LIVE
Wed, 17 May 2017
No politician treated 'more unfairly,' says Trump
Timeline Refresh
23:26 Despite RBI warning, 2,500 Indians investing in Bitcoins daily
Despite the Reserve Bank's call for caution to people against the use of virtual currencies, a domestic Bitcoin exchange today said it is adding over 2,500 users a day and has reached five lakh downloads.
Zebpay, an app-absed Bitcoin exchange, said it has had five lakh downloads on the Android operating system and is adding more than 2,500 users every day.
The company, launched in 2015, said, the increasing downloads highlight the "growing acceptance of Bitcoins as one of the most popular emerging asset class."
22:59 No politician treated 'more unfairly,' says Trump
Donald Trump gave vent to frustrations over his mounting political problems today, declaring that no president in US history had been treated "more unfairly."
During a commencement address at the US Coast Guard Academy, Trump urged graduating cadets to follow his example and "fight, fight, fight. Never, ever, give up. Things will work out just fine."
"Look at the way I've been treated lately. Especially by the media. No politician in history, and I say this with great surety, has been treated worse or more unfairly. You can't let them get you down," he said.
The outburst came amid intensifying pressure on the president in the wake of his firing of James Comey as director of the FBI last week, in the midst of a probe into whether Trump's campaign colluded with Russian attempts to tilt the US election in his favor.
The Senate Intelligence Commitee announced today that they have asked Comey to testify.
22:26 Yogi government sanctions transfer of 67 IPS officers
In the wake of a series of criminal atrocities reported in several parts of Uttar Pradesh, the state government led by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath facilitated the transfer of 67 IPS officers on Wednesday.
The reshuffle is believed to be an attempt to change the face of law and order in the state.
A total of 200 senior police officers have been shuffled since the new government rose to power in the state in March.
After becoming the 21st Chief Minister of the state, Adityanath had vowed to take stringent steps in improving the law and order in the state, saying, there would be no leniency shown towards it.
However, the maiden session of the state assembly which was held on Monday witnessed a stormy session with Opposition parties creating uproar in the floor of the house.
22:07 Cong to launch signature campaign for 33% reservation for women
Come May 21, Congress party is all set to launch a nationwide signature campaign for 33 per cent reservation of seats in Assembly and Parliamentary elections for women.
Mahila Congress has zeroed in on the assassination day of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi - May 21 - to launch this campaign. This campaign will last till August 20 - his birth anniversary.
Mahila Congress President Shobha Oza said, "We will launch this massive signature drive throughout the country and force the government to fulfil Rajiv ji's dream of women empowerment. Through this campaign, we want women to get 33 per cent reservation in assembly and parliamentary elections."
It's been more than two decades that the Women's Reservation Bill, which is technically the 108th Constitution Amendment Bill, has been 'pending' for passage in the Lok Sabha.
It was during former Prime Minister Deve Gowda's tenure that Women's Reservation Bill was introduced in 1996. While the bill was passed by the Rajya Sabha in 2010, it still has a 'pending' status in the Lok Sabha.
21:46 Putin offers transcript of Trump meeting with Lavrov
Russian President Vladimir Putin has offered to provide a transcript of a controversial Oval Office meeting between President Donald Trump and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, raising the stakes in an affair that has sent the White House into a tailspin.
Speaking at a press conference in Sochi, Russia, Putin dismissed allegations that Trump had shared top-secret security intelligence with Russian diplomats as "political schizophrenia."
"If the US administration finds it necessary, we are ready to provide the record of the conversation between Trump and Lavrov to the Senate and Congress," Putin said.
The intervention by Putin could turn up the pressure on the White House to provide its own transcript of the meeting. The Senate intelligence committee has already demanded a briefing on what was said at the meeting from members of the Trump administration who were present.
21:14 Sharad Pawar turns down Sonia's offer to be candidate for presidential polls
Sharad Pawar has cancelled himself from the Opposition's list of potential candidates for the presidential elections, turning down a request from Congress president Sonia Gandhi, his Nationalist Congress Party said today.
"Sonia Gandhi requested Sharad Pawar to be the opposition's candidate for President, but he has asked her to find someone else," said NCP spokesperson Nawab Malik.
The NCP assesses that the Opposition does not have the strength and support to field a seasoned and senior leader like its party chief for President.
It would not like Pawar to be the losing candidate in a contest for the post. Party sources said the only way Pawar could reconsider is if a united opposition can ensure that the BJP-led National Democratic Government is unable to get any more numbers in the electoral college than it already has.
21:04 Jaitley meets top army officers in Srinagar, reviews security situation
Defence Minister Arun Jaitley meets top army officers in Srinagar, reviews security situation in Kashmir Valley and along the Line of Control.
The meet comes amid the continuous ceasefire violations by Pakistan along the Line of Control in Kashmir.
Earlier today, Pakistan Rangers violated the ceasefire again on Wednesday by firing on forward posts along the Line of Control in Balakote sector of Jammu of Kashmir.
Nearly 1,700 people have already been evacuated from the LoC hamlets hit by shelling from Pakistani side and shifted to relief camps.
Around 10,042 people from over 2,694 families have been affected by the continued shelling from across the border.
The district administration has provided an immediate relief of Rs 1 lakh each to the next of kin of the dead and financial assistance to the injured.
20:19 Dinakaran seeks bail in AIADMK symbol case
AIADMK-Amma faction leader TTV Dinakaran today moved a special court seeking bail in a case of attempting to bribe EC officials to get the undivided AIADMK's 'two leaves' poll symbol.
According to court sources, Dinakaran, who was arrested on April 25 and is at present in judicial custody, sought the relief saying he was ready to cooperate in the investigation.
Special Judge Poonam Chaudhry listed his bail plea for hearing tomorrow.
The court would also hear tomorrow the bail plea of Dinakaran's close aide Mallikarjuna, who is also in judicial custody.
20:08 Congressman calls for Trump's impeachment on House floor
A Democratic congressman has become the first to call for Donald Trumps impeachment from the floor of the House.
Today on the floor of the Congress of the United States of America, I will call for the Impeachment of the President, Al Green, from Texas, said on Twitter.
An hour later, Green spoke to members of the House. "This is where I stand. I will not be moved. The President must be impeached," he said.
The American people do not participate in democracy just on election day. I'm speaking to the American people, he said. It's time to tell us where you stand. It's time to let us know.
19:44 Deepika's second Cannes look floors us!
Deepika Padukone is really living it up in Cannes. After wowing us in a fiery red Johanna Ortiz gown and long flowing tresses, the actress shows herself off in a lilac-pink satin Galvin London dress with a plunging keyhole neckline, for Round 2 of media interaction for the day.
Padukone paired the dress with a pair of matching Chritian Louboutin stilettos and simple Messika jewellery. With her hair up in a high messy bun, smokey eyes and nude lips completed the actress evening look.
19:28
JUST IN: PM Modi to visit Germany, Spain, Russia from May 29 with an aim of consolidating relations, inviting investments
19:12 Indian Navy foils piracy attempt in Gulf of Aden
The Indian Navy has thwarted a piracy attempt on a Liberian vessel in the Gulf of Aden, in a swift operation involving marine commandos and an armed chopper.
The navy's warship INS Sharda, deployed in Gulf of Aden for anti-piracy mission, swung into action after it received a distress call from MV Lord Mountbatten around 4:45 pm on Tuesday.
After reaching out to the vessel, the navy's 'Marcos' commandos with support from the helicopter onboard the ship, carried out a 'board and search' operation on two dhows and five skiffs which had shown "malicious intent".
Three skiffs fled the area at high speeds on sighting the Indian warship.
"The ship received a distress call from MV Lord Mountbatten, in position 230 nm South-West in the Gulf of Aden.
"The vessel had reported an incident of attempted piracy by two suspicious mother vessels along with 7-8 skiffs. Sharda, which was at that time 30 Nm East of the reported position, immediately responded to the distress call and proceeded at best speed to investigate the incident," Navy Spokesperson Capt DK Sharma said.
One automatic Kalashnikov rifle and 28 rounds of magazines were also recovered from one of the dhows, he said.
18:42 WikiLeaks source Chelsea Manning released from jail
Chelsea Manning, the transgender army intelligence analyst behind one of the largest classified information leaks in US history, was on Wednesday released from military prison, a US Army spokeswoman said.
Manning has been released from the United States Disciplinary Barracks at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, spokeswoman Cynthia Smith said in a brief statement.
In July 2010, Manning -- then a male soldier known as Bradley -- was arrested over the release of a huge trove of more than 700,000 classified military and diplomatic documents via WikiLeaks.
Manning, now 29, was serving a 35-year sentence for the leak but president Barack Obama commuted her sentence before leaving office and she was released after seven years in prison.
Amnesty International, which had campaigned for Manning's release, was quick to applaud the decision.
"While we celebrate her freedom, we will continue to call for an independent investigation into the potential human rights violations she exposed, and for protections to be put in place to ensure whistleblowers like Chelsea are never again subjected to such appalling treatment," a statement said.
18:12
The ICJ will pronounce its verdict at 3:30 pm tomorrow.
17:58 ICJ verdict on Kulbhushan Jadhav tomorrow
The International Court of Justice will pronounce its verdict on Kulbhushan Jadhav tomorrow.
India and Pakistan on Monday crossed swords at the International Court of Justice over Kulbhushan Jadhavs case with New Delhi demanding the immediate suspension of his death sentence and Islamabad accusing it of using the world body as a stage for political theatre through a misconceived plea.
The two neighbours -- who last faced off at the ICJ 18 years ago when Islamabad sought its intervention over the shooting down of its naval aircraft -- India took the Jadhav case to the world court, accusing Pakistan of violating the Vienna Convention and conducting a farcical trial for convicting Jadhav without a shred of evidence.
After hearing the arguments of the two sides, the court said it will issue its order on Indias request for provisional measures as soon as possible.
17:13 Imam who challenged PM over use of lal batti sacked for insubordination
Maulana Nurur Rehman Barkati was on Wednesday sacked as the Shahi Imam of Tipu Sultan Mosque for "objectionable and inflammatory remarks against the country".
Following the Centre's ban on the use of red beacon in non-emergency vehicles, Barkati had on May 11 said: "I am a religious leader and I have been using the red beacon for the past several decades. I don't follow the orders of the Centre. Who are they to order me? In Bengal, only the orders of the state government are effective. I will use red beacon. In Bengal, no one has removed red beacon."
A day later, he had claimed that he would not remove the red beacon "even if Prime Minister Narendra Modi asked him to".
His comments were criticised by most Muslim leaders and clerics in the state.
Following the Centre's ban on the use of red beacon in non-emergency vehicles, Barkati had on May 11 said: "I am a religious leader and I have been using the red beacon for the past several decades. I don't follow the orders of the Centre. Who are they to order me? In Bengal, only the orders of the state government are effective. I will use red beacon. In Bengal, no one has removed red beacon."
A day later, he had claimed that he would not remove the red beacon "even if Prime Minister Narendra Modi asked him to".
His comments were criticised by most Muslim leaders and clerics in the state.
17:02 Cabinet clears proposal to build 10 atomic reactors
To ramp up nuclear power generation in the country, the Union Cabinet on Wednesday cleared a proposal to build 10 indigenous Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors. Each reactor will have the capacity to produce 700 MW of electricity." A total of 7000 MW capacity will be added. It will help produce clean energy,' Union Power Minister Piyush Goyal said.
16:57 Secrets behind T rex's bone crushing bites unveiled
The giant Tyrannosaurus rex pulverised bones by biting down with forces equalling the weight of three small cars while simultaneously generating world record tooth pressures, according to a new study.
Researchers, including those from Florida State University in the US, said that T rex could pulverise bones - a capacity known as extreme osteophagy that is typically seen in living carnivorous mammals such as wolves and hyenas, but not reptiles whose teeth do not allow for chewing up bones.
They found that this prehistoric reptile could chow down with nearly 8,000 pounds of force, which is more than two times greater than the bite force of the largest living crocodiles. At the same time, their long, conical teeth generated an astounding 431,000 pounds per square inch of bone-failing tooth pressures.
This allowed T rex to drive open cracks in bone during repetitive, mammal-like biting and produce high-pressure fracture arcades, leading to a catastrophic explosion of some bones.
"It was this bone-crunching acumen that helped T rex to more fully exploit the carcasses of large horned-dinosaurs and duck-billed hadrosaurids whose bones, rich in mineral salts and marrow, were unavailable to smaller, less equipped carnivorous dinosaurs," said Paul Gignac, assistant professor at Oklahoma State University in the US.
Researchers, including those from Florida State University in the US, said that T rex could pulverise bones - a capacity known as extreme osteophagy that is typically seen in living carnivorous mammals such as wolves and hyenas, but not reptiles whose teeth do not allow for chewing up bones.
They found that this prehistoric reptile could chow down with nearly 8,000 pounds of force, which is more than two times greater than the bite force of the largest living crocodiles. At the same time, their long, conical teeth generated an astounding 431,000 pounds per square inch of bone-failing tooth pressures.
This allowed T rex to drive open cracks in bone during repetitive, mammal-like biting and produce high-pressure fracture arcades, leading to a catastrophic explosion of some bones.
"It was this bone-crunching acumen that helped T rex to more fully exploit the carcasses of large horned-dinosaurs and duck-billed hadrosaurids whose bones, rich in mineral salts and marrow, were unavailable to smaller, less equipped carnivorous dinosaurs," said Paul Gignac, assistant professor at Oklahoma State University in the US.
16:31 Apple finally makes the iPhone in India
'An Apple Inc manufacturer has completed a trial run of the first-ever iPhones assembled in India, in an important step in the US tech giant's push into the fast-growing South Asian market,' report Rajesh Roy and Newley Purnell in New Delhi and Tripp Mickle in San Francisco for the Wall Street Journal.
According to the WSJ, Taiwanese contract manufacturer Wistron Corp, which has an assembling unit in Karnataka, was handled the manufacturing of the SE, Apple's cheapest iPhone model, earlier this month, quoting a state official with direct knowledge of the matter.
While Apple confirmed to WSJ in a statement that 'it has begun initial production of a small number of iPhone SE handsets in Bangalore and will begin shipping the Indian-made devices to domestic customers this month. The first devices could hit stores as early as this week or next, according to a person familiar with the matter,' a Wistron spokeswoman told the newspaper that the company doesn't comment on "market rumors or speculation.'
Image used for representational purpose only.
16:07 Times Now hits Arnab with criminal complaint over IPR in Republic's exposes
Bennett, Coleman & Co Ltd, which owns the Times Now news channel, filed a criminal complaint against senior journalists Arnab Goswami and Prema Sridevi -- former Times Now employees who now work at Goswami's newly-launched venture Republic TV -- for 'theft, criminal breach of trust, misappropriation of property and infringement of intellectual property rights'.
In its complaint to the senior police inspector, Azad Maidan police station, Mumbai, Bennett Coleman has stated that the 'exposes' on Congress leader Shashi Tharoor and Rashtriya Janata Dal chief Lalu Yadav, which Goswami aired on his Republic TV, 'displayed material (in the form of audio tapes and phone conversations) that was procured and accessed while Mr Goswami and Ms Prema were in the employment of Times Now.'
The company confirmed filing the complaint and said in a release that it has been accepted by the Mumbai police and the matter is under investigation.
'In fact, Mr Arnab Goswami and Ms. Prema Sridevi have on Republic TV admitted and claimed that the audio conversation in the Sunanda Pushkar case aired on 8th May 2017 was in their possession for the last two years when they were in their previous organisation, ie, with Times Now,' the channel said in the release.
It further said, 'Mr Goswami and Ms Sridevi have wilfully, deliberately and with knowledge converted for their benefit and used the aforesaid intellectual property of Times Now and thereby dishonestly misappropriated the said intellectual property, thereby committing the offence of criminal misappropriation of property punishable U/Sec.403 of IPC and several other provisions under applicable laws.'
The complaint has been filed under 'Sections 378, 406, 409, 411, 414, 418 of the Indian Penal Code, read with Section 66-B, 72 and 72-A of the Information Technology Act, 2000, read with Section 34 and 120-B of the IPC'.
Times Now had earlier sent a notice to Goswami claiming copyright on the phrase 'nation wants to know' and asking him not to use it.
In its complaint to the senior police inspector, Azad Maidan police station, Mumbai, Bennett Coleman has stated that the 'exposes' on Congress leader Shashi Tharoor and Rashtriya Janata Dal chief Lalu Yadav, which Goswami aired on his Republic TV, 'displayed material (in the form of audio tapes and phone conversations) that was procured and accessed while Mr Goswami and Ms Prema were in the employment of Times Now.'
The company confirmed filing the complaint and said in a release that it has been accepted by the Mumbai police and the matter is under investigation.
'In fact, Mr Arnab Goswami and Ms. Prema Sridevi have on Republic TV admitted and claimed that the audio conversation in the Sunanda Pushkar case aired on 8th May 2017 was in their possession for the last two years when they were in their previous organisation, ie, with Times Now,' the channel said in the release.
It further said, 'Mr Goswami and Ms Sridevi have wilfully, deliberately and with knowledge converted for their benefit and used the aforesaid intellectual property of Times Now and thereby dishonestly misappropriated the said intellectual property, thereby committing the offence of criminal misappropriation of property punishable U/Sec.403 of IPC and several other provisions under applicable laws.'
The complaint has been filed under 'Sections 378, 406, 409, 411, 414, 418 of the Indian Penal Code, read with Section 66-B, 72 and 72-A of the Information Technology Act, 2000, read with Section 34 and 120-B of the IPC'.
Times Now had earlier sent a notice to Goswami claiming copyright on the phrase 'nation wants to know' and asking him not to use it.
15:21 Hansal Mehta slammed over silence on 'Simran' credits
Writer-lyricist Varun Grover has slammed Hansal Mehta for his silence over the credit controversy surrounding "Simran", saying a filmmaker risks to lose respect when he does not stand by the ideals he endorses through his films.
The "Masaan" writer took to Twitter to express his disappointment in the director. "Making films about oppressed people while oppressing the writer, the lowest in creative world hierarchy - you lose all respect Hansal saab," wrote Varun.
Taking a pot-shot at Kangana, the writer modified a popular dialogue from the 2014 film "Queen". "'Mera sense of stealing credit bahut achha hai. Aapko dheere dheere pata chalega. (My sense of stealing credit is great. You will get to know about it slowly)' - Queen," Varun wrote.
The can of worms opened after the release of the first poster of the movie recently where Kangana was credited as the 'additional story and dialogue writer' ahead of Apurva's 'story, screenplay and dialogue'.
Apurva took to Facebook where he debunked actress Kangana's claim of converting the movie from "one line screenplay to a full-fledged story". He slammed his frequent collaborator Hansal, with whom he has worked on critically-acclaimed films like "Citylights" and "Aligarh" for assigning credit to Kangana for writing the entire story of the film. He concluded the post, "I also wish that my dear friend Hansal shows some spine and either refutes or endorses my story."
The "Masaan" writer took to Twitter to express his disappointment in the director. "Making films about oppressed people while oppressing the writer, the lowest in creative world hierarchy - you lose all respect Hansal saab," wrote Varun.
Taking a pot-shot at Kangana, the writer modified a popular dialogue from the 2014 film "Queen". "'Mera sense of stealing credit bahut achha hai. Aapko dheere dheere pata chalega. (My sense of stealing credit is great. You will get to know about it slowly)' - Queen," Varun wrote.
The can of worms opened after the release of the first poster of the movie recently where Kangana was credited as the 'additional story and dialogue writer' ahead of Apurva's 'story, screenplay and dialogue'.
Apurva took to Facebook where he debunked actress Kangana's claim of converting the movie from "one line screenplay to a full-fledged story". He slammed his frequent collaborator Hansal, with whom he has worked on critically-acclaimed films like "Citylights" and "Aligarh" for assigning credit to Kangana for writing the entire story of the film. He concluded the post, "I also wish that my dear friend Hansal shows some spine and either refutes or endorses my story."
15:16 Kashmir, stop being delusional
There is no freedom struggle in Kashmir, but a war foisted on us all
these years with ground rules laid down by the Pakistan Army. Do read
15:13 The hills are smiling with the verdict of Bengal, says triumphant Mamata
All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) Chief Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday
expressed happiness after the overwhelming lead of her party in the
municipal corporation's polls in seven hilly area of West Bengal.
Banerjee took to Twitter to congratulate her party workers.
"Congratulations to Ma Mati Manush for again & again putting their trust in us. We are honored, privileged & humbled #VerdictOfBengal ," she tweeted.
"Congratulations to my brothers/sisters in hill areas of Darjeeling Kurseong Kalimpong Mirik for participating in the democratic process," she added.
She even thanked the people of Mirik for reposing faith on her party and asserted that her party will work sincerely for their development.
"Special thanks to Mirik for reposing faith in us. We will work sincerely for you. After so many decades we begin a new era in the hills," she tweeted.
"The hills are smiling #VerdictOfBengal," she added.
TMC is leading in all seven municipal corporations where civic polls were held in West Bengal.
TMC won 18 out of 21 wards in Domkal Municipality under Murshidabad district. Congress won 1 and CPI(M) won 3, all of the three joined TMC later.
Banerjee took to Twitter to congratulate her party workers.
"Congratulations to Ma Mati Manush for again & again putting their trust in us. We are honored, privileged & humbled #VerdictOfBengal ," she tweeted.
"Congratulations to my brothers/sisters in hill areas of Darjeeling Kurseong Kalimpong Mirik for participating in the democratic process," she added.
She even thanked the people of Mirik for reposing faith on her party and asserted that her party will work sincerely for their development.
"Special thanks to Mirik for reposing faith in us. We will work sincerely for you. After so many decades we begin a new era in the hills," she tweeted.
"The hills are smiling #VerdictOfBengal," she added.
TMC is leading in all seven municipal corporations where civic polls were held in West Bengal.
TMC won 18 out of 21 wards in Domkal Municipality under Murshidabad district. Congress won 1 and CPI(M) won 3, all of the three joined TMC later.
14:25 TMC storms to power in 4 out of 7 municipal bodies
The Trinamool Congress today won four municipalities in West Bengal- one in Darjeeling hills and three in the plains - while Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) captured three civic bodies in the hills including Darjeeling.
Official sources said that TMC won Domkal municipality in Murshidabad district capturing 18 of the 21 wards. Congress emerged victorious in the rest two seats while CPI(M) bagged one.
In Raigunj municipality of North Dinajpur district, TMC caputured 24 of the 27 wards while Congress won in two wards and BJP in one. TMC bagged Pujali municipality in South 24 Paraganas district winning 12 of the 16 wards.
BJP bagged two seats while Congress and Indepentent won one seat each. Although GJM manged to retain three civic bodies in the hills, TMC put up a creditable performance winning in Mirik. Of the nine seats in Mirik, TMC won six and GJM three. GJM, however, maintained its supremacy in other civic bodies in the hills.
The Morcha won 31 of the 32 seats in Darjeeling municipality where TMC has been able to emerge victorious in one seat. In Kurseong, GJM won 17 wards while TMC bagged the remaining three. GJM also won the civic body in Kalimpong capturing 19 of the 23 seats while TMC bagged two. Jan Andolan Party of Harka Bahadur Chetri, a former GJM leader who tried to outsmart the Morcha, failed to make a major gain in Kalimpong and managed to win only two seats.
Election to the seven municipalities were held on May 14.
Official sources said that TMC won Domkal municipality in Murshidabad district capturing 18 of the 21 wards. Congress emerged victorious in the rest two seats while CPI(M) bagged one.
In Raigunj municipality of North Dinajpur district, TMC caputured 24 of the 27 wards while Congress won in two wards and BJP in one. TMC bagged Pujali municipality in South 24 Paraganas district winning 12 of the 16 wards.
BJP bagged two seats while Congress and Indepentent won one seat each. Although GJM manged to retain three civic bodies in the hills, TMC put up a creditable performance winning in Mirik. Of the nine seats in Mirik, TMC won six and GJM three. GJM, however, maintained its supremacy in other civic bodies in the hills.
The Morcha won 31 of the 32 seats in Darjeeling municipality where TMC has been able to emerge victorious in one seat. In Kurseong, GJM won 17 wards while TMC bagged the remaining three. GJM also won the civic body in Kalimpong capturing 19 of the 23 seats while TMC bagged two. Jan Andolan Party of Harka Bahadur Chetri, a former GJM leader who tried to outsmart the Morcha, failed to make a major gain in Kalimpong and managed to win only two seats.
Election to the seven municipalities were held on May 14.
13:52 Win-win for both If Lalu gets Maya to Rajya Sabha
Speculation is rife in political circles that BSP supremo Mayawati is likely to be sent to the Rajya Sabha from Bihar with the support of the RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav.
The move will shore up efforts to form a united opposition of non-BJP parties ahead of the 2019 general elections. With Lalu's RJD, the largest party in the Bihar Assembly, followed by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's JD-U, Mayawati will be a showcase of non-BJP opposition unity. "Mayawati has approached Lalu through a reliable man known to both to give her a Rajya Sabha seat from Bihar. Lalu has also agreed to help her,' a RJD leader close to Lalu said in Patna.
Mayawati is fully aware that after her humiliating defeat in the recently concluded Uttar Pradesh Assembly polls, she has neither the numbers with her, nor any support, to win another term in the Rajya Sabha. Her term will end soon.
If Lalu does not help her, Mayawati will not be elected a member of the Rajya Sabha. According to RJD leaders, Lalu will send a strong political message by helping Mayawati, a Dalit leader, to the Rajya Sabha. ' Lalu will not miss this opportunity use the Mayawati case as an example of a united Opposition and help tap the Dalit vote bank,' said a source.
If Mayawati does get a RS seat from Bihar, she will join an eminent list of parliamentarians like veteran socialist J B Kriplani, Madhu Limaye, George Fernandes, Sharad Yadav, all outsiders ,who were elected to the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha from Bihar.
-- MI Khan/Rediff.com in Patna
The move will shore up efforts to form a united opposition of non-BJP parties ahead of the 2019 general elections. With Lalu's RJD, the largest party in the Bihar Assembly, followed by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's JD-U, Mayawati will be a showcase of non-BJP opposition unity. "Mayawati has approached Lalu through a reliable man known to both to give her a Rajya Sabha seat from Bihar. Lalu has also agreed to help her,' a RJD leader close to Lalu said in Patna.
Mayawati is fully aware that after her humiliating defeat in the recently concluded Uttar Pradesh Assembly polls, she has neither the numbers with her, nor any support, to win another term in the Rajya Sabha. Her term will end soon.
If Lalu does not help her, Mayawati will not be elected a member of the Rajya Sabha. According to RJD leaders, Lalu will send a strong political message by helping Mayawati, a Dalit leader, to the Rajya Sabha. ' Lalu will not miss this opportunity use the Mayawati case as an example of a united Opposition and help tap the Dalit vote bank,' said a source.
If Mayawati does get a RS seat from Bihar, she will join an eminent list of parliamentarians like veteran socialist J B Kriplani, Madhu Limaye, George Fernandes, Sharad Yadav, all outsiders ,who were elected to the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha from Bihar.
-- MI Khan/Rediff.com in Patna
13:31 Heavy gun battle at TV station in Afghanistan, 2 militants dead
A heavy gun battle is reportedly underway near the government compound and inside the state radio television headquarters in Afghanistan's eastern Nangarhar province.
Khamma Press quoted eyewitnesses, as saying that the dead bodies of at least two militants are left in the area while the remaining militants have managed to enter the compound. The two militants are believed to have blown themselves up, while another is still at large.
State radio television workers have been evacuated. So far, there are no reports of civilian casualties.
Tolo News reported that the attack started at about 10 a m on Wednesday morning.
The TV station is close to the governor's compound.
Eyewitnesses said shops in the area were hastily closed as soon as shots were heard and people in the vicinity immediately fled the area.
Further details are awaited.
Representational image.
Khamma Press quoted eyewitnesses, as saying that the dead bodies of at least two militants are left in the area while the remaining militants have managed to enter the compound. The two militants are believed to have blown themselves up, while another is still at large.
State radio television workers have been evacuated. So far, there are no reports of civilian casualties.
Tolo News reported that the attack started at about 10 a m on Wednesday morning.
The TV station is close to the governor's compound.
Eyewitnesses said shops in the area were hastily closed as soon as shots were heard and people in the vicinity immediately fled the area.
Further details are awaited.
Representational image.
13:19 Demonetisation effect transitory, says UN expert
The demonetisation policy is not expected to have a long term impact on domestic demand in India, which is projected to clock a 7.9 per cent growth in fiscal 2018, a senior UN economic official has said.
12:53 Australia may ban laptops in airplane cabins
Australia is considering following the United States and Britain in banning laptops from inbound airliner cabins, the prime minister said, but declined to explain whether the move was related to an Islamic State group threat that President Donald Trump discussed with Russian diplomats.
Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull revealed Tuesday that his government was "looking ... very closely" at the bans on laptops and tablets on flights from some Middle Eastern countries announced by the U.S. and Britain in March.
Questioned by reporters Wednesday, Turnbull refused to discuss the intelligence upon which a laptop ban was being considered or its source.
Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull revealed Tuesday that his government was "looking ... very closely" at the bans on laptops and tablets on flights from some Middle Eastern countries announced by the U.S. and Britain in March.
Questioned by reporters Wednesday, Turnbull refused to discuss the intelligence upon which a laptop ban was being considered or its source.
12:48
Armed assailants have reportedly stormed the compound of National Radio Television in Afghanistan in Nangarhar's Jalalabad: TOLO News
12:38 Gurugram rape: Rs 2 lakh reward for information about absconders
The Gurugram Police on Wednesday announced a reward of Rs. 2 lakh for information about the perpetrators involved in the rape of a 22-year old woman.
"This is to inform everyone that a Reward of Rs 2 Lakh has been announced for information leading to the apprehension of the criminals involved in the reported rape of a victim, case regarding which was recently registered in PS Sec 18, Gurugram," read the official statement.
A case has been registered in Gurugram Sec-18 Police Station.
Earlier on Monday, Commissioner Gurugram said that the police has registered the complaint of the 22-year-old victim who was allegedly gang-raped by three men in a moving car in Gurugram and have formed a SIT to investigate the matter.Commissioner Gurugram Sandeep Khirwar said that the police has registered the case and will try to nab the accused as soon as possible.
"A woman who was living in Gurugram has registered a complaint, that on the intervening night of Friday while she was returning to her PG, few men dragged her and took her into a car, raped her and then left her in some area of Delhi," said Khirwar.
Khirwar further said that the police is also trying to figure out about the lapse where it was not able to prevent the crime from happening."We are investigating the whole matter, and will also work to gauge the lapse from the side of the police," he said.
"This is to inform everyone that a Reward of Rs 2 Lakh has been announced for information leading to the apprehension of the criminals involved in the reported rape of a victim, case regarding which was recently registered in PS Sec 18, Gurugram," read the official statement.
A case has been registered in Gurugram Sec-18 Police Station.
Earlier on Monday, Commissioner Gurugram said that the police has registered the complaint of the 22-year-old victim who was allegedly gang-raped by three men in a moving car in Gurugram and have formed a SIT to investigate the matter.Commissioner Gurugram Sandeep Khirwar said that the police has registered the case and will try to nab the accused as soon as possible.
"A woman who was living in Gurugram has registered a complaint, that on the intervening night of Friday while she was returning to her PG, few men dragged her and took her into a car, raped her and then left her in some area of Delhi," said Khirwar.
Khirwar further said that the police is also trying to figure out about the lapse where it was not able to prevent the crime from happening."We are investigating the whole matter, and will also work to gauge the lapse from the side of the police," he said.
12:04 The James Comey memo is an existential threat to the Trump's presidency
The reporting coming out of The New York Times and CNN is explosive: Deposed FBI Director James Comey wrote a memo following a February 14 meeting with Donald Trump in which he says the President told him "I hope you can let this go" in regard to fired aide Michael Flynn's role in the ongoing investigation into Russia's efforts to influence the 2016 campaign.If true, that is almost the textbook definition of obstruction of justice, a charge that could well lead to impeachment proceedings. Read more
12:01 Trump's disclosure endangered spy placed inside ISIS by Israel, officials say
The life of a spy placed by Israel inside ISIS is at risk tonight, according to current and former US officials, after President Donald Trump reportedly disclosed classified information in a meeting with Russian officials last week. Read more
11:49 AIMPLB promises to look into SC's suggestions on Triple T
Update on the Triple T case: One of AIMPLB's lawyers, Yousuf Muchala, told the Supreme Court that the board's advisory is not mandatory for all Qazis to follow. The AIMPLB lawyer also said that the board accepts the suggestions in all humility and will look into it. The AIMPLB also showed SC a resolution passed on 14 Apr 2017 which says triple talaq is a sin and community should boycott the person doing it.
11:41 IAS officer found dead under mysterious circumstances
An Indian Administrative Services (IAS) officer was found dead in a guest house in Lucknow on Wednesday.
The deceased, Anurag Tiwari, was a 2007-batch officer who was posted in Food Supply department in Karnataka.
Tiwari originally hailed from Uttar Pradesh's Bahraich.
As per preliminary reports, Tiwari had recently divorced his wife.
Tiwari's cousin Rahul Pandey told ANI that problems with his wife had begun right after their marriage.
"We do not have suspicions on anybody right now. The rest will be known when other family members also come," he said.
Civil Hospital's medical superintendent Ashutosh Kumar Dubey said it would be too early to reach any conclusion.
"There was an injury mark on his chin. The body has been sent for post-mortem. Only after the reports are out, something can be said," he said.
The deceased, Anurag Tiwari, was a 2007-batch officer who was posted in Food Supply department in Karnataka.
Tiwari originally hailed from Uttar Pradesh's Bahraich.
As per preliminary reports, Tiwari had recently divorced his wife.
Tiwari's cousin Rahul Pandey told ANI that problems with his wife had begun right after their marriage.
"We do not have suspicions on anybody right now. The rest will be known when other family members also come," he said.
Civil Hospital's medical superintendent Ashutosh Kumar Dubey said it would be too early to reach any conclusion.
"There was an injury mark on his chin. The body has been sent for post-mortem. Only after the reports are out, something can be said," he said.
11:35
Update on Triple T: Senior Lawyer Raju Ramachandran, appearing for the Jamaat-e-Ulema-e-Hind, starts his arguments in the Triple talaq case in the SC.
11:34 Can the bride refuse triple talaq in nikaahnama, SC asks AIMPLB
Day 5 of the hearing on triple talaq by the Supreme Court.
A five-judge bench of the Supreme Court is hearing the contentious triple talaq case. Yesterday, equating the issue with the belief that Lord Rama was born in Ayodhya, the All India Muslim Personal Law Board had told the apex court that these were matters of faith and "cannot be tested on grounds of constitutional morality'.
Today Chief Justice of India JS Khehar asks Kapil Sibal(lawyer for the All India Muslim Personal Law Board) if it is possible to give a bride the right to refuse to accept instant triple talaq? The SC also wanted to know from the AIMPLB whether the board's advisory will be followed by the Qazi at the ground level.
The SC asks the AIMPLB if it can aks Qazis to have a model 'Nikah Nama'? "Why can't there be a modern and model 'Nikah Nama' to provide for talaq? Can a woman be given an option to say no to triple talaq at the time of nikahnama," the SC asks the AIMPLB.
A five-judge bench of the Supreme Court is hearing the contentious triple talaq case. Yesterday, equating the issue with the belief that Lord Rama was born in Ayodhya, the All India Muslim Personal Law Board had told the apex court that these were matters of faith and "cannot be tested on grounds of constitutional morality'.
Today Chief Justice of India JS Khehar asks Kapil Sibal(lawyer for the All India Muslim Personal Law Board) if it is possible to give a bride the right to refuse to accept instant triple talaq? The SC also wanted to know from the AIMPLB whether the board's advisory will be followed by the Qazi at the ground level.
The SC asks the AIMPLB if it can aks Qazis to have a model 'Nikah Nama'? "Why can't there be a modern and model 'Nikah Nama' to provide for talaq? Can a woman be given an option to say no to triple talaq at the time of nikahnama," the SC asks the AIMPLB.
11:04
West Bengal civic polls: TMC won 18/21 wards in Domkal Municipality under Murshidabad district. INC won 1, CPI(M) 2; all 3 joined TMC later.
10:50 Mamata marches ahead in civic polls, BJP limps
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's Trinamool Congress is leading in all seven municipal corporations where elections were held on Sunday in West Bengal, looking set to make major inroads in the four civic bodies in the hills of Darjeeling, a stronghold for years of BJP ally the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM), reports NDTV.
While the Darjeeling, Kurseong and Kalimpong corporations were held by the GJM, Mirik is a new municipality.In Raiganj and Domkal in the plains, traditionally Congress strongholds, too the Trinamool is forging ahead.
Opposition parties have demanded fresh elections in all these three municipalities after they withdrew their candidates from many seats on Sunday, polling day, because of violence and booth capturing, which they blame on the ruling party.
Left leader Sitaram Yechury called it a "mockery of democracy and blatant misuse of state machinery" while the Congress has gone to court seeking that the elections be cancelled. A Kolkata court will hear its petition this morning.
The Trinamool Congress has rejected the allegations and blamed the BJP for the violence, which saw clashes between political workers, electronic voting machines or EVMs damaged in several wards and policeman injured.
Image: Mamata Banerjee pays homage to a bust of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose during his birth anniversary on January 23.
While the Darjeeling, Kurseong and Kalimpong corporations were held by the GJM, Mirik is a new municipality.In Raiganj and Domkal in the plains, traditionally Congress strongholds, too the Trinamool is forging ahead.
Opposition parties have demanded fresh elections in all these three municipalities after they withdrew their candidates from many seats on Sunday, polling day, because of violence and booth capturing, which they blame on the ruling party.
Left leader Sitaram Yechury called it a "mockery of democracy and blatant misuse of state machinery" while the Congress has gone to court seeking that the elections be cancelled. A Kolkata court will hear its petition this morning.
The Trinamool Congress has rejected the allegations and blamed the BJP for the violence, which saw clashes between political workers, electronic voting machines or EVMs damaged in several wards and policeman injured.
Image: Mamata Banerjee pays homage to a bust of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose during his birth anniversary on January 23.
10:37 Shopian search ops end
The joint search operation by the Indian Army and Special Operations Group (SOG) in Shopian has concluded today and the cordon has also been lifted off from the villages.
Earlier today, Shopian's two villages - Heff and Shirmal were on lock down as security forces swept through the area for untoward elements.
Around 1,000 army personnel and police force had been deployed for the operation, which began at midnight yesterday.
Meanwhile, repetitive ceasefire violations by Pakistan still continue, wherein yesterday itself the Pakistan Army initiated ceasefire violation in Balakot sector.
The Indian troops gave a befitting reply to Islamabad's attack.
Earlier on Tuesday, Pakistan Army initiated unprovoked ceasefire violation in Nowshera sector of Jammu and Kashmir.
The Pakistan Army, earlier on Sunday, instigated indiscriminate firing of small arms, automatics, 82 mm and 120 mm mortars along the Line of Control (LoC) in Chiti Bakri area of Rajouri sector in Jammu and Kashmir.
The Indian Army also retaliated to the unprovoked act strongly and effectively.
At least two civilians including a minor girl were killed and nine people, including four soldiers were injured in the unprovoked firing by Pakistan in Rajouri district.
Earlier on Saturday, two civilians were killed as Pakistan Army continued its unprovoked firing in state's Nowshera sector.
Later in the day, Defence Minister Arun Jaitley and Army Chief Gen Bipin Rawat will on Wednesday review the security situation and take stock of counter-terror operations in the Valley, which has been rocked with soaring turbulence recently besides the steady stream of ceasefire violations.
Jaitley is visiting Srinagar today and the Army Chief is already in the valley.
The visit comes in the wake of beheading of two Indian soldiers by Pakistani Army in Poonch district earlier this month which was termed "barbaric" by India.
Earlier today, Shopian's two villages - Heff and Shirmal were on lock down as security forces swept through the area for untoward elements.
Around 1,000 army personnel and police force had been deployed for the operation, which began at midnight yesterday.
Meanwhile, repetitive ceasefire violations by Pakistan still continue, wherein yesterday itself the Pakistan Army initiated ceasefire violation in Balakot sector.
The Indian troops gave a befitting reply to Islamabad's attack.
Earlier on Tuesday, Pakistan Army initiated unprovoked ceasefire violation in Nowshera sector of Jammu and Kashmir.
The Pakistan Army, earlier on Sunday, instigated indiscriminate firing of small arms, automatics, 82 mm and 120 mm mortars along the Line of Control (LoC) in Chiti Bakri area of Rajouri sector in Jammu and Kashmir.
The Indian Army also retaliated to the unprovoked act strongly and effectively.
At least two civilians including a minor girl were killed and nine people, including four soldiers were injured in the unprovoked firing by Pakistan in Rajouri district.
Earlier on Saturday, two civilians were killed as Pakistan Army continued its unprovoked firing in state's Nowshera sector.
Later in the day, Defence Minister Arun Jaitley and Army Chief Gen Bipin Rawat will on Wednesday review the security situation and take stock of counter-terror operations in the Valley, which has been rocked with soaring turbulence recently besides the steady stream of ceasefire violations.
Jaitley is visiting Srinagar today and the Army Chief is already in the valley.
The visit comes in the wake of beheading of two Indian soldiers by Pakistani Army in Poonch district earlier this month which was termed "barbaric" by India.
10:12 Kashmir unrest: Jaitley, Army Chief to review security in Srinagar today
Defence Minister Arun Jaitley and Army Chief Gen Bipin Rawat will today, review the security situation and take stock of counter-terror operations in the Valley, which has been rocked with soaring turbulence recently besides the steady stream of ceasefire violations.
Jaitley is visiting Srinagar today and the Army Chief is already in the valley.
The visit comes in the wake of beheading of two Indian soldiers by Pakistani Army in Poonch district earlier this month which was termed "barbaric" by India.
The spree in infiltration attempts, ceasefire violation, cross-border shelling along with the Valley's internal crisis has turned into a major crisis for the state government as well as the Centre. Jaitley who also holds the finance portfolio, will be in Srinagar primarily for the two-day meeting of the GST Council starting from tomorrow.
Jaitley is visiting Srinagar today and the Army Chief is already in the valley.
The visit comes in the wake of beheading of two Indian soldiers by Pakistani Army in Poonch district earlier this month which was termed "barbaric" by India.
The spree in infiltration attempts, ceasefire violation, cross-border shelling along with the Valley's internal crisis has turned into a major crisis for the state government as well as the Centre. Jaitley who also holds the finance portfolio, will be in Srinagar primarily for the two-day meeting of the GST Council starting from tomorrow.
10:05 Army's midnight search ops in Shopian after back-to-back ceasefire violations
The Indian Army and Special Operations Group (SOG) are conducting search operations in Shopian's two villages - Heff and Shirmal.
Around 1,000 army personnel and the police force have been deployed for the operation, which began at midnight yesterday.
Meanwhile, repetitive ceasefire violations by Pakistan still continue, wherein yesterday itself the Pakistan Army initiated ceasefire violations in the Balakot sector.
The Indian troops gave a befitting reply to Islamabad's attack.
Earlier on Tuesday, the Pakistan Army initiated unprovoked ceasefire violations in the Nowshera sector of Jammu and Kashmir.
The Pakistan Army, earlier on Sunday, instigated indiscriminate firing of small arms, automatics, 82 mm and 120 mm mortars along the Line of Control (LoC) in Chiti Bakri area of Rajouri sector in Jammu and Kashmir.
The Indian Army also retaliated to the unprovoked act strongly and effectively.
At least two civilians including a minor girl were killed and nine people, including four soldiers were injured in the unprovoked firing by Pakistan in Rajouri district.
Earlier on Saturday, two civilians were killed as Pakistan Army continued its unprovoked firing in state's Nowshera sector.
Later in the day, Defence Minister Arun Jaitley and Army Chief Gen Bipin Rawat will on Wednesday review the security situation and take stock of counter-terror operations in the Valley, which has been rocked with soaring turbulence recently besides the steady stream of ceasefire violations.
Jaitley is visiting Srinagar today and the Army Chief is already in the valley.
The visit comes in the wake of beheading of two Indian soldiers by Pakistani Army in Poonch district earlier this month which was termed "barbaric" by India.
File pic.
Around 1,000 army personnel and the police force have been deployed for the operation, which began at midnight yesterday.
Meanwhile, repetitive ceasefire violations by Pakistan still continue, wherein yesterday itself the Pakistan Army initiated ceasefire violations in the Balakot sector.
The Indian troops gave a befitting reply to Islamabad's attack.
Earlier on Tuesday, the Pakistan Army initiated unprovoked ceasefire violations in the Nowshera sector of Jammu and Kashmir.
The Pakistan Army, earlier on Sunday, instigated indiscriminate firing of small arms, automatics, 82 mm and 120 mm mortars along the Line of Control (LoC) in Chiti Bakri area of Rajouri sector in Jammu and Kashmir.
The Indian Army also retaliated to the unprovoked act strongly and effectively.
At least two civilians including a minor girl were killed and nine people, including four soldiers were injured in the unprovoked firing by Pakistan in Rajouri district.
Earlier on Saturday, two civilians were killed as Pakistan Army continued its unprovoked firing in state's Nowshera sector.
Later in the day, Defence Minister Arun Jaitley and Army Chief Gen Bipin Rawat will on Wednesday review the security situation and take stock of counter-terror operations in the Valley, which has been rocked with soaring turbulence recently besides the steady stream of ceasefire violations.
Jaitley is visiting Srinagar today and the Army Chief is already in the valley.
The visit comes in the wake of beheading of two Indian soldiers by Pakistani Army in Poonch district earlier this month which was termed "barbaric" by India.
File pic.
09:51 Mukesh Ambani leads Forbes list of Global Game Changers
Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani leads a Forbes list of 'Global Game Changers' who are transforming their industries and changing the lives of billions of people around the globe.
Forbes' second annual Global Game Changers list includes 25 "intrepid business leaders" who are "unsatisfied with the status quo" and "transforming their industries and changing the lives of billions of people around the globe."
Ambani, 60 comes at the top of the list for his game changing efforts to bring the internet to India's masses.
Forbes' second annual Global Game Changers list includes 25 "intrepid business leaders" who are "unsatisfied with the status quo" and "transforming their industries and changing the lives of billions of people around the globe."
Ambani, 60 comes at the top of the list for his game changing efforts to bring the internet to India's masses.
09:33 Jaitley, Army chief to review security situation in Kashmir today
Defence Minister Arun Jaitley and Army Chief General Bipin Rawat will on Wednesday review the security situation and take stock of counter-terror operations in the Kashmir Valley, which has been rocked with soaring turbulence recently besides the steady stream of ceasefire violations.
Jaitley is visiting Srinagar today and the Army Chief is already in the valley.
The visit comes in the wake of beheading of two Indian soldiers by Pakistani Army in Poonch district earlier this month which was termed 'barbaric' by India.
The spree in infiltration attempts, ceasefire violation, cross-border shelling along with the Valley's internal crisis has turned into a major crisis for the state government as well as the Centre.
Jaitley who also holds the finance portfolio, will be in Srinagar primarily for the two-day meeting of the GST Council starting from tomorrow. -- ANI
Jaitley is visiting Srinagar today and the Army Chief is already in the valley.
The visit comes in the wake of beheading of two Indian soldiers by Pakistani Army in Poonch district earlier this month which was termed 'barbaric' by India.
The spree in infiltration attempts, ceasefire violation, cross-border shelling along with the Valley's internal crisis has turned into a major crisis for the state government as well as the Centre.
Jaitley who also holds the finance portfolio, will be in Srinagar primarily for the two-day meeting of the GST Council starting from tomorrow. -- ANI
08:54 Balakot: Indian troops retaliate to ceasefire violation by Pakistan
Pakistani Army continued its provocations as it initiated ceasefire violation in Balakot sector in Jammu and Kashmir last night and intermittent firing continued.
The Indian troops gave a befitting reply to Islamabad's attack.
Earlier on Tuesday, Pakistan Army initiated unprovoked ceasefire violation in Nowshera sector of Jammu and Kashmir.
The Pakistan Army, earlier on Sunday, instigated indiscriminate firing of small arms, automatics, 82 mm and 120 mm mortars along the Line of Control (LoC) in Chiti Bakri area of Rajouri sector in Jammu and Kashmir.
The Indian Army also retaliated to the unprovoked act strongly and effectively.
At least two civilians including a minor girl were killed and nine people, including four soldiers were injured in the unprovoked firing by Pakistan in Rajouri district. -- ANI
The Indian troops gave a befitting reply to Islamabad's attack.
Earlier on Tuesday, Pakistan Army initiated unprovoked ceasefire violation in Nowshera sector of Jammu and Kashmir.
The Pakistan Army, earlier on Sunday, instigated indiscriminate firing of small arms, automatics, 82 mm and 120 mm mortars along the Line of Control (LoC) in Chiti Bakri area of Rajouri sector in Jammu and Kashmir.
The Indian Army also retaliated to the unprovoked act strongly and effectively.
At least two civilians including a minor girl were killed and nine people, including four soldiers were injured in the unprovoked firing by Pakistan in Rajouri district. -- ANI
08:21 Committed to build a new India: PM on 3rd anniversary
Responding to wishes on the social media in the wake of third anniversary of the Bharatiya Janata Party's victory in 2014 Lok Sabha polls, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that his government was committed to build the new India through a 'reform to transform' approach.
In a response to a congratulatory message on the completion of three years in the government, the Prime Minister tweeted, 'Thanks for your wishes. Through a 'reform to transform' approach we are committed to building a new India'.
Further, thanking people for their constant support, he said, strength to run the country is derived from the skills and talents of 125 crore people in it. One follower appreciated that the government was thinking of doubling the income of farmers.
To this, the PM replied, 'Our farmers are the 'Annadatas'. When our farmers prosper, India will prosper.'
Replying to a follower, who lauded government's foreign policy, the prime minister said, ''India First' is the foreign policy of the government, be it trade or cultural spheres, we want to increase our engagement with the world.'
It was on May 16, 2014, when the results of the Lok Sabha polls were declared, giving the BJP a massive victory whereas Modi was sworn-in as the prime minister on May 26, 2014. -- ANI
In a response to a congratulatory message on the completion of three years in the government, the Prime Minister tweeted, 'Thanks for your wishes. Through a 'reform to transform' approach we are committed to building a new India'.
Further, thanking people for their constant support, he said, strength to run the country is derived from the skills and talents of 125 crore people in it. One follower appreciated that the government was thinking of doubling the income of farmers.
To this, the PM replied, 'Our farmers are the 'Annadatas'. When our farmers prosper, India will prosper.'
Replying to a follower, who lauded government's foreign policy, the prime minister said, ''India First' is the foreign policy of the government, be it trade or cultural spheres, we want to increase our engagement with the world.'
It was on May 16, 2014, when the results of the Lok Sabha polls were declared, giving the BJP a massive victory whereas Modi was sworn-in as the prime minister on May 26, 2014. -- ANI
00:09 RSS to hold annual meeting for first time in J-K
Amid the unrest in Kashmir, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh will hold its annual review meeting for the first time in Jammu in July, looking to send out a message to separatists that the valley is an integral part of the country.
RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, BJP president Amit Shah and leaders from VHP will attend the three-day meeting which is scheduled from July 18-20, sources in the Sangh said.
"The time and place of meeting was decided to send out a clear message to separatists in the Kashmir valley that the region is integral part of India and the Sangh is committed to its unity," they added.
The sources also indicated that incidents of stone- pelting and the attack on CRPF jawans could come up for discussion during the meeting.
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