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Mon, 10 November 2014
Obama urges China to be partner in ensuring world order
Timeline Refresh
23:28 1 dead, 3 wounded in Palestinian stabbing attacks: Israeli police
Knife-wielding Palestinians killed a woman and wounded three other Israelis, including a soldier, in two separate attacks on Monday, police said, in widening violence stoked by tensions over a Jerusalem holy site.
The first incident, in which a Palestinian stabbed and critically wounded the soldier at a Tel Aviv train station, brought bloodshed to the Israeli commercial capital that has largely been spared since a Palestinian revolt ended in 2005.
23:04 Nigeria military helicopter goes down in restive northeast
The Nigeria military said one of its helicopters made an emergency landing in the restive northeast today, while witnesses and a security source reported that the chopper crashed with several foreigners on board.
Defence spokesman Chris Olukolade said the helicopter left on a training mission at about 9:30 am (1400 IST) from the airport in Yola, capital of Adamawa state, which is under a state of emergency because of Boko Haram's violent uprising.
22:38
Obama urges China to be partner in ensuring world order: US President Barack Obama said on Monday a successful China was in the interests of the United States and the world but Beijing had to be a partner in underwriting international order, and not undermine it.
Speaking to growing concerns among US and other companies about the Chinese business environment after arriving in Beijing, Obama also urged China to reject the use of cyber theft for commercial gain and create a more level playing field where policy is not used for the benefit of some firms over others.
22:20 BJP to get absolute majority in Delhi election: Opinion poll
BJP will get absolute majority bagging around 46 seats in Delhi Assembly polls, riding on the 'Modi wave', while AAP is likely to win in 18 constituencies, an opinion poll said today.
As per the ABP News-Nielsen poll, Arvind Kejriwal is the most suitable candidate for the position of Chief Minister with 39 per cent of the respondents preferring him.
22:16 Aadhaar likely to be mandatory for issuance of passport
Government is planning to make Aadhaar mandatory for issue of passports and is in the process of establishing a system for validation of criminal antecedents of the applicant.
The issue was discussed threadbare at a meeting between the Ministries of the Home and the External Affairs, official sources said today.
22:01 I don't believe Pistorius says Steenkamp's mother
Reeva Steenkamp's mother does not believe Oscar Pistorius accidentally killed her daughter and feels "let down" by South Africa's justice system, according to a memoir published today.
In "Reeva, a mother's story" June Steenkamp said she believes Pistorius shot her 29-year-old daughter dead after a fight and that the couple's relationship had been coming to an end.
22:01 Syria's Assad says UN truce plan 'worth studying'
Syrian President Bashar Assad said on Monday that the U.N. envoy's proposal to implement a cease-fire in the embattled northern city of Aleppo was "worth studying."
The envoy, Staffan de Mistura, first raised the idea of small-scale, localized and negotiated truces in Syria at the United Nations in New York late last month. The proposal would involve freezing the fighting in certain areas to allow for humanitarian aid and local steps as part of a push toward a wider peace in Syria's 3 -year civil war that has killed more than 200,000.
21:57 I don't believe Pistorius says Steenkamp's mother
Reeva Steenkamp's mother does not believe Oscar Pistorius accidentally killed her daughter and feels "let down" by South Africa's justice system, according to a memoir published today.
In "Reeva, a mother's story" June Steenkamp said she believes Pistorius shot her 29-year-old daughter dead after a fight and that the couple's relationship had been coming to an end.
21:12 Japanese PM to host dinner for Modi in Brisbane
Reflecting the "warm rapport" they share, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will attend a dinner hosted by his Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe for him on November 14 in Brisbane, where they will be attending the G20 summit.
According to sources, Abe, who had hosted a dinner for Modi at the Imperial Guest House in Kyoto during his visit to Japan, will organise the evening meal which reflects the "exceptionally warm and friendly" equation both the leaders share.
20:56 Israeli soldier stabbed at bus stop
A 20-year-old Israeli man was stabbed at a bus stop in what police are calling a terrorist attack. The victim of the 'targeted' attack in Tel Aviv, a member of the Israel Defense Forces, was taken to a hospital in serious condition, police said. The Palestinian suspect was arrested "with the help of eyewitnesses while he was hiding in an apartment building in the fourth floor nearby the central bus station," police spokeswoman Luba Samri said.
20:55 Minor blast at NIA office in Kolkata
There has been a minor blast at National Investigation Agency office in Kolkata where the Burdwan accused are being questioned.
20:55 Iran says ready to help Iraq fight IS jihadists
Iran said that it was at Iraq's disposal to help its neighbour battle the Islamic State jihadist group, media reported.
Vice President Eshaq Jahangiri made the pledge during talks in Tehran with his Iraqi counterpart, former premier Nuri al-Maliki.
20:15 Another key suspect in Burdwan blast case arrested
Burdwan blast: Another key accused, Amjad, has been arrested from Birbhum.
On Saturday, Sajid, a Bangladeshi national and stated to be a Chief Commander of Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB) terror group was arrested. Key conspirator of the blast Zia ul Haq was arrested on Friday.
Two Jamaat-e-Islami Bangladesh terrorists were killed in a blast at a TMC supporter's home in Burdwan in October 2014.
The case has revealed an extensive terror network in the area which raised questions against the TMC government.
On Saturday, Sajid, a Bangladeshi national and stated to be a Chief Commander of Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB) terror group was arrested. Key conspirator of the blast Zia ul Haq was arrested on Friday.
Two Jamaat-e-Islami Bangladesh terrorists were killed in a blast at a TMC supporter's home in Burdwan in October 2014.
The case has revealed an extensive terror network in the area which raised questions against the TMC government.
20:15 November 10 is 'I am no Malala' in Pakistan
An association of Pakistani schools held an "I am not Malala" day on Monday, condemning young Nobel peace laureate Malala Yousafzai for what it called her support for controversial novelist Salman Rushdie.
Last year too, the All Pakistan Private Schools Federation barred its members from buying Malala's memoir I am Malala because of its alleged anti-Pakistan and anti-Islam content.
19:56 60% of Indian men admit violence against wives
Six out of 10 Indian men admit to having perpetrated violence against their wives or partners, said a study released by United Nations. The report polled 9,205 men, aged 18 to 49, across seven states to understand their views on masculinity, partner violence and son preference.
Violence was defined as emotional such as insults, intimidation and threats, or physical and sexual such as pushing, punching and rape. It also included economic abuse in which a man did not permit his wife or partner to work or took her earnings against her will.
19:45 Suicide bomber kills 46 students in Nigerian school
At least 46 students have been killed by a suicide bomber at a school assembly in the north-eastern Nigerian town of Potiskum, police have said. The explosion at a boys' school in the town is believed to have been caused by a suicide bomber dressed as a student. The militant group Boko Haram is believed to have carried out the attack, police said.
18:33 Will BJP seek support from 'Naturally Corrupt Party'?
Now, that the Sena has said it will sit in the opposition, the Devendra Fadnavis government will have to take NCP support. Remember the time Narendra Modi called the NCP, the 'Naturally Corrupt Party'?
18:08 Eknath Shinde to be Leader or Opposition, says Shiv Sena
The Shiv Sena stakes claim for Leader of Opposition in the state assembly. Eknath Shinde has been named LoP.
Sena legislators today occupied opposition benches as the special three-day session of Maharashtra assembly began in Mumbai during which chief minister Devendra Fadnavis will seek a trust vote as mandated by the governor when he stakes claim to form the government.
Sena members, wearing saffron pheta (headgear) came to the legislative assembly in a group and occupied the benches meant for opposition, where their seating arrangement was made, in keeping with the norms for the second largest party in the 288-member house.
Sena legislators today occupied opposition benches as the special three-day session of Maharashtra assembly began in Mumbai during which chief minister Devendra Fadnavis will seek a trust vote as mandated by the governor when he stakes claim to form the government.
Sena members, wearing saffron pheta (headgear) came to the legislative assembly in a group and occupied the benches meant for opposition, where their seating arrangement was made, in keeping with the norms for the second largest party in the 288-member house.
18:07
Defence Minister Shri Manohar Parrikar meets the three Service Chiefs at his office in South Block today.
17:44 Did not know whether he was PM or elder brother: Lone
People's Conference leader Sajjad Lone met Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday evening triggering speculations that he might join hands with the BJP. Lone said that "PM Modi was a down-to-earth, great human being', and he 'did not find any difference whether he was PM or an elder brother'.
Lone's meeting comes days before Jammu and Kashmir goes to polls on November 25.
The former separatist leader recently met the senior BJP leader and former RSS spokesperson Ram Madhav who did not rule out a post-election alliance with Lone's People's Conference in poll-bound Jammu and Kashmir.
Lone's meeting comes days before Jammu and Kashmir goes to polls on November 25.
The former separatist leader recently met the senior BJP leader and former RSS spokesperson Ram Madhav who did not rule out a post-election alliance with Lone's People's Conference in poll-bound Jammu and Kashmir.
17:36 48 killed in Nigerian school assembly blast
A suicide bomber disguised in a school uniform detonated explosives at a high school assembly in Nigeria's northeastern town of Potiskum on Monday, killing 48 students, according to survivors, hospital officials and a morgue worker.
An earlier figure given by Reuters put the number of dead at at least 35.
No one immediately claimed responsibility for the attack in Yobe State, a territory that has been hit by Sunni Muslim Boko Haram rebels during a five-year insurgency seen as the main security threat to Africa's leading oil producer.
Soldiers rushed to the grisly scene on Monday, but were chased away by people throwing stones, angry at the military's inability to halt the insurgency that has killed thousands and driven hundreds of thousands from their homes.
An earlier figure given by Reuters put the number of dead at at least 35.
No one immediately claimed responsibility for the attack in Yobe State, a territory that has been hit by Sunni Muslim Boko Haram rebels during a five-year insurgency seen as the main security threat to Africa's leading oil producer.
Soldiers rushed to the grisly scene on Monday, but were chased away by people throwing stones, angry at the military's inability to halt the insurgency that has killed thousands and driven hundreds of thousands from their homes.
17:22 11 country-made bombs found in garbage bin in Madurai
Just in: Eleven country-made bombs found in a garbage bin in Madurai. Early reports say that the bomb squad is at the location defusing the bombs.
16:57
PM's visit to Fiji taking place after a gap of 33yrs, Indira Gandhi was the last PM to visit Fiji in 1981.
16:57 Defence procurement process will be transparent but fast: Parrikar
All defence procurement process will be transparent but fast, that is my speciality: Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar. Immediately after taking over, Parrikar meets all three service chiefs.
16:56 Do or die: Saradha scam-tained MP threatens suicide if real culprits not arrested
Suspended TMC MP Kunal Ghosh threatens suicide claiming the CBI probe in the Saradha scam is biased.
Ghosh, named in the CBI chargesheet in the multi-crore Saradha scam, claimed in court on Monday that investigation into the case was being influenced and threatened suicide.
Claiming that the probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation was biased, Ghosh said, "Influential people whose names have come up are not being arrested. If they are not arrested within 72 hours I'll commit suicide."
Ghosh, named in the CBI chargesheet in the multi-crore Saradha scam, claimed in court on Monday that investigation into the case was being influenced and threatened suicide.
Claiming that the probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation was biased, Ghosh said, "Influential people whose names have come up are not being arrested. If they are not arrested within 72 hours I'll commit suicide."
16:50 Pawar: Will be clear on Nov 12 whether Maharashtra govt is stable
NCP chief Sharad Pawar says it will be clear on 12th November whether the Maharashtra government is stable. Pawar says that NCP MLAs will decide on the floor of the house what to do on the day of vote of confidence in the Maharashtra Vidhan Sabha. With the three-day special session of Maharashtra assembly beginning today chief minister Devendra Fadnavis will seek a trust vote after the election of the Speaker on November 12.
State governor C Vidyasagar Rao will administer oath to Jeeva Pandu Gavit as pro-tem speaker of the assembly in Raj Bhavan at 10am on Monday, an official said.
Assembly proceedings will start at 11am and the first two days will see the members of the 13th assembly take oath.
State governor C Vidyasagar Rao will administer oath to Jeeva Pandu Gavit as pro-tem speaker of the assembly in Raj Bhavan at 10am on Monday, an official said.
Assembly proceedings will start at 11am and the first two days will see the members of the 13th assembly take oath.
16:31 Manjhi hits back at BJP over demand to quit
Chief Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi today hit back at BJP, which has been demanding his resignation in the wake of the controversial appointment of his son-in-law, saying the saffron party had given important posts to people facing corruption and rape charges.
"Why should I resign? The BJP, which is asking for my resignation, should first answer about giving important posts to people like Y S Yeduruppa and even those facing vigilance cases and rape charges," Manjhi told reporters on the sidelines of a 'Janata ke Darbar Mein Mukhya Mantri' programme at his residence.
He, however, refused to identify the BJP leader facing rape charges and vigilance cases.
"Why should I resign? The BJP, which is asking for my resignation, should first answer about giving important posts to people like Y S Yeduruppa and even those facing vigilance cases and rape charges," Manjhi told reporters on the sidelines of a 'Janata ke Darbar Mein Mukhya Mantri' programme at his residence.
He, however, refused to identify the BJP leader facing rape charges and vigilance cases.
16:28 Pistorius appeal hearing set for December 9
Prosecutors say their application to appeal against Oscar Pistorius' manslaughter conviction and five-year prison sentence will be heard in a South African court on December 9.
The National Prosecuting Authority also says it has been informed by Pistorius' defense lawyers that they will oppose the appeal.
The National Prosecuting Authority also says it has been informed by Pistorius' defense lawyers that they will oppose the appeal.
16:25 Prison turns down Aamirs plea to screen PK for Sanjay Dutt
The Maharashtra Police's prison department has denied permission to actor Aamir Khan to hold a special screening of his upcoming film PK for his friend and co-actor Sanjay Dutt in the Yerawada prison in Pune.
Dutt is serving a five-year sentence in connection with the 1993 Mumbai blasts.
Khan had expressed his wish to hold a screening of the film for Dutt. "I was talking about this with Raj Kumar Hirani We have this thing in mind. We are planning to have a special screening for Sanjay but depending on the permission. We will try our best," Khan said recently.
Sanjay Dutt, 55, essays the role of a friend of PK, the character portrayed by Khan in the film.
Dutt is serving a five-year sentence in connection with the 1993 Mumbai blasts.
Khan had expressed his wish to hold a screening of the film for Dutt. "I was talking about this with Raj Kumar Hirani We have this thing in mind. We are planning to have a special screening for Sanjay but depending on the permission. We will try our best," Khan said recently.
Sanjay Dutt, 55, essays the role of a friend of PK, the character portrayed by Khan in the film.
The Maharashtra Police's prison department has denied permission to actor Aamir Khan to hold a special screening of his upcoming film PK for his friend and co-actor Sanjay Dutt in the Yerawada prison in Pune.
Dutt is serving a five-year sentence in connection with the 1993 Mumbai blasts.
Khan had expressed his wish to hold a screening of the film for Dutt. "I was talking about this with Raj Kumar Hirani We have this thing in mind. We are planning to have a special screening for Sanjay but depending on the permission. We will try our best," Khan said recently.
Sanjay Dutt, 55, essays the role of a friend of PK, the character portrayed by Khan in the film.
- See more at: http://indianexpress.com/article/cities/mumbai/prison-dept-turns-down-aamirs-plea-to-screen-pk-for-sanjay-dutt/#sthash.DDSxYj4r.dpuf
16:21 Was Dr Harsh Vardhan moved to low-profile ministry for Delhi polls?
So, why was Dr Harsh Vardhan shunted out from the health ministry to the low profile science and technology ministry? Rumours doing the rounds is that the BJP is banking on the doctor's clean image and zeal to get a majority in the upcoming Delhi polls. If Dr Harsh Vardhan has to indeed play a bigger role for the Delhi polls to ward off the still strong AAP threat, the decision to move him to a low-profile ministry works because it will give him more time to spare for the state and keep him ready for 'bigger responsibilities'.
16:13 Amid strains, Obama puts bright face on China ties
Putting a bright face on the future of US ties to China, President Barack Obama announced today that the two countries would start granting visas to each other's citizens valid for up to 10 years.
Yet thorny issues like human rights and trade lurked just under the surface, reflecting the tough road ahead for the two economic powers as Obama began a weeklong trip to the region. Obama, addressing Asian business leaders at a high-level summit, sought to dispel the notion that America's interest in Asia should be a cause of concern for China's leaders.
Yet thorny issues like human rights and trade lurked just under the surface, reflecting the tough road ahead for the two economic powers as Obama began a weeklong trip to the region. Obama, addressing Asian business leaders at a high-level summit, sought to dispel the notion that America's interest in Asia should be a cause of concern for China's leaders.
15:41 Cannibalism case: mother says son should have been in hospital
The mother of a man believed to have murdered a woman in an act of cannibalism has said her son "should have been in hospital'.
Cerys Marie Yemm, 22, died from her injuries at Sirhowy Arms Hotel, a homeless hostel in Argoed, Blackwood, south Wales, in the early hours of Thursday morning.Her attacker, Matthew Williams, who had recently been released from prison, also died at the scene shortly after police discharged a 50,000-volt Taser and arrested him. Read
Cerys Marie Yemm, 22, died from her injuries at Sirhowy Arms Hotel, a homeless hostel in Argoed, Blackwood, south Wales, in the early hours of Thursday morning.Her attacker, Matthew Williams, who had recently been released from prison, also died at the scene shortly after police discharged a 50,000-volt Taser and arrested him. Read
15:32
Injured skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni will also miss first Test against Australia, Virat Kohli to stand in for him.
15:26
The Supreme Court SC to go through Justice Mudgal committee report on probe against N Srinivasan, others in betting and spot-fixing scandal on November 14.
15:23 Curbs on content in cyberspace
Facebook has disclosed that it restricted as many as 4,960 items of content on the social networking site in India in compliance with official requests in the first half of 2014. The significance of the figure does not lie in the mere fact that it is the largest number of restrictions from a single country during this period, or in the detail that India ranks second only to the U.S. in the number of requests for access to user data. Read more
15:20 2 children among 5 killed in blaze at outer Delhi factory
Five people, including two children, died in a fire that broke out in the wee hours today at a paper-plate making factory in the Begumpur area of outer Delhi. The deceased have been identified as Niranjan (5), Nilesh (11), Shivam (15), Shravan Kumar (17) and Nitin (26) who, police said, were all relatives of the factory owner. "All five died of suffocation because of the smoke," said a fire official.
14:51 Injured Dhoni to miss Lanka ODIs; Karan Sharma, Lokesh Rahul for Oz Tests
Just in: Indian selectors met today Monday to select the Indian squad for the remaining two ODIs against Sri Lanka and for the forthcoming tour to Australia. Early reports say Karan Sharma, Lokesh Rahul in the Test Squad for the Australia tour. MS Dhoni has been ruled for the last two ODIs against Sri Lanka due to injuries.
The Indian team is set to depart for Australia on November 21. India and Australia will be playing a four-match Test series for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy from December 4, 2014 to January 7, 2015.
The Indian team is set to depart for Australia on November 21. India and Australia will be playing a four-match Test series for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy from December 4, 2014 to January 7, 2015.
The Tests are scheduled at Brisbane, Adelaide, Melbourne and Sydney.
14:13 Parrikar on six cabinet committees
Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar finds place in six Cabinet Committees including Cabinet Committee on Security, Political Affairs, and Economic Affairs. The revamping of Cabinet Committees come into effect once the Prime Minister approves the list suggested by the Cabinet Secretariat. And that should happen before the PM leaves for his three-nation tour tomorrow.
Modi is scheduled to leave for Myanmar tomorrow to attend the 12th ASEAN-India summit on November 12 and the ninth East Asian summit on November 13.
It will be the first leg of his three-nation 10-day foreign tour that will also take him to Australia and Fiji.
Modi is scheduled to leave for Myanmar tomorrow to attend the 12th ASEAN-India summit on November 12 and the ninth East Asian summit on November 13.
It will be the first leg of his three-nation 10-day foreign tour that will also take him to Australia and Fiji.
13:46 Defence minister Manohar Parrikar: Won't allow India to be defenceless
Manohar Parrikar holds his first press conference as India's new defence minister. A couple of hours ago, Parrikar filed his nomination papers for the Rajya Sabha from Lucknow.
Refusing to answer questions on the new portfolio, Parrikar says he needs time understand his portfolio. "Let me study the department, talk to the PM, then I will take questions on my portfolio. Give me time, I will answer all queries," he says.
He said he was told he would be handling the defence portfolio at 11:35 pm yesterday.
Keeping his replies measured, Parrikar said he would complete all the pending issues required to strenghten India. "I won't allow the country to be defenceless against any enemy. I feel proud after filing my nominations for the Rajya Sabha and I feel lucky," he said.
Refusing to answer questions on the new portfolio, Parrikar says he needs time understand his portfolio. "Let me study the department, talk to the PM, then I will take questions on my portfolio. Give me time, I will answer all queries," he says.
He said he was told he would be handling the defence portfolio at 11:35 pm yesterday.
Keeping his replies measured, Parrikar said he would complete all the pending issues required to strenghten India. "I won't allow the country to be defenceless against any enemy. I feel proud after filing my nominations for the Rajya Sabha and I feel lucky," he said.
13:30 Police sweep up phone data with secret snooping device
Tens of thousands of innocent people are having their mobile phones snooped on by police officers using secretive and controversial surveillance technology. The Times, UK, reveals that the Metropolitan police, the country's largest force, uses devices called IMSI Catchers that "hoover up' the identity, call and message data of mobile phones.
13:15 Manohar Parrikar files nomination papers for Rajya Sabha
Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar files nomination papers for Rajya Sabha election from Uttar Pradesh.
13:05 Kanimozhi's lawyer apologises, non-bailable warrant cancelled
Alright so, Kanimozhi's non-bailable warrant was cancelled by the Patiala House Court after her lawyer apologized to the court for not appearing for the 2G hearing.
13:02 Dictating the culinary choices of students
With a new government led by Narendra Modi in place, the 'Bharatiya Sanskriti Rakshaks' have been emboldened to demand separate vegetarian mess in institutions of higher education. Read
12:57 Gujarat first state to make voting must in local body elections
The Gujarat Local Authorities Laws (Amendment) Bill-2009 which makes voting in local body elections compulsory has been approved by the state's governor OP Kohli. The same Bill also provides for 50% reservation for women in all local body elections.
12:54 2G case: Non-bailable warrant against Kanimozhi
A Delhi court has issued a non-bailable warrant against 2G spectrum accused Kanimozhi for non-appearance of summons. The court commenced hearing today for the final arguments in the 2G spectrum allocation scam case involving former Telecom Minister A Raja, DMK MP Kanimozhi and 15 others.
Special CBI judge O P Saini, who had concluded recording of defence evidence in the case on September 10, had fixed the case for November 10 for hearing the final arguments.
CBI had alleged that there was a loss of Rs.30,984 crore to the exchequer in allocation of 122 licences for 2G spectrum which were scrapped by the Supreme Court on February 2, 2012.
Special CBI judge O P Saini, who had concluded recording of defence evidence in the case on September 10, had fixed the case for November 10 for hearing the final arguments.
CBI had alleged that there was a loss of Rs.30,984 crore to the exchequer in allocation of 122 licences for 2G spectrum which were scrapped by the Supreme Court on February 2, 2012.
12:48 Why certain ministers are miffed in the Modi cabinet
Here's the buzz on the new union cabinet.
Rajiv Pratap Rudy, the Union Minister for Skill Development may have been handed a new portfolio but there is no office he can work out of. In the last six months of the Modi government, nobody seems to have found the time to fix office space. Rudy, justifiably, is miffed.
The top three of the government -- PM Modi, BJP president Amit Shah and finance minister Arun Jaitley have been talking about the need for organisational changes in the party to be effected by the new year. Seniors including LK Advani and Rajnath Singh feel that the BJP needs a complete revamp and the union ministers should visit the BJP office on a weekly basis.
In the aftermath of the union cabinet reshuffle, Ravi Shankar Prasad, Nirmala Sitaraman and Dr Harsh Vardhan have been sulking as feel they have not been properly treated by the party.
Also read: Who got what in the cabinet reshuffle.
Rajiv Pratap Rudy, the Union Minister for Skill Development may have been handed a new portfolio but there is no office he can work out of. In the last six months of the Modi government, nobody seems to have found the time to fix office space. Rudy, justifiably, is miffed.
The top three of the government -- PM Modi, BJP president Amit Shah and finance minister Arun Jaitley have been talking about the need for organisational changes in the party to be effected by the new year. Seniors including LK Advani and Rajnath Singh feel that the BJP needs a complete revamp and the union ministers should visit the BJP office on a weekly basis.
In the aftermath of the union cabinet reshuffle, Ravi Shankar Prasad, Nirmala Sitaraman and Dr Harsh Vardhan have been sulking as feel they have not been properly treated by the party.
Also read: Who got what in the cabinet reshuffle.
12:37 I&B minister Jaitley will also be government's spokesperson
Finance minister Arun Jaitely who is also handling the I&B portfolio now, is being designated as spokesperson to the Union Government. A
notification to this effect is being issued soon.
Jaitley will not only brief the media about the decisions of the Union Cabinet but also speak to various TV news channels and newspaper editors regularly and so, probably lessen the Modi government's mandate to keep the press at a distance.
notification to this effect is being issued soon.
Jaitley will not only brief the media about the decisions of the Union Cabinet but also speak to various TV news channels and newspaper editors regularly and so, probably lessen the Modi government's mandate to keep the press at a distance.
12:19 Pawan Hans to be listed in the stock market
Airport Authority of India and Pawan Hans to be listed in stock market, says Civil Aviation Minister Ashok Gajapathi Raju. Air India privatisation not now, but can't be ruled out in future, he said.
12:18 Why was Dr Harsh Vardhan shunted out as health minister?
So, Dr Harsh Vardhan has lost the health portfolio. BJP sources had claimed earlier that the performance of Harsh Vardhan did not match the expectations of the Prime Minister but medical professionals reacted with surprise.
Some doctors wondered whether the change might have had something to do with Harsh Vardhan's attempts to reform the Medical Council of India, the regulatory body for medical education that has long been tainted by corruption scandals.
Some doctors wondered whether the change might have had something to do with Harsh Vardhan's attempts to reform the Medical Council of India, the regulatory body for medical education that has long been tainted by corruption scandals.
12:12 CEO row: Consult us before any decision on Mumbai, warns Sena
Amid the continuing stand-off with the BJP over the proposal to appoint a Chief Executive Officer for Mumbai, the Shiv Sena today warned its former ally to consult it before taking any such decision for the megapolis.
"The current CM has big plans for the state. He wants to do good work for Maharashtra. But it will be better for them (the BJP) if they consult the Shiv Sena and know its stand before taking any decision on the capital of Maharashtra," the Sena said in an edit mouthpiece 'Saamana'. "What will you achieve by appointing a CEO ? We request you to not invite the wrath or curse of Mumbaikars," it said.
Fadnavis' idea to have a CEO is for administrative convenience, as several ongoing projects, according to him in Mumbai and the Mumbai Metropolitan Region are delayed due to lack of coordination and jurisdictional issues. As per the proposal, the CEO would be an officer of the rank of Additional Chief Secretary.
"The current CM has big plans for the state. He wants to do good work for Maharashtra. But it will be better for them (the BJP) if they consult the Shiv Sena and know its stand before taking any decision on the capital of Maharashtra," the Sena said in an edit mouthpiece 'Saamana'. "What will you achieve by appointing a CEO ? We request you to not invite the wrath or curse of Mumbaikars," it said.
Fadnavis' idea to have a CEO is for administrative convenience, as several ongoing projects, according to him in Mumbai and the Mumbai Metropolitan Region are delayed due to lack of coordination and jurisdictional issues. As per the proposal, the CEO would be an officer of the rank of Additional Chief Secretary.
12:06 Asaram's ashram in Delhi to be demolished
The National Green Tribunal directs the demolition of illegal constructions at Asaram's ashram in Karol Bagh area of the national capital. The ashram of the controversial self-styled godman Asaram Bapu in the ecologically sensitive central ridge of the capital has a "large number" of illegal constructions.
11:54
Railway minister Suresh Prabhu takes charge.
11:41 AAP launches tirade against Nadda's appointment to the Cabinet
Arvind Kejriwal tweets: J P Nadda, the man who got Sanjeev Chaturvedi transferred from AIIMS, made health minister? So, now Modi-ji will remove corruption in AIIMS through Nadda?
Citing a series of letters -- Nadda's correspondence with health minister Mr Harsh Vardhan -- the party said, "It clearly proves that he tried to get Chaturvedi removed at least thrice since an officer close to him (Nadda) was under scanner for alleged corrupt deals running into hundreds of crores.
Chaturvedi was removed from his post on August 20 with the Health Ministry giving no reason behind his sacking.
Citing a series of letters -- Nadda's correspondence with health minister Mr Harsh Vardhan -- the party said, "It clearly proves that he tried to get Chaturvedi removed at least thrice since an officer close to him (Nadda) was under scanner for alleged corrupt deals running into hundreds of crores.
Chaturvedi was removed from his post on August 20 with the Health Ministry giving no reason behind his sacking.
11:31 2G scam case: Court fixes December 19 for final arguments
A special CBI Court on Monday has fixed December 19 date for hearing the final arguments in 2G spectrum allocation case involving former telecom minister A Raja, DMK MP Kanimozhi and 15 others.
Special CBI judge O P Saini, who had concluded recording of defence evidence in the case on September 10, has fixed the case for December 19 for hearing the final arguments.
Special CBI judge O P Saini, who had concluded recording of defence evidence in the case on September 10, has fixed the case for December 19 for hearing the final arguments.
11:21 Some problems take care of themselves: Jaitley on BJP-Sena standoff
"Some problems take care of themselves," says Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on BJP-Shiv Sena standoff.
Shiv Sena on Sunday threatened to sit in opposition in Maharashtra if ruling Bharatiya Janata Party dared to take support of Sharad Pawars Nationalist Congress Party for the survival of its government but also kept the door open for reconciliation, saying it should come clear on the issue within two days.
Shiv Sena wont hanker for power at the cost of self-respect, Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray said at Sena Bhawan, after a meeting of party legislators.
Had we been hungry for power, we would have accepted whatever came our way in today's (Union ministry) expansion, he said.
11:00 5 fishermen on death row in Lanka to be shifted to Indian jail, claims Subramanian Swamy
CNN-IBN reports: In a big relief to the families of five Tamil fishermen who were awarded death penalty by a Sri Lankan court, the island nation has decided to transfer all the five convicts to Indian jail, according to BJP leader Subramanian Swamy.
The breakthrough happened after Prime Minister Narendra Modi stepped in and spoke to Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa, Swamy tweeted on Monday morning.
"Namo and Rajapaksa spoke on the phone yesterday&agreed to process papers & transfer 5 fishermen convicted to Indian jail. I am vindicated!," the tweet read.
The case dates back to 2011 when the five fishermen set out to fish from Rameswaram and were apprehended by the Sri Lankan Navy on the charge of possessing narcotics.
A Sri Lankan court had recently sentenced the five fishermen to death in the case.
10:57 Arun Jaitley takes charge as new I&B minister
Members of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's revamped Cabinet took charge on Monday.
Here, we see new Information and Broadcasting Minister Arun Jaitley being greeted by the MoS Environment, Forest and Climate Change (I/C) Prakash Javadekar.
Also seen is Colonel Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore, the new MoS information and broadcasting.
10:45 400 kg explosive, 1700 detonators seized in poll-bound Jharkhand
In a major haul, security forces seized 400 kg of local explosives and over 1,700 detonators during an anti-Naxal operation in poll-bound Jharkhand on Monday.
The operation was carried out by the elite CoBRA commando troops of CRPF alongwith the Jharkhand 'Jaguars' police unit in the Bokakhar-Ranidah area of Latehar district early this morning.
According to officials, the seized items include 1,745 detonators, three gas cylinder based Improvised Explosive Devices of 50 kg each, a 5kg cane bomb, 400kg of urea mixed with petrol, 10kg of gun powder, nitro sulphide weighing approximately 1 kg, two large cutter machines, two drill machines, 400 syringes, tool boxes, electronic gadgets and 200 pressure cookers used to prepare IEDs.
"It is suspected that the Naxals would have used these explosives to target security forces and polling parties during the forthcoming assembly polls in the state," a senior security officer said.
The joint forces have launched a search operation around this Naxal hideout, the officer said.
The state will go to polls in five phases starting November 25 and counting of votes will take place on December 23.
10:34 Big day for N Srinivasan, MS Dhoni and Gurunath Meiyappan
The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear the IPL spot-fixing case on Monday after the Justice Mukul Mudgal-led committee probing the case submitted its final report on November 3.
As the Mudgal Committees report on the alleged involvement of 13 players and officials in the IPL match and spot-fixing scandal is discussed before the Supreme Court, it is yet to be seen who gets away and who is punished in the matter.
Big names like ICC Chairman N Srinivasan and India captain MS Dhoni are under the scanner for their conflict of interest.
When the Mudgal committee submitted its final report to the Supreme Court on November 3, it reportedly named a key member of Indias World Cup-winning team and touched upon his links with illegal bookmakers and match fixers.
There could be trouble for Srinivasan's son-in-law Gurunath Meiyappan -- who was the team principal of the Chennai Super Kings franchise, as his voice sample from the audio tape, where he is heard placing bets on IPL games involving CSK, have been authenticated by forensic reports.
Read more HERE
10:30 Modi's revamped Cabinet to meet on Monday
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will chair the first meeting of the expanded Cabinet which will be followed by a meeting of Council of Ministers on Monday.
"A Cabinet meeting would be held at 5:30 pm on Monday and will be followed by a meeting of the entire council of ministers," a government source said.
The meeting comes a day after Modi inducted former Goa chief minister Manohar Parrikar and three others into the Union Cabinet as he expanded his Council of Ministers, bringing in 21 new members.
This was the first revamping exercise of his ministry undertaken by Prime Minister Narendra Modi since he assumed power in May.
The strength of the Union Council of Ministers goes up from 45 to 66. Of this, 27 including the Prime Minister are of Cabinet rank, 13 Ministers of State with Independent Charge and 26 Ministers of State.
10:27 Obama arrives in Beijing on Asia tour
US President Barack Obama arrived in Beijing today for a regional summit, his first stop on a week-long Asian diplomatic tour.
Obama is due to meet new Indonesian President Joko Widodo during the morning, and then address an Asia-Pacific Economic Co-operation meeting in the Chinese capital.
The president descended from Air Force One on an Air China staircase and was met by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, before walking briskly past a Chinese honour guard and being driven away.
In Beijing, Obama will seek to reassure Asian nations of America's commitment to the region at a time when China's rising profile creates economic opportunity for its neighbours, but also trepidation about Beijing's desire to exert more influence abroad.
After a formal meeting with leaders of the 21-member APEC on Tuesday, Obama will stay on for a state visit to China including talks with President Xi Jinping amid a range of tensions.
He will then travel to Myanmar to attend the East Asia Summit, held on the sidelines of a meeting of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, before heading for G20 talks in Brisbane, Australia.
Obama will also meet regional allies including Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott and Japanese premier Shinzo Abe during the tour.
10:26 Rupee gains 17 paise against dollar in early trade
The rupee strengthened by 17 paise to 61.45 against the dollar in early trade today at the Interbank Foreign Exchange on increased selling of the US currency by exporters and banks amidst sustained foreign capital inflows.
Forex dealers said besides increased selling of the American currency by exporters and banks, the dollar's weakness against other currencies overseas, supported the rupee.
A higher opening in the domestic equity market, which soared to new highs, too influenced the rupee, they added.
The rupee had dropped by 21 paise to three-and-a-half week low of 61.62 against the Greenback in the previous session on sustained dollar demand from importers.
Meanwhile, the benchmark BSE Sensex spurted by 159.33 points, or 0.57 per cent, to hit another record-high of 28,027.96 points in opening trade today.
10:12 6 injured in clash in Muzaffarnagar
At least six people were injured in a clash between two groups belonging to different communities over an alleged eve-teasing incident in Vehelna village in Muzaffarnagar, UP.
The two sides indulged in stone pelting and attacked each other with sticks yesterday after a quarrel erupted over a girl being allegedly harassed by youths, police said today.
Six people have been admitted to hospital.
A case has been registered in this connection, they said.
Security has been tightened in the area after the incident and extra policemen have been deployed as a precautionary measure.
10:11 Gadkari defamation case: Court to resume hearing today
A Delhi court on Monday will hear a plea related to the criminal defamation case filed by Union Minister Nitin Gadkari against Congress leader Digvijay Singh.
The court had earlier directed Gadkari to be present for today's hearing, failing which it had warned that the plea would be dismissed.
In the earlier hearing of the court earlier this month, the court had also issued bailable warrant against Singh for failing to appear before the court.
The bailable warrant was issued after Singh's counsel asked the court to exempt him from personal appearance for the day.
The case was filed by the Union Minister in 2010 alleging that Singh had business links with the then MP Ajay Sancheti.
The case was filed under Section 499 (defamation) and Section 500 (punishment for defamation).
Gadkari alleged that Singh had accused him of taking around Rs 490 crore in the coal block allocation to Sancheti.
10:00 Final arguments in 2G scam case to begin today
A Delhi court is likely to commence hearing from Monday the final arguments in the 2G spectrum allocation scam case involving former telecom minister A Raja, DMK MP Kanimozhi and 15 others.
Special CBI judge O P Saini, who had concluded recording of defence evidence in the case on September 10, had fixed November 10 for hearing the final arguments.
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) had alleged that there was a loss of Rs 30,984 crore to the exchequer in allocation of 122 licences for 2G spectrum which were scrapped by the Supreme Court on February 2, 2012.
The special judge, who is exclusively dealing with 2G scam cases, had concluded recording of defence evidence in the case in which the CBI had examined 153 witnesses while the accused called 29 witnesses in their defence.
The recording of evidence in the case involving Raja and 16 others started three years ago on November 11, 2011, after the court framed charges against the 17 accused named in the first two charge sheets filed by the agency.
The court has recorded statements of 153 CBI witnesses, including Reliance ADAG Chairman Anil Ambani, his wife Tina Ambani and former corporate lobbyist Niira Radia, running into over 4,400 pages in the case.
09:49 Verdict likely today in 1975 LN Mishra murder case
A Delhi court is likely to pronounce judgement related to the murder of former Railway minister LN Mishra, who was killed while attending a function around 40 years ago, on Monday.
The court had reserved the verdict for November 10 after the final arguments of the counsel for CBI and the four accused.
The case relates to the bomb blast at the function attended by Mishra at Samastipur Railway Station on January 2, 1975. He succumbed to his injuries the next day.
Over 200 witnesses, including 161 prosecution witnesses and more than 40 defence witnesses, were examined in the case.
Advocate Ranjan Dwivedi, who was 24-year-old at that time, was named as an accused along with four Ananda Marga group members, one of whom has died.
Apart from Dwivedi, three other accused in the case are Santoshananda Avadhuta, Sudevananda Avadhuta and Gopalji.
The accused had earlier approached the Supreme Court for quashing of the trial against them in the murder case.
The apex court had on August 17, 2012 dismissed their pleas on the ground that the proceedings could not be quashed merely because they had not been concluded in the last 37 years.
09:48 Parrikar to file Rajya Sabha nomination from UP today
Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar is likely to file his nomination papers for Rajya Sabha from Uttar Pradesh on Monday.
Parrikar is scheduled to file his nominations at around noon today at Vidhan Sabha.
The former Goa chief minister flew down to Lucknow yesterday, shortly after being sworn-in as a Union Cabinet minister in Narendra Modi's Council of Minister and was given .
He was accompanied by Union Minister Rajiv Pratap Rudy.
While talking to reporters, Parrikar said that he was fortunate to represent UP in Rajya Sabha polls and would fulfil whatever responsibility is given to him.
Rajya Sabha polls in UP are scheduled to be held on November 20.
09:04 Islamic State leader al-Baghdadi wounded in airstrike
Iraqi officials today said that an airstrike wounded the leader of the Islamic State group, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi.
Pentagon officials said they had no immediate information on such a strike.
However, Iraq's defence and interior ministries issued statements saying al-Baghdadi had been wounded, without elaborating.
An interior ministry intelligence official told Associated Press that al-Baghdadi was hit during a meeting Saturday with militants in the town of Qaim in Iraq's western Anbar province.
The official, citing informants within the militant group, said the strike wounded al-Baghdadi. A senior Iraqi military official also said he learned in operational meetings that al-Baghdadi had been wounded.
Both officials said the operation was carried out by Iraqi security forces. Neither knew the extent of al-Baghdadi's apparent injuries.
Both spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss confidential material.
Al-Baghdadi, an ambitious Iraqi militant believed to be in his early 40s, has a USD 10 million US bounty on his head.
Since taking the reins of the group in 2010, he has transformed it from a local branch of al-Qaida into an independent transnational military force, positioning himself as perhaps the pre-eminent figure in the global jihadi community.
The reclusive leader is purported to have made only one public appearance, delivering a sermon at a mosque in Iraq's second-largest city of Mosul, as seen in a video posted online in June.
08:48 Why Sadananda Gowda was gently shunted out
Over a month ago, Railway Minister Sadananda Gowda selected an Indian Railway Personnel Service officer to head the crucial Confidential branch of the Railway Board.
Despite a written order, however, the rail bureaucracy did not move, and the post remains vacant.
The months in office of the first Railway Minister of the Narendra Modi government is replete with instances of the ever-smiling, "nice man" Gowda not being able to assert himself.
Several Railway officials said this could never have been said about Gowdas predecessors Lalu Prasad or Mamata Banerjee.
The Railways are big in Modis scheme of things. The PM has given the Railways a list of 30-odd tasks needed to be performed for an overall turnaround.
The PMO monitors progress monthly. A majority of these have made no tangible progress.
Read more HERE
08:46 US woman celebrates 100th birthday with sky dive
Eleanor Cunningham of Howes Cave, New York, has bested former President George H W Bush. He celebrated his 90th birthday by skydiving; she made the big leap to mark her centennial.
Cunningham kissed her 7-month-old great-great-granddaughter before suiting up for her 100th birthday jump on Saturday at Saratoga Skydiving in Gansevoort (GANZ'-voort). It was her third jump, after taking up the sport at age 90.
Cunningham lives with her granddaughter in their Schoharie (skoh-HAYR'-ee) County home in central New York.
Her doctor signed off on the skydiving expedition, saying her health makes her more than capable of doing what she Dean McDonald of Saratoga Skydiving says Cunningham is his oldest jump partner yet.
08:45 Stormy Maharashtra assembly session to begin today
The special three-day session of the Maharashtra assembly will begin on Monday even as former ally Shiv Sena still remains undecided on whether it will support the Bharatiya Janata Party-led government in the state or sit in the opposition.
A final decision is likely only after Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis moves a trust vote on November 12.
The newly-installed BJP government has to prove its majority in the special session of the state assembly.
Even as the Shiv Sena on Sunday warned the BJP against taking support of the Nationalist Congress Party for survival, the BJP standing with 121 MLAs in its fold, as the single largest party in the state elections, seems to be banking on the "outside" support offered by the Sharad Pawar-led party which has indicated that it may vote in favour of the minority government on the floor of the House instead of abstaining from vote as it had said earlier.
The NCP, with 41 MLAs, has assured its outside support, sans any condition, to the new government. The Shiv Sena has 63 MLAs, and is the second largest party in the 288-member House after BJP. It will be interesting to see how BJP cobble up requisite strength to achieve the magic figure of 145 MLAs to survive the floor test.
Meanwhile, Congress which has 42 members in the House, said it will stake claim for post of the Leader of Opposition in Maharashtra assembly.
"As soon as the party high-command nominates our party group leader in the assembly, we will stake claim to the post," MPCC chief Manikrao Thakre said on Sunday.
08:42 Top headlines at this hour:
Modi Cabinet: Prabhu gets Railways, Parrikar gets Defence
All you need to know about Modi's new ministers
Sunanda case: Cops find broken glass, marks on bed and carpet
Sena issues fresh ultimatum: Will sit in Opposition if BJP accepts NCP support
World Championship: Anand loses in Game 2; Carlsen takes early lead
Clinical India thrash Lanka by 6 wickets, seal series
All you need to know about Modi's new ministers
Sunanda case: Cops find broken glass, marks on bed and carpet
Sena issues fresh ultimatum: Will sit in Opposition if BJP accepts NCP support
World Championship: Anand loses in Game 2; Carlsen takes early lead
Clinical India thrash Lanka by 6 wickets, seal series
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