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Wed, 13 March 2013
White smoke over Sistine Chapel! New pope is chosen
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23:49 White smoke over Sistine Chapel! New pope is chosen
JUST IN: It's white smoke and the bells in St Peter's Basilica are ringing.
The new Pope has been elected.
The name of the next pontiff will soon be announced to the crowd in St Peter's Square with the words "habemus papam' -- we have a pope -- followed by the pope's name (with his first name in Latin) and then his new papal name.
After that the new pope will be brought out to greet the crowd.
The new Pope has been elected.
The name of the next pontiff will soon be announced to the crowd in St Peter's Square with the words "habemus papam' -- we have a pope -- followed by the pope's name (with his first name in Latin) and then his new papal name.
After that the new pope will be brought out to greet the crowd.
22:03 17 Indian fishermen apprehended by Pakistan
Seventeen Indian fishermen have been apprehended and as many fishing trawlers seized by the Pakistan Marine Security Agency off Jakhau coast, Gujarat, near the international maritime boundary, a fishermen's association claimed today.
"PMSA intercepted 18 boats yesterday, with at least 101 anglers on board, in the international waters off Jakhau coast. It apprehended 17 fishermen and 17 boats and took them to Karachi," National Fish Workers Forum's national secretary Manish Lodhari said.
The Pakistani agency allowed remaining 84 fishermen to return in one boat. These fishermen, who reached Ahmedabad today, informed the local authorities. The boats were from Porbandar and fishermen were from across Gujarat, Lodhari said.
21:18 Four dead in Upstate New York shootout
New York Post: Police in upstate New York are searching for a suspect after shootings at two different businesses left four people dead and at least two wounded. State police tell local media outlets two unidentified people were shot and killed Wednesday morning at a car wash in the village of Herkimer and two others were killed in a barber shop in the village of Mohawk, about 65 miles east of Syracuse.
For more details click UTICAOD.com
They say a total of six people were shot. Herkimer Village police would only say that there was a shooting and a manhunt.
20:59 Chinese parl finalises names of new President, Premier
China's parliament today finalized the names of the country's new President, Premier and other ministers, who will succeed the administration headed by Hu Jintao.
A name list of candidates for China's top leaders, including top lawmaker and state President, was finalised for voting tomorrow in the 3,000-strong National People's Congress. It is a foregone conclusion that China's rubber stamp parliament will elect the new General Secretary of the ruling Communist Party of China (CPC) Xi Jinping, 59, as President. He has already taken over as military chief succeeding Hu.
The number two leader, 57-year-old Li Keqiang will take over as Premier succeeding Wen Jiabao.
20:58 Sonia completes 15 years as Congress president
Sonia Gandhi today completed an unprecedented 15 years as Congress president, a feat unparallelled in the annals of the 127-year-old organisation.
The highpoint of 66-year-old Gandhi's political career came in May 2004 when she successfully led the Congress to power at the Centre via the coalition route.
After securing power, she declined prime ministership and instead nominated economist-turned-politician Manmohan Singh to the top executive post in the country. She took over the reins of the organisation in March 1998 in the wake of the party's dismal showing in the 1998 Lok Sabha polls that saw the exit of the late Sitaram Kesri from the post. In 1998, a demoralised and fragmented Congress party was going through a turbulent phase and ruling just a few states. She has so far been unanimously elected to the post barring once when Jitendra Prasada, a senior leader from Uttar Pradesh, had thrown his hat in the ring but failed miserably in the polls in 2000.
Gandhi is currently in the fourth term of the presidentship in whih she was elected unopposed in 2010. Her term expires in 2015 in the wake of the changes in the party constitution that now mandates organisational polls after five years instead of three years earlier.
20:56 Salman threat case: Cops record fisherman's statement
A police inquiry into an alleged threat made by Bollywood star Salman Khan and his father, to a fisherman's family in suburban Bandra gained momentum, after statements of six members of the latter's family were recorded on Wednesday.
"The fisherman's family was called to Bandra police station today, where their statements were recorded," a police officer said.
The family has also given investigators a written joint statement. The actor, his father Salim Khan and at least five of their body guards are likely to be summoned soon, so that their statements too are recorded, the police officer said.
20:03 Stalking, voyeurism non-bailable offence: GoM
Reaching a consensus, the Group of Ministers has recommended lowering of age of consent for sex from 18 years to 16 years: sources tell PTI. Moreover, stalking and voyerism have been recommended to be made non-bailable offences.
The draft anti-rape bill will be taken up by the Union Cabinet tomorrow.
19:51 Evidence of 9 more defence witnesses recorded in Jaya case
The special court trying the disproportionate asset case against Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalithaa today recorded the evidence of nine defence witnesses.
With today's proceedings, the evidence of 42 witnesses had been recorded so far. After the prosecution cross-examined three defence witnesses, Judge M S Balakrishna adjourned the matter to tomorrow when the recording of evdience would continue.
Jayalalithaa is facing charges that she accumulated wealth to the tune of Rs 66.65 crore disproportionate to her known sources of income when she was the chief minister for the first time from 1991 to 1996.
19:50 Madani taken back to B'lore after parole completion
Kerala-based PDP leader and 2008 Bangalore blasts accused Abdul Nasser Madani, who was in Kerala on a five-day parole to attend his daughter's wedding and meet his parents, was taken back to Bangalore by Karnataka police this evening.
Madani had been staying at a private medical college hospital at Kollam with tight police security. The People's Democratic Party leader, escorted by Karnataka police personnel, was brought here from Kollam and left by a Bangalore flight at 5.45 pm. A large number of slogan-shouting PDP workers greeted him at the airport.
Madani, who reached here on March 13, attended the wedding of his daughter the next day at Kottiyam near his home town Kollam. The 'Khutba-e-Nikah' (wedding message) he delivered at the venue kicked up a controversy in the state as he criticized the Karnataka authorities for 'denying' him justice.
19:09 Former SC judge to be sworn-in as Goa Lokayukta on Mar 16
Former Supreme Court Judge B Sudharsan Reddy will be sworn in as Lokayukta of Goa on March 16,Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar said today.
The state Cabinet today approved the appointment of Reddy as Lokayukta for Goa, the first one to hold the charge after Goa Lokayukta Bill 2013 was passed on the floor of the House.
"Goa Governor will swear in Reddy on March 16 as Lokayukta of the state, who will take two-three more weeks to start functioning," Parrikar said.
18:50 Delhi gang-rape: Case against Ram Singh void
A fast-track court hearing the December 16 gang-rape-cum-murder case today abated proceedings against main accused Ram Singh in view of his death in Tihar prison on March 11.
"Since the accused (Singh) is dead and the court has also been informed about his death, the proceedings against him are abated (void)," Singh's counsel V K Anand told mediapersons outside the court room.
After Additional Sessions Judge Yogesh Khanna was apprised about Singh's death, he had sought from the Tihar jail authorities a detail inquiry report which has not yet been submitted.
Tihar jail Superintendent of jail no.3, where Singh's body was found hanging, had submitted its preliminary report to the court. Meanwhile, the ongoing in-camera proceedings against the other four accused continued with recording of the statement of the prosecution witnesses.
"Since the accused (Singh) is dead and the court has also been informed about his death, the proceedings against him are abated (void)," Singh's counsel V K Anand told mediapersons outside the court room.
After Additional Sessions Judge Yogesh Khanna was apprised about Singh's death, he had sought from the Tihar jail authorities a detail inquiry report which has not yet been submitted.
Tihar jail Superintendent of jail no.3, where Singh's body was found hanging, had submitted its preliminary report to the court. Meanwhile, the ongoing in-camera proceedings against the other four accused continued with recording of the statement of the prosecution witnesses.
18:45 Govt has history of indulgence with Italians: BJP
The BJP today said there is a history behind the "special indulgence" to the two Italian marines and hoped that Prime Minister Manmohan Singh will walk the talk after taking a tough stand on the issue.
The main Opposition charged that the marines while undergoing trial for killing two Indian fishermen were allowed to go home for Christmas and then again for casting their vote though there is a provision for postal ballot in Italy.
Deputy Leader of BJP in Rajya Sabha Ravi Shankar Prasad said there are 2,020 foreign convicts in jails across India and 3,601 foreigners undergoing trials but allowing any of them to go home for festivals is unheard of. "Why this special indulgence to Italian marines?... Soon after they were arrested in Kerala, the entire government was at their beck and call... There is a history of Italian connections and of the government of India bending backwards," Prasad said, adding that this was seen in the case of Bofors scam accused Ottavio Quattrochi.
The main Opposition charged that the marines while undergoing trial for killing two Indian fishermen were allowed to go home for Christmas and then again for casting their vote though there is a provision for postal ballot in Italy.
Deputy Leader of BJP in Rajya Sabha Ravi Shankar Prasad said there are 2,020 foreign convicts in jails across India and 3,601 foreigners undergoing trials but allowing any of them to go home for festivals is unheard of. "Why this special indulgence to Italian marines?... Soon after they were arrested in Kerala, the entire government was at their beck and call... There is a history of Italian connections and of the government of India bending backwards," Prasad said, adding that this was seen in the case of Bofors scam accused Ottavio Quattrochi.
18:27 Indian cardinal is youngest in Vatican conclave
Indian cardinal Cleemis Thottunkal is the youngest cardinal taking part in the conclave to elect a successor to Pope Benedict XVI. Read the full report on NDTV.
18:26 Formulate action plan to tackle terror: Rajnath to Centre
Condemning the killing of five CRPF jawans by the militants in Srinagar, BJP President Rajnath Singh today asked the Central government to formulate a proper action plan to tackle terrorism.
"The militants are threatening and killing the panches and sarpanches in Jammu and Kashmir while the government there is unable to provide them protection," he said. The BJP leader asked the government to take up the issue of killing of two Indian jawans by the Pakistani troops along the LoC recently with the neighbouring country. In view of such incidents, he called for scaling down of the diplomatic ties with Pakistan.
"The militants are threatening and killing the panches and sarpanches in Jammu and Kashmir while the government there is unable to provide them protection," he said. The BJP leader asked the government to take up the issue of killing of two Indian jawans by the Pakistani troops along the LoC recently with the neighbouring country. In view of such incidents, he called for scaling down of the diplomatic ties with Pakistan.
18:07 Lok Sabha passes Railway Budget for 2013-14
The Lok Sabha passed the Railway Budget for fiscal 2013-14 on Wednesday.
The budget, which was passed amidst an opposition boycott, provides for the withdrawal of 63 thousand and 363 crore rupees from the Consolidated Fund of India to achieve the targets announced in the budget. Railway Minister Pawan Kumar Bansal, while replying to the discussions, assured the house that all railway projects announced in the Budget will be taken up.
He ruled out any discrimination while allocating funds as the Railways considers the whole country as a single unit. Bansal, who defended the marginal increase in the fares of passengers this time, said they had remained unchanged for the last 12 years.
The budget, which was passed amidst an opposition boycott, provides for the withdrawal of 63 thousand and 363 crore rupees from the Consolidated Fund of India to achieve the targets announced in the budget. Railway Minister Pawan Kumar Bansal, while replying to the discussions, assured the house that all railway projects announced in the Budget will be taken up.
He ruled out any discrimination while allocating funds as the Railways considers the whole country as a single unit. Bansal, who defended the marginal increase in the fares of passengers this time, said they had remained unchanged for the last 12 years.
18:00 What is the one thing you would take fleeing your homeland?
The one item Syrian refugees made sure to grab before leaving home. See the amazing slideshow here.
17:42 CBI FIR: Ex-air chief changed norms, helped Agusta
Here's the final take on the FIR filed by the CBI on the AgustaWestland deal. Former Air Force chief SP Tyagi helped in swinging the VVIP chopper deal in favour of Finmeccanica subsidiary AgustaWestland by lowering the service height of helicopters from 6000 metres to 4,500 metres, the CBI's FIR states. The FIR, however, doesn't mention Tyagi having received money in the deal.
17:27 CBI FIR: Tyagi's cousins received kickbacks from Agusta
The CBI FIR however states that Tyagi's cousins Julie, Docsa and Sandeep had received payouts.
Sources said suspected European middlemen Carlo Garosa, Christian Michel and Guido Haschkhe, advocate Gautam Khaitan formerly associated with Aeromatric and its CEO Praveen Bakshi, former Finmeccanica Chairman Giuseppe Orsi, former AgustaWestland CEO Bruno Spagnolini and Tyagis --Julie, Docsa and Sandeep have also been named in the FIR.
After carrying out its preliminary enquiry for nearly 16 days, the agency gathered evidence to register a case in connection with alleged payment of Rs 362 crore bribe to swing the 12 helicopter deal in favour of AgustaWestland, CBI sources said.
Sources said suspected European middlemen Carlo Garosa, Christian Michel and Guido Haschkhe, advocate Gautam Khaitan formerly associated with Aeromatric and its CEO Praveen Bakshi, former Finmeccanica Chairman Giuseppe Orsi, former AgustaWestland CEO Bruno Spagnolini and Tyagis --Julie, Docsa and Sandeep have also been named in the FIR.
After carrying out its preliminary enquiry for nearly 16 days, the agency gathered evidence to register a case in connection with alleged payment of Rs 362 crore bribe to swing the 12 helicopter deal in favour of AgustaWestland, CBI sources said.
17:22 CBI FIR: Ex-air chief Tyagi helped AgustaWestland
The CBI today had filed an FIR against 12 people including former Air Chief Marshal SP Tyagi and his cousins Julie and Docsa in the AgustaWestland chopper deal case. The FIR names four firms and 12 people. The CBI has registered a regular case in the VVIP chopper deal under Sections 120 and 420 of the IPC and under certain sections of the Prevention of Corruption Act. The CBI also carried out searches at 14 locations in Delhi, NCR and Chandigarh in connection with the case.
17:20 CBI FIR: Ex-air chief Tyagi helped AgustaWestland
Just in: The CBI FIR on the AgustaWestland chopper deal says that former Air Chief SP Tyagi lowered the service height to favour Finmeccanica. By lowering the height, it allowed AgustaWestland to enter the fray. However, the FIR does not mention Tyagi receiving any kickbacks.
17:09 Maha to crack down on illegal Bangladeshi migrants: Patil
The Maharashtra government today assured the Assembly that it will crack down on illegal migrants from Bangladesh and said care will be taken to ensure that Indian citizens from West Bengal are not harmed.
Home Minister R R Patil told the members that between 2009 and February 2013, 7,698 Bangladeshis were arrested and 3,009 were sent back to their native places. The special cell to track illegal Bangladeshi and Pakistani citizens in Mumbai will be strengthened with more police personnel, he said adding that even though the cell is based in Mumbai, it has been authorised to conduct raids all over the state and make arrests.
Home Minister R R Patil told the members that between 2009 and February 2013, 7,698 Bangladeshis were arrested and 3,009 were sent back to their native places. The special cell to track illegal Bangladeshi and Pakistani citizens in Mumbai will be strengthened with more police personnel, he said adding that even though the cell is based in Mumbai, it has been authorised to conduct raids all over the state and make arrests.
16:30 Private airlines owe Rs 526 crore to AAI
Private airlines, including those who have closed down, have a due of Rs 526 crore towards the state-owned Airports Authority of India (AAI) till December last year.
"The total traffic and non-traffic dues of private airlines as on December 31, 2012 amounts to Rs 526.75 crores to the AAI," K C Venugopal, Minister of State in the Ministry of Civil Aviation informed Lok Sabha today.
Of these, Vijay Mallya-owned Kingfisher Airlines has a due of Rs 295.50 crore, Jet Airways has Rs 82.17 crore while its subsidiary JetLite has Rs 27.62 crores. Kalanithi Maran-owned SpiceJet owes Rs 58.77 crore, InterGlobe Aviation Ltd (IndiGo) owes Rs 9.26 crore and GoAir has a due of Rs 8.55 crore to the AAI, he said.
"The total traffic and non-traffic dues of private airlines as on December 31, 2012 amounts to Rs 526.75 crores to the AAI," K C Venugopal, Minister of State in the Ministry of Civil Aviation informed Lok Sabha today.
Of these, Vijay Mallya-owned Kingfisher Airlines has a due of Rs 295.50 crore, Jet Airways has Rs 82.17 crore while its subsidiary JetLite has Rs 27.62 crores. Kalanithi Maran-owned SpiceJet owes Rs 58.77 crore, InterGlobe Aviation Ltd (IndiGo) owes Rs 9.26 crore and GoAir has a due of Rs 8.55 crore to the AAI, he said.
16:18 How the pope is elected
Popes are chosen by the College of Cardinals, the Church's most senior officials, who are appointed by the Pope and usually ordained bishops.
They are summoned to a meeting at the Vatican which is followed by the Papal election - or Conclave.
There are currently 203 cardinals from 69 countries. The rules of the Conclave were changed in 1975 to exclude all cardinals over the age of 80 from voting. The maximum number of cardinal electors is 120.
During the forthcoming Conclave, there will be 115 cardinal-electors: they have to be younger than 80 to be eligible to vote, but Cardinal Julius Riyadi Darmaatmadja, the 78 year-old Archbishop Emeritus of Jakarta, has ruled himself out of travelling to Rome due to the "progressive deterioration" of his vision. More
They are summoned to a meeting at the Vatican which is followed by the Papal election - or Conclave.
There are currently 203 cardinals from 69 countries. The rules of the Conclave were changed in 1975 to exclude all cardinals over the age of 80 from voting. The maximum number of cardinal electors is 120.
During the forthcoming Conclave, there will be 115 cardinal-electors: they have to be younger than 80 to be eligible to vote, but Cardinal Julius Riyadi Darmaatmadja, the 78 year-old Archbishop Emeritus of Jakarta, has ruled himself out of travelling to Rome due to the "progressive deterioration" of his vision. More
16:16 On day 2 of papal conclave: Black smoke again
Black smoke signalling an inconclusive second vote drew cheers from the crowd at St Peter's Square this evening. Cardinals are holding their second day of deliberations in the Vatican conclave to elect a new pope, after reaching no decision on Tuesday. The 115 cardinal-electors are shut off in the Sistine Chapel and a nearby residence until two-thirds agree on a leader for the world's 1.2bn Catholics. There is no clear frontrunner to replace Pope Benedict XVI.-- BBC.
16:14
On day 2 of papal conclave: Black smoke again
16:14 Meet Indias Elephants Rights Crusader
The high number of wild elephants killed in railway accidents in recent months, have pushed Sanjeeb Panigrahi, a 37-year-old lawyer, to take up this cause on their behalf. Read
16:11 Sleazy court dramas keep rape victims on tenterhooks
Professor at the Centre for Study of Law and Governance, JNU, tells how rape laws and the trial system further the humiliation of rape victims in India. Read
15:54 Hyderabad blasts: IM terrorist remanded to NIA custody
A Delhi court remands suspected IM operative Obaid-ur-Rehman to seven days in NIA custody in connection with Hyderabad twin blasts case. The National Investigation Agency (NIA), which is conducting a probe in the blast, had been seeking the custody of Rehman, an alleged terrorist lodged in Bangalore jail. Police are investigating the possible involvement of various suspects, including the banned militant outfit Indian Mujahideen, which has links with the terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT).
15:48 The double life of Bitti Mohanty
Bitti Mohanty may well be regretting the moment he told his lover about his hidden past. The woman, who was his colleague in the State Bank of Travancore, first thought he was joking. But her search on the internet revealed that behind the faade of Raghav Rajan- as he was known by his colleagues and friends- was a hidden past of a rapist who changed his identity to evade law. Her plans of marriage dashed, she decided to expose the fugitive with a fake identity. Read
15:33 Tarn Taran woman beaten up by cops barges into Assembly
A young woman who was thrashed and abused by Punjab Police officials in full public view in Punjab's Tarn Taran district recently, tried to barge into the Punjab Assembly complex during the ongoing budget session, today.
The woman was stopped at the entry gate of the assembly building by security personnel, leading to ruckus at the spot. Congress leaders accompanying her jostled with security personnel.
The woman could not reach the Assembly hall. Leader of Opposition and senior Congress leader Sunil Jakhar was with the 21-year-old woman when she tried to enter the Assembly. -- IANS
The woman was stopped at the entry gate of the assembly building by security personnel, leading to ruckus at the spot. Congress leaders accompanying her jostled with security personnel.
The woman could not reach the Assembly hall. Leader of Opposition and senior Congress leader Sunil Jakhar was with the 21-year-old woman when she tried to enter the Assembly. -- IANS
15:26 Dalai Lama regrets not being able to attend Kumbh
Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama regrets not being able to attend the Mahakumbh held in Allahabad. "I regret not being able to attend the Kumbh. But sitting beside the bank of river Yamuna gives me an almost similar experience as Mahakumbh," he told reporters yesterday.
The Mahakumbh festival began on January 14, coinciding with Makar Sankranti, and ended on March 10. Praising the 'Yamuna Mukti Padyatra' organised for keeping intact the purity of the Yamuna river, the spiritual leader said Ganga and Yamuna are not mere rivers but lifelines associated to our faith. The leader was present here to attend a two-day festival during which he also met religious leader Guru Sharnanand Maharaj.
The Mahakumbh festival began on January 14, coinciding with Makar Sankranti, and ended on March 10. Praising the 'Yamuna Mukti Padyatra' organised for keeping intact the purity of the Yamuna river, the spiritual leader said Ganga and Yamuna are not mere rivers but lifelines associated to our faith. The leader was present here to attend a two-day festival during which he also met religious leader Guru Sharnanand Maharaj.
15:11 2014 polls not a fight between Modi, Rahul
With a year to go, the general election is being painted and promoted as a Rahul-versus-Modi contest. It's a tidy, appealing binary, given that Narendra Modi and Rahul Gandhi appear to have profoundly different political instincts and personality types. Read the opinion piece on the Indian Express.
15:05
And in which Farhan Akhtar insists he is NOT pricey. Read his tweet.
15:03 Five Modi lies that must be nailed
Speaking to US NRIs on March 10, Gujarat CM Narendra Modi claimed that the growth rate in India had "lost momentum" in the last 6-7 years. Well, Modi is used to dishing out mis-truths and blatant lies; so this was just one more in a series. India's growth in the last 6-7 years has been exemplary by any standard, with GDP growth hitting 9.2 per cent just last year. Read
14:48 Group to protest against Wharton India Economic Forum
A coalition of community members and activists have come together under the name of Americans for Free Speech to protest the removal of Narendra Modi from the Wharton India Economic Forum on March 23. Read
14:43 Two enemies discover a 'higher call' in battle.
More WWII stories: They met as enemies over the war-torn skies of Europe during but reunited years later as brothers. Read
14:35 Dark secret of the woman in Hitler's bathtub
In other reads: How war photographer Lee Miller was raped as a child by a relative and forced to pose naked by her father. Read more
14:26 Sena felicitates Ajmer Sharif head for opposing Pak PM's visit
The Shiv Sena today felicitated Syed Zainul Abedin Ali Khan, the spiritual head of the shrine of revered Sufi saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti in Ajmer for opposing Pakistan Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf''s recent visit. Raja Ashraf and his family paid homage at the shrine last Saturday.
Earlier, Khan had said that he would not assist Ashraf during prayers in protest over the mutilation of bodies of two Indian soldiers on the LIne of Control (LoC) in January this year.
Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut honoured Khan and presented him with a sword and a shawl.
Raut said: "I feel that our Shiv Sena president Uddhav Thackeray has sent us to express gratitude and to specially thank him." Uddhav Thackeray had two days ago said that Khan should be given the Bharat Ratna for his gesture.
Earlier, Khan had said that he would not assist Ashraf during prayers in protest over the mutilation of bodies of two Indian soldiers on the LIne of Control (LoC) in January this year.
Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut honoured Khan and presented him with a sword and a shawl.
Raut said: "I feel that our Shiv Sena president Uddhav Thackeray has sent us to express gratitude and to specially thank him." Uddhav Thackeray had two days ago said that Khan should be given the Bharat Ratna for his gesture.
14:08 Village voices of Tamil Nadu
A local newspaper project in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu empowers villagers to tell their own stories and report on news that matters to them.'Gramam Pudiya Udiyam' (Village New Dawn) was inspired by Venus Upadhyaya, a journalist who grew up far away in Jammu and Kashmir. More
14:07 Indian-origin doctor cleared of manslaughter charge in Aus
In a relief to Indian-origin surgeon Jayant Patel, an Australian court today found him not guilty of manslaughter of an elderly patient nearly a decade ago.
Patel, 62, the former director of surgery at Bundaberg Base Hospital, had pleaded not guilty to the manslaughter of Mervyn John Morris, 75, who died on June 14, 2003, three weeks after he removed part of his bowel to treat rectal bleeding.
It was the second time Patel stood for the manslaughter trial of Morris. He was convicted of killing Morris and two other patients in June 2010. After a four week trial, a Brisbane Supreme Court jury found Patel not guilty of killing Morris.
The prosecution had said Patel was grossly negligent, that he had not properly diagnosed the bleeding and that he made the wrong decision to operate and failed to properly manage the man's post-operative care.
Patel, 62, the former director of surgery at Bundaberg Base Hospital, had pleaded not guilty to the manslaughter of Mervyn John Morris, 75, who died on June 14, 2003, three weeks after he removed part of his bowel to treat rectal bleeding.
It was the second time Patel stood for the manslaughter trial of Morris. He was convicted of killing Morris and two other patients in June 2010. After a four week trial, a Brisbane Supreme Court jury found Patel not guilty of killing Morris.
The prosecution had said Patel was grossly negligent, that he had not properly diagnosed the bleeding and that he made the wrong decision to operate and failed to properly manage the man's post-operative care.
14:06
Italy's decision not to return marines is a diplomatic tragedy and it is the Centre's responsibility to bring them back to India, says Kerala CM Oommen Chandy.
14:02 Mohammad Aamir Khans 14 lost years
On a February night in 1998, Mohammad Aamir Khan, a resident of the Old Delhi area of India's capital made his way to a chemist to buy medicine for a kidney stone problem. The story of how he spent 14 years in jail for crimes including murder, terrorism and waging war against the nation. He was finally acquitted but it changed the course of his life. Read
13:50 Home Secy: Srinagar militants came from Pakistan
Home Secretary RP Singh prima facie the terrorists came from across the border, from Pakistan. They are not locals. The attack has left five CRPF men in Bemina, Srinagar dead, and seven injured. Of the seven, two are believed to be civilians. Please scroll down for updates on the attack, which occurred this morning.
13:38 Delhi HC blast terrorist charged with waging war against nation
District Judge (DJ) I S Mehta framed the additional charges under section 121 (waging war against the country) of the IPC against Wasim Akram Malik, court sources said.
Besides charges under section 121 of the IPC, the court is also likely to frame charges under sections 121A(conspiring to commit certain offences against the State), 122 (collecting arms with the intention of waging war against Govt) and 123 (concealing with intent to felicitate a design to wage war) of the IPC against Malik, the sources said.
The trial court had earlier declined the plea of National Investigation Agency (NIA) to prosecute Malik under the stringent charge of waging war against India which entails maximum punishment of death penalty, but the high court had ruled otherwise.
Besides charges under section 121 of the IPC, the court is also likely to frame charges under sections 121A(conspiring to commit certain offences against the State), 122 (collecting arms with the intention of waging war against Govt) and 123 (concealing with intent to felicitate a design to wage war) of the IPC against Malik, the sources said.
The trial court had earlier declined the plea of National Investigation Agency (NIA) to prosecute Malik under the stringent charge of waging war against India which entails maximum punishment of death penalty, but the high court had ruled otherwise.
13:31
Just in: Special NIA court frames charges of waging war against the country on Wasim Akram Malik, arrested in the Sept 2011 Delhi High Court blast case.
13:27 Stone-pelting at CRPF camp, two militants escape
Stone-pelting is being reported from the site of the terror attack at Bemina in Srinagar. The terrorists who were dressed in track pants were carrying grenades in their sports kits, say early reports. They approached some boys playing cricket at a school ground next to the CRPF camp, which allowed them easy access to the jawans.
Meanwhile, National Conference leader Farooq Abdullah, who is CM Omar Abdullah's father, reacts to the attack that has killed five CRPF men. "This is part of the game we have to play, our enemies will continue to do this. I have seen worse than this, we will face them. This is nothing. However, I feel the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) will have to go. We have been saying AFSPA is needed only at borders."
Meanwhile, National Conference leader Farooq Abdullah, who is CM Omar Abdullah's father, reacts to the attack that has killed five CRPF men. "This is part of the game we have to play, our enemies will continue to do this. I have seen worse than this, we will face them. This is nothing. However, I feel the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) will have to go. We have been saying AFSPA is needed only at borders."
13:11 Mauritius PM wants more Indians visiting the country
Update from Mauritius. Mauritian prime minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam, in an informal discussion with the media men after the conferment of the doctorate on President Pranab Mukherjee said his country was being maligned in the DTAC issue.
"We are being called a tax haven, which we are not. We are a developing country, he told veteran journalist R Rajagopalan. Ramgoolam said he would like to see more tourists from India. "Right now more people from here go to India, but we'd like to see more traffic from India. We also need more flights between the two countries," he said.
Rediff.com's Saisuresh Sivaswamy is accompanying President Pranab Mukherjee on his trip to Mauritius.
"We are being called a tax haven, which we are not. We are a developing country, he told veteran journalist R Rajagopalan. Ramgoolam said he would like to see more tourists from India. "Right now more people from here go to India, but we'd like to see more traffic from India. We also need more flights between the two countries," he said.
Rediff.com's Saisuresh Sivaswamy is accompanying President Pranab Mukherjee on his trip to Mauritius.
12:58 Militants disguised as cricketers attack CRPF men
Update on the militant attack on a CRPF camp in Srinagar. TV reports say that the DIG CRPF says that the terrorists were dressed as sportsmen in track pants and carried weapons in sports kits. Some civilians have also been injured. The toll so far: Five CRPF men dead, seven injured. Two militants killed. The attacks site is now being combed by a forensic team and a search operation is on for other militants who may be in the area. Police sources say two more militants could be holed up.
The disguise helped them gain proximity to the CRPF camp.
The disguise helped them gain proximity to the CRPF camp.
12:41 Boatman of the Bengal School
A soft-spoken man who let his works do the talking. That is how artist Ganesh Pyne, who passed away in Kolkata on Tuesday following a heart attack will be remembered. He leaves behind a trail of memories and indelible works that stand out as milestones in Indian modern art. He left an imprint on his peers and left the younger generation overawed. Read
12:33 PM warns Italy: There will be consequences!
If Italy does not keep its word, there will be consequences, Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh tells the Lok Sabha over Italy's refusal to send back the marines.
Faced with severe criticism after Italy refused to send back two marines accused of killing Indian fishermen, the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance government may take a hard stand and expel Rome's envoy in New Delhi Daniele Mancini.
A day after Italy refused the return of its two marines, facing a murder trial in India for killing two fishermen, Foreign Secretary Ranjan Mathai summoned Italian ambassador in New Delhi on Tuesday to convey its collective decision that ''contents of note is not acceptable'' to India.
Faced with severe criticism after Italy refused to send back two marines accused of killing Indian fishermen, the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance government may take a hard stand and expel Rome's envoy in New Delhi Daniele Mancini.
A day after Italy refused the return of its two marines, facing a murder trial in India for killing two fishermen, Foreign Secretary Ranjan Mathai summoned Italian ambassador in New Delhi on Tuesday to convey its collective decision that ''contents of note is not acceptable'' to India.
12:24 Mauritius honours Prez, it's Dr Mukherjee now
Rediff.com's Saisuresh Sivaswamy reporting from Port Louis, Mauritius, says that President Pranab Mukherjee was today conferred the honorary degree of Doctorate of Civil law by the university of Mauritius in a ceremony attended by President Rajkeswur Puryag and Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam. Mukherjee was conferred the honour by Sir Ramesh Jewoolall, chancellor of the university.
Also read: Saisuresh Sivaswamy, who is accompanying President Pranab Mukherjee on his trip to Mauritius, reports on the independence and republic day celebrations of the island nation.
Also read: Saisuresh Sivaswamy, who is accompanying President Pranab Mukherjee on his trip to Mauritius, reports on the independence and republic day celebrations of the island nation.
12:15 Normal life hit due to strike by group of separatists
Normal life was affected in Srinagar today due to a strike called by a group of separatists to press for their demand for return of mortal remains of Parliament attack convict Mohammad Afzal Guru and JKLF founder Mohammad Maqbool Bhat.
Shops, banks, petrol pumps and other business establishments remained closed due to the strike called by Majlis Mashawarat (Consultation Committee), of the separatist group.
While most public transport remained off roads, a large number of private cars, cabs and autorickshaws were seen plying on the roads of the Valley. Schools and colleges also remained closed due to the strike. Majlis, which constitutes both factions of Hurriyat Conference, JKLF, Kashmir Bar Association and Dukhtaran-e-Millat, came into being following execution of Guru in Tihar Jail last month.
Shops, banks, petrol pumps and other business establishments remained closed due to the strike called by Majlis Mashawarat (Consultation Committee), of the separatist group.
While most public transport remained off roads, a large number of private cars, cabs and autorickshaws were seen plying on the roads of the Valley. Schools and colleges also remained closed due to the strike. Majlis, which constitutes both factions of Hurriyat Conference, JKLF, Kashmir Bar Association and Dukhtaran-e-Millat, came into being following execution of Guru in Tihar Jail last month.
12:09 Firing starts again at Srinagar
CNN IBN reports that firing has started again at Bemina at the CRPF camp in Srinagar. The earlier round of firing had lasted for around 25 minutes and left heavy casualties, with five CRPF men dead, seven injured of whom two are believed to be seriously injured. Two militants were killed
12:04 Italy confident diplomatic standoff over marines will be resolved
Italy today expressed confidence that the diplomatic row with India over its refusal to send back two Italian marines will be overcome.
Describing the current standoff as "difficult moments" for the two countries, Italian Ambassador Daniele Mancini said he will not shy away from finding a solution.
"I am confident that the two mature democracies such as ours will overcome these difficulties. We are working with Indian institutions and government to do whatever best can be done to overcome these current difficult moments," Mancini said at an event.
"We will not shy away from this. It is very much present in our mind," he said, a day after Ministry of External Affairs summoned him to convey India's position on this matter in the "strongest of terms".
Angered by a sudden u-turn by the Italian government which refused the return of two marines, charged with killing of two Indian fishermen last year, India yesterday demanded that they be sent back to face trial for homicide in the country.
Describing the current standoff as "difficult moments" for the two countries, Italian Ambassador Daniele Mancini said he will not shy away from finding a solution.
"I am confident that the two mature democracies such as ours will overcome these difficulties. We are working with Indian institutions and government to do whatever best can be done to overcome these current difficult moments," Mancini said at an event.
"We will not shy away from this. It is very much present in our mind," he said, a day after Ministry of External Affairs summoned him to convey India's position on this matter in the "strongest of terms".
Angered by a sudden u-turn by the Italian government which refused the return of two marines, charged with killing of two Indian fishermen last year, India yesterday demanded that they be sent back to face trial for homicide in the country.
11:55 From the hole in the wall to Yale
An amazing story we want to share with you...
After his 6-year-old son taught himself to use a computer, 2013 TED Prize winner Sugata Mitra wanted to test the idea that kids can learn on their own, by discovery rather than formal training. So Mitra and his colleagues dug a hole in the wall near a slum in New Delhi, set up an Internet-connected computer there, and abandoned it in 1999. They also set up a hidden camera. Here's what happened.
After his 6-year-old son taught himself to use a computer, 2013 TED Prize winner Sugata Mitra wanted to test the idea that kids can learn on their own, by discovery rather than formal training. So Mitra and his colleagues dug a hole in the wall near a slum in New Delhi, set up an Internet-connected computer there, and abandoned it in 1999. They also set up a hidden camera. Here's what happened.
11:48 Firing ends at CRPF camp at Srinagar
Back in Srinagar, TV reports indicate that the firing has ended. It lasted for at least 30 minutes and left heavy casualties, with five CRPF men dead, seven injured or whom two are believed to be seriously injured. Two militants were killed. No details on the name of the terrorist group behind the attack, as yet.
11:44
Meanwhile, Italian envoy to India, Daniele Mancini says his government is confident that India and Italy will overcome difficulties following Italian refusal to send back two marines. The issue came up in Parliament as well today.
11:42 Militants kill 5 CRPF jawans in Srinagar, firing on
CNN IBN reports that five CRPF personnel have been killed, while two militants have been shot dead. The attack occurred outside a CRPF camp, near a police school were children were playing cricket. Luckily no children were injured, but at least seven jawans have been injured.
11:32 Four injured in attack on CRPF camp
A PTI report says that the number of injured have gone up to four -- two CRPF jawans injured and two militants, who are holed up near the paramilitary's camp in Bemina. There is also a school in the vicinity.
11:28 Militants attack CRPF camp at Srinagar, firing on
Rediff.com's Mukhtar Ahmed says militants have attacked a CRPF camp in the Bemina area of Srinagar. So far, one trooper has been injured, even as heavy firing continues between the military and the paramilitary forces. Police and CRPF have surrounded the camp. This is a high-security area. More details awaited.
11:23 PM tells LS: Govt upset about Italy govt's conduct
Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh gave his assurance to Parliament that the house was ready to discuss the Italian marines issue in the house. The PM said, "The house is agitated on the conduct of the Italian government over the refusal to return the marines. The government is concerned about Italy's actions."
The PM also admits there is an economic slowdown.
The PM also admits there is an economic slowdown.
11:13 Agusta deal: CBI files FIR against Air Force ex-chief, 11 others
The CBI has registered FIRs against former IAF chief S P Tyagi and others in VVIP chopper scam. Satish Bagrodia, brother of former Union Minister Santosh Bagrodia, has also named in the FIR. Raids in 12 places in Delhi, Gurgaon and Chandigarh, including the Tyagi's home, in connection with the probe in the scam have begun.
The CBI has registered a regular case in the VVIP chopper deal under Sections 120 and 420 of the IPC and under certain sections of the Prevention of Corruption Act. The CBI also carried out searches at 14 locations in Delhi, NCR and Chandigarh in connection with the case.
Sources have said that SP Tyagi's cousins - Sanjeev and Docsa Tyagi - were involved in defence deals in India and not power projects as they have been claiming. Sources said kickbacks were paid to the Tyagi brothers through fake engineering contracts in Mauritius and Tunisia.
10:57 Chaos in Delhi traffic as IAF officer beats wife on street
An argument between a couple that turned ugly, a peacemaker who lost his cool and entered into a fistfight with the husband, and passersby who stopped to resolve the issue, but instead added fuel to it by taking sides -- this was the chain of events on Ferozeshah Road in Delhi that led to a traffic jam during peak evening hours on Tuesday - main protagonists, an IAF man, an Indian Airlines pilot and of course the wife. Read
10:50 A perfect day for democracy
And this is Arundhati Roy's piece on the execution of Afzal Guru, written right after the incident on February 10. Read
10:47 The disturbing truth about Guru's execution
There was uproar in Jammu and Kashmir assembly yesterday after opposition parties demanded that Afzal Guru's body be returned to family members. Guru was hanged on February 9, 2013 in Delhi's Tihar jail and his body is buried there. Union home minister Sushil Kumar Shinde ruled out returning Guru's body on Monday.
Here's what the opinion piece on the Hindu has to say about the hanging. "By hanging Afzal Guru secretly so that he could not approach the courts, and ignoring the pending case that could have affected his sentence, the Home Minister acted illegally." Read
Here's what the opinion piece on the Hindu has to say about the hanging. "By hanging Afzal Guru secretly so that he could not approach the courts, and ignoring the pending case that could have affected his sentence, the Home Minister acted illegally." Read
10:43 Its no longer Christmas time
Italy stands guilty not only of causing the death of innocent people, but also of violating a solemn promise given in the name of a sovereign state. Read
10:42 An Italian job
Nations that want to be taken seriously must match their actions with that aspiration. The refusal to send back Massimiliano Latorre and Salvatore Girone '" the Marines aboard the merchant ship Enrica Lexie accused of shooting and killing two fishermen off the Kerala coast after mistaking them for pirates '" may win the new Italian government brownie points at home but is conduct unbecoming of a responsible nation.
That's the editorial on the Hindu on Italy's refusal to send the two marines back for trial in India. Read
That's the editorial on the Hindu on Italy's refusal to send the two marines back for trial in India. Read
10:36 Scientists to probe possible Chavez poisoning: Venezuela
The Venezuelan government has announced that they will work with 'the world''s best scientists' to investigate whether former president Hugo Chavez had been poisoned. Venezuelan government officials said that there is a possibility that someone may have deliberately infected him with cancer.
Vice President Nicolas Maduro, in an interview with the Telesur network, implied that the United States could have been behind such an attack on Chavez, an accusation that the state department has denied.
Vice President Nicolas Maduro, in an interview with the Telesur network, implied that the United States could have been behind such an attack on Chavez, an accusation that the state department has denied.
10:32 Cops to move court to get Vijender's blood sample
The Punjab police will move court to get Olympic medallist boxer Vijender Singh's blood and hair samples over his alleged links to a massive drug haul in Punjab, reports NDTV.
Vijender, who was interrogated by a team of the Punjab police officials in Panchkula near Chandigarh, had on Monday refused to give his blood or hair samples. He admitted to knowing an NRI named Anoop Singh Kahlon, who was arrested last week for dealing in drugs.
More than 26 kilograms of drugs, including heroin, worth Rs. 130 crore, were allegedly found at Kahlon's flat in Punjab.
Read the full report here
Vijender, who was interrogated by a team of the Punjab police officials in Panchkula near Chandigarh, had on Monday refused to give his blood or hair samples. He admitted to knowing an NRI named Anoop Singh Kahlon, who was arrested last week for dealing in drugs.
More than 26 kilograms of drugs, including heroin, worth Rs. 130 crore, were allegedly found at Kahlon's flat in Punjab.
Read the full report here
10:16 Rs 1207-cr drought relief package for Maharashtra
The Empowered Group of Ministers, headed by agriculture minister Sharad Pawar, had approves a Rs 1,207-crore drought relief package to Maharashtra, Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde said today.
The drought has worsened in the state due to failure of monsoon for the second consecutive year.
A central team, which assess the drought situation in the state, has prepared a status report and which was discussed in the meeting.
The drought has worsened in the state due to failure of monsoon for the second consecutive year.
A central team, which assess the drought situation in the state, has prepared a status report and which was discussed in the meeting.
09:41 Marines row: Italy's counsel Harish Salve withdraws
Senior advocate Harish Salve, who had convinced the Supreme Court to transfer the marines' trial to the Union government's jurisdiction from Kerala, said today that it was no longer possible for him to appear for Italy.
"Consider Italian action a breach of faith," he said.
Salve was the lead counsel for Italy for nearly a year during the pendency of its petition challenging the Kerala government's jurisdiction to arrest and prosecute the marines, who while guarding merchant vessel Enrica Lexie had allegedly shot dead the fishermen mistaking them for pirates.
"Consider Italian action a breach of faith," he said.
Salve was the lead counsel for Italy for nearly a year during the pendency of its petition challenging the Kerala government's jurisdiction to arrest and prosecute the marines, who while guarding merchant vessel Enrica Lexie had allegedly shot dead the fishermen mistaking them for pirates.
09:25 Jilted lover exposed rape convict Bitti Mohanty?
The Kerala police have revealed that it was an anonymous note sent to the State Bank of Travencore -- where Bitti Mohanty was working under a alias -- that helped them nab the rape convict, CNN-IBN reports.
Reports say that the note might have been sent by a jilted girlfriend and bank colleague.
Read the full story here
Reports say that the note might have been sent by a jilted girlfriend and bank colleague.
Read the full story here
08:56 in Gujarat, over 100 swine flu deaths this year
With two more swine flu deaths reported in Gujarat in the last 24 hours, the toll has mounted to 103 this year.
Since January, Gujarat hospitals have reported 510 confirmed cases of swine flu.
In Ahmedabad alone, 58 cases have been reported, out of which about a dozen are still in the isolation ward of the civil hospital, according to NDTV. Health officials said that the worst affected areas have been North Gujarat and Saurashtra region.
Since January, Gujarat hospitals have reported 510 confirmed cases of swine flu.
In Ahmedabad alone, 58 cases have been reported, out of which about a dozen are still in the isolation ward of the civil hospital, according to NDTV. Health officials said that the worst affected areas have been North Gujarat and Saurashtra region.
08:35 India has three of world's five best airports: Report
Airports of Delhi, Mumbai and Hyderabad are among the top five airports in the world providing international standard services.
Airports Council International, a global body of airports, has adjudged Delhi's Indira Gandhi International airport as second best after Seoul's Incheon airport in the category of airports handling 25-40 million passengers per annum for their service quality for the year 2012.
Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji International airport was adjudged the third best in this category, an ACI statement said.
Hyderabad's Rajiv Gandhi International airporthas
bagged the second position for their service quality in the category of
five to 15 MPPA. Japan's Nagoya airport was adjudged the best in this
category.
Airports Council International, a global body of airports, has adjudged Delhi's Indira Gandhi International airport as second best after Seoul's Incheon airport in the category of airports handling 25-40 million passengers per annum for their service quality for the year 2012.
Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji International airport was adjudged the third best in this category, an ACI statement said.
08:29 Marines row: India to expel Italian envoy?
Two days after Italy refused to send its marines back to stand trial in Indian fishermen murder case, India is taking steps to regain lost ground. CNN-IBN has learned that India may expel Italian envoy Daniele Mancinithe. The final decision will be taken and formalised within a week.
Sources say India's top envoy in Rome at the moment will also be recalled before the next Supreme Court hearing.
Read the full report here
Sources say India's top envoy in Rome at the moment will also be recalled before the next Supreme Court hearing.
Read the full report here
04:13 Boeing gets a chance to get the Dreamliner flying again
Aviation major Boeing has received federal approval to its plan to test the battery system of its 'Dreamliner' planes, which were grounded early this year after a fire in one of the aircraft due to fault in the battery system.
A successful completion of the test will pave the way for commercial resumption of Boeing 787 flights.
"Our top priority is the integrity of our products and the safety of the passengers and crews who fly on them," Boeing chairman, president and CEO Jim McNerney said in a statement announcing the approval his company received from the Federal
Aviation Administration.
He said a Boeing team is working round the clock to understand the issues and develop a solution based on extensive analysis and testing following the events that occurred in January.
"Today's approval from the FAA is a critical and welcome milestone toward getting the fleet flying again and continuing to deliver on the promise of the 787," he said.
The Boeing approval includes three layers of improvements, said Ray Conner, president and chief executive officer of
Boeing Commercial Airplanes.
"First, we've improved design features of the battery to prevent faults from occurring and to isolate any that do.
Second, we've enhanced production, operating and testing processes to ensure the highest levels of quality and performance of the battery and its components," he said.
"Third, in an unlikely event of a battery failure, we've introduced a new enclosure system that will keep any level of battery overheating from affecting the airplane or being noticed by passengers," Conner said.
02:59 Iran planning to sue Hollywood over 'Argo': Reports
Iran is planning to sue Hollywood over the Oscar-winning Argo because of the movie's allegedly 'unrealistic portrayal' of the country, Iranian media reported today.
Several news outlets, including the pro-reform Shargh daily, said French lawyer Isabelle Coutant-Peyre is in Iran for talks with officials over how and where to file the lawsuit.
She is also the lawyer for notorious Venezuelan-born terrorist Ilich Ramirez Sanchez, known as Carlos the Jackal.
Following the 1979 attack on the US Embassy in Tehran, 52 Americans were held hostage for 444 days, but six embassy staffers were sheltered by the Canadian ambassador. Their escape, using a fake movie as a cover, is recounted in Argo.
After its Oscar win in February, Iranian officials dismissed Argo as pro-CIA, anti-Iran propaganda.
The lawyer told the semi-official Mehr news agency that she will start a campaign to show that Argo is a lie, while pressing to stop distribution of the movie.
02:57 US Senate panel backs tougher gun background checks
A United States Senate panel today approved a Democratic bill requiring background checks for virtually all firearm sales, seen as a key element of President Barack Obama's push to reduce gun violence.
The Senate Judiciary Committee voted 10-8 along strict party lines to approve the bill, which would close a loophole that allows unchecked sales at gun shows and on the Internet.
If passed, the bill would result in the most substantial change to US gun legislation in a generation.
But even its main sponsor, Democrat Chuck Schumer, acknowledged it will be difficult to win passage in the full Senate and that lawmakers from both sides could clutter it with amendments.
The White House and Congress have zeroed in on potential measures to reduce gun violence in the wake of the December 14 massacre in Newtown, Connecticut, where a gunman used a semi-automatic assault rifle to kill 20 children and six adults in an elementary school.
The Judiciary Committee also approved a gun-trafficking bill last week that toughens penalties for "straw purchasers," and signed off on a school safety measure today that would boost funding for school security.
02:56 NASA rover finds conditions once suited to life on Mars
Analysis of Mars rocks by the Curiosity rover uncovered the building blocks of life -- hydrogen, carbon and oxygen -- and evidence the planet could once have supported organisms, NASA said.
"A fundamental question for this mission is whether Mars could have supported a habitable environment," Michael Meyer, lead scientist for NASA's Mars Exploration Program said. "From what we know now, the answer is yes."
At a televised press conference, the NASA team said this is the first definitive proof a life-supporting environment had existed beyond Earth.
"There are places we've suggested could be habitable, but we haven't measured there," said Dave Blake, principal investigator for Curiosity's Chemistry and Mineralogy investigation.
Curiosity, a six-wheeled robot with 10 scientific instruments on board, is the most sophisticated vehicle ever sent to another planet.
00:49 India strives to become 'drought proof'
Over a period of two centuries (between 1801 and 2002), India experienced 42 severe droughts, according to the Indian Space Research Organisation. One of these, in 1979, cut food grain production by 20 percent; another, in 1987, damaged 58.6 million hectares of cultivated land, affecting 285 million people.
In the last decade (2002-2012) three major droughts hit the country, and in 2012 drought shaved off half a percentage point from the Asian giant's gross domestic product (GDP), according to a 2013 World Bank report.
Seventy percent of Indians live in rural areas, while 58 percent rely solely on agriculture for a living. The 355 million people who fall below the 1.25-dollars-a-day poverty line depend primarily on rain-fed agriculture for subsistence.
Thus drought has become a national priority for the Indian government, particularly as climate change causes ever more erratic monsoon rains.
00:28 Journalists slam PCI's educational eligibility funda
Press Council of India chairperson Markandey Katju's announcement about the setting up of a committee to lay down minimum academic qualifications for journalists and get them legally institutionalised has evoked strong resentment from journalists.
The Delhi Union of Journalists criticised the PCI's move stating that this was a regressive measure with a potential of making the profession restrictive and consequently undemocratic.
In a statement, the DUJ said: "It will not only impact the coverage of news and views, which will obviously reflect the bias of the privileged to the detriment of masses at large, but also bar the many not formally educated but talented persons from entering the profession, of whom we have scores of instances of rising to the top."
"Ironically, the idea defeats the very purpose of the existence of the Press Council, which is to ensure freedom of expression and growth of the press and curb all restrictive practices."
"Ironically, the idea defeats the very purpose of the existence of the Press Council, which is to ensure freedom of expression and growth of the press and curb all restrictive practices."
00:26 Black smoke from Sistine Chapel; NO pope today
Just In: A puff of black smoke from the chimney above the Sistine Chapel signalled that the 115 cardinals had not yet come to a decision.
They will now retire to the isolation of St Martha's House, within the Vatican walls, and reconvene on Wednesday morning at 8.30am GMT for more deliberations.
They are expected to choose a new pope within the next couple of days.
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