LIVE
Tue, 04 September 2018
Former India pacer R P Singh retires
Timeline Refresh
23:50 After Apple, now Amazon hits $1 trillion in stock market value
America's online shopping giant Amazon, which has a sizeable presence in India, on Tuesday became the second US company to hit USD 1 trillion in stock market value.
Silicon Valley-based Apple was the first US company to do so less than a month ago.
Amazon shares traded at USD 2,050.27 Tuesday afternoon, which pushed the company's market valuation over USD 1 trillion.
The Seattle-based company which started as selling books online is owned by Jeff Bezos, who among other things also owns The Washington Post, a top American daily.
Amazon, in recent years, has emerged as a disruptive force in shopping, attracting millions of customers across the globe - the US and India in particular - to shop online.
Over the past few years, Amazon has emerged as a major FDI investor in India.
This year alone, Amazon stocks have jumped 75 per cent adding USD 435 billion to its market capitalization. This is combined market capitalization of America's top three retail stores - Walmart, Costco and Target.
The Wall Street Journal said investors rewarded Amazon because of it demonstrating better financial discipline in recent quarters. -- PTI
23:44 Former India pacer R P Singh retires
Former India pacer R P Singh on Tuesday announced his retirement from the game.
The 32-year-old Singh, a left arm speedster, took to Twitter to announce his decision.
"13 years ago today, on 4th September 2005 was the first time I donned the Indian jersey. It was the stepping-stone to what would become the most cherished moments of my life," Singh wrote on his Twitter account.
"Today as I hang my boots and call it a day, I wish to remember and give thanks to each and everyone who made this journey possible," he said.
His international career spanned six years and the pacer played 82 matches across all three formats and picked up over 100 wickets.
He was one of the heroes of India's 2007 World T20 triumph and played a major role in India's Test win over Australia at Perth in that year.
"For someone born in a small village, I never thought I would be able to say this I have lived my dream. And for that I have nobody else to thank but you. My fans. For believing in me. for criticizing me and for hailing me but mainly for just being there for me. Thank you!," Singh signed off. -- PTI
23:13 Blame game begins over Kolkata bridge collapse
Opposition parties in West Bengal Tuesday alleged that the Trinamool Congress-led government's "callousness towards the repair of old bridges" was the main reason behind the collapse of a portion of the Majerhat bridge.
Governor K N Tripathi, who visited the site, described it as "a big disaster".
"I have come to see the rescue work. It is a big disaster. I heard that maintenance of the bridge is entrusted with the PWD and the railways. The matter required to be enquired," he told reporters.
The over 50-year-old bridge in south Kolkata caved in around 4.45 pm during rush hour claiming one life, trapping several people and crushing many vehicles.
"It is really unfortunate that the bridge has collapsed. But the fact is the state government is solely responsible for the bridge collapse. The issue of repair of the old bridges is not at all in the agenda of TMC government," senior BJP leader Mukul Roy said.
State Congress president Adhir Chowdhury demanded an "answer" from West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and Public Works Department Minister Firhad Hakim.
"Earlier in 2016, we had witnessed a bridge collapse (at Burrabazar). This incident proves that the state government is yet to learn its lessons. The state government should give an answer," Chowdhury said.
Reacting to the allegations, Hakim said this is not the appropriate time to indulge in "politics over the incident".
The chief minister who is on a visit to Darjeeling now has ordered a probe to be conducted by Chief Secretary Malay Dey.
Banerjee also announced a compensation of Rs 5 lakh to the family of the deceased and Rs 50,000 each to the injured. -- PTI
22:50 Modi govt is a 2-person regime: Yashwant Sinha
Former Union minister Yashwant Sinha said Tuesday that unlike in the Vajpayee era, the Narendra Modi-led National Democratic Alliance government is a "two-person" affair.
Sinha, who handled finance and external affairs portfolios in the Atal Bihari Vajpayee cabinet, was speaking to the media after meeting Patidar leader Hardik Patel in Ahmedabad.
"The biggest difference is there was a team during my time. A team worked together. Today, there is no such team," Sinha said, when asked about the work culture of the Vajpayee government and that of the Modi-led dispensation.
"If at all there is a team, it consists of only two persons," Sinha said, in an apparent reference to Modi and BJP president Amit Shah.
The 79-year-old leader, who recently resigned as the member of the BJP, has often lambasted the Modi government in the recent years.
Commenting on soaring fuel prices, Sinha alleged that the Centre was least concerned about people.
"In the past, the burden of hike in crude prices was distributed among oil companies, government and common people. Now the entire burden has been put on people," he said.
Disgruntled BJP MP Shatrughan Sinha, who accompanied the senior leader as they met Hardik, also took potshots at Modi.
Asked if Modi's "development model" could fail to charm people in 2019 elections, the actor-turned-politician said, "That model has already failed. There is no time left now. They (the Modi-led government) will not get any bonus time."
Earlier, Yashwant Sinha extended support to Hardik, who has been on a hunger strike for farm loan waiver and reservations in jobs and education for the Patidar community since August 25. -- PTI
22:02 Congress boycotts Lokpal selection panel meet again
The Congress Tuesday boycotted the Lokpal Selection Committee meeting for a fifth time this year, asserting that it would continue to do so until the leader of the single largest opposition party is given the status of a full-fledged member in the panel.
The leader of Congress in Lok Sabha, Mallikarjun Kharge, wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, conveying his decision on today's meeting of the panel.
The selection committee will set up a search panel for recommending names for the appointment of the anti-graft ombudsman, the Lokpal, and its members.
"The government continues to invite me as a special invitee to the Selection Committee meeting despite being aware of the fact that there is no provision under section 4 of the Lokpal Act, 2013. Accepting this invitation to attend as a 'Special Invitee' without rights of participation, recording of opinion and voting in the procedure would be violative of both the letter and spirit of the Lokpal Act.
"I am therefore, forced, once again to respectfully decline the invitation to attend the meeting of the Selection Committee until the leader of single largest opposition party is conferred the status of a full-fledged member as envisioned in the Lokpal Act, 2013," Kharge said in his letter to the prime minister.
The Congress leader said he is also aware that the government is using this opportunity to spread a "canard" that the opposition is "not cooperating" in implementing the Lokpal Act despite the fact that the government itself maintains that he was not a member of the selection committee.
"The very fact that the government was forced to act by the Supreme Court indicated the lack of seriousness and sincerity of the government in implementing the Lokpal Act," he alleged.
"I am at a loss to understand what apprehensions the government has in including the opposition as a part of the Selection Committee only when it comes to the appointment of the Lokpal. Your good self is aware that the leader of the single largest party in the opposition is a member of the committees that selects that CVC and CBI Director," he said in his letter. -- PTI
21:38 Bhujbal can travel in state without seeking permission: HC
The Bombay high court today allowed former Maharashtra deputy chief minister Chhagan Bhujbal, who is out on bail in a money laundering case, to travel in the state without seeking court's permission.
Justice P D Naik said the NCP leader, however, must inform the Enforcement Directorate in advance if he planned to travel outside Maharashtra, and provide the address and contact number where he can be reached.
On May 4, the high court granted bail to Bhujbal, more than two years after he was arrested by the ED.
It imposed certain conditions, such as that he must take the trial court's permission if he wished to go out of Mumbai.
Bhujbal had filed an application in the high court seeking that the restrictions on travel be lifted.
He is a member of the Legislative Assembly and needs to visit his constituency in Nashik district frequently and also to Delhi for political meetings, he said.
Obtaining the court's permission every time caused him "undue harassment," Bhujbal said.
ED lawyer Hiten Venegaonkar opposed the application, saying that Bhujbal owns several properties across the state and can tamper with evidence if permitted to travel without any restrictions.
The high court, however, noted that it was apparent that Bhujbal would need to travel to his constituency and for political meetings, among other things.
Bhujbal was arrested in March 2016 after an ACB probe concluded that he, as PWD minister in then Congress-NCP government, awarded contracts for the construction of Maharashtra Sadan in New Delhi and for some other works to a private firm in return for kickbacks.
The ED booked him and his nephew, former MP Sameer Bhujbal under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act for allegedly channelling the ill-gotten money to shell firms. -- PTI
21:37 1st flight from Navi Mumbai airport likely in 3 years: Civil aviation secy
The first flight from the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport could start operating by September 2021, Civil Aviation Secretary R N Choubey said Tuesday.
Choubey, who reviewed the progress of the greenfield project at a high-level meeting in Mumbai recently, said both the state government and the concessionaire are hopeful of starting flight operations in three years.
"The state government and the concessionaire are optimistic that they will be in a position to start the first flight possibly in three years time from now," Choubey told reporters in New Delhi.
"We are trying to, off course, even compress it even further to see the first flight earlier because not all facilities need to be build to initiate the flights. But that's probably the timeline and it's going at very good speed," he added.
He said there has been "good cooperation" between the concessionaire, the project-affected persons and the state government in executing the airport project.
The project is being carried out under the public-private-partnership model and Cidco has been mandated to execute the project. GVK group is developing the project.
The group through its subsidiary, Mumbai International Airport, holds 74 per cent stake in Navi Mumbai International Airport, while Cidco holds 26 per cent.
In February this year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone for the airport, which will give a breather to single-runway and slot-constrained Chattrapati Shivaji International airport in Mumbai. -- PTI
20:47 Train services on Majerhat ROB temporarily suspended
Train movement was temporarily suspended on the Majerhat road over bridge in Kolkata after a portion of it collapsed in the adjacent areas of circular railway line Tuesday.
The railway ministry, however, said the maintenance of the collapsed portion of the bridge was not under railway jurisdiction.
The 40-year-old bridge in the crowded Alipore area caved in around 4.45 pm during rush hour over rail tracks. It runs over the Majerhat Railway Station and connects the city centre to Behala and other southern suburbs.
Maintaining that the suspension was a "precautionary measure", railways said the collapse has not resulted in any injury to any rail passenger or employee.
The 30711 Baygunge-Duttapukur local via circular railway has been stopped between New Alipore and Majerhat. However, train services on Budge-Budge Ballygunge section may be restored after ensuring the safety in train running, the ministry said.
It also said that no railway construction work was being carried out in the area.
One person was killed and several others injured in the incident. -- PTI
20:46 'Will kidnap the girl you like': Maha BJP MLA tells youngsters
A Maharashtra Bharatiya Janata Party MLA has told youngsters that he would "kidnap" the girl a boy likes even if she says no to the proposal, a controversial remark that drew sharp reactions from ally Shiv Sena and opposition parties.
Ram Kadam made the comments at a 'dahi handi' event in his suburban Ghatkopar assembly constituency in Mumbai Monday night.
"You (youngsters) can meet me for any work," he is heard in a video clip as telling the crowd, mainly comprising the youth.
Kadam went further, saying he has received requests from youngsters to help them after girls rejected their proposal.
"I will help, 100 per cent. Come (to me) with your parents. What will I do if parents approve? I will kidnap the girl concerned and hand her over to you (for marriage)," he is heard telling the crowd in Marathi. Kadam is also heard sharing his mobile number with the crowd.
When asked about the video clip, Kadam said his comments were distorted.
Shiv Sena sought Kadam's apology and asked Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who is also the state's home minister, what action would be taken against the MLA for making a statement that "threatens safety of girls".
The Congress called for Kadam's arrest, while the NCP said his comment brought to the fore "Ravana-like" face of the ruling party.
Sena leader Aaditya Thackeray said the MLA offering to marry off girls "against their will" meant the lawmaker believed that "marriage is like forming government".
"Ashamed and disgraced that he sits in the legislative assembly of Maharashtra- a land of culture & women liberty," he tweeted.
"Not just an outright apology from him, but I'd want to know from the Home Minister of Maharashtra what action will be taken for openly making such statements that threaten the safety of girls and offering safety to those wanting to kidnap them," he added. -- PTI
20:23 'Deeply unfortunate': PM Modi on Kolkata bridge collapse
Prime Minister Narendra Modi Tuesday termed as "deeply unfortunate" the collapse of a part of a south Kolkata bridge and hoped for the speedy recovery of the injured.
A portion of the arterial Majerhat bridge collapsed this evening, claiming one life, trapping several people and crushing many vehicles, police said.
"The collapse of a part of a bridge in Kolkata is deeply unfortunate. My thoughts are with the families of the victims. I pray that those who are injured recover at the earliest," the prime minister tweeted.
The 40-year-old bridge in the crowded Alipore area caved in around 4.45 pm during rush hour over rail tracks. It runs over the Majerhat Railway Station and connects the city centre to Behala and other southern suburbs.
19:12 Kolkata bridge collapse sends traffic haywire, train services hit
Transport services connecting the vast areas in the south-western part of the city and South 24Parganas district were severely affected owing to collapse of a portion of a road over bridge at Majherhat on the arterial Diamond Harbour Road on Tuesday.
A Kolkata Traffic Police officer said traffic movement through Diamond Harbour Road in Taratala area hasbeen suspended following the incident.
Traffic from various parts of South 24 Parganas and Behala area in the city were being diverted from Diamond Parkarea, the officer said.
Movement of traffic towards south-west Kolkata and South 24 Parganas were being diverted from Kidderpore and through Port area and Circular Garden Reach Road, he said.
Train services in Circular Railway and Sealdah-Budge Budge line have been suspended as precautionary measure following the collapse of a portion of the bridge at 4.45 pm,Eastern Railway spokesman R N Mahapatra said.
The collapse of a portion of the bridge over railway tracks occurred in the adjacent areas of Circular Railway line at Majherhat, leading to a signal post on the track being damaged by the debris, Mahapatra said.
Train movement through Majherhat had been suspended temporarily as a precautionary measure, he said.
Train services on Budge Budge Sealdah line may be restored after ensuring the safety in train running, he said.
Thousands of people travelling in the peak evening hours were inconvenienced owing to the incident. -- PTI
19:08 BJP unhappy with Bengal unit for failing to 'capitalise' Purulia killings
The Bharatiya Janata Party central leadership is 'unhappy' with its Bengal unit over its 'failure to capitalise' on the killing of two party workers in Purulia after rural polls in the state, a senior state party leader said on Tuesday.
BJP national general secretary and in-charge of the state Kailash Vijayvergiya expressed his dissatisfaction during an internal review meeting of the party over the failure of the state leaders to 'grab the issue of the killing of party workers' in West Bengal, he said on the condition of anonymity.
"Kailash ji has asked us to launch a fresh movement across the state over the violence and attack on BJP workers in the state," he said.
During the meeting with the state leaders, Vijayvergiya criticised them over their failure to launch a continuous movement and an agitation on the issue of killing of party workers in Purulia after the state rural polls.
"He (Vijayvergiya) said instead of being on the streets on this issue, the state unit was satisfied with just holding a few meetings and rallies. He also asked the leaders the reason why the state unit had failed to launch a mass movement on the issue," a senior BJP leader told PTI on the condition of anonymity.
Two BJP activists were found hanging in Purulia district on May 31 and June 2 and the central BJP unit had held a nationwide agitation.
BJP national president Amit Shah had also held a rally in Purulia to protest against the killing and had calling for defeating the ruling Trinamool Congress government in the state.
The alleged killings had created a political controversy as the BJP had performed well against the TMC in Balarampur area of Purulia in the last panchayat poll. -- PTI
19:04 PTI's Arif Alvi elected new Paksitan President
Dr Arif Alvi, one of the founding members of Prime Minister Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party, was elected as the new President of Pakistan on Tuesday, according to media reports.
Alvi defeated Pakistan Peoples Party candidate Aitzaz Ahsan and the Pakistan Muslim League-N nominee Maulana Fazl ur Rehman in a three-way contest to become the 13th president.
Of the 430 votes cast in the National Assembly and Senate, Alvi received 212 votes, Rehman bagged 131 and Ahsan garnered 81; six votes were rejected, DawnNews reported, citing unofficial results.
Alvi secured 45 of the 60 votes cast by the Balochistan's newly elected lawmakers, it said.
In the PPP-dominated Sindh Assembly, Ahsan got 100 votes, while Alvi bagged 56. Just a solitary vote was cast in the favour of Rehman.
In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly, Alvi received 78 of the total 109 votes, while Rehman and Ahsan got 26 and five votes respectively.
In Pakistan, the President is considered as a symbol of the federation and head of the state and exercises all powers on the recommendations of the prime minister.
Outgoing President Mamnoon Hussain's tenure ends on September 8.
A dentist by profession, 69-year-old Alvi is one of the founding members of PTI. He served as the party's secretary general from 2006 to 2013.
He won the National Assembly elections from NA-247 (Karachi) during the July 25 polls.
He was also elected member of the National Assembly in the 2013 general election. -- PTI
18:48 Rupee to stabilise on its own, fall due to external factors: Centre
With the rupee hitting a fresh low, the government Tuesday said the currency will stabilise on its own as there are no domestic factors contributing to this depreciation.
The rupee hit a life low of Rs 71.57 to a US dollar earlier on Tuesday, making imports costlier and putting price pressures.
"Rupee has depreciated primarily on trade war fears and rise in global crude oil prices. The government does not have control over these...so there is only so much we can do," a top official in the finance minister, who wished not to be identified, said.
The currency, he said, 'will stabilise on its own as there are no domestic factors that contribute to this depreciation'.
However, this could widen the current account deficit as India would have to pay higher for its oil imports.
The country is 81 per cent dependent on imports to meet its oil needs.
Credit rating agency Moody's Investors Service last week said there are risks of India breaching the 3.3 per cent fiscal deficit target for the current financial year as higher oil prices will add to short-term fiscal pressures.
The current account deficit (CAD), which is the difference between inflow and outflow of foreign currency, will widen but will not jeopardise India's external position; and the gap will remain significantly narrower than five years ago.
The government has budgeted fiscal deficit to be at 3.3 per cent of gross domestic product (GDP) in the current fiscal ending March 2019.
Fiscal deficit during April-June quarter of current fiscal had touched 68.7 per cent of Budget estimates.
Also driven by higher oil prices and robust non-oil import demand, Moody's expects the current account deficit to widen to 2.5 per cent of GDP in the fiscal year ending March 2019, from 1.5 per cent in fiscal 2018. -- PTI
18:11 Broadcasters body seeks on-air apology from Arnab
'The News Broadcasting Standards Authority (NBSA), an independent body set up by the News Broadcasters Association, on August 30 directed BJP MP Rajeev Chandrashekhar's news channel Republic TV to air a full-screen apology to its viewers for inappropriate comments made by its editor-in-chief Arnab Goswami,' reports The Wire.
'The NBSA has also directed Republic TV to air a clarification before the 9 pm debate on September 7, 2018. This story will be updated if and when the channel follows NBSA's order,' the report says, here.
18:07 All those trapped have been rescued: WB minister on bridge collapse
West Bengal Minister of Urban Development Firhad Hakim says 'all those trapped' under the Majerhat bridge have been rescued.
"Six people have been admitted to hospital. As of now there has been no casualty, but search operations are underway, let us wait," the minister said.
The minister said it was a 40-year-old bridge. -- ANI
17:49 Mamata in Darjeeling
That's West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee from Darjeeling saying the police is investigating the matter, and a detailed investigation will be done.
17:46
Visuals from under the collapsed Majerhat bridge in south Kolkata.
17:44 Focus is on relief and rescue, probe will be done later: Mamata
Statement from West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee, who is Darjeeling today: "We are very worried. We are receiving information from the rescue team on ground. We want to go back as soon as possible, but there are no flights in the evening, so we are unable to do so. Our team is focused on relief and rescue work. Our priority is relief and rescue. Rest of the investigation will be done later."
17:33 Fire brigade, police, NDRF at bridge collapse site
If you've just joined us, a portion of the arterial Majerhat bridge in the southern part of Kolkata has collapsed. Some casualties are feared, police said. The bridge collapsed in Alipore area also crushing some vehicles, they said. Fire brigade, police and NDRF personnel are engaged in rescue work. Nine people have been pulled out from the debris and rushed to the government SSKM Hospital nearby. The army has not been called in but since the area is very close, Army field hospital detachment has been sent.
17:27
West Bengal CM Mamata has expressed shock at the bridge collapse. She has said that a detailed probe will be carried out on the reason behind the collapse.
17:25 TMC's Derek O'Brien reacts
An eyewitness who is familiar with the area said one person who was taken to hospital has died. He also said there were several people living under the bridge when it collapsed.
First reactions from TMC's Derek O'Brien Watching scenes of Majerhat bridge #Kolkata collapse . Devastating. Rescue teams, disaster management teams, Police CP,fire fighters already reach spot. Locals join. Rescue operations on.Prayers for those affected. Difficult to gauge enormity of tragedy as yet looking at visuals.
First reactions from TMC's Derek O'Brien Watching scenes of Majerhat bridge #Kolkata collapse . Devastating. Rescue teams, disaster management teams, Police CP,fire fighters already reach spot. Locals join. Rescue operations on.Prayers for those affected. Difficult to gauge enormity of tragedy as yet looking at visuals.
17:17 Bridge collapse in south Kolkata, several feared injured
The Majerhat bridge over railway tracks in south Kolkata has collapsed. The bridge is in Alipore in south Kolkata. Several people are feared injured, while ABP Ananda has said one person is dead. Several vehicles are also trapped. Rescue operations are underway. Details awaited.
17:04 Disclose names of private persons who accompanied PM on foreign tours: CIC to MEA
The Central Information Commission has directed the External Affairs Ministry to disclose the names of those private individuals who have travelled with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on foreign tours.
Last October, Karabi Das approached the ministry seeking information on expenses incurred on the foreign visits of the prime minister in 2015-16 and 2016-17 along with the list of people travelling with him.
No satisfactory information was provided to the applicant following which he approached the commission. The ministry had demanded Rs 224 for providing the information which was deposited by the applicant, activist Subhash Agrawal, who represented the applicant during the hearing, told Chief Information Commissioner R K Mathur.
In its submissions during the hearing, the ministry said no other data is maintained in consolidated form regarding the visits of the prime minister except date and place of visit and the expenses incurred on chartered flights. The ministry also told the commission that it will look into the matter with regard to the payment of Rs 224 and will provide updated information. -- PTI
Last October, Karabi Das approached the ministry seeking information on expenses incurred on the foreign visits of the prime minister in 2015-16 and 2016-17 along with the list of people travelling with him.
No satisfactory information was provided to the applicant following which he approached the commission. The ministry had demanded Rs 224 for providing the information which was deposited by the applicant, activist Subhash Agrawal, who represented the applicant during the hearing, told Chief Information Commissioner R K Mathur.
In its submissions during the hearing, the ministry said no other data is maintained in consolidated form regarding the visits of the prime minister except date and place of visit and the expenses incurred on chartered flights. The ministry also told the commission that it will look into the matter with regard to the payment of Rs 224 and will provide updated information. -- PTI
17:02 SRK, the wit
This is why we think Shah Rukh Khan is the wittiest superstar ever.
When a fan, @kumarpuneet, tweeted to say, "@iamsrk #AskSRK Sir, I love you from the time I saw you in Baazigar and now my grandchildren like you equally when they saw you in Fan! Kuch unke liye keh dijiye."
Shah Rukh, who is quite active on social media, quipped, "We both got old really fast!"
When a fan, @kumarpuneet, tweeted to say, "@iamsrk #AskSRK Sir, I love you from the time I saw you in Baazigar and now my grandchildren like you equally when they saw you in Fan! Kuch unke liye keh dijiye."
Shah Rukh, who is quite active on social media, quipped, "We both got old really fast!"
16:49 Rahul's Mansarovar Yatra farce, tweets Anurag Thakur
BJP MP Anurag Thakur has slammed a Facebook post by a former Congress legislator on the festival of Janmashtami, drawing Rahul Gandhi's attention to the "anti-Hindu" sentiment displayed there.
Former Congress MLA from Jawali in Kangra district Neeraj Bharti's post carried an illustration from the story of Krishna, watching gopis bathe in the Yamuna, and asked "Aaj Iska Janamdin Hai Kya" (Is today His birthday).
Alleging that Gandhi's Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is a farce, the BJP chief whip in parliament stated, "Such a derogatory post under your protection is an attack on the religious sentiments of the people."
Thakur also attached two photographs with his tweet where Bharti can be seen with former Himachal Pradesh chief minister Virbhadra Singh. Thakur, member of Parliament from Hamirpur, said the controversial post by Bharti on Krishna showed the Congress's "anti-Hindu" mentality. -- PTI
Former Congress MLA from Jawali in Kangra district Neeraj Bharti's post carried an illustration from the story of Krishna, watching gopis bathe in the Yamuna, and asked "Aaj Iska Janamdin Hai Kya" (Is today His birthday).
Alleging that Gandhi's Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is a farce, the BJP chief whip in parliament stated, "Such a derogatory post under your protection is an attack on the religious sentiments of the people."
Thakur also attached two photographs with his tweet where Bharti can be seen with former Himachal Pradesh chief minister Virbhadra Singh. Thakur, member of Parliament from Hamirpur, said the controversial post by Bharti on Krishna showed the Congress's "anti-Hindu" mentality. -- PTI
16:47 Rupee may decline further: SBI report
The rupee may fall further against the US dollar, prompting the Reserve Bank to adopt "orthodox" monetary policy like hike in interest rate to check depreciation of the domestic currency, an SBI report said Tuesday.
The rupee Tuesday slumped 16 paise against the American unit to trade at a life-time low of 71.37 on strong demand for the dollar. In its research report 'Ecowrap', SBI said given the "inefficacy" of sterilised intervention, RBI may follow a relatively hands off policy in forex market for now.
"The rupee has now depreciated by 6.2 per cent since June 2018 when RBI started hiking rates. Even as the decline is in consonance with strengthening of the dollar, we believe it may continue further," the report said. It noted that there has been a spate of RBI communications in recent times which have perhaps gone unnoticed by the market. -- PTI
The rupee Tuesday slumped 16 paise against the American unit to trade at a life-time low of 71.37 on strong demand for the dollar. In its research report 'Ecowrap', SBI said given the "inefficacy" of sterilised intervention, RBI may follow a relatively hands off policy in forex market for now.
"The rupee has now depreciated by 6.2 per cent since June 2018 when RBI started hiking rates. Even as the decline is in consonance with strengthening of the dollar, we believe it may continue further," the report said. It noted that there has been a spate of RBI communications in recent times which have perhaps gone unnoticed by the market. -- PTI
16:28 Teenage boy lynched in Delhi on suspicion of being thief
A teenager who had entered a house to allegedly steal valuables, was lynched by locals in northwest Delhi's Mukundpur in the early hours Tuesday, following which three people were arrested, police said.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (Northwest) Aslam Khan said the 16-year-old boy had entered a house to steal valuables, but was caught by the owner and beaten to death by some locals.
A case has been registered at the Bhalaswa Dairy police station in this regard.
Three of the accused have been arrested while three others are absconding, the police official said.
The boy's family claimed that he was not a thief and there was some other reason behind his lynching.
During inquiry, it emerged the incident happened at 3.30 am but the police were informed around 6.30 am.
"Around 6.30 am, a PCR call was received about an incident of theft. It is being inquired why was the call made after three hours," another officer said.
The teenage boy belonged to Khagaria district in Bihar and had come to New Delhi around a fortnight ago, an officer said, adding his mother is a homemaker and stays in Bihar, while his father works as a labourer in Noida.
In July, a 31-year-old suspected thief was beaten to death in north Delhi's Burari. -- PTI
15:50 Pakistani lawmakers vote to elect new president
Pakistani lawmakers are voting to elect the country's 13th president on Tuesday, a race in which the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party's candidate Arif Alvi's victory has become almost certain after the Opposition parties failed to reach a consensus on a joint candidate.
Voting via a secret ballot started simultaneously in the Senate, the National Assembly and the provincial assemblies in Lahore, Karachi, Peshawar and Quetta.
The National Assembly and the Senate members are voting inside the National Assembly hall, whereas the MPAs are doing the same in their respective provincial assemblies.
In Pakistan, the President is considered as a symbol of the federation and head of the state and exercises all powers on the recommendations of the prime minister.
Outgoing President Mamnoon Hussain's tenure ends on September 8. He had declined for re-election to a second 5-year term.
-- PTI
15:33 Kerala cancels all official celebrations for a year
The Kerala government has decided to cancel all official celebrations for one year. Programs including the International Film Festival of Kerala and other youth festivals stand cancelled.department would host any festival for a year.
The funds earmarked for all such cancelled events would be diverted to the Chief Minister's Distress Relief Fund. Till Monday, the fund had received Rs 1,036 crore. Kerala Ministers are soon leaving to 14 countries to raise money from public contributions.
The funds earmarked for all such cancelled events would be diverted to the Chief Minister's Distress Relief Fund. Till Monday, the fund had received Rs 1,036 crore. Kerala Ministers are soon leaving to 14 countries to raise money from public contributions.
15:29 Sanctioned Rs 335 cr to West Bengal in August: NABARD
National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development has sanctioned an amount of Rs 335 crore under the Rural Infrastructure Development Fund to West Bengal. The fund, alloted in August, would be used for 158 minor irrigation projects and 23 flood protection projects, NABARD said in a statement on Tuesday.
15:17 Unstated message of Rahul pilgrimage
The Congress is unwilling to exploit Rahul Gandhi's pilgrimage to Kailash Mansarovar for political gains but hopes such ventures would blunt the BJP allegation that its secularism has an anti-Hindu tenor.
"Whatever controversy happened was because of the BJP's irrational attempt to link his tour to China. They scoffed at Rahul as a 'Chinese Gandhi'. We didn't want any public discourse on the subject," a party senior said. He recalled the BJP's rathyatras on the Ram temple issue and said the Congress didn't "use religion as political tool".
Read more
"Whatever controversy happened was because of the BJP's irrational attempt to link his tour to China. They scoffed at Rahul as a 'Chinese Gandhi'. We didn't want any public discourse on the subject," a party senior said. He recalled the BJP's rathyatras on the Ram temple issue and said the Congress didn't "use religion as political tool".
Read more
14:54 Mohanlal may be pitted against Tharoor if he joins BJP
Speculations are rife that Malayalam superstar Mohanlal may join the BJP ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. Mohanlal met Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Janmashtami, yesterday, in New Delhi.
The PM was seemingly bowled over by Mohanlan and tweeted, " "Yesterday, I had a wonderful meeting with @Mohanlal Ji. His humility is endearing. His wide range of social service initiatives are commendable and extremely inspiring."
A report today, says that the the RSS is keen Mohanlal contests the Lok Sabha elections next year from Thiruvananthapuram, which, is incumbent Congress MP Shashi Tharoor's constituency.
Mohanlal is perhaps the greatest crowd puller in the Malayalam movie industry and Modi is one of the most followed leaders on Twitter around the globe. The meeting has naturally thrilled their fans. Mohanlal met Modi to invite him for a programme at the actor's enterprise Viswasanthi Foundation
BJP has made almost no forays in the flood-hit state with the only exception being former union minister O Rajagopal.
The BJP has another Malayalam actor Suresh Gopi in its ranks and if Mohanlal does indeed join the party, it will provide the necessary star power for the party.
In 2016, Mohanlal added grist to the rumour mill about his closeness to the BJP after he supported PM Modi's demonetisation move and justified temporary hardships of the common man for a good cause to end corruption. However, his comments were derided by several Kerala politicians.
After his meeting with Modi on Monday, Mohanlal said the PM had assured all possible assistance for Kerala, which is picking up the pieces from the devastating floods that killed nearly 300 people and displaced thousands of others.
The national award-winning actor said the PM expressed his desire to participate in the Global Malayalee roundtable to chalk out the roadmap for a "New Kerala".
The PM was seemingly bowled over by Mohanlan and tweeted, " "Yesterday, I had a wonderful meeting with @Mohanlal Ji. His humility is endearing. His wide range of social service initiatives are commendable and extremely inspiring."
A report today, says that the the RSS is keen Mohanlal contests the Lok Sabha elections next year from Thiruvananthapuram, which, is incumbent Congress MP Shashi Tharoor's constituency.
Mohanlal is perhaps the greatest crowd puller in the Malayalam movie industry and Modi is one of the most followed leaders on Twitter around the globe. The meeting has naturally thrilled their fans. Mohanlal met Modi to invite him for a programme at the actor's enterprise Viswasanthi Foundation
BJP has made almost no forays in the flood-hit state with the only exception being former union minister O Rajagopal.
The BJP has another Malayalam actor Suresh Gopi in its ranks and if Mohanlal does indeed join the party, it will provide the necessary star power for the party.
In 2016, Mohanlal added grist to the rumour mill about his closeness to the BJP after he supported PM Modi's demonetisation move and justified temporary hardships of the common man for a good cause to end corruption. However, his comments were derided by several Kerala politicians.
After his meeting with Modi on Monday, Mohanlal said the PM had assured all possible assistance for Kerala, which is picking up the pieces from the devastating floods that killed nearly 300 people and displaced thousands of others.
The national award-winning actor said the PM expressed his desire to participate in the Global Malayalee roundtable to chalk out the roadmap for a "New Kerala".
14:45 Army chief assures stern action against Major Gogoi
Army Chief General Bipin Rawat on Tuesday said that any case of moral turpitude and corruption against Major Leetul Gogoi will be dealt with sternly.
"Talking about Major Gogoi, I had clearly said that any case of moral turpitude and corruption will be dealt with sternly. A Court of Inquiry has been conducted which has recommended that we should go in for court martial proceedings for whatever he has been found guilty of," General Rawat told reporters.
He said that punishment will be given to Major Gogoi as per the crime committed by him."Action will be taken based on his guilt that emerges from this. If it is related directly to moral turpitude then we will take action accordingly. If it is something else then a punishment will be given to him according to the crime he has committed," the Army chief said.
Earlier, the Indian Army's Court of Inquiry had found Major Gogoi guilty in the Srinagar hotel altercation case and came to a conclusion that the facts on the ground were against him, and sought disciplinary action against Major Gogoi.
The court had held him accountable for violating the official Army policy of fraternising with a local woman and for being absent from the place of duty while on active service in an operational area.
On May 23, Major Gogoi was detained by the Jammu and Kashmir police from a hotel in Srinagar following an altercation. The argument erupted when Major Gogoi, who was allegedly trying to enter the hotel with a woman, was barred from doing so.General Rawat had said that Major Gogoi would be given "exemplary punishment" if found guilty.
Major Gogoi first made headlines in April last year, when he tied a civilian to the bonnet of his vehicle as a "human shield" and drove through Jammu and Kashmir's Budgam during the Srinagar constituency by-elections. He was later awarded the Army chief's 'Commendation Card.' -- ANI
"Talking about Major Gogoi, I had clearly said that any case of moral turpitude and corruption will be dealt with sternly. A Court of Inquiry has been conducted which has recommended that we should go in for court martial proceedings for whatever he has been found guilty of," General Rawat told reporters.
He said that punishment will be given to Major Gogoi as per the crime committed by him."Action will be taken based on his guilt that emerges from this. If it is related directly to moral turpitude then we will take action accordingly. If it is something else then a punishment will be given to him according to the crime he has committed," the Army chief said.
Earlier, the Indian Army's Court of Inquiry had found Major Gogoi guilty in the Srinagar hotel altercation case and came to a conclusion that the facts on the ground were against him, and sought disciplinary action against Major Gogoi.
The court had held him accountable for violating the official Army policy of fraternising with a local woman and for being absent from the place of duty while on active service in an operational area.
On May 23, Major Gogoi was detained by the Jammu and Kashmir police from a hotel in Srinagar following an altercation. The argument erupted when Major Gogoi, who was allegedly trying to enter the hotel with a woman, was barred from doing so.General Rawat had said that Major Gogoi would be given "exemplary punishment" if found guilty.
Major Gogoi first made headlines in April last year, when he tied a civilian to the bonnet of his vehicle as a "human shield" and drove through Jammu and Kashmir's Budgam during the Srinagar constituency by-elections. He was later awarded the Army chief's 'Commendation Card.' -- ANI
14:41 Punjab CM meets Gadkari, urges him for expansion of highways in state
Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh met Union Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari Tuesday and urged him for expansion and upgradation of national highways in the state and development of roads in border areas.
Singh called for improving connectivity on the Delhi-Amritsar-Katra expressway and the Anandpur Sahib-Naina Devi highway. The Punjab chief minister also discussed with the Union minister the relining of Rajasthan and Sirhind feeder canals. -- PTI
Singh called for improving connectivity on the Delhi-Amritsar-Katra expressway and the Anandpur Sahib-Naina Devi highway. The Punjab chief minister also discussed with the Union minister the relining of Rajasthan and Sirhind feeder canals. -- PTI
13:34 Airfare cheaper than auto rickshaw ride: Jayant Sinha
Minister of State for Civil Aviation Jayant Sinha claimed that the cost of air tickets was much lesser than that of an auto rickshaw in the present day.
Speaking at the inaugural event of the new domestic terminal building of Gorakhpur Airport, he said, "Today airfare is less than that of an auto-rickshaw. You will ask how is that possible? When two people take an auto-rickshaw they pay a fare of Rs 10 which means they're charged Rs 5 per kilometer but when you go by air you are charged Rs 4 per kilometer."
Sinha further said that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, the aviation sector saw maximum development, adding that the number of people commuting via airplane has increased two-folds in 2018.
"Till 2013, approximately only six crore people were traveling in airplanes, but now the figures have improved. At present, as many as 12 crore people residing across the country are using airlines as a mode of transport. Earlier there were only 75 airports but today there are as many as 100 airports which are operational all over India," he added.
Sinha assured the people of Gorakhpur that soon, Indigo, an airline firm, would launch around 5 to 10 flights in the near future so that locals can travel with ease to nearby cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Allahabad, in a bid to improve connectivity to and from Gorakhpur. -- ANI
Speaking at the inaugural event of the new domestic terminal building of Gorakhpur Airport, he said, "Today airfare is less than that of an auto-rickshaw. You will ask how is that possible? When two people take an auto-rickshaw they pay a fare of Rs 10 which means they're charged Rs 5 per kilometer but when you go by air you are charged Rs 4 per kilometer."
Sinha further said that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, the aviation sector saw maximum development, adding that the number of people commuting via airplane has increased two-folds in 2018.
"Till 2013, approximately only six crore people were traveling in airplanes, but now the figures have improved. At present, as many as 12 crore people residing across the country are using airlines as a mode of transport. Earlier there were only 75 airports but today there are as many as 100 airports which are operational all over India," he added.
Sinha assured the people of Gorakhpur that soon, Indigo, an airline firm, would launch around 5 to 10 flights in the near future so that locals can travel with ease to nearby cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Allahabad, in a bid to improve connectivity to and from Gorakhpur. -- ANI
12:52 Barking dogs distrub Lalu's sleep in hospital
Jailed RJD president Lalu Prasad has put in a request that he be shifted to another ward at the Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences in Ranchi, where he is currently admitted, citing poor hygiene, mosquito menace and barking by stray dogs, a close aide of the former chief minister said.
The RJD lawmaker and national general secretary Bhola Yadav told PTI on Monday that an application has been submitted to the director of the RIMS hospital, where Prasad is admitted, with the plea that he be moved to the 100-bed paying ward, which at present has only three patients.
"We have cited the reasons also for making such a request. The waste pipe of a toilet close to his ward is clogged, emitting foul smell. This imperils the health of our leader who suffers from infections," Yadav, a close confidant of the RJD chief, said.
Yadav, who has been beside the RJD supremo for most of the time since he was sent to jail in December last year, said the lack of hygiene also leads to the menace of mosquitoes which is another potential health risk, "especially in the rainy season. Besides there is also the problem of excessive noises."
"The post-mortem house is nearby which attracts a large number of stray dogs. Their barks and howls is a nuisance and cause immense discomfort to the septuagenarian," the RJD MLA said.
The MLA also said that being a diabetic, Prasad needs to go for regular walks but the location of the cardiology department ward where he is lodged is "not suitable" for that.
"We have, therefore, requested that he be shifted to the paying ward, which is newly built and comparatively more clean and tidy. We hope the authorities will not have a problem with that since we are ready to pay the room rent and other charges. We did that when Laluji was admitted to AIIMS earlier this year," Yadav stated.
The ruling JD(U) in Bihar retorted, "Now you have begun to fear dogs and mosquitoes. The people of Bihar had feared a lot while you were in power," JD(U) MLC and spokesman Neeraj Kumar tweeted, alluding to the crime rate during the 15-year-long rule by Prasad and, subsequently, his wife Rabri Devi for which the RJD has been drawing flak over the years. PTI
The RJD lawmaker and national general secretary Bhola Yadav told PTI on Monday that an application has been submitted to the director of the RIMS hospital, where Prasad is admitted, with the plea that he be moved to the 100-bed paying ward, which at present has only three patients.
"We have cited the reasons also for making such a request. The waste pipe of a toilet close to his ward is clogged, emitting foul smell. This imperils the health of our leader who suffers from infections," Yadav, a close confidant of the RJD chief, said.
Yadav, who has been beside the RJD supremo for most of the time since he was sent to jail in December last year, said the lack of hygiene also leads to the menace of mosquitoes which is another potential health risk, "especially in the rainy season. Besides there is also the problem of excessive noises."
"The post-mortem house is nearby which attracts a large number of stray dogs. Their barks and howls is a nuisance and cause immense discomfort to the septuagenarian," the RJD MLA said.
The MLA also said that being a diabetic, Prasad needs to go for regular walks but the location of the cardiology department ward where he is lodged is "not suitable" for that.
"We have, therefore, requested that he be shifted to the paying ward, which is newly built and comparatively more clean and tidy. We hope the authorities will not have a problem with that since we are ready to pay the room rent and other charges. We did that when Laluji was admitted to AIIMS earlier this year," Yadav stated.
The ruling JD(U) in Bihar retorted, "Now you have begun to fear dogs and mosquitoes. The people of Bihar had feared a lot while you were in power," JD(U) MLC and spokesman Neeraj Kumar tweeted, alluding to the crime rate during the 15-year-long rule by Prasad and, subsequently, his wife Rabri Devi for which the RJD has been drawing flak over the years. PTI
12:46 SC refuses SIT probe in Lt Col Purohit's torture
Malegaon Blast: The Bombay HC refuses to stay the framing of charges by a lower court against Lt Col Purohit and others. The HC also said that matter pertaining to validity of sanction for prosecution against Lt Col Purohit under Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act is to be decided by the trial court.
The Supreme Court refuses to entertain the petition filed by Lt Purohit seeking a SIT probe into his alleged abduction, torture in the 2008 Malegaon blast case. The Apex Court asked him to approach the trial court.
The Supreme Court refuses to entertain the petition filed by Lt Purohit seeking a SIT probe into his alleged abduction, torture in the 2008 Malegaon blast case. The Apex Court asked him to approach the trial court.
12:35 Dont buy the panic about the rupees fall
"Since January, the Indian rupee has tumbled more than 9 percent, hitting a new all-time low of about 70 to the dollar in mid-August. The fall has caused much hand-wringing in the media and in policy circles, where observers lament the currency's status as Asia's worst performing, charge Prime Minister Narendra Modi with economic mismanagement, and fret about India's ability to pay its debts. Calls for the government to do something'"anything'"to stop the rupee's slide abound.
"But should India's central bank, which has responsibility for managing the exchange rate, reverse the fall? My short answer is: no."
Read the column by former NITI Aayog chief Arvind Panagariya here. Dr Panagariya now teaches at Columbia Universtity, USA.
"But should India's central bank, which has responsibility for managing the exchange rate, reverse the fall? My short answer is: no."
Read the column by former NITI Aayog chief Arvind Panagariya here. Dr Panagariya now teaches at Columbia Universtity, USA.
12:24 2 CRPF jawans injured in grenade attack in J&K's Baramulla
Two CRPF jawans were injured Tuesday when militants hurled a grenade at security forces in Jammu and Kashmir's Baramulla district, police said. The incident took place in the Sangrama area of Sopore in the district. Two jawans of the Central Reserve Police Force were injured in it, a police official said. The injured personnel have been hospitalised. The area has been cordoned off and a search launched to nab the attackers, he said. -- PTI
12:23 CJI Dipak Misra recommends Justice Ranjan Gogoi as next chief justice
Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra Tuesday sent a letter to the Central government recommending Justice Ranjan Gogoi as his successor. Justice Gogoi will be sworn in as the next CJI on October 3, a day after Justice Misra's tenure ends.
The CJI has written to the Ministry of Law and Justice endorsing and recommending the name of Justice Gogoi, the senior-most judge, as the next CJI.
Highly placed sources had confirmed on September 1 that Justice Misra had decided to go by convention and recommend the name of Justice Gogoi, who is next in seniority to him, to succeed him.
Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad had recently asked Justice Misra to recommend his successor, setting in motion the process of a change of guard in the apex court.
Speculation over Justice Gogoi's appointment as the next CJI arose after the court's four most senior judges, including Justice Gogoi, called a press conference in January this year and criticised Justice Misra on various issues, especially the manner of allocation of cases to certain benches. Justices J Chelameswar (since retired), Madan B Lokur and Kurian Joseph were among those who addressed the press conference, perhaps a first in the history of the Indian judiciary.
According to the Memorandum of Procedure, which governs the appointment of members of the higher judiciary, "appointment to the office of the Chief Justice of India should be of the senior-most judge of the Supreme Court considered fit to hold the office". -- PTI
The CJI has written to the Ministry of Law and Justice endorsing and recommending the name of Justice Gogoi, the senior-most judge, as the next CJI.
Highly placed sources had confirmed on September 1 that Justice Misra had decided to go by convention and recommend the name of Justice Gogoi, who is next in seniority to him, to succeed him.
Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad had recently asked Justice Misra to recommend his successor, setting in motion the process of a change of guard in the apex court.
Speculation over Justice Gogoi's appointment as the next CJI arose after the court's four most senior judges, including Justice Gogoi, called a press conference in January this year and criticised Justice Misra on various issues, especially the manner of allocation of cases to certain benches. Justices J Chelameswar (since retired), Madan B Lokur and Kurian Joseph were among those who addressed the press conference, perhaps a first in the history of the Indian judiciary.
According to the Memorandum of Procedure, which governs the appointment of members of the higher judiciary, "appointment to the office of the Chief Justice of India should be of the senior-most judge of the Supreme Court considered fit to hold the office". -- PTI
12:18 Student arrested for anti-BJP slogans gets bail
The 28-year-old student, Lois Sofia, who was arrested yesterday for sloganeering against the BJP in a flight has been granted bail. Sofia, who is studying in Canada, was sent to judicial custody for 15 days after she shouted "fascist BJP government down, down' on board a flight in the presence of Tamil Nadu BJP president Tamilisai Soundararajan who filed a complaint.
The student was on her way home from Canada on an IndiGo flight to Tuticorin. The incident took place after the flight landed at the Tuticorin airport.
A senior police officer said Sofia was taken into custody after Tamilisai filed a complaint with the airport police. Sofia was taken to hospital following complaints of a stomach ache.
Tamilsai defended her complaint saying, "Freedom of Speech can be there. If you and I speak outside, it is fine. But inside an aircraft, in front of passengers she shouldnt talk like that, right? Again she shouted saying that she has freedom of speech. The way she behaved, raising her fist, she was doing that inside the aircraft also saying BJP fascism ozhiga. I was just passing her, she stood up and shouted showing her hand like that."
The police had registered an FIR under two sections of the TN Police Act and the Indian Penal Code for causing public nuisance. She was produced before a judge, who remanded to 15 days of judicial custody.
Sofia had been involved in writing articles seeking the closure of Vedanta Ltd-owned Sterlite Copper.
Image: Lois Sofia at Tuticorin airport.
The student was on her way home from Canada on an IndiGo flight to Tuticorin. The incident took place after the flight landed at the Tuticorin airport.
A senior police officer said Sofia was taken into custody after Tamilisai filed a complaint with the airport police. Sofia was taken to hospital following complaints of a stomach ache.
Tamilsai defended her complaint saying, "Freedom of Speech can be there. If you and I speak outside, it is fine. But inside an aircraft, in front of passengers she shouldnt talk like that, right? Again she shouted saying that she has freedom of speech. The way she behaved, raising her fist, she was doing that inside the aircraft also saying BJP fascism ozhiga. I was just passing her, she stood up and shouted showing her hand like that."
The police had registered an FIR under two sections of the TN Police Act and the Indian Penal Code for causing public nuisance. She was produced before a judge, who remanded to 15 days of judicial custody.
Sofia had been involved in writing articles seeking the closure of Vedanta Ltd-owned Sterlite Copper.
Image: Lois Sofia at Tuticorin airport.
11:56 BJP MLA apologises for son's threat to Scindia
BJP MLA Uma Devi Khatik apologised after her son, Princedeep Khatik, threatened to shoot Congress leader and MP Jyotiraditya Scindia.
Uma Devi clarified that the BJP had nothing to do with her son's remark, and personally escorted Princedeep to the police station. "This is no way to behave. He (Princedeep) will have to go to jail. I myself brought him to the police station. My party has nothing to do with this," she said.
Princedeep, in a Facebook post on Monday, had threatened to shoot Scindia if he entered Hatta town in Madhya Pradesh.
"Jyotiraditya Scindia, you have Jiwajirao's blood running in your veins, who killed Jhansi ki Rani. If you step in Hatta then I will shoot you. Either you will die or I will," the post read.
The remark against Scindia came ahead of his public rally in Hatta town of Damoh district on September 5.Following the post, Scindia, while speaking to ANI, said that the real face of the BJP had been exposed with this threat. He also claimed that the main objective of the BJP and Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan was to demolish the Congress at any cost. -- ANI
Uma Devi clarified that the BJP had nothing to do with her son's remark, and personally escorted Princedeep to the police station. "This is no way to behave. He (Princedeep) will have to go to jail. I myself brought him to the police station. My party has nothing to do with this," she said.
Princedeep, in a Facebook post on Monday, had threatened to shoot Scindia if he entered Hatta town in Madhya Pradesh.
"Jyotiraditya Scindia, you have Jiwajirao's blood running in your veins, who killed Jhansi ki Rani. If you step in Hatta then I will shoot you. Either you will die or I will," the post read.
The remark against Scindia came ahead of his public rally in Hatta town of Damoh district on September 5.Following the post, Scindia, while speaking to ANI, said that the real face of the BJP had been exposed with this threat. He also claimed that the main objective of the BJP and Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan was to demolish the Congress at any cost. -- ANI
11:54 India to construct 100 airports worth USD 60 billion
India plans to construct 100 airports at an estimated cost of USD 60 billion (about Rs 4.2 lakh crore) in the next 10 to 15 years, Civil Aviation Minister Suresh Prabhu said Tuesday. The country's aviation sector is one of the fastest-growing in the world and has recorded 50 months of double-digit traffic growth. As many as 100 new airports would be built in the next 10 to 15 years for about USD 60 billion. These airports are to be constructed through public private partnership, Prabhu said.
He said the government is also working on a cargo policy. According to global airlines' grouping IATA, India is expected to overtake Germany, Japan, Spain and the UK within the next ten years to become the world's third largest air passenger market. PTI
He said the government is also working on a cargo policy. According to global airlines' grouping IATA, India is expected to overtake Germany, Japan, Spain and the UK within the next ten years to become the world's third largest air passenger market. PTI
11:38 2 of 5 accused convicted in 2007 Hyderabad twin blasts
A local court in Hyderabad has convicted two people and acquitted three others in the twin bomb blasts in Hyderabad in 2007 at Gokul Chat and Lumbini Park that killed 44 people and left 68 injured.
Aneeq Shafeeq Sayeed and Ismail Chaudhary have been convicted. Judgement on one more accused to be pronounced on Monday. All five accused are lodged in Charlapalli Jail and two people are absconding.
The quantum of punishment will be announced on Monday.
On August 27, Second Additional Metropolitan Sessions Judge T Srinivas Rao postponed the judgment in the case to September 4.
The Counter Intelligence wing of the Telangana Police had investigated the case and arrested five accused, all alleged Indian Mujahideen operatives.
The agency had filed four charge sheets against the five accused and also named two other absconding accused, Riyaz Bhatkal and Iqbal Bhatkal.
Those arrested -- Mohammed Akbar Ismail Chowdhari, Aneeq Shafique Sayeed, Farooq Sharfuddin Tarkash, Mohammed Sadiq Israr Ahmed Shaik and Tarik Anjum -- were produced before the court on August 27 through video conferencing from Cherlapalli Central Prison, where they are currently lodged.
The trial against five accused in the case was shifted to a court hall located on the premises of Cherlapalli Central Prison from a court located in Nampally Court complex in June this year.
According to the prosecution, Aneeq Shafique Sayeed allegedly planted the bomb at Lumbini Park while Riyaz Bhatkal planted the bomb at Gokul Chat while the unexploded bomb was planted by Ismail Chowdhari.
Aneeq Shafeeq Sayeed and Ismail Chaudhary have been convicted. Judgement on one more accused to be pronounced on Monday. All five accused are lodged in Charlapalli Jail and two people are absconding.
The quantum of punishment will be announced on Monday.
On August 27, Second Additional Metropolitan Sessions Judge T Srinivas Rao postponed the judgment in the case to September 4.
The Counter Intelligence wing of the Telangana Police had investigated the case and arrested five accused, all alleged Indian Mujahideen operatives.
The agency had filed four charge sheets against the five accused and also named two other absconding accused, Riyaz Bhatkal and Iqbal Bhatkal.
Those arrested -- Mohammed Akbar Ismail Chowdhari, Aneeq Shafique Sayeed, Farooq Sharfuddin Tarkash, Mohammed Sadiq Israr Ahmed Shaik and Tarik Anjum -- were produced before the court on August 27 through video conferencing from Cherlapalli Central Prison, where they are currently lodged.
The trial against five accused in the case was shifted to a court hall located on the premises of Cherlapalli Central Prison from a court located in Nampally Court complex in June this year.
According to the prosecution, Aneeq Shafique Sayeed allegedly planted the bomb at Lumbini Park while Riyaz Bhatkal planted the bomb at Gokul Chat while the unexploded bomb was planted by Ismail Chowdhari.
11:15
The Chief Justice of India's office has sent a letter to the Union of India recommending Justice Ranjan Gogoi as the next Chief Justice of India.
11:06 J-K: MBA graduate joins militancy, family awaits his return
The family of a youth from Jammu and Kashmir's Doda district, who has joined a terror group, has appealed to him to return home and shun the path of violence.
The youth, identified as Haroon Abbas Wani, a MBA student from Katra University, was working in a private company. However, Wani joined the terror outfit Hizb-ul-Mujahideen on September 1.
Wani's family was in shock when they saw pictures on social media of the youth holding AK-47 rifles and appealed to him to return home.
Speaking to the media, Wani's uncle, Farooq Wani said, "We were in shock when we saw his pictures. Haroon was a brilliant student who completed his MBA from Katra University and was working with a private company as in Jammu. We are not this kind of people. We request him to return home."
"He was never like that. What he has done is not right; the people who have kept him should send him. The real Jihad is to look after the parents in old age. He should look after his mother, she has been very ill," said another relative.
Militancy has been prevalent in the valley since the late 1990s, with youth picking up arms in the name of fighting oppression by the Indian Army.
In July, 25-year-old Abid Hussain Bhat, who also belongs to Doda, reportedly joined militants ranks, two months prior to which a student of Class 10 belonging to Khanyar locality of the Kashmir Valley also joined militancy. -- ANI
The youth, identified as Haroon Abbas Wani, a MBA student from Katra University, was working in a private company. However, Wani joined the terror outfit Hizb-ul-Mujahideen on September 1.
Wani's family was in shock when they saw pictures on social media of the youth holding AK-47 rifles and appealed to him to return home.
Speaking to the media, Wani's uncle, Farooq Wani said, "We were in shock when we saw his pictures. Haroon was a brilliant student who completed his MBA from Katra University and was working with a private company as in Jammu. We are not this kind of people. We request him to return home."
"He was never like that. What he has done is not right; the people who have kept him should send him. The real Jihad is to look after the parents in old age. He should look after his mother, she has been very ill," said another relative.
Militancy has been prevalent in the valley since the late 1990s, with youth picking up arms in the name of fighting oppression by the Indian Army.
In July, 25-year-old Abid Hussain Bhat, who also belongs to Doda, reportedly joined militants ranks, two months prior to which a student of Class 10 belonging to Khanyar locality of the Kashmir Valley also joined militancy. -- ANI
10:55 Army chief advises soldiers to stay away from social media
Army Chief Bipin Rawat holding forth on army personnel using social media.
"In modern day warfare, info warfare is important and within it, we've started talking about Artificial Intelligence. If we have to leverage AI to our advantage we must engage through social media as a lot of what we wish to gain as part of AI will come via social media.
"We have received advice that we should advise our soldiers to stay away from social media. Can you deny a soldier from the possession of a smart-phone? If you can't prevent usage of smartphone, best to allow it, but important to have means of imposing discipline . Social media is here to stay, soldiers will use social media. Our adversary will use social media for psychological warfare and deception, we must leverage it to our advantage."
In June, the army chief said jawans who take to social media to express their complaints could be punished as their act lowers the morale of those guarding the frontiers of the country.
"In modern day warfare, info warfare is important and within it, we've started talking about Artificial Intelligence. If we have to leverage AI to our advantage we must engage through social media as a lot of what we wish to gain as part of AI will come via social media.
"We have received advice that we should advise our soldiers to stay away from social media. Can you deny a soldier from the possession of a smart-phone? If you can't prevent usage of smartphone, best to allow it, but important to have means of imposing discipline . Social media is here to stay, soldiers will use social media. Our adversary will use social media for psychological warfare and deception, we must leverage it to our advantage."
In June, the army chief said jawans who take to social media to express their complaints could be punished as their act lowers the morale of those guarding the frontiers of the country.
10:36 In Agra, Hindus, Muslims come together for Janmashtami celebration
Setting an example of communal harmony, Hindus and Muslims of Agra's Kheriya Mod locality came together to celebrate the festival of Janmashtami. This tradition of jointly celebrating the festival has been going on in this locality for about 15 years.
Mohammed Shadil Quereshi, a local resident told ANI, "We start preparations several months in advance and all Hindu-Muslims work very hard for it. From decoration to the set-up we all work together on all aspects. We believe that there is no religion or caste in celebrating the festivals. We have been doing this for around 15 years and we want our children to continue the same. We want that Hindus-Muslims live affectionately all across the country in this same way."
In accordance with the theme of Hindu-Muslim unity, the banners put up for the occasion of 'Janmashtami' portray Lord Krishna on one side and the Islamic symbol of crescent and star on the other.
Mohammed Shadil Quereshi, a local resident told ANI, "We start preparations several months in advance and all Hindu-Muslims work very hard for it. From decoration to the set-up we all work together on all aspects. We believe that there is no religion or caste in celebrating the festivals. We have been doing this for around 15 years and we want our children to continue the same. We want that Hindus-Muslims live affectionately all across the country in this same way."
In accordance with the theme of Hindu-Muslim unity, the banners put up for the occasion of 'Janmashtami' portray Lord Krishna on one side and the Islamic symbol of crescent and star on the other.
10:26 Sensex, Nifty turn volatile on foreign fund outflow, rising oil prices
In volatile trade, benchmark indices turned choppy after opening higher in early trade Tuesday on foreign fund outflows, surging global crude oil prices and weak rupee amid negative global cues.
The 30-share index fell up to 122.72 points, or 0.32 per cent, to 38,189.80, after touching a high of 38,518.56 at the outset. The gauge has lost 584.11 points in the previous four sessions.
Similarly, the NSE Nifty declined by 50.30 points, or 0.43 per cent, to 11,532.05. Sectoral indices led by FMCG, metal, realty, capital goods, PSU, banking, oil and gas, auto, healthcare and infrastructure, fell up to 1.54 per cent.
Major losers were HUL, Adani Ports, Vedanta, ITC, Axis Bank, Yes Bank, Sun Pharma, Coal India, Bharti Airtel, Bajaj Auto, ICICI Bank, Asian Paints, Tata Steel, SBI, Hero Motocorp, IndusInd Bank, Kotak Bank, Maruti Suzuki, ONGC and HDFC Bank, shedding up to 2.45 per cent.
However, Infosys, TCS, NTPC, Tata Motors, PowerGrid, HDFC, M&M, RIL and Wipro, gained up to 2.34 per cent.
The 30-share index fell up to 122.72 points, or 0.32 per cent, to 38,189.80, after touching a high of 38,518.56 at the outset. The gauge has lost 584.11 points in the previous four sessions.
Similarly, the NSE Nifty declined by 50.30 points, or 0.43 per cent, to 11,532.05. Sectoral indices led by FMCG, metal, realty, capital goods, PSU, banking, oil and gas, auto, healthcare and infrastructure, fell up to 1.54 per cent.
Major losers were HUL, Adani Ports, Vedanta, ITC, Axis Bank, Yes Bank, Sun Pharma, Coal India, Bharti Airtel, Bajaj Auto, ICICI Bank, Asian Paints, Tata Steel, SBI, Hero Motocorp, IndusInd Bank, Kotak Bank, Maruti Suzuki, ONGC and HDFC Bank, shedding up to 2.45 per cent.
However, Infosys, TCS, NTPC, Tata Motors, PowerGrid, HDFC, M&M, RIL and Wipro, gained up to 2.34 per cent.
10:22 Federer crashes out of US Open
Roger Federer, seeded second, loses to Australia's John Millman in Round 4 of the US Open. Federer lost in 4 sets -- 6-3, 5-7, 6-7, 6-7 -- to the 29-year-old Aussie.
10:16 Founder of Haqqani terror network dead
The founder of the Haqqani network, Jalaluddin Haqqani, is dead, Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid announced.
Haqqani, who had fought with Soviet troops, was reportedly ill for a long period of time. He was a member of Quetta Shura, a terrorist organisation comprising Afghan Taliban leaders, who are believed to be based in Balochistan, according to US media reports.
Mujahid further said that Haqqani was an instrumental figure in keeping the Taliban together after the death of former Afghan Taliban leader Mullah Omar.
Haqqani was closely tied to al Qaeda leaders and had played a key role in supporting the terror group in both Afghanistan and Pakistan. Haqqani is the father of Taliban deputy emir and military commander Sirajuddin Haqqani. -- ANI
Image: Jalaluddin Haqqani
Haqqani, who had fought with Soviet troops, was reportedly ill for a long period of time. He was a member of Quetta Shura, a terrorist organisation comprising Afghan Taliban leaders, who are believed to be based in Balochistan, according to US media reports.
Mujahid further said that Haqqani was an instrumental figure in keeping the Taliban together after the death of former Afghan Taliban leader Mullah Omar.
Haqqani was closely tied to al Qaeda leaders and had played a key role in supporting the terror group in both Afghanistan and Pakistan. Haqqani is the father of Taliban deputy emir and military commander Sirajuddin Haqqani. -- ANI
Image: Jalaluddin Haqqani
10:12 Rupee hits new all-time low of 71.37, drops 16 paise against US dollar
The rupee Tuesday slumped 16 paise against the dollar to trade at a life-time low of 71.37 on strong demand for the US currency. At the Interbank Foreign Exchange, the local currency opened at a record low of 71.24 against a dollar, down from its previous close of 71.21, and weakened further to trade at a fresh low of 71.37, down 16 paise.
Forex dealers said besides strong demand for the American currency from importers, capital outflows too weighed on the domestic currency.
The dollar strengthened against some currencies overseas as investors bid up safe haven assets amid tensions over global trade and strains in emerging market currencies.
A sharp rally in global crude prices further dampened the overall trading sentiment. Benchmark Brent crude oil was trading at USD 78.05 a barrel. Yesterday, the rupee had lost 21 paise, to close at an all-time low of 71.21 against the US dollar. -- PTI
Forex dealers said besides strong demand for the American currency from importers, capital outflows too weighed on the domestic currency.
The dollar strengthened against some currencies overseas as investors bid up safe haven assets amid tensions over global trade and strains in emerging market currencies.
A sharp rally in global crude prices further dampened the overall trading sentiment. Benchmark Brent crude oil was trading at USD 78.05 a barrel. Yesterday, the rupee had lost 21 paise, to close at an all-time low of 71.21 against the US dollar. -- PTI
10:05 IAF jet crashes in Jodhpur, pilot safe
An Indian Air Force MiG 27 crashes near Rajasthan's Jodhpur, the pilot is safe. The jet burst into flames and was completely destroyed in the crash. Early reports say the pilot was able to safely eject from the jet. Photos from the crash site showed a huge fire and debris located in a small area. A large number of locals were also seen gathered around the crash site. The aircraft had taken off from the Indian Air Force's Jodhpur airbase.
09:29 British MPs question aid to India over Chandrayaan-2 "splurge"
Some of Britain's MPs from the ruling Conservative party questioned the UK government's financial assistance programme for India, which will involve 52 million (Rs 476 crore) for 2018-19 and 46 million (Rs 421 crore) for 2019-20.
A few weeks after the government's Department for International Development released its "India Profile" for the coming years in July, Tory MP David Davies said India did not "want or need" UK aid and that "in effect we are sponsoring an Indian moon launch".
In reference to India's 95.4 million (Rs 874 crore) "splurge" on lunar probe Chandrayaan-2, which is expected to launch later this year, other Tory MPs also attacked the financial assistance ear-marked for India.
"Here we are spending money in a country that has not only got its own space programme but is developing its own overseas aid programme. To be honest, the government needs looking at if it thinks that is an appropriate way of spending taxpayers' money," Tory MP Phillip Davies told 'Daily Express', a newspaper which runs campaigns against what it believes is the UK's unnecessary foreign aid spending as opposed to domestic expenditure.
"It needs to get out of Whitehall and appreciate the public is not just sick and tired of this but angry too. It is completely unjustifiable and truly idiotic," Davies added.
However, DfID stressed that none of the financial assistance marked for India was intended for its space programme.
-- PTI
09:02 Judgment in 2007 Hyderabad twin bomb blasts case today
A local court is likely to pronounce today its verdict in a case related to twin bomb blasts at Gokul Chat and Lumbini Park here in 2007 that claimed 44 lives and left 68 injured.
On August 27, Second Additional Metropolitan Sessions Judge T Srinivas Rao postponed the judgment in the case to September 4.
The Counter Intelligence wing of the Telangana Police had investigated the case and arrested five accused, all alleged Indian Mujahideen operatives.
The agency had filed four charge sheets against the five accused and also named two other absconding accused, Riyaz Bhatkal and Iqbal Bhatkal.
Those arrested -- Mohammed Akbar Ismail Chowdhari, Aneeq Shafique Sayeed, Farooq Sharfuddin Tarkash, Mohammed Sadiq Israr Ahmed Shaik and Tarik Anjum -- were produced before the court on August 27 through video conferencing from Cherlapalli Central Prison, where they are currently lodged.
The trial against five accused in the case was shifted to a court hall located on the premises of Cherlapalli Central Prison from a court located in Nampally Court complex in June this year.
According to the prosecution, Aneeq Shafique Sayeed allegedly planted the bomb at Lumbini Park while Riyaz Bhatkal planted the bomb at Gokul Chat while the unexploded bomb was planted by Ismail Chowdhari.
Tarik Anjum is accused of giving shelter to the other accused after the blasts.
The near simultaneous blasts at the popular eatery Gokul Chat killed 32 people and left 47 injured, while 12 others died and 21 were injured at the open air theatre at Lumbini Park, a few metres away from the state secretariat in the blasts.
-- PTI
08:43 Venkaiah Naidu to speak in US to commemorate Vivekananda's Chicago speech
In his first visit to the US as vice president, M Venkaiah Naidu will address people of Indian origin in Chicago at an event to commemorate the 125th anniversary of Swami Vivekananda's speech at the Parliament of Religions in 1893.
The event will be held on the last day of the World Hindu Congress, which begins on September 7 and ends September 9.
"The vice president is coming to the programme organised to commemorate the 125th anniversary speech of Swami Vivekananda in Chicago in 1893," convener, WHC, Abhaya Asthana, said on Monday.
The WHC, held every four years, is expected to be attended by over 2,500 Hindus from more than 80 countries and is being organised by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad America.
Unlike the WHC for which participants have to pre-register, the event to commemorate Vivekanada's speech is open to the public.
In his address, Naidu is likely to talk about the relevance of teachings of Vivekananda in the contemporary world and how his preaching could be useful in addressing major global and societal problems.
-- PTI
08:38
Afghan Taliban announce death of Haqqani network leader: SITE
08:18 Rajan's policies, not note ban, slowed growth: NITI Aayog chief
NITI Aayog Vice Chairman Rajiv Kumar on Monday said the economic slowdown in the immediate six quarters in the aftermath of demonetisation was because of the revised scheme for identifying banking non-performing assets, initiated by Raghuram Rajan when he was the governor of the Reserve Bank of India.
Kumar accused former prime minister Manmohan Singh and senior Congress leader P Chidambaram of creating a false narrative that demonetisation led to the economic slowdown.
The Narendra Modi government has faced much flak from the Opposition after the RBIs annual report for 2016-17 revealed that 99.3 per cent of the demonetised currency came back to the banking system. In an interview to ANI, Kumar said: The declining trend for the last six quarters starting 2015-16, when the growth rate was as high was 9.2 per cent, was not a result of demonetisation.
The growth was declining because of the rising NPAs in the banking sector. Kumar said: When this (Narendra Modi) government came to office, that figure was about Rs 4 trillion. It rose to Rs 10.5 trillion by the middle of 2017, because under the previous RBI governor Mr Raghuram Rajan, they had instituted a new mechanism to identify stressed NPAs. This continuously began to rise, after which the banking sector stalled credit disbursal to the industry. In some cases like that of the MSME (micro, small and medium enterprises) industry, credit actually shrank. It was a negative growth in some years.
-- Archis Mohan/Business Standard
07:52 Ticket aspirants must have 15,000 likes on Facebook: MP Congress
Active presence on the social media is one of the eligibility criteria for the aspirants seeking to contest the upcoming assembly polls in Madhya Pradesh on Congress tickets, a party functionary said Monday.
Madhya Pradesh is going to polls later this year along with Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan.
"It is essential for the candidates seeking nomination for the assembly polls to be active on the social media," state Congress' social media and IT president Abhay Tiwari said.
He said the party won't consider the inactive aspirants eligible for tickets.
Explaining the logic behind this pre-condition, Tiwari said voters are active on the social media and can be accessed effectively through internet.
"The social media activity of ticket seekers will be gauged from their presence on Facebook, Twitter and WhatsApp groups," he said.
00:03 After floods, Kerala in the grip of fever
With water receding from most parts of rain-battered Kerala, the state is facing a challenge from different types of fever including leptospirosis which has claimed nine lives since August 29.
Two persons died of leptospirosis (rat fever) on Monday, one each at Palakkad and Kozhikode, according to the directorate of health services.
A total of 71 people tested positive for rat fever in various hospitals in the state while 123 people approached hospitals with suspected symptoms of the disease.
More than 13,800 people took treatment for various types of fever across the state Monday, officials said. Eleven confirmed and 21 suspected cases of dengue were also reported in the state.
Talking to reporters after a meeting to review the fever-situation, Health Minister K K Shylaja said the government was ready with a plan to check the spread of different types of fever including leptospirosis.
People, who had engaged in cleaning operations in the flood-affected areas, have been asked to take preventive medicines for leptospirosis, she said.
District authorities have been asked to ensure proper waste management and mosquito control to check dengue fever.
Meanwhile, a cleaning drive was held at Kuttanad in Alappuzha district where state ministers G Sudhakaran and T M Thomas Isaac participated.
Opposition leader Ramesh Chennithala and former chief minister Oommen Chandy also took part in a drive organised by Kerala PCC in Alappuzha, one of the worst flood affected areas.
Flood water is yet to recede from some parts of Alappuzha especially from Kuttanad.
With more and more people returning home, the number of people in relief camps have come down to about 9550 from 13,000, State Disaster Management Control Room officials said.
Of this 4700 persons were in 44 relief camps in Alappuzha, they said.
Officials said rain-related incidents have claimed 488 lives since the onset of the south west monsoon on May 28. -- PTI
TOP STORIES
© 2024 Rediff.com - Investor Information - Advertise with us - Disclaimer - Privacy Policy - Feedback - About us - Terms of use - Grievances