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Fri, 20 February 2015
Obama calls on world to focus on roots of ISIS, al Qaeda extremism
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Obama calls on world to focus on roots of ISIS, al Qaeda extremism
President Barack Obama called for a global effort to combat violent extremism and urged countries around the world to address the root causes that fuel groups like ISIS and al Qaeda during a speech Thursday before hundreds of foreign officials gathered for a summit on countering violent extremism.
As he recalled recent terror attacks around the world, Obama urged countries to "break the cycles of conflict, especially sectarian conflict" and called on governments to "address the grievances that terrorists exploit," both political and economic.
"The link is undeniable. When people are oppressed and human rights are denied -- particularly along sectarian lines or ethnic lines -- when dissent is silenced, it feeds violent extremism. It creates an environment that is ripe for terrorists to exploit," Obama said.
The President's speech at the State Department Thursday morning harkened back to remarks he made at the United Nations General Assembly last fall, when he urged communities across the Islamic world to provide more opportunities for young people who may be attracted to terrorist organizations.
But on Thursday Obama also pointed to new cooperative efforts with countries like the United Arab Emirates to counter online the terrorist propaganda of groups like ISIS.
Read full story HERE.
Nigerian woman gangraped in moving car in Delhi
A Nigerian woman was allegedly gangraped by four men in a moving car here after they offered her a lift home from south Delhi's Saket area, police said.
All the four accused, who are residents of Mayur Vihar, have been arrested in connection with the alleged rape, they added.
The vehicle in which the crime took place has been seized, they said, adding that the victim was dumped in east Delhi's Mayur Vihar in the wee hours today after her alleged rape.
"The woman was injured and in an inebriated condition when she was spotted by some security guards posted at a toll plaza in Chilla village adjacent to Mayur Vihar. They then made a PCR call around at around 2:40 AM," said a police official.
The guards saw the woman walking in an inebriated state and then collapsing to the ground following which they took her to Lal Bahadur Shastri hospital for treatment, he said.
The victim told policemen that she had boarded the car at a farmhouse in Saket after the occupants promised to drop her to her house in south Delhi.
At least 30 dead in Boko Haram raids in Nigeria village
At least 30 people were killed in Boko Haram raids on two villages in northeast Nigerian Borno state near the town of Chibok, a community leader and resident said on Friday.
The attacks on Thursday targeted the villages of Thlaimakalama and Gatamarwa, which were torched by the rampaging militants, said Pogo Bitrus, head of the Chibok Elders Forum.
"From information coming in from residents of the two villages at least 30 people were killed in the attacks," he added.
Luka Haruna, who lives in Chibok, some 15 kilometres away, gave an identical death toll and added: "The two villages were completely destroyed."
Chibok gained notoriety last April when Boko Haram fighters kidnapped 276 schoolgirls, causing global outrage and a social media campaign to release them. Fifty-seven managed to escape but 10 months on, 219 are still being held.
Read full story HERE.
Read full story HERE.
India spends mere 0.032 per cent of GDP on senior citizens
India is home to one in every 10 senior citizens of the world, yet the country spends a mere 0.032 per cent of its GDP on them and they are subjected to neglect and isolation, according to a study.
As per the 'State of India's Elderly-2014' report by HelpAge India, the country has 100 million elderly and by 2050 the figure is likely to triple to 324 million.
"But there are not enough dependable community support systems matching this growth," said Mathew Cherian, Chief Executive Officer of HelpAge.
Justice Leila Seth, Chief Guest at the occasion, said "neglect, poverty and isolation" were the major issues affecting the elderly people.
Foreigners in UK may have to vow allegiance to British values
Foreigners who want to work, study or do business in Britain would have to pledge allegiance to so-called "British values" if proposals being mulled by the UK government are adopted as part of counter-terrorism measures.
A draft report ordered by UK Home Secretary Theresa May is aimed at tackling visitors with extremist ideas such as hardline preachers who seek to radicalise followers in Britain.
"We want to make clear to those seeking to visit, work or study in the UK, and those granted protection, that they need to abide by and respect British values throughout their stay in this country," the report was quoted as saying by 'Financial Times'.
"We will make British values an integral part of applying for a visa," the report said.
NSG guards for Lalu, Raman Singh to be withdrawn
In a major overhaul of security drill for VIPs, the National Security Guard's elite 'Black Cat' commandos are likely to be withdrawn for Chattisgarh Chief Minister Raman Singh and RJD Supremo Lalu Prasad even as Sardaha scam accused Mantang Sinh will continue to enjoy Z-plus cover.
At a recent meeting chaired by Union Home Secretary L C Goyal, where threat perception of all the protectees was discussed, it was decided that persons like Punjab's former top cop K P S Gill, Union Ministers Nitin Gadkari and Jitendra Singh will enjoy Z-Plus security throught the country.
Sources said today a decision to withdraw elite NSG commandos for Lalu Prasad and surprisingly for Raman Singh, who faces serious threat from Naxalites, has been taken but no formal order was issued so far.
It was expected that personnel of NSG will be replaced by CRPF personnel for now for these two leaders.
2002 accident case: Prosecution seeks Salman's driving licence
The prosecution in the 2002 hit-and-run case allegedly involving Bollywood star Salman Khan today filed an application in the trial court seeking a direction to him to produce his driving licence.
Salman's lawyer opposed the application. Judge D W Deshpande would give ruling on the same on February 23. Special Public Prosecutor Pradeep Gharat said Khan possessed no licence when his car ran over people sleeping on the pavement in suburban Bandra on September 28, 2002, killing one person and injuring four.
He obtained a driving licence only in 2004, as per the record available with Regional Transport Office, said the prosecution.
China protests Modi's Arunachal Pradesh visit
China today lodged a strong protest with India over Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Arunachal Pradesh and expressed its "diametrical opposition" to the trip which it said was not conducive for resolving the border dispute.
"The act of the Indian side is not conducive to properly resolving and controlling disputes between the two sides, nor in conformity with the general situation of growth of bilateral relations," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying said in strongly worded statement.
China has lodged a strong representation with India to express "diametrical opposition" to Prime Minister Modi's visit to a "disputed zone" along the China-India borders, Hua said.
Swine flu claims ten more lives in Gujarat; toll reaches 186
Swine flu has claimed ten more lives in Gujarat, taking the toll to 186 since January this year, according to an official release issued here today. Besides these deaths, 266 new swine flu cases were recorded across the state today.
"Gujarat reported 10 swine flu deaths today, taking the total number of deaths to 186, while 266 new H1N1 (swine flu) cases were reported today," the release said.
Out of the 10 swine flu deaths, three were reported in Rajkot, two were reported from Vadodara as well as Anand, while Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar and Surat district reported one case each, the release said. Yesterday, the Gujarat high court had directed the Gujarat state government to ensure that private hospitals provide free treatment to swine flu patients and also asked the government to ensure adequate supply of medicines.
After the high court's directive, Gujarat Health Commissioner J P Gupta asked all district collectors and municipal commissioners today to take necessary steps to fight swine flu.
Rape of Japanese girl: 9 charge sheeted for gang-rape
Twelve days after a Japanese tourist was allegedly raped by a 'guide', the Jaipur police today filed a charge sheet against the main accused and eight others, who allegedly colluded with him, for the offences of kidnapping and gang-rape.
The girl was allegedly raped at a deserted place near Dudu, a suburban town of Jaipur on the night of February 8.
The charge sheet was filed in the court of Munsif Magistrate, Dudu, against the main accused Ajit Singh and eight others -- Abdul Wahid, Abrar, Shyoraj, Rajveer Singh, Ravindra, Dharmveer, Ramveer Saran and Ramraj-- under sections 376 (D)(gang rape), 366 (kidnapping), 323 (voluntarily causing hurt), 342 (wrongful confinement), 384 (extortion), 120(B) (criminal conspiracy), 109 (abetment), 201 (disappearance of evidence of offence) and 212 (harbouring offender) of the Indian Penal Code.
Lanka appoints new army chief; reinstates Fonseka loyalists
Major General Chrishantha de Silva was today appointed as the new Sri Lankan army chief by President Maithripala Sirisena, who also reinstated several loyalists of former army chief Sarath Fonseka.
De Silva will succeed Lieutenant General Daya Ratnayake with effect from February 22, Sirisena's office said in a statement. Ratnayake was in office since August, 2013 and will retire tomorrow.
De Silva becomes the 21st Commander of the Sri Lanka army since the island gained independence from Britain in 1948. He had joined the Sri Lanka army as cadet officer in 1980 and has served in many regions including operational areas.
Sirisena has also made several changes in the military hierarchy as the commander in chief.
Obama's chopper to have India-made cabin
US President Barack Obama will soon fly in a new helicopter whose cabin has been made in India. US helicopter manufacturer Sikorsky had entered into an agreement with TATA Advanced Systems in 2009 for the manufacture of cabins for the company's S-92 helicopters, which is used by a number of VVIPs in the world including the US President.
The 100th cabin under this deal would be delivered soon, Samir Mehta, President of Sikorsky's military systems, told reporters in Bengaluru at the Aero India show.
Obama's chopper to have India-made cabin
US President Barack Obama will soon fly in a new helicopter whose cabin has been made in India. US helicopter manufacturer Sikorsky had entered into an agreement with TATA Advanced Systems in 2009 for the manufacture of cabins for the company's S-92 helicopters, which is used by a number of VVIPs in the world including the US President.
The 100th cabin under this deal would be delivered soon, Samir Mehta, President of Sikorsky's military systems, told reporters in Bengaluru at the Aero India show.
South African serial rapist gets 1535 jail term
A 35-year-old serial rapist has been jailed for 1,535 years by a South African court for sexually assaulting as many as 29 women over a period of five years, media reports said today.
Albert Morake's reign of terror in the Tembisa area of Gauteng province began in 2007 and ended with his arrest in 2012. He was sentenced by the Johannesburg high court yesterday to 1,535 years of imprisonment including 30 life terms for 30 counts of rape, 360 years for robbery and several hundred more for crimes including attempted murder, kidnapping and robbery.
The media said Morake is one of this country's worst serial rapists and his sentence is one of the most severe.
FBI seeks access to two Pak cybercrime suspects
The US Federal Bureau of Investigation has sought access to two accused arrested by Pakistani authorities for their alleged involvement in cyber crimes, a media report said today.
Pakistan's Federal Investigation Agency nabbed the accused from Karachi on Saturday. The two men were wanted by Interpol and FBI for allegedly defrauding companies and individuals of over USD 50 million, Dawn.com has reported.
Nooruddin Aziz, one of the two arrested, was on the FBI's list of 10 most wanted cyber criminals, the report cited a senior official of the FIA's cyber crime wing as saying. The American agency had announced a whopping USD 50,000 reward on his arrest.
The official identified the other suspect in custody as Farhan Arshad.
Pansare flown to Mumbai's Breach Candy for treatment
Communist leader Govind Pansare, who was shot at in Kolhapur four days ago, was flown in to Mumbai today for treatment.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who is in Nagpur, said the government had arranged for air ambulance with two doctors from Nanavati hospital and necessary medication, to transfer Pansare to Breach Candy hospital in Mumbai.
The air ambulance carrying the critically injured Pansare left Kolhapur around 4 pm and landed in Mumbai, an official said.
MoS for panchayati raj gets indecent call
A man was arrested today for allegedly talking to a Union minister in an indecent manner over phone, the police said.
Union Minister of State for Panchayati Raj Nihal Chand Meghwal has alleged that he received a phone call from a man last night, in Sriganganagar district, and that he spoke to him in an indecent manner.
The man, identified as one Ashok, was arrested when the minister, who hails from Sriganganagar district, informed about the matter. He was caught from Purani Basti area, SP Sriganganagar Hari Prasad Sharma said.
The man has been arrested under section 151 of the IPC for breaching peace.
Budget inputs recovered in document leak case
Just In; Photocopies of "secret" documents including input for the finance minister's budget speech have been recovered in documents leakage case, say Delhi police.
Congress to hold dharna against ordinance soon
The Congress party will hold a dharna in Jantar Mantar in New Delhi against the Land Acquisition Ordinance, in which party vice president Rahul Gandhi will participate.
This was announced by a Congress spokesman today.
Details soon.
Modi's monogrammed jacket sold finally
Prime Minister Narendra Modi's monogrammed bandhgala, which he wore at his meeting with US President Barack Obama in January and which has been under auction for the last three days in Surat, has finally been sold.
The closing price: Rs 4.31 crore.
The proceeds from the sale is to be go to cleaning up the Ganga.
Nitish Kumar to take oath as Bihar CM on Sunday
Just In: Nitish Kumar has been invited by Bihar governor to be sworn-in as chief minister. The former CM will take the oath of office on Sunday evening.
Ex-CM may be invited to form next Bihar govenrment
Just In: Bihar governor Keshari Nath Tripathi has invited Nitish Kumar to Raj Bhavan, says Brajesh Mehrotra, principal secretary to the governor.
Likely that the former chief minister will once again be invited to form the next government in the state.
4 accused in document leak case sent to police custody
Four of the accused in the petroleum ministry document leak case were today remanded in police custody till February 23 by a court after the Delhi police alleged that they were providing "secret" material to certain corporate houses.
The crime branch of Delhi police produced the seven accused before chief metropolitan magistrate Sanjay Khanagwal and said it required the custodial interrogation of Lalta Prasad, Rakesh Kumar, Prayas Jain and Shantanu Saikia as "sensitive" documents have been recovered.
The police alleged that "incriminating" documents of the coal, power and other ministries were recovered from the possession of the accused who were supplying these to certain corporate houses for their benefit.
Thailand bans surrogacy for foreigners after scandals
Thailand has passed a law banning foreign couples from using Thai women as surrogates after a series of high-profile scandals tainting the image of the unregulated industry.
The legislation was unanimously approved by Thailand's junta-picked parliament yesterday in a bill spurred by the case of an Australian couple accused of abandoning a baby with Down's syndrome while taking his healthy twin sister borne by a Thai surrogate.
Car bomb hits insurgency-plagued southern Thailand; 13 hurt
Suspected insurgents in southern Thailand today detonated a car bomb that wounded 13 people and damaged buildings, police said. Two other bombs were defused.
The bomb was hidden in a pickup truck that was parked in front of a karaoke bar in a commercial district in Narathiwat province, police Col Manit Yimsaai said. He said the explosion wounded two soldiers and 11 civilians, one of them seriously.
'Fifty Shades of Grey' collections make many turn green
Meanwhile, the filmi has grossed more than 300 million dollars at the international box-office within just a week of it's official release.
The world, it seems, is divided into those who've seen Fifty Shades of Grey and those, like us in India, who have not.
The Jamie Dornan and Dakota Johnson (in the photograph alongside) starrer has eclipsed the 102.7 million dollars domestically and 209 million dollars overseas, which brings the total to 311.7 million dollars, Deadline.com has reported.
The Sam Taylor-Johnson directed romance drama has broken the record of being the best opening record movie as it grossed 85.2 million dollars within the three days of release in North America and 93 million dollars in four days.
The E.L James adaptation is the third highest domestic production for Universal Pictures after Fast and Furious 6 which had a collection of 97.4 million dollars and Fast Five with 86.19 million dollars.
IAF's helicopter display team Sarang gets women officers
Breaking yet another glass ceiling, two women officers have made their way into the IAF's much-heralded helicopter display team 'Sarang'.
Squadron Leader Deepika Misra and engineering officer Flight Lieutenant Sandeep Singh made their debut in the 'Aero India' air show in Bengaluru.
Trust me on solving Teesta issue, Mamata says in Dhaka
Keen to respond to Bangladesh's "expectations" from West Bengal, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee today said she has "solved" problems related to the ratification of the Land Boundary Agreement and asked Dhaka to trust her on the Teesta water-sharing issue.
"Have trust on me on the Teesta issue...I will have talks on the matter with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina," she said in Dhaka at a luncheon meeting with litterateurs and cultural figures at a hotel.
"I am a small person, down to earth...from my side, I have solved the LBA problem...have trust on me on the Teesta issue too," Banerjee said. "We (India) have problems, you have problems as well. I will talk to Hasinadi. Leave the (Teesta) issue to us. Don't worry about it," she said.
RSS-affiliated outfit in UK under probe for 'extreme' views
The United Kingdom has launched a probe after "disturbing" footage caught a teacher on camera making anti-Muslim and anti-Christian remarks to students at a camp organised by an RSS-inspired charity.
The Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh UK -- operating in the country since 1968 -- is ideologically inspired by the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, and Britain's charities watchdog opened a statutory probe after concerns were raised on its "extremist" views and "improper" working this week.
The charity came under scanner after the ITV Network in its documentary Charities Behaving Badly showed an HSS teacher at a youth camp in Herefordshire making controversial remarks against other religions when responding to questions.
"We are disturbed at the footage we have seen -- some of which is so serious it is clearly a matter for the police," said Michelle Russell, director of investigations, monitoring and enforcement at Charity Commission.
"Rightly, the public will be concerned about the footage and the implications for public trust and confidence in these charities, and the potential impact on the charity sector more generally. We can reassure the public that we take these issues seriously," she said.
Does Flipkart order from Amazon?
Ahem. What's this carton from Amazon doing at the Flipkart office? Does, Flipkart, India's largest online retailer, order from Amazon, their direct competitor? Click on the picture for a larger image.
Here's what Flipkart watchers have been saying on Reddit.
Here's what Flipkart watchers have been saying on Reddit.
MEA: No attempt to curtail Amartya Sen's tenure as Nalanda chancellor
MEA adds that there is no attempt to curtail Nobel laureate Amartya Sen's tenure as Nalanda University Chancellor.
MEA on Amartya: Haven't received minutes of Nalanda board meeting, can't act yet
MEA reacts to Dr Amartya Sen's resignation as chancellor of Nalanda university. MEA spokesperson Dr Syed Akbaruddin says the external affairs ministry is yet to receive the approved minutes of the meeting of the governing board of the Nalanda University, so it cannot act as yet.
Dr Sen writes that his decision to not continue in the post after July was after neither the President Pranab Mukherjee, nor the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) replied to the Board's decision. Because the Board consists of representatives of several Asian countries, the rules required the decision to be routed through the MEA to Rashtrapati Bhawan.
After a month of silence from both the MEA and the President's House, Dr Sen writes that he concluded that, "...the government wants me to cease being the Chancellor."
Dr Sen writes that his decision to not continue in the post after July was after neither the President Pranab Mukherjee, nor the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) replied to the Board's decision. Because the Board consists of representatives of several Asian countries, the rules required the decision to be routed through the MEA to Rashtrapati Bhawan.
After a month of silence from both the MEA and the President's House, Dr Sen writes that he concluded that, "...the government wants me to cease being the Chancellor."
A Delhi court remands four accused arrested in connection with alleged leakage of classified documents in police custody till February 23.
Shekhar Gupta tweets: Silly, celebration of Amartya Sen withdrawal from Nalanda & unthinking abuse for him. Don't forget it was Vajpayee who gave him Bharat Ratna
Look who's bid for the Modi suit!
Vipul Shah, the Mumbai-based diamond merchant and film producer, makes a bid for Rs 2.51 crore for Modi's name-stripe suit.
I apologise for quitting, Nitish tells Bihar
Nitish Kumar believes his chief ministerial chair is awaiting him. In the wake of Jitan Ram Manjhi stepping down as Bihar CM, Nitish Kumar said his decision to quit office last year was a mistake.
"With folded hands, I apologise to the people of Bihar. Never again will I take such a step. I am ready to lead from the front," he said, to his party men.
"With folded hands, I apologise to the people of Bihar. Never again will I take such a step. I am ready to lead from the front," he said, to his party men.
Nitish Kumar apologises for quitting, says he will never take an emotional decision again.
Manjhi's jugaad tactics failed, gloats Nitish
Nitish Kumar's first presser after Jitan Ram Manjhi quit as Bihar CM.
Nitish goes for BJP's jugular and said the party was trying to destabilize the Bihar government. "Manjhi knew he didn't have majority, he should have quit sooner. BJP's real face has been exposed, what has happened today is historic.
"This entire game was like making a joke of the Constitution. I am taking the responsibility and waiting for the governor's response. BJP tried its best to break us but failed. Manjhi's jugaad tactics failed."
Nitish goes for BJP's jugular and said the party was trying to destabilize the Bihar government. "Manjhi knew he didn't have majority, he should have quit sooner. BJP's real face has been exposed, what has happened today is historic.
"This entire game was like making a joke of the Constitution. I am taking the responsibility and waiting for the governor's response. BJP tried its best to break us but failed. Manjhi's jugaad tactics failed."
MP CM promises no open defecation, toilets in every home with Rs 5 cr kitty
Taking inspiration from Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'Swachh Bharat' campaign, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has said that the state's financial capital Indore would be made an open defecation free city.
"The Swachh Bharat Abhiyan is going on throughout the country after being launched by Modi. On the same lines, we resolve to make Indore an open defecation free city. The state government would provide adequate funds for the task," Chouhan said.
"Open defecation is against human dignity. Women specially face a lot of problems in this regard. We would ensure that every house in the city should have a toilet. If there is no space for constructing a toilet at a house in a poor locality, then public toilets would be set up there," he said.
Chouhan said that he would lead the cleanliness drive of the Indore Municipal Corporation tomorrow. He also said that Rs 5 crore would be sanctioned for purchasing the necessary materials and equipment for the drive.
"The Swachh Bharat Abhiyan is going on throughout the country after being launched by Modi. On the same lines, we resolve to make Indore an open defecation free city. The state government would provide adequate funds for the task," Chouhan said.
"Open defecation is against human dignity. Women specially face a lot of problems in this regard. We would ensure that every house in the city should have a toilet. If there is no space for constructing a toilet at a house in a poor locality, then public toilets would be set up there," he said.
Chouhan said that he would lead the cleanliness drive of the Indore Municipal Corporation tomorrow. He also said that Rs 5 crore would be sanctioned for purchasing the necessary materials and equipment for the drive.
Modi suit bid crosses the Rs 2 crore mark; Mukesh Patel from Surat makes the bid.
Obama does NOT love America: Former New York mayor Giuliani
Former New York mayor Rudy Giuliani has sparked off a political firestorm in the US with his remarks that President Barack Obama does not love America, a comment termed as "horrible" by the White House.
"I do not believe, and I know this is a horrible thing to say, but I do not believe that the President loves America," Giuliani said during a fundraising dinner at the 21 Club, a former Prohibition-era speakeasy in midtown Manhattan.
"Honestly, I don't and you don't know what he truly believes. I'm talking about the way that he (Obama) expresses himself. I can't tell you what's within his heart," said Giuliani, whose controversial remarks on Wednesday night were first reported by the Politico.
"He does not love you. And he doesn't love me. He was not brought up the way you were brought up and I was brought up through love of this country," the former New York mayor was quoted as saying.
Giuliani reiterated the comments in an interview on CNN yesterday saying, "President Obama was brought up in an atmosphere in which he was taught to be a critic of America. That is a distinction with prior American presidents." At the same time, the former New York mayor insisted that Obama is a patriot.
"I do not believe, and I know this is a horrible thing to say, but I do not believe that the President loves America," Giuliani said during a fundraising dinner at the 21 Club, a former Prohibition-era speakeasy in midtown Manhattan.
"Honestly, I don't and you don't know what he truly believes. I'm talking about the way that he (Obama) expresses himself. I can't tell you what's within his heart," said Giuliani, whose controversial remarks on Wednesday night were first reported by the Politico.
"He does not love you. And he doesn't love me. He was not brought up the way you were brought up and I was brought up through love of this country," the former New York mayor was quoted as saying.
Giuliani reiterated the comments in an interview on CNN yesterday saying, "President Obama was brought up in an atmosphere in which he was taught to be a critic of America. That is a distinction with prior American presidents." At the same time, the former New York mayor insisted that Obama is a patriot.
Modi flags of AC Express in Arunachal
PM Narendra Modi flags of AC Express train between Naharlagun and New Delhi and Intercity Express between Naharlagun and Guwahati. The PM inaugurated the 21.75 km railway broad gauge line from Naharlagun to Harmuti today. The PM is in Arunachal Pradesh today.
Modi's Varanasi army now see him as a liability
The Bharatiya Janata Party's novel strategy of creating an army of 'panna pramukh' volunteers to mobilise voters in every constituency has begun to crack. And the fissures are showing first in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's seat of Varanasi.During the Lok Sabha election last year, panna pramukhs were credited for carrying the saffron party past the finish line, particularly in Varanasi. Nine months later, they are a disillusioned bunch, resolved not to help the BJP in the future. Read
SpiceJet shares soar 17% on CCI nod for capital infusion plan
Shares of SpiceJet surged more than 17 per cent in morning trade today after fair trade watchdog CCI approved original promoter Ajay Singh's plan to acquire controlling stake in the carrier.
Under the revival plan, Singh would infuse Rs 1,500 crore into the carrier after acquiring over 58 per cent stake from outgoing promoters, Marans.
The scrip, listed on the BSE, jumped 17.79 per cent to Rs 23.50. It had opened at Rs 22.80 and touched an intra-day high of Rs 23.50. At the current price, the carrier has a market valuation of more than Rs 1,400 crore.
Under the revival plan, Singh would infuse Rs 1,500 crore into the carrier after acquiring over 58 per cent stake from outgoing promoters, Marans.
The scrip, listed on the BSE, jumped 17.79 per cent to Rs 23.50. It had opened at Rs 22.80 and touched an intra-day high of Rs 23.50. At the current price, the carrier has a market valuation of more than Rs 1,400 crore.
Manjhi has ruined his future: Lalu
Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) supremo Lalu Prasad Yadav on Friday welcomed the resignation of Bihar Chief Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi, saying the latter has ruined his future by getting involved with the BJP.
"He should have resigned earlier. He has ruined his future by getting involved with the BJP," Yadav said.
Earlier in the day, 70-year-old Manjhi resigned from the post of Chief Minister. He submitted his resignation ahead of the crucial trust vote.
Manjhi had earlier met Bihar Governor Keshari Nath Tripathi at the Governor's House here.
Manjhi was locked in a showdown with senior JD-U leader Nitish Kumar, who had handpicked him to take his place last year.
With Manjhi's resignation, the trust vote will not be required.
"He should have resigned earlier. He has ruined his future by getting involved with the BJP," Yadav said.
Earlier in the day, 70-year-old Manjhi resigned from the post of Chief Minister. He submitted his resignation ahead of the crucial trust vote.
Manjhi had earlier met Bihar Governor Keshari Nath Tripathi at the Governor's House here.
Manjhi was locked in a showdown with senior JD-U leader Nitish Kumar, who had handpicked him to take his place last year.
With Manjhi's resignation, the trust vote will not be required.
Opposites as competing possibilities
As the strategists of the Aam Aadmi Party plan to scale up the party to the national level, they must remember that if it expands mechanically, it will be a disappointment. The AAP and the BJP should not be seen only as empirical parties, but as imaginations. The battle of the two parties has to be seen as that of competing hypotheses. Read
Modi suit auction latest: Jayantibhai Itrela, a builder from Surat, makes a bid for Rs 1.81 crore.
Just in: Bihar Assembly adjourned sine die
Mukul Deora weds Nitasha Thapar
Milind Deora and his wife Pooja Shetty Deora pose ahead of brother Mukul Deora's wedding to Nitasha Thapar. Pooja Deora tweeted: Pooja "Ready for mukul nitasha's wedding!!!!"
The celebrations are believed to be a very low key affair with good food and music.
Our best wishes to the couple.
The celebrations are believed to be a very low key affair with good food and music.
Our best wishes to the couple.
Amartya Sen resigns as chancellor Nalanda university
"It is hard for me not to conclude that the Government wants me to cease being the Chancellor of Nalanda University after this July, and technically it has the power to do so.
"This delay as well as the uncertainty involved is leading, in effect, to a decisional gap, which is not helpful to Nalanda University's governance and its academic progress.
"I have, therefore, decided that in the best interest of Nalanda University, I should exclude myself from being considered for continuing as Chancellor of Nalanda University beyond this July, despite the unanimous recommendation and urging of the Governing Board for me to continue.
"I take this opportunity also to thank the Governing Board very warmly for its confidence in me."
Read Dr Amartya Sen's letter to Nalanda University
"This delay as well as the uncertainty involved is leading, in effect, to a decisional gap, which is not helpful to Nalanda University's governance and its academic progress.
"I have, therefore, decided that in the best interest of Nalanda University, I should exclude myself from being considered for continuing as Chancellor of Nalanda University beyond this July, despite the unanimous recommendation and urging of the Governing Board for me to continue.
"I take this opportunity also to thank the Governing Board very warmly for its confidence in me."
Read Dr Amartya Sen's letter to Nalanda University
Modi's yoga therapist who could rid Kejriwal's chronic cough
He rises much before the sun. His day begins at 1.30 am and an hour later, he plunges into his regular two-and-a-half-hour yoga session. Meet Dr H R Nagendra, who could soon be treating Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal if the latter goes according to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's prescription.
Watching Kejriwal battling persistent cough at a programme in Delhi on Tuesday, Modi had suggested that he consult the yoga therapist. "Allergic cough and diabetes are ailing Kejriwal," said Dr HR Nagendra, who is known for having treated over 2 lakh asthma patients -- from three-month-olds to nonagenarians -- with yoga and ayurveda. Kejriwal, though, is yet to approach Nagendra. Read more
Watching Kejriwal battling persistent cough at a programme in Delhi on Tuesday, Modi had suggested that he consult the yoga therapist. "Allergic cough and diabetes are ailing Kejriwal," said Dr HR Nagendra, who is known for having treated over 2 lakh asthma patients -- from three-month-olds to nonagenarians -- with yoga and ayurveda. Kejriwal, though, is yet to approach Nagendra. Read more
BJP game plan has been exposed: Nitish
New JD(U) Legislature party leader Nitish Kumar said Manjhi's resignation has vindicated his plea to the Governor that not much time be given for the trust vote.
"Our stand has been vindicated," he told reporters at the Assembly premises. "Everything is happening after 14 days, that also surprisingly," Kumar said adding, "the BJP game plan has been exposed".
There was suspense if the Governor would deliver his speech to the joint session listed at 11:30 AM. "You will come to know about it later," PRO Raj Bhawan S K Pathak said.
The decision to boycott the Governor's speech was to register protest at his action of not hearing Nitish Kumar's plea to ask Manjhi to prove his majority in 48 hours and instead giving him 14 days time which "facilitated horse trading," JD(U) Chief Whip Shrawan Kumar said.
"Our stand has been vindicated," he told reporters at the Assembly premises. "Everything is happening after 14 days, that also surprisingly," Kumar said adding, "the BJP game plan has been exposed".
There was suspense if the Governor would deliver his speech to the joint session listed at 11:30 AM. "You will come to know about it later," PRO Raj Bhawan S K Pathak said.
The decision to boycott the Governor's speech was to register protest at his action of not hearing Nitish Kumar's plea to ask Manjhi to prove his majority in 48 hours and instead giving him 14 days time which "facilitated horse trading," JD(U) Chief Whip Shrawan Kumar said.
Rs 1.75 crore bid for Modi suit
Day 3 of #ModiSuit auction, bidding stands at Rs 1.65 crore.
And just as we wrote that, the bids have increased to Rs 1.75 crore. The
bid is by Hitesh Patel, diamond merchant from Surat.
And just as we wrote that, the bids have increased to Rs 1.75 crore. The
bid is by Hitesh Patel, diamond merchant from Surat.
Seat-warmer CM quits
So, Jitan Ram Manjhi, the 70-year-old Chief Minister of Bihar, has resigned
hours before a trust vote, which he would have certainly lost, despite the last-minute support from the opposition BJP.
Manjhi had so far refused to resign and vacate the seat for the state's former CM Nitish Kumar. He had in fact been ushered into the CM's seat by the JD-U as a seat warmer for Nitish.
Then, last month, the party asked Nitish to return as chief minister and lead the party's campaign for the state election later this year.
Manjhi had so far refused to resign and vacate the seat for the state's former CM Nitish Kumar. He had in fact been ushered into the CM's seat by the JD-U as a seat warmer for Nitish.
Then, last month, the party asked Nitish to return as chief minister and lead the party's campaign for the state election later this year.
Bizarre to expect support from Cong in Parliament, says Ahmed Patel
Expect disruptions and adjournments in the upcoming budget session of parliament beginning February 23. Congress senior leader Ahmed Patel sets the tone saying, it would be bizarre for the government to expect support from the Congress after it has diluted UPA's policies and programmes.
DD can share World Cup feed for free, says SC
Supreme Court stays Delhi HC order asking Prasar Bharati not to share live feed of WC cricket matches with private cable operators.Which in effect means that DD can share World Cup feed for free.
The court earlier stayed the Delhi High Court order that barred Doordarshan from sharing the live feed of the Cup matches with the cable operators, provided to it by Star TV, Feb 10.
The Delhi High Court on Feb 4 had barred Doordarshan from sharing the live feed.
The court earlier stayed the Delhi High Court order that barred Doordarshan from sharing the live feed of the Cup matches with the cable operators, provided to it by Star TV, Feb 10.
The Delhi High Court on Feb 4 had barred Doordarshan from sharing the live feed.
Two energy consultants held in espionage case
Delhi Police today arrested two energy consultants in connection with leaking of classified documents from the Petroleum Ministry. Cracking down on a suspected case of corporate espionage, police had yesterday arrested two Oil Ministry officials, a Reliance Industries(RIL) staffer and two other middlemen for allegedly leaking classified government documents to energy companies for money.
"We have arrested Prayas Jain and Shantanu Saikia in this connection. Both of them are energy consultants who received stolen documents," said a senior police official.
While Saikia is a former journalist who runs a web portal on petroleum issues and has his office in Defence Colony, Jain runs his consultancy firm in Patel Nagar. Both of them will be produced in court around noon.
Raids were yesterday conducted at several establishments including a prominent building in Connaught Place which houses offices of a leading private petroleum firm believed to be RIL.
In a case reminiscent of the Spy scandal in mid 80s, some journalists who claimed to be independent energy consultants, and employees of certain petro companies were also said to have been detained for questioning in the development that has set off sensation in political and corporate circles.
Delhi Police Commissioner B S Bassi had said that action was taken on a tip off that two persons along with their associates were involved in "procuring, obtaining and stealing the official documents by trespassing into the offices of Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas at Shastri Bhawan on February 17." "A trap was laid and three persons came in an Indigo car near Shastri Bhawan. Two persons alighted and went inside while the third remained sitting in the car.
After around two hours, when the two persons entered the car, all three persons were apprehended," he said. They were identified as Lalta Prasad (36), Rakesh Kumar (30) and Raj Kumar Chaubey (39). Official documents were recovered from them. Reliance Industries said it has been brought to the company's notice that one personnel has been detained by law-enforcement authorities.
"We have arrested Prayas Jain and Shantanu Saikia in this connection. Both of them are energy consultants who received stolen documents," said a senior police official.
While Saikia is a former journalist who runs a web portal on petroleum issues and has his office in Defence Colony, Jain runs his consultancy firm in Patel Nagar. Both of them will be produced in court around noon.
Raids were yesterday conducted at several establishments including a prominent building in Connaught Place which houses offices of a leading private petroleum firm believed to be RIL.
In a case reminiscent of the Spy scandal in mid 80s, some journalists who claimed to be independent energy consultants, and employees of certain petro companies were also said to have been detained for questioning in the development that has set off sensation in political and corporate circles.
Delhi Police Commissioner B S Bassi had said that action was taken on a tip off that two persons along with their associates were involved in "procuring, obtaining and stealing the official documents by trespassing into the offices of Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas at Shastri Bhawan on February 17." "A trap was laid and three persons came in an Indigo car near Shastri Bhawan. Two persons alighted and went inside while the third remained sitting in the car.
After around two hours, when the two persons entered the car, all three persons were apprehended," he said. They were identified as Lalta Prasad (36), Rakesh Kumar (30) and Raj Kumar Chaubey (39). Official documents were recovered from them. Reliance Industries said it has been brought to the company's notice that one personnel has been detained by law-enforcement authorities.
Manjhi to address media persons at his residence at 11:30 am.
Manjhi made surprise visit to Raj Bhawan
Latest updates on the Bihar turmoil.
A while ago, Manjhi made a surprise visit to the Raj Bhawan before the start of joint session of Bihar Legislature.
JD(U), RJD, Cong, CPI legislators and one Independent supporting Nitish Kumar to boycott Governor's inaugural speech in Assembly.
Pro-Nitish JD(U), RJD, Congress, CPI legislators and the Independent MLA will enter Assembly during the trust vote.
A while ago, Manjhi made a surprise visit to the Raj Bhawan before the start of joint session of Bihar Legislature.
JD(U), RJD, Cong, CPI legislators and one Independent supporting Nitish Kumar to boycott Governor's inaugural speech in Assembly.
Pro-Nitish JD(U), RJD, Congress, CPI legislators and the Independent MLA will enter Assembly during the trust vote.
Jitan Ram Manjhi quits as Bihar CM ahead of trust vote
Just in: Bihar's Jitan Ram Manjhi resigns as the chief minister. He met Bihar Governor Keshari Nath Tripathi a short while ago.
Manjhi was due to face a floor test in the Bihar assembly today. The BJP has asked its 87 legislators to vote in support of Manjhi who was facing a battle against Janata Dal-United's Nitish Kumar.
Manjhi was due to face a floor test in the Bihar assembly today. The BJP has asked its 87 legislators to vote in support of Manjhi who was facing a battle against Janata Dal-United's Nitish Kumar.
Bihar trust vote: Pro-Nitish legislators to disrupt assembly
Bihar Chief Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi is scheduled to prove his majority in the state legislative assembly today.
The political future of the Manjhi government will be decided after Governor Keshari Nath Tripathi's address at the joint session of the state legislature in Patna.
However, Janata Dal-United, Rashtriya Janata Dal, Congress and Communist Party of India legislators along with an Independent supporting Nitish Kumar have planned to boycott the governor's inaugural speech, JD-U Chief Whip Sharawan Kumar has told PTI. Pro-Nitish legislators will enter to assembly during the trust vote.
The political future of the Manjhi government will be decided after Governor Keshari Nath Tripathi's address at the joint session of the state legislature in Patna.
However, Janata Dal-United, Rashtriya Janata Dal, Congress and Communist Party of India legislators along with an Independent supporting Nitish Kumar have planned to boycott the governor's inaugural speech, JD-U Chief Whip Sharawan Kumar has told PTI. Pro-Nitish legislators will enter to assembly during the trust vote.
Modi's suit to be the second-most expensive in the world?
Prime Minister Narendra Modi's suit is dubbed as the second-most expensive suit in the world, reports CNN.
While the first one has nearly 500 half carat diamonds etched to it, this one just bears the prime minister's name.
The suit, which is up for grabs, is being auctioned for nearly Rs 1.6 crore. Mukesh Patel, a diamond merchant, had raised the bid to Rs 1.48 crore, which is now been raised on the final day of the auction.
The proceeds of the auction will go to Modi's Clean Ganga project. The suit among 450 other items which are being auctioned.
While the first one has nearly 500 half carat diamonds etched to it, this one just bears the prime minister's name.
The suit, which is up for grabs, is being auctioned for nearly Rs 1.6 crore. Mukesh Patel, a diamond merchant, had raised the bid to Rs 1.48 crore, which is now been raised on the final day of the auction.
The proceeds of the auction will go to Modi's Clean Ganga project. The suit among 450 other items which are being auctioned.
New Zealand's Brendon McCullum scores fastest World Cup 50
Just in: HE'S DONE IT AGAIN! Brendon McCullum has broken his own record for the fastest World Cup Fifty. He got to the score in 18 deliveries in New Zealand's game against England.
Catch the live updates here
Catch the live updates here
Former journalist arrested for leak of classified oil ministry documents
Just in: A former journalist Santanu Saikia, who runs an energy portal, is arrested by the crime branch in connection with leak of classified oil ministry documents to corporates. This is the sixth arrest in the case.
Two officials of the petroleum ministry were among five arrested yesterday for the leak.
The Delhi Police said 25 people have also been detained for questioning, among them officials of several energy companies. A Reliance Industries official said it had been brought to the company's notice that one personnel has been detained.
The confidential information was allegedly shared with corporate houses and had details of policies used for oil exploration, pricing as well as imports. "
Two officials of the petroleum ministry were among five arrested yesterday for the leak.
The Delhi Police said 25 people have also been detained for questioning, among them officials of several energy companies. A Reliance Industries official said it had been brought to the company's notice that one personnel has been detained.
The confidential information was allegedly shared with corporate houses and had details of policies used for oil exploration, pricing as well as imports. "
Govt wants me to cease being chancellor of Nalanda University: Amartya Sena
Nobel Laureate Dr Amartya Sen is opting out from a second term as Chancellor of Nalanda University despite the governing board unanimously voting to elect on January 13, reports NDTV. He believes that the government does not him to continue.
In a five-page letter to the Governing Board of the University, Sen writes that he is, "...sad, at a more general level that academic governance in India remains so deeply vulnerable to opinions of the ruling government..."
His decision to not continue in the post after July was after neither the President, Pranab Mukherjee, nor the Ministry of External Affairs replied to the Board's decision. After a month of silence from both the MEA and the President's house, Dr Sen writes that he concluded that, "...the government wants me to cease being the chancellor."
Read the complete report here
In a five-page letter to the Governing Board of the University, Sen writes that he is, "...sad, at a more general level that academic governance in India remains so deeply vulnerable to opinions of the ruling government..."
His decision to not continue in the post after July was after neither the President, Pranab Mukherjee, nor the Ministry of External Affairs replied to the Board's decision. After a month of silence from both the MEA and the President's house, Dr Sen writes that he concluded that, "...the government wants me to cease being the chancellor."
Read the complete report here
Nearly Rs 1.5 crore for PM's suit as auction ends today
The bidding price for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's suit has shot up to nearly Rs 1.5 crore. Mukesh Patel, a diamond merchant, has outbid everyone so far
in the race to own suit with the PM's
name woven into it in pin-stripes.
Patel, who had earlier offered Rs. 1.39 crore for the suit, but has raised it to Rs. 1.48 crore.
Modi's bandhgala suit, worn during last month's meeting in Delhi with President Barack Obama, is among 450 items that are being auctioned in Surat, Gujarat. The money will be used for the PM's project to clean the Ganga.
Patel, who had earlier offered Rs. 1.39 crore for the suit, but has raised it to Rs. 1.48 crore.
Modi's bandhgala suit, worn during last month's meeting in Delhi with President Barack Obama, is among 450 items that are being auctioned in Surat, Gujarat. The money will be used for the PM's project to clean the Ganga.
Mumbai mayor's faux pas, calls swine flu a 'heart disease'
Swine flu cases across India have crossed the 11,000 mark but our netas continue to be ignorant.
Mumbai Mayor Snehal Ambekar called it a "heart disease" and made a bizarre suggestion that the municipal authority will plant trees to check the disease.
"Swine flu is a heart disease... Hence, BMC will plant trees, develop gardens and parks to check swine flu," Ambekar told reporters after garlanding the statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj on the occassion of his birth anniversary in Mumbai yesterday.
The blooper comes a day after West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee was quoted saying that swine flu "mostly happens from mosquito bite".
Mumbai Mayor Snehal Ambekar called it a "heart disease" and made a bizarre suggestion that the municipal authority will plant trees to check the disease.
"Swine flu is a heart disease... Hence, BMC will plant trees, develop gardens and parks to check swine flu," Ambekar told reporters after garlanding the statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj on the occassion of his birth anniversary in Mumbai yesterday.
The blooper comes a day after West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee was quoted saying that swine flu "mostly happens from mosquito bite".
US plans to monitor India's air quality
After a successful pilot project in China, the US plans to expand air quality monitoring to some of its missions in countries like India, Vietnam and Mongolia in the coming months to help raise awareness about the dangers of pollution.
The initiative announced on Wednesday by the US State Department and the Environmental Protection Agency builds on the monitoring service that began five years ago at the US embassy in Beijing.
"15 years ago, the EPA created a web-based platform called AirNow to give our citizens information in real time about the quality of the air that they're breathing, and they can make an informed decision about whether it is a good day to go for a run or whether they want to go outdoors at all or send their kids to a park to play," US Secretary of State John Kerry said.
The initiative announced on Wednesday by the US State Department and the Environmental Protection Agency builds on the monitoring service that began five years ago at the US embassy in Beijing.
"15 years ago, the EPA created a web-based platform called AirNow to give our citizens information in real time about the quality of the air that they're breathing, and they can make an informed decision about whether it is a good day to go for a run or whether they want to go outdoors at all or send their kids to a park to play," US Secretary of State John Kerry said.
How ISIS makes (and takes) money
The Islamic State in Iraq and Syria has crude, stomach-turning tactics when it comes to dealing with its enemy, but experts say that its moneymaking methods are highly sophisticated, especially for such a new terror group.
Here'sa look at how ISIS has made (and taken) millions.
UN chief to gather faith leaders in fight against extremism
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon announced Thursday that he will invite faith leaders from all over the world to the United Nations in the coming months as a first step in a U.N. action plan to prevent violent extremism.
The U.N. chief said in a speech at the White House summit on violent extremism in Washington that the U.N. plan will be presented to the 193-member General Assembly later this year.
Ban said the aim of the meeting of faith leaders is "to promote mutual understanding and reconciliation."
"We will utilize the platform of the United Nations to send a powerful message of tolerance, solidarity and reconciliation," he said.
Read full story HERE.
Read full story HERE.
Teenager guilty of plot to behead soldier
Read full story HERE.
A teenager who was on his way to behead a British soldier with a 12in knife when he was arrested, has been found guilty of preparing a terrorist act.
Brusthom Ziamani, 19, was also carrying a hammer and an "Islamic flag" when he was arrested in London in August 2014.
The court heard he had been inspired by the murder of Fusilier Lee Rigby in 2013, researched Army c adet bases and boasted of a plot to "kill soldiers".
Read full story HERE.
Shattered Ukraine town in rebel hands
The scene of devastation is staggering in Debaltseve, the town at the heart of the battle between Ukrainian forces and pro-Russian separatists in recent days.
Barely a house is unscathed by shelling. Elderly civilians trapped by the fighting still cower in basements.
After most Ukrainian forces pulled out Wednesday, the separatists are now in control.It's obvious there's been a seismic shift on the battlefield.
But it's not yet clear what the Ukrainian withdrawal means for the shaky peace deal that came into force Sunday.
Read full story HERE.
Attacks kill 10 people in and around Baghdad
Iraqi officials say attacks targeting public places and security forces have killed 10 people around Baghdad.Police officials say a bomb went off Thursday night near a cafe just south of the capital, killing three people and wounding 11 others.
Police say a bomb blast on a commercial street in Baghdad's western Ghazaliyah neighborhood killed two people and wounded eight others.
Another bomb struck an army patrol in the western suburb of Abu Ghraib, killing two soldiers and one civilian.
Two mortar shells struck a farmhouse south of Baghdad, killing a farmer and his wife.Medical officials confirmed the casualties.
All officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they are not authorized to speak to the media
UK jets intercept Russian aircraft near British airspace
Two UK Royal Air Force jets intercepted a pair of Russian aircraft flying near British airspace this week, the British Defence Ministry said Thursday, marking the latest in what NATO has said is an increase in Russian military flights near alliance members' territory.
The British Typhoon jets intercepted the Russian aircraft Wednesday over international waters near Cornwall, in southwestern England, a ministry representative said Thursday.
Read full story HERE.
Read full story HERE.
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