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Fri, 23 January 2015
Live! Guj: Pak security forces arrest over 1,800 suspected militants
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23:32 Pak security forces arrest over 1,800 suspected militants
Pakistan authorities have arrested more than 1,800 suspected extremists as crackdown on militants intensified in the wake of the Peshawar school massacre that left 150 people dead, officials said today.
Pakistan adopted a 20-points National Action Plan with the baseline of zero-tolerance for extremism and use of police and military force to curb violence.
An official of the PM House said that so far "1,859 suspects have been arrested in intelligence based operation."
He said 958 were nabbed in Punjab, 244 in Sindh, 235 Islamabad, 234 Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, and 188 in Balochistan. He said that 5,487 search operations were conducted in Punjab, 322 in Sindh, 1,223 in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, 12 in Balochistan and 275 in Islamabad.
23:12 Guj: Swine flu toll reaches 15, chief secy rushes to Bhuj
Three more swine flu deaths were reported in Gujarat today, taking the death toll due to the disease in the new year to 15. Further, 12 new cases of swine flu were reported, taking the total number of H1N1 infection cases to 104, said state health commissioner J P Gupta.
Gupta and chief secretary D J Pandian today rushed to Bhuj in Kutch with as many as 50 swine flu cases reported so far in the district alone, said Gupta.
"To speed up the detection, the state government has decided to install a testing facility in Bhuj. It will save crucial time," he said. Gupta, Pandian and other senior officials also visited the G K General Hospital in Bhuj. "We would be deploying five more doctors and 10 nurses at this hospital. We will also equip a hospital in Gandhidham for the treatment of swine flu," said Pandian.
22:53 3 petitions to stage demos against US on Jan 26 dismissed
The Madras high court today dismissed three petitions seeking a direction to police to permit staging protests in the state on January 26 against U.S.A for 'rejecting' India's request since 1984 to extradite former Union Carbide CEO late Warren Anderson, among other things.
The petitioners, including a Coimbatore-based labour union which wanted to stage demonstrations in Chennai, Coimbatore and Krishnagiri, also planned protests that day against multinational companies 'exploiting' local labour in Special Economic Zones.
They alleged that the US had continuously rejected India's request to extradite Warren Anderson, prime accused in the Bhopal gas tragedy since 1984. He died in the US on September 29, 2014.
22:13 Despite EC rap, Kejriwal repeats bribery remarks
Unfazed by a fresh notice slapped on him by the Election Commission over his bribery remarks, AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal today suggested that voters accept money, if offered by BJP and Congress.
The AAP chief made the remarks in two successive rallies at Chhatarpur and Deoli Assembly constituencies today.
"Nowadays have come closer when people from Congress and BJP would approach you to give money. Don't refuse. Take it. They would also give you rice or blankets. Take them But give your vote to AAP," he said.
A fresh show cause notice was slapped on Kejriwal asking him to respond by January 27 "failing which the Election Commission of India shall take a decision without any further reference to you".
In his speech, the AAP supremo, however, added "don't take liquor, as it is dangerous. It destroys families."
22:01 Uber cannot operate without license: Delhi govt
On a day US-based taxi booking firm Uber announced resumption of services in the city, Delhi government today said the company cannot operate as the ban imposed on it last month has not been revoked.
Sources said Delhi Government will consider it "totally illegal" if Uber resumes its service without getting license from the Transport Department.
Special Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Muktesh Chander said Uber cannot operate without getting the regulatory clearances from the concerned authorties.
"We will not allow Uber to operate in Delhi without obtaining license from Delhi Government. We will prosecute them if they violate government order," he told PTI.
Uber has said it restarted services in the national capital and is hiring drivers cleared by police and that it seeks a licence as radio taxi operator.
"As we resume operations in Delhi, we are only allowing driver-partners who have undergone re-verification of their police clearance in the last six weeks to get back on the platform," Uber said.
The international cab booking firm was banned by Delhi government last month following public outrage after one of its drivers allegedly raped a 26-year old executive.
21:20 Swine flu claims two more lives in Delhi, 199 cases in Jan
Swine flu claimed two more lives in the national capital today, taking the death toll to five while 26 people tested positive for the H1N1 virus.
While a 53-year-old woman from Chattarpur died at Ram Manohar Lohiya hospital, a 50-year-old woman from Patel Nagar passed away at Safdarjung hospital, officials said.
Also, 26 people tested positive for the virus, taking the number of cases to 199 this month.
"The two women tested positive for H1N1 virus and died during the course of treatment. Now the two cases are being reviewed to reconfirm that they died of swine flu," said R N Das, who is part of the five-member team constituted by the health department to review the cases.
Last year, 38 cases of swine flu were reported in Delhi. There were no deaths.
Das maintained that there was no cause for alarm and the seasonal infection will disappear once warmer days set in.
Samples are being sent to National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) to confirm whether they are swine flu cases.
"We have enough medicines in stock. The 11 District Surveillance Officers nominated by the health department are checking that the 22 designated hospitals are following the standard operating procedures for treatment of swine flu," he said.
Swine influenza A (H1N1) virus spreads in the same way as the seasonal flu and even the symptoms are similar to the symptoms of regular flu which includes fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, vomiting, diarrhoea, and fatigue.
20:56 Saudi King's death: India declares national mourning on Saturday
India has declared national mourning tomorrow as a mark of respect to King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia who died today.
The government has decided that there will be one-day national mourning tomorrow as a mark of respect to his Majesty King Abdullah, custodian of two holy mosques and King of Saudi Arabia, who has passed away, a home ministry spokesperson said.
The national flag will be flown at half mast throughout the country and there will be no official entertainment during the day.
Chief Secretaries of all states, administrators of Union territories and secretaries to the Union government have been intimated about the decision.
King Abdullah's death was announced on Saudi state TV at 1 am today. He was 90
20:48 India could be among prime targets of ISIS: M K Narayanan
The new version era as represented by the ISIS (Islamic State) is expected to become more formidable and India likely to be one of the prime targets, former national security advisor M K Narayanan cautioned on Friday.
"The new version era as represented by the ISIS will become far more attractive (to the youth). It already is attractive..," he said at a seminar on 'Foreign Policy and the Media' organised by the Press Institute of India in Chennai.
He said: "With a vision of a virtual state, the caliphate of ancient Islamic history and the emphasis it places on spiritual purity and exclusionist puritanism, the radical Islamic challenge is likely to become even more formidable one than it is at present.
"India is likely to be one of the prime targets of this," he said, as he listed out challenges he foresaw to the country's foreign policy in the coming years.
The sub-tendencies currently seen in the context of radical Islam might envelope many other "great religions", thus altering the nature of nations and society.
Enhanced religious rivalry would increase prospects of sectarian strides and conflicts and would involve many more sects and religions, he said.
The former West Bengal governor also observed that the country would face challenges on foreign policy front with neighbouring countries.
20:44 6 Metro stations around Rajpath to be shut during R-Day parade
Six Metro stations in the vicinity of Rajpath will be shut for a few hours on January 26 as part of security arrangements for the Republic Day Parade.
The stations to remain closed are Central Secretariat, Udyog Bhawan, Patel Chowk, Race Course, Mandi House and Pragati Maidan, a Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) release said today.
Although interchange facilities will be available at the Central Secretariat station, services between Mandi House and Pragati Maidan Metro stations will be suspended from 10:45 am to 11:45 am.
Entry and Exit at Central Secretariat and Udyog Bhawan Metro stations of Line 2 will remain closed from 6.00 am till 12.00 noon while Patel Chowk and Race Course Metro stations entry and exit will remain closed from 8.45 am to 12.00 noon.
From 10.45 am to 11.45 am, trains will run in three short loops from Noida City Centre to Indraprastha, Vaishali to Yamuna Bank and Dwarka Sector 21 to Barakhamba Road.
Meanwhile, all Metro parking lots will remain closed from 6.00 am on January 25 to 2.00 pm on January 26.
20:43 Indian students should leave two regions in Ukraine: Advisory
Noting that despite its advisories not to stay in strife-torn regions of Donetsk and Lugansk in Ukraine some Indian students have rejoined their institutes, India today asked them to leave these regions immediately.
Indian nationals are also strongly advised against travelling to these areas, the External Affairs Ministry said in an advisory in New Delhi.
"The Indian Embassy in Kyiv, Ukraine, had evacuated Indian nationals from Donetsk and Lugansk regions in the eastern Ukraine in June 2014. The Embassy has since issued regular advisories to advise Indian nationals, especially students, against returning to the region in view of continued hostilities.
"Despite these advisories, our Embassy had learnt that a handful of students had rejoined their educational institutions in Donetsk and Lugansk regions and had urged them directly whenever possible and through urgent advisories posted on the Mission's website to leave these regions immediately," MEA said.
It also said as has been widely reported in the media, there has been an intensification of shelling and fighting in Donetsk and Lugansk regions over the past few days.
20:42 Union minister's convoy mows down minor
A vehicle which was part of Union Minister Narendra Singh Tomar's cavalcade today ran over a five-year-old girl killing her on the spot, as the driver lost control of the car after one of its tyres got deflated, police said.
The incident took place around 40 kilometres from Chhindwara, MP, they said.
The deceased has been identified as Roshani Charpe, who was pillion riding the motorcycle of her father.
Her father and three police constables got injured in the incident.
Makanlal Dixit, one of the police constables, who got injured in the mishap, said, "The incident took place when the Union Mines and Steel Minister, who had come here to campaign for the civic polls, was returning to Nagpur by road to catch a flight. However, the driver of the follow up car lost control after one of the vehicle tyre got punctured."
Two injured, including the father of the deceased, have been admitted to a district hospital, Dixit said.
20:21 CBI files fresh case against Hindalco in coal scam
The CBI has registered a fresh case against Aditya Birla group's Hindalco in connection with allotment of Talabira-I coal block in Odisha. Searches were carried out by the CBI at four places in Mumbai and Odisha in connection with the fresh case. Earlier this week, Kumarmangalam Birla was questioned by the authorities.
20:06 Queen becomes world's oldest monarch following death of Saudi king
The Queen is now the world's oldest monarch following the death of King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia. Abdullah, who was 90, was two years older than the Queen, who will be 89 in April. She is one of eight octogenarian monarchs in the world, with others including the King of Thailand and the Emperor of Japan.
Read more HERE.
19:44 Ahead of Delhi polls, Kiran Bedi to hold 70 rallies
BJP's chief ministerial candidate Kiran Bedi will hold 70 rallies covering all the constituencies in the national capital in the next 14 days ahead of the assembly polls. A 21-member election committee of the party today met to discuss the party's campaign strategy for the February 7 polls. The meeting was chaired by senior BJP leader Nirmala Sitharaman. "Bedi will hold as many as 70 rallies in all the 70 constituencies. She has been asked to hold around four to five rallies every day so that every constituency is covered," said a senior BJP leader.
19:30 EC censures Arvind Kejriwal over 'communal riots' remark
The Election Commission has censured Aam Aadmi Party chief Arvind Kejriwal for his remarks alleging that the Bharatiya Janata Party incited communal violence in Delhi. The EC had sent a notice to the AAP chief for his controversial comments.
Kejriwal had alleged that the BJP was trying to play the communal card in Delhi by instigating tension and violence in Trilokpuri and Nandnagri, besides trying the same in Nangloi and Bawana. He also sought to link BJP to attacks on churches in the city.
19:23 Paris gunman, who took hostages in supermarket, buried
A militant shot dead by French special forces two weeks ago after he attacked a Jewish supermarket has been buried near Paris. Police sources said Amedy Coulibaly had been buried in the Muslim section of the Thiais cemetery, outside the city. Coulibaly, 32, killed four people and held a number of others hostage at a Jewish supermarket in eastern Paris on 9 January.
19:12
President's Bodyguard rehearsing in the Rashtrapati Bhavan forecourt.
19:09 Divers find more bodies, reach AirAsia fuselage
Indonesian divers today finally reached the fuselage of an AirAsia plane that crashed last month, an official said, as four more bodies were recovered from the Java Sea. Flight QZ8501 went down on December 28 in stormy weather with 162 people on board as it flew from the Indonesian city of Surabaya to Singapore.
"Divers have reached the fuselage this morning but they could not get in because there were so many cables and debris," SB Supriyadi, a rescue agency official coordinating the search told AFP.
"Divers have reached the fuselage this morning but they could not get in because there were so many cables and debris," SB Supriyadi, a rescue agency official coordinating the search told AFP.
18:57 Modi's gift for Michelle: 100 Banarasi silk saris
PM Narendra Modi is likely to gift over a 100 Banarasi sarees and Banarasi silk dress materials to United State's first lady Michelle Obama. Obama has been earlier spotted wearing Jacquard silk dresses by international designers Tracy Resse, Naeem Khan and Alexander McQueen and jacquard silk, just happens to be a speciality of the weavers of Banaras.
Banarasi silk sarees and dress materials with antique designs has been specially chosen for Mrs Obama and has been sent off to New Delhi.
The responsibility of selecting and packaging the gift has been given to a body of silk traders of Varanasi - the Varanasi Vastra Udyog Sangh.
Banarasi silk sarees and dress materials with antique designs has been specially chosen for Mrs Obama and has been sent off to New Delhi.
The responsibility of selecting and packaging the gift has been given to a body of silk traders of Varanasi - the Varanasi Vastra Udyog Sangh.
17:42 Economist gets its first female editor in 170-year-old history
Zanny Minton Beddoes has been appointed editor of the Economist, the first female to land the role in the publication's 170-year history.
Beddoes is currently business affairs editor at the Economist having previously been the magazine's economics editor. In her current role she oversees the weekly's business, finance, economics, science and technology coverage.
Beddoes is currently business affairs editor at the Economist having previously been the magazine's economics editor. In her current role she oversees the weekly's business, finance, economics, science and technology coverage.
17:35 Guj directive on Saraswati puja in schools kicks up storm
The Ahmedabad School Board has whipped up a controversy with its circular asking all schools to hold 'Saraswati Vandana' on Vasant Panchami tomorrow, drawing accusations of promoting ruling BJP's Hindutva agenda and warnings of legal action and protest by Congress.
"Vasant Panchami is the occasion to remember the Goddess of knowledge Ma Saraswati. To make students understand the importance of education, schools need to organize Saraswati Puja and make students recite prayers of Saraswati during prayer gathering. Also, make them understand how Vasant Panchami is celebrated in other states," reads the January 19 circular issued by the board.
Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation's (AMC) School Board runs around 450 primary schools in the city, including 64 Urdu medium schools, mostly in Muslim dominated areas attended by around 16,000 students from the minority community.
"Vasant Panchami is the occasion to remember the Goddess of knowledge Ma Saraswati. To make students understand the importance of education, schools need to organize Saraswati Puja and make students recite prayers of Saraswati during prayer gathering. Also, make them understand how Vasant Panchami is celebrated in other states," reads the January 19 circular issued by the board.
Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation's (AMC) School Board runs around 450 primary schools in the city, including 64 Urdu medium schools, mostly in Muslim dominated areas attended by around 16,000 students from the minority community.
17:18
Delhi top cop BS Bassi on Sunanda Pushkar death case confirms that senior Delhi journalist Nalini Singh was questioned by SIT. "We have maintained that whoever has any information they can share should come forward."
17:12 Mining baron Janardhana Reddy gets bail
Just in: Former Minister and mining baron, G Janardhana Reddy has been released from jail. Prohibitory orders have been imposed around Parappana Agrahara Central Prison in Bengaluru following intelligence agency inputs that there could be law and order issues as a large crowd of Reddy's followers would gather at the Central Jail to celebrate his release.
16:57 What did Sunanda tell you, what was her tone, Delhi cops ask journalist Nalini Singh
Senior journalist Nalini Singh was today questioned in connection with the murder case of Sunanda Pushkar, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor's wife.
Singh was called by the probe team led by Deputy Commissioner of Police Prem Nath at Sarojini Nagar police station, where she was questioned for over an hour.
Singh told IANS: "I met them (police) for about 80 minutes. This was my first meeting with the police."
The Delhi police said that Singh was questioned about the Indian Premier League (IPL) angle about which Pushkar had wanted to talk to her.
On Thursday, the team had questioned another television anchor, Rahul Kanwal, to whom Pushkar had wanted to give an interview on certain undisclosed issue.
Both the journalists were questioned soon after Delhi Police Commissioner B.S. Bassi told media that they would take the help of those journalists who had talked to Pushkar before her death to corroborate the sequence of events.
Singh was called by the probe team led by Deputy Commissioner of Police Prem Nath at Sarojini Nagar police station, where she was questioned for over an hour.
Singh told IANS: "I met them (police) for about 80 minutes. This was my first meeting with the police."
The Delhi police said that Singh was questioned about the Indian Premier League (IPL) angle about which Pushkar had wanted to talk to her.
On Thursday, the team had questioned another television anchor, Rahul Kanwal, to whom Pushkar had wanted to give an interview on certain undisclosed issue.
Both the journalists were questioned soon after Delhi Police Commissioner B.S. Bassi told media that they would take the help of those journalists who had talked to Pushkar before her death to corroborate the sequence of events.
16:30
Full dress rehearsal for Republic Day
16:11 Cong's Delhi manifesto: Cheap bijli, 4th phase of metro, hike in pension
The Congress party has released the first part of its two part manifesto for the Delhi assembly elections. The second part of the manifesto will be released tomorrow.
The manifesto was released by Delhi Congress chief Arvinder Singh Lovely.
The biggest takeaway is that it will reduce power rates it fit wins, and promises electricity at 1.5 per unit.
It also announced the fourth phase of the Delhi metro with concessional rates for students.
Then there was a hike in pension to Rs 2000.
Lovely said the Congress manifesto is different from the BJP or AAP manifesto.
The manifesto was released by Delhi Congress chief Arvinder Singh Lovely.
The biggest takeaway is that it will reduce power rates it fit wins, and promises electricity at 1.5 per unit.
It also announced the fourth phase of the Delhi metro with concessional rates for students.
Then there was a hike in pension to Rs 2000.
Lovely said the Congress manifesto is different from the BJP or AAP manifesto.
15:53 Sensex scales new heights ahead of Obama's visit
Sensex jumps 272.82 pts to close at a new peak of 29,278.84; Nifty up 74.20 points to end above 8,800-level for the first time.
The European Central Bank on Thursday unleashed a 1.1 trillion euro bond buying stimulus to rejuvenate the eurozone economy shared by 19 countries. The announcement triggered a global stock market rally though the euro plunged nearly 2 per cent to an 11-year low against the dollar.
The European Central Bank on Thursday unleashed a 1.1 trillion euro bond buying stimulus to rejuvenate the eurozone economy shared by 19 countries. The announcement triggered a global stock market rally though the euro plunged nearly 2 per cent to an 11-year low against the dollar.
15:39 Obama visit: Two tonnes of rubbish cleared from Yamuna outside Taj
As he scrubs the road to the Taj Mahal on his knees, Ramjeet beams with pride at the thought of US President Barack Obama admiring his handiwork.
"If everything is clean then he will be impressed," says the man as he took rest with another 10 kilometres of road still to be scoured by him and his co-workers.
"It's hard on the knees and back," admitted the cleaner, who is being paid Rs 300 a day for his part in a massive makeover.
Ramjeet is one of 600 cleaners mobilised in Agra ahead of Tuesday's visit by the US president and First Lady Michelle Obama to the world's most famous temple of love.
Apart from cleaning white lines on the roads, authorities have been rounding up stray dogs, clearing cows from the streets, and have ordered a lockdown around the complex.
"There are a lot of spit stains and such that need to be washed away. The streets need to be spick and span," said India's former chief achaeologist KK Mohammed, who has guided world leaders around the white marbled mausoleum.
The Obamas' visit will be covered by a massive press pack and organisers want to ensure a picture-perfect backdrop.Pradeep Bhatnagar, chairman of the Taj Trapezium Zone, a buffer region around the monument, said ongoing beautification work has been halted for 10 days to allow dust to settle before the guests arrive.
Suresh Chand, who is in charge of the clean-up, said stray dogs have been rounded up, and more than two tonnes of rubbish pulled from the nearby polluted Yamuna river in just two days.
Inside the Taj complex, a dozen barefoot women were busy trimming lawn edges with trowels.
"Obama, Obama," one lady, who has worked at the Taj for more than two decades and earns 100 rupees a day, said with a grin.
Some 3,000 police are on duty and will conduct boat patrols of the river, said Agra police senior superintendent Rajesh Modak.
Tourists will be turned away while the Obamas are touring the Taj, built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan as a tomb for his beloved empress who died during childbirth in 1631.
Locals teeming the alleys around the Taj -- which took 20,000 labourers and 16 years to build -- said they have been ordered to stay indoors.
"You can't go outside, you can't go onto the roof, you can't go outside to the bathroom -- it's like a curfew," grumbled Anil Kumar Sonkar, who runs a sweet shop a stone's throw from the Taj.
"We should be open for business and Obama should be allowed to come and sample my world-famous petha," said Sonkar. -- AFP
"If everything is clean then he will be impressed," says the man as he took rest with another 10 kilometres of road still to be scoured by him and his co-workers.
"It's hard on the knees and back," admitted the cleaner, who is being paid Rs 300 a day for his part in a massive makeover.
Ramjeet is one of 600 cleaners mobilised in Agra ahead of Tuesday's visit by the US president and First Lady Michelle Obama to the world's most famous temple of love.
Apart from cleaning white lines on the roads, authorities have been rounding up stray dogs, clearing cows from the streets, and have ordered a lockdown around the complex.
"There are a lot of spit stains and such that need to be washed away. The streets need to be spick and span," said India's former chief achaeologist KK Mohammed, who has guided world leaders around the white marbled mausoleum.
The Obamas' visit will be covered by a massive press pack and organisers want to ensure a picture-perfect backdrop.Pradeep Bhatnagar, chairman of the Taj Trapezium Zone, a buffer region around the monument, said ongoing beautification work has been halted for 10 days to allow dust to settle before the guests arrive.
Suresh Chand, who is in charge of the clean-up, said stray dogs have been rounded up, and more than two tonnes of rubbish pulled from the nearby polluted Yamuna river in just two days.
Inside the Taj complex, a dozen barefoot women were busy trimming lawn edges with trowels.
"Obama, Obama," one lady, who has worked at the Taj for more than two decades and earns 100 rupees a day, said with a grin.
Some 3,000 police are on duty and will conduct boat patrols of the river, said Agra police senior superintendent Rajesh Modak.
Tourists will be turned away while the Obamas are touring the Taj, built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan as a tomb for his beloved empress who died during childbirth in 1631.
Locals teeming the alleys around the Taj -- which took 20,000 labourers and 16 years to build -- said they have been ordered to stay indoors.
"You can't go outside, you can't go onto the roof, you can't go outside to the bathroom -- it's like a curfew," grumbled Anil Kumar Sonkar, who runs a sweet shop a stone's throw from the Taj.
"We should be open for business and Obama should be allowed to come and sample my world-famous petha," said Sonkar. -- AFP
15:26 Oops! Obama follows the wrong David Cameron on Twitter
US President Barack Obama may call the British Prime Minister his "bro" but follows the wrong David Cameron, a computer game lover, on Twitter. Obama follows 645,000 people on Twitter and by contrast David Cameron follows 382 people, including Obama. Instead of following @david_cameron, the Prime Minister's official personal account, 'Organizing For Action' which runs Obama's account has been watching the tweets of @davidcameron, who lives in Oregon and tweets about Star Trek, Telegraph reported.
Earlier this month Obama hailed Cameron, saying: "Put simply, David is a great friend and outstanding partner. "He's one of my closest and most trusted partners in the world.On many of the most pressing challenges that we face, we see the world the same way." But it seems that Obama's affection for his "bro" David Cameron does not extend to social media, the report said.
Earlier this month Obama hailed Cameron, saying: "Put simply, David is a great friend and outstanding partner. "He's one of my closest and most trusted partners in the world.On many of the most pressing challenges that we face, we see the world the same way." But it seems that Obama's affection for his "bro" David Cameron does not extend to social media, the report said.
15:15 US president Barack Obama's itinerary
January 25, 2015
US President Barack Obama arrives at 10am
Ceremonial welcome ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan
Obama to lay a wreath and pay homage at Mahatma Gandhi memorial at Rajghat
Bilateral discussions at Hyderabad House: The two leaders will first have a restricted meeting, followed by delegation-level talks over lunch
PM Modi to host lunch for President Obama
Meeting and dinner hosted by President Pranab Mukherjee
January 26, 2015
Obama to be chief guest at Republic Day function
Will attend At-home reception of President Pranab Mukherjee
Obama and Modi will address events with business leaders during the afternoon.
January 27, 2015
Will address a select gathering in the morning
Visit to Agra to see the Taj Mahal with Michelle Obama
Depart from Agra for the US
US President Barack Obama arrives at 10am
Ceremonial welcome ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan
Obama to lay a wreath and pay homage at Mahatma Gandhi memorial at Rajghat
Bilateral discussions at Hyderabad House: The two leaders will first have a restricted meeting, followed by delegation-level talks over lunch
PM Modi to host lunch for President Obama
Meeting and dinner hosted by President Pranab Mukherjee
January 26, 2015
Obama to be chief guest at Republic Day function
Will attend At-home reception of President Pranab Mukherjee
Obama and Modi will address events with business leaders during the afternoon.
January 27, 2015
Will address a select gathering in the morning
Visit to Agra to see the Taj Mahal with Michelle Obama
Depart from Agra for the US
15:04
Former president of India, APJ Abdul Kalam tweets: Happy to see my friend RK Laxman ji improving in health. I wish him a speedy recovery!!
14:57 Ex Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal yet to be invited for R-Day celebrations
No formal invitation of Republic Day celebrations extended to Delhi former CM Arvind Kejriwal.
14:28 Akhilesh-Dimple to welcome Obamas at Agra airport
UP CM Akhilesh Yadav will welcome US president Barack Obama in Agra. Akhilesh's wife, Dimple Yadav will also be present. Obama will visit Agra on January 27. A team of 40 US security experts has already inspected the Taj Mahal, a police official said.
Obama will fly in to Agra from Delhi by Air Force One and leave for the US from Agra. Major preparations are on at the Agra airport, say reports.
Obama is expected to address a town hall meeting in the morning of January 27 at the Siri Fort auditorium in Delhi.
Obama will fly in to Agra from Delhi by Air Force One and leave for the US from Agra. Major preparations are on at the Agra airport, say reports.
Obama is expected to address a town hall meeting in the morning of January 27 at the Siri Fort auditorium in Delhi.
14:18 After Jan Dhan, India eyes renewal energy world record
Having set a world record with fastest roll-out of its financial inclusion scheme 'Jan Dhan', the government expects its ambitious power sector programme to create more such records, including by making India the world's largest destination for renewable energy.
"We are giving the message of India story as a whole and we are looking at getting back to excitement to investing in India across the sectors," said Power and Coal Minister Piyush Goyal, who is in Davos to attend the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting.
"We are giving the message of India story as a whole and we are looking at getting back to excitement to investing in India across the sectors," said Power and Coal Minister Piyush Goyal, who is in Davos to attend the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting.
13:44
Subhash Chandra Bose with Mahatma Gandhi and Sardar Patel in 1938.
13:41 Hearing on petition on screening of MSG deferred
The Punjab and Haryana High Court today deferred till January 27 hearing on a petition seeking a stay on the screening of the controversial movie Messenger of God (MSG) starring Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim.
13:27
Update on the Bihar blast: Former home secretary RK Singh says, "Two people dead, 17 injured in the Arrah blast. Prima facie the blast happened to aid a prisoner to escape."
13:16 The Obama interview: Safe havens in Pak not acceptable, Mumbai terrorists must face justice
"As President, I've made sure that the United States has been unrelenting in our fight against terrorist groups-a fight in which Indians and Americans are united.
"Indians were tragically killed on 9/11, as were Americans on 26/11. On my previous visit to India, my first stop was the memorial at the Taj hotel to pay my respects to the victims, meet with survivors and send a strong message to the Indian people that we stand together in defence of our security and our way of life.
"I've made it clear that even as the United States works with Pakistan to meet the threat of terrorism, safe havens within Pakistan are not acceptable and that those behind the Mumbai terrorist attack must face justice.
"Like people around the world, Indians and Americans were horrified at the senseless slaughter of so many students and teachers at the school in Peshawar, which was a painful reminder that terrorists threaten us all."
US President Barack Obama in an interview to Shekhar Gupta.
Read the full interview here.
Pic: President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama pay their respects at the 26/11 memorial at the Taj Mahal Palace and Tower Hotel, site of the 2008 attacks in Mumbai during their 2010 visit.
"Indians were tragically killed on 9/11, as were Americans on 26/11. On my previous visit to India, my first stop was the memorial at the Taj hotel to pay my respects to the victims, meet with survivors and send a strong message to the Indian people that we stand together in defence of our security and our way of life.
"I've made it clear that even as the United States works with Pakistan to meet the threat of terrorism, safe havens within Pakistan are not acceptable and that those behind the Mumbai terrorist attack must face justice.
"Like people around the world, Indians and Americans were horrified at the senseless slaughter of so many students and teachers at the school in Peshawar, which was a painful reminder that terrorists threaten us all."
US President Barack Obama in an interview to Shekhar Gupta.
Read the full interview here.
Pic: President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama pay their respects at the 26/11 memorial at the Taj Mahal Palace and Tower Hotel, site of the 2008 attacks in Mumbai during their 2010 visit.
12:48
Fascinating read! The Story Of The Swastika: What It Was Before And Why Hitler Picked It. Read
12:43
Bihar blast: One cop is also believed to have been killed in the blast, taking the toll to two, but no confirmations yet.
12:39 Oz shocker! Federer knocked out of Australian Open
Second seed Roger Federer loses 4-6, 6-7, 6-4, 6-7 to Italian Andreas Seppi in third round of the Australian Open in Mebourne, on Friday.
12:24 Woman bomber killed in blast in Bihar court, several injured
According to initial reports, a woman, who entered the court premises at Arrah, was carrying the bomb in her purse. She died on the spot due to the explosion. Four others have also sustained serious injuries in the incident.
The nature of the blast is yet to be ascertained. Those injured have been rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment. Local police officials are at the blast site and a probe is on.
The nature of the blast is yet to be ascertained. Those injured have been rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment. Local police officials are at the blast site and a probe is on.
12:17 1 dead, several injured in bomb blast in court in Bihar
Just in: There's been a bomb explosion in Arrah, Bihar. Early reports say one person, a woman, who was probably carrying the bomb, is dead. At least seven people have been injured. The blast occurred at the Arrah civil court in Bihar.
Pic: File picture of a bomb blast in Bangalore
Pic: File picture of a bomb blast in Bangalore
11:58 So many did love me before, I never looked at them: Subhas Chandra Bose
On Subhas Chandra Bose's 118th birth anniversary, a lovely read...
Unknown facts about the romance between Subhas Chandra Bose and his wife Emilie have been brought to light by Bose's grandnephew, Harvard historian Sugato Bose in his book, His Majesty's Opponent: Subhas Chandra Bose and India's Struggle Against Empire. Sugato Bose discovered his granduncle's romantic side while going through the 165 passionate letters he wrote to Emilie. In a 1936 letter, Subhas wrote, "Even the iceberg sometimes melts and so it is with me now. I can no longer restrain myself from penning these few lines to convey my deep love for you my darling or as we would say in our own way the queen of my heart. But do you love me do you care for me do you long for me? You called me 'Pranadhik' but did you mean it? Do you love me more than your own life? Is that possible?"
Read more here.
Pic: Bose's wife Emilie Schenkl and daughter Anita Bose Pfaff
Unknown facts about the romance between Subhas Chandra Bose and his wife Emilie have been brought to light by Bose's grandnephew, Harvard historian Sugato Bose in his book, His Majesty's Opponent: Subhas Chandra Bose and India's Struggle Against Empire. Sugato Bose discovered his granduncle's romantic side while going through the 165 passionate letters he wrote to Emilie. In a 1936 letter, Subhas wrote, "Even the iceberg sometimes melts and so it is with me now. I can no longer restrain myself from penning these few lines to convey my deep love for you my darling or as we would say in our own way the queen of my heart. But do you love me do you care for me do you long for me? You called me 'Pranadhik' but did you mean it? Do you love me more than your own life? Is that possible?"
Read more here.
Pic: Bose's wife Emilie Schenkl and daughter Anita Bose Pfaff
11:49 Wanted: 70 monkey catchers to protect Obama
India's police are desperately looking to rustle up an army to protect the world's most powerful man when he comes calling in a few days - not from shadowy terrorists but from unwanted guests with long tails. Delhi's monkeys, which have the annoying habit of turning up when least expected, are a "real terror", a police officer conceded. Read
11:36 Good/Bad/Ugly: What will Obama's visit be like for India?
The real test will be in defence-related deals, for instance the Javelin anti-tank missile: Is the US willing to co-develop something with India, on terms that will support the 'Make in India' initiative? Is there defence technology transfer? Or will it dump old junk on India?' asks Rajeev Srinivasan on Rediff.com. Read
11:23 Uber set to resume cab service in Delhi?
US online taxi-hailing service Uber has applied for a radio taxi licence and is likely to restart operations in Delhi. It was banned following allegations that one of its drivers raped a female passenger.
Uber has said that it will work on improving passenger safety by introducing additional safety measures including more stringent driver checks, an in-app emergency button and a dedicated incident response team.
Uber has said that it will work on improving passenger safety by introducing additional safety measures including more stringent driver checks, an in-app emergency button and a dedicated incident response team.
11:19 Going beyond bonhomie
A Modi-Obama summit provides an opportunity for an all-encompassing look at geopolitics and geoeconomics across the region and beyond. This option should not be foreclosed by concentrating on the smaller items. Read
11:14 MHA clarifies: Padma list not announced, names speculative
The MHA has issued a clarification saying the government has not yet announced the Padma Awards for 2015. The MHA says the awards are announced on 25th of January every year, on the eve of Republic Day and the names appearing in the media are speculative and there is no official confirmation for the same.
11:06 'Regional trade to be high on agenda for Obama's India trip'
Regional trade is likely to be "near the top" of the agenda during President Barack Obama's India trip as expanding trade ties within the region can be a "game-changer", Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia Nisha Desai Biswal told a Washington audience.
With new governments taking the helm in India and Afghanistan, they are redefining how the region will co-exist and grow, she said.
"For instance, in India, Prime Minister (Narendra) Modi has promised to implement long-delayed economic and investment reforms. I will accompany President Obama to India tomorrow, where he will serve as the Prime Minister's Chief Guest of India's Republic Day ceremony. This marks the first time a sitting US President has visited the subcontinent twice," Biswal said.
With new governments taking the helm in India and Afghanistan, they are redefining how the region will co-exist and grow, she said.
"For instance, in India, Prime Minister (Narendra) Modi has promised to implement long-delayed economic and investment reforms. I will accompany President Obama to India tomorrow, where he will serve as the Prime Minister's Chief Guest of India's Republic Day ceremony. This marks the first time a sitting US President has visited the subcontinent twice," Biswal said.
10:57 Pulitzer winner Jhumpa Lahiri bags $50,000 DSC Prize for South Asian fiction
Pulitzer Prize winning author Jhumpa Lahiri won the DSC Prize for South Asian fiction on Thursday, the third straight year a writer of Indian origin has carried off the annual $50,000 prize that recognises the region's top literary talent.
Lahiri, who won a Pulitzer Prize in 2000, was the best-known author on a shortlist of five writers with her entry "The Lowland," a tale of Indian brothers bound by tragedy.
The novel had been shortlisted for the Man Booker prize in 2013.
The winner was announced at an evening session of the annual literature festival in the Indian city of Jaipur, with Lahiri the only writer among the shortlisted authors not present.-- Reuters
Lahiri, who won a Pulitzer Prize in 2000, was the best-known author on a shortlist of five writers with her entry "The Lowland," a tale of Indian brothers bound by tragedy.
The novel had been shortlisted for the Man Booker prize in 2013.
The winner was announced at an evening session of the annual literature festival in the Indian city of Jaipur, with Lahiri the only writer among the shortlisted authors not present.-- Reuters
10:33 Actor Dilip Kumar, journalist Rajat Sharma on Padma list: Report
The Indian Express reports: Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal will also be conferred the Padma awards this Republic Day.
Advani and Badal are the only two politicians who find place in the list of 148 recipients. Actor Dilip Kumar, filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali, lyricist and ad guru Prasoon Joshi, who worked on the BJP's advertisement campaign for the Lok Sabha elections, and scriptwriter Salim Khan, father of actor Salman Khan, also figure in the list.
Sports personalities chosen for the awards are hockey team captain Sardara Singh, badminton player P V Sindhu, chess grandmaster Sasikiran Krishnan, wrestler Sushil Kumar, his coach Satpal and Arunima Sinha, the first women amputee mountaineer to climb Mount Everest.
Economist Bibek Debroy, now a member of NITI Aayog, mediapersons Rajat Sharma, Swapan Dasgupta, Hari Shankar Vyas, late actor Pran have also been nominated for the award.
Advani and Badal are the only two politicians who find place in the list of 148 recipients. Actor Dilip Kumar, filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali, lyricist and ad guru Prasoon Joshi, who worked on the BJP's advertisement campaign for the Lok Sabha elections, and scriptwriter Salim Khan, father of actor Salman Khan, also figure in the list.
Sports personalities chosen for the awards are hockey team captain Sardara Singh, badminton player P V Sindhu, chess grandmaster Sasikiran Krishnan, wrestler Sushil Kumar, his coach Satpal and Arunima Sinha, the first women amputee mountaineer to climb Mount Everest.
Economist Bibek Debroy, now a member of NITI Aayog, mediapersons Rajat Sharma, Swapan Dasgupta, Hari Shankar Vyas, late actor Pran have also been nominated for the award.
10:24 Padma awards for Advani, Big B, Ramdev?
CNN-IBN reports: The government has listed the name of Padma award winners.
The Padma Vibhushan is likely for BJP's patriach L K Advani and Bollywood's megastar Amitabh Bachchan, Yoga guru Baba Ramdev and spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravishankar. The Padma Vibhushan is the second highest civilian honour.
Veteran actor Dilip Kumar is likely to be conferred the Padma Bhushan, sources tell the news network.
The Padma awards will be conferred this Republic Day, where US President Barack Obama is the chief guest.
The Padma Vibhushan is likely for BJP's patriach L K Advani and Bollywood's megastar Amitabh Bachchan, Yoga guru Baba Ramdev and spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravishankar. The Padma Vibhushan is the second highest civilian honour.
Veteran actor Dilip Kumar is likely to be conferred the Padma Bhushan, sources tell the news network.
The Padma awards will be conferred this Republic Day, where US President Barack Obama is the chief guest.
09:59 Pak ban on JuD, Haqqani network? No confirmation, says US
The US today said it has no confirmation on Pakistan's banning of Hafiz Saeed-led Jamaat-ud-Dawa and the dreaded Haqqani Network, even as it recognised that the country was in the process of implementing measures to thwart violent extremism.
"We recognise that Pakistan is working through the process of implementing measures to thwart violent extremism,including the national action plan. We don't have any confirmation of specific steps," State Department Spokesperson Jen Psaki told reporters when asked about the reported ban on the two terror outfits.
Facing intense international pressure, Pakistan has banned Jamaat-ud-Dawa and the dreaded Haqqani Network along with other terror outfits and also slapped foreign travel restrictions on the 2008 Mumbai attack mastermind.
"We recognise that Pakistan is working through the process of implementing measures to thwart violent extremism,including the national action plan. We don't have any confirmation of specific steps," State Department Spokesperson Jen Psaki told reporters when asked about the reported ban on the two terror outfits.
Facing intense international pressure, Pakistan has banned Jamaat-ud-Dawa and the dreaded Haqqani Network along with other terror outfits and also slapped foreign travel restrictions on the 2008 Mumbai attack mastermind.
09:54 PM remembers Netaji on his 118th birth anniversary
Prime Minister Narendra Modi today paid tribute to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, on his 118th birth anniversary.
Prime Minister Modi took Twitter to express his gratitude to the phenomenal freedom fighter. "His bravery, courage and patriotic zeal inspire us. On his birth anniversary , I bow to the proud son of India, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose," Modi tweeted.
"Subhas Babu's organisation and leadership skills were exceptional. He was a phenomenal personality, for whom good of the Nation was paramount," he added.
Prime Minister Modi took Twitter to express his gratitude to the phenomenal freedom fighter. "His bravery, courage and patriotic zeal inspire us. On his birth anniversary , I bow to the proud son of India, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose," Modi tweeted.
"Subhas Babu's organisation and leadership skills were exceptional. He was a phenomenal personality, for whom good of the Nation was paramount," he added.
09:49 Sania out of Australian Open women's doubles
Just in: Sania Mirza and her Chinese partner Su Wei Hsieh HsiehHsiehare knocked out in the second round of the Australian Open women's double. The duo is seeded second.
They were defeated by an unseeded pair of Gabriela Dabrowski and Alicja Rosolska.
They were defeated by an unseeded pair of Gabriela Dabrowski and Alicja Rosolska.
09:23 India-US nuclear deal hits roadblock?
A breakthrough in the nuclear deal during President Barack Obama's visit to India maybe unlikely.
The talks in London of the contact group set up by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Obama last September, have not made headway on the key hurdles, NDTV reports. The main stumbling block is not just the liability issue where US companies have concerns about having to pay up huge amounts in case of an accident, but also America's insistence on "flagging" or tracking the nuclear material they supply to India.
Read the full report here
The talks in London of the contact group set up by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Obama last September, have not made headway on the key hurdles, NDTV reports. The main stumbling block is not just the liability issue where US companies have concerns about having to pay up huge amounts in case of an accident, but also America's insistence on "flagging" or tracking the nuclear material they supply to India.
Read the full report here
09:02 Internet will disappear, says Google boss @ World Economic Forum
Google boss Eric Schmidt predicted the end of the Internet as we know it, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
At the end of a panel at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, where his comments were webcast, he was asked for his prediction on the future of the web. "I will answer very simply that the Internet will disappear,' Schmidt said.
"There will be so many IP addresses'so many devices, sensors, things that you are wearing, things that you are interacting with that you won't even sense it,' he explained.
Read the full report here
At the end of a panel at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, where his comments were webcast, he was asked for his prediction on the future of the web. "I will answer very simply that the Internet will disappear,' Schmidt said.
"There will be so many IP addresses'so many devices, sensors, things that you are wearing, things that you are interacting with that you won't even sense it,' he explained.
Read the full report here
08:46 In King Abdullah, we have lost an important voice: PM Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has condoled the passing away of Saudi Arabia's King Abdullah.
In his condolence message on Twitter, Prime Minister Modi said, "In King Abdullah, we have lost an important voice who left a lasting impact on his country. I condole his demise."
"Our thoughts are with the people of Saudi Arabia, who have lost a guiding force in King Abdullah, during this hour of grief," he added.
"A few days ago I spoke to Crown Prince Salman and inquired about King Abdullah's health. News of King Abdullah's passing away is saddening," he said further.
The Saudi Arabian government officials confirmed King Abdullah's demise on Friday. He was 90.
In his condolence message on Twitter, Prime Minister Modi said, "In King Abdullah, we have lost an important voice who left a lasting impact on his country. I condole his demise."
"Our thoughts are with the people of Saudi Arabia, who have lost a guiding force in King Abdullah, during this hour of grief," he added.
"A few days ago I spoke to Crown Prince Salman and inquired about King Abdullah's health. News of King Abdullah's passing away is saddening," he said further.
The Saudi Arabian government officials confirmed King Abdullah's demise on Friday. He was 90.
08:25 Saudi Arabia's King Abdullah dies
BBC reports: Saudi King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz has died in hospital, royal officials have announced.
A statement, made early on Friday, said his brother, Salman, had become king. Before the announcement, Saudi television cut to Koranic verses, which often signifies the death of a senior royal.
King Abdullah, who was said to be aged about 90, had been in hospital for several weeks suffering from a lung infection. Abdullah came to the throne in 2005 but had suffered frequent bouts of ill health in recent years.
A statement, made early on Friday, said his brother, Salman, had become king. Before the announcement, Saudi television cut to Koranic verses, which often signifies the death of a senior royal.
King Abdullah, who was said to be aged about 90, had been in hospital for several weeks suffering from a lung infection. Abdullah came to the throne in 2005 but had suffered frequent bouts of ill health in recent years.
04:09 Yemen president quits in deadlock talks with Shiite rebels
Yemen's President Abed Rabbo Mansour Hadi Yemen's president resigned today, saying he had reached a 'deadlock' in talks with Shiite rebels who rule the capital, Sana'a, and had confined him to his home.
Read the full story HERE
03:48
Aiming to expand its userbase, popular messaging app WhatsApp has unveiled its web browser version that allows users to access it on their personal computers.
With over 600 million users globally, WhatsApp till now was available only on smartphones across operating systems Android, iOS, Windows and BlackBerry.
Read the story HERE
03:46 Eric Cantona's kung-fu kick: The moment that shocked football
Twenty years on, the kung-fu kick former Manchester United striker Eric Cantona launched at Crystal Palace fan Matthew Simmons, moments after being sent off at Selhurst Park, still resonates as one of sport's most extraordinary events, even by the standards of football's melodramas.
Read the story HERE
02:58 BJP promises 50 pc power bill reduction if voted to power
Ahead of the Delhi Assembly elections, BJP has promised fifty percent reduction in electricity bill to every household if voted to power.
The party has put up hoardings, carrying photographs of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP's chief ministerial candidate Kiran Bedi, at various places across the national capital promising to slash power bills by 50 per cent by providing LED bulbs at cheap rates.
In the last assembly elections, the BJP had promised to slash electricity tariff by 30 per cent. Sources in the party said reduction in electricity bill was one of the main promises made by the Aam Aadmi Party in the last elections following which it had formed government.
This time, the BJP does not want to give any reason for AAP to outdo the party in the Delhi polls, the sources said.
02:39 Not worried over Pak freezing bank accounts: Hafiz Saeed
Mumbai terror attack mastermind Hafiz Saeed said on Thursday that he wasn't worried about the government freezing Jamaat-ud-dawa's bank accounts, even as the country's supreme court asked the government to announce the names of all banned outfits for the benefit of the public.
Read the full story HERE
02:35 Microsoft: Windows 10, it's on us
Microsoft yesterday said it would provide free Windows 10 upgrades to customers running either Windows 7 or Windows 8.1 on their PCs and tablets.
The unprecedented deal kicks off when Windows 10 officially releases later in 2015, and runs for one year after that.During those 12 months, users can upgrade free of charge.
Microsoft, however, dodged a question Wednesday at its Windows 10 presentation about what will happen after the year's expiration, saying it had not yet worked out those details.
01:43 US officials say 6,000 ISIS fighters killed in battles
The coalition fighting ISIS has killed more than 6,000 fighters including half of the top command of the terror group,
US diplomatic officials said Thursday.The number of fighters killed has not been publicly discussed before but was disclosed by the US ambassador to Iraq who told Al Arabiya television earlier in the day that an estimated 6,000 fighters have been killed, saying it was having an "devastating" impact on ISIS.
Read the full story HERE
01:15 Mumbai-bound AI plane from London diverted to Budapest
A Mumbai-bound Air India flight from London was diverted to Budapest in Hungary tonight following a technical snag.
The flight landed at Budapest Airport safely and the passengers have been taken care of, an Air India spokesperson told PTI here. The AI plane took off from London at its scheduled time 1:30 am (7:30 pm IST) and landed safely in Budapest at 5:52 pm local time (10:22 pm IST), he said.
According to sources, the flight, AI-130 from London to Mumbai, was diverted to Budapest due to technical problem in one of the engines. Air India is making all arrangements to fly the stranded passengers safely to Mumbai as soon as possible, the spokesperson said.
The sources did not rule out the possibility of an aircraft being flown from Delhi or Mumbai to pick up the passengers from Budapest.
00:42 Beti Bachao Abhiyan: Kanpur girls write 100-mt letter to PM
On a day when Narendra Modi launched the 'beti bachao, beti padhao' programme, a group of girls today wrote a 100-metre long letter addressed to the prime minister, drawing his attention on the issue of security and education of the girl child.
The letter will be sent to the prime minister through Kanpur MP and senior BJP leader Murli Manohar Joshi, said Manoj Sanger, the convener of 'Yug Dadhichi Beti Bachao Abhiyan'.
The girls have expressed their views about their safety and education in the letter, Sanger said.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi today launched 'beti bachao, beti padhao' scheme in Panipat district of Haryana, a state with one of the poorest sex ratio in the country.
00:13 Youth held for hoax call of terror attack on Obama
A 19-year-old youth from Goa has been arrested for making a hoax call to Delhi Police, warning them of a terror attack on US President Barack Obama.
The youth, Nesh Steve Coutinho, from South Goa district, also claimed that 'terrorists' had planned to kill Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar too, Goa police said today.
Coutinho made the call to the Delhi Police control room at around 7 AM yesterday purportedly saying that he has recorded a conversation of terrorists plotting an attack on Obama during his upcoming India visit, Superintendent of Police (South) Shekhar Prabhudesai said.
The state police today said in a statement that Coutinho told an officer of Delhi police yesterday that he spotted three suspicious-looking youths opposite Panzorconi petrol pump on NH 17 in his village when he was out for morning walk.
00:11 Top headlines of the last 24 hours
President meets bravery award winners
Hit-and-run case: Doc gives 2 versions on whether Salman was drunk
Loaded itinerary for President Obama during India visit
Politicial leaders wear skull caps to show off: Najma Heptullah
I have come as a beggar, says PM as he pleads to save girl child
Obama to join Modi on 'Mann ki Baat' radio broadcast
Hit-and-run case: Doc gives 2 versions on whether Salman was drunk
Loaded itinerary for President Obama during India visit
Politicial leaders wear skull caps to show off: Najma Heptullah
I have come as a beggar, says PM as he pleads to save girl child
Obama to join Modi on 'Mann ki Baat' radio broadcast
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