be sent as Ambassador to Canada or UK after the Punjab assembly polls. So far, there has been no response from Sidhu, according to a PUnjab BJP source.
If this is true, it's a huge setback for the AAP, which had welcomed him with open arms.
17:06 Indian diplomats in Pak told to send their children back to India
India has asked the staff members of its High Commission in Islamabad to send their school-going children back to India for security reasons,
Pakistan foreign office has told NDTV. "This is an informal, internal, administrative arrangement we were informed of, more than a month. It is the decision of the Indian High Commission, Islamabad, one on which we are not on a position to comment," the foreign office said.
Reacting to the statement, the Ministry of External Affairs said it is "normal practice" for all countries to review staffing and related policies for their diplomatic missions, "including in view of prevailing circumstances at those stations".
Sources said the decision was taken a year ago to give the high commission staff time to bring their children back ahead of the academic year.
"With effect from this academic session, officials posted in the High Commission of India in Islamabad have been advised to make arrangements for education of their wards outside Pakistan, till further notice," the statement from the ministry read.
The Pakistan foreign office's statement comes days after India accused Islamabad of "unabashed embrace of terrorism" and warned that its stated goal of detaching Kashmir from India will "not be realised to the end of eternity".
Pakistan foreign office has told NDTV. "This is an informal, internal, administrative arrangement we were informed of, more than a month. It is the decision of the Indian High Commission, Islamabad, one on which we are not on a position to comment," the foreign office said.
Reacting to the statement, the Ministry of External Affairs said it is "normal practice" for all countries to review staffing and related policies for their diplomatic missions, "including in view of prevailing circumstances at those stations".
Sources said the decision was taken a year ago to give the high commission staff time to bring their children back ahead of the academic year.
"With effect from this academic session, officials posted in the High Commission of India in Islamabad have been advised to make arrangements for education of their wards outside Pakistan, till further notice," the statement from the ministry read.
The Pakistan foreign office's statement comes days after India accused Islamabad of "unabashed embrace of terrorism" and warned that its stated goal of detaching Kashmir from India will "not be realised to the end of eternity".
16:55 Verizon to buy Yahoo's core business for $4.83 billion
Verizon Communications Inc (VZ.N) said it had agreed to buy Yahoo Inc's (YHOO.O) core internet business for $4.83 billion in cash, ending a lengthy sale process for the fading Web pioneer.Buying Yahoo's operations will boost Verizon's AOL internet business, which it bought last year for $4.4 billion, by giving it access to Yahoo's advertising technology tools as well as other assets such as search, mail and messenger. -- Reuters
16:33 Narsingh demands CBI probe into doping scandal
A defiant Narsingh Yadav today demanded a CBI probe into the doping scandal which has jeopardised his participation in the Olympics, alleging that a conspiracy has been hatched to scuttle his Rio dream.
"There should be a CBI inquiry. The whole episode relating to my selection had gone to court. There was a CID report that my life is under threat. All this makes it clear, I have been framed so that I am stopped from going to Rio," Narsingh said.
"I have given my complaint to the federation in which I have made it clear that something could have been mixed in the food that was prepared at the mess. It is a conspiracy against me," he added.
Narsingh has returned positive for a banned substance barely 10 days before the start of the Olympics and that has cast a doubt on his participation in the Rio Games.
The 26-year-old, who would be pleading innocence in front of the NADA panel that is scheduled to meet on Wednesday, is hopeful that he would be able to convince the committee members that the entire episode is a conspiracy.
"There should be a CBI inquiry. The whole episode relating to my selection had gone to court. There was a CID report that my life is under threat. All this makes it clear, I have been framed so that I am stopped from going to Rio," Narsingh said.
"I have given my complaint to the federation in which I have made it clear that something could have been mixed in the food that was prepared at the mess. It is a conspiracy against me," he added.
Narsingh has returned positive for a banned substance barely 10 days before the start of the Olympics and that has cast a doubt on his participation in the Rio Games.
The 26-year-old, who would be pleading innocence in front of the NADA panel that is scheduled to meet on Wednesday, is hopeful that he would be able to convince the committee members that the entire episode is a conspiracy.
16:27
Just in: Indian embassy staff in Islamabad, Pakistan, asked to send their school kids back to India. Details awaited.
16:07 No sign of debris or survivors of IAF plane, says Coast Guard on day 4
Rajan Bargotra, IG, Coast Guard gives an update on the IAF AN 32 plane which went missing on Friday.
"Entire Eastern fleet engaged for a drawn out search operation but we haven't been able to locate either debris or survivors, says Bargotra.
"We have taken help from Govt departments like ISRO, but have not located any debris till now, search is continuing.
"As of now, at sea we have 13 naval vessels, 2 Coast Guard ships deployed from east coast. 12 air sorties undertaken. Search area has been expanded gradually. Aircraft were launched by respective services to carry out a linear search. This is the 4th day of search operations conducted by Coast Guard, IAF and Indian Navy."
Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar visited Tambaram air base near Chennai on Saturday to monitor the search and operations for the missing Indian Air Force aircraft AN-32.
The plane went missing on Friday while flying from Chennai to Port Blair with 29 people on board.
Image: Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar oversees the search operation for the missing IAF AN-32
"Entire Eastern fleet engaged for a drawn out search operation but we haven't been able to locate either debris or survivors, says Bargotra.
"We have taken help from Govt departments like ISRO, but have not located any debris till now, search is continuing.
"As of now, at sea we have 13 naval vessels, 2 Coast Guard ships deployed from east coast. 12 air sorties undertaken. Search area has been expanded gradually. Aircraft were launched by respective services to carry out a linear search. This is the 4th day of search operations conducted by Coast Guard, IAF and Indian Navy."
Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar visited Tambaram air base near Chennai on Saturday to monitor the search and operations for the missing Indian Air Force aircraft AN-32.
The plane went missing on Friday while flying from Chennai to Port Blair with 29 people on board.
Image: Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar oversees the search operation for the missing IAF AN-32
15:55 Will Sheila Dikshit's age get in the way of UP victory?
The Congress party's chief ministerial candidate for Uttar Pradesh Sheila Dikshit returned to New Delhi on Saturday after a few hours on the campaign trail owing to a throat infection.
Age is probably catching up on Dikshit, who is 78, and the possiblity of an intense and active campaign in Uttar Pradesh may not be possible.
For instance on Saturday when the Congress launched its poll campaign in Uttar Pradesh, with party chief Sonia Gandhi and her deputy Rahul Gandhi flagging off a three-day bus yatra - "27 saal, UP behaal" - Dikshit had health problems almost immediately.
The bus had not even crossed the Delhi border and entered Uttar Pradesh, when she complained of leg pain. Doctors were called and she said she would join the bus a few days later and returned to New Delhi.
This is the sorry state of affairs in the Congress, a senior party leader told Rediff.com and said it was ironic that the party claimed Congress is the alternate in UP.
Age is probably catching up on Dikshit, who is 78, and the possiblity of an intense and active campaign in Uttar Pradesh may not be possible.
For instance on Saturday when the Congress launched its poll campaign in Uttar Pradesh, with party chief Sonia Gandhi and her deputy Rahul Gandhi flagging off a three-day bus yatra - "27 saal, UP behaal" - Dikshit had health problems almost immediately.
The bus had not even crossed the Delhi border and entered Uttar Pradesh, when she complained of leg pain. Doctors were called and she said she would join the bus a few days later and returned to New Delhi.
This is the sorry state of affairs in the Congress, a senior party leader told Rediff.com and said it was ironic that the party claimed Congress is the alternate in UP.
15:21 Raj Thackeray calls for Sharia-like law to check rape
Slamming the BJP-led state government over the gang rape and murder of a minor girl in Ahmednagar, MNS chief Raj Thackeray on Monday said there was a need for a law like Sharia (Islamic) to check serious crimes against women and children.
He said the hands and legs of those who rape and kill minors and women should be cut off.
A 15-year-old girl was brutally raped and killed by three men on July 13 at Kopardi village in the district."Such incidents are the outcome of the collapsed law and order situation in the state and the present government is proving itself worse than the past Congress'"NCP led government," Thackeray told PTI.
He was speaking after visiting the Kopardi village in Karjat tehsil, about 76 km from the district headquarters, where he met the family members of the deceased and offered his condolences this morning.
"There is an urgent need to create the laws like Sharia [Islamic law] for controlling serious crimes against the women and the children. The anti-social elements are creating a state of terror and there is a need to make the laws stringent," he said.
He also suggested to make necessary changes to control the misuse of the SC and ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.Mr. Raj later also had a meeting with his party workers at Pathardi in the district following which he told mediapersons that "The time has came that we must cut hands and legs of the criminals who gangrape and murder the minors and the women."
"Our normal legal procedures take undue long time for the judgements and it indirectly boosts the courage of the criminals," he pointed out.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Ahmednagar Guardian Minister Ram Shinde had on Sunday met family members of the gangrape victim at Kopardi.Mr. Fadnavis had expressed his deepest condolences and assured strongest action against the culprits and strictest punishment through fast track court.
He said the hands and legs of those who rape and kill minors and women should be cut off.
A 15-year-old girl was brutally raped and killed by three men on July 13 at Kopardi village in the district."Such incidents are the outcome of the collapsed law and order situation in the state and the present government is proving itself worse than the past Congress'"NCP led government," Thackeray told PTI.
He was speaking after visiting the Kopardi village in Karjat tehsil, about 76 km from the district headquarters, where he met the family members of the deceased and offered his condolences this morning.
"There is an urgent need to create the laws like Sharia [Islamic law] for controlling serious crimes against the women and the children. The anti-social elements are creating a state of terror and there is a need to make the laws stringent," he said.
He also suggested to make necessary changes to control the misuse of the SC and ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.Mr. Raj later also had a meeting with his party workers at Pathardi in the district following which he told mediapersons that "The time has came that we must cut hands and legs of the criminals who gangrape and murder the minors and the women."
"Our normal legal procedures take undue long time for the judgements and it indirectly boosts the courage of the criminals," he pointed out.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Ahmednagar Guardian Minister Ram Shinde had on Sunday met family members of the gangrape victim at Kopardi.Mr. Fadnavis had expressed his deepest condolences and assured strongest action against the culprits and strictest punishment through fast track court.
14:59 SC allows alleged rape survivor to abort abnormal foetus
In a landmark verdict, the Supreme Court grants liberty to alleged rape survivor to terminate her 24-week-old abnormal foetus. The court says disallowing the victim to terminate her pregnancy would put her life at risk.
On Friday, a medical board was set up at KEM hospital in Mumbai to examine the condition of an alleged rape survivor who wants to abort her foetus.
A bench headed by Justice JS Khehar had asked the medical board to examine the woman at King Edward Memorial College and Hospital at Mumbai, and submit its report to the top court on Monday.
The bench also comprising Justice Arun Mishra said the report of the medical board with regard to the woman's condition will be assessed and if necessary, some directions will be passed.
The alleged rape survivor has also challenged the constitutional validity of the provisions of the abortion law which prohibits termination of pregnancy after 20 weeks even if there is a fatal risk to the mother and the fetus.
On Friday, a medical board was set up at KEM hospital in Mumbai to examine the condition of an alleged rape survivor who wants to abort her foetus.
A bench headed by Justice JS Khehar had asked the medical board to examine the woman at King Edward Memorial College and Hospital at Mumbai, and submit its report to the top court on Monday.
The bench also comprising Justice Arun Mishra said the report of the medical board with regard to the woman's condition will be assessed and if necessary, some directions will be passed.
The alleged rape survivor has also challenged the constitutional validity of the provisions of the abortion law which prohibits termination of pregnancy after 20 weeks even if there is a fatal risk to the mother and the fetus.
14:39 US, China hold NSA-level talks after SCS verdict
The US today called for "candour and openness" ahead of NSA-level talks with China here, the first such high-level political dialogue since an international tribunal rejected Beijing's expansive claims over the strategic South China Sea. US National Security Advisor Susan Rice began her visit here by holding talks with her counterpart Yang Jiechi after China's outright rejection of the tribunal, questioning its legality.
14:04 2 killed, dozens injured in shootout at Florida nightclub
At least two people have been killed and over a dozen injured
after a shooting at a nightclub in Fort Myers, western Florida. The
incident is believed to have taken place during a teen night with some
of people at the event as young as 13.
The shooting took place at Club Blu in the early hours of Monday morning, according to Lt. Jim Mulligan of the Lee County Sheriffs Office. He said that two people have been killed, while as many as 17 people have been injured.
The scene has been described as a mad house and there have been reports of gunshots as people were exiting the nightclub, according to Wink News, a television station based in Fort Myers.
Another witness says that she heard around 30 gunshots from the scene and believes that these came from a number of weapons.
13:25 Wrestling body backs Narsingh: It's a conspiracy, he is innocent
Just in: Wrestling Federation of India backs wrestler Narsuingh over failed dope tests saying it believes he is innocent
WFI chief Brij Bhusan Saran. says the body believe it's a conspiracy and he has not got a fair deal. "Narsingh has given the Federation a written complaint. He has never said no to dope tests. Narsingh has named a sports Authority of India member and he will appear for the final hearing on Wednesday. "
Earlier Narsingh Yadav had said that someone was trying to frame him on purpose to stop him from going to the Olympics.
WFI chief Brij Bhusan Saran. says the body believe it's a conspiracy and he has not got a fair deal. "Narsingh has given the Federation a written complaint. He has never said no to dope tests. Narsingh has named a sports Authority of India member and he will appear for the final hearing on Wednesday. "
Earlier Narsingh Yadav had said that someone was trying to frame him on purpose to stop him from going to the Olympics.
12:42 Sena denies 'targeting' Centre over Kashmir unrest
The Shiv Sena on Monday defended its party chief Uddhav Thackeray's demand of proclaiming India a 'Hindu state', saying they are not attacking the government and have just put forward their views as allowed in a democracy."
Kashmir is a symbol of nationalism. It's our pride. It is a very sensitive subject for us. Kashmir is an integral part of India and, therefore, it doesn't suit for a country like ours that the people of Kashmir are being targeted. Whatever is happening in Kashmir is not right,' said Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut.
"So, if we have put forward our views, why is it being taken as an attack on the government? It is our government and we can put forward our views in democracy," he added.
Amidst the ongoing tensions in Kashmir, Thackeray had on Sunday demanded that India should be proclaimed a 'Hindu state'.
Firing a fresh salvo at the Prime Minister Narendra Modi led Government, he had questioned the Centre's handling of the Kashmir situation and accused Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of 'failing' Hindus, while noting that a 'hazy situation' was prevalent in the country.
Kashmir is a symbol of nationalism. It's our pride. It is a very sensitive subject for us. Kashmir is an integral part of India and, therefore, it doesn't suit for a country like ours that the people of Kashmir are being targeted. Whatever is happening in Kashmir is not right,' said Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut.
"So, if we have put forward our views, why is it being taken as an attack on the government? It is our government and we can put forward our views in democracy," he added.
Amidst the ongoing tensions in Kashmir, Thackeray had on Sunday demanded that India should be proclaimed a 'Hindu state'.
Firing a fresh salvo at the Prime Minister Narendra Modi led Government, he had questioned the Centre's handling of the Kashmir situation and accused Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of 'failing' Hindus, while noting that a 'hazy situation' was prevalent in the country.
12:31 J Dey murder: CBI seeks more time to file chargesheet
CBI seeks more time to file supplementary chargesheet against Chhota Rajan in J Dey Murder case. CBI mentions in Special CBI court that during investigation some evidence was found against some other person also.
12:09 No party is above Punjab, says Sidhu but mum on joining AAP
Navjot Singh Sidhu: Was told to contest 2014 polls from Kurukshetra. How can I abandon the people who voted for me? Punjab is my home, I cannot leave Punjab. Have been told to stay away 3-4 times. At least tell me my crime. Party is not above Punjab. Sidhu will be there for whatever is good for Punjab. Always wanted to serve Punjab and Amritsar."
12:04 Quit because I was told to stay away from Punjab, says Sidhu
Former BJP MP Navjot Singh Sidhu's first press conference after his resignation from the Rajya Sabha. He says the reason he resigned was because he was told that to stay away from Punjab. "Sidhu, Punjab se door raho," he says alluding to a bird returning to its nest. "How can I turn my face away from Punjab?" he asks. "Punjab is my home, I cannot leave Punjab," he says. "I cannot abandon people who voted for me. "
11:53 Decision against AAP which is opposing Modi govt, says Mann after suspension
First response from AAP MP Bhagwant Mann after being shown the door for his security breach video: "All parties ganged up against AAP in Parliament. I had sent a written apology to the Speaker but it wasn't enough. Decision not against me but AAP which is opposing the Modi government," Mann said.
11:32 AAP's ''video' MP Bhagwant Mann suspended from Lok Sabha for 9 days
Security breach video: LS speaker Sumitra Mahajan advises AAP MP Bhagwant Mann not to attend Parliament until a decision is made.The Speaker also sets up a 9-member panel to probe Mann's video which put Parliament security "in peril". The panel will submit the report on August 3.
In other words, Mann will not attend the session till the panel reaches a decision. The Speaker said it is imperative that strict action is taken to prevent a repeat misdemeanor.
The AAP MP has to been told to respond to the issue by tomorrow.
On Friday, Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan met Maan for about 20-minutes and reportedly expressed her displeasure and unhappiness over breaching specific rules related to the Lok Sabha, and in particular his move on Thursday to video live stream his movements in Parliament. Mahajan told members of the House that the matter is serious and promised to take appropriate action against Mann. "Matter is serious and I understand that appropriate action must be taken. I will see to it,' said Mahajan. Her admonition of Maan came even as members in both Houses of Parliament raised a din over Maan breaching specific rules of the Lok Sabha. The chairs in both Houses were under considerable pressure from the members to take appropriate punitive action against the errant AAP MP, as a majority felt that it is a matter of national security being compromised.
In other words, Mann will not attend the session till the panel reaches a decision. The Speaker said it is imperative that strict action is taken to prevent a repeat misdemeanor.
The AAP MP has to been told to respond to the issue by tomorrow.
On Friday, Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan met Maan for about 20-minutes and reportedly expressed her displeasure and unhappiness over breaching specific rules related to the Lok Sabha, and in particular his move on Thursday to video live stream his movements in Parliament. Mahajan told members of the House that the matter is serious and promised to take appropriate action against Mann. "Matter is serious and I understand that appropriate action must be taken. I will see to it,' said Mahajan. Her admonition of Maan came even as members in both Houses of Parliament raised a din over Maan breaching specific rules of the Lok Sabha. The chairs in both Houses were under considerable pressure from the members to take appropriate punitive action against the errant AAP MP, as a majority felt that it is a matter of national security being compromised.
11:04 SC issues notice to Mallya over contempt petition filed by banks
Supreme Court issues notice to Vijay Mallya on plea seeking contempt proceedings against him alleging that he has not given full details of his assets.
The court has also given more time to the Debt Recovery Tribunal to complete hearing in the Mallya loan default case.
In April, Mallya had been directed by the court to disclose all assets held by him and his family, after his creditors rejected his offer to repay Rs 4,000 crore to settle the debts of the grounded Kingfisher Airlines.
Mallya, the chairman of United Breweries, had later agreed to disclose a list of assets held by him in India to the Supreme Court. He had requested the court to not pass the information on to banks.
Both the Enforcement Directorate and the Central Bureau of Investigation are probing Mallya for the Rs 9,000 crore loan scam.
11:03 Wrestling dopegate: 'There has clearly been some foul play'
With Narsingh Yadav's roommate Sandeep Yadav at the SAI Sonepat camp also testing positive for the same banned substance, the WFI said that it strengthens the conspiracy theory and indicates at a clear case of sabotage.
"The fact that Narisngh's teammate at the camp has also tested positive for the same substance, it clearly looks to be a foul play. Both the wrestlers were consuming the same supplements as they were roommates. It arises suspicion," WFI assistant secretary Vinod Tomar said.
"There was a high quantity of steroid in the sample, which is hard to believe. It seems like a deliberate thing. Why would anyone take such high dose," he questioned.
Asked if anyone else in the camp has also failed the dope test, the official replied in negative.
"No. Only these two guys have failed it and this clearly indicates that something is wrong."
NADA Director General Navin Agarwal yesterday confirmed that Narsingh's 'B' sample tested positive for a banned substance. Sources said that he had returned positive for methandienone -- a banned anabolic steroid.
10:55 Sidhu tol hold press conference today; tirade against Akalis likely
Navjot Singh Sidhu, who had quit the Rajya Sabha last week, will hold a press conference today at 11:30am.
According to sources, Sidhu is likely to launch a no-holds barred attack on Sukhbir and Prakash Singh Badal.
Sources told News18.com, that the cricketer-turned-politician is likely to blame the BJP for his moving out of the Rajya Sabha.
He believes the BJP and the Aakalis were both working to have him out of Punjab, sources added.
10:53 Now, wrestler Sandeep Yadav fails dope test
Days after wrestler Narsingh Yadav failed a dope test, his roommate Sandeep Yadav too tested positive for banned substances by the National Anti-Doping Agency.
The two wrestlers are roommates at the Sports Authority of India, Sonepat.
Narsingh, who tested positive for a banned steroid in the 'B' sample, appeared in front of the NADA disciplinary panel on Saturday.
Both wrestlers tested positive in methandienone, an anabolic steroid, the tests of which were conducted on June 25.
While Narsingh had won a long legal battle against Sushil Kumar to be a part of Rio 2016 squad, Sandeep was not selected in the Indian contingent.
10:43 17 ships seach for IAF AN-32 wreckage
There is a coordinated search going on between Indian Navy, IAF and coast guard: Navy chief Sunil Lanba on missing IAF AN-32.
Talking to media persons on Monday, Admiral Lanba said: "There are a total of 17 ships, 13 from navy and 4 from the Coast guard."
"Search areas have been designated. Over 250 hours of aircraft sorties have been flown."
"Its an ongoing search, we kept a close liaison with family members of those who were onboard."
The search has been intensified after satellite imagery pointed to possible floating objects but nothing has been found yet.
"Indigenous imagery satellite did give us some pointers to possible floating objects. The area indicated are being searched intensively by ships and aircraft. Nothing sighted as yet," defence sources said.
The plane left the Tambaram air base near Chennai at 8.30 am on Friday and was to have landed at Port Blair around 11.45 am. It fell off the radar at 9.12 am, 280 km east of Chennai. It made the last radio contact at 8:46 am, 16 minutes after take-off, when the pilot reported that "everything is normal".
Air Force and Navy officials said the search was continuing but no signs of any wreckage had so far been found.
10:41 Salman Khan acquitted in black buck poaching case
The Rajasthan high court has acquitted actor Salman Khan in the blackbuck poaching case.
Salman had appealed before the high court challenging the lower court's verdict that had handed him one and five years' imprisonment, respectively, in the two separate cases of poaching.
The hearing was completed in these cases in the last week of May and the decision was reserved by the high court.
In case, the court maintains the lower court's verdict, he will have to go to Jodhpur central jail once again.
Khan and seven others are accused of killing a blackbuck and chinkara in two separate incidents while shooting for the film Hum Sath Sath Hain.
One of the animals was killed at Bhawad on the outskirts of Jodhpur on September 26, 1998, and the other at Ghoda Farms on September 28, 1998.
10:37 8 children killed as van hit by train at unmanned crossing
In a tragic incident, eight children were killed and several others injured as their school minibus was hit by a train at an unmanned railway crossing in Auraiye area in Bhadohi district of Uttar Pradesh this morning.
The mini bus of Tenderheart School carrying students up to 10 years of age was hit by Varanasi-Allahabad passenger train at gate number 26 between Katka and Madhosingh Railway stations, police said.
The injured have been referred to BHU hospital, police said, adding that the DM and the SP were on the spot to monitor rescue operation.
09:07 CBI court to pronounce its order on Rajendra Kumar's bail plea today
A special CBI court will today pronounce its order on the bail plea of of suspended Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's Principal Secretary Rajendra Kumar in a corruption case.
Kumar's lawyer Mohit Mathur earlier on July 23 argued before the court that recoveries are already being made.
"Lots of people are coming forward to the CBI in this case which means there is no threat by Kumar. Thus, there is no requirement of any further probe," he said.
He also told the court that Kumar's medical condition is not good and also his daughter is seriously ill.
However, the investigating agency opposed his bail plea, saying it has evidence that the witnesses are being threatened.
"His presence outside will create an intimidating atmosphere for the witnesses. The money trails are still to be probed and investigation is at crucial stage," said the CBI in the court.
It may be recalled that Kumar had earlier moved a Delhi Court for bail in a corruption case.
08:49
Congress Rajya Sabha strategy meet scheduled to take place at 10 am in the Parliament, today.
08:15 Syrian refugee killed by own bomb at German bar
A Syrian refugee has been killed setting off a bomb at a bar in southern Germany which also wounded a dozen other people, authorities say, the third attack to hit Bavaria in a week.
The 27-year-old man, whose asylum application was rejected a year ago, had been targeting a nearby pop music festival, regional interior minister Joachim Herrmann said, according to DPA.
Some 2,500 people have been evacuated from the concert after the explosion went off in front of a bar in the centre of Ansbach at around 10:00 PM (local time) yesterday.
Police have blocked off the city centre and emergency services were at the scene. Bomb experts were also on their way to determine the cause of the blast.
"An explosion went off in the city centre and a man, who the latest enquiries show caused it, was killed in the event," police said in a statement.
A dozen people were wounded in the explosion, three of them seriously, added a spokeswoman, without giving any more details.
08:14 Teenage friend of Munich gunman arrested: police
German police said they had arrested a 16-year-old Afghan friend of the gunman who killed nine people in a rampage at a shopping centre in Munich.
"We suspect that this boy aged 16 years could have been aware of the act," police said in a statement following Friday's shooting spree after which the 18-year-old German-Iranian attacker, David Ali Sonboly, killed himself.
The arrest is the first in the investigation.
The teenager "handed himself in to police shortly after the killing spree and had been questioned on his relationship with the perpetrator," the statement added.
But officers had "uncovered contradictions in his statements" and he was now being held in custody for withholding information about a crime.
Police also said that the young Afghan may have posted on Facebook after the killings a similar message to the one the killer posted in an attempt to lure victims.
08:13 Kashmir curfew continues; separatists to take out march
Normal life was paralysed in parts of Kashmir for the 17th consecutive day today even as security agencies braced for a march called by separatists.
"Curfew is in force in five South Kashmir districts - Anantnag, Kulgam, Kupwara, Pulwama and Shopian and eight police station areas of Srinagar city as a precautionary measure," a police official said.
While curfew has already been lifted from four districts -- Bandipora, Baramulla, Budgam and Ganderbal, restrictions continue in these areas on the assembly of four or more persons, he said, adding the situation across the Valley is peaceful so far.
Separatists have been spearheading the agitation and called for a march to Anantnag town today.
08:12 Punjab Police to produce arrested AAP MLA before court today
AAP MLA Naresh Yadav, who has been arrested in connection with the alleged Malerkotla sacrilege incident on June 24, will be produced in the court today.
Yadav has been booked under relevant sections of the IPC after one of the accused, Vijay Kumar, arrested in connection with the incident, claimed he had done it at the behest of the AAP MLA.
He has been charged with IPC sections 109 (punishment for abetment if the act abetted is committed in consequence and where no express provision is made for its punishment), 153A (promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion, race, place of birth etc and doing acts prejudicial to maintenance of harmony), 295 (injury or defiling place of worship with an intent to insult the religion of any class).
Yadav before his arrest had described the police action against him as a "conspiracy."
"When I had told police that I was available for questioning any time then why I am being arrested," he said, adding that police procured the arrest warrant on the accusations of an "RSS man".
08:10 Srinagar-Muzaffarabad bus service resumes
The Srinagar-Muzaffarabad bus service resumed today after remaining suspended for two weeks in view of the unrest in Kashmir Valley that has left 45 people dead and 3,400 others injured.
Passengers travelling across the Line of Control by the bus -- also known as Karwan-e-Aman (Peace Caravan) -- were asked to report at SRTC Yard, Bemina, at 3 am, a police official said.
The bus service was suspended in the wake of violent protests in the Valley following the killing of Hizbul commander Burhan Wani by security forces on July 8.
The violence left a total of 45 people dead but the Valley has been calm for a few days.
The bus service was started in April 2005 as part of the confidence building measures between New Delhi and Islamabad.
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