LIVE
Thu, 11 December 2014
Live! Tyeb Mehta canvas sold for Rs 15 cr at Christie's auction
Timeline Refresh
23:30 Brazillian killed 41 people 'for fun'!
A Brazilian man arrested for stabbing a woman to death calmly confessed to murdering another 41 people -- putting him among history's most prolific serial killers, it was reported today.
Sailson Jose das Gracas, 26, told police in Rio de Janeiro he would go out 'on the hunt' for white women after studying each victims for up to a month. In an unreported reign of terror spanning nine years, Gracas claims to have murdered 37 women, two men and one two-year-old child in the outlying area of Rio de Janeiro known as Baixada Fluminense.
Read the full article HERE
23:26 Tyeb Mehta canvas sold for Rs 15 cr at Christie's auction
Renowned artist Tyeb Mehta's untitled canvas depicting a falling bull today got sold for a whopping Rs 15 crore at the second edition of Indian art auction held by the Christie's in Mumbai today.
The Mehta canvas, dating back to 1999, for which the Christie's was expecting a maximum price of Rs 12 crore, got picked up through an online bid from New York.
The identity of the buyer was not revealed. The auction began 7 pm today at the Taj Mahal Hotel.Bidding started at Rs 5 crore and the price kept going up till it reached Rs 14 crore when calls with overseas buyers resulted in longish pauses, before the final bid was made.
The amount paid for the Mehta work is hammer price and excludes buyer's premium and applicable taxes.
The Switzerland-based Christie's conducted its first India art auction on December 19 last year, when it sold a work by the late Vasudeo Gaitonde for a record Rs 28 crore,the biggest price ever paid for an Indian painter's work.
The house is auctioning 78 lots, down from 83 last year,including paintings, sculptures and also diaries at the auction tonight.
23:20 Students go on rampage in school forcing closure in Coimbatore
Senior students of a corporation school here went on a rampage today, damaging furniture and breaking fire extinguishers, to demand action against the headmistress for not heeding to their plea to transfer a teacher who reportedly addressed a student by his caste name.
Police rushed to the spot on being informed after which the students ran out of the school.
Pleas by their personnel and education department officials to students of the school in Siddapudur area to come for talks went unheeded, they said.
School authorities took stock of the situation, cancelled the ongoing half-yearly exams and closed the institution indefinitely.
22:56
The joke doing the rounds in New Delhi is that three ambitious and successful diplomatic bilateral summits have helped three Gujarat-based industrialist friends of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
His United States visit helped Reliance Chairman Mukesh Ambani who has close relations with the Clintons, and has business interest in the Shale gas technology among other business interests.
Modi's Australia visit showed fantastic endorsement of Adani Group's Gautam Adani's business interests, while Russian President Vladimir Putin's visit to New Delhi shows the governmental support to Essar group's Ravi and Shashi Ruia getting a huge piece of the crude oil business.
22:31
Three cops were injured in a grenade attack at a police station in Anantnag on Thursday evening.
A senior police officer said militants hurled a grenade at Sherbagh police station in Anantnag.
"Three cops were injured in the explosion," the officer said adding the injured were evacuated to hospital for treatment. Security across Anantnag has been beefed up ahead of the fourth phase of state assembly polls scheduled for December 14.
The fourth phase covers the districts of Srinagar, Anantnag and Shopian. The attack comes close on the heels of string of attacks which included storming of an army camp in Uri sector leaving 21 persons including eight army troopers and three cops dead last week.
-- Mukhtar Ahmad in Srinagar
22:23 UN declares June 21 as 'International Day of Yoga'
Less than three months after Prime Minister Narendra Modi proposed the idea, the UN General Assembly today adopted an India-led resolution declaring June 21 as 'International Day of Yoga', recognising that 'Yoga provides a holistic approach to health and well-being'.
The resolution on 'International Day of Yoga' was introduced by India's Ambassador to UN Asoke Mukerji today and had 175 nations joining as co-sponsors, the highest number ever for any General Assembly resolution.
It is also for the first time that such an initiative has been proposed and implemented by any country in the UN body in less than 90 days.
Through the resolution, adopted under the agenda of 'Global Health and Foreign Policy,' the 193-member General Assembly decided to proclaim June 21 every year as the 'International Day of Yoga'.
21:32 'Birdman' tops Golden Globes 2015 nominations with seven nods
American black comedy 'Birdman', about a washed-up Hollywood actor who once played the titular superhero in three blockbuster movies, is leading the 72nd Golden Globe Awards nominations with seven nods including best motion picture comedy or musical and best actor.
'Birdman' will compete with comedy 'The Grand Budapest Hotel', musical drama 'Into the Woods', LGBT-related historical film 'Pride' and funny movie 'St Vincent'.
21:23 CIA first planned jails abiding by US standards
Just six days after the Sept 11, 2001, attacks, President Bush signed a secret order that gave the Central Intelligence Agency the power to capture and imprison terrorists with Al Qaeda. But the order said nothing about where they should be held or how the agency should go about the business of questioning them.
21:23 CIA first planned jails abiding by US standards
Just six days after the Sept 11, 2001, attacks, President Bush signed a secret order that gave the Central Intelligence Agency the power to capture and imprison terrorists with Al Qaeda. But the order said nothing about where they should be held or how the agency should go about the business of questioning them.
21:03 Champions Trophy hockey tournament: India beat Belgium 4-2
India entered the semi-finals of the Champions Trophy hockey tournament after a 4-2 win over Belgium in Bhubaneswar on Thursday.
The hosts will face arch rivals Pakistan for a place in the final, the latter scoring 4-2 upset win over eight-time champions The Netherlands earlier in the day.
20:44 67% Indians prefer travelling abroad for Christmas: Survey
About 66.7 per cent of Indian globetrotters would prefer travelling abroad for Christmas in order to experience the traditional fanfare of the festival, says a recent survey.
"About 66.7 per cent of Indian travellers would prefer to travel abroad and stay in a hotel in order to experience more of the trappings of a traditional Christmas," according to the survey by Hotels.com.
19:57 Uniforms in trash: CRPF points finger at hospital staff
An internal inquiry conducted by Central Reserve Police Force has found lapses on the part of hospital authorities and staff in Raipur by not following set procedures as a result of which uniforms and other belongings of martyred troops were found in a garbage dump recently in Chhattisgarh.
The inquiry findings, submitted to CRPF headquarters, said two pairs of uniforms and few sets of jungle boots of CRPF personnel, killed in an encounter with Maoists, were thrown away in garbage dump after being considered as "medical waste" by the panel of doctors and lower rung employees at the hospital's autopsy centre.
Fourteen CRPF personnel were killed in a Naxal attack in Sukma district on December 1. Blood-stained uniforms and shoes of some of the CRPF personnel who were killed in the Naxal attack were later found in a garbage bin on the Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar Memorial Hospital premises, sparking outrage.
19:34 And the nominees for the Golden Globes are...
It's almost time! The 2015 Golden Globes are just weeks away, and finally, the nominations are starting to pour in. Once again, Amy Poehler and Tina Fey are hosting the Hollywood award show on January 11, handing out honours to the best that film and television had to offer in 2014.
Read the full list of nominations HERE
19:26 Suicide bomber attacks Kabul school, 1 dead
JUST IN: A suspected suicide bomber has struck during a show at a school in the Afghan capital Kabul, killing one person and injuring dozens, officials said.
Acting Afghan Interior Minister Ayoub Salangi confirmed the attack on the French-run Istiqlala secondary school. According to initial reports, the attacker detonated his explosives among the audience.
19:21 China's effect? Pope won't meet Dalai Lama in Rome
Pope Francis will not meet the Dalai Lama when the exiled Tibetan spiritual leader visits Rome this weekend, a Vatican spokesman said today -- a decision apparently seeking to avoid upsetting China.
The Dalai Lama arrives in the Italian capital tomorrow for three days to attend a meeting with other Nobel peace laureates. The event was moved to Italy from South Africa after the Pretoria government, anxious to foster economic ties with Beijing, declined to issue a visa for the 79-year-old Buddhist leader.
Sources said the Vatican's decision to sidestep an opportunity to meet the Dalai Lama reflects concern over what would inevitably be a furious Chinese reaction, and a desire not to jeopardise efforts to build bridges with Beijing or risk retaliation against the country's small Catholic community.
"Pope Francis obviously holds the Dalai Lama in very high regard but he will not be meeting any of the Nobel laureates," the Vatican spokesman said, adding that the pontiff would be sending a video message to their conference.
18:55 Woman who had complained about Uber rape accused responds to cops
A woman in New Delhi who had complained about Uber driver Shiv Kumar Yadav to the popular app-based taxi service a week before he allegedly raped a passenger, responded to the Delhi Police by e-mail, seeking legal opinion on how to take forward her complaint against Uber.
The Delhi police is now preparing a detailed reply and are going to tell her that if she wants she can file a complaint via email, say sources.
On Wednesday, Delhi police approached Nidhi Shah on Twitter asking her to file a complaint against Yadav. Shah had in a series of tweets complained about Yadav staring at her when she had travelled with him.
18:35 Shrien Dwani's house vandalised in UK
British-Indian millionaire Shrien Dewani's house in the United Kingdom was vandalised, a day after he returned from South Africa after being cleared by a court of plotting the murder of his Indo-Swedish bride during their honeymoon.
White paint was thrown over the driveway of the millionaire businessman's plush home at Westbury-on-Trym, a suburb of the city of Bristol. It is not known if Dewani was at home at the time of the incident.
An Avon and Somerset police spokesperson said the matter had not been reported to the force. "We were made aware of the incident this morning. We are looking into it," he said.
18:22 Hindustan is one, irrespective of caste: Naidu on conversion row
Senior BJP leader Venkaiah Naidu addressed the parliament on the Agra reconversion row, saying that it was an important issue which is agitating the entire nation and defended the government.
"Some people are behaving as if the government is responsible for these conversions. It is a national challenge; it is not happening only today, it has been happening for a long time. And the government has just come to power. Some people are trying to use this to just accuse our government," Naidu told the Lok Sabha.
Naidu also responded to allegations that the Modi government was promoting communalism.
18:13
Biju Janata Dal MLA Pravat Tripathi, former Attorney General of Odisha Ashok Mohanty among 16 persons charge sheeted by CBI in ponzi cheating case.
18:13 Explosive device recovered from Shopian, neutralised in Army
The Indian Army has recovered and neutralised an improvised explosive device from Mendura in Shopian.
18:12 Plea on Gita injurious to secularism, says Narayanasamy
Condemning External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj's suggestion that Bhagwad Gita be made a national scripture, former union minister V Narayanasamy said such a move would be "injurious to secularism" and it "exposed the BJP government's plan to push Hindutva policy".
Such a move would be "injurious to secularism" to which the country was committed, he told reporters here.
"Her proposal exposed the plan of the BJP government at the Centre to promote Hindutva policy and hence the plea of Sushma Swaraj deserved to be condemned in strongest terms,"he said.
18:12 Chaibasa jailbreak mastermind arrested
According to sources, Sanjay Ganju, the Naxal leader and alleged mastermind of the Chaibasa jailbreak, has been arrested.
The government had placed a Rs 10 lakh reward on the successful capture of Ganju.
The jailbreak that took place in the West Singhbhum district on December 9, allowed undertrial prisoners including seven Naxalites to escape from the divisional jail.
17:17 Mira Nairs husband: Jews can be safe by dismantling Israel
Is there a lesson from how apartheid was dismantled in South Africa to how the Middle East problem can be solved?
Ugandan scholar and film director Mira Nair's husband Mahmood Mamdani, certainly believes there is.
Mamdani recently gave a speech at the Columbia University, New York, where he is a professor as well, in which he said Palestine was yet to reach its 'South Africa moment'.
Mondoweiss.net has carried an extensive report on his speech, in which he makes this proposition: Anti-Zionists must persuade Jews they can only be safe by dismantling the Jewish state.
'The Anti apartheid struggle educated white South Africa, that Apartheid's claim that there would be No white security without white power was a hoax. That the reverse was true, that security required that whites give up their monopoly of power,' said Mamdani..
/But the Palestinian challenge is to persuade the Jewish population and the world, Just as in South africa, the longtime security of a Jewish homeland in historic Palestine requires the dismantling of the Jewish state. The lesson for Palestine and Israel, is that historic Palestine can be a homeland for Jews but not for Jews only. Jews can have a homeland in historic Palestine. but not a state.'
You can read the full report here.
17:17 ISIS: The inside story
One of the Islamic State's senior commanders reveals exclusive details to The Guardian of the terror group's origins inside an Iraqi prison -- right under the noses of their American jailers.
Read full story here.
17:16 No impact of conversions in Agra: Mulayam in Lok Sabha
Samajwadi Party leader Mulayam Singh said that there is no impact of the conversions that took place in Agra.
Speaking in the Lok Sabha, the veteran leader said, "There is an unnecessary debate on the conversions."
The religious conversion of some 200 people in Uttar Pradesh raised sharp protests in Parliament with the opposition demanding the BJP-led government's explanation.
16:29 No impact of conversions in Agra: Mulayam in Lok Sabha
Samajwadi Party's Mulayam Singh speaks about religious conversions in Lok Sabha. "There is an unnecessary debate. There is no impact of the conversions in Agra," he says.
16:14 Uber driver sent to judicial custody
Uber driver Shiv Kumar Yadav, who has been accused of a 23-year-old passenger in Delhi, last Friday has been sent to judicial custody till December 24.
The police has informed court that they have found crucial evidence in the case.
The Delhi court, which is hearing the case, asked about steps taken against Uber employers.
The police has informed court that they have found crucial evidence in the case.
The Delhi court, which is hearing the case, asked about steps taken against Uber employers.
15:58 58 Indian fishermen arrested in Pakistan
At least 58 Indian fishermen were arrested today by Pakistani authorities for allegedly violating the country's maritime boundary. Security forces also confiscated about 10 boats from them, Express Tribune reported.
Both Indian and Pakistani fishermen are frequently arrested and detained for fishing in each others waters, as the maritime border in the Arabian Sea is poorly defined. On November 29, Pakistan released 36 Indian fishermen from Karachi's Malir district jail after they completed their sentence.
Both Indian and Pakistani fishermen are frequently arrested and detained for fishing in each others waters, as the maritime border in the Arabian Sea is poorly defined. On November 29, Pakistan released 36 Indian fishermen from Karachi's Malir district jail after they completed their sentence.
15:53 Saudi oil and the Shiite crescent
The Iranian President Hassan Rouhanis dramatic description of the recent decline in oil price as due to Muslim treachery calls attention to Saudi Arabias motives. At a cabinet meeting in Tehran on Wednesday, he said, The fall of crude prices is not merely an economic issue, rather it is the result of certain states political plot and planning.
Read the complete blog here
Read the complete blog here
15:51
"India and Russia encourage usage of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes: We are also willing to cooperate in the development of low orbit spacecraft," said Putin.
15:48 We intend to deepen economic ties, scientific cooperation with India: Putin
In a joint statement with PM Modi, Russia's Vladimir Putin said, "We held constructive talks on a whole gamut of issues. We intend to deepen economic ties and scientific and technical cooperation. We are content with how the visit is being conducted and the outcome of the visit."
"We have placed emphasis on trade and economic issues."
"We have placed emphasis on trade and economic issues."
15:43 Russia is India's foremost defence partner: PM Modi
Addressing a the media after his meeting with Russian President Putin, PM Modi said, "Both countries will grow further in the future. Russia our foremost defence partner since decades."
"Energy security is critical, for India's economic development and creating jobs. Russia is also a key partner in this area. We have outlined an ambitious vision for nuclear energy with at least 10 more nuclear reactors. We have the highest standards of safety in the world."
"Today, we have taken a number of decisions and signed several agreements," he said.
"This is President Putin's 11th annual summit and my 1st. I am confident that our bilateral cooperation will acquire new vigour," he added.
"Energy security is critical, for India's economic development and creating jobs. Russia is also a key partner in this area. We have outlined an ambitious vision for nuclear energy with at least 10 more nuclear reactors. We have the highest standards of safety in the world."
"Today, we have taken a number of decisions and signed several agreements," he said.
"This is President Putin's 11th annual summit and my 1st. I am confident that our bilateral cooperation will acquire new vigour," he added.
15:37 Partnership with Russia is incomparable: PM Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses a presser, note in English, after a summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
"It is truly a great pleasure to welcome President Putin to India: Putin and PM Vajpayee had launched the annual summit process in 2000. We have a strategic partnership that is incomparable," he said.
"It is truly a great pleasure to welcome President Putin to India: Putin and PM Vajpayee had launched the annual summit process in 2000. We have a strategic partnership that is incomparable," he said.
15:32 India, Russia sign pacts on armed forced training, atomic energy
India and Russia today signed 16 agreements on cooperation in various fields -- health, armed forced training, oil and gas and atomic energy, among others. Prime Minister Narenndra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin met a Delhi's Hyderabad House.
This was Putin's first summit with Prime Minister Modi at a time when Russia is at odds with the West over Ukraine. The Russian President landed in Delhi last night for a 22-hour visit.
This was Putin's first summit with Prime Minister Modi at a time when Russia is at odds with the West over Ukraine. The Russian President landed in Delhi last night for a 22-hour visit.
15:27 Literature Nobel's inspiring speech
Patrick Modiano, Nobel Laureate in Literature on writing and its effects on society
Writing is a strange and solitary activity. It is a little like driving a car at night, in winter, on ice, with zero visibility. You have no choice, you cannot go into reverse, you must keep going forward while telling yourself that all will be well when the road becomes more stable and the fog lifts.
Read his full acceptance speech here
Writing is a strange and solitary activity. It is a little like driving a car at night, in winter, on ice, with zero visibility. You have no choice, you cannot go into reverse, you must keep going forward while telling yourself that all will be well when the road becomes more stable and the fog lifts.
Read his full acceptance speech here
15:11 Putin's troubled ties with the West
Read here thepointmag.com's longigish essay on Vladmir Putin and his troubled relations with the West.
14:59 Release of Rajinikanth-starrer Lingaa in trouble
The release of Rajinikanth starrer Lingaa, which is slated for tomorrow, is in trouble. The Madras high court has asked the producer of the film Rockline Venkatesh to deposit Rs 10 crore by tomorrow. "The film cannot release till the money is deposited."
Trouble began brewing when KV Ravi Rathinam, an aspiring filmmaker from Madurai, lodged a petition against the makers of the film alleging that they had ripped off his work. He said that the story has been plagiarised from his script, based on the life of Colonel John Pennycuick, a British engineer behind the construction of the Mullaperiyar dam, which he had written for a movie titled 'Mullai 999'.
Sonakshi Sinha and Anushka Shetty have played the lead roles opposite Rajinikanth in this film.
Trouble began brewing when KV Ravi Rathinam, an aspiring filmmaker from Madurai, lodged a petition against the makers of the film alleging that they had ripped off his work. He said that the story has been plagiarised from his script, based on the life of Colonel John Pennycuick, a British engineer behind the construction of the Mullaperiyar dam, which he had written for a movie titled 'Mullai 999'.
Sonakshi Sinha and Anushka Shetty have played the lead roles opposite Rajinikanth in this film.
14:16 The Modi effect: Gujarati to be included in US visa process
The United States may include Gujarati language in its visa procedure for the convenience of people from the state planning to travel there, a senior official has said.
"We have included several regional languages of India in our visa procedure and would consider to include Gujarati language too if required," US consulate's vice consul Cheryl Collins said, according to a release issued in Rajkot by Travel Agents Association of India's Saurashtra Chapter.
Collins met the members of TAAI during a seminar organised jointly by the US Consulate and TAAI's Saurashtra Chapter.
"We have included several regional languages of India in our visa procedure and would consider to include Gujarati language too if required," US consulate's vice consul Cheryl Collins said, according to a release issued in Rajkot by Travel Agents Association of India's Saurashtra Chapter.
Collins met the members of TAAI during a seminar organised jointly by the US Consulate and TAAI's Saurashtra Chapter.
14:08 BJP MLA caught zooming in on Priyanka's photo: I was checking slogan below
The Bharatiya Janata Party, which sits in opposition in Karnataka, was left red-faced after a party MLA was caught zooming into the photo of Priyanka Gandhi on his mobile phone inside the legislative assembly.
BJP MLA for Aurad Prabhu Chavan was yesterday caught on camera looking at Priyanka's photo during a serious debate on sugarcane pricing in the assembly. However, Chavan maintained he was flipping through pictures on mobile including that of Modi.
When he came across a Priyanka Gandhi's picture, he zoomed into it to read the slogan below. "There was nothing objectionable in his zooming in the picture," he said.
"There was a slogan below, I was watching it, I can show you," he told reporters. "I was checking photos of national leaders, I checked Narendra Modi photo.... I also checked my son's photos."
BJP MLA for Aurad Prabhu Chavan was yesterday caught on camera looking at Priyanka's photo during a serious debate on sugarcane pricing in the assembly. However, Chavan maintained he was flipping through pictures on mobile including that of Modi.
When he came across a Priyanka Gandhi's picture, he zoomed into it to read the slogan below. "There was nothing objectionable in his zooming in the picture," he said.
"There was a slogan below, I was watching it, I can show you," he told reporters. "I was checking photos of national leaders, I checked Narendra Modi photo.... I also checked my son's photos."
13:55 Pranab Mukherjee: Father, mentor, guide
What I love most about my father is that he never tried to impose his views on us, says Sharmishta Mukherjee, the daughter of President Pranab Mukherjee, on her fathers 79th birthday today.
Read the complete column here
Read the complete column here
13:49 Indira was not aware of Emergency provisions: Pranab
Former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi was not aware of the Constitutional provisions allowing for declaration of Emergency that was imposed in 1975 and it was Siddartha Shankar Ray who led her into the decision, says President Pranab Mukherjee.
Ironically, it was Ray, the then chief minister of West Bengal, who also took a sharp about-turn on the authorship of the Emergency before the Shah Commission that went into 'excesses' during that period, according to Mukherjee.
These details are revealed by the President in his book The Dramatic Decade: the Indira Gandhi Years that has just been released.
"It is believed that Siddartha Shankar Ray played an important role in the decision to declare the Emergency: It was his suggestion, and Indira Gandhi acted on it."
"In fact, Indira Gandhi told me subsequently that she was not even aware of the Constitutional Provisions allowing for the declaration of a state of Emergency on grounds of internal disturbance, particularly since a state of Emergency had already been proclaimed as a consequence of the Indo-Pak."
Image: File photo of Pranab with late Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. Photograph: PIB
Ironically, it was Ray, the then chief minister of West Bengal, who also took a sharp about-turn on the authorship of the Emergency before the Shah Commission that went into 'excesses' during that period, according to Mukherjee.
These details are revealed by the President in his book The Dramatic Decade: the Indira Gandhi Years that has just been released.
"It is believed that Siddartha Shankar Ray played an important role in the decision to declare the Emergency: It was his suggestion, and Indira Gandhi acted on it."
"In fact, Indira Gandhi told me subsequently that she was not even aware of the Constitutional Provisions allowing for the declaration of a state of Emergency on grounds of internal disturbance, particularly since a state of Emergency had already been proclaimed as a consequence of the Indo-Pak."
Image: File photo of Pranab with late Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. Photograph: PIB
13:30 269,000 tonnes of plastic polluting our oceans, says study
A new study, published in the open access journal, Plos One, has found that nearly 269,000 tonnes of plastic pollution may be floating in the world's oceans.
Microplastic pollution is found in varying concentrations throughout the oceans, but estimates of the global abundance and weight of floating plastics, both micro and macroplastic, lack sufficient data to support them.
To better estimate the total number of plastic particles and their weight floating in the world's oceans, scientists from six countries contributed data from 24 expeditions collected over a six-year period from 2007-2013 across all five sub-tropical gyres, coastal Australia, Bay of Bengal, and the Mediterranean Sea.
Based on the data and model, the authors of the study estimate a minimum of 5.25 trillion plastic particles weighing nearly 269,000 tonnes in the world's oceans.
Large plastics appear to be abundant near coastlines, degrading into microplastics in the 5 subtropical gyres, and that the smallest microplastics were present in more remote regions, such as the subpolar gyres, which the authors did not expect.
Researcher Marcus Eriksen from Five Gyres Institute said that their findings show that the garbage patches in the middle of the five subtropical gyres are not the final resting places for the world's floating plastic trash. The endgame for micro-plastic is interactions with entire ocean ecosystems.
13:23 Acid attack on law student in Srinagar
A 21-year old girl student was seriously injured in an acid attack at Nowshehra in downtown Srinagar this morning.
A senior police officer told Rediff.com that unidentified persons threw acid at the girl, a student of a private law college in Nowshehra.
A senior police officer told Rediff.com that unidentified persons threw acid at the girl, a student of a private law college in Nowshehra.
12:58 Google is the best place to work. Here's why
Career site Glassdoors annual list of the 50 Best Places to Work is out, and Google is on top this year.
The search giant topped businesses such as Chevron and In-N-Out Burger to earn the accolade.
An anonymous review highlighted in the ranking that claims to be from a Google program manager calls the company world class in terms of benefits and care of employees and almost unmatched in terms of compensation. However, the reviewer also points out that bureaucracy and internal politics have become bigger hindrances to work life as Google has gotten bigger, reports TIME magazine.
Check out the complete list here
The search giant topped businesses such as Chevron and In-N-Out Burger to earn the accolade.
An anonymous review highlighted in the ranking that claims to be from a Google program manager calls the company world class in terms of benefits and care of employees and almost unmatched in terms of compensation. However, the reviewer also points out that bureaucracy and internal politics have become bigger hindrances to work life as Google has gotten bigger, reports TIME magazine.
Check out the complete list here
12:50 Journalists must be paid more, says Shekhar Gupta
As editor-in-chief of the Indian Express newspaper, Shekhar Gupta packed a powerful punch. But as a recent profile in Caravan magazine revealed, he also packed a powerful pay packet, earning up to Rs 10 crore a year, an unheard of sum for journalists.
Never one to duck an issue, Gupta in fact spoke to the magazine about his earnings and other things, effectively blunting what could have turned out to be a not-too-flattering profile of himself.
Now, in a detailed interview to webzine Scroll, Shekhar Gupta further elucidates on journalists, journalism, payscales, etc. Some quotes:
'What bothers me is this value judgement within the media that journalists shouldn't be paid so much. Why? Journalists must be paid more. My endeavour all my life, since I got editorial responsibilities and I got to hire and allocate salaries, has always been to pay journalists better and better. Frankly, I've also been blessed with media owners who have never objected to that.'
'Any honest tax-payer is generally entitled to privacy of his tax returns. But if somebody wants to do a little bit of tax- return pornography, that's also fine. That doesn't bother me so much.'
'I disagree with the idea that journalists are low-skilled people. I don't believe in citizen journalists. I say give me citizen doctors and citizen lawyers and I'll give you citizen journalists. We learn the journalistic skill, we come with bullshit detectors, which gets better with age and experience.'
You can read the full interview here.
12:41 Get ready for Laws, the laser weapon from America!
The American navy now has a new weapon in its arsenal: a laser weapon. Called Laws (or laser weapon system), the US navy released a video showing it being deployed aboard the USS Ponce in September in the Persian Gulf.
Used against two targets, the laser destroyed a speedboat and drones in the sky.
Laws has been in development for many years, and even the permission from Pentagon took some time in coming. Under the Geneva Convention, laser weapons cannot be used against human targets.
Still in prototype form, Laws should be deployed in combat-ready version by the year 2020.
Read all about it here.
12:37 Resolution in US Senate to honour Satyarthi, Malala
In acknowledgement of their efforts to end the financial exploitation of children and to ensure the right of all children to an education, a US Senate resolution has been introduced to recognise Nobel laureates Kaliash Satyarthi and Malala Yousafzai as "symbols of peace."
Introduced by Senator Tom Harkin, the resolution says Satyarthi has personally rescued more than 82,000 childrenfrom the worst forms of child labour; and Malala has promoted education for girls in Pakistan since she was 11 years old andis an advocate for worldwide access to education.
According to the resolution, which has been sent to the Senate foreign relations committee for necessary action, Satyarthi, 60, has endured threats on his life as a result of such rescue efforts; and the Taliban attempted to kill Malala on October 9, 2012, as a result of her efforts to encourage more girls to attend school.
The Senate resolution recognises Nobel laureates Satyarthi and Malala as symbols of peace and advocates for ending the financial exploitation of children and for the right of all children to an education.
Introduced by Senator Tom Harkin, the resolution says Satyarthi has personally rescued more than 82,000 childrenfrom the worst forms of child labour; and Malala has promoted education for girls in Pakistan since she was 11 years old andis an advocate for worldwide access to education.
According to the resolution, which has been sent to the Senate foreign relations committee for necessary action, Satyarthi, 60, has endured threats on his life as a result of such rescue efforts; and the Taliban attempted to kill Malala on October 9, 2012, as a result of her efforts to encourage more girls to attend school.
The Senate resolution recognises Nobel laureates Satyarthi and Malala as symbols of peace and advocates for ending the financial exploitation of children and for the right of all children to an education.
12:33 Home ministry bans social media for employees
The home ministry has cautioned its employees to not post any confidential information on social media. While they are free to post in their personal capacity, after identifying themselves, the employees have been told to not divulge any confidential information.
Joint secretary in the home ministry, Kumar Alok, said in a circular: 'Their views should not be seen to represent 'official view' unless authorised to do so. For any official work involving transmission of public records, they must use an email identity connected to a server, located in India and for this purpose they must preferably take service of National Informatics Centre.
'Most of the social media platforms are based outside India and are not governed by Indian laws. It is very important to ensure that Public Records Act 1993 and other applicable laws are complied with and adequate provisions for security are in place in view of current threat scenario in cyber space,' Alok said in the circular.
Read the full report here.
12:22 Pawan Kalyan's party gets EC nod
The Janasena Party of popular Telugu actor Pavan Kalyan, who played a key role in the election campaign of the Bharatiya Janata Party-Telugu Desam Party combine, is now registered with the Election Commission, paving the way for its foray into electoral politics.
'The Election Commission of India has given registration to the 'Janasena Party' as a political party under Section 29A of the Representation of People Act, 1951, with effect from 24.11.2014 vide registration number 56/118/2014/PPS-I dated 28.11.2014,' the party said in a statement.
The EC has set aside the objections received to the party's registration in response to the public notice published in newspapers, treating them as unsustainable, it said.
12:14 BJP remains defiant as conversion row rocks Parliament
The Bharatiya Janata Party remains defiant even as the conversion row rocked Parliament today.
BJP MP Yogi Adityanath said that he will go ahead with a conversion 'drive' similar to what was held in Agra in Aligarh on September 25. "There is noting wrong in conversion," he said.
Aligarh MP Satish Gautam said, "This is a homecoming for people, not conversion. The Sept 25 drive will continue as per schedule."
However, the stand of Parliamentary Affairs Minister was different. He said that an anti-conversion law was needed.
Meanwhile, police complaint has been filed against the Agra conversions based on a villager's allegation that 57 Muslim families chosen from a rag-pickers' colony were given inducements like I-cards for welfare schemes to convert to Hinduism.
The ceremony was allegedly organized by activists of the Bajrang Dal and Dharam Jagran Samanvyay Vibhag and featured chanting by priests and a havan.
BJP MP Yogi Adityanath said that he will go ahead with a conversion 'drive' similar to what was held in Agra in Aligarh on September 25. "There is noting wrong in conversion," he said.
Aligarh MP Satish Gautam said, "This is a homecoming for people, not conversion. The Sept 25 drive will continue as per schedule."
However, the stand of Parliamentary Affairs Minister was different. He said that an anti-conversion law was needed.
Meanwhile, police complaint has been filed against the Agra conversions based on a villager's allegation that 57 Muslim families chosen from a rag-pickers' colony were given inducements like I-cards for welfare schemes to convert to Hinduism.
The ceremony was allegedly organized by activists of the Bajrang Dal and Dharam Jagran Samanvyay Vibhag and featured chanting by priests and a havan.
11:55 Modi meets Russia's Putin, who is shunned by West
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin hold talks at Hyderabad House in New Delhi.
This is Putin's first summit with Prime Minister Narendra Modi at a time when Russia is at odds with the West over Ukraine, and its economy is stalling as oil prices tumble to their lowest point in five years. They will hold a one-on-one meeting followed by intergovernmental talks and will also preside over the signing of a broad "vision" document laying out a roadmap for cooperation over an extended period, officials on both sides said.
Putin landed in Delhi last night for a 22-hour visit seen as an attempt to revive a historic friendship that has faded over the years, seeking to improve cooperation in energy, defence and nuclear power.
Modi tweeted in Russian, "Delighted to welcome President Putin to India. Looking forward to a productive visit that will take India, Russia ties to newer heights." He also said, "Times have changed, our friendship has not. Now we want to take this relation to the next level and this visit is a step in that direction."
This is Putin's first summit with Prime Minister Narendra Modi at a time when Russia is at odds with the West over Ukraine, and its economy is stalling as oil prices tumble to their lowest point in five years. They will hold a one-on-one meeting followed by intergovernmental talks and will also preside over the signing of a broad "vision" document laying out a roadmap for cooperation over an extended period, officials on both sides said.
Putin landed in Delhi last night for a 22-hour visit seen as an attempt to revive a historic friendship that has faded over the years, seeking to improve cooperation in energy, defence and nuclear power.
Modi tweeted in Russian, "Delighted to welcome President Putin to India. Looking forward to a productive visit that will take India, Russia ties to newer heights." He also said, "Times have changed, our friendship has not. Now we want to take this relation to the next level and this visit is a step in that direction."
11:26 An anti-conversion law needed: Venkaiah Naidu
And the disruptions in Parliament continue. The conversion row rocked Lok Sabha today.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Venkaiah Naidu said: I agree that an anti-conversion law should be made.
The Opposition demanded a statement from the ruling BJP over the conversion of 57 Muslim families in Agra by an offshoot of the RSS.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Venkaiah Naidu said: I agree that an anti-conversion law should be made.
The Opposition demanded a statement from the ruling BJP over the conversion of 57 Muslim families in Agra by an offshoot of the RSS.
11:20 Government accepts proposal to rename Delhi Metro stations
Ten metro stations in Delhi, including seven proposed ones, have been renamed by the government under the Phase III of its construction.
According to reports, the move came after the recommendations of a committee constituted by the government for renaming of metro stations.
The Okhla metro station will now be known as Harkesh Nagar Okhla, Tughlakabad has been renamed as Tughlakabad Station, and Badarpur will be known as Badarpur Border.
While Najafgarh Depot Station will be known as Nangli, the name of Ghevra has been changed to Ghevra Metro Station.
11:15 FIR against K M Mani in Kerala's bar bribe scam
Just In: An FIR has been registered against Kerala Finance Minister K M Mani by the Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau in the bar bribe scam, PTI reports quoting Vigilance sources.
11:13 Dreaded woman Maoist among 3 to surrender in Chhattisgarh
Three women Maoists, one of them carrying a reward of Rs 1 lakh on her head, have surrendered in Chhattisgarh's Bijapur district, the police said today.
The cadres turned themselves in before the police last evening citing disappointment with the movement "on account of the exploitation of lower rank rebels and women by senior Naxal leaders", Bijapur additional superintendent of police Indira Kalyan Elesela, said.
Of the surrendered, Maini Majji alias Kavita (24) was the most dreaded one and had been associated with the outlawed CPI-Maoist since 2004. She worked as member of Maoist's Bhairamgarh platoon-13 and also as a "section commander" of platoon-12 in Gangloor region, the ASP said.
11:03 Conversion row: Congress demands discussion in Rajya Sabha
The Congress has given a notice in the Rajya Sabha demanding a discussion on the conversion row.
Yesterday, the Parliament saw protests over the the conversions in Agra on Monday, reportedly by groups linked to the BJP's ideological mentor Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh.
An FIR has been filed against the Agra conversions based on a villager's allegation that 57 Muslim families chosen from a rag-pickers' colony were given inducements like I-cards for welfare schemes to convert to Hinduism.
Yesterday, the Parliament saw protests over the the conversions in Agra on Monday, reportedly by groups linked to the BJP's ideological mentor Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh.
An FIR has been filed against the Agra conversions based on a villager's allegation that 57 Muslim families chosen from a rag-pickers' colony were given inducements like I-cards for welfare schemes to convert to Hinduism.
10:48 India's economic growth likely to improve to 6.3% in 2016: UN
India's economic growth is expected to improve to 6.3 per cent in 2016 with the country leading economic recovery in South Asia, according to a United Nations report.
The UN World Economic Situation and Prospects 2015 report, launched at the United Nations yesterday, also said India is likely to make progress in implementing economic policy reforms and help provide support to business and consumer confidence. It said the global economic growth is forecast to continue increasing over the next two years, despite legacies from the financial crisis continuing to weigh on growth, and the emergence of new challenges, including geopolitical conflicts such as in Ukraine, and the Ebola outbreak in West Africa.
The global economy is expected to grow 3.1 per cent in 2015 and 3.3 per cent in 2016, compared with an estimated growth of 2.6 per cent for 2014, when the pace of expansion has been moderate and uneven. It said India, which is estimated to record a 5.4 per cent economic growth in 2014, will see GDP growth improving to 5.9 per cent next year and 6.3 per cent in 2016.
The UN World Economic Situation and Prospects 2015 report, launched at the United Nations yesterday, also said India is likely to make progress in implementing economic policy reforms and help provide support to business and consumer confidence. It said the global economic growth is forecast to continue increasing over the next two years, despite legacies from the financial crisis continuing to weigh on growth, and the emergence of new challenges, including geopolitical conflicts such as in Ukraine, and the Ebola outbreak in West Africa.
The global economy is expected to grow 3.1 per cent in 2015 and 3.3 per cent in 2016, compared with an estimated growth of 2.6 per cent for 2014, when the pace of expansion has been moderate and uneven. It said India, which is estimated to record a 5.4 per cent economic growth in 2014, will see GDP growth improving to 5.9 per cent next year and 6.3 per cent in 2016.
10:38 'Slumdog' couple Dev Patel and Freida Pinto spilt
Hollywood-based Indian actress Freida Pinto and her longtime boyfriend Dev Patel have reportedly split.
The pair, who played an on-screen couple in Oscar-winning film Slumdog Millionaire have ended their real-life romance after dating for about six years, reported a US magazine.
"Dev and Freida have been done for a while," a source said.
The brunette beauty celebrated her 30th birthday without Patel, 24, this October. The actress was, instead, spotted hanging out with aspiring actor and son of Indian businessman Vijay Mallya, Siddharth.
The pair, who played an on-screen couple in Oscar-winning film Slumdog Millionaire have ended their real-life romance after dating for about six years, reported a US magazine.
"Dev and Freida have been done for a while," a source said.
The brunette beauty celebrated her 30th birthday without Patel, 24, this October. The actress was, instead, spotted hanging out with aspiring actor and son of Indian businessman Vijay Mallya, Siddharth.
10:25 Karnataka govt bans Uber
The Karnataka government has banned Uber cab services in the state in the aftermath of the 23-year-old passenger's rape in Delhi last Friday.
Uber is not registered with the transport department, the Karnataka government said.
Following Center's directives to all states to stop the operation of web-based taxi services, Uber has been banned in Delhi, Hyderabad and Maharashtra,
Uber is not registered with the transport department, the Karnataka government said.
Following Center's directives to all states to stop the operation of web-based taxi services, Uber has been banned in Delhi, Hyderabad and Maharashtra,
10:04 Sri Lanka navy arrests 27 Tamil Nadu fishermen
The Sri Lankan navy has arrested 27 fishermen from Tamil Nadu on charges of poaching in the island nation's waters. While 13 fishermen from Jagadapattinam in Thanjavur district were arrested along with their three boats, 14 fishermen from Rameswaram were arrested with three boats when they were fishing in mid-sea late last night.
The naval personnel also damaged their fishing nets, Assistant Director of Fisheries Department Sekar said. All the fishermen have been taken to Kankesanthurai, he said.
The naval personnel also damaged their fishing nets, Assistant Director of Fisheries Department Sekar said. All the fishermen have been taken to Kankesanthurai, he said.
09:40 After Modi's appeal, UN to declare June 21 as World Yoga Day today
It's proud moment for India.
The United Nations will declare June 21 as World Yoga Day today after Prime Minister Narendra Modi had urged the world community to celebrate Indian yoga at the international level in his speech at the United Nations General Assembly in September.
170 nations have supported Modi's proposal. European Union president Herman Van Rompuy had also told Modi in November that the 28-member EU supported his idea for a Yoga Day at the UN.
The United Nations will declare June 21 as World Yoga Day today after Prime Minister Narendra Modi had urged the world community to celebrate Indian yoga at the international level in his speech at the United Nations General Assembly in September.
170 nations have supported Modi's proposal. European Union president Herman Van Rompuy had also told Modi in November that the 28-member EU supported his idea for a Yoga Day at the UN.
09:11
After Maharashtra, the Karantaka government is likely to ban Uber cab services today.
09:10 PM tweets a birthday wish for President Pranab
Prime Minister Narendra Modi today extended warm greetings to President Pranab Mukherjee on his 79th birthday, wishing him best of health and a long life.
He also used the occasion to hail his intellect, political experience and stature. "Warmest birthday greetings to our dear Rashtrapati ji, Shri Pranab Mukherjee. May he remain in the best of health & lead a long life," Modi tweeted.
"Pranab Da has given his life to India. Few people can match his political experience & stature. We are honoured to have a President like him," he said in another tweet.
Hailing him, the PM said, "It takes just one interaction with Pranab Da to marvel at his intellect, sharp mind, deep knowledge & insight on a wide range of issues."
He also used the occasion to hail his intellect, political experience and stature. "Warmest birthday greetings to our dear Rashtrapati ji, Shri Pranab Mukherjee. May he remain in the best of health & lead a long life," Modi tweeted.
"Pranab Da has given his life to India. Few people can match his political experience & stature. We are honoured to have a President like him," he said in another tweet.
Hailing him, the PM said, "It takes just one interaction with Pranab Da to marvel at his intellect, sharp mind, deep knowledge & insight on a wide range of issues."
08:34 Kohli hit by Mitchell Johnson bouncer, emotional Aussies show concern
On the third morning of the Adelaide Test, Indian skipper Virat Kohli got hit on the head by a bouncer from Mitchell Johnson.
Johnson had just removed Murali Vijay for 53 in the previous delivery before digging in one short Kohli, who was facing his first ball of the series.
There was no staring or words exchanged in light of the Phillip Hughes' death. Instead, all the Australian players as well as the umpires rushed in to check on the batsman who was okay.
Johnson had just removed Murali Vijay for 53 in the previous delivery before digging in one short Kohli, who was facing his first ball of the series.
There was no staring or words exchanged in light of the Phillip Hughes' death. Instead, all the Australian players as well as the umpires rushed in to check on the batsman who was okay.
08:24 Now, Uber, Ola banned in Maharashtra
The Maharashtra government has banned Uber and Old cab services after directives from the Centre.
Maharashtra Transport Minister Diwakar Raote will made a statement in the assembly today.
Delhi and Hyderabad have banned Uber after the rape of a 23-year-old passenger on Friday. Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh advised all states to stop the operation of web-based taxi services.
Maharashtra Transport Minister Diwakar Raote will made a statement in the assembly today.
Delhi and Hyderabad have banned Uber after the rape of a 23-year-old passenger on Friday. Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh advised all states to stop the operation of web-based taxi services.
03:54 Harvard professor battles Chinese restaurant over $4
Harvard Business School associate professor Ben Edelman is now in the running for 'Most Disliked Guy on the Internet' -- and all because of $4.
According to Boston.com, the saga began last week when Edelman placed an order at a family-operated Boston-area Chinese restaurant named Sichuan Garden.
He was hungry for sauteed prawns with roasted chili and peanut, stir-fried chicken with spicy capsicum, braised fish filets and napa cabbage with roasted chili, and shredded chicken with spicy garlic sauce.
03:29 German court throws out WWII Oradour-sur-Glane massacre case
A German court has thrown out a case against a former SS member accused of participating in the massacre of 642 residents of a French village during World War II.
The 89-year-old had been accused of murdering 25 people and aiding the murder of several hundred others at Oradour-sur-Glane in central France on June 10, 1944.
Read the full story HERE
03:01 Cops deliver smiles by issuing gifts instead of tickets
The last thing anybody wants to see is flashing blue and red lights behind them.Police in Lowell, Michigan, decided to spread a bit of holiday cheer by assisting minor traffic violators with some of their Christmas shopping.
Read this heart warming story HERE
02:48
Hong Kong student leaders are vowing to stay until the end as authorities prepare to clear the last remaining protest sites.
Student leaders late Wednesday called on everyone who has participated in protests over the past two months to return to the streets before police move in early Thursday.Alex Chow, the secretary general of the Hong Kong Federation of Students, says authorities have left protesters with little choice but confrontation.
Read the full story HERE
02:12 IIT, IIM among prestigious institutions to be set up in AP
An IIT and IIM would come up soon in Chittoor and Visakhapatnam districts in Andhra Pradesh respectively, as part of the state bifurcation plan approved by the Centre.
The IIT and IIM are among the 11 prestigious institutions that the Centre had proposed to set up in the state during its division this year.
Accordingly, the IIM would be set up at Aanandapuram in Visakhapatnam and the IIT at Yerpedu in Chittoor district, a state government release said here today. An IISER (Indian Institute of Science Education and Research) would also be set up at Yerpedu.
The Centre has approved the location of all the three institutions, the release said. Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, who reviewed the education department today, directed that admissions be started in seven out of 11 institutions, which relate to the education department, it said.
01:54 Political divide about CIA torture remains after senate report's release
Senator Dianne Feinstein was still speaking on the Senate floor Tuesday morning about the Intelligence Committee's report excoriating the CIA's interrogation program when a new website went live. Its name was self-explanatory: ciasavedlives.com.
The site, created by a dozen former top officials of the Central Intelligence Agency, was only one element in a broad counterattack against the long-awaited senate report, which says the program, which is now defunct, violated American ideals by torturing Al Qaeda suspects and got little useful information in return.
Read the full story HERE
01:51 Rambo-like dad survives 12 days lost at sea
From the CNN: The Coast Guard didn't think Ron Ingraham could survive, stuck in a 25-foot sailboat for days as waves swelled 15 to 20 feet high.
His son did."I don't feel like he's dead," Zakary Ingraham told a Coast Guard official nine days ago, after learning their search was ending. "I don't feel it."
Read the full story HERE
01:46
Monaco's Princess Gabriella Therese Marie was born at 5:04 pm Wednesday, beating her brother Jacques Honore Rainier into the waking world by two minutes, the royal family announced on Facebook.
The twins are the first children born to Charlene Wittstock, the former South African Olympic swimmer who married Prince Albert II in 2011. Their birth took place at the Princess Grace Hospital Monaco, named after Albert's mother -- and late legendary Hollywood actress -- Grace Kelly.
Image: Prince Albert II of Monaco and Charlene Wittstock.
00:56 Palestinian minister dies at West Bank protest
A Palestinian minister has died after a confrontation with Israeli troops at a protest in the West Bank.Palestinian medics told the BBC that Ziad Abu Ein died from complications related to tear gas exposure.
But several witnesses said the minister had been hit and shoved by soldiers. One said he had been hit in the chest by a tear-gas canister fired by them.
Read the full article HERE
00:32 Ebola: What you need to know
From the CNN: More than 6,000 people have died as the virus spread from Guinea to other countries in West Africa. International flights took the disease as far as Spain and the United States, and international organizations have mobilized to contain it.
Read the full article HERE
00:23 Putin visit to take India-Russia ties to newer heights: Modi
As Russian President Vladimir Putin flew in here tonight, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed confidence that the visit will take the bilateral relations to 'newer heights.'
"Delighted to welcome President Putin to India. looking forward to a productive visit that will take India, Russia ties to newer heights," Modi tweeted in Russian ahead of his talks with Putin tomorrow on close strategic ties particularly in the fields of nuclear energy, hydrocarbons and defence.
"Times have changed, our friendship has not. now we want to take this relation to the next level and this visit is a step in that direction," he said in a post on the micro-blogging site.
00:07 China's CX-1 missile is not copy of BrahMos: Ex-DRDO scientist
A noted defence scientist today rejected suggestions that China's new missile Chaoxun-1 (CX-1) was a copy of Indian supersonic cruise missile BrahMos. The technology used in CX-1 and BrahMos, an Indo-Russian joint production, was completely different, said A Sivathanu Pillai, who formerly served as Chief Controller of Research and Development at DRDO.
00:06 Putin arrives for summit talks with Modi
Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in New Delhi late tonight for annual summit talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday that is aimed at building on the already close strategic ties, particularly in the fields of nuclear energy, hydrocarbons and defence.
Putin, who is accompanied by a high-level delegation that included business tycoons, was received by Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan among other dignitaries.
00:05 Afghanistan's Ghani condemns CIA's 'inhumane actions'
Afghanistan's new President Ashraf Ghani today condemned CIA torture detailed in a US Senate report, saying the United States' actions violated "all accepted norms of human rights" and were part of a vicious cycle of violence.
00:04 China tells US to 'correct its ways' after torture report
China today urged the United States to "correct its ways" after a damning US Senate report detailed use of torture by the CIA. "China has consistently opposed torture," Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Hong Lei told a regular briefing.
"We believe the US side should reflect upon itself, correct its ways and earnestly respect and abide by the rules of international conventions."
00:04 2 female suicide bombers kill 4 in north Nigeria
Four people were killed when two female suicide bombers detonated their explosives Wednesday in the northern city of Kano, said Nigerian police.
State Police commissioner Aderenle Shinaba said the explosions happened in the busy Kantin Kwari textile market located in the center of Kano, Nigeria's second largest city.
The casualty figure does not include the suicide bombers. Seven people were injured, said Shinaba.Nigeria's Islamic extremist group Boko Haram is suspected of carrying out the bombings.
00:01 Top headlines in that last 24 hours
After historic Nobel win, 'Malala zindabad' chants break out in Pakistan
Delhi rape accused cabbie master of lies, say police
Mid-day meal horror rerun: 51 students hospitalized in Gujarat
Uber Mumbai executive assaulted
Champions of peace Satyarthi, Malala receive Nobel Peace Prize
TIME's Person of the Year 2014: The Ebola Fighters
'Every single child matters, every single childhood matters'
I'm glad that an Indian & Pakistani can be united in peace: Malala
Non-compliance of procedure led to Chaibasa jail break, police admits
'They said my husband had sold me'
Delhi rape accused cabbie master of lies, say police
Mid-day meal horror rerun: 51 students hospitalized in Gujarat
Uber Mumbai executive assaulted
Champions of peace Satyarthi, Malala receive Nobel Peace Prize
TIME's Person of the Year 2014: The Ebola Fighters
'Every single child matters, every single childhood matters'
I'm glad that an Indian & Pakistani can be united in peace: Malala
Non-compliance of procedure led to Chaibasa jail break, police admits
'They said my husband had sold me'
TOP STORIES
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