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Fri, 07 September 2018
Do not agree with anti-sacrilege bills passed by Punjab: Chidambaram
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23:42 Do not agree with anti-sacrilege bills passed by Punjab: Chidambaram
Congress leader P Chidambaram on Friday said he was a liberal and did not agree with the anti-sacrilege bills recently passed by the Punjab assembly.
The former home minister, however, added that his views were "irrelevant" as he was not Punjab Chief minister Amarinder Singh's "boss".
He said it was not Singh alone, but a number of legislators from almost all the parties in the state, who passed the bills, and hence, the question should be posed to them.
Chidamabaram was asked about the bills at a panel discussion here, after the launch of his colleague Kapil Sibal's book, Shades of Truth.
"I am not in agreement with the anti-sacrilege law but that is irrelevant. I am not the boss of the Punjab chief minister. The entire legislature of Punjab seems to have passed the bills unanimously and was of the view that there should be life imprisonment for desecration of four religious books -- the Gita, the Quran, the Granth Sahib and the Bible.
"Personally, as a liberal and as a practising lawyer, I do not agree with that view, but then, 117 lawmakers in the assembly do agree with it," the Congress leader said.
He, however, acknowledged that his party had not taken a stance on the bills.
"I do not think the party has formulated an opinion on this matter," Chidambaram said, adding that he had voiced his personal opinion.
Sibal's book was released by former vice-president Hamid Ansari and former prime minister Manmohan Singh. -- PTI
23:04 China welcomes India-US 2+2 talks; silent on security pact
A wary China on Friday welcomed the first 2+2 Dialogue between India and the United States but remained silent on the landmark security pact under which Indian military will have access to critical and encrypted American defence technologies.
The Communications, Compatibility, Security Agreement was signed on Thursday after the 2+2 talks External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman had with US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo and Defence Secretary James Mattis.
The COMCASA will allow India to receive high-end military communications equipment from the US and will also help get real-time encrypted information from the US.
Asked about China's reaction on the Indo-US talks and COMCASA agreement, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying said, "I have seen the reports about the 2+2 consultation between the United States and India."
"China is happy to see the normal development of bilateral relations between the US and India and hopes that they will do more to contribute to regional peace and stability in the process of developing bilateral relations, she said.
She, however skirted any response to the question on India and US signing the COMCASA.
On the India-US call for maritime freedom in the Indo-Pacific region Hua said, "About the security navigation in the sea, we uphold the legal rights entitled in the international law and we also hope parties can do real things to ensure freedom of navigation."
During the the 2+2 talks, India and the US expressed commitment to work together and in concert with other partners toward advancing a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific region.
The 2+2 Dialogue took place at a time when China's People's Liberation Army was flexing its muscles in the Indo-Pacific region. -- PTI
22:46 2 arrested ISIS terrorists were highly radicalised: Police
"We want to radicalise the entire world," Jamsheed Zahoor Paul, one of the alleged terrorists arrested by the Delhi Police's special cell, told the interrogators, sources said.
Paul, along with Parvaiz Rashid Lone alias Shahid, 24, was arrested from the Jama Masjid bus stop, near the Red Fort, on Thursday night for their alleged links with the Islamic State in Jammu and Kashmir, a terror outfit influenced by the ISIS ideology.
The investigators said the two, who belonged to Shopian in Jammu and Kashmir, were highly radicalised and the cell phones seized from them had videos, adding that some notebooks were also recovered, which were being studied by the police.
Lone had completed his B.Tech in civil engineering in 2016 from Amroha in Uttar Pradesh and was currently pursuing M.Tech from Gajrola in the same state, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Special Cell) Pramod Singh Kushwah said.
In September 2016, his younger brother Firdous had first joined the Hizbul Mujahideen, before joining the ISJK, the DCP said, adding that in January this year, Firdous was killed in a shootout with the security forces at Shopian in Jammu and Kashmir.
Firdous had idolised Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani, who was killed by the security forces in July, 2016.
Firdous was carrying a reward of Rs 3 lakh and was brainwashed by the radical elements, the police said, adding that his elder brother was deeply affected by his killing and joined the IS-JK.
Paul is a final-year diploma student of electrical engineering in Jammu and Kashmir.
In April 2017, at the cremation of Sabzar Bhat, who succeeded Wani as the operational chief of the Hizbul Mujahideen, he had met one Shaukat, a resident of Tral, whose brother-in-law Syed Owais Shafi (later killed in an encounter) was an active militant at that time, the police said.
Shafi had further introduced Paul to Asif alias Omar Ibn Nazir, the current IS-JK chief, they said, adding that he was in regular contact with the latter for the last eight months through encrypted mobile messaging apps. -- PTI
22:28 'Peeping Tom' who sneaked into people's bedrooms at night held
A 35-year-old man, allegedly having a fetish for sneaking into people's homes and watching women sleeping, was arrested by Goa police Friday.
Tulsidas, a resident of Taleigao on the outskirts of Panaji, was arrested on a tip-off, police said.
Several residents of Taleigao and Caranzalem villages and surrounding areas had complained that an unidentified man broke into their house late at night.
"He would enter the bedroom and watch women sleeping, sometimes stealing women's undergarments from washing lines or cupboards before running away," said police inspector Siddhanth Shirodkar.
He was booked under IPC sections 457 (house trespass) 380 (theft) and 354 (sexual harassment) and further probe was on, the inspector said. -- PTI
22:11 Indian, US armies to carry out 2-week combat exercise in Uttarakhand
Armies of India and the United States will hold their annual combat exercise "Yudh Abhyas" at Chaubatia in Uttarakhand from September 16 to 29 with an aim to enhance inter-operability between the two forces, officials said.
They said the exercise will also focus on enhancing counter-terror cooperation.
The officials said the scope and intensity of this year's exercise will be much wider, in reflection of upswing in defence ties between the two countries.
Around 400 soldiers from each side are expected to participate in the exercise, the officials.
The defence and security cooperation between the US and India has witnessed a new momentum in the last couple of years.
Yesterday, the two countries signed a path-breaking agreement which will allow Indian defence forces to receive military-grade communications equipment from the US and ensure access to real-time encrypted information.
The Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement will also help India to obtain critical defence technologies from the US.
In July, the US announced granting India the status of Strategic Trade Authorization-1 (STA-1) country, the only South Asian nation to be given the designation along with the US' NATO allies like South Korea, Australia and Japan.
The STA-1 status will help India get critical technology from the US in the defence and certain other key areas. -- PTI
21:56 Use technology to connect more people with thoughts of Hinduism: PM to WHC
Various aspects of Hindu philosophy can help find the solution to several problems that plague the world today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Friday and called for using technology to connect more people with the thoughts of Hinduism.
In his message to the second World Hindu Congress in Chicago, Modi said that digitising various treatises and ancient epics can deepen their connect with the younger generation.
"This would be a great service for the coming generations," he said.
"Living in the era of technology, I particularly call upon the esteemed delegates of this conference to think about ways in which technology can connect more and more people with the thoughts of Hinduism," Modi said.
The inaugural session of the conference was attended by 2,500 delegates and Hindu leaders from more than 60 countries.
In his message, Modi hoped that the meeting would deliberate upon how better India can engage with the world, based on its ancient treasure trove of knowledge, intellectually and culturally, to help build a future of understanding, acceptance, sharing and caring for "our future" generations to live and thrive.
The message was read by eminent Indian-American Bharat Barai.
"The manner in which this Conference has brought together thinkers, scholars, intellectuals, eminent thinkers and other participants is commendable," Modi said.
Noting that Hinduism is among the oldest beliefs in the history of humankind, Modi said, "It is in the various aspects of Hindu philosophy that we can find the solution to several problems that plague the world today.
Modi said that he is glad that the conference is being held in Chicago, which reminds every Indian of one proud moment when Swami Vivekananda addressed the 'Parliament of the World's Religions' in 1893, in the same month of September 125 years ago.
Modi said the Indian community across the world is catalyst of the resurgence that Swami Vivekananda spoke of contributing to a better future for the whole world. -- PTI
21:54 Modi govt undermining values that democratic polity should protect: Manmohan
Former prime minister Manmohan Singh today accused the Modi government of "slowly but surely" undermining the values that a democratic polity should fiercely protect and called for a meaningful national debate on it as also the failure of ruling dispensation in fulfilling its promises made.
Releasing a book titled "Shades of Truth" by former Union minister and Congress leader Kapil Sibal, he hoped this is the beginning of the national debate that everyone needs.
In a scathing indictment of the Modi dispensation, Singh said key national institutions vital for good governance are experiencing unprecedented new strains, India's neighbourhood is far less secured than it was in 2014 and its ties with neighbours deteriorated in the last four years.
"The Modi government has slowly but surely undermined the values that any democratic polity should fiercely protect. Important national institutions vital for good governance are experiencing unprecedented new strains.
"Our neighbourhood is far less secured than it was in 2014. Our relations with neighbours have deteriorated in the last four years. Modi government has failed to address issues relating to a creative use of science and technology for national transformation," he said.
"Women, Dalits and minorities are increasingly living in an environment of insecurity," he said, adding that nothing concrete has been done to bring back the promised billions of dollars allegedly held abroad as black money.
"Academic freedom is sought to be curbed, the environment in our universities is being vitiated. All this is a powerful indictment on the Modi government's performance and there has to be a meaningful national debate on issues raised by Kapil Sibal. So, I sincerely hope that this is the beginning of that national debate and we all need that and together with an alternative narrative that the country needs to study and adopt," he said. -- PTI
21:36 Why the CBI court rejected Indrani's bail
CBI Special Judge Jayendra Chandrasen Jagdale has issued a reply on Friday to the bail plea of Indrani Mukerjea, accused no 1 in the murder of her daughter Sheena Bora.
These were the main points of his reply:
1. Indrani's plea for bail on health grounds:
The court 'opined' that she has faced similar issues in 2016 and the judge's predecessor Judge HS Mahajan has passed an order denying bail.
Judge Jagdale was not aware of any new reason for why she should be released on bail.
The court also directed the jail authorities that if any need arises she be given every possible medical treatment
2. Her plea for bail on security grounds:
The court said that seeking bail on security issues merely because Indrani had been a witness in the Manjul Shetye Byculla jail murder is highly exaggerated.
In the other case, concerning INX Media's erstwhile links with Karti Chidambaram, son of P Chidambaram, former Union finance minister, where she has given her statement, the accused are out on bail.
The court directed that if there is so much threat to her life in the current prison, she may be transferred to any prison which is safer. It also directed that more security be provided if needed.
MUST READ: The Sheena Bora Murder Trial
21:31 Shahid Kapoor, Mira and Misha take baby Zain home
Shahid Kapoor and his wife Mira Rajput, who welcomed their second child on Wednesday, took their son home this evening.
The couple, along with daughter Misha, cheerfully waved at the cameras outside Mumbai's Hinduja Hospital.
The baby, whom they've named Zain Kapoor, was cradled in his mom Mira's arms while Shahid carried 2-year-old Misha.
Shahid, 37, revealed the name of his son on Twitter.
"Zain Kapoor is here and we feel complete. Thank you for all the wishes and blessings. We are overjoyed and so grateful. Love to all," the actor wrote.
20:42 Ram Kadam tweets about Sonali Bendre's 'death', retracts after trolled heavily
Bharatiya Janata Party MLA Ram Kadam, under fire over his "will kidnap girl" remarks, was caught on the wrong foot again Friday after he tweeted that Bollywood actor Sonali Bendre was no more, only to retract it after realising that the news was not true and facing massive backlash.
Bendre is currently undergoing treatment for cancer in the US.
Kadam tweeted in Marathi that "Bollywood and Marathi diva" Sonali Bendre "has passed away in America" and condoled her demise.
After he was trolled for believing a baseless rumour, he deleted the message.
He posted another tweet, saying, "About Sonali Bendre ji, it was rumour for the last two days. I pray to god for her good health and speedy recovery."
Bendre revealed in July that she has been diagnosed with a "high grade cancer" and is undergoing treatment in the US.
On Monday, Kadam sparked off a storm of protest with his remarks at a Dahi Handi (Janmashtami) celebration in Mumbai.
A video clip showed him saying that youngsters often seek his help after girls reject their proposals.
"Come with your parents. What will I do if your parents approve? I will kidnap the girl and hand her over to you," he was heard telling the crowd. -- PTI
20:29 Adityanth likens Akhilesh to Aurangzeb
In a scathing attack on Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Friday likened him to Mughal emperor Aurangzeb who had jailed his father.
"There is a character in history who kept his father in jail. This is the reason why no Muslim names his son Aurangzeb," he said.
"I think something like this has happened with the Samajwadi Party. History repeats itself, and the repetition is taking place," the chief minister said at the 'Nishad Sammelan' in Lucknow.
Adityanath did not directly name the SP leader, but made clear that he was alluding to the manner in which Akhilesh Yadav had edged out his father Mulayam Singh Yadav to take charge of the party.
"Somebody who could not remain loyal to his father and uncle is now talking about connecting with you," he said.
Adityanath's remarks come amid fresh trouble in the first family of the Samajwadi Party.
Akhilesh Yadav's estranged uncle Shivpal Singh Yadav has just floated his separate Samajwadi Secular Morcha and announced plans to contest all the 80 Lok Sabha seats in the state in the 2019 elections.
Shivpal Yadav has said he will unite all sidelined leaders and workers in the party, and accused the SP leadership of ignoring him for the past one and a half years.
He has also accused the party leadership of not giving enough respect to SP founder and his brother Mulayam Singh Yadav.
Akhilesh Yadav had on Thursday accused the Bharatiya Janata Patrty of igniting caste politics in the state and said Adityanath's days as chief minister were numbered. -- PTI
20:22 Rajinikanth's next film is 'Petta'
Superstar Rajinikanth's next flick is titled Petta which has an impressive star cast that includes Bollywood actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Tamil star Vijay Sethupathy.
Produced by Kalanithi Maran-promoted Sun Pictures, the title of the movie roughly translates to stronghold.
The motion poster of the film, relesed today, shows 67-year old Rajinikanth, sporting a beard and coolers, walking with a weapon while flashing his trademark smile.
The poster indicated the film could be an action flick.
Petta is directed by Pizza-fame Karthik Subbaraj and has Trisha Krishnan and Simran also in the cast.
Anirudh has scored the music.
Rajinikanth's last film, released in June this year, was the trilingual Kaala, which had received mixed reviews.
20:04 Provide fitness certificate then resume work: Congress to Parrikar
The Congress met Friday Goa Governor Mridula Sinha and demanded her intervention to stop "collapse" of the administration in the BJP-ruled state in view of frequent absence of Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar
and hospitalisation of his two Cabinet colleagues.
The main Opposition party said Parrikar should provide a fitness certificate before joining work. The party said while the nature of CM's illness is not known, two other ministers are in hospitals with "serious" ailments.
Parrikar returned home Thursday from the US, where he had gone for medical treatment in the last week of August.
The 62-year-old was earlier in the US for nearly three months for treatment. While there has been no official word on the nature of his illness, it is said he is undergoing treatment for a pancreatic ailment.
A delegation headed by All India Congress Committee secretary A Chellakumar, Goa Pradesh Congress Committee president Girish Chodankar, Congress Legislature Party chief Chandrakant Kavlekar and other leaders met Sinha in the afternoon at Raj Bhavan in Panji.
Emerging from the meeting, Chellakumar said there has been a "total collapse" of government in the state, where a BJP-led coalition is in power.
In such a situation, the governor is expected to intervene and restore normalcy in functioning of the state administration, he said.
Chellakumar said the CM has been frequently flying to the USA for treatment, but the exact nature of his illness has not been disclosed to the public by the state government.
Two other ministers Pandurang Madkaikar and Francis DSouza are admitted in hospitals with "serious" ailments, the Congress leader said.
19:53 CBI court rejects Indrani Mukerjea's bail plea
A Central Bureau of Investigation court in Mumbai rejected a bail application of Sheena Bora murder case accused Indrani Mukerjea.
Mukerjea had applied for bail in August, citing ill-health and a "threat" to her life in the prison.
The court, however, rejected her plea, saying she would be much safer inside the jail than outside.
Judge J C Jagdale also noted that her claims of ill-health were exaggerated.
The court took note of the Central Bureau of Investigation's submission that Mukerjea has been kept in a secure cell and the prison premises are guarded round-the-clock.
Releasing her would be prejudicial to the prosecution's case, the agency had said.
In her bail plea, Indrani had cited an incident in April this year when she had to be admitted to a hospital.
While the prison authorities claimed it to be a case of drug overdose, she alleged that someone might have tampered with her prescription medications.
The CBI, opposing her plea, argued that she often interacted with her associates in the court after hearings and one of them might have given her the pills which caused the illness.
The jail authorities and doctors at the government-run J J Hospital can provide her adequate medical care, it said.
Mukerjea, who allegedly made all efforts to keep her daughter Sheena Bora's death hidden for more than three years, deserved no leniency, the agency told the court.
Sheena Bora (24) was allegedly killed on April 24, 2012. The crime came to light after Mukerjea's driver Shyamvar Rai, arrested in another case in August 2015, spilled the beans. -- PTI
Also Read: Sheena Bora Trial: Why is Indrani downcast?
19:38 Essential to bring petrol, diesel under GST : Pradhan
Fuel price hike in the country is due to international factors and it has now become essential to bring petrol and diesel under the purview of GST, Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said Friday.
The unusual surge in fuel price is due to the political and economic situations at the international level and the Centre has been vigilant about it, he told newsmen here at the sidelines of a function.
"It has now become essential to bring petrol and diesel under the purview of GST. As these two items are out of the GST, the nation has to bear a loss of about Rs 15,000 crore. If petrol and diesel are brought under the GST, it will be better for all including consumers," Pradhan said.
Asked about the Centre's steps to reduce oil prices, Pradhan said "One cannot effectively address the situation just by cutting down the rate of excise duty.
"The political situation in countries like Iran, Venezuela and Turkey has impacted the production of crude oil," Pradhan said adding that the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) has also not been able to increase the production of crude oil despite their promise.
Pradhan said India is constantly in discussion with the US, which has been impacting the crude oil production.
"Yesterday, during the 2+2 discussion, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj had raised the issue of oil price. This apart from the devaluation of rupee has also impacted the price hike of oil," he said.
Replying to another question, the union minister said the Odisha government has been getting a revenue of about Rs 7,000 crore from petroleum products by raising the tax rate on these products.
"The people will get relief if the state government reduces the tax on petrol and diesel," he said. -- PTI
18:50 Air India plane lands on wrong runway in Maldives
An Air India aircraft, carrying more than 136 people, on Friday landed on a wrong runway at Male airport in Maldives, according to an airline official.
The A320 neo plane was operating from Thiruvananthapuram to Male.
A senior Air India official said the aircraft "VT EXL landed on an under-construction runway at Male".
There were 136 passengers and crew on board. Tyres of the plane were deflated and was towed away to the parking bay, the official said.
An Air India spokesperson confirmed that the aircraft landed on a wrong runway at the airport but did not provide specific details. -- PTI
18:26 No development in Gandhi family bastion: Smriti Irani
Union Textiles Minister Smriti Irani attacked the Gandhi family on Friday for the "lack of development" in its electoral stronghold.
United Progressive Allaince chairperson Sonia Gandhi represents Rae Bareli in the Lok Sabha and Congress president Rahul Gandhi holds the adjacent Amethi seat, where Irani herself contested unsuccessfully in 2014.
She accused the two Congress leaders for failing to develop their own constituencies, claiming that 70 to 80 per cent of houses there are still made of mud.
The people in the area had no expectations of its development, she told reporters after visiting the Modern Coach Factory here.
She claimed that during the UPA government's term, railway coaches were brought to the factory from Kapurthala and shown as the achievement of the Rae Bareli unit.
"Now under the Narendra Modi government, 700 coaches are made here," she said.
"The rail coach factory here has become a symbol of possibilities under the Narendra Modi government," she said. -- PTI
17:39 No large-scale influx of Rohingyas into India: BSF DG
Director General of the BSF KK Sharma on Friday asserted that there has not been any large-scale influx of Rohingyas into India. Sharma, while speaking at the ongoing 47th DG level talks between the BSF and the Border Guards Bangladesh in Delhi, said that there were attempts by small groups to enter into the Indian territory but security forces stopped them.
"There has not been any large-scale influx of Rohingyas in India. Rohingyas who are already in the country, are also under pressure at some places. So they are going to West Bengal, that is slightly friendly with them and has created camps for Rohingyas coming from within the country, not from Bangladesh," he said.
The DG BSF stated that smuggling of fake Indian currency has also come down considerably after demonetisation.
"The quality of the (fake) currency is not good so they can easily be detected. We find that Bangladesh territory is mostly being used as a transit. This year the seizure was Rs 11 lakh only," he added.
On July 31, Home Minister Rajnath Singh informed the Lok Sabha that security forces were deployed to stop further infiltration of Rohingyas, a Muslim minority ethnic group in Myanmar, who are considered to be illegal immigrants.
A large number of Rohingya refugees have taken shelter in India and Bangladesh and they are staying in refugee camps, after fleeing a brutal campaign launched by the Myanmar Army in August last year. -- ANI
"There has not been any large-scale influx of Rohingyas in India. Rohingyas who are already in the country, are also under pressure at some places. So they are going to West Bengal, that is slightly friendly with them and has created camps for Rohingyas coming from within the country, not from Bangladesh," he said.
The DG BSF stated that smuggling of fake Indian currency has also come down considerably after demonetisation.
"The quality of the (fake) currency is not good so they can easily be detected. We find that Bangladesh territory is mostly being used as a transit. This year the seizure was Rs 11 lakh only," he added.
On July 31, Home Minister Rajnath Singh informed the Lok Sabha that security forces were deployed to stop further infiltration of Rohingyas, a Muslim minority ethnic group in Myanmar, who are considered to be illegal immigrants.
A large number of Rohingya refugees have taken shelter in India and Bangladesh and they are staying in refugee camps, after fleeing a brutal campaign launched by the Myanmar Army in August last year. -- ANI
17:30 Boris Johnson and Indian-origin wife announce divorce
Boris Johnson, Britain's former foreign secretary and his Indian-origin wife, Marina Wheeler, on Friday announced they plan to divorce amid claims that the flamboyant politician had cheated on his lawyer wife of 25 years.
The couple made the announcement in a joint statement after a report appeared in the Sun newspaper around the couple's separation over Johnson's alleged unfaithfulness.
"Several months ago, after 25 years of marriage, we decided it was in our best interests to separate," the statement said. "We have subsequently agreed to divorce and that process is under way. As friends we will continue to support our four children in the years ahead. We will not be commenting further," it added.
Wheeler, a respected human rights lawyer, is the daughter of former BBC journalist Charles Wheeler and his second wife Dip Singh. Johnson has often made reference to his wife's Indian roots to categorise himself as the son-in-law of India. During his term as London Mayor in 2013, he branded himself the "first and only mayor of London with real live relatives in India". The 54-year-old couple have four children together.
The Sun reported that their fashion journalist daughter, 25-year-old Lara, said her mother will "never take him back" after a latest fling. Johnson is known for his affairs in the past, including fathering a child with a former art consultant lover. In 2004, he was removed from the Conservative party frontbenches after lying over an affair with British journalist and writer Petronella Wyatt. -- PTI
The couple made the announcement in a joint statement after a report appeared in the Sun newspaper around the couple's separation over Johnson's alleged unfaithfulness.
"Several months ago, after 25 years of marriage, we decided it was in our best interests to separate," the statement said. "We have subsequently agreed to divorce and that process is under way. As friends we will continue to support our four children in the years ahead. We will not be commenting further," it added.
Wheeler, a respected human rights lawyer, is the daughter of former BBC journalist Charles Wheeler and his second wife Dip Singh. Johnson has often made reference to his wife's Indian roots to categorise himself as the son-in-law of India. During his term as London Mayor in 2013, he branded himself the "first and only mayor of London with real live relatives in India". The 54-year-old couple have four children together.
The Sun reported that their fashion journalist daughter, 25-year-old Lara, said her mother will "never take him back" after a latest fling. Johnson is known for his affairs in the past, including fathering a child with a former art consultant lover. In 2004, he was removed from the Conservative party frontbenches after lying over an affair with British journalist and writer Petronella Wyatt. -- PTI
17:19 Telangana poll dates yet to be finalised: EC
Chief Election Commissioner OP Rawat on Friday said that Assembly elections in Telangana might not be necessarily held along with Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Mizoram.
The Assembly elections in Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Mizoram are scheduled to take place this year-end, dates for which are yet to be announced.
Talking exclusively to ANI, Rawat said that Telangana Chief Electoral Officer Rajat Kumar has been asked to file a report on the current situation of the state, based on which the Election Commission of India would take further decisions.
"We have to assess the matter that whether the election could be conducted along with other four states or not. Any astrological predictions (over dates) made by anyone is not withstanding," he added.
Earlier on Thursday, the Telangana Assembly was dissolved by Governor ESL Narasimhan following the recommendation from K Chandrashekhar Rao-led cabinet.
However, the Governor asked Rao to continue as caretaker Chief Minister until the new government is formed.
"In the law, there is no provision of such cases. But, in 2002, in a special reference, the Supreme Court said that whenever a House is dissolved, the Election Commission should conduct the election on the first occasion so that the caretaker government does not reap unnecessary benefits," Rawat said.
Telangana Chief Minister on Thursday had claimed that Assembly election in the state might be held in November and the results can be expected in December.
Expressing unhappiness over such statements, Rawat said: "In a section of media, an outgoing Constitutional dignitary predicted the schedule of elections. It is not acceptable to the Commission."
He added that first official audit will take place first followed by the visit of the Commission to the state before any decision is taken on the dates.
When asked about the constraints in holding multiple elections together and the availability of Electronic Voting Machines and Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail, Rawat said the poll panel has resources to go to polls in all the four states simultaneously.
"The only visible constraint is that the malfunctions reported in VVPATs were high in number. The VVPATs supply will be completed on November 30. So given the number of VVPATs that we have got and the number of polls due there is no problem. But if the number of the states going to polls increases, then there can be a problem," he added. He further said that the ECI will highlight resource constraints as and when they arise. -- ANI
The Assembly elections in Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Mizoram are scheduled to take place this year-end, dates for which are yet to be announced.
Talking exclusively to ANI, Rawat said that Telangana Chief Electoral Officer Rajat Kumar has been asked to file a report on the current situation of the state, based on which the Election Commission of India would take further decisions.
"We have to assess the matter that whether the election could be conducted along with other four states or not. Any astrological predictions (over dates) made by anyone is not withstanding," he added.
Earlier on Thursday, the Telangana Assembly was dissolved by Governor ESL Narasimhan following the recommendation from K Chandrashekhar Rao-led cabinet.
However, the Governor asked Rao to continue as caretaker Chief Minister until the new government is formed.
"In the law, there is no provision of such cases. But, in 2002, in a special reference, the Supreme Court said that whenever a House is dissolved, the Election Commission should conduct the election on the first occasion so that the caretaker government does not reap unnecessary benefits," Rawat said.
Telangana Chief Minister on Thursday had claimed that Assembly election in the state might be held in November and the results can be expected in December.
Expressing unhappiness over such statements, Rawat said: "In a section of media, an outgoing Constitutional dignitary predicted the schedule of elections. It is not acceptable to the Commission."
He added that first official audit will take place first followed by the visit of the Commission to the state before any decision is taken on the dates.
When asked about the constraints in holding multiple elections together and the availability of Electronic Voting Machines and Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail, Rawat said the poll panel has resources to go to polls in all the four states simultaneously.
"The only visible constraint is that the malfunctions reported in VVPATs were high in number. The VVPATs supply will be completed on November 30. So given the number of VVPATs that we have got and the number of polls due there is no problem. But if the number of the states going to polls increases, then there can be a problem," he added. He further said that the ECI will highlight resource constraints as and when they arise. -- ANI
16:45 'Sea plane in Chilika likely to cause irrevocable damage'
The Chilika Development Authority is opposed to the proposed water aerodrome and sea plane operation in the lagoon as it is likely to cause irrevocable damage to the eco-system and livelihood of the population dependent on it. "The cost involved from operation of sea plane seems far outweigh the benefits likely to accrue. Legally it is also not feasible," the CDA said in a report to the state government.
15:56 Hardik Patel hospitalised
Patidar agitation head Hardik Patel, who is on an indefinite fast since 25 August, has been hospitalised after his health deteriorated. Last night he gave up taking water to press for the demand for reservations for his community and loan waiver for farmers.
The Gujarat government remains unmoved despite medical reports about Patel's worsening health.Patel's Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti (PAAS) had served the Gujarat Government a 24-hour ultimatum to initiate talks with him over their demands.
The government maintained that the agitation was sponsored by the Congress.
PAAS spokesman Manoj Panara said the ultimatum expired at 7 pm and the 25-year-old Patel decided to stop consuming water.
Earlier too, he had given up drinking water but was persuaded by leaders of the community after seven days of his fast as his health started deteriorating.
Panara said Hardik Patel, who took a stroll in a wheel-chair of the compound of his residence where he is fasting and met some of his supporters in the afternoon, would stop having even a drop of water and the state Government would be responsible for the consequences.
Manoj Panara came up with an allegation, though unsubstantiated, that the PAAS had "definite information" that the state government was "conspiring to kill Hardik" as a warning to all those who dared raised their voice "against the autocratic rule of the BJP".He said the government hospital doctors, who were appointed to monitor Hardik Patel's health, had started claiming that his kidney, heart and several other organs had been "infected" but the private medical practitioners had refuted the claim.
The Gujarat government remains unmoved despite medical reports about Patel's worsening health.Patel's Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti (PAAS) had served the Gujarat Government a 24-hour ultimatum to initiate talks with him over their demands.
The government maintained that the agitation was sponsored by the Congress.
PAAS spokesman Manoj Panara said the ultimatum expired at 7 pm and the 25-year-old Patel decided to stop consuming water.
Earlier too, he had given up drinking water but was persuaded by leaders of the community after seven days of his fast as his health started deteriorating.
Panara said Hardik Patel, who took a stroll in a wheel-chair of the compound of his residence where he is fasting and met some of his supporters in the afternoon, would stop having even a drop of water and the state Government would be responsible for the consequences.
Manoj Panara came up with an allegation, though unsubstantiated, that the PAAS had "definite information" that the state government was "conspiring to kill Hardik" as a warning to all those who dared raised their voice "against the autocratic rule of the BJP".He said the government hospital doctors, who were appointed to monitor Hardik Patel's health, had started claiming that his kidney, heart and several other organs had been "infected" but the private medical practitioners had refuted the claim.
15:43 Sena likens Kadam to Khilji over his anti-women remarks
The Shiv Sena Friday likened Maharashtra BJP MLA Ram Kadam to Alauddin Khilji, 13th century Sultan of Delhi, for telling youngsters he would "kidnap" a girl they like, and also questioned his party's silence over his remarks.
The Sena said while Prime Minister Narendra Modi was keen on giving "justice" to Muslim women in triple talaq, in Maharashtra the MLAs of his party were creating panic among the women of the state.
"Queen Padmini committed 'jauhar' along with thousands of other Rajput women to protect their honour, prestige and religion. Their 'jauhar' against Alauddin Khilji and his tyranny is still inspiring women in India. But it seems time has come for the women in Maharashtra to commit 'jauhar' against the BJP's Khilji," the Sena said in an editorial in party mouthpiece 'Saamana'.
According to the legend, queen of Mewar Rani Padmavati had committed 'jauhar' (self immolation) along with thousands of other women in Chittorgarh to protect their honour when Alauddin Khilji attacked the fort in 1303.
"BJP MLA Ram Kadam, who is the chief minister's favourite, uttered derogatory words against women that showed his arrogance. He said 'Just let me know the girl you like and I will kidnap her and hand her over to you'. What kind of hedonistic culture has landed in Maharashtra?" it asked. The Uddhav Thackeray-led party alleged that the BJP was nurturing such kind of people, who speak ill of women, farmers and wives of soldiers.-- PTI
The Sena said while Prime Minister Narendra Modi was keen on giving "justice" to Muslim women in triple talaq, in Maharashtra the MLAs of his party were creating panic among the women of the state.
"Queen Padmini committed 'jauhar' along with thousands of other Rajput women to protect their honour, prestige and religion. Their 'jauhar' against Alauddin Khilji and his tyranny is still inspiring women in India. But it seems time has come for the women in Maharashtra to commit 'jauhar' against the BJP's Khilji," the Sena said in an editorial in party mouthpiece 'Saamana'.
According to the legend, queen of Mewar Rani Padmavati had committed 'jauhar' (self immolation) along with thousands of other women in Chittorgarh to protect their honour when Alauddin Khilji attacked the fort in 1303.
"BJP MLA Ram Kadam, who is the chief minister's favourite, uttered derogatory words against women that showed his arrogance. He said 'Just let me know the girl you like and I will kidnap her and hand her over to you'. What kind of hedonistic culture has landed in Maharashtra?" it asked. The Uddhav Thackeray-led party alleged that the BJP was nurturing such kind of people, who speak ill of women, farmers and wives of soldiers.-- PTI
15:35 Bengal slightly friendly to Rohingyas: BSF DG
West Bengal is "slightly friendly" to the Rohingyas and has set up special camps for about 70 such families, BSF Director General (DG) K K Sharma said Friday, asserting he has got an inquiry conducted to ascertain their numbers.
The chief of the border guarding force, which guards the 4,096-km-long India-Bangladesh frontier, said they are alive to the issue and there has not been any large-scale influx of these Myanmar-based migrants into India.
"We are alive to the situation. We are aware that a large number of Rohingyas are assembled there in Bangladesh and from time-to-time some small groups did try to enter India, but I am very happy to say that we did not let them succeed.
"So, there has not been any large-scale influx of Rohingyas into India. Whatever Rohingyas are already there in the country... In fact, they are also under pressure at some places; so they are going to West Bengal, a state which is slightly friendly with them.
"They have set up camps for Rohingyas coming from within the country and not from Bangladesh," Sharma said at a press conference he held with his visiting Bangladeshi counterpart. We got it (Rohingyas presence in West Bengal) inquired, the DG said, and there were about 70 odd families who had come from various places within India.
"So, I am very happy to say the BSF has successfully contained the influx of Rophigyas and we have not allowed any intrusion so far. This has also been verified by our sister security agencies," Sharma asserted.
The chief of the border guarding force, which guards the 4,096-km-long India-Bangladesh frontier, said they are alive to the issue and there has not been any large-scale influx of these Myanmar-based migrants into India.
"We are alive to the situation. We are aware that a large number of Rohingyas are assembled there in Bangladesh and from time-to-time some small groups did try to enter India, but I am very happy to say that we did not let them succeed.
"So, there has not been any large-scale influx of Rohingyas into India. Whatever Rohingyas are already there in the country... In fact, they are also under pressure at some places; so they are going to West Bengal, a state which is slightly friendly with them.
"They have set up camps for Rohingyas coming from within the country and not from Bangladesh," Sharma said at a press conference he held with his visiting Bangladeshi counterpart. We got it (Rohingyas presence in West Bengal) inquired, the DG said, and there were about 70 odd families who had come from various places within India.
"So, I am very happy to say the BSF has successfully contained the influx of Rophigyas and we have not allowed any intrusion so far. This has also been verified by our sister security agencies," Sharma asserted.
15:24 J-K interlocutor Dineshwar Sharma calls on Guv Malik
The Centre's special representative for dialogue in Jammu and Kashmir Dineshwar Sharma Friday called on Governor Satya Pal Malik in Srinagar and briefed him about his discussions across the cross-section of the society in the state. Sharma met the governor at the Raj Bhavan here today, a Raj Bhavan spokesman said. He said the two also discussed the internal security situation in the state. "Malik and Sharma discussed a range of issues relating to the internal security situation, developmental scenario and initiatives required for protecting and promoting the educational and career interests of the youth," the spokesman said. PTI
15:13 Debt-ridden Pak removes illustrious economist for being Ahmadi
The newly formed Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf government has axed economist Atif R Mian from the Prime Minister Imran Khan-led Economic Advisory Council.
Senator Faisal Javed Khan put out a tweet informing that Dr Mian "was asked to step down from the Advisory council."
Observers believe the decision to remove the Princeton University economist reflects the country's strong bias against minority Ahmadi community.
Dr Mian is an Ahmadi, whose appointment to the country's top economic body raised eyebrows of several religio-political leaders, particularly from the Majlis-e-Tahaffuz-e-Khatme Nabuwwat Movement and the Majlis-i-Ahrar Islam.Ahmadis or Ahmadiyya are a minority sect, which identifies itself as Muslim.
But most Pakistanis reject them as blasphemous for believing there was a prophet after Muhammad. The community faces persecution in the country and is a target of violence and widespread discrimination, especially from religious fanatics.
The removal comes close on the heels of PTI-led government defending the academic's nomination to the EAC, stressing that it will "not bow to extremists".
According to the Dawn, Minister of Information Fawad Chaudhary had told media persons on Tuesday that "Pakistan belongs as much to minorities as it does to the majority."
He added, "What should we do with the minorities in the country? Should we throw them out?"
Three days later, Chaudhary took a U-turn. He tweeted, "The government wants to move forward alongside scholars and all social groups, and it is inappropriate if a single nomination creates an impression to the contrary." -- PTI
Senator Faisal Javed Khan put out a tweet informing that Dr Mian "was asked to step down from the Advisory council."
Observers believe the decision to remove the Princeton University economist reflects the country's strong bias against minority Ahmadi community.
Dr Mian is an Ahmadi, whose appointment to the country's top economic body raised eyebrows of several religio-political leaders, particularly from the Majlis-e-Tahaffuz-e-Khatme Nabuwwat Movement and the Majlis-i-Ahrar Islam.Ahmadis or Ahmadiyya are a minority sect, which identifies itself as Muslim.
But most Pakistanis reject them as blasphemous for believing there was a prophet after Muhammad. The community faces persecution in the country and is a target of violence and widespread discrimination, especially from religious fanatics.
The removal comes close on the heels of PTI-led government defending the academic's nomination to the EAC, stressing that it will "not bow to extremists".
According to the Dawn, Minister of Information Fawad Chaudhary had told media persons on Tuesday that "Pakistan belongs as much to minorities as it does to the majority."
He added, "What should we do with the minorities in the country? Should we throw them out?"
Three days later, Chaudhary took a U-turn. He tweeted, "The government wants to move forward alongside scholars and all social groups, and it is inappropriate if a single nomination creates an impression to the contrary." -- PTI
15:12 Ashwin, Pandya out; Jadeja, Vihari in for 5th Ind-Eng Test
India made two changes in the team for the 5th and final match against England at Kennington Oval, London. Ravichandran Ashwin has been dropped and Hanuma Vihari, the 22-year-old righthand batsman and off-break bowler inducted; Hardik Pandya has been dropped in favour of Ravindra Jadeja.
The India (Playing XI) includes: Shikhar Dhawan, Lokesh Rahul, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli(c), Ajinkya Rahane, Hanuma Vihari, Rishabh Pant (w), Ravindra Jadeja, Ishant Sharma, Mohammed Shami, Jasprit Bumrah.
The India (Playing XI) includes: Shikhar Dhawan, Lokesh Rahul, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli(c), Ajinkya Rahane, Hanuma Vihari, Rishabh Pant (w), Ravindra Jadeja, Ishant Sharma, Mohammed Shami, Jasprit Bumrah.
14:48 19-yr-old gang rape-murder convict sent to gallows
A court in Assam Friday awarded death penalty to Zakir Hussain, the prime accused in the gangrape and murder of an 11-year-old girl in Assam's Nagaon district in March.
District and Session Judge Rita Kar sentenced Hussain (19) to death for the murder and to life imprisonment for raping the minor girl under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.
The court had convicted him and acquitted five other accused for lack of evidence on September 4. Two other minor accused were found guilty and sent to a correctional home for three years by a juvenile court earlier this week, Nagaon Additional Superintendent of Police Ripul Das, who was part of the investigation team, said.
The girl, a class 5 student, was gang-raped and set on fire when she was alone at home in Dhaniabheti Lalung Gaon in Nagaon district on March 23. The youths fled after the crime and the girl was rushed to the Guwahati Medical College Hospital where she succumbed to injuries the next day.
A case was filed in the Batadrava Police Station and the accused were arrested on charges of rape, house trespass, causing disappearance of evidence and murder under the IPC. After a swift investigation, the police filed charge sheet on April 28 against eight persons. -- PTI
District and Session Judge Rita Kar sentenced Hussain (19) to death for the murder and to life imprisonment for raping the minor girl under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.
The court had convicted him and acquitted five other accused for lack of evidence on September 4. Two other minor accused were found guilty and sent to a correctional home for three years by a juvenile court earlier this week, Nagaon Additional Superintendent of Police Ripul Das, who was part of the investigation team, said.
The girl, a class 5 student, was gang-raped and set on fire when she was alone at home in Dhaniabheti Lalung Gaon in Nagaon district on March 23. The youths fled after the crime and the girl was rushed to the Guwahati Medical College Hospital where she succumbed to injuries the next day.
A case was filed in the Batadrava Police Station and the accused were arrested on charges of rape, house trespass, causing disappearance of evidence and murder under the IPC. After a swift investigation, the police filed charge sheet on April 28 against eight persons. -- PTI
14:28 Kerala floods: Funds no problem, says Nadda
The Centre Friday assured all possible support including more financial assistance to flood-ravaged Kerala to rehabilitate the affected people. Union Health Minister J P Nadda said during his visit to flood-affected areas in Thrissur district that the Central government understands the sensitivity of the situation in Kerala.
"Fund is no problem, funds have been always there and we have been always giving it. All possible support has been given as far as the rehabilitation part is concerned and re-development part is concerned," Nadda said.
The minister said he would evaluate with the state government the rehabilitation and rebuilding work being carried out in the affected areas.
"We just want to have an evaluation and whatever best we can do and what more we can do, that is what we are going to discuss," he added.
Nadda, who is accompanied by Health and Family Welfare secretary Preeti Sudan, expressed satisfaction over the work being done to restore medical facilities in affected areas.
He said the central team's visit was to see how the relief work is going on, and evaluate what more is required to assist Kerala. Kerala state Health Minister K K Shailaja Teacher also accompanied the minister to affected areas.
"We feel very much disturbed. The people of Kerala had to face a lot of problems because of the natural calamity and we are all with them," Nadda said.
He said medical experts including doctors sent by the central government and state governments including Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu were working in flood-affected areas. The deluge last month triggered by torrential monsoon rains had left a trail of destruction in the state and claimed 491 lives since May 29. -- PTI
"Fund is no problem, funds have been always there and we have been always giving it. All possible support has been given as far as the rehabilitation part is concerned and re-development part is concerned," Nadda said.
The minister said he would evaluate with the state government the rehabilitation and rebuilding work being carried out in the affected areas.
"We just want to have an evaluation and whatever best we can do and what more we can do, that is what we are going to discuss," he added.
Nadda, who is accompanied by Health and Family Welfare secretary Preeti Sudan, expressed satisfaction over the work being done to restore medical facilities in affected areas.
He said the central team's visit was to see how the relief work is going on, and evaluate what more is required to assist Kerala. Kerala state Health Minister K K Shailaja Teacher also accompanied the minister to affected areas.
"We feel very much disturbed. The people of Kerala had to face a lot of problems because of the natural calamity and we are all with them," Nadda said.
He said medical experts including doctors sent by the central government and state governments including Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu were working in flood-affected areas. The deluge last month triggered by torrential monsoon rains had left a trail of destruction in the state and claimed 491 lives since May 29. -- PTI
14:11 Can you top this?
After the BJP accused Rahul Gandhi of sharing photoshopped posts of his ongoing Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, the Congress party has posted proof of its party president's activities, revealing that as of 17:49, most likely on Thursday, he had taken 46,433 steps. Rahul Gandhi's Fitbit stats showing he had walked over 46,000 steps and and had burned 4,466 calories.
14:00 Yes, momma won!
Tennis great Serena Williams posted this adorable picture of her one-year-old daughter, Alexis Olympia, in a black tulle dress similar to the version she wore at the US Open last week. Serena captioned her daughter's quizzical expression writing, "Did momma win?"
Serena powered past Anastasija Sevastova 6-3, 6-0 in the semi-final of the US Open. The 36-year-old Williams, a working mom, thus earned a place in her second straight Grand Slam final and has another shot at tennis history. She is one step away from equaling Margaret Court's all-time record of 24 singles major titles.
Serena powered past Anastasija Sevastova 6-3, 6-0 in the semi-final of the US Open. The 36-year-old Williams, a working mom, thus earned a place in her second straight Grand Slam final and has another shot at tennis history. She is one step away from equaling Margaret Court's all-time record of 24 singles major titles.
13:48 Odisha: Ops against Maoists in Koraput's forests halted to ease surrender
Operations against Maoists in forest areas of Odisha's Koraput district will be temporarily halted from today to facilitate them to surrender, Superintendent of Police, Kanwar Vishal Singh said.
Combing and all forms counter-insurgency operations both by state and central forces will remain suspended only in the district's dense forests for a week, he said.
However, the SP said operations along roads in rural areas will continue during the period.
"The decision has been taken to facilitate the Maoists to surrender and join mainstream," he said. "We appeal to misguided youths to lay down their arms and be a part in nation building. The Maoists who surrender will be provided all facilities as per the Odisha government's surrender policy," Singh said.
Security forces have intensified combing operations in places near roads in Maoist-hit areas and around camps set up for deployment of the forces, he said, adding that vulnerable areas were being closely monitored.
Shortly after the police decided to suspend operations, posters were found in Koraput's Pottangi area yesterday urging Maoists to surrender. The posters in the name of "Yubak Jagaran Samiti" urged the Maoists to surrender and avail the benefits under the surrender policy, police said.
The posters also appealed to the police to stop combing operation by the BSF and the CRPF and its elite anti-Maoist force CoBRA so that the ultras could surrender without any fear. -- PTI
Combing and all forms counter-insurgency operations both by state and central forces will remain suspended only in the district's dense forests for a week, he said.
However, the SP said operations along roads in rural areas will continue during the period.
"The decision has been taken to facilitate the Maoists to surrender and join mainstream," he said. "We appeal to misguided youths to lay down their arms and be a part in nation building. The Maoists who surrender will be provided all facilities as per the Odisha government's surrender policy," Singh said.
Security forces have intensified combing operations in places near roads in Maoist-hit areas and around camps set up for deployment of the forces, he said, adding that vulnerable areas were being closely monitored.
Shortly after the police decided to suspend operations, posters were found in Koraput's Pottangi area yesterday urging Maoists to surrender. The posters in the name of "Yubak Jagaran Samiti" urged the Maoists to surrender and avail the benefits under the surrender policy, police said.
The posters also appealed to the police to stop combing operation by the BSF and the CRPF and its elite anti-Maoist force CoBRA so that the ultras could surrender without any fear. -- PTI
13:42 4 hurt as part of railway station's wall falls in Mumbai
Four persons were injured after a portion of the boundary wall of suburban Kurla railway station in Mumbai collapsed on Friday, a civic official said.
The incident took place around 9.50 am near platform no. 1, official of the Disaster Management Cell of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) said.
"The injured have been admitted to the nearby Bhabha Hospital and all of them are out of danger," the official said adding that the incident has not affected the rail traffic in any way.
A Central Railway (CR) official said a team of engineers has reached the spot and trying to find out the reason behind the wall cave-in.
"Prima facie, the roots of a tree located close to the wall might have weakened its base. But things will be clear only after the inquiry," he said. -- PTI
13:06 PM unveils mobility road map, seeks investments
Prime Minister Narendra Modi Friday unveiled a mobility road map that seeks investments in manufacturing electric vehicles and increased use of public transport for travel, saying congestion-free mobility is critical to check economic and environmental costs of congestion.
The Indian economy, he said, is the world's fastest growing major economy that is building 100 smart cities and constructing roads, airports, rail lines and ports at a greater pace.
Speaking at the Global Mobility Summit 'MOVE', he said clean mobility powered by clean energy is the most powerful weapon to fight climate change.
"This means a pollution-free clean drive, leading to clean air and better living standards for our people. We should champion the idea of 'clean kilometres'.
"My vision for the future of mobility in India is based on 7 Cs: common, connected, convenient, congestion-free, charged, clean, cutting-edge," he said. The focus must be to go beyond cars to other vehicles such as scooters and rickshaws, Modi said.
"Common public transport must be the cornerstone of our mobility initiatives." The Prime Minister called for leveraging the full potential for vehicle pooling to improve private vehicle utilisation.
"Congestion-free mobility is critical to check the economic and environmental costs of congestion," he said. Mobility should be safe, affordable and accessible for all sections of the society, he said.
Stating that charged mobility is the way forward, the Prime Minister said the government wants to drive investments across the value chain from batteries to smart charging to electric vehicle manufacturing.
"We need to ensure that public transport is preferred to private modes of travel," he said. "The Internet-enabled Connected Sharing Economy is emerging as the fulcrum of mobility." -- PTI
The Indian economy, he said, is the world's fastest growing major economy that is building 100 smart cities and constructing roads, airports, rail lines and ports at a greater pace.
Speaking at the Global Mobility Summit 'MOVE', he said clean mobility powered by clean energy is the most powerful weapon to fight climate change.
"This means a pollution-free clean drive, leading to clean air and better living standards for our people. We should champion the idea of 'clean kilometres'.
"My vision for the future of mobility in India is based on 7 Cs: common, connected, convenient, congestion-free, charged, clean, cutting-edge," he said. The focus must be to go beyond cars to other vehicles such as scooters and rickshaws, Modi said.
"Common public transport must be the cornerstone of our mobility initiatives." The Prime Minister called for leveraging the full potential for vehicle pooling to improve private vehicle utilisation.
"Congestion-free mobility is critical to check the economic and environmental costs of congestion," he said. Mobility should be safe, affordable and accessible for all sections of the society, he said.
Stating that charged mobility is the way forward, the Prime Minister said the government wants to drive investments across the value chain from batteries to smart charging to electric vehicle manufacturing.
"We need to ensure that public transport is preferred to private modes of travel," he said. "The Internet-enabled Connected Sharing Economy is emerging as the fulcrum of mobility." -- PTI
12:56 Ban Ki-moon 'deeply impressed' by Delhi's Mohalla Clinics project
The Mohalla Clinic project of the Aam Aadmi Party government drew huge praise Friday from former United Nations secretary-general Ban Ki-moon and former Norwegian prime minister Gro Harlem Brundtland after they visited a health facility built under the initiative.
"I am deeply impressed by what I have seen," Moon said after visiting the Peeragarhi Mohalla Clinic and a polyclinic in the Paschim Vihar locality.
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Health Minister Satyendar Jain accompanied them during the visit. Brundtland said the Mohalla Clinics project should be replicated across the country.
"We are very happy to see the impressive work being done here. it should be replicated all over the country," said Brundtland, who has also served as the director general of WHO.
Moon and Brundtland are in the country as part of a delegation from The Elders, a London-based organisation of independent global leaders who pool their collective experiences and resources for promoting peace, justice and human rights. Kejriwal said 189 Mohalla Clinics were operational in the city currently and the number will be raised to 1,000 in coming months. -- PTI
"I am deeply impressed by what I have seen," Moon said after visiting the Peeragarhi Mohalla Clinic and a polyclinic in the Paschim Vihar locality.
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Health Minister Satyendar Jain accompanied them during the visit. Brundtland said the Mohalla Clinics project should be replicated across the country.
"We are very happy to see the impressive work being done here. it should be replicated all over the country," said Brundtland, who has also served as the director general of WHO.
Moon and Brundtland are in the country as part of a delegation from The Elders, a London-based organisation of independent global leaders who pool their collective experiences and resources for promoting peace, justice and human rights. Kejriwal said 189 Mohalla Clinics were operational in the city currently and the number will be raised to 1,000 in coming months. -- PTI
12:34 Minor fire at pub near Kamala Mills compound in Mumbai
A minor fire broke out at a pub near the Kamala Mills compound in central Mumbai Friday morning, a civic official said. The incident took place at Tamasha pub located on the ground floor of a building near the Kamala Mills compound around 11.30 am, a senior official of the Disaster Management Cell of Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation said.
The blaze, which was triggered by short-circuit, was extinguished within minutes, the official said. "The fire was doused even before the fire brigade team arrived," he said. The incident brought back bitter memories of the devastating blaze at the Mojo's Bistro and 1 Above pub at Kamala Mills which killed 14 persons and injured several others on December 29 last year. -- PTI
Image: The fire at Kamala Mills' Mojo Bistro left 14 dead.
The blaze, which was triggered by short-circuit, was extinguished within minutes, the official said. "The fire was doused even before the fire brigade team arrived," he said. The incident brought back bitter memories of the devastating blaze at the Mojo's Bistro and 1 Above pub at Kamala Mills which killed 14 persons and injured several others on December 29 last year. -- PTI
Image: The fire at Kamala Mills' Mojo Bistro left 14 dead.
12:11 SC gives states 1 week to implement mob lynching judgment
The Supreme Court on Friday gave states one week to implement its judgement ordering the setting up of a procedure to prevent mob lynching incidents.
The court asks all states to comply with its directions to deal with incidents of cow vigilantism and mob lynching.
The court noted that only 11 states have filed compliance reports following its July 17 verdict on cow vigilantism. The SC asked the remaining states to file compliance reports within one week on dealing with cases of cow vigilantism. If reports are not filed then the home secretary of the defaulting state will have to appear in person before the court.
In July, a bench of Chief Justice Dipak Misra and Justices A M Khanwilkar and D Y Chandrachud said state and central governments have to take preventive, punitive and remedial measures to stop lynching incidents in the future. CJI Misra said the Centre and states have to file compliance report on a series of directions given by the SC to prevent and punish lynching.
In its judgement, the apex court also recommended to Parliament to enact a separate law to punish offenders participating in lynchig. It also said that horrendous acts of mobocracy cannot be tolerated and cannot be allowed to become a new norm.
The court asks all states to comply with its directions to deal with incidents of cow vigilantism and mob lynching.
The court noted that only 11 states have filed compliance reports following its July 17 verdict on cow vigilantism. The SC asked the remaining states to file compliance reports within one week on dealing with cases of cow vigilantism. If reports are not filed then the home secretary of the defaulting state will have to appear in person before the court.
In July, a bench of Chief Justice Dipak Misra and Justices A M Khanwilkar and D Y Chandrachud said state and central governments have to take preventive, punitive and remedial measures to stop lynching incidents in the future. CJI Misra said the Centre and states have to file compliance report on a series of directions given by the SC to prevent and punish lynching.
In its judgement, the apex court also recommended to Parliament to enact a separate law to punish offenders participating in lynchig. It also said that horrendous acts of mobocracy cannot be tolerated and cannot be allowed to become a new norm.
12:02
Fugitive diamantaire Mehul Choksi had appealed to Interpol against the red corner notice, which has not been issued yet. Indian agencies countered the objections raised by him. Interpol committee in Lyon, France will decide on the red corner notice in October.
11:36 Pilgrims share the frame with Rahul on Kailash yatra
Congress president Rahul Gandhi today shared several pictures with other pilgrims at the Mount Kailash Yatra. Rahul is on a 12-day trip to Kailash Mansarovar. He is likely to cover a distance of 60 km on foot.
The Congress president has been tweeting regularly from the pilgrimage, commenting that "there is no hatred here". But his benign tweets, with pictures of the breathtaking Mansarovar lake and mountains, still managed to stir the pot back home.
A man goes to Kailash Mansarovar when it calls him," tweeted Rahul, describing the waters as "gentle, tranquil and calm" and said they "give everything and lose nothing".
BJP's Amit Malviya responded, "It? Did you just refer to Lord Shiva as it? Unless you have gone to mount Kailash with the sole objective of trekking, this smacks of ignorance about the cultural and religious significance of the Mansarovar Yatra."
The Congress president has been tweeting regularly from the pilgrimage, commenting that "there is no hatred here". But his benign tweets, with pictures of the breathtaking Mansarovar lake and mountains, still managed to stir the pot back home.
A man goes to Kailash Mansarovar when it calls him," tweeted Rahul, describing the waters as "gentle, tranquil and calm" and said they "give everything and lose nothing".
BJP's Amit Malviya responded, "It? Did you just refer to Lord Shiva as it? Unless you have gone to mount Kailash with the sole objective of trekking, this smacks of ignorance about the cultural and religious significance of the Mansarovar Yatra."
11:30 Cong leader announces Rs 5L reward for chopping off Ram Kadam's tongue
Congress leader and former Maharashtra minister Subodh Saoji announced a reward of Rs 5 lakh for anyone who "chops off the tongue" of Bharatiya Janata Party Member of Legislative Assembly Ram Kadam.
"I am announcing a Rs 5 lakh reward for anyone who chops off BJP MLA Ram Kadam's tongue. I strongly condemn him saying girls should be abducted," Saoji said.His remark came after Kadam, while addressing at a Dahi Handi event, said that in case girls refuse marriage proposals from boys he will help the couples elope.
Condemning Kadam's remark, Bala Padelkar, president of the Dahi Handi Coordination Committee, Mumbai, has decided to boycott the former's Dahi Handi from next year.
After furore over his remark Kadam had clarified that his statement was quoted out of context.
"A 40-second incomplete video is being circulated by opposition leaders. I would only request them to listen to my complete statement. If my statement has hurt anyone, I won't mind expressing regret for the same," he said. -- ANI
"I am announcing a Rs 5 lakh reward for anyone who chops off BJP MLA Ram Kadam's tongue. I strongly condemn him saying girls should be abducted," Saoji said.His remark came after Kadam, while addressing at a Dahi Handi event, said that in case girls refuse marriage proposals from boys he will help the couples elope.
Condemning Kadam's remark, Bala Padelkar, president of the Dahi Handi Coordination Committee, Mumbai, has decided to boycott the former's Dahi Handi from next year.
After furore over his remark Kadam had clarified that his statement was quoted out of context.
"A 40-second incomplete video is being circulated by opposition leaders. I would only request them to listen to my complete statement. If my statement has hurt anyone, I won't mind expressing regret for the same," he said. -- ANI
11:17
And another picture with the Congress President.
11:01
Congress President Rahul Gandhi during the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra with other pilgrims.
10:56 Indian man among 3 killed in US bank shooting
A 25-year-old Indian man was among three people killed when a gunman opened fire in a bank building in the US city of Cincinnati before police shot him dead on Thursday.
Pruthviraj Kandepi, who hailed from Guntur district of Andhra Pradesh, was killed when 29-year-old Omar Enrique Santa Perez from the town of North Bend, Ohio, opened fire at the headquarters for the Fifth Third Bank near Fountain Square in downtown Cincinnati, police said.
India's Consul General in New York Ambassador Sandeep Chakravorty told PTI that the Consulate is in touch with the police, Kandepi's family as well as members of the community. An official of the Telugu Association of North America (TANA) said that Kandepi was working with the bank as a consultant. Arrangements were being made to send his body to India, he added. The other two victims were identified as Luis Felipe Calderon, 48 and Richard Newcomer, 64.
Five people were shot, some multiple times, in the incident, they said, adding that the gunman was killed in a shootout with officers. According to the Cincinnati Police Chief Eliot Isaac, officers responded to a 911 call around 9:10 a.m. local time about an "active shooter" at the bank. The gunman was shot multiple times as four police officers approached him and he died at the scene. He had a pistol and more than 200 rounds of ammunition, Isaac said, adding that the gunman was not a former or current employee of the bank. -- PTI
Pruthviraj Kandepi, who hailed from Guntur district of Andhra Pradesh, was killed when 29-year-old Omar Enrique Santa Perez from the town of North Bend, Ohio, opened fire at the headquarters for the Fifth Third Bank near Fountain Square in downtown Cincinnati, police said.
India's Consul General in New York Ambassador Sandeep Chakravorty told PTI that the Consulate is in touch with the police, Kandepi's family as well as members of the community. An official of the Telugu Association of North America (TANA) said that Kandepi was working with the bank as a consultant. Arrangements were being made to send his body to India, he added. The other two victims were identified as Luis Felipe Calderon, 48 and Richard Newcomer, 64.
Five people were shot, some multiple times, in the incident, they said, adding that the gunman was killed in a shootout with officers. According to the Cincinnati Police Chief Eliot Isaac, officers responded to a 911 call around 9:10 a.m. local time about an "active shooter" at the bank. The gunman was shot multiple times as four police officers approached him and he died at the scene. He had a pistol and more than 200 rounds of ammunition, Isaac said, adding that the gunman was not a former or current employee of the bank. -- PTI
10:48 Fresh surge in fuel prices, citizens demand govt intervention
Fuel prices have once again gone up on Friday morning in Delhi and Mumbai, strengthening the demand for government intervention among commuters.
In New Delhi, petrol is being sold 48 paise higher at Rs 79.99 per litre, while the price of diesel has been increased by 52 paise to Rs.72.07 per litre.
On the other hand, petrol is being sold at Rs 87.39 per litre, and diesel at Rs.76.51 per litre in Mumbai.
Speaking to ANI, a citizen from New Delhi, Navita, said the consistent surge in fuel prices is creating an additional burden, mainly for middle-class families.
"The government policies should be public oriented. If the government is willing to do so, they can do," she added.Furthermore, a local from Mumbai said, "The middle-class and poor are suffering every day due to hike in fuel prices. Due to a surge in fuel prices, there is also a hike in the prices of other things. The government should take necessary steps to curb this issue."
The constant surge in fuel prices has led the opposition parties to blame the Narendra Modi government for not doing enough for citizens.
However, Union Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas Dharmendra Pradhan said the surge in fuel prices was a result of the rise in crude oil prices in the international market, and declining value of the Indian Rupee against the US dollar.In the wake of the rise in fuel prices, the Congress Party has announced a Bharat Bandh on September 10. -- ANI
In New Delhi, petrol is being sold 48 paise higher at Rs 79.99 per litre, while the price of diesel has been increased by 52 paise to Rs.72.07 per litre.
On the other hand, petrol is being sold at Rs 87.39 per litre, and diesel at Rs.76.51 per litre in Mumbai.
Speaking to ANI, a citizen from New Delhi, Navita, said the consistent surge in fuel prices is creating an additional burden, mainly for middle-class families.
"The government policies should be public oriented. If the government is willing to do so, they can do," she added.Furthermore, a local from Mumbai said, "The middle-class and poor are suffering every day due to hike in fuel prices. Due to a surge in fuel prices, there is also a hike in the prices of other things. The government should take necessary steps to curb this issue."
The constant surge in fuel prices has led the opposition parties to blame the Narendra Modi government for not doing enough for citizens.
However, Union Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas Dharmendra Pradhan said the surge in fuel prices was a result of the rise in crude oil prices in the international market, and declining value of the Indian Rupee against the US dollar.In the wake of the rise in fuel prices, the Congress Party has announced a Bharat Bandh on September 10. -- ANI
10:36 Bridge collapse in Siliguri
Yet another bridge collapse! This one's a small canal bridge in Siliguri's Phansidewa in West Bengal, which collapsed early morning today. Details awaited.
On Tuesday, the Majerhat bridge in Kolkata collapsed, killing three people. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has said stern action will be taken against those responsible for the incident, but pointed out that the bridges were not constructed during the Trinamool Congress's tenure so they should not be the only one to be blamed.
On Tuesday, the Majerhat bridge in Kolkata collapsed, killing three people. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has said stern action will be taken against those responsible for the incident, but pointed out that the bridges were not constructed during the Trinamool Congress's tenure so they should not be the only one to be blamed.
10:36 Bridge collapse in Siliguri
Yet another bridge collapse! This one's a small canal bridge in Siliguri's Phansidewa in West Bengal, which collapsed early morning today. Details awaited.
On Tuesday, the Majerhat bridge in Kolkata collapsed, killing three people. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has said stern action will be taken against those responsible for the incident, but pointed out that the bridges were not constructed during the Trinamool Congress's tenure so they should not be the only one to be blamed.
On Tuesday, the Majerhat bridge in Kolkata collapsed, killing three people. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has said stern action will be taken against those responsible for the incident, but pointed out that the bridges were not constructed during the Trinamool Congress's tenure so they should not be the only one to be blamed.
10:17 US lawmakers urge new Pak govt to treat minorities with equality
Several US lawmakers have urged the new government of Pakistan to treat its ethnic and religious minorities with equality and dignity. Addressing 'The Minorities Day on the Hill' organised by South Asia Minorities Alliance Foundation and Voice of Karachi on Wednesday, the lawmakers urged the Imran Khan government to stop human rights violation of minorities in Karachi as well as other parts of the country, including Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province.
In his speech as the host of the event, US Congressman Thomas Garrett Jr appealed to all countries in the world to treat their minorities with respect and dignity they deserve and grant them equal rights.
He said that Mohajirs (Muslims who migrated to Pakistan from India during the partition in 1947) had left their homes hoping for a better life but they were not welcomed in their new homeland.
"I clearly understand the plight of Mohajirs who are the product of post-independence ethnic cleansing. They were forced to leave their homes hoping they are going to somewhere they'd be welcomed, but they weren't,' he said.
"They have a story that needs to be told. I am not advocating on behalf of any group to demand a radical change in policy except that we expect our allies to treat their minorities with equality and dignity they so much deserve," Garrett said. Congressman Scott Perry said that "we in the United States see and treat all ethnic and religious minorities equally and we demand that our allies do the same. We can all live together and practice our faith in peace and harmony. This is the way it is now in America, but that should be everywhere.' -- PTI
In his speech as the host of the event, US Congressman Thomas Garrett Jr appealed to all countries in the world to treat their minorities with respect and dignity they deserve and grant them equal rights.
He said that Mohajirs (Muslims who migrated to Pakistan from India during the partition in 1947) had left their homes hoping for a better life but they were not welcomed in their new homeland.
"I clearly understand the plight of Mohajirs who are the product of post-independence ethnic cleansing. They were forced to leave their homes hoping they are going to somewhere they'd be welcomed, but they weren't,' he said.
"They have a story that needs to be told. I am not advocating on behalf of any group to demand a radical change in policy except that we expect our allies to treat their minorities with equality and dignity they so much deserve," Garrett said. Congressman Scott Perry said that "we in the United States see and treat all ethnic and religious minorities equally and we demand that our allies do the same. We can all live together and practice our faith in peace and harmony. This is the way it is now in America, but that should be everywhere.' -- PTI
10:11 India returning to open, progressive morality: 377 petitioner Aman Nath
Aman Nath, co-founder and chairman Neemrana Group of Hotels -- and one of the five individuals to petition the Supreme Court to de-criminalise homsexuality -- says it was not about him and he had done what was called for.
A fiercely private man, he told Rediff.com's Archana Masih: "It's about an outdated law being flushed out after 160 years by a government that people call conservative! And about 150 million or more Indian people too. India is just returning to its open, progressive morality. Finally, the love for mankind will be legal in India!"
The judgment came on a batch of writ petitions filed by dancer Navtej Jauhar, journalist Sunil Mehra, chef Ritu Dalmia, hoteliers Aman Nath and Keshav Suri and business executive Ayesha Kapur as well as 20 former and current students of the IITs.
With the Supreme Court decriminalising gay sex, India joins 125 other countries where homosexuality is legal. However, 72 countries and territories worldwide still continue to criminalise same-sex relationships, including 45 in which such relationships between women are outlawed.
In what is being hailed as a historic move, a five-judge constitution bench of the Supreme Court on Thursday unanimously decriminalised part of the 158-year-old colonial law under Section 377 of the IPC which criminalises consensual unnatural sex, saying it violated the rights to equality.
The constitution bench headed by Chief Justice Dipak Misra termed the part of Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code which criminalises consensual unnatural sex as irrational, indefensible and manifestly arbitrary.
A fiercely private man, he told Rediff.com's Archana Masih: "It's about an outdated law being flushed out after 160 years by a government that people call conservative! And about 150 million or more Indian people too. India is just returning to its open, progressive morality. Finally, the love for mankind will be legal in India!"
The judgment came on a batch of writ petitions filed by dancer Navtej Jauhar, journalist Sunil Mehra, chef Ritu Dalmia, hoteliers Aman Nath and Keshav Suri and business executive Ayesha Kapur as well as 20 former and current students of the IITs.
With the Supreme Court decriminalising gay sex, India joins 125 other countries where homosexuality is legal. However, 72 countries and territories worldwide still continue to criminalise same-sex relationships, including 45 in which such relationships between women are outlawed.
In what is being hailed as a historic move, a five-judge constitution bench of the Supreme Court on Thursday unanimously decriminalised part of the 158-year-old colonial law under Section 377 of the IPC which criminalises consensual unnatural sex, saying it violated the rights to equality.
The constitution bench headed by Chief Justice Dipak Misra termed the part of Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code which criminalises consensual unnatural sex as irrational, indefensible and manifestly arbitrary.
10:09 Asian Games bronze medalist sells tea for living
Harish Kumar, member of the Indian Sepak Takraw team that won a bronze medal at the Asian Games 2018, sells tea at his father's shop to support his family.
Speaking to ANI at his small tea shop, Harish Kumar said, "I have many family members and there is a very meagre source of income. I help my father at the tea shop to support my family. I dedicate four hours every day between 2 to 6 for my practice. For my future, I want to get a good job to support my family".
Talking about his struggles and initial association with the Sepak Takraw game, he said, "I started playing this sport from 2011. My coach Hemraj brought me into this sport. We also used to play with a tyre when my coach Hemraj spotted me and introduced me to the Sports Authority of India (SAI). Thereafter I started receiving monthly funds and kits. I practice every day and will keep on doing it to bring more laurels for my country".
Harish's mother, Indira Devi also talked to ANI about adversities under which she supported her son to pursue the game.She said, "I have brought up my kids with a lot of struggle. His father is an auto-driver and we have a small tea shop. My son also works at tea shop to assist his father. I am very thankful to the government for providing food and accommodation to my son. I am very thankful to his coach Hemraj who has supported my kid to achieve this accomplishment." -- ANI
Speaking to ANI at his small tea shop, Harish Kumar said, "I have many family members and there is a very meagre source of income. I help my father at the tea shop to support my family. I dedicate four hours every day between 2 to 6 for my practice. For my future, I want to get a good job to support my family".
Talking about his struggles and initial association with the Sepak Takraw game, he said, "I started playing this sport from 2011. My coach Hemraj brought me into this sport. We also used to play with a tyre when my coach Hemraj spotted me and introduced me to the Sports Authority of India (SAI). Thereafter I started receiving monthly funds and kits. I practice every day and will keep on doing it to bring more laurels for my country".
Harish's mother, Indira Devi also talked to ANI about adversities under which she supported her son to pursue the game.She said, "I have brought up my kids with a lot of struggle. His father is an auto-driver and we have a small tea shop. My son also works at tea shop to assist his father. I am very thankful to the government for providing food and accommodation to my son. I am very thankful to his coach Hemraj who has supported my kid to achieve this accomplishment." -- ANI
09:44 Thankful to God for opportunity to serve my people: outgoing J-K top cop
Outgoing Jammu and Kashmir Director General of Police S P Vaid tweets:"I'm thankful to God that he gave me the opportunity to serve my people and my country. I'm grateful to @JmuKmrPolice, security agencies, and people of J&K for their support and their faith in me. My best wishes to the new DGP."
The Jammu and Kashmir police chief was unceremoniously removed late Thursday and shunted as the Transport Commissioner and Director General of Prison Dilbagh Singh was directed to look after the force until a regular appointment was made. The official order to this effect was issued late Thursday by Principal Secretary, Home, R K Goyal. Vaid, a 1986-batch IPS officer, was appointed as the Director General of Police in December, 2016. He is due to retire in October next year. Singh, who has been made the in-charge Director General of Police, is a 1987-batch officer. He was made the head of the prison department in March after the infamous of escape of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorist Naved Jhatt while the latter was on a routine health check-up at a city hospital in February. Singh, during his tenure as Director General of Prisons, streamlined many things, including the removal of hardened terrorists from Kashmir jails. He will have a regular appointment only after his name is cleared by the UPSC.
Former J-K CM @OmarAbdullah reacted, "Changing the DG is the prerogative of the administration but why a DG as a temporary arrangement? The current DG wont know if hes going to stay & others who would like his job will be trying to replace him. None of this is goo."d
The Jammu and Kashmir police chief was unceremoniously removed late Thursday and shunted as the Transport Commissioner and Director General of Prison Dilbagh Singh was directed to look after the force until a regular appointment was made. The official order to this effect was issued late Thursday by Principal Secretary, Home, R K Goyal. Vaid, a 1986-batch IPS officer, was appointed as the Director General of Police in December, 2016. He is due to retire in October next year. Singh, who has been made the in-charge Director General of Police, is a 1987-batch officer. He was made the head of the prison department in March after the infamous of escape of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorist Naved Jhatt while the latter was on a routine health check-up at a city hospital in February. Singh, during his tenure as Director General of Prisons, streamlined many things, including the removal of hardened terrorists from Kashmir jails. He will have a regular appointment only after his name is cleared by the UPSC.
Former J-K CM @OmarAbdullah reacted, "Changing the DG is the prerogative of the administration but why a DG as a temporary arrangement? The current DG wont know if hes going to stay & others who would like his job will be trying to replace him. None of this is goo."d
09:22 British Airways investigating theft of customer data
British Airways has stated that it is investigating the theft of data of its customers from the website and mobile app 'as a matter of urgency'.
The airline, in a statement, said that the personal and financial details of customers making bookings on the website and app were compromised.
However, the stolen data did not include travel or passport details, it clarified.
'The breach has been resolved and our website is working normally. We have notified the police and relevant authorities. We are deeply sorry for the disruption that this criminal activity has caused. We take the protection of our customers' data very seriously,' read the official statement.
The airline also cautioned passengers affected by the crime to contact their bank or credit card provider.
The data theft incident, which took place between August 21 and September 5, comes nearly two months after a technical glitch caused dozens of British Airways flights departing from and arriving at London's Heathrow Airport to be cancelled. -- ANI
09:12 Indian man among 3 killed in US bank shooting
A 25-year-old Indian man was among three people killed when a gunman opened fire in a bank building in the United States city of Cincinnati before police shot him dead on Thursday.
Pruthviraj Kandepi, who hailed from Guntur district of Andhra Pradesh, was killed when 29-year-old Omar Enrique Santa Perez from the town of North Bend, Ohio, opened fire at the headquarters for the Fifth Third Bank near Fountain Square in downtown Cincinnati, police said.
India's Consul General in New York Ambassador Sandeep Chakravorty told PTI that the Consulate is in touch with the police, Kandepi's family as well as members of the community.
An official of the Telugu Association of North America (TANA) said that Kandepi was working with the bank as a consultant. Arrangements were being made to send his body to India, he added.
The other two victims were identified as Luis Felipe Calderon, 48 and Richard Newcomer, 64.
Five people were shot, some multiple times, in the incident, they said, adding that the gunman felled in a shootout with officers.
According to the Cincinnati Police Chief Eliot Isaac, officers responded to a 911 call around 9.10 am local time about an 'active shooter' at the bank.
The gunman was shot multiple times as four police officers approached him and he died at the scene.
He had a pistol and more than 200 rounds of ammunition, Isaac said, adding that the gunman was not a former or current employee of the bank He had gone to several businesses before going to the bank, he said.
Perez had opened fire in the building's loading dock before continuing into the lobby area and firing more shots, Isaac told reporters at a televised press conference. -- PTI
Image only for representation.
08:42 China's foreign minister in Pak today to hold talks with new govt
China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi will visit Pakistan on Friday to hold talks with the country's new leadership to consolidate cooperation and elevate the all-weather bilateral strategic partnership.
This is the first high-level visit by a Chinese official to Islamabad since the new government of Prime Minister Imran Khan assumed office after the July 25 elections.
The visit by Wang, who is also designated as the State Councillor which makes him the top diplomat of China, comes two days after that of US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.
Pompeo met Prime Minister Khan and pressed him to take 'sustained and decisive measures' against terrorists threatening the regional peace and stability.
Announcing Wang's visit, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying told the media that besides holding talks with Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi, he would also meet top leaders of the new Pakistan government and exchange views on bilateral ties, regional and international issues of mutual interest.
"This is the first high-level visit between the two sides after the establishment of the new government in Pakistan. We hope that through the visit the two sides could consolidate our traditional friendship, all-round cooperation and elevate China-Pakistan all-weather strategic and cooperative partnership," she said when asked about China's expectations from the visit from September 7-9.
"China and Pakistan are all-weather strategic and cooperative partners. We are good neighbours, good friends and good brothers. Our bilateral ties have been developing with sound momentum. We have frequent high-level exchanges, practical cooperation moving forward and rich outcomes from the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC)," she said.
Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday congratulated Pakistan's newly-elected President Arif Alvi, saying the strategic significance of the bilateral ties is 'more prominent under the current circumstances' and both sides should support each other 'more staunchly'.
Wang's visit also comes amidst reports of unease in Beijing over how the new Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf government would approach over $50 billion Chinese investments in various projects under the CPEC connecting China's Muslim-majority Xinjiang province with Gwadar port in Pakistan.
Khan in the past criticised former prime minister Nawaz Sharif for the lack of transparency and corruption in the CPEC projects. Newly-appointed Finance Minister Asad Umar has promised to bring about transparency to the CPEC projects whose details remained closely guarded secrets.
India has protested to China over the CPEC, which is being built through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). -- PTI
IMAGE: Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi with his former Pak counterpart Khawaja Asif during the latter's visit to Beijing last year. Photograph: Reuters
08:19 SC/ST Act: Speaker explains how to take 'chocolate back from a child'
Amid widespread anger, including calls of 'Bharat bandh', against the amendment to the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan Thursday said all political parties should get together to discuss the issue.
A Bharat bandh was called on Thursday by some anti-reservation bodies against the amendment to the Act last month.
The Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha had, on August 6 and August 9 respectively, passed the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Amendment Bill to overturn a Supreme Court order concerning certain safeguards against arrest under this Act.
Speaking at a programme of Bhartiya Janata Party's (BJP) traders cell meet, Mahajan said the issue must not be politicised because all parties had voted in favour of maintaining the basic structure of the Act.
"The Parliament's work is to enact laws but all MPs should think on this subject (amendments made in the SC/ST Act). It is the responsibility of all the people in society to create a proper environment for this discussion," she said.
Explaining her point, the Lok Sabha Speaker said, "Suppose if I give a big chocolate to my son and I later realise that it is not good for him to have so much of it at one go, one will try to take back the chocolate from the child. But you cannot take it as he will get angry and start crying."
"But some sensible person can make the child understand and take back the chocolate from him," she said.
"If anybody immediately tries to snatch anything given to a person, there may be an explosion," Mahajan claimed.
She stressed on the need for discussions regarding relevant legal changes.
"The prevailing social situation is not correct. If injustice was done earlier with a section (of society), it does not mean that injustice should be done with other sections to settle score," she said.
The BJP leader said justice must be done with everybody and this could be achieved only by explaining it to people.
"Everyone should also feel that there should be no atrocity against the deprived castes," the Lok Sabha Speaker said. -- PTI
00:21 Homosexuality is against nature, religion: Muslim body
After the Supreme Court decriminalised Section 377 on Thursday, a leading Muslim organisation called Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind said homosexuality is against nature, religion and cultural values.
Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind's General Secretary Maulana Mahmood Madani said, "Homosexuality is against nature, religion and cultural values of India. It should not have been allowed."
"A process which affects the growth of society cannot be termed right by calling it freedom. Homosexuals have been here since ages, but in the religious texts, homosexuality has been described as an act of rebellion against the laws of nature," he said.
A five-judge Constitution bench headed by Chief Justice Dipak Misra termed the part of Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code which criminalises unnatural sex as irrational, indefensible and manifestly arbitrary. -- PTI
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