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Thu, 09 November 2017
Kevin Spacey, facing sexual allegations, erased from completed film
Timeline Refresh
23:52 Maha CM discusses Metro-III issue with Parsi community members
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis today held talks with the representatives of Parsi community over their objections to the Mumbai Metro-III rail project.
Two Parsi high priests had recently written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging him to realign the upcoming Metro III rail route saying it threatens the sanctity of two fire temples in south Mumbai, which would be a "great religious loss" to the community.
Talking about today's meeting, an official from the chief minister's office said, "The underground tunnel is proposed to pass beneath a couple of agyaris, to which the community has objected. Fadnavis today held a meeting with the Parsi community representatives and the Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation Ltd chief Ashwini Bhide."
"Fadnavis assured them that the agyaris won't be affected due to the Metro-III work," the official added.
Mumbai BJP unit chief Ashish Shelar tweeted about the meeting and thanked Fadnavis and the Parsi community for coming together to find a solution.
Sources confirmed that Fadnavis assured them that the fire temples will not be affected.
23:14 People have started accepting Rahul Gandhi now: Pawar
Claiming that the overall atmosphere in poll-bound Gujarat was against the ruling BJP, NCP chief Sharad Pawar today said people had started "accepting" Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi which was reflected in
the "huge" crowds at his rallies.
"A lot of fun was being made of Rahul Gandhi by those in power. But today, the reverse is happening. People are accepting him now and huge crowds can be seen at his rallies," Pawar said.
Gandhi has been spearheading an aggressive campaign in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's home state Gujarat, where assembly polls will be held next month. The Congress has been out of power in the state for over two decades.
The veteran politician said the overall atmosphere in Gujarat is against the BJP, but refused to hazard a guess on the poll outcome.
"The overall atmosphere is against the BJP, but money power and government at the Centre can make anything possible. Hence, the political scenario there cannot be predicted before elections," he said.
-- PTI
22:49 Kevin Spacey, facing sexual allegations, erased from completed film
US actor Kevin Spacey is to be erased from a completed Hollywood film following the allegations of predatory sexual behaviour against him.
His role in All the Money in the World is to be recast and his scenes reshot.
The release is expected to go ahead as planned on 22 December.
Spacey, who was late oil tycoon Jean Paul Getty in the film, will be replaced by Christopher Plummer.
The claims against Spacey span from the mid-1980s to last year.
All the Money in the World, directed by Ridley Scott, is about the 1973 kidnapping of Getty's teenage grandson.
Variety said that Spacey had shot about two weeks of footage and there were many scenes in the film where he was the only actor on screen.
He already appears in the film's trailer, which was released in September.
22:23 Yogi to start local bodies election campaign from Ayodhya
Bringing Ayodhya once again on the centerstage, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath will start his campaign for the upcoming local bodies election from the temple town on November 14.
The civic polls, to be held in three phases from November 22, is seen as a litmus test for the Yogi Adityanath government's popularity. The BJP came to the power in March with a landslide victory.
Adityanath will address a rally each in all the 16 poll-bound municipalities in the state.
"The CM will start his campaign from Ayodhya on November 14," party sources said.
-- PTI
21:44 US worried but rules out mediation to reduce Indo-Pak tension
US President Donald Trump's new South Asia strategy focuses on reducing tension between India and Pakistan, a top American diplomat has said but ruled out any mediator role for the US between the two neighbours.
Alice G Wells, the Acting Assistant Secretary for South and Central Asia, told lawmakers that the Trump administration is increasingly concerned about the threat to strategic stability in South Asia associated with the introduction of new nuclear capable ballistic or cruise missile systems in the region.
"The South Asia strategy also focuses on reducing tensions between Pakistan and India," she told lawmakers during a Congressional hearing on Afghanistan and Pakistan held jointly by House Foreign Affairs Subcommittees.
She said the US does not seek a role as a mediator between India and Pakistan, but encourages both countries to restart dialogue at the earliest opportunity.
for Middle East and North Africa, and Asia and Pacific.
21:36 India sends 21,000 kilo litres of petrol to Sri Lanka
India today sent an emergency shipment of 21,000 kilo litres of petrol to Sri Lanka which is facing a shortage of the fuel.
External affairs ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said the shipment was sent from Paradip in Odisha and is expected to reach Trincomalee port in Sri Lanka in a day.
"The supplies have left Paradip today, with 21,000 kilo litres and is expected to reach Trincomalee port in a day. Additional supplies are available at Kochi if so needed," he said.
In a telephonic conversation, Prime Minister Narendra Modi yesterday had conveyed to Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena that India is sending petroleum supply to the island nation.
The Lanka Indian Oil Company on Tuesday received flak for the fuel shortage after motorists lined up in long queues at petrol stations.
But the company dismissed as "mischievous and factually incorrect" the allegations that it was responsible for the fuel shortage in the island nation.
21:02 Uber to suspend surge pricing in Delhi during odd-even scheme
Taxi-hailing firm Uber today said it will not levy dynamic or surge pricing during the odd-even car rule implementation in Delhi next week.
"This is a moment of crisis and public health emergency in Delhi NCR. Uber is committed to fully supporting the odd-even scheme.
"As a first step, we have decided to suspend dynamic pricing during the odd-even days. Additionally, rides to and from metro stations will also ply on reduced fares," Uber India General Manager, North and Delhi NCR, Prabhjeet Singh said in a statement.
The odd-even car rationing scheme will be rolled out in Delhi for five days from November 13 as part of a graded response plan to tackle the alarming level of pollution in the city.
The scheme will be in place from 8 am to 8 pm and there will be exemption for women drivers, two-wheelers and vehicles carrying children in school uniforms, besides VVIPs.
Uber said it has started offering discounts on its taxi sharing rides UberPool.
"We are also securing anti-pollution masks for staff as well as our driver partners. Masks are being made available on priority at all our driver touch-points and driver support centres," the statement said.
20:26 SC indicates it may allow Karti Chidambaram to visit abroad
The Supreme Court today asked the CBI to apprise it of its stand on allowing the request of Karti Chidambaram, son of former Union Minister P Chidambaram,
to go abroad for a few days.
The apex court also asked the probe agency to apprise it of the reasons of not interrogating Karti if it decided not to call him at present.
You take instructions on allowing the respondent (Karti Chidambaram) to go abroad for 4-5 days and what conditions can be imposed on him, a bench of Chief Justice Dipak Misra and Justices A M Khanwilkar and D Y Chandrachud said.
The bench perused the documents submitted by CBI against Karti in a sealed cover and observed that the prosecuting agency had grievances looking at the past conduct of the respondent.
-- PTI
19:57 Kejriwal a peculiar person, says Amarinder Singh in Delhi smog row
Arvind Kejriwal is a "peculiar person with views on everything but no understanding", Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh snapped at his Delhi counterpart, who has blamed the thick, deadly smog covering the capital mainly on stubble burning in neighbouring states.
"Kejriwal is a very peculiar person...he has his own viewpoints on everything without understanding the situation," Amarinder Singh said hours after Kejriwal suggested that the Punjab and Haryana governments rise above politics and help evolve a solution to Delhi's air quality emergency.
"If I have got 20 million tonnes of paddy straw, if I ask the farmer to store this, farms will be covered with the paddy straw. Kejriwal doesn't understand this problem," said the chief minister.
The Delhi CM said he had been asking, without luck, to meet with his Haryana and Punjab counterparts. "I haven't yet got a chance to meet the two CMs," he said.
19:25 BJP expresses confidence of winning in Himachal polls
As the Himachal Pradesh assembly polls ended today, the BJP expressed confidence of getting a huge majority, claiming that the tally of the incumbent Congress would be reduced to single digit in the 68-member House.
In the outgoing assembly, the Congress and the BJP have 35 and 28 MLAs respectively besides four independents and one seat is vacant.
"People have given their mandate. The five-year corrupt rule of Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh is going to end. We will get over 60 seats and the Congress tally will be confined to singe digit. It will disappear from the state after results are announced," BJP media head Anil Baluni said.
The assembly poll results are scheduled to be announced on December 18.
-- PTI
19:03 Padma Shri awardee author Manu Sharma passes away
Noted author and Padma Shri awardee Manu Sharma died here following a prolonged illness.
He was 89.
Manu Sharma alias Hanuman Prasad Sharma died at his residence yesterday, his family sources said.
He was nominated as one of the 'navratna' of the Swachha Bharat Abhiyan by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to Varanasi, his Lok Sabha constituency in 2014.
Sharma had donated his lifetime savings of Rs 20 lakh for the renovation of a 'ghat' in Varanasi to carry out a cleanliness campaign.
He was also the recipient of the prestigious Yash Bharti Award of the Uttar Pradesh government.
Sharma has authored several hindi books including 'Krishna Ki Atmakatha'.
His last rites were performed at the Manikarnika Ghat with full state honours, the family sources said. -- PTI
18:59
Himachal Pradesh records 74 per cent polling till 5 pm: EC
18:57 Rajput Karni Sena seeks complete ban on 'Padmavati'
After the distributors in Rajasthan refused to buy the rights of Sanjay Leela Bhansalis Padmavati in the wake of trouble from various Rajput groups, fringe outfit Rajput Karni Sena now seeks a complete ban on the film.
"Sanjay Leela Bhansali should be charged with sedition. He hasn't met us, hasn't shown us the film. So now we want a complete ban on it, the Sena said.
Bhansali on Wednesday released a video statement on the film's official Twitter account calling the Deepika Padukone-Shahid Kapoor-Ranveer Singh starrer his tribute to the "sacrifice, valour and honour" of Rani Padmavati.
Bhansali said rumours about a romantic dream sequence between Rani Padmavati and Alauddin Khil.
Padmavati has been mired in controversies ever since its initial announcement was made.
Various Rajput groups have accused the director of distorting historical facts.
18:55 Air pollution: Schools closed tomorrow, Saturday in Gurugram
The Gurugram district administration today directed that government and private school would be closed tomorrow and on Saturday in view of deteriorating air pollution conditions.
"Due to smog, pollution and toxic air in Delhi and the National Capital Region, including Gurugram, we have decided to close all private and government schools on Friday and Saturday," District Magistrate Vinay Pratap Singh said.
"Smog can be dangerous for minor children and students. We have suggested residents to wear the best quality mask to combat air pollution," he said. -- PTI
18:43 No need to panic over air pollution in Delhi: Environment Minister
Union Environment Minister Harsh Vardhan today said there was no need to panic over the poor air quality in Delhi and hoped the situation would return to normal in the "next few days".
Air pollutant touched calamitous levels in Delhi yesterday, as a thick grey smog hung low across the region, prompting the government to declare schools closed till Sunday, halt construction activity and ban the entry of trucks in the city.
Vardhan, who was in Goa to participate in a function organised by the CSIR-National Institute of Oceanography said, "From yesterday to today, things have become better (on the air pollution front in Delhi). All this actually got precipitated because of weather conditions."
"There was some moisture, which came from eastern Uttar Pradesh and due to wind speed this particulate matter got accumulated in the atmosphere," the minister said.
Vardhan, who also holds the portfolio of Science, Technology and Earth Sciences, said it was expected that in another 24 hours things would be under control due to measures being undertaken by various government agencies.
"I am hopeful that things would be under control. There is no reason for anyone to panic. We should be taking adequate amount of precautions to ensure that we by and large stay indoors and do not expose our children to too much of polluted air," Vardhan maintained.
"We should be performing a positive role and contributing positively to improve the situation," he said.
The minister said governments of Delhi and the neighbouring states should fulfil their respective responsibilities.
"Steps (to improve the situation) have to taken by the Delhi government, they should work with total sincerity. Similarly, neighbouring state governments will also have to fulfil their part of the responsibility," he said.
Vardhan said, "I am sure in the near future, in the next few days, things would return to normal."
The minister said the Centre is already in touch with all the state governments in the Delhi-NCR region.
"We have once again asked them to implement the graded action plan. There is a detailed action plan whenever such a situation on air pollution arises. Everybody has to get into action." -- PTI
18:22 Need atmosphere free of terror: MEA on Indo-Pak talks
India today made it clear that for talks with Pakistan to go ahead, there has to be a conducive environment and atmosphere free of terror and free of terrorists receiving support from Islamabad.
The remarks by External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar came in response to a question regarding reports from Pakistan on possibility of resumption of stalled Indo-Pak talks.
"Our stand remains the same. We have always maintained that for the talks to go ahead there should be a conducive environment and atmosphere. And that environment has to be created which is free of terrorism and free of terrorists getting support from Pakistan," he asserted.
India and Pakistan had announced resumption of talks under the comprehensive bilateral dialogue format during External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj's visit to Islamabad in December 2015. However, the dialogue hit a roadblock after the Pathankot terror strike by a Pakistan-based terror outfit in 2016.
On a question about SAARC, Kumar said it is one country that needs to create conditions where such talks will have meaning and will be successful. -- PTI
18:01 HP polls: India's first voter casts his vote
India's oldest voter Shyam Saran Negi, 100, today cast his vote in Kinnaur during polling in Himachal Pradesh.
"Everyone should vote. This is the biggest right we have been given by our Constitution," he said after exercising his franchise for the 29th time since 1951.
Negi has voted 16 times in the Lok Sabha elections and 13 times in assembly polls.
17:39 Central bank to launch 'Suno RBI Kya Kehta Hai' campaign against fake offers
The Reserve Bank will soon launch an awareness campaign -- Suno RBI Kya Kehta Hai -- through SMSes to warn the public against falling prey to unsolicited and fictitious offers from fraudsters.
The drive comes amid rising instances of fraudsters trying to dupe gullible customers by promising them lucrative financial gains and prize money through e-mails and SMSes, and even through phone calls.
"The Reserve Bank of India, India's central bank, will soon launch a public awareness campaign through SMSes to educate members of the public about various banking regulations and facilities available to them," the RBI said.
To begin with, the central bank will send messages cautioning people against falling victim to such unsolicited and fictitious offers. The cautionary messages will be sent from 'RBISAY' sender ID.
In the past also, the central bank has been alerting the public against such offers through press releases issued from time to time.
"This is the first time it will use the same media (SMS and e-mails) as those used by fraudsters," the RBI statement said.
People can also give a missed call to 8691960000 to get more information through Interactive Voice Response System (IVRS) on fake calls or e-mails as "well as investing wisely and cautiously in chit funds", it added. -- PTI
17:20 Odd-even scheme: 2-wheelers, women drivers to be exempted
Delhi Transport Minister Gahlot today said that two-wheelers and women drivers will be exempted under odd-even scheme which will be enforced in Delhi for a five-day period from November 13 to November 17.
"Odd-even to be implemented from 8 am to 8 pm from November 13-17," Gahlot said.
He also said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi should convey an emergency meeting of chief minister of Delhi and adjoining states to discuss the current crisis.
Under the odd-even scheme, private vehicles are allowed to run based on the last number of their licence plates.
Odd-numbered cars are allowed to run on odd dates while even-numbered cars can only run on even dates.
In 2016, the scheme was enforced twice -- January 1-15 and April 15-30.
16:58 PM Modi to attend ASEAN business summit
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be travelling to the Philippines on November 12 to attend the India-ASEAN and East Asia summits on November 14 during which bilateral trade and investments as well as other key issues will be discussed.
This was announced by the external affairs ministry in New Delhi today.
Preeti Saran, Secretary (East) in the ministry, also said that during the India-ASEAN Summit, the two sides will review the bilateral trade and investments and discuss important regional issues as well.
Ministry officials also said the government is working on bilateral meetings between the prime minister and other leaders on the sidelines of these summits. -- PTI
16:17 Dinakaran presents brave front after tax raids
The income tax department carried out
raids at the Jaya TV office among 21 other locations in Tamil Nadu following
reports of tax evasion. The other sites being raided include the house of Sasikala's brother Ilavarasi in Chennai's T Nagar where VK Sasikala stayed while she was out on parole and her brother TTV Dinakaran's residence at Mannargudi.
However, all was calm at Dinakaran's residence. The usual jamboree of supporters were hanging around AIADMK spokesperson CR Saraswati with volunteers distributing food and water.
However, all was calm at Dinakaran's residence. The usual jamboree of supporters were hanging around AIADMK spokesperson CR Saraswati with volunteers distributing food and water.
16:02 Scoop that may be a dud
The Delhi durbar is agog that a website is planning a major scoop just before the winter session of Parliament. Insiders believe the revelations will be a major onslaught on the BJP government at the Centre. The scoop could centre around a Union Minister and his politician son who have been on a collision course with a member of their staff. The government is seemingly indifferent about the purported scoop as there is no scam involved.
16:01 DMK to ally with BJP?
Will Tamil Nadu politics undergo a major change?
Yes and no.
Last week, Prime Minister Narendra Modi dropped in at DMK founder M Karunanidhi's residence. He also met Karunanidhi's son MK Stalin and daughter Kanimozhi.
The following day, the DMK cancelled protest meetings across Tamil Nadu on the 1st anniversary of demonetisation.
AIADMK leaders are, of course, unhappy over the meeting and while they have made no statements yet, political observers in New Delhi believe that the DMK may abandon the Congress and forge an alliance with the BJP.
There is still time for the 2019 polls, but observers believe a surprise is in the offing. Watch this space.
Yes and no.
Last week, Prime Minister Narendra Modi dropped in at DMK founder M Karunanidhi's residence. He also met Karunanidhi's son MK Stalin and daughter Kanimozhi.
The following day, the DMK cancelled protest meetings across Tamil Nadu on the 1st anniversary of demonetisation.
AIADMK leaders are, of course, unhappy over the meeting and while they have made no statements yet, political observers in New Delhi believe that the DMK may abandon the Congress and forge an alliance with the BJP.
There is still time for the 2019 polls, but observers believe a surprise is in the offing. Watch this space.
15:58 A suitable governor for J-K
As NN Vohra takes over as president of the Tribune Trust which publishes The Tribune newspaper, a search is on for a suitable candidate as Jammu and Kashmir governor.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has discussed prospective candidates with with J-K Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti.
Modi's choice will offer an insight about the PM's thinking on J-K and will be a message for Pakistan, a source in the Prime Minister's Office said.
PMO insiders also say the new J-K governor could be a politician or a retired bureaucrat.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has discussed prospective candidates with with J-K Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti.
Modi's choice will offer an insight about the PM's thinking on J-K and will be a message for Pakistan, a source in the Prime Minister's Office said.
PMO insiders also say the new J-K governor could be a politician or a retired bureaucrat.
15:54 'There is only one law and that is the law of nature!'
Another year. Another monsoon and floods again in Chennai.
This grim situation is not confined to Chennai alone.
All big cities in India -- Mumbai, Bengaluru, Kolkata, Hyderabad -- suffer when monsoon arrives.
Why do the citizens of big cities suffer when something natural like the monsoon arrives? What is wrong with urban planning in our country?
Environmental activist Nityanand Jayaraman discusses rains, the cities of India and our apathy to the environment with Rediff.com's Shobha Warrier.
Read the interview here.
This grim situation is not confined to Chennai alone.
All big cities in India -- Mumbai, Bengaluru, Kolkata, Hyderabad -- suffer when monsoon arrives.
Why do the citizens of big cities suffer when something natural like the monsoon arrives? What is wrong with urban planning in our country?
Environmental activist Nityanand Jayaraman discusses rains, the cities of India and our apathy to the environment with Rediff.com's Shobha Warrier.
Read the interview here.
15:48 Delhi smog: NHRC issues notice to Centre, Punjab-Haryana govt.
The National Human Rights Commission, alarmed over the life threatening air pollution in Delhi-NCR, on Thursday issued a notice to the Centre and Punjab and Haryana Governments on their action plan to tackle the situation.
"Taking a serious view of the life threatening high pollution in Delhi-NCR, the NHRC has observed that it is apparent that the concerned authorities have not taken proper steps throughout the year to tackle this hazard, which is amounting to violation of the Right to Life and Health of the residents in the region," the NHRC said. -- ANI
"Taking a serious view of the life threatening high pollution in Delhi-NCR, the NHRC has observed that it is apparent that the concerned authorities have not taken proper steps throughout the year to tackle this hazard, which is amounting to violation of the Right to Life and Health of the residents in the region," the NHRC said. -- ANI
15:34 Pradhyumn murder: Class XI student confesses to crime, says CBI
The accused in the Pradhyumn Thakur murder case confessed to his crime in front of his father, the Central Bureau of Investigation told a juvenile court today.
Pradhyumn was found dead inside the toilet of the Ryan International School, Gurugram, with his throat slit on September 8.
The cold-blooded murder case of the seven-year-old boy took a new dimension on Wednesday after the CBI trashed the probe by the Gurugram Police and gave a clean chit to the bus conductor arrested with charges of murder and sexual assault in connection with the case, and arrested a juvenile.
The CBI then produced the accused juvenile, a class 11 student of the Ryan International School, Gurugram, before the Juvenile Justice Board and demanded his six-day custody. The juvenile court, however, granted only three-day custody with a rider that the accused can only be questioned from 10 am to 5 pm only.
ANI accessed the CBI remand copy, which it submitted before the Juvenile Justice Board on Wednesday. It says, "On the basis of minute inspection of crime, analysis of the CCTV footage and movements of the students near the scene of crime, and questioning of students, teachers and other staff of the school on 7.11.2017, the CBI has identified and apprehended juvenile in conflict with law at 2330 hours. He has admitted his involvement in committing the murder of Master Pradyuman Thakur on 08.09.2017 in ground floor boys washroom of Ryan International School, Gurugram in presence of his father, independent witnesses, welfare officer of the CBI."
The probe agency also told the juvenile court that the juvenile's father was informed about his son's arrest. The accused was also medically examined on November 8 at 0330 hours at the Safdarjung Hospital. -- ANI
Image: The accused with his face covered being taken to custody
Pradhyumn was found dead inside the toilet of the Ryan International School, Gurugram, with his throat slit on September 8.
The cold-blooded murder case of the seven-year-old boy took a new dimension on Wednesday after the CBI trashed the probe by the Gurugram Police and gave a clean chit to the bus conductor arrested with charges of murder and sexual assault in connection with the case, and arrested a juvenile.
The CBI then produced the accused juvenile, a class 11 student of the Ryan International School, Gurugram, before the Juvenile Justice Board and demanded his six-day custody. The juvenile court, however, granted only three-day custody with a rider that the accused can only be questioned from 10 am to 5 pm only.
ANI accessed the CBI remand copy, which it submitted before the Juvenile Justice Board on Wednesday. It says, "On the basis of minute inspection of crime, analysis of the CCTV footage and movements of the students near the scene of crime, and questioning of students, teachers and other staff of the school on 7.11.2017, the CBI has identified and apprehended juvenile in conflict with law at 2330 hours. He has admitted his involvement in committing the murder of Master Pradyuman Thakur on 08.09.2017 in ground floor boys washroom of Ryan International School, Gurugram in presence of his father, independent witnesses, welfare officer of the CBI."
The probe agency also told the juvenile court that the juvenile's father was informed about his son's arrest. The accused was also medically examined on November 8 at 0330 hours at the Safdarjung Hospital. -- ANI
Image: The accused with his face covered being taken to custody
15:26 Dead grasshopper found in Vincent Van Gogh painting
Scientists have discovered a dead grasshopper embedded for over a century in the thick paint of Dutch post-Impressionist Vincent Van Gogh's masterpiece 'Olive Trees'.
The grasshopper was found as part of research for a catalogue of the French painting collection at The Nelson- Atkins Museum of Art in Kansas City in the US.
While examining the painting under magnification, Paintings Conservator Mary Schafer discovered the tiny grasshopper embedded in the paint. The insect was found in the lower foreground of the landscape, but cannot be seen by visitors through casual observation.
"It is not unusual to find insects or plant material in a painting that was completed outdoors," Schafer said. "But in this case, we were curious if the grasshopper could be used to identify the particular season in which this work was painted," she said. -- PTI
The grasshopper was found as part of research for a catalogue of the French painting collection at The Nelson- Atkins Museum of Art in Kansas City in the US.
While examining the painting under magnification, Paintings Conservator Mary Schafer discovered the tiny grasshopper embedded in the paint. The insect was found in the lower foreground of the landscape, but cannot be seen by visitors through casual observation.
"It is not unusual to find insects or plant material in a painting that was completed outdoors," Schafer said. "But in this case, we were curious if the grasshopper could be used to identify the particular season in which this work was painted," she said. -- PTI
14:09 Delhi re-implements Odd-Even rule from Nov 13-17
The Delhi government has decided to implement the Odd-Even policy in Delhi from November 13-17. Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal had earlier announced that the a decision on bringing back the Odd-Even formula will be taken by today or tomorrow.
Pollution levels in Delhi are at an all-time high. Heavy smog engulfed the city for the whole day on Tuesday and continues unabated today.
Authorities have shut down schools for the rest of the week. Environment minister Harsh Vardhan speaking to the media has said that the citizens need not panic as the authorities are taking the necessary steps. He also advised people to stay indoors and take extra care of children.
The National Green Tribunal today also issued a slew of directions to deal with the situation, including banning construction and industrial activities and
entry of trucks, while lambasting the Delhi government and civic bodies over the worsening air quality in Delhi and neighbouring states.
Delhi Metro parking rates will be increased four times the prevalent rates from tomorrow onwards, in a bid to discourage use of private vehicles.
Beside, Delhi Metro, Baijal also directed the Municipal Corporations, DDA to enhance parking fees by four times.
The odd-even rule launched last year by the AAP government in Delhi required vehicles with odd and even numbers to run on alternate days, with the view to limit movement of vehicles, and consequently reduce air pollution.
The rule applied for 15 days.
The scheme was first implemented by the Delhi government in January 2016, and re-introduced in April of the same year.
Pollution levels in Delhi are at an all-time high. Heavy smog engulfed the city for the whole day on Tuesday and continues unabated today.
Authorities have shut down schools for the rest of the week. Environment minister Harsh Vardhan speaking to the media has said that the citizens need not panic as the authorities are taking the necessary steps. He also advised people to stay indoors and take extra care of children.
The National Green Tribunal today also issued a slew of directions to deal with the situation, including banning construction and industrial activities and
entry of trucks, while lambasting the Delhi government and civic bodies over the worsening air quality in Delhi and neighbouring states.
Delhi Metro parking rates will be increased four times the prevalent rates from tomorrow onwards, in a bid to discourage use of private vehicles.
Beside, Delhi Metro, Baijal also directed the Municipal Corporations, DDA to enhance parking fees by four times.
The odd-even rule launched last year by the AAP government in Delhi required vehicles with odd and even numbers to run on alternate days, with the view to limit movement of vehicles, and consequently reduce air pollution.
The rule applied for 15 days.
The scheme was first implemented by the Delhi government in January 2016, and re-introduced in April of the same year.
13:58
Just in: Police official fired upon by terrorists in J&K's Anantnag; admitted to hospital. More details awaited.
13:57 5-judge bench to hear plea on bribes taken in the name of judges
The Supreme Court on Thursday agreed to hear urgently a plea regarding
alleged bribes being taken in the name of judges. A bench of justices J
Chelameswar and S Abdul Nazeer agreed to list the matter before itself
on the request of former Supreme Court Bar Association president
and senior advocate Dushyant Dave.
The court refers to a five-judge Constitution Bench a plea alleging that bribes were taken in the name of judges. The SC issues notice to the Centre and CBI on the plea seeking the setting up of SIT headed by ex-SC judge and monitored by the court. The SC asks the CBI to keep in safe custody documents of an FIR in which ex-Odisha HC judge is also an accused, the court also directed the CBI to produce documents in a sealed cover
before the constitution bench on November 13.
The CBI FIR alleges that ex-HC judge, others conspired and sought gratification assuring favourable settlement of case in the SC.
The court refers to a five-judge Constitution Bench a plea alleging that bribes were taken in the name of judges. The SC issues notice to the Centre and CBI on the plea seeking the setting up of SIT headed by ex-SC judge and monitored by the court. The SC asks the CBI to keep in safe custody documents of an FIR in which ex-Odisha HC judge is also an accused, the court also directed the CBI to produce documents in a sealed cover
before the constitution bench on November 13.
The CBI FIR alleges that ex-HC judge, others conspired and sought gratification assuring favourable settlement of case in the SC.
13:47 Call emergency meeting: Delhi HC
Delhi High Court directs an emergency meeting be called by Union Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change secretary with Chief Secretaries of NCR states and pollution control agencies within three days on pollution.
13:28 Chest, head, throat hurts: Parineeti in Delhi
Actress Parineeti Chopra, who is shooting in Delhi over the last two days, posts this image on her Instagram page, saying, "2 days of shooting in Delhi - and my chest is hurting, head is hurting, throat is paining!! Cant believe we have let things go so out of hand that human beings dont have air to breathe to anymore. Can't imagine the situation for kids and elders. Please guys, lets all WAKE UP. We cannot be doing this to our planet. #DelhiSmog."
13:23 Taking every necessary step possible: Haryana CM on Delhi smog
Expressing concern over the increasing pollution level in Delhi and the National Capital Region, Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar on Thursday asserted that the state is taking every possible step in this regard.
He said every state is taking possible steps to minimise the damage caused and if they have to sit with the neighbouring state to find a solution on the same, they are ready to do so.
"The increasing level of pollution is a matter of concern; we have taken all possible steps in Haryana in this matter. We have also requested people burning stubble to not do so," he said.
"If we are asked by the Centre or Punjab to sit and talk together, we will do that," he added.
Pollution in the national capital has reached disastrous levels with smog enveloping the whole city.
The Health Ministry on Wednesday issued a pollution advisory, asking citizens to drink plenty of water and avoid areas with smoke or heavy dust, among other measures.
Stubble burning by farmers in the nearby states of Punjab and Haryana is considered to be one of the main reasons behind the increasing level of smog in the national capital. -- ANI
He said every state is taking possible steps to minimise the damage caused and if they have to sit with the neighbouring state to find a solution on the same, they are ready to do so.
"The increasing level of pollution is a matter of concern; we have taken all possible steps in Haryana in this matter. We have also requested people burning stubble to not do so," he said.
"If we are asked by the Centre or Punjab to sit and talk together, we will do that," he added.
Pollution in the national capital has reached disastrous levels with smog enveloping the whole city.
The Health Ministry on Wednesday issued a pollution advisory, asking citizens to drink plenty of water and avoid areas with smoke or heavy dust, among other measures.
Stubble burning by farmers in the nearby states of Punjab and Haryana is considered to be one of the main reasons behind the increasing level of smog in the national capital. -- ANI
12:58 Green body bans construction in Delhi
The National Green Tribunal bans construction and industrial activities in Delhi-NCR region till November 14. No trucks from outside or within Delhi will be permitted to transport any construction material, says NGT.
NGT observed: "Even construction work taking place openly isn't being stopped, and when such a situation has ensued now action is being promised". NGT slammed neighbouring states of Delhi and raised questions on their seriousness on the grave situation.
"All the constitutional authorities and statutory bodies measurably failed to perform their duties. So far pollution is the concern, it is a joint responsibility of all the stakeholders" said NGT.NGT has asked the Delhi Government on the steps being taken to curtail pollution, the number of challans issued to violators and the number of construction sites where work has been stopped. NGT has asked why rain isn't artificially being triggered using helicopters. NGT also directed, all the public authorities should depute an officer to monitor the polluting activities. All the concerned states' pollution control boards to monitor all parameters.
Delhi continues to choke under a poisonous cloak of smog with pollutants touching calamitous levels, as a thick grey smog hung low across the region, prompting authorities to declare schools shut till Sunday, halt construction activities and ban entry of trucks in the city.
Lt Governor Anil Baijal approved the Environment Pollution (Prevention and Control) Authoritys decision to enforce these measures enlisted under the severe plus or emergency category of the Graded Response Action Plan in a meeting attended by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal.
A decision on whether or not to implement the odd-even car-rationing scheme will be taken on Thursday, the EPCA said.
NGT observed: "Even construction work taking place openly isn't being stopped, and when such a situation has ensued now action is being promised". NGT slammed neighbouring states of Delhi and raised questions on their seriousness on the grave situation.
"All the constitutional authorities and statutory bodies measurably failed to perform their duties. So far pollution is the concern, it is a joint responsibility of all the stakeholders" said NGT.NGT has asked the Delhi Government on the steps being taken to curtail pollution, the number of challans issued to violators and the number of construction sites where work has been stopped. NGT has asked why rain isn't artificially being triggered using helicopters. NGT also directed, all the public authorities should depute an officer to monitor the polluting activities. All the concerned states' pollution control boards to monitor all parameters.
Delhi continues to choke under a poisonous cloak of smog with pollutants touching calamitous levels, as a thick grey smog hung low across the region, prompting authorities to declare schools shut till Sunday, halt construction activities and ban entry of trucks in the city.
Lt Governor Anil Baijal approved the Environment Pollution (Prevention and Control) Authoritys decision to enforce these measures enlisted under the severe plus or emergency category of the Graded Response Action Plan in a meeting attended by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal.
A decision on whether or not to implement the odd-even car-rationing scheme will be taken on Thursday, the EPCA said.
12:26
A doting father's birthday wishes for his son.
Lalu Prasad Yadav @laluprasadrjd Happy Birthday My Boy @yadavtejashwi ! Keep fighting & rooting out inequality & injustice
Lalu Prasad Yadav @laluprasadrjd Happy Birthday My Boy @yadavtejashwi ! Keep fighting & rooting out inequality & injustice
12:24 Centre can't harm us by conducting raids: Dinakaran
Sidelined All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam leader TTV Dinakaran on Thursday said the Centre is day dreaming if it believes that it can cause his faction any harm by conducting raids.
Dubbing the raids as a political vendetta Dinakaran said, "People are watching everything. They understand what is going on. If the Centre thinks they can destroy us by conducting such raids, they are day-dreaming. It is a political vendetta. People who have looted the state are sitting in power."
The income tax department raided the premises of Jaya TV and Dr. Namadhu MGR, a Tamil newspaper, this morning.AIADMK Karnataka in-charge, E Pugazhendi's is also under scanner. -- ANI
Dubbing the raids as a political vendetta Dinakaran said, "People are watching everything. They understand what is going on. If the Centre thinks they can destroy us by conducting such raids, they are day-dreaming. It is a political vendetta. People who have looted the state are sitting in power."
The income tax department raided the premises of Jaya TV and Dr. Namadhu MGR, a Tamil newspaper, this morning.AIADMK Karnataka in-charge, E Pugazhendi's is also under scanner. -- ANI
11:19 PM meets Charles, Camilla
PM Narendra Modi tweets this picture with Prince Charles and his wife Camilla, saying, "Had a wonderful meeting with TRH The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall last evening. We discussed ways to further strengthen India-UK bilateral ties."
Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall arrived on Wednesday on a two-day visit to India at the final leg of their 10-day four-nation tour that also took them to Singapore, Malaysia and Brunei.
Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall arrived on Wednesday on a two-day visit to India at the final leg of their 10-day four-nation tour that also took them to Singapore, Malaysia and Brunei.
11:05 Virbhadra certain of Cong win in Himachal
Congress chief ministerial candidate Virbhadra Singh on Thursday said that he is certain of the party winning with full majority in the ongoing Himachal Pradesh Assembly elections.
The longest serving chief minister of the state, Singh told ANI: "We hope for the best. I am sure that the Congress party will be achieving full majority votes in the elections. The next government too will be of the Congress. I have a very long and successful political career. The derogatory remark by Prime Minister Narendra Modi against the Opposition does not suit him."
Singh cast his vote along with his son Vikramaditya from Shimla. He is fighting against BJP's Prem Kumar Dhumal, two-time Chief Minister of the state, while the Bahujan Samaj Party is contesting 42 seats, followed by the Communist Party of India (Marxist), which is contesting 14, Swabhiman Party and Lok Gathbandhan Party six each, and the CPI contesting three seats.
The main focus of the BJP's campaign was corruption, while the Congress hit out at the Opposition regarding the issues of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) and demonetisation.A total of 50,25,941 voters are eligible to cast their votes and the polling will take place at 7,525 booths with EVMs and VVPAT. The counting will be done on December 18. -- ANI
Image: Himachal Pradesh CM Virbhadra Singh with his wife and son Vikramaditya. Picture courtesy: ANI
The longest serving chief minister of the state, Singh told ANI: "We hope for the best. I am sure that the Congress party will be achieving full majority votes in the elections. The next government too will be of the Congress. I have a very long and successful political career. The derogatory remark by Prime Minister Narendra Modi against the Opposition does not suit him."
Singh cast his vote along with his son Vikramaditya from Shimla. He is fighting against BJP's Prem Kumar Dhumal, two-time Chief Minister of the state, while the Bahujan Samaj Party is contesting 42 seats, followed by the Communist Party of India (Marxist), which is contesting 14, Swabhiman Party and Lok Gathbandhan Party six each, and the CPI contesting three seats.
The main focus of the BJP's campaign was corruption, while the Congress hit out at the Opposition regarding the issues of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) and demonetisation.A total of 50,25,941 voters are eligible to cast their votes and the polling will take place at 7,525 booths with EVMs and VVPAT. The counting will be done on December 18. -- ANI
Image: Himachal Pradesh CM Virbhadra Singh with his wife and son Vikramaditya. Picture courtesy: ANI
11:02 Jaya TV offices, Sasikala aides raided across Tamil Nadu
Income Tax sleuths today raided the premises of Jaya TV in Chennai and its associates over suspected tax evasion as part of 'Operation Clean Money', sources said. The searches at the Tamil television channel, which is perceived to be politically disposed in favour of deposed AIADMK leaders V K Sasikala and TTV Dhinakaran, were conducted over alleged tax evasion. Also, the allegation covers aspects like shell companies, dubious investments, fund flow and fudging of accounts, income tax sources told PTI.
Searches also cover the premises of Midas Distilleries and Jazz Cinemas, they said. The two entities are perceived to be associated with some of those linked to Jaya TV. Jaya TV also reported the searches by tax sleuths in its premises and at Jazz cinemas. The searches were being conducted by more than 10 groups since this morning, sources added. -- PTI
Searches also cover the premises of Midas Distilleries and Jazz Cinemas, they said. The two entities are perceived to be associated with some of those linked to Jaya TV. Jaya TV also reported the searches by tax sleuths in its premises and at Jazz cinemas. The searches were being conducted by more than 10 groups since this morning, sources added. -- PTI
10:51 Tulsi Gabbard named chairperson of World Hindu Congress 2018
Tulsi Gabbard, the first Hindu lawmaker in the US Congress, has been named as the chairperson of the World Hindu Congress to be held in Chicago next year, organisers of the mega event announced today.
Held once every four years, World Hindu Congress is a global platform for Hindus to connect, share ideas, inspire one another and impact the common good. Organised by the World Hindu Foundation, the first Congress was held in New Delhi in 2014. The second WHC will take place in Illinois in Chicago from September 7 to 9 next year. -- PTI
Held once every four years, World Hindu Congress is a global platform for Hindus to connect, share ideas, inspire one another and impact the common good. Organised by the World Hindu Foundation, the first Congress was held in New Delhi in 2014. The second WHC will take place in Illinois in Chicago from September 7 to 9 next year. -- PTI
10:34 Spacey dropped from Ridley Scott's film
In another blow to Kevin Spacey, director Ridley Scott has dropped the actor from his upcoming film "All The Money In The World", in wake of multiple allegations of sexual misconduct and harassment against him. The 68-year-old actor has been replaced by Christopher Plummer, who will now portray J Paul Getty in the story about the infamous 1973 kidnapping of his grandson, 16-year-old John Paul Getty III, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
The move comes weeks before the release of the film on December 22. The movie, which was scheduled to close the AFI Fest, was pulled off from the event after Scott pressed for it. -- PTI
The move comes weeks before the release of the film on December 22. The movie, which was scheduled to close the AFI Fest, was pulled off from the event after Scott pressed for it. -- PTI
10:33 Demonetisation: The greatest magic act ever performed
Making sense of how Narendra Modi sold a disastrous economic policy to a spellbound nation. Read the column here.
10:12 Virbhadra, family vote
Himachal Pradesh elections: Virbhadra Singh and his son Vikramaditya cast their votes at a polling booth in Shimla. Virbhadra Singh says the Congress party will be victorious with full majority.
10:11 Ludhiana chokes under smog cover
A thick layer of smog blankets Ludhiana early this morning. All schools in Punjab will remain closed for three days from November 9 to 11, owing to the mishaps taking place due to dense fog and inclement weather.
On Wednesday, nine people, including eight students, waiting by the roadside near Bhucho town, 10km from Bathinda city on the Chandigarh-Bathinda road, were crushed to death when a tipper truck -- speeding even as smog had caused poor visibility -- ran over them.
On Wednesday, nine people, including eight students, waiting by the roadside near Bhucho town, 10km from Bathinda city on the Chandigarh-Bathinda road, were crushed to death when a tipper truck -- speeding even as smog had caused poor visibility -- ran over them.
09:57 Jaipur royal family threatens to oppose Padmavati's release
Members of the erstwhile Jaipur royal family and Bharatiya Janata Party MLA, Diya Kumari, on Wednesday threatened to oppose the release of Sanjay Leela Bhansali's magnum opus 'Padmavati' unless "objectionable scenes" were not removed from the film.
"As long as we are not fully satisfied with the film and objectionable scenes are not removed we will not let 'Padmavati' release," Kumari told ANI, on behalf of the Rajput community.
The film has been embroiled in a spate of controversies ever since its inception. The period drama starring Deepika Padukone, Ranveer Singh and Shahid Kapoor has been facing protests from various communal groups, including Shree Rajput Karni Sena, for allegedly tampering historical facts.
The Karni Sena, which demolished the sets of the movie in Jaipur and also thrashed Bhansali, last month, again, warned the director that he would face consequences if the movie distorted historical facts. -- PTI
"As long as we are not fully satisfied with the film and objectionable scenes are not removed we will not let 'Padmavati' release," Kumari told ANI, on behalf of the Rajput community.
The film has been embroiled in a spate of controversies ever since its inception. The period drama starring Deepika Padukone, Ranveer Singh and Shahid Kapoor has been facing protests from various communal groups, including Shree Rajput Karni Sena, for allegedly tampering historical facts.
The Karni Sena, which demolished the sets of the movie in Jaipur and also thrashed Bhansali, last month, again, warned the director that he would face consequences if the movie distorted historical facts. -- PTI
09:35 Voting begins in Himachal
Voting began in Himachal Pradesh this morning in 68 constituencies where 337 candidates including 62 MLAs are in the fray. A total of 50,25,941 voters are eligible to vote. As many as 7,525 polling booths have been set up in the state and 37,605 polling personnel have been deputed for poll duty. Besides 17,850 personnel of police and Home Guards and 65 companies of central paramilitary force have been deployed.
Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh, 10 ministers, eight Chief Parliamentary secretaries, Deputy Speaker Jagat Singh Negi, former chief minister Prem Kumar Dhumal and over a dozen former ministers are among those who have thrown their hat in the ring.
The ruling Congress led by the chief minister and the BJP led with former chief minister Dhumal are contesting all 68 seats while the BSP is contesting 42 seats, followed by the CPI(M) 14, Swabhiman Party and Lok Gathbandhan Party six each and the CPI-3.
The 12-days' high-voltage campaign, which came to an end on Tuesday, saw over 450 rallies by star campaigners of the BJP and the Congress including Prime minister Narendra Modi and BJP chief Amit Shah who addressed seven and six rallies respectively. Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi addressed three rallies. -- PTI
Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh, 10 ministers, eight Chief Parliamentary secretaries, Deputy Speaker Jagat Singh Negi, former chief minister Prem Kumar Dhumal and over a dozen former ministers are among those who have thrown their hat in the ring.
The ruling Congress led by the chief minister and the BJP led with former chief minister Dhumal are contesting all 68 seats while the BSP is contesting 42 seats, followed by the CPI(M) 14, Swabhiman Party and Lok Gathbandhan Party six each and the CPI-3.
The 12-days' high-voltage campaign, which came to an end on Tuesday, saw over 450 rallies by star campaigners of the BJP and the Congress including Prime minister Narendra Modi and BJP chief Amit Shah who addressed seven and six rallies respectively. Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi addressed three rallies. -- PTI
09:26 Delhi gets no respite from smog; Punjab also shuts schools
Smog continues to choke the residents of Delhi and several parts of Punjab and Haryana on third straight day as the Punjab government also ordered schools to remain shut till Sunday.
Air Quality Index in Delhi's Punjabi Bagh area was 799, in Dwarka 388, in Shadipur 362, in RK Puram 652, and in Anand Vihar it was 515. All fall in the 'hazardous' category.
The pollution level in Punjabi Bagh and RK Puram were at the maximum, though comparatively lesser than in the past three days.
The maximum Air quality in the national capital and its nearby areas is hovering between 400-700, which is above the danger level.
The lowest pollution level was recorded in East Delhi's Dilshad Garden area with 264 AQI.
A total of 41 trains are arriving late in Delhi area due to smog, nine trains have been rescheduled and 10 cancelled.
In the wake of the pollution level in the city reaching the hazardous level, the Health Ministry on Wednesday issued a pollution advisory, asking citizens to drink plenty of water and to avoid areas with smoke or heavy dust, among other measures.
The Delhi Metro will also increase the frequency of trains to encourage people to use the public transport due to heightened pollution levels.
The city's air quality worsened ahead of winter as cooler air traps pollutants near the ground, preventing them from dispersing into the atmosphere.
Municipal Corporations, Delhi Development Authority and Delhi Metro Rail Corporation to enhance parking fees by four times, directed Lt Governor Anil Baijal in a high-level meeting with all the stakeholder departments/agencies in view of severe air pollution.
DPCC, SDMs, Municipal Corporations and Industries Department to strictly enforce ban on use of electricity generator sets with exceptions as defined by DPCC for essential services, the Lt Governor said.
The Transport Department will start preparing for odd-even scheme, directed the L-G. He also directed Municipal Corporations, DDA and SDMs to strictly enforce prohibition on open burning. -- ANI
IMAGE: Thick smog seen in New Delhi's India Gate area on Thursday morning. Photograph: ANI
Air Quality Index in Delhi's Punjabi Bagh area was 799, in Dwarka 388, in Shadipur 362, in RK Puram 652, and in Anand Vihar it was 515. All fall in the 'hazardous' category.
The pollution level in Punjabi Bagh and RK Puram were at the maximum, though comparatively lesser than in the past three days.
The maximum Air quality in the national capital and its nearby areas is hovering between 400-700, which is above the danger level.
The lowest pollution level was recorded in East Delhi's Dilshad Garden area with 264 AQI.
A total of 41 trains are arriving late in Delhi area due to smog, nine trains have been rescheduled and 10 cancelled.
In the wake of the pollution level in the city reaching the hazardous level, the Health Ministry on Wednesday issued a pollution advisory, asking citizens to drink plenty of water and to avoid areas with smoke or heavy dust, among other measures.
The Delhi Metro will also increase the frequency of trains to encourage people to use the public transport due to heightened pollution levels.
The city's air quality worsened ahead of winter as cooler air traps pollutants near the ground, preventing them from dispersing into the atmosphere.
Municipal Corporations, Delhi Development Authority and Delhi Metro Rail Corporation to enhance parking fees by four times, directed Lt Governor Anil Baijal in a high-level meeting with all the stakeholder departments/agencies in view of severe air pollution.
DPCC, SDMs, Municipal Corporations and Industries Department to strictly enforce ban on use of electricity generator sets with exceptions as defined by DPCC for essential services, the Lt Governor said.
The Transport Department will start preparing for odd-even scheme, directed the L-G. He also directed Municipal Corporations, DDA and SDMs to strictly enforce prohibition on open burning. -- ANI
IMAGE: Thick smog seen in New Delhi's India Gate area on Thursday morning. Photograph: ANI
09:00 IT sleuths raid Jaya TV office over alleged tax evasion
Income Tax sleuths today raided the premises of Jaya TV in Chennai and its associates over suspected tax evasion as part of 'Operation Clean Money', sources said.
The searches at the Tamil television channel, which is perceived to be politically disposed in favour of deposed All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam leaders V K Sasikala and T T V Dinakaran, were conducted over alleged tax evasion.
Also, the allegation covers aspects like shell companies, dubious investments, fund flow and fudging of accounts, income tax sources in Chennai told PTI.
The searches at the TV channel's accounts branch in Chennai is part of 'Operation Clean Money', sources said.
Searches also cover the premises of Midas Distilleries and Jazz Cinemas, they said. The two entities are perceived to be associated with some of those linked to Jaya TV.
Jaya TV also reported the searches by tax sleuths in its premises and at Jazz cinemas.
The searches were being conducted by more than 10 groups since this morning, sources added. -- PTI
The searches at the Tamil television channel, which is perceived to be politically disposed in favour of deposed All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam leaders V K Sasikala and T T V Dinakaran, were conducted over alleged tax evasion.
Also, the allegation covers aspects like shell companies, dubious investments, fund flow and fudging of accounts, income tax sources in Chennai told PTI.
The searches at the TV channel's accounts branch in Chennai is part of 'Operation Clean Money', sources said.
Searches also cover the premises of Midas Distilleries and Jazz Cinemas, they said. The two entities are perceived to be associated with some of those linked to Jaya TV.
Jaya TV also reported the searches by tax sleuths in its premises and at Jazz cinemas.
The searches were being conducted by more than 10 groups since this morning, sources added. -- PTI
00:11 US publishes new Cuba travel restrictions
The US administration has published a series of measures increasing limits on Americans' dealings with Cuba.
The package includes a blacklist of state-owned companies and entities, including shops and hotels.
Most US citizens travelling to the island will now have to go as part of organised tour groups.
The measures come as part of a partial rollback of ex-president Barack Obama's policy of engagement with Cuba, as announced by President Trump in June.
Officials have denied that any of these steps are related to the recent acoustic incidents, defined as "health attacks" by the state department against its officials in Havana.
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