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Thu, 18 January 2018
ED grills Karti Chidambaram for 11 hours
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23:55 ED grills Karti Chidambaram for 11 hours
Karti Chidambaram, the son of senior Congress leader P Chidambaram, was questioned for about 11 hours by officials of the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with the INX Media money laundering case today.
Karti Chidambaram was summoned by the agency to appear before the Investigating Officer (IO) of the case today.
Official sources said Karti Chidambaram was asked a number of questions on his role in the case and his statement was recorded under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
He arrived at the ED office in New Delhi around 11:30 am and left after 10:30 pm.
"Whatever I stated here (in the ED) has been clearly stated in my petitions in the court (in this case). It has been a long day but there were questions which had to be typed, so it took a little long time," Karti Chidambaram told reporters after he came out of the ED office.
He has moved various courts including the Madras high court and the Supreme Court in response to the ED's action against him.
Karti Chidambaram's authorised representative had met the IO of the case on the last two occasions and the central probe agency had then asked him to appear in person.
The central probe agency had registered a case against him and others in May last year.
It had registered an Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR), the ED's equivalent of a police FIR, against the accused named in a CBI complaint, including Karti Chidambaram, INX Media and its directors, Peter and Indrani Mukerjea.
The ECIR was lodged under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
The sources said that the ED is probing the alleged "proceeds of crime" generated in this case. -- PTI
Karti Chidambaram was summoned by the agency to appear before the Investigating Officer (IO) of the case today.
Official sources said Karti Chidambaram was asked a number of questions on his role in the case and his statement was recorded under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
He arrived at the ED office in New Delhi around 11:30 am and left after 10:30 pm.
"Whatever I stated here (in the ED) has been clearly stated in my petitions in the court (in this case). It has been a long day but there were questions which had to be typed, so it took a little long time," Karti Chidambaram told reporters after he came out of the ED office.
He has moved various courts including the Madras high court and the Supreme Court in response to the ED's action against him.
Karti Chidambaram's authorised representative had met the IO of the case on the last two occasions and the central probe agency had then asked him to appear in person.
The central probe agency had registered a case against him and others in May last year.
It had registered an Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR), the ED's equivalent of a police FIR, against the accused named in a CBI complaint, including Karti Chidambaram, INX Media and its directors, Peter and Indrani Mukerjea.
The ECIR was lodged under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
The sources said that the ED is probing the alleged "proceeds of crime" generated in this case. -- PTI
22:48 Attack helicopter Rudra first time in R-Day parade
Indigenously-developed weapon system integrated helicopter Rudra will make its maiden appearance in the Republic Day parade on Rajpath in New Delhi onJanuary 26, Indian Air Force officials said.
The flypast by the Indian Air Force on the Republic Day parade will involve 38 aircraft, including 21 fighters, 12 helicopters and five transporters, Group Captain Rahul Bhasin told reporters.
The Ensign formation of the flypast will include a Mi-17V5 helicopter carrying the ASEAN flag to commemorate the summit meeting of India and the block of South East Asian countries to be held in New Delhi on January 19-30.
"The flypast will be divided into two blocks. The second block will start with Rudra formation comprising Advanced Light Helicopter MK-IV WSI. This is the first time this aircraft is being showcased in the Republic Day Parade," Bhasin said.
Other formations will involve C-130 J, AEW&C aircraft escorted by two Sukhoi-30 MKI, Tejas Light Combat Aircraft, Jaguar, MiG 29 Upgrade aircraft.
The IAF tableau will be themed on 'Indian Air Force encouraging indigenisation', while the tri-service tableau will be themed on 'veterans are asset to the nation'.
The IAF march past contingent will include 75 musicians and three band majors led by junior warrant officer Ashok Kumar Nagar.
"We will pay 15 patriotic and martial tunes on the occasion," Nagar said.
A special tribute will be paid to the Marshal of Indian Air Force Arjan Singh who passed away in September last year with a tune 'Great Marshal' employing African drums, Nagar said. -- PTI
The flypast by the Indian Air Force on the Republic Day parade will involve 38 aircraft, including 21 fighters, 12 helicopters and five transporters, Group Captain Rahul Bhasin told reporters.
The Ensign formation of the flypast will include a Mi-17V5 helicopter carrying the ASEAN flag to commemorate the summit meeting of India and the block of South East Asian countries to be held in New Delhi on January 19-30.
"The flypast will be divided into two blocks. The second block will start with Rudra formation comprising Advanced Light Helicopter MK-IV WSI. This is the first time this aircraft is being showcased in the Republic Day Parade," Bhasin said.
Other formations will involve C-130 J, AEW&C aircraft escorted by two Sukhoi-30 MKI, Tejas Light Combat Aircraft, Jaguar, MiG 29 Upgrade aircraft.
The IAF tableau will be themed on 'Indian Air Force encouraging indigenisation', while the tri-service tableau will be themed on 'veterans are asset to the nation'.
The IAF march past contingent will include 75 musicians and three band majors led by junior warrant officer Ashok Kumar Nagar.
"We will pay 15 patriotic and martial tunes on the occasion," Nagar said.
A special tribute will be paid to the Marshal of Indian Air Force Arjan Singh who passed away in September last year with a tune 'Great Marshal' employing African drums, Nagar said. -- PTI
22:26 World loves Bollywood, I love Bollywood: Netanyahu
Actors Amitabh Bachchan, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Abhishek Bachchan, and Sara Ali Khan; Directors Karan Johar, Subhash Ghai, and Imtiaz Ali; Producer Ronnie Screwvala, and others with Israel PM Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife Sara at 'Shalom Bollywood' in Mumbai.
"The world loves Bollywood, Israel loves Bollywood, I love Bollywood," the Israeli PM said at the event. -- ANI
"The world loves Bollywood, Israel loves Bollywood, I love Bollywood," the Israeli PM said at the event. -- ANI
22:02 UP schoolboy attack: Suspect girl sent to juvenile home
A court in Lucknow on Thursday sent a girl of Class 7 to a juvenile home till January 31 for allegedly stabbing her schoolmate, a Class 1 student, on Wednesday.
The police produced her before principal magistrate of Juvenile Justice Board, Achal Pratap Singh for the allegations of causing hurt by dangerous weapons or means.
The principal magistrate sent her to the juvenile home.
Ritik was attacked in the toilet of Brightland School in Triveni Nagar locality by his senior, in a chilling reminder of the murder of Class II student Pradyumn Thakur in a Gurgaon school last year.
The 11-year-old girl had allegedly attacked the boy in order to get the school closed early.
Meanwhile, Chief Judicial Magistrate (Custom) Chhavi Asthana granted bail to Brightland School principal Rachit Manas on furnishing two sureties of Rs 20,000 each and a personal bond of the same amount.
Earlier, the police booked him for destroying evidence. -- PTI
The police produced her before principal magistrate of Juvenile Justice Board, Achal Pratap Singh for the allegations of causing hurt by dangerous weapons or means.
The principal magistrate sent her to the juvenile home.
Ritik was attacked in the toilet of Brightland School in Triveni Nagar locality by his senior, in a chilling reminder of the murder of Class II student Pradyumn Thakur in a Gurgaon school last year.
The 11-year-old girl had allegedly attacked the boy in order to get the school closed early.
Meanwhile, Chief Judicial Magistrate (Custom) Chhavi Asthana granted bail to Brightland School principal Rachit Manas on furnishing two sureties of Rs 20,000 each and a personal bond of the same amount.
Earlier, the police booked him for destroying evidence. -- PTI
21:54 Padmaavat: Karni Sena calls for 'janata curfew', vandalises theatre
Following the Supreme Court order paving the way for the nationwide release of the film 'Padmaavat', Rajput Karni Sena leader Lokendra Singh Kalvi today gave a call for a 'janata curfew' on January 25.
Talking to reporters in Ujjain, he said, "Not only Rajputs but all communities in the country are opposing this film. We can't give a call of 'Bharat bandh' as January 26 is our national festival, but a 'janata curfew' (people's curfew) should be observed on the day of its release, January 25."
"I suspect that any film can be released in spite of a state government's wish. I still request the prime minister... Even after a film is cleared by the Central Board of Film Certification, the power to ban any film lies with the Union cabinet. In such situation, the Supreme Court cannot intervene. I urge all social organisations which opposed this film over the past one and a half months to observe a 'social and janata curfew' on January 25," he said.
A film on queen Padmavati should be made but 'it should be in accordance with the history', he said.
"Initially, the film was based on a love story. Now Sanjay Leela Bhansali is saying that everything has been corrected. I can believe anybody but not Bhansali," said the Rajput leader, who was in Ujjain to take part in a local Rajput community programme.
Meanwhile, in Bihar's Muzaffarpur, members of Rajput Karni Sena today attacked a cinema hall and tore down posters of Padmaavat.
The incident took place at Jyoti cinema hall in Muzaffarpur's Mithanpura police station area where the protesters came brandishing swords and wearing saffron head scarves, SHO Vijay Kumar said.
He said the Karni Sena members raised slogans like 'Jai Maa Bhavani' and 'Padmaavat ko ban karo' as they tore down posters of the Shahid Kapoor and Deepika Padukone starrer.
Before departing, the protesters also warned the staff of the cinema hall not to screen the movie, the SHO said, adding that no arrests have been made so far and investigation is on. -- PTI
Talking to reporters in Ujjain, he said, "Not only Rajputs but all communities in the country are opposing this film. We can't give a call of 'Bharat bandh' as January 26 is our national festival, but a 'janata curfew' (people's curfew) should be observed on the day of its release, January 25."
"I suspect that any film can be released in spite of a state government's wish. I still request the prime minister... Even after a film is cleared by the Central Board of Film Certification, the power to ban any film lies with the Union cabinet. In such situation, the Supreme Court cannot intervene. I urge all social organisations which opposed this film over the past one and a half months to observe a 'social and janata curfew' on January 25," he said.
A film on queen Padmavati should be made but 'it should be in accordance with the history', he said.
"Initially, the film was based on a love story. Now Sanjay Leela Bhansali is saying that everything has been corrected. I can believe anybody but not Bhansali," said the Rajput leader, who was in Ujjain to take part in a local Rajput community programme.
Meanwhile, in Bihar's Muzaffarpur, members of Rajput Karni Sena today attacked a cinema hall and tore down posters of Padmaavat.
The incident took place at Jyoti cinema hall in Muzaffarpur's Mithanpura police station area where the protesters came brandishing swords and wearing saffron head scarves, SHO Vijay Kumar said.
He said the Karni Sena members raised slogans like 'Jai Maa Bhavani' and 'Padmaavat ko ban karo' as they tore down posters of the Shahid Kapoor and Deepika Padukone starrer.
Before departing, the protesters also warned the staff of the cinema hall not to screen the movie, the SHO said, adding that no arrests have been made so far and investigation is on. -- PTI
20:59 Col Purohit now moves SC with plea against trial under UAPA
Malegaon blast accused Lt Col Shrikant Purohit today moved Supreme Court challenging the Bombay high court order dismissing his plea against the sanction for prosecution granted by the Maharashtra government under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act.
The high court had on December 18 last year dismissed Purohit's plea along with that of Sameer Kulkarni, both accused in the 2008 Malegaon blast case.
Purohit and Kulkarni had told the high court that under the UAPA, the state law and judiciary department, the sanctioning authority, has to seek a report from an appropriate authority.
Purohit had contended that in his case, the sanction was given in January 2009 but the authority was appointed only in October 2010.
Both Purohit and Kulkarni are out on bail in the case.
Six persons were killed and 101 injured when an improvised explosive device strapped to a motorcycle went off at Malegaon, a town with sizable Muslim population in north Maharashtra's Nashik district, on September 29, 2008.
On December 27 last year, a special National Investigation Agency court ruled that Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur, Lt Col Prasad Purohit and six others accused in the 2008 Malegaon blast will stand trial on stringent terror charges in the politically-sensitive case that had raised speculation of saffron militancy.
The NIA had earlier given a clean chit to Sadhvi Pragya saying there was not enough evidence against her in the case but the court had rejected the probe agency's submission saying it was difficult to accept the claim, given that her motorcycle was used in the blast.
The court had said that charges will be framed against Thakur, Purohit, Sudhakar Dwivedi, Major Ramesh Upadhyay (retd), Sameer Kulkarni, Sudhakar Chaturvedi and Ajay Rahirkar.
The accused will face trial now under sections 16 and 18 of the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (conspiring for and committing/organising a terror act) and under the Indian Penal Code for criminal conspiracy, murder, attempt to murder and causing hurt besides charges under the Explosive Substances Act and Arms Act.
The charges are punishable by various prison terms up to life, and death for murder.
The Anti-Terrorism Squad of the Maharashtra police, which probed the case, had initially charged Thakur, Purohit, Sudhakar Dwivedi, Ramesh Upadhyay, Sudhakar Chaturvedi, Jagdish Mhatre, Rakesh Dhawade, Ajay Rahirkar, Samir Kulkarni, Shyam Sahu, Shivnarayan Kalsangra, Pravin Mutalik and Ramchandra Kalsangra. Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur and Purohit were arrested in the same year with nine others for the blast conspiracy.
On August 21, last year, the apex court had granted bail to Purohit, who had been languishing in jail for almost nine years for his alleged role in the case, observing there were contradictions in the charge sheets filed by different investigating agencies. -- PTI
The high court had on December 18 last year dismissed Purohit's plea along with that of Sameer Kulkarni, both accused in the 2008 Malegaon blast case.
Purohit and Kulkarni had told the high court that under the UAPA, the state law and judiciary department, the sanctioning authority, has to seek a report from an appropriate authority.
Purohit had contended that in his case, the sanction was given in January 2009 but the authority was appointed only in October 2010.
Both Purohit and Kulkarni are out on bail in the case.
Six persons were killed and 101 injured when an improvised explosive device strapped to a motorcycle went off at Malegaon, a town with sizable Muslim population in north Maharashtra's Nashik district, on September 29, 2008.
On December 27 last year, a special National Investigation Agency court ruled that Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur, Lt Col Prasad Purohit and six others accused in the 2008 Malegaon blast will stand trial on stringent terror charges in the politically-sensitive case that had raised speculation of saffron militancy.
The NIA had earlier given a clean chit to Sadhvi Pragya saying there was not enough evidence against her in the case but the court had rejected the probe agency's submission saying it was difficult to accept the claim, given that her motorcycle was used in the blast.
The court had said that charges will be framed against Thakur, Purohit, Sudhakar Dwivedi, Major Ramesh Upadhyay (retd), Sameer Kulkarni, Sudhakar Chaturvedi and Ajay Rahirkar.
The accused will face trial now under sections 16 and 18 of the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (conspiring for and committing/organising a terror act) and under the Indian Penal Code for criminal conspiracy, murder, attempt to murder and causing hurt besides charges under the Explosive Substances Act and Arms Act.
The charges are punishable by various prison terms up to life, and death for murder.
The Anti-Terrorism Squad of the Maharashtra police, which probed the case, had initially charged Thakur, Purohit, Sudhakar Dwivedi, Ramesh Upadhyay, Sudhakar Chaturvedi, Jagdish Mhatre, Rakesh Dhawade, Ajay Rahirkar, Samir Kulkarni, Shyam Sahu, Shivnarayan Kalsangra, Pravin Mutalik and Ramchandra Kalsangra. Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur and Purohit were arrested in the same year with nine others for the blast conspiracy.
On August 21, last year, the apex court had granted bail to Purohit, who had been languishing in jail for almost nine years for his alleged role in the case, observing there were contradictions in the charge sheets filed by different investigating agencies. -- PTI
20:53 Modi govt 'caught snoozing' while China occupying Doklam: Congress
The Congress today accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of compromising with national security and strategic interests, and said his government was 'caught snoozing' when China was reportedly occupying the Doklam plateau with fresh military installations.
"India's national security and strategic interests are being compromised with as is now apparent from satellite imagery as also media reports available in public domain.
"It is most unfortunate that the Modi government has been caught snoozing while the Chinese have occupied the Doklam plateau as per news reports and satellite imagery and a planning a repeat of Doklam 2 type of face-off," Congress communications in-charge Randeep Surjewala told reporters.
Training his guns on the prime minister, he said, "Modi ji, who has mastered the art of electoral rhetoric, has miserably failed to ensure full protection of our borders."
Surjewala said the Congress has always maintained that there can be no political viewpoints on Doklam and the sole criteria needs to be 'national interest', which needs to protected at all costs.
"But listless attitude of the Modi government has forced us to doubt its actions...," he said.
The satellite imagery, he said, indicates a high degree of Chinese military build-up at the Doklam plateau, just a few metres away from the Indian Army post.
"The BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party) is so consumed in headlines management, false bravado, self-promotion that it has conveniently forgotten that serious issues of national security, exist!
"It seems that the Modi government is living in a make belief cuckoo world of TV studio warfare, superbly engrossed in loudmouth rhetoric by hired commentators that for them the line between 'virtual' and 'real' has completely vanished!" he said.
He asked the BJP government to apprise the countrymen on reports and latest satellite imagery suggesting that Chinese Army has not only built full-fledged military complex in Doklam, but has already occupied the entire Doklam plateau right up to 10 metres from the Indian Army post.
"Is the Modi Government, especially the Defence Ministry, aware of this presence?" he asked.
Quoting the external affairs ministry's statement of August 28, 2017, wherein it said both India and China had agreed on 'expeditious disengagement of border personnel at the face-off site at Doklam' and it 'is on-going', he asked, "Is this new buildup of Doklam 2.0 by the Chinese an implementation of its stand?"
The Congress leader said that in the run-up to the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, Modi had made several insinuations on the Congress party and spoken about showing 'Laal Aankh' (angry look) to China.
"But, now the number of face-offs with the Chinese on the LAC has shot up by 48 per cent last year. There were 415 transgressions by Chinese soldiers into the Indian side of the LAC in 2017 -- as against 271 transgressions in 2016. What does it say about Modi's empty rhetoric in election rallies? What steps has the Modi government taken to prevent these intrusions?" he asked. -- PTI
"India's national security and strategic interests are being compromised with as is now apparent from satellite imagery as also media reports available in public domain.
"It is most unfortunate that the Modi government has been caught snoozing while the Chinese have occupied the Doklam plateau as per news reports and satellite imagery and a planning a repeat of Doklam 2 type of face-off," Congress communications in-charge Randeep Surjewala told reporters.
Training his guns on the prime minister, he said, "Modi ji, who has mastered the art of electoral rhetoric, has miserably failed to ensure full protection of our borders."
Surjewala said the Congress has always maintained that there can be no political viewpoints on Doklam and the sole criteria needs to be 'national interest', which needs to protected at all costs.
"But listless attitude of the Modi government has forced us to doubt its actions...," he said.
The satellite imagery, he said, indicates a high degree of Chinese military build-up at the Doklam plateau, just a few metres away from the Indian Army post.
"The BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party) is so consumed in headlines management, false bravado, self-promotion that it has conveniently forgotten that serious issues of national security, exist!
"It seems that the Modi government is living in a make belief cuckoo world of TV studio warfare, superbly engrossed in loudmouth rhetoric by hired commentators that for them the line between 'virtual' and 'real' has completely vanished!" he said.
He asked the BJP government to apprise the countrymen on reports and latest satellite imagery suggesting that Chinese Army has not only built full-fledged military complex in Doklam, but has already occupied the entire Doklam plateau right up to 10 metres from the Indian Army post.
"Is the Modi Government, especially the Defence Ministry, aware of this presence?" he asked.
Quoting the external affairs ministry's statement of August 28, 2017, wherein it said both India and China had agreed on 'expeditious disengagement of border personnel at the face-off site at Doklam' and it 'is on-going', he asked, "Is this new buildup of Doklam 2.0 by the Chinese an implementation of its stand?"
The Congress leader said that in the run-up to the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, Modi had made several insinuations on the Congress party and spoken about showing 'Laal Aankh' (angry look) to China.
"But, now the number of face-offs with the Chinese on the LAC has shot up by 48 per cent last year. There were 415 transgressions by Chinese soldiers into the Indian side of the LAC in 2017 -- as against 271 transgressions in 2016. What does it say about Modi's empty rhetoric in election rallies? What steps has the Modi government taken to prevent these intrusions?" he asked. -- PTI
20:08 Status quo not altered at Doklam: India
India said today that the status quo has not been altered at Doklam, where Indian and Chinese troops were locked in a stand-off for over two months last year, and rejected any suggestion to the contrary as 'inaccurate and mischievous'.
"Our attention has been drawn to some reports that question the accuracy of the position stated by the government in respect to the situation in Doklam," Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said.
He said that in response to repeated questions about any change in the status quo at the face-off site, the government has stated that there was no basis for such imputations.
"The government would reiterate that the status quo at the face-off site has not been altered. Any suggestion to the contrary is inaccurate and mischievous," he said.
Kumar's remarks come in the wake of media reports about China carrying out some infrastructure development in the disputed region.
Indian and Chinese troops had been locked in a stand-off for over two months last year in the Doklam area near Sikkim before 'disengaging' on August 28. -- PTI
Image for representation only.
"Our attention has been drawn to some reports that question the accuracy of the position stated by the government in respect to the situation in Doklam," Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said.
He said that in response to repeated questions about any change in the status quo at the face-off site, the government has stated that there was no basis for such imputations.
"The government would reiterate that the status quo at the face-off site has not been altered. Any suggestion to the contrary is inaccurate and mischievous," he said.
Kumar's remarks come in the wake of media reports about China carrying out some infrastructure development in the disputed region.
Indian and Chinese troops had been locked in a stand-off for over two months last year in the Doklam area near Sikkim before 'disengaging' on August 28. -- PTI
Image for representation only.
19:20 Moshe wants his bar mitzvah at Chabad House in 2020
Dr Kuresh Zorabi, now partially based in Australia, also attended the memorial service held for Moshe Holtzberg's parents Rivka and Gavriel Holtzberg, along with Gavriel's parents, Rivka's parents, Chabad Mumbai's rabbi Israel Kozlovsky, Moshe's nanny Sandra Samuel (pic here) who saved him on 26/11 and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Zorabi was the Holtzbergs' neighbour and ran an eye clinic around the corner from Chabad House/Nariman House. His family owns the 24x7 Rex Bakery that bakes round the clock some of Colaba's best piping hot soft and kadak pao, exactly opposite Nariman House.
The bakery got peppered with terrorist bullets and the staff barely escaped with their lives by hiding in the backrooms. The bullet marks are still enshrined on the wall of the bakery.
The ophthalmic surgeon described the emotional sendoff Moshe was given by both the Mumbai and Israeli rabbis with the Hindi song Sabse badi baat, sabse badi baat as a lovely moment, reports Vaihayasi Pande Daniel/Rediff.com.
One of the rabbis present knew Moshe when he was a toddler of two but Moshe naturally could not remember him, recalls Dr Zorabi.
So moved was Moshe by the whole experience that he wants his Bar Mitzvah ceremony done at Chabad House in 2020, when he is 13 years old.
In this interview with Vaihayasi from December 2008, Dr Kuresh Zorabhi speaks about the Holtzbergs.
In photograph alongside: Moshe Holtzberg with his maternal grandparents Yehudit Rosenberg, Rabbi Shimon Rosenberg and Dr Kuresh Zorabi. Moshe lives with the Rosenbergs in Afula, Israel.
This photograph shows Moshe's paternal grandparents Freida and Nachman Holtzberg, who live in New York, with Dr Zorabi.
18:37 GST removed from 29 items, reduced on 49 others
JUST IN: The Goods and Services Tax Council has placed 29 items in the zero per cent tax slab.
Uttarakhand Finance Minister Prakash Pant said, "29 handicrafts items have been put in zero percent slab and tax has been reduced on around 49 items. Decision on petroleum products is pending as of now." -- ANI
Uttarakhand Finance Minister Prakash Pant said, "29 handicrafts items have been put in zero percent slab and tax has been reduced on around 49 items. Decision on petroleum products is pending as of now." -- ANI
18:28 Decision to revoke Padmaavat ban only after studying SC order: Rajasthan
The Rajasthan government today said it would study the Supreme Court's order staying the ban on the release of controversial film Padmaavat and then only a 'decision on revision can be taken'.
Rajasthan Home Minister Gulab Chand Kataria said he would study the apex court order and talk to the law department and legal experts.
"We respect the Supreme Court's decision," he said.
Law Minister Rajendra Rathore said his department would 'study the court order and then only a decision on revision can be taken'.
On a question on law and order, Kataria said, "The government will do everything to maintain law and order in the state."
The Karni Sena, the fringe group that led protests against the film, asserted it would not allow Padmaavat to be screened.
Its president Mahipal Singh Makrana said the Rajputs would hit the streets against it.
"There will be 'janta curfew'. Cinema hall owners are supporting us. The government, court, CBFC and Sanjay Leela Bhansali will be responsible if there is any law and order problem," Makrana said.
In Chittorgarh, members of the community expressed shock over the Supreme Court order.
Narpat Singh, the treasurer of Jauhar Smriti Sansthan, said the court's order had hurt their sentiments and the protest against the film was 'intensifying day by day'.
President of Jauhar Shatrani Manch, a group representing Rajput women in Chittorgarh, Manjushri Shaktawat said they will take out a rally on January 21 and take an oath for performing 'Jauhar' (self-immolation) on January 24.
Meanwhile, Haryana Health Minister Anil Vij said the court has given the decision without listening to their side.
"Supreme Court gave the decision without listening to our side. Since it is the highest judicial forum, we will abide by the decision. We will also examine the decision and see if there is any scope of appealing against it," Vij said. -- PTI, ANI
Rajasthan Home Minister Gulab Chand Kataria said he would study the apex court order and talk to the law department and legal experts.
"We respect the Supreme Court's decision," he said.
Law Minister Rajendra Rathore said his department would 'study the court order and then only a decision on revision can be taken'.
On a question on law and order, Kataria said, "The government will do everything to maintain law and order in the state."
The Karni Sena, the fringe group that led protests against the film, asserted it would not allow Padmaavat to be screened.
Its president Mahipal Singh Makrana said the Rajputs would hit the streets against it.
"There will be 'janta curfew'. Cinema hall owners are supporting us. The government, court, CBFC and Sanjay Leela Bhansali will be responsible if there is any law and order problem," Makrana said.
In Chittorgarh, members of the community expressed shock over the Supreme Court order.
Narpat Singh, the treasurer of Jauhar Smriti Sansthan, said the court's order had hurt their sentiments and the protest against the film was 'intensifying day by day'.
President of Jauhar Shatrani Manch, a group representing Rajput women in Chittorgarh, Manjushri Shaktawat said they will take out a rally on January 21 and take an oath for performing 'Jauhar' (self-immolation) on January 24.
Meanwhile, Haryana Health Minister Anil Vij said the court has given the decision without listening to their side.
"Supreme Court gave the decision without listening to our side. Since it is the highest judicial forum, we will abide by the decision. We will also examine the decision and see if there is any scope of appealing against it," Vij said. -- PTI, ANI
17:59 1 dead in oil tanker fire off Gujarat coast
One person has been killed by the fire that broke out on board the diesel-laden merchant navy tanker MT Genessa oil tanker, anchored 15 nautical miles off Deendayal Port in Kandla, Gujarat.
Efforts were underway to douse the flames on the tanker which was carrying 30,000 tonnes of high-speed diesel, an official said.
The official said water sampling has not shown any oil spill so far in the Arabian Sea from the tanker.
The fire in the oil tanker's crew compartment was reported last evening.
The Indian Coast Guard had evacuated all the 26 crew members, two of whom suffered burn injuries.
Defence PRO, Gujarat region, Abhishek Matiman today said no oil spill has been reported so far from the tanker.
'#IndiaCoastGuard fire fight still on. 03 ICGVessels, 09Tugs frm KPT, Reliance,Essar,Adani & ICG Dornier in action. Water sampling shows no Oil Spill. ICG Pollution Ctrl Vessel at site. Proactive response frm all agencies. ICGS SamudraPavak overseeing ops (sic),' he tweeted.
Matiman said the Coast Guard worked tirelessly throughout the night to avert any potential disaster.
'#IndiaCoastGuard living upto their motto 'Vayam Rakshamah' worked tirelessly through the night, garnering & guiding resources frm Govt and pvt agencies in vicinity averted potential disaster at sea dousing fire that engulfed MT Genessa anchored off Kandla,' he wrote on Twitter.
Indian Coast Guard Interceptor Boat C-403 is at the scene and the maritime security agency's pollution control team has been activated, an official earlier said.
A Dornier aircraft has been pressed into service to ascertain the extent of the fire, he said. -- ANI, PTI
IMAGE: A ship douses the flame and cools off the temperature of M T Genessa in Kandla on Thursday. Photograph: @IndiaCoastGuard/Twitter via PTI Photo
Efforts were underway to douse the flames on the tanker which was carrying 30,000 tonnes of high-speed diesel, an official said.
The official said water sampling has not shown any oil spill so far in the Arabian Sea from the tanker.
The fire in the oil tanker's crew compartment was reported last evening.
The Indian Coast Guard had evacuated all the 26 crew members, two of whom suffered burn injuries.
Defence PRO, Gujarat region, Abhishek Matiman today said no oil spill has been reported so far from the tanker.
'#IndiaCoastGuard fire fight still on. 03 ICGVessels, 09Tugs frm KPT, Reliance,Essar,Adani & ICG Dornier in action. Water sampling shows no Oil Spill. ICG Pollution Ctrl Vessel at site. Proactive response frm all agencies. ICGS SamudraPavak overseeing ops (sic),' he tweeted.
Matiman said the Coast Guard worked tirelessly throughout the night to avert any potential disaster.
'#IndiaCoastGuard living upto their motto 'Vayam Rakshamah' worked tirelessly through the night, garnering & guiding resources frm Govt and pvt agencies in vicinity averted potential disaster at sea dousing fire that engulfed MT Genessa anchored off Kandla,' he wrote on Twitter.
Indian Coast Guard Interceptor Boat C-403 is at the scene and the maritime security agency's pollution control team has been activated, an official earlier said.
A Dornier aircraft has been pressed into service to ascertain the extent of the fire, he said. -- ANI, PTI
IMAGE: A ship douses the flame and cools off the temperature of M T Genessa in Kandla on Thursday. Photograph: @IndiaCoastGuard/Twitter via PTI Photo
17:09 Main ingredients for Agni-5 launch came from TN: Sitharaman
The Agni-5 which was successfully test fired today has major contributions from the Tamil Nadu industry which provided the main ingredients for the ballistic missile, Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said in Chennai.
Earlier in the day, India successfully test-fired the nuclear capable surface-to-surface ballistic missile Agni-5, the most advanced missile in the Agni series with a strike range of over 5,000 km, from a test range off Odisha coast.
The user associate test-flight of the missile has further boosted indigenous missile capabilities and deterrence strength of the country, according to experts.
"...The main ingredients for the Agni-5 came from Tamil Nadu industry", Sitharaman said amid applause from the audience during her address at the two-day Defence Industry Development Meet.
"If we have been able to launch Agni 5 today, it is not only because of components that were imported but also due to the research activities taken up by DRDO (Defence Research Development Organisation). The components were successfully assembled and a successful launch (of Agni 5) was made today", she said.
Sitharaman said Tamil Nadu provided a favourable climate for investment which can be made use of for the development of defence sector in the country. -- PTI
Earlier in the day, India successfully test-fired the nuclear capable surface-to-surface ballistic missile Agni-5, the most advanced missile in the Agni series with a strike range of over 5,000 km, from a test range off Odisha coast.
The user associate test-flight of the missile has further boosted indigenous missile capabilities and deterrence strength of the country, according to experts.
"...The main ingredients for the Agni-5 came from Tamil Nadu industry", Sitharaman said amid applause from the audience during her address at the two-day Defence Industry Development Meet.
"If we have been able to launch Agni 5 today, it is not only because of components that were imported but also due to the research activities taken up by DRDO (Defence Research Development Organisation). The components were successfully assembled and a successful launch (of Agni 5) was made today", she said.
Sitharaman said Tamil Nadu provided a favourable climate for investment which can be made use of for the development of defence sector in the country. -- PTI
16:40 Aus Open: Wawrinka loses in straight sets in 2nd round
Stanislas Wawrinka has lost to unseeded Tennys Sandgren in straight sets.
Seeded 9, returning from injury lost 2-6, 1-6, 4-6 to the American.
The 2014 Australian Open champ missed the US Open after injury forced him to bow out.
Seeded 9, returning from injury lost 2-6, 1-6, 4-6 to the American.
The 2014 Australian Open champ missed the US Open after injury forced him to bow out.
16:38 Juggernaut ropes in moms for online campaign against bullying
Inspired by their recent release, Mothering A Muslim by Nazia Erum, Juggernaut Books has launched a collaborative online campaign called Mothers Against Bullying.
They're working closely with Gurgaon Moms, UNIMO and McAfee CyberMum and have partnered with mothers' communities across the country to help them spread the word.
With this campaign, Juggernaut has appealed to schools across India to actively take notice of bullying of various kinds -- from body-shaming, cyberbullying to bullying on religious lines.
You can take a look at the campaign here.
16:14 UPDATE: Netanyahu meets Moshe at Mumbai's Chabad House
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met with 11-year-old Moshe Holtzberg at Chabad House in Mumbai.
Moshe's father Rabbi Gavriel Holtzberg and mother Rivka were killed at the Nariman House during the 2008 attacks.
The Jewish couple ran a cultural and outreach centre for the Chabad-Lubavitch movement at the Nariman House in south Mumbai's Colaba area.
Moshe came to Mumbai on Tuesday, returning to the place where he was orphaned nine years ago in the terror attack.
16:06 Kamal says he shares vision of Abdul Kalam for a 'good TN'
Veteran star Kamal Haasan today said he intended to launch his political tour of Tamil Nadu on February 21 from the residence of late President APJ Abdul Kalam at Ramanathapuram, which is also the hometown of the
actor.
The top actor said he too shared the vision of Kalam who dreamt of a "good Tamil Nadu."
By launching his political tour from the residence of the late leader, he would be moving forward towards that goal, the actor said, writing in his weekly column in Tamil weekly 'Ananda Vikatan.'
Haasan, recalling his conversation with the former President while travelling in a flight years ago, hailed Kalam for his great qualities.
Praising Kalam, the actor said he lost opportunities to visit the late leader's residence at Ramanathapuram.
Recalling that for him too Ramanathapuram was the hometown where he was born, Kamal said he felt that he should visit Kalam's residence by creating an opportunity this time round. "I think that I should start my tour from his (Kalam's) residence."
The former president dreamt of leaving behind a "good Tamil Nadu," he said. "I too have the same thought, I move towards that and my full time job is not to be engaged only in criticism. My goal is people's development."
-- PTI
15:09 Netanyahu arrives at Chabad House for memorial service
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has arrived at Chabad House, Colaba, Mumbai, for the memorial service for 26/11 victims.
The motor convoy pulled up at the narrow lane leading to Chabad House, a good 500 metres away from where the Indian media has been kept waiting, reports Vaihayasi Pande Daniel/Rediff.com. The international media, however, has been allowed to cover the memorial service, along with the news agencies.
15:00 Govt plans to increase health budget by 11% to $8.2 billion
The Modi government plans to raise the 2018-19 health budget by 11 per cent to $8.2 billion (Rs 52,295 crore).
According to sources, Health Minister JP Nadda had sought a $10 billion budget for stepping up disease control.
As per official records, as on March 31, 2015, there were 1, 53, 655 Sub-Centres, 25,308 Primary Health Centres and 5,396 Community Health Centres (CHCs) functioning in the country. Evidently, given India's population, these numbers are far from adequate.
Other areas that the industry hopes the Budget will address is encouragement to set up more number of highway accident trauma centres and rescue teams given that India records a large number of deaths due to accidents every year.
The government should find ways to cover the uncovered population under health insurance. India may be having a right to mental health today but it has still to come up with right to health.
14:44 Japan in driver's seat for Indian bullet train deals
Japanese steel and engineering companies are in the drivers seat to bag major supply contracts for a $17 billion Indian bullet train, several sources said, undermining a key component of Prime Minister Narendra Modis economic policy - a push to Make in India.
Read more HERE
14:13 Former Delhi CM Sheila Dikshit pens autobiography
Former Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit is coming out with her autobiography, "Citizen Delhi: My Times, My Life", publishers Bloomsbury India announced.
The memoir which will be unveiled on January 27 at the 11th edition of the Jaipur Literature Festival, will take readers through the "lifelong journey of the only female politician in India to be part of a select, overwhelmingly male, band".
"When I look back, I see an Indian woman, with what many may call a modern attitude even today, choosing to take the important decisions of her life and be accountable for them,"
Dikshit said.
The memoir documents how a girl who loved cycling along the tree-lined avenues of a brand new Lutyens' Delhi, five decades later, went on to govern, and transform, Delhi as its chief minister not once, but thrice consecutively -- from 1998 to 2013.
The book also sheds light on how Dikshit never wanted to
be in politics.
She credits the turn of events to destiny shaped by her liberal upbringing in a Punjabi household.
-- PTI
13:53 Judge to contest LS polls?
Last Friday, four Supreme Court judges voiced their concern over matters in the highest court in the land.
Of the august judges, three are set to retire this year, and one from among them -- so claims Delhi scuttlebutt -- may contest the next Lok Sabha election from his home state.
Who could it be? As they say, your guess is as good as ours
13:50 Boy attacked in Lucknow school by class 6 girl, principal arrested
A Class 1 student was attacked with a knife, allegedly by a senior, in the toilet of a school in Uttar Pradesh's Lucknow, in a case that is chillingly similar to the murder of a seven-year-old at Gurgaon's Ryan International School.
The six-year-old boy has deep wounds on the chest and stomach, but is said to be out of danger. His parents say a senior girl student attacked him in the toilet of Brightland School on Tuesday morning. The police are looking for a girl student of Class 6, say sources.
"I was informed by the school that my son is injured. He has been attacked with knife by a girl," said the boy's father.
The police are yet to identify the attacker and establish that it was a student. School officials suspect a connection to the deadly "Blue Whale" game, which involves a set of violent tasks that end in suicide.
The boy was taken to hospital from the school. The doctor who is treating him, Sandeep Tewari, said the wounds "seem to have been inflicted with a knife-like sharp object".
As news of the attack spread across the school on Wednesday, many parents panicked about safety and accused officials of trying to hush up the case.
Last year, seven-year-old Pradyumn Thakur, a class 2 student in Ryan International School, was found with his throat slit near a school washroom. The police have charged a 16-year-old student of the same school, who allegedly wanted to put off an exam and a parent-teacher meeting at all costs.
13:16 Terror funding case: NIA files chargesheet against LeT, Hizbul chiefs, 10 others
The National Investigation Agency today filed a chargesheet against 12 people, including Lashkar-e-Tayiba chief Hafeez Saeed and Hizbul Mujahideen head Syed Salahuddin, in a case related to alleged funding of terror and secessionist activities in the Kashmir Valley.
The NIA filed the 1,279-page chargesheet before a designated court here and sought permission to continue its probe.
The judicial custody of 10 people arrested in connection with the case ended today.
Under the anti-terror law -- the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act -- the prosecuting agency has to file a chargesheet within 6 months, failing which the accused is eligible for bail.
NIA officials said they gathered substantial material and technical evidence during the probe.
They said 60 locations were raided and 950 incriminating documents seized. There are 300 witnesses in the case.
-- PTI
13:14 Cabinet subcommittee asks Congress party to vacate hq
The Union Cabinet's subcommittee on government accommodation has asked the Congress party to vacate its government bungalows located at 24 and 26 Akbar Road, with immediate effect.
The AICC has been occupying the type 8 bungalows since 1976, when they were allotted to GK Moopanar who was then Rajya Sabha member and party general secretary. 24 Akbar Road houses the party's national headquarters.
Despite the Supreme Court issuing orders in 2005 for eviction the Congress stayed put. But now it seems the administration is determined to get them out by the end of this year.
The subcommittee also decided to ask Vincent George, once powerful secretary to Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, to vacate his type 6 government bungalow in Chanakyapuri, in the heart of New Delhi, which he has been occupying since 1984.
The subcommittee on accommodation consists of Union ministers Rajnath Singh, Arun Jaitley, Nitin Gadkari, Ananth Kumar and Hardeep Puri.
Image shows Congress workers celebrating the election of Rahul Gandhi as party president, in the AICC headquarters at 24, Akbar Road.
13:11 Colaba street on lockdown ahead of Bibis visit to Chabad House
As Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu shortly heads for Chabad House in Colaba, target of terrorists during 26/11, to hold a memorial service of the victims and meet the 11-year-old Moshe Holtzberg who lost his parents in the terror attack, the street on which the building is located has been shut.
Even the local landmark, Rex Bakery, which remains open 24x7, was not allowed to open today, reports Vaihayasi Pande Daniel/Rediff.com.
'It's a kind of dj vu of 26/11,' she reports, 'minus, of course, the sound of gunshots and grenade going off.'
Meanwhile, the movers have been unpacking stuff needed for the memorial service (pic here), security has been visibly increased, and members of the Jewish community have started coming in (pic here).
Mumbai police's bomb disposal squad is also present, along with its sniffer dog Moti (pic here), and adding to the layers of security is Israel's own Mossad (pic here).
Also on hand is rabbi Israel Kozlovsky, co-director of Chabad House, ensuring that all arrangements are in order (in white shirt, here).
13:03 Terror funding case: NIA files chargesheet against LeT, Hizbul chiefs, 10 others
The National Investigation Agency today filed a chargesheet against 12 people, including Lashkar-e-Tayiba chief Hafeez Saeed and Hizbul Mujahideen head Syed Salahuddin, in a case related to alleged funding of terror and secessionist activities in the Kashmir Valley.
The NIA filed the 1,279-page chargesheet before a designated court here and sought permission to continue its probe.
The judicial custody of 10 people arrested in connection with the case ended today.
Under the anti-terror law -- the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act -- the prosecuting agency has to file a chargesheet within 6 months, failing which the accused is eligible for bail.
NIA officials said they gathered substantial material and technical evidence during the probe.
They said 60 locations were raided and 950 incriminating documents seized. There are 300 witnesses in the case.
-- PTI
12:23 Tripura votes on Feb 18, Meghalaya, Nagaland on Feb 27; results on March 3
The Election Commission of India has announced that VVPATs and EVMs will be used for the elections in Meghalaya, Tripura and Nagaland. VVPATs will be deployed for the first time for the assembly polls.
Here are the highlights from the Chief Election Commissioner AK Joti's press conference:
>> Election to states to happen in two rounds. Tripura will vote on February 18. 2017 (Sunday), while Meghalaya and Nagaland will vote on February 27 (Tuesday). Counting for all three states will be conducted on March 3, 2018. The results will be declared on the same day.
>> The limit of election expenditure in all the three states shall be Rs 20 lakh per candidate.
>> Model Code of Conduct comes into force with immediate effect in Tripura, Meghalaya and Nagaland.
11:55 Supreme Court clears Padmaavat; suspends ban orders by 4 states
The Supreme Court has lifted the ban on Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Padmaavat.
Yesterday, the producers of the movie had moved the apex court, opposing the ban imposed on its screening by various state governments.
Governments of Haryana, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Madhya
Pradesh, Rajasthan and Uttarakhand had declared that they
will not allow screening of the movie, which also stars Shahid
Kapoor and Ranveer Singh in lead roles.
The Haryana government, at a recent cabinet meeting, decided to ban the movie in the state.
The producers moved the top court through senior lawyer Harish Salve and advocate Mahesh Agarwal and submitted, in a petition, that the movie has undergone changes including in its title as suggested by the Central Board of Film Certification.
Asserting that the film has been cleared by the CBFC, the plea said the states cannot impose a blanket ban on a film and its screening can be suspended in a particular area or areas on account of law and order problem, not across the states.
Earlier on two occasions, the apex court had thwarted attempts to stall release of the film, saying it cannot pre-judge a movie before the authorised body CBFC takes a decision.
The top court had on November 28 expressed unhappiness over remarks made by politicians over the movie and asked them to desist from reacting as they could prejudice censor board's decision.
11:23 SC refuses to entertain plea to restrict media from reporting judges' controversy
The Supreme Court today refused to entertain a plea seeking to restrain the media from publishing, discussing and politicising issues raised by four
senior-most judges in the January 12 press conference.
A bench headed by Chief Justice Dipak Misra said it will look into the matter only after the apex court Registry takes the petition on record and lists it for hearing.
The plea, which mentioned urgent listing and hearing, sought to restrain "the printing, discussion, politicisation and debate on the subject matter of the press conference dated January 12 with immediate effect to control further damage to the institution".
Four senior-most judges -- Justices J Chelameswar, Ranjan Gogoi, Madan B Lokur and Kurian Joseph -- had in an unprecedented presser on January 12 raised a litany of problems, including the assigning of cases in the apex court, and said there were certain issues afflicting the country's highest court.
-- PTI
11:10
JUST IN: India successfully test-fires nuclear capable surface-to-surface Agni-5 ballistic missile from a test range off Odisha coast
11:00 4 judges meet Chief Justice again amid efforts to end rift
The four dissenting Supreme Court judges met Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra again to take forward the deliberation on having a better system of allocation of cases across the benches in the top court.
This will be the second such meeting over the last three days after Justices J Chelameswar, Ranjan Gogoi, Madan B Lokur and Kurian Joseph had gone all guns blazing against the CJI over the manner of assigning cases.
In an attempt to end the chill, the CJI had met all four on Tuesday morning and they all had agreed to come up with an institutional solution to the issues that were raised by the four judges in an unprecedented press conference on Friday last week.
The second meeting was scheduled for Wednesday but it could not be held because Justice Chelameswar was unwell and could not turn up.
However, the four judges met each other later in the evening on Wednesday to discuss the issues.
Sources said that the judges have readied a draft proposal to be handed over to the CJI.
10:35 UPDATE: Netanyahu meets biz leaders, will pay tributes to 26/11 victims in Mumbai
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will have a packed schedule during the Mumbai leg of his visit today. He started off the day with a breakfast with business leaders, which will be followed with tributes to Mumbai terror attack victims and then a 'Shalom Bollywood' event among other engagements.
Netanyahu landed at the airport on Wednesday night for the Mumbai leg of his six-day India visit.
Netanyahu's 'power breakfast' has select business personalities such as 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. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis will also attend the summit, sources here said.
There may be a one-on-one meeting between Fadnavis and Netanyahu, after which the chief minister will host a lunch for the Israeli premier and his delegation, they said.
This will be followed by a wreath-laying ceremony for 26/11 Mumbai terror attack victims.
Netanyahu will then proceed to the nearby Nariman House, where he will meet 11-year-old Moshe Holtzberg.
Netanyahu will later meet around 30 members of the Jewish community at the Taj Hotel.
Netanyahu will cap his hectic schedule by attending the 'Shalom Bollywood' event, also at the Taj Hotel.
10:24 Designers to auction black Golden Globes dresses for #TimesUp
A number of black dresses and tuxedos worn at this year's Golden Globes will be going up for auction and all the proceeds will benefit the Time's Up Legal Defence Fund, which helps people combat sexual harassment and gender inequality.
American Mass Media Company Conde Nast is partnering with Time's Up and eBay to auction dresses worn by celebrities at the 2018 Golden Globes, reports E! Online.
From January 19 to 26, shoppers can visit ebay.com/timesup to bid on gowns worn by Reese Witherspoon, Nicole Kidman, Meryl Streep, Gal Gadot, Elizabeth Moss, Emma Watson, Viola Davis, Salma Hayek and more.
People can also bid on the tuxedos worn by Jude Law, Neil Patrick Harris, Hugh Jackman and Daniel Kaluuya.
All the dresses are being donated by the fashion designers who created them, including Giorgio Armani, Prabal Gurung and Brandon Maxwell.
-- ANI
10:15 15 trains cancelled, 39 delayed as cold wave intensifies in north
As many as 39 trains were delayed, 15 cancelled and 11 rescheduled due to low visibility caused by the persisting cold wave in New Delhi.
As per the meteorological department, the maximum temperature will be 25 degree Celsius, with lows of five degrees.
Furthermore, a dense layer of fog is expected to be seen during the day.
09:53 BSF jawan killed as Pakistan violates ceasefire
A Border Security Force jawan was today killed as Pakistani troops opened fire and shelled Indian positions along the International Border in R S Pura sector of Jammu.
"BSF troops are giving a befitting reply," Additional Deputy Commissioner of Jammu, Arun Manhas, said.
A BSF personnel died in the heavy shelling. He has been identified as head constable Suresh. He was a native of Tamil Nadu.
The firing and shelling on the Border Out Posts and civilian areas in RS Pura sector started at 2100 hours yesterday, a BSF official said.
Shells fired by Pakistan landed in Arnia belt and hit several villages as well.
"The district administration has asked all its officers to remain in a state of highest preparedness in view of continuous ceasefire violations by Pakistan," he said. However, the villagers have not been evacuated so far, he said.
-- PTI
09:35 EC to announce schedule for Meghalaya, Tripura, Nagaland polls
The Election Commission will today announce the schedule for Meghalaya, Tripura and Nagaland assembly elections.
The term of the Meghalaya, Nagaland and Tripura legislative assemblies is ending on March 6, March 13 and March 14 respectively.
The strength of the three assemblies is 60 members each.
-- PTI
09:14 Mevani urges Rohith Vemula's mother to contest 2019 polls
Newly elected Independent MLA from Gujarat and Dailt leader, Jignesh Mevani said that the Narendra Modi government would pay a price for the atrocities reigned upon Dalits across the country.
Jignesh Mevani was in Hyderabad to attend the second death anniversary of Hyderabad Central University research scholar Rohith Vemula.
He met Manda Krishna Madiga, a Schedule Caste sub-caste community leader who was arrested by Telangana government and lodged in Chenchalguda jail and pledged him his moral support.
Jignesh Mevani also met Rohith Vemula's mother Radhika Vemula and Dalit writer Kancha Illaiyah.
Mevani also announced that he along with Radhika Vemula, will campaign heavily in upcoming Karnataka elections and insure the defeat of Bharatiya Janata Party and Sangh Parivar.
In a tweet, Mevani urged Radhika to contest in 2019 elections and teach a lesson to 'Manu-Smriti Irani'.
"I strongly appeal to our inspiration Radhika (amma) Vemula to contest in 2019 elections and teach a lesson to Manusmriti Irani in Parliament," he wrote.
08:50 4 judges want peace "plan" from chief justice, say sources
Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra will meet the four senior judges who took him on publicly, today as part of the efforts at ending a rift that could impact important cases.
The meeting, which was initially slated for Wednesday morning, did not take place as Justice Jasti Chelameswar is unwell and could not attend court.
Sources close to the rebel judges said Chief Justice Misra is aware of the issues.
The dissenting judges, who demand a stronger institution, have said "something is happening and they are ready for a debate", sources said. They also asserted that Chief Justice Misra has to come out with a plan solve this issue.
The four judges last week took the unusual step of addressing a press conference and voicing their concerns, warning that "without an independent judiciary, democracy will not survive". Cases of "far reaching consequences", they said, were being assigned inappropriately.
08:09 On February 10, Modi will be first PM to be in Palestine
After having hosted Israeli leader Benjamin Netanyahu, PM Modi will land in Ramallah on February 10 for what will be the first-ever visit by an Indian prime minister to Palestine.
Modi's visit to Israel last year was also the first by an Indian PM and the one to Palestine follows the government's decision to "de-hypenate" relations with the two entities as a departure from past practice of seeing visits to the region as balancing acts. While India and Palestine have been discussing the proposed visit for a while, this is the first confirmation of its date and it comes in the middle of Netanyahu's visit to India.
The visit will be significant for India as the government believes it will help dispel the notion that there has been any change in its Palestine policy since Modi assumed office in 2014.
India's recent vote against the US recognition of Jerusalem as Israel's capital in the UN was intended to iterate its longstanding diplomatic position.
While the modalities for the visit are still being worked out, government sources here said Modi was likely to travel to Ramallah in a chopper from Amman in Jordan.
00:54 Large scale infiltration bid from across LoC could be made: Army chief
Army chief Gen Bipin Rawat today warned that a large scale infiltration bid from across the Line of Control could be made in the next few months.
The border is being kept 'alive' by the Pakistani troops to support infiltration, he said.
Addressing the geo-political conference 'Raisina Dialogue' in New Delhi, he said, "There are terrorist bases very much inside Pakistan and an attempt is being made to revive the insurgency in Kashmir because people do feel that there is some semblance of peace that is returning to the Valley."
"Therefore, we visualise, large scale infiltration taking place in the next few months," Gen Rawat said.
The Army chief also spoke about nuclear weapons and deterrence.
He made the remarks about nuclear weapons while responding to a question on the warning by the Pakistan Army against any 'misadventure'.
Pakistan's warning had come after Gen Rawat's recent remark that his force was ready to call Islamabad's 'nuclear bluff' and cross the border to carry out any operation if asked by the government.
Gen Rawat said nuclear arms are strategic weapons and to talk about their use in the conventional domain is not right.
The use of nuclear weapons is decided at the highest level of establishment, he said.
The Army chief said nuclear arms may be weapons of deterrence, but that does not mean that nations will not engage in combat.
He also talked about the threat of biological, chemical and nuclear weapons falling into the hands of terrorists, saying it was a challenge to keep these weapons of mass destructions in check.
This requires greater coordination among the international community, he said at the Raisina Dialogue, an event organised by the Observer Research Foundation (ORF) and the Ministry of External Affairs.
Gen Rawat asserted that, "As long as the Pakistani establishment and Pakistani forward posts along the LoC continue to support terrorists in carrying out actions against our forward defence troops, who are constantly required to monitor the LoC, we will have to continue taking action against these people." -- PTI
The border is being kept 'alive' by the Pakistani troops to support infiltration, he said.
Addressing the geo-political conference 'Raisina Dialogue' in New Delhi, he said, "There are terrorist bases very much inside Pakistan and an attempt is being made to revive the insurgency in Kashmir because people do feel that there is some semblance of peace that is returning to the Valley."
"Therefore, we visualise, large scale infiltration taking place in the next few months," Gen Rawat said.
The Army chief also spoke about nuclear weapons and deterrence.
He made the remarks about nuclear weapons while responding to a question on the warning by the Pakistan Army against any 'misadventure'.
Pakistan's warning had come after Gen Rawat's recent remark that his force was ready to call Islamabad's 'nuclear bluff' and cross the border to carry out any operation if asked by the government.
Gen Rawat said nuclear arms are strategic weapons and to talk about their use in the conventional domain is not right.
The use of nuclear weapons is decided at the highest level of establishment, he said.
The Army chief said nuclear arms may be weapons of deterrence, but that does not mean that nations will not engage in combat.
He also talked about the threat of biological, chemical and nuclear weapons falling into the hands of terrorists, saying it was a challenge to keep these weapons of mass destructions in check.
This requires greater coordination among the international community, he said at the Raisina Dialogue, an event organised by the Observer Research Foundation (ORF) and the Ministry of External Affairs.
Gen Rawat asserted that, "As long as the Pakistani establishment and Pakistani forward posts along the LoC continue to support terrorists in carrying out actions against our forward defence troops, who are constantly required to monitor the LoC, we will have to continue taking action against these people." -- PTI
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