LIVE
Tue, 16 October 2018
Winter session likely to start in second week of December
Timeline Refresh
23:16 Body of missing Saudi journalist was cut into pieces, Turkish official says
The body of missing journalist Jamal Khashoggi was cut into pieces after he was killed two weeks ago at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul, a Turkish official told CNN on Tuesday.
The claim, which was first made to the New York Times earlier in the investigation, comes after Turkish officials searched the consulate for nine hours on Monday night.
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan earlier Tuesday said Turkish investigators were looking into "toxic" and "painted over material" as part of their inquiry.
"My hope is that we can reach conclusions that will give us a reasonable opinion as soon as possible, because the investigation is looking into many things such as toxic materials and those materials being removed by painting them over," Erdogan told reporters.
Turkish officials have said privately that Khashoggi was killed in the consulate on October 2 after he arrived to obtain papers that would have allowed him to marry his Turkish fiance.
22:45 Winter session likely to start in second week of December
The winter session of Parliament is likely to start from the second week of December, just after the Rajasthan assembly elections on December 7, highly-placed sources said on Tuesday.
The dates of the session will be finalised by the Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs which is expected to meet in the next fortnight, they said.
The discussions are on to decide the length of the session and it may end in the second week of January, the sources said.
The winter session assumes significance as an ordinance for the much talked about Triple Talaq Bill is on the Centre's legislative agenda. The bill has already been passed by the Lok Sabha. Besides, the ordinance for disbanding the Medical Council of India is also on the list.
In 2017, the winter session was held from December 15 to January 5.
The government is keen on repeating the success of this year's monsoon session, which was one of the most productive sessions of the Lok Sabha in 18 years.
The session, which began from July 18 and ended on August 10, had witnessed a no-trust vote in the Lok Sabha and a floor test in the Rajya Sabha over the election of the deputy chairman.
-- PTI
21:58 17 women journalists come out in support of Ramani; to testify against Akbar
As the #MeToo movement gains ground, 17 women journalists who have worked with 'The Asian Age' newspaper, came out in support of their colleague Priya Ramani who has accused Union minister M J Akbar of sexual harassment, said a joint statement issued by them.
The journalists have urged the court to hear their testimonies against Akbar, claiming that some of them suffered sexual harassment by the minister and others have been a witness to it.
"Ramani is not alone in her fight. We would request the honourable court hearing the defamation case to also consider the testimonies of sexual harassment of some of us at the hands of the petitioner, as also of the other signatories who bore witness to this harassment," the journalists said in the joint statement undersigned by them.
Meenal Baghel who worked for Asian Age (1993 to 1996), Manisha Pande (1993-1998), Tushita Patel (1993-2000), Kanika Gahlaut (1995-1998), Suparna Sharma (1993-1996), Ramola Talwar Badam (1994-1995), Hoihnu Hauzel (1999-2000), Aisha Khan (1995-1998) and Kushalrani Gulab (1993-1997) have signed the statement.
Kaniza Gazari (Asian Age 1995-1997), Malavika Banerjee (1995-1998), A T Jayanthi (1995-1996), Hamida Parkar (1996-1999), Jonali Buragohain, Meenakshi Kumar (1996-2000), Sujata Dutta Sachdeva (1999-2000) and Sanjari Chatterjee are the other journalists to sign the statement.
"What Akbar has demonstrated through his legal actions is his refusal to introspect, acknowledge or atone for his actions that have caused immense pain and indeed harm to many women over the years. He himself, in the meanwhile, continues to enjoy enormous power and privilege as minister and Member of Parliament," the statement said.
"When Ramani spoke out against him in public, she spoke not only about her personal experience, but also lifted the lid on the culture of 'casual misogyny, entitlement and sexual predation' that Akbar engendered and presided over at The Asian Age," it said.
Hours after returning from a trip to Africa, Akbar, the minister of state external affair, issued a statement trashing the charges against him, saying accusations without evidence has become a "viral fever" among some sections.
-- PTI
21:31 Trump raises more than $100 million for 2020 re-election
US President Donald Trump has raised more than $100 million for his re-election battle in 2020, giving him a huge financial advantage over many potential Democratic contenders jockeying to challenge him, US media reports on Tuesday.
The US president raised over $18 million during the July-to-September fundraising quarter through his campaign committee and the joint fundraising operations he maintains with the Republican National Committee, according to his campaign and filings on Monday with Federal Election Commission.
That haul means Trump's re-election effort's war chest now exceeds $106 million, CNN reported.
Trump's campaign ended last month with more $35.4 million in available cash stockpiled in its bank account.
Trump, who has challenged most political rules since launching his unorthodox 2016 presidential campaign, took the unusual step of filing for re-election the day he was sworn in to office in 2017.
The 72-year-old US president began holding campaign-style rallies in the first months of his presidency.
By contrast, Barack Obama waited until the third year of his presidency to begin fundraising in earnest.
21:28 'Former UPA minister tried to kiss me on the mouth each time we met'
Reading so many accounts of sexual harassment, sexual assault, molestations and rape by so many brave women has forced me to rethink my own silence on being molested by a powerful politician '" a minister in the UPA I government. I have been thinking long and hard about telling my story and opening myself up to the name calling that seems to go along with breaking the silence, but I take strength from so many other women who have spoken up.
Read the full account HERE
21:15 Parrikar's health improving, says his office
The health condition of Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar, who was brought to the state from a hospital in New Delhi two days ago, had improved further, his office said Tuesday.
Parrikar (62), being treated for a pancreatic ailment, is recuperating at his private residence here after arriving from the national capital.
"The chief minister's condition continues to improve. All (health) parameters remain stable. During the day, he interacted with his family members," Rupesh Kamat, Personal Assistant to Parrikar, said in a statement issued by the Chief Minister's Office.
Parrikar was shifted from New Delhi's All India Institute of Medical Sciences to the coastal state Sunday afternoon. He was brought in a special flight and later taken to his private residence.
20:53 Pippa Middleton gives birth to baby boy
Pippa Middleton, the sister of Duchess of Cambridge Kate Middleton, has given birth to a baby boy, Kensington Palace said on Tuesday.
The 35-year-old author and columnist had married hedge fund manager James Matthews, 43, last year and their first child was born at St Mary's Hospital in London on Monday.
"James and Pippa have had a baby boy. He was born Monday 15th October at 1.58pm, weighing 8lb and 9oz. Everyone is delighted and mother and baby are doing well," a family spokesperson said in a statement.
The baby was born at the Lindo Wing of the hospital, which is where Kate Middleton gave birth to Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis - Pippa Middleton's nephews and niece.
Kensington Palace said: "The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge [Prince William and Kate Middleton] are thrilled for Pippa and James."
The couple are yet to reveal what they have decided to name their new-born baby boy.
The news comes a day after it was announced that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are expecting their first child in the first half of next year. The couple are currently on a four-nation Commonwealth tour, with Markle quoted about expecting her first baby in Sydney as: "We're ready! We're excited to join the club."
-- PTI
20:52 Pippa Middleton gives birth to baby boy
Pippa Middleton, the sister of Duchess of Cambridge Kate Middleton, has given birth to a baby boy, Kensington Palace said on Tuesday.
The 35-year-old author and columnist had married hedge fund manager James Matthews, 43, last year and their first child was born at St Mary's Hospital in London on Monday.
"James and Pippa have had a baby boy. He was born Monday 15th October at 1.58pm, weighing 8lb and 9oz. Everyone is delighted and mother and baby are doing well," a family spokesperson said in a statement.
The baby was born at the Lindo Wing of the hospital, which is where Kate Middleton gave birth to Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis - Pippa Middleton's nephews and niece.
Kensington Palace said: "The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge [Prince William and Kate Middleton] are thrilled for Pippa and James."
The couple are yet to reveal what they have decided to name their new-born baby boy.
The news comes a day after it was announced that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are expecting their first child in the first half of next year. The couple are currently on a four-nation Commonwealth tour, with Markle quoted about expecting her first baby in Sydney as: "We're ready! We're excited to join the club."
-- PTI
20:40 Zika cases rise to 80 in Rajasthan
As the number of people infected with the Zika virus rose to 80 in Rajasthan, the Union health ministry on Tuesday directed the National Centre for Disease Control to monitor the cases on a daily basis, while urging the people not to panic.
The ministry said it was working along with the state governments, the local authorities and the municipal corporations for augmenting and strengthening their efforts in vector control, surveillance and awareness activities.
Chairing a high-level meeting to review the activities for prevention and control of the Zika virus and seasonal influenza here, Union Health Minister J P Nadda also stressed the need to undertake exhaustive control measures, including fogging, while also strengthening surveillance to facilitate early identification of cases.
Zika is caused by the aedes aegypti mosquito, which also transmits dengue and chikungunya and breeds in open, stagnant water.
Nadda was also briefed about the activities undertaken by the ministry to control the Zika virus in Rajasthan.
"He was informed that 80 cases have been reported from the state while 330 teams have already been deployed in the affected wards of Shastri Nagar (Jaipur). A population of about 4,34,515 has been brought under surveillance.
"Around 86,903 houses have been surveyed. 2,04,875 breeding sites were checked for larvae breeding and 74,483 were found to have larvae breeding," an official statement issued after the meeting said.
It pointed out that health workers undertook on-spot source reduction and containers were treated with temiphose during the survey.
-- PTI
20:30 Victim of child sexual abuse can file complaint any time: WCD ministry
The ministry of women and child development on Tuesday said that is no period of limitation with regard to reporting of child sexual offences under the POCSO Act, 2012.
"Now any victim, at any age, can complain the sexual abuse faced by him/her as a child", said CD minister Maneka Sanjay Gandhi. She urged the victims to report the cases through POCSO e-Box.
The WCD had recently consulted the ministry of law in view of the overriding provisions of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act over other criminal laws and provisions of mandatory reporting of such offences.
The Ministry of Law after examining the provisions of POCSO Act vis-a-vis provisions of CrPC advised that there appears no period of limitation mentioned in Section 19 in regard to reporting of the offences under the POCSO Act, 2012, the WCD ministry said in a statement.
It is often found that children are unable to report such crimes as the perpetrator in most cases is either a family member, a relative or closely known person. Studies have also shown that the child continues to carry the trauma of sexual abuse till very late in life. In order to overcome this trauma many grown up people have started coming out to report the abuse faced by them as children.
The POCSO, Act 2012, came into force on November 11, 2012. It is a gender neutral Act which has been enacted to strengthen the legal provisions for the protection of children from sexual abuse and exploitation, WCD said. The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012 defines a child as any person below the age of 18 years and provides protection to all children under the age of 18 years from the offences of sexual assault, sexual harassment and pornography.
-- ANI
20:02 IWPC asks Rajnath, Maneka to intervene for fair and impartial probe against Akbar
A leading women's body on Tuesday wrote to Union Ministers Rajnath Singh and Maneka Gandhi, urging their intervention for a "fair and impartial probe" against M J Akbar who is battling allegations of sexual harassment that have surfaced in the #MeToo campaign.
The Indian Women's Press Corps, in the letter, expressed "dismay" that despite a long list of complaints involving Akbar, no formal inquiry comprising of serious charges of sexual harassment has been instituted at any level in the government.
"In addition to the investigation into the specific allegations against a minister, the government must also examine whether media organisations have put in place effective institutional mechanisms for dealing with sexual harassment as required by the law," said the letter signed by IWPC President T K Rajalakshmi and General Secretary Ravinder Bawa.
"Your intervention for a fair and impartial probe is only possible if the said minister relinquishes office in the interests of natural justice," they said in separate letters to Gandhi and Singh.
Allegations against Akbar have been levelled by several women journalists under social media campaign #Metoo against sexual misconduct. The Minister of State for External Affairs has denied the allegations and on Monday filed a private criminal defamation complaint against one of the scribes, Priya Ramani.
The IWPC also wrote to National Commission for Women Chairperson Rekha Sharma, urging her to take suo motu cognisance of these complaints and come out with recommendations within a time frame.
"In addition to the investigation into the specific allegations against a minister, the Commission must also examine whether media organisations have put in place effective institutional mechanisms for dealing with sexual harassment as required by the law," they said in the letter.
They said since a number of complaints involve a senior minister in the central government, "we seek your intervention for a fair and impartial inquiry which the Commission with its statutory powers can undertake and recommend steps in the direction of redress".
-- PTI
19:29
JUST IN: Convoy of Kanhaiya Kumar attacked near Dahia village, several vehicles vandalised. Some people injured.
19:15 Gun brandishing: We were in trauma, hence didn't approach police, says victim's father
Ex-Congress MLA Kanwar Karan Singh said his son, who was shown a gun by the son of a former BSP MP at a five-star hotel in Delhi, was in "trauma" after the incident and that was the reason why he did not inform the police.
Singh said they have recorded their statement with the police and have full faith in the law of the land.
"We have given our version to police and submitted our written statement. We were in trauma after the incident. My son was shown a gun and he was in fear and that is why we did not lodge a complaint before," he told PTI.
The former Congress MLA said he did not believe in violence.
"My son was numb with fear after he was shown a gun. We do not believe in violence and stay away form indulging in fights. Police have started their investigation and we believe in them," he said.
Ashish Pandey, son of former BSP MP Rakesh Pandey, was booked for brandishing a gun in the foyer of a five-star hotel, a video of which went viral on social media.
Pandey hails from Lucknow. His brother, Ritesh Pandey, is a sitting MLA in Uttar Pradesh.
The Delhi police said an FIR has been registered in the case. The force also reached out to their Uttar Pradesh counterparts.
18:19 Delhi's air quality nosedives towards 'very poor' category
Delhi's air quality nosedived towards very poor category on Tuesday even as authorities put several key measures in place to combat air pollution.
The overall Air Quality Index of Delhi was recorded at 293, just eight points below the "very poor" category, according to the Centre-run System of Air Quality Forecasting And Research.
An AQI between 0 and 50 is considered "good", 51 and 100 "satisfactory", 101 and 200 "moderate", 201 and 300 "poor", 301 and 400 "very poor" and that between 401 and 500 is categorised as "severe".
A senior Central Pollution Control Board official said several factors like vehicular pollution, construction activities and meteorological factors like wind speed were responsible for continuing pollution in the city despite measures being taken up.
Several measures are in force in the Delhi-National Capital Region like mechanised sweeping of roads, ban on garbage burning, pollution control measures at brick kilns and deployment of police to ensure smooth passage of traffic at vulnerable areas.
The use of gensets have also been banned in the city but they are being allowed to operate in parts of the NCR due to power issues.
"The Graded Response Action Plan has been rolled out in the city but its ground level implementation is still going on," the official said.
The GRAP, notified by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change in 2012, prescribes a set of measures to curb air pollution based on the Central Pollution Control Board's daily Air Quality Index.
-- PTI
17:51 Rahul taunts Modi over MJ Akbar, tells MP voters 'Beti bachao from BJP leaders'
Taking a jibe at Prime Minister Narendra Modis Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao slogan, Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday said that the slogan should be changed to Beti Padhao, BJP ke netaonse, mantrionse, MLAs se beti bachao (save the daughter from BJP leaders, ministers, and MLAs) in the wake of recent allegations of sexual harassment against BJP ministers.
Addressing a rally in Sheopur district of poll-bound Madhya Pradesh, the Congress president said, Modiji ne bahot accha nara diya tha Beti Padhao Beti Bachao. Narendra Modi ke mantri par sawal uthaya jaata hai. Uttar Pradesh me BJP ka MLA balatkar karta hai rape karta hai. Pradhan Mantri ke muh se ek shabd nahi nikalta (Modiji had given a good slogan Beti Padhao Beti Bachao. Narendra Modis minister is questioned. A BJP MLA in Uttar Pradesh commits rape but the prime minister does not utter a word).
Gandhi was taking a dig at the prime minister over the allegations of sexual misconduct against Union minister M J Akbar and the rape charges against BJPs Uttar Pradesh MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar. Not only the PM but even the (BJP) chief ministers in Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh did not say a word, Gandhi said. He said the slogan should be tweaked to read Beti Padhao BJP ke netaonse, mantrionse, MLAs se beti bachao (save the daughter from BJP leaders, ministers and MLAs).
Akbar, the minister of state for external affairs in the NDA government, has been accused by over a dozen women of sexual misconduct. The Opposition parties led by the Congress have been actively seeking the Centres response over the matter and have been demanding Akbars resignation from the cabinet of ministers. Akbar, however, has rubbished the charges against him and have filed a criminal defamation case against one of the accusers, journalist Priya Ramani.
17:34 Badals to get full protection over threat perception: Punjab CM
Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh has assured full protection to former chief minister Parkash Singh Badal and his son Sukhbir Singh Badal in view of an increased threat perception.
In Uttar Pradesh's Muzaffarnagar, police said three men associated with Sikh militant group Khalistan Liberation Front were planning to target Parkash Singh Badal.
They were arrested for allegedly looting two police rifles. Asked if he was aware of recent reports of a heightened threat perception to the Badals, Amarinder Singh said he would ensure that full security is provided to the two leaders of the Shiromani Akali Dal.
The chief minister was interacting with mediapersons on Tuesday after inaugurating a state-of-the-art Vigilance Bhawan, built over an area of 3.25 acres in Mohali's Sector 68 at a cost of Rs 31.29 crore.
In response to a question, Amarinder Singh said he was aware of the FIRs being registered against farmers who were burning paddy stubble in the fields in violation of the National Green Tribunal's guidelines. -- PTI
In Uttar Pradesh's Muzaffarnagar, police said three men associated with Sikh militant group Khalistan Liberation Front were planning to target Parkash Singh Badal.
They were arrested for allegedly looting two police rifles. Asked if he was aware of recent reports of a heightened threat perception to the Badals, Amarinder Singh said he would ensure that full security is provided to the two leaders of the Shiromani Akali Dal.
The chief minister was interacting with mediapersons on Tuesday after inaugurating a state-of-the-art Vigilance Bhawan, built over an area of 3.25 acres in Mohali's Sector 68 at a cost of Rs 31.29 crore.
In response to a question, Amarinder Singh said he was aware of the FIRs being registered against farmers who were burning paddy stubble in the fields in violation of the National Green Tribunal's guidelines. -- PTI
17:13 Why this police officer got a US award
Rachakonda Police Commissioner Mahesh Bhagwat has thrice been awarded by the International Association of Chiefs of Police for his unusual efforts in community policing and welfare -- the only Indian police officer to be honoured thus. Rediff.com's Archana Masih speaks to the person behind the uniform. Do read.
16:47 #MeToo: 'Painter Jatin Das kissed me'
Actress Tanushree Dutta who ushered in India's #MeToo movement with accusations of sexual misdemeanor against actor Nana Patekar, has helped many women voice experiences that were shuttered and festering. With women naming and shaming predators in the film industry, media houses, art and literature, Padma Bhushan Jatin Dasm was today named as well.
The painter, who is also the father of actor, director and writer Nandita Das, is accused by Nisha Bora, of kissing her in 2004 when she went to assist him with his work. While the first meeting passed off without any untoward incident, the painter, she says, groped her during the second meeting.
Read her account here:
"
#MeToo Jatin Das
It's been a long time coming, but here it is. This is for every woman and sexually vulnerable person reading this story. It is not your shame or your guilt, no matter what the circumstances.
I met Jatin Das in the summer of 2004 at a dinner event at the India
International Centre,Delhi. The dinner had been hosted by my father-in law. I was introduced to him by my family. I was 28 years old, and had
been married for a little under a year. I was visiting Delhi from Bengaluru, and had a few days to spare.
Jatin chatted with me for a bit, and asked what I did and whether I had the time and willingness to assist him for a few days to organize his work material. I was delighted to say yes. It would be an honour to work with a brilliant artist, to have the opportunity to see and handle his priceless art close up. And to top it all, he was Nandita Das' father.
"It was a real fangirl moment. I told my family about the conversation,and that I would be visiting him the next day to assist him.
"Day 1- He called me to his house (which wasin Asiad Village, I think). I recall he had a new born child (by my calculation, must be about 14-15 years now), and that there was plenty of baby bawling. We worked in his work room which was near the entrance,and his open verandah of sorts. He spoke at length about his pankha project and his big dream for his art school in Orissa. I did some sorting and organizing work for him. At the end of the day, he gave me a beautiful autographed book on his pankha project, and a poster of one of his solo shows in a museum abroad. (At some point of time several years later, I experienced so much trauma
looking at this material, I put it in the garbage). He called me back to his studio the next day.
"Day 2 - I visited Jatin in his studio,which was in Khidki Village. I don't recall the time of day, but that it was well within daylight hours. He poured himself some whiskey; offered me one too,but I refused. It was a wonderfully cluttered space filled with creative energy. The next thing I knew, he attempted to grab me. I wriggled out of his embrace, flustered. Then he did it again. This time, he managed a clumsy kiss on my lips. I recall the feeling of his beard on my skin.I pushed him away, and moved away from him. At that moment, he said, "Come on,it would be nice". Or something like that. I have heard those words quite a bit in my head over
time,but they are distant echoes now.What I recall clearly was his disbelief that I was pushing back. I picked up my bag, stepped out into the sun, and ran home. Never to speak aboutit. Until now."
Nisha Bora then talks about why she is naming Das after all these years, why she was silent for so long and how Nandita Das tried to contact her asking for an assistant for her father.
Meanwhile, MoS External Affairs MJ Akbar continues to walk tall.
Image: Painter Jatin Das
The painter, who is also the father of actor, director and writer Nandita Das, is accused by Nisha Bora, of kissing her in 2004 when she went to assist him with his work. While the first meeting passed off without any untoward incident, the painter, she says, groped her during the second meeting.
Read her account here:
"
#MeToo Jatin Das
It's been a long time coming, but here it is. This is for every woman and sexually vulnerable person reading this story. It is not your shame or your guilt, no matter what the circumstances.
I met Jatin Das in the summer of 2004 at a dinner event at the India
International Centre,Delhi. The dinner had been hosted by my father-in law. I was introduced to him by my family. I was 28 years old, and had
been married for a little under a year. I was visiting Delhi from Bengaluru, and had a few days to spare.
Jatin chatted with me for a bit, and asked what I did and whether I had the time and willingness to assist him for a few days to organize his work material. I was delighted to say yes. It would be an honour to work with a brilliant artist, to have the opportunity to see and handle his priceless art close up. And to top it all, he was Nandita Das' father.
"It was a real fangirl moment. I told my family about the conversation,and that I would be visiting him the next day to assist him.
"Day 1- He called me to his house (which wasin Asiad Village, I think). I recall he had a new born child (by my calculation, must be about 14-15 years now), and that there was plenty of baby bawling. We worked in his work room which was near the entrance,and his open verandah of sorts. He spoke at length about his pankha project and his big dream for his art school in Orissa. I did some sorting and organizing work for him. At the end of the day, he gave me a beautiful autographed book on his pankha project, and a poster of one of his solo shows in a museum abroad. (At some point of time several years later, I experienced so much trauma
looking at this material, I put it in the garbage). He called me back to his studio the next day.
"Day 2 - I visited Jatin in his studio,which was in Khidki Village. I don't recall the time of day, but that it was well within daylight hours. He poured himself some whiskey; offered me one too,but I refused. It was a wonderfully cluttered space filled with creative energy. The next thing I knew, he attempted to grab me. I wriggled out of his embrace, flustered. Then he did it again. This time, he managed a clumsy kiss on my lips. I recall the feeling of his beard on my skin.I pushed him away, and moved away from him. At that moment, he said, "Come on,it would be nice". Or something like that. I have heard those words quite a bit in my head over
time,but they are distant echoes now.What I recall clearly was his disbelief that I was pushing back. I picked up my bag, stepped out into the sun, and ran home. Never to speak aboutit. Until now."
Nisha Bora then talks about why she is naming Das after all these years, why she was silent for so long and how Nandita Das tried to contact her asking for an assistant for her father.
Meanwhile, MoS External Affairs MJ Akbar continues to walk tall.
Image: Painter Jatin Das
16:04 Digvijaya says Cong votes get reduced if he campaigns
A controversy has been kicked off in poll-bound Madhya Pradesh by a viral video in which senior Congress leader Digvijay Singh is heard saying that his party's votes get reduced if he campaigns for it. The video was recorded on October 13 but it emerged Tuesday, the day when Congress president Rahul Gandhi is in the state to campaign for the upcoming Assembly elections.
Significantly, Singh, the two-time former chief minister of Madhya Pradesh, has been conspicuous by his absence in the programmes and rallies which Gandhi has been addressing in the state over the last few weeks.
".. mera kaam keval ek. Koi prachar nahi, koi bhashan nahi. Mere bhashan dene se to Congress ke vote kat-te hai, mai jata nahi" (I have only one job, no campaigning, no speech. When I deliver a speech, Congress votes get reduced, so I don't go)," Singh is heard saying in the video. In the video, in which he is seen talking casually to party workers at the residence of MLA Jitu Patwari in Bhopal, Singh also advises Congress workers to campaign for candidates wholeheartedly to achieve victory.
"Dekho, khwaab dekhte rah jaaoge agar kaam nahi kiya to. Nahi banegi sarkar agar aise kaam kiya to. Jisko ticket mile, chahe dushman ko mile, jitao (You will continue dreaming if you do not work. You can't form the government if you work like this. Even if the ticket is given to a rival in the party, you should ensure his victory)," he is seen telling the party workers.
Singh said the video was not being shown in a proper manner. "It is not being shown in the right manner, especially the first part. If you hear the first part, you will understand it in a proper way," Singh said.
The ruling BJP was quick to take a dig at the opposition party over Singh's comments, with Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan saying the Congress should not treat one of its senior leaders in this manner.
"We (BJP) have not given him (Singh) this pain. It was given by the Congress itself. His posters are not being put up, he is not being given prominence," Chouhan said.
"I never imagined the Congress will treat one of its leaders in this manner. Congressmen should, at least, respect their leader," the chief minister added. State Congress chief Kamal Nath parried questions on Singh's video by saying, "I am not aware of the context in which he was stating this". Polls for the 230-member MP Assembly are scheduled for November 28 while counting of votes will be taken up on December 11. -- PTI
Significantly, Singh, the two-time former chief minister of Madhya Pradesh, has been conspicuous by his absence in the programmes and rallies which Gandhi has been addressing in the state over the last few weeks.
".. mera kaam keval ek. Koi prachar nahi, koi bhashan nahi. Mere bhashan dene se to Congress ke vote kat-te hai, mai jata nahi" (I have only one job, no campaigning, no speech. When I deliver a speech, Congress votes get reduced, so I don't go)," Singh is heard saying in the video. In the video, in which he is seen talking casually to party workers at the residence of MLA Jitu Patwari in Bhopal, Singh also advises Congress workers to campaign for candidates wholeheartedly to achieve victory.
"Dekho, khwaab dekhte rah jaaoge agar kaam nahi kiya to. Nahi banegi sarkar agar aise kaam kiya to. Jisko ticket mile, chahe dushman ko mile, jitao (You will continue dreaming if you do not work. You can't form the government if you work like this. Even if the ticket is given to a rival in the party, you should ensure his victory)," he is seen telling the party workers.
Singh said the video was not being shown in a proper manner. "It is not being shown in the right manner, especially the first part. If you hear the first part, you will understand it in a proper way," Singh said.
The ruling BJP was quick to take a dig at the opposition party over Singh's comments, with Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan saying the Congress should not treat one of its senior leaders in this manner.
"We (BJP) have not given him (Singh) this pain. It was given by the Congress itself. His posters are not being put up, he is not being given prominence," Chouhan said.
"I never imagined the Congress will treat one of its leaders in this manner. Congressmen should, at least, respect their leader," the chief minister added. State Congress chief Kamal Nath parried questions on Singh's video by saying, "I am not aware of the context in which he was stating this". Polls for the 230-member MP Assembly are scheduled for November 28 while counting of votes will be taken up on December 11. -- PTI
15:54 Unstable coalition won't boost growth: Jaitley
India needs a strong and decisive leadership at the Centre to promote growth, get rid of poverty and transform the country into a developed nation, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said Tuesday.
With general elections due early next year, Jaitley said the country does not need an 'unstable coalition' government and individuals who lack understanding of policies at the helm.
Swift decision-making of the Modi government has helped in handling the IL&FS crisis, Jaitley said while addressing the 98th annual session of Assocham.
"Today, what India needs is not individuals with lack of understanding of policies, lack of understanding of directions or inherently unstable coalition, but a government and leadership with absolute clarity about the direction," Jaitley said.
He said a "strong and decisive leadership at the Centre" is needed to maintain India's high growth trajectory, increase revenue and build better infrastructure.
"India needs a government and leadership which has absolute clarity about the direction so that this unique position which IMF refers to as a sweet spot in the world, this sweet spot we continue to occupy for next two decades. If you are able to do that, we can get rid of the curse of poverty and in our lifetime probably see India as a developed country," he said.
Indian economy grew at 8.2 per cent in the April-June quarter of the current fiscal. It grew at 6.7 per cent in 2017-18 fiscal.
"You need a decisive government, you need a government which has a coherent policy and is absolutely clear in the direction you have to move, and you need a government which is not dependent on those who would try to pull the government down by their strategies," Jaitley said in his video conference address.
He said a weak leadership at the Centre could not have handled the IL&FS issue the way the present government did. -- PTI
With general elections due early next year, Jaitley said the country does not need an 'unstable coalition' government and individuals who lack understanding of policies at the helm.
Swift decision-making of the Modi government has helped in handling the IL&FS crisis, Jaitley said while addressing the 98th annual session of Assocham.
"Today, what India needs is not individuals with lack of understanding of policies, lack of understanding of directions or inherently unstable coalition, but a government and leadership with absolute clarity about the direction," Jaitley said.
He said a "strong and decisive leadership at the Centre" is needed to maintain India's high growth trajectory, increase revenue and build better infrastructure.
"India needs a government and leadership which has absolute clarity about the direction so that this unique position which IMF refers to as a sweet spot in the world, this sweet spot we continue to occupy for next two decades. If you are able to do that, we can get rid of the curse of poverty and in our lifetime probably see India as a developed country," he said.
Indian economy grew at 8.2 per cent in the April-June quarter of the current fiscal. It grew at 6.7 per cent in 2017-18 fiscal.
"You need a decisive government, you need a government which has a coherent policy and is absolutely clear in the direction you have to move, and you need a government which is not dependent on those who would try to pull the government down by their strategies," Jaitley said in his video conference address.
He said a weak leadership at the Centre could not have handled the IL&FS issue the way the present government did. -- PTI
15:47 My MJ Akbar Story
"This is not a #MeToo piece. I am merely strolling down memory lane.Just after my graduation in 1982, I headed to The Telegraph office in Calcutta. The paper had been launched that very year. The Editor MJ Akbar was the superstar of journalism, after a successful tenure at Sunday, the magazine he had been editing for six years before The Telegraph was born."
Read Payal Mohanka's blog here.
Read Payal Mohanka's blog here.
15:29 'Naming and shaming these culprits on social media is the only option'
"Taking the legal route is not easy -- it shames you, drains you emotionally and financially. The culprits get the best legal aid and fight long, costly legal battles while the victims cannot afford it," says Tanushree Dutta, who gave the #MeToo movement wings in India. Read the interview here.
15:26 Thank You Very Much, Mr. Akbar
"The same MJ Akbar, who once helped Narendra Modi garner a mien of respectability which, in turn, enabled the Gujarat chief minister to sell himself as a standard-bearer of good governance and clean politics, has now turned out to be damaged goods. Life often turns out to be unfair. Unsavoury pasts have a way of catching up with the present. But Akbar cannot be easily un-hugged. Only a few weeks ago he was being trotted out to assert that there was no "Uncle Quattrocchi' in the dubious Rafale business."
Harish Khare, on MJ Akbar and the creeping moral indifference at the highest level. Read the column here.
Image: Time to sweep the system clean, Mr Akbar?
Harish Khare, on MJ Akbar and the creeping moral indifference at the highest level. Read the column here.
Image: Time to sweep the system clean, Mr Akbar?
15:14 Sena hits out at Centre for not taking action against Akbar
People involved in misconduct towards women are in the Cabinet, Bharatiya Janata Party ally Shiv Sena said Tuesday. Sena, without naming anyone, attacked at the Centre for not taking any action against Union minister MJ Akbar, who is facing allegations of sexual harassment.
Several women journalists have come out and accused Akbar, a former newspaper editor and now the Union minister of state for external affairs, of sexually harassing them during his stint as a journalist.
Akbar has rejected the allegations as "false, fabricated and deeply distressing", and also filed a private criminal defamation complaint in a Delhi court Monday against one of journalists who levelled charges against him.
Sena, in an editorial in party mouthpiece 'Saamana' said, "The BJP (prior to 2014 Lok Sabha polls) had promised food, clothing and shelter to all and also to make a 'moral country'. But people involved in misconduct towards women are in the Cabinet while decisions are taken to encourage alcoholism."
In the editorial, it also criticised the Maharashtra government's proposal of online sale and home delivery of liquor. -- PTI
Several women journalists have come out and accused Akbar, a former newspaper editor and now the Union minister of state for external affairs, of sexually harassing them during his stint as a journalist.
Akbar has rejected the allegations as "false, fabricated and deeply distressing", and also filed a private criminal defamation complaint in a Delhi court Monday against one of journalists who levelled charges against him.
Sena, in an editorial in party mouthpiece 'Saamana' said, "The BJP (prior to 2014 Lok Sabha polls) had promised food, clothing and shelter to all and also to make a 'moral country'. But people involved in misconduct towards women are in the Cabinet while decisions are taken to encourage alcoholism."
In the editorial, it also criticised the Maharashtra government's proposal of online sale and home delivery of liquor. -- PTI
15:05 NSUI prez quits after sexual harassment charges, Rahul accepts resignation
NSUI national president Fairoz Khan has stepped down from his post following charges of sexual harassment, sources in the Congress said Tuesday.
Congress president Rahul Gandhi has accepted his resignation, the sources told PTI. Khan, who hails from Jammu and Kashmir, submitted his resignation on Monday.
The party had set up a three-member committee to look into the issue after a woman levelled charges of sexual harassment against the chief of its student wing. The Congress worker from Chhattisgarh also lodged a complaint against him in the Parliament Street police station, saying that she feared for her life. -- PTI
Congress president Rahul Gandhi has accepted his resignation, the sources told PTI. Khan, who hails from Jammu and Kashmir, submitted his resignation on Monday.
The party had set up a three-member committee to look into the issue after a woman levelled charges of sexual harassment against the chief of its student wing. The Congress worker from Chhattisgarh also lodged a complaint against him in the Parliament Street police station, saying that she feared for her life. -- PTI
15:01 MJ Akbar, stop with the lying
"It was 1992, Calcutta. I was a trainee in the Telegraph. You had left journalism for politics and had come to visit Calcutta. A group of my colleagues was going to meet you at your hotel. I was asked if I'd like to meet MJ Akbar. Who didn't? Sure. I went along. I met you. It was a fun evening. After that day, you found out my home phone number (from someone else) and started calling me incessantly, asking me to come and meet you at your hotel, always under a thin veil of some work-related discussion. After trying to deflect several of your advances, you finally wore me down. Telling myself to not be old-fashioned, I rang your doorbell." Read the column here.
Tushita Patel writes on working with MJ Akbar. She was a part of the team that started the Asian Age. She resigned in 2000.
Tushita Patel writes on working with MJ Akbar. She was a part of the team that started the Asian Age. She resigned in 2000.
14:51 Strong action against BSP leader's son, promises Rijiju
The Delhi Police will take "strong and appropriate action" against the son of a BSP leader for allegedly brandishing a weapon in the foyer of a five-star hotel here, Union minister Kiren Rijiju said Tuesday.
In a video, which went viral on social media, Ashish Pandey, who is the son of Uttar Pradesh Bahujan Samaj Party leader Rakesh Pandey, can purportedly be seen brandishing a gun in the foyer of the hotel.
"The Delhi Police has initiated action on this incident, which is also being shown in the media. An FIR has been registered under the Arms Act and the Indian Penal Code. Strong and appropriate action will be taken. Also verifying the identity of others," Rijiju tweeted while posting the video on his Twitter handle.
The incident occurred in the early hours of October 13. A complaint about the incident was received by the police Monday from the assistant security manager of Hyatt Regency Hotel in R K Puram, following which a Look Out Circular (LOC) was issued, police said. Further investigation was underway, they said. -- PTI
In a video, which went viral on social media, Ashish Pandey, who is the son of Uttar Pradesh Bahujan Samaj Party leader Rakesh Pandey, can purportedly be seen brandishing a gun in the foyer of the hotel.
"The Delhi Police has initiated action on this incident, which is also being shown in the media. An FIR has been registered under the Arms Act and the Indian Penal Code. Strong and appropriate action will be taken. Also verifying the identity of others," Rijiju tweeted while posting the video on his Twitter handle.
The incident occurred in the early hours of October 13. A complaint about the incident was received by the police Monday from the assistant security manager of Hyatt Regency Hotel in R K Puram, following which a Look Out Circular (LOC) was issued, police said. Further investigation was underway, they said. -- PTI
14:30 #MeToo claims Congress's students union chief
NSUI national president Fairoz Khan has stepped down from his post following charges of sexual harassment, sources in the Congress said on Tuesday.
Congress president Rahul Gandhi has accepted his resignation, the sources told PTI.
Khan, who hails from Jammu and Kashmir, submitted his resignation on Monday. The party had set up a three-member committee to look into the issue after a woman levelled charges of sexual harassment against the chief of its youth wing.
The Congress worker from Chhattisgarh also lodged a complaint against him in the Parliament Street police station, saying that she feared for her life.
14:24 Cops at house of BSP leader's son to arrest him for brandishing gun
Lucknow police arrives at the residence of Ashish Pandey, son of former Bahujan Samaj Party MP Rakesh Pandey, who was seen brandishing a gun outside a five-star hotel in Delhi on October 14.
A video of the incident went viral on social media, police said on Tuesday.
A complaint about the incident was received by the police on Monday from the assistant security manager of Hyatt Regency Hotel in RK Puram, they said.
In the video, Ashish Pandey, who is the son of BSP leader Rakesh Pandey, can purportedly be seen brandishing a gun in the foyer of the hotel, a senior police officer said.
A case was registered against Ashish under the Arms Act. -- ANI, PTI
14:16 How governments ad spend has changed
Prateek Sibal's analysis, in Cobra Post, of government ad spend in the past one decade, since 2009 to be precise, has thrown up some interesting facts, like:
Newspapers earn 75 percent of their revenue from government ads. Government ad spend has seen a spurt in recent years, resulting in newspapers earning more.
Political ownership matters. Newspapers which are owned by individuals or organizations close to governments of the day are the ones which benefit most from government advertising.
There is high fluctuation in government ad spend share, suggesting attempts to subvert press freedom by hurting newspaper revenues.
RSS mouthpieces like Panchjanya and Organizer have witnessed a phenomenal rise in their ad spend share.
More than 50 percent Urdu newspapers have seen their ad spend share reduce by almost 50 percent over the past 3 years, suggesting discrimination along communal lines.
You can read the article here.
14:06 Kerala CM warns Sabarimala protestors ahead of temple reopening
Sending a stern message to the people protesting against the Supreme Court's ruling on Sabarimala temple, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Tuesday said that his government would not allow anyone to take the law and order into their hands.
The chief minister also assured all sort of facilities to the devotees visiting the shrine of Lord Ayyappa.
The temple is set to reopen tomorrow, however, contrary to the age old tradition, this time women of ages will be allowed to enter the holy shrine, as per the recent order by the apex court.
"We will not allow anyone to take law and order into their hands. The government will ensure facilities to devotees who will visit Sabarimala Temple to offer prayers," Vijayan said while addressing the media in Trivandrum.
He also reiterated that the state government does plan to challenge the verdict and will ensure implementation of the Supreme Court.
On September 28, a five-judge bench of the top court headed by Chief Justice Dipak Misra, allowed women of all ages to enter the Sabarimala temple saying that 'no physiological and biological factor can be given legitimacy if it doesn't pass the test of conditionality'.
Although many, including the Kerala government, have welcomed the decision, a section of followers have been staging protests across the country opposing the ruling. -- ANI
13:51 Civic polls: Only 1.8% voting in first 4 hours in Kashmir
Continuing the trend of low voter turnout, only 1.8 per cent of electorate cast their votes in the first four hours of polling in Kashmir during the fourth and final phase of urban bodies elections on Tuesday, officials said.
In Srinagar Municipal Corporation, only 3,997 of the 2.42 lakh voters cast their votes in 24 wards so far, the officials said.
They said the turnout was better in Ganderbal where 6.2 per cent of the 8,908 voters exercised their franchise during the same period.
Polling began at 6 am amidst stringent security arrangements at 308 polling stations in the twin districts of Srinagar and Ganderbal. It would end at 4 pm.
Eight municipal bodies across six districts in Kashmir valley were scheduled to go to polls in this phase of the elections.
However, out of the eight, there was a contest only only in two bodies.
In the rest -- Pattan in Baramulla district of north Kashmir, Pampore, Pulwama and Khrew in Pulwama district in south, Shopian Municipal Committee in Shopian district in south and Dooru Verinag in Anantnag district also in south Kashmir -- the candidates either won unopposed or no nominations were submitted.
The officials said 151 candidates were in the fray for 36 wards of two urban local bodies for the fourth phase.
They said 12 wards were going to polls in Municipal Committee Ganderbal with a total electorate 8,491 voters where 38 candidates were in the fray and voting will take place at 12 polling stations.
For 24 wards of Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) with a total electorate of 24,1043, 113 candidates are in the fray and 295 polling stations have been established for the purpose, the officials said.
However, re-polling is also taking place at polling station number nine -- Bachidarwaza of Makhdoom Sahab (ward number 41) -- where five candidates are in the fray with a total electorate of 1260.
The officials said massive security arrangements have been put in place for the smooth conduct of the polls.Municipal elections, covering 79 municipal bodies with an electorate of about 17 lakh, are being held in four phases.
A total of 3,372 nominations were filed for 1,145 wards. -- PTI
13:38 Allahabad is now Prayagraj -- and it's official
The historic city of Allahabad was Tuesday officially renamed as Prayagraj. The decision was taken by the Uttar Pradesh cabinet presided over by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.
Briefing reporters after the meeting, senior Cabinet minister Siddhartha Nath Singh said, "The renaming of Allahabad as Prayagraj before Kumbh came for approval in the meeting and I am happy to say Allahabad will now be known as Prayagraj."
"Rig Veda, Mahabharat and Ramayana also mention Prayagraj (for Allahabad)," he noted. "The people of entire Allahabad, the sages and seers wanted that Allahabad should be known as Prayagraj. Two days back, when the chief minister had chaired a meeting pertaining to Kumbh there, he had himself mooted that Allahabad should be called Prayagraj. All the sages and seers had given their unanimous approval for the same," he added.
On a trip to Allahabad on Saturday last, the chief minister had said there was a proposal to rename the city ahead of the 2019 Kumbh Mela.
12:53 Saudis likely to admit journalist Khashoggi died during interrogation: Report
Saudi Arabia is preparing a report in which it is likely to admit that dissident journalist Jamal Khashoggi, missing since October 2, died during an interrogation at its consulate in Istanbul, according to a media report.
Khashoggi, 60, is feared to have been killed inside the Saudi consulate in Istanbul.
The incident has resulted in a global outrage, more so in the US as he lived here as a legal permanent resident and worked for 'The Washington Post'. Khashoggi, a US resident, vanished on October 2 after entering the Saudi consulate in Istanbul.
Turkish authorities suspect he was abducted and murdered by the Saudis. But Riyadh insists that the journalist, a known critic of Saudi King Salman, had left the building and that murder claims are "baseless".
US lawmakers have been demanding scrapping of the USD 110 billion mega defence deal with Riyadh, whereas heads of several companies, CEOs, newspapers have announced not to attend an upcoming finance conference in Saudi Arabia.
President Donald Trump on Monday talked to the Saudi King, during which the latter flatly denied having any knowledge of the missing journalist.
Officially Saudi Arabia has insisted that the journalist left its consulate, but so far has not been able to give any proof of it. Trump, who has warned Saudi Arabia of severe consequences, has dispatched his Secretary of State Mike Pompeo for talks with the Saudi leader.
Amidst global outrage, CNN on Monday reported that the Saudis were preparing a report that will acknowledge that Khashoggi's death was the result of an interrogation that went wrong. The interrogation was intended to lead to his abduction from Turkey, the news channel said citing two unnamed sources. -- PTI
Khashoggi, 60, is feared to have been killed inside the Saudi consulate in Istanbul.
The incident has resulted in a global outrage, more so in the US as he lived here as a legal permanent resident and worked for 'The Washington Post'. Khashoggi, a US resident, vanished on October 2 after entering the Saudi consulate in Istanbul.
Turkish authorities suspect he was abducted and murdered by the Saudis. But Riyadh insists that the journalist, a known critic of Saudi King Salman, had left the building and that murder claims are "baseless".
US lawmakers have been demanding scrapping of the USD 110 billion mega defence deal with Riyadh, whereas heads of several companies, CEOs, newspapers have announced not to attend an upcoming finance conference in Saudi Arabia.
President Donald Trump on Monday talked to the Saudi King, during which the latter flatly denied having any knowledge of the missing journalist.
Officially Saudi Arabia has insisted that the journalist left its consulate, but so far has not been able to give any proof of it. Trump, who has warned Saudi Arabia of severe consequences, has dispatched his Secretary of State Mike Pompeo for talks with the Saudi leader.
Amidst global outrage, CNN on Monday reported that the Saudis were preparing a report that will acknowledge that Khashoggi's death was the result of an interrogation that went wrong. The interrogation was intended to lead to his abduction from Turkey, the news channel said citing two unnamed sources. -- PTI
12:49 Nitish appoints poll strategist Prashant Kishor as JD-U VP
JD(U) chief Nitish Kumar appoints election strategist Prashant Kishor as the party's vice president, says party spokesperson KC Tyagi.
Kishor joined the JDU, which Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar heads, in Patna, last month. Kishor has dropped enough hints about the beginning of his new political inning from Bihar. "Excited to start my new journey from Bihar,' he had tweeted last month.
Kishor may be given the task of negotiating with the BJP for a seat sharing arrangement.
Kishor joined the JDU, which Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar heads, in Patna, last month. Kishor has dropped enough hints about the beginning of his new political inning from Bihar. "Excited to start my new journey from Bihar,' he had tweeted last month.
Kishor may be given the task of negotiating with the BJP for a seat sharing arrangement.
12:46 Godman Rampal gets life sentence for murder
Self-styled godman Rampal has been sentenced to life imprisonment in connection with two murder cases. Rampal and his followers were held guilty last Thursday for six murders and the wrongful confinement of the followers.
Rampal and his followers are facing two murder cases.The first case was reported on November 18, 2014, when a female follower was found dead under mysterious circumstances in Rampal's Satlok Ashram.
On the next day, November 19, four women and a child were found dead after Rampal's followers clashed with police.
Rampal and 28 of his followers were booked on charges of murder and wrongful confinement. Punjab and Haryana High Court had directed the Haryana Police to arrest Rampal after he repeatedly failed to appear in the court in 2014.
Rampal and his followers are facing two murder cases.The first case was reported on November 18, 2014, when a female follower was found dead under mysterious circumstances in Rampal's Satlok Ashram.
On the next day, November 19, four women and a child were found dead after Rampal's followers clashed with police.
Rampal and 28 of his followers were booked on charges of murder and wrongful confinement. Punjab and Haryana High Court had directed the Haryana Police to arrest Rampal after he repeatedly failed to appear in the court in 2014.
12:33 #MeToo: Yash Raj Films fires talent head
Yash Raj Film Tuesday fired its creative and business head of Y-Films, Ashish Patil, in the wake of the sexual harassment allegations against him. In a brief statement, posted on its official Twitter handle, the studio said it has terminated Patil's services with immediate effect.
"Yash Raj Films terminates the services of Mr Ashish Patil: Vice President Brand Partnerships and Talent Management & Business and Creative Head Y-Films, with immediate effect," it said.
Patil has been accused of sexual harassment and exploitation by an anonymous woman whose account was shared by activist Japleen Pasricha. After the allegations surfaced, the production house had ordered an inquiry into the matter and referred it to their Internal Complaints Committee.\
-- PTI
"Yash Raj Films terminates the services of Mr Ashish Patil: Vice President Brand Partnerships and Talent Management & Business and Creative Head Y-Films, with immediate effect," it said.
Patil has been accused of sexual harassment and exploitation by an anonymous woman whose account was shared by activist Japleen Pasricha. After the allegations surfaced, the production house had ordered an inquiry into the matter and referred it to their Internal Complaints Committee.\
-- PTI
12:25
Allahabad to be called Prayagraj from today: Uttar Pradesh Minister Siddharth Nath Singh in Lucknow
12:24 Indira Jaising on Akbar's lawyer
Supreme Court advocate Indira Jaising on firm M/s Karanjawala & Co appointed by union minister MJ Akbar to represent him in the defamation case.
Jaising tweets: "So well said, after all Rayan Karanjawala is Lawyer cum Minister Arun Jaitely's protge, his ticket to Delhi legal practice after he moved from Mumbai. Or shall we simply say, they are best friends."
Jaising tweets: "So well said, after all Rayan Karanjawala is Lawyer cum Minister Arun Jaitely's protge, his ticket to Delhi legal practice after he moved from Mumbai. Or shall we simply say, they are best friends."
12:16 Three killed as bus falls into canal
At least three passengers were killed and 22 others injured Tuesday when a bus fell into a canal from a bridge at Haripal in Hooghly district, the police said. The Kolkata-bound bus hit the cement railings of a bridge, broke it and fell into the Dakatia khal near Gojarmore at around 9 am, killing three passengers on the spot, SP Sukesh Jain told PTI.
At least 22 passengers were injured and condition of two persons was critical, he said, adding that all of them were taken to the Haripal hospital. Rescue operations are on. A team of state disaster management department has been sent to the spot, he said.
At least 22 passengers were injured and condition of two persons was critical, he said, adding that all of them were taken to the Haripal hospital. Rescue operations are on. A team of state disaster management department has been sent to the spot, he said.
12:04 Trump mocked over White House painting
United States President Donald Trump's 60 Minutes interview with Leslie Stahl that aired on Sunday night gave a glimpse of a painting that left everyone baffled and amused at the same time.
In the painting, hanging in the White House, Trump can be seen grinning at a table with other former Republican presidents including Abraham Lincoln, Teddy Roosevelt, Ronald Reagan, Gerald Ford, Dwight Eisenhower, Richard Nixon, Calvin Coolidge, both Bushes, and Warren G. Harding.
The room, where the artwork titled 'The Republican Club' was spotted, features a large pile of official-looking documents, a remote, a telephone and a large glass jar of Starburst.
The portrait that was also spotted in an image tweeted by 60 Minutes before their report featuring the interview shows the US President donning a stark white shirt and Republican red tie.
All of the presidents who can be seen at the table, served for two terms, except Franklin D. Roosevelt, who was elected once but served two full terms after William McKinley's assassination, reported CNN.
As it is claimed by Trump that he doesn't drink and never has, a Coke can be seen in front of him in the portrait while others were spotted having wine, iced tea or scotch.Soon
after the interview aired, the freeze frame instantly went viral on social media with users ridiculing the US President. -- ANI
In the painting, hanging in the White House, Trump can be seen grinning at a table with other former Republican presidents including Abraham Lincoln, Teddy Roosevelt, Ronald Reagan, Gerald Ford, Dwight Eisenhower, Richard Nixon, Calvin Coolidge, both Bushes, and Warren G. Harding.
The room, where the artwork titled 'The Republican Club' was spotted, features a large pile of official-looking documents, a remote, a telephone and a large glass jar of Starburst.
The portrait that was also spotted in an image tweeted by 60 Minutes before their report featuring the interview shows the US President donning a stark white shirt and Republican red tie.
All of the presidents who can be seen at the table, served for two terms, except Franklin D. Roosevelt, who was elected once but served two full terms after William McKinley's assassination, reported CNN.
As it is claimed by Trump that he doesn't drink and never has, a Coke can be seen in front of him in the portrait while others were spotted having wine, iced tea or scotch.Soon
after the interview aired, the freeze frame instantly went viral on social media with users ridiculing the US President. -- ANI
11:47 Son of former BSP MP held for brandishing gun at hotel
Man seen brandishing a gun outside a 5-star hotel in a viral video, has been identified as Ashish Pandey, son of former BSP MP Rakesh Pandey. The incident took place on Saturday at a hotel in Delhi when Ashish allegedly got into a fight with a couple over a parking spot.
In the video, Ashish, who is in a black T-shirt and pink trousers, can be seen arguing with the couple and whipping out his pistol. Ashish can be heard using abusive language and threatening the couple even as the hotel security tries to take control of the situation.
A woman, seen with Ashish in the video, was also arguing with couple. The incident was recorded by another woman who was with Ashish Pandey.
An FIR has been filed on the complaint of the security staff of the hotel, the police said. A case under the Arms Act has been registered,' said a senior police officer.
Pic courtesy: Twitter.
In the video, Ashish, who is in a black T-shirt and pink trousers, can be seen arguing with the couple and whipping out his pistol. Ashish can be heard using abusive language and threatening the couple even as the hotel security tries to take control of the situation.
A woman, seen with Ashish in the video, was also arguing with couple. The incident was recorded by another woman who was with Ashish Pandey.
An FIR has been filed on the complaint of the security staff of the hotel, the police said. A case under the Arms Act has been registered,' said a senior police officer.
Pic courtesy: Twitter.
11:14 MJ Akbar vs Priya Ramani hearing on October 18
Delhi's Patiala House court has listed the matter of Union minister MJ Akbar to 18 October. He had filed a criminal defamation case in the court against journalist Priya Ramani yesterday.
Akbar on Monday filed a private criminal defamation complaint in a court in Delhi against journalist Priya Ramani, who has accused him of sexual misconduct around 20 years ago, alleging she "wilfully" and "maliciously" made imputations against him with the ulterior motive of maligning his reputation and political standing.
The minister of state for external affairs filed the plea in the Patiala House district courts through law firm Karanjawala & Co and the 'vakalatnama' names 97 lawyers, who have been authorised by Akbar to represent him.
Ramani said in a statement that she is ready to fight the defamation allegations. She alleged that "rather than engage with the serious allegations that many women have made against him, he (Akbar) seeks to silence them through intimidation and harassment".
Akbar on Monday filed a private criminal defamation complaint in a court in Delhi against journalist Priya Ramani, who has accused him of sexual misconduct around 20 years ago, alleging she "wilfully" and "maliciously" made imputations against him with the ulterior motive of maligning his reputation and political standing.
The minister of state for external affairs filed the plea in the Patiala House district courts through law firm Karanjawala & Co and the 'vakalatnama' names 97 lawyers, who have been authorised by Akbar to represent him.
Ramani said in a statement that she is ready to fight the defamation allegations. She alleged that "rather than engage with the serious allegations that many women have made against him, he (Akbar) seeks to silence them through intimidation and harassment".
11:05
Kerala: Pilgrims begin arriving in Pampa as Sabarimala Temple is set to open tomorrow.
10:46 RBI approves appointment of Sandeep Bakshi as ICICI Bank MD, CEO
Private sector lender ICICI Bank Tuesday said the RBI has approved Sandeep Bakshi's appointment as Managing Director and CEO of the bank for three years. After the resignation of Chanda Kochhar, who was facing an inquiry, earlier this month, the bank's board had elevated Chief Operating Officer Bakshi as the new managing director and CEO for five years until October 3, 2023, subject to regulatory and other approvals.
"We wish to inform you that RBI vide its letter no DBR Appt. No. 3065 /08.88.001/2018-19 dated October 15, 2018 has approved the appointment of Sandeep Bakhshi as Managing Director and CEO of the Bank for a period of three years with effect from October 15, 2018," ICICI Bank said in a BSE filing.
The private sector lender said Bakshi had joined the group in 1986. He was appointed as the MD and CEO of ICICI Prudential Life Insurance Company on August 1, 2010 where under his leadership the company redesigned various products, re-engineered the distribution architecture and made significant improvement in productivity. He successfully led the listing of the company. -- PTI
"We wish to inform you that RBI vide its letter no DBR Appt. No. 3065 /08.88.001/2018-19 dated October 15, 2018 has approved the appointment of Sandeep Bakhshi as Managing Director and CEO of the Bank for a period of three years with effect from October 15, 2018," ICICI Bank said in a BSE filing.
The private sector lender said Bakshi had joined the group in 1986. He was appointed as the MD and CEO of ICICI Prudential Life Insurance Company on August 1, 2010 where under his leadership the company redesigned various products, re-engineered the distribution architecture and made significant improvement in productivity. He successfully led the listing of the company. -- PTI
10:36 Winter session of Parliament set to be postponed due to state polls
The winter session of Parliament could be scheduled for December, after the end of five state elections, people familiar with the matter said on Monday, reports the Hindustan Times. This will be the second year in a row when the winter session starts in December.
Last year, the session, which usually starts in November every year, began in December on account of elections in Gujarat.The Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs is expected to meet next week to take a call on the issue, said one of the people, a Parliament functionary who asked not to be named, adding that there is a precedence to defer the session to avoid an overlap with the elections.
The office of the minister of parliament affairs declined to comment on the issue.Polling will take place in Madhya Pradesh and Mizoram on November 28, in Chhattisgarh on November 12 and 20, and in Telangana and Rajasthan on December 7; counting for all five states will be on December 11.
Last year, the session, which usually starts in November every year, began in December on account of elections in Gujarat.The Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs is expected to meet next week to take a call on the issue, said one of the people, a Parliament functionary who asked not to be named, adding that there is a precedence to defer the session to avoid an overlap with the elections.
The office of the minister of parliament affairs declined to comment on the issue.Polling will take place in Madhya Pradesh and Mizoram on November 28, in Chhattisgarh on November 12 and 20, and in Telangana and Rajasthan on December 7; counting for all five states will be on December 11.
10:27 Sterlite protests' death toll climbs to 14
Justine, who was injured in a lathi-charge by police during the anti-Sterlite protests in Thoothukudi on 22nd May, passed away last night after being in coma for five months. The total death toll in the anti-Sterlite protest till now is 14. The CBI's Special Crime Branch began its investigation into the protests against Sterlite Copper's smelter in Thoothukudi and the police firing on May 22 in which 13 people agitating against the plant's expansion were killed.
10:22 WB govt extends food security to 8.5 cr people: Mamata
The West Bengal government has ensured food security to more than 8.5 crore people of the state under the 'Khadya Sathi' scheme, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said Tuesday. Special assistance is also being given to the people of Jangalmahal and Hill areas besides Aila-affected areas and farmers of Singur, tea garden workers as well as the Toto tribe, she said on the World Food Day. -- PTI
10:20 India's export declines by 2.15%, trade deficit hits 5-month low
India's export figures for the month of September witnessed negative growth of 2.15 per cent compared to the corresponding month last year, clocking figures of USD 27.95 billion.While petroleum products witnessed maximum positive growth (26.76 per cent), least growth was recorded in the 'cotton yarn/handlooms' category (3.56 per cent), as per data published by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.Cumulative value of exports for the period April-September 2018-19 was USD 164.04 billion as against USD 145.75 billion during the period April-September 2017-18, registering a positive growth of 12.54 per cent.Imports, on the other hand, were USD 41.93 billion in September 2018, which was 10.45 per cent higher than that of last year (USD 37.96 billion). -- ANI
10:09 Sensex reclaims 35K mark
The benchmark BSE Sensex gained almost 219 points to reclaim the 35,000-mark in early trade Tuesday as investors widened their positions ahead of quarterly earnings from some bluechip companies amid positive Asian cues.
Moreover, continuous buying by domestic financial institutions also supported the trading sentiment. Rising for the third straight session, the 30-share index gathered 218.81 points, or 0.63 per cent, to 35,083.91 with all the sectoral indices led by auto, realty, consumer durables and capital goods trading higher by up to 1.15 per cent.
The gauge had rallied 864 points in the previous two sessions. The NSE index Nifty too climbed 60.70 points, or 0.58 per cent, to trade at 10,573.20.
Brokers said increased buying by investors ahead of quarterly earnings from Infosys and a few other bluechip companies later in the day and a firming trend at other Asian bourses after a week of heavy losses, buoyed trading sentiment.
Major gainers were Asian Paint, IndusInd Bank, Adani Ports, M&M, HUL, ICICI Bank, Yes Bank, Maruti Suzuki, SBI, Tata Motors, ONGC, Vedanta Ltd, HDFC Ltd, Tata Steel, Bharti Airtel, Hero MotoCorp, Infosys and Bajaj Auto, rising by up to 2.80 per cent.
Domestic institutional investors bought shares worth Rs 294.78 crore, while foreign institutional investors made purchases worth Rs 67.86 crore on Monday, as per provisional data issued by the stock exchanges. -- PTI
Moreover, continuous buying by domestic financial institutions also supported the trading sentiment. Rising for the third straight session, the 30-share index gathered 218.81 points, or 0.63 per cent, to 35,083.91 with all the sectoral indices led by auto, realty, consumer durables and capital goods trading higher by up to 1.15 per cent.
The gauge had rallied 864 points in the previous two sessions. The NSE index Nifty too climbed 60.70 points, or 0.58 per cent, to trade at 10,573.20.
Brokers said increased buying by investors ahead of quarterly earnings from Infosys and a few other bluechip companies later in the day and a firming trend at other Asian bourses after a week of heavy losses, buoyed trading sentiment.
Major gainers were Asian Paint, IndusInd Bank, Adani Ports, M&M, HUL, ICICI Bank, Yes Bank, Maruti Suzuki, SBI, Tata Motors, ONGC, Vedanta Ltd, HDFC Ltd, Tata Steel, Bharti Airtel, Hero MotoCorp, Infosys and Bajaj Auto, rising by up to 2.80 per cent.
Domestic institutional investors bought shares worth Rs 294.78 crore, while foreign institutional investors made purchases worth Rs 67.86 crore on Monday, as per provisional data issued by the stock exchanges. -- PTI
10:06 Rupee softens 9 paise against US dollar in early trade
The rupee weakened by 9 paise to 73.92 against the US dollar in early trade Tuesday on increased demand for the American currency from banks and importers. At the Interbank Foreign Exchange, the domestic currency opened higher at 73.79 but lost ground and fell to 73.92.
Dealers attributed the rupee's fall to the dollar's strength against some other currencies overseas but fresh inflows by foreign funds and a higher opening in domestic equity markets, capped the losses.
Moreover, weak exports data also dampened sentiments in the forex market. India's exports entered the negative zone after five months, contracting 2.15 per cent in September to USD 27.95 billion, according to commerce ministry data.
The rupee had lost 26 paise to close at 73.83 Monday after crude prices rose amid intensifying geopolitical tensions. The benchmark BSE Sensex Tuesday rose by 89.17 points, or 0.26 per cent to trade at 34,954.27. Meanwhile, foreign portfolio investors bought shares worth Rs 67.86 crore on net basis from stock markets on Monday, according to the BSE data.
-- PTI
Dealers attributed the rupee's fall to the dollar's strength against some other currencies overseas but fresh inflows by foreign funds and a higher opening in domestic equity markets, capped the losses.
Moreover, weak exports data also dampened sentiments in the forex market. India's exports entered the negative zone after five months, contracting 2.15 per cent in September to USD 27.95 billion, according to commerce ministry data.
The rupee had lost 26 paise to close at 73.83 Monday after crude prices rose amid intensifying geopolitical tensions. The benchmark BSE Sensex Tuesday rose by 89.17 points, or 0.26 per cent to trade at 34,954.27. Meanwhile, foreign portfolio investors bought shares worth Rs 67.86 crore on net basis from stock markets on Monday, according to the BSE data.
-- PTI
09:13 My wife faces a union minister, his 97 lawyers
The consequences of sexual harassment have fallen entirely on India's women. The men must step up or step aside, writes Samar Halarnkar, husband of journalist Priya Raman, who was slapped with a criminal defamation case by Union Minister M J Akbar. READ
09:06 J&K civic polls: Voting in final phase begins
The fourth and final phase of the urban local body polls in 36 wards in central Kashmir's Srinagar and Ganderbal districts has begun.
Polling began at 6 am and is slated to end at 4 pm.
In the final phase, the electorate will seal the fate of 150 candidates in Srinagar and Ganderbal districts.
As many as 260 candidates will be contesting for 132 wards.
In the wake of the polls, security has been beefed up at polling stations, while checkpoints have been set up in Srinagar and Ganderbal, where vehicles and commuters are being searched thoroughly to ensure seamless completion of polls.
Among the three polling phases, maximum voter turnout was recorded in the first phase in Jammu and Kashmir (56.7 per cent), while least voter turnout was registered during the third phase (16.4 per cent).
The fight is between the Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party as Jammu and Kashmir's two major parties -- National Conference and the People's Democratic Alliance -- have boycotted the elections over lack of clarity in the Centre's stand on Articles 35A.
Article 35A disallows people from residing in Jammu and Kashmir, buying or owning immovable property in the state, settling permanently, or getting state government jobs.
Counting of votes cast during all four phases will be done on October 20. -- ANI
08:26 Paul Allen, who co-founded Microsoft with Bill Gates, dies
Noted technologist and Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen passed away on Monday.
The 65-year-old, who also founded Vulcan Inc, died due to complications arising out of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, a statement from the company noted.
Soon after the death of the philanthropist, Allen's sister Jody released a statement on behalf of the family, hailing the technologist as a 'remarkable individual on every level'.
'While most knew Paul Allen as a technologist and philanthropist, for us he was a much loved brother and uncle, and an exceptional friend.
'Paul's family and friends were blessed to experience his wit, warmth, his generosity and deep concern.
'For all the demands on his schedule, there was always time for family and friends. At this time of loss and grief for us -- and so many others -- we are profoundly grateful for the care and concern he demonstrated every day,' the statement read.
In another statement, Vulcan Inc and the Paul G Allen network hailed Allen's 'remarkable intellect and passion' to solve some of the world's most difficult problems, with the conviction that creative thinking and new approaches could make profound and lasting impact.
'Today we mourn our boss, mentor and friend whose 65 years were too short - and acknowledge the honor it has been to work alongside someone whose life transformed the world,' it added.
Microsoft's Chief Executive Officer Satya Nadella also mourned the loss of Allen and extended condolences to the latter's family.
'Paul Allen's contributions to our company, our industry and to our community are indispensable.
'As co-founder of Microsoft, in his own quiet and persistent way, he created magical products, experiences and institutions, and in doing so, he changed the world.
'I have learned so much from him -- his inquisitiveness, curiosity and push for high standards is something that will continue to inspire me and all of us at Microsoft.
'Our hearts are with Paul's family and loved ones. Rest in peace,' a statement from Nadella read.
Allen co-founded Microsoft alongside Bill Gates in 1975.
Before his death, he was estimated to be the 46th-richest person in the world, with an estimated net worth of $20.2 billion, including 100 million shares of Microsoft.
The American business magnate also owned two professional sports teams: the Seattle Seahawks of the National Football League and the Portland Trail Blazers of the National Basketball Association, and was part-owner of the Seattle Sounders FC, which joined Major League Soccer in 2009. -- ANI
IMAGE: Brendan McDermid/Reuters
00:12 Akhilesh slams Yogi govt over move to rename Allahabad as 'Prayagraj'
Samajwadi Party supremo Akhilesh Yadav Monday attacked the Yogi Adityanath government's proposed move to rename Allahabad as Prayagraj, stating that the present dispensation wanted to show their work only by "renaming".
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath during his visit to Allahabad on Saturday had announced that there was a proposal to rename the city as Prayagraj ahead of the 2019 Kumbh Mela.
In a Twitter post Monday, Yadav said today's rulers were trying to show that they are working by just changing the name of Allahabad.
"... They have even re-named Ardh Kumbh to Kumbh. This is toying with tradition and belief," the former UP CM tweeted.
However, reacting to Yadav, Energy Minister and government spokesperson Shrikant Sharma claimed that the belief of people were hurt when the city was named Allahabad.
"Some persons are objecting to renaming Allahabad as Prayagraj. The objections are baseless. It is the right of the government to rename any city. If needed, we will rename more cities and roads. The mistakes done earlier will be rectified," he said.
UP Governor Ram Naik had already supported the demands of the saints and the people of the Sangam city, he had said.
"The government will soon send a proposal to the Centre to change the name of the city," the CM had said. -- PTI
Photograph: PTI Photo
TOP STORIES
© 2024 Rediff.com - Investor Information - Advertise with us - Disclaimer - Privacy Policy - Feedback - About us - Terms of use - Grievances