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Thu, 23 June 2016
US Democrats end gun control sit-in
Timeline Refresh
23:38 Orlando gunman buried in South Florida, document shows
The gunman who went on a rampage at a gay nightclub in Orlando, killing 49 people, has been buried in South Florida, AP has reported.
A death certificate issued shows that the body of 29-year-old Omar Mateen was buried at the Muslim Cemetery of South Florida in Hialeah Gardens near Miami.
The certificate doesn't say when Mateen was buried.
It indicates that Mateen's father, Seddique Mateen, provided the Orange County Bureau of Vital Statistics with information to complete the death certificate.
No one answered the phone today at the Muslim Cemetery of South Florida.
The FBI says Mateen opened fire in the crowded Pulse nightclub on June 12. In a 911 call from the club, he pledged solidarity with the Islamic State group. He was killed by police after a three-hour standoff.
23:23 Meet the woman behind the Democratic Sit-In
Sitting on the plush blue carpet on the floor of the US House of Representatives, Rep. Katherine Clark remarked to Rep. John Lewis, the civil rights icon who helped lead the Selma-Montgomery marches in 1965, that this sit-in must surely be cushier than his first.
Indeed, he replied gravely with a hint of a smile, it was.
It was through Clarks actions that Lewis and dozens of other Democratic members found themselves sitting on the House floor protesting the GOPs refusal to hold votes on two gun control provisions in the wake of the deadliest mass shooting in U.S. history. But though this was her first sit-in, Clark is no stranger to civil disobedience.
23:11 US Democrats end gun control sit-in
Democrats decided to end their day-long sit-in protest on the House floor over gun control Thursday, CNN reported.
Rep. John Lewis, who launched the sit-in Wednesday morning, said the fight was not over.
"We must come back here on July 5th [when Congress returns to session] more determined than ever before," Lewis said.
He also tweeted, "We got in trouble. We got in the way. Good trouble. Necessary Trouble. By sitting-in, we were really standing up."
Lawmaker said that during the July 4th break, they would take the issue to their districts.
"We are going back to our congressional districts -- we are going to engage our constituents on this subject, and we will not allow this body feel as comfortable as in the past," Rep. Jim Clyburn said. "On July 5, we will return, and at that time we will be operating on a new sense of a purpose."
22:36 Dutch crops grown on 'Mars' soil found safe to eat
Dutch scientists said on Thursday crops of four vegetables and cereals grown on soil similar to that on Mars have been found safe to eat, amid plans for the first manned mission to the planet, AFP reported.
Abundant harvests of radishes, peas, rye and tomatoes all grown on the soil were found to contain "no dangerous levels" of heavy metals, said the team from Wageningen University in the Netherlands.
"These remarkable results are very promising," said senior ecologist Wieger Wamelink.
"We can actually eat the radishes, peas, rye and tomatoes, and I am very curious what they will taste like."
Future Mars settlers will have to take food supplies with them and then plant crops in order to survive.
So using soil developed by NASA to resemble that of the red planet, the university has been experimenting since 2013 and has managed to raise 10 crops.
But uncertainty remains about whether they would absorb the high levels of heavy metals such cadmium, copper and lead, present in Mars soil.
Further tests are now needed on the remaining six crops, including potatoes, in research which is being backed by a crowd-funding campaign.
NASA plans a manned trip to Mars within the next 10 to 15 years or so, and similar projects are also being pursued by US billionaire Elon Musk and the Dutch company Mars One, tentatively aiming to set up human colonies on the Red Planet.
The Mars One project has backed the Wageningen experiments and is currently undertaking a third selection to whittle down the remaining 100 candidates hoping to be among their astronauts to 40.
"It's important to test as many crops as possible, to make sure that settlers on Mars have access to a broad variety of different food sources," said Wamelink.
22:30 Baltimore officer acquitted over Freddie Gray's death
The Baltimore police officer who drove the van in which Freddie Gray, a young African American, was transported before he died was acquitted today of all charges including second degree murder and manslaughter.
Caesar Goodson was the third of six officers charged over the death of the 25-year-old, which sparked riots in Maryland's largest city last year.
No guilty verdicts have been handed down in the three trials. Because the state failed to meet its burden of proof in any of the seven charges against Goodson, 'the verdict on all counts is not guilty,' said Judge Barry Williams, who presided over the case.
Gray was arrested on April 12, 2015 after fleeing at the sight of police, and suffered a broken spine while being transported in the back of a Baltimore police van, unsecured and with his hands and feet bound.
He died a week later. Williams had challenged state prosecutors' charge that Goodson had deliberately given Gray a 'rough ride' in the back of the van.
Caesar Goodson was the third of six officers charged over the death of the 25-year-old, which sparked riots in Maryland's largest city last year.
No guilty verdicts have been handed down in the three trials. Because the state failed to meet its burden of proof in any of the seven charges against Goodson, 'the verdict on all counts is not guilty,' said Judge Barry Williams, who presided over the case.
Gray was arrested on April 12, 2015 after fleeing at the sight of police, and suffered a broken spine while being transported in the back of a Baltimore police van, unsecured and with his hands and feet bound.
He died a week later. Williams had challenged state prosecutors' charge that Goodson had deliberately given Gray a 'rough ride' in the back of the van.
21:14 Shooting in Germany sparks fear of IS attack
While the motive for Thursdays shooting by a masked man at a cinema complex in western Germany remains unclear, police has repeatedly warned that the country could be a target by the Islamic State terror group.
Germany absorbed more than 1 million refugees last year, and there have been concerns about the possibility of IS cells in the country.
In Thursdays incident, wearing a disguise and armed with a gun and cartridge belt, the man fired several shots into the air before apparently taking several cinema-goers who were gathered in the multiplex hostage, before being shot dead.
Cops said none of the people taken hostage were harmed, AFP reported.
Dozens of screaming bystanders fled the complex with reports of between 25 and 50 injured, though the exact number of casualties has not yet been confirmed.
Police later said those injured were affected by teargas and were being treated by local medics.
Germany absorbed more than 1 million refugees last year, and there have been concerns about the possibility of IS cells in the country.
In Thursdays incident, wearing a disguise and armed with a gun and cartridge belt, the man fired several shots into the air before apparently taking several cinema-goers who were gathered in the multiplex hostage, before being shot dead.
Cops said none of the people taken hostage were harmed, AFP reported.
Dozens of screaming bystanders fled the complex with reports of between 25 and 50 injured, though the exact number of casualties has not yet been confirmed.
Police later said those injured were affected by teargas and were being treated by local medics.
21:04
'Heartiest welcome to @anilkumble1074 Sir. Look forward to your tenure with us. Great things in store for Indian Cricket with you,' tweets Virat Kohli. Graphic: Profile of Anil Kumble
20:37 Masked man who opened fire at cinema complex in Germany shot dead
German local media reports that the masked man who opened fire at a cinema complex in western Germany, injuring about 50 people, has been shot dead.
The cinema where the shooting happened is part of a major shopping centre, home to more than 100 businesses. The complex hosts 20,000 visitors daily, according to its website, CNN reported.
Mass shootings are rare in Germany. But in 2002, a gunman opened fire at a high school in Erfurt, killing 16 people -- 13 staff members, two students and a police officer.
In 2009, a gunman dressed in military gear killed 15 people in a spree that started at a school and spanned two small towns near Stuttgart.
The cinema where the shooting happened is part of a major shopping centre, home to more than 100 businesses. The complex hosts 20,000 visitors daily, according to its website, CNN reported.
Mass shootings are rare in Germany. But in 2002, a gunman opened fire at a high school in Erfurt, killing 16 people -- 13 staff members, two students and a police officer.
In 2009, a gunman dressed in military gear killed 15 people in a spree that started at a school and spanned two small towns near Stuttgart.
20:27 25 wounded as gunman opens fire at cinema complex in Germany
An armed man wearing a mask is reported to have opened fire at a cinema complex in western Germany.
Several people have been wounded in the shooting and the shooter has barricaded himself in.
German media report that at least 25 to 50 people have been injured in the attack in Viernheim, near Frankfurt.
Police has surrounded the gunman.
It is not clear whether the gunman is alone or whether he has taken hostages.
Initial reports suggest that the injuries have been caused by teargas.
A spokesman for police in the nearby city of Mannheim, said the police force there was not directly involved in the incident, but had sent officers to support their colleagues in the town.
Several people have been wounded in the shooting and the shooter has barricaded himself in.
German media report that at least 25 to 50 people have been injured in the attack in Viernheim, near Frankfurt.
Police has surrounded the gunman.
It is not clear whether the gunman is alone or whether he has taken hostages.
Initial reports suggest that the injuries have been caused by teargas.
A spokesman for police in the nearby city of Mannheim, said the police force there was not directly involved in the incident, but had sent officers to support their colleagues in the town.
20:22
JUST IN: Special NSG meeting in Seoul ends.
19:58 Hollywood musicians write open letter against gun violence
Barbra Streisand, Katy Perry, Paul McCartney are among the 133 stars to have signed an open letter against gun violence after the US Senate rejected four new gun control proposals.
Billboard magazine has released an open letter to Congress signed by 133 actors and music stars as well as 57 executives who have expressed their frustrations following the rejection of the proposed measures.
The magazine featured the appeal letter on the cover with a petition featured in the inside pages.
19:52 If inconclusive, NSG session to continue on Friday
According to sources, if the NSG meet in Seoul remains inconclusive tonight, deliberations may continue on Friday.
Meanwhile, govt sources on NSG special session impasse claim of a status quo of "consensus minus one" indicating China is only holdout but delegates claiming there are more.
19:46 Pansare murder accused Samir Gaikwad seeks bail from Bombay HC
Right wing Hindu activist Samir Gaikwad, held in connection with the murder of veteran Communist leader and rationalist Govind Pansare, today urged the Bombay High Court to grant him bail saying there was no
evidence to link him with the crime.
Gaikwad's bail application came up before Justice C V Bhadang who adjourned the matter to July 11 with the mutual consent of the accused and the prosecution.
Gaikwad, a member of the right wing group 'Sanatan Sanstha', contended in the petition that there was no evidence to connect him with Pansare's murder.
19:33 Brazil, Ireland and Turkey also oppose India's entry to NSG
The special session of Nuclear Security Group discussing membership still appeared "divided" on the question of admitting non-NPT countries, namely India and Pakistan.
Now, Brazil has joined China and other countries in expressing its reservation on inducting India, which has not signed the non-proliferation treaty, into the elite group.
Source say that Ireland and Turkey opposed India's induction into NSG citing India being non NPT state.
After a 15 minute break, the NSG special session reconvened to consider membership.
19:30 Disused gurdwara vandalised in UK: Video
A disused gurdwara in southeast England has been vandalised by a group of teenagers, a video circulating on the social media today showed, prompting police to probe the incident.
A large number of teenagers, mostly boys, can be heard laughing and cheering as they smash displays, throw crockery and caused damage in the empty place of worship in a video posted on SnapChat.
"We have been informed of the video that is circulating social media and have been working with Kent Police to ensure this matter is dealt with seriously. We will be working to re-secure the building as soon as possible," said a spokesperson for the former gurdwara in Gravesend, Kent.
18:59 Kumble's wife happy but...
First reactions from Chethana Ramatheertha, Kumble's wife: "We will miss him, but very happy as Indian team can't find such a loyal coach."
18:55 It's always players first, strategy will be to win, says coach Kumble
First reactions from India's new cricket coach Anil Kumble on his appointment: "This is time for me to give back to cricket. It is a great honour. Would like to thank BCCI for showing faith in me.
"Its a huge responsibility, and I'm ready to take this role. Coaches come later, its always players first. Strategy will be to win. Have a short and long plan for the upcoming series, but I cannot plan alone; need players to pitch in."
"Its a huge responsibility, and I'm ready to take this role. Coaches come later, its always players first. Strategy will be to win. Have a short and long plan for the upcoming series, but I cannot plan alone; need players to pitch in."
18:50 IPS officer escapes grenade attack by militants
A senior police officer today had a narrow escape as a grenade hurled at his vehicle by militants missed the target in Sopore area of north Kashmir's Baramulla district.
"At about 5 pm, militants hurled a grenade towards the bulletproof bunker vehicle of SDPO, Sopore Ashish Mishra (IPS) near the railway bridge at Tarzoo in Sopore," a police official said. He said the grenade missed the target and exploded on the roadside without causing any damage.
"At about 5 pm, militants hurled a grenade towards the bulletproof bunker vehicle of SDPO, Sopore Ashish Mishra (IPS) near the railway bridge at Tarzoo in Sopore," a police official said. He said the grenade missed the target and exploded on the roadside without causing any damage.
18:35 'Jihadi Jack' parents to face terror trial in UK
The parents of a white British Muslim convert dubbed "Jihadi Jack", thought to be fighting in Syria with the ISIS militants, will stand trial in January accused of funding terrorism.
Jack Letts, 20, is believed to be the first white Briton fighting in Syria. John Letts, 55, and Sally Lane, 54, appeared at the Old Bailey today charged with three counts of entering or becoming concerned in an arrangement to make money available, knowing or having reasonable cause to suspect that it may be used for terrorism.
Jack's mother is charged with two further counts of attempting to provide money or property knowing or having reasonable cause to suspect it could be used for the purpose of terrorism. The pair will appear in court for a plea hearing on November 17 before their trial commences in the New Year.
They were remanded in custody but after appearing before Justice Saunders earlier this month, they were granted the pair bail. He had described them as "two perfectly decent people have ended up in custody because of the love of their child".
The couple's defence barrister, Di Middleton, has assured the court they would not attempt to send any more money to their son, and had not done so while on police bail.
Their bail was extended and a trial date of January 9, 2017 has been set, expected to last up to four weeks. Jack Letts, 20, is suspected of being the first white Briton to join the terror group after he left his Oxford home and travelled to Syria last year.
His parents deny providing money for suspected terrorism and have previously maintained they sent their son money to buy a new pair of glasses.
Jack Letts, 20, is believed to be the first white Briton fighting in Syria. John Letts, 55, and Sally Lane, 54, appeared at the Old Bailey today charged with three counts of entering or becoming concerned in an arrangement to make money available, knowing or having reasonable cause to suspect that it may be used for terrorism.
Jack's mother is charged with two further counts of attempting to provide money or property knowing or having reasonable cause to suspect it could be used for the purpose of terrorism. The pair will appear in court for a plea hearing on November 17 before their trial commences in the New Year.
They were remanded in custody but after appearing before Justice Saunders earlier this month, they were granted the pair bail. He had described them as "two perfectly decent people have ended up in custody because of the love of their child".
The couple's defence barrister, Di Middleton, has assured the court they would not attempt to send any more money to their son, and had not done so while on police bail.
Their bail was extended and a trial date of January 9, 2017 has been set, expected to last up to four weeks. Jack Letts, 20, is suspected of being the first white Briton to join the terror group after he left his Oxford home and travelled to Syria last year.
His parents deny providing money for suspected terrorism and have previously maintained they sent their son money to buy a new pair of glasses.
18:26
Encounter breaks out in Waterkhani forests (J&K) between militants & security forces. Cordon-and-search operation going on.
18:24
BREAKING: China state media say 51 killed in tornado in eastern province of Jiangsu, large numbers of buildings destroyed.
18:19 PM tells China: Contribute to emerging consensus in Seoul
MEA on the Modi-Xi meet: "PM Modi urged China to make a fair and objective assessment of India's application on merit. PM Modi said that China should contribute to emerging consensus in Seoul."
On a question about India's inclusion in the NSG, MEA spokesperson Vikas Swarup said, "It's a complex & delicate negotiation process that's going on in #Seoul, we should wait."
On a question about India's inclusion in the NSG, MEA spokesperson Vikas Swarup said, "It's a complex & delicate negotiation process that's going on in #Seoul, we should wait."
As India makes a strong bid for membership of the Nuclear Suppliers Group, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday met Chinese President Xi Jinping and is understood to have sought China's support for it, seen as very crucial to take forward the process.
The outcome of the meeting between Modi and Xi in Tashkent will determine proceedings at the two-day plenary meeting of the atomic trading club which began in Seoul on Thursday, sources said.
18:19
First reactions from Harsha Bhogle @bhogleharsha: Anil Kumble will be an excellent organiser and a top team man. And knowing him, he will respect the fact that the captain runs the team.
18:18 Anil Kumble named India's cricket coach
Former India captain Anil Kumble has been named India's new coach. The Board of Control for Cricket in India held a press conference (much delayed) in Dharamsala.. BCCI president Anurag Thakur has said that Anil Kumble and Ravi Shastri were the frontrunners for the coach's job, which was left vacant since Duncan Fletcher's departure after the 50-overs World Cup last year in Australia.
But it is to Kumble, India's highest wicket-taker, that the post goes to, which he will hold for a year.
But it is to Kumble, India's highest wicket-taker, that the post goes to, which he will hold for a year.
18:10 Boxer Manoj Kumar qualifies for Olympics
Former Commonwealth Games gold-medallist Manoj Kumar (64kg) today became the second Indian boxer to qualify for the Olympic Games after advancing to the semifinals of the AIBA World Qualifying Tournament in Baku, Azerbaijan.
17:56 Unfair, false attack on disciplined civil servant in fin min: Jaitley slams Swamy
Arun Jaitley @arunjaitley tweets in favour of Chief Economic Advisor Arvind Subramanian, who has been targetted by BJP MP Subramanian Swamy yesterday. Jaitley tweeted: "An unfair and false attack on a disciplined civil servant in the Finance Ministry."
Jaitley's tweet comes after he went on record at a press conference yesterday to say that the the BJP disagrees with its MP call of sacking Subramanian. "Government has full confidence in CEA Arvind Subramanian, he has provided valuable insights from time to time," the finance minister said.
Subramanian Swamy said the CEA should be sacked because he is anti-India. Swamy also made no secret of the fact that he thinks he's best suited to be India's finance minister.
Jaitley's tweet comes after he went on record at a press conference yesterday to say that the the BJP disagrees with its MP call of sacking Subramanian. "Government has full confidence in CEA Arvind Subramanian, he has provided valuable insights from time to time," the finance minister said.
Subramanian Swamy said the CEA should be sacked because he is anti-India. Swamy also made no secret of the fact that he thinks he's best suited to be India's finance minister.
17:09
On a poignant note, Union minister Maneka Gandhi @Manekagandhibjp tweets: "Remembering Sanjay..."
Sanjay Gandhi was killed in an air crash this day in 1980. Son and BJP MP from Pilibhit also tweeted pictures with this mother at Sanjay Gandhi's memorial in New Delhi earlier in the day. See our 11:45 am post.
Sanjay Gandhi was killed in an air crash this day in 1980. Son and BJP MP from Pilibhit also tweeted pictures with this mother at Sanjay Gandhi's memorial in New Delhi earlier in the day. See our 11:45 am post.
17:05 India's membership to NSG will be discussed in 1 hour: Reports
PM Modi's meeting with Chinese premier Xi Jinping in Tashkent ends. CNN IBN's Suhasini Haidar tweets: "Confirmed: India on Agenda for spl session at 9pm (in 1 hour) in Seoul.China expected to raise Pakistan bit,but agenda names only India #NSG."
India's entry in the elite Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) was raised as the 48-nation grouping began an important meeting in Seoul on Thursday, say reports.
India's bid for inclusion will be discussed when the group meets again tonight for a special session.
China continues to oppose India's membership, even as a meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Tashkent has just ended. PM Modi and President Xi met on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit.
India's entry in the elite Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) was raised as the 48-nation grouping began an important meeting in Seoul on Thursday, say reports.
India's bid for inclusion will be discussed when the group meets again tonight for a special session.
China continues to oppose India's membership, even as a meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Tashkent has just ended. PM Modi and President Xi met on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit.
16:46 Swamy's new target: Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal
BJP leader Subramanian Swamy today raised questions seeking details of the process of admission by which Delhi Chief Minister got into IIT-Kharagpur of Delhi in the 1980s from where he was awarded B Tech (Hons) degree.
In a press release, he cited an RTI reply from IIT-K which was asked to provide the basis of Kejriwal's entry into B Tech programme and his All India Rank (AIR) in any competitive exam such as JEE, etc. This information is not available, the institution said in the RTI reply.
The RTI gave other details of Kejriwal that included his Roll No in the Mechanical Engineering course and the years of study but did not provide the copy of grade sheet of subjects since it is exempted from disclosure under the transparency law. Swamy has been targeting Kejriwal of late.
Earlier this week, he joined a protest fast by one of the Delhi BJP MPs Mahesh Girri against Kejriwal where he declared he would go after the Chief Minister the way he took on RBI Governor Raghuram Rajan.
In a press release, he cited an RTI reply from IIT-K which was asked to provide the basis of Kejriwal's entry into B Tech programme and his All India Rank (AIR) in any competitive exam such as JEE, etc. This information is not available, the institution said in the RTI reply.
The RTI gave other details of Kejriwal that included his Roll No in the Mechanical Engineering course and the years of study but did not provide the copy of grade sheet of subjects since it is exempted from disclosure under the transparency law. Swamy has been targeting Kejriwal of late.
Earlier this week, he joined a protest fast by one of the Delhi BJP MPs Mahesh Girri against Kejriwal where he declared he would go after the Chief Minister the way he took on RBI Governor Raghuram Rajan.
16:36 Congress to skip iftaar party, hand out ration to poor
Congress president Sonia Gandhi has announced the cancellation of her customary Iftar party this year, sending ripples down the line. Partymen say the cancellation is the result of a combination of factors.
The first is that Rahul Gandhi, the Congress vice-president, is out of the country. With reports of his imminent takeover doing the rounds, the party brass felt his absence from the Iftaar celebrations will send confusing signals.
The second and perhaps the most compelling reason is that in the wake of the recent developments over the Goods and Services Tax bill, the party feels isolated politically.
So, playing it safe, the party announced that they would distribute sweets to under-privileged children.
16:11 PM Modi meets Chinese Prez in Tashkent; NSG membership on agenda
Just In: Prime Minister Narendra Modi meets Chinese President Xi Jinping in Tashkent (Uzbekistan) on sidelines of SCO summit.
During his talks with the Chinese leader, Modi is expected to seek Beijing's support for India's membership in NSG.
China has been making ambivalent statements on India's bid for NSG membership amid clear indications that it was unrelenting in its opposition.
While making some right noises of playing "constructive" role on the issue of memberships of India and Pakistan, China maintained that the matter was not on the agenda of the plenary.
Here too, Beijing clubbed the two sub-continental neighbours despite the marked difference in their nuclear non-proliferation track record.
India's bid for full membership in NSG, if granted, would tip the balance of power in South Asia against Pakistan. India has been pushing for membership of the bloc for last few years and had formally moved its application on May 12.
The NSG had granted an exclusive waiver for India in 2008 to access civil nuclear technology after China reluctantly backed India's case based on the Indo-US nuclear deal.
15:50
Just In: Three terrorists killed in an encounter with security forces in Kupwara in north Kashmir.
15:47 FTII chief Gajendra Chauhan meets 'father figure' RSS chief
Film and Television Institute of India Chairman Gajendra Chauhan today met "father figure" RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat at the Sangh headquarters in Nagpur for the first time after his appointment to the premier institute kicked up a row last year.
"Bhagwatji is a father figure for me and I came here to invite him for my son's marriage," said Chauhan, who spent over half an hour with the RSS chief this morning.
He later told reporters that the FTII students, who are enrolled for the three-year semester, will be allowed to study one more year if they do not clear the course within the time frame but will not be provided accommodation facility in the fourth year.
Since the FTII was taking fees for three years, the hostel facility for the fourth year will not be permitted, he added.
The BJP member and television actor, whose appointment as chairman of the Pune-based FTII by the NDA government had last year kicked up a row, met Bhagwat for the first time after the controversy.
15:43
Sensex reclaims 27,000 mark, rises 236.57 points to end at 27,002.22; Nifty climbs 66.75 points to 8,270.45.
15:38 India's membership raised at Day 1 of NSG meet, again tonight
India's membership in the nuclear club was raised on the first day of the key NSG meet in Seoul, it "may be discussed" again tonight, say reports.
India's bid for inclusion may be discussed when the group meets again tonight.
As New Delhi makes an all-out effort to clinch its membership in the club that controls access to nuclear technology, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Tashkent later today is also being watched closely.
PM Modi and President Xi are to meet on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit. The PM is expected to seek China's support as Beijing remains firmly opposed to India's admission.
India's bid for inclusion may be discussed when the group meets again tonight.
As New Delhi makes an all-out effort to clinch its membership in the club that controls access to nuclear technology, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Tashkent later today is also being watched closely.
PM Modi and President Xi are to meet on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit. The PM is expected to seek China's support as Beijing remains firmly opposed to India's admission.
15:20 Thousands attend slain qawali singer Amjad Sabri's funeral in Pak
Thousands of people have attended the funeral of slain Pakistani qawali singer Amjad Sabri in Karachi, amid a major security operation. Large crowds gathered for the procession and funeral service on Thursday, which was led by the spiritual heir of Sufi saint Baba Farid, Pakistani media reported. The area of Liaquatabad Road where the funeral was held was under lockdown by security forces, reports Al Jazeera.
Sabri, one of Pakistans finest qawwals and known for his soul-stirring renditions of mystic poetry, was on Wednesday killed by unidentified gunmen who shot him in the head in a targeted attack.
Sabri, one of Pakistans finest qawwals and known for his soul-stirring renditions of mystic poetry, was on Wednesday killed by unidentified gunmen who shot him in the head in a targeted attack.
Sabri, 45, and an associate were travelling in a car in Karachis Liquatabad 10 area when unidentified motorcycle-borne gunmen fired at their vehicle, critically injuring them.
The two were rushed to Abbasi Shaheed hospital, where Sabri succumbed to his injuries. His associate also died.
Sabri was shot in the chest and head and he was shifted to Abbasi
Shaheed hospital immediately, where he succumbed to his injuries. His
associate was also killed in the targeted attack, a police official
said.
15:14 Focus on this, Mr Modi, not a Bullet Train
Over 2,900 people lost their lives in accidents while travelling on Western Railway suburban trains in Mumbai division in last five years, an RTI query has found.
To an RTI query made in May by Thane District Rail Passengers Association president Om Prakash Sharma, the Western Railway, Mumbai division, replied last week saying that nearly 2,965 people were killed and 7,885 injured in rail accidents on the western suburban section, which covers stations from Churchgate to Dahanu Road. As per the RTI reply, 646 people died in rail mishaps while travelling on the Western Line in 2011, 604 were killed in 2012, 541 in 2013, 578 in 2014 and 596 last year.
The reply also mentioned that 1,560 people were injured in rail accidents in 2011, 1,522 were hurt in 2012, 1,628 in 2013, 1,523 in 2014 and 1,652 in 2015.
The RTI reply also said that in the last five years, maximum deaths on tracks were reported from Virar station. In 2011, 69 deaths occurred at Borivili and 56 at Kandivili station, in 2012, 45 people were killed in rail accidents at Borivili and 42 at Virar.
To an RTI query made in May by Thane District Rail Passengers Association president Om Prakash Sharma, the Western Railway, Mumbai division, replied last week saying that nearly 2,965 people were killed and 7,885 injured in rail accidents on the western suburban section, which covers stations from Churchgate to Dahanu Road. As per the RTI reply, 646 people died in rail mishaps while travelling on the Western Line in 2011, 604 were killed in 2012, 541 in 2013, 578 in 2014 and 596 last year.
The reply also mentioned that 1,560 people were injured in rail accidents in 2011, 1,522 were hurt in 2012, 1,628 in 2013, 1,523 in 2014 and 1,652 in 2015.
The RTI reply also said that in the last five years, maximum deaths on tracks were reported from Virar station. In 2011, 69 deaths occurred at Borivili and 56 at Kandivili station, in 2012, 45 people were killed in rail accidents at Borivili and 42 at Virar.
15:07
FM Arun Jaitley's meeting with his Chinese counterpart Lou Jiwei stands as per schedule on 27th June, 2016.
14:53 PM reaches Tashkent, meeting with Xi looms ahead
Prime Minister Narendra Modi reached Tashkent where he will attend the SCO Summit and meet leaders like the Chinese President with whom the NSG issue will figure prominently in the talks.
In the two-day summit, the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) will kick off the process of India's accession to the grouping as a full-fledged member along with Pakistan.
Prior to his departure, the Prime Minister said India looks forward to fruitful outcome from its engagement at the SCO Summit. "India is glad to be a member of the SCO & looks forward to fruitful outcomes particularly in the field of economic cooperation through SCO," he had said. "A short visit to the heart of Asia.
PM @narendramodi departs for Uzbekistan to attend the SCO Summit," tweeted External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Vikas Swarup. Modi had said that India attaches great importance to ties with Central Asia and always seeks to expand economic and people-to-people ties with the region. The Prime Minister will also have a bilateral meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping today on the sidelines of the Summit during which he is expected to seek China's support for India's bid for NSG membership, which Beijing is opposed to. Coinciding with the SCO Summit, the two-day annual plenary of the NSG begins today in Seoul during which India's application for membership of the atomic trading club is set to be deliberated upon.
India's entry into SCO as a full member will provide it an opportunity to have extended cooperation with member countries in areas of defence, security and counter-terrorism.
Image: PM Modi meets Uzbekistan PM Shavkat Mirziyoev. The picture was tweeted by MEA spokesperson Vikas Swarup.
In the two-day summit, the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) will kick off the process of India's accession to the grouping as a full-fledged member along with Pakistan.
Prior to his departure, the Prime Minister said India looks forward to fruitful outcome from its engagement at the SCO Summit. "India is glad to be a member of the SCO & looks forward to fruitful outcomes particularly in the field of economic cooperation through SCO," he had said. "A short visit to the heart of Asia.
PM @narendramodi departs for Uzbekistan to attend the SCO Summit," tweeted External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Vikas Swarup. Modi had said that India attaches great importance to ties with Central Asia and always seeks to expand economic and people-to-people ties with the region. The Prime Minister will also have a bilateral meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping today on the sidelines of the Summit during which he is expected to seek China's support for India's bid for NSG membership, which Beijing is opposed to. Coinciding with the SCO Summit, the two-day annual plenary of the NSG begins today in Seoul during which India's application for membership of the atomic trading club is set to be deliberated upon.
India's entry into SCO as a full member will provide it an opportunity to have extended cooperation with member countries in areas of defence, security and counter-terrorism.
Image: PM Modi meets Uzbekistan PM Shavkat Mirziyoev. The picture was tweeted by MEA spokesperson Vikas Swarup.
14:34 Yen seen as only gainer among Asian currencies in Brexit vote
Japanese yen may prove only Asian winner should the UK vote to leave the EU. Read
14:03 Gazing at your device in dark may cause 'smartphone blindness'
Using your device just before sleep may lead to a condition called transient smartphone blindness, say doctors who reported a case of two women in the UK suffering from temporary vision impairment in one eye after looking at a bright cellphone screen in a dark room.
In the first case, a 22-year-old woman had trouble seeing with her right eye at night while in bed. This happened multiple times a week for a year. However, her vision was fine in her left eye, and in both eyes the following day. In another case, a 40-year-old woman reported not being able to see with one eye when she woke up before sunrise.
The vision problem lasted about 15 minutes, and happened on and off for six months, doctors said. In both cases, doctors later found that the vision problems occured only after the women had viewed their smartphone for several minutes, while lying on their side in bed, the 'Live Science' reported.
These problems happened because the patients were looking at their phone with just one eye, with the other eye blocked by a pillow when they were lying down, the doctors said.
In the first case, a 22-year-old woman had trouble seeing with her right eye at night while in bed. This happened multiple times a week for a year. However, her vision was fine in her left eye, and in both eyes the following day. In another case, a 40-year-old woman reported not being able to see with one eye when she woke up before sunrise.
The vision problem lasted about 15 minutes, and happened on and off for six months, doctors said. In both cases, doctors later found that the vision problems occured only after the women had viewed their smartphone for several minutes, while lying on their side in bed, the 'Live Science' reported.
These problems happened because the patients were looking at their phone with just one eye, with the other eye blocked by a pillow when they were lying down, the doctors said.
13:58 Oops, Dilip Bobb did it again?
After the Rajinikanth editorial fiasco, now a music review seems, umm, heavily borrowed. Read
13:54 Finance minister heads to China
Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley is on a five-day official visit to China beginning today. The finance minister will arrive in Beijing today where he will participate in the first annual meeting of the Board of Governors of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), which will be held on June 25 and 26.
Jaitley will participate in different sessions of the two-day AIIB meeting including a session on 'Infrastructure and Global Economic Growth' and 'Financing Green Infrastructure: The Role of MDBs, among others.
During his stay in Beijing, the Finance Minister will also hold talks with Chinese investors and bankers to seek investment in infrastructure and other sectors in India. The minister will also hold a meeting with his Chinese counterpart Lou Jiwei on 27th June.
Later on, Jaitley will participate in the 8th India-China Financial Dialogue before departing for back home.
Jaitley will return to New Delhi on the morning of June 28.
Jaitley will participate in different sessions of the two-day AIIB meeting including a session on 'Infrastructure and Global Economic Growth' and 'Financing Green Infrastructure: The Role of MDBs, among others.
During his stay in Beijing, the Finance Minister will also hold talks with Chinese investors and bankers to seek investment in infrastructure and other sectors in India. The minister will also hold a meeting with his Chinese counterpart Lou Jiwei on 27th June.
Later on, Jaitley will participate in the 8th India-China Financial Dialogue before departing for back home.
Jaitley will return to New Delhi on the morning of June 28.
13:45 David Cameron votes in EU referendum
British PM David Cameron has just voted in the EU referendum at a polling station around the corner from Downing Street. He was accompanied by his wife Samantha.
Voting started on Thursday in a historic referendum on whether the United Kingdom should remain within the 28-nation European Union or leave with opinion polls showing a very tight race that could go either way.
An estimated 46,499,537 people are entitled to take part in the vote -- a record number for a UK poll. Polling stations opened at 11.30 am IST and will close at 02.30 am IST on Thursday.
Opinion polls have suggested that while big business is broadly in favour of staying in the EU, small firms have been evenly split in what looks like a photo-finish with one poll showing Remain at 45 per cent and Leave 44 per cent, with 11 per cent undecided.
British Prime Minister David Cameron on Wednesday made a last-minute plea to British voters not to give up the best of both worlds by voting to remain in the EU.
Leading Brexit backer Boris Johnson, a former London mayor who is widely touted as a future prime minister, insisted the Leave campaign was on the brink of victory.
Image: UK PM David Cameron and his wife Samantha leave a polling booth in London. Pic: Reuters
Voting started on Thursday in a historic referendum on whether the United Kingdom should remain within the 28-nation European Union or leave with opinion polls showing a very tight race that could go either way.
An estimated 46,499,537 people are entitled to take part in the vote -- a record number for a UK poll. Polling stations opened at 11.30 am IST and will close at 02.30 am IST on Thursday.
Opinion polls have suggested that while big business is broadly in favour of staying in the EU, small firms have been evenly split in what looks like a photo-finish with one poll showing Remain at 45 per cent and Leave 44 per cent, with 11 per cent undecided.
British Prime Minister David Cameron on Wednesday made a last-minute plea to British voters not to give up the best of both worlds by voting to remain in the EU.
Leading Brexit backer Boris Johnson, a former London mayor who is widely touted as a future prime minister, insisted the Leave campaign was on the brink of victory.
Image: UK PM David Cameron and his wife Samantha leave a polling booth in London. Pic: Reuters
13:39 Nawazuddin supports Salman over rape remark
Bollywood actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui has come out in support of Salman Khan and said his "intentions" were not wrong, after the superstar's rape anology created a row.
Salman, in a group interview to promote "Sultan", said he felt like a "raped woman" while shooting the physically gruelling shoot for the wrestling drama.
When asked about his take, Nawazuddin, who has worked with Salman in "Kick" and "Bajrangi Bhaijaan" told reporters here, "He used it metaphorically. The discussion is over now, so no use of repeating it and asking questions again."
"According to me, intentions matter and I don't think his intention was like that," the actor said at the special screening of his film "Raman Raghav 2.0" last night.
The statement has not gone down well with many, who have taken to Twitter to express their angst against the actor. Even actress Kangana Ranaut called the "Dabangg" star's comment as "extremely insensitive". While his father, scriptwriter Salim Khan, apologised on the actor's behalf, the demand for Salman to issue an apology himself has been growing from political parties, activists and social media users.
Salman, in a group interview to promote "Sultan", said he felt like a "raped woman" while shooting the physically gruelling shoot for the wrestling drama.
When asked about his take, Nawazuddin, who has worked with Salman in "Kick" and "Bajrangi Bhaijaan" told reporters here, "He used it metaphorically. The discussion is over now, so no use of repeating it and asking questions again."
"According to me, intentions matter and I don't think his intention was like that," the actor said at the special screening of his film "Raman Raghav 2.0" last night.
The statement has not gone down well with many, who have taken to Twitter to express their angst against the actor. Even actress Kangana Ranaut called the "Dabangg" star's comment as "extremely insensitive". While his father, scriptwriter Salim Khan, apologised on the actor's behalf, the demand for Salman to issue an apology himself has been growing from political parties, activists and social media users.
13:21
Just in: Pakistan President Mamnoon Hussain and Chinese President Xi Jinping had a delegation-level meeting in Tashkent on the sidelines of SCO summit.
13:21 Gurudas Kamat withdraws resignation, returns as Cong gen secy
Just in: Gurudas Kamat withdraws his resignation from the Congress. Kamat, who had quit the party recently said, "During last fortnight a large number of senior party leaders tried to convince me to rethink the decision. Meeting with party president Sonia Gandhi helped me to make up my mind that Congress is the best platform to serve the people. Will continue to serve under the leadership of Sonia and Rahul Gandhi. Will meet the people of my in-charge states starting tomorrow."
Kamat had quit the party on June 6.
Reports said that senior Congress leaders AK Antony and Ahmed Patel held separate meetings with Kamat last week. Senior congress leader Sushil Kumar Shinde also indicated that the party will be able to assuage his concerns.
There were reports that he was not happy with the politics being played by Mumbai Congress chief Sanjay Nirupam and AICC general secretary Mohan Prakash, who is in charge of party affairs in Maharashtra.
Kamat had quit the party on June 6.
Reports said that senior Congress leaders AK Antony and Ahmed Patel held separate meetings with Kamat last week. Senior congress leader Sushil Kumar Shinde also indicated that the party will be able to assuage his concerns.
There were reports that he was not happy with the politics being played by Mumbai Congress chief Sanjay Nirupam and AICC general secretary Mohan Prakash, who is in charge of party affairs in Maharashtra.
13:20 Scholes signs up for Premier Futsal
Paul Scholes, the former Manchester United and England mid-fielder, has signed up for Premier Futsal ahead of its inaugural season. Scholes joins Alessandro Rosa Vieira and 19 other International Futsallers. Deco, the Portuguese international was Premier Futsal's first marquee signing.
12:48 When Pudu CM met PM Modi
While on V Narayanaswamy, the Puducherry CM met Prime Minister Narendra Modi with his cabinet colleagues on Wednesday.
Modi jocularly told Narayanaswamy that he used to be in the adjacent room and now he was a chief minister. The PM was referring to the time when Narayanaswamy was MoS in the Dr Manmohan Singh government. Narayanaswamy proudly stated that he and Prithivraj Chavan were both MoS in Dr Singh's ministry and both had been promoted to chief ministers. Chavan has been the CM of Maharashtra.
Narayanaswamy later told his friends that it was indeed destiny that having once Modi, he has to now seek funds for his state.
Modi jocularly told Narayanaswamy that he used to be in the adjacent room and now he was a chief minister. The PM was referring to the time when Narayanaswamy was MoS in the Dr Manmohan Singh government. Narayanaswamy proudly stated that he and Prithivraj Chavan were both MoS in Dr Singh's ministry and both had been promoted to chief ministers. Chavan has been the CM of Maharashtra.
Narayanaswamy later told his friends that it was indeed destiny that having once Modi, he has to now seek funds for his state.
12:41 Pudu CM's room in AICC HQ in great demand
Whether Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi will rejig the organisation or not, a re-allocation of the chambers of office bearers of the AICC at its headquarters at 24 Akbar Road has happened.
There are 45 small rooms in the AICC headquarters where the general secretaries and other office bearers have chambers where they interact with party workers.
Yesterday, Congress chief Sonia Gandhi with the active support of senior leader Janardhan Diwedi reallocated many of the smaller rooms to party secretaries.
Puducherry CM V Narayanaswamy's chamber has been allotted to a general secretary, while six other rooms are being re-alloted as well.
Narayanaswamy's room is said to be auspicious because apart from performing pujas in the room, he also became MoS in the PMO during Dr Manmohan Singh's tenure and a CM thereafter. The room is in great demand in the AICC.
There are 45 small rooms in the AICC headquarters where the general secretaries and other office bearers have chambers where they interact with party workers.
Yesterday, Congress chief Sonia Gandhi with the active support of senior leader Janardhan Diwedi reallocated many of the smaller rooms to party secretaries.
Puducherry CM V Narayanaswamy's chamber has been allotted to a general secretary, while six other rooms are being re-alloted as well.
Narayanaswamy's room is said to be auspicious because apart from performing pujas in the room, he also became MoS in the PMO during Dr Manmohan Singh's tenure and a CM thereafter. The room is in great demand in the AICC.
12:20 Maha govt to refer Pansare murder probe to CBI
The Maharashtra government to refer the Govind Pansare murder case to the CBI, family lawyer tells Bombay High Court.
Days after the CBI arrested a right wing activist in connection with the Narendra Dabholkar murder case, family members of Govind Pansare on Thursday demanded Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis transfer the case of the CPI veteran's killing too to the central agency for a speedy probe.
"The arrest of Dr Virendra Tawade, who is a member of the Sanatan Sanstha by CBI in Dabholkar murder case has prompted us to request Government of Maharashtra with a plea to hand over the case to CBI, as it is appropriate for CBI to take over the case so that uniform investigation can be conducted along with Dr Dabholkar murder case,' Pansare's wife and daughter-in-law, Uma and Megha respectively, said in their joint plea to Fadnavis.
Appreciating Fadnavis full co-operation and support in the probe until now, they duo requested him to also depute state government officers to assist the CBI in the case.
Uma and Megha stated that the special investigation team (SIT), which has been investigating the matter, too can assist the CBI in probing the matter. The duo though rued that the probe by SIT until now has been slow and said that they repeatedly requested the team officials on visiting Goa-based ashram of Sanatan Sanstha, members who are alleged to be involved in Pansares murder case, but there was no response.
They said it was expected that the SIT would work hard with transparency and come to a logical conclusion of this investigation.
Days after the CBI arrested a right wing activist in connection with the Narendra Dabholkar murder case, family members of Govind Pansare on Thursday demanded Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis transfer the case of the CPI veteran's killing too to the central agency for a speedy probe.
"The arrest of Dr Virendra Tawade, who is a member of the Sanatan Sanstha by CBI in Dabholkar murder case has prompted us to request Government of Maharashtra with a plea to hand over the case to CBI, as it is appropriate for CBI to take over the case so that uniform investigation can be conducted along with Dr Dabholkar murder case,' Pansare's wife and daughter-in-law, Uma and Megha respectively, said in their joint plea to Fadnavis.
Appreciating Fadnavis full co-operation and support in the probe until now, they duo requested him to also depute state government officers to assist the CBI in the case.
Uma and Megha stated that the special investigation team (SIT), which has been investigating the matter, too can assist the CBI in probing the matter. The duo though rued that the probe by SIT until now has been slow and said that they repeatedly requested the team officials on visiting Goa-based ashram of Sanatan Sanstha, members who are alleged to be involved in Pansares murder case, but there was no response.
They said it was expected that the SIT would work hard with transparency and come to a logical conclusion of this investigation.
12:04 India deserve to be a member of NSG, says Salman Khurshid
Former external affairs minister Salman Khurshid on Thursday asserted that India deserve to be a member of the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG).
"I am sincerely hoping that we will become a full member of the NSG. We deserve it. But I am not quite sure that it is going to happen this time because China has given very clear indications that there are issues which it wants to resolve,' Khurshid told ANI.
He also said that it is the duty of the NDA-led Centre to go and negotiate with China, and if they can't, they should tell the country.
"I am sincerely hoping that we will become a full member of the NSG. We deserve it. But I am not quite sure that it is going to happen this time because China has given very clear indications that there are issues which it wants to resolve,' Khurshid told ANI.
He also said that it is the duty of the NDA-led Centre to go and negotiate with China, and if they can't, they should tell the country.
12:01 India-China financial dialogue deferred till next month.
India-China financial dialogue deferred till next month.
Officials
explained that the meet was cancelled as Department of Economic Affairs
Shaktikanta Das could not attend the meeting. Till now the two
countries held seven rounds of financial dialogues but all of them were
headed by Finance Secretaries of both sides.
The India-China Financial Dialogue due to be held in Beijing
between Finance Minister Arun Jaitley and his Chinese counterpart Lou
Jiwei next week was cancelled today.
Jaitley is
due to arrive in Beijing today on a five-day visit to take part in a
host of events including the planned eighth financial dialogue.
11:57 BJP dares Sena to get a divorce
The war of words between Shiv Sena and BJP has further intensified with a publication by the latter daring the junior alliance partner to take 'divorce'.
BJP spokesperson Madhav Bhandari's article published yesterday in Maharashtra party unit's fortnightly publication 'Manogat', titled 'When are you taking talaq? Mr Raut', has dared Sena to walk out of the alliance while enumerating the sacrifices BJP has made in past couple of decades-and-a-half to keep the tie-up intact.
The article also attacks Sena MP Sanjay Raut for his recent 'Nizam' remarks. "On one hand they eat 'biryani' in plate given by the same 'Nizam' and then criticise us on the other hand. They have got ministries at the Centre and state, enjoy perks of power only because of the favour of the same 'Nizam' and then curse BJP.
This is called 'ungratefulness'," the article says. "If they feel so oppressed by 'Nizam', why don't they just walk out," the article says, adding, "But, they don't show that courage."
Raut recently said the BJP-led governments at the Centre and in Maharashtra were worse than the government of Nizam.
"They sit with us, 'eat' with us and then attack us as well...it's better to take 'talaaq' from Nizam's father. So, Mr Raut when are you taking talaaq?" Bhandari asked. Criticising Raut for his selective vision, the article says that while he feels the present government has done a lot of injustice, they don't see the great amount of work done through 'Jal Yukta Shivar' in Marathwada.
Highlighting BJP's better striking rate in elections, the article further says, "In 1995, BJP contested 117 seats and won 65. In 2009, despite contesting lesser seats, the BJP won two seats more than the Shiv Sena."
BJP spokesperson Madhav Bhandari's article published yesterday in Maharashtra party unit's fortnightly publication 'Manogat', titled 'When are you taking talaq? Mr Raut', has dared Sena to walk out of the alliance while enumerating the sacrifices BJP has made in past couple of decades-and-a-half to keep the tie-up intact.
The article also attacks Sena MP Sanjay Raut for his recent 'Nizam' remarks. "On one hand they eat 'biryani' in plate given by the same 'Nizam' and then criticise us on the other hand. They have got ministries at the Centre and state, enjoy perks of power only because of the favour of the same 'Nizam' and then curse BJP.
This is called 'ungratefulness'," the article says. "If they feel so oppressed by 'Nizam', why don't they just walk out," the article says, adding, "But, they don't show that courage."
Raut recently said the BJP-led governments at the Centre and in Maharashtra were worse than the government of Nizam.
"They sit with us, 'eat' with us and then attack us as well...it's better to take 'talaaq' from Nizam's father. So, Mr Raut when are you taking talaaq?" Bhandari asked. Criticising Raut for his selective vision, the article says that while he feels the present government has done a lot of injustice, they don't see the great amount of work done through 'Jal Yukta Shivar' in Marathwada.
Highlighting BJP's better striking rate in elections, the article further says, "In 1995, BJP contested 117 seats and won 65. In 2009, despite contesting lesser seats, the BJP won two seats more than the Shiv Sena."
11:52
JUST IN: Maharashtra government to refer Govind Pansare murder case to CBI, family lawyer tells Bombay High Court.
11:50
Voting starts in Britain's EU membership referendum.
11:45 Gandhis remember Sanjay
Varun Gandhi @varungandhi80 tweets: My mother and I at Shanti Vana to pay tribute to my father Late Shri Sanjay Gandhi on his 36th death anniversary.
Sanjay Gandhi died in a plane crash this day, in 1980. He was just 34, while Varun Gandhi was three-and-a-half-months-old.
Sanjay Gandhi died in a plane crash this day, in 1980. He was just 34, while Varun Gandhi was three-and-a-half-months-old.
11:39 Girl gangraped in Bihar's Motihari town, accused absconding
A girl was allegedly gang-raped in Bihar's Motihari town late last night. The girl has been admitted to a local hospital in a critical condition, while the accused are absconding, police said. Details awaited.
11:33 Clinton's reply when Trump called her a 'world class liar'
Presumptive presidential Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton has alleged that her Republican rival Donald Trump launched a personal attack against her because he has no answers on the substance of the facts against him.
"Look, I know Donald Trump hates it when anyone points out how hollow his sales pitch really is," Clinton told her supporters at an election rally in this key city of North Carolina, hours after Trump called her a "world class liar".
"I guess my speech yesterday must have gotten under his skin because right away he lashed out on Twitter with outlandish lies and conspiracy theories, and he did the same in his speech today," she said.
"Now think about it. He's going after me personally because he has no answers on the substance. In fact, he doubled down on being the King of Debt. So all he can do is try to distract us. That's even why he's attacking my faith, sigh," she said as a day earlier, Trump had questioned her religion. "Of course attacking a philanthropic foundation that saves and improves lives around the world," she said referring to Trump's allegations against the Clinton Foundation.
"It's no surprise he doesn't understand these things. The Clinton Foundation helps poor people around the world get access to life-saving AIDS medicine. Donald Trump uses poor people around the world to produce his line of suits and ties," she alleged.
"We can't let Donald Trump bankrupt America the way he bankrupted his casinos. We need to write a new chapter in the American Dream '" and it can't be Chapter 11," she said.
"Economists left, right, and center all agree Donald Trump will drive America back into recession. Just this week, one of Senator John McCain's former economic advisors said Trump's policies would wipe out, wipe out three-and-a-half million jobs. His tax cuts tilted toward the wealthy would add more than USD 30 trillion to our national debt over the next 20 years," she said.
"That is just astonishing and it's no wonder that the Economist Intelligence Unit, one of the leading firms that analyses the top threats to the global economy, now ranks a Trump Presidency at 3, right behind problems in China and volatility in the commodities markets," said the former Secretary of State.
Clinton alleged Trump has no real ideas for making college more affordable or addressing the student debt crisis. "He has no credible plan for rebuilding our infrastructure, apart from his wall. He has no real strategy for creating jobs, just a string of empty promises," she said.
"Maybe we shouldn't expect better from someone whose most famous words are, 'You're fired'. Well, here's what I want you to know: I do have a jobs program. And as president, I'm going to make sure you hear, 'You're hired'," Clinton said.
"Look, I know Donald Trump hates it when anyone points out how hollow his sales pitch really is," Clinton told her supporters at an election rally in this key city of North Carolina, hours after Trump called her a "world class liar".
"I guess my speech yesterday must have gotten under his skin because right away he lashed out on Twitter with outlandish lies and conspiracy theories, and he did the same in his speech today," she said.
"Now think about it. He's going after me personally because he has no answers on the substance. In fact, he doubled down on being the King of Debt. So all he can do is try to distract us. That's even why he's attacking my faith, sigh," she said as a day earlier, Trump had questioned her religion. "Of course attacking a philanthropic foundation that saves and improves lives around the world," she said referring to Trump's allegations against the Clinton Foundation.
"It's no surprise he doesn't understand these things. The Clinton Foundation helps poor people around the world get access to life-saving AIDS medicine. Donald Trump uses poor people around the world to produce his line of suits and ties," she alleged.
"We can't let Donald Trump bankrupt America the way he bankrupted his casinos. We need to write a new chapter in the American Dream '" and it can't be Chapter 11," she said.
"Economists left, right, and center all agree Donald Trump will drive America back into recession. Just this week, one of Senator John McCain's former economic advisors said Trump's policies would wipe out, wipe out three-and-a-half million jobs. His tax cuts tilted toward the wealthy would add more than USD 30 trillion to our national debt over the next 20 years," she said.
"That is just astonishing and it's no wonder that the Economist Intelligence Unit, one of the leading firms that analyses the top threats to the global economy, now ranks a Trump Presidency at 3, right behind problems in China and volatility in the commodities markets," said the former Secretary of State.
Clinton alleged Trump has no real ideas for making college more affordable or addressing the student debt crisis. "He has no credible plan for rebuilding our infrastructure, apart from his wall. He has no real strategy for creating jobs, just a string of empty promises," she said.
"Maybe we shouldn't expect better from someone whose most famous words are, 'You're fired'. Well, here's what I want you to know: I do have a jobs program. And as president, I'm going to make sure you hear, 'You're hired'," Clinton said.
11:28 Shorgul release postponed to July 1 after 'sense of apprehension'
In an unfortunate turn of events, the makers of Shorgul have decided to push the release date of the film to 1st July 2016 instead of 24th June 2016.
Statement from the filmmakers:
Swatantra Vijay Singh, Producer, Shorgul: We have been forced to postpone the release of our film to the 1st of July. There is a sense of apprehension in the exhibition sector pertaining to the showcasing of the film and a lot of cinema managers have expressed their reservation. Despite our repeated reassurances there are certain theatre chains who have maintained their stand of not showcasing the film. As first time producers we find ourselves in a handicapped position with minimal support being garnered from the relevant stakeholders. Our film is a creative piece of expression inspired by humanity. It has a strong message for the common man and we hope to receive unrelenting support from the masses to ensure a smooth release on the proposed new date."
A fatwa has been issued against actor Jimmy Sheirgill for starring in political drama Shorgul, which has also been banned in several cities of Uttar Pradesh, the films makers said yesterday.
The makers are planning to approach the states Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav to resolve issues regarding the ban in places like Muzaffarnagar, Kanpur, Ghaziabad and Lucknow. Shorgul is a political drama which also touches upon the 2013 Muzaffarnagar riots.
Statement from the filmmakers:
Swatantra Vijay Singh, Producer, Shorgul: We have been forced to postpone the release of our film to the 1st of July. There is a sense of apprehension in the exhibition sector pertaining to the showcasing of the film and a lot of cinema managers have expressed their reservation. Despite our repeated reassurances there are certain theatre chains who have maintained their stand of not showcasing the film. As first time producers we find ourselves in a handicapped position with minimal support being garnered from the relevant stakeholders. Our film is a creative piece of expression inspired by humanity. It has a strong message for the common man and we hope to receive unrelenting support from the masses to ensure a smooth release on the proposed new date."
A fatwa has been issued against actor Jimmy Sheirgill for starring in political drama Shorgul, which has also been banned in several cities of Uttar Pradesh, the films makers said yesterday.
The makers are planning to approach the states Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav to resolve issues regarding the ban in places like Muzaffarnagar, Kanpur, Ghaziabad and Lucknow. Shorgul is a political drama which also touches upon the 2013 Muzaffarnagar riots.
11:19 Copa America: Chile beat Colombia to set up final with Argentina
Chile stormed into the Copa America final, beating Colombia 2-0 in a weather-disrupted semi-final on Wednesday that took more than four hours to complete.
The summit clash will now be a repeat of last year's Copa America final, with defending champions Chile meeting Argentina on Sunday.
Chile, who had destroyed Mexico 7-0 in the quarter-final on Saturday, picked up from where they left off, scoring twice in the opening 11 minutes to take a firm grip on the contest.
Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Charles Aranguiz opened the scoring in the seventh minute before Jose Pedro Fuenzalida made it 2-0 after 11 minutes.
But the explosive start to the contest was overshadowed by a powerful electrical thunderstorm that rolled into downtown Chicago and halted play at half-time.
10:59
Just In: FTII chairman Gajendra Chauhan reaches RSS headquarters in Nagpur to meet Mohan Bhagwat, reports ANI.
10:37 Won't go after Arvind Subramanian if govt sees him as patriotic: Swamy
Seemingly unrepentant, BJP MP Subramanian Swamy today said he will "suspend" his demand for sacking the chief economic advisor if the government considers him patriotic despite his attempts in the past of trying to twist India's arm.
A day after the government came out in strong defence of CEA Arvind Subramanian in face of his barrage of attack, Swamy tweeted this morning "If an Indian?, held patriotic, can advise a foreign nation where he works, to twist India's arm, is to be forgiven, then I suspend my demand".
"AS (Arvind Subramanian) to US Cong: "US initiatives by discriminating against India companies and exporters will exert pressure on India to open up" AS 13/3/13 !," Swamy tweeted.
Swamy yesterday caused a flutter when he sought Subramanian's sacking for allegedly taking anti-India stance when he was an IMF economist in Washington prior to joining the Finance Ministry.
10:27 Sensex in wait-and-watch mode ahead of Brexit vote
The benchmark BSE Sensex recovered nearly 48 points in early cautious trade today as participants widened their bets in select stocks, tracking a slightly better trend in other Asian markets just hours before the start of Britain's referendum vote.
The 30-share index rose 47.92 points or 0.17 per cent at 26,813.57 with sectoral indices such as healthcare, auto, FMCG, banking and metal being in the positive zone.
The gauge had lost 101.27 points in the previous two sessions.
The NSE index Nifty was also trading 8.65 points or 0.10 per cent higher at 8,212.35.
Traders said selective buying in line with a slightly better trend in other Asian markets in thin trading, just hours before the start of Britain's referendum on its futures in the European Union, influenced trading sentiment here.
Moreover, rupee recovering by 15 paise to 67.33 against the US dollar in early trade at the forex market supported the upside in equities.
10:24 Russia faces ban from Olympic weightlifting
Weightlifting's governing body has put Russia, Kazakhstan and Belarus on notice that they face being banned from the Rio Olympics over repeat doping offences.
North Korea was among four other nations facing sanctions over the use of banned substances as the sport seeks to clean its image.
The International Weightlifting Federation action could not have come at a worse time for Russia whose track and field athletes have been suspended from the Rio Games in August.
The IWF executive announced this month that 20 suspicious cases had been found in retests of samples from the 2008 and 2012 Olympics in Beijing and London.
Its executive decided at a meeting on Wednesday that countries with three or more failed tests among the suspicious cases would be banned for a year. It named Russia, Kazakhstan and Belarus as the countries facing suspension.
A final decision will be taken after the International Olympic Committee confirms whether the second samples from the weightlifters were also positive.
10:23 'Game of Thrones' stands to lose if the UK leaves Europe
The long-running debate over whether Britain should leave the European Union has reached a crescendo in recent weeks, with both sides -- the 'Remain' camp and the 'Leave' camp -- making their final arguments this week ahead of Thursday's Brexit vote.
What neither side has yet accounted for, however, is the impact it could have on Game of Thrones.
According to Foreign Policy magazine, a British departure from the EU will see the massively popular HBO fantasy series deprived of a significant amount of funding for shooting on location.
Read more HERE
10:13
Just In: 21-year-old girl brutally gangraped in Bihar's Motihari; assailants damaged private parts of the victim by inserting pistol & wooden objects, says CNN-News18
10:11
Just In: Case registered with Kerala police against 2 students who ragged Karnataka nursing student & forced her to drink toilet cleaner, reports ANI
09:42 Team India will have new head coach by evening: BCCI President
Just In: BCCI President Anurag Thakur says announcement on Indian cricket team's head coach will be made by this evening.
The BCCI's cricket advisory committee, appointed to pick the India coach, had carried out interviews with six to seven candidates on Tuesday in Kolkata.
Anil Kumble and Ravi Shastri were the most high-profile candidates who made their presentations on Tuesday. While Kumble appeared in person for the interview, Shastri spoke with the panel through Skype as he was overseas.
The other candidates who were interviewed were Tom Moody, Stuart Law, Lalchand Rajput, Pravin Amre and Andy Moles.
The hunt for a new coach began after Shastri's contract as team director expired at the end of the World T20 in April. The application process started on June 1, with an advertisement on the BCCI website, and the board set a deadline of June 10. It received 57 applications, and the list of candidates was trimmed to 21 last week.
09:38 India-China finance dialogue cancelled
The India-China Financial Dialogue due to be held in Beijing between Finance Minister Arun Jaitley and his Chinese counterpart Lou Jiwei next week has been cancelled.
Jaitley is due to arrive in Beijing today on a five-day visit to take part in a host of events including the planned eighth financial dialogue.
But the dialogue meet stands cancelled, informed sources said.
Officials explained that the meet was cancelled as Department of Economic Affairs Shaktikanta Das could not attend the meeting. Till now the two countries held seven rounds of financial dialogues but all of them were headed by Finance Secretaries of both sides.
This is the first time it was elevated to level of finance ministers of both countries. The seventh dialogue was held in New Delhi in 2014. It was officially circulated earlier that the dialogue would be held between the two ministers on June 27.
09:35 Case filed in UP courts against Salman Khan for 'rape' remark
A case was registered in Kanpur and Lucknow courts on Thursday against Bollywood actor Salman Khan for his recent statement that "he felt like a raped woman" while shooting for his forthcoming flick "Sultan" slated to release on Eid next month.
Social activist Rafat Jamaal, in a petition filed before the Chief Judicial Magistrate (CJM) in Lucknow has asked for legal action against the actor for the statement which showed "disrespect to rape victims" and also "revived the ugly memories of such heinous crimes".
The CJM has asked the petitioner by the end of the day to prove why and how is the matter tenable to the court in Lucknow. In a related development, a lawyer Manoj Kumar Dixit has filed a petition in the Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate (ACMM) IIIrd's court in Kanpur seeking action against the actor.
Salman Khan had irked his fans and people across the country by a statement, given in response to a question by a reporter on how he felt doing the strenuous shooting of Sultan, where he plays a wrestler.
Khan responded by saying that "he felt like a raped woman...he could barely stand straight after the shoot."
09:30 Delhi: Woman files complaint against AAP MLA Dinesh Mohaniya
Just In: Delhi woman files complaint against AAP MLA Dinesh Mohaniya for misbehaviour, reports ANI.
"When we went to Dinesh Mohaniya's office, he refused to identify me. I must tell that I go to him daily because of water issues. He pushed me & other women and abused us. When he abused and pushed us, we also did the same. Are we here to be beaten up? Severe water issue here," the complainant said.
09:21
Just In: Narcotics Control Bureau arrests a Bengaluru-based model for possession of drugs; She was caught with 119 gms of cocaine,19 gms of hashish, CNN News18 reports.
08:28 Brexit: UK set to go to polls in EU referendum
Britain will make history today when it goes in for referendum in a few hours from now on whether it should remain in the European Union.
According to media reports, the result could be uncomfortably close.
There has only been one other UK-wide referendum on the issue of EU membership, in 1975 when the country voted to stay in the European Community.
The question in the ballot papers this time, with the option to answer Yes or No, will be: "Should the United Kingdom remain a member of the European Union or leave the European Union?"
Eligible voters include anyone over the age of 18 who is a British citizen resident in the UK and UK nationals who have lived abroad for less than 15 years. Citizens of Ireland, Malta and Cyprus resident in the UK can vote as can Commonwealth citizens resident in the UK and Gibraltar, including Indians.
To find out more on the BREXIT, read our simple explainer HERE
08:12 Crucial NSG meet today; Modi to meet China's Xi in final push for membership
All eyes are on the Nuclear Suppliers Group's two-day plenary which begins in Seoul today as India continues to push ahead for membership for the elite grouping.
On Wednesday, France joined the United States in strongly backing India's bid for NSG membership even as Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar arrived to garner support in the 48-nation grouping which is divided over the issue.
China continued to stonewall India's entry harping on the need to have a criteria for countries like India which have not signed the Nuclear non-Proliferation Treaty and clubbing India's case with that of Pakistan for which it is batting.
While making some right noises of playing "constructive" role on the issue of memberships of India and Pakistan, China maintained that the matter was not on the agenda of the plenary. Here too, Beijing clubbed the two sub-continental neighbours despite the marked difference in their nuclear non-proliferation track record.
Officials in New Delhi emphasised that NSG process was "delicate and complex" and cautioned against speculating on India's prospects.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping are expected to meet in Tashkent today where they are attending the SCO Summit. Modi may talk to Xi on NSG issue but whether the Chinese will alter their stance is a moot point.
08:04 PM Modi to leave for Tashkent today for SCO summit
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will leave for Tashkent today to attend the annual summit of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) which will kick off the process of India's accession to the grouping as a full fledged member along with Pakistan.
The Prime Minister will have a bilateral meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping tomorrow on the sidelines of the summit during which he is expected to seek China's support for India's bid for NSG membership, which Beijing is opposed to.
On the eve of his trip, PM Modi said he looked forward to fruitful outcomes at the SCO Summit.
"I will travel to Uzbekistan for a brief visit to attend the SCO Summit & interact with leaders of SCO nations," he tweeted.
"India is glad to be a member of the SCO & looks forward to fruitful outcomes particularly in the field of economic
cooperation through SCO," he added.
The SCO Summit will kick off the process of India's accession to the grouping as a full fledged member along with Pakistan.
08:02 N Korea leader says missile test a success, threat to US
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has hailed the successful test of a powerful new medium-range missile, saying it poses a direct threat to US military bases in the Pacific, state media reported today.
Kim, who personally monitored yesterday's Musudan missile test, said it was a "great event" that significantly bolstered the North's pre-emptive nuclear attack capability, the official KCNA news agency reported.
"We have the sure capability to attack in an overall and practical way the Americans in the Pacific operation theatre," Kim was quoted as saying.
The Musudan -- also known as the Hwasong-10 -- has a theoretical range of anywhere between 2,500 and 4,000 kilometres. The lower estimate covers the whole of South Korea and Japan, while the upper range would include US military bases on Guam.
After a string of failures in recent months, North Korea tested two Musudans yesterday, one of which flew 400 kilometres into the Sea of Japan (East Sea).
04:24 Sharia courts may have helped bring down the Ottoman Empire
Sharia courts bias towards wealthy Muslim men during the Ottoman Empire may have contributed to its downfall, according to a major study of nearly 200 years of case records.
An American economist looked at rulings handed out between 1602 and 1799 and noticed the judges efforts to help people considered worthy of support had a significant "unintended consequence".
Because Ottoman elites could rely on support from the courts during contract disputes, they had to pay significantly higher rates of interest on loans than women, non-Muslims and the poor, who were less likely to default because they would face legal punishment.
04:22 Australian navy cadets forced to rape each other in training
A Royal Commission into abuse within the Australian Navy has heard graphic claims that cadets were forced into sexual abuse including raping each other and details of a teenage girl who committed suicide following a sexual relationship with an instructor.
The abuse has been described as a rite of passage, which included violent initiations rituals including blackballing, which involved putting shoe polish on genitals and a royal flush which put peoples heads in a used toilet and flushing it.
03:19 Trump directs nearly one-fifth of his campaign money to businesses: Report
Donald Trump has directed nearly one-fifth of his campaign cash to companies that are part of his vast business empire, new federal records show.
Trump, hurting for cash after he suddenly stopped self-funding his campaign last month, has mixed his public campaign and his private ventures for nearly the entire 2016 race. He has promoted Trump products at campaign events, publicly litigated a federal civil suit he's facing over Trump University on talk shows, and, this week, will bring the political press to Scotland for a tour of a Trump golf course.
And it shows in his latest campaign finance report, filed Monday: Trump-linked businesses account for 17% of all campaign expenses to date. He's paid almost $11 million to Trump organizations since launching his campaign a year ago.
02:29 Euro 2016: Ireland beat Italy, qualify for knockouts
Euro 2016: Ireland beat Italy, qualify for knockouts Ireland scored a late-winner to defeat Italy 1-0 and sneak into the last 16 of the 2016 Euro Championships.
In the other Group E match Belgium went through to the last-16 at Euro 2016 when Radja Nainggolan's late strike gave them a 1-0 win over Sweden, who were knocked out after scoring only once in three games.
01:42 Is Pakistan secretly testing a new Chinese killer drone?
After the June 18 crash of an unidentified unmanned aerial vehicle near the city of Mianwali in Punjab province, some evidence has emerged that the UAV is not one regularly flown by the Pakistan Air Force. That has led to speculations that the Pakistani military is mulling the purchase of additional Chinese combat drones.
According to IHS Janes Defense Weekly, a Pakistani defense official speaking on the condition of anonymity said that the unmanned aircraft was on an experimental flight. This could indicate that the Pakistani military was evaluating a new UAV type for service in the PAF.
01:25 Russia will respond to 'aggressive NATO rhetoric': Putin
Russia will take adequate measures to counter NATO's increasingly "aggressive rhetoric," President Vladimir Putin told MPs at the closing session of the State Duma. He called to create an international security system open to all countries.
It's necessary to create a collective security system void of "bloc-like thinking" and open to all countries, Putin said on Wednesday in Russia's parliament.
"Russia is ready to discuss this extremely important issue," he said, adding that such proposals have been so far left unanswered by Western countries.
"But again, as it was at the beginning of WWII, we don't see any positive response," he continued. "On the contrary, NATO ups its aggressive rhetoric and aggressive actions near our borders."
"In this environment, we must pay special attention to strengthening our country's defense capabilities," he concluded.
00:57 BJP MP mulling filing defamation case against Kejriwal
A day after he broke his fast-unto-death, Bharatiya Janata Party MP Maheish Girri on Wednesday said he is considering filing a defamation suit against Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal for accusing him of being involved in the murder of New Delhi Municipal Council estate officer M M Khan.
"Now I am consulting the lawyers and the party leaders to find out how defamation case could be filed (against Kejriwal). Political fight will carry on... we will go to people to tell that their chief minister is a liar," he said
on the sidelines of an event here.
The east Delhi MP was protesting few metres away from Kejriwal's official residence and broke his fast on Tuesday after Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh made an appeal to him.
Girri had been demanding proof from Kejriwal about his allegations that the BJP leader was involved in NDMC estate officer's and demanded an apology from the chief minister.
Kejriwal has been demanding Maheish Girri's arrest alleging that he was involved in the 16 May murder of Khan, a day before he was scheduled to pass the final order on the lease terms of 'Connaught Hotel' located on a property leased out by the New Delhi Municipal Council.
00:22 Malala pays tribute to murdered British MP
Nobel Peace Prize laureate Malala Yousafzai on Wednesday paid a moving tribute to murdered British MP Jo Cox as hundreds of people gathered for a special memorial event at Trafalgar Square in London to mark what would have been the lawmaker's 42nd birthday.
The Pakistani activist, who survived a shot to the head by Taliban gunmen, said the gathering and the outpouring of support from the world over for the British MP proved that extremists have failed once again.
"Extremists resort to bullets because they cannot win the battle of minds. I am living proof that they cannot win with bullets either. Jo's message of peace is more powerful than any weapon of war and once again proves that the extremists have failed," said the teenager, who is now based in Birmingham with her family.
"When my family needed a haven, this country offered it with open arms. Jo's arms were open to all humanity. She embodied all that is best about this country," said Yousafzai, as she joined the MP's family and friends at the #MoreInCommon event to commemorate the life of the Labour MP who was shot and stabbed to death on the street near her constituency office in northern England last week.
The organisers of the event in a statement said, "One of the causes which was closest to Jo's heart was education for girls and Malala and Jo's work intersected at many points. Malala was shot for daring to defy those who had banned education for girls in her region of Pakistan and has spent much of her life since campaigning for human rights and education."
People gathered at Trafalgar Square as well as the Market Square in Jo's constituency of Batley, West Yorkshire, to celebrate her life.
Her husband, Brendan Cox, and two young children made their way down the river Thames on the family house-boat for the memorial service in Trafalgar Square.
The vessel, decked with colourful flags, sailed through the city tugging a miniature boat called the Yorkshire Rose in a tribute to Cox.
"When she saw pain, she wanted to do all that she could to alleviate it. Jo lived her life to the full with a pedal to floor and missing brake-pads," her husband said in his tribute to his late wife.
00:14 US House Democrats stage sit-in to demand action on guns
United States Democrats staged a rare sit-in on Wednesday in the House of Representatives, demanding that the Republican-led body vote on gun-control legislation following the Orlando nightclub massacre.
"We have to occupy the floor of the House until there is action," Democratic Congressman John Lewis, a civil rights icon who marched with Reverend Martin Luther King Jr in the 1960s, said before he and dozens of colleagues sat down on the carpeted well of the chamber.
The dramatic action came just as the House presiding officer moved to declare the body in recess.
US lawmakers, mainly Democrats, have introduced several bills aimed at reducing gun violence, including legislation to expand background checks -- a provision that has broad support among the voting public. No such bill has passed Congress.
"It's a shame that you need to go to extraordinary measures like this," Congresswoman Karen Bass told MSNBC in a telephone interview just off the House floor as the sit-in continued.
"I think we will be here until they decide to take up the vote."
House Speaker Paul Ryan has refused to schedule a vote for gun control legislation in the aftermath of the Orlando shooting that left 49 people dead.
The chamber was scheduled to wrap up its business on Thursday before going on its vacation ahead of the Fourth of July holiday.
00:09 Hillary Clinton a 'world-class liar': Trump
Donald Trump went on a blistering offensive against Hillary Clinton on Wednesday, calling her disqualified to run for president and savaging her record on trade, foreign policy, human rights and immigration.
The billionaire Republican candidate for president, who has denounced Clinton's &42 million war chest as "blood money," sharpened his attacks on the polarizing Democratic nominee after disastrous headlines have fueled speculation that his controversial campaign is unravelling.
"Hillary Clinton may be the most corrupt person ever to seek the presidency," he said in a speech at Trump SoHo, his five-star hotel in Manhattan to shouts of "Trump, Trump, Trump" from supporters.
He said the stakes in the November general election could not be higher, presenting himself as an innovative thinker who could get things done and protect voters from an economic and political system rigged against them by career politicians, Clinton included.
Trump attacked Clinton as a "world-class liar" who had "perfected the politics of personal profit and theft" and lacked the judgment to be America's first woman commander-in-chief.
"She ran the State Department like her own personal hedge fund -- doing favours for repressive regimes, and many others, in exchange for cash," he alleged of her tenure as America's top diplomat.
He alleged that her "disgraceful" foreign policy had cost America "thousands of lives and trillions and trillions of dollars" in reference to her support for the invasions of Afghanistan and Iraq.
"In just four years, secretary Clinton managed to almost single-handedly destabilise the entire Middle East," he added, calling the Islamic State extremist group a threat because of her decisions.
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