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Fri, 25 May 2018
Kerala likely to get very heavy rains in the next few days
Timeline Refresh
23:30 Assange's refuge in Ecuadorian embassy 'in jeopardy'
Julian Assange's nearly six-year refuge at the Ecuadorian embassy in London is in danger, opening the WikiLeaks founder to arrest by British authorities and potential extradition to the US.
While Assange has in the past claimed his position in the embassy was under threat, sources say his current situation is "unusually bad" and that he could leave the embassy "any day now," either because he will be forced out or made to feel so restricted that he might choose to leave on his own. His position there is "in jeopardy," one source familiar with the matter said.
Assange's exit from the embassy could open a new phase for US investigators eager to find out what he knows.
US has prepared charges to seek the arrest of Assange, who US intelligence agencies believe Russia used as an intermediary to distribute hacked emails from Hillary Clinton's campaign during the 2016 presidential election.
Assange and his lawyers say he has been detained without charge for 2,720 days -- 53 of those "gagged" and isolated from visitors and outside communications -- and that there is "not a shred of evidence that Assange has done anything but publish material just as the establishment media do every day," according to a tweet by his lawyers on May 19.
23:06 Kerala likely to get very heavy rains in the next few days
With the South West monsoon set to hit Kerala in a few days, the meteorological department today said the state was likely to receive very heavy rainfall of up to 21 cm in the next three days.
The Indian Meterological Department said that while heavy rainfall of 7-11 cm is expected in the next 24 hours in the state in some places, heavy to very heavy rainfall (12-20 cm) is expected in some places tomorrow and the day after.
Kerala is also likely to get extremely heavy rains of 21 cm and above in one or two places on May 28, the bulletin said.
Heavy to very heavy rainfall was also likely to occur at one or two places in Lakshadweep till the morning of May 30.
Fishermen have been warned against venturing into the sea due to strong winds and squally weather over Kerala-Karnataka coast and Lakshadweep area during the next four to five days.
The southwest monsoon is expected to hit Kerala on May 29, three days ahead of its normal onset date, the India Meteorological Department had said.
-- PTI
22:13 Putin says 'of course' Russian rocket did not shoot down MH17
Russian President Vladimir Putin said today the rocket that shot down flight MH17 over war-torn eastern Ukraine in 2014 was "of course" not Russian, dismissing the Dutch and Australian decision to blame Moscow for the tragedy.
The Netherlands and Australia today took the first step towards dragging Russia to court over the shooting down of the flight, accusing Moscow of being responsible for the disaster.
All 298 people on the flight en route from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur were killed when the missile slammed into the plane as it flew over territory held by pro-Russian rebels in eastern Ukraine.
The Dutch government said in a statement that, together with Australia, it was holding Moscow "formally accountable" for the tragedy, and may now move towards submitting the complex dossier to an international judge or organisation.
Russia has repeatedly denied any responsibility in the disaster. Moscow has come up with numerous theories to deflect the blame and pointed the finger at Kiev.
21:49 SP-BSP alliance will be challenge for BJP in 2019 elections, says Amit Shah
BJP president Amit Shah on Friday admitted that an alliance between the BSP and SP in Uttar Pradesh will be a challenge for the BJP in 2019 but asserted that the BJP will defeat the Congress either in Amethi or Rae Bareli.
If the BSP and SP contest in alliance, it would be a challenge to us. But we are sure that we will win either one seat: Amethi or Rae Bareli, he told journalists here on the occasion of the completion of four years of the Modi government.
The BJP chief said it did not want to give up its alliance with old time ally Shiv Sena in Maharashtra but insisted that the BJP would have no option if the Sena wanted to part ways with it.
In 2019, the BJP will fight with the Shiv Sena in Maharashtra. We dont want to oust them from the NDA. But if they go out, its their will. We are ready for every situation, he said.
Shah said the opposition parties were aligning with like-minded parties as they feel they may not be able to defeat the NDA in 2019 elections on their own.
21:04 Trust vote over, Cong-JD-S leaders discuss cabinet expansion
Soon after Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy proved his three-day-old government's majority on the floor of the assembly, parleys began between coalition partners Congress and JD-S on cabinet expansion in Karnataka.
Within hours after the trust vote, Congress and JD-S leaders, including Kumaraswamy, met at former Chief Minister and Congress Legislature Party leader Siddaramaiah's residence on cabinet expansion, sources said.
Among those who attended the meeting were Deputy Chief Minister and KPCC chief G Parameshwara, Congress General Secretary in-charge of Karnataka K C Venugopal and JD-S leader H D Revanna.
Both the coalition partners had earlier decided to discuss the cabinet expansion, after the trust vote.
According to sources, Congress leaders are likely to fly to Delhi soon to discuss with the high-command the cabinet expansion and allocation of portfolios.
Parameshwara had yesterday said the coalition partners are yet to discuss the modalities on sharing of portfolios between both the parties,as also about Kumaraswamy continuing as CM for a full five year term.
It has already been decided that Congress will have 22 ministers and JDS 12, in the new cabinet.
With a growing number of aspirants for ministers posts in both parties, especially Congress, the leaders are up for a tough task.
-- PTI
20:49
JUST IN: Kummanam Rajasekharan appointed as the new Governor of Mizoram.
20:44
JUST IN: Professor Ganeshi Lal appointed Governor of Odisha with effect from the date he assumes charge of his office.
20:29 'Why are we being ostracised', asks woman who lost husband to Nipah
"Why are we being ostracised? What wrong did we do?" asked a sobbing Sindhu, whose husband Rajan succumbed to the deadly Nipha virus a few days ago.
So far, the virus has claimed 11 lives in Kerala's Kozhikode and Malappuram districts.
Gradually coming to terms with their huge loss, the family, living in extreme poverty, claimed that health department officials left a plastic bag containing masks and gloves outside their dilapidated house at Kurachundu Vadachira.
"They did not even bother to come to our house to give it," Sindhu said.
Rajan is survived by his wife, two young daughters -- Sandra and Swathi -- and his mother Narayani.
"The family is not in touch with the outside world. We are totally cut off. No one is coming to comfort us in our loss," another relative said.
Several Nipah affected families have complained of being isolated as people apparently fear contracting the rare virus.
Even staff at the Perambra Taluk hospital, where some patients were treated and a nurse Lini Puthussery died after contracting the virus on May 21, have complained of being marginalised.
The staff have complained to Kozhikode district medical authorities that they are not being allowed to travel in buses and that auto-rickshaws refuse to take them to their workplace.
"If we get into buses, people refuse to share seats... auto-rickshaws decline to take us," they said.
There was an instance when passengers of a bus protested and got down after the nurses of the hospital boarded the vehicle.
Taking note, the Kerala State Human Rights Commission has sought a report from the district police chief and Kozhikode district medical officer on the "discrimination" being shown to the nurses and asked them to take steps to end it.
-- PTI
20:22
15 people rescued who were on board a ship that capsized near Bandra-Worli Sea Link in Mumbai, earlier today. No casualty reported.
19:51 Suspect in custody after shots reported fired at US school
Shots have been reported at a middle school in Noblesville, Indiana, a receptionist for the school district told CNN Friday.
A suspect is in custody, according to a tweet from the Noblesville Fire Department.
One person is injured, receptionist Jackie Chatteron said. It's not clear if the person was wounded by gunfire.
The school, Noblesville West Middle School, is on lockdown, Chatterton said.
19:20 Trump says meet with North Korea's Kim could still go ahead on June 12
US President Donald Trump has revealed his administration is talking to North Korea right now and said the June 12 summit he cancelled a day earlier could still take place.
On Thursday, Trump cancelled his proposed summit meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un on June 12 in Singapore and blamed Pyongyang's 'tremendous anger' and 'open hostility' for his dramatic decision.
Trump described the cancellation of the summit as 'a tremendous setback' for North Korea and warned that the US military is ready to act should Pyongyang take any 'foolish and reckless' action.
Washington has made it clear it wants to see the 'complete, verifiable and irreversible denuclearisation' of the North. But Pyongyang has vowed it will never give up its nuclear deterrence until it feels safe from what it terms US aggression.
19:05 Can't vacate govt bungalow as it's Kanshi Ram Memorial: BSP
A BSP delegation met Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath today claiming that the sprawling bungalow party chief Mayawati has been asked to vacate was converted into a Kanshi Ram memorial in 2011.
The delegation said Mayawati occupied only two rooms in that bungalow.
The BSP had installed a board on May 21 at the government bungalow, terming it 'Shri Kanshi Ram Ji Yadgar Vishram Sthal' after Mayawati was served notice to vacate it as per a Supreme Court order.
The order applies to six politicians who were allotted official accommodation in Lucknow as former chief ministers.
The BSP delegation, led by party's national general secretary Satish Misra, said the 13A, Mall Avenue bungalow which Mayawati has been asked to vacate was turned into a memorial through a Cabinet decision on January 13, 2011.
"The notice that has been served is for vacating 13A, Mall Avenue which is not allotted in her name, Misra said.
But no notice has been given for moving out of 6, Lal Bahadur Shastri Marg which was allotted to her as a former chief minister, he added.
Misra said Mayawati occupied only two rooms at 13A, Mall Avenue and if she vacated the premises, those rooms would also become part of the memorial.
But he added the party has requested that she be allowed to stay on in that small portion of the premises, the major part of which has a library, murals, statues and other articles related to the Bhaujan Samaj Party founder.
He said if a notice is served to vacate the second bungalow, Mayawati will adhere to it.
About 13A, Mall Avenue, an Estate Department official had earlier said, As per our knowledge, the bungalow was allotted to Mayawati in her capacity as a former CM. But since a board has come up there in the name of Kanshi Ram ji, we will look into our records."
The Supreme Court had on May 7 said former chief ministers of Uttar Pradesh cannot retain government accommodation after demitting office, observing that a CM was on a par with a common man once his or her term ends.
-- PTI
18:52 Army chief asks Pak to stop infiltration to establish peace along border
Chief of Army Staff, General Bipin Rawat on Friday said that the Pakistan needs to take initiative to establish peace along border by stopping infiltration.
"We want peace at borders but as you know Pakistan continuously violates ceasefire that causes loss of life and property and in such a case we have to retaliate but if Pakistan wants peace, we expect them to take initiative, which will start with them stopping infiltration," he said.
Hinting that Non-Initiation of Combat Operations could continue, Rawat said the operations were suspended to show people the atmosphere of peace.
"We suspended operations to show people atmosphere of peace and I believe people are happy, if things continue in a similar way we can say that continuing of NICO (Non-Initiation of Combat Operations) can be thought of, but if terrorist activities continue we cannot do so," the army chief said.
It is to be noted that the Centre last week ordered to suspend the security operations against terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir during the holy month of Ramzan.
However, the Ministry of Home Affairs clarified that the security forces "reserve the right to retaliate if attacked or if essential to protect the lives of innocent people."
Ramzan is observed by Muslims worldwide as a month of fasting to commemorate the first revelation of the Quran to Muhammad, according to Islamic belief.
-- ANI
18:27 Videocon loan case: Sebi serves notice to ICICI Bank chief Chanda Kochhar
Market regulatory Sebi has served a notice on ICICI Bank CEO and MD Chanda Kochhar on dealings of the bank with Videocon Group and Nupower, an entity in which her husband Deepak Kochhar has economic interests, the private sector lender said today.
Appropriate response would be submitted to the Sebi, the country's largest private bank said in a stock exchange filing.
The CBI has launched a preliminary investigation into Rs 3,250 crore loan ICICI Bank had extended to Videocon in 2012 and the possible role of Kochhar's husband -- Deepak Kochhar.
Reports have alleged that Videocon chairman Venugopal Dhoot invested Rs 64 crore in Nu Power Renewables, a firm owned by Deepak Kochhar after Videocon secured a loan from a consortium of banks, including ICICI.
ICICI has denied any wrongdoing in the loan, saying it was part of a consortium of lenders that extended the facility to Videocon.
"The MD & CEO and the Bank received a Notice from SEBI on May 24, 2018 ... requiring responses on matters relating to alleged non-compliance with certain provisions of the erstwhile Listing Agreement and the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015," the bank said in the filing.
17:45 Harvey Weinstein arrested on rape charges
CNN: Harvey Weinstein turned himself in to the New York police Friday morning and was arrested on charges that he raped one woman and forced another to perform oral sex on him, a source familiar with the investigation told CNN.
Manhattan prosecutors will charge Weinstein with first- and third-degree rape in one case and a first-degree sex act in a second case, a source said. He's expected to appear in court later in the day.
Weinstein walked into a New York police precinct office through a flurry of reporters and photographers.
Also read: Model who helped bring down Harvey Weinstein gets her career back
Also read: Weinstein made Salma Hayek's life a nightmare
Manhattan prosecutors will charge Weinstein with first- and third-degree rape in one case and a first-degree sex act in a second case, a source said. He's expected to appear in court later in the day.
Weinstein walked into a New York police precinct office through a flurry of reporters and photographers.
Also read: Model who helped bring down Harvey Weinstein gets her career back
Also read: Weinstein made Salma Hayek's life a nightmare
16:59
Tamil Nadu: Suspension of the Internet has been lifted in Tirunelveli and Kanyakumari, but services remain suspended in Thoothukudi.
16:58 Omar sanctions funds to help woman detained with Army Major
National Conference leader Omar Abdullah today sanctioned Rs 1.30 lakh to the family of a girl detained by police along with Indian Army Major Nitin Leetul Gogoi from a hotel in Srinagar.
The money was being given to the family, living in extreme poverty in Budgam, to construct a house, Abdullah's political secretary Tanvir Sadiq said on Twitter.
"Our local party office bearers have visited Check Kawoosa area of Beerwah. After a first hand report and finding the family living in extreme poverty and living in a tin shed, Mr @OmarAbdullah has released an amount of 1.30 lakh...," Sadiq tweeted.
The money would be released from the constituency development fund of Abdullah, who represents Beerwah in the state assembly.
Sadiq has also written a letter to the District Development Commissioner of Budgam, on behalf of the NC leader, requesting the release of money. He also shared the letter on Twitter. The 18-year-old girl had accompanied Gogoi and his driver to a hotel on Wednesday. They got into an altercation with the hotel staff over being denied entry into the hotel.
The Army has ordered a Court of Inquiry against Major Gogoi and stated that appropriate action will be taken after the inquiry is finalized.
Gogoi sparked a row in April last year when he tied a local, Farooq Ahmed Dar, to his jeep and paraded him through 28 villages in Budgam district, apparently to escape stone pelting. -- PTI
The money was being given to the family, living in extreme poverty in Budgam, to construct a house, Abdullah's political secretary Tanvir Sadiq said on Twitter.
"Our local party office bearers have visited Check Kawoosa area of Beerwah. After a first hand report and finding the family living in extreme poverty and living in a tin shed, Mr @OmarAbdullah has released an amount of 1.30 lakh...," Sadiq tweeted.
The money would be released from the constituency development fund of Abdullah, who represents Beerwah in the state assembly.
Sadiq has also written a letter to the District Development Commissioner of Budgam, on behalf of the NC leader, requesting the release of money. He also shared the letter on Twitter. The 18-year-old girl had accompanied Gogoi and his driver to a hotel on Wednesday. They got into an altercation with the hotel staff over being denied entry into the hotel.
The Army has ordered a Court of Inquiry against Major Gogoi and stated that appropriate action will be taken after the inquiry is finalized.
Gogoi sparked a row in April last year when he tied a local, Farooq Ahmed Dar, to his jeep and paraded him through 28 villages in Budgam district, apparently to escape stone pelting. -- PTI
16:31
DK Shivakumar, Cong on BJP's state-wide bandh on May 28 on farm loan waivers: They cannot waste public money, if a law and order problem in created it'll be because of them. They cannot force and blackmail us, we are a responsible govt and cannot act to wishes of BJP.
16:09 Congress-JD-S wins Karnataka trust vote
Karnataka CM HD Kumaraswamy wins floor test after 117 MLAs voted in his favour. The BJP MLAs had staged a walkout moments earlier after their chief BS Yeddyurappa warned the CM that unless farmer loans were waived the BJP would stage a state-wide dharna on May 28.
Yeddyurappa criticised Kumaraswamy and his father HD Deve Gowda and called the Congress leader DK Shivakumar, the man who kept the flock together, a khalnayak. When Shivakumar objected the Speaker interjected and said, "Shivakumar, for some you are a hero, for others, a villain."
Kumaraswamy was emotional in his speech saying he had made a big mistake throwing in his lot with the BJP in 2006, and it had hurt and upset and fractured his relationship with his father.
Long day for the Congress and JD-S in the House, but the allies say they will stay together.
Yeddyurappa criticised Kumaraswamy and his father HD Deve Gowda and called the Congress leader DK Shivakumar, the man who kept the flock together, a khalnayak. When Shivakumar objected the Speaker interjected and said, "Shivakumar, for some you are a hero, for others, a villain."
Kumaraswamy was emotional in his speech saying he had made a big mistake throwing in his lot with the BJP in 2006, and it had hurt and upset and fractured his relationship with his father.
Long day for the Congress and JD-S in the House, but the allies say they will stay together.
15:45 BJP stages walkout ahead of Karnataka floor test
After the calm, here's the storm in the Karnataka Assembly. Moments after BS Yeddyurappa warns CM Kumaraswamy that the BJP would stage a state-wide bandh on May 28 if farmers' loan waivers do not take place immediately, the BJP MLAs walk out of the assembly.
The floor test is yet to happen.
Congress-Janata Dal (Secular) nominee K.R. Ramesh Kumar was elected as the Karnataka Assembly Speaker on Friday after Bharatiya Janata Party withdrew S Suresh Kumar's candidature for the speaker's post.
Explaining why the BJP withdrew its candidate for the speaker's post, Karnataka BJP President B.S. Yeddyurappa said they wanted the election to be "unanimous" in order to maintain the dignity of the post.
The floor test is yet to happen.
Congress-Janata Dal (Secular) nominee K.R. Ramesh Kumar was elected as the Karnataka Assembly Speaker on Friday after Bharatiya Janata Party withdrew S Suresh Kumar's candidature for the speaker's post.
Explaining why the BJP withdrew its candidate for the speaker's post, Karnataka BJP President B.S. Yeddyurappa said they wanted the election to be "unanimous" in order to maintain the dignity of the post.
15:03 '100 per cent bureaucrats will become parrots'
The Narendra Modi government's proposal to change the rules for allocating services and state cadre to candidates who have cleared the civil services exams conducted by the Union Public Services Commission has kicked up a controversy.
According to the proposed changes, the cadre and service will be allocated after the new civil servants complete their three-month foundation course -- and not before, as is the current practice.
The system in vogue mandates that qualifying candidates are immediately allocated the service as well as the cadre based on the ranks they secure in the UPSC examination for 24 all-India services including the premier Indian Administrative Service, the Indian Police Service, the Indian Foreign Service, the Indian Revenue Service, among others.
Critics believe the new proposal is ill-conceived. Dr Arvind Mayaram, the former finance secretary, who has been vocal in his criticism on social media, tells Rediff.com/Syed Firdaus Ashraf why the current system is well thought out and one which serves the nation well. Read the full interview here.
According to the proposed changes, the cadre and service will be allocated after the new civil servants complete their three-month foundation course -- and not before, as is the current practice.
The system in vogue mandates that qualifying candidates are immediately allocated the service as well as the cadre based on the ranks they secure in the UPSC examination for 24 all-India services including the premier Indian Administrative Service, the Indian Police Service, the Indian Foreign Service, the Indian Revenue Service, among others.
Critics believe the new proposal is ill-conceived. Dr Arvind Mayaram, the former finance secretary, who has been vocal in his criticism on social media, tells Rediff.com/Syed Firdaus Ashraf why the current system is well thought out and one which serves the nation well. Read the full interview here.
14:53 Grenade hurled at army camp in Kulgam
Terrorists hurled a grenade at a camp of 34 Rashtriya Rifles in Kulgam's Nihama in Jammu and Kashmir. No injuries reported.
Ina another incident, terrorists attempted to snatch weapons from J&K police personnel guarding Wanpoh power grid, security personnel retaliated and foiled the attempt.
Ina another incident, terrorists attempted to snatch weapons from J&K police personnel guarding Wanpoh power grid, security personnel retaliated and foiled the attempt.
14:25 Jaitley shifted out of ICU, recovering after kidney transplant
Kumaraswamy still speaking in the floor of the house.
Meanwhile, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, who underwent a successful kidney transplant at the AIIMS on May 14, was shifted out of the Intensive Care Unit and is recovering.
His post-operative recovery is being closely monitored by a team comprising, transplant surgeons, endocrinologist, nephrologist, cardiologist, pulmonologist and critical care experts among others.
"He was shifted out of the ICU to a private ward of the Cardio-Neuro Centre during the weekend. He is recovering well," a source at the hospital said. According to AIIMS sources, the kidney was donated to the 65-year-old minister by a distant relative, a middle-aged woman. This fell under the category of 'live unrelated donation'.
"Living, unrelated donor could be anyone who is emotionally attached to the recipient, such as friend, a relative, a neighbour or an in-law. The authorisation committee had given its approval before the procedure," he had said.
The surgery was carried out at the cardio-thoracic centre by a team of 20 personnel, including transplant surgeons and transplant anesthesiologists.
The team included former chief of AIIMS renal transplant division Sandeep Guleria, currently working with Apollo Hospital, surgeon V K Bansal, nephrologist Sandeep Mahajan and AIIMS Director Randeep Guleria. Sandeep Guleria is the brother of Randeep Guleria and a family friend of the minister.
Meanwhile, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, who underwent a successful kidney transplant at the AIIMS on May 14, was shifted out of the Intensive Care Unit and is recovering.
His post-operative recovery is being closely monitored by a team comprising, transplant surgeons, endocrinologist, nephrologist, cardiologist, pulmonologist and critical care experts among others.
"He was shifted out of the ICU to a private ward of the Cardio-Neuro Centre during the weekend. He is recovering well," a source at the hospital said. According to AIIMS sources, the kidney was donated to the 65-year-old minister by a distant relative, a middle-aged woman. This fell under the category of 'live unrelated donation'.
"Living, unrelated donor could be anyone who is emotionally attached to the recipient, such as friend, a relative, a neighbour or an in-law. The authorisation committee had given its approval before the procedure," he had said.
The surgery was carried out at the cardio-thoracic centre by a team of 20 personnel, including transplant surgeons and transplant anesthesiologists.
The team included former chief of AIIMS renal transplant division Sandeep Guleria, currently working with Apollo Hospital, surgeon V K Bansal, nephrologist Sandeep Mahajan and AIIMS Director Randeep Guleria. Sandeep Guleria is the brother of Randeep Guleria and a family friend of the minister.
14:07 Kumaraswamy speaks to Assembly before floor test
Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy has moved the moved the motion of confidence in the state assembly.
Speaking on the floor of the house, thanks MLAs for giving him a chance. He said his decision to go with the BJP 12 years ago has affected his relationship with his father and his decision to go with the Congress this time was driven by the guilt of what happened then.
Speaking about his father, Kumaraswamy said his father HD Deve Gowda, has spent most of his time in the Opposition, so the allegations that the JD-S tied up with the Congress for lust for power is wrong. He also said his father declined the offer of the BJP to support them because he did not want his secular credentials to be questioned.
He is using the occasion to clear the allegations against him and his father and the damage to the relationship with his father his decision to go with the BJP.
What he is therefore saying is that the decision to go with the Congress was a given.
Speaking on the floor of the house, thanks MLAs for giving him a chance. He said his decision to go with the BJP 12 years ago has affected his relationship with his father and his decision to go with the Congress this time was driven by the guilt of what happened then.
Speaking about his father, Kumaraswamy said his father HD Deve Gowda, has spent most of his time in the Opposition, so the allegations that the JD-S tied up with the Congress for lust for power is wrong. He also said his father declined the offer of the BJP to support them because he did not want his secular credentials to be questioned.
He is using the occasion to clear the allegations against him and his father and the damage to the relationship with his father his decision to go with the BJP.
What he is therefore saying is that the decision to go with the Congress was a given.
13:56 Parmanu review: Nothing explosive about this
"Parmanu can scream 'desh' all it wants and turn up the volume as loud as it likes to make a big deal. But it's ultimately a cursory glance at a tough tactical choice and tame recreation of a controversial reality whose face is a stiff star."
Read Sukanya Verma's review on Rediff.com.
Read Sukanya Verma's review on Rediff.com.
13:35 Reciting Tagore, Sheikh Hasina inaugurates B'desh Bhavan in Bengal
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Bangladeshi counterpart Sheikh Hasina inaugurated the Bangladesh Bhavan in Shantiniketan on Friday to symbolically highlight the warm bilateral cultural ties between the two countries. Reciting Tagore, Sheikh Hasina said the poet belonged to both countries.
The inauguration of Bangladesh Bhavan inside the Vishwa Bharti University complex took place in the presence of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.
The PM said India has always stood by Bangladesh and spoke of the sacrifices for Indian soldiers during the 1971 Bangladesh liberation war. Speaking about Tagore, the PM said, the poet pioneered the idea of sabka saath, sabka vikas. He said the Bangladesh Bhavan was a symbol of India's ties with Bangladesh.
The Bangladesh Bhavan features a museum that showcases renowned poet Rabindranath Tagore's association with that country, the Liberation War of Bangladesh and Indo-Bangla relations.
It has been built at a cost of Rs 25 crore, which was provided by the Bangladesh government.
A fund of Rs 10 crore would be given to help maintain the museum premises.
Reportedly, a MoU will also be signed between Vishwa Bharati University and the Secondary and Higher Secondary Division of the Bangladesh education ministry.
Prime Minister Hasina, who is on a two-day visit to India, on the invitation of Prime Minister Modi, was received by Banerjee.As per reports, both Prime Ministers will hold a bilateral meeting. Prime Minister Hasina will return to Bangladesh on Saturday night. -- ANI
The inauguration of Bangladesh Bhavan inside the Vishwa Bharti University complex took place in the presence of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.
The PM said India has always stood by Bangladesh and spoke of the sacrifices for Indian soldiers during the 1971 Bangladesh liberation war. Speaking about Tagore, the PM said, the poet pioneered the idea of sabka saath, sabka vikas. He said the Bangladesh Bhavan was a symbol of India's ties with Bangladesh.
The Bangladesh Bhavan features a museum that showcases renowned poet Rabindranath Tagore's association with that country, the Liberation War of Bangladesh and Indo-Bangla relations.
It has been built at a cost of Rs 25 crore, which was provided by the Bangladesh government.
A fund of Rs 10 crore would be given to help maintain the museum premises.
Reportedly, a MoU will also be signed between Vishwa Bharati University and the Secondary and Higher Secondary Division of the Bangladesh education ministry.
Prime Minister Hasina, who is on a two-day visit to India, on the invitation of Prime Minister Modi, was received by Banerjee.As per reports, both Prime Ministers will hold a bilateral meeting. Prime Minister Hasina will return to Bangladesh on Saturday night. -- ANI
13:03 Cong's K'taka troubleshooter BK Shivakumar speaking now
Congress troubleshooter BK Shivakumar speaking in the House now. He has been credited with single-handedly keeping the Congress MLAs together in the crucial days ahead of BS Yeddyurappa's resignation.
Shivakumar has expressed his disappointment and displeasure over not being rewarded for his efforts at cobbling together the alliance with the JD-S.
Shivakumar has expressed his disappointment and displeasure over not being rewarded for his efforts at cobbling together the alliance with the JD-S.
12:56 Siddaramaiah speaking in the House
Former CM Siddaramaiah is speaking in the House now pays tribute to Ramesh Kumar's legislative skills. He said the Speaker's knowledge of the Constitution will come in handy in the working of the house.
Smiles all around the house, as Siddaramaiah's oratorial skills come into play. He has put tense and bitter MlAs at ease.
Siddaramaiah agrees with Yeddyurappa's statement in the House moments earlier that first-time MLAs should be allowed to speak in the House.
He also says Speaker has to be impartial and has to take into consideration that he will be presiding over an alliance government.
Siddaramaiah congratulates the Speaker and all the BJP legislators for backing the Speaker saying a post like this should not be contested.
Smiles all around the house, as Siddaramaiah's oratorial skills come into play. He has put tense and bitter MlAs at ease.
Siddaramaiah agrees with Yeddyurappa's statement in the House moments earlier that first-time MLAs should be allowed to speak in the House.
He also says Speaker has to be impartial and has to take into consideration that he will be presiding over an alliance government.
Siddaramaiah congratulates the Speaker and all the BJP legislators for backing the Speaker saying a post like this should not be contested.
12:45
Dr Parameshwara talking about the legislative knowledge and the experience of Speaker Ramesh Kumar. Kumar was a Speaker when Deve Gowda was the CM. Much of what is being said has been said by Kumaraswamy.
To bring you up to speed, the BJP's nominee Suresh Kumar had backed out of the race.
To bring you up to speed, the BJP's nominee Suresh Kumar had backed out of the race.
12:41 Yeddy explains why Speaker was elected unapposed
Karnataka CM HD Kumaraswamy speaks to the Assembly before the trust vote. He is paying his respects to all the luminaries who occupied the seat of the chief minister before him. He then goes on to say why the choice of Ramesh Kumar as the Speaker is the right one.
BJP's Yeddyurappa said the party backed Ramesh Kumar because it wanted him to be elected unanimously. He said the Speaker is an apolitical post and hoped that the Speaker will remain unbiased even though he is Congressman. "We hope we will have a great time in the house," Yeddyurappa said.
Now the deputy CM G Parameshwara speaking.
BJP's Yeddyurappa said the party backed Ramesh Kumar because it wanted him to be elected unanimously. He said the Speaker is an apolitical post and hoped that the Speaker will remain unbiased even though he is Congressman. "We hope we will have a great time in the house," Yeddyurappa said.
Now the deputy CM G Parameshwara speaking.
12:38 Assembly selects Cong's nominee Ramesh Kumar as Speaker
That's what the Vidhana Soudha looks like.
Ramesh Kumar of the Congress has been elected unanimously as the Speaker of the Karnataka Assembly.
This seems a clear indication from the BJP that they will let the floor test go through.
Yeddy has said that the Congress-JD-S alliance will not last more than three months. A statement predicting the fall of the government is to be expected from BJP's CM candidate and in fact it's CM for a day, but what has the JD-S worried is that deputy CM G Paremeshwara has said there was no decision on backing Kumaraswamy as CM for a full five years.
Ramesh Kumar of the Congress has been elected unanimously as the Speaker of the Karnataka Assembly.
This seems a clear indication from the BJP that they will let the floor test go through.
Yeddy has said that the Congress-JD-S alliance will not last more than three months. A statement predicting the fall of the government is to be expected from BJP's CM candidate and in fact it's CM for a day, but what has the JD-S worried is that deputy CM G Paremeshwara has said there was no decision on backing Kumaraswamy as CM for a full five years.
12:23
BS Yeddyurappa inside the Vidhana Soudha. The session has just been convened. The election for the post of Speaker will precede the vote of
confidence, with the BJP fielding its candidate S Suresh Kumar to take
on senior Congress leader Ramesh Kumar.
12:19 Karnataka floor test to begin shortly
Congress and JD-S MLAs trooping in to the Vidhana Soudha ahead of the floor test in Karnataka. BS Yeddyurappa, Siddaramaiah, HD Kumaraswamy, G Parameshwara, DK Shivakumar hae already taken their seats.
The three-day old Congress-JD-S coalition government in Karnataka headed by H D Kumaraswamy is facing a floor test today which it is widely expected to sail through, barring any unforeseeable events, ending the 10-day political uncertainty in the state.
The election for the post of Speaker will precede the vote of confidence, with the BJP fielding its candidate S Suresh Kumar to take on senior Congress leader Ramesh Kumar.
With the numbers game tilted in favour of the coalition, 58-year old Kumaraswamy looks to be sitting pretty to win the trial of strength. Kumaraswamy was sworn in as chief minister on Wednesday with a galaxy of leaders of non-BJP parties in attendance.
The Congress has 78 MLAs, Kumaraswamy's JD(S) 36, and BSP 1.
The three-day old Congress-JD-S coalition government in Karnataka headed by H D Kumaraswamy is facing a floor test today which it is widely expected to sail through, barring any unforeseeable events, ending the 10-day political uncertainty in the state.
The election for the post of Speaker will precede the vote of confidence, with the BJP fielding its candidate S Suresh Kumar to take on senior Congress leader Ramesh Kumar.
With the numbers game tilted in favour of the coalition, 58-year old Kumaraswamy looks to be sitting pretty to win the trial of strength. Kumaraswamy was sworn in as chief minister on Wednesday with a galaxy of leaders of non-BJP parties in attendance.
The Congress has 78 MLAs, Kumaraswamy's JD(S) 36, and BSP 1.
12:01 Rare to have two PMs at a convocation: Modi at Shantiniketan
PM Narendra Modi speaking at the Vishwa Bharti University, Shantiniketan. The PM is the chancellor of the university.
"It is my privilege that I have got this opportunity to spend time on Rabindranath Tagore's soil. I feel Gurudev's presence here. I am remembering Rabindranath Tagore's time here.
"I congratulate the ones who have got a degree today and wish them the best for future. Your degree is a proof of your educational prowess. But you have not just a got a degree here, you have received something much more unique. You are the custodians of a great legacy.
"First of all, as the chancellor of Visva Bharati University, I seek your apologies. When I was coming here, some students were telling me with gestures that there is no arrangement of drinking water. I want to apologise for all the inconvenience caused to you."
On Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina's presence at the university, Modi said, "It is rare to have two PMs at a convocation."
"It is my privilege that I have got this opportunity to spend time on Rabindranath Tagore's soil. I feel Gurudev's presence here. I am remembering Rabindranath Tagore's time here.
"I congratulate the ones who have got a degree today and wish them the best for future. Your degree is a proof of your educational prowess. But you have not just a got a degree here, you have received something much more unique. You are the custodians of a great legacy.
"First of all, as the chancellor of Visva Bharati University, I seek your apologies. When I was coming here, some students were telling me with gestures that there is no arrangement of drinking water. I want to apologise for all the inconvenience caused to you."
On Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina's presence at the university, Modi said, "It is rare to have two PMs at a convocation."
11:32
PM Narendra Modi and Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina will will shortly inaugurate Bangladesh Bhavan in Shantiniketan.
11:31 Mamata shocked that PM will not hand out Desikottam awards
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will not confer the Desikottam, Visva-Bharati University's highest award, during its convocation ceremony on Saturday due to paucity of time, an official said.
The announcement has drawn a sharp reaction from West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.
Sabujkali Sen, officiating vice-chancellor of the university, said there were previous instances when the award had been conferred to international dignitaries not at the annual convocation, but during special convocation programmes organised by the university.
"For the time being, the award ceremony is being deferred due to paucity of time. In the 60s too, the award was not conferred due to paucity of time. It was later conferred to eminent personalities," Sen told newsmen here.
The West Bengal chief minister, however, expressed "unhappiness" over the decision and said she was "shocked".
In April, the Visva-Bharati academic council had proposed to honour Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan, author Amitav Ghosh, poet Gulzar, writer Suniti Kumar Pathak, Rabidra Sangeet exponent Dwijen Mukherjee, physicist Ashok Sen and painter Jogen Chowdhury with the 'Desikottam' award. The university executive council had approved the names in May.
Banerjee, said, "I am unhappy. Those who were supposed to get the award were not getting it. Amitabh Bachchan's name was there, Dwijen Mukherjee's name was there. They are above politics. They deserve it (the Desikottam). They should have got it".
The announcement has drawn a sharp reaction from West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.
Sabujkali Sen, officiating vice-chancellor of the university, said there were previous instances when the award had been conferred to international dignitaries not at the annual convocation, but during special convocation programmes organised by the university.
"For the time being, the award ceremony is being deferred due to paucity of time. In the 60s too, the award was not conferred due to paucity of time. It was later conferred to eminent personalities," Sen told newsmen here.
The West Bengal chief minister, however, expressed "unhappiness" over the decision and said she was "shocked".
In April, the Visva-Bharati academic council had proposed to honour Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan, author Amitav Ghosh, poet Gulzar, writer Suniti Kumar Pathak, Rabidra Sangeet exponent Dwijen Mukherjee, physicist Ashok Sen and painter Jogen Chowdhury with the 'Desikottam' award. The university executive council had approved the names in May.
Banerjee, said, "I am unhappy. Those who were supposed to get the award were not getting it. Amitabh Bachchan's name was there, Dwijen Mukherjee's name was there. They are above politics. They deserve it (the Desikottam). They should have got it".
11:25 5 convicted for 2013 Bodhgaya blasts
Just in: All five accused in 2013 Bodhgaya blast found guilty by Patna court. Next hearing on May 31.
Two Buddhist monks were seriously injured in July 2013 in serial bomb blasts in Bodhgaya.
The blasts, the first-of-its-kind in the state, were allegedly carried out by the members of the Ranchi module of Indian Mujahideen and the Students' Islamic Movement of India.
Two Buddhist monks were seriously injured in July 2013 in serial bomb blasts in Bodhgaya.
The blasts, the first-of-its-kind in the state, were allegedly carried out by the members of the Ranchi module of Indian Mujahideen and the Students' Islamic Movement of India.
11:21 K'taka floor test: Congress MLAs reach Vidhana Soudha
In Karnataka, Congress MLAs reach Vidhana Soudha in Bengaluru ahead of the floor test and the election of the assembly.
Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy is going to face a floor test on Friday to prove his majority.
Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy is going to face a floor test on Friday to prove his majority.
With the support of the Janata Dal (Secular)-Congress coalition, he is expected to smoothly sail through this floor test.
In the recently concluded state assembly election, though the Bharatiya Janata Party emerged as the single largest party with 104 seats (only eight seats short of the simple majority mark of 112), the Congress party with 78 seats and JD(S) with 37 seats, along with two independent candidates, stitched up a post-poll alliance with a total of 117 MLAs.
Even
though the Karnataka Governor invited the BJP to form the government
with a time period of 15 days to prove their majority on the floor of
the house, the Supreme Court in an interim order directed the floor test
to be held in just two days, even after Yeddyurappa had taken oath as
the Chief Minister of the state.
11:15 Kanimozhi detained
Opposition workers and leaders protest in Chennai's Egmore against the Thoothukudi police firing. DMK's Kanimozhi and VCK's Thirumavalavan among those detained by Police.
11:07 PM meets Mamata, Sheikh Hasina at Shantiniketan
PM Narendra Modi and Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina in Santiniketan. Both leaders will later inaugurate the Bangladesh Bhavan.
The PM is host his Bangladeshi counterpart at Shantiniketan -- about160 km from Kolkata.
Modi will address the convocation of the Visva-Bharati University, established by poet-Laureate Rabindranath Tagore. The Prime Minister is the Chancellor of the university.
Hasina is a special invitee in this year's convocation.
West Bengal Chief Minister, Mamata Banerjee, will also grace the occasion.
After the convocation, the two Prime Ministers will inaugurate the Bangladesh Bhavan, built by the Bangladesh government.
The PM is host his Bangladeshi counterpart at Shantiniketan -- about160 km from Kolkata.
Modi will address the convocation of the Visva-Bharati University, established by poet-Laureate Rabindranath Tagore. The Prime Minister is the Chancellor of the university.
Hasina is a special invitee in this year's convocation.
West Bengal Chief Minister, Mamata Banerjee, will also grace the occasion.
After the convocation, the two Prime Ministers will inaugurate the Bangladesh Bhavan, built by the Bangladesh government.
10:55
Ontario blast update: Police are looking for two suspects who detonated an IED inside a restaurant in Mississauga, Canada. Fifteen individuals were transported to local hospitals and trauma centers, three individuals were transported with critical injuries. No fatalities reported.
10:53 PM arrives in Shantiniketan
PM Narendra Modi arrives in Shantiniketan to attend the convocation of the Visva Bharati University. He was received by West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee.
A vocal critic of the PM and the BJP Mamata Banerjee was a picture of grace as she walked briskly to where the PM stood at the helipad and with a big smile and a namaste, draped a stole around his shoulders. She also presented a bouquet of flowers. The PM responded with a namaste and a smile and gesturing, possibly to the briskness with which she walked to the helipad, said something of levity to the West Bengal CM.
A vocal critic of the PM and the BJP Mamata Banerjee was a picture of grace as she walked briskly to where the PM stood at the helipad and with a big smile and a namaste, draped a stole around his shoulders. She also presented a bouquet of flowers. The PM responded with a namaste and a smile and gesturing, possibly to the briskness with which she walked to the helipad, said something of levity to the West Bengal CM.
10:33 Explosion at Indian eatery in Ontario, 15 injured
At least 15 people have been injured in an explosion on Thursday in an Indian restaurant in Mississauga, a suburb of the Canadian city of Toronto, media reported.
Some 15 people were taken to the hospital after the blast at the Bombay Bhel restaurant. Three people had critical injuries, the Peel Regional Paramedic Service said in a Tweet.
The blast occurred just after 10:30 pm, media reported. There was no word on the cause. The blast comes a month after a driver plowed his white Ryder rental van into a lunch-hour crowd in Toronto, killing 10 people and injuring 15. More details awaited.
Pic courtesy: Graham Paine/Twitter
Some 15 people were taken to the hospital after the blast at the Bombay Bhel restaurant. Three people had critical injuries, the Peel Regional Paramedic Service said in a Tweet.
The blast occurred just after 10:30 pm, media reported. There was no word on the cause. The blast comes a month after a driver plowed his white Ryder rental van into a lunch-hour crowd in Toronto, killing 10 people and injuring 15. More details awaited.
Pic courtesy: Graham Paine/Twitter
10:13 Several injured in blast in Indian restaurant in Ontario
Just in: Reports of an explosion at an Indian restaurant, Bombay Bhel, in Ontario, Canada. Early reports say many people have been injured.
10:09 No tension, I'm going to win floor test: Kumaraswamy
Ahead of the Karnataka floor test today, Karnataka CM HD Kumaraswamy said he has no tension.
"I am going to win clearly," he said. With a hope for an end to the turmoil in Karnataka over government formation, newly sworn-in Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy is going to face a floor test on Friday to prove his majority.
With the support of the Janata Dal (Secular)-Congress coalition, he is expected to smoothly sail through this floor test.In the recently concluded state assembly election, though the Bharatiya Janata Party emerged as the single largest party with 104 seats (only eight seats short of the simple majority mark of 112), the Congress party with 78 seats and JD(S) with 37 seats, along with two independent candidates, stitched up a post-poll alliance with a total of 117 MLAs.
Even though the Karnataka Governor invited the BJP to form the government with a time period of 15 days to prove their majority on the floor of the house, the Supreme Court in an interim order directed the floor test to be held in just two days, even after Yeddyurappa had taken oath as the Chief Minister of the state.
Image: HD Kumaraswamy with Karnataka deputy CM G Parameshwara
"I am going to win clearly," he said. With a hope for an end to the turmoil in Karnataka over government formation, newly sworn-in Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy is going to face a floor test on Friday to prove his majority.
With the support of the Janata Dal (Secular)-Congress coalition, he is expected to smoothly sail through this floor test.In the recently concluded state assembly election, though the Bharatiya Janata Party emerged as the single largest party with 104 seats (only eight seats short of the simple majority mark of 112), the Congress party with 78 seats and JD(S) with 37 seats, along with two independent candidates, stitched up a post-poll alliance with a total of 117 MLAs.
Even though the Karnataka Governor invited the BJP to form the government with a time period of 15 days to prove their majority on the floor of the house, the Supreme Court in an interim order directed the floor test to be held in just two days, even after Yeddyurappa had taken oath as the Chief Minister of the state.
Image: HD Kumaraswamy with Karnataka deputy CM G Parameshwara
09:51 No PM ambitions, says Chandrababu Naidu
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Thursday said that he has no ambition to become the prime minister of the country.
This came after Telegu Desam Party supporters raised slogans at the Mahanadu meeting in Hyderabad saying that Chandrababu Naidu should become the Prime Minister.
The TDP Mahanadu started on Thursday afternoon at the Nampally exhibition grounds in Hyderabad. The event started with L Ramana Rao paying tributes to late NT Rama Rao. Devender Goud, senior leader of TDP, R Krishnayya and many other leaders were present in the event.
Chandra Babu Naidu was the chief guest for this event.
CM Naidu said, "Although we are not in power for 14 years, now I have confidence that we can carry this flag on our shoulders by witnessing your support for me. You people were support for the party. You were growing for four years and now I am feeling that no one stop you people. No one can do anything in the coming elections in 2019."
What had happened in the Karnataka elections will be repeated in Telangana, Naidu said. All the state parties are bonding together for the development of the country. "We will even take care of the state public along. We all will work together" he said. -- ANI
This came after Telegu Desam Party supporters raised slogans at the Mahanadu meeting in Hyderabad saying that Chandrababu Naidu should become the Prime Minister.
The TDP Mahanadu started on Thursday afternoon at the Nampally exhibition grounds in Hyderabad. The event started with L Ramana Rao paying tributes to late NT Rama Rao. Devender Goud, senior leader of TDP, R Krishnayya and many other leaders were present in the event.
Chandra Babu Naidu was the chief guest for this event.
CM Naidu said, "Although we are not in power for 14 years, now I have confidence that we can carry this flag on our shoulders by witnessing your support for me. You people were support for the party. You were growing for four years and now I am feeling that no one stop you people. No one can do anything in the coming elections in 2019."
What had happened in the Karnataka elections will be repeated in Telangana, Naidu said. All the state parties are bonding together for the development of the country. "We will even take care of the state public along. We all will work together" he said. -- ANI
09:12 Petrol above Rs 85/litre in Mumbai after today's hike
Fuel prices continued to increase for the 12th straight day today, with petrol and diesel prices hiked by 32 and 18 paise, respectively.
As per the Indian Oil Corporation, revised petrol prices in metropolitan cities are Delhi Rs 77.83 per litre; Mumbai 85.65; Kolkata 80.47 and Chennai 80.80; whereas diesel prices are: Delhi 68.75; Mumbai 73.2; Chennai 72.58; Kolkata 71.30.
The prices came into effect at 6 am today.
The domestic fuel prices are increasing as the crude oil price in the international market is continuously rallying upwards.
In addition to it, the rupee is weakening against the US dollar, which has affected the rupee-dollar exchange rate, thus putting further burden on the prices here. -- ANI
As per the Indian Oil Corporation, revised petrol prices in metropolitan cities are Delhi Rs 77.83 per litre; Mumbai 85.65; Kolkata 80.47 and Chennai 80.80; whereas diesel prices are: Delhi 68.75; Mumbai 73.2; Chennai 72.58; Kolkata 71.30.
The prices came into effect at 6 am today.
The domestic fuel prices are increasing as the crude oil price in the international market is continuously rallying upwards.
In addition to it, the rupee is weakening against the US dollar, which has affected the rupee-dollar exchange rate, thus putting further burden on the prices here. -- ANI
09:09 US seeks credible investigation into killing of Hindus by ARSA
'Deeply concerned' over the Amnesty International report on the alleged killing of Hindu villagers by the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army, the United States today said there was an urgent need for a credible and independent investigation into the human rights violations in Myanmar's restive Rakhine province.
"We are deeply concerned by Amnesty's report on the killing of Hindu villagers by the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army. Accountability for all those responsible for human rights abuses and violations in northern Rakhine state remains critical," a US State Department spokesperson told PTI.
He said the report further highlights the urgent need for a credible and independent investigation in Rakhine state to further determine all facts on the ground to fix accountability and provide justice to victims.
"The United States continues to support such an investigation," the spokesperson said.
In its report early this week, the Amnesty International said a Rohingya armed group brandishing guns and swords was responsible for at least one, and potentially a second, massacre of up to 99 Hindu women, men and children as well as additional unlawful killings and abductions of Hindu villagers in August 2017.
'At around 8 am on 25 August 2017, ARSA attacked the Hindu community in the village of Ah Nauk Kha Maung Seik, in a cluster of villages known as Kha Maung Seik in northern Maungdaw Township. At the time of the attack, the Hindu villagers lived in close proximity to Rohingya villagers, who are predominantly Muslim. Rakhine villagers, who are predominantly Buddhist, also lived in the same area,' Amnesty said in its latest report.
In a statement Burma Task Force, a coalition of 19 US and Canadian Muslim organisations, slammed the Amnesty International for 'such a report'.
'It is a major public relations bonanza for the genocidal Burmese regime. It puts 60,000 Rohingyas in India even at more risk than they already are,' it said.
'The Amnesty International report presents, as fact, evidence and conclusions that are both seriously questionable, and by doing so it aids the propaganda efforts of a regime whose every action suggests it is bent on carrying out genocide,' the task force said.
Meanwhile, the US House of Representatives passed the National Defense Authorisation Act 2019, which addresses the issue of alleged ethnic cleansing in Myanmar.
"This provision imposes new sanctions on Burmese military officials and bars their forces from US joint drills," Congressman Ed Royce, Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, said.
Over the past year, the Burmese military has escalated its decades-long campaign against the country's Rohingya Muslim minority. More than 7,00,000 Rohingya have been forced to flee and thousands have been slaughtered. Entire villages have been burned and bulldozed, he said. -- PTI
"We are deeply concerned by Amnesty's report on the killing of Hindu villagers by the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army. Accountability for all those responsible for human rights abuses and violations in northern Rakhine state remains critical," a US State Department spokesperson told PTI.
He said the report further highlights the urgent need for a credible and independent investigation in Rakhine state to further determine all facts on the ground to fix accountability and provide justice to victims.
"The United States continues to support such an investigation," the spokesperson said.
In its report early this week, the Amnesty International said a Rohingya armed group brandishing guns and swords was responsible for at least one, and potentially a second, massacre of up to 99 Hindu women, men and children as well as additional unlawful killings and abductions of Hindu villagers in August 2017.
'At around 8 am on 25 August 2017, ARSA attacked the Hindu community in the village of Ah Nauk Kha Maung Seik, in a cluster of villages known as Kha Maung Seik in northern Maungdaw Township. At the time of the attack, the Hindu villagers lived in close proximity to Rohingya villagers, who are predominantly Muslim. Rakhine villagers, who are predominantly Buddhist, also lived in the same area,' Amnesty said in its latest report.
In a statement Burma Task Force, a coalition of 19 US and Canadian Muslim organisations, slammed the Amnesty International for 'such a report'.
'It is a major public relations bonanza for the genocidal Burmese regime. It puts 60,000 Rohingyas in India even at more risk than they already are,' it said.
'The Amnesty International report presents, as fact, evidence and conclusions that are both seriously questionable, and by doing so it aids the propaganda efforts of a regime whose every action suggests it is bent on carrying out genocide,' the task force said.
Meanwhile, the US House of Representatives passed the National Defense Authorisation Act 2019, which addresses the issue of alleged ethnic cleansing in Myanmar.
"This provision imposes new sanctions on Burmese military officials and bars their forces from US joint drills," Congressman Ed Royce, Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, said.
Over the past year, the Burmese military has escalated its decades-long campaign against the country's Rohingya Muslim minority. More than 7,00,000 Rohingya have been forced to flee and thousands have been slaughtered. Entire villages have been burned and bulldozed, he said. -- PTI
08:29 Kim still willing to meet Trump 'any time in any way'
North Korea on Friday said that its leader Kim Jong Un is still willing to meet United States President Donald Trump 'at any time and in any way', after the latter abruptly cancelled their historic June 12 summit.
Kim Kye Gwan, a top official at North Korea's foreign ministry, said in comments published on Friday by the country's state-run media KCNA that Trump's decision runs counter to the global community's wishes for peace on the Korean Peninsula, CNN reported.
"We reiterate to the US that we are willing to sit face to face at any time and in any way," said Kim Kye Gwan.
Donald Trump, who cancelled the upcoming summit with North Korea on Thursday, said that calling it off is a lost opportunity for the latter and the world.
According to local media, during remarks at the White House, Trump termed the summit's cancellation a 'tremendous setback' for the North Koreans and the world alike.
'The world, and North Korea in particular, has lost a great opportunity for lasting peace and great prosperity and wealth. This missed opportunity is a truly sad moment in history,' Trump said in a letter to Kim Jong Un.
As per a release by the White House on May 24, Trump blamed the 'hostility' and anger displayed by North Korea regarding the US-South Korea Max military drills for calling off the summit.
'Sadly, based on the tremendous anger and open hostility displayed in your most recent statement, l feel it is inappropriate at this time to have this long-planned meeting,' Trump said.
Trump further took a dig at Kim Jong Un by saying, 'You talk about your nuclear capabilities. But ours are so massive and powerful that l pray to God they will never have to be used.'
He further extended his gratitude towards Kim for releasing three US prisoners Kim Hak-song, Tony Kim and Kim Dong Chul who were held captive on charges of espionage or for doing 'hostile acts' against the North Korean government.
'I want to thank you for the release of the hostages who are now home with their families. That was a beautiful gesture and was very much appreciated,' Trump added.
He further said that 'if you change your mind having to do with this summit, don't hesitate', as referred to canceling of the summit as a missed opportunity. -- ANI
Kim Kye Gwan, a top official at North Korea's foreign ministry, said in comments published on Friday by the country's state-run media KCNA that Trump's decision runs counter to the global community's wishes for peace on the Korean Peninsula, CNN reported.
"We reiterate to the US that we are willing to sit face to face at any time and in any way," said Kim Kye Gwan.
Donald Trump, who cancelled the upcoming summit with North Korea on Thursday, said that calling it off is a lost opportunity for the latter and the world.
According to local media, during remarks at the White House, Trump termed the summit's cancellation a 'tremendous setback' for the North Koreans and the world alike.
'The world, and North Korea in particular, has lost a great opportunity for lasting peace and great prosperity and wealth. This missed opportunity is a truly sad moment in history,' Trump said in a letter to Kim Jong Un.
As per a release by the White House on May 24, Trump blamed the 'hostility' and anger displayed by North Korea regarding the US-South Korea Max military drills for calling off the summit.
'Sadly, based on the tremendous anger and open hostility displayed in your most recent statement, l feel it is inappropriate at this time to have this long-planned meeting,' Trump said.
Trump further took a dig at Kim Jong Un by saying, 'You talk about your nuclear capabilities. But ours are so massive and powerful that l pray to God they will never have to be used.'
He further extended his gratitude towards Kim for releasing three US prisoners Kim Hak-song, Tony Kim and Kim Dong Chul who were held captive on charges of espionage or for doing 'hostile acts' against the North Korean government.
'I want to thank you for the release of the hostages who are now home with their families. That was a beautiful gesture and was very much appreciated,' Trump added.
He further said that 'if you change your mind having to do with this summit, don't hesitate', as referred to canceling of the summit as a missed opportunity. -- ANI
00:13 Mamata to meet Bangladeshi PM Sheikh Hasina on Saturday
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee today said she would hold a meeting with Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Saturday, but the Teesta river water sharing issue would not be discussed.
"We will be meeting in Kolkata before she (Hasina) leaves for Bangladesh the day after tomorrow. There is no place for discussion on Teesta river," Banerjee told newsmen.
The chief minister said that she shared a very cordial relationship with Hasina and no geographical or political boundary can create differences between West Bengal and Bangladesh as they have the same culture and language.
"I admire Hasina-di most and she loves me. Our relationship is very honest and everlasting. I hope the relation between India and Bangladesh will grow stronger with time," she said.
Banerjee had earlier said that the Teesta river was the lifeline of north Bengal and there was very little water in it. She had said other trans-national rivers could be diverted to meet Bangladesh's water needs.
The Teesta water sharing issue was discussed by the two countries in New Delhi on April 9.
The chief minister is in Shantiniketan to participate in the Visva-Bharati convocation tomorrow. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Sheikh Hasina will address the programme.
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