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Wed, 12 August 2015
Massive explosion in China's Tianjin
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23:35 Massive explosion in China's Tianjin
Footage circulating online appears to show a massive explosion in China's northern Tianjin, the cause of which is not yet known.
Video of the blast shows people many kilometres away hit by a huge shockwave moments after the explosion.
Several nearby tower blocks are without power, according to the Chinese state broadcaster CCTV.
Tianjin is a major port and industrial area to the south-east of the Chinese capital, Beijing
22:51 Africa celebrates one year without Polio: United Nations
Africa has marked one year since the last case of recorded polio, with the United Nations celebrating today a key step towards eradicating the disease.
The last recorded case on the continent was in Somalia on August 11, 2014, although health officials must wait two more years before declaring the continent free from the highly infectious, crippling virus.
22:04 Munde in spot after man seen carrying her slippers
Maharashtra rural development minister Pankaja Munde has got embroiled in a controversy after a member of her staff was seen carrying her slippers
during her recent tour of drought-affected regions in the
state.
Opposition Congress took the opportunity to take a swipe at Munde, saying it showed her "high-handed attitude".
Munde, however, defended herself saying that the man was in her personal employment and not a government servant.
During her visit to Sonpeth in Parbhani district, Munde took her chappals (slippers) off seeing a muddy road ahead.
While she walked bare-feet, a man picked up her chappals which the newschannels showed.
"The media sees that I removed my chappals and somebody carried them. But did the media see the problems I had to endure while walking bare-feet? On seeing a muddy road I simply removed my chappals and continued walking. I wasn't even aware that somebody has picked up my chappals. I learnt that later," Munde told PTI this evening.
22:02 Croatian ISIS captive reportedly beheaded
An image posted online appears to show that ISIS captive Tomislav Salopek of Croatia has been beheaded, the SITE Intelligence Group said Wednesday.
Salopek was kidnapped July 22 in the area of Cairo, according to his employer and the Croatian government.
CNN could not independently confirm the authenticity of the image, and Croatian and Egyptian officials have not confirmed Salopek's death.
In a video distributed online August 5, a group claiming to be ISIS' branch in the Sinai Peninsula threatened to kill Salopek if Egypt didn't release female Muslim prisoners in 48 hours.
Read more HERE.
Read more HERE.
21:44 Obama to host anti-IS coalition summit
US President Barack Obama will host a summit in New York next month of leaders of the international coalition fighting Islamic State jihadists in
Syria and Iraq, diplomats said.
The summit on countering violent extremism on September 29 comes one year after Obama vowed to crush IS during his United Nations speech.
Since then, the jihadists have captured territory in Syria and Iraq and gained a foothold in Libya, Yemen and elsewhere in the Middle East, with alliances as far afield as Nigeria's Boko Haram.
On Wednesday, IS released a picture on Twitter of a Croatian hostage abducted in Egypt, who apparently was the latest victim of the group's horrific beheadings.
The United States last year assembled a coalition of 50-plus countries to beat back Islamic State, which declared a caliphate in June 2014 after seizing the Iraqi city of Mosul.
21:43 3 cops, 1 civilian injured after grenade attack by militants in Srinagar
Three cops including an officer and a civilian were wounded in a powerful hand grenade blast in downtown Khanyar locality of the summer capital Srinagar this evening.
A senior police officer said militants lobbed a hand grenade at a naka party of the security forces near police station Khanyar this evening which exploded injuring three cops and a civilian.
"The injured who included a police ASI, two paramilitary central reserve police force (CRPF) troopers and a civilian were evacuated to hospital for treatment,' the officer said.
The area was immediately surrounded and searches were mounted as reinforcements were rushed to the area.
Picture for representation only.
21:30 Bengal flood situation improves, toll climbs to 132
The flood situation in West Bengal is gradually improving, even as the death toll climbed to 132. Seven more deaths were reported today taking the toll to 132, Disaster Management Department officials said.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee today met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and sought Rs 21,000 crore flood relief package for undertaking rehabilitation and reconstruction work in the state's flood-devastated areas. Task Forces have already been set up in all the 12 flood-hit districts for relief and restoration work with constant monitoring by the district magistrates.
"Altogether, 1,704 relief camps have been set up to shelter nearly 3.15 lakh marooned people and 749 medical camps opened," DMD officials said, adding, the total number of affected people was over 1.06 crore.
As many as 7.68 lakh houses were damaged and crops over an area of 12,92,372 hectares has been badly hit.
The affected areas included 236 blocks, 55 municipal bodies, four municipal corporations and 814 gram panchayats covering 21,896 villages. So far 22,761 cattle heads were also lost, they said.
Steps have been taken to protect the affected people from health hazards, while medicines and drinking water pouches were being distributed, the officials added.
21:24 Maharashtra Transport Minister's son argues with traffic cops
Maharashtra Transport Minister Diwakar Raote's son reportedly got into an argument with police officials, who suspected he was driving his car under influence of alcohol, a charge denied by his father.
The incident took place near Mahim last night and today Raote defended his 38-year-old son, claiming he has not broken any law. The Shiv Sena leader, however, added, he scolded his son for arguing with police officials.
The minister maintained his name should not be dragged into any controversy surrounding his family members and asserted he should be held accountable only if there are lapses on part of his department.
"While my younger son was returning from office yesterday from Andheri, there was a 'naka bandi' (vehicle checking) on the way.
"Just before my son passed by from there, there were four people who were caught for drunken driving. So the police first suspected that my son was part in that group as well,"
Raote told reporters in Mumbai.
The Sena leader claimed he has never seen his son consume liquor or beverages with alcohol content.
21:03 200 Indian workers without salary for 5 months in Oman
At least 200 Indian workers at an Oman-based construction company have been left stranded as they have not received their salaries for past five months, a media report said today.
"Our salaries are pending for the past five months. It has become quite difficult to push for the days ahead. Even money for food has become a problem," the workers said.
"We were waiting for the company to pay us, but they have failed to keep their promise. Five months have passed and it has become quite difficult to survive," workers were quoted as saying by the Times of Oman.
The workers have lodged a complaint with the Indian embassy to get their dues.
"We have lodged a complaint with the Indian embassy on August 10. We are ready to leave but we need to be paid for our work. We cannot leave empty-handed," said the workers.
They said the company, which has project sites in Ibri, Mabelah, Nakhal and Bausher, was asking them to leave without clearing their dues..
21:03 200 Indian workers without salary for 5 months in Oman
At least 200 Indian workers at an Oman-based construction company have been left stranded as they have not received their salaries for past five months, a media report said today.
"Our salaries are pending for the past five months. It has become quite difficult to push for the days ahead. Even money for food has become a problem," the workers said.
"We were waiting for the company to pay us, but they have failed to keep their promise. Five months have passed and it has become quite difficult to survive," workers were quoted as saying by the Times of Oman.
The workers have lodged a complaint with the Indian embassy to get their dues.
"We have lodged a complaint with the Indian embassy on August 10. We are ready to leave but we need to be paid for our work. We cannot leave empty-handed," said the workers.
They said the company, which has project sites in Ibri, Mabelah, Nakhal and Bausher, was asking them to leave without clearing their dues..
20:40 New complaint lodged against 'godwoman' Radhe Maa
A new complaint was today filed at the suburban Borivali police station here against 'godwoman' Radhe Maa alleging her involvement in promoting superstition.
Advocate Ashok Rajput who filed the complaint has demanded that Radhe Maa should be booked under the stringent Anti-Superstition Law not only for spreading superstition but also for practising "indecent behaviour".
Mumbai Police spokesperson Dhananjay Kulkarni said that the police had received the complaint against Radhe Maa and is looking into it.
"We are going into the merits of the complaint. Any further action would be taken only after enquiry and legal considerations," Kulkarni said, adding that sections of the Anti-Superstition Act would be invoked only after proper circumstantial evidence is found.
The Maharashtra Prevention and Eradication of Human Sacrifice and Other Inhuman, Evil and Aghori Practices and Black Magic Act, 2013 was promulgated by the Maharashtra government to curb superstitious practices, claiming magical or miraculous remedies or powers.
"It is merely a complaint. An FIR would be registered only after we get substantiated and circumstantial evidences," Kulkarni clarified, adding that the Act encompasses 12 clauses which criminalise acts involving superstitious activities.
Kulkarni also informed that the Mumbai police has been cracking down on such practises under the stringent and non-bailable act.
In 2013, the Mumbai police registered four cases under this act, but in 2014, the number of such cases registered jumped to 14, the police officer said.
Last week, a 32-year-old woman had filed a complaint of domestic violence and dowry harassment against her in-laws and Radhe Maa. She alleged that the 'godwoman' instigated her in-laws, who have been her followers for last several years.
20:38 Guj recalls book on Ambedkar referring to mass conversion of Hindus
The Gujarat government has withdrawn a school book on Dalit icon B R Ambedkar that contains vows he prescribed during the mass conversion
programme of 1956 for not conforming to the prescribed format.
The book was introduced as reference reading material to students of class VI-VIII in government primary schools across the state.
It mentions 22 'vows' Ambedkar prescribed during the mass conversion programme held at Nagpur in 1956, wherein his followers shed Hinduism to embrace Buddhism, said P A Parmar, the writer of the book.
19:59 Pak troops shell Indian posts for 4th day in row
Pakistani troops opened fire at Army posts and civilian areas in Poonch district on the Line of Control with automatic weapons and rockets for the fourth day in row today prompting the army to return fire.
The troops of the neighbouring country continued to violate the 2003 ceasefire agreement as they targetted the Indian side for the 22nd time in August.
"The Pakistan army at 10:15 pm today resorted to firing from across the Line of Control in the Sabzia-Mandi sector of Poonch sector," a defence spokesman said.
"Firing is on intermittently. Troops of our side of LoC are retaliating appropriately. No casualty and damage reported till last reports came in," the spokesman said.
Pakistani troops targeted posts and civilian area with mortar shells, Rocket Projectile Grenades and Pika rounds triggering panic among the people living along LOC in Poonch.
19:39 IAF rescues 2 women caught in flash-floods in Jammu
Two women, caught in flash floods in Kathua district of Jammu and Kashmir, were today rescued by Indian Air Force personnel. Due to heavy rains in hills of Kathua district since this morning, a tributary in Billawar area swelled up with and two women were caught in the flash-floods, Defence Spokesman Col S D Goswami said.
After receiving an SOS call from Bilawar village, IAF pressed its Chetak helicopter into service, he said. The rescue operation was launched under the command of Wing Commander V Takawale and Flight Lieutenant Pravinhad, Col Goswami said adding the chopper reached the spot braving inclement weather.
Two ladies were rescued from a small island in between the swelled up river, he said adding that the pilots manoeuvred the helicopter in the restricted airspace due to narrow valley and low clouds and landed on the island.
19:30 Me and Nitish exchanged barbs during 'baal kaal' : Lalu
With BJP highlighting the barbs exchanged between Nitish Kumar and Lalu Prasad against each other when they were rivals to dub their alliance as "unethical and opportunistic", the RJD president today claimed that we said happened unintentionally in "baal kaal" (childhood phase).
"We talked against each other in Baal Kaal (childhood phase) and have forgotten all those things now," Prasad said in reply to a question triggering a peal of laughter even from Chief Minister Nitish Kumar sitting by his side at the joint press conference.
"Many things come and pass away during Baal Kaal," he said. "What we said or did not say about each others all these are matter of past and happened in baal kaal. Now we have come together to protect the country from being divided by communal BJP and RSS," the RJD chief said justifying his bonding with Kumar to take on a surging BJP in coming state poll.
19:27 3-year-old becomes mayor of US town!
A 3-year-old boy in the US has become the youngest mayor of a small US town and has been advised by his elder brother who has held the post previously to be nice and "no poopy talk".
James Tufts, 3, was elected as the new mayor of Dorset -- the youngest mayor to lead the small tourist town in northern Minnesota. The spunky redhead was sworn into the ceremonial role on August 2 during the town's local food festival.
His brother Robert Tufts served two terms when he was 3 and 4, his proud family said.
"He (James) kind of fell into it. He went with his brother to shake hands with him and talk to people. He would introduce himself as the mayor when he wasn't. He would tell people he was the vice mayor depending on how he was feeling. That's just what he wanted to do," his mother Emma Tufts told the New York Daily News.
19:06 Has North Korea's vice-premier Choe Yong-gon been 'executed'?
South Korea's government says it is monitoring reports that North Korea's vice-premier Choe Yong-gon was killed in May on the orders of Kim Jong-un.Mr Choe was executed after he "expressed discomfort against the young leader's forestation policy", South Korea's Yonhap news agency reports.
Read this story HERE
18:30 Problem with Rahul is he is an expert without knowledge: Jaitley
Rahul asks, "Why was Sushma Swaraj hiding her humanitarian act".
Jaitley: The problem with Rahul Gandhi is that he is an expert without knowing anything. You are so fond of saying there are three monkeys. But don't make a monkey out of the country. The real is issue is that you ran a failed govt. My entire sympathies are with Sushma-ji because she is a pretext, a scapegoat - the reason was they wanted to prevent the GST.
Jaitley: The problem with Rahul Gandhi is that he is an expert without knowing anything. You are so fond of saying there are three monkeys. But don't make a monkey out of the country. The real is issue is that you ran a failed govt. My entire sympathies are with Sushma-ji because she is a pretext, a scapegoat - the reason was they wanted to prevent the GST.
18:22
Arun Jaitley: For generations the Gandhi family has lived comfortably without having to work for a living. Some of our children have to work.
18:12
Aapki beti Lalit Modi ki legal counsel, unki wahan par madad kar rahe hain. Is taraf maataji, uss taraf parivaar: Rahul Gandhi
18:04 Cong, AAP walkout as Jaitley begins speaking
Congress, Aam Aadmi Party walk out of Lok Sabha as Arun Jaitley starts replying to the debate on Lalit Modi controversy.
18:03 Govt rejects allegations by Kharge, Rahul: Jaitley
Arun Jaitley: I want to make it clear that the government completely rejects the allegations that have been imposed by Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi. There are no facts, only empty slogans by the Congress.
18:01 Rahul talks monkeys in Parliament
Rahul Gandhi in LS: Gandhi-ji ke teen bandar kehte hain - Bura mat dekho, bura mat suno, bura mat bolo. Gandhiji's three monkeys say hear no evil, see no evil, speak no evil. Modi-ji ke teen naye bandar hai, unka kehna hai -- Sach mat dekho, sach mat suno, sach mat bolo. Modi-ji has three new monkeys: don't see the truth, hear the truth or speak the truth.
18:01 Rahul's turn in LS: PM has no guts to face the House
After External Affairs minister Sushma Swaraj's statement on the Lalit Modi issue, where she hit out at Rahul and Sonia Gandhi saying the Gandhi family was involved in black money transactions with Quattrochhi, it's time for Rahul to respond.
Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi begins by slamming the PM for his absence in Parliament, "The PM has no guts to face the House," he said.
"Our PM had said 'na khaunga na khaane dunga,' but today he does not have the guts to sit in this chair. Sushma-ji held my hand in Parliament yesterday and asked me, "Beta Maine galat kya kiya? Kya tum mujhse naraz ho?"
When you (Sushma) asked me am I disappointed with you? I said NO, I speak the truth and you shifted your glance and didn't look into my eye."
"Lalit Modi is a symbol of black money in India. The country wants to hear the PM speak, why is he silent? Lalit Modi pays Sushma Swaraj's family.
Now, leader of the house, Arun Jaitley is talking on the issue.
Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi begins by slamming the PM for his absence in Parliament, "The PM has no guts to face the House," he said.
"Our PM had said 'na khaunga na khaane dunga,' but today he does not have the guts to sit in this chair. Sushma-ji held my hand in Parliament yesterday and asked me, "Beta Maine galat kya kiya? Kya tum mujhse naraz ho?"
When you (Sushma) asked me am I disappointed with you? I said NO, I speak the truth and you shifted your glance and didn't look into my eye."
"Lalit Modi is a symbol of black money in India. The country wants to hear the PM speak, why is he silent? Lalit Modi pays Sushma Swaraj's family.
Now, leader of the house, Arun Jaitley is talking on the issue.
17:18 100-100-40: RJD-JDU-Cong seat share
Displaying a picture of unity, JD(U), RJD and Congress today announced formation of a grand secular alliance and seat sharing among the three parties for the coming Bihar elections.
Chief Minister Nitish Kumar announced coming into being of the grand secular alliance and seat sharing among the three parties in presence of RJD President Lalu Prasad and Congress General Secretary and in-charge of Bihar affairs C P Joshi at a joint press conference.
As part of the tie-up, JD(U) and RJD would contest 100 seats each while Congress would fight in 40 seats.
In the 243-member Bihar Assembly, the alliance was yet to announce who would contest in the rest three seats. Nitish Kumar told reporters that the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) has been with them in the recent election for Legislative Council 24 seats and they would like it to be with them in the Bihar poll.
Kumar indicated the three seats would be given to Sharad Pawar's NCP if they join the combine. In reply to a question that Samajwadi Party whose leader Mulayam Singh Yadav is heading Janata Parivar, had not got any seat, Prasad answered "he is my Samdhi (relative) and if need be I will accommodate him."
Kumar said the grand secular alliance would have a Common Minimum Programme and all constituents would hold joint campaign for the crucial state election in September-October.
"The first rally of the grand secular alliance would be held in Patna on August 30," Kumar and Lalu Prasad said. The RJD President indicated that the decision to fight on 100 seats only was a compromise for a cause. "Inspite of all difference his party has come to the conclusion that to keep the communal and fascist forces away, it has to move ahead by accommodating others," Prasad told reporters.
Chief Minister Nitish Kumar announced coming into being of the grand secular alliance and seat sharing among the three parties in presence of RJD President Lalu Prasad and Congress General Secretary and in-charge of Bihar affairs C P Joshi at a joint press conference.
As part of the tie-up, JD(U) and RJD would contest 100 seats each while Congress would fight in 40 seats.
In the 243-member Bihar Assembly, the alliance was yet to announce who would contest in the rest three seats. Nitish Kumar told reporters that the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) has been with them in the recent election for Legislative Council 24 seats and they would like it to be with them in the Bihar poll.
Kumar indicated the three seats would be given to Sharad Pawar's NCP if they join the combine. In reply to a question that Samajwadi Party whose leader Mulayam Singh Yadav is heading Janata Parivar, had not got any seat, Prasad answered "he is my Samdhi (relative) and if need be I will accommodate him."
Kumar said the grand secular alliance would have a Common Minimum Programme and all constituents would hold joint campaign for the crucial state election in September-October.
"The first rally of the grand secular alliance would be held in Patna on August 30," Kumar and Lalu Prasad said. The RJD President indicated that the decision to fight on 100 seats only was a compromise for a cause. "Inspite of all difference his party has come to the conclusion that to keep the communal and fascist forces away, it has to move ahead by accommodating others," Prasad told reporters.
17:09 ISIS executes Croatian hostage after deadline expires
The Isis militant group has released a photo purporting to show the execution of the Croatian hostage Tomislav Salopek, the Independent reports.
The group previously published a video identifying the man as a 30-year-old who was captured outside Cairo on the 22 July.
Last month, Croatia's Foreign Ministry had said that one of its nationals, with the same initials as as Salopek, had been kidnapped in Cairo on their way to work.
An image, circulated by Isis-affiliated social media accounts, appeared to show Salopek's decapitated body.
Salopek said he worked for CGG Ardiseis, a French oil and gas company, that has an office in a Cairo suburb that is home to many expats.
The group previously published a video identifying the man as a 30-year-old who was captured outside Cairo on the 22 July.
Last month, Croatia's Foreign Ministry had said that one of its nationals, with the same initials as as Salopek, had been kidnapped in Cairo on their way to work.
An image, circulated by Isis-affiliated social media accounts, appeared to show Salopek's decapitated body.
Salopek said he worked for CGG Ardiseis, a French oil and gas company, that has an office in a Cairo suburb that is home to many expats.
17:01 Jaya hands over cheque to families of Coast Guard officers killed in chopper crash
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa today gave away ex-gratia of Rs 10 lakh to the kin of each of the three officers of the Coast Guard who were killed when a Dornier plane crashed on June 8.
Jayalalithaa handed over the cheques to Amrutha Soni, widow of Deputy Commandant M K Soni and Deepalakshmi Ravichandran, widow of Deputy Commandant Subash Suresh at the Secretariat in Chennai.
The Coast Guard's Dornier aircraft CG 791 went missing on June 8 while on a surveillance mission with three officers MK Soni, Subash Suresh and Vidyasagar on board.
After extensive and prolonged search operations by multiple agencies, the plane's wreckage and human remains were recovered from the sea off Chidambaram coast in Cuddalore district on July 10.
DNA tests confirmed last week that the human remains were that of three crew members. A ceremony was held by Coast Guard here yesterday to pay homage to the three victims.
Later, the mortal remains of the three victims were handed over to their family members. On August 10, Jayalalithaa had announced the ex-gratia to the kin of Coast Guard crash victims.
Jayalalithaa handed over the cheques to Amrutha Soni, widow of Deputy Commandant M K Soni and Deepalakshmi Ravichandran, widow of Deputy Commandant Subash Suresh at the Secretariat in Chennai.
The Coast Guard's Dornier aircraft CG 791 went missing on June 8 while on a surveillance mission with three officers MK Soni, Subash Suresh and Vidyasagar on board.
After extensive and prolonged search operations by multiple agencies, the plane's wreckage and human remains were recovered from the sea off Chidambaram coast in Cuddalore district on July 10.
DNA tests confirmed last week that the human remains were that of three crew members. A ceremony was held by Coast Guard here yesterday to pay homage to the three victims.
Later, the mortal remains of the three victims were handed over to their family members. On August 10, Jayalalithaa had announced the ex-gratia to the kin of Coast Guard crash victims.
16:34 Mamata arrives at 7RCR to meet PM Modi
Just in: West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee arrives at 7RCR to meet PM Modi. Banerjee has brusquely brushed off any suggestions that the meeting was important ahead of the 2016 state polls saying, it was her "constitutional obligation" to meet the PM.
After meeting the PM, Mamata will drive down to NCP chief Sharad Pawar's residence for a meeting, where Samajwadi Party chief Mulayam Singh Yadav and JD(U) chief Sharad Yadav are also expected to attend. residence.
Last night, the WB CM met Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal over dinner.
File pic of Mamata Banerjee meeting PM Modi
After meeting the PM, Mamata will drive down to NCP chief Sharad Pawar's residence for a meeting, where Samajwadi Party chief Mulayam Singh Yadav and JD(U) chief Sharad Yadav are also expected to attend. residence.
Last night, the WB CM met Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal over dinner.
File pic of Mamata Banerjee meeting PM Modi
16:13
Krishan Partap Singh @RaisinaSeries Gravest charge against @SushmaSwaraj isn't conflict of interest but abuse of office -- colluded with Lalit Modi and Keith Vaz to keep MEA in the dark.
16:11 No mooh-mitha on Indo-Pak border for Independence day
No exchange of sweets to take place between troops of India and Pakistan on 14th-15th August at the Wagah border. Pakistan celebrates it's Independence Day a day ahead of India.
With ceasefire violations increasing tensions between India and Pakistan along the Line of Control and International Border, and the capture of a Pakistani terrorist, Indo-Pak relations are at an all-time low.
In fact, Pakistani Rangers refused to accept sweets from Border Security Force officials on the occasion of Eid at the border checkpost at Wagah in Punjab last month.
Border guarding forces of the two countries have been following a tradition of exchanging sweets on festivals at the International Border in Jammu and along the Attari-Wagah border in Amritsar in Punjab.
With ceasefire violations increasing tensions between India and Pakistan along the Line of Control and International Border, and the capture of a Pakistani terrorist, Indo-Pak relations are at an all-time low.
In fact, Pakistani Rangers refused to accept sweets from Border Security Force officials on the occasion of Eid at the border checkpost at Wagah in Punjab last month.
Border guarding forces of the two countries have been following a tradition of exchanging sweets on festivals at the International Border in Jammu and along the Attari-Wagah border in Amritsar in Punjab.
16:08
The memorandum sent by John Roberts against Charlton Heston's letter on the conviction of Adil Shahryar in 1982. Roberts is now the Chief Justice of the US Supreme Court. Read
Hollywood actor Charlton Heston wrote to Attorney General William French Smith in 1982 asking him to intervene in the case of a friend's son (Adil Shahryar) who was sentenced to 35 years in prison for trying to blow up a ship, the assignment was given to Mr. Smith's special assistant, John G. Roberts Jr.
According to recently released government documents, Roberts reviewed the case and prepared a memorandum explaining that Heston's version of it was incomplete if not incorrect. He drafted the ''Dear Chuck'' letter from Smith that constituted a polite but firm brushoff to Heston.
Roberts is now the Chief Justice of the US Supreme Court.
Hollywood actor Charlton Heston wrote to Attorney General William French Smith in 1982 asking him to intervene in the case of a friend's son (Adil Shahryar) who was sentenced to 35 years in prison for trying to blow up a ship, the assignment was given to Mr. Smith's special assistant, John G. Roberts Jr.
According to recently released government documents, Roberts reviewed the case and prepared a memorandum explaining that Heston's version of it was incomplete if not incorrect. He drafted the ''Dear Chuck'' letter from Smith that constituted a polite but firm brushoff to Heston.
Roberts is now the Chief Justice of the US Supreme Court.
15:57 Sushma gets a pat on the back from Advani after fiery speech
In Sushma vs Kharge, we have a clear winner. The leader of the opposition in the Lok Sabha, when the UPA was in power, Sushma Swaraj has always been extremely strident parliamentarian. She ended her speech saying: "I have been in politics for 38 years now... my reputation is spotless... the Congress is guilty, not me," and earned a pat on the back from her mentor LK Advani, who was seated next to her.
Pic: Sushma Swaraj as a NCC cadet in 1968.
Pic: Sushma Swaraj as a NCC cadet in 1968.
15:51
On Twitter: Sushma Swaraj says her daughter didn't take a penny to work for Lalit Modi. That is strange. Why does she work pro bono for Lalit Modi?!
15:44 The Rajiv-Quattrochi-Shahryar triangle
The background of what Sushma Swaraj said on the Rajiv Gandhi-Quattrochi-Adil Shahryar triangle
She has alleged as does numerous news reports that the then Congress government headed by Rajiv Gandhi had allowed Union Carbide chief Warren Anderson to flee as a quid pro quo arrangement with the US on giving a presidential pardon to Adil Shahryar.
Adil's father Muhammad Yunus, former Indian Ambassador to Spain and long time Chairman of the Trade Fair Authority of India was close to the Gandhi family. Adil, who was given a federal sentence of 35 years in prison for various crimes, was given a presidential pardon by US president Ronald Reagan on June 11, 1985.
She has alleged as does numerous news reports that the then Congress government headed by Rajiv Gandhi had allowed Union Carbide chief Warren Anderson to flee as a quid pro quo arrangement with the US on giving a presidential pardon to Adil Shahryar.
Adil's father Muhammad Yunus, former Indian Ambassador to Spain and long time Chairman of the Trade Fair Authority of India was close to the Gandhi family. Adil, who was given a federal sentence of 35 years in prison for various crimes, was given a presidential pardon by US president Ronald Reagan on June 11, 1985.
15:40
Hollywood legend Charlton Heston's letter interceding on Adil
Shahryar's behalf. Read
Shahryar's behalf. Read
15:34 Rahul read about how your dad helped Anderson: Sushma
"Why don't you go on holiday and read how your dad helped Anderson, Shahryar, Quattrocchi?" Sushma Swaraj to Rahul Gandhi.
The BJP's counter-attack includes the names Ottavio Quattrocchi, Adil Shahryar (the son of Indira Gandhi's family friend, Mohammad Yunus) and Warren Anderson.
LK Advani who is sitting beside Sushma Swaraj gives her a pat on the back.
The BJP's counter-attack includes the names Ottavio Quattrocchi, Adil Shahryar (the son of Indira Gandhi's family friend, Mohammad Yunus) and Warren Anderson.
LK Advani who is sitting beside Sushma Swaraj gives her a pat on the back.
15:28 Rahul should ask, 'Mamma, how much did we make from Quattrocchi': Sushma
Sushma Swaraj: Main Rahul-ji ko kehna chaahti hoon aapko bahut shauk hai chhuttiyan manaane ka.. Is baar ki chhutti me apne pariwar ka itihaas padhiye. Aur wapas aakar puchhein ki, 'mamma Quattrocchi maamle mein humne kitna paisa khaaya tha, daddy aapne Anderson ko kyun chhudwaaya."
I want to ask Rahul Gandhi, you are very fond of going on holidays. This time on a holiday read about the history of your family then come back and ask your mother, "Mamma, how much money did we make from the Quattrocchi issue; daddy, why did you let Anderson go?"
I want to ask Rahul Gandhi, you are very fond of going on holidays. This time on a holiday read about the history of your family then come back and ask your mother, "Mamma, how much money did we make from the Quattrocchi issue; daddy, why did you let Anderson go?"
15:23
Sushma Swaraj in Lok Sabha:
"It was conflict of interest was when P Chidambaram was finance minister and his wife was appointed as counsel by income tax department.
"Rajiv Gandhi was responsible for the escape of Warren Anderson:Aur ye main nahi kehti, ye Arjun Singh jo Congress ke Vice President the unhone apni kitaab me kaha ha. I'm not saying this, Arjun Singh who was Congress VP said this in his book.
"Rahul Gandhi kehte hain ki chor aate hain to chhup kar aate hain, Sushma ne ye kaam chhup chhup kar kia... Maine koi kaam chhup chhup kar nahi kia; agar chhup kar kia toh in logon ne Quattrocchi ko bhagaane ko kia. Agar chhup chhup kar kia to Rajiv-ji ke time mein Anderson ko bhagaane ka kaam kia. We never did anything secretively, the Congress secretively facilitated Quattrocchi's exit.
"It was conflict of interest was when P Chidambaram was finance minister and his wife was appointed as counsel by income tax department.
"Rajiv Gandhi was responsible for the escape of Warren Anderson:Aur ye main nahi kehti, ye Arjun Singh jo Congress ke Vice President the unhone apni kitaab me kaha ha. I'm not saying this, Arjun Singh who was Congress VP said this in his book.
"Rahul Gandhi kehte hain ki chor aate hain to chhup kar aate hain, Sushma ne ye kaam chhup chhup kar kia... Maine koi kaam chhup chhup kar nahi kia; agar chhup kar kia toh in logon ne Quattrocchi ko bhagaane ko kia. Agar chhup chhup kar kia to Rajiv-ji ke time mein Anderson ko bhagaane ka kaam kia. We never did anything secretively, the Congress secretively facilitated Quattrocchi's exit.
15:16 My husband was not Lalit Modi's lawyer in passport case, no conflict of interest: Sushma
External Affairs Minister, begins her defence, in a manner of speaking, in the Lok Sabha.
"Mallikarjun Kharge said I admitted my fault. Honorable speaker what I said was if helping a woman suffering from cancer who's an Indian citizen. is a fault, then I accept my fault; Does Mallikarjun Kharge-ji consider it as an admission of guilt?
"Aapne jo aarop lagaaya uske baare mein aap mera uttar hi nahi sunenge to mujhe nyay kaise milega? If you don't listen to my answers on the allegations you have made, how will I get justice?
Mere husband Lalit Modi ke passport ke vakeel nahi the. Meri beti 9th number ki junior thi, 9th number waqeel ko koi ek paisa bhi deta hai, meri beti ne Lalit Modi se iss case ke liye ek paisa bhi nhi lia. There is no conflict of interest. PChidambaram was the Finance Minister when Income Tax dept appointed Chidambaram's wife Nalini Chidambaram as his counsel.
"You say you want justice, but it's me who needs justice," she says.
"Mallikarjun Kharge said I admitted my fault. Honorable speaker what I said was if helping a woman suffering from cancer who's an Indian citizen. is a fault, then I accept my fault; Does Mallikarjun Kharge-ji consider it as an admission of guilt?
"Aapne jo aarop lagaaya uske baare mein aap mera uttar hi nahi sunenge to mujhe nyay kaise milega? If you don't listen to my answers on the allegations you have made, how will I get justice?
Mere husband Lalit Modi ke passport ke vakeel nahi the. Meri beti 9th number ki junior thi, 9th number waqeel ko koi ek paisa bhi deta hai, meri beti ne Lalit Modi se iss case ke liye ek paisa bhi nhi lia. There is no conflict of interest. PChidambaram was the Finance Minister when Income Tax dept appointed Chidambaram's wife Nalini Chidambaram as his counsel.
"You say you want justice, but it's me who needs justice," she says.
15:03 Sushma: I maintain I did no wrong
Sushma Swaraj says, "I maintain I did no wrong. I deserve justice. I've been trying to speak since Day 1. I want to make a last attempt. There is no crime in helping an ailing citizen."
The Congress-led Opposition says Sushma Swaraj cannot make a statement.
The Congress-led Opposition says Sushma Swaraj cannot make a statement.
15:02 You asked questions, now listen! Jaitley barks at Cong as Sushma begins speech
"EAM Sushma Swaraj-ji must resign on moral grounds and for direct or indirect involvement," Mallikarjun Kharge speaking in Lok Sabha.
Speaker Sumitra Mahajan asks Sushma Swaraj to speak. She has the EAM has the right to speak. "You have spoken for 1 hour, now you have to allow her to speak. This is not fair!"
Sushma Swaraj says she deserves justice. Arun Jaitley says, "You asked questions, now listen."
Sushma Swaraj begins speaking amid continued row for her to resign.
Speaker Sumitra Mahajan asks Sushma Swaraj to speak. She has the EAM has the right to speak. "You have spoken for 1 hour, now you have to allow her to speak. This is not fair!"
Sushma Swaraj says she deserves justice. Arun Jaitley says, "You asked questions, now listen."
Sushma Swaraj begins speaking amid continued row for her to resign.
14:49
Lok Sabha debate on Lalit Modi resumes.
14:39 Furious Sonia storms into well of house after BJP MP's black money comment
A furious Sonia Gandhi rushed to the well of the house in the Lok Sabha after BJP MP Dushyant Gautam accused her and her family of stashing black money. Congress MPs Gaurav Gogoi and Jyotiraditya Scindia among others were with her shouting slogans and demanding an apology from the BJP. This is probably the first time that Sonia Gandhi went to the well of the house.
LS has been adjourned till 2:45 pm.
Earlier, the Cong's Mallikarjun Kharge says humanitarian grounds humanitarian law are not the same thing. He said PM Modi's clarification on Lalitgate is needed and the external affairs minister should be sacked.
He said after getting travel documents, Lalit Modi went to Vienna, wherever there are nice resorts. Lalit Modi's first priority was to go to Portugal for a wedding and not his wife's treatment. Wife's treatment wasn't Lalit Modi 's first priority as he was busy touring the world's top destinations.
Pic: That's the picture of Sonia Gandhi at the well of the house today.
LS has been adjourned till 2:45 pm.
Earlier, the Cong's Mallikarjun Kharge says humanitarian grounds humanitarian law are not the same thing. He said PM Modi's clarification on Lalitgate is needed and the external affairs minister should be sacked.
He said after getting travel documents, Lalit Modi went to Vienna, wherever there are nice resorts. Lalit Modi's first priority was to go to Portugal for a wedding and not his wife's treatment. Wife's treatment wasn't Lalit Modi 's first priority as he was busy touring the world's top destinations.
Pic: That's the picture of Sonia Gandhi at the well of the house today.
14:33
Bihar Polls: JDU, RJD to contest on 100 seats each, Congress on 40 seats, announces Nitish Kumar in joint presser with Lalu Yadav.
14:02 Delivering a package
The strange alliance between the Bharatiya Janata Party, which claims to speak for all Hindus in Jammu, and the Peoples Democratic Party, which seeks to represent all Muslims in Kashmir, is contingent on several factors, especially the attitude of the BJP-led government at the Centre to the PDP-led government in Jammu and Kashmir. Read more
13:45 Growth in FMCG limited, property robust: Adi Godrej
Adi Godrej, chairman of Godrej Group, gave his views on the performance of Godrej Consumer Products and Godrej Properties. He also spoke about the crucial GST Bill. And that, dear reader, is why he is trending. Read
13:42
How Indra Nooyi turned design thinking into strategy: An interview with PepsiCo's CEO. Read
13:35 Queen Nefertiti: Has the tomb of Tutankhamun's mother been found hiding in plain sight?
Queen Nefertiti has fascinated and perplexed ancient Egyptian scholars in equal measure.The legendary beauty ruled alongside Pharaoh Akhenaten in 14BC. During her reign she accrued status as an icon of power and elegance. Despite her prominence in ancient Egyptian history, her resting place has remained a mystery - but now a new theory by a leading historian claims to have finally found the Queen's burial place. Read the fascinating report.
13:19 PM should be present in LS during Lalit debate, he only talks on radio: Cong
Congress leader Mallikarjun Karge takes over the Lok Sabha.
-- If you (Sushma) wanted to help Lalit Modi, you should have asked him to come to India. Nobody was informed about you helping him.
-- Jab humanitarian ground par aapko madad karna hai to kanoon ke tahat kar sakte the.
-- Why appeal wasn't filed against Lalit Modi who has been issued blue corner notice.
-- The Prime Minister should be present during the discussion over Lalit Modi row. We will be satisfied if PM is present during discussion. He only talks on radio, TV. That is not right.
-- Swaraj's family were lawyers in Lalit Modi case. That's why he was protected.
-- If you (Sushma) wanted to help Lalit Modi, you should have asked him to come to India. Nobody was informed about you helping him.
-- Jab humanitarian ground par aapko madad karna hai to kanoon ke tahat kar sakte the.
-- Why appeal wasn't filed against Lalit Modi who has been issued blue corner notice.
-- The Prime Minister should be present during the discussion over Lalit Modi row. We will be satisfied if PM is present during discussion. He only talks on radio, TV. That is not right.
-- Swaraj's family were lawyers in Lalit Modi case. That's why he was protected.
12:56
Right now, the Lok Sabha takes up discussion on the adjournment motion moved by Cong's Mallikarjun Kharge on Sushma Swaraj's alleged role in the Lalit Modi row.
12:55 Logjam breakthrough! Speaker allows 150 minutes for Lalit Modi debate
With just a day more for the Monsoon session of Parliament to end and costs running to over Rs 35 crore, Speaker Sumitra Mahajan today allotted 150 minutes in the house for a debate on the Lalit Modi episode.
Earlier, an angry Sushma Swaraj took on the opposition benches today saying that she was ready "right now... this very minute" for a debate on the Lalit Modi controversy.
The Congress-led opposition has not allowed Parliament to function demanding the removal of Sushma Swaraj for helping tainted cricket tycoon Lalit Modi.
"Call it Lalitgate, Modigate, whatever, the discussion must happen," the Foreign Minister said, after the Congress raised the topic.
The Congress wants the Prime Minister to be present when the minister makes her statement.
Earlier, an angry Sushma Swaraj took on the opposition benches today saying that she was ready "right now... this very minute" for a debate on the Lalit Modi controversy.
The Congress-led opposition has not allowed Parliament to function demanding the removal of Sushma Swaraj for helping tainted cricket tycoon Lalit Modi.
"Call it Lalitgate, Modigate, whatever, the discussion must happen," the Foreign Minister said, after the Congress raised the topic.
The Congress wants the Prime Minister to be present when the minister makes her statement.
12:28
Bodies of the occupants of the missing chopper found in Arunachal Pradesh: DGP S Nitithyanandam.
12:27 Six of the best Enid Blyton quotes
Enid Blyton was born 118 years ago today. Celebrate her birthday by remembering her most famous lines. Read
12:21 Kapil Sibal gets poetic
Former union minister in the UPA government, Kapil Sibal, tweets;
56 inch ki chhati
58 ka rupaiya
kahan gayee woh chhati
kahan gaya rupaiya.
Yesterday, the rupee today plunged by 32 paise to close at nearly 2-month low of 64.19 per dollar on persistent demand for the American currency from banks and importers on the back of higher greenback overseas.
56 inch ki chhati
58 ka rupaiya
kahan gayee woh chhati
kahan gaya rupaiya.
Yesterday, the rupee today plunged by 32 paise to close at nearly 2-month low of 64.19 per dollar on persistent demand for the American currency from banks and importers on the back of higher greenback overseas.
12:12 Nitish-Lalu to unveil Battleplan Bihar in maiden joint presser
With the political temperature hotting up in Bihar ahead of the Assembly polls scheduled in the state for later this year, chief minister Nitish Kumar and RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav will hold a joint press conference today to announce the poll campaign to take on the BJP.
It will be their first joint press conference in Bihar. In April, Lalu and Nitish did address a joint presser, but it was in New Delhi, along with other leaders of the Janata Parivar. Nitish Kumar said he would be announcing a joint poll campaign at the presser today.
Lalu and Bihar CM Nitish Kumar have been sworn enemies till they forged an alliance a few months ago. The two are expected to address a rally on the 30th of this month in Patna, the same date that PM Modi will be addressing a rally in Bhagalpur. Nitish Kumar, 63, hopes to return as chief minister for a third consecutive term.
MI Khan/Rediff.com
It will be their first joint press conference in Bihar. In April, Lalu and Nitish did address a joint presser, but it was in New Delhi, along with other leaders of the Janata Parivar. Nitish Kumar said he would be announcing a joint poll campaign at the presser today.
Lalu and Bihar CM Nitish Kumar have been sworn enemies till they forged an alliance a few months ago. The two are expected to address a rally on the 30th of this month in Patna, the same date that PM Modi will be addressing a rally in Bhagalpur. Nitish Kumar, 63, hopes to return as chief minister for a third consecutive term.
MI Khan/Rediff.com
11:37 NIA DG reaches Jammu to interrogate Pak terrorist Naved
Just in: NIA DG Sharad Kumar reaches the Joint Interrogation Centre at R S Pura in Jammu. He will be interrogating Pakistani terrorist Naved who was arrested recently.
11:31 EXCLUSIVE! How the Naga Accord was reached
"A Naga has as much stake, claim over India as any other Indian. There is no distinction. This, Nagas have realised, that yes, Naga nationalist aspirations and Indian nationalism are not mutually exclusive."
Ravi Narayan Ravi, the Government of India's Special Interlocutor for the Naga talks, explains how the Naga Peace Accord was reached in an exclusive interview to Saisuresh Sivaswamy/Rediff.com.
Read the full interview here.
Ravi Narayan Ravi, the Government of India's Special Interlocutor for the Naga talks, explains how the Naga Peace Accord was reached in an exclusive interview to Saisuresh Sivaswamy/Rediff.com.
Read the full interview here.
11:26 Stay on scam-accused Dayanidhi Maran's arrest till September 14
The Supreme Court has stayed the Madras High Court order cancelling Dayanidhi Maran's anticipatory bail. The next hearing is on September 14. Which means the former telecom minister has been granted protection from arrest till September 14.
Maran is facing arrest in the illegal telephone exchange case after the Madras high court on Monday cancelled the anticipatory bail granted to him on June 30 and directed him to surrender before CBI by August 13.
The CBI's case is that Maran, during his tenure as Union minister from 2004 to 2007, availed himself of several hundred telephone and broadband lines, and established a mini telephone exchange at his house in Chennai. He used the facilities for transporting data for Sun TV, owned by his brother Kalanithi Maran, it was alleged.
Maran is facing arrest in the illegal telephone exchange case after the Madras high court on Monday cancelled the anticipatory bail granted to him on June 30 and directed him to surrender before CBI by August 13.
The CBI's case is that Maran, during his tenure as Union minister from 2004 to 2007, availed himself of several hundred telephone and broadband lines, and established a mini telephone exchange at his house in Chennai. He used the facilities for transporting data for Sun TV, owned by his brother Kalanithi Maran, it was alleged.
11:13 Ceasefire violation: Pak troops resort to mortar shelling in Poonch district
After a brief lull of less than 12 hours, Pakistani troops resumed small arms fire and mortar shelling on the Indian side along the Line of Control at Sawjian and Balakote areas of Poonch district.
The Indian Express reports that the firing from across the LoC first came in Sawjian sector around 10.30 am and it spread to Balakote area within the next half an hour. They continued firing throughout night, sources said, adding that the Indian troops retaliated effectively.
The continued firing has led to panic among villagers in border areas, but there are no reports of migration so far. Two days ago, they had for the first time since last month, fired 120 mm mortar shells in Shahpur area where three women were among five people injured in high caliber weapon fire by Pakistan during Eid on July 18.
The Indian Express reports that the firing from across the LoC first came in Sawjian sector around 10.30 am and it spread to Balakote area within the next half an hour. They continued firing throughout night, sources said, adding that the Indian troops retaliated effectively.
The continued firing has led to panic among villagers in border areas, but there are no reports of migration so far. Two days ago, they had for the first time since last month, fired 120 mm mortar shells in Shahpur area where three women were among five people injured in high caliber weapon fire by Pakistan during Eid on July 18.
11:09 Kim Kardashian posts naked pregnant selfie to combat body shaming
Selfie queen Kim Kardashian may well be on the way to breaking the internet again. This time for posting a picture of herself in the nude while she's pregnant.
Following in the footsteps of Demi Moore and Cindy Crawford, Kardashian posted a photo of herself pregnant with her second child on her Instagram account.
The reason why she's posted a nude again (remember she broke the internet for her nude pic in December), is to shame those who have been attacking her for her fluctuating weight and have even accused her of faking the pregnancy.
The proof, Kardashian says, is in the baby bump.
Here's what she writes on her Instagram post.
"First they say I'm too skinny so I have to be faking it...Now they say I'm too big so I have to be faking it...SMH! Some days I'm photographed before I eat & look smaller, some days I've just eaten & I look bigger. It's all a part of the process. I think you all know me well enough to know I would document the process if I got a surrogate. Everyone's body is different, every pregnancy is very different! I've learned to love my body at every stage! I'm going to get even bigger & that's beautiful too! I'm blessed to even be pregnant & even luckier to not have preeclampsia as far as I know, so I don't have the swelling issue this time! They also say your body carries a boy different than a girl! Whatever the case may be I'm grateful to God for this miracle & no matter what rumors or comments you throw my way this time they truly don't affect me! #NoFilter #NoPhotoShop #GoodLighting."
Following in the footsteps of Demi Moore and Cindy Crawford, Kardashian posted a photo of herself pregnant with her second child on her Instagram account.
The reason why she's posted a nude again (remember she broke the internet for her nude pic in December), is to shame those who have been attacking her for her fluctuating weight and have even accused her of faking the pregnancy.
The proof, Kardashian says, is in the baby bump.
Here's what she writes on her Instagram post.
"First they say I'm too skinny so I have to be faking it...Now they say I'm too big so I have to be faking it...SMH! Some days I'm photographed before I eat & look smaller, some days I've just eaten & I look bigger. It's all a part of the process. I think you all know me well enough to know I would document the process if I got a surrogate. Everyone's body is different, every pregnancy is very different! I've learned to love my body at every stage! I'm going to get even bigger & that's beautiful too! I'm blessed to even be pregnant & even luckier to not have preeclampsia as far as I know, so I don't have the swelling issue this time! They also say your body carries a boy different than a girl! Whatever the case may be I'm grateful to God for this miracle & no matter what rumors or comments you throw my way this time they truly don't affect me! #NoFilter #NoPhotoShop #GoodLighting."
10:56
The Congress gives adjournment notice for Vyapam Scam and the Lalit Modi issue, in the Lok Sabha.
10:37 Pakistan terrorist Naved to be moved to Delhi tomorrow: Report
Pakistan terrorist Mohammad Naved Yakub alias Usman will be shifted to Delhi tomorrow. The interrogation proves that Naved was backed by Pakistan. We have enough proof. It is an open and shut case," National Investigation Agency chief Sharad Kumar told CNN-IBN today.
Kumar will personally interrogate the Lashkar-e-Tayiba terrorist, who was captured after last Wednesday's attack on a Border Security Forces convoy and was on remanded in the custody of the anti-terror agency by a Jammu court yesterday.
Kumar is visiting Jammu today.
Kumar will personally interrogate the Lashkar-e-Tayiba terrorist, who was captured after last Wednesday's attack on a Border Security Forces convoy and was on remanded in the custody of the anti-terror agency by a Jammu court yesterday.
Kumar is visiting Jammu today.
10:06 Rupee hits 2-year low after devaluation of China's Yuan
The Indian rupee fell over 1 per cent to 64.85 per dollar today, a level last seen in September 2013 when the country was struggling with high current account deficit, reports NDTV.
The rupee's tumble comes amid a sharp decline across emerging market currencies following the devaluation of yuan by the Chinese government. "The devaluation of yuan has impacted all emerging currencies including rupee... Currencies with major trade with China have been more impacted," said Ashutosh Khajuria, executive director of Federal Bank.
Read the full story here
The rupee's tumble comes amid a sharp decline across emerging market currencies following the devaluation of yuan by the Chinese government. "The devaluation of yuan has impacted all emerging currencies including rupee... Currencies with major trade with China have been more impacted," said Ashutosh Khajuria, executive director of Federal Bank.
Read the full story here
09:59 Inmate killed in Tihar jail by 4 other prisoners
One inmate was allegedly killed by four other prisoners in the high-security Tihar jail in Delhi. He was allegedly attacked by an iron rod.
Details awaited.
Details awaited.
09:23 Hope to meet Narendra Modi soon, says Google's Sundar Pichai
India-born Sundar Pichai, who has been named the new CEO of Google, has said that he hopes to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi soon as he thanked the Indian leader for his wishes on being named the chief of the re-organised technology giant.
"@narendramodi @google Thanks for the warm wishes and hope to have the opportunity to meet you soon," Pichai, 43, replied to a tweet by Modi in which the PM had congratulated him on his new role.
"Congratulations @sundarpichai. My best wishes for the new role at @google," Modi had tweeted following the announcement that Pichai will head a new and slimmer Google, which will come under a new parent company Alphabet. It is noteworthy that Pichai's appointment comes just over a month before Modi is scheduled to visit Silicon Valley in September and is expected to meet heads of various technology giants based there.
Silicon Valley's big names took to the micro-blogging site to congratulate Pichai on his elevation in the company he had joined in 2004.
Pichai thanked Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, Apple Chief Tim Cook and others who congratulated him on his promotion. Google's Executive Chairman Eric Schmidt wrote on Twitter, "Really excited about the vision and brilliance of Sundar.. he's going to be a great CEO."
Pichai becomes only the third chief executive of the company after Schmidt and co-founder Larry Page.
"@narendramodi @google Thanks for the warm wishes and hope to have the opportunity to meet you soon," Pichai, 43, replied to a tweet by Modi in which the PM had congratulated him on his new role.
"Congratulations @sundarpichai. My best wishes for the new role at @google," Modi had tweeted following the announcement that Pichai will head a new and slimmer Google, which will come under a new parent company Alphabet. It is noteworthy that Pichai's appointment comes just over a month before Modi is scheduled to visit Silicon Valley in September and is expected to meet heads of various technology giants based there.
Silicon Valley's big names took to the micro-blogging site to congratulate Pichai on his elevation in the company he had joined in 2004.
Pichai thanked Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, Apple Chief Tim Cook and others who congratulated him on his promotion. Google's Executive Chairman Eric Schmidt wrote on Twitter, "Really excited about the vision and brilliance of Sundar.. he's going to be a great CEO."
Pichai becomes only the third chief executive of the company after Schmidt and co-founder Larry Page.
09:13 With a day left in monsoon session, govt to push for GST desperately
Just in: The government is likely to push for a vote on Goods and Services Tax Bill today despite continuing disruption with one day left in monsoon session in Parliament.
The GST will help bring down prices as there will be no tax on taxes, said Finance Minister Arun Jaitley.
The government introduced the bill in the Rajya Sabha yesterday even as protests continued from the Congress.
The Congress said that the government was trying to cover up slow economic growth by introducing the GST Bill.
The GST will help bring down prices as there will be no tax on taxes, said Finance Minister Arun Jaitley.
The government introduced the bill in the Rajya Sabha yesterday even as protests continued from the Congress.
The Congress said that the government was trying to cover up slow economic growth by introducing the GST Bill.
09:03 China's Yuan devaluation worries India
China's decision to delink its currency Yuan from the Dollar and change the reference rate have had a ripple effect across commodities, reports The Business Standard.
The People's Bank of China's move led to the yuan's 1.9 per cent devaluation against the dollar, taking the Chinese currency to its lowest in almost three years. According to Bloomberg, this was the biggest one-day loss since China unified official and market exchange rates in 1994.
The rupee was down 0.5 per cent yesterday, but not as much as the devaluation in Chinas yuan. A weaker yuan, however, is likely to affect Indias exports, and take away market from domestic producers, with Chinese goods turning cheaper.
Read the full story here
The People's Bank of China's move led to the yuan's 1.9 per cent devaluation against the dollar, taking the Chinese currency to its lowest in almost three years. According to Bloomberg, this was the biggest one-day loss since China unified official and market exchange rates in 1994.
The rupee was down 0.5 per cent yesterday, but not as much as the devaluation in Chinas yuan. A weaker yuan, however, is likely to affect Indias exports, and take away market from domestic producers, with Chinese goods turning cheaper.
Read the full story here
08:46 Govt seeks Rs 640 crore in damages from Nestle over Maggi
Acting tough against Nestle India, the government filed a class action suit against the Swiss manufacturer of Maggi noodles, seeking about Rs 640 crore in damages for alleged unfair trade practices, false labelling and misleading advertisements.
The consumer affairs ministry has for the first time dragged a company to the National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission using a provision in the nearly three-decade-old Consumer Protection Act. This comes weeks after Nestle had to withdraw its instant noodles brand Maggi from the market over allegations of high lead content and presence of MSG (monosodium glutamate).
"We had earlier recommended filing a complaint against Nestle India over the Maggi issue before the NCDRC. Finally, we have filed the complaint," Food and Consumer Affairs Minister Ram Vilas Paswan told PTI. He did not share the punitive damages sought by the government, but said the new consumer protection bill, which was introduced in Parliament on Monday, would further strengthen the redressal of the consumer grievances.
Nestle India spokesperson did not offer any comment saying the company has not received any intimation about the issue. However, sources said, "Under section 12(1D) of the Consumer Protection Act, we have filed a complaint before NCDRC against Nestle India over the Maggi issue. We have sought damage of about Rs 640 crore."
"For the first time, the government has filed a class action suit against Nestle India to send a strong message to companies that they cannot sell sub-standard products in the country and put consumers' health at risk," source added.
The consumer affairs ministry has for the first time dragged a company to the National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission using a provision in the nearly three-decade-old Consumer Protection Act. This comes weeks after Nestle had to withdraw its instant noodles brand Maggi from the market over allegations of high lead content and presence of MSG (monosodium glutamate).
"We had earlier recommended filing a complaint against Nestle India over the Maggi issue before the NCDRC. Finally, we have filed the complaint," Food and Consumer Affairs Minister Ram Vilas Paswan told PTI. He did not share the punitive damages sought by the government, but said the new consumer protection bill, which was introduced in Parliament on Monday, would further strengthen the redressal of the consumer grievances.
Nestle India spokesperson did not offer any comment saying the company has not received any intimation about the issue. However, sources said, "Under section 12(1D) of the Consumer Protection Act, we have filed a complaint before NCDRC against Nestle India over the Maggi issue. We have sought damage of about Rs 640 crore."
"For the first time, the government has filed a class action suit against Nestle India to send a strong message to companies that they cannot sell sub-standard products in the country and put consumers' health at risk," source added.
08:32 Heavy overnight shelling by Pak troops along LoC
Just in: There has been heavy overnight shelling by Pakistani troops in the Poonch and Balakote sectors of Jammu and Kashmir. Indian forces retaliated as well.
Three Border Security Forces have been targeted.
Pakistan violated ceasefire 192 times along the international border in Jammu & Kashmir till July 26 this year, government told Lok Sabha yesterday, adding that measures have been put in place for "immediate and effective retaliation" to such provocations.
Three Border Security Forces have been targeted.
Pakistan violated ceasefire 192 times along the international border in Jammu & Kashmir till July 26 this year, government told Lok Sabha yesterday, adding that measures have been put in place for "immediate and effective retaliation" to such provocations.
03:41 Erdogan vows Turkey will fight PKK 'to last terrorist'
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has vowed that Turkey would press on with its relentless campaign against Kurdish militants "until not one terrorist" was left, as Ankara launched new air strikes against the rebels.
Turkey is currently pressing a two-pronged "anti-terror" offensive against Islamic State (IS) jihadists in Syria and PKK militants in northern Iraq and the southeast following a wave of attacks.
02:56 Amnesty International votes in support of decriminalising sex trade
Amnesty International voted Tuesday in support of decriminalizing the sex trade.The move comes despite strong opposition from anti-trafficking organizations and Hollywood stars.
The human rights organisation passed the measure at its decision-making forum, the International Council Meeting, in Dublin, Ireland, involving delegates from around the world.
02:53 Hacking ring accused of making USD 100M on stolen news releases
An international web of hackers and traders made USD 100 million on Wall Street by stealing a look at corporate press releases before they went out and then trading on that information ahead of the pack, federal authorities said today.
Authorities said it was the biggest scheme of its kind ever prosecuted, and one that demonstrated yet another way in which the financial world is vulnerable to cybercrime. In an insider-trading scandal with a 21st-century twist, the hackers pulled it off by breaking into the computers of some of the biggest business newswire services, which put out earnings announcements and other press releases for a multitude of corporations.
01:56 US couple charged in Islamic State case denied bail
A young US couple who are charged with attempting to join the Islamic State were ordered held without bail today, pending federal grand jury action on the charges.
Nineteen-year-old Jaelyn Delshaun Young and 22-year-old Muhammad "Mo" Dakhlalla, who were arrested at a local airport just before boarding a flight with tickets bound for Istanbul, went before a US Magistrate Judge on Tuesday in Oxford, Mississippi.
01:55 Two Indian-origin brothers shot dead in South Africa
Two Indian-origin brothers have been shot dead in South Africa allegedly by a 57-year-old man after a dispute over a parking space, sending shock waves in the community.
The brothers -- Ahmed Vawda, 25, an accountant and Mohamed Vawda, 31, an estate agent -- and the man were tenants in the same building in Durban. Residents claimed that Ahmed was walking with his wife towards the elevators after parking his car when he was shot twice by the man on Sunday.
01:55 Despite skepticism, US confident it can monitor Iran deal
Iran's intelligence agencies have penetrated CIA front companies, executed Western agents and captured a sophisticated US drone. So why should anyone believe American intelligence officials when they express confidence that they can monitor Iran's compliance with the just-completed nuclear agreement?
The main reason, according to a classified joint intelligence assessment presented to Congress, is that the deal requires Iran to provide an unprecedented volume of information about nearly every aspect of its existing nuclear program, which Iran insists is peaceful.
00:37 At least 47 dead in market bomb blast in NE Nigeria: witnesses
At least 47 people were killed and dozens wounded in a bomb blast today in a part of northeast Nigeria frequently targeted by Boko Haram Islamists, a medical source and witnesses said.
The explosion ripped through the weekly market in the village of Sabon Gari, around 135 kilometres (85 miles) south of Borno state capital Maiduguri, during peak trading around 1:15 pm, the sources said.
"We have received at least 47 dead bodies and at least 50 with injuries from the Sabon Gari market, where there was a blast this afternoon," a nurse at Biu General Hospital, around 50 kilometres (30 miles) away, told AFP.
He said the injuries from the blast are mostly "severe" and that the death toll was expected to rise.
"The explosion happened inside the market at the mobile phone section, near the livestock section of the market," said Yuram Bura, a member of a local vigilante group fighting Boko Haram alongside the army.
"It was concealed in a napsack used for spraying herbicides. It was smuggled into the market and apparently abandoned... This is no doubt the handiwork of Boko Haram."
00:35 Iranian foreign minister on India visit from Aug 13
In a first ministerial trip here after Iran struck a nuclear deal, its Foreign Minister Jawad Zarif will visit India from August 13 during which he will
call on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and hold talks with his Indian counterpart Sushma Swaraj.
Zarif will also hold talks with Nitin Gadkari, who visited Tehran in May when the countries signed an agreement to develop Chabahar port, located on Iran's southeastern coast.
The strategically important port would provide India a sea-land access route to Afghanistan bypassing Pakistan.
The visit assumes significance as it will be first trip by a key minister of Iran after it reached the historic pact on its contentious nuclear programme with the Western countries in July. The deal will lead to lifting of sanctions hampering Iranian economy.
It also comes in the backdrop of Iran inviting Indian investments of about USD 8 billion in infrastructure projects there.
During his meeting with Modi in Ufa, Russia, earlier this month on the sidelines of the SCO (Shanghai Cooperation Organisation) Summit, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani had offered India a bigger role in its strategic infrastructure projects including ports, railroads and highways and sought investments to the tune of USD eight billion, Iranian
Ambassador here Gholamreza Ansari had told PTI in an
interview.
Asserting that Iran has been a "reliable partner", he said India should take advantage of the time before the western countries start making their investments after lifting of sanctions in the next 3-5 months.
He also said Modi government's focus is on connectivity which coincides with Iran's government policy and therefore Iran has asked India to get into major projects like building strategic ports like Chabahar, constructing big highways and railroads.
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