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Tue, 18 November 2014
Indian-American wins prestigious children's peace prize
Timeline Refresh
23:47 Children's Peace Prize winner fights for orphans in India
Neha Gupta, an 18-year-old Indian-American, today won the presigious International Children's Peace Prize for her work to help orphans in India and other vulnerable children.
Gupta won the award whose last year's winner was Malala Yousufzai, who went on to win this year's Nobel Peace Prize. Gupta from Philadelphia became the first ever American to be awarded the Children's International Peace Prize in The Hague, Netherlands.
She was awarded the prize by Nobel Peace Laureate Desmond Tutu at a ceremony in The Hague. The prize is awarded annually to a child, anywhere in the world, for his or her dedication to children's rights.
Gupta began her astounding work when she was just a child herself, visiting her parents' native place India nine years ago.
Gupta won the award whose last year's winner was Malala Yousufzai, who went on to win this year's Nobel Peace Prize. Gupta from Philadelphia became the first ever American to be awarded the Children's International Peace Prize in The Hague, Netherlands.
She was awarded the prize by Nobel Peace Laureate Desmond Tutu at a ceremony in The Hague. The prize is awarded annually to a child, anywhere in the world, for his or her dedication to children's rights.
Gupta began her astounding work when she was just a child herself, visiting her parents' native place India nine years ago.
23:25 US woman charged in connection to ISIS recruitment
From the CNN: After seven months of investigation and undercover work, federal officials have arrested a Virginia woman and accused her of lying to federal agents about involvement with the terrorist group ISIS.
Read the full story here
Read the full story here
23:17 After Australia, PM Modi next stop: Fiji
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has just landed in the Fijian capital of Suva on the third and final leg of his 10-day foreign tour.He is the first prime minister in 33 years to do so.
The last Indian leader to visit Fiji Islands was former prime minister Indira Gandhi in 1981.
Please also read this to know more about about his visit.
The last Indian leader to visit Fiji Islands was former prime minister Indira Gandhi in 1981.
Please also read this to know more about about his visit.
23:14
Modi arrived in Suva from Melbourne on board on a special Indian Air Force plane on the last leg of his three-nation 10-day tour after a hectic four-city Australia visit.
Earlier last week he had visited Myanmar to attend the East Asia and the ASEAN summits.
Earlier last week he had visited Myanmar to attend the East Asia and the ASEAN summits.
22:58 Case against Chandrababu's son for comparing KCR with Hitler
A case was today registered against Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu's son Nara Lokesh for his tweet in which he allegedly compared Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao with Hitler, police said.
A complaint was lodged two days back with L B Nagar Police by V Ramanarasimha Goud, a leader of Telangana Rashtra Samiti Vidyarthi Vibhagam, students' wing of TRS, who sought an FIR registered against Lokesh for "defaming the Telangana CM through his tweets by equating him with German dictator Adolf Hitler".
Goud said in another tweet Lokesh alleged that the Telangana government was run by rowdies, a police officer said.
"The complaint was sent for legal opinion. After getting the reply, a case was booked against Lokesh on charges of intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of the peace (Section 504) and false statements and rumours circulated to cause public mischief (505) of IPC besides under relevant sections of IT Act," L B Nagar police station Inspector E Srinivas Reddy told PTI.
A complaint was lodged two days back with L B Nagar Police by V Ramanarasimha Goud, a leader of Telangana Rashtra Samiti Vidyarthi Vibhagam, students' wing of TRS, who sought an FIR registered against Lokesh for "defaming the Telangana CM through his tweets by equating him with German dictator Adolf Hitler".
Goud said in another tweet Lokesh alleged that the Telangana government was run by rowdies, a police officer said.
"The complaint was sent for legal opinion. After getting the reply, a case was booked against Lokesh on charges of intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of the peace (Section 504) and false statements and rumours circulated to cause public mischief (505) of IPC besides under relevant sections of IT Act," L B Nagar police station Inspector E Srinivas Reddy told PTI.
22:53 Sunanda death: Foreign angle probe 'work of fiction': Delhi police
The Delhi police today dubbed as' work of fiction' speculation about their probing any foreign angle in the mysterious death of former Union Minister Shashi Tharoor's wife Sunanda.
There have been media reports in the last couple of days that the police are probing a foreign angle in this case.
"These are all speculations, work of fiction," said a senior police official when asked about the media reports.
Delhi Police Commissioner B S Bassi had last Friday said that one should not go by media reports and only believe what is being said officially.
The police Commissioner has also said that the inquest proceedings are on and they have not reached any conclusion in the case.
"We don't reveal anything about a case unless we have reached a conclusion in it. Investigation details are not shared on a daily basis. Some people are needlessly sensationalizing it," he added.
There have been media reports in the last couple of days that the police are probing a foreign angle in this case.
"These are all speculations, work of fiction," said a senior police official when asked about the media reports.
Delhi Police Commissioner B S Bassi had last Friday said that one should not go by media reports and only believe what is being said officially.
The police Commissioner has also said that the inquest proceedings are on and they have not reached any conclusion in the case.
"We don't reveal anything about a case unless we have reached a conclusion in it. Investigation details are not shared on a daily basis. Some people are needlessly sensationalizing it," he added.
22:52
An eight-member central team today undertook field visits to assess the damage caused in southern districts of Odisha that were hit by cyclone last month. The team, which reached here this morning, got divided into two groups which visited Koraput and Gajapati districts.
The objective of the visit was to access the damage caused by the cyclone Hudhud.
The first team, led by Gopal Krishna Dwidevi, Joint Jecretary, Home ministry, along with three other members'"- Virendra Singh, Director, Agriculture Ministry, A S Parmar, Additional Director, Finance Ministry and Ansul Rehman of Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation'" arrived at Pottangi block of Koraput district by road and visited Sairai, Indira Colony and Veterinary Hospital.
Later, it had a discussion with the district collector and other officials. The team is scheduled to visit Malkangiri district tomorrow.
The objective of the visit was to access the damage caused by the cyclone Hudhud.
The first team, led by Gopal Krishna Dwidevi, Joint Jecretary, Home ministry, along with three other members'"- Virendra Singh, Director, Agriculture Ministry, A S Parmar, Additional Director, Finance Ministry and Ansul Rehman of Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation'" arrived at Pottangi block of Koraput district by road and visited Sairai, Indira Colony and Veterinary Hospital.
Later, it had a discussion with the district collector and other officials. The team is scheduled to visit Malkangiri district tomorrow.
22:34 Priest accused of child sex abuse extradited from India
A Roman Catholic priest from India facing charges of sexually abusing a teenage
girl in the Crookston Diocese 10 years ago has been extradited to Minnesota.
Jeyapaul arrived on Monday in Minneapolis -- a rare instance of a foreign priest returning to face charges of child sex abuse in the United States.
Read the full story here
girl in the Crookston Diocese 10 years ago has been extradited to Minnesota.
Jeyapaul arrived on Monday in Minneapolis -- a rare instance of a foreign priest returning to face charges of child sex abuse in the United States.
Read the full story here
22:22 Man picks pocket, impersonates Kejriwal, held
A pickpocket, who impersonated AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal, has been arrested from Anand Vihar bus depot today. The accused identified as Arvind Sharma, a resident of northeast Delhi's Harsh Vihar, was caught as he was picking pocket, and handed over to police.
"When the passengers handed over the accused to the local policemen, he threatened to have them suspended for arresting him under false charges and claimed that he was Arvind Kejriwal," a police official said.
A case has been registered against Sharma at Vivek Vihar police station under sections of IPC on charges of theft and impersonation. The accused had been arrested in connection to similar cases earlier.
"When the passengers handed over the accused to the local policemen, he threatened to have them suspended for arresting him under false charges and claimed that he was Arvind Kejriwal," a police official said.
A case has been registered against Sharma at Vivek Vihar police station under sections of IPC on charges of theft and impersonation. The accused had been arrested in connection to similar cases earlier.
22:18 Unseen photos of Churchill, Astaire, Garbo and others
From the CNN: It all started with some boxes that had not been opened for 80 years."There was a rumor that there were archives in the Cond Nast offices in New York that nobody had known about," says Todd Brandow, a photography curator.
See the photo gallery here
See the photo gallery here
22:17 Amit Shah directs Delhi unit to start massive poll campaign
With an eye on capturing power in the capital, BJP president Amit Shah today directed the Delhi unit of the party to start a 'massive' campaign focusing on over 11,000 booths to ensure a 'historic victory' in the upcoming assembly polls.
Chairing a meeting to take stock of BJP's preparation for the upcoming polls, he told senior leaders to hit the ground in overseeing the preparation for the elections and asked Delhi unit chief Satish Upadhyay to task around 150 leaders to specifically oversee party's work at booth-level.
A senior Delhi BJP leader said Shah also asked the party unit to start a door-to-door campaign from November 20-30 to garner support of every section of the society.
Entire brass of Delhi BJP, former Delhi unit presidents, party's Delhi in-charge Prabhat Jha, party MPs and former MLAs and prominent councillors were present in the two-hour-long meeting held at BJP headquarters in New Delhi.
Chairing a meeting to take stock of BJP's preparation for the upcoming polls, he told senior leaders to hit the ground in overseeing the preparation for the elections and asked Delhi unit chief Satish Upadhyay to task around 150 leaders to specifically oversee party's work at booth-level.
A senior Delhi BJP leader said Shah also asked the party unit to start a door-to-door campaign from November 20-30 to garner support of every section of the society.
Entire brass of Delhi BJP, former Delhi unit presidents, party's Delhi in-charge Prabhat Jha, party MPs and former MLAs and prominent councillors were present in the two-hour-long meeting held at BJP headquarters in New Delhi.
21:40 Mamata meets Rajnath, discusses Burdwan blast
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee today met Home Minister Rajnath Singh and discussed with him the Burdwan blast and other issues concerning the state.
Official sources said that during the 30-minute meeting, Banerjee briefed the Home Minister regarding the prevailing law and order in West Bengal. Singh is understood to have raised the issue of incident of October 2 Burdwan blastand asked Banerjee to intensify the vigil across the state. Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh was allegedly involved in the blast and National Investigation Agency has reportedly found a wide network of the banned terror outfit.
Issues like modernisation of police forces and the Naxal situation also figured their meeting, sources said.
21:03 Indian man quarantined at new Delhi airport, govt says was cured of Ebola in Liberia but tests show traces
In the first case of Ebola in the country, an Indian national returning from Liberia has tested positive for the deadly virus and has been quarantined at a special facility at Delhi airport.
The Health Ministry said the 26-year-old man, who reached here on November 10, was already treated for the deadly disease in the African country and carried no symptoms but tests of his semen samples were positive, prompting authorities to put him under isolation.
This is the first confirmed case of Ebola, though the victim contracted the virus abroad and has already been treated.
20:33 NDMC official suspended, another shunted out after Rajnath's surprise visits
A senior official of one of the city's municipal corporations was today suspended and another shunted out for alleged dereliction of duty after Home Minister Rajnath Singh paid a surprise visit to the civic body's office today to see its work.
North Delhi Municipal Corporation today relieved Hemendra Kumar, Deputy Commissioner (city zone), of his responsibility with immediate effect and repatriated him to his parent Indian Railway Traffic service.
Sanitation Superintendent of NDMC's city zone Mohan Singh has been placed under suspension by NDMC, an official spokesperson said. The move came hours after the home minister made a surprise visit to the NDMC's city zone office at Asaf Ali Marg where he found the Deputy Commissioner absent.
Even though the DC arrived later, the home minister expressed his displeasure over lack of uncleanliness in the office and employees "lack of interests" in keeping documents in order.
The home minister also directed the DC to take urgent steps for cleanliness, remove unused articles like computers and improve people's facilities and service.
20:20 Carlsen continues to hold lead in World Chess Championships
Indian grandmaster and five-time world chess champion Viswanathan Anand failed to take advantage of having white pieces today against Magnus Carlsen during the eighth match of the World Chess Championships and drew the game. Carlsen leads 4.5 points to Anand's 3.5, with four games left to play.
20:04 Modi government reduces upper age limit for IAS
The Modi sarkar has reduced the upper age limit of those who wish to appear for Indian Administrative Services examinations. From the initial age of 30, the age limit has been dropped to 26 for the general category and for the SC/ST aspirants, the age limit has been dropped to 29 from 35.
20:00 Coming soon: Official Bob Marley marijuana
Bob Marley, legendary Jamaican reggae singer-songwriter, musician, and guitarist, will soon be the face of what's being called the "first global brand of marijuana."
In an announcement, the Marley family and a Seattle-based private equity firm announced the creation of Marley Natural, a premium cannabis brand rooted in the life and legacy of one of marijuana's most devoted sons.
The line will include pot-infused creams, accessories (like vaporisers in the style of e-cigarettes) and strains of "heirloom Jamaican cannabis," inspired by the herb that Marley liked to smoke.
19:39 Italian officials to sue Costa Concordia bosses
Tuscany is demanding 30 million euros (Rs 232 crore) in compensation for the Costa Concordia disaster, saying that its image as a tourist heaven of sandy beaches, hilltop towns and cultural heritage has been badly damaged by the disaster.
The region, popular with generations of British tourists and second-home owners, was now indelibly associated with the "vulgarity" of Captain Francesco Schettino, the ship's captain.
19:10 SP govt's casteist mentality behind state's troubles: Mayawati
BSP chief Mayawati has said that the "narrow and casteist" mentality of the ruling Samajwadi government led to Uttar Pradesh's bad state of affairs, an official release said today. "Though they claim to be socialists, their work is against society and socialism. Their thinking is narrow and casteist..it is because SP is running the government with this mindset that the state is facing many raging issues today", the statement said.
19:04 Home Minister advises Rampal's supporters to obey law
Home Minister Rajnath Singh today advised the supporters of self-styled godman Rampal to follow rule of law and cooperate with authorities which is trying to arrest the controversial man in the wake of an order by the Punjab and Haryana High Court.
Read what happened at the ashram
Read what happened at the ashram
19:00 Jet pilot turns cockpit into a playzone, posts selfie on Facebook
In what appears to be an acute case of selfie love, a Jet Airways pilot allowed his friends and colleagues to access the highly sensitive cockpit area and pose for pictures displaying utter disregard for civil aviation safety guidelines. He turned the cockpit of the Boeing jet he was flying into a favourite location for selfies, some of which feature him craning out of an open window and posing.
Read more
Read more
18:47 Just an alliance, no merger between RJD, JD-U
Former Bihar chief minister and senior JD-U leader Nitish Kumar on Tuesday denied a merger of his party with the RJD ahead of the next state assembly polls. Nitish Kumar said, "Hum sirf milkar chunav ladenge. Vijay ki koi sambhavna nahin hain. (There is no possibility of a merger, we will only contest polls together as an alliance).
The former Bihar CM said that the RJD and JD-U will contest the next assembly polls as an alliance because 'all secular forces should be united to defeat the communal BJP'.
Rumours of a merger between the RJD and the JD-U cropped up Monday after Bihar Transport Minister Ramai Ram said that Lalu Prasads RJD and states ruling JD-U should merge as one party to defeat the BJP in the next assembly polls in 2015.
Ram had said that both the parties have a similar ideology of socialsm and
secularism."Leaders and workers of both parties share much in common as far as ideology goes," he said. Even Bihar chief minister Jitan Ram Manjhi supported Ram's views.
In August, Lalu Prasad and Nitish Kumar jointly campaigned during the by-elections in Bihar. The JD-U, RJD and Congress won six of the 10 assembly seats. That was the first time the two leaders came together after a gap of 20 years. The JD-U ended a 17-year alliance with the BJP last year after Modi was declared the prime ministerial candidate.
-- MI Khan/Rediff.com
The former Bihar CM said that the RJD and JD-U will contest the next assembly polls as an alliance because 'all secular forces should be united to defeat the communal BJP'.
Rumours of a merger between the RJD and the JD-U cropped up Monday after Bihar Transport Minister Ramai Ram said that Lalu Prasads RJD and states ruling JD-U should merge as one party to defeat the BJP in the next assembly polls in 2015.
Ram had said that both the parties have a similar ideology of socialsm and
secularism."Leaders and workers of both parties share much in common as far as ideology goes," he said. Even Bihar chief minister Jitan Ram Manjhi supported Ram's views.
In August, Lalu Prasad and Nitish Kumar jointly campaigned during the by-elections in Bihar. The JD-U, RJD and Congress won six of the 10 assembly seats. That was the first time the two leaders came together after a gap of 20 years. The JD-U ended a 17-year alliance with the BJP last year after Modi was declared the prime ministerial candidate.
-- MI Khan/Rediff.com
18:19 'Please read the report, there is no such thing'
BCCI'S Sanjay Patel on Mudgal Report mentioning Sunder Raman in touch with bookies: Please read the report, there is no such thing.
Scroll down to read what the Mudgal report says on Sundar Raman.
Scroll down to read what the Mudgal report says on Sundar Raman.
18:16 Goodbye Australia: PM leaves for Fiji
Prime Minister Narendra Modi today left for Fiji after concluding his 5-day visit to Australia during which he attended the G-20 Summit and held talks with his Australian counterpart Tony Abbott. Modi left for Fiji's capital Suva on a special Indian Air Force plane. He will hold talks with his Fijian counterpart Frank Bainimarama tomorrow.
18:12
IPL chief operating officer Sundar Raman was found guilty of being in touch with a bookie.
This is what the Mudgal report said:
Individual 12 (Sunder Raman): This individual knew a contact of a bookie and had contacted him eight times in one season. This individual admitted knowing the contact of the bookies but however claimed to be unaware of his connection with betting activities. This individual also accepted that he had received information about the individual 1 and individual 11 (Raj Kundra) taking part in betting activities but was informed by the ICC-ACSU chief that this was not actionable information. This individual also accepted that this information was not conveyed to any other individual."
This is what the Mudgal report said:
Individual 12 (Sunder Raman): This individual knew a contact of a bookie and had contacted him eight times in one season. This individual admitted knowing the contact of the bookies but however claimed to be unaware of his connection with betting activities. This individual also accepted that he had received information about the individual 1 and individual 11 (Raj Kundra) taking part in betting activities but was informed by the ICC-ACSU chief that this was not actionable information. This individual also accepted that this information was not conveyed to any other individual."
18:09 BCCI won't sack COO Sundar Raman named in Mudgal report
A day after the Mukul Mudgal report on the IPL fixing scandal became public, the all powerful working committee of the BCCI met today in Chennai, to discuss the Mudgal report and seek an explanation from IPL chief operating officer Sundar Raman.
BCCI says that it will not sack Raman and says that the allegations against N Srinivasan are baseless and aimed to taint BCCI. It will hold the Annual General meeting on December 17.
BCCI says that it will not sack Raman and says that the allegations against N Srinivasan are baseless and aimed to taint BCCI. It will hold the Annual General meeting on December 17.
17:33 Modi heads to Fiji tomorrow, first PM to visit since Indira
MEA spokes Syed Akbaruddin tweets this picture: "33 years ago. PM Indira Gandhi was last Indian leader traditionally welcomed in Fiji in 1981. Same honour tomorrow."
PM Modi arrives in Fiji on Wednesday. The countries expected to be represented at the talks along with Fiji include Samoa, Tonga, the Cook Islands, Niue, Nauru, Vanuatu and the Federated States of Micronesia.
Although Fiji has a substantial Indian population, Modi will be the first leader from New Delhi to visit since Indira Gandhi in 1981 and the first to have broad interaction with a wide range of island leaders.
PM Modi arrives in Fiji on Wednesday. The countries expected to be represented at the talks along with Fiji include Samoa, Tonga, the Cook Islands, Niue, Nauru, Vanuatu and the Federated States of Micronesia.
Although Fiji has a substantial Indian population, Modi will be the first leader from New Delhi to visit since Indira Gandhi in 1981 and the first to have broad interaction with a wide range of island leaders.
17:26 Why Dr Karan Singh was the centre of attention at the Nehru conference
Senior Congress leader and Rajya Sabha MP Dr Karan Singh was probably one of the most sought-after people at the Nehru
Memorial Conference organised by the AICC.
And it certainly wasn't the kind of attention he was seeking.
Almost every single Congress neta wanted to know why his son, Ajatshatru, had joined the BJP.
Dr Karan Singh was recently in the news for saying that the Congress should have joined the NDA government celebrations of Nehru's 125 birth anniversary.
Memorial Conference organised by the AICC.
And it certainly wasn't the kind of attention he was seeking.
Almost every single Congress neta wanted to know why his son, Ajatshatru, had joined the BJP.
Dr Karan Singh was recently in the news for saying that the Congress should have joined the NDA government celebrations of Nehru's 125 birth anniversary.
17:09 US mass murderer Manson, 80, to marry in prison
Would you marry a mass murderer? Afton Elaine Burton will.
The woman, who has been described as a brunette by the US media will marry American mass murderer Charles Manson, 80.
Manson has been granted permission to wed the 26-year-old woman who has been visiting him in prison.
He is serving a life sentence for slaying seven people in a massacre that shocked the nation.
The woman, who has been described as a brunette by the US media will marry American mass murderer Charles Manson, 80.
Manson has been granted permission to wed the 26-year-old woman who has been visiting him in prison.
He is serving a life sentence for slaying seven people in a massacre that shocked the nation.
17:04 The koala trained in G20 diplomacy
On the weekend, during a break at the G20 summit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and several other world leaders got a taste of Australia's "koala diplomacy'.
Demonstrating that real men aren't afraid to display their softer side, Modi beamed in avuncular fashion as he picked up the cuddly creature -- an image that was immediately tweeted to the world by the ministry of external affairs.
He wasn't the only Master of the Universe to give the grey marsupial a squeeze. US President Barack Obama, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and even the steely Russian President Vladmir Putin all went a little gooey as they played with Jimbelung, whose name means "friend".
Read
Demonstrating that real men aren't afraid to display their softer side, Modi beamed in avuncular fashion as he picked up the cuddly creature -- an image that was immediately tweeted to the world by the ministry of external affairs.
He wasn't the only Master of the Universe to give the grey marsupial a squeeze. US President Barack Obama, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and even the steely Russian President Vladmir Putin all went a little gooey as they played with Jimbelung, whose name means "friend".
Read
16:56 Rampal gets an hour to surrender or else...
Haryana Police say that the last leg of operations is on at Rampal's ashram. "We have asked Rampal to surrender in the next hour, otherwise we will use all means to arrest him," the police said.
16:53
MP CM Shivraj Singh Chauhan's contribution to the Swachh Bharat campaign.
16:53 Japan to dissolve parliament, hold snap elections after news of recession
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has called for snap parliamentary elections for next month, following news that the country had slipped into a recession. CNN reports that Abe said he will dissolve the parliament's lower house on Friday.
16:43 PM gifts Rani Lakshmibai's petition against British to Abbott
In case you missed it, Prime Minister Narendra Modi gifted Australian lawyer John Lang's 1854 petition on behalf of Rani Lakshmibai against the East India Company to his Australian PM Tony Abbott.
Modi gave the gift to Abbott just ahead of bilateral talks yesterday.
Modi gave the gift to Abbott just ahead of bilateral talks yesterday.
16:28 100 hostages freed from Rampal's ashram
The electricity inside the ashram has been cut off. Police say 100 hostages have been freed from the ashram. This morning police, supporters and media men clashed at the ashram. Cops said the godman's army fired at them injuring two policemen. Rampal's army were also armed with stones, petrol bombs and jerry cans filled with acid.
16:23 Hisar siege: Cops enter Rampal's ashram, but he's missing
Update on the siege outside godman Rampal's ashram at Hisar. Haryana police have entered the ashram, but Rampal is missing. The police have given his supporters 30 minutes to leave the ashram.
In 2006, Rampal allegedly made derogatory remarks against Arya Samaj founder Swami Dayanand Saraswati. His supporters clashed with angry Arya Samajis, resulting in the death of one person. This is when Rampal's legal woes began. He was arrested along with 24 others, but was given bail. Since getting bail, Rampal has refused to respond to court summons. The ashram's spokesperson claimed that he wasn't at the ashram and had been taken to an undisclosed location for treatment as he is unwell.
So far, Rampal, who faces contempt of court, murder and attempt to murder cases in various courts, has skipped hearings 42 times.
In 2006, Rampal allegedly made derogatory remarks against Arya Samaj founder Swami Dayanand Saraswati. His supporters clashed with angry Arya Samajis, resulting in the death of one person. This is when Rampal's legal woes began. He was arrested along with 24 others, but was given bail. Since getting bail, Rampal has refused to respond to court summons. The ashram's spokesperson claimed that he wasn't at the ashram and had been taken to an undisclosed location for treatment as he is unwell.
So far, Rampal, who faces contempt of court, murder and attempt to murder cases in various courts, has skipped hearings 42 times.
16:23
Haryana cops have broken the gate and wall of the ashram.
16:11 Walsh to return to Australia
Terry Walsh will return to Australia after talks fell apart with Hockey India. Walsh, who resigned 15 days ago, decided not to renew his contract with Hockey India.
16:09
Walsh had guided India to win the men's hockey gold at the Incheon Asian Games. The 60-year-old, who represented Australia in two Olympics, was appointed India's chief coach last year, and under his guidance the team beat Pakistan in the Asian Games gold medal match and qualified for the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. India last won a hockey gold at the Asian Games at Bangkok in 1998.
16:07 India hockey coach Terry Walsh quits
Terry Walsh has quit as India hockey coach. The decision comes after his second term remained unresolved despite a marathon six-hour meeting by the special Sports Authority of India committee yesterday. Hockey India president Narinder Batra had alleged financial irregularities during Walsh's tenure.
On October 19, Walsh had quit as India hockey coach after claiming that bureaucracy hurdles had prevented him from working independently, only to reverse his decision and return as coach two days later.
On October 19, Walsh had quit as India hockey coach after claiming that bureaucracy hurdles had prevented him from working independently, only to reverse his decision and return as coach two days later.
16:04
Once again we have the spectacle of a dedicated army of supporters guarding a wanted godman and a state administration unable to execute a non-bailable warrant against him. Rampal is believed to be hiding in his 12 acre ashram cum fortress. So who is Sant Rampal? Read this and find out.
15:49 Hunt for three 'fake' hotel guests in hotel where Sunanda Pushkar died
Police investigating the death of Sunanda Pushkar, the wife of former Union minister Shashi Tharoor, have learned that three people with fake passports were staying in the Leela Palace Hotel where she died from January 13 to January 18. Read more
15:42 Is your toothpaste killing you slowly
Despite its widespread use, researchers at the University of California have identified potentially serious consequences of exposure to the chemical triclosan. Read
15:34 12 years, 25 extensions later Nanavati Commission files final report on Gujarat riots
After 12 years since its appointment and 25 extensions later, the Nanavati-Mehta Commission today submitted its final report on the 2002 Godhra train carnage case and the subsequent communal riots in parts of Gujarat.
The two member commission comprising retired Supreme Court judge, G T Nanavati, and retired Gujarat High Court judge Akshay Mehta submitted the report to Gujarat Chief Minister Anandiben Patel at the official residence of the CM (pictured).
In the Godhra train carnage case, 59 persons were burnt alive in the S-6 coach of the Sabarmati Express train near Godhra railway station on February 27, 2002. The communal riots that ensued in parts of Gujarat following the carnage, left 1,169 people dead.
The two member commission comprising retired Supreme Court judge, G T Nanavati, and retired Gujarat High Court judge Akshay Mehta submitted the report to Gujarat Chief Minister Anandiben Patel at the official residence of the CM (pictured).
In the Godhra train carnage case, 59 persons were burnt alive in the S-6 coach of the Sabarmati Express train near Godhra railway station on February 27, 2002. The communal riots that ensued in parts of Gujarat following the carnage, left 1,169 people dead.
15:27 President Pranab Mukherjee heads to Hyderabad in Dec
President Pranab Mukherjee will get a 10-day respite the severe December chill of Delhi. The president will be heading to Hyderabad and will be staying at the Rashtrapati Nilayam from December 15 to December 24.
Massive arrangements are being made not not only in Hyderabad but also in New Delhi to establish a makeshift 'mini' Presidential Secretariat in Hyderabad.
The national capital woke up to a chilly morning today amidst a shallow fog as the minimum temperature settled a little over 8 degrees Celsius.
So, it's little wonder that the president will look forward to the Hyderabad move.
Massive arrangements are being made not not only in Hyderabad but also in New Delhi to establish a makeshift 'mini' Presidential Secretariat in Hyderabad.
The national capital woke up to a chilly morning today amidst a shallow fog as the minimum temperature settled a little over 8 degrees Celsius.
So, it's little wonder that the president will look forward to the Hyderabad move.
15:01
The PM with Kapil Dev, Sunil Gavaskar and VVS Laxman at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
14:47 Special invitee Kapil Dev at historic MCG
Modi is at the Melbourne Cricket Ground now and will attend two events hosted by Australia PM Tony Abbott. A reception of over 700 guests and later a dinner with 500 attendees have been organised at the MCG. This is the last day of Modi's Australia tour; he flies out to Fiji tonight. Modi has also included the World Cup winning Indian captain Kapil Dev in his delegation.
Pic: PM Modi with Tony Abbott and Kapil Dev at the MCG before a golden charkha.
Pic: PM Modi with Tony Abbott and Kapil Dev at the MCG before a golden charkha.
14:41 With my friend Tony Abbott at the MCG, says Modi's selfie
PM Narendra Modi reaches the Melbourne Cricket Ground with Australian PM Tony Abbott. Modi is in Melbourne, the last of the four cities he is visiting in Australia. He will also attend a reception and dinner hosted by Abbott at the famous 161-year-old Melbourne Cricket Ground.
Many legendary cricketers -- Sunil Gavaskar and Kapil Dev and Australian Stuart Clarke -- will attend the MCG reception.
Pic: Narendra Modi posts a selfie saying, "With my friend Tony Abbott at the MCG.
Many legendary cricketers -- Sunil Gavaskar and Kapil Dev and Australian Stuart Clarke -- will attend the MCG reception.
Pic: Narendra Modi posts a selfie saying, "With my friend Tony Abbott at the MCG.
14:32 Haryana police confirm godman Rampal inside ashram
SN Vashist (DGP, Haryana) holds a press meet on the clashes outside Baba Rampal's ashram in Hisar. He says there was resistance from the ashram and Rampal's supporters and two cops were shot and are in hospital. "We think that the Baba is inside the ashram," he says. Supporters of Rampal have acid sticks and stones says Vashisht.
NDTV's Vishnu Som tweets that two policemen are in hospital with gunshot injuries from supporters.
Yesterday, the Haryana government asked all the followers and devotees of Rampal to vacate the Satlok Ashram as soon as possible as the Punjab and Haryana High Court issued non-bailable warrant against the baba. It also used a helicopter to drop pamphlets, bearing this message, in the ashram.
NDTV's Vishnu Som tweets that two policemen are in hospital with gunshot injuries from supporters.
Yesterday, the Haryana government asked all the followers and devotees of Rampal to vacate the Satlok Ashram as soon as possible as the Punjab and Haryana High Court issued non-bailable warrant against the baba. It also used a helicopter to drop pamphlets, bearing this message, in the ashram.
14:00 Haryana CM calls emergency meeting over Hisar clashes
Rampal, who faces arrest in a murder case, has been hiding in his "Satlok ashram" for nearly two weeks.
Rampal's supporters targeted the police with gunfire and stones as a 10-day standoff boiled over on Tuesday. Thick smoke rose from the ashram's roof amid gunshots, turning the complex in Barwala town into a warzone. Several devotees were injured as the police used batons.
Haryana CM Haryana Manohar Lal Khattar has called an emergency meet in the wake of the escalating tension. As security personnel stepped up efforts to disperse the followers, said to be in thousands inside the ashram, they faced stiff resistance.
Rampal's supporters targeted the police with gunfire and stones as a 10-day standoff boiled over on Tuesday. Thick smoke rose from the ashram's roof amid gunshots, turning the complex in Barwala town into a warzone. Several devotees were injured as the police used batons.
Haryana CM Haryana Manohar Lal Khattar has called an emergency meet in the wake of the escalating tension. As security personnel stepped up efforts to disperse the followers, said to be in thousands inside the ashram, they faced stiff resistance.
13:56
Vishnu Som '@VishnuNDTV tweets: "From what we are hearing ... reporters and crew were sticking to police guidelines. Some `authority' just gave an order to attack them."
13:45 Police lathi-charge media in violent clashes at Hisar godman's ashram
In the clash between 'godman' Rampal's supporters and the police, police baton-charge media persons. A India News reporter has been injured (pictured) while the NDTV crew was beaten and a camera snatched away.
Clashes erupted at the ashram of controversial 'godman' in Haryana today with police lobbing teargas shells and lathi charging supporters who allegedly fired back.
Clashes erupted at the ashram of controversial 'godman' in Haryana today with police lobbing teargas shells and lathi charging supporters who allegedly fired back.
A number of people were injured in the violence at the Satlok Ashram in Hisar district.
13:39 Governors to ideate for union budget
President Pranab Mukherjee has convened a conference of governors between February 10-12 at the Rashtrapati Bhavan.
This is the first governors conference after the BJP government assumed office.
Since the conference will be held just before the 2015 Union Budget, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is keen to get the views of governors about the economy and industrial growth of their respective state governments.
Apparently, it's a first. And so, the President's secretariat, the Prime Minister's Office and the Union Ministry of Home Affairs will work together to hold the Governors' Conference to recommend a plan of action to the Union Government.
This is the first governors conference after the BJP government assumed office.
Since the conference will be held just before the 2015 Union Budget, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is keen to get the views of governors about the economy and industrial growth of their respective state governments.
Apparently, it's a first. And so, the President's secretariat, the Prime Minister's Office and the Union Ministry of Home Affairs will work together to hold the Governors' Conference to recommend a plan of action to the Union Government.
13:19 The Swachh Bharat Abhiyan turns citizens into mendicants
The Swachh Bharat Abhiyan - at least, the image through which it is expressed, of celebrities descending from limousines in sundry locations to sweep away the "clean garbage" (mainly leaves and such like) which have been carefully deposited there by official workers prior to their arrival - is not just kitsch. Read
13:16
PM Modi heads towards MCG (Melbourne Cricket Ground). Gavaskar, Kapil also to be around.
13:14 The soldier as a state actor
In conflict-ridden areas of India, governance has increasingly come to be seen through the lens of the counterinsurgency paradigm. These are abnormal conditions of governance. Read
13:06 Pitched battle over godman as supporters fire at police in Hisar
The supporters of self-styled godman Rampal clashed with police outside his ashram in Hisar even as police tried to get inside the premises. Several people have been injured as police fired tear gas shells and Rampal's supporters hurled stones at each other. Eyewitnesses say gunshots were fired from the ashram at the police. The police have now fired tear gas at the supporters.
Yesterday, Rampal's supporters thwarted police efforts to arrest him from his Hisar ashram after he again failed to appear before the Punjab and Haryana High Court in a contempt case.
The supporters poured kerosene and diesel on themselves, and threatened self-immolation as the police tried to barge into the Satlok ashram.
Rampal faces charges of conspiracy to murder, inciting mobs and contempt of court.
Yesterday, Rampal's supporters thwarted police efforts to arrest him from his Hisar ashram after he again failed to appear before the Punjab and Haryana High Court in a contempt case.
The supporters poured kerosene and diesel on themselves, and threatened self-immolation as the police tried to barge into the Satlok ashram.
Rampal faces charges of conspiracy to murder, inciting mobs and contempt of court.
13:02
PM Modi regurgitating Madison Square Garden speech in Melbourne to heads of business: India has 3 Ds to its credit: democracy, demography and demand.
12:46
Barwala, Hisar (Haryana): Clash between Sant Rampal's supporters and police outside the Satlok Ashram.
12:45 Govt to announce curbs on gold import in a day or two
In the wake of surge in gold imports, the government would soon impose some curbs on its inward shipment to prevent current account deficit (CAD) from going out of hand.
12:36 Nehru was a man of ideas, but never forced his ideas on anyone: Rahul
Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi speaking at the International Conference to celebrate the 125th Birth Anniversary of Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru. The two-day conference ends today.
Quick takeaways from the speech...
Rahul says, "Most people think freedom is the ability of action, but freedom cannot be understand without understanding the lack of freedoms.
He was a man of ideas, but he never forced his ideas on anybody, he represented freedom. It took him a lifetime of struggle to really see what freedom meant.
"It was his ability to question, to understand whats going on, rather than the desire to speak which was one of his strengths.
"Nehru understood that there is no separation between him and India, he tried to merge with India and India merged with him.
"His (Pt. Nehru) ideas and politics are very much present today. I would like to welcome you to Nehrus India, Nehru itself is an ancient idea, also a part of living India. I wish that instead of just speaking here we all could go together and see some of Nehrus India.
"He developed and preserved democratic ideas which is why 1/6th of humanity lives in peace.
When Nehru was at his peak, loved by all, someone wrote an anon letter signed Chanakya, saying praise would go to Nehru's head. A few months later it was revealed that the real author of the letter, the Chanakya, was actually Nehru himself."
Quick takeaways from the speech...
Rahul says, "Most people think freedom is the ability of action, but freedom cannot be understand without understanding the lack of freedoms.
He was a man of ideas, but he never forced his ideas on anybody, he represented freedom. It took him a lifetime of struggle to really see what freedom meant.
"It was his ability to question, to understand whats going on, rather than the desire to speak which was one of his strengths.
"Nehru understood that there is no separation between him and India, he tried to merge with India and India merged with him.
"His (Pt. Nehru) ideas and politics are very much present today. I would like to welcome you to Nehrus India, Nehru itself is an ancient idea, also a part of living India. I wish that instead of just speaking here we all could go together and see some of Nehrus India.
"He developed and preserved democratic ideas which is why 1/6th of humanity lives in peace.
When Nehru was at his peak, loved by all, someone wrote an anon letter signed Chanakya, saying praise would go to Nehru's head. A few months later it was revealed that the real author of the letter, the Chanakya, was actually Nehru himself."
12:24 Synagogue attackers used axes to kill victims
Update on the synagogue terror attack in Israel. Four Israeli civilians were killed today when two knife- and axe-wielding men broke into a synagogue in Jerusalem, CNN reports. Earlier reports had said the number of victims were five.
The attackers, identified as Palestinians, were shot and killed, police spokesman Micky Rosenfeld said.
Authorities are investigating whether the men also were armed with guns.
An undetermined number of people were injured when the two men entered the building in the Har Nof area of Jerusalem in what Israel Defense Forces spokesman Peter Lerner called a "terror attack".
"Residents have been warned to stay inside while police continue to search for a possible third suspect in the area. Other deaths and stabbing attacks have occurred recently in Jerusalem, raising tensions.
The attackers, identified as Palestinians, were shot and killed, police spokesman Micky Rosenfeld said.
Authorities are investigating whether the men also were armed with guns.
An undetermined number of people were injured when the two men entered the building in the Har Nof area of Jerusalem in what Israel Defense Forces spokesman Peter Lerner called a "terror attack".
"Residents have been warned to stay inside while police continue to search for a possible third suspect in the area. Other deaths and stabbing attacks have occurred recently in Jerusalem, raising tensions.
12:19 India, Oz agree to closer cooperation on security and trade
Seeking to enhance defence ties, India and Australia today established a framework for security cooperation, as they decided to conclude a long pending Free Trade pact by the end of next year and an "early closure" of the civilian nuclear deal that will facilitate uranium trade.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Australian counterpart Tony Abbott held talks and decided to establish a Framework for Security Cooperation to reflect their deepening and expanding security and defence collaboration for advancing regional peace and combating terrorism among other challenges.
After the summit talks at the Prime Minister's office, just two months after Abbott's maiden visit to India, the two countries signed five pacts on social security, transfer of sentenced prisoners, combating narcotics trade, tourism, and Arts and Culture.
That's the picture Tony Abbott tweeted saying, "A terrific heartfelt address to the Australian Parliament by @narendramodi"
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Australian counterpart Tony Abbott held talks and decided to establish a Framework for Security Cooperation to reflect their deepening and expanding security and defence collaboration for advancing regional peace and combating terrorism among other challenges.
After the summit talks at the Prime Minister's office, just two months after Abbott's maiden visit to India, the two countries signed five pacts on social security, transfer of sentenced prisoners, combating narcotics trade, tourism, and Arts and Culture.
That's the picture Tony Abbott tweeted saying, "A terrific heartfelt address to the Australian Parliament by @narendramodi"
12:06
Right now, the PM is at the CEOs Roundtable in Melbourne discussing education, services, energy, banking & IT.
11:58 Look who's batting for Modi!
Lovely picture we wanted to share with you.
"Yup, we are here to say hello to the Prime Minister too! @glennmcgrath11 Steve Waugh #ModiInAustralia.
And the other Oz cricketer, a seeming Modi fan, is Brett Lee, who met the PM in Sydney yesterday and welcomed him at the Allphones Arena in Olympic Park where Modi made his hour-long public address.
"Yup, we are here to say hello to the Prime Minister too! @glennmcgrath11 Steve Waugh #ModiInAustralia.
And the other Oz cricketer, a seeming Modi fan, is Brett Lee, who met the PM in Sydney yesterday and welcomed him at the Allphones Arena in Olympic Park where Modi made his hour-long public address.
11:50
Tony Abbott tweets @TonyAbbottMHR @narendramodi it was real honour to host your visit. I Iook forward to seeing you at the @MCG tonight!
11:49 Five killed in terror attack on Jerusalem synagogue
An attack on a synagogue in West Jerusalem has killed at least five Israelis and two Palestinian attackers, reports Al Jazeera.
Two other Israelis were injured in the attack on Tuesday morning.
Police sources said that the attackers, armed with knives and axes, entered Har Nof Synagogue before being shot dead by police.
Earlier reports said the attackers were armed with guns.
The area has been cordoned off.
Two other Israelis were injured in the attack on Tuesday morning.
Police sources said that the attackers, armed with knives and axes, entered Har Nof Synagogue before being shot dead by police.
Earlier reports said the attackers were armed with guns.
The area has been cordoned off.
11:42 Double whammy for AI flight
A Delhi-bound Air India flight via Mumbai with 164 passengers on board had to abort take-off at the last minute today after it suffered a tyre burst as well as a bird hit at Dabolim airport in Goa.
According to airport sources, the incident took place around 7.20 am when the flight (AI866) was about to take off. Later, it was brought back to the bay at Goa airport after all the passengers were safely deplaned.
According to airport sources, the incident took place around 7.20 am when the flight (AI866) was about to take off. Later, it was brought back to the bay at Goa airport after all the passengers were safely deplaned.
11:39 BJP govt in Haryana suspends officer who cleared Robert Vadra's land deal
Less than a month after coming to power in Haryana, the BJP government on Monday suspended an assistant consolidation officer (ACO), Dalbir Singh, who had executed the mutation of the controversial land deal between Congress chief Sonia Gandhi's son-in-law Robert Vadra and real estate giant DLF in 2012. Read more
11:28 Burdwan blasts: NIA arrests Myanmar national from Hyderabad
In a major breakthrough, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has arrested a Myanmar national from Hyderabad in connection with the Burdwan blast case.
The arrested suspect has been identified as 21-year-old Khalid Mohammed.
He was living in Telangana on the basis of fake identity documents and was arrested yesterday.
NIA said Khalid has links with Tahreek-e-Taliban and is an IED expert. He is also said to be involved in running terror camps in bordering areas of Bangladesh and Myanmar.
Jihadi literature related to ISIS was also recovered from him.
The arrested suspect has been identified as 21-year-old Khalid Mohammed.
He was living in Telangana on the basis of fake identity documents and was arrested yesterday.
NIA said Khalid has links with Tahreek-e-Taliban and is an IED expert. He is also said to be involved in running terror camps in bordering areas of Bangladesh and Myanmar.
Jihadi literature related to ISIS was also recovered from him.
11:17
CEOs gather at Melbourne Government House to listen to PM Modi.
11:09 Maharashtra's Muslims cautiously place great expectations in new BJP govt
Representatives from Muslim NGOs met a BJP spokesperson to push their demands, but got no commitments in return. However, Maharashtra's Muslims have placed great expectations on the Modi govt -- may be a little cautiously though. Read
11:06 Modis mythologies
While on Modi, read this column on the Dawn, Pakistan, on how mythology has been tweaked to suit what is perceived to be Indian history.
10:58 Modi has 'runs on the board' to meet people's wish: Abbott
When the top political leaders of India and Australia meet can cricket be far behind? With Prime Minister Narendra Modi by his side, Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott set the ball rolling and fired the first shot, saying people in his country come to associate India with cricket.
Abbott made an early reference to cricket in his remarks at a joint press conference here today with Modi after their bilateral talks.
Abbott also said Modi has "runs on the board" to meet the aspirations of the people. When Modi's turn came to bat, he said: "We celebrate the legend of (Don) Bradman and the class of (Sachin) Tendulkar together." "We are impressed by Australian speed as you are charmed by the Indian spin until of course Shane Warne came along!," the Prime Minister said while addressing the Australian Parliament.
Modi also wished success to Australia in hosting the World Cup cricket next year.
Abbott made an early reference to cricket in his remarks at a joint press conference here today with Modi after their bilateral talks.
Abbott also said Modi has "runs on the board" to meet the aspirations of the people. When Modi's turn came to bat, he said: "We celebrate the legend of (Don) Bradman and the class of (Sachin) Tendulkar together." "We are impressed by Australian speed as you are charmed by the Indian spin until of course Shane Warne came along!," the Prime Minister said while addressing the Australian Parliament.
Modi also wished success to Australia in hosting the World Cup cricket next year.
10:52 Modi makes fun of Oz PM with 'shirtfronting' joke
Prime Minister Narendra Modi injected some humour into his address to Australia's parliament on Tuesday, using the term "shirtfront" to make fun of his host while also talking cricket, reports AFP.
Modi's official visit, the first by an Indian leader in 28 years, follows on from Prime Minister Tony Abbott's hosting of G20 world leaders in Brisbane on the weekend.
"(As) the third head of the government you are listening to this week, I do not know how you are doing this," Modi told members of parliament, who were addressed by Chinese leader Xi Jinping on Monday and Britain's David Cameron last Friday. "Maybe this is Prime Minister Abbott's way of shirtfronting you!"
Abbott made "shirtfront" -- which describes a confrontation in Australian Rules Football -- a global concept when in October he threatened to do it to Russian leader Vladimir Putin at the G20 over the crisis in Ukraine.
In the end, the two men were all smiles for the cameras. Modi is the second leader to use the obscure term in his address, after Cameron recalled his concern when Australia's Foreign Minister Julie Bishop was purposefully heading his way at a summit in Italy.
Modi's official visit, the first by an Indian leader in 28 years, follows on from Prime Minister Tony Abbott's hosting of G20 world leaders in Brisbane on the weekend.
"(As) the third head of the government you are listening to this week, I do not know how you are doing this," Modi told members of parliament, who were addressed by Chinese leader Xi Jinping on Monday and Britain's David Cameron last Friday. "Maybe this is Prime Minister Abbott's way of shirtfronting you!"
Abbott made "shirtfront" -- which describes a confrontation in Australian Rules Football -- a global concept when in October he threatened to do it to Russian leader Vladimir Putin at the G20 over the crisis in Ukraine.
In the end, the two men were all smiles for the cameras. Modi is the second leader to use the obscure term in his address, after Cameron recalled his concern when Australia's Foreign Minister Julie Bishop was purposefully heading his way at a summit in Italy.
10:03 Two-day Nehru International Conference to conclude today
The Nehru International Conference, organised by the Indian National Congress to commemorate Jawaharlal Nehrus 125th Birth Anniversary, continues Tuesday.
On the second and last day of Nehru International Conference, a Conference Declaration will be adopted which will capture the essence of the deliberations and convey a message of global import.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has not been invited to the two-day meet, raising some eyebrows in the Bharatiya Janata Party.
The event held by Congress to resurrect Nehru's legacy at a trying time for the party saw the presence of leaders from many parties on Monday.
West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee, Communist Party of India-Marxist leaders Prakash Karat and Sitaram Yechury and Janata Dal-United chief Sharad Yadav were among those present.
Many leaders of parties of undivided Janata Dal were there, but no senior Samajwadi Party leader was present.
09:33 PM Narendra Modi arrives in Melbourne
Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Canberra on Tuesday on the fourth and final leg of his four-city tour of Australia.
He arrived in Melbourne after a hectic morning in Canberra, where he held bilateral talks with his Australian counterpart Tony Abbott and then addressed the Australian Parliament, the first Indian Prime Minister to do so.
Abbott will host a reception for his Indian counterpart at the iconic 161-year-old Melbourne Cricket Ground later in the evening.
Modi will leave for Fiji in the night for a day-long visit to conclude his 10-day three-nation tour.
09:30 Govt to relaunch Kisan Vikas Patra today; money to double in 100 months
In view of popular demand, the government will on Tuesday relaunch saving instrument Kisan Vikas Patra, wherein the invested money will get doubled in 8 years and 4 months.
The KVP, which will be relaunched by Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, will be available in the denomination of Rs 1,000; 5,000; 10,000 and 50,000. There will be no upper ceiling on investment.
"Initially the certificates will be sold through post offices, but the same will soon be made available to the investing public through designated branches of nationalised banks," the Finance Ministry said in a statement.
Investments in KVP will remain under a lock-in for a period of 2.5 years and thereafter in any block of six months on pre-determined maturity value.
The Finance Ministry said that the KVP will not only provide safe and secure investment avenues to the small investors but will also help in augmenting the savings rate in the country.
09:29 Stage set for Salman Khan's sister's wedding
The stage is set for Salman Khan's sister Arpita Khan's marriage with businessman Aayush Sharma on Tuesday as the actor's entire family landed in Hyderabad.
Arpita and other women members of the family landed at the Hyderabad airport Monday evening and drove straight to Taj Falaknuma, the venue of the marriage, amid tight security.
Salman, his brothers Sohail and Arbaaz, their father Saleem Khan, mothers Salma and Helen and other close relatives also checked into the heritage hotel, which has turned into a fortress for the wedding.
A large number of die-hard fans of Salman stood on both sides of the road leading to the hotel to catch a glimpse of the star. They were, however, disappointed due to the tight security
09:26
A day after Mukul Mudgal report on the IPL fixing scandal became public, the all powerful working committee of the BCCI will meet on Tuesday in Chennai, to discuss the Mudgal Committe report and decide on a new date for its upcoming Annual General Meeting.
With earlier scheduled AGM on November 20 being cancelled, the working committee members will decide upon a new date which is likely to be in the third week of December and also discuss the Mudgal Committee report that came out in the public domain.
BCCI President-in-exile N Srinivasan will be attending the meeting in capacity of being the president of TNCA.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) will meet for the emergent working committee where they are expected to discuss the names that appeared in the Supreme Court panel report.
Another key issue that will be discussed is the case of Sunder Raman, IPLs chief operation officer, who has been named in the Mudgal report of having been in touch with a contact of a bookie during the first season.
However, the official announcement will only come after the next Supreme Court hearing on November 24.
"The BCCI would like to keep its end guarded. Any decision will be taken after SC verdict. However there is hardly any opposition. I guess there shouldn't be much opposition from the likes of Shashank Manohar, who at the maximum control four votes. There shouldn't be any problems for him to retain his presidential post," the official added.
"The BCCI would like to keep its end guarded. Any decision will be taken after SC verdict. However there is hardly any opposition. I guess there shouldn't be much opposition from the likes of Shashank Manohar, who at the maximum control four votes. There shouldn't be any problems for him to retain his presidential post," the official added.
08:33 Modi calls for global strategy to tackle terrorism
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said a comprehensive global strategy and a resolve to isolate "those who harbour terrorists" was needed to fight terrorism that is changing in character and expanding its reach.
"Terrorism has become a major threat for us all. In India, we have seen its face losely for three decades. And, we see it with the clarity that comes with it," Modi said while addressing the Australian Parliament.
Modi, who became the first Indian prime minister to address the Australian Parliament, also called for deepening bilateral security cooperation with Australia to tackle the global menace of terrorism.
India and Australia also established a framework for bilateral security cooperation and stepped up their defence collaboration as Modi held bilateral talks with Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott.
"Terrorism is changing in character and expanding in its reach. Internet has made recruitment and call to violence self-generated. It also feeds off money laundering, drug trafficking and arms smuggling," Modi said in his address to the Australian Parliament.
"We have to deepen our bilateral security cooperation. But, we need a comprehensive global strategy for a global problem," he said.
08:27 India, Australia establish framework for security cooperation
India and Australia on Tuesday established a framework for bilateral security cooperation as they stepped up their defence collaboration for advancing regional peace and combating terrorism among other challenges.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Australian counterpart Tony Abbott held talks and agreed to establish a Framework for Security Cooperation to reflect the deepening and expanding security and defence engagement between the two countries.
They established the framework to intensify cooperation and consultation between Australia and India in areas of mutual interest.
"I greatly welcome the New Framework for Security Cooperation. Security and defence are important and growing areas of the new India-Australia partnership -- for advancing regional peace and stability, and combating terrorism and trans-national crimes," Modi said in the statement to the media at a joint press conference with Abbott.
Modi, while addressing the Parliament later, also called for collaboration in the field of maritime security.
"We should collaborate more on maintaining maritime security. We should work together on the seas and collaborate in international forums. And, we should work for a universal respect for international law and global norms," he said reiterating his call for collaboration on maritime security made at the East Asia and ASEAN summits in Myanmar last week.
08:27 Australia will not be at periphery of India's vision: Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said Australia will not be at the periphery of India's vision but at the centre of its thought, as he called for closer bilateral security cooperation and a comprehensive global strategy to tackle the menace of terrorism.
Modi, while addressing the Australian Parliament, the first Indian prime minister to do so, said, "It has taken a Prime Minister of India 28 years to come to Australia. It should never have been so. And, this will change. Australia will not be at the periphery of our vision, but at the centre of our thought."
Modi addressed the Parliament after holding bilateral talks with Prime Minister Tony Abbott following which the two countries signed five pacts on social security, transfer of sentenced prisoners, combating narcotics trade, tourism, and arts and culture.
During the talks, the two sides sought an early conclusion of negotiations for a comprehensive economic partnership agreement and a closure on the civil nuclear deal.
Addressing the Parliament, Modi said terrorism has become a major threat.
"In India, we have seen its face closely for three decades. And, we see it with the clarity that comes with it. Terrorism is changing in character and expanding in its reach," Modi said.
05:10 EU discusses sanctions against militants in eastern Ukraine
From Xinhua: he Council of the European Union on Monday discussed additional sanctions targeting militants in eastern Ukraine. No further sanctions were announced against Russia. The EU said in a statement that they will continue to closely follow the situation in Ukraine and act accordingly.
Read the full story here
Read the full story here
05:07 Kassig's family: Our hearts will mend
From the BBC: The parents of a US medic beheaded by Islamic State militants have paid tribute to their son, saying they will learn in time to forgive his captors."Our hearts are battered, but they will mend. The world is broken, but it will be healed," said Ed and Paula Kassig, parents of Abdul-Rahman Kassig.
Read the full story here
Read the full story here
03:44 Shift in Afghan stance toward militants targeting Pakistan
From The Hindu: Afghanistan has agreed to target militants attacking Pakistan from alleged sanctuaries on its soil, in a significant move which suggests a thaw in their frayed ties and anti-terror cooperation between them.
Read the full story here
Read the full story here
03:01 ISIS threatens slaughter in the streets of the West
From the Telegraph: The Islamic State militant known as Jihadi John has threatened to bring slaughter to the streets of Britain and the West in a new video announcing the murder of an American aid worker.
Read the full story here
Read the full story here
03:00 PM Narendra Modi visits Australian war memorial
From NDTV: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday visited the war memorial at Canberra. He was accompanied by his Australian counterpart Tony Abbott. The two leaders will later hold summit-level talks.
02:07 Church of England clears way for female bishops
From the Independent: Church of England leaders have swept away centuries of inequality by voting by an overwhelming majority to allow women to become bishops.
Read the full article here
Read the full article here
01:59 Americans accused of trying to ship infant body parts in Thailand
From CNN: Two Americans stole adult and infant body parts from a museum inside a Bangkok hospital and tried to ship them to Las Vegas, the Thai police have said.
The two men, identified as Ryan Edward McPherson and Daniel Jamon Tanner, told police they wanted to surprise their friends back home, Royal Thai Police Deputy Commissioner Gen. Ruangsak Jritake said.
Read the full story here
The two men, identified as Ryan Edward McPherson and Daniel Jamon Tanner, told police they wanted to surprise their friends back home, Royal Thai Police Deputy Commissioner Gen. Ruangsak Jritake said.
Read the full story here
01:47 Highest numbers of modern slaves found in India: Report
From the Financial Express: Nearly 14.3 million people, including children, are 'trapped' in modern-day slavery in India, which tops a global index of people under bondage across the world with an estimated 35.8 million people enslaved, a new research said today.
Read the full story here
Read the full story here
01:41 Apple releases iOS 8.1.1 to improve performance on old products
Apple's just rolled out iOS 8.1.1 for iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch. Aside from the usual promise of bug fixes and security updates, Apple says the latest release should speed things up on iPad 2 and iPhone 4S, two of the company's aging devices.
We've seen it several times: installing major new versions of iOS on old hardware can often result in degraded performance, making the user experience slower and worse than it had been before.
Read the full article here.
We've seen it several times: installing major new versions of iOS on old hardware can often result in degraded performance, making the user experience slower and worse than it had been before.
Read the full article here.
01:27 NASA Plans To Send People To Mars By 2035
We've just landed a washing machine-sized robot on a comet and NASA's chief scientist has no idea.Dr Ellen Stofan is deep in conversation with a journalist when, unable to contain himself any longer, an adviser with phone triumphantly held aloft blurts out: 'Rosetta -- It's landed!'
Read the full story here
Read the full story here
00:47
From the CNN: France's interior minister said Monday that based on intelligence analysis, 'a strong presumption exists' that a French citizen named Maxime Hauchard participated in the 'despicable crimes' shown on the latest video from ISIS.
The video released over the weekend depicts the slayings of several men described by ISIS as Syrian soldiers and appears to show the aftermath of the beheading of U S aid worker Peter Kassig.
Read the full story here
The video released over the weekend depicts the slayings of several men described by ISIS as Syrian soldiers and appears to show the aftermath of the beheading of U S aid worker Peter Kassig.
Read the full story here
00:40 ED quizzes Odisha MP Pyarimohan Mohapatra in chitfund scam
Rajya Sabha MP and Odisha Janmorcha leader Pyarimohan Mohapatra was today questioned by the Enforcement Directorate in connection with the multi-crore chitfund scam in the state.
"I appeared before ED office here. They had called me over telephone last night. I stayed there for about two hours and 20 minutes and submitted some documents. I can't reveal anything else as it will affect the investigation process," Mohapatra told reporters.
Mohapatra's appearance before the ED is significant as the MP had himself earlier revealed that Seashore Group CMD Prashant Dash had met him twice.
The OJM leader had earlier claimed that a state government official had brought Dash to his house at Saheed Nagar and the CMD assured him to set up a maize factory at Nabarangpur district.
"I appeared before ED office here. They had called me over telephone last night. I stayed there for about two hours and 20 minutes and submitted some documents. I can't reveal anything else as it will affect the investigation process," Mohapatra told reporters.
Mohapatra's appearance before the ED is significant as the MP had himself earlier revealed that Seashore Group CMD Prashant Dash had met him twice.
The OJM leader had earlier claimed that a state government official had brought Dash to his house at Saheed Nagar and the CMD assured him to set up a maize factory at Nabarangpur district.
00:32 Top headlines of the last 24 hours
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00:23 Islamic State 'neither a state nor truly Islamic': Kerry
US Secretary of State John Kerry today described the feared Islamic State group as neither "a state nor truly Islamic", adding that America takes seriously the "unacceptable threat" posed by the terrorist organisation.
"The group calling itself the Islamic State is, in fact, neither a state nor truly Islamic. It is an adversary without a uniform, without any support by any government, and offering nothing in terms of coherent social or political programme," Kerry told a Washington audience.
"But it is a foe we take very seriously, in part because the dysfunction of some governments in the region has enabled these killers to seize control of more land and more resources than Al-Qaida ever had on the best day of its existence," he said.
The top US diplomat said the brutal militant outfit "has stolen vast quantities of weapons and money. It is attempting to recruit the fanatical and misguided in dozens of countries ... In the process, it has become a threat to America's core interests."
"The group calling itself the Islamic State is, in fact, neither a state nor truly Islamic. It is an adversary without a uniform, without any support by any government, and offering nothing in terms of coherent social or political programme," Kerry told a Washington audience.
"But it is a foe we take very seriously, in part because the dysfunction of some governments in the region has enabled these killers to seize control of more land and more resources than Al-Qaida ever had on the best day of its existence," he said.
The top US diplomat said the brutal militant outfit "has stolen vast quantities of weapons and money. It is attempting to recruit the fanatical and misguided in dozens of countries ... In the process, it has become a threat to America's core interests."
00:13 World Championships: Anand hangs on as Game 7 ends in a draw
Indian chess ace Viswanathan Anand and world champion Magnus Carlsen drew the seventh game at the World Championships in Sochi.
The Indian, having suffered a stunning loss in the sixth game played on Saturday, was on the defensive again but held on.
Having done well for the first five games, Anand missed the thread completely in the sixth before hanging on in the seventh.Anand still faces a deficit of one point after seven games. The Norwegian had defeated Anand in the world championships played in Chennai last year.
The Indian, having suffered a stunning loss in the sixth game played on Saturday, was on the defensive again but held on.
Having done well for the first five games, Anand missed the thread completely in the sixth before hanging on in the seventh.Anand still faces a deficit of one point after seven games. The Norwegian had defeated Anand in the world championships played in Chennai last year.
00:00 Central team to visit AP from Nov 25 to assess Hudhud damage
A central team will be on a three-day visit to the coastal areas in Andhra Pradesh from November 25 to assess the damage caused by last month's cyclone.
"The state government will submit a detailed report to the team for necessary action. While the state government has received Rs 400 crore out of the Rs 1,000 crore aid announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the aftermath of the calamity, we will submit a proposal seeking the remaining amount," Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu told reporters today.
Visakhapatnam was one of the worst-affected districts in the severe cyclonic storm Hudhud that had made a landfall here on October 12. On the relief work done by his government, the chief minister said an amount of Rs 255 crore was spent on the supply of essential commodities for people affected by the cyclone in districts of Srikakulam, Vizianagaram and Visakhapatnam.
"The government had solved several problems within 35 days after the cyclone," he added.
"The state government will submit a detailed report to the team for necessary action. While the state government has received Rs 400 crore out of the Rs 1,000 crore aid announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the aftermath of the calamity, we will submit a proposal seeking the remaining amount," Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu told reporters today.
Visakhapatnam was one of the worst-affected districts in the severe cyclonic storm Hudhud that had made a landfall here on October 12. On the relief work done by his government, the chief minister said an amount of Rs 255 crore was spent on the supply of essential commodities for people affected by the cyclone in districts of Srikakulam, Vizianagaram and Visakhapatnam.
"The government had solved several problems within 35 days after the cyclone," he added.
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