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Thu, 15 June 2017
Shooting brought unity to 'very, very divided' US: Trump
Timeline Refresh
23:46 India slams Pakistan for raking up J-K at UNHRC
India has slammed Pakistan for raking up Jammu and Kashmir at United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva for propagandist purposes while Islamabad conveniently forgets its own obligation under these resolutions to first vacate the illegal occupation of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
Exercising India's fourth right of reply, India said, "Islamabad has had territorial ambitions over the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir since 1947 and it has ben using this forum to rake up Jammu and Kashmir issue while it has a poor record in human rights in the Pakistan Occupied Kashmir , in other parts of Pakistan , including Balochistan which is adversely affecting the stability of the entire region. Pakistan's continued mistreatment of large parts of its own population has created a cauldron of tumult that has begun to jeopardize the safety and security of its neighbouring countries," India said at the UN Human Rights Council.
India raised the issue of Balochistan again and urged the UNHRC to take a "clear-cut stance" against state-sponsored terrorism.
"The fundamental reason for disturbances in Kashmir is cross-border terrorism promoted by Paldstan. Active support since 1989 to separatist groups in Kashmir and terrorist elements from different parts of the world including from territory under Pakistan's control has become a central element of Pakistan's state policy," the statement added.
23:17 Shooting brought unity to 'very, very divided' US: Trump
US President Donald Trump today said the shooting at a Washington suburb that badly injured a congressman has brought some unity to a "very, very divided" country.
Trump and his wife Melania last night visited Republican Congressman Steve Scalise, the third-ranking Republican leader in the House of Representative, in hospital a day after he and four others were badly wounded when a gunman opened fire on them during baseball practice in Alexandria, Virginia.
"We've had a very, very divided country for many years. I have a feeling that Steve has made a great sacrifice, but there could be some unity being brought to our country. Let's hope so," Trump said.
"Scalise sustained a single rifle shot to the left hip. The bullet travelled across his pelvis, fracturing bones, injuring internal organs, and causing severe bleeding," the hospital said in a statement.
The gunman identified by the FBI as James T Hodgkinson, a 66-year-old, was shot at by the police. He died later.
"I visited Steve and his family at the hospital last night. And I reassured them that the entire country is pulling for them, praying for them, and that we are here for them every single step of the way," he said.
"America's hearts - and we mean this in the truest sense - sends its love. We got a lot of hearts in this country, great hearts, and they're all sending their love and support to the Scalise family," said the US president.
23:04 IS chief recruiter in Indian subcontinent Armar named global terrorist by US
The fugitive chief recruiter for the Islamic State in the Indian subcontinent Mohammed Shafi Armar was today named a 'Specially Designated Global Terrorist' by the US, becoming the first Indian leader of the dreaded terror outfit against whom America has slammed
sanctions.
The US State Treasury Department, while updating its list of Specially Designated Global Terrorists, has included in it Armar, a native of Bhatkal in Karnataka, clearing the way for sanctions against him.
An Interpol Red Corner notice is also pending against the 30-year-old Armar, who has many aliases like 'Chhote Maula', 'Anjan Bhai' and 'Yousuf al-Hindi'.
Armar's name has now been added to the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the US Treasury Department which enforces economic sanctions programmes, primarily against countries and groups of individuals, such as terrorists and narcotics traffickers.
22:38 Explosion rips through Kabul mosque
An explosion tore through the al-Zahra mosque in Dasht-e-Barchi in PD 6 in Kabul city shortly before 9pm on Thursday.
Eyewitnesses report having heard gunshots in the area immediately following the explosion.
The explosions happened at a time that people around the country were preparing to observe the Lailatul-Qadr (night of power) which is held on 19th, 21st and 23rd day of Ramadan and mosques on this occasion are very crowded.
22:20
Uber sued over allegations that executives obtained medical records of woman who was raped by a driver in New Delhi in 2014, reports Reuters.
22:05 Fadnavis chopper crash: Lapses found on part of pilot
The initial probe conducted by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau into the crash-landing of Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis' chopper in Latur last month has prima facie found lapses on the part of the pilot in the accident.
The AAIB has wrapped up its initial probe into the chopper accident and submitted its report, a source said.
"The initial probe into the crash-landing of Fadnavis' helicopter last month has prima facie found lapses on the part of the pilot as one of the probable causes of the accident," an AAIB official said.
Fadnavis had a narrow escape when his helicopter got entangled in overhead wires and crash-landed in Latur district in Maharashtra on May 25 after the pilot tried to descend due to bad weather, soon after take-off.
"The pilot failed to assess the load on the helicopter on a day of high temperature. Since heat makes it harder for a chopper/aircraft to get off the ground, he should not have taken off with almost full load," the official added.
22:01 IndiGo bars TDP MP J C Diwakar Reddy from its flights.
IndiGo bars TDP MP J C Diwakar Reddy from its flights.
Earlier, Reddy went on a rampage, pushing an airline staffer and throwing a printer on the floor, after he was not allowed to board his IndiGo flight because he reached the airport late.
Telugu Desam Partys J C Diwakar Reddy was scheduled to fly IndiGos flight 6E-608, which departs from Visakhapatnam at 8.10 am, to Hyderabad. But he reached just 28 minutes before the scheduled departure, according to the airline.
The MP was later accommodated on the same flight.
However, the airline maintained, Any untoward conduct which compromises the safety and security of our passengers and staff is a serious concern to us. Safety and security of passengers, crew and the aircraft is the top priority and it cannot be compromised.
21:42 IndiGo bars TDP MP J C Diwakar Reddy from its flights.
IndiGo bars TDP MP J C Diwakar Reddy from its flights.
Earlier, Reddy went on a rampage, pushing an airline staffer and throwing a printer on the floor, after he was not allowed to board his IndiGo flight because he reached the airport late.
Telugu Desam Partys J C Diwakar Reddy was scheduled to fly IndiGos flight 6E-608, which departs from Visakhapatnam at 8.10 am, to Hyderabad. But he reached just 28 minutes before the scheduled departure, according to the airline.
The MP was later accommodated on the same flight.
However, the airline maintained, Any untoward conduct which compromises the safety and security of our passengers and staff is a serious concern to us. Safety and security of passengers, crew and the aircraft is the top priority and it cannot be compromised.
21:24 Kejriwal snubs Vishwas, attends iftar with Amanatullah
In a clear snub to senior AAP leader Kumar Vishwas, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal today attended an iftar party, which was primarily organised by the party's Okhla MLA Amanatullah Khan.
Khan, who was suspended from the party to pacify Vishwas, ushered Kejriwal to the event, held on the lawns of the Jamia Milia Islamia University, which falls under the Okhla constituency that the former represents.
Abdul Wajid Khan, party's councillor from ward no 102 of the South MCD was also present at the event, along with party supporters. The event was organised by the AAP's Okhla unit.
"Fundamentalist forces are rearing their heads in the country. I hope they are defeated and people of all communities live in peace and amity," Kejriwal said in an address to the gathering.
Both, Kejriwal and Khan left the venue in the same car, parrying questions by the media on whether it should be considered a signal to Vishwas, who has publicly differed with the AAP leadership over several issues in the recent months.
21:22
JUST IN: Jurors in Bill Cosby's trial say they are deadlocked.
21:04 Brexit talks between UK and EU will begin on Monday
Negotiations to agree Britain's withdrawal from the European Union are to officially begin on Monday.
The British government have confirmed that Brexit Secretary David Davis will be in Brussels at the start of the week for meetings with the EU's chief negotiator Michel Barnier.
In a joint EU and UK statement issued later on Thursday, officials said: "Michel Barnier, the European Commissions Chief Negotiator and David Davis, Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union, agreed today to launch Article 50 negotiations on Monday June 19."
The move means Theresa May will be able to attend the European Council meeting at the end of next week with Brexit talks already underway.
20:55 Australian PM pokes fun at Trump in leaked audio
Australia's prime minister has taken a comical swipe at Donald Trump, mimicking his mannerisms and making reference to the Russia scandal, in comments he said were intended as "affectionately light-hearted".
In a leaked audio recording that comes just months after a tetchy phone call between the two leaders, Malcolm Turnbull is heard making fun of the US president's idiosyncratic speaking style.
"The Donald and I, we are winning and winning in the polls," Turnbull said in a closed event for journalists in Canberra yesterday.
"We are winning so much. We are winning like we have never won before.
"We are. We are. Not the fake polls. Not the fake polls. They're the ones we are not winning in," he said to laughs from the audience at the Mid-Winter Ball, where politicians and Canberra journalists let their hair down.
"We are winning in the real polls. You know, the online polls. They are so easy to win."
Turnbull played down the speech today, saying that he was the butt of the jokes rather than Trump.
"My speech was light-hearted, affectionately light-hearted," he said.
19:45 Syrian refugee named as first victim of London fire
A 23-year-old Syrian student, who had fled his war-torn country and arrived in the UK three years ago, was today named as the first victim of the west London inferno which killed 17 people.
Mohammed al-Haj Ali, a civil engineering student at West London University, was separated from his older brother Omar on the stairs as they tried to escape the devastating fire that engulfed the 24-storey residential block Grenfell Tower yesterday.
Ali was following Omar but let go of his hand after becoming overwhelmed by the smoke.
He returned alone to their flat on the 14th floor, where
he was trapped for two hours.
He made phone calls to friends and family at home in Syria before sending one final message that read: "The fire is here now, goodbye", The Telegraph reported.
Friends and family confirmed that 25-year-old Omar, a business student, made it out alive and is recovering from smoke inhalation in Kings Cross hospital.
Abdulaziz Almashi, a friend of the family and co-founder of the UK-based Syrian Solidarity Campaign, said that Ali remained trapped with the firefighters unable to reach above the 13th floor.
"He survived Assad, the war in Syria, only to die in a tower block in London. There are no words," Almashi was quoted as saying by the daily.
19:24 India rejects Pakistan claim that Russia offered to mediate on Kashmir
There has been no offer from Russia to mediate between India and Pakistan on any issue including Kashmir, government sources said in the national capital, rejecting claims from Islamabad about Russia's "intention" to play a role in this longstanding issue.
The rebuttal came hours after Pakistan's Foreign Officer, responding to a question on Russian President Vladimir Putin's meeting with Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on the sidelines of the Asthana summit, appeared to confirm local media reports that such an offer had been made by Russia at the bilateral meeting with PM Nawaz Sharif.
"Pakistan welcomes "Russia's attention and intention" to play a role in this longstanding issue on the UN Security Council agenda," Foreign Office spokesperson Nafees Zakaria said.
But New Delhi quickly has rubbished the claim.
Government sources said that Russia was very well aware of "India's consistent position to address all outstanding issues with Pakistan bilaterally" and "in an environment free of terrorism and violence".
19:21
JUST IN: Petrol price cut by Rs 1.12 per litre, diesel by Rs 1.24per litre with effect from June 16.
18:46 Rename Gateway of India as 'Bharat Dwaar', demands BJP MLA
A Bharatiya Janata Party lawmaker has demanded that the landmark Gateway of India be renamed "Bharat Dwaar" as a fitting tribute to patriots, martyrs and freedom fighters.
"The days of the British rule are over now and name of Bombay has been changed to Mumbai. Many railway stations have also been renamed, so the Gateway of India should now be renamed and called 'Bharat Dwaar' henceforth," demanded six-time legislator from south Mumbai Raj K Purohit.
The senior BJP leader said he had conducted informal discussions on this issues with partymen and others who expressed the desire for an "Indian name" for Gateway of India, ranked among the most famous and photographed monuments in India.
Terming the majestic building as "a symbol of slavery", Purohit said he has written a letter to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, demanding it should be rechristened to shed off the British legacy associated with it.
Purohit said that "Bharat Dwaar" would instill a sense of nationalist pride among all Indians on the lines of several major monuments, roads, buildings, institutions, railway stations and other locations whose names had been Indianised in the past few years.
18:10 At least 7 dead after blast rocks kindergarten in China
Seven people have been killed and dozens more reportedly injured in an explosion at a nursery school in China.
State media reported the blast tore through the area as children were being collected from school in the city of Xuzhou in Jiangsu province.
Mobile phone footage posted on the website of the official People's Daily newspaper showed more than a dozen people lying motionless in front of the nursery's steel sliding gate.
Images show the force of the blast had torn the clothes from some of those lying motionless on the ground.
It is unclear at this stage whether the blast was an accident or a deliberate act.
18:01 AIADMK affidavits to EC cause mother-of-all traffic jams in Delhi
The ruling-AIADMK had an unexpected and unwelcome impact in the national capital when all roads leading to the Nirvachan Sadan which is the headquarters of the Election Commission in New Delhi, were choked in a traffic jam.
Six trucks were parked outside the Election Commission office today. The trucks carried 6,20,000 affidavits from the VK Sasikala and O Panneerselvam factions of the AIADMK.
The affidavits have 18,60,000 pages and are in 2600 bundles. The AIADMK (Puratchi Thalaivi Amma), led by Panneerselvam, has alone filed 1.68 lakh affidavits.
The EC has no space to store the papers. Both factions have been given time till June 16 to submit the affidavits before the EC in the party symbol -- the two leaves -- issue.
Dr V Maitreyan of the OPS group and S Thambidurai deputy speaker of the Lok Sabha from the Edappadi Palaniswami (Sasikala) faction have ensured their papers reach the EC in time.
The EC car park is now full of AIADMK affidavits. The practice in the Election Commission has been to keep these papers for a year and sell it as raddi. The sale proceeds go to the Election Commission staff welfare fund.
"This is simply a political drama enacted by both groups. Never has there been such a huge number of affidavits filed with the EC," a source said.
Dr Maitreyan said the EC should insist that both the factions submit their documents in a digitised form. "Why spend lakhs of rupees in photocopying, attestation and transportation," he asked.
Relevant question.
Six trucks were parked outside the Election Commission office today. The trucks carried 6,20,000 affidavits from the VK Sasikala and O Panneerselvam factions of the AIADMK.
The affidavits have 18,60,000 pages and are in 2600 bundles. The AIADMK (Puratchi Thalaivi Amma), led by Panneerselvam, has alone filed 1.68 lakh affidavits.
The EC has no space to store the papers. Both factions have been given time till June 16 to submit the affidavits before the EC in the party symbol -- the two leaves -- issue.
Dr V Maitreyan of the OPS group and S Thambidurai deputy speaker of the Lok Sabha from the Edappadi Palaniswami (Sasikala) faction have ensured their papers reach the EC in time.
The EC car park is now full of AIADMK affidavits. The practice in the Election Commission has been to keep these papers for a year and sell it as raddi. The sale proceeds go to the Election Commission staff welfare fund.
"This is simply a political drama enacted by both groups. Never has there been such a huge number of affidavits filed with the EC," a source said.
Dr Maitreyan said the EC should insist that both the factions submit their documents in a digitised form. "Why spend lakhs of rupees in photocopying, attestation and transportation," he asked.
Relevant question.
17:27 Pathankot on high alert over fears of terror attack
A terror alert has been sounded in Punjab's Pathankot district after intel inputs suggest an attack. Further details awaited.
Earlier in May, a security alert was sounded in Pathankot after two suspicious bags were found lying unattended just a few yards away from the military base. The police had recovered mobile tower batteries from the bags.
n January last year, seven jawans were killed and over 37 people were injured in a terror attack on the Pathankot air base.
In 2015, three heavily-armed terrorists wearing Army fatigues, had hijacked a car and stormed a police station in Dinanagar town of Gurdaspur district. They killed seven persons, including a Superintendent of Police, before they were gunned down.
Earlier in May, a security alert was sounded in Pathankot after two suspicious bags were found lying unattended just a few yards away from the military base. The police had recovered mobile tower batteries from the bags.
n January last year, seven jawans were killed and over 37 people were injured in a terror attack on the Pathankot air base.
In 2015, three heavily-armed terrorists wearing Army fatigues, had hijacked a car and stormed a police station in Dinanagar town of Gurdaspur district. They killed seven persons, including a Superintendent of Police, before they were gunned down.
17:05 Centre will take decision on Rohatgi's desire to quit: Ravi Shankar Prasad
Union Law and Justice Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad on Thursday said the government has accepted Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi's letter, wherein he has expressed his unavailability to continue in office for a second term.
He said the government would take an appropriate decision in this regard.
"He is a very efficient Attorney General. He has served well as the top law officer of the country. We have taken note of the letter written by Mukul Rohatgi 'to not continue.' We will take an appropriate decision in this regard," Prasad said.
Prasad said that the creation of an all India Service for the judiciary was progressing well under the directives of the Supreme Court.
"We are achieving success in creating an all India Judicial Service so that new talent emerges in the country and we are cooperating, under the direction given by the Supreme Court," he said.
The minister said that 1,824 laws have been identified so far for repeal.
He said the government would take an appropriate decision in this regard.
"He is a very efficient Attorney General. He has served well as the top law officer of the country. We have taken note of the letter written by Mukul Rohatgi 'to not continue.' We will take an appropriate decision in this regard," Prasad said.
Prasad said that the creation of an all India Service for the judiciary was progressing well under the directives of the Supreme Court.
"We are achieving success in creating an all India Judicial Service so that new talent emerges in the country and we are cooperating, under the direction given by the Supreme Court," he said.
The minister said that 1,824 laws have been identified so far for repeal.
16:53 PMO agrees to Metro boss E Sreedharan on Kochi stage
E Sreedharan, known as India's "metro man", will be included in the inauguration of the Kochi Metro on Saturday, which will be attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The office of Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, who wrote to the Prime Minister's Office yesterday asking it to allow Mr Sreedharan to be on stage with Mr Modi, has tweeted: "Following GoK's request, @PMOIndia has informed that E. Sreedharan & Oppn. leader will be included in the #KochiMetro inauguration."
As the top advisor to the Delhi Metro Rail Corp, which has constructed the Kochi metro, Sreedharan played a lead role in the new project and many have objected to what they describe as his being sidelined.
Sreedharan had said he has no complaints about not being allowed to share the stage with Prime Minister Narendra Modi when he inaugurates the Kochi metro on Saturday.
15:53 London fire: Death toll rises to 17, no more survivors expected
Rescuers do not expect to find anyone else alive in the west London block of flats which was engulfed by a massive fire, the BBC reports quoting the fire service.
London Fire Commissioner Dany Cotton said there were still "unknown numbers" of people in the smouldering ruins of Grenfell Tower, in north Kensington.
People have been desperately seeking news of missing family and friends, after 17 people were confirmed dead.The Queen has said her "thoughts and prayers" are with families.
More than 30 people remain in hospital - 17 of whom are in a critical condition.
Prime Minister Theresa May, who made a brief private visit to the scene, has promised a full investigation, as questions are asked about the speed at which the fire spread.
Image: People react to the devastating fire at the Grenfell Tower.
London Fire Commissioner Dany Cotton said there were still "unknown numbers" of people in the smouldering ruins of Grenfell Tower, in north Kensington.
People have been desperately seeking news of missing family and friends, after 17 people were confirmed dead.The Queen has said her "thoughts and prayers" are with families.
More than 30 people remain in hospital - 17 of whom are in a critical condition.
Prime Minister Theresa May, who made a brief private visit to the scene, has promised a full investigation, as questions are asked about the speed at which the fire spread.
Image: People react to the devastating fire at the Grenfell Tower.
15:45 Hurl eggs, I'll make omelet: Babul Supriyo
Union minister Babul Supriyo today ridiculed the ruling BJD and the opposition Congress in Odisha and said he would make omelet if eggs were hurled at him.
"There is not an iota of fear in me. I heard some people hurled eggs. I am a non-vegetarian. If BJD and Congress workers hurl eggs at me, I'll make omelet with it and eat that," the minister of state for heavy industries told reporters when asked whether he was afraid of facing egg attack in the state.
Several BJD workers yesterday had hurled eggs at the vehicle of Union Minister of Tribal Affairs Jual Oram at Aul Bazaar in Kendrapara district while Congress activists showed black flags at him. While BJD supporters opposed the visiting minister over Mahanadi water dispute, Congress workers targeted him over the killings of six farmers in police firing in Mandsaur and also on the Mahanadi issue.
"I have come from West Bengal where political situation is worse than Odisha, so none can scare me here" he said and accused both the BJD and the Congress of looting the state. "The BJD and Congress are creating hindrances for the welfare schemes of the Centre to reach the people," he alleged.
"There is not an iota of fear in me. I heard some people hurled eggs. I am a non-vegetarian. If BJD and Congress workers hurl eggs at me, I'll make omelet with it and eat that," the minister of state for heavy industries told reporters when asked whether he was afraid of facing egg attack in the state.
Several BJD workers yesterday had hurled eggs at the vehicle of Union Minister of Tribal Affairs Jual Oram at Aul Bazaar in Kendrapara district while Congress activists showed black flags at him. While BJD supporters opposed the visiting minister over Mahanadi water dispute, Congress workers targeted him over the killings of six farmers in police firing in Mandsaur and also on the Mahanadi issue.
"I have come from West Bengal where political situation is worse than Odisha, so none can scare me here" he said and accused both the BJD and the Congress of looting the state. "The BJD and Congress are creating hindrances for the welfare schemes of the Centre to reach the people," he alleged.
15:35
Civil aviation ministry writes to Finance Minister asking for the GST roll out to be deferred till September 1, 2017.
15:30 Cattle trade ban: Harsh Vardhan assures 'clarity' to avoid 'heartburn'
Amid objection raised by stakeholders against the Centre's recent order
prohibiting sale of cattle for slaughter in animal markets, Union
Environment and Science Minister Harsh Vardhan on Thursday said his
ministry was 'critically examining' all the representations to ensure
that not even a single person has heartburn on the issue.
"The Supreme Court said what we have been saying for very long. In days to come, we will give an answer to all of this. The order has been misunderstood. We will put a positive action in place to address every concern and ensure that not even a single person has heartburn on the issue," Harsh Vardhan said.
Meanwhile, animal rights activist, Gauri Mulekhi told ANI the Supreme Court's refusal to stay the notification passed by the Centre for regulating live stock markets simply stated that the live stock markets meant for agricultural cattle have to be run in a particular manner.
"The SC today refused to stay the notification passed by the Centre for regulating live stock markets. This notification was not meant for stopping or banning or slaughter of any animal which is regulated by other law of the country. This notification simply says that the live stock markets meant for agricultural cattle have to be regulated and run in a particular manner. For the first time in the history of our country have we touched live stock markets with a certain regulation," she added.
The Supreme Court today issued a notice to the Central government on hearing the Public Interest Litigation filed by a Hyderabad based NGO over cow and cattle slaughter ban issue.
The apex court's vacation bench, headed by Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul and comprising Justice R. K. Agarwal issued notice to the government for July 11.
"The Supreme Court said what we have been saying for very long. In days to come, we will give an answer to all of this. The order has been misunderstood. We will put a positive action in place to address every concern and ensure that not even a single person has heartburn on the issue," Harsh Vardhan said.
Meanwhile, animal rights activist, Gauri Mulekhi told ANI the Supreme Court's refusal to stay the notification passed by the Centre for regulating live stock markets simply stated that the live stock markets meant for agricultural cattle have to be run in a particular manner.
"The SC today refused to stay the notification passed by the Centre for regulating live stock markets. This notification was not meant for stopping or banning or slaughter of any animal which is regulated by other law of the country. This notification simply says that the live stock markets meant for agricultural cattle have to be regulated and run in a particular manner. For the first time in the history of our country have we touched live stock markets with a certain regulation," she added.
The Supreme Court today issued a notice to the Central government on hearing the Public Interest Litigation filed by a Hyderabad based NGO over cow and cattle slaughter ban issue.
The apex court's vacation bench, headed by Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul and comprising Justice R. K. Agarwal issued notice to the government for July 11.
15:23 Nitesh Rane asks Guinness to record Senas threats to Maha government
Taking a swipe at the Shiv Sena, Congress MLA Nitesh Rane has written a letter to the Director of Guinness World Records to register a record in the name of Sena for threatening to withdraw support to the Maharashtra government many times.
"We would like to register a record on his (Uddhav Thackeray's) behalf for announcing a number of times that his party Shiv Sena would withdraw support to the Maharashtra government," read Rane's tongue-incheek letter.
Rane, an MLA from Kankavli assembly constituency of Sindhudurg district in Konkan region, requested the director that threats to withdraw support to the government could be treated as a fresh category. Despite being a constituent of the BJP-led government, the Shiv Sena has been frequently threatening to pull out of the state government over various issues.
Recently, the party said if the government failed to waive off farmers' loan, it would withdraw its support . CM Devendra Fadnavis has declared a loan waiver for all farmers.
Nitesh Rane is son of Narayan Rane, senior Congress leader and former chief minister of the state. Rane has started his political career with the Shiv Sena.
"We would like to register a record on his (Uddhav Thackeray's) behalf for announcing a number of times that his party Shiv Sena would withdraw support to the Maharashtra government," read Rane's tongue-incheek letter.
Rane, an MLA from Kankavli assembly constituency of Sindhudurg district in Konkan region, requested the director that threats to withdraw support to the government could be treated as a fresh category. Despite being a constituent of the BJP-led government, the Shiv Sena has been frequently threatening to pull out of the state government over various issues.
Recently, the party said if the government failed to waive off farmers' loan, it would withdraw its support . CM Devendra Fadnavis has declared a loan waiver for all farmers.
Nitesh Rane is son of Narayan Rane, senior Congress leader and former chief minister of the state. Rane has started his political career with the Shiv Sena.
15:09 Be very afraid of the NDTV raid
A garrulous party spokesperson with a propensity for controversial outbursts gets a dressing down on NDTV. He is clearly discomfited'"this is not what he is used to i.e. TV anchor-brethren who allow him uninterrupted soliloquies. Promptly, the founder-owner and the original architect of private broadcasting in India, Dr Prannoy Roy, has India's most powerful investigative agency (somewhat impertinently dubbed by some as the caged parrot) at his door. The charges, even to tyro analysts, will appear prima facie to be rather facile. Read more
14:52 Firefighters worked through the night at London highrise
The London Fire Brigade posts this on its website:
"Crews remained at the scene of the Grenfell Tower fire in north Kensington throughout the night. Firefighters worked with the gas authority to isolate a ruptured gas main in the block and once this work was completed they were able to extinguish the fire with the help of a 40 metre aerial appliance brought in to assist from Surrey Fire and Rescue Service.
The fire was under control by 01:14. In addition to firefighting operations our crews continued to work with the local authority to reassure concerned residents from neighbouring blocks in the area and to offer them home fire safety advice.
Firefighters will be at the scene throughout today, with around 60 firefighters and eight fire engines and other specialist resources still in attendance. Our Urban Search and Rescue teams will also be working with local authority contractors to shore up the building to make it safe to continue with the next phase of the operation.
The Brigade received the first of multiple calls to the incident at 0054 on Wednesday morning. The fire affected all floors of the 24 storey building, from the second floor up, and at its height 40 fire engines and more than 200 firefighters were at the scene. Sadly police have confirmed there have been 12 fatalities and say they expect that figure to rise further. In addition, fire crews rescued 65 people from the building.
London Ambulance Service have confirmed 68 people have been taken to six hospitals and a further 10 people have self presented."
Image: The burnt facade of the Grenfell Tower building. The picture was tweeted by the London Fire Brigade.
"Crews remained at the scene of the Grenfell Tower fire in north Kensington throughout the night. Firefighters worked with the gas authority to isolate a ruptured gas main in the block and once this work was completed they were able to extinguish the fire with the help of a 40 metre aerial appliance brought in to assist from Surrey Fire and Rescue Service.
The fire was under control by 01:14. In addition to firefighting operations our crews continued to work with the local authority to reassure concerned residents from neighbouring blocks in the area and to offer them home fire safety advice.
Firefighters will be at the scene throughout today, with around 60 firefighters and eight fire engines and other specialist resources still in attendance. Our Urban Search and Rescue teams will also be working with local authority contractors to shore up the building to make it safe to continue with the next phase of the operation.
The Brigade received the first of multiple calls to the incident at 0054 on Wednesday morning. The fire affected all floors of the 24 storey building, from the second floor up, and at its height 40 fire engines and more than 200 firefighters were at the scene. Sadly police have confirmed there have been 12 fatalities and say they expect that figure to rise further. In addition, fire crews rescued 65 people from the building.
London Ambulance Service have confirmed 68 people have been taken to six hospitals and a further 10 people have self presented."
Image: The burnt facade of the Grenfell Tower building. The picture was tweeted by the London Fire Brigade.
14:29 Priyanka Chopra reaches No 1 on Top Actors Chart
A week after ranking on The Hollywood Reporter's inaugural Top Actors chart at No 2, Priyanka Chopra replaces Baywatch co-star Dwayne Johnson atop the newest tally. The Top Actors chart is a ranking of the most popular actors on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube and Google Plus, with global data provided by social media analytics company MVPindex.
The chart's methodology blends social engagement on the platforms along with weekly additions of followers/subscribers. The latest tracking week ended June 6.
Chopra rises 2-1 on the chart, gaining in multiple metrics, including 98 percent in Twitter mentions in the tracking week.
Johnson and fellow Baywatch star Zac Efron rank at Nos. 2 and 9, respectively.See the full top 10 below (and for the full 25-position chart, refer to the print version of THR dated June 14), and for more charts on The Hollywood Reporter, check out this week's Top TV Personalities and Top Comedians charts.
The chart's methodology blends social engagement on the platforms along with weekly additions of followers/subscribers. The latest tracking week ended June 6.
Chopra rises 2-1 on the chart, gaining in multiple metrics, including 98 percent in Twitter mentions in the tracking week.
Johnson and fellow Baywatch star Zac Efron rank at Nos. 2 and 9, respectively.See the full top 10 below (and for the full 25-position chart, refer to the print version of THR dated June 14), and for more charts on The Hollywood Reporter, check out this week's Top TV Personalities and Top Comedians charts.
14:22
Air Vice Marshal (retd) Manmohan Bahadur tweets: Just wondering why @TimesNow and @republic are not talking of events that other channels are taking up? E.g. the farmers case? GDP figures?
14:16 Pak PM Sharif appears before Panama Papers probe panel
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif today appeared before a Supreme Court-appointed team probing the Panamagate graft case, becoming Pakistan's first sitting premier to depose before such a panel.
A seemingly-relaxed Sharif arrived at the Judicial Academy - which has been temporarily turned into the Joint Investigation Team secretariat - amid tight security.
According to official sources, more than 2,500 security personnel have been deployed. The 67-year-old PML-N leader, who was accompanied by his eldest son Hussain Nawaz, brother Punjab Chief Minister Shehbaz Sharif and son-in-law Muhammad Safdar, waved at party workers and responded to their chants before entering the building.
A large number of PML-N supporters had assembled near the JIT secretariat, waiving their party flags and chanting pro- Nawaz slogans. "The day that creates history & sets a much required & welcome precedent for others to emulate," Sharif's daughter Maryam Nawaz tweeted along with pictures of the PML-N leader and his top aides just before leaving for the JIT.
Dawn reported that the prime minister will face the 6- member JIT panel alone. It was not known for how long the JIT will question him. The JIT chief Wajid Zia had summoned the prime minister to appear before the probe team on June 15 with all documents relevant to the case.
A seemingly-relaxed Sharif arrived at the Judicial Academy - which has been temporarily turned into the Joint Investigation Team secretariat - amid tight security.
According to official sources, more than 2,500 security personnel have been deployed. The 67-year-old PML-N leader, who was accompanied by his eldest son Hussain Nawaz, brother Punjab Chief Minister Shehbaz Sharif and son-in-law Muhammad Safdar, waved at party workers and responded to their chants before entering the building.
A large number of PML-N supporters had assembled near the JIT secretariat, waiving their party flags and chanting pro- Nawaz slogans. "The day that creates history & sets a much required & welcome precedent for others to emulate," Sharif's daughter Maryam Nawaz tweeted along with pictures of the PML-N leader and his top aides just before leaving for the JIT.
Dawn reported that the prime minister will face the 6- member JIT panel alone. It was not known for how long the JIT will question him. The JIT chief Wajid Zia had summoned the prime minister to appear before the probe team on June 15 with all documents relevant to the case.
13:58 PM limits tenure to 5 years for secretaries to ministers
We listened in to conversation in the corridors of power in Delhi and everyone is talking about the changes in the personal staff of union ministers.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is unwavering that the request of his senior colleagues to extend the tenure of their private secretaries is rejected. The prime minister is absolutely clear that a private secretary's tenure should end by five years.
Senior union ministers like Home Minister Rajnath Singh, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, Textiles Minister Smriti Irani and IT minister Ravi Shankar Prasad, among a host of others, have held on to their PAs for over five years. The PAs and private secretaries -- generally IAS, IPS, IRS officers -- have to now be transferred to other departments.
Take the case of Simanchal Dash, an IRS officer, who has been with the finance minister for more than five years and consequently, a confidante.
Similarly, Rajnath Singh also has an officer from the IPS for over five years. Early this week, following the strict instructions of the PMO, Jaitley got a new private secretary, Saurav Sukhla, who is an Indian Audit and Accounts Service official, to replace Dash. So, where is Dash headed? A special post of Officer on Special Duty (OSD) has been created in the Central Board of Direct Taxes to coordinate the sensitive issues of CBDT. Smriti Irani, too, is likely to get a new private secretary by the end of this month.
So, why is is this reshuffle being done? Sources tell us that the prime minister doesn't really trust his own ministers. But more on that later.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is unwavering that the request of his senior colleagues to extend the tenure of their private secretaries is rejected. The prime minister is absolutely clear that a private secretary's tenure should end by five years.
Senior union ministers like Home Minister Rajnath Singh, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, Textiles Minister Smriti Irani and IT minister Ravi Shankar Prasad, among a host of others, have held on to their PAs for over five years. The PAs and private secretaries -- generally IAS, IPS, IRS officers -- have to now be transferred to other departments.
Take the case of Simanchal Dash, an IRS officer, who has been with the finance minister for more than five years and consequently, a confidante.
Similarly, Rajnath Singh also has an officer from the IPS for over five years. Early this week, following the strict instructions of the PMO, Jaitley got a new private secretary, Saurav Sukhla, who is an Indian Audit and Accounts Service official, to replace Dash. So, where is Dash headed? A special post of Officer on Special Duty (OSD) has been created in the Central Board of Direct Taxes to coordinate the sensitive issues of CBDT. Smriti Irani, too, is likely to get a new private secretary by the end of this month.
So, why is is this reshuffle being done? Sources tell us that the prime minister doesn't really trust his own ministers. But more on that later.
13:33 Diana's shoes before she became princess sells for 1800 Pounds
A pair of white peep-toe shoes belonging to Princess Diana have fetched 1,800 pounds at an auction in the UK. The white leather flat shoes are thought to have been worn by the late princess when she was 19 years old, during the time she worked as a nursery assistant. The shoes were left by Diana at the house of an anonymous friend in about 1977-78.
There are photographs of her wearing similar shoes while working as a kindergarten teacher aged about 19, Dominic Winters Auction house said. A note from the princess, discussing meditation and French philosophy, written on Kensington Palace notepaper sold for 1,400 pounds at the auction, 'BBC News' reported.
Other items in the auction included a candid letter written by Prince Charles two days after his separation from the princess, which was sent to interior designer Dudley Poplak. Three other letters written by the prince fetched between 230 pounds and 320 pounds.
There are photographs of her wearing similar shoes while working as a kindergarten teacher aged about 19, Dominic Winters Auction house said. A note from the princess, discussing meditation and French philosophy, written on Kensington Palace notepaper sold for 1,400 pounds at the auction, 'BBC News' reported.
Other items in the auction included a candid letter written by Prince Charles two days after his separation from the princess, which was sent to interior designer Dudley Poplak. Three other letters written by the prince fetched between 230 pounds and 320 pounds.
13:29 'Cash for Vote' MLA sting: DMK, Cong stage walkout from TN Assembly
Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam leader MK Stalin raised the issue of
the 'Cash for Vote' MLA sting in the Tamil Nadu Assembly on Thursday for
the second consecutive day.
On Speaker P Dhanapal's refusal to discuss the topic on the floor of the House, the DMK and the Congress staged a walkout from the Assembly.
After the walkout, Stalin addressed the media and said, "Today again I was denied permission to raise MLA sting issue in the Assembly by the Speaker. In protest, we staged a walkout."
"We have sought an appointment with the Governor. He is out of town. We will meet him soon as he is back," he added.
Stalin further said that the current All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam government should be dissolved.
"They should go for a CBI investigation to prove themselves that if they are clean," he added.
Yesterday, the Tamil Nadu Assembly saw a huge showdown between the ruling AIADMK and the DMK over the MLAs sting operation in a session, which was earlier being expected to be crucial for paving the way for the rollout of the Goods and Services Tax Bill on July 1.
On Speaker P Dhanapal's refusal to discuss the topic on the floor of the House, the DMK and the Congress staged a walkout from the Assembly.
After the walkout, Stalin addressed the media and said, "Today again I was denied permission to raise MLA sting issue in the Assembly by the Speaker. In protest, we staged a walkout."
"We have sought an appointment with the Governor. He is out of town. We will meet him soon as he is back," he added.
Stalin further said that the current All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam government should be dissolved.
"They should go for a CBI investigation to prove themselves that if they are clean," he added.
Yesterday, the Tamil Nadu Assembly saw a huge showdown between the ruling AIADMK and the DMK over the MLAs sting operation in a session, which was earlier being expected to be crucial for paving the way for the rollout of the Goods and Services Tax Bill on July 1.
12:51 London fire: Celebrity chef Jamie Oliver offers free food to survivors
The huge blaze on Wednesday that engulfed the 24-storey Grenfell Tower, a residential highrise in west London housing over 100 families, has left 12 dead and over 74 injured. At least 600 people have been left homeless, everything they owned burnt in the fire.
That is when celebrity chef Jamie Oliver pitched in, giving hope and succor, with this post on social media:
"To any of the 100's of FAMILIES effected by this terrible fire at Grenfell Tower Notting hill today, You are all welcome to come hang out in my restaurant and be fed and watered by my Jamies Italian team. We are in the Westfield just around the corner. Food and drink free of charge so just go and speak to my manager Juan and we will sort you out and give you some love .... this is for victims of the fire our thoughts, love and prayers are with you all big love jamie x x x x"
That is when celebrity chef Jamie Oliver pitched in, giving hope and succor, with this post on social media:
"To any of the 100's of FAMILIES effected by this terrible fire at Grenfell Tower Notting hill today, You are all welcome to come hang out in my restaurant and be fed and watered by my Jamies Italian team. We are in the Westfield just around the corner. Food and drink free of charge so just go and speak to my manager Juan and we will sort you out and give you some love .... this is for victims of the fire our thoughts, love and prayers are with you all big love jamie x x x x"
12:21 Mumbai family of Ireland's new PM hopes to meet him in August
Shubhada Varadkar is wondering what she can gift to her cousin Leo Varadkar, who has taken over as the new Prime Minister of Ireland. Having gifted books to her cousin earlier, she said now the situation has changed.
"We watched the oath ceremony on TV yesterday. We were almost glued to the television. It is indeed a moment full of joy, happiness and pride for the entire Varadkar family," Shubhada, who lives in suburban Borivali, told PTI.
"I am planning to visit the UK in August, and hopefully I will get a chance to (go to Ireland and) meet him, now the prime minister of Ireland.
"In one of our previous meetings, I had gifted him (Nehru's) 'Discovery of India", and I was pleased to know that he knows a lot about India as a democratic country and its historic moments.
"But I am wondering what should I gift him now, as a PM whether he would find the time to read... And as a PM, he can get anything whenever he wants," she said.
Vasant Varadkar, Leo's distant cousin from Sindhudurg district of coastal Maharashtra, said, "We have shared our feelings and wishes with Leo's father Ashok. We are in touch with him and we keep exchanging messages from time to time.
"Our wish is that one day Leo as the PM of Ireland should come to his village Varad in Sindhudurg district. It would be the biggest day of our life."
Leo Varadkar, Ireland's first Indian-origin premier, yesterday officially took over from Enda Kenny as Taoiseach, as the Irish prime ministerial title is known, after a parliamentary vote in Dublin confirmed him as the leader by 57 votes to 50, with 47 abstentions.
He is the youngest and the first openly gay prime minister of the Catholic-majority country. His father Ashok, hails from Varad, a village in Sindhudurg district of Maharashtra.
"We watched the oath ceremony on TV yesterday. We were almost glued to the television. It is indeed a moment full of joy, happiness and pride for the entire Varadkar family," Shubhada, who lives in suburban Borivali, told PTI.
"I am planning to visit the UK in August, and hopefully I will get a chance to (go to Ireland and) meet him, now the prime minister of Ireland.
"In one of our previous meetings, I had gifted him (Nehru's) 'Discovery of India", and I was pleased to know that he knows a lot about India as a democratic country and its historic moments.
"But I am wondering what should I gift him now, as a PM whether he would find the time to read... And as a PM, he can get anything whenever he wants," she said.
Vasant Varadkar, Leo's distant cousin from Sindhudurg district of coastal Maharashtra, said, "We have shared our feelings and wishes with Leo's father Ashok. We are in touch with him and we keep exchanging messages from time to time.
"Our wish is that one day Leo as the PM of Ireland should come to his village Varad in Sindhudurg district. It would be the biggest day of our life."
Leo Varadkar, Ireland's first Indian-origin premier, yesterday officially took over from Enda Kenny as Taoiseach, as the Irish prime ministerial title is known, after a parliamentary vote in Dublin confirmed him as the leader by 57 votes to 50, with 47 abstentions.
He is the youngest and the first openly gay prime minister of the Catholic-majority country. His father Ashok, hails from Varad, a village in Sindhudurg district of Maharashtra.
12:02 Don't go to Darjeeling now, GJM calls for indefinite band after raids
The police today raided some premises of Gorkha Janmukti Morcha chief Bimal Gurung and arrested some party activists following which the outfit called for an indefinite shutdown in Darjeeling Hills. Arrows, sharp weapons and explosives were recovered during the raids at the premises in Singmari and Patlebas areas in Darjeeling, the police said.
"Some of the premises of Gurung and other GJM activists were raided. We conducted the raids on the basis of concrete information. The raids are still on. We have arrested a few GJM activists," a senior police said on condition of anonymity.
The police, however, denied that Gurung's residence had been raided. Infuriated by the police raid, the GJM called for an indefinite shutdown in the hills from today, GJM general secretary Roshan Giri said.
"The state government is indulging in politics of witch-hunting. The police and the state government are provoking us to call an indefinite strike in the hills. We will inform the Centre about the atrocities of the state government. We have called an indefinite shutdown in hills from today," Giri told PTI.
Image: The arms and ammunition recovered from the raid on GJM's premises in Darjeeling
"Some of the premises of Gurung and other GJM activists were raided. We conducted the raids on the basis of concrete information. The raids are still on. We have arrested a few GJM activists," a senior police said on condition of anonymity.
The police, however, denied that Gurung's residence had been raided. Infuriated by the police raid, the GJM called for an indefinite shutdown in the hills from today, GJM general secretary Roshan Giri said.
"The state government is indulging in politics of witch-hunting. The police and the state government are provoking us to call an indefinite strike in the hills. We will inform the Centre about the atrocities of the state government. We have called an indefinite shutdown in hills from today," Giri told PTI.
Image: The arms and ammunition recovered from the raid on GJM's premises in Darjeeling
11:48 RSS holds iftar party in Ayodhya
Rashtriya Swayam Sewak's Muslim wing Muslim Rashtriya Manch has organised an Iftar party in Uttar Pradesh's Ayodhya on Wednesday.
Senior RSS leader Indresh Kumar was also present at yesterday's party.
The MRM was set up in 2002 by the RSS in a bid to reach out to the Muslims on various issues including the Ayodhya dispute.
According to rituals, Muslims break his fast during Ramzan with dates or a glass of water at the Iftar.
Fruit juices are also served at community Iftar parties, often hosted by various organisations, including political parties.
Senior RSS leader Indresh Kumar was also present at yesterday's party.
The MRM was set up in 2002 by the RSS in a bid to reach out to the Muslims on various issues including the Ayodhya dispute.
According to rituals, Muslims break his fast during Ramzan with dates or a glass of water at the Iftar.
Fruit juices are also served at community Iftar parties, often hosted by various organisations, including political parties.
11:20 Countess Mountbatten of Burma, IRA bomb survivor, dies at 93
Countess Mountbatten of Burma, who survived the IRA bomb that killed her father, Earl Mountbatten, and her son, has died aged 93, reports the Independent.
A statement from the family said: "Patricia Mountbatten died peacefully on Tuesday 13 June at her home in Mersham, Kent, surrounded by her children."
A great-great-granddaughter of Queen Victoria and cousin to the Duke of Edinburgh, Lady Mountbatten's life was devastated in August 1979 when the IRA blew up the family's boat in Co Sligo.
A statement from the family said: "Patricia Mountbatten died peacefully on Tuesday 13 June at her home in Mersham, Kent, surrounded by her children."
A great-great-granddaughter of Queen Victoria and cousin to the Duke of Edinburgh, Lady Mountbatten's life was devastated in August 1979 when the IRA blew up the family's boat in Co Sligo.
11:16 Neeru Chadha becomes 1st Indian woman in UN law board
In a significant victory for India at the UN, international law expert Neeru Chadha has won a crucial election to a top UN judicial body that deals with disputes related to the law of the sea, becoming the first Indian woman to be appointed as a judge at the tribunal.
Chadha, an eminent lawyer and the first Indian woman to become the chief legal adviser in the ministry of external affairs, won the election yesterday to the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) for a nine-year term from 2017 to 2026.
Chadha got 120 votes, the highest in the Asia Pacific group and was elected in the first round of voting itself. The candidate from Indonesia got 58 votes, Lebanon 60 and Thailand 86.
All three candidates went to a second round of voting in which Thailand won the other seat in the Asia Pacific group.
Election was held for a total of seven seats. India's Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Syed Akbaruddin expressed gratitude for the broad support of countries that resulted in Chadha's "emphatic success" at the elections to the ITLOS.
"It reflects both an appreciation of India's global standing in matters of international law and the recognition for Chadha's expertise as a lawyer and negotiator on contemporary issues related to the Law of the Seas," Akbaruddin told
Chadha, an eminent lawyer and the first Indian woman to become the chief legal adviser in the ministry of external affairs, won the election yesterday to the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) for a nine-year term from 2017 to 2026.
Chadha got 120 votes, the highest in the Asia Pacific group and was elected in the first round of voting itself. The candidate from Indonesia got 58 votes, Lebanon 60 and Thailand 86.
All three candidates went to a second round of voting in which Thailand won the other seat in the Asia Pacific group.
Election was held for a total of seven seats. India's Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Syed Akbaruddin expressed gratitude for the broad support of countries that resulted in Chadha's "emphatic success" at the elections to the ITLOS.
"It reflects both an appreciation of India's global standing in matters of international law and the recognition for Chadha's expertise as a lawyer and negotiator on contemporary issues related to the Law of the Seas," Akbaruddin told
11:03 Rahul gets unexpected support from Sena for Mandsaur visit
The Shiv Sena today lashed out at the Madhya Pradesh government for preventing Congress leader Rahul Gandhi from entering trouble-hit Mandsaur, saying it is detrimental to democracy and wrong to create a wall between the Opposition leaders and "victims".
The BJP constantly terms Rahul Gandhi as a "weak and an ineffective leader", the Sena pointed out and said if that was so, it had no reason to bar him from entering Mandsaur.
Leaders of opposition parties have all the rights to meet the families of those affected by "government's brutality," opined an editorial in Sena mouthpiece 'Saamana'.
On June 6, five farmers were killed as the agitation by peasants demanding a loan waiver and remunerative prices for their produce turned violent in Mandsaur.
Besides, a 26-year-old farmer had died in Badwan village, also in Mandsaur, allegedly after being beaten up by police.
In the wake of the incidents, Gandhi tried to visit Mandsaur to meet the kin of the victims but was denied permission. Later, Patel quota agitation leader Hardik Patel was also turned back by police before he could enter Mandsaur.
The BJP constantly terms Rahul Gandhi as a "weak and an ineffective leader", the Sena pointed out and said if that was so, it had no reason to bar him from entering Mandsaur.
Leaders of opposition parties have all the rights to meet the families of those affected by "government's brutality," opined an editorial in Sena mouthpiece 'Saamana'.
On June 6, five farmers were killed as the agitation by peasants demanding a loan waiver and remunerative prices for their produce turned violent in Mandsaur.
Besides, a 26-year-old farmer had died in Badwan village, also in Mandsaur, allegedly after being beaten up by police.
In the wake of the incidents, Gandhi tried to visit Mandsaur to meet the kin of the victims but was denied permission. Later, Patel quota agitation leader Hardik Patel was also turned back by police before he could enter Mandsaur.
10:47 Adele makes emotional appearance at Grenfell Tower after fire
Adele made an appearance at Grenfell Tower on Wednesday evening, less than 24 hours after a horrific blaze devastated the building, killing and injuring hundreds of residents. The fire swept through the 27-storey tower block in just 15 minutes after a faulty fridge exploded, in what could be one of the worst in British history amid fears nobody on its top three floors survived. Read more
10:41 London fire: Corbyn goes all guns blazing at Theresa May
In the aftermath of the devastating fire that broke out at the Grenfell House tower block on Wednesday in London, the government led by Prime Minister Theresa May is receiving flak for not paying heed to the fire safety warnings that were issued.
The Prime Minister's new chief of staff Gavin Barwell had allegedly failed to review the safety during his tenure as housing minister, despite it already having been delayed for years. His predecessor, Brandon Lewis declined to bring in regulation forcing developers to fit sprinklers because he said it was not the government's responsibility, reports The Independent.
Pressure continued to mount with the leader of the Opposition Jeremy Corbyn preparing to attack the ministers with all guns blazing.
Suggesting spending cuts may also have a role to play, he said: "If you deny local authorities the funding they need, then there is a price that's paid."
"A review took place after the fire in Camberwell and the Government has that review. I believe we need to ask questions about what facilities and resources have been given to local authorities that have tower blocs in the area and, frankly, most do. We need to deal with this; we need people to be safe living in high rise buildings," Corbyn said.
With regards to the involvement of any current serving frontbench politicians, Corbyn asserted that although the focus at this point is on saving the locals, all ministers in their tenure must be interrogated.
At least 12 persons were confirmed as dead following Wednesday's heavy fire that engulfed a tower block in west London.
Hundreds of firefighters battled to rescue residents from their flats after the fire broke out at Grenfell Tower on Latimer Road, near Notting Hill as the blaze rapidly engulfed the full height of the 27-storey block.
While the cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained, residents in the vicinity had reportedly raised an alarm regarding the possibility of a calamity, which was allegedly not tendered to.
They also claimed that due to renovation activities in the block, there was one entry and exit to Grenfell Tower, which created a hassle in the evacuation procedures.
The Prime Minister's new chief of staff Gavin Barwell had allegedly failed to review the safety during his tenure as housing minister, despite it already having been delayed for years. His predecessor, Brandon Lewis declined to bring in regulation forcing developers to fit sprinklers because he said it was not the government's responsibility, reports The Independent.
Pressure continued to mount with the leader of the Opposition Jeremy Corbyn preparing to attack the ministers with all guns blazing.
Suggesting spending cuts may also have a role to play, he said: "If you deny local authorities the funding they need, then there is a price that's paid."
"A review took place after the fire in Camberwell and the Government has that review. I believe we need to ask questions about what facilities and resources have been given to local authorities that have tower blocs in the area and, frankly, most do. We need to deal with this; we need people to be safe living in high rise buildings," Corbyn said.
With regards to the involvement of any current serving frontbench politicians, Corbyn asserted that although the focus at this point is on saving the locals, all ministers in their tenure must be interrogated.
At least 12 persons were confirmed as dead following Wednesday's heavy fire that engulfed a tower block in west London.
Hundreds of firefighters battled to rescue residents from their flats after the fire broke out at Grenfell Tower on Latimer Road, near Notting Hill as the blaze rapidly engulfed the full height of the 27-storey block.
While the cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained, residents in the vicinity had reportedly raised an alarm regarding the possibility of a calamity, which was allegedly not tendered to.
They also claimed that due to renovation activities in the block, there was one entry and exit to Grenfell Tower, which created a hassle in the evacuation procedures.
10:30 In Trump's America, prof holds after-sunset classes for fasting Muslims
In a beautiful gesture symbolic of accommodating religious sentiments, a professor at the University of Washington offered to conduct examinations after sunset for his Muslim students, who are fasting during the holy month of Ramzan.
This decision was taken Bryan White, a biology professor at the aforementioned university after learning of a student's dip in concentration due to the lack of food intake.
Owing to religious norms, the student, who has been fasting, was not able to concentrate on her studies, and therefore saw a dip in her grades.Upon confrontation, her professor, Dr. White, decided to conduct the examination in two batches-one in the morning for his regular students and the second one post sunset, thus giving his Muslim students a chance to have a meal before appearing for their examination.
"To me, this was a very simple thing. It's not uncommon for me to be at work until midnight anyway. I want them (the students) to think, 'this class really cares about each other," The Independent quoted Dr. White saying to the Seattle Times.
This move has been largely lauded by the Muslim students, as it is believed to have instilled a greater sense of confidence in them.
Following this move, two other professors have the university have also offered to conduct two separate sessions.
This decision was taken Bryan White, a biology professor at the aforementioned university after learning of a student's dip in concentration due to the lack of food intake.
Owing to religious norms, the student, who has been fasting, was not able to concentrate on her studies, and therefore saw a dip in her grades.Upon confrontation, her professor, Dr. White, decided to conduct the examination in two batches-one in the morning for his regular students and the second one post sunset, thus giving his Muslim students a chance to have a meal before appearing for their examination.
"To me, this was a very simple thing. It's not uncommon for me to be at work until midnight anyway. I want them (the students) to think, 'this class really cares about each other," The Independent quoted Dr. White saying to the Seattle Times.
This move has been largely lauded by the Muslim students, as it is believed to have instilled a greater sense of confidence in them.
Following this move, two other professors have the university have also offered to conduct two separate sessions.
10:23 AAP gets rent rap from its own government
The Public Works Department of the Delhi government has slapped a fine of Rs 27 lakh on the AAP for "unauthorised occupation" of a bungalow in Rouse Avenue in the national capital.
The PWD has issued a notice to AAP national secretary Pankaj Gupta over its continued occupation of 206, Rouse Avenue as party office.
Sources in the government said that as on May 31, the fine, which is essentially penal rent, amounts to Rs 27,73,802. The fine amount, which is 65 times the license fee, will pile up further if the party doesn't vacate the premises, the sources said. In April, the PWD had issued a notice to AAP's National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal asking him to immediately vacate the office, which it said that was allotted in "violation" of rules.
The party had then said that it would seek a legal recourse against this action as other political parties too have been allotted bungalows to use as office space.
The three-member Shunglu committee, formed by the then Lt Governor Najeeb Jung to examine over 400 files pertaining to the decisions taken by the AAP government, had pointed out "irregularities" in allotting the office. In November 2015, the AAP government had approved a policy for land allotment to state parties.
The Kejriwal government then alloted a bungalow to the AAP on Rouse Avenue the following year. The bungalow was earlier alloted to Asim Ahmed Khan, the then Delhi minister, who was sacked over graft charges.
The PWD has issued a notice to AAP national secretary Pankaj Gupta over its continued occupation of 206, Rouse Avenue as party office.
Sources in the government said that as on May 31, the fine, which is essentially penal rent, amounts to Rs 27,73,802. The fine amount, which is 65 times the license fee, will pile up further if the party doesn't vacate the premises, the sources said. In April, the PWD had issued a notice to AAP's National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal asking him to immediately vacate the office, which it said that was allotted in "violation" of rules.
The party had then said that it would seek a legal recourse against this action as other political parties too have been allotted bungalows to use as office space.
The three-member Shunglu committee, formed by the then Lt Governor Najeeb Jung to examine over 400 files pertaining to the decisions taken by the AAP government, had pointed out "irregularities" in allotting the office. In November 2015, the AAP government had approved a policy for land allotment to state parties.
The Kejriwal government then alloted a bungalow to the AAP on Rouse Avenue the following year. The bungalow was earlier alloted to Asim Ahmed Khan, the then Delhi minister, who was sacked over graft charges.
10:19 6 persons, including Mumbai couple, file nominations for presidential poll
A couple from Mumbai, Saira Bano Mohammed Patel and Mohammed Patel Abdul Hamid, on Wednesday filed nomination papers for the presidential elections scheduled next month, reports Business Standard.
They told the returning officer it would be "good' if one became the president and the other the vice-president.
Four others, K Padmarajan from Tamil Nadu, Anand Singh Kushwaha from Madhya Pradesh, A Bala Raj from Telangana, and Kondekar Vijayprakash from Pune, also filed their nomination papers.
They are all likely to be rejected as they do not have 50 proposers and the same number of "seconders'.
The election to the highest office in the country is on July 17. Votes will be counted on July 20.
09:59 Saffron group seeks ban of Kamasutra inside Khajuraho temples
Bajrang Sena members approach police against the sale of Kamasutra books inside the Khajuraho temples, say such things are not allowed on the sacred premises. Read more
09:51 Constipated for 22 years, man has 13kg of poop removed from his body
Erm, here's how you should not begin your morning, but hey, it's news...
The man is believed to have been suffering from a rare congenital disease known as Hirschsprung. Read
The man is believed to have been suffering from a rare congenital disease known as Hirschsprung. Read
09:45 French fries can kill you, says new research
Yes, it's painful but unfortunately true. Munching on those golden sticks of starchy goodness will most certainly accelerate your demise.
An eight-year study on the regular consumption of french fries, has come out with this devastating result, that too much of the fried potato snack can lead to your speedy death, reports Sputnik.
Acrylamide forms in starchy foods fried at high temperatures, and is termed a carcinogen by US government health agencies. The dangerous chemical compound has been shown to cause tumors in adrenal glands, the thyroid and the lungs.
Making the ominous observation that the risk of death from eating too many french fries is double than those who do not consume the delicious yet greasy food, the new study has called on potato lovers to prepare their favourite tuber another way, perhaps by steaming or boiling.
Those who regularly eat the delicious treat twice or more in a week, in comparison to those who do not eat french fries at all, have twice the chance of suffering death by heart attack due to a circulatory system overloaded with cholesterol and other toxins, says the research published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.
The study included 4,440 participants between the ages of 45 and 79, who were examined over a period of eight years; 236 of those participants died.
The research indicated that those who died were the ones who ate the most fried potatoes, and not just french fries either, as any form of potato seared in boiling hot oil -- including hash browns and tater tots -- was found to be the main reason for early death.
"The frequent consumption of fried potatoes appears to be associated with an increased mortality risk. Additional studies in larger sample sizes should be performed to confirm if overall potato consumption is associated with higher mortality risk," the study said.
Another frightening fact about french fries revealed from the study is that, the frying process itself forms a new and deadly chemical within your meal, according to the research.
09:32 SC to hear plea against ban on cattle sale for slaughter today
The Supreme Court today will hear a petition challenging the Centre's notification banning the sale and purchase of cattle from animal markets for slaughter, a move that received flak since its announcement.
The petition was filed by a Hyderabad-based lawyer, Fahim Qureshi, stating that the order was discriminatory and unconstitutional, as it prevented cattle traders from earning their livelihood.
On May 25, the Centre through an order imposed a ban on the sale of cattle, including cows, for slaughter and restricted cattle trade solely to farm owners.
Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Harsh Vardhan had ordered that the ministry has notified the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Regulation of Livestock Markets) Rules, 2017 to ensure that the sale of cattle is not meant for slaughter purposes.
Regulating animal trade is a state business but animal welfare is a central subject, thereby providing the window for the ministry to notify the rule.
In lieu of this, there was widespread opposition of the order, with many states openly denying accepting the notification.
09:26 AIIMS declares MBBS entrance exam results
The All India Institute of Medical Sciences on Thursday declared the MBBS Entrance Exam Result 2017.
The entrance exam for admission to MBBS courses in seven AIIMS institutes in India was conducted on May 28.
Students who appeared for the exam can check their results on the official website, aiimsexams.org.
Following the results, counselling will start from July 3 and classes will begin from August 1.
08:52 Door still open for Britain to remain in EU: French President
France President Emmanuel Macron has said that "the door remains open" for Britain to change its mind about Brexit, after talks with UK Prime Minister Theresa May in Paris.
Speaking at a joint press conference after talking to visiting May in the Elysee Palace, Macron said the two countries were determined to strengthen their counterterrorism cooperation and announced his country and Britain will jointly launch an action plan to tackle online terrorist threat and radicalization.
Macron threw out the olive branch, even amid rising EU anger about the delays to the exit talks , which he said should be "launched as soon as possible".
"Of course the door remains open, always open until the Brexit negotiations come to an end," the Independent quoted Macron as saying when asked if Britain could yet stay in the EU.
Macron's comments came just hours after Wolfgang Schauble, the powerful German finance minister also gave an indication that UK would find "open doors" in Brussels if it decided not to leave the EU.
08:48 Maharashtra BJP prepared for mid-term polls, says Fadnavis
The BJP unit in Maharashtra is prepared for mid-term polls, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said.
Fadnavis made the remarks in reference to reports speculating mid-term polls in Maharashtra amid farmers' stir seeking loan waiver in view of the agrarian crisis.
The Fadnavis dispensation had announced the long-standing demand of the waiver last Sunday.
"Some people said (when the agitation was on) that they will bring the government down, will withdraw support. I said we are ready for mid-term polls.
"If someone wants to impel us to go for mid-term polls, I am confident we will be able to form the government again," Fadnavis told reporters without naming any party.
Buoyed by the BJP's success in Maharashtra local governing bodies' polls, held in the recent past, Fadnavis exuded confidence that people of the state were with the saffron party notwithstanding various agitations against the state.
"This success was unprecedented and no other party achieved such success. The Congress-NCP couldn't attend the success even during their hay days. So, people believe in the government," he said.
Talking to a Marathi news channel recently, Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut had suggested that the Shiv Sena would withdraw support to the government if the loan waiver was not announced.
08:47 Suspect in US baseball field shooting was upset about the election of President Trump
James T Hodgkinson, who shot and wounded Congressman Steve Scalise and injured four others, was upset about the election of President Donald Trump and had moved to the Washington DC area "out of the blue" to protest, his brother told the New York Times.
An acquaintance of the suspect also said that he had campaigned for Bernie Sanders during the election.
Sanders, a Vermont senator, said he was "sickened by this despicable act" and condemned Hodgkinson's actions.
Click HERE to know more about Hodgkinson.
08:18 Trump under investigation for potential obstruction of justice: Reports
United States President Donald Trump is reportedly being investigated for possible obstruction of justice by special counsel Robert Mueller, the Washington Post reported, citing unidentified officials.
Mueller is investigating alleged Russian interference in the 2016 US presidential election and possible collusion with the Trump campaign.
The obstruction of justice investigation into Trump began days after Former FBI Director James Comey was fired on May 9, according to people familiar with the matter, the Washington Post said.
Comey had told Congress last week he believes he was fired by Trump to undermine the agency's Russia probe.
However, Trump's legal team quickly denounced the report.
"The FBI leak of information regarding the President is outrageous, inexcusable and illegal," a spokesman for Trumps legal team, Mark Corallo, said.
The Washington Post, citing five people briefed on the requests who spoke on condition of anonymity, said Dan Coats, the director of national intelligence, Mike Rogers, the head of the National Security Agency, and Richard Ledgett, the former deputy director at the NSA, had agreed to be interviewed by Mueller's investigators as early as this week.
00:13 UPS employee shoots, injures 4 at San Francisco centre
A UPS employee opened fire at a San Francisco package delivery facility today, injuring four and prompting a massive police response in a neighborhood near downtown, officials said.
UPS spokesman Steve Gaut said that an employee fired inside the facility before the drivers were sent out to do their normal daily deliveries.
Gaut said four people were injured and that he believed the shooter 'turned the gun on himself'.
Gaut did not have immediate information about anyone's condition. Nor did Brent Andrew, spokesman for Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital, which had received the victims.
He did not know exactly how many people. Auto shop owner Robert Kim said he heard about five to eight rapid gunshots.
The next thing he knew, he said, 'a mob of UPS drivers' was running down the street screaming 'shooter, shooter'.
Police confirmed the shooting at the facility in the Potrero Hill neighborhood, about two-and-half miles from downtown San Francisco but didn't release further information.
UPS employees were later led out in a line by officers next to a highway.
They walked away calmly with emergency vehicles nearby and gathered nearby outside a restaurant.
The shooting led to a massive police response and a shelter-in-place warning for the surrounding area. Police advised people to avoid the area. -- Agencies
UPS spokesman Steve Gaut said that an employee fired inside the facility before the drivers were sent out to do their normal daily deliveries.
Gaut said four people were injured and that he believed the shooter 'turned the gun on himself'.
Gaut did not have immediate information about anyone's condition. Nor did Brent Andrew, spokesman for Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital, which had received the victims.
He did not know exactly how many people. Auto shop owner Robert Kim said he heard about five to eight rapid gunshots.
The next thing he knew, he said, 'a mob of UPS drivers' was running down the street screaming 'shooter, shooter'.
Police confirmed the shooting at the facility in the Potrero Hill neighborhood, about two-and-half miles from downtown San Francisco but didn't release further information.
UPS employees were later led out in a line by officers next to a highway.
They walked away calmly with emergency vehicles nearby and gathered nearby outside a restaurant.
The shooting led to a massive police response and a shelter-in-place warning for the surrounding area. Police advised people to avoid the area. -- Agencies
00:07 Top headlines at this hour
12 killed as massive fire engulfs London residential tower
Republican Congressman, others shot during baseball practice
Leo Varadkar takes over as Irish prime minister
Scindia on 72-hour 'satyagraha' in farmers' support
Shivraj visits Mandsaur, meets families of farmers killed in police firing
Read yesterday's live commentary HERE
Republican Congressman, others shot during baseball practice
Leo Varadkar takes over as Irish prime minister
Scindia on 72-hour 'satyagraha' in farmers' support
Shivraj visits Mandsaur, meets families of farmers killed in police firing
Read yesterday's live commentary HERE
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