LIVE
Mon, 02 January 2017
SC ruling "clashes" with Hindutva verdict, says Owaisi
Timeline Refresh
23:50 SC ruling "clashes" with Hindutva verdict, says Owaisi
The Supreme Court's ruling, which says seeking votes in the name of "religion" amounts to "corrupt practice", "clashes" with the Hindutva as "a way of life" verdict delivered by Justice J S Verma, All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen chief Asaduddin Owaisi said on Monday.
In a majority verdict, the Supreme Court held that any appeal for votes on the ground of "religion, race, caste, community or language" amounted to "corrupt practice" under the election laws.
"Justice J S Verma, in the Manohar Joshi case, defined Hindutva as a way of life in 1995. This point has not been considered here and as such parties contesting polls on Hindutva plank can take a stand that they are seeking votes on the basis of (concept of) way of life and not on religion," Owaisi told reporters in Maharashtra's Aurangabad when asked to react on the verdict.
"The Supreme Court has added a few things under Section 123 of The Representation of People Act but this judgement may clash with the Hindutva verdict as saffron parties can contend they are not seeking votes on the basis of religion," said the Lok Sabha MP from Hyderabad.
The AIMIM leader, however, clarified he had not yet gone through the entire apex court judgement.
Replying to a question, Owaisi said he is not disappointed by the judgement but was expecting the bench to review Justice Verma's verdict.
To another query, the 47-year-old MP said, "Ours is a participatory form of democracy and it is seen that minority representation is not sufficient. For 14 per cent Muslims, there are only 23 MPs whereas the number should be 60."
"Representation should be given to minorities at all levels, including local bodies, Assembly and Parliament," said Owaisi.
22:53 Only 'black money' of housewives unearthed: Sena mocks note ban
A Shiv Sena leader and a member of Devendra Fadnavis-led ministry in Maharashtra on Monday ridiculed demonetisation, saying the exercise only helped unearth `black money' of housewives.
"The common man is bearing the brunt of demonetisation. Fifty days after the decision there is no respite for common man. It was said that black money will be unearthed. Where has that happened?
"Only the black money that housewives hid away from their husbands came out," minister of state and Sena leader Gulabrao Patil said in a sarcastic tone, speaking at Jalgaon.
"Farmers, labourers and common people were affected by demonetisation. Only these people were seen in the queues in front of banks," Patil said.
"Farmers would have benefited had those with black money been allowed to deposit it in their (farmers') bank accounts," Patil said.
Shiv Sena, though a ruling alliance partner, has been consistently attacking the Narendra Modi government over demonetisation.
22:20 'Pak's attack of India on Masood shows its support to terror'
Pakistan's statement criticising India's bid to get Pathankot attack mastermind Masood Azhar designated as global terrorist by the UN reflected Islamabad's "tacit support" to terror networks and its uneasiness in talking about it, official sources said today.
Referring to Pakistan's comment calling India's move as "politically motivated" and "replete with frivolous information", they said the establishment was even scared of taking the name of Masood in its statement.
"They are even scared of taking Azhar's name," the sources said, referring to the kind of support terror outfits including JeM get from the Pakistani establishment.
Talking about India's move against the JeM chief, Pakistan Foreign Office spokesperson Nafees Zakaria in his statement did not take name of Azhar.
Pakistan's criticism of India on the issue came two days after its close ally China blocked New Delhi's proposal to get Azhar listed as a global terrorist.
22:13 BHIM downloaded 3 mn times, top app in India: Niti Aayog CEO
Indigenous digital payments app BHIM has been downloaded 3 million times and enabled over 5 lakh transactions since its launch, Niti Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant said today.
"Bhim App - 3 million download since launch, No 1 on Playstore in India amongst all apps, over 500,000 transactions since launch. #MakeinIndia," Kant said in a tweet.
In a bid to further push adoption of e-payments in the country, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on December 30 launched the BHIM app that will enable fast and secure cashless transactions using mobile phones.
Named after the architect of the Indian Constitution, Babasaheb Bhim Rao Ambedkar, the Bharat Interface for Money (BHIM) is a simplified payment platform designed to make Unified Payment Interface (UPI) and USSD payment modes simpler and usable across feature phones and smart phones.
Developed by National Payment Corporation of India (NPCI), BHIM is supported by host of banks, including State Bank of India, ICICI Bank, Axis Bank, HDFC Bank, Bank of India, Canara Bank, Kotak Mahindra Bank, Oriental Bank of Commerce and Punjab National Bank, among others.
The app, which can be downloaded from Google Playstore, is currently available in Hindi and English, and support for more languages is expected soon.
21:27 PM's rally 'flop', people didn't accept Modi as 'UP-walla': Mayawati
Describing Prime Minister Narendra Modi's mahaparivartan rally in Lucknow as a "flop show", BSP chief Mayawati today claimed that despite all out efforts, the gathering did not accept Modi as a "UP-walla".
"The mahaparivartan rally of the prime minister was a total flop show as it was a mere congregation of ticket-seekers and a hired crowd," she said in a press release.
"Despite BJP national president Amit Shah repeatedly asking the people at the rally, they remained silent and did not appear ready to accept that Modi (who represents the state in Lok Sabha) is from Uttar Pradesh," Mayawati claimed.
Reacting to the prime minister's remark at the rally that the recent BHIM mobile app launched by the government was in commemoration of Bhimrao Ambedkar, she alleged that it was aimed at "misguiding the Dalits".
"The Bharat Interface for Money app is being propagated as 'BHIM'. Had his (Modi's) intentions been really good, it could have clearly been named after Baba Saheb," the BSP chief added.
She also took a dig at the Modi government for the "new year gift" to the people of raising petrol and diesel prices.
20:48
More than 50 killed in Brazil prison riot in Amazon region: news agency AFP quotes media reports.
20:32 Premier Badminton League: Marin beats Saina
Carolina Marin of Hyderabad Hunters beats Saina Nehwal of Awadh Warriors 15-14, 11-5 to draw level.
19:56 Prepared for a two-front war: Army chief
Army chief General Bipin Rawat on Monday said his force is prepared for a two-front war involving Pakistan and China simultaneously but emphasised on the need to look at cooperation and not confrontation with Beijing.
His remarks came days after Beijing raised eyebrows over India testing 5000 km-range Agni 5 missile which has entire China within its reach.
"As far as armed forces are concerned, we are tasked to be prepared for a two-front war and I think we are capable of carrying out our task in whatever manner that we may be asked to do by the political hierarchy," Gen Rawat told NewsX channel.
General Rawat said as far as the northern border is concerned, army has adopted certain mechanism to ensure that a harmonious relationship is maintained along the Line of Actual Control.
He said that today four border personnel meetings took place at the LAC.
"This is to ensure that while we may be competing with each other for space, economic development, prosperity, there are also areas of cooperation. And I think that should be our focus area. Rather than looking at confrontation, we need to look at cooperation with China," he said.
19:29 Obama to deliver farewell address in Chicago on Jan 10
US President Barack Obama on Monday said that he will deliver his farewell address to the nation on January 10 from his home city of Chicago, thanking the American people for the "amazing journey" he had during the last eight years.
"I'm thinking about them as a chance to say thank you for this amazing journey, to celebrate the ways you've changed this country for the better these past eight years, and to offer some thoughts on where we all go from Washington," Obama said in a statement.
Obama, 55, said he was following the precedent set by George Washington, who penned a farewell address to the American people over 220 years ago, the CNN reported.
George W Bush also delivered a farewell address in 2009 from the White House.
"Since 2009, we've faced our fair share of challenges, and come through them stronger," Obama said.
"That's because we have never let go of a belief that has guided us ever since our founding -- our conviction that, together, we can change this country for the better."
19:06
ICICI Bank reduces benchmark lending rate by 0.7 pc across tenures.
18:26 Bank union seeks overtime for extra work due to demonetisation
Days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised bank employees for the hard work done during the demonetisation period, a bank union has demanded overtime for the extra hours put in by staff during the 50-day window that ended on December 30.
National Organisation of Bank Workers, an affiliate of Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh, in a letter to the prime minister said, "Bank employees have worked 12 to 18 hours a day during the last 50 days. Only few banks have considered overtime for extra working. Kindly advise the management to consider the overtime for beyond working hours worked by bank employees."
It also called for stepping up recruitment activities and said that banks are understaff for implementing all schemes.
NOBW vice president Ashwani Rana also pitched for decent salary hike in the wage revision due in November this year.
"Wage revision of bank employees is due in November 2017. Your government has already advised IBA to implement it on due date. We wish to bring to your kind notice that bank employees are far behind government employees in salary structure. Kindly give a good rise to bank employees and bring them at par with government employees," it said.
In his address to the nation, Prime Minister Modi had said "during this period, bank employees have worked day and night. Female employees too worked till late hours as part of this mission".
17:39 Istanbul police detain 8 suspects over nightclub terror attack
Istanbul anti-terror police on Monday detained eight people suspected of links to the New Year gun attack on a nightclub in the Turkish city that left 39 dead and was claimed by Islamic State jihadists, AFP quoted a report.
The Dogan news agency said police were pressing on with operations after making the first arrests over the attack.
The suspected gunman is still believed to be on the run.
17:12 Nandita Das splits with husband Subodh Maskara after 7 years
Actress Nandita Das and her entrepreneur-turned-actor husband Subodh Maskara have decided to part ways after seven years of marriage.
Nandita and Subodh have a six-year-old son, Vihaan.
"After seven years of marriage Subodh and I have decided to separate amicably. Our son is our foremost priority... It is true that separation is never easy, more so if you have a child. But I am glad that ours is very amicable.
"For us, our son is our main concern and we are committed to ensuring his well being, and I hope that our privacy will be respected at this time," Nandita said in a statement to PTI.
Nandita's first marriage was with Saumya Sen in 2002. They got divorced in 2007. The actress tied the knot with Subodh in 2010.
16:46 Consumer can choose NOT to pay service charge: Govt
The Department of Consumer Affairs on Monday said that it is optional on restaurants to add service charges in addition to taxes in the bill and the consumer has discretion to pay service charge or not.
This is the full statement:
"A number of complaints from consumers have been received that hotels and restaurants are following the practice of charging service charge in the range of 5-20%, in lieu of tips, which a consumer is forced to pay irrespective of the kind of service provided to him.
"The Consumer Protection Act, 1986 provides that a trade practice which, for the purpose of promoting the sale, use or the supply of any goods or for the provision of any service, adopts any unfair method or deceptive practice, is to be treated as an unfair trade practice and that a consumer can make a complaint to the appropriate consumer forum established under the Act against such unfair trade practices.
"In this context, the department of Consumer Affairs, Central Government has called for clarification from the Hotel Association of India, which have replied that the service charge is completely discretionary and should a customer be dissatisfied with the dining experience he/she can have it waived off. Therefore, it is deemed to be accepted voluntarily."
Service charge is collected by the restaurant for rendering its service to you. It is not a tax and is not levied by the government but purely charged by the restaurants. They are free to charge any amount as there are no guidelines, but it usually varies from 4 to 10 percent
This is the full statement:
"A number of complaints from consumers have been received that hotels and restaurants are following the practice of charging service charge in the range of 5-20%, in lieu of tips, which a consumer is forced to pay irrespective of the kind of service provided to him.
"The Consumer Protection Act, 1986 provides that a trade practice which, for the purpose of promoting the sale, use or the supply of any goods or for the provision of any service, adopts any unfair method or deceptive practice, is to be treated as an unfair trade practice and that a consumer can make a complaint to the appropriate consumer forum established under the Act against such unfair trade practices.
"In this context, the department of Consumer Affairs, Central Government has called for clarification from the Hotel Association of India, which have replied that the service charge is completely discretionary and should a customer be dissatisfied with the dining experience he/she can have it waived off. Therefore, it is deemed to be accepted voluntarily."
Service charge is collected by the restaurant for rendering its service to you. It is not a tax and is not levied by the government but purely charged by the restaurants. They are free to charge any amount as there are no guidelines, but it usually varies from 4 to 10 percent
16:39 Service charge by eateries not mandatory
Just in: The government has ruled that service charge by eateries is optional. The government says it is on the consumer's discretion whether he wants to pay the service charge or not. Details awaited.
16:37 Team Mulayam at EC office to claim party symbol
SP chief Mulayam Singh Yadav accompanied by Amar Singh, Shivpal Singh Yadav and Jaya Prada leaves his residence to visit the Election Commission.
Both the Mulayam Singh Yadav and the Akhilesh Yadav faction will approach the Election Commission and put forward their arguments following which the EC may decide in favour of either of the sides on who gets to use the party symbol -- the bicycle.
The decision will be taken after considering the party constitution and current scenario. So far, Akhilesh has managed to garner support from majority of party MLA/MLCs and leaders.
Both the Mulayam Singh Yadav and the Akhilesh Yadav faction will approach the Election Commission and put forward their arguments following which the EC may decide in favour of either of the sides on who gets to use the party symbol -- the bicycle.
The decision will be taken after considering the party constitution and current scenario. So far, Akhilesh has managed to garner support from majority of party MLA/MLCs and leaders.
16:33 J-K opposition parties insulted the national anthem :BJP
The BJP has alleged that opposition party members "insulted the national anthem" while disrupting house proceedings on the first day of the Jammu and Kashmir assembly's budget session.
BJP leader Ravinder Raina demanded an apology from National Conference, Congress and Governor for allegedly insulting the national anthem in J and K Assembly.
"NC and Congress created ruckus in the Assembly even when national anthem was played. The Governor also walked away, it's a grave insult to the nation," Raina said.
The J&K Assembly witnessed unruly scenes as National Conference and Congress members created uproar even as national anthem was being played in the House.
The opposition parties were protesting against the BJP-PDP government in J and K.Unhappy with the Opposition members' behaviour, Governor Narinder Nath Vohra cut short his speech amid pandemonium in House and left the Assembly.
Governor N N Vohra was scheduled to address the joint sitting but was interrupted by members of the opposition parties, who stood up shouting slogans against the PDP-BJP government for the continued unrest in the state.
BJP leader Ravinder Raina demanded an apology from National Conference, Congress and Governor for allegedly insulting the national anthem in J and K Assembly.
"NC and Congress created ruckus in the Assembly even when national anthem was played. The Governor also walked away, it's a grave insult to the nation," Raina said.
The J&K Assembly witnessed unruly scenes as National Conference and Congress members created uproar even as national anthem was being played in the House.
The opposition parties were protesting against the BJP-PDP government in J and K.Unhappy with the Opposition members' behaviour, Governor Narinder Nath Vohra cut short his speech amid pandemonium in House and left the Assembly.
Governor N N Vohra was scheduled to address the joint sitting but was interrupted by members of the opposition parties, who stood up shouting slogans against the PDP-BJP government for the continued unrest in the state.
16:25 Indian cricket will do well under retired judges, mocks Thakur
Anurag Thakur, who was today sacked as BCCI president for obstructing Lodha panel reforms, took a subtle dig at the Supreme Court's order saying that if the apex court feels the cricketing body will do well under the guidance of retired judges, "I wish them all the best".
Thakur and BCCI Secretary Ajay Shirke were shown the door by the country's top court after the body failed to comply with a July 18, 2015 verdict making the Lodha recommendations mandatory.
However, Thakur insisted that BCCI remains the best run sports body in India. "For me it was not a personal battle, it was a battle for the autonomy of the sports body. I respect Supreme Court as any citizen should. If Supreme Court judges feel that BCCI could do better under retired judges, I wish them all the best. I am sure Indian cricket will do well under their guidance," said Thakur in a subtle dig.
He reacted to the Supreme Court order by putting up a video clip on social media. "My commitment to the best of Indian cricket and autonomy of sports will always remain," he said.
Thakur and BCCI Secretary Ajay Shirke were shown the door by the country's top court after the body failed to comply with a July 18, 2015 verdict making the Lodha recommendations mandatory.
However, Thakur insisted that BCCI remains the best run sports body in India. "For me it was not a personal battle, it was a battle for the autonomy of the sports body. I respect Supreme Court as any citizen should. If Supreme Court judges feel that BCCI could do better under retired judges, I wish them all the best. I am sure Indian cricket will do well under their guidance," said Thakur in a subtle dig.
He reacted to the Supreme Court order by putting up a video clip on social media. "My commitment to the best of Indian cricket and autonomy of sports will always remain," he said.
16:16 K'taka HM calls Bengaluru's mass molestation horror 'just an incident'
Karnataka home minister reacts to the reports of women being molested and insulted New Year's eve. "Bengaluru is a safe city, this is just an incident on new year. We need to understand the culture of celebration and how to do it. But we cannot have 10,000 policemen deployed on the streets, there were 1500 on the streets anyway.
Bengaluru moved into 2017 with horrific incidents of molestation marring its New Years eve celebrations. According to a Bangalore Mirror report, the citys most bustling areas of MG Road and Brigade road saw thousands of men mobbing the revellers, and groping and trash talking the women in the streets on Saturday night even as a large number of policemen were deployed in the area.
Bengaluru moved into 2017 with horrific incidents of molestation marring its New Years eve celebrations. According to a Bangalore Mirror report, the citys most bustling areas of MG Road and Brigade road saw thousands of men mobbing the revellers, and groping and trash talking the women in the streets on Saturday night even as a large number of policemen were deployed in the area.
15:27 What Nutmeg Can Tell Us About Nafta
If you haven't picked up an Amitav Ghosh book yet, do read this essay and discover why he is one of our greatest writers...
"For many years the word "globalization" was used as shorthand for a promised utopia of free trade powered by the world's great centers of technological and financial innovation. But the celebratory note has worn thin. The word is now increasingly invoked to explain a widespread recoiling from a cosmopolitan earth. People in many countries are looking nostalgically backward, toward less connected, supposedly more secure times."
Read the full essay on the NYT here.
"For many years the word "globalization" was used as shorthand for a promised utopia of free trade powered by the world's great centers of technological and financial innovation. But the celebratory note has worn thin. The word is now increasingly invoked to explain a widespread recoiling from a cosmopolitan earth. People in many countries are looking nostalgically backward, toward less connected, supposedly more secure times."
Read the full essay on the NYT here.
15:16 Vote for development, not caste, says PM in mammoth UP rally
That's the picture of the mammoth crowd at the PM's Parivartan rally in Lucknow.
Highlights of the PM's speech...
-- SP and BSP have joined hands seeking my removal as I work to eradicate black money.
-- People should rise above caste and vote for development of UP.
-- Despite full support from the Centre, UP govt has no time to purchase paddy from farmers.
-- Vote for growth, not caste.
-- Hurts me to see people suffer due to the UP government.
-- Change is imperative in UP.
-- We have named the digital payments app BHIM after BR Ambedkar.
-- Will politics stoop so low? Why were some people troubled when we launched a mobile app after Bhimrao Ambedkar?
-- We will end gundagardi in UP.
Highlights of the PM's speech...
-- SP and BSP have joined hands seeking my removal as I work to eradicate black money.
-- People should rise above caste and vote for development of UP.
-- Despite full support from the Centre, UP govt has no time to purchase paddy from farmers.
-- Vote for growth, not caste.
-- Hurts me to see people suffer due to the UP government.
-- Change is imperative in UP.
-- We have named the digital payments app BHIM after BR Ambedkar.
-- Will politics stoop so low? Why were some people troubled when we launched a mobile app after Bhimrao Ambedkar?
-- We will end gundagardi in UP.
15:07
Prashant Jha @prashantktm Amit Shah's more pointed attacks on Akhilesh in the Lucknow rally means BJP sees him as the major threat-maybe even main adversary.
14:51 UP's fortune must change if India's fortune has to change: PM in Lucknow
PM Narendra Modi addressing the 'Parivartan rally' in
Lucknow. This is the PM's first rally in the new year. The
rally will be held at the Ramabai Ambedkar grounds and the turnout is massive. Highlights of the PM's speech...
-- This is the biggest rally in my career.
-- Crowds at the rally symbolic of winds of change.
-- I am in politics for many years addressed a bigger rally.
-- Progress has been exiled from UP, it's not just the BJP's exile. After 14 years UP is seeing the opportunity to develop.
-- UP has made me an MP. UP has helped me. After 30 years UP has helped give the government a complete majority.
-- We want India to progress. We want illness, poverty, illiteracy to end. These dreams cant be realised till these problems leave UP. So to change the future of India, we need to change the fate of UP.
-- This is the biggest rally in my career.
-- Crowds at the rally symbolic of winds of change.
-- I am in politics for many years addressed a bigger rally.
-- Progress has been exiled from UP, it's not just the BJP's exile. After 14 years UP is seeing the opportunity to develop.
-- UP has made me an MP. UP has helped me. After 30 years UP has helped give the government a complete majority.
-- We want India to progress. We want illness, poverty, illiteracy to end. These dreams cant be realised till these problems leave UP. So to change the future of India, we need to change the fate of UP.
14:43 ISIS claims responsibility for Istanbul nightclub attack
Islamic State (IS) on Monday claimed responsibility for the terror attack in Istanbul nighclub attack on Sunday in which 39 people, including 2 Indians, were killed.
A gunman dressed as Santa Claus opened fire inside at a nightclub in Istanbul, Turkey on Sunday during new year's celebrations. The two Indians who lost their lives were identified as Abis Rizvi and Khushi Shah. Rizvi was the son of former Rajya Sabha MP Akhtar Hassan Rizvi, and Shah hails from Gujarat.
A gunman dressed as Santa Claus opened fire inside at a nightclub in Istanbul, Turkey on Sunday during new year's celebrations. The two Indians who lost their lives were identified as Abis Rizvi and Khushi Shah. Rizvi was the son of former Rajya Sabha MP Akhtar Hassan Rizvi, and Shah hails from Gujarat.
14:37 The other Modis
Meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi's extended family that lives in quiet obscurity, far removed from the circles of power and influence. Read more
14:33
Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa pays homage at Amar Jawan Jyoti, India Gate, today.
On Saturday, the last day of 2016, General Bipin Rawat took over as the 27th Chief of Army Staff, while General Dhanoa took over as Air chief.
On Saturday, the last day of 2016, General Bipin Rawat took over as the 27th Chief of Army Staff, while General Dhanoa took over as Air chief.
14:27
SP leaders Jaya Prada and Amar Singh meet Mulayam Singh Yadav at his Delhi residence.
14:22 Modi to address his 1st rally in 2017 in Lucknow
Uttar Pradesh: PM Narendra Modi will address the 'Parivartan rally' in Lucknow in a bit. This is the PM's first rally in the new year.
The rally will be held at the Ramabai Ambedkar grounds and the BJP reportedly hopes to see a turnout of over 10 lakh people -- double the capacity of the 80 acre ground.
The party has arranged for over 15,000 buses to help supporters attend the rally. The mega rally of sorts comes at a time when the ruling Samajwadi Party is in a state of chaos with infighting among its top leadership.
The Yadav family drama has seen Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav take over the party presidentship from his father and party supremo Mulayam Singh Yadav at a national executive meeting held on Sunday. Mulayam, of course, has termed the meeting unconstitutional.
The rally will be held at the Ramabai Ambedkar grounds and the BJP reportedly hopes to see a turnout of over 10 lakh people -- double the capacity of the 80 acre ground.
The party has arranged for over 15,000 buses to help supporters attend the rally. The mega rally of sorts comes at a time when the ruling Samajwadi Party is in a state of chaos with infighting among its top leadership.
The Yadav family drama has seen Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav take over the party presidentship from his father and party supremo Mulayam Singh Yadav at a national executive meeting held on Sunday. Mulayam, of course, has termed the meeting unconstitutional.
14:18 Agni-IV successfully test-fired from Odisha coast today
The 4000-km range nuclear weapons-capable strategic missile, Agni-IV has been successfully test fired from APJ Abdul Kalam island, 50 km away from Odisha's Chandipur.
The Agni-IV test is aimed at revalidating new technologies incorporated in its system and checking the readiness of armed forces to launch the missile on its own.
Agni-IV is a two-stage, surface-to-surface missile that is 20 metres long and weighs 17 tonnes.It can carry a one-tonne nuclear warhead over a distance of 4,000 kilometre.Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) designed and developed AGNI-IV, is the sixth test of the missile and second user associate launch from the Wheeler Island.On December 26, India had successfully launched its longest range Agni-V missile which drew attention of many nations including China
The Agni-IV test is aimed at revalidating new technologies incorporated in its system and checking the readiness of armed forces to launch the missile on its own.
Agni-IV is a two-stage, surface-to-surface missile that is 20 metres long and weighs 17 tonnes.It can carry a one-tonne nuclear warhead over a distance of 4,000 kilometre.Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) designed and developed AGNI-IV, is the sixth test of the missile and second user associate launch from the Wheeler Island.On December 26, India had successfully launched its longest range Agni-V missile which drew attention of many nations including China
13:51 Will implement Lodha Reforms right away: BCCI
Rattled after the Supreme Court removed both the BCCI President and Secretary, the Board's senior vice President Gokaraju Ganga Raju today made it clear that his association Andhra CA will implement Lodha Reforms with immediate effect.
"There is no confusion as Supreme Court has passed it's verdict. As the president of Andhra Cricket Association we would implement Lodha Reforms in totality with immediate effect. If it means that we have to go into cooling off period, so be it. Indian cricket should move forward," Ganga Raju told PTI today.
There is speculation that he might be in line for interim president's post after Supreme Court removed Anurag Thakur today but he does not want to get into it.
"There is no confusion as Supreme Court has passed it's verdict. As the president of Andhra Cricket Association we would implement Lodha Reforms in totality with immediate effect. If it means that we have to go into cooling off period, so be it. Indian cricket should move forward," Ganga Raju told PTI today.
There is speculation that he might be in line for interim president's post after Supreme Court removed Anurag Thakur today but he does not want to get into it.
13:47 No proof required: PLUs deafened by the Big Bang
Make no mistake -- demonetisation is an important first step in what will be remembered as India's biggest reform. Read more
13:45 New Years eve in Bengaluru witnesses mass molestation of women in police presence
Bengaluru moved into 2017 with horrific incidents of molestation marring its New Year's eve celebrations. According to a Bangalore Mirror report, the city's most bustling areas of MG Road and Brigade road saw thousands of men mobbing the revellers, and groping and trash talking the women in the streets on Saturday night even as a large number of policemen were deployed in the area. Read more
13:18 India test fires Agni 4 nuke missile
India test-fires nuclear-capable strategic ballistic missile Agni-IV from test range off Odisha coast.
Also read: China's and India's nuclear doctrines mandate 'No First Use' of nuclear weapons, so use against each other seems unlikely. Ajai Shukla reports from Hyderabad on how Agni-5 was built. Read
Also read: A lighter Agni-5 could be world's most cost-effective ICBM
Also read: China's and India's nuclear doctrines mandate 'No First Use' of nuclear weapons, so use against each other seems unlikely. Ajai Shukla reports from Hyderabad on how Agni-5 was built. Read
Also read: A lighter Agni-5 could be world's most cost-effective ICBM
13:16 I am fine with it, says Shirke on sacking after SC order
Sacked BCCI secretary Ajay Shirke today said he is "absolutely fine" with the Supreme Court order asking him to leave office but hoped that the Board does not lose its international standing owing to the administrative upheaval in New Delhi.
"I have no reaction to that (to his sacking). If that is the Supreme Court order, I cease to be secretary. It cannot get any simpler than that. My role in BCCI is over," said Shirke shortly after Supreme Court removed him and president Anurag Thakur as the office-bearers of the BCCI. The two faced the wrath of the Supreme Court after BCCI failed to implement the Lodha panel reforms under their leadership.
"I have no reaction to that (to his sacking). If that is the Supreme Court order, I cease to be secretary. It cannot get any simpler than that. My role in BCCI is over," said Shirke shortly after Supreme Court removed him and president Anurag Thakur as the office-bearers of the BCCI. The two faced the wrath of the Supreme Court after BCCI failed to implement the Lodha panel reforms under their leadership.
13:15 WSJ editor says newspaper won't call Trump's Lies 'Lies'
Wall Street Journal Editor-in-Chief Gerard Baker said his newspaper would not refer to false statements from the Trump administration as "lies,' because doing so would ascribe a "moral intent" to the statements.
Baker appeared on NBC's "Meet The Press' Sunday, where he described some of President-elect Donald Trump's falsehoods as "questionable" and "challengeable." But, he said, "I'd be careful about using the word 'lie.' 'Lie' implies much more than just saying something that's false. It implies a deliberate intent to mislead." Read more
Baker appeared on NBC's "Meet The Press' Sunday, where he described some of President-elect Donald Trump's falsehoods as "questionable" and "challengeable." But, he said, "I'd be careful about using the word 'lie.' 'Lie' implies much more than just saying something that's false. It implies a deliberate intent to mislead." Read more
13:03 Turkey sees IS link to Istanbul attack: report
Turkish authorities believe the attacker who killed 39 people, including two Indians, at an Istanbul nightclub over the New Year is linked to Islamic State (IS) jihadists and may be from Central Asia, the Hurriyet daily said. Hurriyet said Turkish police and intelligence had received information over the risk of a New Year's attack by IS in several Turkish cities and had carried out raids and arrests throughout December in response. Without citing sources, it said that the attacker -- who is still on the run -- is believed to be linked to IS and may have been from Kyrgyzstan or Uzbekistan.
12:45 In open letter, AIADMK asks Chinnamma to become CM
Days after VK Sasikala took charge as AIADMK's General Secretary, the party now want her to take over as Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu.
In a letter issued to the media by the AIADMK party office, Lok Sabha Deputy Speaker and AIADMK Propaganda Secretary M Thambidurai wrote, "When the country is going to face Parliamentary election in two years, our Party AIADMK has to function very effectively to get the wholehearted support of the people, and to continue to win the election, as was done by Puratchi Thalaivar and Puratchi Thalaivi, I emphatically request that Respected Chinnamma has to immediately take over the leadership of the Government, as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu."
His appeal for her to take charge as CM follows her emotional speech to the AIADMK members on Saturday.
Thambidurai states, "Respected Chinnamma has the intelligence, capacity and love for the people, love for the Party workers and care for the Party cadres, as Puratchi Thalaivi Hon'ble Amma had; and it is my strong belief that it is very important that Respected Chinnamma has to shoulder the responsibility of the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, to take forward the Party and to carry on the governance of Tamil Nadu, for the welfare of the people of Tamil Nadu."
This isn't the first time senior AIADMK leaders have appealed to Chinnamma to take charge as CM. Revenue Minister Udayakumar had made a similar request a few days ago, and was reiterated by AIADMK spokesperson Ponnaiyan, who argued that in Dravidian parties it was natural for the leader of the party to also hold the reins of the government.
In a letter issued to the media by the AIADMK party office, Lok Sabha Deputy Speaker and AIADMK Propaganda Secretary M Thambidurai wrote, "When the country is going to face Parliamentary election in two years, our Party AIADMK has to function very effectively to get the wholehearted support of the people, and to continue to win the election, as was done by Puratchi Thalaivar and Puratchi Thalaivi, I emphatically request that Respected Chinnamma has to immediately take over the leadership of the Government, as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu."
His appeal for her to take charge as CM follows her emotional speech to the AIADMK members on Saturday.
Thambidurai states, "Respected Chinnamma has the intelligence, capacity and love for the people, love for the Party workers and care for the Party cadres, as Puratchi Thalaivi Hon'ble Amma had; and it is my strong belief that it is very important that Respected Chinnamma has to shoulder the responsibility of the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, to take forward the Party and to carry on the governance of Tamil Nadu, for the welfare of the people of Tamil Nadu."
This isn't the first time senior AIADMK leaders have appealed to Chinnamma to take charge as CM. Revenue Minister Udayakumar had made a similar request a few days ago, and was reiterated by AIADMK spokesperson Ponnaiyan, who argued that in Dravidian parties it was natural for the leader of the party to also hold the reins of the government.
12:17 Ready to be a khalnayak for Mulayam, says Amar Singh
Amar Singh who was expelled from the party by the Akhilesh camp, is also in Delhi to fine tune the strategy to ensure that the symbol remains with Mulayam ahead of assembly polls in the state likely to be announced any day now.
Talking to reporters after returning from London, Amar said, "I was and will remain with Mulayam Singh Yadav. I was a hero. But I am now ready to become a khalnayak (villain) for him." Asked about his expulsion from the party by the Akhilesh camp, Amar said he will feel "hurt" only if Mulayam says anything against him. "Once Mulayam Singh Yadav said that Amar Singh is not in our 'dal' (party) but in our 'dil' (heart). If Mulayam Singh Yadav expels me from his 'dil' then it will be regretful. There is no importance of party for me," Amar said.
Taking a dig at some leaders, he said, "I never demanded Rajya Sabha seat from the party unlike other leaders who, with folded hands, pleaded for a berth in Rajya Sabha".
Amar Singh, Shivpal Yadav along with Mulayam and a few other leaders,
will meet in the afternoon before approaching the Election Commission to ensure the symbol remains with Mulayam and is neither frozen or given to the Akhilesh camp.
Talking to reporters after returning from London, Amar said, "I was and will remain with Mulayam Singh Yadav. I was a hero. But I am now ready to become a khalnayak (villain) for him." Asked about his expulsion from the party by the Akhilesh camp, Amar said he will feel "hurt" only if Mulayam says anything against him. "Once Mulayam Singh Yadav said that Amar Singh is not in our 'dal' (party) but in our 'dil' (heart). If Mulayam Singh Yadav expels me from his 'dil' then it will be regretful. There is no importance of party for me," Amar said.
Taking a dig at some leaders, he said, "I never demanded Rajya Sabha seat from the party unlike other leaders who, with folded hands, pleaded for a berth in Rajya Sabha".
Amar Singh, Shivpal Yadav along with Mulayam and a few other leaders,
will meet in the afternoon before approaching the Election Commission to ensure the symbol remains with Mulayam and is neither frozen or given to the Akhilesh camp.
11:52
Gopal Subramanium and Fali Nariman to suggest names for an interim BCCI committee.
11:52 SC sacks Anurag Thakur as BCCI president
Just in: The Supreme Court removes BCCI president Anurag Thakur and secretary Ajay Shirke from their posts. Supreme Court issues contempt notice to Anurag Thakur.
The Supreme Court is pronouncing its crucial order in the Board of Control for Cricket in India vs Lodha Committee matter. Apart from the larger issue of the reconstitution of the board of the BCCI, the future of BCCI president Anurag Thakur is being decided. The apex court had slammed him on his conflicting affidavit before the Supreme Court and warned him of being booked for perjury.
The SC says as per tje July 18, 2016 order, these (Anurag Thakur & Ajay Shirke) two officials did not comply with its order and thereby are being removed. SC says that the BCCI and state board officials failed to implement its orders to bring transparency and accountability in the cricket body.
The SC sets up a committee mandated with the task to implement Lodha panel reforms. All office bearers of BCCI and state associations who
refuse to abide by recommendations of Lodha panel shall demit
office forthwith. All office bearers of BCCI and state associations to give
an undertaking to abide by recommendations of Lodha Committee. Senior-most Vice President of BCCI will act as President and Joint Secy will act as Secy. SC requests senior advocate Fali Nariman and Gopal
Subramaniam to assist in nominating persons of impeccable integrity as members of committee of administrators.
The Supreme Court is pronouncing its crucial order in the Board of Control for Cricket in India vs Lodha Committee matter. Apart from the larger issue of the reconstitution of the board of the BCCI, the future of BCCI president Anurag Thakur is being decided. The apex court had slammed him on his conflicting affidavit before the Supreme Court and warned him of being booked for perjury.
The SC says as per tje July 18, 2016 order, these (Anurag Thakur & Ajay Shirke) two officials did not comply with its order and thereby are being removed. SC says that the BCCI and state board officials failed to implement its orders to bring transparency and accountability in the cricket body.
The SC sets up a committee mandated with the task to implement Lodha panel reforms. All office bearers of BCCI and state associations who
refuse to abide by recommendations of Lodha panel shall demit
office forthwith. All office bearers of BCCI and state associations to give
an undertaking to abide by recommendations of Lodha Committee. Senior-most Vice President of BCCI will act as President and Joint Secy will act as Secy. SC requests senior advocate Fali Nariman and Gopal
Subramaniam to assist in nominating persons of impeccable integrity as members of committee of administrators.
11:44 Yadav battle moves to Delhi: Mulayam stakes claim to cycle
Shivpal Yadav at Mulayam Singh Yadav's house in New Delhi, says that Mulayam Singh is the SP national president even now and will continue to be. "I will be with netaji till I die," he said.
The Yadav battle moves to Delhi today where the Samajwadi Party factions led by father Mulayam Singh and son Akhilesh will stake claim to the party symbol, the "cycle." Mulayam Singh Yadav, who founded the party 25 years ago, said this morning that the "Samajwadi Party's election symbol is my signature."
He has cancelled a party meeting he had called on Thursday, January 5, and has asked party candidates to head to their constituencies and prepare for the assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh, to be announced any day this week.
The meeting was likely to have been poorly attended with most party workers supporting his son and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav.
The Yadav battle moves to Delhi today where the Samajwadi Party factions led by father Mulayam Singh and son Akhilesh will stake claim to the party symbol, the "cycle." Mulayam Singh Yadav, who founded the party 25 years ago, said this morning that the "Samajwadi Party's election symbol is my signature."
He has cancelled a party meeting he had called on Thursday, January 5, and has asked party candidates to head to their constituencies and prepare for the assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh, to be announced any day this week.
The meeting was likely to have been poorly attended with most party workers supporting his son and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav.
11:23 Seeking votes in the name of religion banned: SC
Just in: In a landmark ruling the Supreme Court on Monday said that political parties cannot seek votes in the name of religion. The apex court said, "No politician can seek votes in the name of caste, creed, or religion. And politicians cannot appeal to religion during the electoral process. The court said any appeal for votes on the ground of religion amounts to corrupt practices under electoral laws.
The court bans mixing religion with politics and said election is a secular process, and religion has no role in it.
The SC was hearing several petitions in the Hindutva case.
According to section 123 (3) of the People's Representation Act of 1951, no candidate or his agent can appeal for votes on the grounds of religion, race, caste, community or language.
The case reached the apex court after there were claims that several elected candidates in the 1992 Maharashtra assembly polls had appealed to voters on religious grounds. Similar cases were brought before the apex court in 1996. However, that bench decided to refer the case to a larger bench. However, the five-judge bench was set up only in 2014, and it in turn referred it to a seven-judge bench.
The court bans mixing religion with politics and said election is a secular process, and religion has no role in it.
The SC was hearing several petitions in the Hindutva case.
According to section 123 (3) of the People's Representation Act of 1951, no candidate or his agent can appeal for votes on the grounds of religion, race, caste, community or language.
The case reached the apex court after there were claims that several elected candidates in the 1992 Maharashtra assembly polls had appealed to voters on religious grounds. Similar cases were brought before the apex court in 1996. However, that bench decided to refer the case to a larger bench. However, the five-judge bench was set up only in 2014, and it in turn referred it to a seven-judge bench.
10:55 SP's election symbol is my signature: Mulayam
Hours after Mulayam Singh Yadav cancelled the party's convention called by him on January 5 in Lucknow, he said he has not done anything wrong. Mulayam who is leaving for New Delhi said no one can accuse him of any wrongdoing and denied rumours that he was unwell. "I am not unwell at all, I am completely healthy," he told ANI. " I've never indulged in corruption or betrayed anyone," he said.
Amar Singh who was expelled at the national convention said, "If I am portrayed as a villain for Mulayam Singh Yadav, I am fine with it."
Mulayam Singh Yadav today cancelled a party convention called by him in Lucknow on January 5. With most party workers siding with Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav, it was perhaps expected that the convention would be poorly attended.
Mulayam is on his way to Delhi to seek legal opinion on using the party's symbol as the Election Commission may hold the symbol back, as it did when the Congress split, and ask both groups to fight the upcoming UP assembly polls on new symbols.
"The cycle symbol is ours. The Samajwadi Party's election symbol is my signature," Mulayam Singh said.
Amar Singh who was expelled at the national convention said, "If I am portrayed as a villain for Mulayam Singh Yadav, I am fine with it."
Mulayam Singh Yadav today cancelled a party convention called by him in Lucknow on January 5. With most party workers siding with Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav, it was perhaps expected that the convention would be poorly attended.
Mulayam is on his way to Delhi to seek legal opinion on using the party's symbol as the Election Commission may hold the symbol back, as it did when the Congress split, and ask both groups to fight the upcoming UP assembly polls on new symbols.
"The cycle symbol is ours. The Samajwadi Party's election symbol is my signature," Mulayam Singh said.
10:16
Chand Pal, a Delhi Police head constable, commits suicide by shooting himself with his service revolver in Supreme Court.
10:07 SC to continue hearing of 1995 Hindutva verdict
The Supreme Court will on Monday continue its hearing on the Hindutva case which deals with electoral malpractices arising out of its 1995 judgment. Earlier, during the hearing by a seven judge Constitutional bench, the apex court had said that it wont reconsider 1995 judgment which defined Hindutva as a way of life and not a religion.
The observations came after an on interlocutory application filed by social activist Teesta Setalvad requested the bench to reconsider the 95 judgment. A seven-judge constitution bench, headed by Chief Justice TS Thakur, said the court will not go into the larger debate as to what is Hindutva or what its meaning is and will not reconsider the 1995 judgment.
The remarks were made by the bench when some advocates sought to intervene in the ongoing hearing which commenced last Tuesday. Setalvad had sought the Supreme Courts intervention in the matter with an application stating that religion and politics should not be mixed and a direction be passed to delink religion from politics.
The observations came after an on interlocutory application filed by social activist Teesta Setalvad requested the bench to reconsider the 95 judgment. A seven-judge constitution bench, headed by Chief Justice TS Thakur, said the court will not go into the larger debate as to what is Hindutva or what its meaning is and will not reconsider the 1995 judgment.
The remarks were made by the bench when some advocates sought to intervene in the ongoing hearing which commenced last Tuesday. Setalvad had sought the Supreme Courts intervention in the matter with an application stating that religion and politics should not be mixed and a direction be passed to delink religion from politics.
10:01 Dec 16 Delhi rape: SC to hear convicts' appeal against death rap
The Supreme Court will on Monday hear the December 16 gang rape case. Delhi Police's counsel Siddhartha Luthra earlier on December 14 told an apex court bench headed by Justice Dipak Misra how the sequence of events and commission of the offence was made by the accused in the case.
The apex court had resumed the hearing in the appeals filed by the December 16 gang rape convicts, challenging the Delhi High Court's verdict that ordered four of them to the gallows considering "the case rarest of rare'.
The apex court is hearing the appeals filed by the four convicts Mukesh, Pawan, Akshay and Vijay on Mondays and Fridays every week. Earlier, the apex court had declined the request by two amici curiae senior counsel Raju Ramachandran and Sanjay R Hegde to withdraw from assisting the court in the hearing of the appeals by the convicts in the gangrape case.
Asking both to continue assisting the court in the hearing of the appeals by the four accused convicted and sentenced to death, the three judge bench comprising of Justices Dipak Misra, R Banumathi and Ashok Bhushan said: We can appreciate the anguish expressed by the learned amici curiae.
Six people gang raped a 23-year-old physiotherapy intern in a moving bus and beat her and her male friend.
Pic: A file picture of the gang rape victim's mother. Her parents have demanded the death sentence for all the convicts including the minor who has been released.
The apex court had resumed the hearing in the appeals filed by the December 16 gang rape convicts, challenging the Delhi High Court's verdict that ordered four of them to the gallows considering "the case rarest of rare'.
The apex court is hearing the appeals filed by the four convicts Mukesh, Pawan, Akshay and Vijay on Mondays and Fridays every week. Earlier, the apex court had declined the request by two amici curiae senior counsel Raju Ramachandran and Sanjay R Hegde to withdraw from assisting the court in the hearing of the appeals by the convicts in the gangrape case.
Asking both to continue assisting the court in the hearing of the appeals by the four accused convicted and sentenced to death, the three judge bench comprising of Justices Dipak Misra, R Banumathi and Ashok Bhushan said: We can appreciate the anguish expressed by the learned amici curiae.
Six people gang raped a 23-year-old physiotherapy intern in a moving bus and beat her and her male friend.
Pic: A file picture of the gang rape victim's mother. Her parents have demanded the death sentence for all the convicts including the minor who has been released.
09:48 Narendra Modi just dug himself a great big hole
In a speech full of faulty economic reasoning, Modi made one factual claim -- the number of Indians with official incomes greater than Rs 10 lakh is just 24 lakh. If demonetisation really works, he needs to up that figure substantially in the next two years. Read more
09:30 Mulayam postpones SP's national convention of January 5
In a dramatic turn of events, the national convention of Samajwadi Party on January 5 convened by party patriarch Mulayam Singh Yadav, was on Monday put on hold.
As per Mulayam Singh Yadavs order national convention of Samajwadi Party called by him on January 5th has been put on hold, Shivpal Yadav said.
He also asked the party leaders and activists to start prepare for the crucial assembly elections. Notably, Mulayam had termed as illegal all decisions taken at the convention called by the Akhilesh camp and again expelled Ram Gopal Yadav for six years.
He also convened the national convention of the party on January 5 at the same venue so that there is no doubt in the minds of the people. The meeting was called at Janeshwar Mishra Park in Lucknow The development will provide Akhilesh a major boost.
Earlier, in a letter issued here, Yadav said the national convention had not been convened with the permission of the national president and all decision taken there are illegal.
08:55
JUST IN: Mulayam Singh Yadav postpones national convention of Samajwadi Party called by him on January 5, says Shivpal Yadav
08:53 Fissures within SP: Mulayam to meet Election Commission today
Uttar Pradesh chief minister Akhilesh Yadav staged a coup on Sunday, dislodging his father Mulayam Singh Yadav as Samajwadi Party president and installing himself as the boss at an "emergency convention" of the party.
While this caps three months of acrimonious manoeuvres and counter-manoeuvres that the two sides claimed would not lead to a split, Sunday's developments have torn the party asunder, with two separate entities, SP (Mulayam) and SP (Akhilesh) likely to contest the assembly polls.
Akhilesh took the precaution of not appearing to be ungrateful to his father by making Mulayam the 'margdarshak' or mentor, but this would hardly mask the fact that party founded by the 77-year-old former UP CM has gone out of his control. The special convention, called by Mulayam's cousin Ram Gopal, also moved two other proposals: sack MP Amar Singh from primary membership of the party and remove Shivpal, Mulayam's younger brother, as state president.
The Election Commission is likely to freeze the 'bicycle' symbol as it doesn't have enough time to verify the claim of either of the two factions as to which one is real. The freezing of the symbol would further erode any leverage Mulayam has left with the MLAs, and level the playing field between him and his son.
Sources said Mulayam would reach New Delhi on Monday along with his brother Shivpal for a meeting with the Election Commission. 'Sacked' party MP Amar Singh too is back from London and sources suggested there could possibly be a meeting between the three in the national capital.
08:33 BJP expects 10 lakh turnout at PMs rally today
An astounding 10 lakh people -- to be brought in 15,000 buses and 35,000 other vehicles -- are expected to attend Prime Minister Narendra Modis Parivartan Maharally in Lucknow on Monday in what is being tipped as the biggest political rally by him in a long time.
If the Bharatiya Janata Party manages the numbers, Modis rally at the Ramabai Ambedkar grounds could give a psychological edge over the main opposition party in Uttar Pradesh -- the Bahujan Samaj Party led by four-time chief minister Mayawati.
The sheer numbers would be enough to unnerve Mayawati ji, said Brajesh Pathak, a former Maya aide-turned-BJP leader.
Modi had last addressed a rally in Lucknow on March 2, 2014, as the BJPs prime ministerial candidate. The 80 acres of the Ramabai Ambedkar grounds can hold up to five lakh people.
The crowd would be an answer to the critics of demonetisation, says UP BJP general secretary Vijay Bahadur Pathak.
07:52 Mulayam falls sick as SP family feud continues
As the crisis within the Samajwadi Party refused to die down, doctors conducted a health check-up of Mulayam Singh Yadav at his residence after he complaint of high blood pressure.
The Samajwadi Party split on Sunday with a national convention declaring Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav the new national president, a post that was held by his father.
The convention also made Mulayam, the patron of the party.
As the day progressed, the fight between the rival factions turned ugly, with supporters of the two groups fighting for the party office.
However, Akhilesh justified the turn of events in the party even as he admitted that he had taken a 'tough' decision.
"Sometimes to protect the ones you love you must make the right decision. What I did today was a tough decision but one that I had to take," he tweeted.
TOP STORIES
© 2024 Rediff.com - Investor Information - Advertise with us - Disclaimer - Privacy Policy - Feedback - About us - Terms of use - Grievances