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Tue, 28 October 2014
Jung to invite BJP to form govt in Delhi soon
Timeline Refresh
23:37 US body launches investigation into Indian trade policies
A quasi-judicial US trade body today launched an investigation into significant changes made since mid-2014 by the new Indian government in its trade and investment policies.
The announcement in this regard by the US International Trade Commission comes following a request made by the House Committee on Ways and Means and the Senate Committee on Finance through a letter received on September 25.
The investigation is the second probe regarding India's trade and investment policies requested by the two committees. In 2013, the committees jointly asked the USITC, to investigate Indian policies that restrict US trade and investment.
The USITC will submit its report in that investigation (Trade, Investment, and Industrial Policies in India: Effects on the U.S. Economy), to the committees on December 15.
The announcement in this regard by the US International Trade Commission comes following a request made by the House Committee on Ways and Means and the Senate Committee on Finance through a letter received on September 25.
The investigation is the second probe regarding India's trade and investment policies requested by the two committees. In 2013, the committees jointly asked the USITC, to investigate Indian policies that restrict US trade and investment.
The USITC will submit its report in that investigation (Trade, Investment, and Industrial Policies in India: Effects on the U.S. Economy), to the committees on December 15.
23:32 IS crisis: Peshmerga fighters head to Turkey
The BBC reports: Iraqi Kurdish forces are travelling to Turkey, from where they plan to cross into Syria to battle Islamic State militants besieging the town of Kobane.
Officials said a plane carrying 150 Peshmerga had left Irbil. Their heavy weapons will be transported by land
Read the full story here
Officials said a plane carrying 150 Peshmerga had left Irbil. Their heavy weapons will be transported by land
Read the full story here
23:19 Hyderabad bound SpiceJet flight diverted after engine trouble
A SpiceJet Coimbatore-Hyderabad flight carrying 70 passengers was diverted to Bangalore today following engine trouble.
The pilots of the Bombardier Q-400, operating flight SG 1048, noticed signals of suspected engine trouble on the cockpit panel and decided to land at Bangalore airport short of its final destination, airline sources said.
All emergency services, including fire brigade and ambulances, were kept ready as the flight landed safely, airport officials said. The passengers were disembarked from the aircraft and later taken to their final destination of Hyderabad by another SpiceJet and Indigo flight.
The pilots of the Bombardier Q-400, operating flight SG 1048, noticed signals of suspected engine trouble on the cockpit panel and decided to land at Bangalore airport short of its final destination, airline sources said.
All emergency services, including fire brigade and ambulances, were kept ready as the flight landed safely, airport officials said. The passengers were disembarked from the aircraft and later taken to their final destination of Hyderabad by another SpiceJet and Indigo flight.
23:10
Lt Governor Najeeb Jung is likely to send an invite in the next couple of days to BJP, the single-largest party in the Delhi Assembly to form government in the national capital.
Sources said that as President Pranab Mukherjee has given his clearance, an invite would now be sent to the BJP. The Centre today told the Supreme Court that President Pranab Mukherjee has given his consent to Jung's proposal to invite BJP to form the government in the national capital. Jung last month had sent a report to the President seeking permission to invite BJP to form government in Delhi.
In the report, Jung gave a detailed analysis of the political situation and underlined the need to have an elected government in the city which is under President's Rule since February 17 following resignation of the Aam Aadmi Party government after being in power for 49 days.
Sources said that as President Pranab Mukherjee has given his clearance, an invite would now be sent to the BJP. The Centre today told the Supreme Court that President Pranab Mukherjee has given his consent to Jung's proposal to invite BJP to form the government in the national capital. Jung last month had sent a report to the President seeking permission to invite BJP to form government in Delhi.
In the report, Jung gave a detailed analysis of the political situation and underlined the need to have an elected government in the city which is under President's Rule since February 17 following resignation of the Aam Aadmi Party government after being in power for 49 days.
22:31 Harsh Vardhan announces TB-Mission 2020
Underlining the plans of the Indian government to eliminate Tuberculosis from the country, Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan today announced 'TB-Mission 2020'.
Vardhan was speaking at WHO's Global TB Symposium titled 'Moving out of the box to end global TB epidemic: with post-2015 strategy' here. "While I am all for having a long-term perspective, I am not interested in something that may or may not be achieved in 2035 or 2050. I have instructed anti-TB mission officials to work hard to achieve considerable success over the next five years under the evolving 'TB-Mission 2020'," he said.
Efforts are being taken by the Indian government to provide free diagnosis and treatment as well as nutrition support and relevant financial enablers to the patients from government and private hospitals, he added.
The Health Minister was joined by his South African counterpart Aaron Motsoaledi who addressed the 45th Union World Conference on Lung Health.
Vardhan was speaking at WHO's Global TB Symposium titled 'Moving out of the box to end global TB epidemic: with post-2015 strategy' here. "While I am all for having a long-term perspective, I am not interested in something that may or may not be achieved in 2035 or 2050. I have instructed anti-TB mission officials to work hard to achieve considerable success over the next five years under the evolving 'TB-Mission 2020'," he said.
Efforts are being taken by the Indian government to provide free diagnosis and treatment as well as nutrition support and relevant financial enablers to the patients from government and private hospitals, he added.
The Health Minister was joined by his South African counterpart Aaron Motsoaledi who addressed the 45th Union World Conference on Lung Health.
22:05 Cyclone Nilofar: Call 1948 to track loved ones
Preparing for the worst, the Gujarat government has set up a helpline for people as Cyclone Nilofar edges closer to the state. For people who are trying to track their loved ones, they can call the special helpline 1948, to find out their last location. According to the weather department, Cyclone Nilofar is to hit Gujarat on Saturday. In anticipation, the state will be evacuating about 30,000 people tomorrow.
21:46 Terminally ill woman in US completes her bucket list
In a heartwarming story, a terminally ill woman in the United States by visiting the Grand Canyon has checked the last item off her bucket list. Brittany Maynard, 29, had been married a year when she discovered she had an aggressive brain cancer. Last April, doctors said she had six months to live. "I quickly decided that death with dignity was the best option for me and my family," she wrote and posted YouTube videos in which she and family members talked about her decision and supported an expansion of assisted suicide laws.
Read the entire story HERE
21:21 Friend of Boston marathon bombing suspect convicted
A federal jury found Robel Phillipos, a friend of alleged Boston Marathon bomber Dzhokhar Tsarnaev, guilty of lying to federal agents who were investigating the deadly explosions. After 35 hours of deliberations over six days, the 12-member panel convicted the 21-year-old of two counts of making false statements for five separate lies he had told. Sentencing has been slated for January 29, 2015.
21:14 US to donate $100,000 to Hudhud-hit AP, Odisha
The United States announced a financial assistance of $100,000 (Rs 61 lakh) for those affected by cyclone Hudhud in Odisha and Andhra Pradesh. US Charge d'Affaires Ambassador Kathleen Stephens said the US will provide the assistance to NGO Plan India through the US Agency for International Development. "The United States is committed to working with our partners to help those affected by the cyclone," Stephens said.
21:07 Ebola-free nurse Amber Vinson to leave Atlanta hospital
A second Dallas nurse who contracted Ebola is now free of the virus and will be released from the hospital where she's been treated, hospital officials said Tuesday. Vinson is one of two Dallas nurses who was diagnosed with Ebola after treating Liberian citizen Thomas Eric Duncan, the first person to be diagnosed in the United States with the virus. Duncan, who had symptoms after flying from Liberia to Texas in September, was admitted to Dallas' Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital but died on October 8.
20:50 Candlelight vigils to mark 2nd anniversary of Savita Halappanavar's death
Marking the tragic demise of Savita Halappanavar, who died two years ago today, people in Bangalore are conducting candlelight vigils in Bangalore. For those who don't remember, Savita was a 31-year-old dentist residing in Ireland. She died on October 28, 2012 due to septic shock, E.coli in the bloodstream and a miscarriage at 17 weeks. An inquest into her death returned a verdict of medical misadventure. Praveen Halappanavar, her husband, had said the couple had requested a termination of the pregnancy, but this had been refused.
20:25 Airbus submits C295 bid to Indian Air Force
Tata Sons and Europe's Airbus and have bid for a multi-billion dollar contract to replace the Indian Air Force's fleet of 56 Avro aircraft with Airbus' C295 transport planes. Under the bid, estimated by analysts to be worth at least $2 billion, Airbus' Defence and Space unit and Tata's Advanced Systems would replace the 56 Avro jets with Airbus' C295 transport planes, the European manufacturer said. Airbus would supply the first 16 planes in "fly away" condition from its own assembly line, while the subsequent 40 would be manufactured and assembled by Tata Advanced Systems in India.
20:07 North Korea's Kim Jong-Un had ankle surgery
North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un, who recently dropped out of public view for nearly six weeks, had surgery to remove a cyst from his ankle, a report said. Officials from the National Intelligence Agency told legislators that a foreign doctor operated on Kim in September or October to remove a cyst from his right ankle. Kim's lengthy absence from public view triggered speculation about his health. He reappeared in state media earlier this month hobbling with a cane.
19:43 Cyclone Nilofar: Centre reviews preparedness to deal with situation
The National Crisis Management Committee, headed by Cabinet Secretary Ajit Seth, reviewed the preparedness of central and state agencies to face any challenge arising out of the approaching cyclonic storm Nilofar along the Gujarat coast.
19:39 Governor invites Devendra Fadnavis to form government
The Governor of Maharashtra has invited Devendra Fadnavis to form a government in the state. With the oath-taking ceremony slated for the October 31, the Bharatiya Janata Party will have to prove its majority in the assembly in the next 15 days.
19:34 HC asks AAP to file written statements on defamation plea
The Delhi High Court has asked Aam Aadmi Party and four of its members, including Alka Lamba, to submit their written statements in response to a defamation plea moved against them by former party member Vinod Kumar Binny.
19:03 Armyman killed encounter in J-K
One militant was killed in a fierce encounter with security officials during a search operation in the Wanderbala forest area in north Kashmir's Kupwara district, reports Rediff.com's Mukhtar Ahmad from Srinagar. A Junior Commissioned Officer has been killed in the encounter.
18:49
And in UK, PM David Cameron launches an encyclopaedia on Hinduism.
18:48 BJP leaders meet governor to stake claim to form govt in Maharashtra
BJP leaders meet Maharashtra Governor C Vidyasagar Rao, stake claim to form Government
18:39
Mumbai: BJP leaders delegation at the Raj Bhawan.
18:07
Next step for the BJP in Maharashtra: Prakash Javadekar says that the MLAs will go to governor now to stake claim to form government.
18:04 Will wait till new CM takes oath, says Sena on supporting BJP in Maha
Asserting that it has not demanded any specific portfolios from BJP, the Shiv Sena on Tuesday said it will wait till the swearing-in of new Chief Minister before taking a final call on supporting its former ally.
"There is a lot of false news being spread in the media that we have demanded the post of the Deputy Chief Minister or some specific portfolios in return of our support to BJP. I want the media to stop focusing on baseless rumours. We have not demanded anything yet,' Sena MP Sanjay Raut told reporters on the sidelines of his meet with party chief Uddhav Thackeray at the latter's residence.
Asked if the Sena will support its former ally in forming the state government, Raut refused to comment.
"There is a lot of false news being spread in the media that we have demanded the post of the Deputy Chief Minister or some specific portfolios in return of our support to BJP. I want the media to stop focusing on baseless rumours. We have not demanded anything yet,' Sena MP Sanjay Raut told reporters on the sidelines of his meet with party chief Uddhav Thackeray at the latter's residence.
Asked if the Sena will support its former ally in forming the state government, Raut refused to comment.
17:52
BJP senior leader Ram Jethmalani on SC order on black money case: They should come out with the names, I dont know why they are not disclosing the names.
17:50
List of black money account holders was submitted to Special Investigation Team on June 27 and govt will share this list with SC, says Jaitley.
17:47 Jaitley reacts to SC order on black money : Govt has NO intention to protect anyone
Finance minister Arun Jaitley reacts to the Supreme Court to the Centre on tabling the entire list of black money account holders before the court tomorrow. Jaitley says that the government has no problem with anyone or any agency (read SIT) probing the black money case.
"The government will place the list before the court. The government is also keen that the procedure must be such that reciprocating countries continue to be co-operative. We had already given the list to the SC- appointed SIT. However, the probe should be done without offending friendly nations," Jaitley said.
"The government has no intention in protecting anybody in the probe," he added.
Ordering the Centre to reveal the list on Wednesday, the Apex court said: "Why are you providing a protective umbrella to foreign bank account holders? We can't leave the issue of bringing back black money to government. It will never happen during our time."
"New regime at Centre can't ask modification of order (of 2011) when it was passed in an open court and accepted by the government," the court further said. "You do not do anything. Just pass information of account holders to us and we will pass order for further probe."
"The government will place the list before the court. The government is also keen that the procedure must be such that reciprocating countries continue to be co-operative. We had already given the list to the SC- appointed SIT. However, the probe should be done without offending friendly nations," Jaitley said.
"The government has no intention in protecting anybody in the probe," he added.
Ordering the Centre to reveal the list on Wednesday, the Apex court said: "Why are you providing a protective umbrella to foreign bank account holders? We can't leave the issue of bringing back black money to government. It will never happen during our time."
"New regime at Centre can't ask modification of order (of 2011) when it was passed in an open court and accepted by the government," the court further said. "You do not do anything. Just pass information of account holders to us and we will pass order for further probe."
17:35 Kejriwal wants SIT probe in black money case
Arvind Kejriwal on the SC order on black money: 'The black money list contains an amount written against each name. This is his balance as on a particular date in 2006. This is a small amount. I urge the court to direct SIT to obtain a copy of each bank statement since the account was opened and investigate each transaction. This will lead to unearthing huge amounts and give leads to many more new black money accounts."
17:32
S Gurumurthy '@sgurumurthy This govt is last hope for recovery of black money. It will face lot of impediments from within and without. It deserves support. Be patient.
17:30
The way Modi ji brought development to nation, we will work in the same direction: Devendra Fadnavis
17:27 RSS roots, Modi's backing make Fadnavis Maharashtra winner
From an obscure corporator to becoming the youngest Mayor of Nagpur, to the first Bharatiya Janata Party Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Devendra Fadnavis' climb up the political ladder has been steady. In a state dominated by Maratha politics and politicians, the 44-year-old leader, with deep roots in Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, is only the second Brahmin after BJP's estranged ally Shiv Sena's Manohar Joshi to become chief minister. Read more
17:18 Spot Devendra Fadnavis...
Vasudha Venugopal '@slambangstuff: Guy on the right @Dev_Fadnavis all set to become Maharashtra CM. Second youngest to hold the post in the State.
Kaju rolls being distributed outside the BJP office in Mumbai.
Kaju rolls being distributed outside the BJP office in Mumbai.
17:13 Black money case: What Jaitley has to say
SC tells the Centre that it will not change even a word of its earlier order. What has basically got the SC upset is the government's decision to make public names of only those people against whom there is a prosecutable case in connection with tax evasion through offshore accounts.
Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said on Monday, amid the Congress asking for disclosure of all names of black money holders, that he would disclose only those names against whom the govt has prosecutable evidence.
Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said on Monday, amid the Congress asking for disclosure of all names of black money holders, that he would disclose only those names against whom the govt has prosecutable evidence.
17:10
Celebrations outside Maharashtra CM elect Devendra Fadnavis's home in Nagpur.
17:09 Not you, we will order SIT to investigate black money: SC tells Centre
SC on black money. The Supreme slams the Centre saying, "We can't leave the issue of bringing back black money to government. It will never happen during our time. You do not do anything. Just pass information of account holders to us and we will pass order for further probe. You don't investigate. We'll order SIT to investigate," CJI HL Dattu says.
"Why are you providing protective umbrella to foreign bank account holders?" the SC asks the Centre.
"Why are you providing protective umbrella to foreign bank account holders?" the SC asks the Centre.
17:02 Fadnavis's wife: He worked really hard and it's paying off now
First reactions from Amruta, Maharashtra's CM to be Devendra Fadnavis's wife. "He (Devendra Fadvanis) worked really hard and now that is paying off, I am very happy. He has been patient, maintained a clean image plus he has a visionary approach," she said.
16:59
S Gurumurthy @sgurumurthy tweets: Let's congratulate the SC court which has seen through the legalism and legal minds and taken the agenda on black money forward.
16:58 'Modi will recover black money from abroad'
Read S Gurumurthy's interview on rediff.com, where he says that the difference between black money in India and the black money out of India is, in India, it is tax evaded money and Indian money outside India is not only tax evaded money, but money which has been taken out of India's capital resources needed for India.
16:47
The SC also pulled up the government for seeking modification of its order on black money on disclosing names of account holders in foreign banks and trying to protect black money holders.
16:45 SC tells Centre to reveal ALL names of black money holders tomorrow
Just in: The Supreme Court has asked the Centre to reveal all the names in the black money case by tomorrow.
Yesterday, the government disclosed in the Supreme Court eight more names against whom it has initiated prosecution under the Income Tax Act for allegedly stashing black money in foreign banks.
Those who have been named are: Dabur India promoter Pradip Burman, bullion trader Pankaj Chamanlal Lodhiya, Goa mining company Timblo Private Ltd and five of its directors Radha Satish Timblo, Chetan S Timblo, Rohan S Timblo, Anna C Timblo and Mallika R Timblo. The names were received from French authorities and other countries.
Promising to disclose more names in future, the government said in its affidavit that it was keen to unearth black money held abroad and it would use all diplomatic and legal means and also all investigating agencies to obtain information that could assist in such unearthing.
The SC has however slammed the Centre for not disclosing all the names.
Yesterday, the government disclosed in the Supreme Court eight more names against whom it has initiated prosecution under the Income Tax Act for allegedly stashing black money in foreign banks.
Those who have been named are: Dabur India promoter Pradip Burman, bullion trader Pankaj Chamanlal Lodhiya, Goa mining company Timblo Private Ltd and five of its directors Radha Satish Timblo, Chetan S Timblo, Rohan S Timblo, Anna C Timblo and Mallika R Timblo. The names were received from French authorities and other countries.
Promising to disclose more names in future, the government said in its affidavit that it was keen to unearth black money held abroad and it would use all diplomatic and legal means and also all investigating agencies to obtain information that could assist in such unearthing.
The SC has however slammed the Centre for not disclosing all the names.
16:42 BJP MLAs head to Raj Bhavan to stake claim to form govt
As we reported at earlier, Fadnavis's name was proposed by Eknath Khadse. So, PM Modi has his way. Modi is expected to be at the swearing in ceremony at Wankhede stadium on October 31. His name was seconded Vinod Tawde, Sudhir Mungantiwar and Pankaja Munde. The entire legislastive party accepted it with a thumping majority.
16:37
At just 44, Fadnavis' rise within the party has been quick. He began his political career in 1992, and was then twice elected as corporator to the Municipal Corporation of Nagpur -- where he became the second youngest mayor in the country.
16:35 Devendra Fadnavis to be Maharashtra CM
Devendra Fadvanis elected as the Leader of Maharashtra BJP Legislative Party. Frontrunner Devendra Fadnavis, who is PM Modi's favourite, is the next CM of Maharashtra. He is the BJP's first-ever CM. Also rans included Nitn Gadkari, Pankaja Munde and Eknath Khadse. Fadnavis was the Maharastra state unit president and has always been the favourite for the post. The decision was takne at a meeting of all the 121 legislators at 4 pm today.
16:32
Just when the BJP was congratulating itself for using independents to soften up the Shiv Sena, seven of them on Monday formed a group and put forth their own demands for a share of plum ministries in the new government.
16:18
BJP's central observers, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh and party's national general secretary J P Nadda will head the meeting.
16:13 BJP legislative party meet begins
Rajiv Pratap Rudy says home minister Rajnath Singh has arrived for the legislative party meeting. The meeting with the governor will meet Maharashtra governor C Vidyasagar Rao is at 6 pm.
16:09
And that's PM Modi's favourite Devendra Fadnavis flashing the victory sign at the Vidhan Bhavan.
16:03 CM probables Devendra Fadnavis, Pankaja Munde, Eknath Khadse at Vidhan Bhavan
BJP CMs in waiting Pankaja Munde, Eknath Khadse and probable CM Devendra Fadnavis at the Vidhan Bhavan. The meeting of MLAs have begun. Fadnavis remains the top-runner for CM.
The Shiv Sena is eyeing the PWD and revenue portfolios.
The Shiv Sena is eyeing the PWD and revenue portfolios.
15:35 BJP MLAs pay tribute to Chhatrapati Shivaji statue at Vidhan Bhavan
BJP MLAs outside Vidhan Bhavan wearing the traditional Maharashtrian pheta. The BJP legislature party meeting will begin in the Vidhan Bhavan at 4
pm in the presence of the party's central observers, Union Home Minister
Rajnath Singh and party's national general secretary J P Nadda.
15:32 SC rejects Nithari killer Surinder Koli's review plea
The Supreme Court on Tuesday rejected the review plea of death row convict Surinder Koli in one of the Nithari murder cases. Earlier, on September 12, the Apex court had put a stay order on execution of Koli, who was to be hanged that very day. Koli, lodged in a jail in Ghaziabad, has been sentenced to death for the brutal killing of 14-year-old girl Rimpa Halder.
15:29 BJP 'running away' from fresh polls in Delhi: AAP, Cong
After the apex court today rapped the Centre and the Lt Governor over the delay in government formation in Delhi, AAP and Congress have charged that BJP was "running away" from fresh polls in the national capital, claims which were promptly countered by the saffron outfit.
"BJP is not confident of winning Assembly elections, that is why they are delaying it. It is playing dirty politics over the issue. If BJP had the magic numbers, it would have formed the government in the national capital," AAP convener Arvind Kejriwal said.
"BJP is not confident of winning Assembly elections, that is why they are delaying it. It is playing dirty politics over the issue. If BJP had the magic numbers, it would have formed the government in the national capital," AAP convener Arvind Kejriwal said.
15:21 Pt Ravi Shankar at Madison Sq Garden...
And Madison Square Garden made famous by Modi also hosted Pandit Ravi Shankar in 1971. Panditji played at The Concert for Bangladesh, in 1971. In the picture are also tabla legend Ustad Allah Rakha (Ustad Zakir Hussain's father) and Ustad Ali Akbar Khan playing the sarod.
15:16 US Special Envoy in Pak for 2-day meet
The United States Special Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan Dan Feldman on Tuesday arrived in Islamabad on a two-day visit of the country.
The envoy held a meeting with Adviser to Prime Minister on National Security and Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz and the two discussed bilateral ties and issues relating to the region and Afghanistan. Read
The envoy held a meeting with Adviser to Prime Minister on National Security and Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz and the two discussed bilateral ties and issues relating to the region and Afghanistan. Read
15:09 Modis Idea of India
Pankaj Mishra's piece for the NYT that's earning him a most-hated label among Modi fans.
"Narendra Modi, India's new prime minister and main ideologue of the Hindu-nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party, is stoking old Hindu rage-and-shame over what he calls more than a thousand years of slavery under Muslim and British rule. Earlier this month, while India and Pakistan were engaging in their heaviest fighting in over a decade, Mr. Modi claimed that the "enemy' was now "screaming.'" Read more
"Narendra Modi, India's new prime minister and main ideologue of the Hindu-nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party, is stoking old Hindu rage-and-shame over what he calls more than a thousand years of slavery under Muslim and British rule. Earlier this month, while India and Pakistan were engaging in their heaviest fighting in over a decade, Mr. Modi claimed that the "enemy' was now "screaming.'" Read more
14:47 Rajnath: Decision on Maharashtra CM at 4 pm
Rajnath Singh has reached Mumbai and announces that the decision on the next Maharashtra CM will be made by 4 pm.
Here's what's been happening at the BJP HQ today:
-- The newly-elected BJP legislators in Maharashtra will meet today to elect their leader amid Shiv Sena's expression of desire for a coalition government of the two saffron parties.
-- The BJP MLAs will gather at party's state headquarters at Nariman Point at 11 am and then head to the Inox square near Vidhan Bhavan where they will pay tributes to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
-- The BJP legislature party meeting will begin in the Vidhan Bhavan at 4 pm in presence of party's central observers, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh and party's national general secretary J P Nadda.
-- After the Legislature Party leader is elected, the MLAs will call on Governor C Vidyasagar Rao and stake claim to form government.,
Here's what's been happening at the BJP HQ today:
-- The newly-elected BJP legislators in Maharashtra will meet today to elect their leader amid Shiv Sena's expression of desire for a coalition government of the two saffron parties.
-- The BJP MLAs will gather at party's state headquarters at Nariman Point at 11 am and then head to the Inox square near Vidhan Bhavan where they will pay tributes to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
-- The BJP legislature party meeting will begin in the Vidhan Bhavan at 4 pm in presence of party's central observers, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh and party's national general secretary J P Nadda.
-- After the Legislature Party leader is elected, the MLAs will call on Governor C Vidyasagar Rao and stake claim to form government.,
14:22 4 pm meet at Vidhan Bhavan to decide legislature party leader
The BJP legislature party meeting will begin in the Vidhan Bhavan at 4 pm in presence of party's central observers, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh and party's national general secretary J P Nadda, a party spokesperson said.
The election of the Legislature Party leader, who will be the Chief Minister, will mark a step towards formation of the government in the state where BJP fell short of a majority by 23 seats in the 288-member Assembly.
The election of the Legislature Party leader, who will be the Chief Minister, will mark a step towards formation of the government in the state where BJP fell short of a majority by 23 seats in the 288-member Assembly.
14:20 When Sheila Dikshit met Modi: I saw a confident man with a vision
It is not a description that many in her own party may agree with. But Congress veteran, former Kerala Governor and ex-CM of Delhi, Sheila Dikshit, has revealed that when she met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in July, she "saw a confident man, with a vision' and "a new language".
Read more
Read more
14:16 Nilofar nightmare: 9 NDRF teams ready in Gujarat
The National Disaster Response Force has deployed its teams in vulnerable areas of Gujarat to deal with cyclonic storm Nilofar that will hit the state's coast on Friday.
NDRF has pre-positioned seven rescue and relief teams at Gandhidam, Dwarka, Porbandar, Veeraval and Rajkot in Gujarat. Two rescue teams have also been pre-positioned at Bhuj.
NDRF has pre-positioned seven rescue and relief teams at Gandhidam, Dwarka, Porbandar, Veeraval and Rajkot in Gujarat. Two rescue teams have also been pre-positioned at Bhuj.
14:06
Read: How Uddhav Thackeray left the Sena powerless
14:04
PM Modi announces $100 million credit line for Vietnam.
14:00 Anna writes to Modi on black money issue
Expressing shock over the Central government's affidavit in Supreme Court on black money issue, activist Anna Hazare has written a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
13:36 Indo-Vietnam talks on
India-Vietnam Prime Ministers meet for energizing tourism and cultural exchanges between the two countries. They also aim to enhance the trade targets to US$ 15 billion by 2020. Also on the anvil is a discussion on security of sea-lanes, maritime safety and security, combating piracy and conducting search and rescue operations.
PM Modi meets Vietnam PM Nguyan Tan Dung in New Delhi
PM Modi meets Vietnam PM Nguyan Tan Dung in New Delhi
13:31
The Supreme Court has adjourned the Delhi govt formation issue till day after tomorrow. Arguments heard today.
13:26
The meeting of the Maharashtra legislative leader with governor C Vidyasagar Rao to stake claim for forming govt is at 6:30 pm.
13:08 EXCLUSIVE! The AMIT SHAH Interview: 'Nobody should live away from reality'
'Politics always moves on the ground of reality. Ticket distribution should be done on the basis of each party's actual strength on the ground.
''If our proposal had been accepted, the alliance would not have broken. We proposed a formula of 127 seats for the BJP, 147 for the Shiv Sena and the rest 14 for our allies. We got 123 seats."
Read more
''If our proposal had been accepted, the alliance would not have broken. We proposed a formula of 127 seats for the BJP, 147 for the Shiv Sena and the rest 14 for our allies. We got 123 seats."
Read more
13:07 Kejriwal: If BJP has a little shame they will hold fresh elections
Arvind Kejriwal on Delhi govt formation: "If they (BJP) have even a little shame they should hold fresh elections in Delhi. People in Delhi are troubled by electricity and water problems and we had eased that, thats why BJP is scared. If BJP had even an ounce of confidence they would have held fresh elections in the last five months."
12:53
Congress senior leader Ajay Maken's blog on the Trilokpuri communal riots: How the BJP and AAP are responsible? Read
12:36 Wannabe CM Khadse to propose Fadnavis's name, Tawde to second
Maharashtra: Senior leader Eknath Khadse to propose Devendra Fadnavis' name as CM at BJP meet today. Vinod Tawde to second.
Yesterday, senior leader Khadse, too, threw his hat into the ring saying that voters want a CM from north Maharashtra.
Yesterday, senior leader Khadse, too, threw his hat into the ring saying that voters want a CM from north Maharashtra.
12:31 Our heart is open: BJP
Shiv Sena is our old alliance, they should be open to show their cards and state what they want. BJP 's heart is open: Raosaheb Danve, BJP
12:20 Rajnath leaves for Mumbai, MLAs arrive at party office
An update on what is happening about the government formation in Maharashtra. BJP general secretary Om Mathur, who was the election in-charge for Maharashtra, says that the leader of the legislative party will be elected and will meet the Maharashtra Governor C Vidyasagar Rao to stake claim for forming Govt.
BJP senior leader Rajiv Pratap Rudy adds that the party is confident that the new Maharashtra CM will take oath by 31st October.
The BJP MLAs will gather at party's state headquarters at Nariman Point at 11 am and then proceed towards the Inox square near Vidhan Bhavan where they will pay tributes to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
The BJP legislature party meeting will begin in the Vidhan Bhavan at 4 pm in presence of party's central observers, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh and party's national general secretary J P Nadda, a party spokesperson said.
Home minister Rajnath Singh has already left for Mumbai. He said, "The BJP is ready to form the next government. The BJP legislature party will elect its leader this evening."
BJP senior leader Rajiv Pratap Rudy adds that the party is confident that the new Maharashtra CM will take oath by 31st October.
The BJP MLAs will gather at party's state headquarters at Nariman Point at 11 am and then proceed towards the Inox square near Vidhan Bhavan where they will pay tributes to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
The BJP legislature party meeting will begin in the Vidhan Bhavan at 4 pm in presence of party's central observers, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh and party's national general secretary J P Nadda, a party spokesperson said.
Home minister Rajnath Singh has already left for Mumbai. He said, "The BJP is ready to form the next government. The BJP legislature party will elect its leader this evening."
12:08 Encounter in Handwara
An encounter broke out today between security forces and militants in Handwara area of north Kashmir's Kupwara district.
12:05 Cong holds review meet
And while the BJP gets ready to form the government in Maharashtra, the Congress holds it's first post-poll review meeting headed by Rahul Gandhi. Congress general secretaries and state presidents' are at the meeting.
Read: Congress needs to sack Rahul for everyone's sake.
Read: Congress needs to sack Rahul for everyone's sake.
11:59
Home Minister Rajnath Singh leaves for Mumbai.
11:57 Tipu Sultan's jewels, turban ornaments, Jehangir's sword...
If you're in New York, this is a must-see. An exhibition presenting some 60 jewelled objects of India from a private collection is opening at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York today.
Take a look at the drool-worthy exhibits here.
Take a look at the drool-worthy exhibits here.
11:49
Maharashtra BJP MLAs arrive at the party office in Mumbai.
11:28 Meaningless, the BJP does not have majority: AAP
Prashant Bhushan on reports of the President's nod to invite the BJP to form govt in Delhi. "Such news is circulated before hearing, meaningless as BJP does not have majority. This game of, BJP is going to form govt, BJP will be invited, has been going on from past six months," says Bhushan, who is a senior AAP member.
11:24 SC to hear AAP's plea on Delhi govt formation
LG should have taken decision on government formation at the earliest and should not have taken five months time, the SC says. The Centre tells the Supreme Court that the President has allowed the LG's proposal to invite the BJP to form govt but SC says that it will hear AAP's plea on merit on the issue.
11:15 'People of Delhi have the right to a govt'
The Supreme Court pulls up the Centre and the Delhi Lt Governor for delay in taking decisions regarding government formation. The SC says, "In a democracy, President's Rule can't go on forever. Have given enough time, nothing has happened. People of Delhi have the right to a government."
The SC will hear the case on merit and decide to dissolve the assembly.
The SC will hear the case on merit and decide to dissolve the assembly.
11:06 Prez nod to BJP to form govt in Delhi
Meanwhile, Solicitor General Ranjit Kumar informs the Supreme Court that President Pranab Mukherjee has given his consent to invite the single largest party (BJP) to form govt in Delhi.
The Election Commission on Saturday had announced bypoll to three assembly constituencies on November 25 but if the Lt Governor dissolves the assembly then the bypolls will not take place.
Last week, Delhi BJP General Secretary Ramesh Bidhuri had said the party might turn down any offer by the Lt Governor to form government.
The Election Commission on Saturday had announced bypoll to three assembly constituencies on November 25 but if the Lt Governor dissolves the assembly then the bypolls will not take place.
Last week, Delhi BJP General Secretary Ramesh Bidhuri had said the party might turn down any offer by the Lt Governor to form government.
10:58 Complaint against Big B was made in 2011
10:55 1984 Sikh riots: Amitabh Bachchan summoned for human right violations
The ghosts of the 1984 Sikh riots have come to claim Amitabh Bachchan. According to reports, the actor has been summoned by the Los Angeles Federal court in relation to the 1984 riots in India on charges of human rights violations.
Bachchan has been given 21 days to respond to the charges.
He has been charged with instigating violence against Sikhs in the aftermath of then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, who was assassinated by her Sikh bodyguards.
Bachchan has been accused of raising slogans -- 'blood for blood' -- on October 31, 1984, when Mrs Gandhi died.
Bachchan has been given 21 days to respond to the charges.
He has been charged with instigating violence against Sikhs in the aftermath of then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, who was assassinated by her Sikh bodyguards.
Bachchan has been accused of raising slogans -- 'blood for blood' -- on October 31, 1984, when Mrs Gandhi died.
10:42 SC asks Centre: What are you doing about juvenile age?
Pointing out an alarming spurt in involvement of juveniles in heinous crimes, the Supreme Court on Monday sought a categorical response from the Centre on whether it was considering bringing down the juvenile age from 18 years, reports the Indian Express.
A bench led by Justice Dipak Misra also asked whether immunity from prosecution to juveniles should be subjected to the nature of the crime, and whether no absolute protection should be accorded to those involved in grave crimes.
The court's queries came as Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi submitted that the central government was mulling necessary amendments to the Juvenile Justice Act.
A bench led by Justice Dipak Misra also asked whether immunity from prosecution to juveniles should be subjected to the nature of the crime, and whether no absolute protection should be accorded to those involved in grave crimes.
The court's queries came as Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi submitted that the central government was mulling necessary amendments to the Juvenile Justice Act.
10:29 India ranks poorly in removing gender-based disparities
India has performed poorly in removing gender-based disparities, ranking 114 out of 142 countries in World Economic Forum's 2014 gender gap index, scoring below average on parameters like economic participation, educational attainment and health and survival.
India's slipped 13 spots from its last year's ranking of 101 on the Gender Gap Index by the World Economic Forum. India is part of the 20 worst-performing countries on the labour force participation, estimated earned income, literacy rate and sex ratio at birth indicators.
On the other hand, India is among the top 20 best-performing countries on the political empowerment subindex.
The index was first introduced by the World Economic Forum in 2006 as a framework for capturing the magnitude of gender-based disparities and tracking their progress. The index benchmarks national gender gaps on economic, political, education and health criteria.
On the criteria of economic participation and opportunity, India was ranked 134. Its female to male ratio in labour force participation was 0.36. The disparity in estimated earned income was high with females earning $1980 compared to $8087 earned by their male counterparts.
On educational attainment, India ranked 126 with female to male ratio in literacy rate at 0.68. India was the second-lowest performing country on health and survival, ranking 141 just ahead of Armenia.
10:17 To counter China, India to equip Vietnam with BrahMos, patrol boats?
NDTV reports: Will India sell military hardware, including BrahMos cruise missiles, to Vietnam? The move, which will definitely be viewed as hostile by China, will be the key point of discussion during Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung's two day visit to India, which starts today.
Equipping Vietnam -- which is at the forefront of the escalating confrontation in South China Sea -- with BrahMos may be interpreted by Beijing as a direct military intervention. BrahMos is primarily an anti-ship missile. Developed jointly with Russia, it is being manufactured by India.
The previous UPA government had refused to sell military hardware to Vietnam. The question that confronts the Narendra Modi-led NDA government now is whether it would bite the bullet.
Read more HERE
10:10 Now, BJP could form new government in Delhi
President Pranab Mukherjee is reported to have given his nod to Delhi Lieutenant Governor Najeeb Jung to explore options for government formation.
Jung had on September 5 sent a letter to the President seeking permission to explore all options in Delhi.
The President's nod came just days after the Election Commission announced that bypolls to three vacant assembly seats -- Mehrauli, Tughlakabad and Krishna Nagar -- will be held on November 25.
The bypolls present an opportunity for the BJP to increase its numbers in the hung Delhi House.
BJP candidates had originally won from all three constituencies going to bypolls but the seats fell vacant after the MLAs contested Lok Sabha polls and won.
The BJP, at present, has 28 MLAs and its ally, Shiromani Akali Dal, has one. The AAP is the second largest party with 27 MLAs, while the Congress is a distant third with 8 seats.
09:25 Maharashtra BJP MLAs to elect their CM today
Today, the Maharashtra BJP's 121 legislators will meet to elect the legislature party leader, who will also be the chief minister.
Save any last-minute hitch, that man will be Devendra Fadnavis, who has shot into national prominence as the party's young Maharashtra face in the last one month.
Home Minister and senior BJP leader Rajnath Singh will act as observer at the meeting in Mumbai, which will begin at 11 am.
The BJP is then expected to meet the governor to formally stake claim to form government. The party posted its most superior performance in elections held in Maharashtra two weeks ago.
It is 22 seats short of a clear majority in the 288-member assembly, but is not short of options to bridge that gap.
09:18 Nilofar turns into severe cyclone; Gujarat on alert
The cyclonic storm Nilofar, which originated in the Arabian Sea, has now intensified into a 'very severe cyclonic storm' and is likely to make landfall on October 31 near Naliya village in Kutch district.
Nilofar is expected to bring heavy rains in coastal areas of Saurashtra and Kutch accompanied by high speed wind.
Meteorological Department officials said Gujarat administration is bracing to meet any challenge arising out of the cyclone, the second one to hit India this month after 'Hudhud', which caused large-scale devastation in coastal Andhra Pradesh.
"The severe cyclonic storm Nilofar lying over west- central Arabian Sea has intensified into a very severe cyclonic storm.
Looking at the situation, the Met has told authorities to hoist distant warning signal No 2 on all ports.
"Due to the cyclone, we are expecting bad weather on 30th and 31st of October. There will be heavy rains in coastal region of Saurashtra and Kutch on these days. Sea will be rough to very rough. Thus, we have issued cyclone alert to the State Government," said Manorama Mohanty, Director, Ahmedabad Meteorological Centre.
08:26 Why Modi government sacked CMDs of 6 PSU banks
CNN-IBN reports: The Narendra Modi government has sacked the heads of six Public Sector Unit banks. The move comes after the Chairman of Syndicate Bank was arrested on bribery charges in August.
A high-level panel report submitted to the government stated that there were irregularities in the selection process of the Chairman and Managing Directors of these banks.
A panel headed by the RBI Governor during the UPA rule had shortlisted the names for Bank of Baroda, Canara Bank, Indian Overseas Bank, Oriental Bank of Commerce, United Bank and Vijaya Bank. The government has now scrapped the process and decided to fill vacancies of 8 posts of CMDs and 14 posts of Executive Directors through a fresh process involving RBI Governor or his nominee.
The probe into the selections to banks like Bank of Baroda and Canara Bank followed arrest and termination of Syndicate Bank CMD SK Jain for alleged graft.
A finance ministry statement said future vacancies of chairman and managing directors (CMDs) as well as executive directors of PSU banks will now be filled through a new selection process.
Read more HERE
Read more HERE
03:39
He is a self-trained sniper, survivalist, cop hater and, according to the police, a cold-blooded killer who watched his victim die with clinical interest.
For six weeks Eric Frein has dodged one of the largest manhunts in Pennsylvania history, hiding in a small section of the Pocono Mountains he knows intimately and eating ramen noodles and cans of tuna that police say he cached for the ultimate war game.
Read the full story here
For six weeks Eric Frein has dodged one of the largest manhunts in Pennsylvania history, hiding in a small section of the Pocono Mountains he knows intimately and eating ramen noodles and cans of tuna that police say he cached for the ultimate war game.
Read the full story here
02:43 Student shoots teacher in Estonian school
From Sydney Morning Herald: A pupil shot and killed a teacher at an elementary school in the southern Estonian town of Viljandi before being detained, the police said.
The shooting in the Paalalinna school happened during class, police said in an emailed statement. No one else was injured in the incident, with students and teachers evacuated into the school hall, it said.
Read the full story here
The shooting in the Paalalinna school happened during class, police said in an emailed statement. No one else was injured in the incident, with students and teachers evacuated into the school hall, it said.
Read the full story here
02:22
A couple from Nagaland and their friend were allegedly assaulted by four men near Hesaraghatta on the outskirts of the city, according to a senior police officer.
All four men who attacked the couple and their friend on October 25 have been arrested, Deputy Superintendent of Police Konappa Reddy told PTI. He said the three had left for Nrityagram as the man wanted to teach his wife driving.
They spent about 45 minutes there and were about to leave the place that evening when they noticed a puncture. As they were fixing it in the rain, a car drew up and the four occupants asked them in Kannada what they were doing there.
They could not reply as they did not know the language. The four suddenly pushed the man about, punched him in the chest, snatched the umbrella from his wife and assaulted her when she tried to intervene. The friend tried to help but to no avail.
All four men who attacked the couple and their friend on October 25 have been arrested, Deputy Superintendent of Police Konappa Reddy told PTI. He said the three had left for Nrityagram as the man wanted to teach his wife driving.
They spent about 45 minutes there and were about to leave the place that evening when they noticed a puncture. As they were fixing it in the rain, a car drew up and the four occupants asked them in Kannada what they were doing there.
They could not reply as they did not know the language. The four suddenly pushed the man about, punched him in the chest, snatched the umbrella from his wife and assaulted her when she tried to intervene. The friend tried to help but to no avail.
01:45 Clown terror no laughing matter for France
BBC: The French police have arrested several young people behaving violently dressed as clowns, amid concerns that a disturbing subculture of "scary clowns" is spreading on social media.
Read the full story here
Read the full story here
01:34 Jogger in PM security alert had 'no idea' what happened
BBC reports: A member of the public who caused a security alert when he bumped into David Cameron in Leeds has said he had "no idea" it was the prime minister
Read the full story here
Read the full story here
00:59
BBC reports: A nurse who was quarantined in New Jersey after treating Ebola patients in Sierra Leone will be discharged after showing no symptoms for 24 hours.
Read the full story here
Read the full story here
00:34 Car bombings in Iraq kill at least 34
Foxnews reports: Two car bombings in Iraq, including one where a suicide attacker drove a Humvee into a checkpoint manned by Iraqi troops and pro-government Shiite militiamen, killed at least 34 people Monday, authorities said.
Read the full story here
Read the full story here
00:19 1st phase poll notification in Jharkhand tomorrow
The Election Commission has effected a minor reschedule by notifying the November 25 first phase Assembly polls tomorrow instead of October 29, as was decided earlier, election office said today.
The change was made because of a holiday to mark the Chhath festival. There will not be any change in the rest of the schedule for the five-phase elections for 81 seats, it said.
November 5 will be the last date for filing nominations for the first phase while November 7 is date for scrutiny and November 10 the last date for withdrawal. The rest four phases will be held on December 2, 9, 14 and 20. Counting is scheduled on December 23.
This is the third assembly elections since Jharkhand was created on November 15, 2000.
The change was made because of a holiday to mark the Chhath festival. There will not be any change in the rest of the schedule for the five-phase elections for 81 seats, it said.
November 5 will be the last date for filing nominations for the first phase while November 7 is date for scrutiny and November 10 the last date for withdrawal. The rest four phases will be held on December 2, 9, 14 and 20. Counting is scheduled on December 23.
This is the third assembly elections since Jharkhand was created on November 15, 2000.
00:11
UN chief Ban Ki-moon today expressed concern over restrictions imposed on travellers returning from Ebola-affected countries, saying people who develop infections should be "supported, not stigmatised".
The UN Secretary General said that the restrictions put particular pressure on health care workers and those who have been on the frontline of the Ebola response.
"The Secretary-General is concerned by the recent restrictions put in place in several countries and localities applying to people who have travelled to the main Ebola-affected countries," a statement issued by Ban's spokesman said.
"Returning health workers are exceptional people who are giving of themselves for humanity. They should not be subjected to restrictions that are not based on science," he said in the statement.
"Those who develop infections should be supported, not stigmatised," he added. Ban reiterated that the best way for any country to protect itself from Ebola is to stop the outbreak at its source in West Africa.
The UN Secretary General said that the restrictions put particular pressure on health care workers and those who have been on the frontline of the Ebola response.
"The Secretary-General is concerned by the recent restrictions put in place in several countries and localities applying to people who have travelled to the main Ebola-affected countries," a statement issued by Ban's spokesman said.
"Returning health workers are exceptional people who are giving of themselves for humanity. They should not be subjected to restrictions that are not based on science," he said in the statement.
"Those who develop infections should be supported, not stigmatised," he added. Ban reiterated that the best way for any country to protect itself from Ebola is to stop the outbreak at its source in West Africa.
00:08 Top headlines of the last 24 hours
Bangalore school where nursery student was abused re-opens
Govt moves to clean Ganges; no remains to be immersed in holy river
Curfew-like situation prevails in violence-hit Trilokpuri
Nation salutes its fallen heroes on Infantry Day
Graphic: Tracking Cyclone Nilofar
Three killed as TMC, BJP partymen clash
Govt moves to clean Ganges; no remains to be immersed in holy river
Curfew-like situation prevails in violence-hit Trilokpuri
Nation salutes its fallen heroes on Infantry Day
Graphic: Tracking Cyclone Nilofar
Three killed as TMC, BJP partymen clash
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