LIVE
Fri, 07 April 2017
Rakhi Sawant seeks anticipatory bail, to get transit one
Timeline Refresh
23:05 Rakhi Sawant seeks anticipatory bail, to get transit one
Fearing arrest for allegedly making offensive remarks against sage Valmiki, Bollywood actor Rakhi Sawant today sought anticipatory bail from the Bombay high court, which said it would give her 'transit bail' instead.
Justice Ajey Gadkari, before whom her plea came up for hearing, said he would grant the actress a 'transit bail' for the period of travel to Punjab to enable her seek pre-arrest bail from the court which had issued the warrant against her.
The judge, however, reserved his order on Sawant's plea for April 10.
A Ludhiana court had issued a warrant against Rakhi on March 9 on a complaint that she hurt religious sentiments of the Valmiki community by her comments against sage Valmiki,the author of Ramayana, in a program last year.
Justice Ajey Gadkari, before whom her plea came up for hearing, said he would grant the actress a 'transit bail' for the period of travel to Punjab to enable her seek pre-arrest bail from the court which had issued the warrant against her.
The judge, however, reserved his order on Sawant's plea for April 10.
A Ludhiana court had issued a warrant against Rakhi on March 9 on a complaint that she hurt religious sentiments of the Valmiki community by her comments against sage Valmiki,the author of Ramayana, in a program last year.
21:52 Senate confirms Neil Gorsuch to Supreme Court
The New York Times reports:
Judge Neil M Gorsuch was confirmed by the Senate on Friday to become the 113th justice of the Supreme Court, capping a political brawl that lasted for more than a year and tested constitutional norms inside the Capitol's fraying upper chamber.
The development was a signal triumph for President Donald Trump, whose campaign last year rested in large part on his pledge to appoint another committed conservative to succeed Justice Antonin Scalia, who died in February 2016.
Judge Gorsuch, 49, could serve on the court for 30 years or more.
Judge Neil M Gorsuch was confirmed by the Senate on Friday to become the 113th justice of the Supreme Court, capping a political brawl that lasted for more than a year and tested constitutional norms inside the Capitol's fraying upper chamber.
The development was a signal triumph for President Donald Trump, whose campaign last year rested in large part on his pledge to appoint another committed conservative to succeed Justice Antonin Scalia, who died in February 2016.
Judge Gorsuch, 49, could serve on the court for 30 years or more.
21:26 2 accused in Dadri lynching case granted bail
The Allahabad high court has granted bail to two persons named as accused in the Dadri lynching case of Noida, where a middle-aged man was beaten to death by a mob more than a year ago on suspicion of cow slaughter.
A single judge bench of Justice Umesh Chandra Srivastava granted bail to Arun and Puneet, both of whom were lodged in a jail in Greater Noida in connection with the killing of Mohd Akhlaq, a resident of Bisada village in Dadri tehsil of Gautam Buddh Nagar district, in 2015.
A mob had gathered outside Akhlaq's house on the night of September 28 after it was announced over the loudspeaker of a temple in the village that he had stolen a calf and consumed its meat.
The mob thereafter barged into the house, beating Akhlaq to death and leaving his son Danish severely injured. -- PTI
Representative image.
A single judge bench of Justice Umesh Chandra Srivastava granted bail to Arun and Puneet, both of whom were lodged in a jail in Greater Noida in connection with the killing of Mohd Akhlaq, a resident of Bisada village in Dadri tehsil of Gautam Buddh Nagar district, in 2015.
A mob had gathered outside Akhlaq's house on the night of September 28 after it was announced over the loudspeaker of a temple in the village that he had stolen a calf and consumed its meat.
The mob thereafter barged into the house, beating Akhlaq to death and leaving his son Danish severely injured. -- PTI
Representative image.
19:59 Swedish PM says Stockholm crash is a 'terror attack'
JUST IN: Sweden has been attacked, says Swedish PM, terming crash a 'terror attack'
He also said that one person arrested in the deadly attack on a Stockholm department store. -- Agencies
He also said that one person arrested in the deadly attack on a Stockholm department store. -- Agencies
19:44
"Saw two people lying on street, heard loud noises, saw three others injured, helicopters flying," Indian Ambassador to Sweden Monika Mohta quoted as saying by ANI.
Photograph: ANI
Photograph: ANI
19:30 Stockholm: 3 killed as man drives van into crowd near Indian Embassy
At least three people were killed as a van drove into a crowd of people outside a busy department store in central Stockholm today, police said.
Swedish media reported that several shots were also fired.
The attack happened just 100 metres away from the Indian Embassy.
As per embassy sources in Stockholm all embassy local and Indian staff are safe.
'Police received a call from SOS Alarm that a person in a vehicle has injured other people on Drottninggatan,' police wrote on Twitter.
The incident occurred just before 1 pm (local time) near the city's biggest pedestrian street. -- Agencies
Photograph: ANI
Swedish media reported that several shots were also fired.
The attack happened just 100 metres away from the Indian Embassy.
As per embassy sources in Stockholm all embassy local and Indian staff are safe.
'Police received a call from SOS Alarm that a person in a vehicle has injured other people on Drottninggatan,' police wrote on Twitter.
The incident occurred just before 1 pm (local time) near the city's biggest pedestrian street. -- Agencies
Photograph: ANI
18:55 Alwar lynching: NHRC sends notice to Centre, Rajasthan
The National Human Rights Commission has issued notices to the Centre and the Rajasthan government over the lynching of a man allegedly by cow vigilantes in Alwar.
The commission termed the incident as 'painful' and 'serious violation' of human rights saying 'self-proclaimed' volunteers are creating an atmosphere of fear in the society.
In the notice issued to the Rajasthan chief secretary, the commission has called for a detailed report in the matter along with action taken against the culprits.
A notice has also been issued to the Union home secretary, calling for a response as to what steps have been taken or proposed to be taken by the Centre to deal with such incidents in the country.
They have been asked to respond within four weeks. -- PTI
The commission termed the incident as 'painful' and 'serious violation' of human rights saying 'self-proclaimed' volunteers are creating an atmosphere of fear in the society.
In the notice issued to the Rajasthan chief secretary, the commission has called for a detailed report in the matter along with action taken against the culprits.
A notice has also been issued to the Union home secretary, calling for a response as to what steps have been taken or proposed to be taken by the Centre to deal with such incidents in the country.
They have been asked to respond within four weeks. -- PTI
18:09 Birds of feather...
Clearly, no lessons learnt by MPs after the Rajendra Gaikwad incident. BJP MP Babul Supriyo says, "MPs are soft targets."
This statement comes after TMC RS MP Dola Sen delayed an Air India flight from Delhi to Kolkata by over 30 minutes after refusing to abide by security protocol.
Image: RS MP Dola Sen on the Air India flight today.
This statement comes after TMC RS MP Dola Sen delayed an Air India flight from Delhi to Kolkata by over 30 minutes after refusing to abide by security protocol.
Image: RS MP Dola Sen on the Air India flight today.
18:01 UP has more than half of approved abattoirs in India: govt
Uttar Pradesh, where the BJP government is clamping down on "illegal" slaughterhouses, accounts for more than half of the approved abattoirs and meat processing plants in the country, the Centre today said.
Minister of State for Health Faggan Singh Kulaste in a written reply in Lok Sabha said licenses have been issued to around 1,700 slaughterhouses by the country's food regulator FSSAI. According to figures given by Kulaste, Uttar Pradesh has 42 out of the total 76 approved abattoirs-cum-meat processing plants or standalone abattoirs.
Maharashtra is second with 13 abattoirs while Punjab and Andhra Pradesh had five approved abattoirs each.
Minister of State for Health Faggan Singh Kulaste in a written reply in Lok Sabha said licenses have been issued to around 1,700 slaughterhouses by the country's food regulator FSSAI. According to figures given by Kulaste, Uttar Pradesh has 42 out of the total 76 approved abattoirs-cum-meat processing plants or standalone abattoirs.
Maharashtra is second with 13 abattoirs while Punjab and Andhra Pradesh had five approved abattoirs each.
17:12 Hours after AI lifts Gaikwad's no fly ban, another MP disrupts flight!
One down, one to go.
Trinamool Congress MP Dola Sen on Friday reportedly created a ruckus on board an Air India flight from Delhi to Kolkata, delaying it by thirty minutes.
Sen, according to news agency ANI, refused to adhere to security protocol, despite being asked to by the airline staff.
Air India staff requested Dola Sen to shift her senior citizen mother from the seat near the emergency exit, but the MP refused to do so and created a ruckus, news agency ANI reported quoting sources.
This comes barely an hour after Air India lifted a no-fly ban on Shiv Sena MP Ravindra Gaikwad who physically assaulted a senior staffer of the airline.
In a statement issued today, Air India said it will ensure its employees are not assaulted, misbehaved with and that they will take action to preserve the dignity of their employees.
Trinamool Congress MP Dola Sen on Friday reportedly created a ruckus on board an Air India flight from Delhi to Kolkata, delaying it by thirty minutes.
Sen, according to news agency ANI, refused to adhere to security protocol, despite being asked to by the airline staff.
Air India staff requested Dola Sen to shift her senior citizen mother from the seat near the emergency exit, but the MP refused to do so and created a ruckus, news agency ANI reported quoting sources.
This comes barely an hour after Air India lifted a no-fly ban on Shiv Sena MP Ravindra Gaikwad who physically assaulted a senior staffer of the airline.
In a statement issued today, Air India said it will ensure its employees are not assaulted, misbehaved with and that they will take action to preserve the dignity of their employees.
17:01 No daru near schools, temples, says UP govt
The Uttar Pradesh government today said that it would not allow shops relocated following a Supreme Court order banning sale of liquor along highways, to come up near religious places, schools or populated areas.
"The Supreme Court has ordered removal of liquor shops from the National Highways and government will ensure that the shops removed from there do not relocate to the vicinity of religious places, schools or populated areas," UP Minister Shrikant Sharma said.
He said strict orders have been issued for compliance of the Apex court orders and directives have also been issued to secretary, excise, and other officials to see that liquor shops and outlets do not open around such places. Action will be taken if norms are violated, he said.
"This government is law abiding and will not allow any violation of norms by anyone. If people have any grievance or they find that shops are operating near religious places, schools or populated areas, they should immediately complain to the district magistrate and not take law in their hands as arson and hooliganism is wrong," he said.
The minister said that unlike the previous governments when complaints were left unattended, the new regime is responsive.
"The Supreme Court has ordered removal of liquor shops from the National Highways and government will ensure that the shops removed from there do not relocate to the vicinity of religious places, schools or populated areas," UP Minister Shrikant Sharma said.
He said strict orders have been issued for compliance of the Apex court orders and directives have also been issued to secretary, excise, and other officials to see that liquor shops and outlets do not open around such places. Action will be taken if norms are violated, he said.
"This government is law abiding and will not allow any violation of norms by anyone. If people have any grievance or they find that shops are operating near religious places, schools or populated areas, they should immediately complain to the district magistrate and not take law in their hands as arson and hooliganism is wrong," he said.
The minister said that unlike the previous governments when complaints were left unattended, the new regime is responsive.
16:11 We have blacks all around, entire south, we aren't racist: Tarun Vijay
BJP's Tarun Vijay, a former MP, today faced accusations of racism after he appeared to suggest that Indians cannot be called racist as they live with black people hailing from the southern states of the country.
On a TV programme to defend India against the charge of racism following attacks on African students, he said, "We have blacks, black people around" and asked, "If we were racist, why would we have the entire south?"
His controversial comments triggered a backlash, especially on social media, forcing him to tender an apology on Twitter. "If we were racist, why would we have the entire south? Which is you know... completely Tamil, you know Kerala, you know Karnataka and Andhra. Why do we live with them? We have blacks, black people all around us," he said on air. Vijay, a former editor of RSS-affiliated weekly Panchjanya, claimed that people with African ancestors have been living amicably in Maharashtra and Gujarat.
He also said Indians worship black gods and referred to Lord Krishna. Faced with criticism, he said his words were perhaps not enough to convey what he wanted to say. "Feel bad, really feel sorry, my apologies to those who feel I said different than what I meant. "I feel the entire statement was this; we have fought racism and we have people with different colour and culture, and still never had any racism."
He, however, claimed that he never called south India as black. "I never, never, even in a slip, termed south India as black. I can die but how can I ridicule my own culture, my own people and my own nation? Think before you misinterpret my badly framed sentence," he tweeted in response to accusations of racism.
On a TV programme to defend India against the charge of racism following attacks on African students, he said, "We have blacks, black people around" and asked, "If we were racist, why would we have the entire south?"
His controversial comments triggered a backlash, especially on social media, forcing him to tender an apology on Twitter. "If we were racist, why would we have the entire south? Which is you know... completely Tamil, you know Kerala, you know Karnataka and Andhra. Why do we live with them? We have blacks, black people all around us," he said on air. Vijay, a former editor of RSS-affiliated weekly Panchjanya, claimed that people with African ancestors have been living amicably in Maharashtra and Gujarat.
He also said Indians worship black gods and referred to Lord Krishna. Faced with criticism, he said his words were perhaps not enough to convey what he wanted to say. "Feel bad, really feel sorry, my apologies to those who feel I said different than what I meant. "I feel the entire statement was this; we have fought racism and we have people with different colour and culture, and still never had any racism."
He, however, claimed that he never called south India as black. "I never, never, even in a slip, termed south India as black. I can die but how can I ridicule my own culture, my own people and my own nation? Think before you misinterpret my badly framed sentence," he tweeted in response to accusations of racism.
15:38 DGCA will amend rules to deal with future Gaikwads, says AI
Air India has finally succumbed to pressure by the government and lifted the fly ban on Shiv Sena MP Rajendra Gaikwad. Other private airlines will also comply.
Air India says it has accepted the Sena's MP's letter of regret to the civil aviation minister Ashok Gajapathi Raju, dated April 6.
The airlines said to deal with unruly passengers in an effective manner in future, an amendment to CAR (Civil Aviation Requirements) is being drafted by the DGCA.
The Civil aviation ministry then wrote a letter to Air India to withdraw the ban on Shiv Sena MP Ravindra Gaikwad.
Shiv Sena MP Ravindra Gaikwad today again tried to book tickets on Air India flights, but the airline rejected the booking.
This is the seventh attempt on the part of the Sena MP to book a flight on Air India, which barred him from flying after he assaulted the airline's staffer.
Air India says it has accepted the Sena's MP's letter of regret to the civil aviation minister Ashok Gajapathi Raju, dated April 6.
The airlines said to deal with unruly passengers in an effective manner in future, an amendment to CAR (Civil Aviation Requirements) is being drafted by the DGCA.
The Civil aviation ministry then wrote a letter to Air India to withdraw the ban on Shiv Sena MP Ravindra Gaikwad.
Shiv Sena MP Ravindra Gaikwad today again tried to book tickets on Air India flights, but the airline rejected the booking.
This is the seventh attempt on the part of the Sena MP to book a flight on Air India, which barred him from flying after he assaulted the airline's staffer.
15:28
Private airlines likely to follow Air India's decision and revoke ban on Shiv Sena MP Ravindra Gaikwad: ANI.
15:07 Air India lifts flight ban on Ravindra Gaikwad
Just in: Air India revokes flight ban on Shiv Sena MP Ravindra Gaikwad with immediate effect. The ban was revoked after a regret letter to the civil
aviation minister from Gaikwad yesterday: Air India sources.
This comes after the Civil aviation ministry wrote a letter to Air India to withdraw the ban on Shiv Sena MP Ravindra Gaikwad, reports ANI.
Shiv Sena MP Ravindra Gaikwad today again tried to book tickets on Air India flights, but the airline rejected the booking.
This is the seventh attempt on the part of the Sena MP to book a flight on Air India, which barred him from flying after he assaulted the airline's staffer.
"There was an attempt to book a ticket at 5 am today through our web portal. The reservations were being made for April 17 for travel from Delhi to Mumbai and for April 24 from Mumbai to Delhi," said an airline source.
The ticket was being booked under the name 'Ravindra Gaikwad' and we were alerted through our tracker, the source said. The MP has also made an attempt each to book an IndiGo flight as well as a SpiceJet flight since the flying ban on him by all domestic carriers was put in place.
The Air India Cabin Crew Association has said Shiv Sena MP Ravindra Gaikwad must not be allowed to fly until he tenders an "unconditional apology" for beating up a 60-year-old staffer, and asserted that he poses a risk to flight safety.
In a letter to the AI Chairman and Managing Director Ashwani Lohani, the association has said that a decision by either the Ministry of Civil Aviation or Parliament to lift the ban will affect the morale of the employees.
"Unless he tenders an unconditional apology to AI employees, and undertakes in writing to abide by the Chicago and Tokyo Conventions & Rules of the Air and follow all cabin safety and public behaviour norms, we must not let him on board," says the letter.
aviation minister from Gaikwad yesterday: Air India sources.
This comes after the Civil aviation ministry wrote a letter to Air India to withdraw the ban on Shiv Sena MP Ravindra Gaikwad, reports ANI.
Shiv Sena MP Ravindra Gaikwad today again tried to book tickets on Air India flights, but the airline rejected the booking.
This is the seventh attempt on the part of the Sena MP to book a flight on Air India, which barred him from flying after he assaulted the airline's staffer.
"There was an attempt to book a ticket at 5 am today through our web portal. The reservations were being made for April 17 for travel from Delhi to Mumbai and for April 24 from Mumbai to Delhi," said an airline source.
The ticket was being booked under the name 'Ravindra Gaikwad' and we were alerted through our tracker, the source said. The MP has also made an attempt each to book an IndiGo flight as well as a SpiceJet flight since the flying ban on him by all domestic carriers was put in place.
The Air India Cabin Crew Association has said Shiv Sena MP Ravindra Gaikwad must not be allowed to fly until he tenders an "unconditional apology" for beating up a 60-year-old staffer, and asserted that he poses a risk to flight safety.
In a letter to the AI Chairman and Managing Director Ashwani Lohani, the association has said that a decision by either the Ministry of Civil Aviation or Parliament to lift the ban will affect the morale of the employees.
"Unless he tenders an unconditional apology to AI employees, and undertakes in writing to abide by the Chicago and Tokyo Conventions & Rules of the Air and follow all cabin safety and public behaviour norms, we must not let him on board," says the letter.
14:59
Actor Akshay Kumar reacts to winning the National Award.
@akshaykumar #NationalFilmAwards: Best Actor for Rustom, countless emotions,very hard to express my gratitude right now but still tried,a big THANK YOU
@akshaykumar #NationalFilmAwards: Best Actor for Rustom, countless emotions,very hard to express my gratitude right now but still tried,a big THANK YOU
14:50 Romanian on holiday in London is 5th victim of Westminster attack
A 31-year-old Romanian woman who had plunged into the river Thames during the brazen London terror attack has died from her injuries, becoming the fifth victim. Andreea Cristea's life support machine was turned off by her family yesterday afternoon, Scotland Yard said today.
The Romanian tourist was on Westminster Bridge when Khalid Masood rammed into crowds, including her, at high speed. She was rescued from the river and had been receiving medical treatment in hospital here following the attack on March 22.
Cristea becomes the fifth victim of the terror attack by 52-year-old Masood, who was also shot dead by security officials after he stabbed a police officer to death at the gates of the UK Parliament. Four people were killed and dozens injured in the attack.
"Andreea was a Romanian national, but had been visiting London. Next of kin have been informed and are being supported by specially trained family liaison officers," the Metropolitan Police said. Cristea was in London with her boyfriend, Andrei Burnaz, who along with her family released a statement today.
It reads: "After fighting for her life for over two weeks, our beloved and irreplaceable Andreea - wonderful daughter, sister, partner, dedicated friend and the most unique and life loving person you can imagine - was cruelly and brutally ripped away from our lives in the most heartless and spiritless way. "There are no words to even begin to describe the crushing pain and emptiness that is left in our hearts. Our family, together with Andrei, are deeply touched and eternally grateful for the unimaginable efforts and never-ending dedication provided to her and us by the entire medical personnel of each and every hospital involved. Their kindness and empathy are beyond compare," the statement said.
The family said all the funds raised for Cristea by the public for her recovery will now be donated to charity.
The Romanian tourist was on Westminster Bridge when Khalid Masood rammed into crowds, including her, at high speed. She was rescued from the river and had been receiving medical treatment in hospital here following the attack on March 22.
Cristea becomes the fifth victim of the terror attack by 52-year-old Masood, who was also shot dead by security officials after he stabbed a police officer to death at the gates of the UK Parliament. Four people were killed and dozens injured in the attack.
"Andreea was a Romanian national, but had been visiting London. Next of kin have been informed and are being supported by specially trained family liaison officers," the Metropolitan Police said. Cristea was in London with her boyfriend, Andrei Burnaz, who along with her family released a statement today.
It reads: "After fighting for her life for over two weeks, our beloved and irreplaceable Andreea - wonderful daughter, sister, partner, dedicated friend and the most unique and life loving person you can imagine - was cruelly and brutally ripped away from our lives in the most heartless and spiritless way. "There are no words to even begin to describe the crushing pain and emptiness that is left in our hearts. Our family, together with Andrei, are deeply touched and eternally grateful for the unimaginable efforts and never-ending dedication provided to her and us by the entire medical personnel of each and every hospital involved. Their kindness and empathy are beyond compare," the statement said.
The family said all the funds raised for Cristea by the public for her recovery will now be donated to charity.
14:44 Trump weighed three options on Syrian strike: Aides
US President Donald Trump and his team discussed three options before zeroing in on a limited missile strike in Syria in response to a "heinous" chemical attack on civilians by President Bashar Assad's regime, his aides said today.
"There were three options we discussed with the president, and the president asked us to focus on two options in particular, to mature those options, and he had a series of questions for us that we endeavoured to answer," US National Security Advisor Lt Gen H R McMaster told reporters during a hurriedly convened news conference.
"After a meeting of considerable length and a far-reaching discussion, Trump decided to act," McMaster said giving the sequence of events.
He said the national security team weighed the risk associated with any military action. "But we weighed that against the risk of inaction, which is the risk of this continued, egregious, inhumane attacks on innocent civilians with chemical weapons," McMaster said at the news conference which was also addressed by Secretary of State Rex Tillerson.
"It's important to recognise, as I think everyone does, the chaotic circumstances that exist on the ground in Syria with the presence of a battle underway to defeat ISIS, the presence of Al-Qaeda elements inside of Syria and a civil war that is underway," he said.
"We feel that the strike itself was proportional because it was targeted at the facility that delivered this most recent chemical weapons attack," he said.
According to McMaster, Trump was immediately notified after the chemical attack that killed 86 people, including 27 children. "He was very interested in understanding better the circumstances of the attack and who was responsible," he noted.
"There were three options we discussed with the president, and the president asked us to focus on two options in particular, to mature those options, and he had a series of questions for us that we endeavoured to answer," US National Security Advisor Lt Gen H R McMaster told reporters during a hurriedly convened news conference.
"After a meeting of considerable length and a far-reaching discussion, Trump decided to act," McMaster said giving the sequence of events.
He said the national security team weighed the risk associated with any military action. "But we weighed that against the risk of inaction, which is the risk of this continued, egregious, inhumane attacks on innocent civilians with chemical weapons," McMaster said at the news conference which was also addressed by Secretary of State Rex Tillerson.
"It's important to recognise, as I think everyone does, the chaotic circumstances that exist on the ground in Syria with the presence of a battle underway to defeat ISIS, the presence of Al-Qaeda elements inside of Syria and a civil war that is underway," he said.
"We feel that the strike itself was proportional because it was targeted at the facility that delivered this most recent chemical weapons attack," he said.
According to McMaster, Trump was immediately notified after the chemical attack that killed 86 people, including 27 children. "He was very interested in understanding better the circumstances of the attack and who was responsible," he noted.
14:19
Just in: LK Advani rules himself out of the race for President.
14:15 Israel backs 'strong message' sent by US Syria strike
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he supports the "strong and clear message" sent by a US strike on neighbouring Syria today in retaliation for a suspected chemical attack.
The Israeli military said it had been informed in advance of a massive cruise missile strike on a Syrian airbase, the first US operation against the Damascus regime in six years of civil war.
"In both word and action, President (Donald) Trump sent a strong and clear message today that the use and spread of chemical weapons will not be tolerated," a statement from Netanyahu's office said.
"Israel fully supports President Trump's decision and hopes that this message of resolve in the face of the Assad regime's horrific actions will resonate not only in Damascus, but in Tehran, Pyongyang and elsewhere."
Trump said the strike on the Shayrat airbase with 59 Tomahawk missiles fired from warships in the eastern Mediterranean was in retaliation for what he said was a "barbaric" chemical attack on a rebel-held town in northwestern Syria by the Damascus regime.
The Israeli military said it had been informed in advance of a massive cruise missile strike on a Syrian airbase, the first US operation against the Damascus regime in six years of civil war.
"In both word and action, President (Donald) Trump sent a strong and clear message today that the use and spread of chemical weapons will not be tolerated," a statement from Netanyahu's office said.
"Israel fully supports President Trump's decision and hopes that this message of resolve in the face of the Assad regime's horrific actions will resonate not only in Damascus, but in Tehran, Pyongyang and elsewhere."
Trump said the strike on the Shayrat airbase with 59 Tomahawk missiles fired from warships in the eastern Mediterranean was in retaliation for what he said was a "barbaric" chemical attack on a rebel-held town in northwestern Syria by the Damascus regime.
13:29 Yogi makes yoga compulsory in UP govt schools
It's confirmed: The UP government has made yoga compulsory in government schools.
On Wednesday, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath had directed the state officials to get to work in this regard. The state government has also decided that mandatory self-defence training will be provided to girl students in these schools.
According to a statement released by the UP government, Adityanath chaired a meeting of education department officials late evening on Tuesday, where he gave these directions.
Adityanath also stressed on a uniform syllabus for all the state universities of UP and the need to ensure that academic sessions in colleges are held regularly.
He asked the institutes of higher education to fill up the vacancies of teachers.
Instructions were also issued to put an end to "old trades" such as radio mechanic in ITIs and start new trades as per the need of the industry.
Adityanath made it amply clear that resources of private engineering colleges, which were on the verge of closure, should be utilised by other educational institutes and possibilities in this regard must be explored.
On Wednesday, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath had directed the state officials to get to work in this regard. The state government has also decided that mandatory self-defence training will be provided to girl students in these schools.
According to a statement released by the UP government, Adityanath chaired a meeting of education department officials late evening on Tuesday, where he gave these directions.
Adityanath also stressed on a uniform syllabus for all the state universities of UP and the need to ensure that academic sessions in colleges are held regularly.
He asked the institutes of higher education to fill up the vacancies of teachers.
Instructions were also issued to put an end to "old trades" such as radio mechanic in ITIs and start new trades as per the need of the industry.
Adityanath made it amply clear that resources of private engineering colleges, which were on the verge of closure, should be utilised by other educational institutes and possibilities in this regard must be explored.
13:23
Near collision averted between Air India and Indigo planes at IGI airport, New Delhi.
13:22
Just in: The Rajasthan government has sent a report to the Ministry of Home Affairs on the Alwar cow vigilantism incident.
12:57 National Awards: Priyanka's Ventilator wins Best Director
Best Debut Film of A Director - Deep Chaudari (Alifa)
Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment - Sathamanam Bhavathi
Best stunt choreography - Peter Hein (Pulimurugan)
Best Children's Film - Dhanak (Hindi)
Best Film on social issue - Pink
Best Direction - Rajesh (Ventilator)
Best Actor - Akhay Kumar
Best Actress - Surabhi Minnaminungu
Best Supporting Actress - Zaira Wasim (Dangal)
Best Child Artist - Adhish Praveen (Kunju Daivam), Saj (Noor Islam), Manohara (Railway Children)
Best Male Playback Singer - Sundara Iyer (Joker)
Best Female Playback Singer - Thume Jaake
Best Screenplay (original) - Syam Pushkaran (Maheshinte Prathikaram)
Best Screenplay (adapted) - Sanjay Krishnaji Patel (Dashakriya)
Best Editing - Rameshwar (Ventilator)
Sound designer - Jayadevan (Kaadu Pookunna Neram)
Best production design - 24
Best Costume Designer - Sachin (Marathi film)
Best Make-up Artist - MK Ramakrishna
Best Music Direction - Babu Padmanabha (Kannada _ Alama)
Special Mention
* Kadvi Hawa
* Adil Hussain for Mukti Bhawan (Hindi)
* Adil Hussain for Majirathi Keki (Assamese)
* Sonam Kapoor for Neerja
* Madipur (Tulu)
* Joker (Tamil)
* Wrongside Raju Gujarati
* Pelli Chupulu (Telugu)
* Dasakriya (Marathi)
* Maheshinte Prathikaram (Malayalam)
* Ke Sara Sara (Konkini)
* Reservation (Kannada)
* Neerja (Hindi)
- Special Jury award for Mohanlal for Pulimurugan, Janatha Garage and Munthirivallikal Thalirkkumbol
Best feature films in regional languages
* Madipur (Tulu)
* Joker (Tamil)
* Wrongside Raju Gujarati
* Pelli Chupulu (Telugu)
* Dashakriya (Marathi)
* Bisarjan (Bengali)
* Maheshinte Prathikaram (Malayalam)
* Ke Sara Sara (Konkini)
* Reservation (Kannada)
* Neerja (Hindi)
Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment - Sathamanam Bhavathi
Best stunt choreography - Peter Hein (Pulimurugan)
Best Children's Film - Dhanak (Hindi)
Best Film on social issue - Pink
Best Direction - Rajesh (Ventilator)
Best Actor - Akhay Kumar
Best Actress - Surabhi Minnaminungu
Best Supporting Actress - Zaira Wasim (Dangal)
Best Child Artist - Adhish Praveen (Kunju Daivam), Saj (Noor Islam), Manohara (Railway Children)
Best Male Playback Singer - Sundara Iyer (Joker)
Best Female Playback Singer - Thume Jaake
Best Screenplay (original) - Syam Pushkaran (Maheshinte Prathikaram)
Best Screenplay (adapted) - Sanjay Krishnaji Patel (Dashakriya)
Best Editing - Rameshwar (Ventilator)
Sound designer - Jayadevan (Kaadu Pookunna Neram)
Best production design - 24
Best Costume Designer - Sachin (Marathi film)
Best Make-up Artist - MK Ramakrishna
Best Music Direction - Babu Padmanabha (Kannada _ Alama)
Special Mention
* Kadvi Hawa
* Adil Hussain for Mukti Bhawan (Hindi)
* Adil Hussain for Majirathi Keki (Assamese)
* Sonam Kapoor for Neerja
* Madipur (Tulu)
* Joker (Tamil)
* Wrongside Raju Gujarati
* Pelli Chupulu (Telugu)
* Dasakriya (Marathi)
* Maheshinte Prathikaram (Malayalam)
* Ke Sara Sara (Konkini)
* Reservation (Kannada)
* Neerja (Hindi)
- Special Jury award for Mohanlal for Pulimurugan, Janatha Garage and Munthirivallikal Thalirkkumbol
Best feature films in regional languages
* Madipur (Tulu)
* Joker (Tamil)
* Wrongside Raju Gujarati
* Pelli Chupulu (Telugu)
* Dashakriya (Marathi)
* Bisarjan (Bengali)
* Maheshinte Prathikaram (Malayalam)
* Ke Sara Sara (Konkini)
* Reservation (Kannada)
* Neerja (Hindi)
12:52
Bong connection: Union minister Babul Supriyo greets Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina.
12:51 We share poets, rivers, heritage... Sheikh Hasina begins visit on a positive note
Before she left Dhaka, Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said that she expects bilateral relations between the two nations to touch new heights of cooperation, and added that she would renew her efforts for the signing of a deal to share waters of the River Teesta.
She said both India and Bangladesh do have issues that need to be resolved, but also share a cultural heritage and common Bangla language between Bangladesh and West Bengal.
She recalled the political will shown by the two governments to implement the Land Boundary Agreement after more than 40 years.
She said, "There are a lot of commonalities (at least with West Bengal). We share our Lalon, Rabindranath, Kazi Nazrul, Jibanananda; there is similarity in our language, we are nourished by the waters of the Padma, Brahmaputra, Teesta and so on. The Sundarbans is our common pride. We don't have any strife over it. Then, why should there be any contention over the waters of common rivers?"
Image: PM Modi receives his Bangladesh counterpart at Delhi airport.
She said both India and Bangladesh do have issues that need to be resolved, but also share a cultural heritage and common Bangla language between Bangladesh and West Bengal.
She recalled the political will shown by the two governments to implement the Land Boundary Agreement after more than 40 years.
She said, "There are a lot of commonalities (at least with West Bengal). We share our Lalon, Rabindranath, Kazi Nazrul, Jibanananda; there is similarity in our language, we are nourished by the waters of the Padma, Brahmaputra, Teesta and so on. The Sundarbans is our common pride. We don't have any strife over it. Then, why should there be any contention over the waters of common rivers?"
Image: PM Modi receives his Bangladesh counterpart at Delhi airport.
12:42
Back to the National Awards: Marathi film, Kaasav, bags best feature film.
12:40 PM receives Sheikh Hasina at airport
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives at Delhi airport to receive Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina. ANI reports that PM Modi travelled from Lok Kalyan Marg to Delhi Airport in normal traffic. There were no route restrictions. Sheikh Hasina is on a four-day visit to India and at least 20 agreements are expected to be signed.
Setting aside protocol, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today went to the IGI airport here to receive his Bangladeshi counterpart Sheikh Hasina. The Prime Minister travelled through normal traffic without any route restrictions, official sources said. The Bangladesh Prime Minister is on a four-day visit to India, which comes after a gap of seven years. Hasina will hold wide-ranging talks with Modi tomorrow during which India is also set to announce a line of credit of USD 500 million to Bangladesh for military supplies.
Setting aside protocol, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today went to the IGI airport here to receive his Bangladeshi counterpart Sheikh Hasina. The Prime Minister travelled through normal traffic without any route restrictions, official sources said. The Bangladesh Prime Minister is on a four-day visit to India, which comes after a gap of seven years. Hasina will hold wide-ranging talks with Modi tomorrow during which India is also set to announce a line of credit of USD 500 million to Bangladesh for military supplies.
12:34
National Awards: Actor Adil Hussain wins Special Mention, calls Mukti Bhawan a masterstroke.
12:32
Shoojit Sircar was also nominated for Best Director for Piku (2015) and won the national award for Vicky Donor in 2013.
Best Male Playback Singer: Sundara Iyer for Tamil film Joker.
Best Actress award goes to Surabhi for Minnaminungu.
Dashakriya wins best Marathi film
Best Male Playback Singer: Sundara Iyer for Tamil film Joker.
Best Actress award goes to Surabhi for Minnaminungu.
Dashakriya wins best Marathi film
12:24
Award for 'Best Children Film' goes to Dhanak, directed by Nagesh Kukunoor.
Rajesh Mapuska named the best director for his Marathi film "Ventilator".
Rajesh Mapuska named the best director for his Marathi film "Ventilator".
12:18
64th National Film Awards:
Pink bags the award for 'Best Film' on social issues
Zaira Wasim wins 'Best Supporting Actor' for Dangal
Pink bags the award for 'Best Film' on social issues
Zaira Wasim wins 'Best Supporting Actor' for Dangal
12:16 National Film Awards: Neerja wins Best Hindi Film
This year's National Film Awards are being announced. Eminent film director, producer, and screenwriter Shri Priyadarshan is the Jury Chairperson in the Feature Films category. What we know so far is this:
Shivaay gets the 'Best Special Effects' award
Akshay Kumar wins National Award for Best Actor for Rustom.
Neerja gets the award for 'Best Hindi Film'
Shivaay gets the 'Best Special Effects' award
Akshay Kumar wins National Award for Best Actor for Rustom.
Neerja gets the award for 'Best Hindi Film'
12:11 SC notice to Centre, 5 states, on gau rakshak ban
More on that SC notice on vigilante groups.
Amid anger over the killing of a man by cow vigilantes in Alwar, the Supreme Court today issued a notice to Rajasthan and five other states, as well as the Centre on a petition asking for a ban on these groups.
The other states that have been issued notice are Gujarat, Jharkhand, Maharashtra and Karnataka.
Congressman Tehseen Poonawala had moved the court last year asking for a ban on vigilante groups blamed for attacks on Dalits and minorities in the name of cow protection.
"... The menace caused by the so-called cow protection groups is spreading fast to every nook and corner of the country and is creating disharmony among various communities and castes," the petition said.
On Saturday, a mob of 200 brutally attacked a group that was on its way home to Haryana after buying cows at a Jaipur fair. One of the men, Pehlu Khan, a 55-year-old diary owner, died on Tuesday night.
Also see: In pictures, a day in the life of a 'gau rakshak'
Amid anger over the killing of a man by cow vigilantes in Alwar, the Supreme Court today issued a notice to Rajasthan and five other states, as well as the Centre on a petition asking for a ban on these groups.
The other states that have been issued notice are Gujarat, Jharkhand, Maharashtra and Karnataka.
Congressman Tehseen Poonawala had moved the court last year asking for a ban on vigilante groups blamed for attacks on Dalits and minorities in the name of cow protection.
"... The menace caused by the so-called cow protection groups is spreading fast to every nook and corner of the country and is creating disharmony among various communities and castes," the petition said.
On Saturday, a mob of 200 brutally attacked a group that was on its way home to Haryana after buying cows at a Jaipur fair. One of the men, Pehlu Khan, a 55-year-old diary owner, died on Tuesday night.
Also see: In pictures, a day in the life of a 'gau rakshak'
11:59 It will be a crying shame if Gaikwad is let off, says AI employees
This should make all Air India naysayers switch to the airlines again. One for all, all for one, we say.
That's an image of Shiv Sena MP Ravindra Gaikwad's Air India ticket which was cancelled by the airlines.
The Air India Cabin Crew Association has said Shiv Sena MP Ravindra Gaikwad must not be allowed to fly until he tenders an "unconditional apology" for beating up a 60-year-old staffer, and asserted that he poses a risk to flight safety.
In a letter to the AI Chairman and Managing Director Ashwani Lohani, the association has said that a decision by either the Ministry of Civil Aviation or Parliament to lift the ban will affect the morale of the employees.
"Unless he tenders an unconditional apology to AI employees, and undertakes in writing to abide by the Chicago and Tokyo Conventions & Rules of the Air and follow all cabin safety and public behaviour norms, we must not let him on board," says the letter. Yesterday, Gaikwad, in a letter to Civil Aviation Minister Ashok Gajapthi Raju, had conveyed his "regrets" over the "unfortunate incident", but stopped short of tendering an apology to either the national carrier or to the staffer concerned.
"Ravindra Gaikwad is and will continue to be a risk to flight safety and flight operations and to Cabin Crew safety on board, and hence Government must think long and hard about letting him back on," the letter added.
The association said it would be a "crying shame" if he is let off "without even a rap on the knuckles". "For either the ministry or the Parliament to allow such a person to get away without even a rap on the knuckles or even forcing an apology to all Air Indians and indeed all Indians, would be a crying shame.
"It would also crush the morale of all employees and indeed all fair minded Indians. We do not wish to be flying such a person," the association wrote in the letter. The Indian Commercial Pilot's Association, one of the unions of pilots of Air India, has also demanded an "unconditional apology" from the Shiva Sena MP, failing which they have threatened to not fly him.
That's an image of Shiv Sena MP Ravindra Gaikwad's Air India ticket which was cancelled by the airlines.
The Air India Cabin Crew Association has said Shiv Sena MP Ravindra Gaikwad must not be allowed to fly until he tenders an "unconditional apology" for beating up a 60-year-old staffer, and asserted that he poses a risk to flight safety.
In a letter to the AI Chairman and Managing Director Ashwani Lohani, the association has said that a decision by either the Ministry of Civil Aviation or Parliament to lift the ban will affect the morale of the employees.
"Unless he tenders an unconditional apology to AI employees, and undertakes in writing to abide by the Chicago and Tokyo Conventions & Rules of the Air and follow all cabin safety and public behaviour norms, we must not let him on board," says the letter. Yesterday, Gaikwad, in a letter to Civil Aviation Minister Ashok Gajapthi Raju, had conveyed his "regrets" over the "unfortunate incident", but stopped short of tendering an apology to either the national carrier or to the staffer concerned.
"Ravindra Gaikwad is and will continue to be a risk to flight safety and flight operations and to Cabin Crew safety on board, and hence Government must think long and hard about letting him back on," the letter added.
The association said it would be a "crying shame" if he is let off "without even a rap on the knuckles". "For either the ministry or the Parliament to allow such a person to get away without even a rap on the knuckles or even forcing an apology to all Air Indians and indeed all Indians, would be a crying shame.
"It would also crush the morale of all employees and indeed all fair minded Indians. We do not wish to be flying such a person," the association wrote in the letter. The Indian Commercial Pilot's Association, one of the unions of pilots of Air India, has also demanded an "unconditional apology" from the Shiva Sena MP, failing which they have threatened to not fly him.
11:52
Just in: The Supreme Court issues notices to six states, including Rajasthan, on a plea seeking a ban on cow vigilante groups.
Fingers crossed this goes through.
Fingers crossed this goes through.
11:50 Opposition wants BJP's Naqvi to apologise for dismissing Alwar lynching
Congress MPs want Home Minister Rajnath Singh's statement on the cow lynching incident in Alwar in Parliament. Opposition also seeks an apology from Union Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi for his statement in the Rajya Sabha yesterday. Opposition MPs rushed to the well of the house demanding an apology from the MP.
Naqvi caused quite a stir in the Rajya Sabha yesterday when he told the House that jis tarah ki ghatna pesh ki ja rahi hai, aisi koi ghatna zameen par nahi hui hai (the kind of incident that is being presented has not occurred on the ground).
The remarks by Naqvi, who is Minister for Parliamentary Affairs and Minority Affairs, led to noisy scenes with the Opposition demanding the dismissal of the BJP government in Rajasthan. They said the lynching incident was a clear case of gangsterism in a state where there was complete breakdown of the constitutional machinery.
Today, on a more conciliatory note, Naqvi said, "Apraadhi, qatil, gunda, badmash. usko Hindu Musalman ke nazar se mat dekhye, apraadhi apraadhi hai."
But the MPs will not be moved and want an apology. Expectedly, there was ruckus and the ruckus continues.
Naqvi caused quite a stir in the Rajya Sabha yesterday when he told the House that jis tarah ki ghatna pesh ki ja rahi hai, aisi koi ghatna zameen par nahi hui hai (the kind of incident that is being presented has not occurred on the ground).
The remarks by Naqvi, who is Minister for Parliamentary Affairs and Minority Affairs, led to noisy scenes with the Opposition demanding the dismissal of the BJP government in Rajasthan. They said the lynching incident was a clear case of gangsterism in a state where there was complete breakdown of the constitutional machinery.
Today, on a more conciliatory note, Naqvi said, "Apraadhi, qatil, gunda, badmash. usko Hindu Musalman ke nazar se mat dekhye, apraadhi apraadhi hai."
But the MPs will not be moved and want an apology. Expectedly, there was ruckus and the ruckus continues.
11:27 Questions warmongers need to answer on Syria
Chemical weapons attacks by the Assad regime in Syria have amplified calls for military intervention there. Before that happens, proponents of war in Syria need to answer some key questions. Read more
11:25 I-T raids TN health minister, actor Sarathkumar
Friday has been a busy day for the income tax department in Tamil Nadu, as it conducted searches against Tamil Nadu Health Minister C Vijayabaskar at over 30 locations in the state. Another person who felt the heat was Tamil actor and Nadar community leader Sarathkumar who found the tax authorities at his doorstep just a day after he promised support to the Sasikala faction's candidate in the RK Nagar by-poll, TTV Dinakaran. Sarathkumar also runs a political party, the Samathuva Makkal Katchi.
Photograph by A Ganesh Nadar/Rediff.com shows the scene outside Sarathkumar's residence in Chennai.
Photograph by A Ganesh Nadar/Rediff.com shows the scene outside Sarathkumar's residence in Chennai.
10:49
JUST IN: Air India has cancelled Shiv Sena MP Ravindra Gaikwad's Delhi-Mumbai & Mumbai-Delhi tickets for April 17 and 24 respectively.
Bravo, Air India, bravo.
10:42 Update: How Pranab saved Hasina from Hillary's ouster moves
So now it can be told. Of how Pranab Mukherjee saved Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina from then US secretary of state Hillary Clinton's attempts to oust her from office.
K P Nayar reports in The Telegraph, Calcutta, that Sheikh Hasina is in India officially after a seven-year gap to bid farewell to Mukherjee as he enters the twilight months of his presidency.
The President, Nayar reports, was given the honorary role of abhibhabak -- guardian -- to Bangladesh, a role entrusted to him by Indira Gandhi on June 15, 1971.
'Mukherjee mentored Hasina during a long spell when she lived in New Delhi's Pandara Road after the assassination of her father, "Bangabandhu" Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, and almost her entire family on India's Independence Day in 1975.
'But Mukherjee's protectiveness about Hasina did not end when she returned to Dhaka or even after she became Prime Minister,' informs Nayar, and that 'Mukherjee may have more recently saved Hasina from a "colour revolution" of the kind that successfully attempted regime change in countries as diverse as Ukraine, Georgia and Egypt.'
'Mukherjee, who was then finance minister in the UPA government, one day got a phone call from Clinton,' reports Nayar, and according to to multiple sources from both the Indian and American sides, 'Clinton made an impassioned plea that India should support (Grameen Bank founder Mohammed) Yunus in his bid to frustrate Hasina and her efforts to prise Grameen Bank away from its founder.'
But Mukherjee would hear none of it and asserted his faith and complete confidence in Hasina, says Nayar.
To know more of this episode, and the warmth and closeness between the Mukherjees and Hasina's family that has brought the Bangladesh prime minister to India after seven years, click here.
Image: Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina offering her condolences to President Pranab Mukherjee on the demise of his wife Suvra, in August 2015.
10:40 Markets react to Syria shelling, Sensex down 164 pts, Nifty down 49 pts
The benchmark BSE Sensex lost over 164 points to 29,763.02 in early trade today as RIL led the fall on increased selling by participants amid weak trend in other Asian markets.
The 30-share index fell 164.32 points or 0.54 per cent to 29,763.02 with sectoral indices led by healthcare, FMCG, metal, power and capital goods, were trading in the negative territory with losses up to 0.61 per cent.
The 50-share NSE Nifty also dropped by 49.35 points or 0.53 per cent to 9,212.60.
Brokers said continued selling by participants, tracking a weak trend in other Asian markets as US missile strike against Syria fuelled geopolitical concern, dampened sentiments.
10:30 Bangladesh PM Hasina embarks on four-day India visit
Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today embarked on a four-day visit to India which will see signing of at least 25 bilateral agreements including in key areas of civil nuclear cooperation and defence.
During her visit, which comes after a gap of seven years, Hasina will hold wide-ranging talks with her Indian counterpart Narendra Modi tomorrow during which India is also set to announce a line of credit of $500 million to Bangladesh for military supplies.
Hasina will also call on President Pranab Mukherjee and meet opposition leader Sonia Gandhi. She will visit Ajmer on Sunday and will meet Indian business leaders on Monday.
She will also join a function at Manekshaw Centre to honour Indian Armed Forces members who embraced martyrdom in Bangladesh's War of Liberation in 1971.
10:11 UPDATE: 3 soldiers dead after avalanches in Kashmir's Batalik
Two of the three soldiers trapped in an avalanche in Jammu and Kashmir's Batalik were found dead on Friday while the third one is still missing.
Multiple avalanches tore through Batalik sector on Thursday as the Valley reeled under unprecedented rain and snow that swelled rivers and inundated vast areas.
Two civilians are also missing after a vehicle they were travelling in skidded of the road and fell into a stream in Anantnag district. Five other passengers were rescued.
Kashmir experienced rare snowfall in April with vast areas blanketed in white due to the freak weather phenomemon.
An army spokesperson said the heavy snowfall triggered multiple avalanches, burying one post in the Batalik sector.
Two out of five trapped soldiers misisng were rescued on Thursday. Specially trained and equipped avalanche rescue teams have been deployed for the operations in the area.
Kashmir has seen devastating avalanches this year with fourteen soldiers swept away in Gurez, Bandipora and an army major in Ganderbal on January 25. Five more soldiers buried under snow on January 28 were pulled out alive in the Macchil sector of Kupwara. They, however, succumbed to their injuries two days later.
09:56 PM speaks to Mehbooba Mufti on flood situation
Prime Minister Narendra Modi today spoke to Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti and offered all possible support in dealing with the flood situation in the valley.
"Spoke to J&K CM @MehboobaMufti on the flood situation in the state. Offered all possible support from Centre in dealing with the situation," he tweeted.
Modi reached out to Mehbooba at a time when the Kashmir valley is facing a flood threat, with Jhelum being in spate.
Kashmir had witnessed unprecedented floods in 2014 when most of the residential areas, including in Srinagar, were inundated by waters up to the level of several feet.
09:31 Ahead of RK Nagar bypoll, I-T department raids Tamil Nadu minister's properties
The Income Tax department today raided properties associated with Tamil Nadu Health Minister Dr C Vijayabaskar.
Reports of the raids, which were carried out at his Greenways Road residence and other places, came out early today morning.
The raids come just days before the by-polls are held for the crucial RK Nagar seat, the constituency of the late Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa.
A top Income Tax official confirmed that that raids have taken place.
Apart from the state minister, the raids targeted a few Tamil Nadu MLAs associated with him and around a dozen pharmaceutical companies.
The raids are being carried out across Tamil Nadu with a total of 32 premises on the radar.
I-T officials believe that the health minister and others have used black money for the April 12 RK Nagar bypoll.
09:15 'Must not let Gaikwad onboard unless he tenders unconditional apology'
The All India Cabin Crew Association has backed Air India on its ban on Shiv Sena MP Ravindra Gaikwad, who assaulted a staffer of the airlines a month ago.
In a statement it said that the Sena MP is and will continue to be a risk to flight safety and that the government must think hard about letting him back on.
The AICCA said, "Must not let R Gaikwad onboard unless he tenders an unconditional apology to AI employees and undertakes in writing to abide by all norms."
On Thursday, the Sena MP finally voiced his "regret" over the "unfortunate incident in Parliament only after chaos ensued in the Lok Sabha.
His party backed him in the House saying that they would not attend the April 10 NDA meet if the ban was not lifted.
Gaikwad, who attended the proceedings for the first time since the incident when he assaulted an Air India employee and boastfully claimed on national TV about having hit him with slippers 25 times, played a victim, insisting he had only retaliated against provocation.
08:47 Trump was given three options, chose on Thursday, says US NSA
Trump's national security adviser HR McMaster also addressed reporters at Mar-a-Lago, telling them that the president was given three options for strikes against the Assad regime.
Trump told advisers to focus on two and made a decision on Thursday, according to McMaster. "It was "not a small strike," McMaster said.
He added: "Obviously, the regime will retain a capacity to commit mass murder with chemical weapons beyond this airfield.'
08:31 Russia was warned ahead of strike, confirms Pentagon
The Pentagon has released a statement after the US attack on Homs.
It reports that US forces conducted the cruise missile strike against a Syrian Air Force airfield at 4.40am Syrian time.
59 missiles were launched with targets including radars, petroleum storage and ammunition supply bunkers.
"The strike was a proportional response to Assad's heinous act.
"Shayrat Airfield was used to store chemical weapons and Syrian air forces."
US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson also added that while US officials did warn Russian forces in Syria about the strikes they did not seek approval from the Russians.
Image: The full statement from the Pentagon
08:20 What you need to know about the airbase that US struck in Syria
The Shayrat airbase had been used to store chemical weapons used by the regime until 2013, when a deal was struck with the US and Russia to remove its declared arsenal.
The airbase was used to deliver the chemical weapons dropped on Khan Sheikhun on Tuesday, but could not confirm whether any chemical weapons were still at the site.
However, the targets were chosen carefully to avoid the risk of hitting those weapons.
08:18 US secretary of state: Russia 'complicit or incompetent' over Syria chemical weapons deal
US secretary of state Rex Tillerson says Russia has failed to carry out its responsibilities under the 2013 agreement designed to rid Assad of his chemical weapons stocks.
He says Moscow was either complicit or incompetent in its handling of the deal.
07:55 Syrian state TV slams American 'aggression'
Syrian state TV reports: "American aggression targets Syrian military targets with a number of missiles."
Early this morning, US President Donald Trump launched a military strike on a Syrian government target in retaliation for their chemical weapons attack on civilians earlier in the week.
US warships launched between 50-60 Tomahawk cruise missiles at a Syrian government airbase where the warplanes that carried out the chemical attacks were based, US officials said.
"Tonight, I ordered a targeted military strike on the air field in Syria from where the chemical attack was launched," Trump said during short remarks to reporters at Mar-a-Lago. "It is in this vital national security of the United States to prevent and deter the spread and use of deadly chemical weapons."
He added: "There can be no dispute that Syria used banned chemical weapons, violated its obligations under the Chemical Weapons Convention and ignored the urging of the UN Security Council. Years of previous attempts at changing Assad's behavior have all failed and failed very dramatically."
07:35 Assad's role in future uncertain: US
"The process by which Syrian President Bashal Al Assad would leave is something that I think requires an international community effort, both to first defeat ISIS within Syria, to stabilise the Syrian country, to avoid further civil war, and then to work collectively with our partners around the world through a political process that would lead to Assad leaving," US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said.
"Assad's role in the future is uncertain, clearly. And with the acts that he has taken, it would seem that there would be no role for him to govern the Syrian people," he said indicating that Assad's days are numbered.
Tillerson said the events that have occurred in Syria along with the Tuesday's chemical weapons attack have just "horrified all". It has also brought to the front pages and totelevision screens, the tragedy, that is part of the Syrian conflict, he said.
"There is no doubt in our minds, and the information we have supports, that Syria, the Syrian regime under the leadership of President Bashar al-Assad, are responsible for this attack.
"And I think further, it is very important that the Russian government consider carefully their continued support for the Assad regime," Tillerson said.
07:18 US launches missiles against Syrian government targets
Soon after US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said Washington was "considering an appropriate response" to the chemical attack in Syria, while calling for the ouster of President Bashar al-Assad, the United States launched a missile strike against government targets in Syria.
Two US warships fired at least 50 cruise missiles at the Ash Shai'rat airfield in Homs province in western Syria, from where the US administration believes Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad fired the chemical weapons against his own people, media reports said.
Earlier, Tillerson said, "We are considering an appropriate response for this chemical weapons attack which violates all previous UN resolutions, violates international norms and long-held agreements between parties, including the Syrian regime, the Russian government, and all other members of the UN Security Council."
"It's a serious matter; it requires a serious response," he told reporters at the West Palm Beach airport in Florida on his way to Mar A-Lago to attend the US-China Summit meeting.
Russia, who has stood by Bashar, has warned of "negative consequences' if the US took military action against Syria.
"All responsibility if military action occurs will be on the shoulders of those who initiated such a doubtful tragic enterprise," Russian Ambassador Vladimir Safronkov told reporters after a closed-door Security Council meeting on Syria.
The strikes ordered by US President Donald Trump are the first military action by America against Bashar, reports CNN. In 2014 President Barack Obama ordered strikes against Syria as part of its coalition campaign against ISIS but that only targeted the terrorist group and not government forces, it said.
00:38 Legendary comedian Don Rickles dies at 90
Don Rickles, the master insult comic who created laughs with ridicule and sarcasm in a decades-long career, died on Thursday at his Los Angeles home from kidney failure, his publicist said.
He was 90.
Rickles, who said he developed his brand of humorous mockery because he was no good at telling traditional jokes, had recently postponed some performances, including a show set for May in Tulsa, Oklahoma, that was pushed back to November just this week.
His death was confirmed by his spokesman, Paul Shefrin, who said Rickles is survived by his wife of 52 years, Barbara, as well as their daughter, Mindy Mann, and two grandchildren.
He would have turned 91 next month.
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