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Fri, 07 July 2017
Producer of Gujarati film on Hardik Patel writes to Rahul Gandhi for help
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23:22 Producer of Gujarati film on Hardik Patel writes to Rahul Gandhi for help
The producer of Gujarati film on Patidar agitation leader Hardik Patel has appealed to Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi to help get it released.
The controversial film 'Power of Patidar - one man army' has reportedly run into trouble. The film's producer Dipak Soni has alleged that hurdles were being created by the government to stop the film from getting released.
Soni has alleged that fearing defeat in the forthcoming Gujarat assembly elections, the state government was creating obstacles in the smooth release of the film. In his letter to Rahul Gandhi, he has said that as an opposition leader, he should help the film's release.
The producer further wrote in his letter to Rahul Gandhi that he had invested all his life's savings in making the film. He claimed that the film portrayed truth regarding the Patidar agitation on 23-year-old Hardik Patel.
23:00 Trump and Putin: Comparing the men behind the meeting
US President Donald Trump comes face-to-face with Russia's President Vladimir Putin for the first time on Friday. The formal meeting will be scrutinised across the world, set as it is against the backdrop of US investigations into possible collusion between Russia and Trump campaign figures during last year's election.
Read full story HERE
22:33 Family beaten up over seats in same Mathura train in which Junaid was murdered
Over a fortnight after an alleged argument over a seat in a Mathura-bound local train claimed the life of Junaid Khan, members of a family were beaten up in the same train on Friday.
Railway police said that they had received a complaint from a Delhi family in this regard. In their complaint, they told the police that they were returning from Govardhan and boarded the train at Mathura to reach Ghaziabad.
The family said some passengers boarded the train at Chhatta station. They claimed there was a commotion as there was rush in the train.
Some passengers, including women and children who boarded at Chhatta station, were beaten up due to a dispute over a seat, leading to injuries to a woman passenger, a railway official said.
Police said the victims de-boarded at Old Faridabad railway station and lodged a zero FIR at the GRP Police station. Santosh Dubey of Nangloi, Delhi, suffered injuries and was taken to BK Hospital for treatment, police said.
22:12 Pak the fifth most prolific executioner in world
Pakistan has executed 465 prisoners since lifting a moratorium on death penalty in 2014, becoming the "fifth most prolific executioner" in the world, according to an organisation working for prisoners' rights.
The use of death penalty has failed to curb crime, including terrorism, but it is exceedingly used as a political tool, sometimes even as a jail overcrowding solution, Justice Project Pakistan has claimed in a report.
A data analysis by the organisation showed a total of 465 prisoners have been executed during the last two-and-a-half-years since the country lifted moratorium on executions.
The maximum number of executions were carried out in the eastern Punjab province which accounts for 83 per cent of the total executions, and 89 per cent of total death sentences.
22:01
JUST IN: US, Russia reach deal on Syria ceasefire, set to take effect from Sunday
21:30 Malala joins Twitter, gains over 100K followers in 30 minutes
"Hi, Twitter," tweeted 19-year-old Malala Yousafzai less than an hour ago, marking her debut on the micro-blogging platform. She followed up her first tweet with a Twitter thread, and gained over 100,000 followers in 30 minutes.
Malala tweeted it was her last day of school and her first day on Twitter. "Graduating from secondary school (high school) is bittersweet for me. I'm excited about my future, but I know that millions of girls around the world are out of school and may never get the opportunity to complete their education."
While it appears Malala has had this Twitter account since November 2012, she seems to have only posted her first tweet on Friday.
She previously posted some messages to Twitter via the organisation led by her from the handle @MalalaFund. The handle also posted a tweet officially welcoming her to Twitter.
21:12 Opposition meeting to discuss VP poll on July 11
Eighteen opposition parties, including the JD-U, are expected to meet on July 11 and evolve a strategy for the upcoming vice presidential election,
sources said today.
To cement cracks that appeared in the opposition bloc during the presidential poll -- when the JD-U broke ranks to support the NDA's candidate -- the non-NDA parties had decided to meet to discuss the August 5 election, the sources said.
The meeting, convened by Congress president Sonia Gandhi in the Parliament library, will be attended by Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi and leaders of the other opposition parties.
The parties will also discuss floor management for the monsoon session of Parliament, which starts on July 17.
-- PTI
20:53 Grab yourself a 'Trump-Putin G20 summit phone
A Russian custom phone company by the name of Caviar has come out with a version of the popular Nokia 3310 called as the Putin-Trump summit edition which has been created in honour of the meeting between the president of the US and Russia at G20 international summit.
The phone has been pegged at a whooping price of $2,468 (Rs 1.6 lakh).
The phone is encased in shell of gold and titanium and features a 3D picture of Vladmir Putin and Donald Trump looking in the same direction on the back.
The phone is now available in a number of countries including India and Pakistan. However, Caviar has made only 20 such phones available.
20:33 The handshake the world was waiting for! Trump and Putin finally meet
US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin sat down for their much-anticipated first meeting on Friday on the sidelines of the G20 summit.
The two exchanged brief pleasantries and a friendly handshake earlier at the start of the summit in Hamburg, Germany, but waited hours before they could speak privately.
As their meeting kicked off, Trump said, "It's an honour to be with you," while Putin told the US leader: "I'm delighted to meet you."
Trump said he anticipates 'a lot of positive things happening, for Russia, for the United States', adding that their talks on 'various things' were 'going very, very well'.
Their first sit-down meeting is expected to last for about 30 minutes and touch upon several complex issues, from the Syrian conflict to Russia's provocations in Ukraine.
However, the meeting also falls under the shadow of accusations that Russia meddled in the 2016 presidential election - and Trump is under pressure to raise those concerns with Putin in their first meeting.
20:17 Ex-servicemen hold TMC responsible for Basirhat violence in letter to Rajnath
A delegation of ex-servicemen, ex-judges, ex-bureaucrats on Friday wrote to Home Minister Rajnath Singh seeking a thorough probe into the Basirhat violence, while holding Trinamool Congress responsible for creating communal riots in the region.
In the letter addressed to the home minister, the delegation opined that it was a clear conspiracy by the ruling party in the state to create communal riots and to chase out members of the Hindu community.
"It is to terrorise and murder workers and supporters of political parties opposed to the Trinamool Congress," the letter stated.
Highlighting the state government's denial to allow deployment of paramilitary forces when it itself had asked for it earlier, the letter said, "Such a refusal and callous attitude towards the situation can only give rise to the apprehension that the Basirhat mayhem is being perpetrated with the active connivance of the state government."
They also claimed that ultra-radical elements and disruptive elements from across the border are also involved in perpetrating lawlessness in the region.
"Basirhat, the adjoining area, being in the border zone such a situation poses grave threat to our national security," it further read.
19:48 CBI searches a BJP conspiracy, witch hunt, alleges Lalu
Lalu Yadav hit out against the BJP and the Centre after his premises were CBI conducted raids across four cities in connection with a fresh corruption case against the RJD chief, his wife Rabri Devi, son Tejashwi Yadav and others.
At a presser he said, "CBI searches a BJP conspiracy, witch hunt; have done nothing wrong and am open to any probe."
The searches, which started at 7 am and included Rabri Devis Circular Road residence in Patna, were spread across 12 locations in Patna, Ranchi, Gurgaon and Bhubaneswar. The raids included the premises of the Yadav family as well as those of his confidant Prem Chand Gupta, whose wife Sarla Gupta is listed as an accused in the FIR.
The Centre has tightened its noose around Lalu Yadav ever since he announced a massive Desh bachao, Bhajpa hatao rally on August 27 in Patna, RJDs Bihar unit president Ramchandra Purbey said in Patna.
19:42 Remove Tejashwi, Tej Pratap from cabinet : BJP
Senior BJP leader Sushil Kumar Modi today demanded the sacking of RJD chief Lalu Prasad's two minister sons - Tejashwi Prasad Yadav and Tej Pratap Yadav from the Bihar cabinet in the wake of CBI lodging an FIR
against them.
"Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has time and again said that either he will survive or corruption in the state. I am hopeful that he will not be silent and will take action in the case," Sushil Modi told reporters.
"BJP demands immediate dismissal of Deputy Chief Minister Tejashwi Prasad Yadav and his brother and minister Tej Pratap Yadav from the state cabinet," he said.
19:18 SC stays U'khand HC order declaring Ganga, Yamuna as living
The Supreme Court today stayed the Uttarakhand High Court verdict according the status of "living human entities" to Ganga and Yamuna, two of India's major rivers.
A bench of Chief Justice J S Khehar and Justice D Y Chandrachud passed the order on Uttarakhand government's plea against the high court's March 20 judgement, which said "Holy rivers Ganga and Yamuna have been declared to be treated as a living human entities."
The high court verdict had come on a PIL of Haridwar resident Mohammad Salim over mining and stone crushing along the banks of the Ganga.
The high court had also ordered the Dehradun District Magistrate to remove encroachments from the Shakti canal of the Ganga at Dhakrani within 72 hours, failing which the DM would be suspended.
Giving the "legal status" of living humans to the holy rivers, the court had ordered that the Director, Namami Gange project for cleaning and rejuvenating the river, the Chief Secretary and the Advocate General of Uttarakhand will act as "legal parents" of the holy rivers and work as a human face to protect, conserve and preserve them and their tributaries.
18:30 Delhi Golf Club served notice for discrimination gainst Northeast woman
The National Commission for Scheduled Tribes issued a notice to Delhi Golf Club on "discrimination" complaint against a Northeast woman.
Back in June, the Delhi Golf Club asked an elderly woman from Meghalaya, Tailin Lyngdoh to leave the premises as she was wearing a traditional Khasi dress and resembled a maid.
Lyngdoh had said, "They told me to leave the dining hall as maids were not allowed. They were very rude. I felt ashamed and angry. I was wearing the traditional Khasi dress -- Jainsem, and they told me this dress was not allowed. They also told me that I look like a Nepali. I have been too many other countries, but this has never happened to me. Surprised to know that this has happened here in Delhi!."
Lyngdoh is a Governess to Health Advisor in Assam Government, Dr. Nivedita Barthakur who was also invited for lunch at the Delhi Golf Club by a member.
17:24 Mamata backing only one community in Bengal: Sinha
BJP national secretary Rahul Sinha today said that Mamata Banerje was running a "communal government" in West Bengal since it was supporting
only one community.
Adopting communal line as government policy, the chief minister is backing only one community and ignoring the other, Sinha alleged at a party meeting.
"She (Banerjee) is also sparking fire everywhere. She sets Darjeeling on fire and went to Netherlands. On return, she allows Baduria to burn," Sinha said at a party meeting.
But the problem is she is not trying to douse the flames, the BJP leader said.
-- PTI
17:19
PM Narendra Modi (seated, third from left) at the G-20 Leaders' Retreat Meeting in Hamburg, Germany.
17:13 ISIS calls for 'lone wolf attack' on Wimbledon
Intelligence agencies are not taking any chances after a report has emerged about terror outfit ISIS planning to carry out Manchester-style "lone wolf attack" on the ongoing Wimbledon Championship.
A pro-ISIS channel on the Telegram-an instant messaging service - has urged supporters to replicate the 'lone-wolf' Manchester Arena attack on Wimbledon, an intelligence security service has said.
The intelligence officers have monitored fundamentalists sharing a map of the All English Lawn Tennis Club, the Wimbledon Championships, which began on Monday and culminate in the men's final on Sunday July 16.Three terrorist attacks have occurred in Britain in last 73 days and the country looks engaged in a new debate about balancing civil liberties and security.
Security has been beefed up at the Championships in the wake of terrorist attacks in London and Manchester.At the beginning of the tournament, the All England Lawn Tennis Club announced that they had enhanced security measures in around this year's Championships.
"A pro-Islamic State (IS) Telegram channel incited for lone-wolf attacks during the Wimbledon Tennis Tournament, sharing a map of the venue and suggesting for them to 'copycat' the May 22, 2017 Manchester Arena bombing," The Independent quoted the Intelligence Group as saying.
The channel, called 'Lone Mujahid', also called on attackers to take inspiration from the Manchester attack, and the messages included pictures of the Manchester Arena in the aftermath of the attack on the venue.All the relevant organisations and terror combat departments are working closely with the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) to ensure that security measures at The Championships are commensurate with the existing threat level in the UK
A pro-ISIS channel on the Telegram-an instant messaging service - has urged supporters to replicate the 'lone-wolf' Manchester Arena attack on Wimbledon, an intelligence security service has said.
The intelligence officers have monitored fundamentalists sharing a map of the All English Lawn Tennis Club, the Wimbledon Championships, which began on Monday and culminate in the men's final on Sunday July 16.Three terrorist attacks have occurred in Britain in last 73 days and the country looks engaged in a new debate about balancing civil liberties and security.
Security has been beefed up at the Championships in the wake of terrorist attacks in London and Manchester.At the beginning of the tournament, the All England Lawn Tennis Club announced that they had enhanced security measures in around this year's Championships.
"A pro-Islamic State (IS) Telegram channel incited for lone-wolf attacks during the Wimbledon Tennis Tournament, sharing a map of the venue and suggesting for them to 'copycat' the May 22, 2017 Manchester Arena bombing," The Independent quoted the Intelligence Group as saying.
The channel, called 'Lone Mujahid', also called on attackers to take inspiration from the Manchester attack, and the messages included pictures of the Manchester Arena in the aftermath of the attack on the venue.All the relevant organisations and terror combat departments are working closely with the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) to ensure that security measures at The Championships are commensurate with the existing threat level in the UK
16:47 UPDATE: Govt, BJP have no role in CBI raids on Lalu and family: Naidu
The government and the BJP have no role in the CBI raids against Lalu Prasad Yadav and his family, Union minister M Venkaiah Naidu said today.
The information and broadcasting minister said the Central Bureau of Investigation was doing its duty and acting in accordance with the mandate given to it by law.
"What is political vendetta? Where is BJP in this? I am not able to understand. Do you mean to say that anybody against whom any charge is there, it should not be inquired into at all?" Naidu asked.
"CBI is doing its duty and it is allowed to do so.Earlier it was not allowed... after our government came there is no interference and that is why CBI is free and acting as per the mandate given to it...," he told reporters.
The raids against the Rashtriya Janata Dal leader and his family started at 7 am today and were conducted at 12 locations in Patna, Ranchi, Bhubaneswar and Gurugram after the investigating agency registered a corruption case.
It is alleged that Yadav as railway minister handed over the maintenance of two railway hotels to a company after receiving a bribe in the form of prime land of three acres through a benami company.
Stressing that these were "past cases", Naidu said, "Instead of facing and answering the charges, making the political allegations against the government and the BJP has become the fashion of some of the Opposition parties."
16:12 Allowance for troops in Siachen, Naxal areas more than doubled
The government has more than doubled risk and hardship allowance for armymen in Siachen and hiked the same for security forces deployed for counter-insurgency operations and in Naxal-hit areas.
The increased payments are among the higher allowances the government notified in the Gazette yesterday, days after the cabinet approved with minor modifications the recommendations made by the 7th Central Pay Commission.
The increased allowances are part of the bid to make up for some of the hardships and risks security and paramilitary forces face to protect the country from external and internal threats.
Rates of Siachen Allowance paid to soldiers deployed at the highest battlefield in the world have been increased to Rs30,000 from Rs 14,000 per month, and for officers, it has gone up to Rs 42,500 a month from Rs 21,000 for extreme risks and hardships.
The High Altitude Allowance has been raised to Rs 2700-25,000 per month, from Rs 810-16,800.
The Counter Insurgency Operations (CI Ops) allowance has gone up to Rs 6,000-16,900 per month, from Rs 3,000-11,700, an official statement said. -- PTI
The increased payments are among the higher allowances the government notified in the Gazette yesterday, days after the cabinet approved with minor modifications the recommendations made by the 7th Central Pay Commission.
The increased allowances are part of the bid to make up for some of the hardships and risks security and paramilitary forces face to protect the country from external and internal threats.
Rates of Siachen Allowance paid to soldiers deployed at the highest battlefield in the world have been increased to Rs30,000 from Rs 14,000 per month, and for officers, it has gone up to Rs 42,500 a month from Rs 21,000 for extreme risks and hardships.
The High Altitude Allowance has been raised to Rs 2700-25,000 per month, from Rs 810-16,800.
The Counter Insurgency Operations (CI Ops) allowance has gone up to Rs 6,000-16,900 per month, from Rs 3,000-11,700, an official statement said. -- PTI
15:54 The love all summit
Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner are using their current overseas trip to let loose, with the pair throwing caution to the wind as they make a very public display of their affection. The First Daughter even shared a photo of the couple as they strolled across a vast lawn in the city of Hamburg one day before the start of the G20, with Jared leading his wife by the hand as she tottered behind in a pair of her eponymous heels. Read more
15:47 Raids on Lalu 'vengeful action' by Centre: RJD
The CBI raids on Lalu Prasad Yadav and his family were being carried out at the instance of a "vengeful" Centre out to muzzle the opposition's voice, the Rashtriya Janata Dalsaid today. As the RJD hit out at the Centre, the police tightened security outside the BJP office fearing trouble.
15:28 Prophet Sahab too great to be defended against FB post: Kaif on Basirhat riot
As West Bengal's North 24 Parganas district continues to reel under communal violence after a teenager shared a blasphemous Facebook post about Prophet Mohammed, cricketer Mohammad Kaif infuses some sanity into the incident.
"Prophet Sahab is too great to b defended against a FB post.Damaging property worth crores & violence is absolutely against his teachings. Shame," Kaif tweeted.
After the boy's Facebook post went viral, a mob ransacked his house on Monday night. Large groups came out on the streets in various parts of Basirhat and Barasat sub-division of the district, protesting against the Facebook post and demanding a death sentence for the teenager.
Kaif has always worn his patriotism on his sleeve much to the anger of trolls. On May 18 as the International Court of Justice stayed the execution of former Indian navy officer Kulbhushan Jadhav Kaif tweeted, Congratulations India. Thanks to the International Court of Justice , justice has prevailed. #KulbhushanJadhav.
Soon after, a troll tweeted, "Please remove Mohammad from your name first!
Kaif responded with a zinger, Wow ! If I support Indias victory, I should remove Mohammad. I am proud of my name. Aamir means full of life, you need to get one.
He then gave the trolls on his timeline an important lesson on religion saying, 1. Nobody is Thekedaar of any religion. 2. No name is copyrighted by the Thekedaars. 3.India is by far the most inclusive & tolerant country.
More recently, Kaif was trolled for doing a Surya namashkar on World Yoga Day. Kaif had tweeted picutres of him doing the asana, saying, "Surya Namaskar is a complete workout fr the physical system,a comprehensive exercise form without any need fr equipment. #KaifKeFitnessFunde."
Image: Kaif celebrated Eid on June 26 with this picture.
"Prophet Sahab is too great to b defended against a FB post.Damaging property worth crores & violence is absolutely against his teachings. Shame," Kaif tweeted.
After the boy's Facebook post went viral, a mob ransacked his house on Monday night. Large groups came out on the streets in various parts of Basirhat and Barasat sub-division of the district, protesting against the Facebook post and demanding a death sentence for the teenager.
Kaif has always worn his patriotism on his sleeve much to the anger of trolls. On May 18 as the International Court of Justice stayed the execution of former Indian navy officer Kulbhushan Jadhav Kaif tweeted, Congratulations India. Thanks to the International Court of Justice , justice has prevailed. #KulbhushanJadhav.
Soon after, a troll tweeted, "Please remove Mohammad from your name first!
Kaif responded with a zinger, Wow ! If I support Indias victory, I should remove Mohammad. I am proud of my name. Aamir means full of life, you need to get one.
He then gave the trolls on his timeline an important lesson on religion saying, 1. Nobody is Thekedaar of any religion. 2. No name is copyrighted by the Thekedaars. 3.India is by far the most inclusive & tolerant country.
More recently, Kaif was trolled for doing a Surya namashkar on World Yoga Day. Kaif had tweeted picutres of him doing the asana, saying, "Surya Namaskar is a complete workout fr the physical system,a comprehensive exercise form without any need fr equipment. #KaifKeFitnessFunde."
Image: Kaif celebrated Eid on June 26 with this picture.
15:01 SC asks Anurag Thakur for unconditional apology
The Supreme Court asks former BCCI president Anurag Thakur to tender an unconditional and categorical apology in the contempt case against him. The apex court has also asked Thakur, a BJP MP, to personally appear before it on July 14.
In January this year, a miffed Anurag Thakur, who was sacked as BCCI president for obstructing Lodha panel reforms on Monday, took a subtle dig at the Supreme Court's order to axe Thakur and BCCI Secretary Ajay Shirke, after the board failed to comply with a July 18, 2015 verdict making the Lodha recommendations mandatory.
"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.
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 was BCCI joint secretary and secretary before being elected president in May 2016. The BJP MP has also served as Himachal Pradesh's cricket boss for more than a decade.
In January this year, a miffed Anurag Thakur, who was sacked as BCCI president for obstructing Lodha panel reforms on Monday, took a subtle dig at the Supreme Court's order to axe Thakur and BCCI Secretary Ajay Shirke, after the board failed to comply with a July 18, 2015 verdict making the Lodha recommendations mandatory.
"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.
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 was BCCI joint secretary and secretary before being elected president in May 2016. The BJP MP has also served as Himachal Pradesh's cricket boss for more than a decade.
14:48 Modi-Xi heap praise on each other at BRICS meet
PM Modi addressing other leaders of BRICS (pictured alongside), at the informal meet in Hamburg on the sidelines of the G20 summit.
PM Modi said BRICS has been a strong voice and needs to show leadership on terrorism and global economy. G20 should collectively oppose terrorism financing, franchises, safe havens, support and sponsors.
The PM also refers to GST at the meet, saying India implemented GST last week and it was India's biggest tax reform in the last 70 years. It will help businesses.
Reports also said that Chinese President Xi Jinping and Modi showered praise on each other at the BRICS meet. Xi took note of reforms in India and appreciated India's strong resolve against terrorism. China also wished India even greater economic success.
Modi said there has been positive momentum in BRICS under the chairmanship of President Xi Jinping and wished him for the upcoming BRICS Summit.
PM Modi said BRICS has been a strong voice and needs to show leadership on terrorism and global economy. G20 should collectively oppose terrorism financing, franchises, safe havens, support and sponsors.
The PM also refers to GST at the meet, saying India implemented GST last week and it was India's biggest tax reform in the last 70 years. It will help businesses.
Reports also said that Chinese President Xi Jinping and Modi showered praise on each other at the BRICS meet. Xi took note of reforms in India and appreciated India's strong resolve against terrorism. China also wished India even greater economic success.
Modi said there has been positive momentum in BRICS under the chairmanship of President Xi Jinping and wished him for the upcoming BRICS Summit.
14:29
German chancellor Angela Merkel greets French President Emmanuel Macron at the G20 Summit.
14:29
German chancellor Angela Merkel greets Russian President Vladimir Putin at the G20 Summit.
14:28
German chancellor Angela Merkel greets US President Donald Trump at the G20 Summit.
14:15 G20: Angela Merkel welcomes PM to Hamburg
German Chancellor Angela Merkel welcomes world leaders to the G-20, which is being held in Hamburg. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who landed in Hamburg yesterday after his historic three-day visit to Israel, was welcomed by Merkel as were Russian President Vladimir Putin and French President Emmanuel Macron.
Modi is likely to hold talks with leaders of the BRICS -- Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa -- today, as well as other world leaders present.
The G20 members include Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Turkey, the UK, the US, and the European Union. Summit being held in Hamburg.
US President Donald Trump said he is "looking forward' to meeting Putin. @DonaldTrump I look forward to all meetings today with world leaders, including my meeting with Vladimir Putin. Much to discuss.
Modi is likely to hold talks with leaders of the BRICS -- Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa -- today, as well as other world leaders present.
The G20 members include Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Turkey, the UK, the US, and the European Union. Summit being held in Hamburg.
US President Donald Trump said he is "looking forward' to meeting Putin. @DonaldTrump I look forward to all meetings today with world leaders, including my meeting with Vladimir Putin. Much to discuss.
13:57 SC stays Uttarakhand HC order giving 'human status' to Ganga
The Supreme Court on Friday stayed the Uttarakhand High Court order declaring river Ganga and Yamuna as a juristic person and as a living entity.
This comes after the Uttarakhand government moved the Supreme Court challenging the High Court order granting rivers Ganga, Yamuna and their tributaries the status of living human entities.
The plea asked that in case of human casualties in a flood, can the affected people file suit for damages against the Chief Secretary of the State, and also if the State Government would be liable to bear such financial burden.
The Uttarakhand High Court had made the landmark judgement on March 20th.Giving the "legal status" of living humans to the holy rivers, the court ordered that the Director, Namami Gange project for cleaning and rejuvenating the river, the Chief Secretary and the Advocate General of Uttarakhand will act as the "legal parents" of the holy rivers and work as a the human face to protect, conserve and preserve them and their tributaries.
This comes after the Uttarakhand government moved the Supreme Court challenging the High Court order granting rivers Ganga, Yamuna and their tributaries the status of living human entities.
The plea asked that in case of human casualties in a flood, can the affected people file suit for damages against the Chief Secretary of the State, and also if the State Government would be liable to bear such financial burden.
The Uttarakhand High Court had made the landmark judgement on March 20th.Giving the "legal status" of living humans to the holy rivers, the court ordered that the Director, Namami Gange project for cleaning and rejuvenating the river, the Chief Secretary and the Advocate General of Uttarakhand will act as the "legal parents" of the holy rivers and work as a the human face to protect, conserve and preserve them and their tributaries.
13:25 BJP hits back at Congress, says anyone who instigates terror would be killed
After Congress leader Saifuddin Soz said he would have kept Hizbul Mujahideen terrorist Burhan Wani alive if he was in power, the state home minister Hansraj Ahir on Friday said that anyone who instigates terror would be killed.
Ahir told ANI, "The government is striving hard to restore peace in Jammu and Kashmir. Anyone who disrupts the peace and instigates terror would be killed. The security officials have full right to kill them."
The Congress leader on Friday said spoke against the killing of Burhan Wani."If it was in my power I would have not let Burhan Wani die. I wanted to hold a dialogue with him. I would have made him understand that a bridge of friendship between Pakistan, Kashmir and India can be built and he could also be useful in that. But now he has died. We should understand the pain of Kashmiris," Saifuddin Soz said. -- ANI
Ahir told ANI, "The government is striving hard to restore peace in Jammu and Kashmir. Anyone who disrupts the peace and instigates terror would be killed. The security officials have full right to kill them."
The Congress leader on Friday said spoke against the killing of Burhan Wani."If it was in my power I would have not let Burhan Wani die. I wanted to hold a dialogue with him. I would have made him understand that a bridge of friendship between Pakistan, Kashmir and India can be built and he could also be useful in that. But now he has died. We should understand the pain of Kashmiris," Saifuddin Soz said. -- ANI
13:03 BJP's Roopa Ganguly forced to turn back from riot-hit Basirhat
The West Bengal police today stopped a three-party delegation to Basirhat in the wake of the continued violence in district.
BJP's Roopa Ganguly, a team of Left leaders and a Congress delegation led by Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury attempted to visit Basirhat this morning, but were prevented from entering the town.
Basirhat, a town about 100 km from Kolkata, has been barricaded to keep out political parties after fresh violence yesterday that saw angry people out on the streets blocking roads, burning tyres and throwing stones at police vehicles till late in the night.
Prohibitory orders are in place and few people are out on the streets with most shops remaining shut. The opposition parties had said they will go to Basirhat today to appeal for calm and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has requested them to keep away, promising that no leader from her Trinamool Congress will go there either.
Communal violence broke out in its Baduria and Basirhat areas over a Facebook post.
Earlier, Mamata had appealed the warring groups to maintain peace and communal harmony in the area. She also held the local police responsible for failing to block Facebook in the beginning only.
West Bengal, in the recent few days, has witnessed violence and serious clashes either taking place between two religious groups or between people and the administration.
The boiling pot of it is the Darjeeling unrest, with the Gorkhas, under the Gorkha Janamukti Morcha (GJM), demanding a separate Gorkhaland for themselves.
The Gorkhas have demanded for a separate land with the claim that they should get what was promised to them i.e. a separate land.
The situation is still intense in the region with the widespread shutdown entering the 22nd day today.
Another incident of violence which erupted was in the North 24 Parganas area on Monday. -- Agencies
Image: Roopa Ganguly was stopped near Salt Lake on the way to Basirhat
BJP's Roopa Ganguly, a team of Left leaders and a Congress delegation led by Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury attempted to visit Basirhat this morning, but were prevented from entering the town.
Basirhat, a town about 100 km from Kolkata, has been barricaded to keep out political parties after fresh violence yesterday that saw angry people out on the streets blocking roads, burning tyres and throwing stones at police vehicles till late in the night.
Prohibitory orders are in place and few people are out on the streets with most shops remaining shut. The opposition parties had said they will go to Basirhat today to appeal for calm and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has requested them to keep away, promising that no leader from her Trinamool Congress will go there either.
Communal violence broke out in its Baduria and Basirhat areas over a Facebook post.
Earlier, Mamata had appealed the warring groups to maintain peace and communal harmony in the area. She also held the local police responsible for failing to block Facebook in the beginning only.
West Bengal, in the recent few days, has witnessed violence and serious clashes either taking place between two religious groups or between people and the administration.
The boiling pot of it is the Darjeeling unrest, with the Gorkhas, under the Gorkha Janamukti Morcha (GJM), demanding a separate Gorkhaland for themselves.
The Gorkhas have demanded for a separate land with the claim that they should get what was promised to them i.e. a separate land.
The situation is still intense in the region with the widespread shutdown entering the 22nd day today.
Another incident of violence which erupted was in the North 24 Parganas area on Monday. -- Agencies
Image: Roopa Ganguly was stopped near Salt Lake on the way to Basirhat
13:02 Dhoni @36: Birthday boy stands at 'Corridor of Uncertainty'
Age is just a number if the going is good. But if it's not the case, then the number 36 -- whether age or the waistline -- can always lead to some amount of self doubts.
On his 36th birthday, Mahendra Singh Dhoni finds himself standing at crossroads of an illustrious career -- just four matches short of a mammoth 300 ODI games.
One of the best finishers of the game, played perhaps the most horrendous knock of his 13-year-ODI career -- 54 off 114 balls -- in an unsuccessful 190-run chase against an under- strength West Indies. His worst effort, ironically, came at a venue that is named after one of the greatest the game has ever seen -- Sir Vivian Richards.
Dhoni's knock at North Sound obviously begs a few questions. Some of the answers are available with common cricket loving public but the most important answer is only available with the man himself. Can he win matches for India at the 2019 World Cup when he will be 38? Only Dhoni knows. Are his finishing powers on the wane? They certainly seem to be going by his recent struggles. Is he still the best wicketkeeper and one of the fittest in the team? An emphatic yes.
On his 36th birthday, Mahendra Singh Dhoni finds himself standing at crossroads of an illustrious career -- just four matches short of a mammoth 300 ODI games.
One of the best finishers of the game, played perhaps the most horrendous knock of his 13-year-ODI career -- 54 off 114 balls -- in an unsuccessful 190-run chase against an under- strength West Indies. His worst effort, ironically, came at a venue that is named after one of the greatest the game has ever seen -- Sir Vivian Richards.
Dhoni's knock at North Sound obviously begs a few questions. Some of the answers are available with common cricket loving public but the most important answer is only available with the man himself. Can he win matches for India at the 2019 World Cup when he will be 38? Only Dhoni knows. Are his finishing powers on the wane? They certainly seem to be going by his recent struggles. Is he still the best wicketkeeper and one of the fittest in the team? An emphatic yes.
12:51 Rane 'throws fish' at govt officer
A meeting called to discuss problems faced by fishermen saw sparks flying with Congress MLA Nitesh Rane losing his cool and allegedly throwing fish at a senior government officer.
In a video clip aired by local news channels, Rane is purportedly seen talking to the fisheries commissioner of Sindhudurg in his office packed with people yesterday.
It showed that during the meeting, the legislator suddenly lost his cool, picked up a fish which was dumped on the commissioner's table and threw it at him.
The MLA from Kankavli in coastal Sindhudurg district said he did so to protest the officer's alleged "ignorant attitude" towards the woes of the traditional fishing community of the Konkan region.
In a video clip aired by local news channels, Rane is purportedly seen talking to the fisheries commissioner of Sindhudurg in his office packed with people yesterday.
It showed that during the meeting, the legislator suddenly lost his cool, picked up a fish which was dumped on the commissioner's table and threw it at him.
The MLA from Kankavli in coastal Sindhudurg district said he did so to protest the officer's alleged "ignorant attitude" towards the woes of the traditional fishing community of the Konkan region.
12:30 CPI (M) leader Mohammed Salim stopped from entering Basirhat
Communist Party of India (Marxist) MP Mohammed Salim, who was leading a delegation to Basirhat in West Bengal today, was stopped 50 kilometers before entering the the violence-hit area.
Heavy security forces have been deployed in and around the area.
Speaking to ANI, Mohammad Salim said, "The situation in Basirhat has become critical. The state government could not fulfill its responsibility and hence it has become a riot affected area."
"Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee would have approached to convert the situation into a normal status. But she was too busy in personal quarrel with the governor," he added.
He further said that he expects Chief Minister Mamata Banerjeet o take some serious steps against the situation and warn people who were involved in the riots.
"Some people are trying to control the situation and bring back the situation to a normal state. We are also trying to provide safety to the common people," he concluded.
Heavy security forces have been deployed in and around the area.
Speaking to ANI, Mohammad Salim said, "The situation in Basirhat has become critical. The state government could not fulfill its responsibility and hence it has become a riot affected area."
"Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee would have approached to convert the situation into a normal status. But she was too busy in personal quarrel with the governor," he added.
He further said that he expects Chief Minister Mamata Banerjeet o take some serious steps against the situation and warn people who were involved in the riots.
"Some people are trying to control the situation and bring back the situation to a normal state. We are also trying to provide safety to the common people," he concluded.
12:27 Three-pronged thrust seenbehind unrest in Bengal
"There is a master plan and the three-pronged attack is part of that," said a source in the government.
"The manner in which the three events are playing out in Bengal has fed the state government's suspicion that the ruling party at the Centre wants the unrest to continue.
"A Facebook post triggered the problems in Baduria in North 24-Parganas. After some efforts, we could restore peace in the area.... But today, the problem spread to Basirhat town (15km away) and nine Trinamul party offices were burnt. BJP leaders are planning to visit the area tomorrow. Why? To create more tension?" asked a source close to chief minister Mamata Banerjee. The chief minister today appealed to all political parties to steer clear of the troubled spots till normality returned.
Read more
"The manner in which the three events are playing out in Bengal has fed the state government's suspicion that the ruling party at the Centre wants the unrest to continue.
"A Facebook post triggered the problems in Baduria in North 24-Parganas. After some efforts, we could restore peace in the area.... But today, the problem spread to Basirhat town (15km away) and nine Trinamul party offices were burnt. BJP leaders are planning to visit the area tomorrow. Why? To create more tension?" asked a source close to chief minister Mamata Banerjee. The chief minister today appealed to all political parties to steer clear of the troubled spots till normality returned.
Read more
12:20 RAW paid Raymond Davis to write anti-Pakistan book, says Rehman Malik
Terming CIA contractor Raymond Davis's book, The Contractor, a pack of lies, former interior minister Rehman Malik has claimed that India's Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) had paid Davis to write the book in order to malign Pakistan's army and democratic institutions. Read more
11:40 Burhan death anniv: Hizbul, Hurriayat call week-long protests in Valley
A day ahead of former Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani's death anniversary, authorities have beefed up security in the Valley to prevent terrorists and separatists from observing the day.
Hurriyat leaders and Hizbul supreme commander Syed Salahuddin have called for a complete shutdown tomorrow and chalked out a week's protest calendar.
Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh yesterday chaired a high-level meeting to review the security scenario in Jammu and Kashmir ahead of Wani's first death anniversary on Saturday.
Minister of State Home Affairs Hansraj Ahir, Home Secretary Rajiv Mehrishi, Inspector General of National Security Guard and other senior officers were also present in the meeting.The concerns of the Centre and Jammu and Kashmir Government have augmented as the annual Amaranth Yatra is going on in the state.
The security forces and intelligence agencies are apprehending trouble in the Kashmir Valley on Wani's death anniversary.Wani, who was the poster boy of the HM in Kashmir Valley, was gunned down in an encounter in Anantnag district of Jammu and Kashmir on July 8, 2016.
Widespread protests erupted in the Kashmir valley after Wani's death. Kashmir Valley was placed under curfew for consecutive 53 days and it was lifted from all parts on August 31, 2016. However, the unrest continued for about five months after Wani's death in which 78 people, including two police personnel, were killed. -- PTI
Hurriyat leaders and Hizbul supreme commander Syed Salahuddin have called for a complete shutdown tomorrow and chalked out a week's protest calendar.
Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh yesterday chaired a high-level meeting to review the security scenario in Jammu and Kashmir ahead of Wani's first death anniversary on Saturday.
Minister of State Home Affairs Hansraj Ahir, Home Secretary Rajiv Mehrishi, Inspector General of National Security Guard and other senior officers were also present in the meeting.The concerns of the Centre and Jammu and Kashmir Government have augmented as the annual Amaranth Yatra is going on in the state.
The security forces and intelligence agencies are apprehending trouble in the Kashmir Valley on Wani's death anniversary.Wani, who was the poster boy of the HM in Kashmir Valley, was gunned down in an encounter in Anantnag district of Jammu and Kashmir on July 8, 2016.
Widespread protests erupted in the Kashmir valley after Wani's death. Kashmir Valley was placed under curfew for consecutive 53 days and it was lifted from all parts on August 31, 2016. However, the unrest continued for about five months after Wani's death in which 78 people, including two police personnel, were killed. -- PTI
11:29 Korean baristas incredible latte art
It's almost too beautiful to drink. A South Korean barista is blowing latte flower art out of the water with his 'creamart' masterpieces. Lee Kang-bin has recreated world-renowned paintings, including Vincent van Gogh's 'The Starry Night' and Edvard Munch's 'The Scream', using coloured cream and tiny brush strokes in his coffee shop in Seoul, South Korea.
His creativity and colour stroke mastery is a hit on social media, with online praise on picture-perfect foam sketches of Pirates of the Caribbean's Jack Sparrow and The Little Prince.
Feeling peckish? Try some crickets.
His creativity and colour stroke mastery is a hit on social media, with online praise on picture-perfect foam sketches of Pirates of the Caribbean's Jack Sparrow and The Little Prince.
Feeling peckish? Try some crickets.
11:22 Myanmar's distrubing lack of press freedom
The arrest last week of three journalists at a military roadblock in Myanmar highlights once again the agonizing lack of press freedom in the country. It was also a telltale reminder that the anticipated program of democratic reform promised by Aung San Suu Kyi takes a back seat when the army generals decide to flex their muscles. Read more
Also read: EXCLUSIVE: No country for the Rohingyas
Also read: EXCLUSIVE: No country for the Rohingyas
11:18 US Senators ask Pakistan to do more to eliminate safe havens
Top American Senators have asked Pakistan to do more to eliminate terrorist safe havens in the country. A bipartisan Congressional delegation led by Senator John McCain conveyed this to authorities in Pakistan during a visit to the country this week.
"While they have taken positive steps, we told Pakistani leaders they must do more to eliminate safe havens & terrorist groups in the region," Democratic Senator Elizabeth Warren, who was the part of the delegation, said in a tweet.
"I met with Pakistan army chief General Bajwa to discuss the critical role Pakistan must play in countering terrorism in the region," she wrote in yet another tweet. Warren said she and the group of Senators travelled to Pakistan and Afghanistan to discuss counter-terrorism and security in the region
Image: LeT co-founder Hafeez Saeed, a conspirator in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, has free reign in Pakistan.
"While they have taken positive steps, we told Pakistani leaders they must do more to eliminate safe havens & terrorist groups in the region," Democratic Senator Elizabeth Warren, who was the part of the delegation, said in a tweet.
"I met with Pakistan army chief General Bajwa to discuss the critical role Pakistan must play in countering terrorism in the region," she wrote in yet another tweet. Warren said she and the group of Senators travelled to Pakistan and Afghanistan to discuss counter-terrorism and security in the region
Image: LeT co-founder Hafeez Saeed, a conspirator in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, has free reign in Pakistan.
11:09 Done deal: President's GST nod for J-K
President Pranab Mukherjee today gave his nod to an order pertaining to the implementation of the Goods and Services Tax regime in Jammu and Kashmir, clearing the decks for the state assembly for enacting a State GST law.
Official sources said that the President cleared the order and sent it to Ministry of Home Affairs for further action. The PDP-BJP government had passed a resolution on Wednesday in the assembly after which the state cabinet under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti cleared a draft order for concurrence of the President. Jammu and Kashmir is the only state which is yet to implement the GST which was rolled out in rest of the country on July 1.
The presidential order, which was concurred by state Governor N N Vohra, relates to the application of certain provisions of the Constitution of India through an order of the President issued under Article 370 that gives special status to the state.
This was the first time in the history of the Jammu and Kashmir assembly that a resolution, seeking a presidential order on a constitutional amendment, was discussed and passed. -- PTI
Official sources said that the President cleared the order and sent it to Ministry of Home Affairs for further action. The PDP-BJP government had passed a resolution on Wednesday in the assembly after which the state cabinet under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti cleared a draft order for concurrence of the President. Jammu and Kashmir is the only state which is yet to implement the GST which was rolled out in rest of the country on July 1.
The presidential order, which was concurred by state Governor N N Vohra, relates to the application of certain provisions of the Constitution of India through an order of the President issued under Article 370 that gives special status to the state.
This was the first time in the history of the Jammu and Kashmir assembly that a resolution, seeking a presidential order on a constitutional amendment, was discussed and passed. -- PTI
10:49 Like LPG, you can soon give up your rail subsidy
Taking a cue from the petroleum ministry, the Indian Railways is set to launch a Give-It-Up campaign to travellers for letting go of the subsidy on train tickets.
A similar mission launched by the Ministry of Petroleum was a hit, with 10.5 million liquefied petroleum gas (LPG)-consuming households opting out of the subsidy, saving about Rs 4,000 crore for the government.
A senior railway official said, The scheme will be launched soon. Passengers will have the option to forgo either 100 per cent of the subsidy or 50 per cent or to avail of the subsidy. It will be a voluntary decision.
The idea reportedly came to Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu when an Avtar Krishen Kher sent back a cheque in the name of IRCTC for the differential amount of the actual fare and the subsidy, around Rs 950 for his trip. The national transporter recovers only close to 57 per cent of the cost of travel on each ticket; on suburban tickets, it comes to around 40 per cent. This has led to an annual subsidy burden of about Rs 30,000 crore for the railways. We expect people who are well off to forgo the subsidy, as details of this are already printed on tickets, the official said.
The railways had posted its worst operating ratio in 16 years at 96.9 per cent in 2016-17. This was attributed to the social burden and the pay commission impact. It has also appointed an international consultancy entity to devise a performance index other than the operating ratio.
-- Shine Jacob/Business Standard.
A similar mission launched by the Ministry of Petroleum was a hit, with 10.5 million liquefied petroleum gas (LPG)-consuming households opting out of the subsidy, saving about Rs 4,000 crore for the government.
A senior railway official said, The scheme will be launched soon. Passengers will have the option to forgo either 100 per cent of the subsidy or 50 per cent or to avail of the subsidy. It will be a voluntary decision.
The idea reportedly came to Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu when an Avtar Krishen Kher sent back a cheque in the name of IRCTC for the differential amount of the actual fare and the subsidy, around Rs 950 for his trip. The national transporter recovers only close to 57 per cent of the cost of travel on each ticket; on suburban tickets, it comes to around 40 per cent. This has led to an annual subsidy burden of about Rs 30,000 crore for the railways. We expect people who are well off to forgo the subsidy, as details of this are already printed on tickets, the official said.
The railways had posted its worst operating ratio in 16 years at 96.9 per cent in 2016-17. This was attributed to the social burden and the pay commission impact. It has also appointed an international consultancy entity to devise a performance index other than the operating ratio.
-- Shine Jacob/Business Standard.
10:41 Palestine mood: so near, yet so far
Abdel Fatteh al-Masri's easy smile disappeared at the mention of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit. Sitting behind the counter at his grocery off Sultan Suleiman Street, facing the Damascus Gate to the Old City, his eyes turned wistful.
The chubby 65-year-old with trembling hands recalled Indira Gandhi's friendship with former Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat and how India was the first non-Arab state to recognise Palestinian statehood in 1988. Then, he broke to the present.
"Why is your Prime Minister so silent about our cause even when he is so near?" the Palestinian storeowner asked, sighing heavily. Read the full report here.
The chubby 65-year-old with trembling hands recalled Indira Gandhi's friendship with former Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat and how India was the first non-Arab state to recognise Palestinian statehood in 1988. Then, he broke to the present.
"Why is your Prime Minister so silent about our cause even when he is so near?" the Palestinian storeowner asked, sighing heavily. Read the full report here.
10:34 CBI raids Lalu: Nitish cannot afford to remain silent now, says BJP
After the Central Bureau of Investigation conducted raids on Rashtriya Janata Dal Chief Lalu Prasad Yadav's residences today, Union Minister Giriraj Singh on Friday urged Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar to break his silence on the issue and clear his stand about his alliance with the former.
Singh taunted Kumar and said that latter, who talks of good governance and zero tolerance towards crime, cannot remain a mute spectator anymore. "The truth has come out. Now Nitish Kumar has to decide, he talks about zero tolerance crime, good governance. Law taking its course, now Nitish-ji cannot remain a mute spectator. He will have to speak out and state his stand clearly. CBI is investigating the matter, earlier also he went to jail on fodder scam and again he is under scanner of the law," said Singh.
The CBI earlier today conducted searches at 12 locations across Patna, Delhi, Gurgaon and other places in connection with a case linked to a hotel maintenance contract awarded by Lalu Yadav when he was the Railway Minister in 2006.
The CBI has also registered a case against Yadav on the allegations of awarding the tender for development, maintenance and operation of Hotels at Ranchi and Puri to a Private Company dealing with Hotels in the year 2006.
The CBI has also registered a case against the Rashtriya Janata Dal Chief's wife, son, then MD, IRCTC, a Private person, two Directors of Private Company, a Private Marketing Company and unknown in the same.
Singh taunted Kumar and said that latter, who talks of good governance and zero tolerance towards crime, cannot remain a mute spectator anymore. "The truth has come out. Now Nitish Kumar has to decide, he talks about zero tolerance crime, good governance. Law taking its course, now Nitish-ji cannot remain a mute spectator. He will have to speak out and state his stand clearly. CBI is investigating the matter, earlier also he went to jail on fodder scam and again he is under scanner of the law," said Singh.
The CBI earlier today conducted searches at 12 locations across Patna, Delhi, Gurgaon and other places in connection with a case linked to a hotel maintenance contract awarded by Lalu Yadav when he was the Railway Minister in 2006.
The CBI has also registered a case against Yadav on the allegations of awarding the tender for development, maintenance and operation of Hotels at Ranchi and Puri to a Private Company dealing with Hotels in the year 2006.
The CBI has also registered a case against the Rashtriya Janata Dal Chief's wife, son, then MD, IRCTC, a Private person, two Directors of Private Company, a Private Marketing Company and unknown in the same.
10:13 Jai Hind! Jai Israel! Jai Maharashtra!
"When the national anthem of India was sung and joined by all present with the PM in front, it was the best moment of the whole night. Rabbi Reuven Solomon Galsurkar, a Jewish priest of Indian origin, spent the first 20 years of his life in Mumbai. On Wednesday night, he travelled from Ashdod to Tel Aviv to hear Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Rabbi Galsurkar tells Rediff.com's Archana Masih from Israel why the evening was so special. Do read
10:09 Indo-Israeli embrace
This is how Pakistani media reported on the Indo-Israeli embrace.
Narendra Modi's recent visit to Israel seems to have cemented this alliance, as the warm embrace between the Indian premier and Benjamin Netanyahu on the tarmac of Ben Gurion International Airport on Tuesday showed.
However, the visit has sparked an interesting reaction from Iran, which has enjoyed cordial relations with India, but is at daggers drawn with the Zionist state. Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Monday called for support for the "oppressed Muslims in India-held Kashmir'; he also referred to Kashmir in his Eid sermon. There is little doubt Ayatollah Khamenei's response has been triggered by the growing bonhomie between Israel and India.
Read more on the Dawn.
Narendra Modi's recent visit to Israel seems to have cemented this alliance, as the warm embrace between the Indian premier and Benjamin Netanyahu on the tarmac of Ben Gurion International Airport on Tuesday showed.
However, the visit has sparked an interesting reaction from Iran, which has enjoyed cordial relations with India, but is at daggers drawn with the Zionist state. Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Monday called for support for the "oppressed Muslims in India-held Kashmir'; he also referred to Kashmir in his Eid sermon. There is little doubt Ayatollah Khamenei's response has been triggered by the growing bonhomie between Israel and India.
Read more on the Dawn.
09:51 Left, BJP, Cong to converge on violence-hit 24 Parganas
A delegation of opposition parties will visit the violence-hit areas of North 24 Parganas district today.
The Left Front delegation will be led by CPI (M) MP Mohammed Salim, Left Front legislative party leader Sujan Chakraborty will represent his cadre, Congress will be represented by Adheer Ranjan Cahudhary and Rupa Ganguly will be the face of the Bharatiya Janat Party.
The delegations will visit the affected areas of Baduria in North 24 parganas and Darjeeling.
West Bengal, in the recent few days, has witnessed violence and serious clashes either taking place between two religious groups or between people and the administration.
The boiling pot of it is the Darjeeling unrest, with the Gorkhas, under the Gorkha Janamukti Morcha, demanding a separate Gorkhaland for themselves.
The Gorkhas have demanded for a separate land with the claim that they should get what was promised to them ie a separate land.
The situation is still intense in the region with the widespread shutdown entering the 22nd day today.Another incident of violence which erupted was in the North 24 Parganas area on Monday.
Communal violence broke out in its Baduria and Basirhat areas over a Facebook post. Earlier, Mamata had appealed the warring groups to maintain peace and communal harmony in the area. She also held the local police responsible for failing to block Facebook in the beginning only.
The Left Front delegation will be led by CPI (M) MP Mohammed Salim, Left Front legislative party leader Sujan Chakraborty will represent his cadre, Congress will be represented by Adheer Ranjan Cahudhary and Rupa Ganguly will be the face of the Bharatiya Janat Party.
The delegations will visit the affected areas of Baduria in North 24 parganas and Darjeeling.
West Bengal, in the recent few days, has witnessed violence and serious clashes either taking place between two religious groups or between people and the administration.
The boiling pot of it is the Darjeeling unrest, with the Gorkhas, under the Gorkha Janamukti Morcha, demanding a separate Gorkhaland for themselves.
The Gorkhas have demanded for a separate land with the claim that they should get what was promised to them ie a separate land.
The situation is still intense in the region with the widespread shutdown entering the 22nd day today.Another incident of violence which erupted was in the North 24 Parganas area on Monday.
Communal violence broke out in its Baduria and Basirhat areas over a Facebook post. Earlier, Mamata had appealed the warring groups to maintain peace and communal harmony in the area. She also held the local police responsible for failing to block Facebook in the beginning only.
09:29 Mumbai: College student gang-raped in moving car
A college girl was allegedly kidnapped and gang-raped inside a moving car in suburban Charkop in Mumbai yesterday.
The incident took place around 7 am when the victim was on her way to college. An Eeco car, with three men inside, drew up near her and allegedly kidnapped and raped her.
According to the police, after pulling the victim into the car, she was sexually assaulted by the three perpetrators.
Later, the captors took her near Madh Island in Malad and allegedly raped her.
The police are waiting for the medical reports of the victim and have registered a case of rape and kidnapping, but no arrests have been made yet. Further probe is on.
The incident took place around 7 am when the victim was on her way to college. An Eeco car, with three men inside, drew up near her and allegedly kidnapped and raped her.
According to the police, after pulling the victim into the car, she was sexually assaulted by the three perpetrators.
Later, the captors took her near Madh Island in Malad and allegedly raped her.
The police are waiting for the medical reports of the victim and have registered a case of rape and kidnapping, but no arrests have been made yet. Further probe is on.
08:58 Opposition slams Yogi govt's plan to gift condoms to newlyweds as 'shagun'
With the Uttar Pradesh government planning to provide contraceptives and condoms to newlywed couples as 'shagun', the Opposition on Friday condemned the act stating that rather than concerning on other important issues in the country, the Centre is keen on the least important matters.
Speaking to ANI, Congress leader P L Punia said, "The Bharatiya Janata Party and Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh should first decide what they want- Are they thinking on reducing the population of the country or deciding to make a fool out of themselves? If they want to take out such an initiative then it should be planned well and organised. Rather than taking interest on other important issues in the country they are keen on these least important matters."
Resonating similar views, Janata Dal-United leader Ali Anwar stated that 'gifting condoms and contraceptives to newlyweds is not so important now'.
"After people becoming ministers they feel that they can introduce any plans or initiative any time.which is not so. It should be planned and organised well," Anwar said.
On Thursday, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's government planned to gift free kit containing condoms and contraceptives to newlywed couples as part of the central government's initiative, Mission Parivar Vikas, which will be launched on World Population Day 2017.
The kit has been named 'Nayi Pahal' and will be distributed by ASHA workers.
Along with condomsand contraceptives, the kit will also carry brochures, guidelines and other important pieces of information on safe sex, family planning and spacing out births.
The ' Nayi Pahal' kit will also contain towels, handkerchiefs, a nail-cutter, a comb and a mirror set.
World Population Day will be celebrated on July 11. -- ANI
Speaking to ANI, Congress leader P L Punia said, "The Bharatiya Janata Party and Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh should first decide what they want- Are they thinking on reducing the population of the country or deciding to make a fool out of themselves? If they want to take out such an initiative then it should be planned well and organised. Rather than taking interest on other important issues in the country they are keen on these least important matters."
Resonating similar views, Janata Dal-United leader Ali Anwar stated that 'gifting condoms and contraceptives to newlyweds is not so important now'.
"After people becoming ministers they feel that they can introduce any plans or initiative any time.which is not so. It should be planned and organised well," Anwar said.
On Thursday, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's government planned to gift free kit containing condoms and contraceptives to newlywed couples as part of the central government's initiative, Mission Parivar Vikas, which will be launched on World Population Day 2017.
The kit has been named 'Nayi Pahal' and will be distributed by ASHA workers.
Along with condomsand contraceptives, the kit will also carry brochures, guidelines and other important pieces of information on safe sex, family planning and spacing out births.
The ' Nayi Pahal' kit will also contain towels, handkerchiefs, a nail-cutter, a comb and a mirror set.
World Population Day will be celebrated on July 11. -- ANI
08:34 Modi arrives in Hamburg for G20 Summit
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday arrived in the German city of Hamburg to attend the G20 Summit, after wrapping up his historic three-day visit to Israel.
He will attend the summit hosted by Germany on July 7-8. The theme of the summit this year is 'Shaping an Interconnected World'.
'PM @narendramodi reaches Hamburg for the G20 Summit. Key multilateral and bilateral engagements will take place through the summit,' the Prime Minister's Office tweeted.
On the sidelines of the summit, Modi is to participate in a meeting of leaders of the BRICS -- Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa -- grouping on Friday.
He is also set to hold bilateral meetings with some of the world leaders there.
The G20, founded in 1999, comprises a mix of the world's largest and emerging economies, representing about two-thirds of the world's population, 85 per cent of global gross domestic product and over 75 per cent of global trade.
The members are Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Turkey, the United Kingdom, the United States, and the European Union. -- PTI
He will attend the summit hosted by Germany on July 7-8. The theme of the summit this year is 'Shaping an Interconnected World'.
'PM @narendramodi reaches Hamburg for the G20 Summit. Key multilateral and bilateral engagements will take place through the summit,' the Prime Minister's Office tweeted.
On the sidelines of the summit, Modi is to participate in a meeting of leaders of the BRICS -- Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa -- grouping on Friday.
He is also set to hold bilateral meetings with some of the world leaders there.
The G20, founded in 1999, comprises a mix of the world's largest and emerging economies, representing about two-thirds of the world's population, 85 per cent of global gross domestic product and over 75 per cent of global trade.
The members are Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Turkey, the United Kingdom, the United States, and the European Union. -- PTI
08:07 CBI files case against Lalu, conducts searches at 12 locations
The Central Bureau of Investigation on Friday registered a case against then Railway Minister Lalu Prasdad Yadav on the allegations of awarding the tender for development, maintenance and operation of Hotels at Ranchi and Puri to a Private Company dealing with Hotels in the year 2006.
The CBI has also registered a case against the Rashtriya Janata Dal chief's wife, son, then MD, IRCTC, a private person, two directors of private company, a private marketing company and unknown in the same.
Searches are being conducted today at 12 Locations including Delhi, Patna, Ranchi, Puri and Gurgaon. -- ANI
The CBI has also registered a case against the Rashtriya Janata Dal chief's wife, son, then MD, IRCTC, a private person, two directors of private company, a private marketing company and unknown in the same.
Searches are being conducted today at 12 Locations including Delhi, Patna, Ranchi, Puri and Gurgaon. -- ANI
00:13 Ransomware strikes Gurgaon, hackers demand Rs 25 lakh in bitcoins
In a first in Gurgaon, a clothing company has become a victim of Ransomware attack. The company, which owns the clothing brand Blackberrys, reported hacking of its servers by online operators who demanded a ransom of US$15 bitcoins, around Rs 25.13 lakh.
The hackers encrypted the entire data of the clothing company that has its corporate office in Udyog Vihar phase 1, Gurgaon.
A case under section 384 of IPC and section 66 of the IT Act was registered by the Gurgaon polices cyber crime cell on the complaint of the company management on Thursday after investigating the matter.
A company spokesperson said that the software attack caused heavy impact on the business and a complaint was made to Gurgaon police to probe the matter and nab the culprits.
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