LIVE
Mon, 13 June 2016
Orlando shooter does not appear to be part of ISIS plot: Obama

Timeline  Refresh

image
23:27   China's Xi sends 'deep 'condolences' over US club massacre
Chinese President Xi Jinping called his US counterpart Barack Obama today to express "deep condolences" over the 50 people killed by a gunman in a Florida gay nightclub, officials said.
Xi "expressed deep sympathy and sincere condolences to the American people" and "deep condolences" to the victims of the attack, the foreign ministry said on its website. 

He joined an international outpouring of sympathy over the worst mass shooting in US history, after condemnation by Obama, Pope Francis and Britain's Queen Elizabeth II.

Reacting to the latest in a long series of mass gun killings in the US, Obama said the FBI was "appropriately investigating this as an act of terrorism".

"Although it's still early in the investigation, we know enough to say that this was an act of terror and an act of hate," he said, later ordering flags to be flown at half-mast. 
image
23:11   Orlando shooter does not appear to be part of ISIS plot: Obama
The gunman who killed 49 people at an Orlando gay club was motivated by "extremist information distributed over the internet", but does not appear to be part of a broader ISIS plot, US President Barack Obama said today, calling it an apparent example of "homegrown extremism".
"The one thing that we can say is that this is being treated as a terrorist investigation. It appears that the shooter was inspired by various extremist information that was disseminated over the internet," Obama told reporters after receiving a briefing from the FBI this morning.
All those materials are currently being searched, exploited, so that the FBI has a better sense of the pathway that the killer took in making a decision to launch this attack, he added.

"At this stage, we see no clear evidence that he was directed externally. It does appear that at the last minute, he announced allegiance to ISIL, but there's no evidence so far that he was, in fact, directed by ISIL (ISIS)," Obama said with the FBI Director James Comey sitting by his side.

"Also, at this stage, there's no direct evidence that he was part of a larger plot. In that sense, it appears to be similar to what we saw in San Bernardino, but we don't yet know. And this is part of what is going to be important in terms of the investigation," Obama said.
image
23:01   Trump calls for vigilance on Muslims after Orlando shooting
Republican presidential presumptive nominee Donald Trump today called for vigilance on Muslims and mosques in the US, a day after an Afghan-origin gunman killed 49 people at an Orlando nightclub in the deadliest shooting in American history.

"We need much better intelligence gathering information. We need intelligence gathering centers, because the people in the communities where these people are, they know there's something off. They know there's something going on," he said. 

"We need intelligence gathering. We have to look at the mosques. We have to look at the community. And believe me, the community knows the people that have potential for blow up," said Trump, who has been criticised for advocating a ban on Muslim immigrants.
image
22:58   FBI 'highly confident' Orlando killer was radicalized
The gunman whose shooting spree at a packed nightclub left 49 people dead sounded "cool and calm" in negotiations with police before officers stormed the club in a brutal firefight that ended the siege, Orlando Police Chief John Mina said Monday.

Also Monday, FBI Director James Comey provided some details about gunman Omar Mateen, saying he talked to 911 dispatchers three times in the hours before he was killed by police. Comey said Mateen's comments were contradictory, as he claimed his attack was in support of Islamic State. But Mateen also expressed support al-Nusrah and other terror groups that are actually enemies of the Syrian-based Islamic State.

Comey said Mateen apparently had been radicalized, at least in part through online websites. But he reiterated comments made earlier by President Obama that Mateen did not appear to have been directed Islamic State or been a part of a larger conspiracy.
image
22:57   US Embassy lights up in solidarity with LGBT community
The US Embassy here today lit up its building with rainbow colours to show solidarity towards the LGBT community in the wake of an attack on a gay nightclub in Orlando which left 50 dead.
The embassy will also raise the rainbow flag along with the American flag following the mourning period for the victims of the Orlando attack.
"The US stands firmly by the principles of equality for all, including members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex community. It is in this spirit, and in celebration of June's LGBTI Pride month, that the US Embassy is lighting the Embassy building in the iconic colours of the LGBTI movement," said Michael Pelletier, Charges d' Affaires at the US Embassy here in a statement.
image
22:51   Learn religious harmony from India, Dalai Lama tells world
Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama today asked the world to seek inspiration from India which has maintained religious harmony for over 2,000 years, as he prayed for the victims of Orlando shooting that
claimed over 50 lives.

"A very serious tragedy in Orlando. So let's start with some silent prayer," the Dalai Lama said at the US Institute of Peace, a US-based think-tank established by the Congress. 

Asserting that "genuine practitioners of Islam would never create bloodshed", he asked the world to seek inspiration from India which is home to major religions of the world and people live in harmony.
"India despite problems, has had religious harmony there for 2,000 years," he said. 
image
22:17   Orlando gunman spoke with 911 multiple times: FBI chief
Federal Bureau of Investigation chief: James Comey said that Orlando gunman spoke with 911 multiple times and told the operator that he pledged loyalty to the Islamic State.

Comey said Omar Mateen, the gunman killed 50 people at a gay nightclub in Orlando, Florida, before being shot dead in a standoff with the police, had 'strong indications of radicalisation', 'potential inspiration by foreign terrorist organisations'.
image
21:41  
JUST IN: Aam Aadmi Party leader Raghav Chadha says the rejection of dual office bill by the President will have no effect on assembly membership of the party's 21 MLAs.

"BJP's propaganda department is just spreading lies. Modi ji should himself also work and let us also work," Chadha said.
image
21:38   Group of Pak clerics issues fatwa against honour killing
At least 40 clerics of the Barelvi school of thought in Pakistan have issued a fatwa against honour killing, declaring it 'un-Islamic and unpardonable sin' amidst a series of such incidents.

The clerics under the banner of Sunni Itehad Council told a news conference in Lhore that honour killing is kufr (infidelity).

'Burning women alive for marrying of their own choice is against Islamic injunctions,' the fatwa (religious decree) said.

It condemned recent honour killings in Lahore, Abbottabad and Murree, saying such incidents have shaken the whole society as we are moving towards social and societal degradation.

It said killing in the name of family honour is based on ignorance and waywardness. The fatwa urged the government to implement proper legislation to curb such crimes, and declare heinous acts such as burning or killing of woman as an unpardonable crime as it is an Islamic government's responsibility to protect women rights.

At least 1,100 women were killed in the name of honour in Pakistan last year by their relatives on the pretext of defending what is seen as family honour.
image
21:03   21 AAP MLAs may be disqualified as Prez rejects Kejriwal's dual office bill
The Delhi government Bill to exclude the post of parliamentary secretary from the office of profit has been refused assent by the President, raising questions over the fate of 21 Aam Aadmi Party MLAs, who have been appointed to the posts.

The refusal puts a question mark over the membership of 21 AAP MLAs, who have been appointed parliamentary secretaries by the Arvind Kejriwal government.

Petitions have been filed with the President seeking disqualification of the these MLAs on the ground that they occupied office of profit in violation of the Constitution.

Acting as a quasi judicial body, the Election Commission to whom the President referred the issue has sought replies of the MLAs.

Meanwhile, the Delhi government had sought an amendment to the Delhi Members of Legislative Assembly (Removal of Disqualification) Act, 1997.

Through the Bill, the AAP government wanted 'retrospective' exemption for the parliamentary secretaries from disqualification provisions. The Bill was forwarded by Lt Governor Najeeb Jung to the Centre, which in turn was sent to the President with its comments.

However, the President did not give his assent to the Bill, official sources said.

On March 13, 2015, Kejriwal had passed an order appointing the 21 party MLAs as Parliamentary Secretaries. Subsequently, the AAP government had sought an amendment to the Delhi Members of Legislative Assembly (Removal of Disqualification) Act, 1997.
image
20:32   Where is my budget, Mr Modi, asks Harish Rawat
Calling himself a deeply concerned chief minister of a state which has suffered due to prolonged political uncertainty, Uttarakhand CM Harish Rawat today sought Centre's cooperation in development and demanded clearance to the state budget passed by the assembly before his government was dismissed.

"Modiji meru budget kakh gaye? (where is my budget Mr Modi?)," He asked Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Garhwali. "This is what I ask from every forum these days," Rawat said as he translated the words into Hindi for the reporters at a press conference.

He said if the issue is not resolved he would take it to the people's court, indicating the question to the prime minister could become the party's campaign punch line for the state assembly elections due early next year.

"I should not perhaps be expecting help from BJP which is in power at the Centre at a time when elections are just six-seven months away. But I still seek the BJP's and the Centre's co-operation in the development of the state as I am an extremely concerned chief minister today," he said.
image
20:11   Now, Hindu Sena to celebrate 'saviour of humanity' Trump's birthday
After holding a havan to pray for the presumptive Republican nominees victory in the United States elections, the right-wing group Hindu Sena will celebrate Donald Trumps birthday in a grand fashion on Tuesday at the Jantar Mantar in the national capital.

A colourful open invite sporting the face of Trump surrounded by balloons, said join us and lets celebrate the birthday of the saviour of humanity, the Republican Presidential Nominee of the United States of America.

Hindu Sena national president Vishnu Gupta said that a special seven kilo cake and a grand orchestra had been arranged for the event.

We are celebrating his special day, despite the recent tragedy in Orlando because, he is taking a stand against Islamic terror and that is very important to India, as we have been plagued from this kind of terrorism. Only one man can save us all from this epidemic and that is him. I pray that he wins with heavy majority and fulfils his promise of wiping Islamic terror off the face of the earth, Gupta said.

Last month, the Hindu Sena held prayers for Trumps victory in the Presidential race, as a priest chanted hymns and members of the group made offerings to fire, holding posters of the Republican presidential candidate, with We love Trump written in bold letters.
image
19:48   Anurag Kashyap thanks judiciary for letting Udta Punjab fly
Filmmaker Anurag Kashyap, who is one of the co-producer of Udta Punjab, has thanked the Bombay high court for giving its verdict in the favour of the movie.

The 43-year-old Black Friday helmer, who was vocal in his criticism of censor board chief Pahlaj Nihalani, also thanked his fans for supporting the team.

'Thank you To the honourable Judge, thank you all for the faith and support.. Time to get back to work.. Two back to back releases,' Kashyap tweeted.

The HC today cleared the release of Udta Punjab, but directed the filmmakers to delete a urination scene from the movie and opt for a revised disclaimer.

The HC said it did not find anything in the film's script that shows the state in bad light or affects the sovereignty or integrity of India as it was claimed by the CBFC.
image
19:29   Yahoo to shut its old Messenger App on Aug 5
American multinational technology company Yahoo Inc. has announced the shutting down of its chat service Yahoo Messenger from August five this year.

However, the company has asked all its users to move to the new version of the Messenger, introduced last year.

'In December of 2015, we announced a brand new Yahoo Messenger for mobile, the Web and in Yahoo Mail on the desktop, built on a new modern platform. This complete revamp brings users an incredibly fast, beautiful and smart way to send -- and unsend -- messages, photos and animated GIFs in 1:1 and group conversations,' Yahoo chief architect Amotz Maimon said while explaining the company's move.

'While today we provide basic interoperation between the legacy product and the new Messenger, we encourage all of our users to complete their transition to the new Yahoo Messenger as we will no longer support the legacy platform as of August 5, 2016. We intend to continue our focused efforts on the new Messenger, with a goal of delivering the best experience to our users,' Maimon added.
image
19:07  
JUST IN: Under construction building in Anand(Gujarat) collapses, Three dead. Rescue operations underway.
image
18:53  
The bus from which terrorists opened fire on a CRPF camp in Kud area of J&K's Udhampur district. Traffic on Jammu-Srinagar National Highway has been stopped for safety of passengers. Photograph: ANI
image
18:46   Terrorist, woman killed in attack on CRPF camp in Udhampur
A terrorist and a woman were killed after a Central Reserve Police Force camp came under attack on Jammu-Srinagar national highway in Kud area of Udhampur district, police said.

The camp, located about 170 km from Jammu, came under attack from terrorists, believed to be more than one in number, who were travelling in a State Road Transport Corporation bus which was stopped for checking by a joint party of the CRPF and J&K police.

The bus has been stopped by the security forces and a search is on.

One militant has been eliminated even though the search operation is on, Inspector General of Police, Jammu Zone, Danesh Rana said.

Three people injured in the attack were admitted to hospital. Out of them, one woman succumbed to injuries.

We think only one militant was involved in the attack, Rana said, adding if a second militant is also involved in the attack, he too would be eliminated shortly.

The area has been cordoned off and a search is on.

With inputs from Mukhtar Ahmad in Srinagar.
image
18:11  
JUST IN: Microsoft will acquire LinkedIn for $196 per share in an all-cash transaction valued at $26.2 billion.
image
17:26   The life and times of a modern princess
On the sixth leg of their 2,148 km journey, Rediff.com's Archana Masih and photographer Rajesh Karkera meet a princess who is breathing new life into dead forts and quietly changing the House of Marwar. Take a look.

Also read: A cow hospital with a cancer ward and ICU
image
17:16   Nihalani only following guidelines, don't shoot the messenger: Shatrughan
With a large section of Bollywood up in arms against Pahlaj Nihalani over his policies, actor-turned politician Shatrughan Sinha, defended the Central Board of Film Certification chairman, saying he is only following the guidelines laid down by the government.

"Filmmakers who are attacking him (Nihlani), forget that he has not made the rules. He is only following the guidelines laid down by the government. Don't shoot the messenger if you don't like the message," Sinha said.

Defending his 'close friend', the BJP Patna Sahib MP said that Nihalani is dutifully and beautifully playing his part as the CBFC chairman.

"Why there is a huge outcry to sack Pahlaj Nihalani? He is only doing his duty. One should ask the government to change the guidelines," he said.

Sinha further said that the entire controversy surrounding Udta Punjab has only benefitted the film and its makers. "I consider Anurag Kashyap as sensitive filmmaker. If Udta Punjab is focusing on drug problem, I believe its sincere attempt," he added.
image
16:58   History of the AR-15, the weapon used in Orlando shooting
The type of rifle used to kill 50 people and injure 53 at an Orlando nightclub Sunday -- in the worst mass shooting in U.S. history -- is as American as baseball cards and apple pie. Manufactured by dozens of companies nationwide, the ubiquitous synthetic and aluminum rifle, known as the AR-15, is a civilian variant of the military's M-16 series of rifle and carbines. It's favored because of its relative light weight and anchor points for numerous modifications, and serves as a type of lethal erector set for millions of Americans. Read more
image
16:32  
A judgement for the whole film industry not just us, its awesome: Madhu Mantena Verma, co-producer of Udta Punjab.
image
16:31  
First reactions from Udta Punjab Abhishek Chaubey: Massively relieved today, looking to release the film on the scheduled date.
image
16:25   Bombay HC clears Udta Punjab with just 1 cut
Bombay HC clears Udta Punjab with one cut and dismisses CBFC's plea.  The HC directs CBFC to issue a fresh certificate to the movie in 48 hours.
The court observed that Punjab is a land of green revolution and brave soldiers. So, one sentence (Zameen banjar te aulaad kanjar) can't affect that image. "On cut no 9 (Tommy Singh urinating in front of crowd) ,we don't feel that this scene is necessary in the film.

The only scene that will be deleted in the film is the one with Tommy Singh urinating into the crowd.

CBFC's demand for a stay refused by HC.

The court observes: There is no need to assert or incorporate abusive words in every dialogue. As far as cut no 5 suggested by CBFC is concerned, there are some abusive words, some abusive words need to be deleted. We are not in agreement that in some films cuss words have been allowed so these should be allowed here too.

Udta Punjab does not question the "sovereignty or integrity" of India, the Bombay High Court said today ahead of a likely verdict this afternoon on a series of controversial cuts imposed on the film by the Censor Board.

"We have read script in entirety to see if film encourages drugs. We do not find the film questions sovereignty or integrity of India by the names of cities, reference to state or by a signpost," the court said, referring to the Censor Board ordering the deletion of "Punjab" and names of other places in the state in the film.
image
16:17   Canadian hostage beheaded by Abu Sayyaf Islamist group in Philippines
A Canadian man who was being held hostage by a militant group in the Philippines has been beheaded.Abu Sayyaf, an extremist group with links to al-Qaeda, warned it would kill Robert Hall unless a multi-million dollar ransom was paid. 

Hall had been held by the group since 21 September 2015, and was one of a group of four hostages that included fellow Canadian John Ridsdel, who was killed in April. Details awaited.
image
15:58   Film NOT made with Punjab polls in mind: Court tells CBFC
Udta Punjab hearing: Film NOT made with polls in mind, nor does it encourage drug addiction. No one can interfere if creative freedom is not abused.

Meanwhile, the Punjab and Haryana HC has slapped a notice on the film Details awaited.

The film is set to release on Friday.
image
15:54  
JK Rowling 'can't stop crying' after learning man who worked on Harry Potter ride among Orlando victims. Read more
image
15:49   Abuses need to be deleted, court tells Udta Punjab makers
Proceedings resume in the Bombay High Court on the Udta Punjab plea.

The court observes: There is no need to assert or incorporate abusive words in every dialogue. As far as cut no 5 suggested by CBFC is concerned, there are some abusive words, some abusive words need to be deleted. We are not in agreement that in some films cuss words have been allowed so these should be allowed here too.

Udta Punjab does not question the "sovereignty or integrity" of India, the Bombay High Court said today ahead of a likely verdict this afternoon on a series of controversial cuts imposed on the film by the Censor Board.

"We have read script in entirety to see if film encourages drugs. We do not find the film questions sovereignty or integrity of India by the names of cities, reference to state or by a signpost," the court said, referring to the Censor Board ordering the deletion of "Punjab" and names of other places in the state in the film.
image
15:40   Narendra Modi and the Anglosphere
Watching the prime minister in America is unlike watching him elsewhere. Narendra Modi is a different person there. At home or in our neighbourhood, he is very much the Leader: deliberate, unsmiling and over-produced like someone soaked overnight in gravitas.

When he makes a stump speech, he is more animated but you have to be on his side to enjoy it because it is a taunting animation. His rhetorical control in Hindi is remarkable, given it isn't his mother tongue.

This isn't the routine Hindi-fluency of the RSS pracharak because in campaign mode, Modi's spoken Hindi can be robustly Hindustani. Advani was fluent but it was a stranger's fluency: too shuddh to be rousing, made faintly absurd by the prissy delivery.  Read more
image
15:37  
BREAKING: 250 Chinese troops intruded into Arunachal's East Kameng district on June 9, reports India Today. Crossed back after 3 hours.
image
15:12   This tweet about mass shootings is sadly still relevant after Orlando
Sally Kohn is a political commentator for CNN, who in the aftermath of the Sydney hostage crisis last December tweeted: @sallykohn  21 Dec 2014 Muslim shooter = entire religion guilty
Black shooter = entire race guilty
White shooter = mentally troubled lone wolf


Sadly, the sentiment it expresses about how some sections of the media approach high profile shootings has rung true again and again, most prominently in the Charleston and Chapel Hill shootings last year, and November's Paris attacks. Read more
image
15:05  
CBFC not empowered by law to censor films as the word censor is not included in the Cinematograph Act: Bombay HC on Udta Punjab row.
image
14:57  
IS claims Orlando shooter as 'soldier of caliphate' in radio bulletin.
image
14:45   Udta Punjab does not question sovereignty or integrity of India: HC
The Bombay high court is is hearing the plea filed by the Udta Punjab makers regarding the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC)s suggested cuts to the film now. The film centred around the drug problem in Punjab has stoked both a political and artistic debate.

"We have read the script in entirety to see if film encourages drugs. We do not find the film questions sovereignty or integrity of India by the names of cities, reference to state or by a signpost," the court observed, adding, "It is not for anybody to interfere unless and until creative freedom is abused."

On Sunday, the censor board cleared the controversial film with 13 cuts under the A category, its chairman Pahlaj Nihalani said.

We have today cleared Udta Punjab under A (restricted for adult audience) category after 13 cuts, Nihalani told reporters on the sidelines of a function.

The Court today observed that no one can dictate to a filmmaker how to make a film. "The CBFC is not required by law to censor. Nobody can interfere unless creative freedom is abused. We do not find the film questioning India's sovereignty or integrity."

The HC also observed that dual meaning should not be encouraged and said the filmmakers had chosen to highlight the drug menace in Punjab.

Makers of the film, Phantom Films, had challenged some of the CBFCs suggested cuts in the high court, which included deleting references to Punjab, two graphically vulgar scenes and toning down an expletive-laden script.

The CBFCs clearance came after the Bombay high court came down heavily on the board, saying it was overly critical of the controversial drug-themed film.

image
14:19   19 years of Uphaar tragedy: Awaiting justice, say families of victims
Nineteen years have passed since a tragic fire in Uphaar Cinema in South Delhi engulfed 59 people but families of the victims said they are still awaiting justice.

On June 13, 1997, halfway through the screening of Hindi film 'Border', a fire engulfed Uphaar Cinema, situated in south Delhi's Green Park area. Fifty-nine people were killed because of asphyxiation while over 100 were injured in the fire and the ensuing stampede. "We have been waiting for some sort of closure for 19 years but still far away from justice," said Neelam Krishnamoorthy, President of President Association of Victims of Uphaar Tragedy (AVUT).

A trial court had sentenced the Uphaar owners -- the Ansal brothers -- to two-year rigorous imprisonment, in 2007. However, an year later the Delhi High Court reduced the sentence to one year.
image
13:57   One by one, dead bodies being removed from scene of Orlando carnage
Dozens of bodies were slowly removed overnight from the popular Orlando gay club after a gunman sprayed the helpless crowd with bullets in violence that killed 50 people and devastated a city famous for family-friendly theme parks.

When the attacker opened fire in the early hours of yesterday morning, it interrupted an evening of drinking, dancing and drag shows at a club known for tolerance for all people.

Authorities say suspect Omar Mateen emerged, carrying an AR-15 and fired relentlessly 20 rounds, 40, then 50 and more. In such tight quarters, the bullets could hardly miss. He shot at police. He took hostages. When the gunfire at the Pulse Orlando club finally stopped, 50 people were dead and dozens critically wounded in the deadliest mass shooting in modern US history.

Mateen, who authorities said had pledged allegiance to the Islamic State in a 911 around the time of the attack, died in a gun battle with SWAT team members.

"I've always felt so safe here for my family, kids. And now, I don't know," said Marlon Massey, who lives across the street from the club.

Authorities are wondering if it was an act of terrorism and are probing the background of Mateen, a 29-year-old American citizen from Fort Pierce, Florida, who had worked as a security guard.

The gunman's father recalled that his son recently got angry when he saw two men kissing in Miami and said that might be related to the assault.

Thirty-nine of the dead were killed at the club, and 11 people died at hospitals, Mayor Buddy Dyer said. Yesterday night, workers were removing bodies four at a time on stretchers out of the club and loaded them into white vans. The action was repeated over and over. The covered bodies were taken to the County Medical Examiner's office. Jon Alamo had been dancing at the Pulse for hours when he wandered into the club's main room just in time to see the gunman. "

You ever seen how Marine guys hold big weapons, shooting from left to right? That's how he was shooting at people," he said. "My first thought was, oh my God, I'm going to die," Alamo said. "I was praying to God that I would live to see another day."

Pulse patron Eddie Justice texted his mother, Mina: "Mommy I love you. In club they shooting." About 30 minutes later, hiding in a bathroom, he texted her: "He's coming. I'm gonna die." Justice's would eventually be added to the city's list of those killed in the shooting.

At least 53 people were hospitalised, most in critical condition, and a surgeon at Orlando Regional Medical Center said the death toll was likely to climb.



IMAGE: Two women hold each other at a vigil outside The Stonewall Inn on Christopher Street, considered by some as the center of New York State's gay rights movement, following the shooting massacre at Orlando. Photograph: Mark Kauzlarich/Reuters
image
13:25   Who will be the next prez of Karnataka Cong committee
Meanwhile, continuing Hari Prasad as AICC General Secretary is doubtful in the ensuing organsational revamp given Prasad's huge failure in Haryana where he was central AICC observer for the Rajya Sabha seats.

Fourteen Congressmen crossvoted which went invalid, but point to note is that Prasad had been warned about this by the president of the Janhit party, Kuldeep Bishnoi, the son of Bhajan Lal. Prasad choose to ignore it.

In a communication to 10 Janpath, Kuldeep Bishnoi stated a few facts where he brought in the role of Hari Prasad.


In an earlier occasion, Prasad was sent as Central Observer to Chhatisgarh Where he picked up a fight with Ajit Jogi.

Tthe Congress in Chhatisgarh is all but winding up due to Prasad's ineffective handling of Jogi say senior Congress leaders from Karnataka and Haryana.

Will Rahul Gandhi dump Prasad or rehabilitate him as the President of the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee by the end of this year? Well, that's the buzz at 24 Akbar Road.

image
12:56   'Kill anybody, anyhow, anwyhere', ISIS called for Ramzan attacks in US
The deadliest terrorist attack on US soil since 9/11 followed a clarion call by ISIS to its supporters in the United States to launch attacks during Ramadan, the Islamic Holy Month, which started last week.In an audio recording released on May 21, ISIS spokesman Abu Mohammed al Adnani called for "a month of hurt" in the United States as well as Europe. His message to ISIS sympathizers like Orlando shooter Omar Mateen: Stay home and kill anybody, anyhow, anywhere, reports CNN.


Pic: Orlando shooter Omar Mateen
image
12:50   Mateen made ant-gay comments when he was angry, says ex wife
The wife of Omar Mateen, identified by police as the man behind the carnage at an Orlando nightclub early Sunday morning, says she was equally shocked by the killings but said he had made anti-gay comments when he was angry.

Sitora Yusufiy said, "There were definitely moments when he'd express his intolerance towards homosexuals." She said she had first met Mateen online in 2008.


Yusufiy described him as a "funny charmer with a decent job and aspirations to become a police officer" but said that he quickly became controlling, abusive and erratic after they were married. After marriage, he made her hand over her paychecks from her daycare job, prevented her from calling her parents and hit her, sometimes as she slept, she said.

He also kept a handgun in the house. "I wasn't allowed to go anywhere except work," she was quoted as saying.


Mateen was an observant Muslim but never expressed sympathies for terrorist organisations or radical Islamists, she said. Yusify left Mateen in 2009 after her parents flew down from New Jersey and rescued her from the marriage and had no contact with him since, except for one time when he tried to message her on Facebook.


Pic: Sitora Yusufiy
image
12:33   Chidambaram writes 4-page letter to Sonia on reviving Congress's fortunes
P Chidambaram is said to have written a four-page confidential letter to Congress president Sonia Gandhi  in which he has stated that the BJP government was intentionally going after him and his family by falsely implicating  them in concocted cases.   

In the letter he has also suggested that with the party reposing faith in him by having him elected to the Rajya Sabha, the AICC should entrust him with more responsibility so that BJP government can be put in the dock, as that would bring about a revival of the Congress party's fortunes.   

In the Ishrat Jhan case, Chidambaram has stated in the letter that he was merely implementing the then government's dictum and directions.   

Following his election to the Upper House, Chidambaram will now focus  on more parliamentary work like special mentions, adjournment motions and raising key  economic issues.
image
12:27   Kapil Sibal or Chidambaram, who will be new LOP in Rajya Sabha?
It's a toss-up between Kapil Sibal and P Chidambaram, as one of them will be appointed the new Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha.   

The present LOP, Ghulam Nabi Azad, has been given 24x7 responsibility to bring the Congress back to glory in Uttar Pradesh.  

Azad's responsibility is onerous, and it also means that he will have to step down as LOP in Rajya  Sabha to be able to do justice to his new assignment.   

Azad's moving out will not, however, mean that there will be any letup in Sonia Gandhi's determination to give the BJP government sleepless nights by opposing it tooth and nail in the Rajya Sabha. 

Major changes are also expected in the AICC, especially after the Rajya Sabha setback in Haryana where the entire Congress bandwagon backstabbed Sonia Gandhi in the recently concluded elections to the Upper House. 

Party insiders speak of many more new faces being inducted into the AICC by the end of this month.
image
12:17   Special teams formed to verify Kairana MP's statement
'The Shamli district administration Sunday formed four separate teams to look into allegations made by BJP MP Hukum Singh that 346 Hindu families had fled their homes in Kairana town over "threat and extortion by criminal elements belonging to a particular community",' reports Manish Sahu in the Indian Express, and that 'each team, led by a tehsildar-rank officer and including a revenue officer and constables, will go door-to-door for inspection'.   

SDM Ram Avtar Gupta has been quoted in the report as saying that the teams 'will visit each house of those mentioned in the BJP MP's list. They will collect complete details on them, including where they are staying at present. If families are not found at their address, the teams will find out where and when they have gone. They will also record the statements of locals to know the reason behind them leaving their home.'   

The matter had burst into the headlines after Hukum Singh circulated a list of 346 Hindu families who he said had to leave the town after members of "a particular community' held out threats of violence.   

You can read more of the report here.
image
12:12  
MIG-27 crashes in Jodhpur; both pilot ejected themselves, 2-3 persons reportedly injured
image
12:11  
Mata Vaishno Devi pilgrimage sets a new record; Over 51,000 pilgrims performed darshan of holy cave on Sunday
image
11:40   Pakistan's credentials better than India to join NSG: Sartaz Aziz
Pakistan's top Foreign Affairs Advisor Sartaj Aziz has said Islamabad's credentials for the membership of Nuclear Suppliers Group are stronger than India's if the 48-nation group agrees to form a uniform criteria for non-Non Proliferation Treaty states.

In an interview to Pakistani channel Dawn News, Aziz said Pakistan has diplomatically engaged numerous countries.

"If the group forms a uniform criteria, then Pakistan has stronger credentials for NSG membership than India," the advisor claimed.

"Our strategy was to apply after India did, after which we would have immediately followed. We have had our application in an advance state of readiness for the past three months for this this purpose," Aziz said.
image
11:06   Fodder scam: Lalu Yadav appears before special CBI court
RJD chief Lalu Yadav on Monday appeared in a special CBI court here over his involvement in a multi-crore fodder scam. 

Lalu's counsel Prabhat Kumar told ANI, "The case is pertaining to RC38A/1996, in which there are a total of 48 accused and most of them were evading personal appearance. That is why all the accused had been ordered by the court to appear before it."

"So far 15-17 accused have marked their presence in the court, and more are expected to visit. The court will take legal action against those who failed to comply with its order," Kumar added.

On June 2, the court had summoned 38 people accused in a case related to fraudulent withdrawal of Rs 3.31 crore from Dumka treasury including the RJD chief. 

Lalu arrived on Ranchi on Sunday evening from Patna. The case trial is under process.

Lalu Yadav had already been convicted in a fodder scam and he was awarded five years sentence in October 2013. He is currently on bail.
image
10:59   Clinton, Trump postpone poll campaigns after Orlando shooting
US Presidential hopefuls Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton have postponed their respective poll campaigns in the aftermath of America's deadliest mass shooting in Orlando, offering prayers and support to the victims of the horrific massacre.

"Because of the tragic attack in Orlando, the June 15 Hillary for America campaign event with President Obama will be postponed," the Clinton Campaign said. 

The event in Wisconsin would have been the first joint appearance of President Barack Obama and Clinton, 68, after the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee was endorsed by the US President last week.

The former secretary of state pushed for gun control and reached out to the LGBT community. 

"To the LGBT community: please know that you have millions of allies across our country. I am one of them," she tweeted.

"I join Americans in praying for the victims of the attack in Orlando," Clinton said in another tweet.

Presumptive Republican presidential nominee Trump, 69, also postponed one of his major campaign events scheduled for todayin New Hampshire and offered words of support to the victims.
image
10:20   Bombay HC to pronounce order on 'Udta Punjab' today
The Bombay High Court will pronounce its order on the censorship of Udta Punjab, a film highlighting the rampant drug menace and its impact on the youth in the state, on Monday.

A Division Bench of Justices S C Dharmadhikari and Shalini Phansalkar Joshi had adjourned the matter earlier on Friday after hearing the plea filed by Udta Punjab's co-producer Phantom Films against the 13 cuts suggested by the Central Board of Film Certification in the movie.

The court told the CBFC that the multiplex audience is mature enough, adding that people should be allowed to see the film as everybody has a choice.

During the hearing, the CBFC lawyer informed the court that the words used in the songs of the film are very offensive, the scenes in the movie which have been asked to cut are very vulgar, the dialogue zameen banjar to aulaad kanjar is also very abusive and the dog, which has been named as Jackie Chan, is also objectionable.

When the board went on to justify all the 13 cuts saying the film was meant for public exhibition, the court said the CBFC should only certify a film and not censor it.
image
10:05   Amit Shah to meet UP BJP MPs today after National Executive meet
Bharatiya Janata Party president Amit Shah is all set to meet all Members of Parliament from Uttar Pradesh today after the National Executive meeting in Allahabad.

Speaking to ANI on the sidelines on BJP's national executive meeting, Union Communications and IT Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said that the saffron party had emerged as a national party with its influence spreading to all parts

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was in Allahabad for the meet on Sunday, told the BJP workers not to take the opposition lightly and counter their accusations by working for the people.

Besides Prime Minister Modi, the national executive meeting is being attended by party president Amit Shah, senior members of the Union Cabinet, chief ministers of the BJP-ruled states and Members of Parliament.
image
10:02   Rahul to protest today against drug menace in Punjab
Meanwhile, Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi will lead a protest in Punjab's Jalandhar city on Monday against the drug menace in the state.

Gandhi, who will be accompanied by members of the Congress' Punjab unit, is also expected to highlight the alleged deterioration in the law and order situation in the state.

"Will join the mass protest in Jalandhar on Monday, 13th June, to highlight rampant drug abuse and collapse of law & order in Punjab," Gandhi's office tweeted earlier on June 10.

The Aam Aadmi Party has dubbed Gandhi's protest against drugs as ridiculous and alleged that the Congress was adopting double standards as the grand party had failed to initiate any action on the same when the matter was brought to the notice of former prime minister Dr Manmohan Singh.
image
09:53   Empire State Building goes dark in memory of Orlando victims
New York's Empire State Building went dark while the spire of One World Trade Center lit up in the colours of the gay pride flag in memory of the victims of the Orlando massacre.

The symbolic move yesterday came as the United States mourned the 50 victims of the worst mass shooting in modern US history, gunned down at a gay club in the Florida city. 

In the wake of the attack by a heavily armed assailant, New York Mayor Bill de Blasio announced that all flags would be flown at half-staff in the largest US city and that security measures have been strengthened, in particular around places associated with the LGBT community. 

De Blasio told reporters that the shooting that also left dozens injured was "against our values." 

But "you'll see a lot of additional police presence on the streets of the city," he added, stressing: "No city in the world is better prepared to stop terror, to stop hate." 
image
09:28   Orlando shooting: Trump tweets he was 'right' on Islamist threat
White House hopeful Donald Trump lost no time on Sunday in claiming a massacre in a gay nightclub showed he has been right about Islamic extremism.

In a series of Tweets starting just hours after the shooting began and as reports were still sketchy, Trump said the tragedy supported his views.

"Appreciate the congrats for being right on radical Islamic terrorism," he said. "I don't want congrats, I want toughness and vigilance. We must be smart!"

Later, he followed up with a strongly-worded statement.

"In his remarks today, President Obama disgracefully refused to even say the words 'Radical Islam'. For that reason alone, he should step down," he said.

"If Hillary Clinton, after this attack, still cannot say the two words 'Radical Islam' she should get out of this race for the presidency."
image
09:28   Orlando shooter's father supported Afghan Taliban
The father of Omar Mateen, identified by police as the man behind the carnage at an Orlando nightclub early Sunday morning, is an Afghan man who holds strong political views, including support for the Afghan Taliban.

Seddique Mateen, who has been referred to as Mir Seddique in early news reports, hosted a television show called Durand Jirga on a channel called Payam-e-Afghan, which broadcasts from California. 

In it, the elder Mateen speaks in the Dari language on a variety of political subjects. Dozens of videos are posted on a channel under Seddique Mateen's name on YouTube. 

A phone number and post office box that are displayed on the show were traced back to the Mateen home in Florida. Mateen also owns a non-profit organization under the name Durand Jirga which is registered in Port St. Lucie, Florida.

In one video, Mateen expresses gratitude towards the Afghan Taliban, while denouncing the Pakistani government.
image
08:35   Congress to approach EC over RS polls in Haryana today
Congress will approach the Election Commission today to protest against the "misuse of government machinery" in the Rajya Sabha elections for two seats in Haryana on Friday which led to independent candidate R K Anand, backed by the party, losing the poll. 

Party general secretary B K Hariprasad said they will approach the Election Commission today and demand countermanding of election to both Rajya Sabha seats from Haryana.

Asked whether the party suspected internal sabotage in the elections including by former chief minister B S Hooda, he replied in negative. 

Hariprasad alleged that there was deliberate fraud in the election by switching the pen meant for marking the votes so as to make the Congress votes invalid. 

The votes of 14 Congress MLAs were declared invalid leading to the loss of Anand who was otherwise expected to win.

On his part, Hooda said there has been a "big conspiracy" and the truth should come out.
image
08:14   Armed man sought to attack Gay Pride parade in Los Angeles
A man whose car contained a cache of weapons and bomb-making materials was arrested after telling police he wanted to "harm" the Gay Pride parade in Los Angeles, authorities said. 

James Howell, 20, of Indiana, was arrested yesterday in nearby Santa Monica where police found multiple weapons, ammunition and bomb-making materials in his car, police said. 

The arrest came just hours after 50 people were massacred at a gay nightclub in Florida. 

Santa Monica police chief Jacqueline Seabrooks said on Twitter that Howell told officers about "wanting to harm Gay Pride event," in reference to the annual LA Pride parade that took place in Hollywood yesterday. 

Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti told local radio that the suspect's car was "full of weapons, long rifles, ammunition and explosive materials -- not explosives but the powder for explosives."
image
00:18   Islamic State claims responsibility for Orlando nightclub shooting
Islamic State's Amaq news agency said on Sunday that the Islamist militant group was responsible for the shooting that killed at least 50 people in a massacre at a gay nightclub in Orlando, Florida.

"The armed attack that targeted a gay night club in the city of Orlando in the American state of Florida which left over 100 people dead or injured was carried out by an Islamic State fighter," Amaq said.

Read more HERE.

TOP STORIES