LIVE
Thu, 17 November 2016
School kids photocopy Rs 2,000 note, buy confectioneries
Timeline Refresh
23:58 School kids photocopy Rs 2,000 note, buy confectioneries
In an incident that could be called the first case of fraud involving new currency notes in Madhya Pradesh, four school children duped a milk parlour operator in Shajapur by purchasing products with photocopied note of Rs 2000 denomination on Thursday.
The kids were apparently on way to school with the bags when they stopped at the shop of one Gopalkrishna Yadav to make purchases at around 6am, Shajapur Kotwali police station in-charge Rajendra Verma said.
They bought milk and confectioneries worth Rs 200 and walked away with the change of Rs 1800 returned by Yadav. The shop owner, who gladly accepted the new Rs 2000 currency note, became suspicious in the afternoon and shared the details with his son. Both went to a bank branch, where the officials claimed it was a coloured photocopy of the original currency note. Yadav lodged a complaint with the Kotwali police.
23:48 Currency pain to stay: It will take around 6 months to replenish Rs 500 notes
Will new notes which replace the demonetised currency find itself in circulation soon? Unlikely, if the capacity of all the currency printing presses in the country is taken into account.
The latest calculation, based on capacities of the currency printing presses, shows that replenishment would take around six months.
This is particularly true for the new Rs 500 notes, whose printing, presumably, started after November 10. Till those are replenished in adequate numbers, the "currency pain" would not go away since Rs 2,000 notes are difficult to exchange for lower denominations.
New information gleaned from public sources show that the government may be too optimistic in claiming that "adequate amount" of money would soon be in circulation.
That's because of the limited capacity of the printing presses in the country for such a sudden, huge job.
The total capacity of the presses in the country would be 26.66 billion notes in two shifts. If all three shifts run, as the government says is happening now, the four presses would be able to print 40 billion notes a year, irrespective of the denomination.
Now, according to the government, the total money in circulation -- before Rs. 500 and Rs. 1,000 notes were declared illegal -- was Rs. 17.54 lakh crore or Rs. 17,540 billion. Of this, 45 per cent was in Rs. 500 denomination -- equivalent to Rs. 7.89 lakh crore or Rs. 7,890 billion and 39 per cent in Rs. 1,000 notes amounting to Rs. 6.84 lakh crore or Rs. 6,840 billion.
In other words, there were 15.78 billion notes of Rs. 500 denomination in circulation and 6.84 billion notes of Rs. 1,000.
But if they are going to print Rs 2,000 notes equivalent to value of the Rs 1,000 notes declared illegal, that is, worth Rs 6.84 lakh crore, they would have to print only half, or 3.42 billion notes.
If the printing started in early September, as has been claimed by some printing press officials, they would need only a little over two months to meet the full requirement, even at 50 per cent capacity. In other words, they should have printed all the replacement needs of Rs 2,000 notes till now.
23:36 Now, petrol pumps to dispense Rs 2,000 in cash
In a bid to ease cash crunch, the government allowed dispensing cash of up to Rs 2,000 through debit card swipe at select petrol pumps. The facility will be available at 2,500 petrol pumps.
"It has been decided that an amount up to Rs 2000 per day per person in cash can be dispensed against swiping of debit card from select petrol pumps where POS machines of SBI are already available," an official said.
POS machines are the machines which are generally used for debit or credit card transactions.
22:46 Demonetisation will hit terror funding & counterfeiting
The demonetisation of Rs 1,000 and Rs 500 notes is expected to hit terror funding and counterfeiting as there are additional security features in new notes which are very difficult to replicate, a senior government official said.
Counterfeiting of new Rs 2,000 and Rs 500 notes would be very difficult as they have at least 7-8 additional security features which are very tough to replicate.
It would take years for anyone to counterfeit the new notes being circulated, the official said, adding funding of terror activities would be badly affected due to demonetisation.
The official said the change of higher denomination of Indian currencies was long over due as in normal circumstances any country changes its notes in every 7-8 years with additional security features to check its counterfeiting.
There was no major change in the Rs 1,000 notes ever since it was introduced in the year 2000 while changes in the Rs 500 notes, which was launched in 1987, were done more than a decade ago.
Change in the security features of Rs 1,000 and Rs 500 notes was long over due and the present demonetisation move, even though abrupt, was absolute necessary, the official said.
There is an estimate that around Rs 17,00,000 crore black money was in circulation in the country and even though many people attempt to whitewash the black money they have, it is certain that around Rs 4,00,000 crore is not coming back to the banking system.
This will clean up the economy and windfall gain for the government, the official said.
22:36 437 hate crime incidents recorded against minorities since Trump's victory
In the wake of Donald Trump's victory in the US presidential election, an unpleasant reality is rearing its ugly head in. Hate crimes, racial and Islamophobic slurs are on the rise against Muslims, non-whites and homosexuals in America.
Since Trump's triumph, there has been rise in targeted violence against minority groups in the form of hate-speech, offensive graffiti and even physical abuse. The Southern Poverty Law Center, a group that monitors hate speech in the US, has documented 437 cases of abuse towards minorities between Wednesday, November 9, the day after presidential election till Tuesday, November 15.
Since Trump's triumph, there has been rise in targeted violence against minority groups in the form of hate-speech, offensive graffiti and even physical abuse. The Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC), a group that monitors hate speech in the US, has documented 437 cases of abuse towards minorities between Wednesday, November 9th, the day after presidential election till Tuesday, November 15th.
Read full story HERE
21:48 Jaya breathing without respiratory support; may be discharged any day: AIADMK
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalithaa's lung infection has been cured and she is breathing without respiratory support and may be dischargedfrom hospital any day, her party AIADMK today said.
"Amma's (Jayalalithaa) health has improved excellently. She is (continuing) undergoing physiotherapy and she may be discharged any day," AIADMK spokesperson C Ponnaiyyan said.
Her lung infection and respiratory problem was totally cured and she "is breathing on her own" without respiratory support, he told reporters here.
Other health parameters of Jayalalithaa, who has been undergoing treatment at the Apollo Hospital since September 22, including heart (functioning) are "excellent", he said.
"She is having food by herself, she is sitting, she is able to talk freely... she is cheerful," Ponnaiyyan said.
He said she thanked the Almighty for her recovery and the people for their prayers.
Jayalalithaa was admitted to the hospital after she complained of fever and dehydration. Later, the hospital had said she was being treated for infection with respiratory support.
On November 13, the 68-year old leader said she has taken "rebirth" and that she was waiting to resume her duties after complete recovery.
21:18 Don't say mean things: Kids write to Trump, ask him to be a kind president
In the wake of a bitter presidential race whose aftermath has brought only more vitriol, many parents have found it difficult to draw out any positive aspects of the election to teach their children.
But the day after Election Day, Molly Spence Sahebjami tried to do just that. The Seattle mother started a Facebook group called Dear President Trump: Letters from Kids About Kindness.
The idea? To have children write letters to President-elect Donald Trump about the importance of being kind to other people, even if theyre different than you are, according to a description on the groups Facebook page.
Sahebjami, who lives in a state where voters overwhelmingly supported Hillary Clinton, said she knew many who disapproved of Trumps vulgar language.
Children dont know anything about the issues, like manufacturing jobs, she said in a phone interview with The Washington Post. But they know at least where I live, its really prevalent [for kids] to say, Oh, hes the mean one.
The idea started with her own son, a kindergarten student who said he was concerned about things Trump had said about Muslims, because the family has relatives of Iranian descent.
So I said to him, Well maybe we should write a letter to him and we can show him, Sahebjami said. Why dont you talk to him about why its important to be kind?
She added: It was very simplistic, at a 5-year-old level, where I started.
21:16 Top US intelligence official: I quit
The Director of National Intelligence James Clapper told the House Select Committee on Intelligence Thursday he had submitted his letter of resignation on Wednesday night, reports CNN.
"(I) submitted my letter of resignation last night, which felt pretty good," he said before the panel of lawmakers, in response to the top Democrat on the panel joking he hoped he would stick around for another four years.
"I have 64 days left and I'd have a pretty hard time with my wife going past that," Clapper told California Rep. Adam Schiff, who also paid his respects to Clapper's service as the hearing opened.
Clapper has been telling people he has been talking to for months exactly how many days he has until retirement. This resignation was expected at the end of his term.
"He signed his letter as required by all appointed administration officials but is finishing out his term," said a spokesperson from the Office of Director National Intelligence.
Clapper's resignation comes as president-elect Donald Trump's transition team is trying to hammer out the people who will lead and set the tone for national security agencies during his administration.
21:03 Zakir Naik extolling Osamas views, proclaiming every Muslim should be a terrorist: MHA
Controversial Islamic preacher Zakir Naik has been extolling Osama Bin Laden, proclaiming that every Muslim should be a terrorist and claiming that if Islam had indeed wanted 80 per cent of Indians would not have remained Hindus, government said justifying the ban imposed on his NGO IRF.
In a gazette notification, issued two days after the Union Cabinet decided to ban Islamic Research Foundation under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act, the home ministry said the IRF and its members, particularly, the founder and its President Zakir Naik, has been encouraging and aiding its followers to promote or attempt to promote, on grounds of religion, disharmony or feelings of enmity, hatred or ill-will between different religious communities.
The home ministry said through speeches and statements, Naik has been promoting enmity and hatred between different religious groups and inspiring Muslim youths and terrorists in India and abroad to commit terrorist acts.
20:47
JUST IN: Ghulam Nabi Azad's remarks in Rajya Sabha where he said that 'Pakistan terrorists did not kill even half of our people in Uri than those who have died due to government's wrong policy' have been expunged.
20:27 Committing suicide also radical: Arun Shourie on note ban
Former Union Minister Arun Shourie today mocked the claim of demonetisation of high-value currencies being a radical measure, stating that jumping into well or committing suicide is also radical.
"Everybody will say it is a wonderful move going by its stated objective which is to strike at black money but it was not a "thought-through" exercise," said the former BJP leader who has often flayed the Modi government's policies.
"This is a strike not on black money but on legal tender of India, its currency. This is a strike on cash transactions," he told NDTV in an interview.
20:25 Govt eases restrictions to combat cash crunch
With the shock demonetisation move in the middle of marriage and sowing seasons causing hardships, the government on Thursday eased restrictions on cash withdrawal by farmers and families with upcoming weddings.
Here are the list of steps taken by the government to ease out cash crunch.
20:09 Congress plans 'Money ki Baat' drive against demonetisation 'fraud'
Mocking Prime Minister Narendra Modi's monthly radio programme 'Mann ki Baat' amid the heated political discourse over the Centre's demonetisation of high-value currency notes, the Congress will now organise
'Money ki Baat' with the citizens starting November 20.
The city unit of the party, headed by Sanjay Nirupam, will embark on a mass awareness campaign on the "hardships" of the common man in the wake of the withdrawal of Rs 1,000 and old Rs 500 currency notes from circulation last week.
Addressing a press conference, Nirupam claimed that the demonetisation move had "failed to curb black money and counterfeit currency".
"We will organise 'Money ki Baat' outside banks, railway stations and market places without disturbing the citizens...protests will also be planned.
"We will tell the people that this demonetisation is a fraud. (It's) an ill-conceived decision with no preparation to implement it," he alleged.
Nirupam said as part of the drive, open debates will be held in the "people's court".
"This (demonetisation) has affected bullion as well as retail markets, apart from restaurants, vegetable vendors, theatres, healthcare, pharmaceutical, textile and leather sectors in Mumbai.
20:07
Just In: Pakistan army resort to heavy cross border firing in Pallanwala sector in Jammu, says Army.
20:05 Cong warns of negative impact on GDP for next one year
Warning of a negative impact on GDP for next one year, Congress today said Modi government's demonetisation move was more political than economic.
"I confidently say this not an economic 'brahmastra' but a political one," party spokesperson Jairam Ramesh said, stressing the prospects of a recovery in rural, agriculture and unorganised economy in the country are remote in the next year.
He said the move to demonetise currency notes of high denominations will help infuse a lot of cash in the banking sector, making banks rich, but expressed apprehension that its consequence could be banks using this money to write off bad loans like those taken by Vijay Mallya and Lalit Modi and other NPAs.
He, however, admitted that this move could also result in lowering of interest rates, but added that such a possibility looked remote.
"My considered view is that in the next six to 12 months the impact on GDP will not be positive," he told reporters.
19:27 Modi's demonetisation 'masterstroke' could end up as 'joke': Chinese media
Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "masterstroke" to demonetise Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes could be reduced to a "nasty partisan conspiracy" or a "costly political joke" if it fails to deliver on its high-sounding promises, Chinese official media commented today.
"While it takes political courage to launch such a trailblazing and massive campaign; it actually takes far more wisdom to give it a happy ending," an article in the state-run Global Times said.
"Given the fact that people have to pay an absurdly high price for the expected reform, if BJP fails to deliver its high-sounding rhetoric and promises, then Modi's much-lauded 'masterstroke' or 'big bang reform' will likely be reduced to 'nasty partisan conspiracy' and even a 'costly political joke'," it said.
The article noted that demonetisation is by no means new to India. However, rooting out India's perennial and enormous black economy has never been an easy mission, it said.
"If Modi fails to supplement the blitzkrieg reform with more enduring and fundamental measures, any beneficial effects the reform has created may evaporate quickly, even if Indian people have paid an absurdly high social and economic price so far," the article said.
The demonetisation may also benefit BJP, it said.
"Modi's move also carries an implicit albeit thick partisan agenda: Sudden demonetisation may hurt other political parties' funding more than his own Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), rendering the BJP a significant upper hand in the upcoming elections in Uttar Pradesh and Punjab," it alleged.
19:19 Sensex ends at six-month lows on persistent selling
Dropping for the fourth straight session, the Sensex today slumped to its six-month low amid heightened risk aversion, sparked by foreign capital outflows and lingering worries over the government's demonetisation
decision.
BSE benchmark Sensex slumped over 71 points in choppy trade to hit about six-month low of 26,228, while the Nifty failed to hold on to the crucial 8,100-mark.
19:17
Top losers from the Sensex
19:08 No question of rolling back demonetisation: Jaitley
Rejecting TMC and AAP's demand of rolling back of the demonetisation move, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley today said that he expected all political parties to support BJP government's move.
He said the government's decision to demonetise Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 currency notes to Rs. 2,000 will abandon the misuse of funds for generating black money.
"Nearly two lakh ATMs exist as of now to serve the people with enough cash. In the last seven days, the banks have brought down the rush and there is less panic," Jaitley said in an interview with news agency ANI.
Takign a dig at Kejriwal and Mamata, the finance minister said, "Most CMs have used state apparatus to support this move. I appreciate that. Some CMs, however, are spreading panic."
18:31 British started railways in India for their own selfish reasons: Tharoor
Congress leader Shashi Tharoor today said the British started railways in India for "their own selfish reasons" and it was in fact a "very big colonial scam."
Tharoor said there is often a perception that Indians should be grateful to the British for giving the country the facility of Railways, something which is not really true.
"Everyone thinks that the British gave us Railways, shouldn't we be grateful. We don't realise that the railways was a very big colonial scam. The purpose of the Raliways was to serve the British to extract goods, minerals, raw materials from the Indian hinterland which were hitherto inaccessible," Tharoor, who is the Member of Parliament from Thiruvananthapuram, said.
"To send soldiers there, get the labour to move and get these goods out of the hinterland... That was the first purpose," he added.
Tharoor was in conversation with noted author Amitav Ghosh about 'The Legacy of the Raj' during the opening ceremony of the 7th edition of 'Tata Literature Live' festival in Mumbai.
18:00 National highways toll suspension extended till Nov 24
The government has extended suspension of toll across all national highways till 24th November midnight.
17:48 Hotstar under court glare for showing soft porn
The Centre has been asked by the Delhi high court to examine the allegation that objectionable content, including soft pornography, was being made available for download from hotstar.com website, run by a subsidiary of Star India Pvt Ltd, and take appropriate action.
Justice Sanjeev Sachdeva issued notice to Star India and its subsidiary, Novi Digital Entertainment Pvt Ltd, seeking their reply to a plea alleging that they were operating an illegal Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) distribution platform without following the uplinking and downlinking guidelines.
Besides the two companies, the court also sought a response from the ministry of information and broadcasting and the ministry of communication and IT for allegedly not regulating content provided on the IPTV platform website hotstar.com.
17:41 Gates meets Prasad, discusses e-payments, digital drive
Microsoft founder and billionaire philanthropist Bill Gates today met IT Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad and discussed ways in which his Foundation could participate in areas such as digital inclusion, healthcare, e-agriculture and e-payments.
"It's a very exciting time in India and digital platform opportunities are amazing," Gates, who is also the co-founder of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, said after the 30-minute meeting.
The Indian government has invested in payment banks and payment infrastructure, he said adding, "Now, its the case of building application on top of those."
"We need to work on health applications, agriculture applications, and our Foundation is committed to working in these areas. So, our relation with the ministry will be critical," Gates said.
17:33 Quoting PAN is a must for bank deposits over Rs 2.5 lakh
Just In: Quoting one's income-tax permanent account number (PAN) has been made mandatory for cash deposits of Rs 2.5 lakh and above during the period Nov 9 to Dec 30, the Central Board for Direct Taxes has announced.
17:05
A unique 'passbook queue' outside a bank in Madhya Pradesh.
16:49
Judiciary is hampered in applying contempt powers, when it comes to government, says author and academic, Nandini Sundar. Read
16:46 Mallika Sherawat tear-gassed, beaten in Paris home by intruders
Bollywood starlet Mallika Sherawat has been tear gassed and beaten up by three masked intruders in her own Paris apartment block, the Daily Mail quoting police revealed today.
The horrific attack on the 40-year-old Indian sex symbol comes just a month after reality TV star Kim Kardashian was robbed at gunpoint in a neighbouring flat.
It was last Friday night when Sherawat and a so far unidentified male friend arrived at her residential building in the upmarket 16th arrondissement of Paris at around 9.30pm. Read more
Image: Mallika Sherawat shared this picture from St Tropez holiday in August on Twitter.
The horrific attack on the 40-year-old Indian sex symbol comes just a month after reality TV star Kim Kardashian was robbed at gunpoint in a neighbouring flat.
It was last Friday night when Sherawat and a so far unidentified male friend arrived at her residential building in the upmarket 16th arrondissement of Paris at around 9.30pm. Read more
Image: Mallika Sherawat shared this picture from St Tropez holiday in August on Twitter.
16:31 CIC orders release of docus on Machhil and Pathribal killings
The Indian Army has been told by the Central Information Commission to provide a copy of the findings of the court martial and subsequent conviction of five Army men in the Macchil killings of 2010, and proceedings of the court of inquiry into the killing of five persons in Pathribal, in 2000, reports livelaw.in.
Both the incidents happened in Jammu and Kashmir.
The CIC order was passed on an appeal by Venkatesh Nayak, whose RTI plea in the matter was rejected by the CPIO under Section 8(1)(h) of the RTI Act.
You can read the details here.
16:09 No, the poor arent sleeping peacefully
One has to be astonishingly callous or exceptionally removed from reality to think that the poor are sleeping peacefully and only the rich are frightened, needing sleeping pills in the wake of the great currency-exchange drama playing out in India. For that's what it is; old notes are being replaced with new, and a new note of even higher value is being added.But the fantasy description of blissfully asleep poor and terrified rich is just that'"a fantasy. Even a quick look at the videos being circulated of the people queueing up to change their money shows their frustration and anxiety; and even if they aren't below poverty line, they aren't rich. Read more
16:06 Bank queues getting shorter, says ICICI chief
Speaking to reporters after the Parliament session on Thursday, ICICI Bank MD and CEO Chanda Kochhar said that the situation at the banks is getting back to normal gradually and added that queues are getting shorter and there is enough cash being made available.
"Situation is getting better as the banks are working in an organized manner. There are separate queues being arranged at various places to avoid chaos," said Kochhar.
Adding to this, she said that ICICI has been the first bank to provide currency notes of Rs. 2000, 500 and 100 simultaneously at its ATM's.
Appreciating the efforts of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), Kochhar said that it has only been possible under the supervision of RBI that the banking industry has been able to gradually caliberate its ATM machines at various places.
"Not only this, banks have taken various other steps to provide sufficient currency as it has initiated starting the paused machines, providing cash to the money exchangers at the airports so that travelers can easily avail cash and also, there is special privilege given to senior citizens," added Chanda.
On being asked if the government's decision to demonetize Rs. 500 and 1000 currency notes is valid, she said that the decision should not be taken as pressure.
"This is a national duty, and everyone should enact upon the same. The bankers have been working 24*7 to serve the people, so similar cooperation is required," she added."The RBI has enough currency so people do not need to panic. As soon as the currency gets distributed, all ATM's will get caliberated and situation will ease," she added
"Situation is getting better as the banks are working in an organized manner. There are separate queues being arranged at various places to avoid chaos," said Kochhar.
Adding to this, she said that ICICI has been the first bank to provide currency notes of Rs. 2000, 500 and 100 simultaneously at its ATM's.
Appreciating the efforts of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), Kochhar said that it has only been possible under the supervision of RBI that the banking industry has been able to gradually caliberate its ATM machines at various places.
"Not only this, banks have taken various other steps to provide sufficient currency as it has initiated starting the paused machines, providing cash to the money exchangers at the airports so that travelers can easily avail cash and also, there is special privilege given to senior citizens," added Chanda.
On being asked if the government's decision to demonetize Rs. 500 and 1000 currency notes is valid, she said that the decision should not be taken as pressure.
"This is a national duty, and everyone should enact upon the same. The bankers have been working 24*7 to serve the people, so similar cooperation is required," she added."The RBI has enough currency so people do not need to panic. As soon as the currency gets distributed, all ATM's will get caliberated and situation will ease," she added
15:54
Delhi LG instructs Delhi Police to deploy adequate staff at banks/ATMs and assist elderly, women and sick people standing in queues.
15:41
SC asks UP Minister Azam Khan to file affidavit mentioning apology for his alleged remark in Bulandshahr rape case. Next hearing on 7th Dec.
Khan had said the rape was politically motivated because elections were close.
Khan had said the rape was politically motivated because elections were close.
15:24 Azad compares demonetisation deaths to Uri attack
Congress senior leader and leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad speaking in the House now.
"Pakistan terrorists did not kill even half of our people in Uri than those who have died due to Government's wrong policy. Till the PM comes to the house for discussion we will not let the house function," Azad says and puts the number of deaths at close to 40. Reports have put the deaths at around 33.
The attack on an Army camp in Uri, Baramulla in September left 17 jawans dead and 19 injured.
BJP senior leader Venkaiah Naidu says the Leader of Opposition is insulting the nation by making such remarks by comparing this with Pakistan terror attacks and he should apologise.
Outside Parliament house, Chief Ministers Mamata Banerjee and Arvind Kejriwal launched a blistering attack on the Central government over its decision to scrap the use of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes. Addressing a rally at Azadpur Mandi in Delhi, Mamata served an ultimatum to the Narendra Modi-led NDA government, asking it roll back the decision in 3 days. Saying demonetisation will take the country backward by 100 years, Mamata said the crisis of this proportion was not seen even during the Emergency.
The Rajya Sabha has been adjourned for the day.
Image: Army jawans carry the coffin of jawan Rajesh Kumar in Ballia who was martyred in the Uri attack.
"Pakistan terrorists did not kill even half of our people in Uri than those who have died due to Government's wrong policy. Till the PM comes to the house for discussion we will not let the house function," Azad says and puts the number of deaths at close to 40. Reports have put the deaths at around 33.
The attack on an Army camp in Uri, Baramulla in September left 17 jawans dead and 19 injured.
BJP senior leader Venkaiah Naidu says the Leader of Opposition is insulting the nation by making such remarks by comparing this with Pakistan terror attacks and he should apologise.
Outside Parliament house, Chief Ministers Mamata Banerjee and Arvind Kejriwal launched a blistering attack on the Central government over its decision to scrap the use of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes. Addressing a rally at Azadpur Mandi in Delhi, Mamata served an ultimatum to the Narendra Modi-led NDA government, asking it roll back the decision in 3 days. Saying demonetisation will take the country backward by 100 years, Mamata said the crisis of this proportion was not seen even during the Emergency.
The Rajya Sabha has been adjourned for the day.
Image: Army jawans carry the coffin of jawan Rajesh Kumar in Ballia who was martyred in the Uri attack.
14:52 Demonetisation doom: Jewellery shops remain shut for 7th day
Gold and jewellery establishments remained closed for the 7th day on Thursday in the national capital after the Income Tax Department carried out surveys following reports of alleged profiteering and efforts at tax evasion following the government's demonetisation move.
The government last week demonetised high denomination of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 currency notes to flush out black money. Most of the jewellery showrooms in the national capital have been closed since November 11
The government last week demonetised high denomination of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 currency notes to flush out black money. Most of the jewellery showrooms in the national capital have been closed since November 11
14:47 PM condoles death of former J&K Governor S K Sinha
Prime Minister Narendra Modi today condoled the death of Lt Gen (retd) S K Sinha, former Governor of Jammu and Kashmir and Assam, and said his service to the nation will always be remembered.
"Deeply saddened to learn of the demise of Lt Gen (retd) Srinivas K Sinha, former Governor of J&K and Assam," Modi tweeted.
"Had the opportunity of meeting Lt Gen (retd) Srinivas K Sinha just a few days ago. His service to our nation will always be remembered," he said in another tweet. Sinha passed away at a hospital here this morning after brief illness. He was 92.
"Deeply saddened to learn of the demise of Lt Gen (retd) Srinivas K Sinha, former Governor of J&K and Assam," Modi tweeted.
"Had the opportunity of meeting Lt Gen (retd) Srinivas K Sinha just a few days ago. His service to our nation will always be remembered," he said in another tweet. Sinha passed away at a hospital here this morning after brief illness. He was 92.
13:55 Is everybody a thief, asks Mamata at joint rally with Kejriwal
Arvind Kejriwal and Mamata Banerjee share the stage at a wholesale hub.
The West Bengal CM had led a rally to Rashtrapati Bhavan yesterday where the TMC along with the NC (led by Omar Abdullah) and the Shiv Sena had presented a memorandum stating the President should intervene in the demonetisation led cash crunch which had inflicted untold hardships on the common man.
Mamata Banerjee speaks first saying, "I came to Delhi to meet the guardian of our Constitution the President -- to speak about the financial crisis in the country. Is this the achche din he promised? This govt does not trust the people of the country. Is everybody a thief? Transport sector has come to a halt. Do farmers use credit cards? This is India, here 4% use plastic money, what about the remaining 96%?
If vegetable markets are shut what will people eat? Govt has subverted the Constitution. Only 4 per cent use plastic money. Will people eat diamonds? They have even reduced the exchange limit".
File pic of the WB CM with the Delhi CM
The West Bengal CM had led a rally to Rashtrapati Bhavan yesterday where the TMC along with the NC (led by Omar Abdullah) and the Shiv Sena had presented a memorandum stating the President should intervene in the demonetisation led cash crunch which had inflicted untold hardships on the common man.
Mamata Banerjee speaks first saying, "I came to Delhi to meet the guardian of our Constitution the President -- to speak about the financial crisis in the country. Is this the achche din he promised? This govt does not trust the people of the country. Is everybody a thief? Transport sector has come to a halt. Do farmers use credit cards? This is India, here 4% use plastic money, what about the remaining 96%?
If vegetable markets are shut what will people eat? Govt has subverted the Constitution. Only 4 per cent use plastic money. Will people eat diamonds? They have even reduced the exchange limit".
File pic of the WB CM with the Delhi CM
13:36
Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal and West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee stage a joint protest in Delhi against demotetization.
13:33
Senior journalist M K Venu tweets: The bjp leadership is getting so dehumanized that it sees the crushing distress of people as expression of patriotism! Scary.
13:24 If Netaji's trust is with Ramgopal, I'm also with him: Amar Singh
Responding to reinstatement of ousted Ramgopal Yadav as general secretary of Samajwadi Party following an order issued by SP patriarch Mulayam Singh, SP's Rajya Sabha MP Amar Singh on Thursday said this is their party, and thus, they can expel or reinstate anybody anytime at their will, but if Netaji's trust and affections is with Ramgopal, then I am also with him.
"This is their party, and they can expel or reinstate anybody anytime at their will. If Mulayam Singh's affection and trust is with Ramgopal, then I am also with Ramgopal," Singh told ANI.
"This is their party, and they can expel or reinstate anybody anytime at their will. If Mulayam Singh's affection and trust is with Ramgopal, then I am also with Ramgopal," Singh told ANI.
13:19 Outlook in Central Hall not too bright for BJP
Leave alone the rest of the country, the mood in Central Hall of Parliament is clearly not in favour of the BJP following the demonetisation move.
Most of the BJP MPs who regularly gossip with fellow MPs and media-persons have been missing today, and reports suggest that even Union ministers are concerned over the possible fallout from the measure in the long run, and fear that it may damage the credibility of the BJP and the prime minister.
13:12 Behenji has a problem with Amma's MPs
BSP leader Mayawati has accused the AIADMK of dividing the opposition, as Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalithaa's MPs on Thursday were busy raising the issue of setting up a Cauvery Management Board, while the rest of the opposition was focused on flaying the Centre over the demonetisation move.
But the fact is that in Tamil Nadu, standing crops in the Cauvery delta are sorely deprived of water from Karnataka. This is a hot political issue in Tamil Nadu, and the BSP leader does not know the sufferings of our agriculturists, wryly commented AIADMK leader Navaneethakrishnan.
12:41 Uproar over note ban: LS adjourned for the day; RS till 2 pm
As both houses resume on 12.30 pm, uproar continued as Opposition members refuse to relent.
In view of disruptions, Lok Sabha has been adjourned till tomorrow and Rajya Sabha till 2 pm.
However, the government is unlikely to submit to the opposition's demand of a reply from the PM and Finance Minister Arun Jaitly will respond in the Rajya Sabha.
In view of disruptions, Lok Sabha has been adjourned till tomorrow and Rajya Sabha till 2 pm.
However, the government is unlikely to submit to the opposition's demand of a reply from the PM and Finance Minister Arun Jaitly will respond in the Rajya Sabha.
12:20 Demonetisation debate: Both Houses adjourned in face of Opposition protest
The Lok Sabha has been adjourned till 12.30 pm as Opposition protest over demonetisation continues, disrupting the proceedings.
Earlier, Rajya Sabha was adjourned third time in the day till 12:30 pm after the opposition parties continued to seek a reply from the prime minister over the issue. .
Earlier, Rajya Sabha was adjourned third time in the day till 12:30 pm after the opposition parties continued to seek a reply from the prime minister over the issue. .
12:06
Oppn in LS seeks adjournment motion on demonetisation, raise slogans, as Question Hour continues amid din.
11:58 Heard in the house
The first day of the winter session of Parliament saw an armada of historical figures flowing off the lips of Rajya Sabha members who dissected the demonetisation decision. The Lok Sabha was adjourned after obituary references. On Modi Antoinette and more... Read
11:49 33 deaths, but 79% Indians support demonetisation: Poll
Despite significant inconveniences, pain and loss of productivity, support for the government's demonetization program has increased during the last week.
A portion of the citizens who were unsure of such a demoentization program earlier and the ones who did not support it are now lending support to the program.
In a related survey, 44 percent of the same citizens outlined that they found the ATMs non-functional, yet most are in support of this scheme by the Government of India and feel that long term benefits will outweigh the short term pain.
LocalCircles, the citizen engagement platform was the one that ran the poll on currency demonetization from Oct 31st-Nov 8th . 78% citizens had indicated they supported the discontinuation and color change of 500 and 1000 rupee notes in this poll.
The Prime Minister announced the demonetisation scheme on Nov 8th via an address to the nation.In a follow on poll conducted by LocalCircles after a week, on Nov 15th, 79% citizens are still in full support of the currency demonetization program despite the inconveniences its causing.
Another 18% said that while they support it, it is causing pain to them. The remaining 3% citizens do not suppport the program. The survey was conducted amongst 10,000 citizens from across 200 cities of India. 68% of the participants were male while 32% of them were females.
On Nov 14th, in a different survey conducted on the platform, 44% of the same citizens said that ATMs were non-functional in their area.The survey was also done seperately in 13 states of India in the online local communities that LocalCircles has there.
More than 80% citizens in states like Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu and Telangana are offering unconditional support to the demonetization program, whereas over 25% of the citizens in states like Uttarakhand, Goa and Odisha are saying that they are supportive of the program but are experiencing pain and incovenience.
Post the survey on functioning of ATMs where 44% citizens highlighted that they found the ATMs non-functional, LocalCircles also asked what should be done to improve availability of cash. Citizens gave a variety of inputs listed below:
1. Bankers who have retired in the last 5 years could also be roped in to augment staff at bank branches
2. Steps should be taken to double efficiency of post offices including deploying GOI's NIC staff
3. Post offices should also increase the number of tellers by bringing the recently retired back
4. More awareness should be created that currency can be exchanged at post offices
5. Banks could tie up with companies like Uber/OLA to use their cars with security to deliver cash at home in amounts between 10,000 and 20,000 neighbourhoods where the request can be submitted online
6. Banks should make sure that the ATMs work 24 hours a day and are refilled several times during the day
7. Banks could issue online token to their customers and tell them a time an ATM location where they could reach and withdraw money. This would reduce unnecessary wastage of time by standing in long queues
8. Deployment of as many available central Government employees across India with interfaces to use the Unified Payment Interface of banks to transfer money.
A portion of the citizens who were unsure of such a demoentization program earlier and the ones who did not support it are now lending support to the program.
In a related survey, 44 percent of the same citizens outlined that they found the ATMs non-functional, yet most are in support of this scheme by the Government of India and feel that long term benefits will outweigh the short term pain.
LocalCircles, the citizen engagement platform was the one that ran the poll on currency demonetization from Oct 31st-Nov 8th . 78% citizens had indicated they supported the discontinuation and color change of 500 and 1000 rupee notes in this poll.
The Prime Minister announced the demonetisation scheme on Nov 8th via an address to the nation.In a follow on poll conducted by LocalCircles after a week, on Nov 15th, 79% citizens are still in full support of the currency demonetization program despite the inconveniences its causing.
Another 18% said that while they support it, it is causing pain to them. The remaining 3% citizens do not suppport the program. The survey was conducted amongst 10,000 citizens from across 200 cities of India. 68% of the participants were male while 32% of them were females.
On Nov 14th, in a different survey conducted on the platform, 44% of the same citizens said that ATMs were non-functional in their area.The survey was also done seperately in 13 states of India in the online local communities that LocalCircles has there.
More than 80% citizens in states like Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu and Telangana are offering unconditional support to the demonetization program, whereas over 25% of the citizens in states like Uttarakhand, Goa and Odisha are saying that they are supportive of the program but are experiencing pain and incovenience.
Post the survey on functioning of ATMs where 44% citizens highlighted that they found the ATMs non-functional, LocalCircles also asked what should be done to improve availability of cash. Citizens gave a variety of inputs listed below:
1. Bankers who have retired in the last 5 years could also be roped in to augment staff at bank branches
2. Steps should be taken to double efficiency of post offices including deploying GOI's NIC staff
3. Post offices should also increase the number of tellers by bringing the recently retired back
4. More awareness should be created that currency can be exchanged at post offices
5. Banks could tie up with companies like Uber/OLA to use their cars with security to deliver cash at home in amounts between 10,000 and 20,000 neighbourhoods where the request can be submitted online
6. Banks should make sure that the ATMs work 24 hours a day and are refilled several times during the day
7. Banks could issue online token to their customers and tell them a time an ATM location where they could reach and withdraw money. This would reduce unnecessary wastage of time by standing in long queues
8. Deployment of as many available central Government employees across India with interfaces to use the Unified Payment Interface of banks to transfer money.
11:36
Rajya Sabha further adjourned till 12:00 pm after uproar in the House over the demonetisation issue.
11:23 Cries of 'PM Jawab Do' ring out in both houses of Parliament on Day 2
On Day 2 of the Winter Session of Parliament, expected chaos. Uproar in both houses over over note ban, opposition corners govt in Parliament.
The TMC's Derek O'Brien says, "The person who made the announcement on November 8, where is he?" The TMC demands that the PM be present in the House. The TMC, Congress, Left and other parties give 21 adjournment notices on demonetisation in Lok Sabha.
The Opposition slogan in both houses is Pradhan Mantri Jawab do. Rajya Sabha adjourned till 11:30 am. The Opposition has been saying that though they support the move, the implementation is wrong and people are facing immense hardships.
The first day of Winter Session went as expected, in fact it went better than expected.
While the Lok Sabha was adjourned earlier in the day, Rajya Sabha argued and debated on topics till 6 pm on Wednesday.
The replies to the Opposition's questions on demonetisation will be answered by Finance Minister Arun Jaitley in the Lok Sabha. The PM is expected to be present in the Rajya Sabha today.
The TMC's Derek O'Brien says, "The person who made the announcement on November 8, where is he?" The TMC demands that the PM be present in the House. The TMC, Congress, Left and other parties give 21 adjournment notices on demonetisation in Lok Sabha.
The Opposition slogan in both houses is Pradhan Mantri Jawab do. Rajya Sabha adjourned till 11:30 am. The Opposition has been saying that though they support the move, the implementation is wrong and people are facing immense hardships.
The first day of Winter Session went as expected, in fact it went better than expected.
While the Lok Sabha was adjourned earlier in the day, Rajya Sabha argued and debated on topics till 6 pm on Wednesday.
The replies to the Opposition's questions on demonetisation will be answered by Finance Minister Arun Jaitley in the Lok Sabha. The PM is expected to be present in the Rajya Sabha today.
11:06 Demonetisation debate in Parliament
On day 2 of Parliament, demonetisation debate in both houses.
11:05 SC stay on demonetisation pleas
Centre moves Supreme Court seeking a stay of proceedings in various
high courts and other courts against its demonetisation decision. SC agrees to hear tomorrow the plea of Centre against proceedings in other courts except the apex court.
high courts and other courts against its demonetisation decision. SC agrees to hear tomorrow the plea of Centre against proceedings in other courts except the apex court.
10:55 Exchange of old notes reduced from Rs 4500 to Rs 2000 per week from tomorrow
Economic Affairs Secretary Shaktikanta Das briefs media on demonitization. Highlights...
-- Govt has decided to permit farmers to withdraw up to Rs 25,000 per week against crop loans sanctioned and credited to their accounts. The account has to be KYC compliant.
-- Payment of crop insurance premium extended to 15 days.
-- Mandi traders can withdraw Rs 50,000 per week. Again the account has to be KYC compliant.
-- For wedding ceremonies, Rs 2.5 lakh can be drawn per week, from the parents or the couple's accounts. All the accounts have to be KYC compliant. A self declaration has to be furnished that the money is drawn from one account.
-- And the best for the last -- the over the counter exchange of old Rs 500 and Rs 1000 notes -- has been brought down from Rs 4500 per week to Rs 2000 per week. This, says Das, will enable larger number of people to get the benefit. This comes into effect from November 18.
-- Govt has decided to permit farmers to withdraw up to Rs 25,000 per week against crop loans sanctioned and credited to their accounts. The account has to be KYC compliant.
-- Payment of crop insurance premium extended to 15 days.
-- Mandi traders can withdraw Rs 50,000 per week. Again the account has to be KYC compliant.
-- For wedding ceremonies, Rs 2.5 lakh can be drawn per week, from the parents or the couple's accounts. All the accounts have to be KYC compliant. A self declaration has to be furnished that the money is drawn from one account.
-- And the best for the last -- the over the counter exchange of old Rs 500 and Rs 1000 notes -- has been brought down from Rs 4500 per week to Rs 2000 per week. This, says Das, will enable larger number of people to get the benefit. This comes into effect from November 18.
10:50
Task Force held a meeting and a road map has been formed to re-calibrate all ATMs; sure that it will be done soon.
10:34 Day after Sena marches with Opposition, Rajnath calls Uddhav
Hours after BJP ally Shiv Sena joined an opposition march against the notes ban on Wednesday, the government reached out to party chief Uddhav Thackeray.
Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh reportedly spoke to Mr Thackeray on the decision last week to pull out Rs. 500 and Rs. 1,000 notes from circulation, a move aimed at ending tax evasion and checking terror funding.
NDTV reports that Singh shared with the Sena chief the government's steps to ease the pressure on citizens queueing up at banks and ATMs amid a massive cash crunch.
Not for the first time, the Sena has been strongly critical of the government on the decision.Amid relentless queues at ATMs and banks for cash, Thackeray accused the government of "torturing people" and warned Prime Minister Narendra Modi of a "surgical strike" by people.
"If you have guts, conduct a surgical strike on Swiss banks where Indian money is stashed. Bring back this black money," he said, adding, "Do not betray the people's trust or you will see the impact of peoples' 'surgical strike' against you."
The Sena, one of the BJP's oldest allies, has been among its sharpest critics in recent times.On Wednesday, Sena lawmakers joined Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee as she led a protest march of opposition parties in Delhi and met President Pranab Mukherjee.The opposition also took on the government in parliament, where, during a debate, parties alleged "financial anarchy".
Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh reportedly spoke to Mr Thackeray on the decision last week to pull out Rs. 500 and Rs. 1,000 notes from circulation, a move aimed at ending tax evasion and checking terror funding.
NDTV reports that Singh shared with the Sena chief the government's steps to ease the pressure on citizens queueing up at banks and ATMs amid a massive cash crunch.
Not for the first time, the Sena has been strongly critical of the government on the decision.Amid relentless queues at ATMs and banks for cash, Thackeray accused the government of "torturing people" and warned Prime Minister Narendra Modi of a "surgical strike" by people.
"If you have guts, conduct a surgical strike on Swiss banks where Indian money is stashed. Bring back this black money," he said, adding, "Do not betray the people's trust or you will see the impact of peoples' 'surgical strike' against you."
The Sena, one of the BJP's oldest allies, has been among its sharpest critics in recent times.On Wednesday, Sena lawmakers joined Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee as she led a protest march of opposition parties in Delhi and met President Pranab Mukherjee.The opposition also took on the government in parliament, where, during a debate, parties alleged "financial anarchy".
10:24 Gov Nikki Haley meeting with Trump Thursday for administration job
Gov. Nikki Haley is scheduled to meet with President-elect Donald Trump Thursday amid growing reports she is being considered for a spot in his administration.
News of the meeting, set for the morning in New York, began to filter out late Wednesday night from multiple press outlets. It also came after Trump-ally Lt. Gov. Henry McMaster told The Post and Courier earlier in the day he and Haley are being considered for Cabinet positions in Trump's White House.
News of the meeting, set for the morning in New York, began to filter out late Wednesday night from multiple press outlets. It also came after Trump-ally Lt. Gov. Henry McMaster told The Post and Courier earlier in the day he and Haley are being considered for Cabinet positions in Trump's White House.
10:21
Congress, Left and TMC give suspension notice in both the houses on the demonetisation issue.
10:18 Bob Dylan will not attend Nobel Prize ceremony in Stockholm
Bob Dylan has told the Nobel prize committee he will not be attending the ceremony in Sweden in December to pick up his accolade.
Dylan was named winner of this years Nobel prize for literature in October for his vast body of lyrics and poetry but has since been reluctant to publicly acknowledge the honour.
The Academy says Dylan told them that he wishes he could receive the prize personally, but other commitments make it unfortunately impossible.
The literature prize and five other Nobel Prizes will be officially conferred upon winners in Stockholm next month on the anniversary of award founder Alfred Nobels death in 1896.
The Academy said it respects Bon Dylans decision, adding it was an unusual, but not exceptional decision.
Literature laureates have skipped the ceremony before. In 2004, Austrian playwright and novelist Elfriede Jelinek stayed home, citing a social phobia.
The award is still theirs, as it now belongs to Bob Dylan, the Academy said. We are looking forward to Bob Dylans Nobel lecture, which he must hold, according to the requirements, within six months from December 10.
It took two weeks for the singer and songwriter to acknowledge the
award, saying, The news about the Nobel Prize left me speechless. I
appreciate the honour so much.
10:18 Clinton reflects on loss, urges backers to 'stay engaged'
Hillary Clinton reflected on her devastating defeat evening, acknowledging the difficulty of her loss for her supporters and urging them to persevere through the Donald Trump era. In remarks that were equal parts pep talk and funeral dirge, Clinton encouraged her backers to "never, ever give up."
"I know this isn't easy. I know that over the past week a lot of people have asked themselves whether America is the country we thought it was," Clinton said at the annual gala of the Children's Defense Fund, the child advocacy organization where she started her legal career.
"But please listen to me when I say this: America is worth it." She added: "It's up to each and every one of us to keep working to make America better and stronger and fairer." Clinton never cited the president-elect by name in her remarks, making only an oblique reference to the controversial policies that fueled his rise to the White House.
Instead, she focused on the future, asking her backers to "stay engaged on every level." "We need you. America needs your energy," she said.
Clinton's surprising loss threw her party into a period of intense soul-searching, with an ascendant liberal wing blaming Clinton's campaign for failing to embrace a more populist economic message.
In private calls with donors and Democratic officials, Clinton has largely attributed her defeat to the decision by the FBI to reexamine her use of a private server as secretary of state. In her remarks, Clinton offered no accounting for any failures she may have made during her presidential campaign, though she admitted that the past week hasn't been easy.
"There have been a few times this past week when all I wanted to do was just to curl up with a good book or our dogs and never leave the house again," she ruefully admitted.
"I know this isn't easy. I know that over the past week a lot of people have asked themselves whether America is the country we thought it was," Clinton said at the annual gala of the Children's Defense Fund, the child advocacy organization where she started her legal career.
"But please listen to me when I say this: America is worth it." She added: "It's up to each and every one of us to keep working to make America better and stronger and fairer." Clinton never cited the president-elect by name in her remarks, making only an oblique reference to the controversial policies that fueled his rise to the White House.
Instead, she focused on the future, asking her backers to "stay engaged on every level." "We need you. America needs your energy," she said.
Clinton's surprising loss threw her party into a period of intense soul-searching, with an ascendant liberal wing blaming Clinton's campaign for failing to embrace a more populist economic message.
In private calls with donors and Democratic officials, Clinton has largely attributed her defeat to the decision by the FBI to reexamine her use of a private server as secretary of state. In her remarks, Clinton offered no accounting for any failures she may have made during her presidential campaign, though she admitted that the past week hasn't been easy.
"There have been a few times this past week when all I wanted to do was just to curl up with a good book or our dogs and never leave the house again," she ruefully admitted.
09:57 SP reinstates Ram Gopal Yadav in the party a month after he was expelled
Samajwadi Party leader Ram Gopal Yadav reinstated in the party. He will continue to be SP General Secretary and spokesperson and will be part of the SP Central Parliamentary board.
On October 23, the Samajwadi Party had expelled Yadav, considered close to the CM. In a press conference after being sacked from the cabinet, Mulayam Singh Yadav's brother Shivpal Yadav, told reporters that Ram Gopal was expelled from the party removed from its General Secretary position for six years.
Shivpal claimed that Ram Gopal was involved with the BJP and hatching conspiracy against the SP which Akhilesh was not understanding. CM Akhilesh Yadav must understand who is with him and who is not. He (Ram Gopal Yadav) has been conspiring against me, he has been involved with BJP to save his son. They have created a group of goons who trouble people and create every kind of nuisance in the state, said Shivpal.
On October 23, the Samajwadi Party had expelled Yadav, considered close to the CM. In a press conference after being sacked from the cabinet, Mulayam Singh Yadav's brother Shivpal Yadav, told reporters that Ram Gopal was expelled from the party removed from its General Secretary position for six years.
Shivpal claimed that Ram Gopal was involved with the BJP and hatching conspiracy against the SP which Akhilesh was not understanding. CM Akhilesh Yadav must understand who is with him and who is not. He (Ram Gopal Yadav) has been conspiring against me, he has been involved with BJP to save his son. They have created a group of goons who trouble people and create every kind of nuisance in the state, said Shivpal.
09:47 Ramayan actor found dead on railway tracks
Veteran actor Mukesh Rawal, known for his role of 'Vibhishan' in serial Ramayan, was found dead on railway tracks in suburban Kandivali in Mumbai, railway police said on Wednesday.
The 66-year-old-Rawal was run over by a train while crossing railway tracks, they said. His body was found on Tuesday morning, but the actor's kin identified him the next day, Commissioner of Railway Police Niket Kaushik said.
The body was found on the tracks between Borivali and Kandivali railway stations, Kaushik said. After autopsy, the body was handed over to his family members.
"Initially, we could not find anything on the body to identify. Railway Police had issued his photographs at all police stations. His son-in-law came to the Kandivali railway station in search of Rawal. The officials sent him to a hospital where he identified the body," the Commissioner of Police said.Apart from Ramayana, Rawal had also acted in Gujarati films and TV serials. Rawal was recently working on Gujarati TV serial Nass Nass Mei Khunnas
The 66-year-old-Rawal was run over by a train while crossing railway tracks, they said. His body was found on Tuesday morning, but the actor's kin identified him the next day, Commissioner of Railway Police Niket Kaushik said.
The body was found on the tracks between Borivali and Kandivali railway stations, Kaushik said. After autopsy, the body was handed over to his family members.
"Initially, we could not find anything on the body to identify. Railway Police had issued his photographs at all police stations. His son-in-law came to the Kandivali railway station in search of Rawal. The officials sent him to a hospital where he identified the body," the Commissioner of Police said.Apart from Ramayana, Rawal had also acted in Gujarati films and TV serials. Rawal was recently working on Gujarati TV serial Nass Nass Mei Khunnas
09:36 Demonetisation debate to continue in RS
The debate on demonetisation, which was kicked off on the first day of
the winter session in the Rajya Sabha yesterday after suspending all
business in response to notices given by a host of opposition members,
will continue on Thursday.
During the course of a seven-hour debate, the opposition took on the government, saying the move demonetisation of high currency notes is "ill-conceived", and it had led to an economic anarchy in the country.
The government, however, rejected the allegation, saying the move is in the national interest, and has been hailed by the common man.
The Centre asked the opposition to clear its stand on corruption.
The Lok Sabha was adjourned yesterday after paying tributes to the members who passed away.
The Congress and the Trinamool Congress parties have sought an adjournment motion in the Lok Sabha today for a discussion on the demonetisation issue.
Yesterday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi exhorted all the opposition parties to cooperate and extend support to the government's crusade against black money and corruption.
Prime Minister Modi said he was optimistic of a positive winter session.
During the course of a seven-hour debate, the opposition took on the government, saying the move demonetisation of high currency notes is "ill-conceived", and it had led to an economic anarchy in the country.
The government, however, rejected the allegation, saying the move is in the national interest, and has been hailed by the common man.
The Centre asked the opposition to clear its stand on corruption.
The Lok Sabha was adjourned yesterday after paying tributes to the members who passed away.
The Congress and the Trinamool Congress parties have sought an adjournment motion in the Lok Sabha today for a discussion on the demonetisation issue.
Yesterday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi exhorted all the opposition parties to cooperate and extend support to the government's crusade against black money and corruption.
Prime Minister Modi said he was optimistic of a positive winter session.
09:13 Debate on demonetisation in Lok Sabha today, Rahul likely to speak
The second day of winter session will see a discussion on demonetisation in the Lok Sabha too, while discussion in the Rajya Sabha will continue.
The Opposition will move an adjournment motion in the Lok Sabha. Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi is also expected to speak on the issue.
The Opposition wants Prime Minister Narendra Modi to respond on the issue. A Joint Parliamentary Committee probe has also been sought. -- Agencies
The Opposition will move an adjournment motion in the Lok Sabha. Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi is also expected to speak on the issue.
The Opposition wants Prime Minister Narendra Modi to respond on the issue. A Joint Parliamentary Committee probe has also been sought. -- Agencies
08:52 Trump, Pence speak to 30 world leaders including Modi
United States President-elect Donald Trump and his vice president-elect Mike Pence have spoken over phone with nearly 30 key world leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, after the historic victory of their Republican party in the recently-held American general elections.
PM Modi is one of the first few leaders that the 70-year-old Trump spoke with, Trump's transition team said.
Some of the other global leaders are Chinese President Xi Jinping, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, French President Francois Hollande, Prime Minister of Japan Shinzo Abe, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, it said.
Trump has also spoken with UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, British Prime Minister Theresa May, Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, New Zealand Prime Minister John Key, and Australian Prime Minister Malcom Turnbull.
The list of world leaders was released hours after Trump said in a tweet that he had spoken to several world leaders.
PM Modi is one of the first few leaders that the 70-year-old Trump spoke with, Trump's transition team said.
Some of the other global leaders are Chinese President Xi Jinping, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, French President Francois Hollande, Prime Minister of Japan Shinzo Abe, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, it said.
Trump has also spoken with UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, British Prime Minister Theresa May, Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, New Zealand Prime Minister John Key, and Australian Prime Minister Malcom Turnbull.
The list of world leaders was released hours after Trump said in a tweet that he had spoken to several world leaders.
08:15 BJP MLA says Ambani, Adani were 'hinted' about note ban
Bharatiya Janata Party member of Rajasthan legislative assembly from Kota Bhawani Singh has claimed that a few big corporates had prior knowledge of demonetisation of higher value currency notes, ANI reported.
"Adani, Ambani, attram shattram ko pehle hi pata tha, hint de diya gaya tha (Ambani, Adani and others already knew about it, they were given a hint), Singh was quoted as saying by ANI.
This could be an embarrassment to the ruling BJP at the Centre as opposition leaders, including Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi, have been claiming that Prime Minister Narendra Modis industrialist friends were intimated about demonetisation in advance.
"Adani, Ambani, attram shattram ko pehle hi pata tha, hint de diya gaya tha (Ambani, Adani and others already knew about it, they were given a hint), Singh was quoted as saying by ANI.
This could be an embarrassment to the ruling BJP at the Centre as opposition leaders, including Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi, have been claiming that Prime Minister Narendra Modis industrialist friends were intimated about demonetisation in advance.
00:42 CEOs, leaders urge Trump to stand by climate pact
Nations, businesses and Washington's top diplomat urged president-elect Donald Trump today not to withdraw the US from the climate-rescue Paris
Agreement and its commitments to preserve Earth for future generations.
US Secretary of State John Kerry underlined the perils that await the world if leaders drag their feet on cutting planet-warming greenhouse gases, while poor nations and small-island states highlighted their own vulnerability to the predicted climate catastrophe.
"At some point even the strongest skeptic has to acknowledge that something disturbing is happening," Kerry said at a UN climate conference in Marrakesh, just a week after Trump's election to the White House.
Before his election, the business tycoon called climate change a "hoax" perpetrated by China and vowed to "cancel" the hard-fought Paris Agreement concluded last year to limit dangerous global warming.
00:14 At Mumbai's Siddhivinayak, spurt in donations; Rs 27.5 lakh in old notes
The Shree Siddhivinayak Temple in Mumbai has seen a jump of 50 per cent in donations made by devotees between November 7 and 15.
Typically, the temple, one of the richest temple trust in the state, receives donations of Rs 35 to Rs 40 lakh a week, according to Narendra Rane, Chairman of Shree Siddhivinayak Temple Trust. But since the November 8 announcement that made higher denomination notes invalid, the donations in the temples cash boxes have seen a jump, he said.
This time we have received Rs 60 lakh in donations through hundis (cash boxes), said Rane. We feel this jump in donations may be due to the demonetisation of Rs 500 and Rs 100 notes.
Between November 7 and 15, the temple has received 3,500 pieces of old Rs 500 notes and 1,100 pieces of Rs 1,000 notes, amounting to Rs 27.5 lakh.
00:01 Trump is planning to introduce a Muslim registration system
One of US President-elect Trump's transition team members is preparing a proposal to reinstate a registry of immigrants from Muslim countries that was abandoned under the George W Bush administration over civil rights concerns.
Kansas Secretary of State Kris Kobach said he and other members of Trump's transition team have talked about drafting executive orders to impose this policy, including one to reinstate the registry of immigrants and visitors from countries with extremist organisations.
Kobach was one of the lead designers of the program under Bush following the September 11 attacks. The program was abandoned in 2011 due to civil rights concerns and a Department of Homeland Security ruling that it was unnecessary.
Critics say the registry unfairly targets Muslim immigrants and visitors.
TOP STORIES
© 2024 Rediff.com - Investor Information - Advertise with us - Disclaimer - Privacy Policy - Feedback - About us - Terms of use - Grievances