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Wed, 19 July 2017
NIA court convicts Bengaluru man for being IS member
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23:01 NIA court convicts Bengaluru man for being IS member
A 23-year-old man hailing from Bengaluru has been convicted by a special National Investigation Agency court in Himachal Pradesh for being a member of terror group Islamic State and indulging in unlawful activities, the probe agency said today.
The Shimla court held Abid Khan guilty under various sections of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and the pronouncement of the quantum of punishment will be made on July 21, a NIA official said.
The agency said Khan was found to be a member of a newly- formed organisation called 'Junood-Ul-Khilafa-Fil-Hind' which was working to further the ideology of the Islamic State.
The National Investigation Agency took over the case from Kullu (Himachal Pradesh) police in January and later filed a charge sheet against Khan.
It said Khan, a resident of Bengaluru, was found 'closely associated' with four other people suspected to be associated with the ISIS, whom the NIA had arrested during its probe.
"He (Khan) got converted to Christianity after the arrest of the four accused persons by the NIA in January last year to evade arrest.
"After obtaining passport in March, 2016 he went to Sri Lanka for about a month. Thereafter, Khan took shelter in a Church at Kullu in Himachal Pradesh," the NIA said.
During this period, it said, Khan remained in contact with his handlers through various social media platforms. -- PTI
The Shimla court held Abid Khan guilty under various sections of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and the pronouncement of the quantum of punishment will be made on July 21, a NIA official said.
The agency said Khan was found to be a member of a newly- formed organisation called 'Junood-Ul-Khilafa-Fil-Hind' which was working to further the ideology of the Islamic State.
The National Investigation Agency took over the case from Kullu (Himachal Pradesh) police in January and later filed a charge sheet against Khan.
It said Khan, a resident of Bengaluru, was found 'closely associated' with four other people suspected to be associated with the ISIS, whom the NIA had arrested during its probe.
"He (Khan) got converted to Christianity after the arrest of the four accused persons by the NIA in January last year to evade arrest.
"After obtaining passport in March, 2016 he went to Sri Lanka for about a month. Thereafter, Khan took shelter in a Church at Kullu in Himachal Pradesh," the NIA said.
During this period, it said, Khan remained in contact with his handlers through various social media platforms. -- PTI
21:59 US lists Pak among countries providing 'safe havens' to terrorists
The United States today listed Pakistan among the nations and regions providing 'safe havens' to terrorists, saying terror groups like the Lashkar-e-Tayiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed continue to operate, train, organise and fundraise inside the country in 2016.
In its annual 'Country Report on Terrorism', as mandated by the Congress, the State Department said that Pakistani military and security forces undertook operations against groups that conducted attacks within Pakistan such as Tehrik-e Taliban Pakistan.
"Pakistan did not take substantial action against the Afghan Taliban or Haqqani, or substantially limit their ability to threaten US interests in Afghanistan, although Pakistan supported efforts to bring both groups into an Afghan-led peace process," the State Department said.
"Pakistan did not take sufficient action against other externally focused groups, such as Lashkar-e-Tayiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) in 2016, which continued to operate, train, organise, and fundraise in Pakistan," the report said.
India, it said continued to experience attacks, 'including by Maoist insurgents and Pakistan-based terrorists'.
Indian authorities continued to blame Pakistan for cross-border attacks in Jammu and Kashmir, it said.
"In January, India experienced a terrorist attack against an Indian military facility in Pathankot, Punjab, which was blamed by authorities on JeM. Over the course of 2016, the Government of India sought to deepen counterterrorism cooperation and information sharing with the United States," the State Department said.
The Indian government continued to closely monitor the domestic threat from transnational terrorist groups like ISIS and Al-Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS), which made threats against India in their terrorist propaganda.
A number of individuals were arrested for ISIS-affiliated recruitment and attack plotting within India, the report said. In a separate chapter, the State Department listed Pakistan as one of the safe havens of terrorism.
The State Department said that numerous terrorist groups, including the Haqqani Network (HQN), the LeT and JeM continued to operate from Pakistani soil in 2016.
"Although LeT is banned in Pakistan, LeT's wings Jamaat- ud-Dawa (JuD) and Falah-i-Insaniat Foundation (FiF) were able to openly engage in fundraising, including in the capital," it said.
"LeT's chief Hafiz Saeed (a UN-designated terrorist) continued to address large rallies, although in February 2017, Pakistan proscribed him under relevant provisions of Schedule Four of the Anti-Terrorism Act, thus severely restricting his freedom of movement," it noted.
The 2015 ban on media coverage of Saeed, JuD, and FiF continued and was generally followed by broadcast and print media, it said.
According to the State Department, the Pakistani government did not publicly reverse its December 2015 declaration that neither JuD nor FiF is banned in Pakistan, despite their listing under UN sanctions regimes, although in January 2017, Pakistan placed both organisations "under observation" pursuant to Schedule Two of the Anti-Terrorism Act.
While not a ban, keeping the outfits under observation allows the government to closely scrutinise the activities of both organisations.
On November 11, Pakistan's National Counter-terrorism Authority published its own list of banned organisations that placed JuD in a separate section for groups that are "under observation" but not banned.
Pakistan continued military operations to eradicate terrorist safe havens in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas, although their impact on all terrorist groups was uneven, it said.
In its report to the Congress, the State Department said in 2016, India and the United States pledged to strengthen cooperation against terrorist threats from groups including al-Qaeda, the ISIS, JeM, LeT and D-Company (Dawood Ibrahim's group), including through greater collaboration on designations at the UN. -- PTI
In its annual 'Country Report on Terrorism', as mandated by the Congress, the State Department said that Pakistani military and security forces undertook operations against groups that conducted attacks within Pakistan such as Tehrik-e Taliban Pakistan.
"Pakistan did not take substantial action against the Afghan Taliban or Haqqani, or substantially limit their ability to threaten US interests in Afghanistan, although Pakistan supported efforts to bring both groups into an Afghan-led peace process," the State Department said.
"Pakistan did not take sufficient action against other externally focused groups, such as Lashkar-e-Tayiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) in 2016, which continued to operate, train, organise, and fundraise in Pakistan," the report said.
India, it said continued to experience attacks, 'including by Maoist insurgents and Pakistan-based terrorists'.
Indian authorities continued to blame Pakistan for cross-border attacks in Jammu and Kashmir, it said.
"In January, India experienced a terrorist attack against an Indian military facility in Pathankot, Punjab, which was blamed by authorities on JeM. Over the course of 2016, the Government of India sought to deepen counterterrorism cooperation and information sharing with the United States," the State Department said.
The Indian government continued to closely monitor the domestic threat from transnational terrorist groups like ISIS and Al-Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS), which made threats against India in their terrorist propaganda.
A number of individuals were arrested for ISIS-affiliated recruitment and attack plotting within India, the report said. In a separate chapter, the State Department listed Pakistan as one of the safe havens of terrorism.
The State Department said that numerous terrorist groups, including the Haqqani Network (HQN), the LeT and JeM continued to operate from Pakistani soil in 2016.
"Although LeT is banned in Pakistan, LeT's wings Jamaat- ud-Dawa (JuD) and Falah-i-Insaniat Foundation (FiF) were able to openly engage in fundraising, including in the capital," it said.
"LeT's chief Hafiz Saeed (a UN-designated terrorist) continued to address large rallies, although in February 2017, Pakistan proscribed him under relevant provisions of Schedule Four of the Anti-Terrorism Act, thus severely restricting his freedom of movement," it noted.
The 2015 ban on media coverage of Saeed, JuD, and FiF continued and was generally followed by broadcast and print media, it said.
According to the State Department, the Pakistani government did not publicly reverse its December 2015 declaration that neither JuD nor FiF is banned in Pakistan, despite their listing under UN sanctions regimes, although in January 2017, Pakistan placed both organisations "under observation" pursuant to Schedule Two of the Anti-Terrorism Act.
While not a ban, keeping the outfits under observation allows the government to closely scrutinise the activities of both organisations.
On November 11, Pakistan's National Counter-terrorism Authority published its own list of banned organisations that placed JuD in a separate section for groups that are "under observation" but not banned.
Pakistan continued military operations to eradicate terrorist safe havens in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas, although their impact on all terrorist groups was uneven, it said.
In its report to the Congress, the State Department said in 2016, India and the United States pledged to strengthen cooperation against terrorist threats from groups including al-Qaeda, the ISIS, JeM, LeT and D-Company (Dawood Ibrahim's group), including through greater collaboration on designations at the UN. -- PTI
21:11 210 govt sites found displaying Aadhaar details: LS told
About 210 websites of the central and state government departments were found to be displaying personal details and Aadhaar numbers of beneficiaries, Parliament was informed today.
"UIDAI (The Unique Identification Authority of India) has taken note of the same and is regularly monitoring the status to get the Aadhaar data removed from the said websites," Minister of State for Electronics and IT, PP Chaudhary said in a written reply in Lok Sabha.
The monitoring came after 'it was found that around 210 websites of central government, state government departments including educational institutes were displaying the list of beneficiaries along with their name, address and other details and Aadhaar numbers for information of general public'.
There has been no leakage of Aadhaar data from the UIDAI, he added.
Chaudhary said that private players have not acquired any Aadhaar data including biometrics from the UIDAI, and sharing of Aadhaar information is done only with authorised agencies through secure applications after following well-established procedures and protocols.
The sharing of Aadhaar information is regulated in terms of the Aadhaar (Sharing of Information) regulations 2016framed under the Aadhaar (Targeted Delivery of Financial and other Subsidies, Benefits and Services), Act 2016.
"As on July 13, 2017, 123 schemes of various central ministries/ departments have been notified under Section 7 or57 of Aadhaar Act, 2016. In respect of these schemes, Aadhaar number is necessary for the purpose of establishing identity of an individual to enable receipt of subsidies, benefits and services etc," he added.
To another query, he said that the linkage of Aadhaar number with PAN (Permanent Account Number) database will allow a 'robust way' of de-duplication as the former is based on biometric attributes of finger prints and iris images.
"Some instances were found where multiple PANs have been allotted to one person or one PAN has been allotted to multiple persons despite the application of de-duplication process based on demographic data," he said.
Seeding of Aadhaar will allow weeding out any undetected duplicate PANs, he added.
PAN is the key identifier of taxable entity and aggregator of all financial transactions undertaken by the entity. -- PTI
"UIDAI (The Unique Identification Authority of India) has taken note of the same and is regularly monitoring the status to get the Aadhaar data removed from the said websites," Minister of State for Electronics and IT, PP Chaudhary said in a written reply in Lok Sabha.
The monitoring came after 'it was found that around 210 websites of central government, state government departments including educational institutes were displaying the list of beneficiaries along with their name, address and other details and Aadhaar numbers for information of general public'.
There has been no leakage of Aadhaar data from the UIDAI, he added.
Chaudhary said that private players have not acquired any Aadhaar data including biometrics from the UIDAI, and sharing of Aadhaar information is done only with authorised agencies through secure applications after following well-established procedures and protocols.
The sharing of Aadhaar information is regulated in terms of the Aadhaar (Sharing of Information) regulations 2016framed under the Aadhaar (Targeted Delivery of Financial and other Subsidies, Benefits and Services), Act 2016.
"As on July 13, 2017, 123 schemes of various central ministries/ departments have been notified under Section 7 or57 of Aadhaar Act, 2016. In respect of these schemes, Aadhaar number is necessary for the purpose of establishing identity of an individual to enable receipt of subsidies, benefits and services etc," he added.
To another query, he said that the linkage of Aadhaar number with PAN (Permanent Account Number) database will allow a 'robust way' of de-duplication as the former is based on biometric attributes of finger prints and iris images.
"Some instances were found where multiple PANs have been allotted to one person or one PAN has been allotted to multiple persons despite the application of de-duplication process based on demographic data," he said.
Seeding of Aadhaar will allow weeding out any undetected duplicate PANs, he added.
PAN is the key identifier of taxable entity and aggregator of all financial transactions undertaken by the entity. -- PTI
19:58 CBI summons Karti Chidambaram for questioning
Karti Chidamabaram, son of former finance minister P Chidamabaram, has been summoned by the Central Bureau of Investigation on July 21 in connection with an alleged corruption case against him.
Sources in the CBI said he was called earlier also in June but he had sought more time to appear before the agency.
The CBI has now asked him to be present for questioning on July 21, the sources said.
They said his examination was needed in connection with a Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) clearance given to media group INX Media for receiving funds from Mauritius when his father was the finance minister.
The CBI has alleged that a firm 'indirectly controlled' by him received money from INX Media, run by Indrani and Peter Mukerjea.
P Chidamabaram had issued a strong statement in response to the FIR, saying that the government was using the CBI and other agencies to target his son. -- PTI
Sources in the CBI said he was called earlier also in June but he had sought more time to appear before the agency.
The CBI has now asked him to be present for questioning on July 21, the sources said.
They said his examination was needed in connection with a Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) clearance given to media group INX Media for receiving funds from Mauritius when his father was the finance minister.
The CBI has alleged that a firm 'indirectly controlled' by him received money from INX Media, run by Indrani and Peter Mukerjea.
P Chidamabaram had issued a strong statement in response to the FIR, saying that the government was using the CBI and other agencies to target his son. -- PTI
19:21 Privacy vs Aadhaar: SC to continue hearing tomorrow
The Supreme Court's constitution bench will continue to hear the matter tomorrow on whether linking of PAN card with Aadhaar breaches an individual's privacy or not.
The lawyer of the petitioner, in connection with the Aadhar matter argued on all issues arising out of the Aadhar card, especially the concern over whether it breaches the people's right to privacy.
"The issue is simple. Is there a fundamental right to privacy under the Indian Constitution? The view that existed earlier was an opinion that different fundamental rights were individual and distinct. And that Article 21 was a residuary right. The basic freedoms were under article 19," Senior Advocate Gopal Subramanian said.
Subramanian further argued that privacy is embedded in all processes of human life and liberty. The Preamble uses two expressions liberty and dignity. These two words are intended to convey an inherent right recognised by the Constitution and the privacy is embedded in both.
The hearing is going on in the Supreme Court nine-judge Constitution bench.
On June 10, the Supreme Court had ruled that from July 1 onward, every person eligible to obtain Aadhar card must quote their Aadhar number or their Aadhaar Enrolment ID number for filing of Income Tax Returns as well as for applications for permanent account number.
Following this, the apex court pronounced its order on mandatory requirements of Aadhar card for income tax return.
The income tax department has stepped up its efforts to encourage people to link their PAN with Aadhar.
On July 12, the top court decided to constitute a five-judge bench to hear whether there is a right to privacy or not.
The matter was mentioned before a bench comprising of Chief Justice J S Khehar and Justice D Y Chandrachud, which said that its five-judge Constitution Bench will hear Aadhar-related matters. -- ANI
The lawyer of the petitioner, in connection with the Aadhar matter argued on all issues arising out of the Aadhar card, especially the concern over whether it breaches the people's right to privacy.
"The issue is simple. Is there a fundamental right to privacy under the Indian Constitution? The view that existed earlier was an opinion that different fundamental rights were individual and distinct. And that Article 21 was a residuary right. The basic freedoms were under article 19," Senior Advocate Gopal Subramanian said.
Subramanian further argued that privacy is embedded in all processes of human life and liberty. The Preamble uses two expressions liberty and dignity. These two words are intended to convey an inherent right recognised by the Constitution and the privacy is embedded in both.
The hearing is going on in the Supreme Court nine-judge Constitution bench.
On June 10, the Supreme Court had ruled that from July 1 onward, every person eligible to obtain Aadhar card must quote their Aadhar number or their Aadhaar Enrolment ID number for filing of Income Tax Returns as well as for applications for permanent account number.
Following this, the apex court pronounced its order on mandatory requirements of Aadhar card for income tax return.
The income tax department has stepped up its efforts to encourage people to link their PAN with Aadhar.
On July 12, the top court decided to constitute a five-judge bench to hear whether there is a right to privacy or not.
The matter was mentioned before a bench comprising of Chief Justice J S Khehar and Justice D Y Chandrachud, which said that its five-judge Constitution Bench will hear Aadhar-related matters. -- ANI
18:47 Kamal Haasan does not know politics: Palaniswami
Kamal Haasan's allegations of corruption in the Tamil Nadu government drew a sharp response today from Chief Minister K Palaniswami who said the actor 'does not know politics' and he would give a proper response once the film-star takes the 'political plunge'.
"He is into acting... does not know about politics. After he comes to politics and says (such) things, we will give a proper response," the chief minister said. Palaniswami's remarks comes in the wake of his cabinet colleagues, including state Finance Minister D Jaykaumar, tearing into the actor for his remarks on corruption in the government.
Jayakumar had asked Haasan to refrain from making 'generalised comments' and wondered why he had not made such allegations when late chief minister J Jayalalithaa was alive.
The finance minister had also asked the popular actor to make such comments after entering politics, but said Haasan did not have the 'guts' to do so.
Ministers S P Velumani and C Ve Shanmugam had also hit out Haasan for his statement.
Velumani had sought evidence from Haasan to back his charge and also asked whether the actor was ready to furnish details of the taxes he had paid for his films.
The Law Minister, Shanmugam, wanted a case to be filed against Haasan.
The 62-year-old actor, however, was supported by many opposition parties, including the Communist Party of India-Marxist and the Communist Party of India.
Rebel All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam leader and former Chief Minister O Panneerselvam had said everyone was entitled to express their opinions in a democracy and suggested that a proper reply be given to a differing opinion.
The Bharatiya Janata Party also took a dig at the actor's tweet on his possible entry into politics, wondering why the celebrity, 'without doing any service to the people', had a 'sudden awakening' on entering the field. -- PTI
"He is into acting... does not know about politics. After he comes to politics and says (such) things, we will give a proper response," the chief minister said. Palaniswami's remarks comes in the wake of his cabinet colleagues, including state Finance Minister D Jaykaumar, tearing into the actor for his remarks on corruption in the government.
Jayakumar had asked Haasan to refrain from making 'generalised comments' and wondered why he had not made such allegations when late chief minister J Jayalalithaa was alive.
The finance minister had also asked the popular actor to make such comments after entering politics, but said Haasan did not have the 'guts' to do so.
Ministers S P Velumani and C Ve Shanmugam had also hit out Haasan for his statement.
Velumani had sought evidence from Haasan to back his charge and also asked whether the actor was ready to furnish details of the taxes he had paid for his films.
The Law Minister, Shanmugam, wanted a case to be filed against Haasan.
The 62-year-old actor, however, was supported by many opposition parties, including the Communist Party of India-Marxist and the Communist Party of India.
Rebel All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam leader and former Chief Minister O Panneerselvam had said everyone was entitled to express their opinions in a democracy and suggested that a proper reply be given to a differing opinion.
The Bharatiya Janata Party also took a dig at the actor's tweet on his possible entry into politics, wondering why the celebrity, 'without doing any service to the people', had a 'sudden awakening' on entering the field. -- PTI
18:12 Come up with better arrangement for peace: US to India, China
India and China should work together to come up with 'some better sort of arrangement' for peace, the United States said on Wednesday, expressing concern over the standoff between their troops in the Sikkim sector.
Chinese and Indian soldiers have been locked in a face- off in the Doka La area of the Sikkim sector for over a month after Indian troops stopped the Chinese army from building a road in the disputed area.
"I know that the US is concerned about the ongoing situation there," State Department spokesperson Heather Nauert told reporters at her daily news conference.
She was responding to questions on the standoff between Indian and Chinese troops in the Doka La area.
"We believe that both parties, both sides should work together to try to come up with some better sort of arrangement for peace," Nauert said. -- PTI
Chinese and Indian soldiers have been locked in a face- off in the Doka La area of the Sikkim sector for over a month after Indian troops stopped the Chinese army from building a road in the disputed area.
"I know that the US is concerned about the ongoing situation there," State Department spokesperson Heather Nauert told reporters at her daily news conference.
She was responding to questions on the standoff between Indian and Chinese troops in the Doka La area.
"We believe that both parties, both sides should work together to try to come up with some better sort of arrangement for peace," Nauert said. -- PTI
17:58 They can rollout GST at midnight, have no time for debate on farmers: Rahul
Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday hit out at the National Democratic Alliance government alleging that it was not willing to discuss farmers' issues in Parliament and that its decision to implement the goods and services tax was taken in a haste.
Wielding a bow and arrow at 'Kisaan Aakrosh Rally' in Banswara, Rajasthan he slammed the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh alleging that they do not hear the voices of the weak and the oppressed people.
He said the Congress wanted to discuss the issues offarmers at length in the Lok Sabha today but were not allowed to speak.
"The government can announce GST implementation at midnight but is not willing to discuss issues of farmers in Parliament for a minute," Gandhi alleged.
About implementation of the new indirect tax regime inthe country, he said the decision was taken in haste.
"We wanted the government to take three-four more months as the proposed GST reforms had deficiencies and would impactsmall traders," Gandhi said.
He said small traders, farmers, labourers, tribals and Dalits equally run the country but the people in the BJP and the RSS do not hear the voices of the oppressed and the weak.
Gandhi said the Congress believes that farmers, traders, labourers play equally important role along side industrialists in taking the country forward.
"We want to take everybody along and take the country forward. India has made its mark due to its farmers, labourers and traders who have given their blood and sweat to it," he said.
Accusing the BJP government of neglecting farmers,labourers, youths and small traders the Congress vice president said the benefits are reaching only to the top 50 industrialists of the country.
He said the Congress will fight for the farmers and putpressure on the BJP government to waive farm loans in Rajasthan.
"It was under pressure from the Congress, that the BJP government waived loans of farmers in Uttar Pradesh. In Punjab and Karnataka, Congress governments did not take time in providing relief measures to farmers by waiving their loans," Gandhi said.
"We will not let the Rajasthan government sleep till the loans of farmers are waived," he said.
Taking a jibe at the Modi government over its promise of providing employment to 2 crore youths, Gandhi said, "He hadpromised jobs through 'Make In India' campaign, but all claims have turned flat." -- PTI
Photograph: @OfficeOfRG/Twitter
Wielding a bow and arrow at 'Kisaan Aakrosh Rally' in Banswara, Rajasthan he slammed the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh alleging that they do not hear the voices of the weak and the oppressed people.
He said the Congress wanted to discuss the issues offarmers at length in the Lok Sabha today but were not allowed to speak.
"The government can announce GST implementation at midnight but is not willing to discuss issues of farmers in Parliament for a minute," Gandhi alleged.
About implementation of the new indirect tax regime inthe country, he said the decision was taken in haste.
"We wanted the government to take three-four more months as the proposed GST reforms had deficiencies and would impactsmall traders," Gandhi said.
He said small traders, farmers, labourers, tribals and Dalits equally run the country but the people in the BJP and the RSS do not hear the voices of the oppressed and the weak.
Gandhi said the Congress believes that farmers, traders, labourers play equally important role along side industrialists in taking the country forward.
"We want to take everybody along and take the country forward. India has made its mark due to its farmers, labourers and traders who have given their blood and sweat to it," he said.
Accusing the BJP government of neglecting farmers,labourers, youths and small traders the Congress vice president said the benefits are reaching only to the top 50 industrialists of the country.
He said the Congress will fight for the farmers and putpressure on the BJP government to waive farm loans in Rajasthan.
"It was under pressure from the Congress, that the BJP government waived loans of farmers in Uttar Pradesh. In Punjab and Karnataka, Congress governments did not take time in providing relief measures to farmers by waiving their loans," Gandhi said.
"We will not let the Rajasthan government sleep till the loans of farmers are waived," he said.
Taking a jibe at the Modi government over its promise of providing employment to 2 crore youths, Gandhi said, "He hadpromised jobs through 'Make In India' campaign, but all claims have turned flat." -- PTI
Photograph: @OfficeOfRG/Twitter
17:32 BJP mocks Kamal Haasan over his plans to enter politics
The Bharatiya Janata Party on Wednesday took a dig at actor Kamal Haasan's tweet on his possible entry into politics, wondering why the celebrity, 'without doing any service to the people,' has a 'sudden awakening' on entering the field.
The party's state unit president Tamilisai Soundararajan told reporters in Coimbatore that actors, before entering politics, should think about their contributions to society, as many leaders are already there to serve the people.
"Without doing any service to people and society, why this sudden awakening for Kamal Hassan?" she asked.
The BJP leader said Kamal Hassan has not so far expressed any social concerns like his colleague Rajanikanth, who from the beginning has touched on various issues concerning society and people.
"Politics is not cinema, where one can become chief minister in a day," she said, adding that it was not on Twitter but on people's platform.
The actor had tweeted about 11 lines late last night indicating his possible entry into politics. -- PTI
The party's state unit president Tamilisai Soundararajan told reporters in Coimbatore that actors, before entering politics, should think about their contributions to society, as many leaders are already there to serve the people.
"Without doing any service to people and society, why this sudden awakening for Kamal Hassan?" she asked.
The BJP leader said Kamal Hassan has not so far expressed any social concerns like his colleague Rajanikanth, who from the beginning has touched on various issues concerning society and people.
"Politics is not cinema, where one can become chief minister in a day," she said, adding that it was not on Twitter but on people's platform.
The actor had tweeted about 11 lines late last night indicating his possible entry into politics. -- PTI
17:06 Presidential poll result at 5 pm tomorrow
The counting of votes for the presidential election held on Monday will be done tomorrow and the name of the next occupant of the Rashtrapati Bhawan would be known by 5 pm. Here's what's going to happen.
-- According to Lok Sabha secretary general Anoop Mishra, who is also the returning officer of the election, the counting would begin at 11 am.
-- First, the ballot box of Parliament House would be opened, and then, the ballot boxes received from states would be counted on alphabetical basis.
-- The votes would be counted on four separate tables and there would be eight rounds of counting. An Election Commission official who has witnessed previous two presidential polls said, usually results are declared around 5 pm.
Close to 99 per cent voting was recorded for electing India's next president. The numbers are stacked in favour of the ruling coalition's nominee Ram Nath Kovind over the opposition's candidate Meira Kumar.
Thirty-two polling stations including the one in Parliament house, were set up in various states.
A total of 4,896 voters -- 4,120 MLAs and 776 elected MPs -- were eligible to cast their ballot. MLCs of states with legislative council are not part of the electoral college.
While the value of an MLA's vote depends on the population of the state he or she belongs to, the value of an MP's vote remains the same at 708.
-- According to Lok Sabha secretary general Anoop Mishra, who is also the returning officer of the election, the counting would begin at 11 am.
-- First, the ballot box of Parliament House would be opened, and then, the ballot boxes received from states would be counted on alphabetical basis.
-- The votes would be counted on four separate tables and there would be eight rounds of counting. An Election Commission official who has witnessed previous two presidential polls said, usually results are declared around 5 pm.
Close to 99 per cent voting was recorded for electing India's next president. The numbers are stacked in favour of the ruling coalition's nominee Ram Nath Kovind over the opposition's candidate Meira Kumar.
Thirty-two polling stations including the one in Parliament house, were set up in various states.
A total of 4,896 voters -- 4,120 MLAs and 776 elected MPs -- were eligible to cast their ballot. MLCs of states with legislative council are not part of the electoral college.
While the value of an MLA's vote depends on the population of the state he or she belongs to, the value of an MP's vote remains the same at 708.
16:58 The return of Smriti Irani
Union minister Smriti Irani was discussed in the Central Hall of Parliament today and her apparent change in fortunes, from a sidelined minister to one who has been handed an additional portfolio.
The textiles minister has now also been given the I&B portfolio after Venkaiah Naidu resigned the post ahead of filing his nomination as the NDA's vice-presidential candidate.
This is a nod to those who speculated that Smriti Irani will be the BJP candidate against Rahul Gandhi in Amethi in 2019 general elections. When Irani entered Central Hall, MPs walked up to her and wisher her.
However, she remained reserved and said officials were yet to brief her and only then would she comment on questions like the censorship demands for Indu Sarkar. The Congress wants the film, based on the Emergency, banned. As an aside, Irani is a polyglot. The minister speaks six languages -- Hindi, Punjabi, Marathi, Bengali, English and Farsi. The impression in Central Hall was that she would give Rahul Gandhi a tough fight.
The textiles minister has now also been given the I&B portfolio after Venkaiah Naidu resigned the post ahead of filing his nomination as the NDA's vice-presidential candidate.
This is a nod to those who speculated that Smriti Irani will be the BJP candidate against Rahul Gandhi in Amethi in 2019 general elections. When Irani entered Central Hall, MPs walked up to her and wisher her.
However, she remained reserved and said officials were yet to brief her and only then would she comment on questions like the censorship demands for Indu Sarkar. The Congress wants the film, based on the Emergency, banned. As an aside, Irani is a polyglot. The minister speaks six languages -- Hindi, Punjabi, Marathi, Bengali, English and Farsi. The impression in Central Hall was that she would give Rahul Gandhi a tough fight.
16:20
Air India also decides to lift the ban on TDP MP JC Diwakar Reddy, accused of creating ruckus at Vizag airport.
16:15 IndiGo lifts ban on TDP MP who misbehaved at Vizag airport
Just in: IndiGo lifts the ban on TDP MP JC Diwakar Reddy with immediate effect.
Reddy was banned by all domestic airlines for creating a ruckus at the Visakhapatnam airport. Reddy, the second lawmaker to be grounded by domestic airlines for assault and misbehaviour since March, had shouted at IndiGo airline officials, tried to throw a printer on the floor and pushed a senior airline official. He was angry that the airline had refused to accommodate him because he had showed up late for his flight from Visakhapatnam to Hyderabad.
Reddy was banned by all domestic airlines for creating a ruckus at the Visakhapatnam airport. Reddy, the second lawmaker to be grounded by domestic airlines for assault and misbehaviour since March, had shouted at IndiGo airline officials, tried to throw a printer on the floor and pushed a senior airline official. He was angry that the airline had refused to accommodate him because he had showed up late for his flight from Visakhapatnam to Hyderabad.
15:52
Arun Jaitley asks SP's Naresh Agarwal to apologise over his statement in which he links God's name to alcohol.
15:47 As TN's debt-hit farmers protest, MLAs get 100% pay hike
Tamil Nadu MLAs today approved a 100 per cent salary hike for themselves. The MLAs now get a monthly salary of Rs 1.5 lakh, a massive hike from their previous salary of Rs 55,000 per month. CM E Palaniswami made the announcement in the state Assembly today.
This comes at a time when when farmers of the state are demanding loan waiver.
Dozens of farmers from Tamil Nadu are protesting at Delhi's Jantar Mantar for months now demanding a Rs 40,000 crore drought relief package, farm loan waiver and setting up of the Cauvery Management Board by the Centre.
To direct attention to their cause, farmers have shaved their heads and half their moustaches, held mice and snakes in their mouths, conducted mock funerals, flogged themselves and even carried skulls which they claimed were of farmers who had committed suicide due to debt pressure.
This comes at a time when when farmers of the state are demanding loan waiver.
Dozens of farmers from Tamil Nadu are protesting at Delhi's Jantar Mantar for months now demanding a Rs 40,000 crore drought relief package, farm loan waiver and setting up of the Cauvery Management Board by the Centre.
To direct attention to their cause, farmers have shaved their heads and half their moustaches, held mice and snakes in their mouths, conducted mock funerals, flogged themselves and even carried skulls which they claimed were of farmers who had committed suicide due to debt pressure.
15:18 This is what will happen tomorrow when the Prez poll results are announced
The Central Hall of Parliament is being spruced up for the swearing-in ceremony of Ram Nath Kovind as the new President of India on July 25.
What we know so far is that new carpets have been ordered and spread in the Central Hall.
Kovind will have a busy schedule tomorrow. The results of the 14th presidential polls held on July 17, Monday, will be declared by 11:30 am tomorrow and if he wins, which is the likely outcome, Kovind will then become President Elect.
The first person to meet the President Elect will be Cabinet Secretary P K Sinha, followed by a stream of officials, which will herald the start of the briefings Kovind will receive.
Union Home Secretary Rajiv Mehrishi will accompany the Cabinet Secretary and make a presentation about the swearing-in Ceremony of the President in the Central Hall.
Following this, Anil Khosla, the Military Secretary to the President will pay a courtesy visit on the President Elect.
Then, the President's Bodyguard, a unit in the Indian Army, will take position at 10 Akbar Road, where Ram Nath Kovind is now residing. This is the bungalow which has been allotted to Union Minister for Culture Dr Mahesh Sharma.
Staff members of the President's secretariat will also line up and a temporary secretariat will be established at 10 Akbar Road till Kovind moves in to Rashtrapati Bhavan. From there, the Delhi police will take over, and ensure security measures are in place. Stay with for the pomp and ceremony as India gets its 14th President on Tuesday.
What we know so far is that new carpets have been ordered and spread in the Central Hall.
Kovind will have a busy schedule tomorrow. The results of the 14th presidential polls held on July 17, Monday, will be declared by 11:30 am tomorrow and if he wins, which is the likely outcome, Kovind will then become President Elect.
The first person to meet the President Elect will be Cabinet Secretary P K Sinha, followed by a stream of officials, which will herald the start of the briefings Kovind will receive.
Union Home Secretary Rajiv Mehrishi will accompany the Cabinet Secretary and make a presentation about the swearing-in Ceremony of the President in the Central Hall.
Following this, Anil Khosla, the Military Secretary to the President will pay a courtesy visit on the President Elect.
Then, the President's Bodyguard, a unit in the Indian Army, will take position at 10 Akbar Road, where Ram Nath Kovind is now residing. This is the bungalow which has been allotted to Union Minister for Culture Dr Mahesh Sharma.
Staff members of the President's secretariat will also line up and a temporary secretariat will be established at 10 Akbar Road till Kovind moves in to Rashtrapati Bhavan. From there, the Delhi police will take over, and ensure security measures are in place. Stay with for the pomp and ceremony as India gets its 14th President on Tuesday.
14:57 China ready to attack India with help from Pak, says Mulayam ignoring govt advice
Ignoring the government's advice to address the border dispute with China with restraint, opposition leader Mulayam Singh Yadav said in parliament today that Beijing is ready to attack India in collaboration with its long-time ally, Pakistan
Samajwadi Party leader and former Defence Minister Mulayam Singh Yadav today claimed that China was ready to attack India in collaboration with Pakistan and asked the government to reverse its stand on the Tibet issue and support its independence.
Raising the matter in the Lok Sabha against the backdrop of tension between India and China, he asked the government to inform Parliament what it has done to meet any likely challenge from the neighbouring country.
"India is today facing a big danger from China. I have been cautioning the central government for years. China has joined hands with Pakistan. It has made full preparation to attack India. "China is India's biggest opponent. What has the government done? In Kashmir, the Chinese army has allied with the Pak army," Yadav, known for his tough stand on China, said during the Zero Hour.
He also claimed that China had buried nuclear weapons in Pakistan to target India, adding that Indian intelligence agencies "would know better".
Yadav said India's stand on Tibet, a reference to its acceptance that the region was part of China, was a "mistake" and the time has come to support its independence as it had been a traditional buffer between the two big nations.
"China is our enemy, not Pakistan. Pakistan can do us no damage," he said. It was India's responsibility to protect Bhutan and China was eyeing Nepal, he said. He also spoke against massive amounts of Chinese goods finding a market in India. -- PTI
Samajwadi Party leader and former Defence Minister Mulayam Singh Yadav today claimed that China was ready to attack India in collaboration with Pakistan and asked the government to reverse its stand on the Tibet issue and support its independence.
Raising the matter in the Lok Sabha against the backdrop of tension between India and China, he asked the government to inform Parliament what it has done to meet any likely challenge from the neighbouring country.
"India is today facing a big danger from China. I have been cautioning the central government for years. China has joined hands with Pakistan. It has made full preparation to attack India. "China is India's biggest opponent. What has the government done? In Kashmir, the Chinese army has allied with the Pak army," Yadav, known for his tough stand on China, said during the Zero Hour.
He also claimed that China had buried nuclear weapons in Pakistan to target India, adding that Indian intelligence agencies "would know better".
Yadav said India's stand on Tibet, a reference to its acceptance that the region was part of China, was a "mistake" and the time has come to support its independence as it had been a traditional buffer between the two big nations.
"China is our enemy, not Pakistan. Pakistan can do us no damage," he said. It was India's responsibility to protect Bhutan and China was eyeing Nepal, he said. He also spoke against massive amounts of Chinese goods finding a market in India. -- PTI
14:00 Hinduism and its complicated history with cows
Most people seem to assume that no Hindu has ever consumed beef. But is this true?
As a scholar, studying Sanskrit and ancient Indian religion for over 50 years, I know of many texts that offer a clear answer to this question.Scholars have known for centuries that the ancient Indians ate beef. After the fourth century BC, when the practice of vegetarianism spread throughout India among Buddhists, Jains and Hindus, many Hindus continued to eat beef.
Scholar, author, Indologist Wendy Doniger beefs up the debate. Read her column here
As a scholar, studying Sanskrit and ancient Indian religion for over 50 years, I know of many texts that offer a clear answer to this question.Scholars have known for centuries that the ancient Indians ate beef. After the fourth century BC, when the practice of vegetarianism spread throughout India among Buddhists, Jains and Hindus, many Hindus continued to eat beef.
Scholar, author, Indologist Wendy Doniger beefs up the debate. Read her column here
13:44
Zeliang will be sworn in as Nagaland CM at 3 pm today.
13:40 Nagaland gets new Chief Minister
TR Zeliang appointed Nagaland chief minister in place of Shurhozelie Liezietsu, who didn't show up for the floor test today. Zeilang is a former chief minister of the state and leader of the rebel Nagaland Peoples Front.
Embattled Nagaland Chief Minister Shurhozelie Liezietsu and his supporters failed to turn up in the Assembly to face the floor test following which the House was adjourned sine die.
Governor P B Acharya had yesterday directed Speaker Imtiwapang to summon an emergent special session of the assembly at 9.30 am for the chief minister, who is facing a rebellion from MLAs of his party Nagaland Peoples Front (NPF), to seek a confidence vote.
Zeliang was present in the House along with his followers.
The motion to prove the majority of the chief minister could not be taken up as he was not present and the House was adjourned sine die, Speaker Imtiwapang said.
The speaker said, he will report the proceedings of the House to the Governor.
Embattled Nagaland Chief Minister Shurhozelie Liezietsu and his supporters failed to turn up in the Assembly to face the floor test following which the House was adjourned sine die.
Governor P B Acharya had yesterday directed Speaker Imtiwapang to summon an emergent special session of the assembly at 9.30 am for the chief minister, who is facing a rebellion from MLAs of his party Nagaland Peoples Front (NPF), to seek a confidence vote.
Zeliang was present in the House along with his followers.
The motion to prove the majority of the chief minister could not be taken up as he was not present and the House was adjourned sine die, Speaker Imtiwapang said.
The speaker said, he will report the proceedings of the House to the Governor.
13:37 Farmers getting bullets instead of price: United Opposition tells RS
Opposition members in the Rajya Sabha today strongly raised the issue of agrarian crisis in the country, saying farmers were being forced to do distress sale of crops in the face of cheaper zero-duty imports.
Several members gave notices under rule 267 that allows adjournment of the proceedings to take up a discussion on an issue.
Deputy Chairman P J Kurien said a discussion on the matter has been accepted and the members can raise their points during the debate.
Raising the issue, Sharad Yadav (JD-U) claimed that 15-20 farmers were committing suicide every day. He said pulses production has been raised by 33 per cent but the government has lowered the import duty on it to zero, resulting in cheaper shipments into the country. Farmers, he said, are being forced to make distress sales.
Digvijaya Singh (Cong) said the farmers were getting "bullets instead of price". Kurien said besides Yadav, Pramod Tiwari (Cong), Naresh Agarwal (SP), Ram Gopal Yadav (SP), Kapil Sibal (Cong) and Sitaram Yechury (CPI-M) had given notice under 267 on the issue.
A discussion on the subject has been admitted and the members can raise their points then, he said. Ali Anwar Ansari (JD-U) through a Zero Hour mention raised the issue of manual scavenging saying this practice was continuing even after the government has declared it illegal.
Four workers, he said, died in the national capital due to toxic gases while cleaning a septic tank. "All four are dalits," he said, adding over 2,500 dalits have lost their lives in last two-and-half-years due to this practice but no cases have been registered or compensation paid.
While the government on the one hand talks of going to Mars, on the other it provides no equipment or apparatus for such cleaning activities, he said. "Our sensitivities are dead," he said.
Several members gave notices under rule 267 that allows adjournment of the proceedings to take up a discussion on an issue.
Deputy Chairman P J Kurien said a discussion on the matter has been accepted and the members can raise their points during the debate.
Raising the issue, Sharad Yadav (JD-U) claimed that 15-20 farmers were committing suicide every day. He said pulses production has been raised by 33 per cent but the government has lowered the import duty on it to zero, resulting in cheaper shipments into the country. Farmers, he said, are being forced to make distress sales.
Digvijaya Singh (Cong) said the farmers were getting "bullets instead of price". Kurien said besides Yadav, Pramod Tiwari (Cong), Naresh Agarwal (SP), Ram Gopal Yadav (SP), Kapil Sibal (Cong) and Sitaram Yechury (CPI-M) had given notice under 267 on the issue.
A discussion on the subject has been admitted and the members can raise their points then, he said. Ali Anwar Ansari (JD-U) through a Zero Hour mention raised the issue of manual scavenging saying this practice was continuing even after the government has declared it illegal.
Four workers, he said, died in the national capital due to toxic gases while cleaning a septic tank. "All four are dalits," he said, adding over 2,500 dalits have lost their lives in last two-and-half-years due to this practice but no cases have been registered or compensation paid.
While the government on the one hand talks of going to Mars, on the other it provides no equipment or apparatus for such cleaning activities, he said. "Our sensitivities are dead," he said.
13:14 Lalu offers Mayawati RS seat day after she resigns
Lalu Prasad Yadav has offered Mayawati a Rajya Sabha seat from Bihar, a day after the Bahujan Samaj Party chief resigned in protest after she was 'not allowed to speak' in the House, reports India Today.
Lalu, who heads the Rashtriya Janata Dal, tweeted from his handle, @laluprasadrjd: "Spoke with Mayawati Ji in (sic) length. Offered & requested her to be Rajyasabha MP frm Bihar to fight against atrocities & divisive agenda of BJP."
Mayawati tendered a three-page resignation, accusing the ruling BJP and Rajya Sabha chair of not allowing her to raise the issue of Dalits in the Upper House. Her term will end in April next year and her party, with just 18 MLAs in the Uttar Pradesh Assembly, is not in a position to send her back to Rajya Sabha.
Reacting to Mayawati's resignation, Lalu said yesterday, "If Mayawati wishes, we will send her to Rajya Sabha from Bihar," the RJD president whose party has 80 MLAs in 243-member Bihar Legislative Assembly said. "We are with her," he said.
"Chanakya had said that an assembly (of people) where a person is not allowed to speak through the force of brute majority is no assembly," he added.
File pic.
Lalu, who heads the Rashtriya Janata Dal, tweeted from his handle, @laluprasadrjd: "Spoke with Mayawati Ji in (sic) length. Offered & requested her to be Rajyasabha MP frm Bihar to fight against atrocities & divisive agenda of BJP."
Mayawati tendered a three-page resignation, accusing the ruling BJP and Rajya Sabha chair of not allowing her to raise the issue of Dalits in the Upper House. Her term will end in April next year and her party, with just 18 MLAs in the Uttar Pradesh Assembly, is not in a position to send her back to Rajya Sabha.
Reacting to Mayawati's resignation, Lalu said yesterday, "If Mayawati wishes, we will send her to Rajya Sabha from Bihar," the RJD president whose party has 80 MLAs in 243-member Bihar Legislative Assembly said. "We are with her," he said.
"Chanakya had said that an assembly (of people) where a person is not allowed to speak through the force of brute majority is no assembly," he added.
File pic.
12:40
Aadhar matter: Petitioner's lawyer tells Supreme Court's Constitution bench that privacy is embedded in all processes of human life and liberty.
12:29 Normalizing the unthinkable
Reports of the Central Board of Film Certification recommending the beeping out of words like "cow", "Hindutva", "Hindu India" or (and this takes the cake) "Gujarat" from a documentary on Amartya Sen, or making a filmmaker remove references to "Ramrajya" or "bandh" in a feature film which references Michael Madhusudan Dutt, can be dismissed as the work of individuals all too eager to suck up to the powers-that-be.
The very ham-handedness of such acts prevents them from being taken seriously. Similarly, the cynical use of instant outrage by politicians and political parties can be opposed and challenged, using the tools of reason and logic. So far, so good.
But we are now witnessing the birth and consolidation of another kind of discourse, one that comes to us in deceptively attractive garb, claiming to speak for the greatest good of the greatest number of the denizens of India. Read more
The very ham-handedness of such acts prevents them from being taken seriously. Similarly, the cynical use of instant outrage by politicians and political parties can be opposed and challenged, using the tools of reason and logic. So far, so good.
But we are now witnessing the birth and consolidation of another kind of discourse, one that comes to us in deceptively attractive garb, claiming to speak for the greatest good of the greatest number of the denizens of India. Read more
12:14 RJ Malishka gets notice for breeding mosquitoes after she criticises BMC
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation has slapped a notice under section 381 B of the Mumbai Municipal Corporation Act to RJ Malishka Mendonsa for mosquito-breeding at her house in Bandra.
The Hindustan Times reports that mosquitoes were found breeding at the RJs 6th floor flat at Pali Naka.
According to the notice, Aedes mosquitoes were found in a clay bowl kept under a pot as well as indoor breeding in plant pots. The notice has been issued to Lily Mendosa, Malishkas mother.
Sharad Ughade, ward officer of Bandra, said, We carried out a routine inspection in Bandra on Tuesday, after which the notice was issued.
Malishka has become a target for the ruling party Shiv Sena after the channel that she works at, released a video mocking BMC for its ill-preparedness during monsoon.
On Tuesday, Sena corporator Samadhan Sarvankar also demanded that the municipal commissioner to file a Rs 500 crore defamation suit against the FM channel for targetting BMC.
The Hindustan Times reports that mosquitoes were found breeding at the RJs 6th floor flat at Pali Naka.
According to the notice, Aedes mosquitoes were found in a clay bowl kept under a pot as well as indoor breeding in plant pots. The notice has been issued to Lily Mendosa, Malishkas mother.
Sharad Ughade, ward officer of Bandra, said, We carried out a routine inspection in Bandra on Tuesday, after which the notice was issued.
Malishka has become a target for the ruling party Shiv Sena after the channel that she works at, released a video mocking BMC for its ill-preparedness during monsoon.
On Tuesday, Sena corporator Samadhan Sarvankar also demanded that the municipal commissioner to file a Rs 500 crore defamation suit against the FM channel for targetting BMC.
11:38 Amarnath pilgrim dies, death toll climbs to 48
A 60-year-old pilgrim from Madhya Pradesh died on his way back from the Amarnath shrine, taking the death toll in the ongoing annual yatra to 48, officials said today.
Romeshwar Patidar died at Pissu Top, on his way back from the cave to Nunwan base camp in Pahalgam last evening, a police official said. He said the cause of Patidar's death is being ascertained. With this, the death toll of pilgrims due to natural causes this year has risen to 20.
While eight pilgrims were killed in the militant attack on a bus of yatris on 10 July, 20 other pilgrims have died in various road accidents.
Governor N N Vohra, who is also chairman of the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board, yesterday reviewed the issues relating to pilgrims injured or killed since the beginning of the yatra on 29 June. The CEO of SASB Umang Narula informed the chairman that 19 pilgrims had died due to medical reasons and 20 pilgrims had been killed in accidents.
Romeshwar Patidar died at Pissu Top, on his way back from the cave to Nunwan base camp in Pahalgam last evening, a police official said. He said the cause of Patidar's death is being ascertained. With this, the death toll of pilgrims due to natural causes this year has risen to 20.
While eight pilgrims were killed in the militant attack on a bus of yatris on 10 July, 20 other pilgrims have died in various road accidents.
Governor N N Vohra, who is also chairman of the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board, yesterday reviewed the issues relating to pilgrims injured or killed since the beginning of the yatra on 29 June. The CEO of SASB Umang Narula informed the chairman that 19 pilgrims had died due to medical reasons and 20 pilgrims had been killed in accidents.
11:18 Jagga Jasoos actress Bidisha Bezbaruah found dead, husband arrested
The Haryana Police on Tuesday arrested the husband of Assamese actress and singer Bidisha Bezbaruah, a day after she allegedly committed suicide in her sector 43 Gurugram apartment.Bezbaruah recently shot into the spotlight after her role in the Ranbir Kapoor-starrer Jagga Jasoos.
"On 17 July, we got the information at around 8: 30 that a girl has committed suicide. As soon as we received the information, our police team along with the SHO reached the spot. We took videos and photographs of the spot, after which we brought the body down. Her father has also lodged a complaint against her husband following which he has been arrested," Harender Kumar, Assistant Commissioner of Police told ANI.
Meanwhile, the sudden demise of popular actress and singer has created a sensation in the state.
Bidisha, daughter of Aswini and Ranjeeta Bezbaruah of Uzan Bazar, Guwahati got married to a man from Gujarat, almost a year ago.
According to reports, Bidisha told her parents that she wished to divorce her husband, to whom she was married for about 14 months.
The actress had reportedly been suffering emotionally and often complained of harassment by her in-laws.
"On 17 July, we got the information at around 8: 30 that a girl has committed suicide. As soon as we received the information, our police team along with the SHO reached the spot. We took videos and photographs of the spot, after which we brought the body down. Her father has also lodged a complaint against her husband following which he has been arrested," Harender Kumar, Assistant Commissioner of Police told ANI.
Meanwhile, the sudden demise of popular actress and singer has created a sensation in the state.
Bidisha, daughter of Aswini and Ranjeeta Bezbaruah of Uzan Bazar, Guwahati got married to a man from Gujarat, almost a year ago.
According to reports, Bidisha told her parents that she wished to divorce her husband, to whom she was married for about 14 months.
The actress had reportedly been suffering emotionally and often complained of harassment by her in-laws.
11:07 Ready to discuss all issues, don't stall proceedings, govt tells Opposition
The third day of the monsoon session of Parliament begins. The House is expected to discuss a range of issues including cow protection vigilantism.
The opposition parties have said they'll raise issues like cow vigilantism, unrest in Jammu and Kashmir, and the India-China standoff in Dokalam.
The government has appealed to the opposition not to disrupt and stall the proceedings of the house. The government said it is ready for a debate.
BSP Chief Mayawati quit the Rajya Sabha yeserday. She said she was not allowed to speak on what she called frequent attacks on Dalits in Uttar Pradesh.
The opposition parties have said they'll raise issues like cow vigilantism, unrest in Jammu and Kashmir, and the India-China standoff in Dokalam.
The government has appealed to the opposition not to disrupt and stall the proceedings of the house. The government said it is ready for a debate.
BSP Chief Mayawati quit the Rajya Sabha yeserday. She said she was not allowed to speak on what she called frequent attacks on Dalits in Uttar Pradesh.
10:45 Sena slams Centre over violence in name of cow vigilantism
The Shiv Sena on Wednesday slammed the Bharatiya Janata Party government at the Centre and, more significantly, Prime Minister
Narendra Modi over the increasing number of cases of violence 'in the
name of cow vigilantism.'
The Sena, in an article published in Saamna, the party's mouthpiece, likened cow vigilantism to a "business," which isn't seeming to shut shop even after Prime Minister Modi's constant commands and requests.
The Sena further said Pakistan wants the Hindus and Muslims to fight over such miniscule issues and get the nation divided over religion.
Saamna then drew attention towards the recent Amarnath terror attack and asked where the "so-called gaurakshaks" were, when some innocent people were killed while on their pilgrimage.
"The driver, who saved many of these pilgrims, was himself a Muslim," it added.
The Shiv Sena further expressed surprise over how some BJP-run states had no ban on the sale of beef, while others had.
Sena leader Sanjay Raut reiterated the party's stand on the issue and asked who these cow vigilantes, who are killing innocent people, were. "Even Prime Minister Modi has started asking this question now," Raut said.
The Sena, in an article published in Saamna, the party's mouthpiece, likened cow vigilantism to a "business," which isn't seeming to shut shop even after Prime Minister Modi's constant commands and requests.
The Sena further said Pakistan wants the Hindus and Muslims to fight over such miniscule issues and get the nation divided over religion.
Saamna then drew attention towards the recent Amarnath terror attack and asked where the "so-called gaurakshaks" were, when some innocent people were killed while on their pilgrimage.
"The driver, who saved many of these pilgrims, was himself a Muslim," it added.
The Shiv Sena further expressed surprise over how some BJP-run states had no ban on the sale of beef, while others had.
Sena leader Sanjay Raut reiterated the party's stand on the issue and asked who these cow vigilantes, who are killing innocent people, were. "Even Prime Minister Modi has started asking this question now," Raut said.
10:42 Nagaland CM fails to turn up for floor test, House adjourned
Embattled Nagaland Chief Minister Shurhozelie Liezietsu and his supporters today failed to turn up in the Assembly to face the floor test following which the House was adjourned sine die.
Governor P B Acharya had yesterday directed Speaker Imtiwapang to summon an emergent special session of the assembly at 9.30 am for the chief minister, who is facing a rebellion from MLAs of his party Nagaland Peoples Front (NPF), to seek confidence vote.
Former chief minister T R Zeliang, leader of the rebel NPF MLAs, was present in the House along with his followers. The motion to prove the majority of the chief minister could not be taken up as he was not present and the House was adjourned sine die, Speaker Imtiwapang said.
The speaker said, he will report the proceedings of the House to the Governor. Efforts to contact legislators of the Liezietsu camp turned futile as they did not take calls.
Acharya had asked the speaker to convene the special session after the Kohima bench of the Gauhati High Court yesterday dismissed the chief minister's plea to stay the governor's directive to him to seek a trust vote by July 15.
Governor P B Acharya had yesterday directed Speaker Imtiwapang to summon an emergent special session of the assembly at 9.30 am for the chief minister, who is facing a rebellion from MLAs of his party Nagaland Peoples Front (NPF), to seek confidence vote.
Former chief minister T R Zeliang, leader of the rebel NPF MLAs, was present in the House along with his followers. The motion to prove the majority of the chief minister could not be taken up as he was not present and the House was adjourned sine die, Speaker Imtiwapang said.
The speaker said, he will report the proceedings of the House to the Governor. Efforts to contact legislators of the Liezietsu camp turned futile as they did not take calls.
Acharya had asked the speaker to convene the special session after the Kohima bench of the Gauhati High Court yesterday dismissed the chief minister's plea to stay the governor's directive to him to seek a trust vote by July 15.
10:38 Research tramples Jurassic chase
Watching Steven Spielberg's Jurassic Park, audiences the world over have sat petrified on the edge of their seats as Tyrannosaurus rex, the most terrifying dinosaur of them all, bears down on Jeff Goldblum in his 4x4 vehicle.
It is a classic chase scene in modern cinematic history, with the rampant T-rex having somehow slipped past the electric fence and now engaged in hot pursuit of his quarry. But hold on a sec - could a T-rex actually move that fast, or even run at all?
New research published today by the University of Manchester reveals the sheer size and weight of T-rex means it couldn't move at high speed, as its leg-bones would have buckled under its own weight load. William Sellers, the lead researcher, doesn't want to spoil your fun but he has done some fancy computer modelling and come up with the following conclusions. Read
It is a classic chase scene in modern cinematic history, with the rampant T-rex having somehow slipped past the electric fence and now engaged in hot pursuit of his quarry. But hold on a sec - could a T-rex actually move that fast, or even run at all?
New research published today by the University of Manchester reveals the sheer size and weight of T-rex means it couldn't move at high speed, as its leg-bones would have buckled under its own weight load. William Sellers, the lead researcher, doesn't want to spoil your fun but he has done some fancy computer modelling and come up with the following conclusions. Read
10:30 Dalit flag of respect planted
A policeman today passed a chit to Jignesh Mevani, the young Ambedkarite leader who shot into prominence in Gujarat after taking up the Una flogging in which a group of Dalits were tortured a year ago for allegedly skinning a dead cow. Watched by over 2,000 Dalits, communists and Muslims, Mevani read the piece of paper that told him not to carry out a symbolic takeover of the land by planting blue Ambedkarite flags. Read more
10:18 Gau rakshak lynchings set to rule discussions in Parliament today
The Congress is set to raise mob lynching and farmers' issue as the third day of the Monsoon Session of the Parliament begins today. CPI(M)'s Sitaram Yechury gives adjournment motion notice in RS for today to discuss 'communal polarisation in the name of cow protection'.
The Lok Sabha was adjourned yesterday following an uproar by the Opposition.
The Lower House was adjourned for the day on Monday too after an obituary to former members and victims of the Amarnath terror attack was given. The dastardly Amarnath terror attack was strongly condemned by the Lok Sabha MPs.
The Monsoon Session of the Parliament will continue till August 11.
The Opposition will also raise the issues of China, Jammu and Kashmir and Darjeeling unrest and impact of Goods and Service Tax (GST) among other issues.
Apart from this, the Centre will introduce 16 new bills in both the houses of the Parliament for consideration and passing.
Ahead of the Monsoon Session, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while addressing the floor of leaders of parties of the Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha at the national capital, said that for preserving the institution of Democracy in India, it is important that all political parties support the Government to conduct business in both Houses of the Parliament without disruption and constructive discussion takes place on issues of national importance.
Prime Minister Modi further urged all parties to extend their support to the Government in fighting corruption and the issue of communal violence in the name of cow protection.
The Prime Minister also called upon all the parties to support the war against corruption, which has been initiated by the government.
The Lok Sabha was adjourned yesterday following an uproar by the Opposition.
The Lower House was adjourned for the day on Monday too after an obituary to former members and victims of the Amarnath terror attack was given. The dastardly Amarnath terror attack was strongly condemned by the Lok Sabha MPs.
The Monsoon Session of the Parliament will continue till August 11.
The Opposition will also raise the issues of China, Jammu and Kashmir and Darjeeling unrest and impact of Goods and Service Tax (GST) among other issues.
Apart from this, the Centre will introduce 16 new bills in both the houses of the Parliament for consideration and passing.
Ahead of the Monsoon Session, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while addressing the floor of leaders of parties of the Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha at the national capital, said that for preserving the institution of Democracy in India, it is important that all political parties support the Government to conduct business in both Houses of the Parliament without disruption and constructive discussion takes place on issues of national importance.
Prime Minister Modi further urged all parties to extend their support to the Government in fighting corruption and the issue of communal violence in the name of cow protection.
The Prime Minister also called upon all the parties to support the war against corruption, which has been initiated by the government.
09:40 Soldiers injured before Independence entitled to war injury pension: AFT
The Armed Forces Tribunal has ordered that troopers injured in pre-Independence wars be given 'war injury pension' like those wounded after it, in a relief to a 94-year-old war veteran.
Seeking to end the discrimination in injury benefits to soldiers injured in pre-Independence and post-Independence wars, the Chandigarh Bench of the tribunal said they should be treated equally.
The AFT has also directed the government to identify similarly placed soldiers and release their benefits without forced litigation.
Bhiwani-based 94-year-old Sowar Amar Singh of the Armoured Corps had approached the AFT with a plea that despite having been injured during World War II, he was being paid regular 'disability pension' as is admissible in cases of normal diseases incurred during service such as hypertension and heart diseases.
He was not being given a war injury pension that is granted to soldiers disabled in operational areas.
Singh aid that it made no difference that soldiers were fighting for the British Crown during those times since WWII was a war of humanity against fascist forces.
He said the same British Indian Army was inherited post-Independence and the governments of India and Pakistan had assured the British government that they would take care of all such cases. They had also taken over the serving soldiers and pensioners of pre-Independence India.
Singh in his petition had said that though he was being paid disability pension as per the existing government rules and rates, he was being refused the payment of war injury pension.
The government resisted Singh's claim, saying when war injury pension was initially introduced, it was applicable only to post-Independence wars and disabilities in international 'peacekeeping missions'.
The concept of war injury pension for disabilities incurred in 'international wars' was introduced only in January 1996 vide a letter issued in 2001 but since the soldier was a pre-1996 retiree, the said benefit could not be
granted to him.
09:24 Trump nominates John Huntsman as US Ambassador to Russia
US President Donald Trump has announced his intention to nominate veteran diplomat and former Utah Governor Jon Huntsman as next Ambassador to Russia, the White House has said.
Heading the Atlantic Council, a top US think-tank, Huntsman had previously served as the US Ambassador to China and Singapore.
Huntsman has an adopted daughter Asha from Gujarat, who he is raising in Hindu faith.
"Huntsman has had a distinguished career as a politician, diplomat, and businessman," the White House said announcing Trump's intention to nominate him as the US Ambassador to Russia.
"His robust record of public service includes service as US Ambassador to China and to Singapore, Deputy United States Trade Representative, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Commerce for East Asian and Pacific Affairs, and Deputy Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Trade Development," the White House said.
He was also twice elected Governor of Utah. In the private sector, he is a director on numerous corporate boards including Hilton, Chevron, Ford Motor Company, and Caterpillar.
He and his wife Mary Kaye are the parents of seven children.
09:23 47 pilgrims died in 18 days: Amarnath board CEO
As many as 47 Amarnath pilgrims lost their lives due to a terror attack, accidents and health reasons in a span of 18 days, an official said on Tuesday.
"Between June 29 and July 16, 19 pilgrims died due to medical reasons and 20 were killed in accidents. On July 10, eight pilgrims were killed in a terror attack on their bus,"said Umang Narula, the CEO of the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board.
Till Wednesday, the board had spent Rs 14,66,975 on transportation and Rs 1,34,75,000 towards ex-gratia payments, he added.
Narula said a decision had been taken to enhance the amount of ex gratia relief to the next of the kin of those killed in the terror attack in south Kashmir's Anantnag district.
The CEO had earlier ensured that the cost of sending the mortal remains of the terror attack victims by air to their respective home towns was borne by the board.
In 37 cases, the board had also borne the cost of providing an escort with the coffin of the attack victim.
Sixteen pilgrims were killed on July 16 in a bus accident near Banihal, said Narula.
08:50 India-China should work together for peace: US on border standoff
The United States has expressed concern over Indo-China border standoff in the Sikkim Sector and urged both countries to work together to try to come up with some sort of arrangement for peace.
"I know that the US is concerned about the ongoing situation there," State Department Spokesperson Heather Nauert told reporters at her daily news conference.
She was responding to questions on India China border standoff in the Sikkim sector for more than a month now.
"We believe that both parties, both sides should work together to try to come up with some better sort of arrangement for peace," Nauert said.
China and India have been engaged in a standoff in the Dokalam area in the Sikkim sector, where Indian troops stopped road construction by Chinese soldiers on June 16.
Doka La is the Indian name for the region which Bhutan recognises as Dokalam, while China claims it as part of its Donglang region.
Of the 3,488-km-long India-China border from Jammu and Kashmir to Arunachal Pradesh, a 220-km section falls in Sikkim.
08:14 Trump held unreported second meeting with Putin at G20
United States President Donald Trump had a second undisclosed meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of G20 summit in Germany early this month, according to media reports.
The White House has confirmed that the two leaders spoke during the G20 dinner, but said it is incorrect to describe it as the second meeting.
"There was no "second meeting" between President Trump and President Putin, just a brief conversation at the end of a dinner. The insinuation that the White House has tried to "hide" a second meeting is false, malicious and absurd," the White House said on Tuesday after various media reports came about the second meeting.
The meeting lasted for about an hour and was in addition to the two and half hour meeting the two leaders had as part of the structured dialogue, the media reports claimed.
"It is not merely perfectly normal, it is part of a President's duties, to interact with world leaders. Throughout the G20 and in all his other foreign engagements, President Trump has demonstrated American leadership by representing our interests and values on the world stage," the White House said in support of the meeting.
The White House said during the night of the G20 summit, there was, first, a concert for all the leaders in the new Hamburg opera house. The leaders were all photographed by the press in before going inside.
Later that night, the German Chancellor Angela Merkel hosted a dinner for leaders and spouses only, and the German government set the seating arrangements, it said.
The concert and dinner were publicly announced on both the President's schedule and the G20 schedule, with the clear understanding that all visiting leaders would be present, it added.
"At the dinner, President Trump was seated between Mrs Abe, wife of the Prime Minister of Japan, and Mrs Macri, wife of the President of Argentina. Mrs Trump was seated next to President Putin," the White House said.
During the course of the dinner, all the leaders circulated throughout the room and spoke with one another freely, the White House explained.
"President Trump spoke with many leaders during the course of the evening. As the dinner was concluding, President Trump went over to Mrs Trump, where he spoke briefly with President Putin," it said.
"Each couple was allowed one translator. The American translator accompanying President Trump spoke Japanese. When President Trump spoke to President Putin, the two leaders used the Russian translator, since the American translator did not speak Russian," the White House said.
00:06 India, China should engage in dialogue to reduce tension: US
The United States on Tuesday said it would encourage India and China to engage in a direct dialogue to reduce tension between them in the Sikkim sector.
"We encourage India and China to engage in a direct dialogue aimed at reducing tensions," a State Department official told PTI.
Responding to questions on the India-China border standoff, the official refrained from saying anything else.
"We refer you to the governments of India and China for further information," the official said.
China and India have been engaged in a standoff in the Doka La area in the Sikkim sector, where Indian troops stopped road construction by Chinese soldiers on June. - PTI
"We encourage India and China to engage in a direct dialogue aimed at reducing tensions," a State Department official told PTI.
Responding to questions on the India-China border standoff, the official refrained from saying anything else.
"We refer you to the governments of India and China for further information," the official said.
China and India have been engaged in a standoff in the Doka La area in the Sikkim sector, where Indian troops stopped road construction by Chinese soldiers on June. - PTI
00:03 Top headlines at this hour
China unusually aggressive in Doka La: FS to House panel
Tejashwi meets Nitish but crisis over alliance continues
'Not allowed to speak', Maya quits RS
Trump fumes as healthcare bill fails to clear Senate
Pak targets schools, civilian areas along LoC; 2 jawans killed in firing
Naga CM to face trust vote as HC rejects stay plea
First working day of monsoon session sees a washout
Read yesterday's commentary HERE
Tejashwi meets Nitish but crisis over alliance continues
'Not allowed to speak', Maya quits RS
Trump fumes as healthcare bill fails to clear Senate
Pak targets schools, civilian areas along LoC; 2 jawans killed in firing
Naga CM to face trust vote as HC rejects stay plea
First working day of monsoon session sees a washout
Read yesterday's commentary HERE
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