LIVE
Wed, 17 January 2018
Dera violence: Haryana submits claims of over Rs 120 cr to HC
Timeline Refresh
23:00 Dera violence: Haryana submits claims of over Rs 120 cr to HC
The Haryana government submitted before the Punjab and Haryana high court, a gist of claims and losses of over Rs 120 crore incurred in the violence that ensued the conviction of self-styled godman Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh last year.
The Dera Sacha Sauda chief was convicted in a rape case by a special Central Bureau of Investigation court on August 25 last year, following which widespread violence erupted in Panchkula.
"We have submitted a gist of claims of over Rs 120 crore before the high court here," said Haryana Additional Advocate General Pawan Girdhar said today.
The gist was categorised in three heads -- damage caused to public and private property, revenue losses to government departments and expenditure incurred on maintaining law and order in the state, he said.
The court took the gist of claims on the record, Girdhar further said.
A full bench comprising justices A G Masih, Surya Kant and Avneesh Jhingan was hearing a PIL filed by Panchkula resident Ravinder Dhull, who was concerned over the law and order situation in his town.
The next date of hearing in the case is February 6.
"On the next date of hearing, arguments will take place to determine whether the Dera is liable for compensating the losses and expenditure incurred following the violence," said the additional AG.
Nearly 40 people were killed and scores injured during the violence which had erupted following the conviction of Ram Rahim Singh by the Panchkula CBI court.
Ram Rahim is undergoing a 20-year imprisonment in Sunaria jail in Rohtak. -- PTI
The Dera Sacha Sauda chief was convicted in a rape case by a special Central Bureau of Investigation court on August 25 last year, following which widespread violence erupted in Panchkula.
"We have submitted a gist of claims of over Rs 120 crore before the high court here," said Haryana Additional Advocate General Pawan Girdhar said today.
The gist was categorised in three heads -- damage caused to public and private property, revenue losses to government departments and expenditure incurred on maintaining law and order in the state, he said.
The court took the gist of claims on the record, Girdhar further said.
A full bench comprising justices A G Masih, Surya Kant and Avneesh Jhingan was hearing a PIL filed by Panchkula resident Ravinder Dhull, who was concerned over the law and order situation in his town.
The next date of hearing in the case is February 6.
"On the next date of hearing, arguments will take place to determine whether the Dera is liable for compensating the losses and expenditure incurred following the violence," said the additional AG.
Nearly 40 people were killed and scores injured during the violence which had erupted following the conviction of Ram Rahim Singh by the Panchkula CBI court.
Ram Rahim is undergoing a 20-year imprisonment in Sunaria jail in Rohtak. -- PTI
22:47 Rajini, Haasan share dais amid political buzz
Amid
hype over their political entry, the Tamil film industry's top two
actors, Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan, today shared the dais at a
function in Chennai with the former saying only time will tell whether he will
forge an alliance with the latter.
Asked about forging ties with Haasan, who is set to embark on a political tour next month, Rajinikanth said, "Only time will be able to tell that. Let us see in due course of time."
The veteran actors were at a function where the pooja for the film 'Kizhakku Africavil Raju' (Raju in East Africa) was being conducted.
The movie is being planned as a sequel 'in motion capture technology' to All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam founder and former Chief Minister M G Ramachandran-starrer, the 1973 superhit Ulagam Sutrum Valiban, film industry sources said.
Rajinikanth, who had announced on December 31 that he would form his party before the next state assembly polls, snapped the clapboard and Haasan inaugurated the shoot.
The sequel to the movie could not be done at that time as MGR got fully engaged in politics.
Asked what would be his stand in case state assembly polls were held in six months, Rajinikanth told reporters: "I will face it definitely."
He extended his greetings to Haasan on announcing his political entry.
To a question if parties in the state followed the principles of late AIADMK founder and former chief minister M G Ramachandran, he said "Yes definitely, to some extent."
State Ministers C Vijayabaskar and Kadambur C Raju, were present at the function.
Rajinikanth and Haasan had shared the dais in Malaysia earlier this month for a fund-raising event held by the 'Nadigar Sangam'in Chennai , known officially as the South Indian Film Artistes Association.
Haasan has said he will announce his political party's name on February 21 at Tamil Nadu's Ramanathapuram and begin a state-wide tour the same day.
"At the commencement of the journey, I intend to announce the name of my political party along with the guiding principles we intend to live by," Haasan said in a statement yesterday. -- PTI
Asked about forging ties with Haasan, who is set to embark on a political tour next month, Rajinikanth said, "Only time will be able to tell that. Let us see in due course of time."
The veteran actors were at a function where the pooja for the film 'Kizhakku Africavil Raju' (Raju in East Africa) was being conducted.
The movie is being planned as a sequel 'in motion capture technology' to All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam founder and former Chief Minister M G Ramachandran-starrer, the 1973 superhit Ulagam Sutrum Valiban, film industry sources said.
Rajinikanth, who had announced on December 31 that he would form his party before the next state assembly polls, snapped the clapboard and Haasan inaugurated the shoot.
The sequel to the movie could not be done at that time as MGR got fully engaged in politics.
Asked what would be his stand in case state assembly polls were held in six months, Rajinikanth told reporters: "I will face it definitely."
He extended his greetings to Haasan on announcing his political entry.
To a question if parties in the state followed the principles of late AIADMK founder and former chief minister M G Ramachandran, he said "Yes definitely, to some extent."
State Ministers C Vijayabaskar and Kadambur C Raju, were present at the function.
Rajinikanth and Haasan had shared the dais in Malaysia earlier this month for a fund-raising event held by the 'Nadigar Sangam'in Chennai , known officially as the South Indian Film Artistes Association.
Haasan has said he will announce his political party's name on February 21 at Tamil Nadu's Ramanathapuram and begin a state-wide tour the same day.
"At the commencement of the journey, I intend to announce the name of my political party along with the guiding principles we intend to live by," Haasan said in a statement yesterday. -- PTI
22:02 Aadhaar compulsory weapon of govt to "disempower" people: Rahul
Congress President Rahul Gandhi today attacked the NDA government over the Aadhaar scheme, dubbing it as a compulsory weapon to "disempower" citizens.
"UPA's Aadhaar = A voluntary instrument to empower citizens.
"NDA's Aadhaar = A compulsory weapon to disempower citizens," he tweeted.
The Congress government, which introduced Aadhaar, is opposing the government's stand that it should be compulsory for receiving the benefits of state-sponsored welfare schemes.
A five-judge Constititution bench headed by Chief Justice Dipak Misra today began hearing a batch of petitions challenging the constitutional validity of the government's flagship Aadhaar programme and its enabling Act of 2016.
Concerns have been voiced about the massive data collection process under Aadhaar, which has information about more than a billion Indians, over fears that these could be used for identity theft and surveillance by the government.
-- PTI
21:48 Loya died of coronary artery insufficiency, say police citing post-mortem report
Special CBI Judge B H Loya died of "coronary artery insufficiency", a senior police officer said today, citing the report of the post-mortem examination conducted on him at a Nagpur hospital nearly three years ago.
The investigation into the death case registered under Section 174 of the CrPC at Sadar police station, was closed after the post-mortem report received from the Department of Forensic of Medicine of Government Medical College and Hospital, which conducted the autopsy, the officer, who did not wish to be named, said.
"There was nothing suspicious in the histopathology report of Justice Loya," the officer said.
"As no poisonous element was found in his body as per the histopathology report and doctors confirmed the cause of death as coronary artery insufficiency, the Investigation Officer had closed the probe," he said.
21:24 Use money saved after Haj subsidy withdrawal for welfare of Muslims: Ahmed Patel
A day after the Union government announced the withdrawal of Haj subsidy, Congress leader Ahmed Patel today wrote to Minority Affairs Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi, urging him to ensure that the money saved is utilised for the socio-economic welfare of the Muslim community.
"While I welcome the implementation of the Supreme Court's order, I would like to point out that the court had also mandated that the saving accrued from the gradual reduction -- to eventful elimination in 10 years -- in the Haj subsidy must be deployed towards the socio-economic welfare of the community," he said in his letter.
Patel, a Rajya Sabha MP, said the government in its wisdom has chosen to reduce the subsidy and eventually eliminate it, four years ahead of its 2022 deadline.
He said available records show between 2014 and 2017, the central government's grant for Haj has been reduced from Rs 401 crore to Rs 200 crore.
"I sincerely hope that this reduction in outlay by nearly Rs 200 crore has been matched by an increased investment in the welfare of the community, as mandated by the Supreme Court.
"I hope that the ministry has implemented the guidelines of the Supreme Court in letter and spirit and if possible share details of such expenditure," he wrote to the minister.
-- PTI
20:53 Scrapped $500 mn Israeli missile deal back on track: Netanyahu
India will buy Israel's Spike anti-tank guided missiles, Israeli media today quoted Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as saying, weeks after New Delhi scrapped the $500 million lucrative defence deal.
The deal was cancelled a few weeks ahead of Netanyahu's visit to India and its renewal is considered to be a "major strategic achievement", the Jerusalem Post reported.
"India will buy Israel's anti-tank spike missiles," the paper quoted Prime Minister Netanyahu as saying after spending the day with his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi.
Netanyahu, who is on a six-day visit to India, said the final details and scope of the deal are still in the process of being worked out, the paper said.
Quoting Israel's National Security Adviser Meir Ben-Shabbat, the paper said that current talks are trending in a positive direction, and more details will be disclosed later.
The Israeli arms firm, Rafael Advance Defence Systems Ltd, had earlier this month confirmed that India cancelled the deal and expressed "regret" over the decision.
20:24 Now, Sasikalas brother says Jayalalithaa passed away day before she was declared dead
Even though it has been over a year since former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalithaa died, speculations over the way her illustrious life came to an end has still been kept alive.
On Wednesday, Divakaran, brother of jailed AIADMK general secretary Sasikala, added grist to the rumour mill by claiming that Jayalalithaa had died on December 4 and not December 5 as reported by Apollo Hospital.
Divakaran, who has been a vocal critic of the AIADMK faction led by Chief Minister E Palaniswami and O Panneerselvam, said the party had delayed the announcement of Jayalalithaas death for security reasons, fearing a violent outpouring of grief from her supporters.
He also said the time was utilised to secure all branches of Apollo group of hospitals in the state. No sooner than the AIADMK supremo was declared dead, scuffles had broke out between her supporters and police as they resorted to stone pelting outside the hospital.
Jayalalithaa died on December 4 at 5.15 pm. The AIADMK delayed the announcement for security reasons and to secure all Apollo group of hospitals in the state, Divakaran said.
It might be recalled that the AIADMK supremo had been in Apollo since September 22. Jayalalithaa reportedly suffered a cardiac arrest on Sunday (December 4) and was declared dead the next day. On the evening of December 5, media reports started doing the rounds that Jayalalithaa had passed away. However, the hospital denied the reports initially, saying they were providing her with life-saving measures. They finally declared Jayalalithaa had breathed her last at 11.30 pm.
19:40 Chinese army fortifies northern side Of Doklam plateau
Even as the intelligence report of Indian Army to Centre has alerted about PLA adopting new strategy at LoC, a news report says that Beijing has almost completely taken control of the northern side of Doklam.
An article in The Print by Col Vinayak Bhat (retired) cites satellite images to show that the Peoples Liberation Army has set up concrete posts, seven helipads, new trenches and several dozen armoured vehicles close to the point where Indian and Chinese troops were at loggerheads for more than 70 days last year.
The report came days after Indian Army chief General Bipin Rawat said the time had come for India to shift focus to its northern border.
19:14 R-Day: Indian students to present folk dances of ASEAN region
In a visual treat, Kathak and folk dances of Cambodia, Malaysia, Thailand and other countries will be seen together this Republic Day, as a group
of students of a school here will perform during the parade, marking the Indo-ASEAN ties.
They will be among the 770 students who will take part in the grand celebration at Rajpath on January 26.
In an unprecedented event, leaders from the 10 ASEAN members -- Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Myanmar (Burma), Cambodia, Laos and Brunei -- will be the chief guests in the Republic Day celebrations.
"A total of 150 of students from the Mount Abu Public School in Delhi's Rohini, will present a colourful performance, dressed in the traditional attire of the 10 countries. Some of them would also be in Indian costume,
representing the 25 years of partnership of India with ASEAN," a senior official said today.
-- PTI
18:35
JUST IN: North Korea, South Korea agree to march together under unified Korea flag at Winter Olympics, South Korea says
18:27 China prepares to deploy nuclear submarines at Pakistan's Gwadar Port
China has already begun work on infrastructure required to station nuclear submarines at the Gwadar Port in southwestern Pakistan. This vindicates India's long-standing discomfort over the possibility that the true purpose of China's involvement in Gwadar is strategic more than trade.
Read more HERE
17:56 Govt denies NSA part of BJP political meeting at Rajnath Singh's house
A day after the Tripura State unit of the CPI-M urged the Election Commission of India to order an inquiry into the matter of National Security Advisor Ajit Dovals alleged presence at a BJP political meeting in New Delhi, the Union home ministry on Wednesday denied Doval was part of that meeting.
The meeting, held at Home Minister Rajnath Singhs residence and attended by BJP and RSS leaders, is learnt to have discussed the forthcoming elections in Tripura, Meghalaya and Nagaland.
The CPI-M politburo had said Dovals alleged presence in the meeting was a shocking violation of norms and serious misconduct.
In a bid to clear the air, the home ministry, in a statement issued Wednesday, said: There is a well-established practice of HM holding regular morning meetings to review National Security and Public order. These meetings are attended by senior members of the Internal Security establishment.
17:28 Rajput community hold protest against Padmaavat in Rajasthan
Rajput community members today held protest in Rajasthan's Chittorgarh against Sanjay Leela Bhansali's controversial film 'Padmaavat', demanding a complete ban on its release.
The Rajputs, along with other community members, staged a sit-in protest near Rithola crossing on the Udaipur-Ahmedabad highway by blocking it for nearly half-an-hour, police said.
Traffic had to be diverted due to long snarls of vehicles on the highway, they said.
However, no untoward incident was reported due to the security steps taken by the police administration as a precautionary measure to deal with the protesters, the police said.
-- PTI
17:00 4 judges, CJI to meet tomorrow
Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra and the senior judges who took him on publicly will meet tomorrow. The judges say they are ready for a debate. The four judges and the CJI had also met today for lunch at the Supreme Court, amid efforts at ending a rift that could impact important cases.
Chief Justice Misra had yesterday reached out to the judges and, in a 15-minute meeting, reportedly discussed "all issues" including their criticism of sensitive cases being assigned to junior judges, reports NDTV. The report said the 'ice has started breaking'.
The four judges who took on the CJI.
Chief Justice Misra had yesterday reached out to the judges and, in a 15-minute meeting, reportedly discussed "all issues" including their criticism of sensitive cases being assigned to junior judges, reports NDTV. The report said the 'ice has started breaking'.
The four judges who took on the CJI.
16:55 RBI reiterates legal tender status of Rs 10 coins
The Reserve Bank of India on Wednesday reiterated the legal tender status of Rs. 10 coins of different designs. The apex bank said that it has noticed a reluctance on the part of traders and members of the public to accept Rs. 10 coins owing to suspicion about the genuineness of the currency.
16:52 1 Above restaurant owners sent to jail
Kamala Mills fire: Bhoiwada Court sends all 4 accused -- Yug Pathak, Jigar Sanghvi, Kripesh Sanghvi and Abhijit Mankar -- to judicial custody till 31st January. All the four accused have filed their respective bail applications which will be heard on 22nd January.
16:47 SC hears right to privacy violation pleas in Aadhaar
A five-judge Constitution bench of the Supreme Court has begun the final hearing in the Aadhaar case. The bench, headed by Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra, and consisting four other judges Justices AM Khanwilkar, Adarsh Kumar Sikri, DY Chandrachud and Ashok Bhushan, is hearing the petitions challenging the validity of Aadhaar contending that it violates an individual's fundamental right to privacy, reports ANI.
Senior Supreme Court lawyer, Shyam Divan, appearing for petitioners, told the five-judge Constitution bench that 'Aadhaar may cause death of citizens' civil rights. A people's Constitution is being sought to be converted into a State's Constitution.'
In August last year, a nine-judge bench of the apex court had held that Right to Privacy was a Fundamental Right under the Constitution. Several petitioners challenging the validity of Aadhaar had also claimed it violated privacy rights.
Senior Supreme Court lawyer, Shyam Divan, appearing for petitioners, told the five-judge Constitution bench that 'Aadhaar may cause death of citizens' civil rights. A people's Constitution is being sought to be converted into a State's Constitution.'
In August last year, a nine-judge bench of the apex court had held that Right to Privacy was a Fundamental Right under the Constitution. Several petitioners challenging the validity of Aadhaar had also claimed it violated privacy rights.
16:20 Elphinstone & Currey Rd station FOBs to miss Jan 31 deadline
The foot over-bridges being constructed by the Army at the Elphinstone Road and Currey Road railway stations will miss the January 31 deadline due to some technical issues, railway officials said today. It may take another fortnight to complete the FOB construction work at these two stations, they said.
"The construction of the Elphinstone station bridge may get delayed by a fortnight. The Army has sought a railway block for the launch of the girder on the bridge," the senior Western Railway (WR) official said.
"We have given our go-ahead for the railway block at the end of this month," he said. According to the official, after the railway block gets over, it will take another 15 days for the Army to complete the construction of the bridge or may take some more days. However, the Army engineers at the Elphinstone Road station bridge site refused to comment on the revised deadline. -- PTI
"The construction of the Elphinstone station bridge may get delayed by a fortnight. The Army has sought a railway block for the launch of the girder on the bridge," the senior Western Railway (WR) official said.
"We have given our go-ahead for the railway block at the end of this month," he said. According to the official, after the railway block gets over, it will take another 15 days for the Army to complete the construction of the bridge or may take some more days. However, the Army engineers at the Elphinstone Road station bridge site refused to comment on the revised deadline. -- PTI
16:05 Go, fly a kite, Bibi!
Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu tries his hand at kite flying in Ahmedabad. PM Modi tweeted, "Like a kite soaring high, India-Israel friendship is scaling new heights and will benefit not only our citizens but also the entire humankind."
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will have a packed schedule during the Mumbai leg of his visit tomorrow, as he will breakfast with business leaders, pay tributes to the Mumbai terror attack victims and attend a 'Shalom Bollywood' event among other engagements.
Netanyahu will have a 'power breakfast' with select captains of the industry, including Anand Mahindra, Ajay Piramal, Adi Godrej, and Chanda Kochhar. He will later address the India-Israel Business Summit at the iconic Taj hotel in south Mumbai.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis will also attend the summit, sources said. There may be a one-on-one meeting between Fadnavis and Netanyahu after which the Maharashtra chief minister will be hosting a lunch for the Israeli premier and the visiting delegation, they said. This will be followed by a wreath laying ceremony for the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack victims.
-- PTI
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will have a packed schedule during the Mumbai leg of his visit tomorrow, as he will breakfast with business leaders, pay tributes to the Mumbai terror attack victims and attend a 'Shalom Bollywood' event among other engagements.
Netanyahu will have a 'power breakfast' with select captains of the industry, including Anand Mahindra, Ajay Piramal, Adi Godrej, and Chanda Kochhar. He will later address the India-Israel Business Summit at the iconic Taj hotel in south Mumbai.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis will also attend the summit, sources said. There may be a one-on-one meeting between Fadnavis and Netanyahu after which the Maharashtra chief minister will be hosting a lunch for the Israeli premier and the visiting delegation, they said. This will be followed by a wreath laying ceremony for the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack victims.
-- PTI
15:58
When Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Israel in July last year, he paid homage to the Indian soldiers who laid down their lives protecting the Israeli city of Haifa during World War I from the Ottoman Empire forces. He said their sacrifice was a mark of the enduring bond between the two nations.
The Indian Army commemorates September 23 every year as Haifa Day to pay its respects to the two brave Indian Cavalry Regiments that helped liberate the city following a dashing cavalry action by the 15th Imperial Service Cavalry Brigade. In the autumn of 1918, the Indian Brigade was a part of the Allied Forces sweeping northwards through Palestine in what is seen as the last great cavalry campaign in history.
The Indian Army commemorates September 23 every year as Haifa Day to pay its respects to the two brave Indian Cavalry Regiments that helped liberate the city following a dashing cavalry action by the 15th Imperial Service Cavalry Brigade. In the autumn of 1918, the Indian Brigade was a part of the Allied Forces sweeping northwards through Palestine in what is seen as the last great cavalry campaign in history.
15:50 Netanyahu forgot to thank them
PM Modi and Isreal PM Netanyahu were at the icreate centre in Deo Dholera Village in Ahmedabad, which is holding an exhibition of start-ups. At a speech there, Netanyahu thanked India and Gujaratis saying, "many Indian soldiers who lost their lives during the liberation of Haifa were Gujaratis. Thank you Gujarat.
This is what Wikipedia has on the Battle of Haifa in 1918. "The 5th Cavalry Division were formed with three brigades, two of them composed of one British yeomanry regiment, and two British Indian Army cavalry regiments; one of which was usually lancers. Part of the Desert Mounted Corps, it was supported by machine guns, artillery, and light armoured car units. The division's third brigade was the 15th (Imperial Service) Cavalry Brigade, normally comprising three cavalry regiments from the Indian Princely States of Jodhpur, Mysore and Hyderabad. However, the Hyderabad Lancers had been detached to escort prisoners and had been replaced by the Sherwood Rangers Yeomanry from the divisions 14th Cavalry Brigade."
Netanyahu missed out on the sacrifice of soldiers from Rajasthan, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh.
This is what Wikipedia has on the Battle of Haifa in 1918. "The 5th Cavalry Division were formed with three brigades, two of them composed of one British yeomanry regiment, and two British Indian Army cavalry regiments; one of which was usually lancers. Part of the Desert Mounted Corps, it was supported by machine guns, artillery, and light armoured car units. The division's third brigade was the 15th (Imperial Service) Cavalry Brigade, normally comprising three cavalry regiments from the Indian Princely States of Jodhpur, Mysore and Hyderabad. However, the Hyderabad Lancers had been detached to escort prisoners and had been replaced by the Sherwood Rangers Yeomanry from the divisions 14th Cavalry Brigade."
Netanyahu missed out on the sacrifice of soldiers from Rajasthan, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh.
15:25 On MGR's 101st birth anniversary it's biryani for workers
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami and Deputy Chief Minister O Panneerselvam on Wednesday distributed Biryani to party workers at All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam party office on the 101st birth anniversary of MG Ramachandran.
Earlier in the day, party workers and cadres took out a procession to the statue of MG Ramachandran, popularly known as 'MGR' and garlanded it on the occasion.
Scores of fans and supporters gathered to remember MGR on his birth anniversary.The actor-turned politician, MGR founded his party AIADMK after a feud with DMK chief M. Karunanidhi in 1972.
He served as the chief minister of Tamil Nadu from 1977 to 1987.He was born on January 17, 1917 in Kandy, Sri Lanka, to Maradhur Gopala Menon and Satyabhama, who were Nairs from Kerala. -- ANI
Earlier in the day, party workers and cadres took out a procession to the statue of MG Ramachandran, popularly known as 'MGR' and garlanded it on the occasion.
Scores of fans and supporters gathered to remember MGR on his birth anniversary.The actor-turned politician, MGR founded his party AIADMK after a feud with DMK chief M. Karunanidhi in 1972.
He served as the chief minister of Tamil Nadu from 1977 to 1987.He was born on January 17, 1917 in Kandy, Sri Lanka, to Maradhur Gopala Menon and Satyabhama, who were Nairs from Kerala. -- ANI
15:18 Sensex hits 35,000 mark as IT stocks lead gains
The benchmark BSE Sensex hit the 35,000 level for the first time in late afternoon trade today as buying gathered momentum on easing fiscal deficit worries.
The 30-share index crossed the 35,000-mark by jumping 231.73 points or 0.66 per cent to 35,002.78, breaching its previous intra-day record of 34,963.69 hit on January 15.
It took 17 sessions for the index to reach the 35,000 mark from 34,000 level reached on December 26. Strong gains in banking, IT, FMCG and capital goods stocks helped the index top new milestone. Sentiments got a boost after the government today lowered the additional borrowing requirement for the current fiscal to Rs 20,000 crore from Rs 50,000 crore estimated earlier, brokers said. -- PTI
The 30-share index crossed the 35,000-mark by jumping 231.73 points or 0.66 per cent to 35,002.78, breaching its previous intra-day record of 34,963.69 hit on January 15.
It took 17 sessions for the index to reach the 35,000 mark from 34,000 level reached on December 26. Strong gains in banking, IT, FMCG and capital goods stocks helped the index top new milestone. Sentiments got a boost after the government today lowered the additional borrowing requirement for the current fiscal to Rs 20,000 crore from Rs 50,000 crore estimated earlier, brokers said. -- PTI
15:16 Flying Sukoi was eye-opening, memorable: Defence minister
Defence Minister on flying Su-30 MKI: Very proud and thankful that I've gone through this experience because it actually tells me with what rigor, practice, what level of readiness and how quickly they (defence personnel) have to respond to situations. It was eye-opening & memorable.
15:01 Many Indian soldiers who died in Haifa were Gujaratis: Netanyahu
PM Modi and Israel PM Netanyahu at iCreate Center at Deo Dholera Village in Ahmedabad. Excerpts from Netanyahu's speech.
"I am delighted to be here. The world knows about iPads and iPods, there is on more I that the world needs to know about, that is iCreate. PM Modi and I are both very young and both very optimistic, we are young in our thinking & optimistic about the future. Many Indian soldiers who lost their lives during the liberation of Haifa were Gujaratis. Thank you Gujarat. Jai Hind! Jai Bharat! Jai Israel! Thank you Prime Minister Modi, thank you all!"
The leaders inaugurated the iCreate Center at Deo Dholera Village in Ahmedabad. They will take a tour of the facility and visit various stalls that highlight the latest technologies and innovations across various fields.
Following the tour, the leaders will also award six category winners of the India-Israel Innovation Challenge 2017.
"I am delighted to be here. The world knows about iPads and iPods, there is on more I that the world needs to know about, that is iCreate. PM Modi and I are both very young and both very optimistic, we are young in our thinking & optimistic about the future. Many Indian soldiers who lost their lives during the liberation of Haifa were Gujaratis. Thank you Gujarat. Jai Hind! Jai Bharat! Jai Israel! Thank you Prime Minister Modi, thank you all!"
The leaders inaugurated the iCreate Center at Deo Dholera Village in Ahmedabad. They will take a tour of the facility and visit various stalls that highlight the latest technologies and innovations across various fields.
Following the tour, the leaders will also award six category winners of the India-Israel Innovation Challenge 2017.
14:19 Harvey Weinstein slapped by diner in Arizona restaurant
Harvey Weinstein was slapped in the face in a restaurant in Arizona. The disgraced movie mogul was eating near where he is undergoing rehabilitation after being accused of sexual misconduct by scores of women. A fellow diner slapped him in the face and told him to "get out of here". A video of the incident was obtained by the celebrity website TMZ. Read more
14:13 RSS defamation case: Court orders Rahul to appear on April 23
A Bhiwandi Court on Wednesday ordered Congress president Rahul Gandhi to be present in court on April 23, for framing of charges against him in a defamation case for saying "RSS people killed Gandhi".
The court set a new date as Gandhi was not present in court today and the court allowed an exemption from court application presented by his lawyer.
A local Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh functionary, Rajesh Kunte, had filed the case against Gandhi for claiming at an election rally on March 6, 2014, that the right-wing organisation had killed Mahatma Gandhi.
Gandhi had in September 2016, withdrew his petition filed in the apex court, challenging the case and said he would face the trial. He expressed his readiness to face the trial after the top court refused to interfere with the criminal proceedings pending against him before the trial court. -- ANI
The court set a new date as Gandhi was not present in court today and the court allowed an exemption from court application presented by his lawyer.
A local Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh functionary, Rajesh Kunte, had filed the case against Gandhi for claiming at an election rally on March 6, 2014, that the right-wing organisation had killed Mahatma Gandhi.
Gandhi had in September 2016, withdrew his petition filed in the apex court, challenging the case and said he would face the trial. He expressed his readiness to face the trial after the top court refused to interfere with the criminal proceedings pending against him before the trial court. -- ANI
13:54 Nirmala flies Sukhoi
Jodhpur: Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in the cockpit of the Sukhoi-30 MKI, before taking off for a sortie. She will fly a 45-minute sortie on a Sukhoi-30 MKI, which is a modified variant of the Russia-made Sukhoi Su-30.
13:44 Nirmala suits-up to fly Sukhoi
Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman set to undertake a 45-minute sortie in IAF's frontline combat jet Sukhoi 30 MKI from the Jodhpur airbase in Rajasthan. Sitharaman is the first woman to become full-time defence minister of India.
She will take stock of and review the operational preparedness, combat capabilities of the Indian Air Force.
Sukhoi Su-30 MKI is a modified variant of the Russia-made Sukhoi Su-30.
She will take stock of and review the operational preparedness, combat capabilities of the Indian Air Force.
Sukhoi Su-30 MKI is a modified variant of the Russia-made Sukhoi Su-30.
13:15 Inspiring visit to prophet of inspiration: Netanyahus on Gandhi's Sabarmati
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife Sara went on an eight-kilometre-long road show that began at the Ahmedabad airport and ended at the Sabarmati Ashram.
At the Ashram, the Netanyahus tried their hand at the spinning wheel and were shown around the place by PM Modi. The couple signed the visitor's book, writing, "An inspiring visit to the heart of one of humanity's great prophets of inspiration -- Mahatma Gandhi."
The inauguration of the iCreate Center at Deo Dholera Village in Ahmedabad will also be attended by both Prime Minister Modi and Netanyahu.
Prime Minister Netanyahu will also gift his Indian counterpart the Gal-Mobile (Mobile Filtration Vehicle) that both vehicles rode in during Prime Minister Modi's visit.
This will take place through a video link from Banaskantha district where the vehicle has already arrived from Israel. The leaders will witness the signing of an Memorandum of understanding (MoU) between COE Vadrad and Farmer's Producer Organization for the establishment of hi-tech vegetable seedling production unit. -- ANI
At the Ashram, the Netanyahus tried their hand at the spinning wheel and were shown around the place by PM Modi. The couple signed the visitor's book, writing, "An inspiring visit to the heart of one of humanity's great prophets of inspiration -- Mahatma Gandhi."
The inauguration of the iCreate Center at Deo Dholera Village in Ahmedabad will also be attended by both Prime Minister Modi and Netanyahu.
Prime Minister Netanyahu will also gift his Indian counterpart the Gal-Mobile (Mobile Filtration Vehicle) that both vehicles rode in during Prime Minister Modi's visit.
This will take place through a video link from Banaskantha district where the vehicle has already arrived from Israel. The leaders will witness the signing of an Memorandum of understanding (MoU) between COE Vadrad and Farmer's Producer Organization for the establishment of hi-tech vegetable seedling production unit. -- ANI
13:03 Swaraj talks tough on terrorism
Minister of External Affairs, Sushma Swaraj, said that terrorism is undeniably the mother of all disruptions today. Swaraj was speaking at the geo-political conference, Raisina Dialogue, in New Delhi.
"Terrorism is undeniably the mother of all disruptions today. Our attitude towards terrorism has evolved in the last few decades," noted Swaraj.
The External Affairs Minister also said that the challenge of terrorism has become even more serious in the digital age with greater propensity to radicalisation.
She also asserted that terrorism was once seen as "other's problem" or a "law and order situation" and was also used as an instrument of state craft, but concluded, "that time has gone long by".
"We are all now clear that terrorism anywhere can threaten societies anywhere," highlighted the minister, adding that "after 9/11 attack, we associate terrorism with ungoverned spaces."
In, what some analysts feel a veiled indication to Pakistan, she did not step back from saying that terrorism from governed spaces is much more dangerous and said that the problem will not spare its originators and practitioners.
Swaraj concluded by saying that the message is particularly to those who feel that terrorism can be an instrument of convenience. -- ANI
"Terrorism is undeniably the mother of all disruptions today. Our attitude towards terrorism has evolved in the last few decades," noted Swaraj.
The External Affairs Minister also said that the challenge of terrorism has become even more serious in the digital age with greater propensity to radicalisation.
She also asserted that terrorism was once seen as "other's problem" or a "law and order situation" and was also used as an instrument of state craft, but concluded, "that time has gone long by".
"We are all now clear that terrorism anywhere can threaten societies anywhere," highlighted the minister, adding that "after 9/11 attack, we associate terrorism with ungoverned spaces."
In, what some analysts feel a veiled indication to Pakistan, she did not step back from saying that terrorism from governed spaces is much more dangerous and said that the problem will not spare its originators and practitioners.
Swaraj concluded by saying that the message is particularly to those who feel that terrorism can be an instrument of convenience. -- ANI
12:52 Smart cities not possible without smart villages: Sarpanch
The development of villages is essential for the overall progress of the country and to have smart cities, said woman sarpanch Chhavi Rajawat. Rajawat, who shot to fame when she quit a cushy corporate job to contest for the post of sarpanch, said the panchayats, dependent on the bureaucracy for approval of funds, should be given financial powers to deliver results.
"Smart cities are not possible without smart villages first... We live in the comforts of cities and often forget that a majority of people in our country live in villages. Everyone is directly or indirectly affected by villages," she said.
The MBA graduate-turned-sarpanch of Soda village in Rajasthan was addressing the FICCI Ladies Organisation, a division of the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry, on the topic, 'Women who have paved their own path', here last evening. The village-level elected representatives are not able to deliver results as they lack financial autonomy, she said.
"The panchayats should be given funds for use at their discretion. Right now they are dependent on the bureaucracy for approvals," Rajawat said. On the occasion, Dalit entrepreneur Kalpana Saroj spoke about her trials and tribulations - from struggling to earn earn Rs 2 a day to now running companies doing business of thousands of crores.
Born in a small village in Maharashtra, she narrated her inspiring tale of rising from poverty to becoming a successful entrepreneur and winning the coveted Padma Shri award. "The path to success was difficult but not impossible," Saroj said. -- PTI
"Smart cities are not possible without smart villages first... We live in the comforts of cities and often forget that a majority of people in our country live in villages. Everyone is directly or indirectly affected by villages," she said.
The MBA graduate-turned-sarpanch of Soda village in Rajasthan was addressing the FICCI Ladies Organisation, a division of the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry, on the topic, 'Women who have paved their own path', here last evening. The village-level elected representatives are not able to deliver results as they lack financial autonomy, she said.
"The panchayats should be given funds for use at their discretion. Right now they are dependent on the bureaucracy for approvals," Rajawat said. On the occasion, Dalit entrepreneur Kalpana Saroj spoke about her trials and tribulations - from struggling to earn earn Rs 2 a day to now running companies doing business of thousands of crores.
Born in a small village in Maharashtra, she narrated her inspiring tale of rising from poverty to becoming a successful entrepreneur and winning the coveted Padma Shri award. "The path to success was difficult but not impossible," Saroj said. -- PTI
12:38 SC begins hearing on Aadhaar
A five-judge Constitution bench of the Supreme Court on Wednesday began hearing the matter related to the constitutional validity of linking Aadhaar card to a number of government schemes.
The five-judge Constitution bench, headed by Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra and four other judges Justices A.M. Khanwilkar, Adarsh Kumar Sikri, DY Chandrachud and Ashok Bhushan will hear a number of petitions filed challenging the validity of the identification number.
Since inception, the validity of the Aadhaar and possible leakage of data has cropped up time and again. The top court has also received petitions regarding the linkage of this 12-digit number with mobile phones, bank accounts and so on, the last date for which was extended to March 31 this year.
While data breach has been widely debated in the recent past, the government had refuted all claims of the same.Most recently, The Unique Identification Authority of India decided to enable 'Face Authentication' infusion mode on registered devices by July 1, so that people facing difficulty in other existing modes of verification such as fingerprints, iris, and one-time-password could easily authenticate. -- ANI
The five-judge Constitution bench, headed by Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra and four other judges Justices A.M. Khanwilkar, Adarsh Kumar Sikri, DY Chandrachud and Ashok Bhushan will hear a number of petitions filed challenging the validity of the identification number.
Since inception, the validity of the Aadhaar and possible leakage of data has cropped up time and again. The top court has also received petitions regarding the linkage of this 12-digit number with mobile phones, bank accounts and so on, the last date for which was extended to March 31 this year.
While data breach has been widely debated in the recent past, the government had refuted all claims of the same.Most recently, The Unique Identification Authority of India decided to enable 'Face Authentication' infusion mode on registered devices by July 1, so that people facing difficulty in other existing modes of verification such as fingerprints, iris, and one-time-password could easily authenticate. -- ANI
12:23 Chhota Rajan to depose via video-conferencing in J Dey murder trial
Mumbai gangster Chhota Rajan, who is lodged in Delhi's Tihar jail, will depose in the J Dey murder trial today via video-conferencing.
Dey was shot dead on June 11, 2011.
Chhota Rajan is a prime accused in the case, which is being heard by the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act court in Mumbai.
12:08 Modi, Netanyahus at Sabarmati Ashram
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife Sara are at the Sabarmati Ashram in Ahmedabad.
The two leaders embarked on a eight-km long roadshow from the airport to Sabarmati Ashram in Ahmedabad today. After arriving in Modi's home state, the two leaders along with the Israeli prime minister's wife Sara Netanyahu set out in a car from the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Airport.
The roadshow will end at the Sabarmati Ashram after covering a distance of 8 km.
Around 50 stages have been erected on the roadside along the stretch to showcase performances by troupes of different states to welcome the guests, Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation's standing committee chairman Pravin Patel earlier said.
The city, especially the stretch from the airport to the Sabarmati Ashram, has been decked up to welcome Netanyahu and his wife. The Israeli PM is the third international leader whom Modi is hosting in his home state of Gujarat.
Modi and Japanese premier Shinzo Abe had held a joint roadshow during the latter's visit here in September last year. The Indian premier had shown Abe and his wife around at the Sabarmati Ashram, where Mahatma Gandhi had stayed for a long time.
They had also spent some time at the Sabarmati Riverfront, developed during Modi's tenure as Gujarat chief minister. Modi had also accompanied Chinese President Xi Jinping and his spouse to the riverfront during the latter's India visit in 2014. -- PTI
The two leaders embarked on a eight-km long roadshow from the airport to Sabarmati Ashram in Ahmedabad today. After arriving in Modi's home state, the two leaders along with the Israeli prime minister's wife Sara Netanyahu set out in a car from the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Airport.
The roadshow will end at the Sabarmati Ashram after covering a distance of 8 km.
Around 50 stages have been erected on the roadside along the stretch to showcase performances by troupes of different states to welcome the guests, Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation's standing committee chairman Pravin Patel earlier said.
The city, especially the stretch from the airport to the Sabarmati Ashram, has been decked up to welcome Netanyahu and his wife. The Israeli PM is the third international leader whom Modi is hosting in his home state of Gujarat.
Modi and Japanese premier Shinzo Abe had held a joint roadshow during the latter's visit here in September last year. The Indian premier had shown Abe and his wife around at the Sabarmati Ashram, where Mahatma Gandhi had stayed for a long time.
They had also spent some time at the Sabarmati Riverfront, developed during Modi's tenure as Gujarat chief minister. Modi had also accompanied Chinese President Xi Jinping and his spouse to the riverfront during the latter's India visit in 2014. -- PTI
11:51 Padmaavat producers move SC against states' ban
The producers of Padmaavat move the Supreme Court against the film being banned in certain states. After Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat, Haryana became the fourth Indian state to ban Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Padmaavat on Tuesday citing "law and order situation in the state'. Before the Assembly polls in Gujarat in November last year, the state government had banned the film, which was earlier titled as Padmavati.
11:39 Pak criticises Netanyahu's visit to India
Pakistan Foreign Minister Khawaja Asif on Wednesday criticised Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's visit to India, saying both India and Israel have anti-Islam nexus.
Asif, in an interview to a private channel, said that both the countries have a connection as they have occupied Muslim territories - India has occupied Kashmir, while Israel is occupying a vast area of Palestine, reported Radio Pakistan.
He further accused India of the mass killing of Muslims in Gujarat.
Netanyahu and his wife Sara Netanyahu is on a six-day official visit to India. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Israeli counterpart will jointly hold a roadshow in Gujarat today. -- ANI
Asif, in an interview to a private channel, said that both the countries have a connection as they have occupied Muslim territories - India has occupied Kashmir, while Israel is occupying a vast area of Palestine, reported Radio Pakistan.
He further accused India of the mass killing of Muslims in Gujarat.
Netanyahu and his wife Sara Netanyahu is on a six-day official visit to India. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Israeli counterpart will jointly hold a roadshow in Gujarat today. -- ANI
11:26 Netanyahus arrive in Ahmedabad, roadshow to begin
Israel PM Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife Sara arrive in Ahmedabad where they were received by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the airport. The two leaders will go to Sabarmati Ashram to pay their respects to Mahatma Gandhi.
The 14-km-long roadshow will be heavily guarded by security forces including Israeli snipers 12 teams from 'Chetak commandos', Quick Response Teams, the Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad and police, who will be guarding the venues.
Image: Israel PM Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife Sara with PM Modi
The 14-km-long roadshow will be heavily guarded by security forces including Israeli snipers 12 teams from 'Chetak commandos', Quick Response Teams, the Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad and police, who will be guarding the venues.
Image: Israel PM Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife Sara with PM Modi
11:04 That's what Rs 100 crore looks like, but in old money
The Uttar Pradesh Police on Wednesday seized demonetised currency notes estimated to be worth Rs 100 crore in Kanpur.
However, the counting is on to ascertain the exact amount of money.
The raid was conducted in Kanpur's Seesamau pocket. "We received information of the presence of demonetised currency worth crores at a person's residential premises in Kanpur. A raid was conducted by teams of the RBI and Income Tax department officials. A final amount has not been ascertained as search and counting is underway. We are interrogating the people involved," A.K. Meena, Senior Superintendent of Police told ANI. The police refused to disclose details about the accused involved. An interrogation is underway by the IT department officials. -- ANI
However, the counting is on to ascertain the exact amount of money.
The raid was conducted in Kanpur's Seesamau pocket. "We received information of the presence of demonetised currency worth crores at a person's residential premises in Kanpur. A raid was conducted by teams of the RBI and Income Tax department officials. A final amount has not been ascertained as search and counting is underway. We are interrogating the people involved," A.K. Meena, Senior Superintendent of Police told ANI. The police refused to disclose details about the accused involved. An interrogation is underway by the IT department officials. -- ANI
10:53 Jind rape, murder suspect found dead
The suspected accused in the rape and murder case of a 15-year-old Dalit girl at a village in Haryana's Jind district was found dead in Kurukshetra on Wednesday.
Police on January 15 had launched a manhunt to nab the suspected accused, a day after the half-naked body of the minor was found with injury marks near a canal in Budhakhera village of Jind district.
The victim girl was reported to be missing since January 9 from Kurukshetra. -- ANI
Police on January 15 had launched a manhunt to nab the suspected accused, a day after the half-naked body of the minor was found with injury marks near a canal in Budhakhera village of Jind district.
The victim girl was reported to be missing since January 9 from Kurukshetra. -- ANI
10:50 PM arrives in Ahmedabad to receive Netanyahu
Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives in Ahmedabad, to receive Israel PM Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife Sara shortly.
Security deployments are all in place ahead of the roadshow to be held jointly by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Israeli counterpart.
The two leaders are scheduled to arrive at the airport around 10:30 am, from where they will proceed to Sabarmati Ashram to pay their respects to Mahatma Gandhi.
The 14-km-long roadshow will be heavily guarded by security forces including Israeli snipers 12 teams from 'Chetak commandos', Quick Response Teams, the Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad and police, who will be guarding the venues.
Furthermore, special squads are reportedly being deployed at high-rise buildings along the route and also on the Sabarmati river in speedboats when both the dignitaries are in the Ashram.
In lieu of the roadshow, many roads along the route have been temporarily closed by civic authorities to ensure seamless travel for the two leaders. However, this may hamper normal life in the city.
Later in the day, Prime Minister Modi and Netanyahu will inaugurate the iCreate Center at Deo Dholera Village in Ahmedabad, following which they will visit a startup exhibition and interact with innovators and CEOs.
The two Prime Ministers will then dedicate a mobile water desalination van to Suigam Taluka, of Sabarkantha district, through a video link. Both leaders will also address the gathering.
They will also visit the Centre of Excellence for Vegetables at Vadrad in Banaskantha district, where they will be briefed on work plan of the Centre.Prime Minister Modi and Netanyahu will also inaugurate the Centre of Excellence for Date Palms at Kukama, Kutch District, through a video link, and interact with farmers. Prime Minister Netanyahu will then depart for Mumbai. -- ANI
Image: PM Modi being received at the Ahmedabad airport
Security deployments are all in place ahead of the roadshow to be held jointly by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Israeli counterpart.
The two leaders are scheduled to arrive at the airport around 10:30 am, from where they will proceed to Sabarmati Ashram to pay their respects to Mahatma Gandhi.
The 14-km-long roadshow will be heavily guarded by security forces including Israeli snipers 12 teams from 'Chetak commandos', Quick Response Teams, the Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad and police, who will be guarding the venues.
Furthermore, special squads are reportedly being deployed at high-rise buildings along the route and also on the Sabarmati river in speedboats when both the dignitaries are in the Ashram.
In lieu of the roadshow, many roads along the route have been temporarily closed by civic authorities to ensure seamless travel for the two leaders. However, this may hamper normal life in the city.
Later in the day, Prime Minister Modi and Netanyahu will inaugurate the iCreate Center at Deo Dholera Village in Ahmedabad, following which they will visit a startup exhibition and interact with innovators and CEOs.
The two Prime Ministers will then dedicate a mobile water desalination van to Suigam Taluka, of Sabarkantha district, through a video link. Both leaders will also address the gathering.
They will also visit the Centre of Excellence for Vegetables at Vadrad in Banaskantha district, where they will be briefed on work plan of the Centre.Prime Minister Modi and Netanyahu will also inaugurate the Centre of Excellence for Date Palms at Kukama, Kutch District, through a video link, and interact with farmers. Prime Minister Netanyahu will then depart for Mumbai. -- ANI
Image: PM Modi being received at the Ahmedabad airport
10:32 No case filed against Hafiz Saeed: Pak PM
Pakistan Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi has said that there is no case registered against Mumbai attack mastermind Hafiz Saeed in Islamabad and without it, action cannot be initiated against anyone.
"Action is taken when there is a case registered [against someone]," said Abbasi in an interview, quoted Geo TV.
Earlier in November, the Pakistan Prime Minister had claimed that India has provided "no evidence" against Saeed on the basis of which he can be prosecuted."
The court, a three-judge bench, has released him (Saeed) saying there are no charges against him, the country has a law you know," said Abbasi.
The Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD) chief is also looking to contest the 2018 general elections in Pakistan and has, thereby, formed a party by the name of Milli Muslim League.
Pakistan has recently prohibited Saeed's JuD and Falah-i-Insaniat Foundation (FIF) from collecting donations.Saeed was released from house arrest after a Pakistani court cited lack of evidence against him in the 26/11 Mumbai attack case.
India has, time and again, protested against Pakistan for harbouring Saeed, who is wanted for plotting the Mumbai attacks. -- ANI
"Action is taken when there is a case registered [against someone]," said Abbasi in an interview, quoted Geo TV.
Earlier in November, the Pakistan Prime Minister had claimed that India has provided "no evidence" against Saeed on the basis of which he can be prosecuted."
The court, a three-judge bench, has released him (Saeed) saying there are no charges against him, the country has a law you know," said Abbasi.
The Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD) chief is also looking to contest the 2018 general elections in Pakistan and has, thereby, formed a party by the name of Milli Muslim League.
Pakistan has recently prohibited Saeed's JuD and Falah-i-Insaniat Foundation (FIF) from collecting donations.Saeed was released from house arrest after a Pakistani court cited lack of evidence against him in the 26/11 Mumbai attack case.
India has, time and again, protested against Pakistan for harbouring Saeed, who is wanted for plotting the Mumbai attacks. -- ANI
10:28 Loya's death was premeditated murder: Judge's friend
At a public meeting, Justice Loya's friend Uday Gaware said many of the Loya's friends, including judges, had had their suspicions when the CBI judge died of a sudden heart attack. Read the report here.
10:20 Dense fog in Delhi continues, 13 trains cancelled
Dense fog enveloped the national capital this morning, leading to cancellation of 13 north- bound trains. The mercury also dropped to 5.6 degrees Celsius, two notches below the season's average although it was yesterday recorded at 9.1 degrees Celsius.
According to the Northern Railways, 13 trains had to be cancelled due to poor visibility while 21 trains are running late. The timing of four trains was rescheduled owing to bad weather. At Safdarjung observatory, visibility was recorded at 200 meters at 8.30 am while the same recorded was 650 meters at Palam observatory.
According to the MeT department, humidity level registered at 8.30 am was 100 per cent. "The skies will remain clear throughout the day and the maximum temperature is expected to hover around 23 degree Celsius," an official of the department said. Yesterday, the maximum temperature was recorded at 25.5 degrees Celsius, six notches above the season's average.
-- PTI
File pic.
According to the Northern Railways, 13 trains had to be cancelled due to poor visibility while 21 trains are running late. The timing of four trains was rescheduled owing to bad weather. At Safdarjung observatory, visibility was recorded at 200 meters at 8.30 am while the same recorded was 650 meters at Palam observatory.
According to the MeT department, humidity level registered at 8.30 am was 100 per cent. "The skies will remain clear throughout the day and the maximum temperature is expected to hover around 23 degree Celsius," an official of the department said. Yesterday, the maximum temperature was recorded at 25.5 degrees Celsius, six notches above the season's average.
-- PTI
File pic.
09:30 I want immigrants to come from everywhere: Trump
United States President Donald Trump has said he wants immigrants to come from everywhere even as the White House pushes for a merit-based immigration system.
"I want them to come in from everywhere, everywhere," Trump told reporters yesterday in a brief response to a question surrounding the controversy about his recent statement in which he allegedly said he wants more people to come from Norway.
Later in the day, White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders told reporters that the president is pushing for a merit-based system irrespective of the country, religion and ethnicity of an applicant.
"He wants immigrants to come in from everywhere, but he wants to do that through a merit-based system," said Sanders.
"By definition a merit based system is color blind. It's not basing it on any of that criteria.It's not based on race, religion or country of origin. It's actually based on the merits of whether or not this person's going to be contributing to society," she said in response to a question.
Sanders said it was a 'much more fair system' and the one supported and voted by Democrats 'just years ago'.
"But now Trump is championing it. The Opposition, Democrats, are just showing absolute signs and definitions of what hypocrisy looks like," said Sanders.
"Democrats need to quit playing politics.. They need to come to the table with a real deal based on the parameters that were discussed in the meeting that most of you saw, and let's try to get something done for the American people," Sanders said. -- PTI
"I want them to come in from everywhere, everywhere," Trump told reporters yesterday in a brief response to a question surrounding the controversy about his recent statement in which he allegedly said he wants more people to come from Norway.
Later in the day, White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders told reporters that the president is pushing for a merit-based system irrespective of the country, religion and ethnicity of an applicant.
"He wants immigrants to come in from everywhere, but he wants to do that through a merit-based system," said Sanders.
"By definition a merit based system is color blind. It's not basing it on any of that criteria.It's not based on race, religion or country of origin. It's actually based on the merits of whether or not this person's going to be contributing to society," she said in response to a question.
Sanders said it was a 'much more fair system' and the one supported and voted by Democrats 'just years ago'.
"But now Trump is championing it. The Opposition, Democrats, are just showing absolute signs and definitions of what hypocrisy looks like," said Sanders.
"Democrats need to quit playing politics.. They need to come to the table with a real deal based on the parameters that were discussed in the meeting that most of you saw, and let's try to get something done for the American people," Sanders said. -- PTI
09:25 Ahmedabad decked-up for Modi-Netanyahu roadshow today
Security deployments are all in place ahead of the roadshow to be held jointly by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu.
The two leaders are scheduled to arrive at the airport around 10:30 a.m., from where they will proceed to Sabarmati Ashram to pay their respects to Mahatma Gandhi.
The 14-km-long roadshow will be heavily guarded by security forces including Israeli snipers 12 teams from 'Chetak commandos', Quick Response Teams, the Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad and police, who will be guarding the venues.
Furthermore, special squads are reportedly being deployed at high-rise buildings along the route and also on the Sabarmati river in speedboats when both the dignitaries are in the Ashram.
In view of the roadshow, many roads along the route have been temporarily closed by civic authorities to ensure seamless travel for the two leaders.
However, this may hamper normal life in the city.
Later in the day, Prime Minister Modi and Netanyahu will inaugurate the iCreate Center at Deo Dholera Village in Ahmedabad, following which they will visit a startup exhibition and interact with innovators and CEOs.
The two prime ministers will then dedicate a mobile water desalination van to Suigam Taluka, of Sabarkantha district, through a video link.
Both leaders will also address the gathering.
They will also visit the Centre of Excellence for Vegetables at Vadrad in Banaskantha district, where they will be briefed on work plan of the Centre.
Prime Minister Modi and Netanyahu will also inaugurate the Centre of Excellence for Date Palms at Kukama, Kutch District, through a video link, and interact with farmers.Prime Minister Netanyahu will then depart for Mumbai. -- ANI
The two leaders are scheduled to arrive at the airport around 10:30 a.m., from where they will proceed to Sabarmati Ashram to pay their respects to Mahatma Gandhi.
The 14-km-long roadshow will be heavily guarded by security forces including Israeli snipers 12 teams from 'Chetak commandos', Quick Response Teams, the Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad and police, who will be guarding the venues.
Furthermore, special squads are reportedly being deployed at high-rise buildings along the route and also on the Sabarmati river in speedboats when both the dignitaries are in the Ashram.
In view of the roadshow, many roads along the route have been temporarily closed by civic authorities to ensure seamless travel for the two leaders.
However, this may hamper normal life in the city.
Later in the day, Prime Minister Modi and Netanyahu will inaugurate the iCreate Center at Deo Dholera Village in Ahmedabad, following which they will visit a startup exhibition and interact with innovators and CEOs.
The two prime ministers will then dedicate a mobile water desalination van to Suigam Taluka, of Sabarkantha district, through a video link.
Both leaders will also address the gathering.
They will also visit the Centre of Excellence for Vegetables at Vadrad in Banaskantha district, where they will be briefed on work plan of the Centre.
Prime Minister Modi and Netanyahu will also inaugurate the Centre of Excellence for Date Palms at Kukama, Kutch District, through a video link, and interact with farmers.Prime Minister Netanyahu will then depart for Mumbai. -- ANI
08:50 Army Captain injured in Pak firing at LoC posts in Poonch
Pakistani troops opened fire at Indian posts along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch district on Tuesday, injuring an Army Captain, officials said.
"There was a ceasefire violation by the Pakistan Army. They resorted to firing along the LoC in Chakan Da Bagh area in Poonch this (Tuesday) evening," a security force official said.
The injured Army Captain has been hospitalised, they said.
The Indian troops retaliated and the exchange of fire continued till late night, they said.
The latest violation of the ceasefire came a day after seven Pakistani Army men, including a Major, were killed and four others injured in retaliatory action by the Indian Army in Poonch.
Authorities had on Monday suspended the cross-LoC bus service between Chakan Da Bagh and Rawalakot, following heightened tension on the LoC. -- PTI
Image for representation only.
"There was a ceasefire violation by the Pakistan Army. They resorted to firing along the LoC in Chakan Da Bagh area in Poonch this (Tuesday) evening," a security force official said.
The injured Army Captain has been hospitalised, they said.
The Indian troops retaliated and the exchange of fire continued till late night, they said.
The latest violation of the ceasefire came a day after seven Pakistani Army men, including a Major, were killed and four others injured in retaliatory action by the Indian Army in Poonch.
Authorities had on Monday suspended the cross-LoC bus service between Chakan Da Bagh and Rawalakot, following heightened tension on the LoC. -- PTI
Image for representation only.
08:13 Kamal Haasan to announce his party's name on February 21
Kamal Haasan will announce his political party's name on February 21 at Tamil Nadu's Ramanathapuram and begin a state-wide tour the same day.
The tour will be held in phases.
He will begin the journey from Ramanathapuram -- his hometown -- and later visit people from the districts of Madurai, Dindigul and Sivagangai.
It will mark Haasan's official entry into politics about which he has been making overtures since last year.
'At the commencement of the journey, I intend to announce the name of my political party along with the guiding principles we intend to live by,' Haasan said in a statement yesterday.
The veteran actor said he intends to challenge the status quo 'that has been plaguing the politics of Tamil Nadu for some time now'.
'However, for this to happen, my thoughts and actions need to collectively resonate with the people,' he said, adding that through the state-wide tour he wants to familiarise himself with the people's concerns.
'...to truly understand as to what the needs of my people are? What is afflicting them? What their aspirations are?' he said.
Haasan said the tour was 'neither an act of rebellion nor a gathering for glamour'.
'This is a journey of discovery and learning and an opportunity for me to truly understand my people,' said Haasan.
He exhorted the people of Tamil Nadu to 'question mediocrity' and 'raise the bar' of governance and welfare in the state.
'This journey is intended towards that goal. I begin this journey with your support. Join hands with me to empower our country and state,' said Haasan.
'I will see you soon,' he said. -- PTI
The tour will be held in phases.
He will begin the journey from Ramanathapuram -- his hometown -- and later visit people from the districts of Madurai, Dindigul and Sivagangai.
It will mark Haasan's official entry into politics about which he has been making overtures since last year.
'At the commencement of the journey, I intend to announce the name of my political party along with the guiding principles we intend to live by,' Haasan said in a statement yesterday.
The veteran actor said he intends to challenge the status quo 'that has been plaguing the politics of Tamil Nadu for some time now'.
'However, for this to happen, my thoughts and actions need to collectively resonate with the people,' he said, adding that through the state-wide tour he wants to familiarise himself with the people's concerns.
'...to truly understand as to what the needs of my people are? What is afflicting them? What their aspirations are?' he said.
Haasan said the tour was 'neither an act of rebellion nor a gathering for glamour'.
'This is a journey of discovery and learning and an opportunity for me to truly understand my people,' said Haasan.
He exhorted the people of Tamil Nadu to 'question mediocrity' and 'raise the bar' of governance and welfare in the state.
'This journey is intended towards that goal. I begin this journey with your support. Join hands with me to empower our country and state,' said Haasan.
'I will see you soon,' he said. -- PTI
00:18 UN chief expresses concern over threats pose by nukes
Observing that peace remains elusive to the international community, the United Nations chief Antonio Guterres said the world has gone in reverse as conflicts have deepened, new dangers have emerged and global anxieties
about nuclear weapons are the highest since the Cold War.
Speaking at an informal meeting of the General Assembly, the UN Secretary General said the international community needs unity and courage to meet todays most urgent needs, to ease the fears of the people and set the world on track towards a better future.
Noting that last year he took office calling to make 2017 a year for peace, he said, one year later one must recognise that peace remains elusive.
"In fundamental ways, the world has gone in reverse. Conflicts have deepened and new dangers have emerged. Global anxieties about nuclear weapons are the highest since the Cold War, he said.
"Climate change is moving faster than we are. Inequalities are growing. We see horrific violations of human rights. Nationalism, racism and xenophobia are on the rise. To me, these are all indications that we need greater unity and courage unity and courage to meet todays most urgent needs, to ease the fears of the people we serve and set the world on track towards a better future," said the UN Secretary General.
Welcoming the "firm decisions" the Security Council has taken in response to nuclear tests and ballistic missile launches by North Korea, he said they must be fully implemented.
Encouraged by the recent talks between North Korea and South Korea, he said there is need to build on small signs of hope, and expand diplomatic efforts to achieve the peaceful denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula in the context of regional security.
Describing the situation in the broader Middle East as having become a "Gordian knot", he said with so many inter-related flashpoints, the risk of an escalatory cycle is real.
"We must press for a return to negotiations between Israelis and Palestinians. There is no alternative to a two-state solution. Recent signals of diminishing support for this undermine moderates and empower radicals. There is no plan-B, Guterres said.
Calling for effort to remove the paralysis that has let European conflicts fester and freeze, he said having started two world wars, and taking into account the resources and capacities available to Europe, it is unjustifiable for
conflicts in the region to persist.
Guterres said human rights and national sovereignty go hand in hand.
"The achievement of human rights strengthens states and societies, thereby reinforcing sovereignty. States with effective, accountable institutions are among the best defenders of human rights, he said. -- PTI
00:11 Scribes boycott Mevani meet after he asks Republic TV to leave
In a show of solidarity, journalists today boycotted a press meet to be addressed by Gujarat MLA and Dalit leader Jignesh Mevani in Chennai after he refused to talk in the presence of Republic TV news channel.
After a close door interaction with students and academicians, Mevani had agreed to a short media meet.
As soon as the newsmen started getting ready for the event by arranging the microphones, Mevani asked the reporter of the news channel to remove his equipment.
The legislator made it clear that he will not talk in the presence of that TV channel since it was "his policy".
"We were arranging the microphone. As soon as he saw microphone that had our logo, he asked us to remove it. I told him we want a general byte and not an exclusive. But he refused", Republic TV reporter told PTI.
"We felt like he was dictating terms. We just sought a byte from him on issues relating to the State (Tamil Nadu)", he said.
The video released later by Republic TV showed Mevani saying he will not speak if there was a question from that particular channel.
"If a question comes (from that channel) I will stop speaking to anyone. Let the mic be removed", Mevani said.
Reacting to Mevani's rider, another TV channel reporter told him: "You cannot demand like that. If you do not want to talk then it is up to you. Thank You."
Following the incident, social media was flooded with comments supporting Chennai media for boycotting the event. -- PTI
TOP STORIES
© 2024 Rediff.com - Investor Information - Advertise with us - Disclaimer - Privacy Policy - Feedback - About us - Terms of use - Grievances