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Wed, 23 November 2016
'Be a leader not a tweeter: American voters want Trump to stop tweeting

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23:26   Modi app dominates App Store searches, downloads on iPhones, iPads
As the debate on PM Narendra Modi's decision to ban Rs 500 and Rs 1000 notes continues, his official app has touched new heights on Apple's App Store. The app tops the Trending charts on the App Store. 

Also, words related to PM Modi like, namo app, narendra modi app, narendra modi, pm modi, narinder modi, narender modi, narendra, pmo india, narendramodi and namo occupy all the 10 slots in 'Trending search' on the Apple's app marketplace.

On Google Play store, the app ranks at No. 18 among the top downloaded free apps. The 'top 10 Trending apps' too are related to PM Modi or demonetisation on Google Play Store.
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22:58   'Be a leader not a tweeter: American voters want Trump to stop tweeting
American voters want president-elect Donald Trump to stop tweeting, showed a new poll.

The national poll by the Quinnipiac University showed about 59 per cent believe Trump should actually shut down his personal Twitter account, cbs news reported.

Voters told Trump, "You've got the job. Now be a leader not a tweeter," said Tim Malloy, assistant director of the Quinnipiac University Poll.

"We're watching to make sure you put the country, not the Trump brand, first," said the voters.

Majority voters said they were "optimistic about the next four years with Donald Trump as president".

About 52 per cent of voters said Trump's policies would help the US economy, 31 per cent said they would hurt.

As for the calling to be a united American nation, 49 per cent of voters said Trump would do more to divide the country while 47 per cent said he would unite.

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22:29   The village that avoided the cash crunch
The sudden withdrawal of some bank notes has led to a cash crisis across the country. In cities, people have been queuing up outside banks and ATMs for hours hoping to get their hands on some cash and the situation is even worse in rural areas where people have to travel miles to their nearest bank.

But one village in Gujarat has avoided the chaos and embraced a cashless lifestyle.

See full story HERE
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21:51   Senior citizen dies of heart attack after exchanging notes
An elderly man today died after suffering a heart attack outside a bank in Ranpur village of neighbouring Botad district when he was resting after exchanging his currency notes, police said.

Jilubhai Khachar, 70, suffered heart attack when he was sitting on a chair outside Bank of Baroda branch, said Ranpur Police Sub Inspector R B Karmatiya.

"Locals told us that Khachar had exchanged his notes and was sitting in chair outside the bank to relax when his condition suddenly deteriorated. He was rushed to a nearby hospital, however he died shortly upon arrival there," said PSI Karmatiya.

"Doctors informed us that he had suffered heart attack. We have learned from his relatives that Khachar was a heart patient and had suffered similar attack in the past," he added.
   
On November 12, 47-year-old Barkat Shaikh died of heart attack while standing in a queue outside Corporation Bank branch at Tarapur town in Anand district.
   
 On the following day, 69-year-old Mansukh Darji met with the same fate when he was standing in a queue outside Bank of India in Limbdi town of Surendranagar district.
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21:37   In cash crunch, RBI chief Urjit Patel 'missing'
As India undergoes the world's biggest currency overhaul in decades, one official is noticeably absent: central bank Governor Urjit Patel.

The head of the monetary authority has spoken just once since the government invalidated 86 per cent of currency in circulation in a surprise move on November 8. Mounting cash shortages pushed the Supreme Court to warn of riots, and a powerful bank union called for Patel's resignation after a senior bureaucrat was tasked with firefighting.

While Patel's low profile was initially seen as a foil for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's high-visibility administration, it risks backfiring as public anger increases. Credibility and autonomy of the Reserve Bank of India is linked to the value investors assign the rupee, which is sliding toward a record low.

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21:23   Maharashtra CM asks private hospitals to accept old currency notes
Amid reports that common people are made to run from pillar to post by some private hospitals for currency notes, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis today appealed to them to cooperate with the patients seeking urgent medical attention and accept the old higher value notes.

There are complaints that patients needing urgent medical attention are facing problems as private hospitals are refusing to accept the old Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes, a statement issued by the CMO said.

Since November 14, when the toll free numbers 104 and 108 became operational, a total of 320 patients have registered their complaints by calling.

The CM has taken serious note of the complaints and instructed private hospitals that if patients don't have new currency notes, hospitals should be considerate and accept fees as per the convenience of patients, it said.
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21:17   Navjot Kaur Sidhu joins Congress
JUST IN: Navjot Singh Sidhu's wife -- Navjot Kaur -- has joined the Congress. 


The MLA from Amritsar (East) constituency resigned from the Bharatiya Janata Party in October. 

Her husband who resigned from his Rajya Sabha seat recently flouted his own political front Awaaz-e-Punjab
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20:43   India's DGMO speaks to Pak counterpart, expresses grief at civilian losses
Top military commanders of both countries -- Indian and Pakistan have spoken, and India's DGMO Lt Gen Ranbir Singh has expressed grief at the loss of civilian lives. 

The call took place after India retaliated with massive fire assault today for soldier's beheading.

On Tuesday, Pakistan beheaded a soldier in Kashmir and killed two others. 

Separately, India has received confirmation that Sartaj Aziz, who functions as Pakistan's Foreign Minister, will attend a regional conference in Amritsar early next month.
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20:19   Amartya Sen's 9-year-long association with Nalanda University ends
Nobel-Laureate economist Amartya Sen's nearly a decade-long association with Nalanda University has come to an end with the government reconstituting the governing body of the prestigious institute.

Sen, a critic of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, was chancellor of the university and his term had come to an end in July last year but he had continued his association as a member of its Governing Board.

Sources said President Pranab Mukherjee, in his capacity as the Visitor of the university, approved the reconstitution of the Governing Board in accordance with provision of the Nalanda University Act, 2010.
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20:12  
JUST IN: Pakistan requests for DGMO-level talks, say army sources.
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19:38   90% back PM's demonetisation move on his app
About 90 per cent people feel that government's demonetisation move to tackle black money is nice and support the banning of old notes of Rs 500 and 1000.

Thanking people for participating in the survey, the PM tweeted, "I thank people for the historic participation in the survey. Its satisfying to read the insightful views & comments."

"Over 5 lakh have responded to survey on note ban, most citizens reaffirmed faith in measure to end corruption," he said. 

The PM on Tuesday launched a survey on an his Narendra Modi App, and asked people to give their feedback whether they mind the inconvenience being faced by them due to the demonetisation decision and how they rate the move and make suggestions to the PM, if any.

Click on the zoom button to see the results.  
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19:15   Old Rs 500/1000 notes can be deposited in post office saving a/c
People can deposit the now- invalid Rs 500 and Rs 1000 denomination currency notes in their Post Office savings accounts, the finance ministry said today. 

 The ministry had yesterday said that Rs 500 and 1,000 rupee notes cannot be used for making deposits in small savings schemes. 

"...the deposits into Post Office Savings Account are excluded from the bar imposed (on deposits of invalid notes in small saving schemes," it said while clarifying the yesterday's statement. 

A post office savings account offers interest of 4 per cent per annum on individual or joint accounts. Such accounts can be opened with an amount as low as Rs 20. 

Minimum balance to be maintained in a non-cheque facility account is Rs 50. 

Cheque facility is available if an account is opened with Rs 500 and for this purpose minimum balance of Rs 500 in an account is to be maintained. 

 After the demonetisation announcement on November 8, the ministry had received references from banks on whether the invalid high denomination currency notes can be deposited in accounts opened under small saving schemes. 
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19:08   PM Modi likely to attend Rajya Sabha tomorrow
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to be present in the Rajya Sabha tomorrow, sources said, as the government attempts to find a truce with a united opposition which has disrupted both houses of parliament since the winter session began last week.

In a bid to break the logjam in Parliament over demonetisation, government today reached out to the opposition with Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ananth Kumar holding talks with Congress and TMC leaders.

Kumar and some other leaders in the government will continue deliberations with floor leaders of various political parties tomorrow.
"Nothing has been achieved by holding up the Parliament proceedings. Everybody feels that there should be action against black money. The opposition parties apprehensions are about only implementation of demonetisation, we have been saying that we are ready to listen to their concerns.
"I have again requested them to start discussion where they can express their view points on this issue, which government will listen and consider," Kumar said.
The government's action comes in the backdrop of continued stalling of both the Houses of Parliament by the opposition which is demanding Prime Minister Narendra Modi's presence and participation in the debate on demonetisation. 
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18:46   Barcelona transfer corruption case: Neymar could face 2 yr jail sentence
Spanish prosecutors are seeking a two-year prison sentence for Barcelona forward Neymar along with a $10.6m fine for his part in a corruption case that surrounds his controversial move from Santos to Barcelona in 2013, a court filing said.

Judge Jose Perals also called for a five-year sentence for former Barcelona president Sandro Rosell and a fine of 8.4m (7.1m) for the club, but called for charges against current president Josep Maria Bartomeu to be dropped.

The case stems from a complaint by Brazilian investment group DIS, which owned 40 per cent of Brazil forward Neymar's transfer rights and which alleges it received less money than it was entitled to as Barca concealed the real transfer fee.

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17:48   Rolling back something is not in Modi's blood: Naidu on note ban
Rolling back something is not in Narendra Modi's blood, Union minister M Venkaiah Naidu today said, ruling out withdrawing the government's demonetisation decision as demanded by some Opposition parties.
Stressing that the decision to withdraw old Rs 500 and Rs 1000 notes "will not be taken back in any situation", he said the government is "ready to make improvement" and asked the Opposition parties to come forth if they have any suggestions regarding it.
"Wapas lena Modi ji ke khoon mein nahi hai," he said while addressing a 'mahapanchayat' of Delhi Dehat Kisan Mazdoor in New Delhi.
Naidu's comments came in the background of some parties, including Trinamool Congress and Aam Aadmi Party, vehemently opposing the demonetisation move and demanding its rollback.

Underlining that the government is ready for a discussion in Parliament over the issue, he charged the Opposition parties of "escaping from the debate" by creating a ruckus.
Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha continue to witness heated exchanges between the government and the Opposition over the demonetisation issue, leading to adjourn every day in this Winter Session.
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17:28   35 school buildings set ablaze in Kashmir: Govt
As many as 35 school buildings were set ablaze and 11 others damaged in Kashmir Valley in the last four months, Rajya Sabha was informed today. 

"Thirty-five school buildings were set ablaze and 11 school buildings were damaged in Kashmir Valley since July 8 till November 11, 2016," Minister of State for Home Hansraj Ahir said in reply to a written question. 

As many as 24 persons, identified for being involved in setting the school buildings afire, have already been arrested, he said.
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17:24   Indian American Nikki Haley to be Trump's governor to UN
South Carolina's Indian-American Governor Nikki Haley has accepted President-elect Donald Trump's offer to serve as US ambassador to the United Nations, a leading American newspaper has reported today. 

The move, which will be announced later today, comes as Trump advisers are seeking to diversify his ranks and marks his first female appointment to a cabinet-level post, The Washington Post reported. 

CNN.com too has reported that 'President-elect Donald Trump has picked South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley to be the US ambassador to the United Nations,' quoting a source 'familiar with the decision'.

Trump's plan to offer the job to 44-year-old Haley, a rising Republican star and daughter of Indian immigrants, was first reported by the Post and Courier

"The move, expected Wednesday, continues the steep political rise of the daughter of Indian immigrants that started six years ago when the Bamberg native was elected as South Carolina's first female and minority governor," the leading newspaper of South Carolina had said. 

Haley, who is serving her second term, has worked on trade and labour issues as governor but brings little foreign policy experience. Her views on various US military and national security matters usually fall within the Republican Party's hawkish mainstream.
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17:11   Internet body protests Indore DMs ban on demonetisation posts
The Internet Freedom Foundation, a group of volunteers who advocate for a free and open internet, has sent a legal notice to the Indore district magistrate over his order banning criticism of the currency demonetisation on social media channels such as Twitter, Facebook, WhatsApp and so on in the Indore jurisdiction.

Last Monday, Indore district magistrate P Narahari had issued a ban on objectionable and inflammatory posts on social media and mobile messenger applications about the recent withdrawal of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 currency notes, by invoking Section 144 (2) of the Criminal Procedure Code which enables the authorities to pass an order where the circumstances do not admit of the serving in due time of a notice upon the person against whom the order is directed, be passed ex parte. 

The DM had done this since he held that the messages on Facebook and WhatsApp pose a threat to the law and order situation. 

The order read: "Objectionable and inflammatory posts or images regarding legal process of exchange of old currency on Twitter, Facebook, WhatsApp and other social media are banned. Commenting on such posts is also banned."

Criticising the ban, the Internet Freedom Foundation said, "The district collectors order is an overreach of the Criminal Procedure Code, and we are very concerned about the implications it has on Indians fundamental rights and freedom of expression.

"We also pointed out that the use of the CrPC is an unwarranted response to rumour-mongering, and that we are concerned about the legality and the scope of the power invoked, and the impact it has on Fundamental Rights guaranteed by our Constitution. Although rumours may cause annoyance, they arent illegal. The CrPC is only applicable when criminal intent is evident."
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17:07   200 terrorists active in Jammu and Kashmir: Government
Nearly 200 terrorists are now active in Jammu and Kashmir, the Rajya Sabha was informed today. 

"As per available inputs, nearly 200 terrorists are active in the state of Jammu and Kashmir," Minister of State for Home Hansraj Ahir said in reply to a written question.

The minister said a per available inputs, 105 terrorists have infiltrated into Jammu and Kashmir after crossing the Line of Control till September this year.

Replying to another question, Ahir said there were 2,069 incidents of law and order in Kashmir Valley in last two years, of which 627 incidents took place in Baramulla, 507 in Srinagar, 302 in Pulwama and 261 in Anantnag.
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16:37   NIA asks banks to freeze Zakir Naik's accounts
The National Investigation Agency has written to banks to freeze controversial Islamic preacher Zakir Naik and his NGO, Islamic Research Foundation's accounts.   

The NIA has also asked the home ministry to block websites and other online activities of Naik and IRF.   

The NIA has been conducting searches since November 19 and have raided at least 20 premises in Mumbai which are connected to the proscribed IRF or its trustees.   

Naik has been booked along with unnamed IRF officials under section 153-A of IPC (promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion and doing acts prejudicial to maintenance of harmony) beside various sections of UAPA.
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16:09   Zee buys out Anil Ambani-owned TV biz, picks up 49% stake in radio
Just In: The Subhash Chandra-owned Zee group has acquired the general entertainment broadcasting business of Reliance Big Broadcasting Private Limited, Big Magic Limited & Azalia Broadcast Private Limited, all part of the Anil Ambani-led Reliance Group Entities, through its Zee Entertainment Enterprises.

It has also picked up a 49 per cent stake in 92.7 BIG FM, the radio broadcasting business of Reliance Broadcast Network Limited, through Zee Media Corporation.
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16:00   Sartaj Aziz to attend Heart of Asia conference in Amritsar
Pakistan has conveyed to India that Prime Minister Nawaz Sharifs Advisor on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz will be attending the Heart of Asia conference in Amritsar on December 3 and 4.

"We have received an official confirmation from Pakistan that Aziz would be attending the HoA conference on Afghanistan," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Vikas Swarup said on Wednesday.

The conference, which will be addressed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Afghan President Ashraf Ghani, will see participation of over 40 countries.

This would be the first high-level visit from Pakistan after the announcement of Comprehensive Bilateral Dialogue in December last year which never took off in the wake of terror strikes, including the Pathankot airbase attack by Pakistan-based terror groups in January this year, and subsequent incidents which led to intense tension between the two countries.

Given that Aziz, while announcing his visit, had asserted that it could be a 'good opportunity' to 'defuse the tension' between India and Pakistan, it is in all probability that a bilateral meeting may be on the cards. However, there is no official confirmation in this regard.

While Indian officials are tight-lipped whether there would be a bilateral on the sidelines of the multilateral conference, it is understood that Pakistan is of the opinion that India should initiate such a proposal.

It also remains to be seen whether Azizs counterpart Sushma Swaraj will be travelling to Amritsar to attend the conference given that she is not well. That may result in either one of her junior ministers or some other cabinet ministers attending the conference.

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15:29  
Army pays tribute to Gunner Manoj Kumar Kushwaha, Riflemen Prabhu Singh, and Rifleman Shashank Kumar Singh who were martyred in action along the Line of Control in Machhal Sector on Tuesday.
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15:18   Mamata at Jantar Mantar: You're targeting common man, not Swiss account holders
Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee speaks at protest rally against demonetization at Jantar Mantar:

- You (the government) are targeting shops, famlilies and lives of common people. Are you targeting Swiss Banks? No.

- Labourers are not getting their wages. Whom will I take their pain and voices to?

- Most of industries are on standstill, labour and working class is not getting their daily wages and not able to eat anything.

- The BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party) will get a befitting reply in the upcoming elections due to demonetisation.

- This protest is not about election. The government should understand that whatever they did is affecting normal people.

- When our country's economy was moving at a steady rate, the government brought in demonetisation that really shuffled our country.

- I challenge the BJP that this time nobody will support their party, even their own workers will abandon them.

- Government has lost all the credibility, and if credentials are lost, everything is lost.
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14:32  
JUST IN: Rajya Sabha adjourned for the day in view of Opposition's protest over demonetisation.
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14:20   2 BSF jawans injured in ceasefire violations by Pak
Two jawans of the Border Security Force sustained minor injuries in a ceasefire violation by Pakistan in BG Sector, Rajouri District in Jammu and Kashmir.

Pakistani troops targeted Indian posts in Balakot sector of Poonch district on Wednesday.
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13:55  
Smajawadi party's Jaya Bachchan joins Trinamool Congress' protest against demonetisation at Jantar Mantar. Photograph: @AITCOfficial/Twitter
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13:54  
JUST IN: Punjab Congress chief Amarinder Singh meets speaker, resigns from Lok Sabha.
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13:43   Akhilesh instructs officials to deal sympathetically with people in bank queues
A day after suspending two police officers, including a superintendent of police, for lathi-charging people outside a Fatehpur bank, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav instructed top officials to deal sympathetically with those standing in queues trying to withdraw money or exchange notes.

'The state government is with the people who are facing problems in the wake of demonetisation, and will provide all help possible,' Akhilesh said in a statement.

Instructing district magistrates and police superintendents to deal with all sections of society with a sympathetic and sensitive attitude, the chief minister warned respective district administrations that those found responsible for inappropriate behaviour with people will face stern action.

The chief minister also directed all DMs to ensure that farmers do not face any problem in procuring seeds, fertilisers and other goods since rabi sowing is currently on.
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13:15  
JUST IN: Janata Dal-United's Sharad Yadav joins Trinamool Congress' protest against demonetisation at Jantar Mantar.
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13:13   Unable to withdrawn money for exam fees, teen ends life
An 18-year-old student allegedly committed suicide after 'failing to withdraw money' from the bank for submitting his examination fees at in Mavai Buzurg village in Banda, police said.

They said Suresh had been standing in queue for the past several days for withdrawing money to submit his examination fees but he could not succeed.

After returning from the bank on Tuesday, he hanged himself from the ceiling with the help of his mother's saree, police said.

Suresh's family members said he was a BSc second year student in Panchnehi Degree College and had to submit the fees by Wednesday.

A case has been lodged and investigations are on, police said.

On hearing of the suicide of the student, the villagers pelted the bank with stones in protest.

On Monday, a four-year-old child had died in a bank compound after her father had failed to withdraw money for her treatment in Tindwari police station area. -- PTI
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13:07   Mamata stages dharna at Jantar Mantar against note ban
Trinamool Congress' dharna against the government's demonetisation move begins at Jantar Mantar.

Party chief and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is present along with others on the stage.

The protest started with a song by party Rajya Sabha MP Dola Sen.

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12:40  
JUST IN: Lok Sabha adjourned till 11 am tomorrow after uproar over demonetisation.
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12:31   Mulayam launches SP poll campaign in UP
Samajwadi Party chief Mulayam Singh Yadav launched the party's election campaign at a rally in Ghazipur, Uttar Pradesh on Wednesday.

Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav has already kick-started the party's campaign with Samajwadi Vikas Rath Yatra on November 3.

The party's election campaign was delayed due to the family feud and Mulayam cancelling the rally from Azamgarh to start the poll campaign.
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12:14   10 AIADMK MPs question decision to be part of protest with DMK
At least 10 All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam MPs are upset with the party joining the Congress-led protest against demonetisation in front of the Mahatma Gandhi statue inside Parliament on Wednesday, which also saw the participation of arch-rival DMK.   

The MPs did not relish the idea of the AIADMK sharing a platform with the '2G scam-tainted' Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam.   

There are also doubts over the position of party supremo Jayalalitha, who is still in hospital, on this issue. If the AIADMK has joined the protest against demonetisation with Jaya's approval, then why she did not issue a written statement in this regard, ask the sceptics of the decision who are clearly worried that her close aide Sasikala may hijack the party.   

The 10 MPs now want to know whether the decision to take part in the protest was taken by Jayalalithaa or Sasikala. The impression gaining ground is that a majority of non-Thevars within the party might speak out against Sasikala, questioning her political wisdom when their leader was in hospital.   

In other words, can Wednesday's developments mark the beginning of the AIADMK's divide on ideological grounds?
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12:11   Complaint filed against Coldplay for 'disrespecting' national flag
An advocate has filed a complaint at north Delhi's Roop Nagar Police Station today against British rock band Coldplay for allegedly dishonouring the national flag during their performance at the Global Citizen Festival in Mumbai.

Gaurav Gulati, an advocate, has submitted a complaint against Coldplay and its frontman Chris Martin alleging, 'They can be seen to dishonour our National Flag by tying it on the back of his jeans and dancing in objective positions (sic).'

'In the video/photo it can be seen that the band had used our Indian National Flag to cover their musical instruments,' he said.

Gulati said an FIR should be filed against the band and the singer for dishonouring the national flag during their performance in Mumbai on Saturday.
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11:27  
Rajya Sabha adjourned till 12 noon in view of uproar by Opposition parties.
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11:26   SC refuses to stay proceedings against note ban in lower courts
The Supreme Court has refused the Centre's request to stay proceedings pending in various high courts, saying people may get immediate relief from them.

The SC has issued notice to petitioners who have challenged demonetisation move before different high courts on Centre's transfer petition.

The SC has fixed December 2 for hearing Centre's plea to transfer all pleas on demonetisation issue to either apex court or to one of the HCs.

The attorney general told the SC that more than Rs 6 lakh crore have been deposited in banks so far after demonetisation move.

'There is a big surge' in digital use of money transaction after demonetisation move, says  AG.

"The government has set up a committee which will assess the ground situation across the country on demonetisation move," AG tells SC.
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11:19  
Lok Sabha adjourned till noon after Oppsition uproar over demonetisation issue.
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11:14   Demonetisation is a scam, PM must come and answer: Rahul
Suggesting that the Opposition is firm on its demand for a Joint Parliamentary Committee probe into the demonetisation issue, Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi said Prime Minister Narendra Modi must come to Parliament and sit through entire debate on the issue.

"What the PM has done is biggest impromptu financial experiment, he didnt discuss this with anyone; this isnt finance ministers decision, but PM's," Rahul said.

"We feel that this decision is a scam; the PM had informed his close friends about this before announcement; we want a JPC probe into this," he said.
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11:03   Economic Affairs Secy: All ATMs will be re-calibrated in few days
Excerpts from Economic Affairs Secretary Shaktikanta Das' address to media:

* All digital transactions through feature phones will not be levied with service charges till Dec 31.

* 82,000 ATMs re-calibrated so far, only a matter of few days all the ATMs will be re-calibrated.

*All government organisations, PSUs and agencies have been advised to use digital payment for paying salaries and other expenses.

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10:53   Economic Affairs Secy: Banks instructed to ensure farmers get cash
Economic Affairs Secretary Shaktikanta Das briefing the media:

* National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development has sanctioned Rs 21,000 crore limit to district central cooperative bank.

* NABARD and Reserve Bank of India have been advised to ensure adequate cash supply is available to the district central cooperative banks.

* Public banks have said that there has been a surge in demand for usage of digital financial transactions.

* 1.5 lakh post offices to supply cash in villages.

* RBI, banks, NABARD instructed to make available cash to cooperative banks to ensure farmers get credit and certain amount in cash.

* PSU and some private sector banks have agreed to waive off service charges on use of debit card till Dec 31.
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10:31  
Note ban protest: Leaders of opposition parties form a human chain near Gandhi statue in Parliament premises. Demand the prime minister to respond in House. Photograph: ANI
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10:19   FBI drops child abuse case against Brad Pitt
The Federal Bureau of Investigation has closed its investigation into Hollywood star Brad Pitts actions while on an international flight with his children.

According to a statement released by the bureau, the FBI has conducted a review of the circumstances and will not pursue further investigation, reported USA Today.

'No charges have been filed,' it added.

Due to issues of jurisdiction, the case was referred from the Los Angeles Police Department to the FBI following allegations of abuse during a family dispute on a private plane as the Angelina Jolie, Pitt and their kids traveled back from France to the United States in September.

The plane stopped on the journey to LA to refuel in Minnesota.

The FBI agents interviewed Jolie, 41, for several hours about the matter at her Los Angeles home on October 18.

Pitt was also cleared of child abuse allegations by the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services on November 9.

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10:15  
JUST IN: Six Maoists killed in an exchange of fire with 209 COBRA Battalion in Latehar district of Jharkhand; search operations underway.
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09:55   Opposition parties protest in Parliament against note ban
Leaders of opposition parties stage a protest near the Gandhi statue in Parliament premises against the Centre's demonetisation move.

The All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam has also joined the Congress-led protest, says NDTV.

Photograph: ANI
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09:46   Pak violates ceasefire in Poonch, Nowshera
A day after three Indian soldiers were killed by Pak troops on the Line of Control, ceasefire violations by the latter have been reported from Balakote sector in Poonch, reports NDTV.

Ceasefire violations by Pakistan were also reported in Bhimber Gali, Krishna Ghati and Nowshera sector of Jammu and Kashmir.

The Indian Army is retaliating strongly, said ANI.

Meanwhile, bodies of the three martyrs -- Gunner Manoj K Kushwah and Riflemen Prabhu Singh and Shashank K Singh -- have reached Srinagar, where wreath laying ceremony will be held.

More details awaited.

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09:37   Did Naxals deposit Rs 20 crore in Chhattisgarh banks? Cops probe
More than 50 banks in Naxal-hit areas of Chhattisgarh have recorded deposits of nearly Rs 20 crores within two weeks. Based on an intelligence report, transactions in these accounts have been put on hold, an ANI report said.

Police suspects the money deposited belongs to the Naxals and that the latter is using the bank accounts of other people to escape the demonetisation drive.

Police said they are not making the names of the account holders public as of now, but if the money was found to be of Naxals, legal action will be taken against the former for helping the latter.

Special Director General (Naxal Operations and Special Intelligence Bureau) Durgesh Madhav Awasthi was quoted as saying by ANI: We have issued an instruction that after demonetisation. The Naxals will bring out huge hoarded money buried in the ground for mobilisation in a bid to save it from becoming illegal tender. They are applying two-way approach to save their money: first, they are returning old money to their contractors and asking them to provide new currencies after getting it converted; secondly, they are using their rural and urban networks to deposit their money in banks.

"We are getting such information from all eight Naxal-hit districts. In the last three to four days, we have identified people in whose accounts money was deposited, and have sent their names to the SP (superintendent of police), collector and banks, asking them to stop transactions in such accounts till it is established that the deposited money belongs to account holders. The depositors will themselves speak about the source of money. It is also possible, in some cases, that money belongs to the depositors," he said.

"However, as per information, Maoists have deposited big amounts in the accounts of people having very little transactions or having Jan Dhan accounts. I have instructed Superintendents of Police and bank officials to inquire into such accounts. More than 50 accounts have been traced so far, but their numbers are increasing. We have information of Rs. 15-20 crore being deposited in such accounts," he added.
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08:46   What's making news today
*Samajwadi Party chief Mulayam Singh Yadav will formally launch the party's election campaign with his first rally at Ghazipur. Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav has already kick-started the party's campaign with Samajwadi Vikas Rath Yatra on November 3. The party's election campaign was delayed due to the family feud and Mulayam cancelling the rally from Azamgarh to start the poll campaign.

*Trinamool Congress will hold a protest against demonetisation at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi.

*The Supreme Court will hear the Centre's plea seeking stay on all hearings in various courts in connection with the demonetisation issue.

*Opposition parties to hold a massive protest outside Parliament against demonetisation. They have been demanding the prime minister to come to the House and respond on the issue. However, so far, the government hasn't accepted their demand.

*Economic Affairs Secretary Shaktikanta Das will brief media later today with demonetisation updates.
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08:32   I lost my only son, India must give a befitting reply: Martyr's father
Family members of Rifleman Prabhu Singh, who was killed in action on the Line of Control in Machhal sector mourned his death and sought a befitting reply to Pakistan.

"I lost my only son to the nation; India should give a befitting reply to Pakistan," Rifleman Prabhu Singh's father said.

Family members of Shashank Kumar Singh were also in shock and grief after the news of his martyrdom reached his native place Ghazipur in Uttar Pradesh.

The Indian Army has warned Pakistan that 'retribution will be heavy for such a cowardly act',
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00:19   Keeping open mind on climate change: Trump to NYT
United States President-elect Donald Trump said on Tuesday he thinks there is some connection between climate change and human activity and "clean air is vitally important," a New York Times reporter said in a tweet.

Trump, who met Times reporters and editors in New York, "says he is keeping 'an open mind'" on the issue, the Times' reporter wrote on Twitter.

Trump has previously called man-made global warming a hoax. "I think there is some connectivity" between humans and climate change, Trump said in the Times interview.

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