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Thu, 03 March 2016
Kanhaiya ends speech at JNU urging supporters to raise 'Azaadi' slogans
Timeline Refresh
23:29 Mitt Romney: Donald Trump is a 'phony, a fraud'
Mitt Romney opened his speech by citing Ronald Reagan's argument before the 1964 election that it was "a time for choosing" -- previewing his expected criticism of GOP front-runner Donald Trump by saying he planned to look inward within his own party.
"I'm no Ronald Reagan, and this is a different moment in time, but I believe with all my heart and soul that we face another time of choosing -- one that will have profound consequences for the Republican Party and more importantly, for our country," he said.
Romney wasted no time taking direct aim at Trump.
"On the other hand, if we make improvident choices, the bright horizon I foresee will never materialize," he said. "Let me put it plainly, if we Republicans choose Donald Trump as our nominee, the prospects for a safe and prosperous future are greatly diminished."
Romney called Trump's policy proposals "flimsy, at best," and said he'd trigger a trade war, drive up the deficit and lead the nation into a recession.
23:19 Kanhaiya ends speech at JNU urging supporters to raise 'Azaadi' slogans
"On Azadi naara, we want azadi not from India but from those who loot India," Kanhaiya Kumar told students in JNU.
"Kanhaiya ends his speech at JNU urging his supporters to raise slogans of 'Azaadi' with context," he added.
23:07 JNU row: Kanhaiya gets a hero's welcome to varsity
JNUSU president Kanhaiya Kumar reached the JNU premises hours after being released from Tihar jail where he was lodged on the charge of sedition, triggering celebrations on the campus that had lately become a venue for vociferous protests.
Slogans of 'Bhookhmari, jaativaad se Azaadi, RSS se Azaadi' are being raised.
"This country has an anti-people's government. Whoever raises a voice against the government will have the government's doctored videos released against them," Kanhaiya Kumar at JNU.
"We have no grudges against the ABVP as we are truly democratic people. We truly believe in Indian constitution," Kanhaiya says.
"We shall not witch-hunt you (ABVP). That's because we hunt what is worth hunting. We don't look at the ABVP as an enemy. We look at them as opposition," Kanhaiya said jibing at the ABVP.
"The PM tweeted 'satyamev jayate'. Mr PM we have ideological differences against the government because 'Satyamev Jayate' belongs to us all," Kumar said.
"Attack on JNU is a planned one as they want to delegitimise the UGC protest, and to dilute the fight for justice for Rohith Vemula," Kanhaiya says.
"Only 31 per cent vote for you (the BJP), the other 69 per cent voted against you," Kanhaiya said.
"Kuch ko to aapne 'Har Har' keh ke jhak lia, aaj kal 'Arhar' se pareshaan hain," Kumar said.
"Today you (students) are here because you think you have been attacked. But this attack was made some time ago by Swamy," he said.
22:06 AI flight to Chicago delayed by 18 hrs due to technical glitch
An Air India flight to Chicago from Hyderabad via Delhi was delayed by over 18 hours due to a technical glitch in the aircraft, causing inconvenience to around 300 passengers, who had to spend more time on ground than they would have taken to fly to their destination.
The Air India plane, a Boeing 777-200ER, operating as flight (AI-126), had arrived at Indira Gandhi International Airport New Delhi from Hyderabad on Wednesday evening and was to operate as flight number AI-127 to Chicago.
It was scheduled to depart at 2 am but finally took off for Chicago at around 8.30 pm, after a delay of more than 18 hours.
The flying time between Delhi and Chicago is around 14 hours.
"The flight could not depart on its scheduled time due to a technical glitch. And by the time the Boeing 777-300ER aircraft was made airworthy, the rest and duty time restrictions of the crew came into force, leading to further delay," an Air India official said.
All the passengers, during this period, were provided with hotel and other facilities which are mandated under the Director General of Civil Aviation guidelines for such situations, he said.
The Air India plane, a Boeing 777-200ER, operating as flight (AI-126), had arrived at Indira Gandhi International Airport New Delhi from Hyderabad on Wednesday evening and was to operate as flight number AI-127 to Chicago.
It was scheduled to depart at 2 am but finally took off for Chicago at around 8.30 pm, after a delay of more than 18 hours.
The flying time between Delhi and Chicago is around 14 hours.
"The flight could not depart on its scheduled time due to a technical glitch. And by the time the Boeing 777-300ER aircraft was made airworthy, the rest and duty time restrictions of the crew came into force, leading to further delay," an Air India official said.
All the passengers, during this period, were provided with hotel and other facilities which are mandated under the Director General of Civil Aviation guidelines for such situations, he said.
21:35
JUST IN: Two Central Reserve Police Force personnel killed and 14 injured in Sukma, Chhattisgarh, encounter. Encounter started at 12.30 pm today and is underway.
21:24 BSF unearths secret tunnel near India-Pak border
The Border Security Force on Thursday foiled a possible infiltration bid by the terrorists from Pakistan side of the International Border after they unearthed a tunnel near Nikki Tawi river in Jammu sector.
Efforts are on to check out the complete layout and design of the tunnel. BSF Inspector General Rakesh Sharma said that they discovered the tunnel during a routine exercise, after which it was found that it had the passageway originated in Pakistan side of the border.
"When we looked at it carefully we found a tunnel. A detailed examination revealed that attempts were made to dig a tunnel from Pakistan side. The entry point of the tunnel is from Pakistan side and the opening in the India side was not yet ready, as we got to know about its existence," he said.
"So, a possible infiltration attempt by Pakistan was foiled. It is around 20-22meters long. We will probe the matter and take it to a logical conclusion," he added.
A BSF press release said that efforts to check out the complete layout and design of the tunnel are currently underway.ANI
Efforts are on to check out the complete layout and design of the tunnel. BSF Inspector General Rakesh Sharma said that they discovered the tunnel during a routine exercise, after which it was found that it had the passageway originated in Pakistan side of the border.
"When we looked at it carefully we found a tunnel. A detailed examination revealed that attempts were made to dig a tunnel from Pakistan side. The entry point of the tunnel is from Pakistan side and the opening in the India side was not yet ready, as we got to know about its existence," he said.
"So, a possible infiltration attempt by Pakistan was foiled. It is around 20-22meters long. We will probe the matter and take it to a logical conclusion," he added.
A BSF press release said that efforts to check out the complete layout and design of the tunnel are currently underway.ANI
20:33 Lanka arrests 8 more TN fishermen, Jaya writes to PM
As eight more Tamil Nadu fishermen were arrested today by the Sri Lankan Navy, the state government sought the Centre's intervention for the release of all 35 Indian fishermen and 73 fishing boats in the custody of the neighbouring island republic.
Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa wrote a letter to Prime Miniter Narendra Modi, calling for appropriate actions for a permanent solution to the recurring arrests.
'There is an urgent and imperative need to proactively initiate appropriate actions to deliver a permanent solution to this sensitive issue that plagues the livelihoods of thousands of Tamil Nadu fishermen,' she said in the letter.
A report from Rameswaram said the eight fishermen were arrested and their two boats seized by the Sri Lankan Navy on charges of crossing the International Maritime Boundary Line.
Referring to their arrest, Jayalalithaa said 'our fishermen are only following their traditional occupation and fishing in an area to which they have a historic claim -- their traditional fishing waters of the Palk Bay'.
Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa wrote a letter to Prime Miniter Narendra Modi, calling for appropriate actions for a permanent solution to the recurring arrests.
'There is an urgent and imperative need to proactively initiate appropriate actions to deliver a permanent solution to this sensitive issue that plagues the livelihoods of thousands of Tamil Nadu fishermen,' she said in the letter.
A report from Rameswaram said the eight fishermen were arrested and their two boats seized by the Sri Lankan Navy on charges of crossing the International Maritime Boundary Line.
Referring to their arrest, Jayalalithaa said 'our fishermen are only following their traditional occupation and fishing in an area to which they have a historic claim -- their traditional fishing waters of the Palk Bay'.
19:59 BJP to move notice against Rahul over 'Fair and Lovely' jibe
The Bharatiya Janata Party will move a notice in Parliament against Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi for using the phrase 'fair and lovely', said sources.
It is speculated that the BJP will move the notice as it believes the remarks as racially discriminatory.
Earlier, addressing the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi slammed the Modi government over black money among other issues.
He said, "Modi ji brought a 'Fair and Lovely Yojna' to convert black money into white and blamed him of destroying United Progressive Alliance's work against insurgency in Jammu and Kashmir and terrorism."
It is speculated that the BJP will move the notice as it believes the remarks as racially discriminatory.
Earlier, addressing the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi slammed the Modi government over black money among other issues.
He said, "Modi ji brought a 'Fair and Lovely Yojna' to convert black money into white and blamed him of destroying United Progressive Alliance's work against insurgency in Jammu and Kashmir and terrorism."
19:43
JUST IN: Kanhaiya Kumar reaches JNU after being released from jail.
19:33 CBSE asks schools to urge students to download 'Narendra Modi mobile app'
The Central Board of Secondary Education has asked schools to encourage students, teachers and parents to download the 'Narendra Modi mobile app' so that they can share their experiences with the prime minister.
The Board issued a notification after the prime minister in one of his 'Mann ki Baat' radio addresses urged students to face examinations with confidence and optimism while seeking their response through the Narendra Modi app.
In its notification, the CBSE has invited students, teachers and parents to give a feedback on their own experiences about examinations on the Narendra Modi Mobile App.
Students can share their experiences of taking examinations while teachers and parents can also recount their experiences, the CBSE notification said.
The prime minister will also be sharing some of his own thoughts, it added.
"All School Heads are requested to encourage their students, teachers and parents to download the App, and share their experiences on how to overcome the stress of taking examinations," the CBSE notification said.
The CBSE also mentioned part of the prime minister's radio address in which he had mentioned that final examinations for Class X and XII will be conducted in the coming days.
The Board issued a notification after the prime minister in one of his 'Mann ki Baat' radio addresses urged students to face examinations with confidence and optimism while seeking their response through the Narendra Modi app.
In its notification, the CBSE has invited students, teachers and parents to give a feedback on their own experiences about examinations on the Narendra Modi Mobile App.
Students can share their experiences of taking examinations while teachers and parents can also recount their experiences, the CBSE notification said.
The prime minister will also be sharing some of his own thoughts, it added.
"All School Heads are requested to encourage their students, teachers and parents to download the App, and share their experiences on how to overcome the stress of taking examinations," the CBSE notification said.
The CBSE also mentioned part of the prime minister's radio address in which he had mentioned that final examinations for Class X and XII will be conducted in the coming days.
18:42 Kanhaiya Kumar released from Tihar jail
JNUSU leader Kanhaiya Kumar has been released from jail. On Wednesday, the Delhi high court granted the JNU student leader bail on a surety of Rs 10,000.
The court granted him bail on the grounds that he will not participate actively or passively in any activity which may be termed as anti-national.
In the 23-page order, the judge said, Kanhaiya would not leave the country without the permission of the trial court and the person standing surety for him shall also furnish an undertaking on the lines similar to that of the accused.
18:19 Army foils infiltration bid, kills 1 militant
The army has foiled an infiltration bid on the Line of Control in north Kashmir's Kupwara district and gunned down a militant.
A defence spokesman this evening said two army troopers were also injured in the ongoing operation in the Keran sector of the LoC.
He said the injured troopers were evacuated to hospital for treatment and their condition is stable.
One militant has been killed and one weapon recovered, the spokesman said. The operation is on, he added
-- Mukhtar Ahmad/Rediff.com
18:07 AGP-BJP formally announce tie-up for Assam polls
The Bharatiya Janata Party and Asom Gana Parishad will together contest the upcoming assembly election in Assam. The AGP will contest 24 out of the 126 seats in Assam.
BJP and other allies will contest on the other seats. Congress has already announced that they will fight alone in the 126 Assembly seats and the All India United Democratic Front announced to fight in 60 seats.
The BJP has also forged an alliance with the Bodoland Peoples Front to jointly fight the Assembly polls in Assam.
17:51 BJP to move notice against Rahul's 'fair and lovely' speech
Taking offence to Rahul Gandhi's speech in Parliament, the BJ P has decided to move a notice against the Congress vice president. The BJP alleged that the use of words like 'far and lovely' by the young politician was discriminatory.
Want to see Rahul's speech? Click HERE
17:38
Kanhaiya Kumar's lawyers have reached Tihar jail and will produce the court copy of his bail. This means it's only a matter of some time before the JNUSU leader walks out of jail.
17:18 Coming soon: Learn how to win elections the Prashant Kishor way
Prashant Kishor, a key strategist in the landslide victories of Narendra Modi and Nitish Kumar, dissects what influences Indian voters today, their aspirations and what they now demand of their leaders in his debut book. How India votes has always been a mystery and Kishor book talks elections are now fought and how to win and lose them.
To be published by Juggernaut Books by the end of the year, "The Election Game" will be co-authored by journalist
Sankarshan Thakur.
"Writing is a new world for me, but I am hoping this foray into the world of books will be a step towards widening the conversation with the emerging new electorate, especially the youth and professionals, about the essential rites of our democracy: elections," says Kishor.
He says he is excited to be working with the man who leads the field in transforming the way elections are now plotted and fought.
17:11 Istanbul: 2 women open fire, hurl grenades at Turkish police bus
Two women opened fire and threw a grenade at a Turkish police bus as it arrived at a station in an Istanbul suburb, footage from the Dogan news agency showed. Television stations said there were no casualties.
One of the women threw a grenade and the other opened fire with what appeared to be a machine gun as the riot police bus drove towards the station entrance in the Bayrampasa district of Turkey's biggest city, the footage showed. Police returned fire, injuring one of the women, before tracking them to a nearby building.
Officials later reported that both women had been killed in the special forces raid, while one police officer was wounded in the arm.
16:59 Will Prashant Kishor draw the Priyanka Gandhi card for UP in 2017?
After Smriti Irani's boisterous bid in Parliament, there is speculation that she may be one of the contenders for the party's chief ministerial face in the 2017 Uttar Pradesh state assembly elections.
The Congress cadre chanting slogans eulogising Priyanaka ("Priyanka lao, Congress bachao') is ritual, and Kishor's entry has only fueled more speculation. Navbharat Times carried a story that the Congress is going to declare its chief ministerial candidate for UP soon. Unmistakably, the cover photo showed Kishor and Priyanka Gandhi.
Read more HERE
16:18
Just In: Christine Fair at the Raisina Dialogues co-hosted by the ministry of external affairs and the Observer Research Foundation: "LeT and JeM are disciplined killers on ISI's leash."
16:13
Former Delhi University professor SAR Geelani's judicial custody extended till March 16.
16:08
Sensex jumps 364.01 points to settle at 24,606.99; Nifty climbs 106.75 points to 7,475.60.
16:06 Delhi HC rejects Mallya plea against wilful defaulter tag
JUST IN: Delhi High Court refuses to hear plea by Vijay Mallya and United Breweries (Holdings) Limited against wilful defaulter tag by SBI.
Delhi HC says: "Mallya, United Breweries (Holdings) Ltd have sought similar relief from Bombay HC which has been hearing matters pertaining to their debt obligations."
"We don't have jurisdiction to hear this matter and grant relief to Vijay Mallya."
16:05 Nothing inflammatory in Katheria's speech: Rajnath in RS
Highlights of Home Minister Rajnath Singh remarks during the discussion on hate speech, in Rajya Sabha:
* I heard Ram Shankar Katheria's speech, made others hear it. We all agreed there is nothing inflammatory in the speech
* Only a single party cannot protect India's unity and integrity. We all will have to make collective efforts for that.
* I can say this with pride that India is the only country in the world where people of all major religions live. India is also where you find people from most sections of Islam and Christianity.
15:40 No time frame for bringing women's reservation bill: Govt
The government on Thursday refused to give a time frame for introducing in Parliament the Bill which seeks to give 33 per cent reservation to women in Lok Sabha and Assemblies, saying a consensus among parties is needed.
In a written response in Lok Sabha, Law Minister D V Sadananda Gowda said it is the endeavour of the government to provide reservation on one-third seats to women in Lok Sabha and state Assemblies.
"The issue involved needs careful consideration on the basis of consensus among all political parties before a bill for amendment in the Constitution is brought before Parliament," he said.
He was asked to specify the steps being taken by the government for arriving at an early decision on the issue.
A similar bill, brought by the erstwhile UPA government, had lapsed following the dissolution of the 15th Lok Sabha. As per law, any bill pending in Lok Sabha lapses with the dissolution of the House. Bills introduced in Rajya Sabha and pending there are put on the "live register" and remain pending.
The 18-year journey of the Women's Reservation Bill was marked by high drama and roadblocks in each outing in Parliament before the historic measure cleared the first legislative hurdle in March 2010, when Rajya Sabha passed it amid ruckus.
15:33 Goa: 5 tourists fall off cliff while clicking selfie
Five tourists were injured, two of them severely, when they fell off a cliff while clicking selfies at Anjuna village in Panaji.
Goa police have asked a sub-divisional magistrate to record the statement of two of the women who were seriously injured in the incident and admitted to hospital.
The five persons fell off the cliff on February 22 when the gate of the railing on which they were leaning opened, police said.
The incident occurred near the hillside cottages where the tourists were staying.
"Two women fell on their back on a stone and are currently admitted in a private hospital. The doctors have said that they might be paralysed for life," police inspector Paresh Naik told PTI today.
The three others were discharged after primary treatment, he said.
"The family members of the two women have refused to file any formal police complaint, but we have requested sub-divisional magistrate to record their statements," Naik said.
15:22
Jodhpur Court orders Salman Khan to be present in court on March 10 to record his statement in Arms Act case
15:19 Toll-free national helpline 1033 for road accident services
People will soon be able to seek help in case of road accidents by dialling on a toll-free national helpline number 1033.
"The government has decided to set up "1033" toll free national helpline number for reporting road accidents, and other issues relation to National Highways," Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari informed Lok Sabha today in a written reply.
Indian Highway Management Company Ltd, a firm promoted by National Highways Authority of India has been asked to set up call centres for national highways helpline, he said.
"Accordingly, IHMCL has structured the project in six geographical zones out of which works have been awarded in four zones," he said.
15:15 Lord Krishna a literature specialist, Manekshaw a sportsman: Gujarat govt website
Huffington Post reports: As activists campaign online to #RemoveMughalsFromTextBooks, a movement to rewrite Indian history to exclude the Mughal invaders, a Gujarat government website has described Sam Hormusji Framji Jamshedji Manekshaw, one of India's greatest military leaders, as a sportsman.
A Gorkha soldier, unable to navigate the Parsi tongue twister, had purportedly shortened Manekshaw's name to Sam Bahadur. Sam Bahadur, or Sam the Fearless, was feted for his role in the 1971 Bangladesh liberation war and was the first Indian Army officer to be promoted to the rank of Field Marshal.
But, the team behind the website is either not aware of all this history or have let a blatant error run on a state government portal accessed by millions.
In a section called the 'Land of the Legends', the state website lists the celebrated people of the land. Except, that they got their history a little messed up.
There's more.
Read more HERE
15:12 Tourist who found debris was searching for MH370
The man who found the piece of Boeing 777 wreckage off the Mozambique coast has been traveling around the Indian Ocean for one year in a quest to solve the mystery of missing Malaysia flight MH370.
Blaine Gibson, a US lawyer from Seattle, is spearheading his own self-funded hunt for the missing plane in an exhaustive search that has taken him from the Maldives, to Mauritius and Myanmar.
"I have been very involved in the search for Malaysia 370, just out of personal interest and in a private group -- not in a for-profit way or journalistic way," Gibson tells CNN.
Read more HERE
15:10 Apprehending the possibility of "clashes" following the release of JNUSU president Kanhaiya Kumar, Delhi Po
Apprehending the possibility of "clashes" following the release of JNUSU president Kanhaiya Kumar, the Delhi police has issued an 'advisory' to all districts, traffic and PCR units asking them to maintain a strict vigil, especially in and around JNU and Delhi University campuses.
"The advisory says, in case Kanhaiya Kumar is bailed out, there is a possibility that he may visit places which include Jantar Mantar, JNU and DU with large number of his supporters, largely including students' groups like AISF and AISA, and members of some political parties," a police source said today.
"It further reads, 'the ABVP and other right wing groups, including some political leaders, may oppose such gatherings and there is possibility of clashes among the groups'.
"Keeping in view the sensitivity and gravity of the matter, a sharp vigil and adequate arrangement by the local police with sufficient women staff, PCR and traffic are suggested to avoid any untoward incident," he said.
The advisory was first issued when the Delhi police took a U-turn and opposed Kanhaiya's bail plea in the high court. It was reissued yesterday, the source added.
15:07 Bombay HC grants parole to Arun Gawli
Gangster-turned-politician Arun Gawli has been granted furlough by the Nagpur bench of the Bombay high court.
The bench, however, asked the state government to decide the duration of the furlough.
The former MLA, currently lodged in the Central Prison in Nagpur and serving life imprisonment in a murder case, had filed a petition before the bench on February 2 for grant of furlough.
A division bench of justices Bhushan Dharmadhikari and V M Deshpande granted him the furlough yesterday.
Gawli had claimed that there was no material on record to prove that he violated the provisions of furlough on earlier occasions. He also mentioned that he had not indulged in any illegal activity and had surrendered before the authorities on the due date.
14:47 Russell Crowe mourns cousin Martin's passing
'My champion, my hero, my friend. I will love you forever. RIP M D Crowe.'
That was actor Russell Crowe tweeting after the passing away of his cousin, and cricketing icon Martin Crowe, image, left, on Thursday.
'They come from a talented family and there could be no clearer sign of the closeness between Russell and Martin Crowe than the heartfelt message the Academy Award-winning actor posted in the wake of his cousin's death,' says the Sydney Morning Herald, pointing out that 'despite their busy lives and distance between them, the cousins remained close. Martin Crowe was among the first to congratulate his cousin -- a club owner -- when South Sydney ended their NRL title drought in 2014.'
Congrats #ssfcrabbitohs on greatest victory, bookended by Slamming Sam bravery & GI genius,' he had tweeted then.
SMH says the cousins also spent New Year's Day together in Australia in 2015, here.
14:39 JNU case: Delhi police issues alert ahead of Kanhaiya's release
Apprehending the possibility of "clashes" following the release of JNUSU president Kanhaiya Kumar, Delhi Police has issued an 'advisory' to all districts, traffic and PCR units asking them to maintain strict vigil, especially in and around JNU and Delhi University campuses.
"The advisory says, in case Kanhaiya Kumar is bailed out, there is possibility that he may visit places which include Jantar Mantar, JNU and DU with large number of his supporters, largely including students' groups like AISF and AISA, and members of some political parties," a police source said on Thursday.
"It further reads, ABVP and other right wing groups, including some political leaders, may oppose such gatherings and there is possibility of clashes among the groups.
"Keeping in view the sensitivity and gravity of the matter, a sharp vigil and adequate arrangement by local police with sufficient women staff, PCR and Traffic are suggested to avoid any untoward incident," he said.
14:37 HC grants furlough to gangster-turned-politician Arun Gawli
Gangster-turned-politician Arun Gawli has been granted furlough by the Nagpur bench of Bombay high court.
The bench, however, asked the state government to decide the duration of the furlough.
The former MLA, currently lodged in the Central Prison in Nagupr and serving life imprisonment in a murder case, had filed a petition before the bench on February 2 for grant of furlough.
A division bench of justices Bhushan Dharmadhikari and V M Deshpande granted him the furlough yesterday.
The petitioner claimed that there was no material on record to prove that he violated the provisions of furlough on earlier occasions. He also mentioned that he had not indulged in any illegal activity and had surrendered before the authorities on due date.
On October 14, 2015, Gawli had written to officiating Deputy Inspector General of Prisons, Eastern Region, Nagpur, Yogesh Desai, requesting furlough.
14:14 Pakistan's 'Dawn' takes umbrage at Parrikar's comment
On Tuesday, Shiv Sena member Sanjay Raut wanted to know in the Rajya Sabha whether the Pathankot was merely a terror attack or an armed operation carried out with the support of the Pakistani army.
Responding to him, Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar, in his written reply, said the Pathankot attack in January was carried out by Pakistan's 'non-State actors' who operate with the support of the Pakistani establishment.
'Non-State actors from Pakistan are surely involved. This is for sure. Any non-State actors there, they cannot function smoothly without full state support,' Parrikar said in a written reply.
Pakistan's Dawn newspaper has taken umbrage at the minister's remarks, and in an editorial has said: A sensible response by Mr Parrikar would have been to state that investigations were ongoing. A more expansive response to Mr Raut's question would have had the Indian defence minister acknowledging the role of non-State actors in the attack on the Pathankot air force base, but avoiding speculation about the link to the Pakistani state.
Wondering whether the 'Indian Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar veering off script or reading from notes that his government has given him,' Dawn wrote: 'The Indian defence minister's loose remarks underscore the challenges that bilateral dialogue has to contend with: when dialogue is stalled, hawkish elements in both countries can and do casually undermine the environment for talks and make it that much more difficult to resume them.'
Read the full comment here.
14:03 IS is playing stock markets to make millions, British panel told
Islamic State has a new, abundant source of revenue: 'playing the foreign currency markets under the noses of bank chiefs,' reports Colin Freeman in The Telegraph, London.
'The terror group is earning up to $20m (14.29m) a month by funnelling dollars looted from banks during its takeover of the Iraqi city of Mosul into legitimate currency markets in the Middle East,' he writes.
Details of how the IS was minting millions emerged during a hearing of a specially-convened foreign affairs sub-committee set up to examine Britain's role in its funding, he writes.
IS 'makes huge returns on currency speculation, which are then wired back via unsuspecting financial authorities in Iraq and Jordan,' the sub-committee heard on Wednesday.
You can read the full report here.
13:53
Bomb scare in Modern School, Vasant Vihar, Delhi after an abandoned bag found. Bomb disposal squad at the spot: ANI
13:44 Mumbai shamed: Manipuri woman assaulted on busy street as 'public' looked on
In an incident that has shamed Mumbai and Mumbaikars, a Manipuri woman was allegedly assaulted in Mumbai's Santacruz but the police refused to file an FIR for days before being forced due to media outrage.
The 26-year-old woman was accosted by an unknown man on Saturday evening and allegedly spat at her. When she objected, he kicked, punched and dragged by the hair on the busy road.
The woman said that the man tore her clothes and even tried to molest her.
None of the onlookers intervened to save the woman.
The victims' sister told Mid-Day: The womans sister said they often faced a lack of compassion and discrimination for their features. Because of our Northeast facial features, people believe that we are from China or Nepal. Because of this discrimination, no one came to my sisters rescue.
13:37
Encounter between troops of CRPF troops and Maoists under way in Sukma, Chhattisgarh; one security personnel injured: ANI
13:17 Parliament not being allowed to run due to inferiority complex: PM Modi
Highlights of Prime Minister Narendra Modi address on the Motion of Thanks to the President's address in Lok Sabha:
* Grateful to President for highlighting on India's progress in his speech; We must always take the President's advice.
* Parliament is a forum where govt is questioned and the govt has to clarify its stand. No one is spared during the debate.
* When Parliament sessions are not functional, the nation suffers and more than that the MPs suffer because they can't discuss issues. House is a place where debates are to take place, but if boundaries are maintained during a debate then it is fruitful. This is not something I am saying, this has been said by former PM Rajiv Gandhi.
* Hindering debate in the House is very counter-productive. Request MPs across parties to help pass bills. Bills that are to be passed are for the people. They are for freeing the system from middlemen. This was said by former Speaker of the Lok Sabha Somnath Chatterjee and has been repeated a lot
* I want to share my thoughts, not as the PM but as someone who has entered Parliament for the first time.
* Unfortunately political parties feel disruption or adjournment will help highlighting an issue. Am saying all this because people must know that bills have been passed here but have been stopped thereafter.
* Opposition doesn't let us speak out of an inferiority complex, so that the nation can't see our views and skills.
* Making fun of 'Make In India' tarnishes the image of the nation. We are mocking things like Make in India? This is for the nation. If there are shortcomings it may be shared and discussed.
* March 8 is International Women's Day & maybe that day only women members should speak in the Parliament. We can also set time where only first time MPs can speak. This will bring a fresh perspective to the proceedings
* We should not behave as though we are begging. In 1974, in IP College Indira Gandhi ji said that we shouldnt portray our nation as weak.
* There are so many MPs (in Opposition itself) who have a lot to say but if they speak they will overshadow the others.
* Opposition is worried and concerned as to how we are performing better than them. I am 1000% convinced with Mallikarjun Kharge (LoOp), that there is a lot of corruption in MNREGA Look at the observations made in CAG report of 2012.
* 2012 CAG report states NREGA didn't target the 'real' poor section of the society.
* Intellectuals should compare Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana launched by Vajpayee and MGNREGA.
* Some people are concerned about how we are doing things they could not do in the last 60 years.
* No one will deny that if Congress would have helped the poor in 60 years, the poor wouldn't still be poor.
* There are many things which are your (Congress) legacy, less toilets in schools for instance. We are making toilets because you didn't do that when you were in power for 60 years.
* Some people have aged physically, but not in maturity; Some people don't understand but just want to oppose for the sake of it.
12:19
Home Minister Rajnath Singh makes a short statement in Lok Sabha:
"The Tamil Nadu government's letter on release of Rajiv Gandhi assassination convicts is being examined by the central government; Abiding by the Supreme Court's directives is our constitutional responsibility."
"The Tamil Nadu government's letter on release of Rajiv Gandhi assassination convicts is being examined by the central government; Abiding by the Supreme Court's directives is our constitutional responsibility."
12:18 SC to hear telcos' plea against call drop compensation for users
The Supreme Court today agreed to hear a plea of two cellular operator associations challenging Delhi high court order upholding TRAI's decision making it mandatory for them to compensate subscribers for call drops from January 1, 2016.
The plea of the associations was mentioned before a bench of Chief Justice T S Thakur seeking an urgent hearing on the matter.
The bench, also comprising Justice U U Lalit, asked the associations: "Why don't you correct the system?"
12:17 Govt to hike gas price by 60 pc for ONGC, RIL
In a boost to firms like ONGC and Reliance Industries, the government plans to raise natural gas price by about 60 per cent for their undeveloped gas discoveries in difficult areas.
While domestically-produced gas is currently priced at an average of rates in gas-surplus countries like the US, Canada and Russia, for deep-sea discoveries yet to be developed the government plans to price them at an average cost of alternative fuels -- naphtha and fuel oil as well as imported LNG.
Gas price in India is currently USD 3.82 per million British thermal unit, which will fall to USD 3.15 in April, a rate not enough to make up for tje cost of deep-sea development.
Since this rate is not enough to incentivise exploration, the government plans to price undeveloped gas discoveries in deep-sea, ultra-deep sea and high-temperature, high-pressure areas using average of landed price of naphtha, fuel oil and liquefied natural gas, Economic Affairs Secretary Shaktikanta Das has said.
Gas price using this methodology will come to over USD 6 per mm Btu at prevailing LNG, fuel oil and naphtha rates.
12:15 EPF is people's safety net; don't destroy it: Rahul tells Modi Sarkaar
Rahul Gandhi on the EPF taxation policy announced in the Budget:
"What the government is doing with regard to EPF is unfair. EPF is a safety net of people, it should not be destroyed.Govt should take back that."
"Government employees dedicate their entire life to service. And EPF is their safety. Taxing it is wrong."
12:10 SC agrees to hear telcos' plea on call drop penalty
The high court had, earlier this week, upheld the October 16, 2016 decision of Telecom Regulatory Authority of India making it mandatory for cellular operators to pay consumers one rupee per call drop experienced on their networks, subject to a cap of Rs 3 a day.
The Supreme Court today agreed to hear a plea of two cellular operator associations challenging Delhi high court order upholding TRAI's decision making it mandatory for them to compensate subscribers for call drops from January 1, 2016.
The plea of the associations was mentioned before a bench of Chief Justice T S Thakur seeking urgent hearing on the matter.
The bench also comprising Justice U U Lalit asked the associations "Why don't you correct the system?"
Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing for the telecom associations, said that this matter required urgent hearing as Delhi HC has upheld the TRAI order, after which the bench agreed to hear the plea tomorrow.
11:59 BJP's Bengal chief: Will chop 6 inches if anyone says 'Pak Zindabad'
In the season of controversial speeches, a BJP leader in West Bengal has used a public forum to threaten beheading for those shouting anti-national slogans.
Dilip Ghosh, the BJP's Bengal chief, warned yesterday: "Anyone who raises slogans of 'Pakistan Zindabad' will be chopped by six inches from top."
He was addressing a meeting of party workers at Birbhum, where there were clashes on Tuesday over a Facebook post by a student.
One person was killed when a mob allegedly attacked a police station and damaged vehicles in protest against the post.
The student was arrested on Monday night. A mob reportedly protested outside a police station on Tuesday and demanded that the student be handed over to them. The protesters allegedly attacked the police station and also blocked roads.
11:57 NGT pulls up DDA for allowing Sri Sri Ravi Shankar's fest on Yamuna banks
JUST IN: NGT pulls up Delhi Development Authority for granting permission to hold Sri Sri Ravi Shankar's World Culture Festival on Yamuna banks.
DDA tells NGT that they didn't know about the size and scale of the event when the permission was granted.
The Art of Living, headed by spiritual guru Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, is organising world cultural festival in the national capital between March 11 and 13 that is expected to be attended by at least 35 lakh people from 155 countries.
Sanjay Parikh, counsel for the petitioners, told NGT that DDA should also be fined in the case as the permission granted by the central government's agency to Art of Living, the organising body of the event, is illegal.
"All the three committees formed on the issue in their reports have insisted that environment laws have been violated by the event organisers. Even the DDA in its order passed on December 15, 2015 has violated the norms. So the quantum of punishment for them should be the same as that of organisers of Art of Living," co-petitioner and environmental activist Ritwick Dutta said on Wednesday.
11:42 Wake up PM Modi, Obama calling
Pakistan has brilliantly succeeded in inserting the Kashmir issue into the agenda of its institutionalised annual Strategic Dialogue with the US.
For the first time, Washington has allowed the Kashmir issue to figure in the joint statement with Pakistan after the annual conclave.
The implications are simply profound, says Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar on Rediff Blogs, here.
11:29 Aadhar bill to be introduced in Lok Sabha today
The following is today's business in Parliament:
In the Lok Sabha:
Bill to be introduced: The Aadhaar (Targeted Delivery of Financial and other Subsidies, Benefits and Services) Bill 2016; Discussion on Motion of Thanks on the President's Address.
Discussion on Budget (Railways) for 2016-17.
In the Rajya Sabha:
Calling Attention on the inflammatory speeches made by a minister in the Union government and elected representatives violating the Constitution and oath of office and the response of the government thereto.
Discussion on Motion of Thanks on the President's Address.
Discussion on Budget (Railways) for 2016-17.
Bill for withdrawal: The National Identification Authority of India Bill, 2010.
Bills for consideration and passing: The National Waterways Bill, 2015; The Bureau of Indian Standards Bill, 2015.
11:26 Services index at 3-month low, rate cut likely?
India's economic growth slowed in February and the services sector activity fell to a 3-month low amid subdued growth in new orders, a monthly survey showed today, adding to expectations of a rate cut by the Reserve Bank of India.
The Nikkei Services Business Activity index fell to a 3-month low of 51.4 in February, from 54.3 in January, as increase in prices led to muted demand.
Although new orders at services firms continued to rise in February, the rate of expansion eased to the weakest since last November as firms reportedly faced strong competition for new work during the month, the survey noted.
11:22 Pillai did not dissent on Ishrat file, now works for Adani: 'Telegraph' reports
Former home secretary G K Pillai did not include any note of dissent in the second affidavit on Ishrat Jahan from which he had distanced himself last week, reveals a document, reports Imran Ahmed Siddiqui in The Telegraph, Kolkata.
The Telegraph reports that it had accessed the file noting dated September 24, 2009, to find that then home minister P Chidambaram had written: 'As amended (second affidavit) please show clear copy....' This was followed by Pillai writing and signing on the same day: 'Clear copy shown to the home minister. Send it for filing.'
When asked by Imran why he did not write a note of dissent in the file, Pillai told the newspaper: "He (Chidambaram) was my political boss and that's why I did not think of putting my note of dissent on the file."
Incidentally, the report also reveals that Pillai is now an independent director with Adani Ports, whose chairman Ashoke Adani's proximity to Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been much commented upon.
You can read the full report here.
11:00
Just In: Supreme Court to hear on March 11 a plea seeking the quashing of criminal case against Gujarat cops in the Ishrat Jahan alleged fake encounter case.
10:59 SBI seeks Mallya's arrest over unpaid debts
Top state-run lender State Bank of India has sought arrest of Vijay Mallya, and also impounding of his passport, as the bank approached Debt Recovery Tribunal seeking action against the UB Group promoter for defaulting on loans.
SBI, that heads the consortium of 17 lenders to the grounded Kingfisher Airlines, moved the Debt Recovery Tribunal in Bengaluru against the airline's chairman Mallya in its bid to recover over Rs 7,000-crore dud loans from him.
According to sources, SBI has moved four applications at the DRT in Bengaluru, seeking impounding Mallya's passport, getting him arrested, securing the lenders' first right on the payout from Diageo and getting full disclosure of his assets in the country and abroad.
The immediate objective of the lenders moving the DRT is to secure a first right on the $75-million severance package that Mallya will be getting for quitting Diageo-owned United Spirits as its chairman last week.
An SBI official confirmed to PTI that they have moved the DRT seeking right on $75 million severance package, as the borrower Mallya who has already been declared by the bank a wilful defaulter, has decided to leave the country and settle down in London.
10:49
SC agrees to hear on Friday plea of cellular operator associations against TRAI order asking them to pay fine for call drops.
10:36 Delhi government convinced JNU incident not a sedition case, may sue TV channels
The Delhi government is exploring options to file a criminal case against some media houses for allegedly tampering with a set of video clippings of the controversial Jawaharlal Nehru University event involving JNUSU president Kanhaiya Kumar.
The government is convinced that the JNU incident cannot be a sedition case.
The Arvind Kejriwal led-government had on February 13 ordered a magisterial inquiry into the alleged raising of anti-national slogans on the university campus on February 9.
Earlier, a video came into public domain which showed some people raising anti-India slogans at the event, which had given a fresh twist to the case.
In the video, the youngsters, whose faces were covered, could be seen raising slogans against India.
Several videos of the event have surfaced since the row broke out leading to the arrest of JNUSU president Kanhaiya Kumar on charges of sedition, triggering widespread protests.
10:33
Congress moves adjournment motion in both the Houses against Tamil Nadu government's decision to give relief to Rajiv Gandhi assassins.
10:32 Kanpur brothers write to Modi for help; PMO responds
Facing acute financial crunch following prolonged illness of their father, two brothers from UP's Kanpur district wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for help.
The Prime Minister's Office responded to the letter by 13-year-old Sushant Mishra and his 8 year-old brother Tanmay and ensured the treatment of their father Saroj Mishra (50) at the district hospital.
Mishra (50), a resident of Sanjay Gandhi Nagar locality, is suffering from acute asthma for the past two years and had not been able to take up his private job of tailoring for past six months.
Both the children have stopped going to school as the family is unable to pay the fee while the rent of the house is also not paid for past several months.
After the boys sent the letter in January, the PMO responded in February asking the Kanpur District Magistrateto provide medical help to the ailing man.
Read more HERE
10:24 Maruti to hike prices by up to Rs 34,494 on new cess
Maruti Suzuki, the country's largest car maker, said it will raise prices on its vehicles by up to Rs 34,494 to pass on the impact of infrastructure cess announced in the Union Budget.
Following the infrastructure cess on automobiles in the Union Budget 2016-17, ex-showroom prices of models would go up in the range of Rs 1,441 to Rs 34,494 across the range, the company said in a statement.
As Smart Hybrid models (Ciaz SHVS and Ertiga SHVS) are exempt from the Infrastructure Cess, there is no change in the prices of these models.
10:14 Irom Sharmila re-arrested after resuming hunger strike over AFSPA repeal
Irom Sharmila Chanu, who has been on a hunger strike since November 2000, demanding repeal of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act was on Wednesday arrested yet again after she had resumed her fast on February 29.
The police, however, is yet to press any charge against her and is reportedly seeking a relevant law to justify the arrest, according to a government official.
The fresh arrest of Sharmila came after she was acquitted of suicide charges by a court in Imphal on February 29 and on that very day she resumed her non-violent protest at BT Park in Imphal.
Sharmila had refused to have a medical check-up by a team of doctors.
The Human rights activist has been demanding repeal of the Afspa, 1958 after 10 civilians were gunned down allegedly by central security forces at an Imphal locality in November, 2000.
10:11
CNN-IBN reports: Delhi government may file case against channels that aired doctored JNU videos
10:07
ANI Tweets: Discussion on HRD MoS Ram Shankar Katheria's remarks to take place in Rajya Sabha today from 2pm to 3pm. Home Minister Rajnath Singh to reply.
10:00 Budget credit negative for public sector banks: Moody's
Moody's Investors Service today said the Budget for 2016-17 is "credit negative" for PSU banks as the capital infusion road map falls short of the required Rs 1.45 lakh crore.
"The Budget is credit negative for public sector banks because the government has stuck to its capital infusion road map announced in 2015, budgeting Rs 25,000 crore in injection," says Srikanth Vadlamani, Moody's Vice-President and Senior Credit Officer.
Moody's, in a statement, said the Union Budget is moderately credit positive for most sectors, but credit negative for public sector banks because of the insufficient allocation of capital for the segment.
"We believe that unless the banks receive Rs 1.45 lakh crore for the four fiscal years ending March 31, 2016 to March 31, 2019, their credit profiles will worsen," added Vadlamani.
The government has budgeted to infuse Rs 25,000 crore in PSU banks in the next fiscal under the Indradhanush programme, in which Rs 70,000 crore will be allocated between March 2016 and March 2019.
Moody's said PSU banks are unlikely to gain access to capital markets for equity capital in the near term, given their low valuations.
09:29 Narendra Modi to address Lok Sabha today
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will on Thursday address the Lok Sabha to reply on the motion of thanks to the President Pranab Mukherjees address.
During his speech, the Prime Minister is also likely to counter the charges made by the Congress-led Opposition over issues related to Rohith Vemula suicide and the JNU sedition row.
Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi had yesterday slammed Prime Minister Modi during a debate on the Presidents address in the Lok Sabha.
Gandhi assailed the ruling dispensation when Prime Minister Modi was not in the house and nor were most of his front-line ministers, but the Congress vice president named them all and accused the Prime Minister of listening to none, including his ministers.
09:25
Congress President Sonia Gandhi to chair party strategy meet of Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha MPs at 10:30 am today.
09:24
Eight Indian fishermen and two boats apprehended by Sri Lankan Navy near Palk Strait late Wednesday night.
08:49 49 Indian fishermen released by Iran arrive home
As many as 49 Indian fishermen, who were released by the Iranian government on Wednesday, have returned home.
The fishermen, 45 of whom were from Tamil Nadu, had gone to Dubai on contract fishing and were arrested by the Navy on charges of poaching, according to M Karunamurthy, district secretary of the CITU-affiliated Tamil Nadu Meenpidi Thozhirsanga Koottamaippu.
They arrived in Chennai by an Air India 906 flight from Dubai, the sources said.
08:41 EC may announce 5-state assembly polls schedule today
Election Commission likely to announce on Thursday the schedule for the much-awaited elections in West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Assam and the Union Terrrotiry of Puducherry.
The terms of the state assemblies are ending between May 22 and June 5, and the EC could look at finishing the poll process by mid-May, leaving a few days for government.
With the school examinations in the poll-bound states ending by early April and regional festivals/holidays like Tamil Nadu's New Year, Bihu (Assam) and Vishu (Kerala) falling in mid-April, the EC could to start polling sometime in the third week of April.
On Tuesday, March 1, a meeting between EC and home ministry officials took place at Nirvachan Sadan in New Delhi.
The EC officials also held a final round of talks with the Chief Electoral Officers (CEOs) of all states -- CEO of West Bengal Sunil Gupta, CEO of Assam Sri Vijayendra, CEO of Kerala E K Majhi, CEO of Tamil Nadu Thiru. Rajesh Lakhoni and CEO of Puducherry V Candavelou.
08:35
Manipur woman allegedly attacked, clothes torn off in Mumbai; FIR registered
08:24 N Korea fires short-range missiles into East Sea: Seoul
North Korea fired short-range projectiles into the sea off its eastern coast on Thursday, South Korea's defence ministry said, hours after the UN Security Council imposed tough new sanctions on Pyongyang.
After initially describing the launches as being of "short-range missiles," spokesman Moon Sang-Gyun said the ministry was still analysing their exact nature.
The projectiles were fired into the East Sea (Sea of Japan) at 10:00am (0100 GMT), Moon said.
"The South Korean military is monitoring any additional movements from the North," he added.
The 15-member council passed a resolution drafted by the United States and backed by China, Pyongyang's sole ally, that took aim at North Korean exports and set up inspections of all cargo to and from the reclusive country.
08:16 3 Hizbul terrorists killed in Pulwama encounter
Mukhtar Ahmad from Srinagar: Three Hizbul Mujahideen terrorists were killed in an overnight encounter in Tral area of South Kashmir's Pulwama district, an army official said on Thursday.
Security forces launched a cordon and search operation in Dadsara area of Tral last night, following information about the presence of terrorists there, the official said.
The official said in the ensuing gun fight three local terrorists of Hizbul Mujahideen were killed.
The slain terrorists have been identified as Ashiq Hussain Bhat, Mohammad Isaq Parray and Asif Ahmed Mir, the official said, adding that Bhat was involved in providing shelter to terrorists involved in Udhampur attack on a BSF convoy last year.
Three AK rifles have been recovered from the scene of the gun battle, where search and sanitisation operation are in progress, the official said.
08:14
Former NZ cricket captain Martin Crowe dead at 53
Wellington, Mar 3 (AP)
Former New Zealand cricket captain Martin Crowe has died of lymphoma aged 53, his family said today.
Crowe was first diagnosed with aggressive follicular lymphoma in 2012 and after chemotherapy, he was thought to be in remission. But Crowe announced in September 2014 that the cancer, which he called "my friend and tough taskmaster," had returned.
Crowe is survived by his wife, Lorraine Downs, and two stepchildren.
In a statement his family said "it is with heavy hearts that the family of Martin Crowe advise his death. The family request privacy at this time."
Crowe played 77 tests and 143 one-day internationals for New Zealand in a 13-year career. He scored 5,444 test runs at an average of 45.36 with 17 centuries.
04:19 New Zealanders start voting in flag change referendum
New Zealanders began voting today on whether to adopt a new flag, in a referendum Prime Minister John Key has called a once-in-a-generation chance to ditch Britain's Union Jack from the national banner.
About three million ballot papers are being distributed in the South Pacific nation of 4.5 million people for the vote, conducted only by post, which closes on March 24.
The result will be binding and John Burrows, the head of a panel overseeing the referendum, said New Zealanders would have to live with their choice far into the future.
"Whatever the decision, this flag will fly for generations to come and we hope all Kiwis exercise their right to vote in this historic decision," he said.
Key, a passionate advocate for a new flag, said the vote was a rare chance to update and modernise an important national symbol.
02:58 US priest gets 17 years for molesting Honduran children
A suspended Pennsylvania priest has been sentenced to nearly 17 years in prison for sexually assaulting poor street children during missionary trips to Honduras.
Federal prosecutors in Johnstown sought the long prison term for 70-year-old Joseph Maurizio Jr.
His attorneys argued for less time due to his age, charitable works and other factors. They have also said the priest denies wrongdoing.
The Roman Catholic Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown suspended Maurizio after federal prosecutors filed charges in September 2014.
02:07 Ben Carson sees no path forward for him in US election race
Retired neurosurgeon Ben Carson said Wednesday he does "not see a political path forward" in the 2016 Republican presidential primary race, essentially ending a campaign that soared early last year only to steadily
lose steam.
"I appreciate the support, financial and otherwise, from all corners of America. Gratefully, my campaign decisions are not constrained by finances; rather by what is in the best interests of the American people," he said in a statement.
Carson, the only African-American in the race to succeed President Barack Obama, said he will discuss his political future on Friday in a speech to the Conservative Political Action Conference, near Washington.
01:50 US man who fought fascists in Spain dies at 100
Delmer Berg, the last known American survivor who fought fascists in 1930s Spain, has died in northern California. He was 100.
Berg died Sunday at his home in Columbia, Marina Garde from the Abraham Lincoln Brigade Archives in New York confirmed in a written statement.
The Modesto Bee reports Tuesday that friend Pat Cervelli said Berg, who she knew for three decades, became politically active early in life.
Berg was among about 2,800 members of the Abraham Lincoln Brigade who sought to defend an elected government from a military rebellion led by Gen. Francisco Franco. The revolt was successful, and Franco led Spain for decades.
Berg stayed in Spain several months. He told The Modesto Bee in a November interview why he made the decision to help the Spanish working people.
01:14 UN imposes toughest-ever North Korea sanctions
The UN Security Council today unanimously adopted the toughest sanctions ever imposed on North Korea in response to its fourth nuclear test and rocket launch.
The 15-member council passed a resolution drafted by the United States and backed by China, Pyongyang's sole ally, that took aim at North Korean exports and set up inspections of all cargo to and from the reclusive country.
Among the unprecedented measures is a new requirement that all countries must inspect cargo destined for and coming from North Korea, in all airports and sea ports.
The resolution provides for a ban or severe restrictions on exports of coal, iron and iron ore, gold, titanium and rare earth minerals from North Korea, and prohibits the supply of aviation fuel including rocket fuel.
North Korea earns about USD 1 billion per year in coal exports -- a third of all export revenues -- and about $200 million annually from iron ore sales, US Ambassador Samantha Power told the council.
01:07 Aziz discusses Indo-Pak relationship with Rice
Pakistan Foreign Affairs advisor Sartaj Aziz today discussed the Afghan reconciliation process and "positive developments" in Indo-Pak relationship with US National Security Advisor Susan Rice here.
Rice appreciated the sacrifices made by Pakistan military in its successful endeavours to confront the security challenges posed by terrorist elements, according to a statement issued by the Pakistani Embassy here.
Aziz briefed Rice on the recent positive developments concerning Pakistan's relations with India, the official statement said.
Aziz, the foreign policy advisor to Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, reiterated the importance of reconciliation process in Afghanistan, while reassuring that Pakistan would provide the necessary support for an Afghan owned and Afghan led initiative in this regard.
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