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Fri, 02 September 2016
Uzbekistan President Islam Karimov dies
Timeline Refresh
23:43 Petrol bombs, alcohol bottles seized from hostels at BHU
At least eight petrol bombs, dozens of iron rods, sticks, bricks, empty alcohol bottles and cigarette packets were today recovered from different hostels of Banaras Hindu University following a search conducted after Wednesday nights violence on the campus, police said.
Police, along with the BHU administration, conducted searches at Acharya Narendra Dev, Birla and other hostels and sealed half-a-dozen rooms of Acharya Narendra Dev hostel.
An investigation has also been launched to find how and why these bombs were kept and also their purpose.
Meanwhile, BHU administration suspended 26 students for their alleged involvement in connection with Wednesdays violence and arson in the varsity campus and also formed a committee to probe and submit its report within a fortnight.
The petrol bombs were made in empty wine-beer bottles in which petrol was filled, police said.
An FIR has been registered against 175 students, including 25 identified and 150 unidentified students, at the Lanka police station following this incident.
Police, along with the BHU administration, conducted searches at Acharya Narendra Dev, Birla and other hostels and sealed half-a-dozen rooms of Acharya Narendra Dev hostel.
An investigation has also been launched to find how and why these bombs were kept and also their purpose.
Meanwhile, BHU administration suspended 26 students for their alleged involvement in connection with Wednesdays violence and arson in the varsity campus and also formed a committee to probe and submit its report within a fortnight.
The petrol bombs were made in empty wine-beer bottles in which petrol was filled, police said.
An FIR has been registered against 175 students, including 25 identified and 150 unidentified students, at the Lanka police station following this incident.
23:27 Uzbekistan President Islam Karimov dies
Uzbekistan's President Islam Karimov has died, state television announced today, ending more than 25 years of his iron-fist rule in the Central Asian nation where no clear successor is lined up.
'Dear compatriots, it is with huge grief in our hearts that we announce to you the death of our dear president,' the presenter said.
'Dear compatriots, it is with huge grief in our hearts that we announce to you the death of our dear president,' a state TV presenter said, reading an official statement.
Authorities said Karimov, 78, was pronounced dead at 8.55
pm local time following days of speculation that authorities were delaying the confirmation of his death after he reportedly suffered a stroke over the weekend.
The strongman's funeral will be held in his home city of Samarkand tomorrow as the country begins three days of mourning, the statement said, with Uzbekistan now facing its greatest period of uncertainty in its post-Soviet history.
Loyalist Prime Minister Shavkat Mirziyoyev will head the committee charged with organising his funeral, suggesting that he could be in line to take over from Karimov.
Karimov's youngest daughter Lola wrote on Facebook that 'he has left us... I am struggling for words, I can't believe it myself'.
Long condemned by rights groups for brutally crushing dissent, Karimov has ruled landlocked Uzbekistan since before it gained independence from the Soviet Union in 1991.
Born on January 30, 1938, Karimov was raised in an orphanage in the ancient city of Samarkand, before studying mechanical engineering and economics and rising up the ranks of the Communist Party to become head of Soviet Uzbekistan in 1989.
Russian President Vladimir Putin lamented the death of his Uzbek counterpart Karimov as a 'great loss'.
'Dear compatriots, it is with huge grief in our hearts that we announce to you the death of our dear president,' the presenter said.
'Dear compatriots, it is with huge grief in our hearts that we announce to you the death of our dear president,' a state TV presenter said, reading an official statement.
Authorities said Karimov, 78, was pronounced dead at 8.55
pm local time following days of speculation that authorities were delaying the confirmation of his death after he reportedly suffered a stroke over the weekend.
The strongman's funeral will be held in his home city of Samarkand tomorrow as the country begins three days of mourning, the statement said, with Uzbekistan now facing its greatest period of uncertainty in its post-Soviet history.
Loyalist Prime Minister Shavkat Mirziyoyev will head the committee charged with organising his funeral, suggesting that he could be in line to take over from Karimov.
Karimov's youngest daughter Lola wrote on Facebook that 'he has left us... I am struggling for words, I can't believe it myself'.
Long condemned by rights groups for brutally crushing dissent, Karimov has ruled landlocked Uzbekistan since before it gained independence from the Soviet Union in 1991.
Born on January 30, 1938, Karimov was raised in an orphanage in the ancient city of Samarkand, before studying mechanical engineering and economics and rising up the ranks of the Communist Party to become head of Soviet Uzbekistan in 1989.
Russian President Vladimir Putin lamented the death of his Uzbek counterpart Karimov as a 'great loss'.
22:52 Paes-Begemann knocked out in 1st round of US Open
Leander Paes and Andre Begemann lose 6-2, 5-7, 4-6 to Stephane Robert/Dudi Sela in men's doubles opener at US Open.
22:38
Firing by Pakistan troops on Indian Army posts along the Line of Control in Akhnoor sector, Jammu and Kashmir.
22:30
Number of Dengue and Chikungunya cases and deaths reported over the years.
22:04 Explosion in Philippine president's home city kills 10
An explosion at a market in the home city of Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte killed at least 10 people on Friday and wounded dozens more, his spokesman said, adding the cause of the blast was unknown.
Duterte was in Davao on Friday, but was safe and at a police station after the explosion, his son Paolo Duterte, who is vice mayor of the city, told Reuters.
The incident took place at a street market outside the high-end Marco Polo hotel in Davao, in the southern Philippines, a military spokesman told reporters by phone. A police official said at least 30 people had been hospitalised.
Presidential spokesman Ernesto Abella told CNN Philippines that some 60 people were wounded and 10 confirmed dead.
21:27 Attacks across Iraqi capital kill 15 people, wound over 50
A series of attacks across Baghdad, including an explosion at a weapons warehouse that set off munitions and sent a huge plume of smoke over the Iraqi capital, killed 15 people and wounded over 50 today, according
to Iraqi officials.
The attacks underscore the poor security situation in the Iraqi capital, which has been subject to several recent large-scale attacks, including a July shopping center bombing that killed nearly 300 people.
At least three rockets landed in eastern Baghdad, killing five people and wounding 15, police officials said.
The rockets that hit eastern Baghdad appear to have been set of by a blast at a weapons storage facility, according to a police official.
An Associated Press reporter at the scene said members of the powerful Shiite militia group Asaib Ahl al-Haq were present at the scene of the attack. Police officials say it is unclear which powerful Shiite militia the weapons store belonged to.
21:13 7 die in Bihar floods, death toll at 179
Seven more people died today taking the death toll in the devastating Bihar floods to 179 even as water level of the swollen Ganga started receding in many parts of the state.
The seven fresh deaths have been reported from Vaishali, Samastipur and Khagaria districts.
Meanwhile, humidity levels shot up in the national capital today oscillating between 95 and 69 per cent after two consecutive days of heavy rains even as the mercury settled at normal level.
"The maximum temperature was recorded at 33.9 degrees Celsius, normal for this time of the year while the minimum was recorded at 25.5 degrees Celsius, a notch below normal," a MeT official said.
21:02 Kejriwal leaves for Rome for Teresa's canonisation ceremony
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, accompanied by his Cabinet colleague Satyendar Jain, today left for Rome to attend the canonisation ceremony of Mother Teresa.
Kejriwal, who worked with Missionaries of Charity in Kolkata for a short period in 1992, has often fondly recalled his association with Teresa.
Working with the organisation, founded by the noted missionary, was his first brush with public service, he has said.
AAP leader Kumar Vishwas also accompanied Kejriwal. Vishwas clarified that he will be bearing his own expenses.
The chief minister will return to the national capital on September 5.
External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee have also separately left for Rome with their delegations.
In March, Pope Francis had announced that Mother Teresa, who founded the Missionaries of Charity, will be elevated to sainthood after the Church recognised two miracles attributed to her after her death in 1997.
20:48 Modi arrives in Vietnam; to discuss ways to boost defence
Prime Minister Narendra Modi today flew into the Vietnamese capital on his maiden visit to hold wide-ranging talks with the country's top leadership on ways to bolster strategic bilateral ties in key areas like defence, security, counterterrorism and trade.
"Hello to Hanoi! PM @narendramodi makes a late night arrival in Vietnam to begin the first leg of his 2 nation tour," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Vikas Swarup tweeted.
The visit, that marks the first by an Indian premier to the country in 15 years, takes place on his way to Hangzhou, China to attend the G20 Summit beginning Sunday.
Modi will hold extensive talks with Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc and call on President Tran Dai Quang tomorrow.
20:34 India Post to launch commemorative stamp on Mother Teresa
The Department of Posts will release a commemorative stamp in the city to mark Mother Teresa's canonisation in the Vatican on September 4.
Mother Teresa will be declared a saint on Sunday.
Minister of State for Communications (Independent charge) Manoj Sinha will release the stamp at a function organised at Divine Child High School auditorium here, which would be attended by the Chief Post Master General of Maharashtra and Goa circle, a senior India Post official said.
He said issuing of the stamp is a gesture of respect and gratitude for the Nobel laureate nun for her exemplary humanitarian service towards the mankind.
A commemorative stamp is a postage stamp, often issued on a significant date, such as an anniversary, to honour or commemorate a place, event, person or object.
20:29 Burkini ban in Nice overturned by French court
A court in Nice suspended the city's burkini ban, citing insufficient grounds to justify the controversial decree.
In the ruling Thursday, judges from Nice's administrative tribunal court said the full-length swimsuit worn by some Muslim women did not pose a risk to public order on the French Riviera city's beaches.
The case was brought by the Collective Against Islamophobia -- a group of human rights activists who have been helping a number of women challenge fines. They argued that the ban is discriminatory, unconstitutional and that there has been no evidence to suggest that wearing a burkini has contributed to any acts of public disorder.
Over 30 towns -- largely situated along France's southeast coastline -- initially imposed a ban on the divisive swimwear.
20:21
Status of major reservoirs in India
20:20 Modi, Xi to meet on Sunday, may discuss China-Pak corridor
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping will meet on Sunday on the first day of the G20 summit in Hangzhou and are likely to discuss bilateral differences over issues including the proposed $46 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor which runs through PoK.
The Modi-Xi meeting assumes significance as India-China relations have followed a southward trajectory over contentious issues like the listing of Pakistan-based terrorist groups in the UN, China stalling India's membership of the Nuclear Suppliers Group and the ambitious China-Pakistan Economic Corridor that criss-crosses Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
19:54 PMO seeks report on Dana Majhi case
The Prime Minister's Office has sought details from Odisha government about Dana Majhi, the tribal man who carried his wife's body on his shoulder in Kalahandi district.
The letter was received yesterday. "They (PMO) have sought details including the circumstances under which the tribal man carried his wife's body on shoulder and walked miles," BJD spokesman Pratap Keshari Deb said.
Decribing the incident at Bhawanipatna in Kalahandi district as "unfortunate", he said the state government would not "hide" anything about the incident.
"As the Kalahandi district collector had conducted an inquiry into the incident through the additional district magistrate, the government will apprise the PMO about its findings soon," Deb said.
19:20 Will Yogeshwar Dutt get the gold medal?
Following a media report that wrester Yogeshwar Dutts silver medal could be upgraded to gold, Dutt in an exclusive reaction to Aruneel Sadadekar/Rediff.com, said that according to him the other bronze medal winner, Coleman Scott of the United States, could get the gold medal because he was defeated by the eventual winner, while Yogeshwar was defeated by the silver medallist. However, Dutt is unsure of the protocol for upgrading the medallists.
On Friday, a report emerged that 2012 gold medallist Toghrul Asgarov would be stripped of his gold medal as he had tested positive for doping. There was no official confirmation of the report.
Yogeshwar, however is 100 per cent confident that his samples, which are also now being tested by World Anti-Doping Agency are clean.
19:09 Yogeshwar Dutt's 2012 Games medal may turn to gold
Wrestler Yogeshwar Dutt will likely get the gold medal after the winner in his 60 kg event at the 2012 London Olympics tested positive in a doping examination.
According to a report in Hindustan Times, a source said that the World Anti-Doping Agency is yet to officially announce that the 2012 Games' gold medallist Toghrul Asgarov was tested positive for doping.
Earlier, Dutt's bronze medal was upgraded after Besik Kudukhov, who died in a car crash in 2013, was stripped of his silver medal after his sample also tested positive for a banned substance.
19:03 Sushma Swaraj leads delegation for Mother Teresa's canonisation
A 12-member delegation led by External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj today left for Rome to attend the canonisation ceremony of Mother Teresa on Sunday.
During her three-day visit, Ms Swaraj will also hold bilateral talks with her Italian counterpart Paolo Gentiloni, which will be the first high-level contact between the two countries after the United Nations tribunal's verdict of the return of Italian marines charged with murdering two Indian fishermen off Kerala coast in 2012.
Apart from the central government delegation, two state government-level delegations from Delhi and West Bengal led by Chief Ministers Arvind Kejriwal and Mamata Banerjee respectively also left for Rome to attend the ceremony.
Ms Swaraj's delegation will comprise Minister for Food Processing Industries Harsimrat Kaur Badal, Lok Sabha MPs Professor K V Thomas, Jose K Mani, Anto Anthony and Conrad K Sangma and Goa Deputy Chief Minister Francis D'Souza.
Others include Judge of Supreme Court Justice Kurian Joseph, eminent lawyer Harish Salve, Secretary General of Catholic Bishops' Conference of India Theodore Mascarenhas and K J Alphons.
Secretary (West) in the Ministry of External Affairs Sujata Mehta will also be part of the delegation.
18:10
Trinamool Congress gets 'national party' status: Election Commission
17:46 PM in TV interview: 'They couldn't digest that Modi is pro-Dalit'
Condemning violence against Dalits, Prime Minister Narendra Modi in an interview to a news channel asked politicians, including his own partymen, to shun irresponsible statements as said the community's "self-appointed champions" were giving political colour to the social problem to create tensions.
He said he was committed to the welfare of dalits and other oppressed sections of the society but some people cannot digest that "Modi is pro-dalit".
He condemned the incidents of violence against dalits, saying it does not suit any civilised society.
"I want to tell politicians, including the leaders of my own party, that there should be no irresponsible statements against any person or community. The country's unity, social unity and equality should not be affected. We should be extra cautious," Modi told CNN-News 18.
Noting that there are many dalits who are BJP MPs and MLAs in the country, he said, "Ever since I celebrated 125th birth anniversary of B R Ambedkar...many people felt that Modi is Ambedkar's follower. They started having problems.
"Those who consider themselves as "thekedar" (self- appointed champions) of some special section and want to create tension in the society, they could not digest this that Modi is pro-dalit..."
Insisting that "I am committed to the welfare of dalits, victims, oppressed, deprived, tribals and women", the prime minister said, "Those facing trouble because of this are creating problems and levelling baseless charges against me."
17:17 Amid Kashmir unrest, pregnant women look for safe routes to hospitals
The family of a 25-year-old woman is looking for a house on rent near a private maternity hospital in Srinagar where they can move in when she enters her ninth month of pregnancy. Her baby is due in October.
The unique arrangement became necessary because of a massive security clampdown after Kashmir Valley plunged into unrest over the killing of militant leader Burhan Wani on July 8.
The Valley was under curfew for 51 days and 71 people were killed in clashes with security forces.Caught between stone-throwing protesters, security forces firing pellets, and unprecedented pickets and strikes by separatists, people are forced to adopt desperate measures in times of emergencies.
17:12 Stay united to give a crushing defeat to others: Rahul to party workers
Rahul Gandhi on Friday asked party workers involved in groupism "to mend their ways" so that a united Congress can win the Uttar Pradesh assembly elections due next year.
"Those dabbling in groupism should mend their ways and stay united to give a crushing defeat to other parties in the elections," the Congress Vice President said at a meeting with party leaders that went on till wee hours.
Rahul discussed threadbare the issues before the party and asked party workers to fan out in the interiors to make people aware of Congress' policies and programmes.
He also discussed ways to counter the strategy of opposition parties.
Winding up his three-day visit to his Lok Sabha constituency, Rahul participated in the district vigilance committee meeting.
Meanwhile, some protesting anganwadi workers tried to gather on the route to be taken by the Congress leader to air their grievances. When police tried to stop them they were involved in a fracas.
Later, when Rahul arrived on the scene while leaving for Lucknow, he came out of his car and listened to their grievances.
Rahul is scheduled to embark on a yatra from Deoria in eastern Uttar Pradesh on September 6 to highlight problems being faced by the farmers. The yatra will conclude in Delhi after a month.
16:26 Holiday for working on bandh day in Bengal
West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee announces that those who worked today would get an extra holiday during Durga puja.
16:18 Live and let live, SC tells Karnataka on sharing water with TN
"Live and let live," the Supreme Court
told Karnataka today, urging the state to consider releasing water from
the Cauvery river to neighbour Tamil Nadu.
Both Karnataka and Tamil Nadu should maintain harmony in the water dispute," said the supreme court.
The apex court directed Karnataka to inform it on Monday how much water it can release to Tamil Nadu.
Farmers in Tamil Nadu are protesting against Karnataka for not releasing water despite a court-appointed tribunal ordering it.
Both Karnataka and Tamil Nadu should maintain harmony in the water dispute," said the supreme court.
The apex court directed Karnataka to inform it on Monday how much water it can release to Tamil Nadu.
Farmers in Tamil Nadu are protesting against Karnataka for not releasing water despite a court-appointed tribunal ordering it.
16:02 Pak violates ceasefire in Akhnoor, India retaliates
Just in: Pakistan violates ceasefire in the Akhnoor sector of Jammu and Kashmir. Indian army responding to fire from Pakistan Army. Pakistani troops began indiscriminate firing at 11:45 am. No injury or casualty reported on the Indian side.
Four months earlier, Pakistani troops resorted to unprovoked mortar shelling on the Indian side along the Line of Control in Poonch sector.
Nearly a dozen people had been killed and three dozen others injured between July-September last year in unprovoked firing and mortar shelling from across the border which had been started after Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif had met PM Narendra Modi at Ufa and reiterated his governments resolve to fight terror and have friendly relations with India.
Details awaited.
Image: Smoke rises due to a mortar shell fired by the Pakistani Army near the Line of Control in Balakote sector at Poonch in Jammu in 2015
Four months earlier, Pakistani troops resorted to unprovoked mortar shelling on the Indian side along the Line of Control in Poonch sector.
Nearly a dozen people had been killed and three dozen others injured between July-September last year in unprovoked firing and mortar shelling from across the border which had been started after Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif had met PM Narendra Modi at Ufa and reiterated his governments resolve to fight terror and have friendly relations with India.
Details awaited.
Image: Smoke rises due to a mortar shell fired by the Pakistani Army near the Line of Control in Balakote sector at Poonch in Jammu in 2015
15:42 No Cong, No AAP, Sidhu forms new party -- Awaaz-e-Punjab
Just in: Navjot Singh Sidhu forms a new party called the 'Awaaz-e-Punjab' and ties up with the Pargat, Bains brothers. "Along with Pargat Singh and Bains brothers we have formed a front, this will be against those working against Punjab," Sidhu says announcing his party.
The party will launched on September 9.
Spurning the trouble-torn Aam Aadmi Party, cricketer-turned-politician Navjot Singh Sidhu and hockey player-turned-MLA Pargat Singh have joined hands to float a party, the Awaaz-e-Punjab, with Ludhiana-based Independent MLAs and brothers Simarjeet Singh Bains and Balwinder Singh Bains.
This was decided after a meeting of the four in Delhi on Thursday.
The move comes a fortnight after Sidhu, a former Amritsar BJP MP, met Aam Aadmi Party leader Arvind Kejriwal. While Sidhu kept everyone guessing on whether he was joining the AAP amid a studied silence from the BJP, Pargat, the Jalandhar Cantonment MLA, was placed under suspension by the Shiromani Akali Dal recently for taking on the party leadership over corruption and nepotism.
Confirming the development, Pargat shared a poster (pictured) of the party showing Sidhu, the Bains brothers and himself in arms.
The party will launched on September 9.
Spurning the trouble-torn Aam Aadmi Party, cricketer-turned-politician Navjot Singh Sidhu and hockey player-turned-MLA Pargat Singh have joined hands to float a party, the Awaaz-e-Punjab, with Ludhiana-based Independent MLAs and brothers Simarjeet Singh Bains and Balwinder Singh Bains.
This was decided after a meeting of the four in Delhi on Thursday.
The move comes a fortnight after Sidhu, a former Amritsar BJP MP, met Aam Aadmi Party leader Arvind Kejriwal. While Sidhu kept everyone guessing on whether he was joining the AAP amid a studied silence from the BJP, Pargat, the Jalandhar Cantonment MLA, was placed under suspension by the Shiromani Akali Dal recently for taking on the party leadership over corruption and nepotism.
Confirming the development, Pargat shared a poster (pictured) of the party showing Sidhu, the Bains brothers and himself in arms.
15:08 Delhi govt invokes ESMA to declare nurses' strike illegal
Cracking the whip, the Delhi government today invoked the stringent ESMA declaring as illegal the nurses' stir which has severely affected functioning of state-run hospitals at a time when the city was grappling with rising cases of dengue and chikungunya.
"The LG has approved the government's proposal to invoke ESMA against agitating nurses," a top official said. The Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA) allows the government to declare a strike illegal in public interest. Around 20,000 nurses of various hospitals run by the Delhi and central governments went on an indefinite strike over issues relating to their salary and allowances.
"The LG has approved the government's proposal to invoke ESMA against agitating nurses," a top official said. The Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA) allows the government to declare a strike illegal in public interest. Around 20,000 nurses of various hospitals run by the Delhi and central governments went on an indefinite strike over issues relating to their salary and allowances.
15:04
@DrKumarVishwas Off to Mother Teresa's Canonization. Feeling blessed to be a part of invited attendees!
15:02 Modi bhakts troll Kejriwal
PM's supporters tweet this picture to counter Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal's quip: "PM as Mr Reliance."
"PM of India openly endorses Reliance product," Kejriwal said in yet another tweet. He even retweeted an AAP member who posted, "Modi ji has become a "Salesman" of Reliance. #RelianceKaPM."
"PM of India openly endorses Reliance product," Kejriwal said in yet another tweet. He even retweeted an AAP member who posted, "Modi ji has become a "Salesman" of Reliance. #RelianceKaPM."
14:31 Rel Jio uses Modi as brand ambassador, draws flak
Reliance may have thought they hit upon a brilliant idea when they used Prime Minister Narendra Modi's photograph in their full-page advertisements in leading dailies today to announce the launch of Jio, and to ostensibly promote Digital India, but the move has drawn criticism and quips galore on social media.
How can Jio, a private company, treat the prime minister as virtually their brand ambassador, asked many outraged voiced.
Comedian Sorabh Pant weighed in in his typical style with the tweet: Narendra Modi is endorsing Reliance Jio. Makes sense for the PM to endorse a brand. Especially for him: since Roaming is free.
Shabnam Hasmi even tweeted to the President of India asking him to advise the PM 'to maintain the dignity of his position'.
Lawyer and activist Prashant Bhushan tweeted: Ambani&Modi:A mutual admiration society. As RIL runs full pg ads with PMs face, forget recovery of 11kCr of stolen gas.
AAP's Ashutosh saw a pattern there: Reliance JIO launched. Modi endorses RJIO. Modi gives interviews to Reliance NEWS CHANNEL same time. Can it be more blatant?
Manvendra Rana Singh tweeted: The day 18 Crore strong workforce goes on nationwide strike, Modi launches Reliance Jio in today's news papers!!! Priorities are clear :)
While Thinking Indian tweeted: Is it right for PM MODI to appear in full page advt for Reliance JIO after all every telecom Co is promoting digital india.
How can Jio, a private company, treat the prime minister as virtually their brand ambassador, asked many outraged voiced.
Comedian Sorabh Pant weighed in in his typical style with the tweet: Narendra Modi is endorsing Reliance Jio. Makes sense for the PM to endorse a brand. Especially for him: since Roaming is free.
Shabnam Hasmi even tweeted to the President of India asking him to advise the PM 'to maintain the dignity of his position'.
Lawyer and activist Prashant Bhushan tweeted: Ambani&Modi:A mutual admiration society. As RIL runs full pg ads with PMs face, forget recovery of 11kCr of stolen gas.
AAP's Ashutosh saw a pattern there: Reliance JIO launched. Modi endorses RJIO. Modi gives interviews to Reliance NEWS CHANNEL same time. Can it be more blatant?
Manvendra Rana Singh tweeted: The day 18 Crore strong workforce goes on nationwide strike, Modi launches Reliance Jio in today's news papers!!! Priorities are clear :)
While Thinking Indian tweeted: Is it right for PM MODI to appear in full page advt for Reliance JIO after all every telecom Co is promoting digital india.
14:14 Muslim Personal Law Board files pro-triple talaq plea in SC
Just in: The Muslim Personal Law Board files a pro triple talaq affidavit.
The Board says triple talaq is a cultural issue linked with Islam and one can't challenge in court what is laid down in the Quran.
The s affidavit comes after a Muslim woman, who was divorced by her husband through a phone call from Dubai, challenged the Muslim practices of polygamy, triple talaq (talaq-e-bidat) and nikah halala, leading the Supreme Court to seek response from the Centre on her plea.
Talaq-ebidat is a Muslim man divorcing his wife by pronouncing more than one talaq in a single tuhr (the period between two menstruations), or in a tuhr after coitus, or pronouncing an irrevocable instantaneous divorce at one go (unilateral triple-talaq).
The Board says triple talaq is a cultural issue linked with Islam and one can't challenge in court what is laid down in the Quran.
The s affidavit comes after a Muslim woman, who was divorced by her husband through a phone call from Dubai, challenged the Muslim practices of polygamy, triple talaq (talaq-e-bidat) and nikah halala, leading the Supreme Court to seek response from the Centre on her plea.
Talaq-ebidat is a Muslim man divorcing his wife by pronouncing more than one talaq in a single tuhr (the period between two menstruations), or in a tuhr after coitus, or pronouncing an irrevocable instantaneous divorce at one go (unilateral triple-talaq).
Nikah halala refers to the marriage of a woman with another man who subsequently divorces her so that her previous husband can remarry her.
While dealing with the plea of the 26-year-old woman from Kolkata whose husband divorced her by saying talaq thrice over telephone from Dubai, a bench comprising Chief Justice T S Thakur and Justices A M Khanwilkar and D Y Chandrachud, issued notice to ministry of minority affairs and others.
The court tagged the petition, filed through advocate V K Biju, with a bunch of other pleas which are scheduled to come up for hearing on September 6.
Petitioner Ishrat Jahan has sought a declaration from the court that Section 2 of Muslim Personal Law (Shariat) Application Act, 1937 was unconstitutional as it violated fundamental rights guaranteed under Articles 14 (equality), 15 (non-discrimination), 21 (life) and 25 (religion) of the Constitution "in so far as it seeks to recognise and validate talaq-e-bidat as a valid form of divorce".
The apex court had taken suo motu cognizance of the question whether Muslim women faced gender discrimination in cases of divorce or due to other marriages of their husbands and urged Chief Justice of India to set up a bench to examine the issue.
13:58 Women health workers stop Rahul's convoy in home turf Amethi
Congress VP Rahul Gandhi's convoy stopped by protesting Anganwadi workers in Gauriganj (UP) while he was on his way to Lucknow. The anganwadi workers seek a pay hike.
The Congress vice-president is touring Amethi, holding small meetings with people across once his constituency. Yesterday, Rahul attacked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for doing "politics of vendetta".
Inaugurating an intermediate school in Amethi, Rahul said, "the RSS people did not participate in the freedom struggle. Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, Christians ... everyone did. But not the RSS."
The renewed attack came hours after the Congress vice-president stated in the Supreme Court that he stands by every word he had said against the RSS in 2014, He withdrew his petition seeking to quash a defamation case against him and said he is ready to face trial in the case.
Image: The Congress VP held several meetings with the people during his two-day tour of Amethi.
The Congress vice-president is touring Amethi, holding small meetings with people across once his constituency. Yesterday, Rahul attacked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for doing "politics of vendetta".
Inaugurating an intermediate school in Amethi, Rahul said, "the RSS people did not participate in the freedom struggle. Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, Christians ... everyone did. But not the RSS."
The renewed attack came hours after the Congress vice-president stated in the Supreme Court that he stands by every word he had said against the RSS in 2014, He withdrew his petition seeking to quash a defamation case against him and said he is ready to face trial in the case.
Image: The Congress VP held several meetings with the people during his two-day tour of Amethi.
13:27 Telecom stocks extend losses on RJio fears
Telecom stocks extended losses for the second straight session today, falling up to 3.5 per cent, after Mukesh Ambani yesterday announced the launch of much-talked about Jio 4G service, offering free voice calls and national roaming.
Shares of Idea Cellular went down by 3.46 per cent to Rs 80.80 -- its 52-week low, while Reliance Communications fell by 3.45 per cent to Rs 47.45 on BSE. Bharti Airtel too lost 1.35 per cent to Rs 306.50 but later saw some recovery and was trading at Rs 312.10, up 0.45 per cent during the afternoon trade.
All these stocks had fallen sharply by up to 11 per cent in intra-day trade yesterday, wiping out Rs 16,997 crore from their market valuation. Reliance Industries Ltd too could not recover from yesterday's losses as the stock fell by 2.11 per cent to Rs 1,007.35.
Shares of Idea Cellular went down by 3.46 per cent to Rs 80.80 -- its 52-week low, while Reliance Communications fell by 3.45 per cent to Rs 47.45 on BSE. Bharti Airtel too lost 1.35 per cent to Rs 306.50 but later saw some recovery and was trading at Rs 312.10, up 0.45 per cent during the afternoon trade.
All these stocks had fallen sharply by up to 11 per cent in intra-day trade yesterday, wiping out Rs 16,997 crore from their market valuation. Reliance Industries Ltd too could not recover from yesterday's losses as the stock fell by 2.11 per cent to Rs 1,007.35.
13:24 'Secularism was meant to integrate us, but has torn us apart'
"At no time since Independence has the issue of whether we are a secular country or whether we are a Hindu Rashtra has come up in this manner.
This is the most important issue which is going to decide whether we remain together as one country or not. We can't hold together until you stick to the principle of secularism. It is not a choice," former home secretary Dr Madhav Godbole tells Rediff.com's Archana Masih.
Read the interview here.
This is the most important issue which is going to decide whether we remain together as one country or not. We can't hold together until you stick to the principle of secularism. It is not a choice," former home secretary Dr Madhav Godbole tells Rediff.com's Archana Masih.
Read the interview here.
13:03 India, Egypt to step up defence ties, fight crime together
Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a joint statement with visiting Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi shortly after the talks between the two leaders.
In his remarks, Prime Minister Modi said:
* President el-Sisi and I have agreed to build on multiple pillars of our relationship (India-Egypt).
* We will also deepen our cooperation in agriculture, skill development and health sectors.
* Egypt is a natural bridge between Asia & Africa.
* Growing radicalisation and terror pose a threat not only to our two countries but to the world.
* Your (Egypt) people are a voice of moderate Islam, your nation is a factor for regional peace and stability.
* We agreed that the UN security council needs to be reformed to reflect the realities of today.
* We agreed to further our defence and security engagement which would aim at greater info & operational exchanges to combat terrorism.
* We also agreed on co-operation (India-Egypt) on challenges of cyber security and working together to fight transnational crimes & money-laundering.
12:53
Just In: Delhi government tells Supreme Court that six Special Leave Petitions have been filed against high court order declaring Delhi as a union territory.
12:48 Obesity within ranks a public embarrassment: Army
The Indian Army has introduced a fresh set of stringent rules to fight the problem of obesity within its ranks.
The new regime, which aims to address the expanding waistlines of Army personnel, will bar overweight personnel from career advancements and foreign postings, among other measures.
The new set of rules, prescribed by the Army Headquarters, terms overweight personnel as a "public embarrassment due to slovenly appearance in uniform", an Economic Times report said.
"The issue has serious ramifications, not only affecting combat readiness but also leading to avoidable ailments resulting in reduced life span in addition to public embarrassment due to slovenly appearance in uniform," Economic Times quoted the set of instructions sent to all commands on August 8.
The new rules will also have a significant impact on the postings and promotions of officers. As per the report, the Army wants to bar overweight personnel from receiving unit citations or act as escorts at award ceremonies. Awards will also be received by the senior most fit officers of the unit, besides losing the opportunity to apply for reemployment.
Read more HERE
12:40 NGT refuses to quash green nod to Vizhinjam port
The National Green Tribunal today refused to quash the environment clearance granted to the Vizhinjam International Seaport Ltd, being developed by Adani Group in Thiruvananthapuram.
A bench comprising NGT Chairman Justice Swatanter Kumar and Justice R S Rathore, however, constituted an expert committee of seven members to look into compliance of conditions of environmental and Coastal Regulation Zone clearance.
The green panel, while disposing of the pleas seeking withdrawal of environment clearance given to the venture, also directed the project proponent Adani Group to maintain fisheries harbour on the port for welfare of local fishermen.
The tribunal's order came on pleas by Thiruvananthapuram-based environmental activists, Wilfred J and V Marydasan, seeking its direction that coastal areas throughout the country, including Vizhinjam coast, be preserved and no activity be undertaken which would damage such areas.
12:30 Curfew reimposed in many parts of Kashmir
Curfew was today reimposed in many parts of Kashmir including Srinagar as a precautionary measure ahead of Friday prayer congregations even as normal life remained paralysed in the Valley for the 56th day.
"Curfew has been imposed in entire Srinagar district and some other towns of the Valley as a precautionary measure," a police official said.
He said other towns where curfew was imposed included Anantnag, Pulwama, Kulgam, Shopian, Baramulla and Pattan.
"Restrictions on assembly of people have been imposed inrest of the Valley due to apprehensions of violence after Friday prayers," the official said.
Curfew was lifted in most parts of Kashmir from Monday and it was completely withdrawn two days ago.
11:49 2nd terror attack in Pak: 10 dead, 40 injured in twin suicide blasts
In the second terror attack in Pakistan in a day, at least nine people were killed and 40 others injured as a suicide bomber attacked Mardan's district courts on Friday. Mardan is in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan.
The Express Tribune reports: "First there was a small blast followed by a big blast,' chief rescue officer in Mardan Haris Habib said.
The attacker lobbed a hand grenade before killing himself at the main gate of the Mardan district courts, DPO Mardan told The Express Tribune.
Following the blast, security forces arrived at the spot and cordoned off the area.
An investigation is underway while the injured are being shifted to local hospitals.
According to a Rescue 112 official the number of injured is expected to rise. A state of emergency has been declared at local hospitals.
Representational image.
The Express Tribune reports: "First there was a small blast followed by a big blast,' chief rescue officer in Mardan Haris Habib said.
The attacker lobbed a hand grenade before killing himself at the main gate of the Mardan district courts, DPO Mardan told The Express Tribune.
Following the blast, security forces arrived at the spot and cordoned off the area.
An investigation is underway while the injured are being shifted to local hospitals.
According to a Rescue 112 official the number of injured is expected to rise. A state of emergency has been declared at local hospitals.
Representational image.
11:36
Just in: Six killed, dozens injured after twin blasts in Pakistan's Mardan, say reports.
11:36 'Life-threatening' hurricane Hermine makes landfall in Florida
Hurricane Hermine (not to be mistaken with Harry Potter's Hermione) makes landfall near St. Marks Florida. This is the state's first hurricane in a decade, says the US National Weather Service.
Hermine, with its maximum sustained winds reaching 80 mph, was lashing Apalachicola, Tallahassee, St. Petersburg and other cities a few hours before its expected landfall.
Forecasters warned that the storm is asymmetric, with much of the dangerous winds and rain to the east and southeast of the center.
The National Weather Service has issued a new online product to help people prepare for the storm. The storm surge watch/warning graphic highlights spots with the highest risk for "life-threatening inundation from storm surge," the service said.
The Florida governor warned people that Hermine would
be life-threatening and forecasters said the surge of ocean water could
be as high as 9 feet above normal levels.
Hermine, with its maximum sustained winds reaching 80 mph, was lashing Apalachicola, Tallahassee, St. Petersburg and other cities a few hours before its expected landfall.
Forecasters warned that the storm is asymmetric, with much of the dangerous winds and rain to the east and southeast of the center.
The National Weather Service has issued a new online product to help people prepare for the storm. The storm surge watch/warning graphic highlights spots with the highest risk for "life-threatening inundation from storm surge," the service said.
11:25 Israel, Pakistan, UAE take part in military exercises in US
Israeli Air Force planes returned from the US this week after participating in the "Red Flag", considered to be the biggest and best war simulation exercises in the world, with countries like Pakistan and the UAE with whom Israel does not have diplomatic relations. The website of the Nellis Air Force base in Nevada, where the 'Red Flag' advanced combat training exercise was held, stated that the Spanish Air Force participated in the large-scale military exercise alongside planes from Israel, Pakistan, the UAE and the United States.
11:24
Just in: The Supreme Court issues notice to Maharashtra government on bull slaughter.
11:18 PM heads to Vietnam, China today
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will embark on a two-nation tour to Vietnam and China starting Friday.
During the first leg of his four-day visit, the Prime Minister will first reach Vietnamese capital Hanoi on Friday night, where he will meet President Tran Dai Quang and Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc and hold wide-ranging talks with the top leadership to deepen ties in key areas of defence, security and trade, and oil exploration.
During the first leg of his four-day visit, the Prime Minister will first reach Vietnamese capital Hanoi on Friday night, where he will meet President Tran Dai Quang and Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc and hold wide-ranging talks with the top leadership to deepen ties in key areas of defence, security and trade, and oil exploration.
11:10
The National Green Tribunal refuses to quash environment clearance to Adani Group's Vizhinjam International Seaport project in Kerala.
11:08 Mamata, Sushma leave for Vatican for Mother Teresa's canonisation
West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee leaves for the Vatican to attend the canonisation ceremony where Mother Teresa will be declared a saint.
Banerjee will be accompanied by her party leaders Sudip Bandyopadhyay and Derek OBrien and state chief secretary Basudeb Bandyopadhyay. Sister Mary Prema, superior general of the Missionaries of Charity will also accompany Banerjee.
Foreign minister Sushma Swaraj will lead the official Indian delegation. Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal, his private secretary Bibhaw Kumar and public works minister Satyendra Jain are also headed to Rome.
Two special invitees of the Vatican are Mother Teresas cardiologist AK Bardhan and his wife Seba, who treat Monica Besra. Besra was reportedly cured by a miracle attributed to the venerated nun, paving the way for her elevation as a saint, reports the Hindustan Times.
Image: A bronze statue of Mother Teresa was installed at the Kolkata Archbishop's house last month to commemorate her 106th birth anniversary.
Banerjee will be accompanied by her party leaders Sudip Bandyopadhyay and Derek OBrien and state chief secretary Basudeb Bandyopadhyay. Sister Mary Prema, superior general of the Missionaries of Charity will also accompany Banerjee.
Foreign minister Sushma Swaraj will lead the official Indian delegation. Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal, his private secretary Bibhaw Kumar and public works minister Satyendra Jain are also headed to Rome.
Two special invitees of the Vatican are Mother Teresas cardiologist AK Bardhan and his wife Seba, who treat Monica Besra. Besra was reportedly cured by a miracle attributed to the venerated nun, paving the way for her elevation as a saint, reports the Hindustan Times.
Image: A bronze statue of Mother Teresa was installed at the Kolkata Archbishop's house last month to commemorate her 106th birth anniversary.
10:59 In Rameshwaram, fishermen begin Jal Satyagraha
In Rameshwaram, Tamil Nadu, fishermen wade neck deep into the sea to protest against the Sri Lankan government seizing 108 boats. The fishing boats are believed to have strayed into Lankan waters.
Pic: A Ganesh Nadar/Rediff.com.
Pic: A Ganesh Nadar/Rediff.com.
10:47 Protests in Bengaluru
The rarely seen CTU flag makes a triumphant return today during the Bharat Bandh. Trade union workers raise slogans at Kudlu Gate, Bangalore.
10:45
Just in: Nurses protesting over salaries in Delhi allegedly manhandled by police, dragged into buses.
10:41 Bharat bandh: Statewise break-up
In most states, government banks and offices are closed. Public transport is unaffected in most states except in Kerala where the government is running special buses. Schools, colleges and private banks are open across the country.
Nurses and radiologists have separately announced an indefinite strike, but have said they will attend to emergency cases.
In Mumbai and Delhi: Buses are running and essentials like power and water supply have not been affected.
West Bengal: Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has said her government will not allow offices or factories to close and that public transport will run as usual. Left parties have vowed to ensure that the strike is successful in the state. And there are fewer buses and autos on the roads.
Karnataka: The Congress government is supporting the strike called by trade unions and schools and colleges are closed. Public transport has been partially hit with very few state-run buses on the roads. Auto rickshaws and taxis are operating as usual but are reportedly overcharging.
Coal India Ltd workers are among those who are on strike today. Power plants have enough coal on hand to operate even if nothing is mined over the next 50 to 60 days, Coal and Power Minister Piyush Goyal has said.
Trade unions including the All India Trade Unions Congress and Centre of Indian Trade Unions rejected a government appeal on Tuesday to call off the strike, saying it failed to address their demands.
The Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh, which is affiliated with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, the ideological mentor of the BJP, is not joining the strike.
Image: The Bengaluru bus stand wears a deserted look.
Nurses and radiologists have separately announced an indefinite strike, but have said they will attend to emergency cases.
In Mumbai and Delhi: Buses are running and essentials like power and water supply have not been affected.
West Bengal: Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has said her government will not allow offices or factories to close and that public transport will run as usual. Left parties have vowed to ensure that the strike is successful in the state. And there are fewer buses and autos on the roads.
Karnataka: The Congress government is supporting the strike called by trade unions and schools and colleges are closed. Public transport has been partially hit with very few state-run buses on the roads. Auto rickshaws and taxis are operating as usual but are reportedly overcharging.
Coal India Ltd workers are among those who are on strike today. Power plants have enough coal on hand to operate even if nothing is mined over the next 50 to 60 days, Coal and Power Minister Piyush Goyal has said.
Trade unions including the All India Trade Unions Congress and Centre of Indian Trade Unions rejected a government appeal on Tuesday to call off the strike, saying it failed to address their demands.
The Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh, which is affiliated with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, the ideological mentor of the BJP, is not joining the strike.
Image: The Bengaluru bus stand wears a deserted look.
10:23 Bharat bandh: Essential services, transport affected; schools shut
Ten central trade unions (CTUs) have gone on a one-day nationwide strike against the government's "indifference" towards their demands and effecting "anti-worker" changes in labour laws.
Many people are facing the consequences of the strike, as per the media reports.According to ANI, protesters vandalised a NBSTC bus in Cooch Behar district, West Bengal and the Siliguri Municipal corporation Mayor Ashok Bhattacharya has been arrested along with 15 other protesters.
The unions have claimed that this year's strike will be bigger as the number of striking workers is expected to swell as much as 18 crore, larger than last year when around 14 crore workers participated.
Gurudas Das Gupta General Secreatary of All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC) said, "Most important is control of inflation, particularly the food inflation, social security for the unorganised labour, minimum wage for all unorganised should be Rs. 18,000, road is an investment for profit making public sector, low margin of banks etc are the main demand on which we are going on strike."
Essential services such as banking, public transport and telecom will be affected by the strike.The CTUs will strike work protesting against what they call the government's apathy towards their 12-point charter of demands including a monthly minimum wage of Rs. 18,000, controlling price rise and assured minimum monthly pension of Rs. 3,000.
The unions have claimed that this year's strike will be bigger as the number of striking workers is expected to swell as much as 18 crore, larger than last year when around Rs 14 crore workers participated.
Image: The windshield of a bus in Coochbehar was damaged by protesters.
Many people are facing the consequences of the strike, as per the media reports.According to ANI, protesters vandalised a NBSTC bus in Cooch Behar district, West Bengal and the Siliguri Municipal corporation Mayor Ashok Bhattacharya has been arrested along with 15 other protesters.
The unions have claimed that this year's strike will be bigger as the number of striking workers is expected to swell as much as 18 crore, larger than last year when around 14 crore workers participated.
Gurudas Das Gupta General Secreatary of All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC) said, "Most important is control of inflation, particularly the food inflation, social security for the unorganised labour, minimum wage for all unorganised should be Rs. 18,000, road is an investment for profit making public sector, low margin of banks etc are the main demand on which we are going on strike."
Essential services such as banking, public transport and telecom will be affected by the strike.The CTUs will strike work protesting against what they call the government's apathy towards their 12-point charter of demands including a monthly minimum wage of Rs. 18,000, controlling price rise and assured minimum monthly pension of Rs. 3,000.
The unions have claimed that this year's strike will be bigger as the number of striking workers is expected to swell as much as 18 crore, larger than last year when around Rs 14 crore workers participated.
Image: The windshield of a bus in Coochbehar was damaged by protesters.
09:57 Fishermen begin unique water protest in Rameswaram
In Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu, fishermen will stand in neck-deep water at 10 am to protest against the Lankan Navy which has seized 108 boats of fishermen. The Indian navy and coast guard vessels will stand guard.
A Ganesh Nadar/Rediff.com.
A Ganesh Nadar/Rediff.com.
09:41 Christian Colony attacked in Peshawar, 4 terrorists killed in ongoing encounter
Just in: Gunmen have attacked a Christian Colony near Warsak Dam on the outskirts of Peshawar, Pakistan early Friday.
Army personnel started an operation soon after in which four militants are believed to have been killed. A senior security official said the attack took place at around 6:00am.
An exchange of fire between gunmen and law enforcement personnel is ongoing.
The Pakistan-based Express Tribune reported that heavy gunfire was heard, followed by intermittent explosions.
"The military commando's have moved in' he said," we are not sure of the exact number of attackers at the moment but there seem to be more than two' he said.
The offical further confirmed that two gunmen were killed in the shootout and one resident of the colony was also killed.The colony is situated in the jurisdiction of the Mathra police station, outside the military cantonment.
File pic of the aftermath of the attack on the military school in Peshawar. No pictures of the attack on the Christian colony just yet.
Army personnel started an operation soon after in which four militants are believed to have been killed. A senior security official said the attack took place at around 6:00am.
An exchange of fire between gunmen and law enforcement personnel is ongoing.
The Pakistan-based Express Tribune reported that heavy gunfire was heard, followed by intermittent explosions.
"The military commando's have moved in' he said," we are not sure of the exact number of attackers at the moment but there seem to be more than two' he said.
The offical further confirmed that two gunmen were killed in the shootout and one resident of the colony was also killed.The colony is situated in the jurisdiction of the Mathra police station, outside the military cantonment.
File pic of the aftermath of the attack on the military school in Peshawar. No pictures of the attack on the Christian colony just yet.
09:28
Bharat Bandh: UP roadways employees' strike disrupts normal life.
News agency ANI tweeted this visual from the abus stand in Varanasi.
09:25 Bharat Bandh: Despite Mamata's warning, buses targeted in Cooch Behar
In Kolkata, a group of protesters vandalised some buses in Cooch Behar district.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had on Thursday said that there will be no 'bandh' in the state and warned of strong action against those who disrupt public life.
Banerjee said her government is also planning to introduce a new law under which those who ransack and damage property during bandhs will be made to pay compensation.
Appealing to the people to report for duty today, she the government will pay compensation if anyone's vehicle or shop is damaged during the strike.
She said that all educational institutions, shops, institutions, offices and factories will remain open. Vehicles will ply normally and public transport will not be hindered.
"There will be strongest possible action against any miscreant who will try to disrupt public life," Banerjee tweeted.
09:21
The Bharat Bandh is already creating hassles for the common man.
News agency ANI posted this photograph of passengers stranded at an inter-state bus stand in state capital Thiruvananthapuram.
09:16 We are not supporting the Trade Union strike: BMS
We or any groups associated with us are not supporting the Trade Union strike, says Pawan Kumar of the Bhartiya Mazdoor Sangh.
Calling the Centre's decision to issue notification on bonus payment as a historical victory for Indian workers, the RSS-affiliate BMS decided not to join the September 2 nation-wide strike call given by central trade unions.
In a statement, BMS said the inter-ministerial group headed by finance minister Arun Jaitely after consultation with the trade union has decided that the Bonus Amendment Act will be implemented strictly and the Centre will pay bonus for the years 2014-15 and 2015-16 based on revised norms.
The statement said the government has decided to fix the minimum wages at Rs 350/- per day for unskilled non-agricultural workers for 'C' category areas keeping in view the modalities of fixing minimum wages.
09:13 Bharat Bandh: Schools and colleges shut in Bengaluru
Bharat Bandh: Schools and colleges in Bengaluru urban district are closed today as a precautionary measure.
The trade unions have called for a nationwide strike today demanding better wages and against Govt's changes in labour laws
The unions have given a call for the strike to protest against the "anti-people, anti-national and anti-worker" policies of the NDA government at the Centre. They believe that the government is indifferent to the workers demands and effecting anti-worker changes in labour laws.
After an emergency meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, Labour Minister Bandaru Dattatreya and Power Minister Piyush Goyal, an appeal was made to the unions to call off their strike. Jaitley also vouched that the government will release state employees' bonuses for the last two years, and increase minimum wages for unskilled labourers to persuade the Unions to cancel the strike.
But the All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC) and Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU) rejected the government's appeals to call off the strike, saying it failed to address their demands.
08:40 Mother Teresa canonisation: Mamata to leave for Rome today
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee will leave on Friday for a week-long visit to Germany and Rome to attend Mother Teresa's canonisation ceremony and meet potential investors.
The Trinamool Congress supremo has already clarified that she is not part of the central government's official delegation to the Vatican City for the ceremony on Sunday but is going as a guest of Kolkata-based Missionaries of Charity which was founded by Mother Teresa.
Banerjee said there is a lot of business potential in Italy, specially in the jewellery sector, while Munich has a lot to offer in the manufacturing sector.
She will be accompanied by businessmen, top government officials and ministers, including Finance and Industry Minister Amit Mitra, to the business meetings.
Two apex chambers of commerce and industry from Germany have invited Banerjee to visit with a business delegation.
Rome's first woman mayor Virginia Raggi has invited Banerjee to a special reception during her visit to Vatican City.
She is scheduled to return to Kolkata on September 10.
05:06 Melania Trump sues Daily Mail for $150 million
Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump's wife Melania Trump is suing the Daily Mail and a Maryland blogger for $150 million (Rs 100 crore) in damages over retracted stories that had alleged she worked as an escort in the 1990s.
The suit came after Melania threatened legal action against several publications that picked up the story, which was sourced to a Slovenian magazine reported that she once worked for a New York modeling agency in the 1990s that provided escort services to wealthy clients.
A statement from Charles Harder, the lawyer representing Melania, called the allegations '100 per cent false' and 'tremendously damaging to (Melania's) personal and professional reputation'.
In addition to the Daily Mail, the lawsuit also includes Webster G Tarpley, a Maryland blogger, as a defendant.
Read full story HERE
The suit came after Melania threatened legal action against several publications that picked up the story, which was sourced to a Slovenian magazine reported that she once worked for a New York modeling agency in the 1990s that provided escort services to wealthy clients.
A statement from Charles Harder, the lawyer representing Melania, called the allegations '100 per cent false' and 'tremendously damaging to (Melania's) personal and professional reputation'.
In addition to the Daily Mail, the lawsuit also includes Webster G Tarpley, a Maryland blogger, as a defendant.
Read full story HERE
03:24 Israel takes part in military exercise with Pakistan, UAE in US
Israeli Air Force planes returned from the United States this week after participating in the Red Flag, considered to be the biggest and best war simulation exercises in the world, with countries like Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates with whom Israel does not have diplomatic relations.
The website of the Nellis Air Force base in Nevada, where the Red Flag advanced combat training exercise was held, stated that the Spanish Air Force participated in the large-scale military exercise alongside planes from Israel, Pakistan, the UAE and the United States.
The head of the Israel Air Forces training department, Colonel Amit, while talking to military correspondents refused to discuss the identity of the nations that participated in Red Flag but confirmed that it was done jointly with other countries, Haaretz reported.
We train together with anyone who attends the exercise. We have no say in the matter, he said.
In a group it is impossible to hide your level. If you did not carry out the mission given to you, everyone sees it, said the defence official to emphasise the importance of the thorough preparedness.
Earlier, in response to a question on Israels participation in the prestigious exercise alongside Pakistan, an Israel Defence Forces spokesperson had said that the IDF trains regularly to maintain operational competency and be prepared for any potential challenge.
The Israeli Air Force was invited to participate in the high quality exercise Red Flag, and has accepted favourably, she had said.
Eight Israeli F-16I ('Sufa' or Storm) fighter jets took part in the exercise this year, along with Israeli refueling planes.
Image for representation only. Photograph: Amir Cohen/Reuters
The website of the Nellis Air Force base in Nevada, where the Red Flag advanced combat training exercise was held, stated that the Spanish Air Force participated in the large-scale military exercise alongside planes from Israel, Pakistan, the UAE and the United States.
The head of the Israel Air Forces training department, Colonel Amit, while talking to military correspondents refused to discuss the identity of the nations that participated in Red Flag but confirmed that it was done jointly with other countries, Haaretz reported.
We train together with anyone who attends the exercise. We have no say in the matter, he said.
In a group it is impossible to hide your level. If you did not carry out the mission given to you, everyone sees it, said the defence official to emphasise the importance of the thorough preparedness.
Earlier, in response to a question on Israels participation in the prestigious exercise alongside Pakistan, an Israel Defence Forces spokesperson had said that the IDF trains regularly to maintain operational competency and be prepared for any potential challenge.
The Israeli Air Force was invited to participate in the high quality exercise Red Flag, and has accepted favourably, she had said.
Eight Israeli F-16I ('Sufa' or Storm) fighter jets took part in the exercise this year, along with Israeli refueling planes.
Image for representation only. Photograph: Amir Cohen/Reuters
03:01 'Trump committed to ending illegal immigration'
Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump is committed to ending illegal immigration and upholding the rule of law to make the United States grow stronger, his running mate Mike Pence has said.
"I think what people heard last night was a plan to end illegal immigration beginning with building a wall along the southern border, ending our catch and release programme, zero tolerance for criminal aliens, finding and apprehending and removing from this country people involved in drug dealing and gang violence that threaten our families," Pence told CNN.
"We're going to bring internal enforcement to bear, fully implement the E-Verify system, and end overstayed visas and have people leave this country after their visa runs out, and that, frankly, at a later date, when all of that has been accomplished, as then we'll be in a position to consider other appropriate measures," the Indiana Governor said.
The American people, Pence said, are tired of more than a generation of political leaders in both political parties talking about ending illegal immigration, but not doing anything about it.
"They talk about border security and enforcing the laws of this country. But we really don't see progress. What you saw last night was clear-eyed, broad-shouldered leadership from someone who put the issue of illegal immigration at the very center of the national debate," Pence said.
"He laid out in a very real way a roadmap for securing our borders, enforcing our laws, removing people from this country who represent a threat to our families and to our communities, doing that quickly, and calling on the establishment of a new commission to reform this arcane immigration system that we have in this country, even calling for sun-setting certain provisions of the law so we're continuously as a nation putting America first in the way that we implement and develop immigration policy in this country," Pence said.
"I think what people heard last night was a plan to end illegal immigration beginning with building a wall along the southern border, ending our catch and release programme, zero tolerance for criminal aliens, finding and apprehending and removing from this country people involved in drug dealing and gang violence that threaten our families," Pence told CNN.
"We're going to bring internal enforcement to bear, fully implement the E-Verify system, and end overstayed visas and have people leave this country after their visa runs out, and that, frankly, at a later date, when all of that has been accomplished, as then we'll be in a position to consider other appropriate measures," the Indiana Governor said.
The American people, Pence said, are tired of more than a generation of political leaders in both political parties talking about ending illegal immigration, but not doing anything about it.
"They talk about border security and enforcing the laws of this country. But we really don't see progress. What you saw last night was clear-eyed, broad-shouldered leadership from someone who put the issue of illegal immigration at the very center of the national debate," Pence said.
"He laid out in a very real way a roadmap for securing our borders, enforcing our laws, removing people from this country who represent a threat to our families and to our communities, doing that quickly, and calling on the establishment of a new commission to reform this arcane immigration system that we have in this country, even calling for sun-setting certain provisions of the law so we're continuously as a nation putting America first in the way that we implement and develop immigration policy in this country," Pence said.
02:02 Rajasthan government justifies move to seal gates of Raj Mahal Palace
Rajasthan government on Thursday justified Jaipur Development Authority's move to seal the gates of former Jaipur Royal family's hotel Raj Mahal Palace and said it was 'completely legal and bona fide' as the action was taken for public land.
"The gate which was sealed is located in Khasra number 194 which is a government land and the acquisition is already upheld by Supreme Court so there is nothing worth controversy. The step was taken in the interest of public and the land will be use accordingly," UDH Minister Rajpal Singh said.
He said the decree which the former royal family is showing has nothing to do with the said Khasra number.
"If they have any problem or confusion with regard to demarcation of the land, there are certain agencies to get the land demarcated but the JDA has taken this action for its own land," he said.
"The action of the JDA is to ensure possession of its land and this is also the concern of the government," he said.
The minister informed the JDA had served notice for action on August 22 and the action was taken on August 24.
On a rally by Padmini Devi of the former royal family, the minister said this was an all-community rally not by Rajput community.
He said that he was approached by Devi or her daughter Diya Kumari, who is a Bharatiya Janata Party MLA.
"Diya Kumari is our party MLA, a law abiding citizen and she is like my younger sister but such actions are the part of administration, not a political matter," he said.
IMAGE: Rajmata Padmini Devi with her son Prince Padamnabh Singh and supporters take out a protest rally against the dictatorial action at Rajmahal Palace by the Jaipur Development Authority, in Jaipur on Thursday. Photograph: PTI Photo
"The gate which was sealed is located in Khasra number 194 which is a government land and the acquisition is already upheld by Supreme Court so there is nothing worth controversy. The step was taken in the interest of public and the land will be use accordingly," UDH Minister Rajpal Singh said.
He said the decree which the former royal family is showing has nothing to do with the said Khasra number.
"If they have any problem or confusion with regard to demarcation of the land, there are certain agencies to get the land demarcated but the JDA has taken this action for its own land," he said.
"The action of the JDA is to ensure possession of its land and this is also the concern of the government," he said.
The minister informed the JDA had served notice for action on August 22 and the action was taken on August 24.
On a rally by Padmini Devi of the former royal family, the minister said this was an all-community rally not by Rajput community.
He said that he was approached by Devi or her daughter Diya Kumari, who is a Bharatiya Janata Party MLA.
"Diya Kumari is our party MLA, a law abiding citizen and she is like my younger sister but such actions are the part of administration, not a political matter," he said.
IMAGE: Rajmata Padmini Devi with her son Prince Padamnabh Singh and supporters take out a protest rally against the dictatorial action at Rajmahal Palace by the Jaipur Development Authority, in Jaipur on Thursday. Photograph: PTI Photo
00:45 MQM removes Altaf Hussain as party head
The Muttahida Qaumi Movement has amended its constitution and removed Altaf Hussain as party chief late on Thursday.
Addressing a press conference in Karachi, deputy convenor Farooq Sattar said the party has removed Article 9b of the MQM constitution and will no longer seek guidance from Altaf Hussain over its decisions.
The clause made it mandatory to seek Hussain's advice.
'The Rabita Committee has decided to omit Article 9b from MQM's constitution, which stated the committee will require Altaf Hussain's guidance and consultation for its decisions,' Sattar was quoted as saying by the Pakistani media.
A few days ago, Sattar announced a complete disconnect with the then MQM chief after Hussain's alleged anti-Pakistan speech, which was followed by a Sindh-wide crackdown against the party.
Addressing a press conference in Karachi, deputy convenor Farooq Sattar said the party has removed Article 9b of the MQM constitution and will no longer seek guidance from Altaf Hussain over its decisions.
The clause made it mandatory to seek Hussain's advice.
'The Rabita Committee has decided to omit Article 9b from MQM's constitution, which stated the committee will require Altaf Hussain's guidance and consultation for its decisions,' Sattar was quoted as saying by the Pakistani media.
A few days ago, Sattar announced a complete disconnect with the then MQM chief after Hussain's alleged anti-Pakistan speech, which was followed by a Sindh-wide crackdown against the party.
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