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Mon, 20 March 2017
Democrats made up, pushed Russian story: Trump
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23:40 Democrats made up, pushed Russian story: Trump
US President Donald Trump today accused the Democratic party of making up allegations about his campaign's links with Russia and the Russian interference in the presidential poll, saying federal investigators should
now instead probe the media leaks of classified information.
"The Democrats made up and pushed the Russian story as an excuse for running a terrible campaign. Big advantage in Electoral College & lost!" Trump said in a tweet, trashing the Democratic party's allegations about Russian meddling in the November 8 polls that brought the real-estate tycoon to power.
The Trump campaign's possible links with top Russian officials, which Trump has vehemently denied, was one of the main election issue and dominated the news cycle since his election and even after his inauguration on January 20.
Trump campaign's alleged links with Russian President Vladimir Putin have been the subject of intense debate and even more of speculation since his election.
Trump's taking aim at the Democrats came as FBI Director James Comey testified before the House Committee on Intelligence, where he said the federal agency was probing the allegations of Russian meddling in the presidential elections and the possible collusion between Trump campaign and Russia.
In a series of tweets before Comey's hearing, Trump said the "real story" the Congress and the FBI should be looking into was leaking of classified information to the media.
"The real story that Congress, the FBI and all others should be looking into is the leaking of classified information. Must find (the) leaker now!" he said.
Trump also referred to statements by former spymaster James Clapper -- the Director of the National Intelligence -- that the Trump campaign had no collusion with the Russians.
23:16 Will review poll performance on Rahul Gandhi's return: Congress
After its poll debacle in Uttar Pradesh, the Congress on Monday said that the party's central leadership will soon review its performance and introspect on the reasons that led to its loss.
"The Congress party under the leadership of Rahul Gandhi will soon meet to review the party's performance in UttarPradesh," party spokesperson P L Punia told reporters.
He said that the UP Pradesh Congress Committee under the presidentship of Raj Babbar met to review the party's performance in the state and dwelt on the reasons that led to such a defeat.
The party has already set in motion the process of reviewing its poll showing with the Pradesh Congress Committee led by Babbar holding a day-long deliberation on Sunday at Lucknow with state leaders.
Sources say party leaders during this meeting cited the delay in announcing the alliance with Samajwadi Party and SP leaders not fully supporting the Congress were some of the reasons that led to the party's defeat in UP.
Incidently, as many as 22 candidates of both the SP and the Congress were contesting from as many seats which was also given as one of the reasons.
The leaders, the sources said, also cited the rout of Bahujan Samaja Party and its complete failure in holding to its votebank and allowing the same to be shifted to Bharatiya Janata Party also led to saffron party's stupendous victory.
Punia said that after this review, a similar review will take place at the national level too, once Rahul returns.
23:08 Adityanath must retract his 'inflammatory' statements: Amnesty
Amnesty International today called for public withdrawal of alleged inflammatory statements made in the past by BJP leader Yogi Adityanath, a day after he assumed charge as UP Chief Minister.
"Adityanath has been one of Uttar Pradesh's most polarising politicians, given to hateful rhetoric that incites discrimination and hostility against minority groups, particularly Muslims," alleged Aakar Patel, Executive
Director, Amnesty International India.
The five-time MP from Gorakhpur, a known Hindutva hardliner, who was sworn in as the 21st chief minister of the state, stayed at the VVIP Guest House overnight and has decided not to enter his official residence before conducting prayers and purification rituals.
"As Chief Minister of India's most populous state, he and his party have an obligation to ensure that his positions do not become government policy. It is therefore imperative that he retracts any statements which may provide a license for others to abuse human rights," Patel said in statement by the global NGO.
The statement said Adityanath had called for India becoming a "Hindu state" and also made "polarising" statements claiming 'love jihad'.
He faces criminal charges in multiple cases, including attempt to murder, criminal intimidation and rioting, Amnesty alleged, adding, "in 2007, he was detained for 15 days for allegedly inciting riots in Gorakhpur".
Adityanath has been also charged in the past with endangering life or personal safety of others, unlawful assembly and trespassing on burial grounds.
22:05 Adityanath most suitable person for UP CM's job: Uma Bharti
Union Minister for Water Resources Uma Bharti today said the newly-appointed Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath was the most suitable candidate for the job.
"Yogi-ji is a balanced person. He has long experience in Parliament and has carried forward an ideology. I think he is most suitable for a state like Uttar Pradesh and would establish new dimensions (of governance)," Bharti said.
"One should not judge him by his robes. He has taken 'sannyas' and it is his personal life style. We have to see whether he is a good politician, whether he has the capacity to take along everyone...and he is most suitable from these viewpoints," she said.
Adityanath was the unanimous choice for CM's post, Bharti claimed.
Asked about his image as a Hindutva hardliner, Bharti said maximum number of shops at his ashram in Gorakhpur are owned by Muslims.
On rising opposition to EVMs following the Uttar Pradesh poll results, Bharti, who herself once opposed these machines, said, "Election Commission has settled this issue long back. It has demonstrated that EVM cannot be tampered with and its view should be accepted."
When asked whether she made a mistake by quitting as Madhya Pradesh CM in 2004, Bharti defended her decision. She decided to resign because of a case related to the national flag, and she had no regrets, the senior BJP leader said.
21:56 Bill Gates once again named world's richest man
Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates once again topped the Forbes magazine list of the world's richest billionaires, while US President Donald Trump slipped more than 200 spots, the magazine said.
Gates, whose wealth is estimated at USD 86 billion, led the list for the fourth straight year.
He was followed by Berkshire Hathaway chief Warren Buffett among the top 10 billionaires, a group heavily dominated by Americans, many of whom work in the technology sector. Buffett's wealth was estimated at USD 75.6 billion.
Others in the top 10 included Amazon founder Jeff Bezos at number three, Facebook creator Mark Zuckerberg at number five and Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison at number seven.
The global billionaire population jumped 13 per cent from last year to 2,043, the biggest annual increase in the 31 years since the magazine began compiling the list, Forbes said.
The US led countries with the most billionaires with 565, a product of the swelling value of the American stock market since Trump's November 2016 election.
China was second with 319 billionaires, and Germany was third with 114.
21:10 Jaitley replaces Parrikar in three key Cabinet Committees
Three key Cabinet Committees headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi were restructured today after Union minister Manohar Parrikar resigned and took over as chief minister of Goa.
The Cabinet Secretariat today issued updated composition of all committees of Cabinet.
Parrikar was member of Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs and Cabinet Committee on Security. All these committees are headed by Modi.
His name has been replaced from all the three panels, as per the new composition, with Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, who has also been given additional charge of the defence ministry.
Jaitley will be part of these committees in both the capacities.
There has been no change in other Cabinet Committees.
There are six Cabinet Committees -- Appointments Committee of Cabinet, Cabinet Committee on Accommodation and Cabinet Committee on Parliamentary Affairs.
Both the ACC and CCA are headed by the Prime Minister whereas the panel on Parliamentary Affairs is chaired by Home Minister Rajnath Singh
21:02 Use of red beacon okay if minister on official visit: Uma Bharti
Even as Punjab CM Capt Amarinder Singh and Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath ordered to remove red beacons from their cars, Union minister Uma Bharti thinks otherwise.
Backing the use of lal battis on politician's cars, Bharti said that she had serious objection to the trend started by Delhi chief minister, Arvind Kejriwal.
"This is totally wrong. This will give increase the risk of accidents. Let me make couple of points on the trend that was started by Arvind Kejriwal. If any minister is going for his duty, then red beacon and stopping traffic is fine and even a flight can get delayed by 5-7 minutes. The losses often runs in crores if ministers are not able to reach on time for official meetings," she explained her defence to the red becons which often deemd a symbol of VIP status in India.
Kejriwal, after becoming chief minister in December 2013, had refused to use red beacons both himself and his ministers.
Yes, when the same minister is going to attend, say a wedding, then he should have his red beacons removed," she added.
20:40 FBI confirms probe into possible Russian links to Trump campaign
Federal Bureau of Investigation Director James Comey has said that the agency is investigating Russian interference in last year's presidential election and notably Moscow's possible collusion with President Donald Trump's campaign.
The FBI "is investigating the Russian government's efforts to interfere in the 2016 presidential election," Comey told a hearing by the House Intelligence Committee.
"And that includes investigating the nature of any links between individuals associated with the Trump campaign and the Russian government and whether there was any coordination between the campaign and Russia's efforts," he said.
"Because it is an open, ongoing investigation and is classified, I cannot say more about what we are doing and whose conduct we are examining," Comey added.
20:14 Uphaar case: Gopal Ansal surrenders before Tihar jail
Gopal Ansal has surrendered before Tihar jail authorities to undergo one-year sentence in the 1997 Uphaar fire tragedy case.
Earlier, the Supreme Court declined any relief to Ansal and asked him to surrender by evening to undergo one-year jail term.
A bench comprising Chief Justice J S Khehar and Justices D Y Chandrachud and S K Kaul rejected the plea moved by the real estate baron seeking more time to surrender on the ground that he has moved a mercy plea before the President.
"Sorry, we can't," the bench said when senior advocate Ram Jethmalani mentioned the matter and sought more time, telling the court that they have already approached the President with their mercy plea.
19:48 Hawking fears he may not be welcome in US under Trump
Stephen Hawking lamented that he may no longer be welcome in America under Donald Trump, as the renowned British physicist asserted that the US President's priority would be to satisfy his electorate who are "neither liberal nor that well-informed".
"I would like to visit (the US) again, and to talk to other scientists. But I fear that I may not be welcome," Hawking told ITV News.
"Trump was elected by people who felt disenfranchised by the governing elite in a revolt against globalisation. His priority will be to satisfy his electorate who are neither liberal, nor that well-informed," the 75-year-old cosmologist and physicist said.
The scientist had previously called the US president a "demagogue", but said although he still admires America, he fears "that I may not be welcome".
Hawking is a recipient of the prestigious US Franklin medal for science and received the presidential medal of freedom from Barack Obama in 2009.
The Cambridge scientist said he was particularly concerned about Trump's environment policy.
"He should replace Scott Pruitt at the Environment Protection Agency," Hawking said.
"Climate change is one of the great dangers we face, and it's one we can prevent. It affects America badly, so tackling it should win votes for his second term. God forbid," he said.
19:38 Mohabbat ka silsila jari rahna chahiye, says cleric who went missing in Pak
'Mohabbat ka silsila jari rahna chahiye' (efforts to build peace and amity must continue) -- said one of the two clerics from Hazrat Nizamuddin Dargah, on returning home from Pakistan where they had gone missing under
mysterious circumstances.
Despite the hardship faced in the last few days, the two clerics from Delhi's iconic shrine, are filled with anything but acrimony.
"Whatever we faced during this time, should not mean that India and Pakistan should have another reason to feel bitter about each other. In fact, the efforts to build peace and amity must continue even more," Sufi cleric Nazim Ali Nizami told PTI in an interview.
Ali Nizami and 80-year-old Syed Asif Nizami, 'Sajjadanashin' of the holy shrine were given a warm reception at the Nizamuddin mausoleum, where special prayers were offered to "thank the almighty" for their return.
"We are Sufis and Sufism teaches us the message of love ('paigam-e-mohabbat'). We had gone to Pakistan to spread that message. Some people may not have liked our message. But, I will again go to Pakistan, and go there with greater resolve," he said.
News reports had claimed the two clerics were detained by Pakistan's spy agency ISI over suspicion of their links with India's external spy agency RAW and Muttahida Qaumi Movement in that country.
Pakistani newspaper Ummat had in a report claimed that the clerics worked for RAW and MQM, an organisation of Muslims who migrated from India to Pakistan after partition and has often been locked in confrontation with the establishment there, a charge strongly rejected by the cleric.
18:52
Just In: Government to merge Bharatiya Mahila Bank with State Bank of India for greater services outreach to women.
18:33 ED attaches assets of Zakir Naik's NGO amounting to Rs 18.37 Cr
The Enforcement Directorate has attached controversial Islamic preacher Zakir Naik's NGO, Islamic Research Foundationss assets worth Rs 18.37 crore.
The attachment of assets was carried out under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act.
Earlier in the day, the National Investigation Agency on Monday issued a second notice to controversial Islamic preacher Zakir Naik asking him to appear before it on March 30 in a case filed against him under an anti-terror law.
The agency had early this month issued the first summons to him asking him to appear on March 14.
The notice has been sent to the Mumbai residence of 51-year-old Naik, who is believed to be staying in Saudi Arabia to evade arrest after his activities came under scanner following accusations that he had inspired some of the terrorists who attacked a cafe in Dhaka last year.
17:32 UP govt starts process of farmers' loan waivers, slaughterhouse ban
Just in: UP CM Yogi Adityanath begins the process of loan waivers for farmers and a ban on slaughterhouses. The BJP in its election manifesto promised to shut "illegal slaughterhouses and mechanised abattoirs".
However, if the the UP government fulfils its farmer loan waiver promise, banks are likely to take a hit of Rs 27,420 crore and the scheme will lead to some stress on the state's fiscal arithmetic, warns a report.
The BJP had in its UP election manifesto promised to waive farmers' loans if elected to power. The party and its allies won a whopping 325 seats in the 403-member House.
An SBI Research report today said schedule commercial banks together had an outstanding farm credit of Rs 86,241.20 crore in UP with the average ticket size of Rs 1.34 lakh, as of 2016, most of which is to small and marginal farmers.
According to RBI data (2012), 31 per cent of the direct agriculture finance went to marginal and small farmers (landholdings upto 2.5 acre).
"Taking this as a proxy for UP as well, around Rs 27,419.70 crore will have to be waived off in case the farm loan waiver scheme is implemented for the small and marginal farmers, for all banks," the report said.
However, if the the UP government fulfils its farmer loan waiver promise, banks are likely to take a hit of Rs 27,420 crore and the scheme will lead to some stress on the state's fiscal arithmetic, warns a report.
The BJP had in its UP election manifesto promised to waive farmers' loans if elected to power. The party and its allies won a whopping 325 seats in the 403-member House.
An SBI Research report today said schedule commercial banks together had an outstanding farm credit of Rs 86,241.20 crore in UP with the average ticket size of Rs 1.34 lakh, as of 2016, most of which is to small and marginal farmers.
According to RBI data (2012), 31 per cent of the direct agriculture finance went to marginal and small farmers (landholdings upto 2.5 acre).
"Taking this as a proxy for UP as well, around Rs 27,419.70 crore will have to be waived off in case the farm loan waiver scheme is implemented for the small and marginal farmers, for all banks," the report said.
17:24 Amarinder orders immediate manpower audit of police force
Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh today directed the state police to immediately withdraw personnel from "non-essential" duties and deploy them on "streets" for the security of people.
In a bid to streamline the system's functioning and promote welfare of personnel, the state government also asked the Commission of Police and Senior Superintendents of Police to carry out a manpower audit.
Addressing administrative and police officers in Chandigarh, the Chief Minister said his government had decided to implement "sweeping" police reforms, in-line with the Supreme Court's directives and the promises made in the Congress's poll manifesto.
In a bid to streamline the system's functioning and promote welfare of personnel, the state government also asked the Commission of Police and Senior Superintendents of Police to carry out a manpower audit.
Addressing administrative and police officers in Chandigarh, the Chief Minister said his government had decided to implement "sweeping" police reforms, in-line with the Supreme Court's directives and the promises made in the Congress's poll manifesto.
17:16 UK to begin Brexit on March 29
Just in: UK to begin Brexit with EU notification on March 29. British PM Theresa May will trigger article 50 on Wednesday, 29 March, the prime minister's spokesman has told the Guardian.
The UK's permanent representative to the European Union, Sir Tim Barrow, notified the EU today that a letter should be expected on that date. Article 50 of the Lisbon treaty sets out how an EU country might voluntarily leave the union.
The UK's permanent representative to the European Union, Sir Tim Barrow, notified the EU today that a letter should be expected on that date. Article 50 of the Lisbon treaty sets out how an EU country might voluntarily leave the union.
17:12
Do read:Rehana Sultan: The trail-blazing actress Bollywood forgot
16:23 Clerics meet Sushma Swaraj
The two Indian clerics, who had gone missing in Pakistan, meet EAM Sushma Swaraj after arriving in India. At the meeting were VK Singh (MoD North-East and MJ Akbar (MoS External Affairs).
16:21 Yogi Adityanath's only supporter in the Opposition is a TMC MP
Denouncing criticism of Yogi Adityanath's elevation to the post of UP Chief Minister, a Trinamool Congress MP today said in democracy both Yogi and Maulvi have the right to hold political and constitutional office if democratically elected.
"It is wrong to criticize Yogi Adityanath's elevation to the post of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister. Other political parties can't criticize his elevation as he has been democratically chosen by the elected BJP MLAs. BJP has got the majority and it is their prerogative to decide who will be the Chief Minister," senior TMC Vice President and MP Sultan Ahmed told PTI.
When asked to comment on allegations of Yogi Adityanath being a polarizing figure, Ahmed said," He is a five time MP. He has been elected by BJP MLAs. In democracy be it a Maulvi or a Yogi, everybody has the right to hold political and constitutional office, if he or she is democratically elected. There is nothing wrong in it."
"It is wrong to criticize Yogi Adityanath's elevation to the post of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister. Other political parties can't criticize his elevation as he has been democratically chosen by the elected BJP MLAs. BJP has got the majority and it is their prerogative to decide who will be the Chief Minister," senior TMC Vice President and MP Sultan Ahmed told PTI.
When asked to comment on allegations of Yogi Adityanath being a polarizing figure, Ahmed said," He is a five time MP. He has been elected by BJP MLAs. In democracy be it a Maulvi or a Yogi, everybody has the right to hold political and constitutional office, if he or she is democratically elected. There is nothing wrong in it."
15:54 Improve yourself before advising others: Digvijaya to Adityanath
Congress leader Digvijaya Singh on Monday launched a verbal attack at
newly elected Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath over his
advice to cabinet ministers to refrain from making uncalled remarks,
saying the latter should first improve himself before advising others.
Speaking to ANI, Singh asserted that, "Yogi Adityanath should improve himself, then advice his ministers to refrain from making unnecessary comments."
Adityanath yesterday requested his cabinet ministers to refrain from making statements that might hurt people's sentiments.
"CM has requested cabinet ministers to refrain from making unnecessary statements which can hurt someone's sentiment," Uttar Pradesh minister Shrikant Sharma told the media here.
Yogi Adityanath, a five-time Lok Sabha MP from Gorakhpur, was unanimously elected the BJP Legislature Party leader at a meeting of the newly-elected MLAs in Lucknow last evening. He, later, met the Governor and staked claim to form the government in the state.
Senior party leader and Union Minister M. Venkaiah Naidu, who was the central observer at the Legislature Party meeting, said it was a watershed moment for the BJP and it has become a common man's party. He said, the mandate is for development, and against corruption and black money.
Speaking to ANI, Singh asserted that, "Yogi Adityanath should improve himself, then advice his ministers to refrain from making unnecessary comments."
Adityanath yesterday requested his cabinet ministers to refrain from making statements that might hurt people's sentiments.
"CM has requested cabinet ministers to refrain from making unnecessary statements which can hurt someone's sentiment," Uttar Pradesh minister Shrikant Sharma told the media here.
Yogi Adityanath, a five-time Lok Sabha MP from Gorakhpur, was unanimously elected the BJP Legislature Party leader at a meeting of the newly-elected MLAs in Lucknow last evening. He, later, met the Governor and staked claim to form the government in the state.
Senior party leader and Union Minister M. Venkaiah Naidu, who was the central observer at the Legislature Party meeting, said it was a watershed moment for the BJP and it has become a common man's party. He said, the mandate is for development, and against corruption and black money.
15:32 Gujarat polls may be held in June
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP president Amit Shah have informally floated the idea among the party's top leadership of advancing the Gujarat assembly polls. After the party's resounding victory in the Uttar Pradesh polls, the top leadership is now getting battle-ready for the upcoming elections in Gujarat, which was due end of this year.
If the buzz in New Delhi political corridors is to be believed, Gujarat may go to polls in June this year, ahead of the Presidential polls slated for July.
Gujarat holds pride of place in the BJP-held states apart from the fact that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is still best associated with the Gujarat model of development.
Keen to make the most of the Modi wave, the ruling BJP in Gujarat may therefore opt for an early Assembly election in the state.
The BJP has also launched a new slogan ahead of the election, "UP mein 325, Gujarat mein 150", setting itself a target of winning 150 of the 182 Assembly seats in Gujarat.
If the buzz in New Delhi political corridors is to be believed, Gujarat may go to polls in June this year, ahead of the Presidential polls slated for July.
Gujarat holds pride of place in the BJP-held states apart from the fact that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is still best associated with the Gujarat model of development.
Keen to make the most of the Modi wave, the ruling BJP in Gujarat may therefore opt for an early Assembly election in the state.
The BJP has also launched a new slogan ahead of the election, "UP mein 325, Gujarat mein 150", setting itself a target of winning 150 of the 182 Assembly seats in Gujarat.
15:17 Airbnb chief meets PM
The CEO of Airbnb, Brian Chesky called on PM Narendra Modi today. Chesky is on his maiden visit to India to launch a new service in the country, Trips, which is designed to offer unique local experiences such as Samurai training near Tokyo and surfing in Cape Town.
15:14
NIA issues another notice to controversial Islamic preacher Zakir Naik to appear on March 30.
14:59
Just in: Indian Muslim clerics, who reached India from Pakistan this morning, arrive at the MEA to meet Sushma Swaraj.
14:55 The Pauri Brothers' Fest
India's two newest chief ministers have one more thing in common, apart from being BJP men. They are both from the Pauri Garwhal district of Uttarakhand, which is suddenly seeing droves of journalists heading there for quick byte pieces.
But apart from Yogi Adityanath and TS Rawat, there are eight VVIPS who also hail from this district. Army Chief Bipin Rawat, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Election Commissioner TS Rawat, RAW Chief Anil Dasmana... the list goes on.
We hear that Ajit Doval's office is likely to have a 'Pauri Brothers' celebration in April in New Delhi at mutually convenient dates.
But apart from Yogi Adityanath and TS Rawat, there are eight VVIPS who also hail from this district. Army Chief Bipin Rawat, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Election Commissioner TS Rawat, RAW Chief Anil Dasmana... the list goes on.
We hear that Ajit Doval's office is likely to have a 'Pauri Brothers' celebration in April in New Delhi at mutually convenient dates.
14:35
Prashant Bhushan @pbhushan1 tweets: Anil Divan, very senior Lawyer, Pres of Centre for PIL who stood up for Judicial Indep & Accountability, passed away today. Big loss. RIP Sir.
14:34 Modi has chosen to defeat India
"The elevation of Yogi Adityanath as chief minister of Uttar Pradesh is an odious and ominous development. It is an odious choice because the BJP has picked someone who is widely regarded as the single most divisive, abusive, polarising figure in UP politics. He is a politician who has, for most of his political career, been the mascot of militant Hindu sectarianism, reactionary ideas, routinised conflict and thuggery in political discourse, and an eco-system where the vilest legitimations of violence are not far away. It is an ominous development because it sends as clear a signal as it is possible to send at this time; the already accomplished political fact of the marginalisation of minorities in UP and elsewhere will now be translated into a programme of their cultural, social and symbolic subordination."
Pratap Bhanu Mehta says hubris has set in for the BJP. It believes it can get away with anything it now intends to. Read
Pratap Bhanu Mehta says hubris has set in for the BJP. It believes it can get away with anything it now intends to. Read
14:31 India, Pak hold Indus Water Commission talks
Officials from India and Pakistan discussed problems relating to the Indus Basin at the two-day Indus Water Commission meeting which began in Islamabad today after a gap of nearly two years.
14:11
HC grants stay on criminal proceedings against Union minister Babul Supriyo in connection with a case filed by TMC MLA Mohua Moitra.
14:10 Pak media branded us RAW agents, reveals Nizamuddin clerics
Giving a hint towards Pakistan's conspiracy to convict innocent Indians, one of the Sufi clerics, who had gone missing in Pakistan, on Monday revealed that one of the papers in the neighbouring country had printed false news of them being Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) agents.
Nazim Nizami, one of the two clerics, told the reporters that a newspaper 'Ummat' in Pakistan printed false statements of them being "RAW spies".
"There is a newspaper Ummat (in Pakistan) which has printed false statements (of the two clerics being RAW spies) and photos," Nizami told reports.
The cleric thanked the Indian Government, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh for their efforts.The two clerics marked a safe arrival in India earlier today.
The duo will be meeting Sushma Swaraj later in the day.
The two clerics surfaced in Karachi and told that they had gone to meet their devotees in interior Sindh, where there was no phone connectivity.
The clerics, identified as Syed Asif Ali Nizami and his friend Nazim Nizami, belong to Delhi's Hazrat Nizamuddin Dargah.Syed Asif Ali Nizami is the head priest of the Dargah.
The duo had travelled to Pakistan to visit their relatives in Karachi and then embarked on a pilgrimage to Lahore. One of them went missing in Karachi and the other in Lahore, reports claimed. The Indian authorities had raised the issue with the Pakistan Foreign Ministry seeking its help in tracing their missing citizens.
Nazim Nizami, one of the two clerics, told the reporters that a newspaper 'Ummat' in Pakistan printed false statements of them being "RAW spies".
"There is a newspaper Ummat (in Pakistan) which has printed false statements (of the two clerics being RAW spies) and photos," Nizami told reports.
The cleric thanked the Indian Government, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh for their efforts.The two clerics marked a safe arrival in India earlier today.
The duo will be meeting Sushma Swaraj later in the day.
The two clerics surfaced in Karachi and told that they had gone to meet their devotees in interior Sindh, where there was no phone connectivity.
The clerics, identified as Syed Asif Ali Nizami and his friend Nazim Nizami, belong to Delhi's Hazrat Nizamuddin Dargah.Syed Asif Ali Nizami is the head priest of the Dargah.
The duo had travelled to Pakistan to visit their relatives in Karachi and then embarked on a pilgrimage to Lahore. One of them went missing in Karachi and the other in Lahore, reports claimed. The Indian authorities had raised the issue with the Pakistan Foreign Ministry seeking its help in tracing their missing citizens.
13:43 EC to hear battle for the leaves on March 22
If we could move our attention away from UP (for a bit) where it remains frozen since a Yogi assumed office over the weekend, there's news from Tamil Nadu.
The twin leaf poll symbol of the AIADMK is likely to be frozen. Neither of the warring camps be it TTV Dinakaran or O Panneerselvam
are likely to get the right to use the symbol during the RK Nagar assembly bypoll being held in April 2017. The seat fell vacant after J Jayalalithaa's death.
A full bench of the Election Commission is slated to hear the issue on March 22 at the Election Commission HQ in New Delhi. Lawyers Kapil Sibal and Mohan Parasaran are arguing for the Sasikala (TTK Dinankaran) faction and their contention is that Sasikala is still general secretary and she is entitled to sign the AIADMK poll symbol.
Whereas the O Panneerselvam camp (candidate E Madhusudhanan), represented by advocate Balaji argues that Sasikala was suspended by Jayalalithaa and for five years Sasikala was not a member of the AIADMK.
The EC has sought supporting documents by March 20.
In the ongoing tug of war for AIADMK party symbol, the O Panneerselvam camp on Friday submitted a petition to Election Commission requesting allotment of the twin-leaf to the faction for the upcoming RK Nagar bypoll.
The move comes just a day after a delegation of VK Sasikala camp led by party leader and Lok Sabha deputy speaker M Thambidurai submitted a memorandum to the EC requesting "not to entertain" the dissenting cadres, who have staked claim to the AIADMK symbol.
The twin leaf poll symbol of the AIADMK is likely to be frozen. Neither of the warring camps be it TTV Dinakaran or O Panneerselvam
are likely to get the right to use the symbol during the RK Nagar assembly bypoll being held in April 2017. The seat fell vacant after J Jayalalithaa's death.
A full bench of the Election Commission is slated to hear the issue on March 22 at the Election Commission HQ in New Delhi. Lawyers Kapil Sibal and Mohan Parasaran are arguing for the Sasikala (TTK Dinankaran) faction and their contention is that Sasikala is still general secretary and she is entitled to sign the AIADMK poll symbol.
Whereas the O Panneerselvam camp (candidate E Madhusudhanan), represented by advocate Balaji argues that Sasikala was suspended by Jayalalithaa and for five years Sasikala was not a member of the AIADMK.
The EC has sought supporting documents by March 20.
In the ongoing tug of war for AIADMK party symbol, the O Panneerselvam camp on Friday submitted a petition to Election Commission requesting allotment of the twin-leaf to the faction for the upcoming RK Nagar bypoll.
The move comes just a day after a delegation of VK Sasikala camp led by party leader and Lok Sabha deputy speaker M Thambidurai submitted a memorandum to the EC requesting "not to entertain" the dissenting cadres, who have staked claim to the AIADMK symbol.
13:16 BJP wins trust vote in Manipur
BJP wins Manipur Trust Vote. Chief
Minister Nongthombam Biren Singh proves majority in the floor of the assembly winning 32 votes in the 60-member house.
This is the Bharatiya Janata Party's first government in Manipur. Apart from 21 BJP MLAs, the government claims support from four MLAs of National People's Party, and one legislator each of the Lok Janshakti Party, the Trinamool Congress and the Congress.
Thus, the BJP claims support of 32 MLAs in the 60-member assembly.
This is the Bharatiya Janata Party's first government in Manipur. Apart from 21 BJP MLAs, the government claims support from four MLAs of National People's Party, and one legislator each of the Lok Janshakti Party, the Trinamool Congress and the Congress.
Thus, the BJP claims support of 32 MLAs in the 60-member assembly.
13:12 Yogi tells UP top cop, law and order a priority
UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath discusses BSP leader's killing with UP police chief, tells him law and order priority.
A BSP leader was shot dead in a remote part of the district last night, triggering tension in the area. 60-year-old Mohd Shami was gunned down by assailants close to his residence in Mauaima police station area, 40 kms from the city, according to Senior Superintendent of Police Shalabh Mathur. Following the incident, his supporters squatted on the Allahabad-Pratapgarh highway demanding immediate arrest of the culprits and adequate security to his family members.
A BSP leader was shot dead in a remote part of the district last night, triggering tension in the area. 60-year-old Mohd Shami was gunned down by assailants close to his residence in Mauaima police station area, 40 kms from the city, according to Senior Superintendent of Police Shalabh Mathur. Following the incident, his supporters squatted on the Allahabad-Pratapgarh highway demanding immediate arrest of the culprits and adequate security to his family members.
13:07
Rarely has a chief minister been defended so much before he even begins work. Sakshi Maharaj, BJP, on the UP government: "Kisi ko bhaybheet hone ki zaroorat nahin hai. Hum rashtrawadi hain, janta ko kiye wade pure karenge. Nobody needs to be afraid. We are nationalists, we will fulfill the promises made to the people."
12:59 Kumar Mangalam Birla new chairman of Vodafone India, Idea
The telecom biggies Vodafone India and Aditya Birla group firm Idea Cellular on Monday after their merger announced Kumar Mangalam Birla as the Chairman of the new entity.
"I am pleased and honored to be the chairman of the new company," said Kumar Mangalam Birla who is expected to create India's largest telecom firm with a revenue share of around 40 percent and a subscriber base of over 380 million.
"It gives me immense pleasure that we reached to an agreement to merge our companies Idea Cellular and Vodafone. We are number two and number three companies in present telecom sector with a customer base of 400 million," he added.
The merger will facilitate VIL and VMSL's entire business to be vest in the company, excluding VIL's 42 percent share in Indus Towers.
The merger will come into effect after new shares are issued in Idea to Vodafone and would result in Vodafone deconsolidating Vodafone India.The merger is said to increase competition in the telecom space where players are in a tussle to increase revenue and subscriptions.
"I am pleased and honored to be the chairman of the new company," said Kumar Mangalam Birla who is expected to create India's largest telecom firm with a revenue share of around 40 percent and a subscriber base of over 380 million.
"It gives me immense pleasure that we reached to an agreement to merge our companies Idea Cellular and Vodafone. We are number two and number three companies in present telecom sector with a customer base of 400 million," he added.
The merger will facilitate VIL and VMSL's entire business to be vest in the company, excluding VIL's 42 percent share in Indus Towers.
The merger will come into effect after new shares are issued in Idea to Vodafone and would result in Vodafone deconsolidating Vodafone India.The merger is said to increase competition in the telecom space where players are in a tussle to increase revenue and subscriptions.
12:25 Puja and a havan before Adityanath moves into his new house
Wearing a dhoti and kurta, a priest perched on a stool performs rituals at the gates of of 5, Kalidas Marg in Lucknow, the official home of the Uttar Pradesh
Chief Minister. The home now has a new occupant, Yogi Adityanath. The nameplate now says Aditya Nath, Yogi, Chief Minister.
As security officials stand guard outside the house, the priest writes an 'Om' followed by a Swastika and the words 'Shubh' (auspicious).
The priest is from the Gorakhpur math, which is headed by Yogi Adityanath. The priest accompanied by a team, will also perform rituals like a havan, inside the house before Adityanath moves in. Yogi Adityanath will also walk into the house at an auspicious hour.
The five-time member of Parliament from Gorakhpur was sworn in on Sunday with two deputies - Keshav Prasad Maurya and Dinesh Sharma - and 44 other ministers carefully chosen by the BJP, which swept the Uttar Pradesh election.
Pic: A priest from the Gorakhpur math peforms puja at the gates of the Yogi Adityanath's new home. Photo credit: Sandeep Pal.
As security officials stand guard outside the house, the priest writes an 'Om' followed by a Swastika and the words 'Shubh' (auspicious).
The priest is from the Gorakhpur math, which is headed by Yogi Adityanath. The priest accompanied by a team, will also perform rituals like a havan, inside the house before Adityanath moves in. Yogi Adityanath will also walk into the house at an auspicious hour.
The five-time member of Parliament from Gorakhpur was sworn in on Sunday with two deputies - Keshav Prasad Maurya and Dinesh Sharma - and 44 other ministers carefully chosen by the BJP, which swept the Uttar Pradesh election.
Pic: A priest from the Gorakhpur math peforms puja at the gates of the Yogi Adityanath's new home. Photo credit: Sandeep Pal.
11:50 Ian Grillot, the hero who tried to save Kuchibhotla, will be honoured today
Indian-Americans will honour a 24-year-old American who was injured while trying to intervene during a racially-motivated shooting in Kansas that left an Indian techie dead and another injured.
Ian Grillot was injured when he tried to intervene in the shooting by a Navy veteran targetting Indians at a bar in Olathe, Kansas last month. Srinivas Kuchibhotla, 32, was killed and his colleague Alok Madasani was critically injured in the shooting.
Grillot will be honoured as 'A True American Hero', at the 14th annual gala of Indian House Houston here on March 25. "Without all the prayers and positive support from everybody, I wouldn't be doing as well as I am right now. It's been a blessing to be alive. I am looking forward to attend India House Gala event on March 25, in Houston, TX. You guys are wonderful and I thank you all for such a support," Grillot said.
Pic: Ian Grillot during his hospitalisation.
Ian Grillot was injured when he tried to intervene in the shooting by a Navy veteran targetting Indians at a bar in Olathe, Kansas last month. Srinivas Kuchibhotla, 32, was killed and his colleague Alok Madasani was critically injured in the shooting.
Grillot will be honoured as 'A True American Hero', at the 14th annual gala of Indian House Houston here on March 25. "Without all the prayers and positive support from everybody, I wouldn't be doing as well as I am right now. It's been a blessing to be alive. I am looking forward to attend India House Gala event on March 25, in Houston, TX. You guys are wonderful and I thank you all for such a support," Grillot said.
Pic: Ian Grillot during his hospitalisation.
11:41 Gopal Ansal petitions President to pardon 1-year sentence
Uphaar cinema fire convict Gopal Ansal's request for more time to surrender rejected by Supreme Court. Ansal has now petitioned President Pranab Mukherjee to pardon his one-year sentence.
On March 9, the Supreme Court ordered Ansal to surrender on March 20 in the Uphaar fire tragedy case, dismissing his plea that he not be sent back to jail. "The appeal filed by Gopal Ansal is dismissed," a three-judge bench headed by Justice Ranjan Gogoi said. "Gopal Ansal will surrender to serve the rest of the sentence as imposed on him on March 20," the bench added.
On 9 February, the apex court had sentenced Gopal Ansal to one-year imprisonment, while his elder brother Sushil Ansal was let off with a fine of Rs30 crore considering his advanced age.
The Ansal brothers were initially sentenced to two years' imprisonment by the trial court. This was reduced to one year by the Delhi high court on 19 December 2008.
Fifty-nine people, trapped in the balcony of the Uphaar theatre in south Delhi, died of asphyxia following the fire and over 100 were injured in the subsequent stampede on 13 June 1997 during the screening of Hindi film Border. The Ansals recently sought the court's nod to reopen Uphaar Cinema premises which have remained sealed ever since the accident.
On March 9, the Supreme Court ordered Ansal to surrender on March 20 in the Uphaar fire tragedy case, dismissing his plea that he not be sent back to jail. "The appeal filed by Gopal Ansal is dismissed," a three-judge bench headed by Justice Ranjan Gogoi said. "Gopal Ansal will surrender to serve the rest of the sentence as imposed on him on March 20," the bench added.
On 9 February, the apex court had sentenced Gopal Ansal to one-year imprisonment, while his elder brother Sushil Ansal was let off with a fine of Rs30 crore considering his advanced age.
The Ansal brothers were initially sentenced to two years' imprisonment by the trial court. This was reduced to one year by the Delhi high court on 19 December 2008.
Fifty-nine people, trapped in the balcony of the Uphaar theatre in south Delhi, died of asphyxia following the fire and over 100 were injured in the subsequent stampede on 13 June 1997 during the screening of Hindi film Border. The Ansals recently sought the court's nod to reopen Uphaar Cinema premises which have remained sealed ever since the accident.
11:41 Missing Nizamuddin dargah clerics reach Delhi
Missing Nizamuddin dargah clerics return to Delhi from Pakistan. They now have a date with MEA Sushma Swaraj.
Swaraj yesterday tweeted that the two Indian clerics who went missing in Pakistan, are safe and well and will be back in Delhi today. The clerics are Syed Asif Ali Nizami, the head priest of New Delhi's Nizamuddin Dargah, and his nephew Nazim Ali Nizami. The two had gone on a visit to Pakistan on March 8 and were said to have gone missing over the weekend.
Swaraj, who had taken up the issue with the Pakistan government, tweeted on Sunday morning, saying she had spoken to Syed Nazim Ali Nizami.
Swaraj yesterday tweeted that the two Indian clerics who went missing in Pakistan, are safe and well and will be back in Delhi today. The clerics are Syed Asif Ali Nizami, the head priest of New Delhi's Nizamuddin Dargah, and his nephew Nazim Ali Nizami. The two had gone on a visit to Pakistan on March 8 and were said to have gone missing over the weekend.
Swaraj, who had taken up the issue with the Pakistan government, tweeted on Sunday morning, saying she had spoken to Syed Nazim Ali Nizami.
11:30
For all Chuck Berry fans. The rock 'n' roll pioneer passed away on Saturday. He was 90
11:09 Trump to welcome Iraqi PM Abadi at White House
US President Donald Trump will host Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi at the White House on Monday, reports CNN.
As he left Iraq for the United States Sunday, Abadi said Iraqi forces were close to ridding the country of ISIS and that he would talk to the US administration about the final steps needed.
"We are in the last chapter, the final stages to eliminate ISIS militarily in Iraq," he said in a video statement.
Abadi said he hoped the US and other allies would continue to offer economic assistance to Iraq, which he said faced a financial crisis as a result of the war against the militant group. Read more
As he left Iraq for the United States Sunday, Abadi said Iraqi forces were close to ridding the country of ISIS and that he would talk to the US administration about the final steps needed.
"We are in the last chapter, the final stages to eliminate ISIS militarily in Iraq," he said in a video statement.
Abadi said he hoped the US and other allies would continue to offer economic assistance to Iraq, which he said faced a financial crisis as a result of the war against the militant group. Read more
11:02 Cabinet clears 4 GST Bills
The Cabinet clears four supporting GST legislations to be introduced in Parliament soon. The Cabinet approves Compensation Law, the Central-GST (C-GST), Integrated-GST (I-GST) and Union Territory-GST (UT-GST). GST supporting legislations to be introduced as money bill in Parliament this week.
On March 16, the Centre and states approved SGST and UT-GST Bills that will enable states and Union territories to introduce the GST, billed as Indias biggest tax reforms.
On March 4, the council had approved the CGST and IGST Bills.
In the last meeting, the GST Council capped cess on demerit goods and luxury products at 15%.
The Modi government has been able to bring all states on board, overcoming almost a decade of political differences on how to replace a multi-layered set of central and state taxes and levies with a unified nationwide GST.
On March 16, the Centre and states approved SGST and UT-GST Bills that will enable states and Union territories to introduce the GST, billed as Indias biggest tax reforms.
On March 4, the council had approved the CGST and IGST Bills.
In the last meeting, the GST Council capped cess on demerit goods and luxury products at 15%.
The Modi government has been able to bring all states on board, overcoming almost a decade of political differences on how to replace a multi-layered set of central and state taxes and levies with a unified nationwide GST.
10:43
Cabinet approves draft GST bill.
10:40 Thanks, but no thanks! Badal declines Capt's offer of govt house
Former Chief Minister of Punjab Parkash Singh Badal, who helmed the state for 10 years, is hunting for a house nowadays. On Sunday, he "politely" declined the new Congress government's offer of free government accommodation in the state capital Chandigarh.
The Amarinder Singh-government had offered a suitable bungalow to Badal, a five-time Chief Minister of Punjab.
Badal said, "I am thankful to Chief Minister Amarinder Singh for his gracious gesture. It is very graceful of him to make this offer. But I am making my own arrangements for stay. I value his sentiment highly and fully reciprocate it."
The veteran Akali leader's aides are hunting for a house for him in the town's Sector 8 for a week now.
Badal's family owns two big-sized plots of residential land, measuring almost 1.5 acres, in upscale Sector 9, but a new structure is coming up after the old one was pulled down.
Badal, 89, lived in the chief ministerial bungalow in Chandigarh's tony Sector 2 before his Shiromani Akali Dal was routed in the February 4 assembly elections.
Since Badal is only a legislator from Lambi and his party has only 15 legislators in the new assembly, he does not qualify for the status of Leader of Opposition and hence not officially entitled to a government bungalow.
According to reports, the SAD-BJP alliance lost the elections due to a drop in the vote share. The alliance received a 31 per cent vote share while the Congress and the AAP got 38 per cent and 23 per cent respectively, SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal added.
Badal, the country's oldest serving Chief Minister till his party was decimated in the electoral battle, did not attend the swearing in of the new Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh on March 16.
The Amarinder Singh-government had offered a suitable bungalow to Badal, a five-time Chief Minister of Punjab.
Badal said, "I am thankful to Chief Minister Amarinder Singh for his gracious gesture. It is very graceful of him to make this offer. But I am making my own arrangements for stay. I value his sentiment highly and fully reciprocate it."
The veteran Akali leader's aides are hunting for a house for him in the town's Sector 8 for a week now.
Badal's family owns two big-sized plots of residential land, measuring almost 1.5 acres, in upscale Sector 9, but a new structure is coming up after the old one was pulled down.
Badal, 89, lived in the chief ministerial bungalow in Chandigarh's tony Sector 2 before his Shiromani Akali Dal was routed in the February 4 assembly elections.
Since Badal is only a legislator from Lambi and his party has only 15 legislators in the new assembly, he does not qualify for the status of Leader of Opposition and hence not officially entitled to a government bungalow.
According to reports, the SAD-BJP alliance lost the elections due to a drop in the vote share. The alliance received a 31 per cent vote share while the Congress and the AAP got 38 per cent and 23 per cent respectively, SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal added.
Badal, the country's oldest serving Chief Minister till his party was decimated in the electoral battle, did not attend the swearing in of the new Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh on March 16.
10:31
Azmi Shabana @AzmiShabana Like the canary in the coalmine the health of a Democracy is measured by the sense of security its minorities feel.
10:31 Sensex down 129 pts in early trade on profit booking
The benchmark BSE Sensex fell almost 129 points in early trade today due to profit booking by investors after recent strong gains. The 30-share barometer declined 128.72 points, or 0.43 per cent, to 29,520.27 points, with shares of IT, Teck, metal, banking, oil & gas and capital goods trading with losses. The index had gained 250.88 points in the last two sessions. Also, the NSE Nifty fell by 31.55 points, or 0.34 per cent, to 9,128.50. Brokers said investors booked profits after recent strong rally in stocks.
10:29 All work and no play for Capt
There is plenty on Punjab CM Capt Amarinder's plate as he goes about trying to fix a broken state. Read the report here.
10:21 PM Modi's assertion of development is a ploy: Congress
UP CM Yogi Adityanath continues to grab the headlines.
Coming down heavily on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's statement that the newly formed government in Uttar Pradesh will bring record development in the state, the Congress Party on Monday said the former's assertion of development is a ploy.
"Every time when they come to power, they always say development. It has become a ploy. I don't think they have any definite plan for the development of Uttar Pradesh. Any way, it's a new government so we don't want to be pessimistic," Congress leader P.C. Chacko told ANI.
Chacko expressed hope that Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath does not repeat the kind of statements he used to issue earlier.
"He is now the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh. So, we all hope that he will show maturity and responsibility and not issue provocative statements against some communities. He will understand his responsibility that it is his duty to take everybody together," he added.
The Congress leader also wished the new Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister all the success.
Resonating similar sentiments, another Congress leader Om Prakash Mishra said, "Yogi Adityanath is a young person and he has won the elections five times. Definitely the Central Government's agenda is 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas' and Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said there will be development in Uttar Pradesh. So, naturally we hope Aditynath will develop Uttar Pradesh. He will be an example in India and also abroad."
In a series of tweets, Prime Minister Modi has expressed confidence over the newly formed government in Uttar Pradesh and said it would bring record development in the state.
"Our sole mission & motive is development. When UP develops, India develops. We want to serve UP's youth & create opportunities for them,"(sic) he tweeted.
Coming down heavily on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's statement that the newly formed government in Uttar Pradesh will bring record development in the state, the Congress Party on Monday said the former's assertion of development is a ploy.
"Every time when they come to power, they always say development. It has become a ploy. I don't think they have any definite plan for the development of Uttar Pradesh. Any way, it's a new government so we don't want to be pessimistic," Congress leader P.C. Chacko told ANI.
Chacko expressed hope that Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath does not repeat the kind of statements he used to issue earlier.
"He is now the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh. So, we all hope that he will show maturity and responsibility and not issue provocative statements against some communities. He will understand his responsibility that it is his duty to take everybody together," he added.
The Congress leader also wished the new Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister all the success.
Resonating similar sentiments, another Congress leader Om Prakash Mishra said, "Yogi Adityanath is a young person and he has won the elections five times. Definitely the Central Government's agenda is 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas' and Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said there will be development in Uttar Pradesh. So, naturally we hope Aditynath will develop Uttar Pradesh. He will be an example in India and also abroad."
In a series of tweets, Prime Minister Modi has expressed confidence over the newly formed government in Uttar Pradesh and said it would bring record development in the state.
"Our sole mission & motive is development. When UP develops, India develops. We want to serve UP's youth & create opportunities for them,"(sic) he tweeted.
10:11 Cabinet meet on GST Bill begins in Parliament library
Union Cabinet meeting to discuss the GST Bill begins in the Parliament.
The Narendra Modi government is racing against time to roll out GST from July 2016, after successive governments have missed several deadlines.
The GST Council headed by finance minister Arun Jaitley has cleared all the five draft laws. On March 16, the Centre and states approved SGST and UT-GST Bills that will enable states and Union territories to introduce the GST, billed as Indias biggest tax reforms.
On March 4, the council had approved the CGST and IGST Bills.
The Modi government has been able to bring all states on board, overcoming almost a decade of political differences on how to replace a multi-layered set of central and state taxes and levies with a unified nationwide GST.
The Narendra Modi government is racing against time to roll out GST from July 2016, after successive governments have missed several deadlines.
The GST Council headed by finance minister Arun Jaitley has cleared all the five draft laws. On March 16, the Centre and states approved SGST and UT-GST Bills that will enable states and Union territories to introduce the GST, billed as Indias biggest tax reforms.
On March 4, the council had approved the CGST and IGST Bills.
The Modi government has been able to bring all states on board, overcoming almost a decade of political differences on how to replace a multi-layered set of central and state taxes and levies with a unified nationwide GST.
10:00
The two Sufi clerics who will return from Pakistan will meet EAM Sushma Swaraj today along with their families.
09:35 Voda-Idea merger announced
The merger between Idea Cellular and Vodafone has been formally announced, say media report.
Idea said that its board has approved scheme of amalgamation of Vodafone India and its unit Vodafone Mobile Services with company.
The combined entity will be the biggest telecom operator in India.
Earlier, it was reported that Vodafone was sticking to its demand for both the CEO and CFO positions in the merged entity, and will be happy with Kumar Mangalam Birla being named chairman.
More details about the deal are awaited. -- Agencies
Idea said that its board has approved scheme of amalgamation of Vodafone India and its unit Vodafone Mobile Services with company.
The combined entity will be the biggest telecom operator in India.
Earlier, it was reported that Vodafone was sticking to its demand for both the CEO and CFO positions in the merged entity, and will be happy with Kumar Mangalam Birla being named chairman.
More details about the deal are awaited. -- Agencies
09:04 BSP leader shot dead in Allahabad
Bahujan Samaj Party leader Mohammed Shami was shot dead by bike-borne assailants last night in Uttar Pradesh's Allahabad.
According to reports, the accused shot Shami near his house.
Shami was a history-sheeter. In the recently concluded Uttar Pradesh assembly elections, Shami had contested against six-time MLA from the Kunda constituency Raghuraj Pratap Singh alias Raja Bhaiya.
Police is investigating the matter.
Further details are awaited.
According to reports, the accused shot Shami near his house.
Shami was a history-sheeter. In the recently concluded Uttar Pradesh assembly elections, Shami had contested against six-time MLA from the Kunda constituency Raghuraj Pratap Singh alias Raja Bhaiya.
Police is investigating the matter.
Further details are awaited.
08:24 Indian priest stabbed in Melbourne in apparent hate crime
In an apparent hate crime, an Indian Catholic priest was attacked by a 72-year-old man while leading the Sunday mass in a Melbourne church, according to media reports.
The priest was stabbed in the neck moments before he was about to say mass at a Melbourne church, reports news.com.au.
According to the report, it is believed that the offender told the priest that because he was Indian, he must be a Hindu or a Muslim and therefore can't be saying mass.
The man has been charged for stabbing Rev Tomy Kalathoor Mathew, 48, in the neck moments before the priest was due to give the 11am Italian-language mass on Sunday.
He has been charged with intentionally and recklessly causing injury and bailed to appear in the Broadmeadows Magistrates' Court on June 13.
Father Tomy is recovering from non life-threatening injuries in hospital. The attack was described as 'appalling' by the Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne. -- ANI
The priest was stabbed in the neck moments before he was about to say mass at a Melbourne church, reports news.com.au.
According to the report, it is believed that the offender told the priest that because he was Indian, he must be a Hindu or a Muslim and therefore can't be saying mass.
The man has been charged for stabbing Rev Tomy Kalathoor Mathew, 48, in the neck moments before the priest was due to give the 11am Italian-language mass on Sunday.
He has been charged with intentionally and recklessly causing injury and bailed to appear in the Broadmeadows Magistrates' Court on June 13.
Father Tomy is recovering from non life-threatening injuries in hospital. The attack was described as 'appalling' by the Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne. -- ANI
08:09 BJP government in Manipur faces floor test today
The first Bharatiya Janata Party government of Manipur, led by Chief Minister Nongthombam Biren, will face floor test in the assembly today.
Apart from 21 BJP MLAs, the government claims support from four MLAs of National People's Party, and one legislator each of the Lok Janshakti Party, the Trinamool Congress and the Congress.
Thus, the BJP claims support of 32 MLAs in the 60-member assembly.
Apart from 21 BJP MLAs, the government claims support from four MLAs of National People's Party, and one legislator each of the Lok Janshakti Party, the Trinamool Congress and the Congress.
Thus, the BJP claims support of 32 MLAs in the 60-member assembly.
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