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Thu, 24 May 2018
'Anyone with money can get entry to BJP': Uddhav's dig at ally
Timeline Refresh
23:47 Grenade attacks in Jammu, Srinagar; 2 cops injured
Two police personnel were injured in a grenade attack by suspected terrorists at the bus stand in Jammu tonight, while a similar attack took place at a CRPF camp in Srinagar in which no one was injured, police officials said.
There was a grenade attack in the bus stand area tonight (by suspected terrorists), said Jammu Senior Superintendent of Police Vivek Gupta.
He said two police personnel were injured in the attack. They have been hospitalised.
The area has been cordonned off and searches launched to track down the suspected terrorists, the SSP said.
It is after a long time that a grenade attack has taken place in Jammu.
Meanwhile in Srinagar, terrorists tonight hurled a grenade towards the CRPF camp but there was no loss of life, police said.
Terrorists lobbed a grenade on the CRPF camp at Braripora in Nawakadal area of the city, a police official said.
He said there was no loss of life due to the explosion.
Further details were awaited, the official said.
-- PTI
23:24 'Anyone with money can get entry to BJP': Uddhav's dig at ally
Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray whose attacks on ally BJP are getting increasingly frequent, today said the BJP has no ideals left and its only lookout is for money. Anyone with money, he said, can get admission into the party. The dig was about the BJP - known to be the richest political party - allegedly "mistreating" the deceased legislator's family in Palghar and fielding a recent addition to the party.
Knives came out ahead the Palghar elections over the candidature of the family members of the Chintaman Wanaga, whose death left the Lok Sabha seat vacant.
Ahead of the election, due on May 28, Chintaman Wanaga's son Shrinivas Wanaga joined the Sena and was named as its candidate.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis accused the Sena of betrayal, claiming that the Sena fielded their own candidate despite knowing that the BJP was planning to field a member of the Wanaga family.
The BJP finally fielded Rajendra Gavit, was with the Congress and joined the party recently.
At a rally in Palghar today, Thackeray said the BJP had not fielded anyone from the Wanaga family because they thought a candidate from a tribal family would not have money.
"When the Wanaga family came to us, they told me the BJP mistreated them," he was quoted as saying by news agency Press Trust of India. "The CM must have thought (Shrinivas) Wanaga does not have money or support... The saffron flag under which you had been working with Chintaman Wanaga is not saffron anymore. There are no ideals left in that party. You get entry into the party if you show a (money) bag," he added.
The Sena's move had also drawn a blistering criticism from Yogi Adityanath, the BJP chief minister from Uttar Pradesh. Without naming Shiv Sena, he accused it of backstabbing the BJP and interfering in the "internal matters" of the party.
22:26 Mamata urges Centre to provide relief to people from fuel hike
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday requested the central government to provide immediate relief to the common people who are suffering from the ever-increasing fuel prices.
Briefing the media, Mamata said, "Yesterday, in Karnataka (during Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy's swearing-in), all opposition leaders discussed fuel price hike as it affects both common people and farmers. I request the government to provide relief to the people."
Further stressing on the issue, Mamata added that the hike has affected all household chores and transportation costs were also rising.
She urged the other opposition parties to come and protest against the rise in fuel prices.
"Our party (Trinamool Congress) will protest tomorrow (Friday) in Kolkata. We will protest in all block levels and district levels the day after (Saturday). I request all political parties to join us and protest against the fuel hike," Mamata added.
Asked why the Centre was "silent" on the crisis, Mamata asserted, "When others are in power, we criticise others. When a party is in power, they suddenly become silent and forget everything. I need to tell the Centre that politics is not for today, it's for tomorrow."
The West Bengal CM termed the skyrocketing of fuel prices as a people's issue and not do politics over it.
In recent days, petrol and diesel prices have surged to a record high, leaving the common man hassled. Currently, in Delhi, the petrol price is Rs 77.47, while in Mumbai, it touched Rs 85.29 per litre.
-- ANI
22:11 US received no response from North Korea on preparation for June 12: Pompeo
The Trump Administration was seriously preparing for the success of the June 12 Summit meeting with North Korea, but there was not much response from Pyongyang, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said today.
Testifying before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Pompeo said that North Korea did not respond to repeated requests from American officials to discuss logistics for Singapore Summit, which now has been cancelled.
"I don't believe in that sense that we're in a position to believe that there could be a successful outcome. I think that's what the president communicated pretty clearly in his letter," Pompeo told lawmakers responding to a question after President Donald Trump in a letter to Kim announced to cancel the June 12 Singapore summit with him.
"I can add to that. Over the past many days, we have endeavoured to do what Chairman Kim and I had agreed, which was to put teams, preparation teams together to begin to work to prepare for the summit and we have received no response to our inquiries from them," Pompeo said.
He refuted the notion that the US was not ready for the summit.
"The American team is full prepared. I think we're rocking. I think we're ready. I think we're prepared for this meeting. I think President Trump's prepared for this meeting. We were fully, fully engaged over the past weeks to prepare for this meeting. So I disagree with your assessment that the Americans are not ready," he said.
In the last several weeks, Pompeo has met Kim twice. He travelled to Pyongyang quietly as a CIA Director and then as the Secretary of State early this month. In all, Pompeo met Kim for over three hours, during which he stressed the need of denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula.
During his second visit, he was able to secure the release of three American prisoners in North Korea.
Pompeo said that policy of maximum pressure on North Korea would continue till there is a normalization in the relationship. At the same time, Pompeo hoped that the two countries can quickly return to possibility of Summit. In the interim, "the pressure campaign continues," he said.
-- PTI
21:39 US President Trump misspells North Korean leader name in tweet
US President Donald Trump, known to use Twitter to announce major policy decisions of his administration, today misspelled the North Korean leader's name, referring to him as "Kim Jung Un".
While the White House released Trump's letter to North Korean leader Kim Jong-un to reporters, the US president later tweeted his letter from his personal Twitter account.
In the tweet, he misspelled the North Korean leader's name, referring to him as "Kim Jung Un".
But the White House letter has Kim's correct name and addresses him as the Chairman of the State Affairs Committee of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.
-- PTI
21:24 Morgan Freeman accused of sexual harassment by 8 women
One of Hollywoods most admired actors, Morgan Freeman, has been accused of inappropriate behaviour and harassment by eight women, CNN reported on Thursday.
Eight other people described a pattern of disturbing behaviour by Freeman, according to the report. None of the victims reported Freemans behaviour for the fear of losing their jobs.
One of the accusers, a production assistant who worked with Freeman in 2015 on the movie Going In Style, told CNN that she suffered through several months of harassment at his hand. She said he kept trying to lift up my skirt and asking if I was wearing underwear. He was eventually stopped by a comment from another veteran actor, Alan Arkin, she told CNN.
A production staff member and her assistant, who worked with Freeman on 2012s Now You See Me, said they would refrain from wearing shirts and dresses that would show their body more than usual so as to not be subjected to comments from him. He did comment on our bodies... We knew that if he was coming by ... not to wear any top that would show our breasts, not to wear anything that would show our bottoms, meaning not wearing clothes that [were] fitted, one of the women said.
Freeman is the latest in the long list of stars accused of sexual harassment since October 2017 in the wake of the #MeToo and Times Up movements that have put the spotlight on working conditions and gender bias in Hollywood. The movements gained momentum after producer Harvey Weinstein was accused of harassment by Ashley Judd, Rose Mc Gowan, Asia Argento, Angelina Jolie and others of inappropriate behaviour and in some cases, rape. Consequently, as many as 70 women accused the producer, who resigned from his post at Miramax, of sexual harassment. More allegations were made against Kevin Spacey, James Franco, Louis CK and several other men in Hollywood.
20:46 Former US first lady Michelle Obama releases cover of her book
Former US first lady Michelle Obama today unveiled the book cover of her highly anticipated memoir 'BECOMING'.
The book is scheduled to be published globally on November 13.
Michelle selected the cover photo for her book jacket from a photo shoot that was done earlier this year in Washington by renowned portrait photographer Miller Mobley, publisher Penguin said in a statement.
The 54-year-old former first lady shared on her Instagram account four previously unpublished family photographs that illustrate moments in her personal journey of becoming the woman she is today.
"I'm thrilled to share with all of you the cover for BECOMING," Michelle said.
"The process of writing this book has been so personally meaningful and illuminating for me. As I prepare to share BECOMING this fall, I hope you'll also think about your own story, and trust that it will help you become whoever you aspire to be. Your story is what you have, what you will always have. It is something to own," she said.
In her memoir, a work of deep reflection and mesmerising storytelling, Michelle invites readers into her world, chronicling the experiences that have shaped her -- from her childhood on the South Side of Chicago to her years as an executive balancing the demands of motherhood and work, to her time spent at the world's most famous address, Penguin said in a statement.
With unerring honesty and lively wit, she describes her triumphs and her disappointments, both public and private, telling her full story as she has lived itin her own words and on her own terms, it said.
"Warm, wise, and revelatory, BECOMING is an unusually intimate reckoning from a woman of soul and substance who has steadily defied expectations and whose story inspires us to do the same," the statement added.
-- PTI
20:40
JUST IN: Earthquake tremors were felt in Pithoragarh's Dharchula, Jauljibi and Baram areas, no loss of lives & property reported
20:28 Ahead of Rahul Gandhi's MP visit, Meenakshi Natarajan quits Congress panel
Congress leader and former MP Meenakshi Natarajan has resigned from Madhya Pradesh Congresss manifesto committee, apparently peeved by the induction of her bete noire Rajendra Singh Gautam into a party panel.
The development comes ahead of Congress president Rahul Gandhis visit to Mandsaur district of the state on June 6 to mark the first anniversary of the death of six farmers in police firing.
State Congress chief Kamal Nath on Thursday sought to downplay the issue, saying he had spoken to Natarajan and a solution will be found.
Natarajan, former Mandsaur MP and a close confidante of Congress president Rahul Gandhi, quit the party manifesto committee on Wednesday, sources close to her said.
When asked whether she had withdrawn the resignation, she said on Thursday, I would not make any public statement on the partys internal issues. I do not talk about partys issues outside.
I am preparing for Rahul jis visit right now, she said.
19:59 TN cuts power to Sterlite plant in Thoothukudi after police firing on protesters
Tamil Nadus environment regulator on Thursday cut power supply to the Sterlite copper plant in Thoothukudi, stepping in after clashes between the police and protesters who blame the facility for pollution left 11 people dead this week.
The Tamil Nadu State Pollution Control Board said the smelter, which was shut pending renewal of its operating licence, was found last week to be carrying out activity to resume production without permission.
The issue of renewal of consent for the year 2018-2023 has been rejected ... due to non compliance of certain conditions, the board said in an order dated Wednesday.
Developers require the permission of a state pollution control board to establish and operate plants after first getting environmental clearance from the central government. The state boards permission is renewed every six to nine months.
Protests against the copper plant, which is run by the by London-listed Vedanta Resources, have been simmering for over two decades and environment groups allege that regulators failed to resolve concerns raised by people living near the facility.
19:29 Trump cancels summit with North Korea's Kim
US President Donald Trump has cancelled a planned summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, saying it would be inappropriate at this time.
Trump confirmed the summit, which had been scheduled to take place in Singapore on 12 June, would not now take place.
In a letter released by the White House, he said he was very much looking forward to meeting Kim some day.
Image: The letter sent by Trump to North Korea.
19:16 Stone pelting down since ops suspended in JK
Stone pelting incidents in Jammu and Kashmir have come down since the Centre announced suspension of operations by security forces a week ago, an official said today, citing an assessment by security agencies.
According to available data, there were just 16 incidents of stone pelting in Kashmir valley between May 16-23 in comparison to 38 such cases in May 8-15 period.
The stone pelting incidents from May 16 to 23 were reported in Srinagar (7), Anantnag (3), Budgam (2), Shopian (2), Bandipore (1) and Baramulla (1).
The 38 cases of stone pelting from May 8 to 15 were in Srinagar (13), Shopian (8), Pulwama (6), Kupwara (4), Anantnag (2), Bandipore (2), Budgam (2), and Ganderbal (1).
Jammu and Kashmir police chief S P Vaid has also said that the "Ramzan ceasefire" has been successful thus far.
"The initiative of Hon'ble PM has helped in general improvement in law & order. The situation especially in south Kashmir has eased & is serving as confidence Building Measure for families who want their boys to return back home (sic)," the state's director general of police said on Twitter.
The Home Ministry announced on May 16 that security forces will not launch any operations in Jammu and Kashmir during the holy month of Ramzan.
The decision had been taken to help peace loving Muslims observe Ramzan in a peaceful environment, a home ministry spokesperson had said.
The ministry said the security forces, however, reserve the right to retaliate if attacked or if essential to protect the lives of innocent people.
-- PTI
18:37 Karnataka trust vote tomorrow, Cong-JD-S MLAs yet to checkout from hotel rooms
Leaving nothing to chance ahead of the crucial trust vote on Friday, the Congress and JD-S MLAs have been lodged in a luxury resort and hotel in Bengaluru. The lawmakers have been staying away from their families for the last nine days, ever since the fractured verdict in the assembly election.
The Congress has lodged its MLAs at the Hilton Embassy Golflinks at Domlur, while their JD-S counterparts are staying at Prestige Golfshire Resort off Devanahallion the outskirts of Bengaluru city.
A Congress leader, requesting anonymity, said: Our MLAs will be in the resort till the floor test is over. They will then be free to unite with their families. There is a wrong impression that our MLAs are confined. If this is confinement, then everybody would wish to be like them. People are forgetting that they are in the top luxury resort, which ordinary people cannot afford, he said.
He also rubbished claims that their mobile phones have been seized to ensure they have no contact with the outside world. They have their phones with them and they are talking to their families. Some people are spreading rumours to ensure that the new government fails the floor test.
The JD-S too rubbished the claim that its MLAs were barred from talking to anyone outside the resort. JD (S) media cell in-charge Sadananda said, Our MLAs will go back to their constituencies once the floor test is over. Nobody has taken away their mobile phones. They are freely talking to their family members.
The two parties exercised great caution during Wednesdays swearing-in ceremony. All the MLAs were brought to Vidhana Soudha in busses and taken back to the hotel and resort after the event despite the BJP having boycotted the event.
17:57 North Korea nuclear test tunnels at Punggye-ri 'destroyed'
North Korea appears to have blown up tunnels at its only nuclear test site, in a move to reduce regional tensions.
Foreign journalists at the Punggye-ri nuclear testing site in the north-east said they witnessed a huge explosion.
Pyongyang offered to scrap the site earlier this year as part of a diplomatic rapprochement with South Korea and the US.
But scientists believe it partially collapsed after the last test in September 2017, rendering it unusable.
Independent inspectors were not allowed to witness the process of the dismantling of the Punggye-ri site in the mountainous region of the country, and some worry it could be easily reversible.
This comes ahead of a planned summit between US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un in Singapore on 12 June.
However, in recent days both countries have said the meeting could be delayed or even called off.
17:12 Absolutely unfortunate, says Sterlite owner on Tuticorin deaths
Vedanta Chairman Anil Agarwal today described as 'unfortunate' the loss of 11 lives in violent protests demanding closure of a copper factory owned by group firm Sterlite Copper at Tuticorin in Tamil Nadu.
In a video message on Twitter, Agarwal said the company would like to continue the business at the plant with the 'wish' of the community. At present, the company is waiting for clearance from court and government to restart the plant, which is currently closed for annual maintenance, he added.
"I am very sad to hear the incident... This was absolutely unfortunate. My full sympathy is with the families (of the deceased)," Agarwal said.
Claiming that the company strictly follows what the court and the government orders are, he said,"We always make sure the community and Tuticorin people at large prosper with us."
The NRI billionaire further said, "I am totally committed for the community, people at large, and with their wish, and with their prosperity we would like to continue this business."
Reiterating the commitment of the company to environment and "the development of people of Tuticorin and Tamil Nadu", Agarwal said,"(we) will abide by the law of the land. Once again, I am very much in pain, (with) what happened..."
The total number of deaths in the protest against the copper smelter plant touched 11 yesterday with death of a man in fresh police firing. As many as 10 people have lost their lives in police action till Tuesday. -- PTI
In a video message on Twitter, Agarwal said the company would like to continue the business at the plant with the 'wish' of the community. At present, the company is waiting for clearance from court and government to restart the plant, which is currently closed for annual maintenance, he added.
"I am very sad to hear the incident... This was absolutely unfortunate. My full sympathy is with the families (of the deceased)," Agarwal said.
Claiming that the company strictly follows what the court and the government orders are, he said,"We always make sure the community and Tuticorin people at large prosper with us."
The NRI billionaire further said, "I am totally committed for the community, people at large, and with their wish, and with their prosperity we would like to continue this business."
Reiterating the commitment of the company to environment and "the development of people of Tuticorin and Tamil Nadu", Agarwal said,"(we) will abide by the law of the land. Once again, I am very much in pain, (with) what happened..."
The total number of deaths in the protest against the copper smelter plant touched 11 yesterday with death of a man in fresh police firing. As many as 10 people have lost their lives in police action till Tuesday. -- PTI
17:03 K'taka Dy CM says K'taka polls rigged
G Parameshwara, Karnataka Deputy CM and Congress leader: "JD-S will support our candidate in the Rajarajeshwari Nagar assembly constituency poll. Some of our leaders and I personally feel EVMs have been manipulated by the BJP. Many Congress leaders lost at places even where Congress had a stronghold. We will complain to the EC; we urge to move back to ballot papers."
16:47 Bank unions call for two-day nationwide strike from May 30
Employees and officers of various state-run banks have called for a two-day nationwide strike from May 30 to protest a nominal 2 per cent wage hike offered by the Indian Banks' Association. In the wage negotiation meeting held on May 5, 2018, IBA made a propositions to offer 2 per cent hike in the wage bill cost as on March 31, 2017.
16:46 Kumaraswamy arrogant, authoritative, says Yeddy
BJP state president B S Yeddyurappa today accused Karnataka Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy of "arrogant and authoritative behaviour", claiming that he did not seem to have faith or trust in the Congress, the coalition partner of his party JD-S.
Questioning Kumaraswamy for not allowing Deputy Chief Minister G Parameshwara from the Congress to speak in his maiden press conference, Yeddyurappa said it indicated his lack of camaraderie towards the coalition partner.
"Kumaraswamy's arrogant and authoritative behaviour makes it clear to the people of the state that he does not have faith or trust in the Congress party," Yeddyurappa claimed in a statement.
"What can people expect from such an unholy alliance? It also indicates lack of camaraderie in him," he alleged. In addition, his behaviour with a sober politician like Parmeshwara was an insult to the political community itself, Yeddyurappa claimed.
The BJP leader said Kumaraswamy's remark against Lingayat pontiff Panditaradhya Shivacharya Swamiji, asking the latter not to poke his nose in politics was "unfortunate and unwarranted".
"Such derogatory remarks from him on first day of his becoming chief minister are both surprising and shocking," he added.
"Kumaraswamy's comments about Swamijis who are a guiding spirit for the people are in poor taste and had hurt the feelings of crores of followers and disciples," he claimed.
Kumaraswamy's remarks exposed his bent of mind besides indicating his "arrogance of power," Yeddyurappa claimed. -- PTI
Questioning Kumaraswamy for not allowing Deputy Chief Minister G Parameshwara from the Congress to speak in his maiden press conference, Yeddyurappa said it indicated his lack of camaraderie towards the coalition partner.
"Kumaraswamy's arrogant and authoritative behaviour makes it clear to the people of the state that he does not have faith or trust in the Congress party," Yeddyurappa claimed in a statement.
"What can people expect from such an unholy alliance? It also indicates lack of camaraderie in him," he alleged. In addition, his behaviour with a sober politician like Parmeshwara was an insult to the political community itself, Yeddyurappa claimed.
The BJP leader said Kumaraswamy's remark against Lingayat pontiff Panditaradhya Shivacharya Swamiji, asking the latter not to poke his nose in politics was "unfortunate and unwarranted".
"Such derogatory remarks from him on first day of his becoming chief minister are both surprising and shocking," he added.
"Kumaraswamy's comments about Swamijis who are a guiding spirit for the people are in poor taste and had hurt the feelings of crores of followers and disciples," he claimed.
Kumaraswamy's remarks exposed his bent of mind besides indicating his "arrogance of power," Yeddyurappa claimed. -- PTI
16:38 Nipah Virus not epidemic, says Centre
Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Ashwini Kumar Choubey on Thursday, said that the rare Nipah Virus (NiV) is not an epidemic. He told ANI, "Government of India is keeping a close watch on the situation, our team of doctors is present at the spot. It is localised and not an epidemic, all kinds of precautions are being taken. People should not panic".
So far, the rare and deadly virus has claimed 11 lives in Kerala. The state's health department has issued an advisory for people traveling to the state. It has urged travelers to be extra cautious while visiting Kozhikode, Malappuram, Wayanad and Kannur districts.
So far, the rare and deadly virus has claimed 11 lives in Kerala. The state's health department has issued an advisory for people traveling to the state. It has urged travelers to be extra cautious while visiting Kozhikode, Malappuram, Wayanad and Kannur districts.
16:31 ISI agent who worked as cook at Indian diplomat's home in Pak arrested
The Uttar Pradesh anti-terrorist squad has arrested a suspected ISI agent, who worked at the home of an Indian diplomat in Pakistan, from Uttarakhand's Pithoragarh district, officials said today.
Ramesh Singh Kanyal, who was arrested from his home in Didihat area in Pithoragarh yesterday, worked as a cook at the diplomat's residence in Islamabad from 2015-2017, officials in Lucknow and Pithoragarh said.
Kanyal has confessed to his role in anti-national activities, an official of the UP ATS said. He has been taken to Lucknow for interrogation, Pithoragarh SP Ramchandra Rajguru said.
Kanyal is accused of passing on confidential information to Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence for money while he was in Islamabad, the SP said.
A Pakistani 'Q-mobile' phone was recovered during the search carried out at his home yesterday, an ATS official disclosed. The phone was given to him by the ISI for contacting them, the ATS official said, adding that data extraction of the instrument could provide vital clues. It is suspected that the phone, which is being sent for forensic examination, could have a spyware, he said.
Kanyal had come into contact with the ISI in Islamabad and was recruited as an agent of Pakistan's intelligence agency. Kanyal, the official said, would leak secret information for which he was paid in dollars. -- PTI
Ramesh Singh Kanyal, who was arrested from his home in Didihat area in Pithoragarh yesterday, worked as a cook at the diplomat's residence in Islamabad from 2015-2017, officials in Lucknow and Pithoragarh said.
Kanyal has confessed to his role in anti-national activities, an official of the UP ATS said. He has been taken to Lucknow for interrogation, Pithoragarh SP Ramchandra Rajguru said.
Kanyal is accused of passing on confidential information to Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence for money while he was in Islamabad, the SP said.
A Pakistani 'Q-mobile' phone was recovered during the search carried out at his home yesterday, an ATS official disclosed. The phone was given to him by the ISI for contacting them, the ATS official said, adding that data extraction of the instrument could provide vital clues. It is suspected that the phone, which is being sent for forensic examination, could have a spyware, he said.
Kanyal had come into contact with the ISI in Islamabad and was recruited as an agent of Pakistan's intelligence agency. Kanyal, the official said, would leak secret information for which he was paid in dollars. -- PTI
16:05 Friends forever?
Akhilesh Yadav @yadavakhilesh A few pictures from yesterday's visit to Bengaluru.
That's CPI's D Raja, SP's Akhilesh Yadav and AAP's Arvind Kejriwal.
At the swearing-in of HD Kumaraswamy, it wasn't so much the Congess-JD-S win that was the cynosure of all eyes, but the spectacle of anti-BJP unity of the Opposition.
That's CPI's D Raja, SP's Akhilesh Yadav and AAP's Arvind Kejriwal.
At the swearing-in of HD Kumaraswamy, it wasn't so much the Congess-JD-S win that was the cynosure of all eyes, but the spectacle of anti-BJP unity of the Opposition.
15:55 May moots action plan for LGBT people
With India refusing to decriminalise gay sex, a leaf from UK PM Theresa May's policy for LGBT people, perhaps?
@10DowningStreet "No one should ever feel the need to hide who they are or who they love. I'm pleased to announce we will publish an #LGBT Action Plan to improve lives for LGBT people in Britain and tackle injustice."
@10DowningStreet "No one should ever feel the need to hide who they are or who they love. I'm pleased to announce we will publish an #LGBT Action Plan to improve lives for LGBT people in Britain and tackle injustice."
15:40 Indian lobby at World Bank frustrates Pakistan
Pakistan and the World Bank have failed to reach an agreement on a way forward to address the former's concerns over violation of the Indus Waters Treaty by India, as a strong Indian lobby in Washington again frustrated the latest push to stop New Delhi from violating the treaty. Read the report here
15:22 Rahul's #FuelChallenge to PM Modi
A hat tip to the Congress Party's social media head, Divya Spandana for taking the PM's initiative of a fit India and the now trending #FitnessChallenge and tweaking it to the party's advantage. Spandana, who, manages Congress President Rahul Gandhi's Twitter handle @RahulGandhi, tweeted,
"Dear PM,
Glad to see you accept the @imVkohli fitness challenge. Heres one from me:
Reduce Fuel prices or the Congress will do a nationwide agitation and force you to do so.
I look forward to your response.
#FuelChallenge."
To bring you up to speed, India captain Virat Kohli challenged Prime Minister Narendra Modi in an online fitness dare, which the PM accepted and promised to post a video of his workout regimen.
The initiative, called the 'Hum Fit Toh India Fit' challenge, was started by Sports Minister Rajavardhan Singh Rathore, who posted a short video of himself doing push-ups.
"Challenge accepted, Virat! I will be sharing my own #FitnessChallenge video soon," Modi tweeted from his personal handle.
The Congress has been attacking the government over the unpredented fuel price hike.
"Dear PM,
Glad to see you accept the @imVkohli fitness challenge. Heres one from me:
Reduce Fuel prices or the Congress will do a nationwide agitation and force you to do so.
I look forward to your response.
#FuelChallenge."
To bring you up to speed, India captain Virat Kohli challenged Prime Minister Narendra Modi in an online fitness dare, which the PM accepted and promised to post a video of his workout regimen.
The initiative, called the 'Hum Fit Toh India Fit' challenge, was started by Sports Minister Rajavardhan Singh Rathore, who posted a short video of himself doing push-ups.
"Challenge accepted, Virat! I will be sharing my own #FitnessChallenge video soon," Modi tweeted from his personal handle.
The Congress has been attacking the government over the unpredented fuel price hike.
15:03 Allahabad's name likely to be changed to Prayagraj
The Yogi Adityanath-led Uttar Pradesh government may rechristen Allahabad as Prayagraj and a decision in this regard could be taken before next year's Kumbh Mela in the holy city.
The city, if the decision is taken, will be named after Prayag, which is a famous holy place in Allahabad, where three main rivers flowing across the state namely Ganges, Yamuna, and Saraswati meet. Further, the place is also known for hosting the Kumbh Mela once in every 12 years.
State's deputy chief minister Keshav Prasad Maurya confirmed to ANI that for a long time the identity of Allahabad has been formed by Prayag and hence the state government has decided to change the city's name to Prayagraj. --
The city, if the decision is taken, will be named after Prayag, which is a famous holy place in Allahabad, where three main rivers flowing across the state namely Ganges, Yamuna, and Saraswati meet. Further, the place is also known for hosting the Kumbh Mela once in every 12 years.
State's deputy chief minister Keshav Prasad Maurya confirmed to ANI that for a long time the identity of Allahabad has been formed by Prayag and hence the state government has decided to change the city's name to Prayagraj. --
14:34 ED files 1st charge sheet in Nirav Modi-PNB case
The Enforcement Directorate files its first charge sheet in the over Rs 14,000 crore Nirav Modi-PNB scam money laundering case, reports PTI.
The ED on Monday attached assets worth Rs 171 crore in the case against the fugitive diamond merchant. The current market value of properties seized or attached so far in the scam was said to be more than Rs 7,800 crore.
The ED on Monday attached assets worth Rs 171 crore in the case against the fugitive diamond merchant. The current market value of properties seized or attached so far in the scam was said to be more than Rs 7,800 crore.
14:18 Police were defending themselves, TN CM on deaths of protestors
First statement from Tamil nadu CM Edappadi Palaniswami after the Tuiticorin massacre that left 12 protestors dead.
Speaking to news agency ANI, Palaniswami, said, "If someone is attacked, the natural course would be to defend and safeguard themselves. This is what has been done by the police in response."
He also said that when someone hits you, you naturally tend to defend yourselves. so on such situations, no one acts in a pre-planned manner.
He said some political parties and leaders had misguided the agitators against Sterlite.
"The state government continues to respect the views of the people on the Sterlite issue. Opposition parties instigating innocent people to agitate. Thoothukudi administrators met agitators 14 times about the govt's stand. TN pollution control board didn't renew license for Sterlite," he pointed out.
He said anti-social elements intruded into the agitation on May 22 and attacked the police, torched the police vehicles. "Under such a tense situation, police resorted to firing and the firing was not pre-plannned. State government has been taking steps to close down Sterlite plant, through legal means," he added.
The death toll is now 12 after an injured person succumbed. Over 70 people were injured in Tuesday's protests held against the construction of a new copper smelter by the Sterlite industries in Thoothukudi.
No fresh protest has been reported overnight. Police have been deployed in large numbers in the sensitive coastal areas. Till now, 67 people have been arrested for indulging in violence.
Internet services have been temporarily shut down in Thoothukudi and will remain suspended for another five days in the city.
The agitation turned violent after protesters were barred from marching up to the plant following which they began to pelt stones and toppled police vehicles
On a more conciliatory note Home Minister Rajnath Singh tweeted that he was deeply pained at the loss of precious lives during the agitation at Tuticorin in Tamil Nadu. "The MHA has taken cognisance of the situation and sought a report on the incident and the prevailing situation from the state government."
DMK working president MK Stalin was detained today after he held an agitation outside Tamil Nadu secretariat.
Speaking to news agency ANI, Palaniswami, said, "If someone is attacked, the natural course would be to defend and safeguard themselves. This is what has been done by the police in response."
He also said that when someone hits you, you naturally tend to defend yourselves. so on such situations, no one acts in a pre-planned manner.
He said some political parties and leaders had misguided the agitators against Sterlite.
"The state government continues to respect the views of the people on the Sterlite issue. Opposition parties instigating innocent people to agitate. Thoothukudi administrators met agitators 14 times about the govt's stand. TN pollution control board didn't renew license for Sterlite," he pointed out.
He said anti-social elements intruded into the agitation on May 22 and attacked the police, torched the police vehicles. "Under such a tense situation, police resorted to firing and the firing was not pre-plannned. State government has been taking steps to close down Sterlite plant, through legal means," he added.
The death toll is now 12 after an injured person succumbed. Over 70 people were injured in Tuesday's protests held against the construction of a new copper smelter by the Sterlite industries in Thoothukudi.
No fresh protest has been reported overnight. Police have been deployed in large numbers in the sensitive coastal areas. Till now, 67 people have been arrested for indulging in violence.
Internet services have been temporarily shut down in Thoothukudi and will remain suspended for another five days in the city.
The agitation turned violent after protesters were barred from marching up to the plant following which they began to pelt stones and toppled police vehicles
On a more conciliatory note Home Minister Rajnath Singh tweeted that he was deeply pained at the loss of precious lives during the agitation at Tuticorin in Tamil Nadu. "The MHA has taken cognisance of the situation and sought a report on the incident and the prevailing situation from the state government."
DMK working president MK Stalin was detained today after he held an agitation outside Tamil Nadu secretariat.
14:11 Virat Kohli ruled out of county cricket
It's confirmed, the BCCI has ruled out Virat Kohli for the county stint in Surrey, UK, after he was diagnosed with a neck injury.
Kohli had visited a hospital in Mumbai for a check-up and it has been reported that he is suffering from a slip disc injury and will not be playing for Surrey ahead of the UK tour starting with two T20 Internationals against Ireland in June.
However, a top BCCI official, who is privy to Kohli's county engagements, had clarified that it is a case of "neck sprain" and not a "slip disc injury" as reported.
Kohli had visited a hospital in Mumbai for a check-up and it has been reported that he is suffering from a slip disc injury and will not be playing for Surrey ahead of the UK tour starting with two T20 Internationals against Ireland in June.
However, a top BCCI official, who is privy to Kohli's county engagements, had clarified that it is a case of "neck sprain" and not a "slip disc injury" as reported.
14:04 AAP MLA warns he will resign if party allies with Cong
Even before there is any semblance of a 3rd Front despite the bonhomie of a united Opposition at HD Kumaraswamy's swearing-in ceremony, the first murmurs of dissent.
HS Phoolka of the Aam Aadmi Party says, " My stand is very clear, I cannot have any relation with Congress because for me the issue of 1984 riots is the biggest & I will not make any compromise with it. If the party (AAP) enters a Congress-led alliance I'll tender resignation that very moment."
HS Phoolka of the Aam Aadmi Party says, " My stand is very clear, I cannot have any relation with Congress because for me the issue of 1984 riots is the biggest & I will not make any compromise with it. If the party (AAP) enters a Congress-led alliance I'll tender resignation that very moment."
13:52 Warner's wife reveals she suffered miscarriage after ball-tampering saga
Candice Warner, the wife of tainted former Australian vice-captain David Warner, has revealed that she had suffered a miscarriage in the aftermath of the massive ball-tampering scandal that sent shock waves through the cricket world.
Warner, along with former skipper Steve Smith, was handed a one-year ban from both domestic and international cricket while bowler Cameron Bancroft was given a suspension of nine months for their involvement in ball-tampering scandal that took place during the third Test of the four-match series against South Africa in March this year.
Candice revealed that the couple lost her baby just a few days after her husband's first press conference after the scandal in Sydney wherein he emotionally apologised "unreservedly" for his misdoings.
She insisted that stress and the taunts her family has received following the scandal was the main reason behind her miscarriage, stuff.co.nz reported.
"I'd have to be bullet-proof for the taunting not to have affected me. It rocked my very foundation and I paid the ultimate price, losing our baby. I wonder how all those who came after me feel now?" Candice told the The Australian Women's Weekly.
Warner's wife then described the couple's devastation on realizing she was miscarrying. "I called Dave to the bathroom and told him I was bleeding. We knew I was miscarrying. We held one another and cried. The miscarriage was a heartbreaking end to a horror tour. The ordeal from the public humiliations to the ball tapering had taken its toll and, from that moment, we decided nothing will impact our lives like that again," she revealed.
Candice further said that she got to know that the couple would be having a third child when they arrived in Cape Town ahead of the third Test.
"We were overwhelmed, knowing another little Warner was on the way," she said. "I don't think either of us realised how much we longed for this baby," she said.The couple already has two daughters, three-year-old Ivy Mae and two-year-old Indi Rae. -- ANI
Warner, along with former skipper Steve Smith, was handed a one-year ban from both domestic and international cricket while bowler Cameron Bancroft was given a suspension of nine months for their involvement in ball-tampering scandal that took place during the third Test of the four-match series against South Africa in March this year.
Candice revealed that the couple lost her baby just a few days after her husband's first press conference after the scandal in Sydney wherein he emotionally apologised "unreservedly" for his misdoings.
She insisted that stress and the taunts her family has received following the scandal was the main reason behind her miscarriage, stuff.co.nz reported.
"I'd have to be bullet-proof for the taunting not to have affected me. It rocked my very foundation and I paid the ultimate price, losing our baby. I wonder how all those who came after me feel now?" Candice told the The Australian Women's Weekly.
Warner's wife then described the couple's devastation on realizing she was miscarrying. "I called Dave to the bathroom and told him I was bleeding. We knew I was miscarrying. We held one another and cried. The miscarriage was a heartbreaking end to a horror tour. The ordeal from the public humiliations to the ball tapering had taken its toll and, from that moment, we decided nothing will impact our lives like that again," she revealed.
Candice further said that she got to know that the couple would be having a third child when they arrived in Cape Town ahead of the third Test.
"We were overwhelmed, knowing another little Warner was on the way," she said. "I don't think either of us realised how much we longed for this baby," she said.The couple already has two daughters, three-year-old Ivy Mae and two-year-old Indi Rae. -- ANI
13:12 Lull in Pak firing today, but 11 killed, 1 lakh displaced over 9 days
There was a lull in firing along the International Border today after nine days of intense shelling by Pakistani troops that left 11 people dead and 60 others injured.
The shelling and firing stopped yesterday afternoon along the IB. "There was no firing and shelling from the Pakistan side today. There is a lull", a senior BSF officer told PTI.
However, there was overnight firing and shelling by the Pakistan Army in Lam and Nowshera sectors of Rajouri district, in which one civilian suffered injury, a district officer said.
Five civilians including a 10-year-old boy were killed and 14 others were injured as Pakistani troops rained mortars and opened heavy fire on Indian villages and posts along the International Border (IB) and LoC in Jammu, Kathua, Samba and Rajouri districts of Jammu region yesterday.
Shelled by Pakistan troops for past nine days, the bustling Arnia border town and nearly 120 border hamlets along the Indo-Pak border now wear an empty look, with over one lakh villagers abandoning their homes to escape heavy shelling of mortar bombs.
"Over one lakh people have migrated from their hamlets and border towns in the wake of Pakistan shelling and take shelter with their kins and some of them have come to safe shelters se tup by the government", a senior officer of state government said. Several camps have been setup in Kathua,
Samba and Jammu district to house border migrants and provide them food, he said adding that several community kitchens are being run to provide foods to them. Located five kilometers from the International Border, Arnia town, with a population of over 18,500, resembles a ghost town with only a few people and some cops left each in its adjoining hamlets to take care of animals and guard homes against thefts.
The life of border dwellers along International Border has been silenced as farming, schooling, cattle rearing and everything else on which border dwellers survive have come to a halt due to the shelling episodes.
Pakistan Rangers started shelling areas along the IB on May 15 and till now 11 people including 9 civilians and 2 jawans have been killed and over 60 people, including over 48 civilians, injured.
Over 200 educational institutes continue to remain closed for the 5th consecutive day along the IB in Jammu, Samba, and Kathua districts by authorities in the wake of tension along the Indo-Pak border due to shelling.
Over 800 such incidents have been reported this year, which have left a total of 44 people, including 18 security personnel, dead and scores injured. BJP State president Ravinder Raina and his party MP Jugal Kishore Sharma visited the hospital and took stock of the condition and the facilities being provided to the border firing victims. Jammu and Kashmir government has directed the local civil and police officers to prepare a comprehensive contingency plan to deal with any eventuality due to unabated cross border firing.
The shelling and firing stopped yesterday afternoon along the IB. "There was no firing and shelling from the Pakistan side today. There is a lull", a senior BSF officer told PTI.
However, there was overnight firing and shelling by the Pakistan Army in Lam and Nowshera sectors of Rajouri district, in which one civilian suffered injury, a district officer said.
Five civilians including a 10-year-old boy were killed and 14 others were injured as Pakistani troops rained mortars and opened heavy fire on Indian villages and posts along the International Border (IB) and LoC in Jammu, Kathua, Samba and Rajouri districts of Jammu region yesterday.
Shelled by Pakistan troops for past nine days, the bustling Arnia border town and nearly 120 border hamlets along the Indo-Pak border now wear an empty look, with over one lakh villagers abandoning their homes to escape heavy shelling of mortar bombs.
"Over one lakh people have migrated from their hamlets and border towns in the wake of Pakistan shelling and take shelter with their kins and some of them have come to safe shelters se tup by the government", a senior officer of state government said. Several camps have been setup in Kathua,
Samba and Jammu district to house border migrants and provide them food, he said adding that several community kitchens are being run to provide foods to them. Located five kilometers from the International Border, Arnia town, with a population of over 18,500, resembles a ghost town with only a few people and some cops left each in its adjoining hamlets to take care of animals and guard homes against thefts.
The life of border dwellers along International Border has been silenced as farming, schooling, cattle rearing and everything else on which border dwellers survive have come to a halt due to the shelling episodes.
Pakistan Rangers started shelling areas along the IB on May 15 and till now 11 people including 9 civilians and 2 jawans have been killed and over 60 people, including over 48 civilians, injured.
Over 200 educational institutes continue to remain closed for the 5th consecutive day along the IB in Jammu, Samba, and Kathua districts by authorities in the wake of tension along the Indo-Pak border due to shelling.
Over 800 such incidents have been reported this year, which have left a total of 44 people, including 18 security personnel, dead and scores injured. BJP State president Ravinder Raina and his party MP Jugal Kishore Sharma visited the hospital and took stock of the condition and the facilities being provided to the border firing victims. Jammu and Kashmir government has directed the local civil and police officers to prepare a comprehensive contingency plan to deal with any eventuality due to unabated cross border firing.
12:57 Farmers forced to sell onions for as low as Rs 2/kilo in MP
Government has schemes galore, but do farmers really benefit? Onion farmers in Bhopal say they have no other option but to sell their produce at rates as low as Rs 2 per kilo to Rs 3 per kilo at the sabzi mandi. "Prices have dropped after a bumper crop produce. We don't know how much or when we'll get benefit under the Bhavantar Bhugtan Yojana.
12:25 Srinagar bans begging at public, religious places in Srinagar
The Jammu and Kashmir government has banned begging at public and religious places here and directed the police to arrest the offenders.
The order, issued by Deputy Commissioner of Srinagar, Syed Abid Rasheed Shah yesterday, said Srinagar being the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir holds a great importance in the socio-economic landscape of the state and so it is contingent upon the administration to take all measures necessary to make the district more citizen friendly and to prevent public nuisance at all costs.
"Begging being an offence under the Act (Jammu and Kashmir Prevention of Beggary Act I960), it is imperative that strict necessary action under law be initiated against the offenders," it stated.
The deputy commissioner said, "It has been observed that off late there is a proliferation of beggars on the streets of Srinagar which creates massive nuisance for the general public."
The order stated any person found soliciting alms in a public place, or in or about a mosque, temple or other place of public worship, whether or not under any pretence and entering on any private premises for the purpose of soliciting alms shall be immediately arrested under Section 4 of the Jammu and Kashmir Prevention of Beggary Act, 1960 read with Section 61 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, Svt 1989.
Those exposing or exhibiting with the object of obtaining or extorting alms, any sore, wound, injury, deformity or disease whether of human being or an animal shall also be arrested, it said. -- PTI
The order, issued by Deputy Commissioner of Srinagar, Syed Abid Rasheed Shah yesterday, said Srinagar being the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir holds a great importance in the socio-economic landscape of the state and so it is contingent upon the administration to take all measures necessary to make the district more citizen friendly and to prevent public nuisance at all costs.
"Begging being an offence under the Act (Jammu and Kashmir Prevention of Beggary Act I960), it is imperative that strict necessary action under law be initiated against the offenders," it stated.
The deputy commissioner said, "It has been observed that off late there is a proliferation of beggars on the streets of Srinagar which creates massive nuisance for the general public."
The order stated any person found soliciting alms in a public place, or in or about a mosque, temple or other place of public worship, whether or not under any pretence and entering on any private premises for the purpose of soliciting alms shall be immediately arrested under Section 4 of the Jammu and Kashmir Prevention of Beggary Act, 1960 read with Section 61 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, Svt 1989.
Those exposing or exhibiting with the object of obtaining or extorting alms, any sore, wound, injury, deformity or disease whether of human being or an animal shall also be arrested, it said. -- PTI
12:15 Stalin protests outside outside TN secretariat, detained
DMK working President MK Stalin, who was holding protests outside the Tamil Nadu secretariat over the Sterlite protests in Thoothukudi, has been detained by the police. Several others detained too.
The DMK and other opposition parties in Tamil Nadu have called for a dawn-to-dusk bandh tomorrow, condemning the police action against protesters in Tuticorin, in which 12 people lost their lives. The DMK had on Tuesday called for an all-party protest in all district headquarters on May 25 to condemn the police firing in Tuticorin district. -- PTI
The DMK and other opposition parties in Tamil Nadu have called for a dawn-to-dusk bandh tomorrow, condemning the police action against protesters in Tuticorin, in which 12 people lost their lives. The DMK had on Tuesday called for an all-party protest in all district headquarters on May 25 to condemn the police firing in Tuticorin district. -- PTI
12:00 Not slip disc, it's a neck injury, that may ground Virat
Yes, Virat Kohli did visit a hospital in Mumbai for a check-up, but he may not have been diagnosed with a slip disc, as reports suggest.
A top BCCI official, who is privy to Kohli's county engagements, clarified that it is a case of "neck sprain" and not a "slip disc injury".
"Yes, Virat has had fatigue issues and this is a case of workload management rather than injury management. But it isn't a case of slip disc. As of now, we will be monitoring his workload," the senior official told PTI on condition of anonymity.
"We are chalking a plan wherein his county stint will be curtailed. He will play two four-day matches as per the original plan and not the five Royal London Cup (50 over) matches," he added.
When pressed further on the reported slip disc injury, the official replied: "Yesterday, Virat posted his fitness video as part of the Government's 'Fitness Challenge'. I can tell you that the video was shot yesterday." Kohli had been tagged by Sports Minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore in the social media campaign and he had posted a video of him working out in the gym in repsonse.
Asked why did he visit a spinal surgeon at Khar medical facility, the official said: "Virat had suffered a neck sprain during an IPL match in Jaipur (RCB's final game). The pain had subsided but he went for a precautionary check-up." -- PTI
A top BCCI official, who is privy to Kohli's county engagements, clarified that it is a case of "neck sprain" and not a "slip disc injury".
"Yes, Virat has had fatigue issues and this is a case of workload management rather than injury management. But it isn't a case of slip disc. As of now, we will be monitoring his workload," the senior official told PTI on condition of anonymity.
"We are chalking a plan wherein his county stint will be curtailed. He will play two four-day matches as per the original plan and not the five Royal London Cup (50 over) matches," he added.
When pressed further on the reported slip disc injury, the official replied: "Yesterday, Virat posted his fitness video as part of the Government's 'Fitness Challenge'. I can tell you that the video was shot yesterday." Kohli had been tagged by Sports Minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore in the social media campaign and he had posted a video of him working out in the gym in repsonse.
Asked why did he visit a spinal surgeon at Khar medical facility, the official said: "Virat had suffered a neck sprain during an IPL match in Jaipur (RCB's final game). The pain had subsided but he went for a precautionary check-up." -- PTI
11:46 Rohit Vemula's mother condoles BJP leader Bandaru Dattatreya's son's death
Radhika Vemula, mother of Dalit scholar Rohith Vemula, today offered her condolences to former Union minister Bandaru Dattatreya after his 21-year-old son died of a cardiac arrest.
"My deepest condolences to Mr Bandaru Dattatreya and family from the bottom of My Heart. As I know the pain when someone lost their son, I hope you will be fine. Sorry for your loss. Jai Bhim," she said in a Facebook post.
Dattatreya's son Vyshnav, a third year MBBS student, suddenly collapsed while having dinner on May 22, BJP sources said.
His sister and brother-in-law, who are doctors, rushed him to a nearby private hospital while giving him first aid in the car, they said.The doctors tried to revive him by putting him on ventilator and taking other measures, but in vain, they added.
He was declared dead at around 12:30 am yesterday.
Rohith Vemula, a PhD scholar at the University of Hyderabad, had hanged himself in his hostel room on the campus on January 17, 2016 as he was allegedly upset over the disciplinary action taken against him by the varsity.
The issue had taken a political turn with allegations that the extreme action was a result of discrimination against Dalit students at the behest of Dattatreya, then Union labour minister.
It was also alleged that the BJP leader had written a letter to the Education Ministry, seeking action against the Dalit students' "anti-national" acts.Mr Dattatreya was named as a prime accused in the case of abetment to suicide.
However, a report of the one-man judicial commission under former Allahabad High Court judge Justice A K Roopanwal gave a clean chit to the BJP leader.
Image: Bandaru Dattatreya's son Vyshnav and his daughter.
"My deepest condolences to Mr Bandaru Dattatreya and family from the bottom of My Heart. As I know the pain when someone lost their son, I hope you will be fine. Sorry for your loss. Jai Bhim," she said in a Facebook post.
Dattatreya's son Vyshnav, a third year MBBS student, suddenly collapsed while having dinner on May 22, BJP sources said.
His sister and brother-in-law, who are doctors, rushed him to a nearby private hospital while giving him first aid in the car, they said.The doctors tried to revive him by putting him on ventilator and taking other measures, but in vain, they added.
He was declared dead at around 12:30 am yesterday.
Rohith Vemula, a PhD scholar at the University of Hyderabad, had hanged himself in his hostel room on the campus on January 17, 2016 as he was allegedly upset over the disciplinary action taken against him by the varsity.
The issue had taken a political turn with allegations that the extreme action was a result of discrimination against Dalit students at the behest of Dattatreya, then Union labour minister.
It was also alleged that the BJP leader had written a letter to the Education Ministry, seeking action against the Dalit students' "anti-national" acts.Mr Dattatreya was named as a prime accused in the case of abetment to suicide.
However, a report of the one-man judicial commission under former Allahabad High Court judge Justice A K Roopanwal gave a clean chit to the BJP leader.
Image: Bandaru Dattatreya's son Vyshnav and his daughter.
11:20 Virat Kohli diagnosed with slip disc: Reports
Indian skipper Virat Kohli has been diagnosed with a slip disc, reports the Times of India. The slip disc or herniated disc probably occurred due to non-stop cricket over the last 12 months.
Unfortunately, the injury has come at a time when Kohli has tried to ensure preparations for the tour to England were without reproach. Kohli's plan to prepare for the Test series against England by signing up for county side Surrey may not work out. Doctors treating him at a hospital in Khar, Mumbai, said Kohli does not need surgery as of now.
Ironically, just this morning, Prime Minister Narendra Modi accepted Kohli's fitness challenge and said he will soon be sharing his own video. PM Modi took to Twitter to respond to Kohli's challenge, writing, "Challenge accepted, Virat! I will be sharing my own #FitnessChallenge video soon. @imVkohli #HumFitTohIndiaFit.
Kohli, on Wednesday, had accepted the challenge of Union Minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore and posted a video of him doing Butt Plank on Twitter."I have accepted the #FitnessChallenge by Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore sir. Now I would like to challenge my wife @AnushkaSharma , our PM @narendramodi ji and @msdhoni bhai for the same. #HumFitTohIndiaFit #ComeOutAndPlay," Virat had tweeted."
Unfortunately, the injury has come at a time when Kohli has tried to ensure preparations for the tour to England were without reproach. Kohli's plan to prepare for the Test series against England by signing up for county side Surrey may not work out. Doctors treating him at a hospital in Khar, Mumbai, said Kohli does not need surgery as of now.
Ironically, just this morning, Prime Minister Narendra Modi accepted Kohli's fitness challenge and said he will soon be sharing his own video. PM Modi took to Twitter to respond to Kohli's challenge, writing, "Challenge accepted, Virat! I will be sharing my own #FitnessChallenge video soon. @imVkohli #HumFitTohIndiaFit.
Kohli, on Wednesday, had accepted the challenge of Union Minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore and posted a video of him doing Butt Plank on Twitter."I have accepted the #FitnessChallenge by Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore sir. Now I would like to challenge my wife @AnushkaSharma , our PM @narendramodi ji and @msdhoni bhai for the same. #HumFitTohIndiaFit #ComeOutAndPlay," Virat had tweeted."
11:10 After the oath, Kumaraswamy seeks blessings
Karnataka CM HD Kumaraswamy met Nanjavadhoota Swami of Pattanayakanahalli Mutt in Bengaluru yesterday.
Janata Dal-Secular leader HD Kumaraswamy was on Wednesday sworn-in as Karnataka chief minister at a grand ceremony attended by a galaxy of top leaders and regional satraps in a rare public show of unity perceived as a possible harbinger of a broad-based anti-Bharatiya Janata Party alliance ahead of the Lok Sabha polls next year.
They smiled broadly, shook hands warmly, and even embraced each other at the bonhomie-filled event to herald the advent of the JD-S-Congress coalition government in the state amid doubts about its longevity.
Janata Dal-Secular leader HD Kumaraswamy was on Wednesday sworn-in as Karnataka chief minister at a grand ceremony attended by a galaxy of top leaders and regional satraps in a rare public show of unity perceived as a possible harbinger of a broad-based anti-Bharatiya Janata Party alliance ahead of the Lok Sabha polls next year.
They smiled broadly, shook hands warmly, and even embraced each other at the bonhomie-filled event to herald the advent of the JD-S-Congress coalition government in the state amid doubts about its longevity.
10:53
Karnataka: BJP MLA Suresh Kumar files his nomination papers as Vidhana Soudha speaker. V Sunil Kumar and Ashwath Narayan were also present.
10:53 CRPF official killed, jawan injured in IED blast triggered by Naxals
Update on the killing of a CRPF jawan: An official of the CRPF's elite CoBRA unit was today killed and another jawan injured when a pressure bomb, planted by Naxals, went off in Chhattisgarh's Sukma district, the police said.
The blast occurred around 7.45 am in a forest near Puswada village when a road opening party of the 206th battalion of CoBRA (Commando Battalion for Resolute Action) - a specialised unit of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) - was out on patrolling, a senior police official told PTI.
"Sub-Inspector Rajesh Kumar, belonging to CoBRA 206th battalion, was killed in the explosion while constable Manik Tinpare of the same unit sustained minor injuries," he said.
The road opening party had launched the operation between Timilwada to Dornapal, around 500 km away from here, he said. While the security personnel were cordoning off a forest near Puswada, the CoBRA official came in contact with a pressure improvised explosive device, planted by Maoists beneath the dirt track, that exploded leaving the two personnel, including him, injured, he said. Reinforcement was rushed to the spot and the injured personnel were brought to field hospital of the CRPF in Chintagufa where Kumar succumbed to his injuries, he said. The injured jawan will be airlifted to Raipur for further medication, he said.
A combing operation has been launched in the area to nab the ultras, he added. -- PTI
The blast occurred around 7.45 am in a forest near Puswada village when a road opening party of the 206th battalion of CoBRA (Commando Battalion for Resolute Action) - a specialised unit of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) - was out on patrolling, a senior police official told PTI.
"Sub-Inspector Rajesh Kumar, belonging to CoBRA 206th battalion, was killed in the explosion while constable Manik Tinpare of the same unit sustained minor injuries," he said.
The road opening party had launched the operation between Timilwada to Dornapal, around 500 km away from here, he said. While the security personnel were cordoning off a forest near Puswada, the CoBRA official came in contact with a pressure improvised explosive device, planted by Maoists beneath the dirt track, that exploded leaving the two personnel, including him, injured, he said. Reinforcement was rushed to the spot and the injured personnel were brought to field hospital of the CRPF in Chintagufa where Kumar succumbed to his injuries, he said. The injured jawan will be airlifted to Raipur for further medication, he said.
A combing operation has been launched in the area to nab the ultras, he added. -- PTI
10:45 Internet services suspended in Tuticorin
Internet services have been temporarily suspended in Thoothukudi from 9 pm onwards yesterday and will remain suspended until further instructions are issued by the administration.
One person was killed and three others injured earlier yesterday as fresh violence broke out in Anna Nagar, thus taking the death toll of the Sterlite protest incident to 12.
On Tuesday, 11 people were killed and over 65 got injured during protests against the construction of a new copper smelter by the Sterlite industries in Thoothukudi.
The agitation turned violent after protesters were barred from marching to the plant, due to which they began to pelt stones and toppled police vehicles. In retaliation, police officials resorted to lathi-charge and tear gas to disperse the crowd to contain the situation. -- PTI
One person was killed and three others injured earlier yesterday as fresh violence broke out in Anna Nagar, thus taking the death toll of the Sterlite protest incident to 12.
On Tuesday, 11 people were killed and over 65 got injured during protests against the construction of a new copper smelter by the Sterlite industries in Thoothukudi.
The agitation turned violent after protesters were barred from marching to the plant, due to which they began to pelt stones and toppled police vehicles. In retaliation, police officials resorted to lathi-charge and tear gas to disperse the crowd to contain the situation. -- PTI
10:31 Power supply to Sterlite to be disconnected
The Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board has directed the District collector of Thoothukudi to disconnect power supply to the Sterlite Copper's smelter. The Board found the unit was "carrying out activities to resume production" despite being told not to do so until its licence to operate is renewed.
In the line of Opposition fire, the state government yesterday constituted a Commission of Inquiry headed by retired Madras high court judge Aruna Jagadeesan to probe the violence, and shunted out the Collector and Superintendent of Police of Tuticorin.
Collector N Venkatesh has been replaced by the Collector of neighbouring
Tirunelveli Sandeep Nanduri, while Nilgiris district police chief Murali Rambha will take over from SP P Mahendran.
The Union home ministry has, meanwhile, sought a report from the Tamil Nadu government on the circumstances leading to police firing on protesters demanding the closure of Vedanta groups Sterlite Copper plant, which they claim had polluted ground water in the area, official sources said in New Delhi.
Image: Smoke billows from a burning bus during protests demanding the closure of Vedanta's Sterlite Copper unit, in Tuticorin. Photograph: PTI Photo
In the line of Opposition fire, the state government yesterday constituted a Commission of Inquiry headed by retired Madras high court judge Aruna Jagadeesan to probe the violence, and shunted out the Collector and Superintendent of Police of Tuticorin.
Collector N Venkatesh has been replaced by the Collector of neighbouring
Tirunelveli Sandeep Nanduri, while Nilgiris district police chief Murali Rambha will take over from SP P Mahendran.
The Union home ministry has, meanwhile, sought a report from the Tamil Nadu government on the circumstances leading to police firing on protesters demanding the closure of Vedanta groups Sterlite Copper plant, which they claim had polluted ground water in the area, official sources said in New Delhi.
Image: Smoke billows from a burning bus during protests demanding the closure of Vedanta's Sterlite Copper unit, in Tuticorin. Photograph: PTI Photo
10:21
Just in: : One CRPF personnel killed, one injured in an IED blast in Chhattisgarh's Puswada. The injured jawan is from the 206 CoBRA battalion.
09:47 Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner gets permanent security clearance
Jared Kushner, the son-in-law of United States President Donald Trump, has finally received security clearance, a media report said, bringing cheers to his supporters and the White House staffers.
The permanent security clearance for Kushner had been pending since last year.
"Having completed all of these processes, he's looking forward to continuing to do the work the president has asked him to do," said Abbe D Lowell, attorney of Kushner, in a statement.
He said the Kushner's application was "properly" submitted, reviewed by numerous career officials and underwent the normal process.
According to The New York Times, Kushner was issued permanent security clearance by career staffers of the FBI, after the investigative agency completed its background check against the president's son-in-law.
Married to Trump's daughter Ivanka, Kushner is a special advisor to the President and his special envoy on the Middle East Peace Process.
Kushner was among several White House officials who spent the first year of the administration working on provisional clearances, meaning he was allowed to view classified information while his FBI background check was pending, the daily said. Those clearances were stripped in February under a new White House policy, it added.
In another news report, The Washington Post said the FBI's background check into Kushner's financial history and foreign contacts took more than a year, and his clearance level was downgraded in February, becoming a source of uncertainty for the West Wing aide and blocking him from approved access to some of the nation's most sensitive secrets.
Lowell said Kushner last year became "one of the first to voluntarily cooperate with any investigation into the 2016 campaign and related topics", the daily reported. -- PTI
09:30 Pakistan violates ceasefire in Jammu and Kashmir again
Pakistani troops today once again resorted to unprovoked firing along the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir.
The Pakistani forces violated the ceasefire in the Kamal Koot area of Uri sector in Baramulla district.
The Pakistan army violated ceasefire by firing from automatic weapons and shelling mortars along the LoC.
Five persons including a10-year-old boy were killed in the shelling on Wednesday, raising the death toll in the ongoing skirmishes to 12 including two Border Security Force jawans and an eight-month-old boy.
Over 100 border dwellers have been evacuated and put in safe shelters and an operation to evacuate others is going on with use of bullet proof vehicles.
Image: A villager walks past a damaged house at border village Jora Farm in R S Pura Sector, Jammu. Photograph: PTI Photo
09:25 Pentagon kicks out China from major US military exercise
Alleging that Beijing is engaged in "destabilising behaviour" in the South China Sea, the Pentagon today kicked out China from its annual maritime military exercise.
Asserting that the US is committed to a free and open Indo-Pacific, the Pentagon said China's continued militarisation of disputed features in the South China Sea only serve to raise tensions and "destabilise" the region.
"As an initial response to China's continued militarisation of the South China Sea, we have disinvited the PLA Navy from the 2018 Rim of the Pacific Exercise. China's behaviour is inconsistent with the principles and purposes of the RIMPAC exercise," Lt Col Christopher B Logan said.
The Department of Defense, he said, has strong evidence that China has deployed anti-ship missiles, surface-to-air missile (SAM) systems and electronic jammers to contested features in the Spratly Islands region of the South China Sea.
Logan said China's landing of bomber aircraft at Woody Island has also raised tensions.
"While China has maintained that the construction of the islands is to ensure safety at sea, navigation assistance, search and rescue, fisheries protection and other non-military functions, the placement of these weapon systems is only for military use," he said.
The Pentagon called on China to remove the military systems immediately and to reverse course on the militarisation of the disputed South China Sea features.
"We believe these recent deployments and the continued militarisation of these features is a violation of the promise that President Xi made to the United States and the World not to militarise the Spratly Islands," Logan said.
Separately Congressman Mac Thornberry, who is Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, said this year's National Defense Authorization Act or NDAA prioritizes military readiness and strengthens key partnerships while also underscoring that the long-term strategic competition with China is a principal priority for the US. -- PTI
09:06 Pompeo says funds to Pakistan under review, accuses Islamabad of mistreating US diplomats
The American financial assistance to Pakistan is under review, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo told lawmakers and accused Islamabad of treating US diplomats "badly".
Pompeo was responding to questions from Congressman Dana Rohrabacher who said the US should stop providing any financial assistance to Pakistan until it releases Shakil Afridi, a doctor who helped the CIA hunt down Osama bin Laden in 2011.
"With respect to Pakistan, we released far fewer funds in 2018 than in the year prior. The remainder of the funds available are under review. My guess is that that number will be smaller still," he told members of the House Foreign Affairs Committee.
Rohrabacher said he sees no "reason" in giving any financial aid to Pakistan if it still keeps Afridi in jail.
Pompeo said he worked "diligently" on the issue of Afridi in his previous role as the CIA Director, but acknowledged that he has been "unsuccessful" so far.
"Please be aware that it's at my heart and I know it's important and we can do that. We can achieve that outcome," he said.
Rohrabacher intervened by saying that the situation is getting "worse" in Pakistan.
"These people in Karachi and the Sindhs and the others, they're now facing these people who are killing their leaders or killing their people who believe in certain things that are different than the radical Islamic philosophy of some of the people in the Pakistani government," he alleged.
Besides financial assistance issue, Pompeo said, the US also needs to take note of treatment meted out to American diplomats by Pakistan. -- PTI
09:05 PM Modi accepts Virat Kohli's fitness challenge
A day after Indian cricket team captain Virat Kohli accepted Sports Minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore's fitness challenge and nominated Narendra Modi in his video post, the prime minister has accepted his challenge.
"Challenge accepted, Virat! I will be sharing my own #FitnessChallenge video soon. @imVkohli #HumFitTohIndiaFit," Modi said on twitter.
Rathore, one of Indias first individual Olympic medalists, had kicked off #HumFitTohIndiaFit campaign on Twitter and had asked people to take a video of their "fitness mantra" and share it in a bid to make people aware of the necessity of fitness.
Rathore, in a self-made video posted on Twitter, had challenged Kohli, actor Hrithik Roshan and badminton ace Saina Nehwal to join in.
08:25 Decision on Singapore summit next week, says Trump
United States President Donald Trump has said it would be clear "next week" whether his scheduled June 12 summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un in Singapore would take place.
"We will know next week about Singapore. And if we go, I think it will be a great thing for North Korea," he told reporters at the White House.
Earlier, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo had told lawmakers that the June 12 Summit was going to happen. Trump also hinted that the talks could still happen despite the browbeating between the two leaders
"We're going to see what happens. On Singapore, we're going to see. And it could happen. It could very well happen. But whatever it is, it is," Trump said.
His remarks came days after North Korea threatened to pull out of the summit protesting against the US-South Korea military exercise.
Even as the suspense remains, the White House has said it is going ahead with the preparations for the first-ever summit between the two leaders. -- PTI
00:23 Anti-Sterlite protest: DMK, allies call dawn-to-dusk bandh on May 25
The DMK and other opposition parties in Tamil Nadu today called for a dawn-to-dusk bandh on May 25, condemning the police action against protestors in Tuticorin, in which 11 people lost their lives in the last two days.
The DMK had yesterday called for an all-party protest at all the district headquarters on May 25 to condemn the police firing in Tuticorin district.
In a statement issued late on Wednesday night, the DMK said instead of the all-party protest, a bandh would be observed on May 25 to condemn the police action and demand the closure of the Sterlite copper smelting plant in Tuticorin district.
Stating that the people living in Tuticorin and its neighbouring districts were angered by the police action against the agitators, the release said, "The bandh will also reflect the feelings of Tamils."
"The DMK, the All India National Congress, the Dravida Kazhagam, the Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, the CPI, the CPI-M, the Indian Union Muslim League, the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi and the Manithaneya Makkal Katchi will participate in the day-long state-wide protest," it added.
-- PTI
00:05 Trump barred from blocking Twitter users by judge
US President Donald Trump may not "block" Twitter users from viewing his online profile due to their political beliefs, a judge in New York has ruled.
District Judge Naomi Reice Buchwald in Manhattan said that blocking access to his @realDonaldTrump account would be a violation of the right to free speech.
The lawsuit against Trump and other White House officials stems from his decision to bar several online critics.
The White House has yet to comment on the judge's ruling.
The case was brought by The Knight First Amendment Institute at Columbia University on behalf of seven Twitter users who had been blocked by Trump for criticising him or mocking him online.
The judge agreed with their argument that the social media platform qualifies as a "designated public forum" granted to all US citizens.
"This case requires us to consider whether a public official may, consistent with the First Amendment, 'block' a person from his Twitter account in response to the political views that person has expressed, and whether the analysis differs because that public official is the President of the United States," the judge said in her opinion.
"The answer to both questions is no."
Trump has over 52 million followers on Twitter, his preferred social media platform which he started in March 2009.
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