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Thu, 15 November 2018
Economy would have collapsed but for Demo: RBI board member
Timeline Refresh
23:20 BJP's Ladakh MP resigns from party, Lok Sabha on 'health grounds'
BJP MP Thupstan Chhewang, who represents Ladakh in the Lok Sabha, has resigned from the House and also the party, its Jammu and Kashmir unit president Ravinder Raina said Thursday.
Chhewang, 71, has resigned to pursue a "spiritual life" and had also been suffering from health issues, Raina told PTI, insisting that his resignation is on personal grounds.
The Ladakh MP in his letter written on Wednesday said he was resigning from the party's primary membership on "health grounds" with immediate effect. He was also quitting as an MP, he added.
Chhewang, who was serving his second term in the Lower House, could not be reached for comments.
Raina said the MP had been insisting for over a year that he wanted to quit politics and pursue a spiritual life. He also had health issues, the state party chief said.
In the Ladakh region of Jammu and Kashmir, the BJP had faced a drubbing in the recently-held urban local body elections.
The party lost in all 26 wards of the Leh and Kargil municipal committees in the region.
While the Congress swept the polls in Leh, winning all 13 wards, it won five municipal wards in Kargil and rest of the eight wards went to Independents. -- PTI
23:09 JD-U suspends absconding ex-minister Manju Verma
The Janata Dal-United on Thursday it has suspended former Bihar minister Manju Verma, facing arrest under the arms act following recovery of ammunition from her home during a Central Bureau of Investigation raid in connection with the Muzaffarpur shelter home sex scandal.
JD-U state president Vashishtha Narayan Singh said the party suspended the absconding leader from its primary membership on November 10 in keeping with the policy of zero tolerance for crime and corruption.
"We have always taken a tough stance whenever any member of our party is found to be involved in any criminal or corruption case. Nothing new in that," he said.
Singh was replying to queries about Verma, a two-time MLA from Cheria Bariarpur constituency in Begusarai district, evading arrest despite an arrest warrant and warnings issued by the Supreme Court to surrender.
Verma had stepped down as social welfare minister in August after media reports indicated close links between her husband Chandrashekhar Verma and prime accused in the sex scandal case Brajesh Thakur.
A few days later, the CBI raided her Patna residence besides her in-laws home at Cheria Bariarpur from where a cache of ammunition was seized. A case was then registered against her.
She moved an application for anticipatory bail before a Begusarai court which was turned down and a similar plea was rejected by the Patna High Court.
Her husband surrendered before a Begusarai court on October 29.
The Supreme Court earlier this week rapped the Bihar police for failing to arrest the former minister and directed the DGP to appear before it in-person on November 27 if she was not nabbed by then.
Police are conducting raids in Bihar and Jharkhand for her arrest.
Over 30 girls were allegedly raped and sexually abused at a Muzaffarpur shelter home and the issue was first highlighted in an audit report submitted by the TISS to the social welfare department of Bihar government.
An FIR was filed on May 31 against 11 people, including Thakur, who was running the shelter home. -- PTI
23:08 Punjab Police on alert after input on JeM terrorists in state, moving towards Delhi
The Punjab Police is on alert after its counter-intelligence wing on Thursday informed that six to seven Jaish-e-Mohammad terrorists are "planning to move towards Delhi" from the state.
Police commissioners and district police chiefs have been put on alert following the input, according to a letter issued by the Punjab Inspector General of Police (Counter Intelligence) office.
The letter stated that "according to an input, a group of 6-7 JeM terrorists are reportedly in Punjab, India (possibly in Ferozepur area) and are planning to move towards Delhi from Punjab side."
The letter has been sent to all police officials in Punjab. They have been asked to set up checkpoints at all important routes, conduct strict vehicle inspection and take suitable counter measures for all sensitive locations, it stated.
The letter stated that police areas along the India-Pakistan border have been asked to coordinate with the Border Security Force.
The officers have been advised to plan and implement precautionary measures to thwart any untoward incident, it said. -- PTI
22:57 Economy would have collapsed but for Demo: RBI board member
RBI board member S Gurumurthy said Thursday the economy would have collapsed but for the November 2016 demonetisation because high denomination notes of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 were being used to purchase real estate and gold.
In a shock decision, the government had demonetised old Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes on November 9, 2016 with, an aim to check blackmoney, terror financing and promote digital transactions, among others.
"In just 18 months prior to demonetisation, 500 rupee, 1,000 rupee (notes) rose to 4.8 lakh crore that is what funded the real estate and gold prices and we would had gone the same way, (as what happened in) 2008 in the US due to sub-prime lending..
"But for demonetisation, the Indian economy would have collapsed. It was a corrective measure," Gurumurthy said in a lecture at Vivekananda International Foundation here.
Replying to a question, he said it is unfortunate that economists and intellectuals have not taken the right position on demonetisation and GST.
"... it is not an economical discourse. It has become a political and ideological discourse I ... this is the matter for the ruling party to convince the people and the opposition party to convince the people...," he added.
Referring to non-performing assets in the banking sector, Gurumurthy said it was a result of lending driven by excessive flow of foreign exchange during 2004-10 period.
Even former RBI Raghuram Rajan admitted that excessive lending which took place during that time resulted in bad loans, he added. -- PTI
21:52 'Italian agents' forced religious conversions: Yogi Adityanath
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath Thursday stoked a controversy by making a veiled attack against former Congress president Sonia Gandhi, saying "agents from Italy" facilitated religious conversions of local tribals when the party was in power in the state.
Addressing a campaign rally in Jashpur for the second phase of assembly polls in Chhattisgarh, Adityanath said, "Italy se ayatit saudagar" (agents imported from Italy), undertook "anti-national" activities like conversion of tribals in the state.
His "Italy se ayatit saudagar" remark was a veiled reference to the origins of Sonia Gandhi.
Attacking Congress for appeasement of "minorities, Adityanath said the 'anti-national activity of religious conversion' reached its peak when the party ruled the state.
"Anti-national activities were at its peak. Dilip Singh Judeo (late BJP MP) took this menace head on and stopped Jashpur from becoming another Bastar," Adityanath said.
"The Hindu society offers milk even to snakes despite knowing that it might bite later. Hindu is the greatest society of the world because we always believes in sacrifices. We Hindus never believe in forced conversion like others. We need to establish a government that can establish a Ram Rajya in Chattisgarh," he said.
"There were no roads, education, electricity and ration for the poor but "Italy se ayatit saudagar" were indulging in religious conversions, which Judeo foiled," he said. -- PTI
21:39 Shiv Sena questions PM Modi's silence over Rafale deal
Questioning Prime Minister Narendra Modi's silence over the Rafale aircraft deal, the Shiv Sena on Thursday said it has led to further "suspicion" among the people about something being amiss in it.
The Sena sarcastically said people will now believe there was no Rafale scam in the defence ministry like there was no irrigation scam in Maharashtra.
"The prime minister has remained silent till the end and by placing details of the Rafale deal in a sealed enveloped and submitting it in the Supreme Court, it (the government) has given more room for suspicion. How will anybody know if the envelope contains the truth or is an empty one?" it questioned in an editorial in party mouthpiece 'Saamana'.
The Centre on Monday submitted price details of the Rafale fighter jets in a sealed envelope in the Supreme Court. Government sources said the Centre has submitted "all details" about the decisions taken with regard to the Rafale deal.
While the opposition parties, led by the Congress, have continually alleged that the purchase of Rafale fighter jets from a French firm was a 'scam', the Centre has maintained that all rules and regulations governing such purchases were followed.
The BJP's bickering ally, Shiv Sena, which is a constituent in the state and Central governments, claimed the irrigation scam cost the Maharashtra exchequer Rs 60,000 crore, adding that the ruling party had blamed NCP leaders like Ajit Pawar and Sunil Tatkare for it.
The Sena said even after four years of coming to power, no action has been taken against the accused. These leaders have refuted the allegations several times. -- PTI
21:29 Police detain, question 4 transgenders for stripping on Delhi's Signature Bridge
Four transgenders have been detained by the Delhi Police after a video of them taking their clothes off on the newly constructed Signature Bridge in the city went viral on social media on Wednesday, a senior officer said.
Police have registered a case of obscenity in public against the four persons.
"We have detained four transgenders and are questioning them in connection with the incident," the police officer said.
The video shows them taking their clothes off on the Signature Bridge and dancing, while people watch them. Police are trying to establish the exact date of the alleged incident.
Security has been tightened on the Signature Bridge after claims that there wasn't any police presence on the overpass.
The Signature Brigde has become a popular hangout spot ever since its opening. Some have been seen taking selfies by climbing onto the boundary of the bridge.
Police have written to the civic authorities to install informative boards cautioning people against clicking selfies in a dangerous manner and the traffic police are issuing challans against violations. -- PTI
20:57 India could have built more schools, homes than host F1: Hamilton
Five-time World Champion Lewis Hamilton Thursday clarified on why he felt "conflicted" to race in a "poor place" like India, saying the huge amount of money could have been spent on building homes and schools rather than a Formula One track.
Hamilton questioned the strategy of taking Formula One to places like India, Korea and Turkey where the sport did not survive for long. Vietnam is another country which doesn't have rich motorsport history but will be hosting a Formula One race in 2020.
"We've got a lot of real racing history in England, Germany, Italy and now in the United States, it is starting to grow. But you only have one event per year in those places. If it was my business, I'd be trying to do more events in those countries," Hamilton told BBC.
"I've been to Vietnam before and it is beautiful. I've been to India before to a race which was strange because India was such a poor place yet we had this massive, beautiful grand prix track made in the middle of nowhere. I felt very conflicted when I went to that grand prix.
"We had a grand prix in Turkey and hardly anyone came. Cool track, cool weekend but poor audience," said the Briton, who secured his fifth title in Mexico last month.
His comment on India did not go down well with some of his fans and he took to social media to justify what he said.
"Hey everyone, I noticed some people are upset with my comment on India. First off, India is one of the most beautiful places in the world. The culture there is incredible. I have visited and always had an amazing time however whilst it's the fastest growing economy it also has a lot of poverty," he wrote on Twitter.
"My reference was that a Grand Prix there felt strange to drive past homeless people and then arrive in an huge area where money was not an issue. They spent hundreds of millions on that track now that is never used.
"That money could have been spent on schools or homes for those in need. When we did have the race, nobody came because it was too expensive most likely or no interest. However, I have met some amazing Indian fans," Hamilton concluded.
Indian Grand Prix was staged from 2011 to 2013 with Sebastian Vettel winning all three races for Red Bull.
The inaugural edition saw close to 90,000 people attending the Grand Prix before the number fell to 65,000 the following year.
The high-profile race was eventually dropped after three editions due to taxation issues and financial troubles of promoter Jaypee Group. -- PTI
20:43 Stand-off between govt and RBI not a good situation: S Gurumurthy
Ahead of the much talked about board meeting of the central bank, Reserve Bank of India board member S Gurumurthy Thursday said the stand-off between the government and the Reserve Bank was not a happy situation.
The comment comes amid the ongoing rift between the Finance Ministry and the RBI over several issues, including capital framework of the central bank and easing of lending norms for the NBFC sector.
Delivering a lecture on 'State of the Economy: India and the World' at the Vivekananda International Foundation in New Delhi, Gurumurthy also said imposition of tight provisioning norms for bad loans in one go created problems for the banking system.
The stand-off between the government and the RBI is not a happy thing at all, he said.
Gurumurthy further said India should not go beyond what has been prescribed in the Basel capital adequacy norms and made a case for enhancing credit for the MSME sector.
Tensions between the RBI and the government have escalated recently, with the Finance Ministry initiating discussion under the never-used-before Section 7 of the RBI Act which empowers the government to issue directions to the RBI Governor.
The RBI's board is meeting on November 19. -- PTI
20:37 Congrats Deep-Veer!
The couple shared another picture of their marriage on social media in which Deepika chose red lehnga, while Ranveer opted for a red sherwani with a matching safa for Sindhi tradition wedding.
20:29 FIRST LOOK: Deepika- Ranveer's wedding
After keeping fans waiting for two days, Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh finally shared their first pictures as newlyweds on social media.
The couple simply captioned the pictures with a heart emoji.
Deepika and Ranveer married in a traditional Konkani ceremony on November 14 followed by a Sindhi wedding on November 15 at Lake Como in Italy.
The wedding, held at the Villa del Balbianello on Lake Como in Italy, was an extremely private affair with family and close friends attending.
The two actors, who have worked together in films like Bajirao Mastani and Padmaavat, were engaged on Tuesday morning, with just 40 people in attendance.
20:10 Delhi govt invites TM Krishna after AAI scraps concert
A day after the Airport Authorities of India scrapped T M Krishna's November 17 concert, the Delhi government on Thursday stepped in to organise another performance by the Carnatic singer who often finds himself in the cross-hairs of controversy for his outspoken views.
The performance was scheduled to be part of the 'Dance and Music in the Park' concert in Nehru Park on November 17-18.
It was allegedly cancelled following a troll campaign against AAI for hosting Krishna, a Magsaysay award winner who has been called an "urban Naxal" and "a converted bigot" among other epithets.
"The Delhi government has been in touch with me and are interested in hosting a concert on the 17th. We will know the details tomorrow but I have in principle said yes," the 42-year-old told PTI.
Delhi government sources added that the office of deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia has been in touch with Krishna's office.
"The Delhi government is working out the dates for the concert of T M Krishna in the national capital," an official said.
AAI and cultural organisation Spic Macay which were organising the concert jointly, said the event was not cancelled but "postponed".
AAI was the major sponsor, said Rashmi Mallik from Spic Macay.
They were informed by AAI that the event had to postponed due to "some internal challenges within AAI", she said.
"It has not been cancelled. It has been postponed. We will be working out the new dates and share them," she told PTI.
AAI also expressed its regret.
"We would like to inform that due to some urgent engagements, 'Dance and Music in the Park' programme jointly organised by AAI and SPICMACAY, scheduled on November 17 and 18 has been postponed. New dates would be announced shortly," an AAI spokesperson said.
Krishna, considered one of the finest proponents of Carnatic music, has often been the subject of hate trolls for his critical views on Hindutva and the establishment.
The artist, who is credited for being one of those taking the 600-year-old Carnatic musical tradition forward, is also an activist who has worked on creating egalitarian spaces for music and breaking down caste barriers.
He was part of a movement to help the Tamil-dominated and war-ravaged northern province of Sri Lanka rebuild its classical music traditions. -- PTI
19:55 Signs of a 'super Earth' discovered around a nearby star
Astronomers have discovered a frozen 'super Earth' orbiting the closest solitary star to the Sun, a breakthrough that could shine light on our planet's nearest planetary neighbours.
The potentially rocky planet, known as Barnard's star b, is a 'super-Earth' and orbits around its host star once every 233 days, said researchers from Queen Mary University of London in the United Kingdom.
The findings, published in the journal Nature, show the planet lies at a distant region from the star known as the 'snow line'.
This is well beyond the habitable zone in which liquid water, and possibly life, could exist, researchers said.
The planet's surface temperature is estimated to be around minus 170 degrees Celsius, meaning it is likely to be a frozen world which is uninviting to Earth-like life, they said.
However, if the planet has a substantial atmosphere the temperature could be higher and conditions potentially more hospitable.
"Barnard's star is an infamous object among astronomers and exoplanet scientists, as it was one of the first stars where planets were initially claimed but later proven to be incorrect. Hopefully we got it right this time," said Guillem Anglada Escude from Queen Mary's School of Physics and Astronomy.
"If the planet can be observed directly it will provide vital information about its properties and extend our understanding of the kinds of planets that form around red dwarf stars," researchers said.
At nearly six light-years away Barnard's star is the next closest star to the Sun after the Alpha Centauri triple system.
It is a type of faint, low-mass star called a red dwarf. Red dwarfs are considered to be the best places to look for exoplanet candidates, which are planets outside our solar system.
Barnard's star b is the second closest known exoplanet to our Sun. The closest lies just over four light-years from Earth.
19:32 'Toxic' declared Oxford Word of the Year
Oxford Dictionary has declared the adjective 'toxic' as the Word of the Year for what it says reflects the ethos, mood, or preoccupations in 2018.
The Oxford Word of the Year is a word or expression that is judged to have lasting potential as a term of cultural significance, Oxford English Dictionary said in a statement.
The word toxic was selected from a shortlist that included contenders such as 'gaslighting,' 'incel' and 'techlash.'
The data shows that, after 'chemical', 'masculinity' is the most-used word in conjunction with toxic this year.
"With the #MeToo movement putting a spotlight on toxic masculinity, and watershed political events like the Brett Kavanaugh Senate judiciary committee hearing sparking international debate, the term toxic masculinity has well and truly taken root in the public consciousness and got people talking in 2018," the statement said.
The adjective toxic is defined as 'poisonous' and first appeared in English in the mid-seventeenth century from the medieval Latin toxicus, meaning 'poisoned' or 'imbued with poison'.
In 2018, toxic added became a descriptor for the year's most talked about topics.
It is the sheer scope of its application, as found by our research, that made toxic the stand-out choice for the Word of the Year title, according to Oxford.
The data shows that, along with a 45 per cent rise in the number of times it has been looked up on oxforddictionaries.com, over the last year the word toxic has been used in an array of contexts, both in its literal and more metaphorical senses.
Words like 'environment', 'relationship' and 'culture' were habitually used alongside toxic. -- PTI
19:29 Rupee rallies to two-month high, closes below 72-mark
Continuing its recovery momentum, the rupee vaulted 34 paise to close at a two-month high of 71.97 against the US dollar Thursday on robust foreign fund inflows amid low crude oil prices.
Dealers said the strength in the rupee was also supported by increased selling of the greenback by exporters and banks.
Globally, dollar and yen gained on Brexit-induced safe-haven buying.
The British pound crashed more than 1.5 per cent after four UK ministers resigned over Prime Minister Theresa May's Brexit deal. The euro, however, climbed to a two-week high. -- PTI
19:28
The winter session of Parliament commence from December 11 to January 8.
19:24 Infosys names Jayesh Sanghrajka as interim CFO
India's second largest information technology services firm Infosys Thursday said it has appointed Jayesh Sanghrajka as its interim chief financial officer.
Sanghrajka has been appointed the "interim CFO and key managerial personnel of the company" with effect from November 17, 2018, Infosys said in a regulatory filing.
He succeeds MD Ranganath, who will step down from the role on November 16, 2018, it added.
Sanghrajka is currently executive vice-president and deputy chief financial officer at Infosys.
The board is in the process of selecting the next CFO, it added.
Sanghrajka has spent 13 years in Infosys over two stints and worked in various leadership roles in the finance function. -- PTI
18:54 Fitch keeps India's sovereign rating at 'BBB-' with stable outlook
Fitch Ratings on Thursday kept India's sovereign rating unchanged at 'BBB-', the lowest investment grade with a stable outlook, saying risks to macroeconomic outlook are significant.
In a statement, Fitch said it expects India's real GDP growth to rise to 7.8 per cent in the fiscal year ending March 31, 2019, from 6.7 per cent in FY2017-18.
But for the following two financial years, it said, the growth may decelerate to 7.3 per cent due to "downside risks from tightening financial conditions, weak financial-sector balance sheets and high international oil prices".
"Risks to the macroeconomic outlook are significant, and include a drop in credit growth, resulting from further problems in the banking or shadow-banking sector," it said. -- PTI
18:35 UP has govt of babas, still could do nothing for Ram temple: Hardik
Taking a dig at the Bharatiya Janata Party, Gujarat Patidar leader Hardik Patel said on Thursday even though Uttar Pradesh has a "government of babas (monks)", Ram temple is yet to be built in Ayodhya.
During his visit to the state capital in connection with a programme of youth and farmers slated for December, Patel made light of the BJP's attacks on the Congress and accused the saffron party of "doing nothing" for the nation while in power.
"UP has a government of babas... the chief minister is the 'peethadheshwar' of Gorakhpur and he needs to serve the God there... he is not able to do much. It is almost over 10 years that the BJP has been in power (at the Centre) together with Atal Bihar Vajpayees' six years. Now in the state too (the party is in power). They still could do nothing for the Ram temple," he told PTI.
"They (BJP leaders) ask what has been done in 70 years. It is good that the Congress established schools and colleges. Had they installed statues where would the IITs be? I think all the youth of India would have gone to Australia and the US," Patel said.
He, however, said, "This does not mean that I want to help the Congress in any way. But the school where I studied was set up by the Congress and it should be praised for that."
Those who brought demonetisation which, Patel claimed, left over 100 dead, should not be hailed.
"I do not praise those who speak untruth," Patel said.
The Patidar leader also hit out at the BJP government in the state over its recent renaming spree.
"If changing names can serve a purpose, change the name of people as Ram, Laxman or Dashrath... will it bring Ram Rajya or benefit the country? You can also rename me Ram, if that helps," he said.
When asked if he would contest the Lok Sabha election as a candidate of the united opposition parties, Patel said that he has not given it a thought.
"But this is a matter of time. When and where to contest and against whom will be disclosed later," he said.
Asked if he was supporting any particular party in Uttar Pradesh, Patel said, "We are with all the parties who are opposed to power. As of now, my job is to create awareness among the youth and farmers for which we will organise many programmes in the state till the Lok Sabha polls are held." -- PTI
17:50 Kathua rape victim's family drops lawyer, says she seldom came to court
The family of the eight-year-old girl who was raped and murdered in Kathua has removed lawyer Deepika Rajawat as their advocate on record, saying she seldom appeared for hearings in the case, officials informed on Thursday.
The plea was moved on Wednesday by the family before the court of district and sessions judge in Pathankot which is hearing the case day-to-day following directions from the Supreme Court.
The court has issued notice to Rajawat, asking her to respond to the plea moved by her clients by November 20, officials said.
The father of the victim, who was identified and produced before the judge by advocate Mubeen Farooky, informed the court that he was withdrawing the agreement given in favour of Rajawat as she seldom appeared during the daily hearings which have been going on for the last five months.
The victim is already being represented by the state of Jammu and Kashmir. The case is being argued by two lawyers from the state and Pathankot District Attorney Jagdishwar Kumar Chopra.
The eight-year-old girl, belonging to a nomadic tribe, was allegedly kidnapped on January 10 and her body was found on January 17. It is alleged that she was gang-raped and later murdered.
The Jammu and Kashmir Crime Branch has arrested eight people, including a juvenile in the case.
The chargesheet has been filed against main accused Sanji Ram and his juvenile nephew, his son Vishal, special police officers Deepak Khajuria and Surender Verma and friend Parvesh Kumar alias Mannu. It also names head constable Tilak Raj and sub-inspector Anand Dutta -- who allegedly took Rs 4 lakh from Sanji Ram and destroyed crucial evidence.
The district and sessions court in Pathankot framed charges of rape and murder against seven accused (except the juvenile) in the case on June 8.
Sanji Ram is alleged to have hatched the conspiracy with the other accused for kidnapping the girl as part of a strategy to remove the minority nomadic community from the area. -- PTI
Image: Lawyer Deepika Rajawat
17:20 WhatApp group admin arrest for 'anti-national' messages
The admin of a Whatsapp group was arrested for circulation of alleged "anti-national" messages in the social media group, police said Thursday. Naeem was arrested after receiving a complaint from Dipak Kumar of Bamnauli village in Baraut, a police officer said. According to Kumar's complaint, a WhatsApp group named 'Josh' was circulating objectionable "anti-national" messages, the officer said.
After a probe, it was found that the group was run by Naeem, who runs 'Jan Sewa Kendra' (common services centre) in his village, he said, adding that the accused had been arrested. -- PTI
After a probe, it was found that the group was run by Naeem, who runs 'Jan Sewa Kendra' (common services centre) in his village, he said, adding that the accused had been arrested. -- PTI
17:05 Activist Shahidul Alam gets bail after 3 months in jail
A court in Bangladesh has granted bail to 63-year-old Shahidul Alam, the award-winning photojournalist, teacher and activist who was arrested on suspicion of spreading "propaganda and false information' during widespread student protests, in a case widely seen as a test for freedom of speech ahead of a general election next month.
Alam has been in jail for a little over three months now.
He was picked up from his home by plainclothes policemen without a warrant, hours after conducting two Facebook Live sessions and after an interview to television channel Al Jazeera, in which he accused the government of extrajudicial killings and corruption -- accusations the government dismissed.
Alam has been in jail for a little over three months now.
He was picked up from his home by plainclothes policemen without a warrant, hours after conducting two Facebook Live sessions and after an interview to television channel Al Jazeera, in which he accused the government of extrajudicial killings and corruption -- accusations the government dismissed.
16:47 Naxal strike in Chhattisgarh
Naxals torch vehicles which were being used in road construction and killed the contractor in Chhattisgarh's Dornapal earlier today.
16:16 No flights to Kuwait airport today due to heavy rainfall
Kuwait Airways has announced that due to heavy rainfall, the general administration of civil aviation has decided to continue to stop air traffic at Kuwait International Airport for today.
16:06 Did IAF mislead Supreme Court on Rafale deal?
'At a day-long hearing of the case in the Supreme Court, Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi surprised everyone by seeking the views of the Indian Air Force on the finer aspects of the deal... However, what serving IAF officers submitted in the apex court has given rise to fresh controversy,' writes Mohan Guruswamy in Asian Times.
He adds: 'When Gogoi asked when the last induction of advanced fighter jets was, Air Vice-Marshal T Chalapati said these were in the 1980s in the shape of Mirage aircraft. Gogoi said: "That means from 1980s till date there have been zero additions".'
This is sheer hogwash, says Guruswamy. For, 'the IAF has inducted Su-30MKIs from the mid-1990s onward and has more than 270 of these fighters. The more recent deliveries have electronics comparable to the current state of the art. The aircraft may be classified as 3.5 generation, but that is because it was designed in that time period. To impute that the same plane made in 2010 is limited to that period's capability is also rubbish,' Guruswamy writes, here.
16:03 Gender equality need not be applied to Sabarimala: Sri Sri
Spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar on Thursday said tradition and sentiments of devotees should be respected on the issue of entry of women of all age groups in Sabarimala and gender equality need not be applied on matters relating to the Lord Ayyappa temple.
Kerala has witnessed widespread protests by Ayyappa devotees after the state government said it was bound to implement the Supreme Court's verdict that lifted the centuries-old ban on the entry of women in the 10-50 age group to the temple, whose deity Lord Ayyappa is considered to be celibate.
Any change on matters relating to religion and faith should be done after consultations with spiritual leaders, Sri Sri said. There are several temples dedicated to Lord Ayyappa in the country and women are not barred anywhere else except in the hill shrine in Kerala.
"Then, it is a tradition...and people's sentiments are also there...we have to respect it..." Sri Sri Ravi Shankar told PTI.
"It is not a matter of gender inequality here in this temple issue. In fact Indian culture always holds women in great reverence...True equality is when women are assured of safety, have equal opportunities in career and every girl child has access to quality education," he said.
"However, this temple issue creates such an emotional hurt and shock to people... the devotees..., which could have been avoided.." he said.
The spiritual guru, however, said he was "glad" that the Supreme Court had agreed to hear the review petitions against its September 28 verdict.
The comments by Sri Sri come two days ahead of the two-month-long Mandala Makaravillakku pilgrimage season in Sabarimala that commences on November 17 and attracts millions of devotees from all over the country. -- PTI
Kerala has witnessed widespread protests by Ayyappa devotees after the state government said it was bound to implement the Supreme Court's verdict that lifted the centuries-old ban on the entry of women in the 10-50 age group to the temple, whose deity Lord Ayyappa is considered to be celibate.
Any change on matters relating to religion and faith should be done after consultations with spiritual leaders, Sri Sri said. There are several temples dedicated to Lord Ayyappa in the country and women are not barred anywhere else except in the hill shrine in Kerala.
"Then, it is a tradition...and people's sentiments are also there...we have to respect it..." Sri Sri Ravi Shankar told PTI.
"It is not a matter of gender inequality here in this temple issue. In fact Indian culture always holds women in great reverence...True equality is when women are assured of safety, have equal opportunities in career and every girl child has access to quality education," he said.
"However, this temple issue creates such an emotional hurt and shock to people... the devotees..., which could have been avoided.." he said.
The spiritual guru, however, said he was "glad" that the Supreme Court had agreed to hear the review petitions against its September 28 verdict.
The comments by Sri Sri come two days ahead of the two-month-long Mandala Makaravillakku pilgrimage season in Sabarimala that commences on November 17 and attracts millions of devotees from all over the country. -- PTI
15:18
Shatrughan Sinha @ShatruganSinha
On a lighter note: "Sherlock & the Curious Case Of Demonetisation" Sherlock: It was a colossal failure!
Watson :How can you say twas a failure?
Holmes : Elementary my dear Watson! If it was of any success we would see full page ads in all news papers on its second anniversary.
On a lighter note: "Sherlock & the Curious Case Of Demonetisation" Sherlock: It was a colossal failure!
Watson :How can you say twas a failure?
Holmes : Elementary my dear Watson! If it was of any success we would see full page ads in all news papers on its second anniversary.
14:36 Oppn facing credibility crisis in Chhattisgarh: Rajnath Singh
Congress and other opposition parties were facing a credibility crisis in Chhattisgarh and have lost people's faith, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh said Thursday. Speaking to reporters in Raipur in the second phase of the state Assembly polls on November 20, Singh said Congress is facing a credibility crisis in Chhattisgarh. "That is why it has not projected a chief ministerial candidate in the state. Other opposition parties are also grappling with the same problem," he said.
14:09 K'taka plans 125-ft statue of Mother Cauvery
The Karnataka government has proposed to erect a 125 feet statute of Mother Cauvery at the Krishna Raja Sagar reservoir in Mandya district. The government has also proposed to build a museum complex, two glass towers measuring 360 feet providing a bird's eye view of KRS reservoir.
A bandstand, an indoor stadium and a replica of historical monuments are being planned to boost tourism in the region.
The total estimated cost of the project is Rs 1,200 crore.
Karnataka Water Resources Minister DK Shivakumar and Tourism Minister Sa Ra Mahesh held a meeting with officials on Tuesday.
DK Shivakumar said a new lake would be created next to the reservoir on which the structures will come up. The statue will be installed atop the museum complex and between the glass towers. The statute will be taller than the KSR reservoir. "Except land, the government isn't making any investment," Shivakumar said.
It is not exactly a statue, it will be like a tower. The land already belongs to the govt and we will be inviting investors to invest in it, no govt money will be used. It will be a tourist destination: Karnataka Minister DK Shivakumar on the proposed statue of Mother Cauvery
Image: A sketch of the Mother Cauvery statue.
A bandstand, an indoor stadium and a replica of historical monuments are being planned to boost tourism in the region.
The total estimated cost of the project is Rs 1,200 crore.
Karnataka Water Resources Minister DK Shivakumar and Tourism Minister Sa Ra Mahesh held a meeting with officials on Tuesday.
DK Shivakumar said a new lake would be created next to the reservoir on which the structures will come up. The statue will be installed atop the museum complex and between the glass towers. The statute will be taller than the KSR reservoir. "Except land, the government isn't making any investment," Shivakumar said.
It is not exactly a statue, it will be like a tower. The land already belongs to the govt and we will be inviting investors to invest in it, no govt money will be used. It will be a tourist destination: Karnataka Minister DK Shivakumar on the proposed statue of Mother Cauvery
Image: A sketch of the Mother Cauvery statue.
13:36 We killed two people: Murderers surrender at police station
A fashion designer and her domestic help were allegedly killed by her tailor and his two accomplices in her home in south Delhi's Vasant Kunj Enclave locality following a dispute over unpaid dues, police said on Thursday.
The bodies of 53-year-old Maya Lakhani, who ran a boutique called Tulsi Creations in Green Park, and her house help, 50-year-old Bahadur, were found with multiple stab injuries in the bungalow in the early hours of Thursday.
The accused looted jewellery and ransacked the house after killing the two Wednesday night, police said, estimating that the incident took place between 10 pm and 11.30 pm.
Rahul Anwar (24), the master tailor who worked with Lakhani, his cousin Rahmat (24) and his friend Wasim (25) have been arrested in connection with the killings, a senior police officer said.
Around 2.45 am, the three men went to the Vasant Kunj (south) police station and said they have killed two people in Vasant Kunj Enclave, following which officials rushed to the spot to verify the details.
They found the bodies lying in a pool of blood. A case has been registered and the three accused arrested, Devender Arya, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Southwest) said. Police said Lakhani had set up a tailoring workshop in her home.
During interrogation, the three said they had hatched a conspiracy to kill her. After committing the crime, they said they stole valuable items, including jewellery, from the house and left in Lakhani's car. Anwar told police he had been working with Lakhani for a while. His payments were due for the last few months and he had received money in instalments, police said. -- PTI
Image: Victim Maya Lakhani.
The bodies of 53-year-old Maya Lakhani, who ran a boutique called Tulsi Creations in Green Park, and her house help, 50-year-old Bahadur, were found with multiple stab injuries in the bungalow in the early hours of Thursday.
The accused looted jewellery and ransacked the house after killing the two Wednesday night, police said, estimating that the incident took place between 10 pm and 11.30 pm.
Rahul Anwar (24), the master tailor who worked with Lakhani, his cousin Rahmat (24) and his friend Wasim (25) have been arrested in connection with the killings, a senior police officer said.
Around 2.45 am, the three men went to the Vasant Kunj (south) police station and said they have killed two people in Vasant Kunj Enclave, following which officials rushed to the spot to verify the details.
They found the bodies lying in a pool of blood. A case has been registered and the three accused arrested, Devender Arya, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Southwest) said. Police said Lakhani had set up a tailoring workshop in her home.
During interrogation, the three said they had hatched a conspiracy to kill her. After committing the crime, they said they stole valuable items, including jewellery, from the house and left in Lakhani's car. Anwar told police he had been working with Lakhani for a while. His payments were due for the last few months and he had received money in instalments, police said. -- PTI
Image: Victim Maya Lakhani.
13:27 Can't exercise? Take a hot bath
For people who are unable to exercise, a hot water treatment could help improve inflammation and blood sugar (glucose) levels. The findings are published in the Journal of Applied Physiology.
Physical stress such as exercise can cause the short-term elevation of inflammatory markers. After exercise, the level of inflammatory chemical IL-6 rises.
In a process called the inflammatory response, this activates the release of anti-inflammatory substances to combat unhealthily high levels of inflammation, known as chronic low-grade inflammation.
Recent research has shown that raising body temperature augments the inflammatory response and provides a rationale for identifying exercise alternatives that reduce low-grade inflammation in the body.
Previous studies have also found a connection between a spike in body temperature and nitric oxide production, a substance that aids blood flow and helps carry glucose throughout the body.
Researchers studied markers of inflammation and blood sugar and insulin levels in a group of sedentary, overweight men. The volunteers participated in both hot-water immersion and ambient room temperature (control) trials separated by at least three days. -- ANI
Physical stress such as exercise can cause the short-term elevation of inflammatory markers. After exercise, the level of inflammatory chemical IL-6 rises.
In a process called the inflammatory response, this activates the release of anti-inflammatory substances to combat unhealthily high levels of inflammation, known as chronic low-grade inflammation.
Recent research has shown that raising body temperature augments the inflammatory response and provides a rationale for identifying exercise alternatives that reduce low-grade inflammation in the body.
Previous studies have also found a connection between a spike in body temperature and nitric oxide production, a substance that aids blood flow and helps carry glucose throughout the body.
Researchers studied markers of inflammation and blood sugar and insulin levels in a group of sedentary, overweight men. The volunteers participated in both hot-water immersion and ambient room temperature (control) trials separated by at least three days. -- ANI
13:21 Brexit deal to be signed on Nov 25
European Council President Donald Tusk says summit to sign Brexit deal November 25, reports ANI quoting AFP.
12:57 White blanket over Himachal
Gorgeous Himachal Pradesh beckons: The Pangi area in Kinnaur district receives fresh snowfall.
12:55 No car, but Telangana's ex-CM KCR is richer by Rs 5.5 crore
Telangana caretaker Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao is richer by nearly Rs 5.5 crore, and acquired 16 acres of agricultural land during the past four years, according to the affidavit he filed along with his nomination for Gajwel Assembly constituency.
However, the Telangana Rashtra Samiti supremo, whose party symbol is a car, does not own one, according to the affidavit he filed Wednesday.
The total value of his movable and immovable assets stood at Rs 22.61 crore in the latest affidavit against Rs 15.95 crore in 2014. His liabilities have grown by over Rs one crore to Rs 8.89 crore. It was Rs 7.87 crore in 2014, the affidavit says.
In the 2014 general elections, he showed that he owned 37.70 acres of agricultural land and the latest affidavit says that it is 54.24 acres. Rao says he is facing as many as 64 criminal cases related to the separate Telangana agitation. -- PTI
File pic.
However, the Telangana Rashtra Samiti supremo, whose party symbol is a car, does not own one, according to the affidavit he filed Wednesday.
The total value of his movable and immovable assets stood at Rs 22.61 crore in the latest affidavit against Rs 15.95 crore in 2014. His liabilities have grown by over Rs one crore to Rs 8.89 crore. It was Rs 7.87 crore in 2014, the affidavit says.
In the 2014 general elections, he showed that he owned 37.70 acres of agricultural land and the latest affidavit says that it is 54.24 acres. Rao says he is facing as many as 64 criminal cases related to the separate Telangana agitation. -- PTI
File pic.
12:54 Pak certainly needs to do more in its fight against terrorism: US
Pakistan certainly needs to do more in its fight against terrorism and the Trump administration expects Islamabad to act against terror groups like the Haqqani network and Lashkar-e-Taiba in same way as it did against al-Qaeda after the 9/11 attacks, a top American official has said.
State Department Coordinator for Counterterrorism Nathan Alexander Sales said during a Congressional hearing that the US was "very concerned" over the support for terrorism in any region of the world.
"And I can tell you we have communicated to the Pakistani government at the highest levels that we expect them to do more just like we expected them to act with us after 9/11," Sales said on Wednesday.
"Pakistan has in the past been a very effective counterpart in taking the fight to al-Qaeda. We need them to do the same thing with respect to the Haqqanis, Lashkar-e-Taiba, and the other terrorist groups that are active in the region," he said. Sales said Pakistan "certainly needs to do more" in the fight against terrorism. -- PTI
State Department Coordinator for Counterterrorism Nathan Alexander Sales said during a Congressional hearing that the US was "very concerned" over the support for terrorism in any region of the world.
"And I can tell you we have communicated to the Pakistani government at the highest levels that we expect them to do more just like we expected them to act with us after 9/11," Sales said on Wednesday.
"Pakistan has in the past been a very effective counterpart in taking the fight to al-Qaeda. We need them to do the same thing with respect to the Haqqanis, Lashkar-e-Taiba, and the other terrorist groups that are active in the region," he said. Sales said Pakistan "certainly needs to do more" in the fight against terrorism. -- PTI
12:51 Air India eyes Rs 800 cr from sale of over 70 properties
Loss-making national carrier Air India plans to mop up Rs 700-800 crore by selling over 70 residential and commercial properties spread across the country, a senior airline official said Thursday. This fresh bid is a part of the airline's real estate assets monetisation plan approved by the then UPA government in 2012.
As per the plan, Air India had to the garner funds to the tune of Rs 5,000 crore between April 2014 and March 2021, with an annual target of Rs 500 crore from FY13 onwards. The properties, which are spread over 16 cities pan India, will be e-auctioned through the state-run auctioneer MSTC. -- PTI
As per the plan, Air India had to the garner funds to the tune of Rs 5,000 crore between April 2014 and March 2021, with an annual target of Rs 500 crore from FY13 onwards. The properties, which are spread over 16 cities pan India, will be e-auctioned through the state-run auctioneer MSTC. -- PTI
12:49 I will fight defamation, truth will be heard: Vidya Krishnan's statement
Statement from Vidya Krishnan who has accused senior journalist Gaurav Sawant of sexual harassment.
"I shared my story to shine a light on the inequities faced by young female journalists in Indian newsrooms, at the hands of their powerful colleagues. My hope in providing this account is that another generation of talented female reporters should not have to dramatically alter their careers due to every day sexism, sexual harassment and outright sexual violence faced in the newsroom.
"Since last week, while I relive this trauma in front of the entire world, I have been accused of acting out of malice. Nothing can be farther from the truth.
"The account published in the Caravan is an accurate representation of what happened. It was independently verified by a reporter, after talking to those who corroborated the story I had shared. It is the reality and I stand by every word of it.
"It is my hope that women, who enjoy the same rights as men as guaranteed by our Constitution, are treated equally and fairly, so we can go on reach our full potential without having to negotiate sexual violence and abuse at every turn.
"I am not the least bit intimidated by the threat of defamation -- which appears to be the only remedy that powerful men, accused of inappropriate behaviour, take recourse to. I will fight defamation and I will make sure my truth is heard by all.
Cc: All media houses Indian Women's Press Corps (IWPC) TheNetwork of Women in Media, India (NWMI) Press Council of India Editors guild of India Press Club of India."
Vidya Krishnan has alleged in an account published by the news magazine "The Caravan" that she was molested 15 years ago during an assignment by Gaurav Sawant, who allegedly also came to her hotel room and exposed himself before her.
Since the story was published, Sawant has has sent a defamation notice to Krishnan, The Caravan magazine, and Nixita Saxena, who reported the story.
Image: Gaurav Sawant.
"I shared my story to shine a light on the inequities faced by young female journalists in Indian newsrooms, at the hands of their powerful colleagues. My hope in providing this account is that another generation of talented female reporters should not have to dramatically alter their careers due to every day sexism, sexual harassment and outright sexual violence faced in the newsroom.
"Since last week, while I relive this trauma in front of the entire world, I have been accused of acting out of malice. Nothing can be farther from the truth.
"The account published in the Caravan is an accurate representation of what happened. It was independently verified by a reporter, after talking to those who corroborated the story I had shared. It is the reality and I stand by every word of it.
"It is my hope that women, who enjoy the same rights as men as guaranteed by our Constitution, are treated equally and fairly, so we can go on reach our full potential without having to negotiate sexual violence and abuse at every turn.
"I am not the least bit intimidated by the threat of defamation -- which appears to be the only remedy that powerful men, accused of inappropriate behaviour, take recourse to. I will fight defamation and I will make sure my truth is heard by all.
Cc: All media houses Indian Women's Press Corps (IWPC) TheNetwork of Women in Media, India (NWMI) Press Council of India Editors guild of India Press Club of India."
Vidya Krishnan has alleged in an account published by the news magazine "The Caravan" that she was molested 15 years ago during an assignment by Gaurav Sawant, who allegedly also came to her hotel room and exposed himself before her.
Since the story was published, Sawant has has sent a defamation notice to Krishnan, The Caravan magazine, and Nixita Saxena, who reported the story.
Image: Gaurav Sawant.
12:37 Maneka asks for redressal of sexual harassment complaints in AIR
Union Minister Maneka Gandhi has written to I&B minister RS Rathore over reports of women working as casual announcers in All India Radio being allegedly sexually harassed, asks him to ensure that a sensitive and fair system is put in place to address any such grievances in AIR.
12:25 High Command to decide on my constituency: Sachin Pilot
Rajasthan Pradesh Congress Committee chief Sachin Pilot on Thursday said that it was up to the party high command to decide from where he would be contesting the December 7 assembly elections.
On Wednesday, the Congress had announced that former chief minister Ashok Gehlot and Pilot would be contesting the ensuing Rajasthan Assembly elections.
Ever since the announcement was made, the party workers from Jaipur, Bhilwara, Alwar, Bharatpur, Dausa, Bundi, Kota, and Tonk among others have been urging Pilot to contest from their areas.
However, Pilot stated that he had left the final decision on the party high command.
"It is the party's decision that I have to contest the elections. I am a diligent party worker. I have left the decision of choosing my constituency to the party," Pilot told ANI.
He further said that the party has done a lot of brainstorming over the list of candidates which will be out soon. "It is a good sign that most of the leaders and party workers have agreed to the names the party has decided upon," he said.
Reacting to former BJP MP Harish Meena's decision to quit the ruling party and join the Congress, Pilot said, "If senior leaders like Meena are so unhappy with the BJP, one can imagine about the plight of common people."
The assembly elections in Rajasthan will take place in a single phase for all 200 seats on December 7. The counting of votes will take place on December 11. -- ANI
File pic: Sachin Pilot with Rahul Gandhi.
On Wednesday, the Congress had announced that former chief minister Ashok Gehlot and Pilot would be contesting the ensuing Rajasthan Assembly elections.
Ever since the announcement was made, the party workers from Jaipur, Bhilwara, Alwar, Bharatpur, Dausa, Bundi, Kota, and Tonk among others have been urging Pilot to contest from their areas.
However, Pilot stated that he had left the final decision on the party high command.
"It is the party's decision that I have to contest the elections. I am a diligent party worker. I have left the decision of choosing my constituency to the party," Pilot told ANI.
He further said that the party has done a lot of brainstorming over the list of candidates which will be out soon. "It is a good sign that most of the leaders and party workers have agreed to the names the party has decided upon," he said.
Reacting to former BJP MP Harish Meena's decision to quit the ruling party and join the Congress, Pilot said, "If senior leaders like Meena are so unhappy with the BJP, one can imagine about the plight of common people."
The assembly elections in Rajasthan will take place in a single phase for all 200 seats on December 7. The counting of votes will take place on December 11. -- ANI
File pic: Sachin Pilot with Rahul Gandhi.
12:16 Prannoy Roy's book on Indian elections soon
This promises to be the must-read read on Indian elections...
Journalist, psephologist Prannoy Roy's book on the Indian elections will be published by Penguin. Roy confirmed the news tweeting, "I'm working hard for once in my life."
Pick it up when it releases.
Journalist, psephologist Prannoy Roy's book on the Indian elections will be published by Penguin. Roy confirmed the news tweeting, "I'm working hard for once in my life."
Pick it up when it releases.
11:56
Heartbreaking! Two tiger cubs killed by a train near Lohara forest area in Chandrapur, Maharashtra.
11:47 Signature Bridge scuffle: Manoj Tiwari names Kejriwal in FIR
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has been named as an accused in a FIR lodged by the Delhi Police on the complaint of BJP state unit chief and Member of Parliament Manoj Tiwari in connection with the scuffle that took place during the inauguration ceremony of Signature Bridge.
On November 4, Tiwari got into a brawl with the Aam Aadmi Party workers and the Delhi Police at the event after which he wrote to Deputy Commissioner of Police North- East Delhi and filed a complaint against AAP MLA Amanatullah Khan, Kejriwal and unknown persons.
Khan was caught on camera shoving Tiwari during the inauguration ceremony of the Signature Bridge.
In a video footage of the incident, Tiwari was seen standing at the edge of an elevated platform when Khan, an AAP MLA from Okhla, pushed the BJP's Delhi unit chief, nearly causing him to fall. A large number of police personnel and AAP workers were also present on the occasion.
While speaking to ANI after the scuffle, Tiwari had claimed that the entire incident took place in front of Kejriwal. He had alleged that he was stopped by the police and AAP supporters from attending the event.
The bridge was inaugurated on November 4 and was opened for the public the next day. It was inaugurated by the Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal.
Announced in 2004, the 575-metre bridge over the river Yamuna aims at reducing travel time and traffic congestion between the north-eastern and northern parts of the national capital, and is the first asymmetrical cable-stayed bridge in India. -- PTI
Image: The scuffle erupted after Manoj Tiwari (in pink shirt) standing at the edge of an elevated platform on the bridge was allegedly pushed by AAP MLA Amanatullah Khan, nearly causing him to fall. Pic: PTI
On November 4, Tiwari got into a brawl with the Aam Aadmi Party workers and the Delhi Police at the event after which he wrote to Deputy Commissioner of Police North- East Delhi and filed a complaint against AAP MLA Amanatullah Khan, Kejriwal and unknown persons.
Khan was caught on camera shoving Tiwari during the inauguration ceremony of the Signature Bridge.
In a video footage of the incident, Tiwari was seen standing at the edge of an elevated platform when Khan, an AAP MLA from Okhla, pushed the BJP's Delhi unit chief, nearly causing him to fall. A large number of police personnel and AAP workers were also present on the occasion.
While speaking to ANI after the scuffle, Tiwari had claimed that the entire incident took place in front of Kejriwal. He had alleged that he was stopped by the police and AAP supporters from attending the event.
The bridge was inaugurated on November 4 and was opened for the public the next day. It was inaugurated by the Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal.
Announced in 2004, the 575-metre bridge over the river Yamuna aims at reducing travel time and traffic congestion between the north-eastern and northern parts of the national capital, and is the first asymmetrical cable-stayed bridge in India. -- PTI
Image: The scuffle erupted after Manoj Tiwari (in pink shirt) standing at the edge of an elevated platform on the bridge was allegedly pushed by AAP MLA Amanatullah Khan, nearly causing him to fall. Pic: PTI
10:58 Bigger than the Sum of his Imperfections
He did a far better job of gaining knowledge of the larger sweep of history than any of his contemporaries. The confidence with which we condemn Nehru exposes the narrowness of our certainties more than it detracts from his achievements. Read Pratap Bhanu Mehta's piece on Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru here
10:47 PM interacts with NCC in Singapore
Prime Minister Narendra Modi today interacted with 20 cadets from National Cadet Corps of India visiting Singapore as part of an international cadet exchange programme.
10:43 AAI postpones music festival
Update: The Airports Authority of India announces: We would like to inform that due to some urgent engagements, 'Dance & Music in the Park' programme jointly organised by AAI & SPICMACAY, scheduled on 17&18 Nov has been postponed & new dates would be announced shortly. Inconvenience regretted.
10:40 AAI scraps TM Krishna concert after trolls call him anti-India
A campaign by right-wing trolls has allegedly forced the organisers to call off a concert by T M Krishna in the national capital, scheduled to be held this Saturday. An unfazed Krishna, however, said: "Give me a stage anywhere in Delhi on November 17, I will come and sing. We just can't let ourselves be cowed down by this kind of threats." Read more
10:13 Cyclone Gaja likely to make landfall at Pamban this evening
Cyclone Gaja lying 370 km south-east of Chennai and 370 km north-east of Nagapattinam is likely to make landfall between Pamban and Cuddalore on the evening of November 15 with wind speed of 80-90 gusting to 100 kmph.
The Indian Navy is on high alert in view of the approaching cyclone, officials
said.
Navy officials said the Eastern Naval
Command has assumed a high degree of readiness to render necessary
humanitarian assistance as the cyclone is poised to cross the coast of
the two states on Thursday evening.
"Two Indian
Naval ships -- Ranvir and Khanjar -- are standing by to proceed to the
most affected areas to undertake humanitarian aid and distress relief,"
said a Navy official.
He said these ships will
have additional divers, doctors, inflatable rubber boats, integral
helicopters and relief material on board.
The
official said helicopters, Dornier aircraft and one P8I aircraft are on
standby to undertake reconnaissance, rescue and casualty evacuation.
10:05 Fresh snowfall in Shimla, Narkanda
Narkanda in Himachal Pradesh receives fresh snowfall. Looks like it's going to be white Christmas there. Keylong recorded -3.3 degree Celsius, Manali recorded -1.2 degree Celsius, Kalpa recorded-0.8 degree Celsius, Kufri recorded -0.3 degree Celsius, Shimla recorded 3.3 degree Celsius and Dharamshala recorded at 8.8 degree Celsius during past the 24 hours, says IMD.
09:56 Petrol, diesel prices continue to fall on Thursday
Another bit of good news: Fuel prices continued to witness a slump in the national capital on Thursday, with petrol and diesel now being sold at Rs 77.28 per litre and Rs 72.09 per litre, respectively.
Compared to Wednesday, petrol and diesel prices witnessed a decrease of 15 and 10 paise, respectively in New Delhi.In the financial capital Mumbai, petrol prices slipped to Rs 82.80 per litre (decrease by Rs 0.14) while diesel saw a fall of Rs 0.11 and is now being retailed at Rs 75.53.The rates of the fuel across India have been slashing due to the fall in the prices of crude oil.
The United States recently softened its stand on Iran's sanctions and given nod to eight oil countries to continue to import oil from Tehran temporarily. The list includes India, China, South Korea, Japan, Turkey, Italy, the United Arab Emirates and Taiwan. -- ANI
Compared to Wednesday, petrol and diesel prices witnessed a decrease of 15 and 10 paise, respectively in New Delhi.In the financial capital Mumbai, petrol prices slipped to Rs 82.80 per litre (decrease by Rs 0.14) while diesel saw a fall of Rs 0.11 and is now being retailed at Rs 75.53.The rates of the fuel across India have been slashing due to the fall in the prices of crude oil.
The United States recently softened its stand on Iran's sanctions and given nod to eight oil countries to continue to import oil from Tehran temporarily. The list includes India, China, South Korea, Japan, Turkey, Italy, the United Arab Emirates and Taiwan. -- ANI
09:41 Rupee rises 24 paise against USD
The rupee appreciated 24 paise to 72.07 against the US dollar at the interbank foreign exchange Thursday on fresh foreign fund inflows and easing crude oil prices. Foreign institutional investors bought shares worth Rs 277.38 crore Wednesday, provisional data showed.
Dealers said the strength in the rupee was also supported by increased selling of dollars by exporters and the American currency's weakness against some currencies overseas.
A higher opening of the domestic equity market too influenced the rupee, they said. The benchmark BSE Sensex was up 67.09 points, or 0.19 per cent, to quote at 35,209.08 in early trade. -- PTI
Dealers said the strength in the rupee was also supported by increased selling of dollars by exporters and the American currency's weakness against some currencies overseas.
A higher opening of the domestic equity market too influenced the rupee, they said. The benchmark BSE Sensex was up 67.09 points, or 0.19 per cent, to quote at 35,209.08 in early trade. -- PTI
09:22 All-party meet today over SC's decision to review Sabarimala order
The Kerala government has convened an all-party meeting today to discuss various issues relating to the Lord Ayyappa temple at Sabarimala, which witnessed widespread protests following the Supreme Court decision to permit entry of women of all ages into the shrine.
The decision to call the meeting came when the apex court refused to stay its September 28 verdict, lifting the centuries-old ban on girls and women in the 10-50 age group from entering the shrine and decided to hear a batch of review petitions in open court on January 22.
The two-month-long annual 'Mandala Makkaravillakku' season will start on 17 November and the meeting will also take stock of the arrangements made for devotees.
The temple had witnessed a string of protests from devotees when it opened for monthly pujas for five days in October and for two days in November.
Over 3,700 persons have been arrested so far and 546 cases registered against various people for violence during protests across the state after the top court permitted women of all ages to pray at the Lord Ayyappa temple at Sabarimala. Over 500 young women registered for darshan in the online queue website of Kerala police last week.
09:12 Trump admin defends decision to revoke press pass of CNN reporter in court
The Trump administration defended in court its decision to suspend the press pass of a CNN reporter, arguing that no journalist has the first amendment right to enter the White House.
CNN filed a lawsuit against Donald Trump and several of his top aides, seeking the immediate restoration of the network's correspondent Jim Acosta's press pass to the White House which was suspended following a testy exchange with the US president.
The Justice Department, in a court filing, said: "No journalist has a First Amendment right to enter the White House".
The filing was in response to a lawsuit filed by the CNN after the White House last week suspended the press pass of CNN's Chief White House Correspondent Acosta.
The lawsuit filed in US District Court in Washington, DC on Tuesday alleged that Acosta and CNN's First and Fifth Amendment rights are being violated by the ban.
"The president and White House possess the same broad discretion to regulate access to the White House for journalists (and other members of the public) that they possess to select which journalists receive interviews, or which journalists they acknowledge at press conferences," the Department of Justice asserted.
During a White House press conference last Wednesday, Acosta challenged Trump's use of the word "invasion" to describe a migrant caravan heading to the US from Central America.
When Acosta tried to ask a question about the Russia investigation into alleged interference in the 2016 presidential campaign, Trump told him repeatedly "that's enough" and "put down the mic".
Hours after the encounter, seen across the world, the White House, in an unprecedented move, suspended Acosta's press pass, known as a Secret Service "hard pass".
-- PTI
08:40 Navy put on high alert in view of cyclone Gaja
The Indian Navy is on high alert in view of cyclone Gaja approaching the coast of south Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, officials said.
Navy officials said the Eastern Naval Command has assumed a high degree of readiness to render necessary humanitarian assistance as the cyclone is poised to cross the coast of the two states on Thursday evening.
"Two Indian Naval ships -- Ranvir and Khanjar -- are standing by to proceed to the most affected areas to undertake humanitarian aid and distress relief," said a Navy official.
He said these ships will have additional divers, doctors, inflatable rubber boats, integral helicopters and relief material on board.
The official said helicopters, Dornier aircraft and one P8I aircraft are on standby to undertake reconnaissance, rescue and casualty evacuation.
-- PTI
08:07 South African President Ramaphosa to be chief guest at R-Day parade: Report
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa will be the chief guest at the Republic Day event next year, sources have told The Indian Express.
Ramaphosa, who became South Africas President in February this year, has accepted the invitation. His acceptance comes after the fiasco over US President Donald Trump declining the Indian governments invitation to be the chief guest.
While diplomatic channels had reached out to the US President, the White House said he was unable to attend due to a scheduling conflict.
Sources said the US Presidents State of the Union address would be around the same time, so his administration could not confirm Trumps availability, especially since the Democrats have a decisive say in fixing the date.
Ramaphosa, who was Nelson Mandelas choice for future president of South Africa, is a keen Gandhi follower.
In April this year, Ramaphosa led nearly 5,000 people at the annual Gandhi Walk in Lenasia, an Indian township south of Johannesburg, seeking to promote community awareness and fitness. This was the first time that a sitting head of the state joined the walk, now in its 33rd consecutive edition.
00:17 Parrikar is stable, recovering: official
Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar's condition is stable and he is recovering, a government official said in Panaji on Wednesday.
There was speculation on social media that Parrikar's condition was deteriorating.
Parrikar, 62, is recuperating at his private residence near here since he was discharged from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences in New Delhi.
He has been suffering from a pancreatic ailment.
"Posts on social media about his health are rumours.
He is stable and recovering," a senior official in the Chief Minister's Office told PTI.
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