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Mon, 10 July 2017
India will never get bogged down by such cowardly attacks: PM
Timeline Refresh
23:28 US apologised for mistakenly calling Xi leader of Taiwan: China
The US has apologised to China for mistakenly describing President Xi Jinping as the leader of Taiwan in a statement issued by Washington, a top Chinese official said today.
Reacting strongly to the statement issued by the US after Xi and President Donald Trump met in Germany on the sidelines of the G20, China's Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang told a media briefing here that the Chinese side has "lodged a solemn representation with the US".
"The US said sorry for the technical error and they made the correction," he said when asked about the faux pas by Washington.
In a statement issued after Xi and US President Donald Trump met in Germany on the side-lines of G20, the White House press office described Xi as the president of the Republic of China, the formal name for Taiwan. China, led by Xi, is officially called the People's Republic of China.
Taiwan is a sensitive issue for China as it considers it as part of the mainland under its One-China policy.
23:20 Attack on Amarnath yatris most reprehensible act: Jaitley
Terming the terror attack on Amarnath pilgrims in Kashmir as the most reprehensible act, Defence Minister Arun Jaitley said the incident should add to India's determination to eliminate terrorism.
The defence minister also conveyed his condolences to the families of those killed in the attack in Anantnag district of south Kashmir tonight.
"Terrorist attack on #AmarnathYatra is the most reprehensible act. My condolences to the bereaved families," he tweeted.
"This incident should add to our determination to eliminate terrorism," the defence minister said in another tweet.
23:17 How did the situation in Kashmir come to this? Asks Yechury
After the terror attack on Amarnath Yatra pilgrims, Communist Party of India-Marxist general secretary Sitaram Yechury attacked the Bharatiya Janata Party for 'deteriorating' situation in Kashmir.
"The situation in Kashmir has deteriorated under the BJP govt's watch. Their mishandling of the situation is a matter of grave concern," Yechury tweeted.
Reminding the NDA government of the last such attack on pilgrims, he said, "Last killing of pilgrims in terror attack was in 2000, under BJP-led NDA. Now, again in 2017. How did the situation in Kashmir come to this?"
"We demand accountability from the BJP govt which has mishandled the state, and has now led to the loss of innocent lives in Kashmir," he said in another tweet.
22:59 India will never get bogged down by such cowardly attacks: PM
Condemning the attack on Amarnath Yatra pilgrims, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that India will never get bogged down by such cowardly attacks.
"India will never get bogged down by such cowardly attacks and the evil designs of hate," Modi tweeted.
"Pained beyond words on the dastardly attack on peaceful Amarnath Yatris in J&K," he said in another tweet.
The PM said that he has spoken to the Jammu and Kashmir Governor and the chief minister and assured all possible assistance required.
22:50 Troops rushed to Anantnag after attack on Amarnath pilgrims
Troops of 90 battalion and 40 battalion of the Central Reserve Police Force have rushed to Anantnag district in Jammu and Kashmir after terrorists opened fire at a bus carrying Amarnath Yatra pilgrims from Gujarat.
Seven pilgrims died in the attack and 12 were injured.
According to the Jammu and Kashmir police, initially, terrorists targeted a police BP bunker at Botengoo. However, the fire was retaliated.
Thereafter, the terrorists fired on a police naka near Khanabal.
A tourist bus was hit by bullets in which about 18 tourists were injured.
The bus was on way to Jammu from Baltal and was not a part of the main convoy, said the police.
The main yatra convoy is escorted by troops of the CRPF.
22:34 Fire breaks out at Mukesh Ambani's Antilia building in Mumbai
A fire broke out in industrialist Mukesh Ambani's Antilia building, one of the most expensive residential properties in the world, tonight, police and civic officials said.
The blaze started on the 6th floor of the 27-storey building owned by the Ambanis on Altamount Road at around 9:10 pm, the Disaster Control Room of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation said.
On getting information, half a dozen fire tenders were rushed to douse the flames, a civic official said.
Mumbai Police's PRO Rashmi Karandikar said police and fire brigade teams were at the spot and the situation was under control. Further details are awaited.
22:27
@abdullah_omar
Former Jammu and Kashmir minister Omar Abdullah condemned the attack on Amarnath Yatra pilgrims.
Very sad news. The attack cannot be condemned strongly enough. My sympathies to the families & prayers for the injured.
22:10 Muslim man to sit on fast to spread message of cow protection
Amid a string of attacks on members of the minority community allegedly by cow vigilantes, a Muslim man in Gujarat has announced to sit on a 48-hour fast from July 20 to "spread the message of cow protection and
communal harmony".
Twenty-seven-year-old Jabar Jat, a cattle rearer from Ludbaay village of Nakhatrana taluka in Kutch district, would launch the fast outside the collector's office in Bhuj, over 300 kms from Ahmedabad.
In a letter sent to the collector recently, he demanded that the government provide 'gauchar' (grazing land) in each taluka of Kutch district, so that cows don't have to eat plastic and garbage.
Jat, who himself owns 16 cows, also demanded that the government provide subsidy on the purchase of bullocks. He also want the government to provide 50 per cent subsidy to all the cow shelters (gau-shala).
"Though we are Muslims, we respect cows as much as Hindus do. We are pained to see a stray cow eating garbage. In Kutch, a large number of Muslims have been rearing cows for livelihood since centuries. However, attempts are being made in recent times to portray Muslims in a bad light in the name of cow protection," Jat told PTI.
"Hence, to spread the message of communal harmony as well as that of cow protection, I have announced to sit on a two-day fast from July 20.
"I want the government to do something concrete for the conservation of stray cows. The government should buy cow dung and urine from farmers to encourage them in keeping even non-milching cows," he said.
21:32 6 Amarnath Yatra pilgrims killed in terror attack in J&K's Anantnag
Six Amarnath Yatra pilgrims were killed and 12 injured when terrorists opened fire on a bus they were travelling on Monday in Jammu and Kashmir's Anantnag district.
The terrorists also fired at a police party in Bantigoo area in the district.
Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah tweeted: "Very sad news. The attack cannot be condemned strongly enough. My sympathies to the families & prayers for the injured. (sic)"
The annual yatra to the holy shrine of Amarnath began from the twin routes of Pahalgam and Baltal amidst tight security arrangements on June 29.
Over 6,000 pilgrims were allowed to move towards the shrine from north Kashmir's Baltal base camp while 5,000 pilgrims proceeded from the traditional south Kashmir Pahalgam route.
21:29 Congress govt in Puducherry may fall
New Delhi Congress circles are agog with speculation that by the middle of September, the V Narayanasamy government in Puducherry will be tottering on the brink of collapse.
The government may have to go on the Office of Profit issue with nine Congress MLAs under the scanner.
All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, the principal opposition party in Puducherry, has prepared a memorandum seeking the disqualification of the MLAs.
The affidavit will be filed on Wednesday, July 12, with President Pranab Mukherjee in New Delhi..
Puducherry Lt Governor Kiran Bedi, who has been waging a Twitter war with the Congress government in general and Chief Minister Narayanasamy in particular over the alleged corruption in medical college admissions under his watch, has been lauded by the BJP leadership.
During interactions with Delhi mediapersons recently, BJP president Amit Shah commented in a lighter vein that the appointment of Bedi was done with the sole purpose of giving sleepless nights to the Congress government in the state.
The Aam Aadmi Party in Delhi is facing a similar problem with the Election Commission last year issuing a show cause notice to 27 MLAs on a petition seeking their disqualification for allegedly holding office of profit.
Amit Shah, who was on a tour to Puducherry recently, came away satisfied with Bedis battle with the government.
Shah is also of the opinion that with the 2014 general elections paving the way for an almost-Congress-mukt Bharat, Puducherry will soon be flying the BJP flag under his helm and that of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
21:00 J&K: Terrorists attack police party in Anantnag
Terrorists on Monday attacked a police party in Bantigoo area of Jammu and Kashmir's Anantnag.
More details are awaited.
Earlier in the day, two terrorists were gunned down in the Nowgam Sector following search operation undertaken by the army in the Handwara area of Kupwara district of Jammu and Kashmir.
Sources said the army opened fire after noticing suspicious movement in the area.
On Sunday, the Pakistan Army initiated unprovoked and indiscriminate firing of small arms, automatics and mortars in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch Sector, along the Line of Control.
20:48 No question of compensating stone pelters: Naidu on JK rights body order
Union minister Venkaiah Naidu today outrightly rejected the Jammu and Kashmir human rights panel's directive for providing Rs 10 lakh compensation to Farooq Ahmad Dar, who was used as a "human shield" by the army
during a by-poll in the state.
There is no question of giving compensation to stone pelters, he said.
Naidu said Major Leetul Gogoi, who tied Dar to a jeep to ward off stone pelters during the by-poll in April this year, saved lives of Election Commission officials and police personnel, and the entire country "appreciates" that.
"I do not agree with them. Pelting stones is inhuman, hurting army personnel is also inhuman. I do not know how this order has been given. We are not in agreement with their attitude.
"There is no question of giving compensation to people who pelt stones. I have no sympathies for such people," Naidu said at the sidelines of an event.
Stone pelting is being done at the behest of "people from outside" which has been exposed by a sting operation by some TV channels", the Minister for Information and Broadcasting said.
The Jammu and Kashmir human rights commission today directed the state government to pay Rs 10 lakh compensation to Farooq Ahmad Dar.
20:24 6,000 NGOs likely to lose licence to receive foreign donations
Nearly 6,000 NGOs could lose their licence to receive foreign donations with the home ministry serving them show cause notices for not filing annual income and expenditure records for five consecutive years, an official said on Monday.
The show cause notices were issued on July 8 and the NGOs have time till July 23 to give their reply.
In May this year, 18,523 NGOs were given a one-time opportunity by the home ministry to give details of their income and expenses by June 14.
These NGOs, registered under the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, or FCRA, that allows them to receive foreign donations, were told to submit their annual returns for five years - 2010-11 to 2014-15.
The home ministry said in a circular that as a one time measure, all NGOs were given an opportunity for one month to file their missing annual returns by June 14 without paying any penalty. Email and SMS alerts were also sent to them regularly for one month beginning mid-May.
"However, in spite of sufficient and adequate notice, it has been observed that 5,922 associations have not uploaded their annual returns for three or more than three years within the stipulated time given in the notice," the circular said.
All these NGOs were given show cause notices on July 8 on why their FCRA registration may not be cancelled under the FCRA.
19:36 Comey leaked classified info to media: Trump
United States President Donald Trump today renewed his attack on sacked FBI chief James Comey, saying he leaked "classified information" to the media which is illegal.
Trump's allegations came as a television network friendly to his administration said that the material that Comey leaked to a friend to be shared with the media contained classified information.
"James Comey leaked classified information to the media. That is so illegal!" Trump tweeted.
According to The Hill newspaper, more than half of the memos that Comey wrote as personal recollections of his conversations with Trump about the Russian investigations have been determined to contain classified information.
After he was fired by Trump, Comey shared personal notes with a Columbia University professor who in turn shared the information with reporters of The New York Times.
In a Congressional testimony last month, Comey said he considered those as his personal documents.
Comey said that he considered the memos to be unclassified.
Trump also retweeted a criticism about the mainstream media.
"The mainstream media is neglecting their duty to represent the public. They've failed to represent half of the country," Trump retweeted this tweet of Carrie Sheffield, founder of Bold.
19:03 Gujarat HC admits plea for ban on election manifestos
The Gujarat high court today decided to hear a plea seeking direction to the Election Commission to stop political parties from issuing manifestos and to hold them liable for making unkept pre-poll promises.
A bench of Chief Justice R Subhash Reddy and Justice V M Pancholi admitted the plea for hearing in due course after petitioner Jayesh Shah, a Congress worker, removed an office objection as per the court's earlier order.
Shah, also the managing trustee of Seva Trust, said he has sought the court's intervention into the matter as the concerned authorities have not taken any action against political parties making tall promises in their manifestos.
He said they are "nothing but mere pieces of papers and no accountability is attached to the publication of manifestos."
Shah said the "public at large is being misguided to support a particular political party" due to promises made in its manifesto.
The petitioner highlighted two manifestos, including one issued by the BJP before the 2014 polls, to make his case.
He said that "the then elected party had in 2014 issued a manifesto wherein it promised to ensure vibrant and participatory democracy, empower and inspire people, provide inclusive and sustainable development, quality life in villages and cities, flourishing agriculture, productive youth, etc."
"The above goals and pledge by the then elected party only remained in books and none of the goals have been achieved even as on today," the petition alleged.
18:50 Kerber ousted from Wimbledon
JUST IN: World No. 1 Angelique Kerber crashes out of Wimbledon as Garbie Muguruza beat her 4-6, 6-4, 6-4.
Muguruza, the 2015 finalist, will play Svetlana Kuznetsova next in the quarterfinals.
Kerber was a runner-up at Wimbledon last year, a season in which she also won the Australian Open and US Open.
18:27 Rahul admits meeting Chinese envoy, attacks Modi government
Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi today admitted that he met with a Chinese envoy and lashed out at the Narendra Modi government.
"It is my job to be informed on critical issues. I met the Chinese Ambassador, Ex-NSA, Congress leaders from NE & the Bhutanese Ambassador,' Gandhi tweeted.
He also questioned three senior ministers of the Modi government -- Human Resource Minister Prakash Javdekar, Health Minister J P Nadda, Culture Minister Mahesh Sharma -- who traveled to China for multilateral and bilateral meetings amid the standoff at the border.
"If Govt is so concerned about me meeting an Amb, they should explain why 3Ministers are availing Chinese hospitality while the border issue is on,' Gandhi said in another tweet.
"And for the record I am not the guy sitting on the swing while a thousand Chinese troops had physically entered India,' Gandhi tweeted a picture of Modi and Chinese President Xi Jingpin on a jhoola at the Sabarmati waterfront during the Chinese leader's visit to India in 2014.
18:04 Team India coach decision on hold, says Ganguly
The head coach of the Indian cricket team was scheduled to be chosen today but Sourav Ganguly, Cricket Advisory Committee member, said they need to speak to the people who matter, especially Virat Kohli, before making the final decision.
"We will hold on for a few days on announcement of India's next coach, need to talk to few other people specially Virat Kohli,' Ganguly said in a press conference.
"Have to give credit to Kohli that he totally stayed out of it, didn't give any input on names (for coach), he added.
Ravi Shastri and Virender Sehwag are top contenders for the position.
17:10 UPDATE: Human rights panel directs J&K govt to pay Rs 10 Lakh to 'human shield'
The Jammu and Kashmir human rights commission on Monday directed the state government to pay a compensation of Rs 10 lakh to Farooq Ahmad Dar, who was used as a "human shield" by the army during the Srinagar Lok Sabha bypoll.
The compensation awarded to Dar was for the "humiliation, physical and psychiatric torture, stress, wrongful restraint and confinement" that he underwent when he was tied to the bonnet of an army vehicle to ward off stone pelters, the state human rights commission observed in its judgement.
"I have no doubt in my mind that Farooq Ahmad was subjected to torture and humiliation, besides (being) wrongly confined," the judgement issued by SHRC chairperson Justice (retired) Bilal Nazki said.
He observed that the action led to trauma, resulting in psychiatric stress "which may remain with him for the rest of his life".
"For the humiliation, physical and psychiatric torture, stress, wrongful restraint and confinement, the commission thinks it appropriate to direct the state government to pay a compensation of Rs 10 lakh to the victim," the SHRC said.
The commission directed the Jammu and Kashmir government to comply with the direction within six weeks.
The judgement is recommendatory in nature and would need the approval of the state government for implementation.
16:29 No bilateral meeting took place between Modi and Xi: China
China today refused to acknowledge the interaction between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping on the side-lines of the G-20 summit at Hamburg last week, insisting that no "bilateral meeting" took
place between the two leaders.
India too has not described the interaction, which included a handshake, as a "bilateral meeting" but said that "a range of issues" were discussed by the two leaders. The Indian side has said that the interaction lasted five minutes.
Faced with a barrage of questions by reporters on how China viewed the interaction, Foreign Ministry spokesman, Geng Shuang would only say repeatedly that no bilateral meeting took place.
"According to my information, the two leaders did not hold any bilateral meetings," he said.
"On the side-lines of the G20, President Xi also presided over the informal BRICS leaders meeting. Prime Minister Modi and other leaders of the BRICS countries also attended that event", he said.
Asked again if the meeting did not happen at all, he said: "So my answer is that the two heads of state of India and China did not hold any meetings on the side-lines of the G20 summit in Hamburg."
China's insistence on the set-piece wording, and its refusal to waver from it, apparently was aimed at reiterating its view made clear before the Hamburg meeting: that the "atmosphere was not right" for a meeting between the two leaders due to the standoff between the two militaries at Doklam area in Sikkim sector, where Indian troops stopped road construction by Chinese soldiers.
16:14
JUST IN: State human rights commission directs Jammu-Kashmir to provide 10 lakh as "compensation' to civilian allegedly used as human shield by army
16:07 India kicks off naval exercise with US, Japan
Amidst concern raised by China, navies of India, US and the Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force on Monday began Malabar naval exercise 2017, aimed at achieving deeper military ties between the three nations.
It is the 21st edition of the Malabar exercise.
HCS Bisht, flag officer commanding-in-chief, Eastern Naval Command, declared the exercise open. He said, "The exercise indicated a joint attempt to address common challenges and shared threat."
15:09
Shobhaa De @DeShobhaa My fan girl moment with Arundhati Roy.
15:08 Did Rahul meet Chinese envoy in Delhi?
Did Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi meet with Chinese envoy Luo Zhaohui on Saturday?
Even as the Congress denied the meeting today, the Chinese embassy in Delhi first posted then removed a statement on its website saying that the two had indeed met, reports News18.
The Congress called out the media reports of the alleged meeting as "fake news" the party vice president met Luo in New Delhi amid the China-India border stand-off at Doklam in Sikkim.
Congress spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala, in a series of tweets said some news channels were running "fake news" on Rahul's alleged meeting with the Chinese Ambassador .
Image: The screen grab of the Chinese embassy website announcing the meeting with Rahul Gandhi.
Even as the Congress denied the meeting today, the Chinese embassy in Delhi first posted then removed a statement on its website saying that the two had indeed met, reports News18.
The Congress called out the media reports of the alleged meeting as "fake news" the party vice president met Luo in New Delhi amid the China-India border stand-off at Doklam in Sikkim.
Congress spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala, in a series of tweets said some news channels were running "fake news" on Rahul's alleged meeting with the Chinese Ambassador .
Image: The screen grab of the Chinese embassy website announcing the meeting with Rahul Gandhi.
14:11
India's ambassador to the US Navtej Sarna @NavtejSarna tweets, "Deeply saddened; he was my Ambassador 98-01; a gigantic intellect. Gandhi statue on Mass Ave, today a landmark, was his personal mission."
Sarna was condoling the demise of former Ambassador to the US Naresh Chandra Ambassador (1996-2001).
Sarna was condoling the demise of former Ambassador to the US Naresh Chandra Ambassador (1996-2001).
13:59 JD-U continues to bat for RJD even as Nitish to skip Opposition meet tomorrow
Backing its ally, the Rashtriya Janata Dal, the Janata Dal
(United) said that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) won't succeed in
breaking the back of the united opposition.
Asserting that Lalu Yadav is an integral part of the united opposition, JD(U) leader Sharad Yadav told ANI, "This tirade which has been unleashed against Lalu Yadav and his family because the BJP wants break the united opposition, but this is impossible, we will unite."
Meanwhile, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is unlikely to attend the opposition meeting to decide their choice for vice-president tomorrow.
It is being said that Nitish is recovering from a viral infection, but speculation is widespread that he wants to avoid the media in view of the recent CBI raids on the RJD leader and alliance partner Lalu Prasad Yadav and family. He is also reportedly miffed over the opposition's criticism of him for not siding with their choice as presidential candidate Meira Kumar.
The Bihar chief minister, however, has called national and state lawmakers of his JD-U party for a meeting in Patna on Tuesday.
Asserting that Lalu Yadav is an integral part of the united opposition, JD(U) leader Sharad Yadav told ANI, "This tirade which has been unleashed against Lalu Yadav and his family because the BJP wants break the united opposition, but this is impossible, we will unite."
Meanwhile, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is unlikely to attend the opposition meeting to decide their choice for vice-president tomorrow.
It is being said that Nitish is recovering from a viral infection, but speculation is widespread that he wants to avoid the media in view of the recent CBI raids on the RJD leader and alliance partner Lalu Prasad Yadav and family. He is also reportedly miffed over the opposition's criticism of him for not siding with their choice as presidential candidate Meira Kumar.
The Bihar chief minister, however, has called national and state lawmakers of his JD-U party for a meeting in Patna on Tuesday.
13:54 Sebi 'closely monitoring' situation at NSE
Sebi today said it is closely monitoring the situation at the National Stock Exchange where trading was disrupted following technical issues. The exchange had stopped trading in cash as well as F&O (futures and options) segments while stock prices were also not getting updated.
In a statement, Sebi said it is in touch with the NSE on the issue. "Sebi is in touch with the NSE and is closely monitoring the situation," the regulator said in a statement. After addressing the technical glitch, the exchange resumed trading at 12:30 hours.
An NSE spokesperson said cash and F&O segments are functioning normally, but a "display issue has been noticed which is being addressed".
In a statement, Sebi said it is in touch with the NSE on the issue. "Sebi is in touch with the NSE and is closely monitoring the situation," the regulator said in a statement. After addressing the technical glitch, the exchange resumed trading at 12:30 hours.
An NSE spokesperson said cash and F&O segments are functioning normally, but a "display issue has been noticed which is being addressed".
13:29 Girl's plea to Yogi on molesters
A 19-year-old college girl from Agra has written to chief minister Yogi Adityanath seeking protection from street molesters, saying she would otherwise leave Uttar Pradesh with her family for good. "The goons are all school dropouts; they resent my going to college," the first-year BCom student, who has stopped going to college for fear of her half-a-dozen stalkers, told reporters in Agra today. Read the full report here.
13:24 No SC relief for Teesta Setalvad
The Supreme Court on Monday rejected an appeal from social activist Teesta Setalvad for relief from charges of corruption and misappropriation of funds meant for rehabilitation of Gujarat riot victims.
No relief has been given by the court to Teesta in the grave digging matter in which she is also an accused.
The apex court asked her to face trial in the case registered against her and her husband.
The top court said that the chargesheet had already been filed in the case.
The apex court earlier on July 5 reserved its order on Setalvad's plea regarding defreezing of her bank account and the NGOs.
A division bench of the apex court, headed by Justice Dipak Misra and comprising Justice A.M. Khanwilkar, was hearing the arguments.
The Gujarat Government told the apex court that Setalvad had allegedly spent NGO money meant for secular education for her personal purpose, including liquor consumption.Setalvad, rejected the Gujarat Government's allegation and told the court that the state government was harassing her and wanted to paralyse her activities. -- ANI
No relief has been given by the court to Teesta in the grave digging matter in which she is also an accused.
The apex court asked her to face trial in the case registered against her and her husband.
The top court said that the chargesheet had already been filed in the case.
The apex court earlier on July 5 reserved its order on Setalvad's plea regarding defreezing of her bank account and the NGOs.
A division bench of the apex court, headed by Justice Dipak Misra and comprising Justice A.M. Khanwilkar, was hearing the arguments.
The Gujarat Government told the apex court that Setalvad had allegedly spent NGO money meant for secular education for her personal purpose, including liquor consumption.Setalvad, rejected the Gujarat Government's allegation and told the court that the state government was harassing her and wanted to paralyse her activities. -- ANI
13:14
Veena Venugopal @veenavenugopal Air India is unable to sort veg and non-veg boxes accurately. But is to be trusted to fly people.
12:53 Naqvi says Lalu wrongly depicting his scams as 'his' struggle for freedom
Union Minority Affairs Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi on Monday said RJD chief and former Bihar chief minister Lalu Prasad Yadav is depicting his corruption cases as "his" struggle for freedom.
"This issue is connected with corruption and not with any freedom struggle. Lalu Yadav will not get any advantage by projecting this issue as a freedom struggle. The law is doing its job. If he has any problem with the law, then it is for the court there to answer," Naqvi told ANI.
The Bihar Government has already denied being intimated in advance about the raids conducted Lalu Yadav and his family. -- ANI
"This issue is connected with corruption and not with any freedom struggle. Lalu Yadav will not get any advantage by projecting this issue as a freedom struggle. The law is doing its job. If he has any problem with the law, then it is for the court there to answer," Naqvi told ANI.
The Bihar Government has already denied being intimated in advance about the raids conducted Lalu Yadav and his family. -- ANI
12:46 Air India economy flyers to get veg-only meals on domestic flights
In a cost-cutting move, loss-laden Air India has stopped serving non vegetarian meals to economy class passengers of its domestic flights. However, budget flyers on AI's international flights will continue getting non-veg food. "We implemented this move about two weeks back. It is expected to save us Rs 7-8 crore annually," said a senior official.
AI spokesman GP Rao said, "Air India has taken conscious decision not to have non vegetarian meal in economy class on its domestic flights to reduce wastage, reduce cost and improve catering service."
The airline also says having only-veg in economy class will avoid mix-ups and that vegetarian meals are more in demand.
The move comes as AI's debt burden of over Rs 52,000 crore and mounting losses have led the government to decide to sell it off. IndiGo has already given a formal expression of interest to buy the international operations of AI and AI Express.
Representational image.
AI spokesman GP Rao said, "Air India has taken conscious decision not to have non vegetarian meal in economy class on its domestic flights to reduce wastage, reduce cost and improve catering service."
The airline also says having only-veg in economy class will avoid mix-ups and that vegetarian meals are more in demand.
The move comes as AI's debt burden of over Rs 52,000 crore and mounting losses have led the government to decide to sell it off. IndiGo has already given a formal expression of interest to buy the international operations of AI and AI Express.
Representational image.
12:43
NDTV: Trading resumes on NSE, Nifty up 62 points at 9,727
12:41 NSE glitch: Investors continue to face issues
Investors today continued to face problems in executing trades at the National Stock Exchange due to glitches, including in the F&O segment. An NSE spokesperson said normal trading in cash and F&O (futures and options) category will resume at 12:30 hours.
Trading in the segment was stopped and stock prices failed to get updated. "Due to technical reasons in the cash market, trading has been stopped in cash and F&O segment of the NSE," the exchange said.
According to brokers and those trading on the NSE, stock prices did not get updated and there was also an issue in accessing the F&O segment. "The technical team of the NSE is looking into the issue," the NSE said in a statement.
Trading in the segment was stopped and stock prices failed to get updated. "Due to technical reasons in the cash market, trading has been stopped in cash and F&O segment of the NSE," the exchange said.
According to brokers and those trading on the NSE, stock prices did not get updated and there was also an issue in accessing the F&O segment. "The technical team of the NSE is looking into the issue," the NSE said in a statement.
12:35 RJD: Lalu's son will not resign
The meeting of Rashtriya Janata Dal MLAs to decide whether party chief Lalu Prasad Yadav's son, Tejashwi, should resign as Bihar deputy CM, ends.
After the meeting the RJD spokesperson said that Lalu's son will not resign. "We are with him. Lalu will bounce back."
The RJD said that Bihar CM and alliance partner Nitish Kumar was not discussed at the meeting. When asked if Nitish would be upset at Tejashwi's refusal to resign, the party spokesperson said, "How can we answer on Nitish's behalf? Let him answer."
The RJD also said that the corruption allegations are all at the behest of the BJP. "Those who stand up to BJP are being targeted," the spokesperson said.
Lalu Yadav, who was raided on Friday, had called a meeting of his legislators, who form the biggest group in the legislature. Tejashwi has been accused of corruption by the CBI along with Lalu Yadav. As the opposition called for his resignation, Tejashwi Yadav announced he would not oblige.
The party said that they had full confidence in Tejashwi.
After the meeting the RJD spokesperson said that Lalu's son will not resign. "We are with him. Lalu will bounce back."
The RJD said that Bihar CM and alliance partner Nitish Kumar was not discussed at the meeting. When asked if Nitish would be upset at Tejashwi's refusal to resign, the party spokesperson said, "How can we answer on Nitish's behalf? Let him answer."
The RJD also said that the corruption allegations are all at the behest of the BJP. "Those who stand up to BJP are being targeted," the spokesperson said.
Lalu Yadav, who was raided on Friday, had called a meeting of his legislators, who form the biggest group in the legislature. Tejashwi has been accused of corruption by the CBI along with Lalu Yadav. As the opposition called for his resignation, Tejashwi Yadav announced he would not oblige.
The party said that they had full confidence in Tejashwi.
12:12 Panama Papers case: Pak probe panel to file final report
A joint investigation team probing the Panamagate graft case against Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's family will today submit its final report to the Supreme Court.
The six-member Joint Investigation Team was set up in May by the Supreme Court with the mandate to probe the Sharif family for allegedly failing to provide the trail of money used to buy properties in London in 1990s.
Besides other evidence, the report will include statements of Prime Minister Sharif; his brother and Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif; his children Hussain, Hassan and Maryam Sharif and son-in-law retired Captain Mohammad Safdar. The JIT has also probed several serving and former officials in connection with the case.
The six-member Joint Investigation Team was set up in May by the Supreme Court with the mandate to probe the Sharif family for allegedly failing to provide the trail of money used to buy properties in London in 1990s.
Besides other evidence, the report will include statements of Prime Minister Sharif; his brother and Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif; his children Hussain, Hassan and Maryam Sharif and son-in-law retired Captain Mohammad Safdar. The JIT has also probed several serving and former officials in connection with the case.
11:59 Two terrorists gunned down in Nowgam
Two terrorists were gunned down in the Nowgam Sector on Monday following
search operation undertaken by the army in the Handwara area of Kupwara
district of Jammu and Kashmir.
Sources said the army opened fire after noticing suspicious movement in the area.
On Sunday, the Pakistan Army initiated unprovoked and indiscriminate firing of small arms, automatics and mortars in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch Sector, along the Line of Control.
The retaliatory firing came a day after an army soldier and his wife were killed and their three daughters were injured in firing from across the border in Poonch district.
Pakistani troops targeted Indian posts and villages in Chakkan da Bagh and Kharri Karmara areas.
Two Pakistani soldiers were also killed and six others were injured by Indian security forces.
Reportedly, 23 cease fire violations have occurred so far in June alone.
Representational image.
Sources said the army opened fire after noticing suspicious movement in the area.
On Sunday, the Pakistan Army initiated unprovoked and indiscriminate firing of small arms, automatics and mortars in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch Sector, along the Line of Control.
The retaliatory firing came a day after an army soldier and his wife were killed and their three daughters were injured in firing from across the border in Poonch district.
Pakistani troops targeted Indian posts and villages in Chakkan da Bagh and Kharri Karmara areas.
Two Pakistani soldiers were also killed and six others were injured by Indian security forces.
Reportedly, 23 cease fire violations have occurred so far in June alone.
Representational image.
11:41 Lashkar's 1st non-Kashmiri militant held
A suspected militant named Sandeep Kumar Sharma was apprehended from Muzaffarnagar in Uttar Pradesh, said Jammu and Kashmir Police on Monday. Muneer Khan, IG, J&K Police, said Kumar had expertise in looting ATMs. Sharma is a resident of Uttar Pradesh.
The IG told ANI, "He (Sandeep) was a criminal. Sharma, the son of Ram Sharma from UP was apprehended from Muzaffarnagar. He got in touch with Lashkar through one Shakoor of Sopore. Recently, Bashir Lashkari was eliminated. Sandeep Sharma, who is not a local was in same house where Lashkari took shelter.
"Lashkar militants took the help of Sandeep to loot ATMs, and they also indulged in immoral activities in the villages.
"Sharma was a part of Lashkar module and has been apprehended by the J&K Police. To the locals he (Sandeep) used the name Adil. He lived with two identities. He is the first non-Kashmiri militant in the terror group."
Image: Lashkar militant Sandeep Sharma (masked) in police custody
The IG told ANI, "He (Sandeep) was a criminal. Sharma, the son of Ram Sharma from UP was apprehended from Muzaffarnagar. He got in touch with Lashkar through one Shakoor of Sopore. Recently, Bashir Lashkari was eliminated. Sandeep Sharma, who is not a local was in same house where Lashkari took shelter.
"Lashkar militants took the help of Sandeep to loot ATMs, and they also indulged in immoral activities in the villages.
"Sharma was a part of Lashkar module and has been apprehended by the J&K Police. To the locals he (Sandeep) used the name Adil. He lived with two identities. He is the first non-Kashmiri militant in the terror group."
Image: Lashkar militant Sandeep Sharma (masked) in police custody
11:26 Crucial RJD meeting today as pressure mounts for Tejashwi Yadav's resignation
Ahead of the ongoing political turmoil in the state with the demands for the resignation by Bihar deputy Chief Minister Tejashwi Yadav building up,
the Rashtriya Janata Dal is to hold a meeting on Monday.
The BJP on Sunday urged the RJD and Janata Dal (United) to muster up courage and compel Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Tejaswi Yadav to step down from his post.
BJP leader Sushil Modi said that both leaders of RJD and JD(U) for the respect of Bihar must mount pressure on the alliance top rung seeking Tejaswi's resignation.
"If Tejaswi Yadav does not resign, my appeal to JD (U) leaders is to mount pressure on Nitish Yadav and get the work done. I will appeal the leader of RJD and JD (U) to show courage and ask Tejaswi Yadav to step down from the post of Deputy Chief Minister," said Modi.
Earlier on Friday, the CBI registered a corruption case against Lalu Yadav, his wife Rabri Devi, son Tejaswi Yadav; former Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) Managing Director PK Goyal; and the wife of Lalu's confidante Prem Chand Gupta, Sujata on allegations of awarding the tender for development, maintenance and operation of hotels in Ranchi and Puri in 2006.
The CBI later questioned Rabri Devi and Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Tejaswi Yadav.
The case was registered 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 investigative agency also conducted searches at 12 locations across Patna, Delhi, Gurugram and other places.
The RJD supremo, however, refuted the allegations against him and called it a political conspiracy hatched by the BJP.
While conducting raids at Lalu Yadav's daughter Misa Bharti's premises yesterday, the Enforcement Directorate recovered and seized various incriminating documents, electronic devices including mobile phones.
The BJP on Sunday urged the RJD and Janata Dal (United) to muster up courage and compel Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Tejaswi Yadav to step down from his post.
BJP leader Sushil Modi said that both leaders of RJD and JD(U) for the respect of Bihar must mount pressure on the alliance top rung seeking Tejaswi's resignation.
"If Tejaswi Yadav does not resign, my appeal to JD (U) leaders is to mount pressure on Nitish Yadav and get the work done. I will appeal the leader of RJD and JD (U) to show courage and ask Tejaswi Yadav to step down from the post of Deputy Chief Minister," said Modi.
Earlier on Friday, the CBI registered a corruption case against Lalu Yadav, his wife Rabri Devi, son Tejaswi Yadav; former Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) Managing Director PK Goyal; and the wife of Lalu's confidante Prem Chand Gupta, Sujata on allegations of awarding the tender for development, maintenance and operation of hotels in Ranchi and Puri in 2006.
The CBI later questioned Rabri Devi and Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Tejaswi Yadav.
The case was registered 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 investigative agency also conducted searches at 12 locations across Patna, Delhi, Gurugram and other places.
The RJD supremo, however, refuted the allegations against him and called it a political conspiracy hatched by the BJP.
While conducting raids at Lalu Yadav's daughter Misa Bharti's premises yesterday, the Enforcement Directorate recovered and seized various incriminating documents, electronic devices including mobile phones.
11:20 Alaskan volcano erupts again, aircrafts warned
An Alaskan volcano, which has erupted several time since last year, has again erupted leading to an aviation warning.The Bogoslof volcano, which erupted on Saturday, emitted an ash cloud upto 30,000 feet, reports the CNN.
The volcano comes under the path of several flights from Asia to North America. Its ash can adversely affect aircrafts.The volcano's eruption sequence started in December, stretching for weeks and months
The volcano comes under the path of several flights from Asia to North America. Its ash can adversely affect aircrafts.The volcano's eruption sequence started in December, stretching for weeks and months
11:15
Cash and futures and options (F&O) trading to resume by 11:15 hours: NSE to PTI.
11:02 Swaraj hits out at Sartaj Aziz over Pak visa for Kulbhushan Jadhav's mother
In tweets this morning, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj tore into her Pakistani counterpart Sartaj Aziz for "not showing the courtesy to acknowledge" her letter on a visa for the mother of Kulbhushan Jadhav, the Indian sentenced to death in Pakistan.
Swaraj tweeted that she wrote a "personal letter" to Aziz. "However, Aziz has not shown the courtesy even to acknowledge my letter," she posted.
"I wrote a personal letter to Mr.Sartaj Aziz for the grant of her visa to Pakistan, Sushma Swaraj said.
Swaraj also rejected a charge that a Pakistani cancer patient had been denied a medical visa for her treatment in India. 25-year-old Faiza Tanveer, who has an aggressive tumour in her mouth, alleged that she had applied for a medical visa to India but her request was rejected. According to her family, the reason given was "deteriorating ties".
The Union minister emphatically denied it, saying Aziz had not given a recommendation letter needed for Tanveer's visa.
"I have my sympathies for all Pakistan nationals seeking medical visa for their treatment in India. I am sure Sartaj Aziz also has consideration for the nationals of his country. All that we require is his recommendation for the grant of medical visa to Pakistan nationals," she tweeted.
10:49 UPDATE: Amid standoff, Mumbai schools tell students not to buy 'Made in China' stationery
As the border standoff between India and China continues, many schools in Mumbai plan to tell students to boycott Chinese-made school stationery and other products.
The Mumbai Principals Association, which represents schools following the state board curriculum, in its recent executive committee meeting, decided to dissuade parents and students from purchasing 'Made in China' water bottles, tiffin boxes, pencil boxes, sketch pens, measurement rulers, writer pads and erasers.
The principals believe this symbolic protest will inculcate a feeling of patriotism among the students.
Prashant Redij of MPA said there won't be any compulsion on students or parents to 'boycott" Chinese products.
"China is creating troubles for India. It continues to oppose India's bid for a permanent seat in the United Nations Security Council. At a time when the country is dealing with problems in Jammu and Kashmir, it has raked up the border issue in Sikkim to distract the country. The Chinese media is instigating people against the country. In such a situation, why should our money go to China?" he said.
10:46 No vulgar songs during kanwar yatra, gambling improper on Diwali: Adityanath
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath asked devotees participating in the kanwar yatra not to play "vulgar" movie songs and appealed to people to refrain from gambling on Diwali.
Those participating in the annual pilgrimage should not "show-off", he said.
"Kanwar yatra is about to begin. Playing of vulgar film songs and DJs do not go with religious feelings. Also, it is improper to indulge in gambling after worshipping Goddess Lakshmi on Diwali," the chief minister said.
10:38 NSE hit by tech glitch, no trading in cash, F and O segments
The National Stock Exchange was hit by a technical snag early on Monday, and shut down trading in the cash, and futures and options segments.
Dealers too reported deals not going through and that the share prices were not being updated.
10:31
JUST IN: Two terrorists killed as security forces foil infiltration attempt in Jammu-Kashmir's Nowgam district.
10:00 Modis Strongman Economics
Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India has strong views on economics. Speaking to a big crowd of tycoons, investors and journalists in New Delhi, Mr Modi once admitted that he is not a big economist. Yet he promptly set out an economic vision for India to be a global manufacturing power. Investors should rush to make in India, he said. He claimed that his strong leadership would usher in economic revival and 100 million new manufacturing jobs by 2022.
Read New York Times' editorial HERE
09:42 Sensex soars to all-time high of 31,545
The Sensex opened at a record high on Monday as it hit 31,595.46 points on Monday. The Nifty, too, set a new record by hitting 9,765.90 points in early hours.
The last time the Sensex breached the 30,000 mark was on April 26 2017 when it reached the 30,133.35 mark.
09:15 Clashes break out between two groups in Uttarakhand over social media post
In yet another upheaval caused due to a social media post, clashes between two groups took place in Garhwal district's Satpuli town.
Tension gripped the town when a minor boy allegedly posted an 'offensive' picture of the Kedarnath shrine on Facebook.
Seeing the sensitivity, the Senior Superintendent of Police and District Magistrate rushed to the spot.
Recently, in a similar incident, clashes broke out between two groups in West Bengal's Basirhat over a Facebook post.
08:41 Cracks in the Opposition? Nitish Kumar to ditch Tuesday's meeting
Nitish Kumar has given the Opposition a new case of the jitters by deciding not to attend a meeting of 17 parties on Tuesday in Delhi.
Allowing himself an alibi, the chief minister of Bihar has instead called all his party leaders including national and state lawmakers to a conclave in Patna.
In April, it was he who, along with his ally Lalu Yadav, suggested to Congress Chief Sonia Gandhi that she create a sprawling anti-BJP front. The frost test of its sustainability ahead of the 2019 national election would be putting up a joint candidate for President of India.
Last month, the JD-U chief gave the Opposition a huge blow when he announced that his party would, in fact, support the BJP nominee. He offered two factors in his defence: that the Opposition was at that time still undecided about who it would field; and that the BJP's choice, Ram Nath Kovind, was a Governor of Bihar, making his candidate an honour for the state that he would not stymie.
The meeting on Tuesday in Delhi, to be chaired by Congress chief Sonia Gandhi, is intended to shortlist the likely nominee for Vice President who will be chosen next month (after the presidential election is completed on July 17).
08:15 Former Indian Ambassador to the US Naresh Chandra passes away
Former Indian Ambassador to the US Naresh Chandra died at a hospital in Goa late Sunday. He was 82.
He passed away around 10 pm due to multiple organ failure at Manipal Hospitals in Goa, a hospital official said.
His office confirmed that Chandra was admitted to the hospital on Friday.
Chandra had served as the Cabinet Secretary from 199092 and was the Indian Ambassador to the US from 1996 to 2001.
He was awarded Indias second highest civil awards, the Padma Vibhushan, in 2007.
Image: In this file photo of 2000, Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, flanked by United States President Bill Clinton (left) and Indian Ambassador to the US Naresh Chandra (right), unveiling a statue of Mahatma Gandhi in Washington.
07:54 Massive fire breaks out in London market, 10 fire engines on the spot
Seventy firefighters and ten fire engines are tackling a huge blaze at London's famous Camden Lock Market.
London Fire Brigade were called just before midnight after concerned onlookers noticed the iconic indoor site go up in flames.
The huge fire has torn through the first and second floor up to the roof.
The fire service said it is too early to say where the fire started or whether anyone has been injured.
However, witnesses say they believe the fire started at Gilgamesh - an upmarket Indian restaurant based inside the huge market hall, home to 1,000 businesses.
Part of Camden High Street has been blocked off while crews battled to get the fire under control with members of the public are urged to stay clear of the area.
The police also confirmed it was too early to say whether or not anyone has been injured.
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