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Fri, 13 March 2015
Pak summons Indian envoy, raises Samjhauta blast issue
Timeline Refresh
23:51 2 charged over links to Paris gunman, evidence includes DNA
Two men with ties to one of the three gunmen who terrorized Paris were handed preliminary terrorism charges today, the Paris prosecutor said, describing hundreds of texts, regular meetings and DNA recovered from a stun gun among the belongings at a bloodied kosher supermarket.
The two men, identified as Amar R. and Said M., were given preliminary charges for participation in a terrorist group with the intent to commit crime.
23:14 Pak summons Indian envoy, raises Samjhauta blast issue
In a tit-for-tat action, Pakistan today summoned Indian Deputy High Commissioner in Islamabad, hours after India called in the Pakistani envoy in New Delhi to lodge a strong protest over a court order to release LeT terrorist and Mumbai attack mastermind Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi.
Deputy High Commissioner J P Singh was called to the Foreign Office where Pakistani side raised the 2007 Samjhauta train blast case, in which 68 people including several Pakistani nationals were killed, contending that there was undue delay in the trial.
22:52 Queen marks end of UK's 13 years in Afghanistan
Queen Elizabeth II joined veterans in a solemn service today as Britain commemorated the end of its combat operations in Afghanistan.
Prince William, his pregnant wife Kate, and Prince Harry -- who served two tours during the conflict -- also attended the ceremony at London's St Paul's Cathedral to remember the war dead.
Britain was part of a US-led coalition that fought the Taliban in Afghanistan following the September 11, 2001 attacks. Almost 150,000 Britons served in the conflict, and 453 died.
21:45 It's not a compliment: Kanimozhi on Sharad Yadav's comments
Reacting to Janata Dal-United president Sharad Yadav's sexist comments about south Indian women and their saanvli bodies, DMK's Kanimozhi at whom the comments were made, said, "It's not a compliment. It's such a patronizing way of looking at women."She added that not every time can you justify a statement saying you were quoting literature. An irate Kanimozhi added, "Women might have been treated differently centuries ago,but you can't go back to the sati systemand justify that."
21:39
That's the CEO of the Afghanistan Dr Abdullah Abdullah with Vice President Mohd Hamid Ansari in New Delhi.
21:35 After Sholay, Pakistan to screen Shah Rukh's Devdas
Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Devdas is all set to hit screens for the first-time-ever in Pakistan after the film was released 12 years ago in India. Bhansali's Devdas, starring Shahrukh Khan, Aishwarya Roy Bachchan and Madhuri Dixit was a remake of Bimal Roy's Devdas (1955) starring Dilip Kumar, Suchitra Sen and Vyjayanthymala.
Another Bollywood and Shah Rukh Khan classic that will soon be releasing in Pakistan is the 1995 romantic drama Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge.
Earlier this year, cult Bollywood movie Sholay finally appeared on the silver screen in Pakistan, 40 years after it was released in India.
21:27
SHOCKING: Four H1N1 deaths reported in 48 hours in Mumbai -- the highest recorded in such a short span, reports civic department.
20:33 Revamped BJP National Executive to meet from April 2 to 4
The newly constituted national executive of BJP shall meet in Bengaluru from April 2 to 4. The national office-bearers of the party shall be meeting on April 2 while the national executive members shall have meetings on April 3 and 4. The meeting to be held in different sessions will bepresided over by BJP national president Amit Shah and is likely to assess party's membership drive.
20:24 UP: Bridegroom dumped over failed maths test
A bride in Uttar Pradesh walked out of her wedding after her bridegroom-to-be failed to solve a simple maths problem, according to police in Uttar Pradesh. The bride asked the groom to add 15 and six. When he replied 17, she called off the marriage. Reports say the groom's family tried to convince the bride to return, but she refused saying the man was illiterate.
Read more HERE
20:02 Govt to bring policy for transgenders
Government today said it is planning to bring a policy for transgenders to ensure they get benefits akin reserved communities like SC/STs and is taking steps to see that they get enrolment in schools and jobs in government besides protection from sexual harassment.
Replying to a private member bill in Rajya Sabha, Social Justice Minister Thawaar Chand Gehlot said the government is awaiting better clarity on the definition of transgenders from the Supreme Court to extend welfare schemes for them.
"We have sought clarity on the definition of transgender, homosexuals and bisexuals. There was a problem in the definition. Now, we have placed petition before the Supreme Court seeking clarity on this," he said.
Talking about the bill moved by DMK member Tiruchi Siva, he said the issues raised in it are already covered in the report submitted by an expert committee on this issue.
"Based on the report, we have prepared an action plan. An inter-ministerial panel has been constituted to look into the issue," he said.
He said the government is planning to come out with a national policy for transgenders to ensure they get benefits akin reserved communities like SC/STs. A national welfare board will also be established.
19:47 Mufti govt withdraws circular on state flag
Under fire from political parties, the Mufti Mohammad Sayeed government today withdrew the controversial circular asking constitutional authorities to maintain the sanctity of the state flag, saying it was not approved by a "competent authority".
The government said appropriate administrative action will be taken after enquiry into the circumstances leading to the issuing of this circular.
"The draft of the circular was not approved by the competent authority before issue of the same on 12th March, 2015, and as such stands withdrawn with immediate effect," an official spokesman said in Jammu today.
"Appropriate administrative action will be taken after enquiry into the circumstances leading to the issuing of this
circular," he added.
Mufti government had yesterday issued a circular asking all constitutional authorities to maintain the sanctity of the state flag, at all costs, as is being done in respect of the Union Flag.
Jammu and Kashmir has a separate constitution and separate flag unlike other states under special status.
19:43 Pak reacts: Forget Lakhvi, why didn't India act on Aseemanand?
Reacting to India's statements on Pakistan government not doing enough to ensure Lashkar terrorist Zaki-ur Rehman Lakhvi stays in jail, Pakistan's Foreign Office spokesperson Tasneem Aslam has said: "It was a decision taken by the court. Indian government cannot interfere with the court proceedings. Court will take it out whenever it wishes to. How do you expect us to force the court?."
"Courts have their own pace and don't forget that in the Mumbai trial, for three years, access to evidence and our prosecutors visit to India was delayed," she said.
"There is also some need for introspection. What action has India taken against people like Swami Aseemanand and Col Purohit and a lot of military officers which in a way indicates involvement of Indian institutions," she told an Indian TV channel.
19:24 SC gives Sahara one last chance
Sahara Group was today granted the third and last opportunity by the Supreme Court to negotiate a deal for selling its offshore properties for raising Rs 10,000 crore to ensure the release of its Chief Subrato Roy, who has been in jail for a year for non-refund of over Rs 20,000 crore to depositors.
The apex court, which was inclined to appoint a 'court receiver' for alienating the assets of the Group, refrained from passing such an order after its newly-engaged senior counsel Kapil Sibal pleaded for another chance for complying with the directions.
"We are inclined to accept the submission of the senior counsel and therefore, we grant another opportunity to negotiate the proposed deal.
"The outline of the proposed deal has to be shared within a week with the SEBI and amicus curiae," a bench headed by Justice T S Thakur said while hinting that two to three months time can be given for working out the proposed deal.
However, the bench declined a plea for extension of special facilities to Roy in Tihar Jail precincts to negotiate the proposed deals.
It only agreed to extend the time of two hours a day earlier allowed to interact with potential buyers by another three hours keeping in view the international time zone with the facility of two laptops and mobile phones.
19:20 801 Pak-captured Indian boats untraceable: Gujarat govt
Gujarat government today admitted that 801 Indian fishing boats captured by Pakistan in the past are now untraceable and there is no hope of bringing them back.
The revelation came during the ongoing budget session in the Assembly after Congress MLA Punja Vansh raised the issue of Indian fishermen being caught by Pakistan Maritime Security Agency (MSA) near International Maritime Boundary Line off the Gujarat coast.
On March 5, MSA has captured 46 fishermen with eight of their boats near IMBL and took them to Karachi.
Vansh raised this issue under the 'matter of urgent public importance' and sought answer from the Gujarat minister for Agriculture and Fisheries Babu Bokhiria on what government has been doing to stop such incidents.
In his response, Bokhiria told the House that 344 Indian fishermen are still lodged in Pakistan. He added that 858 boats are also in Pak captivity, out of which, 57 are now being brought back through the efforts of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the state government.
18:40 Kanimozhi like a sister, JDU apologises for 'dark south Indian women' comment
KC Tyagi of the JDU responds to his colleague and party chief Sharad Yadav's statement during a debate on the Insurance Bill. Tyagi said, "We are sorry if somebody... my sister, is angry or hurt with the statement
of Sharad Yadav. But his remark was not in the bad taste, he is a
fatherly figure to Kanimozhi.
Yadav spoke about 'saanvli' (dark) South Indian women when the Insurance Bill was presented in Parliament and said, "In the entire country there are more saanvle (dark skinned) men. The women of south are beautiful, their bodies...their skin ...We don't see it here. They know dance," he remarked.
When DMK MP Kanimozhi objected, Yadav said every discussion in Parliament need not be "serious".
Yadav spoke about 'saanvli' (dark) South Indian women when the Insurance Bill was presented in Parliament and said, "In the entire country there are more saanvle (dark skinned) men. The women of south are beautiful, their bodies...their skin ...We don't see it here. They know dance," he remarked.
When DMK MP Kanimozhi objected, Yadav said every discussion in Parliament need not be "serious".
18:15 After Rushdie, Jnanpith award winner now targets Naipaul
After his attack on Salman Rushdie, Jnanpith winner Bhalachandra Nemade has now hit out at V S Naipaul, questioning whether a writer has to visit a country thrice to understand a subject.
"Naipaul had to visit India thrice on fellowship to understand the country," Marathi litterateur claimed.
He again raised questions about the literary merits of Salman Rushdie and accused him of pandering to the West.
"Rushdie's works have criticised Eastern and Asian people and presented a negative picture about them. He has tried to please the West," Nemade said.
The 2014 Jnanpith Award recipient had questioned the works of Rushdie and Naipaul at an event organised by Matrubhasha Samvardhan Sabha in February.
After the event, Rushdie had tweeted that Nemade should accept the award and be thankful for it. He also doubted if Nemade has read the literature he was attacking. When asked about Rushdie's tweet, Nemade said that he had commented only after reading the works of Rushdie and Naipaul.
"Naipaul had to visit India thrice on fellowship to understand the country," Marathi litterateur claimed.
He again raised questions about the literary merits of Salman Rushdie and accused him of pandering to the West.
"Rushdie's works have criticised Eastern and Asian people and presented a negative picture about them. He has tried to please the West," Nemade said.
The 2014 Jnanpith Award recipient had questioned the works of Rushdie and Naipaul at an event organised by Matrubhasha Samvardhan Sabha in February.
After the event, Rushdie had tweeted that Nemade should accept the award and be thankful for it. He also doubted if Nemade has read the literature he was attacking. When asked about Rushdie's tweet, Nemade said that he had commented only after reading the works of Rushdie and Naipaul.
17:38
Salman Khan hit and run case adjourned till 17th March.
17:23 France's former first lady slaps politician after he asks 'How is Franois?'
The deposed French First Lady Valrie Trierweiler has allegedly been reported to police for slapping a young man who stopped her in the street and asked: "How is Franois?'.This is the second allegation of a slapping incident involving Ms Triereweiler in six months. In September, she is reported to have slapped the former wife of a minister during a quarrel over her best-selling book on her life with President Franois Hollande.
17:13 Sharad Yadav talks of saanvli south women, their bodies
Even as Sharad Yadav went on a spree of sexist comments on south Indian women in the Rajya Sabha, some members hardly took cognizance, and went into splits of laughter instead.
During a debate on the Insurance Bill, the JD(U) President went on to discuss 'saanvli' (dark) colour of the South Indian women.
He said, "The women of the south are dark but they are' their bodies',' and went on to speak about their "dancing skills'.
Moreover, Yadav justified his statements saying there was no harm in some non-serious discussion when DMK MP Kanimozhi objected to his remark and asked him to focus on the topic of discussion.
He further said, "Your god is dark like Ravi Shankar Prasad (present in the House), but your matrimonial ads insist on white-skinned brides."
Prasad was prompt in his reply, saying, "There was also a dark man --
Mahatma Gandhi -- who drove the whites (goras) out of the country."
The Insurance bill seeks to raise the FDI cap in insurance sector from 26 per cent to 49 per cent.
Digressing from the topic of discussion, Yadav started speaking about the "affinity' for people with white skin.
He spoke about how Leslee Udwin, director of the documentary India's Daughter, must have got permission and interviews "easily", because of her skin colour.
During a debate on the Insurance Bill, the JD(U) President went on to discuss 'saanvli' (dark) colour of the South Indian women.
He said, "The women of the south are dark but they are' their bodies',' and went on to speak about their "dancing skills'.
Moreover, Yadav justified his statements saying there was no harm in some non-serious discussion when DMK MP Kanimozhi objected to his remark and asked him to focus on the topic of discussion.
He further said, "Your god is dark like Ravi Shankar Prasad (present in the House), but your matrimonial ads insist on white-skinned brides."
Prasad was prompt in his reply, saying, "There was also a dark man --
Mahatma Gandhi -- who drove the whites (goras) out of the country."
The Insurance bill seeks to raise the FDI cap in insurance sector from 26 per cent to 49 per cent.
Digressing from the topic of discussion, Yadav started speaking about the "affinity' for people with white skin.
He spoke about how Leslee Udwin, director of the documentary India's Daughter, must have got permission and interviews "easily", because of her skin colour.
16:47 NO all-night pubs in Mumbai till women's safety is addressed, says HC
The Bombay High Court on Friday said the Maharashtra state government must NOT implement its policy decision on permitting bars and pubs to remain open all night in non-residential areas until the court considers the impact of such a move on the safety of women.
The judges had earlier noted that the term of the Dharmadhikari Committee on women's safety had expired but they would have to ask it tolook into the matter.
Stating there were limited resources available and that such a move would put enormous pressure on police machinery, the HC had asked the government to file an affidavit in this regard within three weeks. Earlier, the court had said that allowing nightlife in the city may lead to situations where womens safety is a concern. In a city like Mumbai, a situation will arise, the court has said.
The judges had earlier noted that the term of the Dharmadhikari Committee on women's safety had expired but they would have to ask it tolook into the matter.
Stating there were limited resources available and that such a move would put enormous pressure on police machinery, the HC had asked the government to file an affidavit in this regard within three weeks. Earlier, the court had said that allowing nightlife in the city may lead to situations where womens safety is a concern. In a city like Mumbai, a situation will arise, the court has said.
16:20 Ratan Tata invests in m-commerce platform Paytm
Mobile commerce firm Paytm today said Tata Group Chairman Emeritus Ratan Tata has invested an undisclosed amount in the company. His investment in Paytm is in his personal capacity, the m-commerce firm said in a statement.
15:41 Father of dead bride has arm ripped off
The father of murdered bride Anni Dewani (pictured) has today marked what would have been his daughter's 33rd birthday in a hospital bed after his arm was torn off in a freak accident.
Vinod Hindocha, 65, an engineer, was fixing a lift when it plunged to the ground, ripping his right arm off. He underwent a 13-hour operation to reattach his limb after being airlifted to hospital in Gothenberg, Sweden.
Read
Vinod Hindocha, 65, an engineer, was fixing a lift when it plunged to the ground, ripping his right arm off. He underwent a 13-hour operation to reattach his limb after being airlifted to hospital in Gothenberg, Sweden.
Read
15:31 Intake of 57pc rural poor below 2,160 Kcal/day: Govt
More than half the households among the poorest five per cent of the rural population had calorie intake below 2,160 Kcal per day, the Lok Sabha was told today.
"Among the bottom 5 per cent of rural population ranked by Monthly per Capita Expenditure (MPCE), 57 per cent of households had calorie intake below 2,160 Kcal/consumer unit/day which was only 2 per cent for the top 5 per cent wealth fractile of the population," Health Minister J P Nadda said in a written reply.
"Among the bottom 5 per cent of rural population ranked by Monthly per Capita Expenditure (MPCE), 57 per cent of households had calorie intake below 2,160 Kcal/consumer unit/day which was only 2 per cent for the top 5 per cent wealth fractile of the population," Health Minister J P Nadda said in a written reply.
15:29 Pak envoy: Lakhvi granted bail but 26/11 trial will continue
Pakistan High Commissioner Abdul Basit has said in the aftermath of his meeting with the home ministry that Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakhvi may have been granted bail, but the trial continues.
Basit was summoned by Secretary (East) Anil Wadhwa, who is officiating as Foreign Secretary since S Jaishankar is in Sri Lanka with the PM.
A court on Friday ordered the release Lakhvi, the man accused of plotting the 26/11 Mumbai attacks.
India said it is Pakistan's responsibility to take all legal measures to ensure that he doesn't come out of jail.
India said it was "extremely upset" over the verdict of a court and has lodged a strong protest with the Pakistan government.
Basit was summoned by Secretary (East) Anil Wadhwa, who is officiating as Foreign Secretary since S Jaishankar is in Sri Lanka with the PM.
A court on Friday ordered the release Lakhvi, the man accused of plotting the 26/11 Mumbai attacks.
India said it is Pakistan's responsibility to take all legal measures to ensure that he doesn't come out of jail.
India said it was "extremely upset" over the verdict of a court and has lodged a strong protest with the Pakistan government.
14:46
Army court sentences one more personnel to life imprisonment in Machhil fake encounter case: Army sources.
14:45
India summons Pakistan High Commissioner Abdul Basit over Pakistani court order to release LeT terrorist and Mumbai attack kingpin Zaki-ur-Rehman.
14:43
TV host fired over racist "Planet of the Apes" comment towards Michelle Obama. Read
14:29 India to meet Bangladesh in World Cup quarters
New Zealand beat Bangladesh in a thriller at Hamilton to ensure that India will face Bangladesh in the quarter-finals of the World Cup irrespective of the results of the remaining qualifying matches. New Zealand top the group with an unbeaten record.
Brief scores: Bangladesh 290-7 lost to New Zealand 290-7 in 48.5 overs.
Brief scores: Bangladesh 290-7 lost to New Zealand 290-7 in 48.5 overs.
14:19 Six Padma awards for Bachchans... highest for a family?
Amitabh Bachchan says he is proud that the title of Padma Vibhushan, which he is set to receive from President Pranab Mukherjee next month, will take his family's Padma tally to six.
The 72-year-old actor has previously been honoured with the title of Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan. "..the President of India shall be presenting the Padma Awards on the 8th of April in Delhi at the Rashtrapati Bhavan.. my 6th visit for this prestigious ceremony - first for my Father when he received the Padma Bhushan, then for my own Padma Shri, then Padma Bhushan, for Jaya the Padma Shri, for Aishwarya's the Padma Shri, and now again for me the Padma Vibhushan," Bachchan posted on his blog.
"This seems like a record for the family. I doubt if there have been 6 Padma Awardees in one family. And I wonder too for the three Padma Awards for one individual!! So, blessed and thankful to the Almighty," he added.
The 72-year-old actor has previously been honoured with the title of Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan. "..the President of India shall be presenting the Padma Awards on the 8th of April in Delhi at the Rashtrapati Bhavan.. my 6th visit for this prestigious ceremony - first for my Father when he received the Padma Bhushan, then for my own Padma Shri, then Padma Bhushan, for Jaya the Padma Shri, for Aishwarya's the Padma Shri, and now again for me the Padma Vibhushan," Bachchan posted on his blog.
"This seems like a record for the family. I doubt if there have been 6 Padma Awardees in one family. And I wonder too for the three Padma Awards for one individual!! So, blessed and thankful to the Almighty," he added.
14:07
Naxal encounter in Chainpur block, Gumla (Jharkhand). One Maoist killed, arms and ammunition recovered.
14:05
AAP's Kumar Vishwas on the sting that purportedly records Arvind Kejriwal involved in horse trading. Vishwas says, "The stings they talk about now are like a 70's horror movie's villain who people laugh at now. I think some people have been assigned the job of putting allegations on AAP by their party."
13:46
Must read: Before I Go: A Stanford neurosurgeon's parting wisdom about life and time
13:41 Stand-up comedian Jerry Seinfeld's show in India cancelled
Sorry guys, but Jerry Seinfeld will not be coming to Mumbai.
Following the huge AIB roast controversy, the city was gearing up for the comedian and TV personality who was to perform over the weekend (Saturday, March 14 and Sunday, March 15), at the National Sports Club of India.
However, organizers have cancelled the show at the very last minute.
In an email to those who purchased the exorbitantly priced tickets, ranging from Rs 7,500 for the regular folk and Rs 12,500 for people who want want a better look at the actor, organizers cited traffic and parking issues to be the reason. -- Indian Express.
Following the huge AIB roast controversy, the city was gearing up for the comedian and TV personality who was to perform over the weekend (Saturday, March 14 and Sunday, March 15), at the National Sports Club of India.
However, organizers have cancelled the show at the very last minute.
In an email to those who purchased the exorbitantly priced tickets, ranging from Rs 7,500 for the regular folk and Rs 12,500 for people who want want a better look at the actor, organizers cited traffic and parking issues to be the reason. -- Indian Express.
13:28 Jaya's photo removed from AIADMK MP's desk
Navaneethakrishnan, AIADMK leader in the Rajya Sabha, was asked to remove a portrait of former Tamil Nadu CM J Jayalalitha on his desk.
It was an embarrassment for an MP to be asked by an official of the rank of deputy secretary to remove the portrait as it's a 'foreign material' placed at an MP's seat without the permission of the chairman.
This is an MP who has always paid obeisance to Jaya's portrait, tenderly touching it to his forehead when the house is in session.
MPs who sit next to Navaneethakrishnan used to heckle him and laugh at this act.
It was an embarrassment for an MP to be asked by an official of the rank of deputy secretary to remove the portrait as it's a 'foreign material' placed at an MP's seat without the permission of the chairman.
This is an MP who has always paid obeisance to Jaya's portrait, tenderly touching it to his forehead when the house is in session.
MPs who sit next to Navaneethakrishnan used to heckle him and laugh at this act.
12:52 Oops moment for RSS: Map in party magazine puts part of J-K in Pak
The publication of a map in RSS mouthpiece 'Organiser' depicting a part of Jammu and Kashmir as part of Pakistan, today evoked consternation in Rajya Sabha, with the Opposition asking whether the government approved it.
An embarrassed government promised to investigate the matter saying this was not its stand and neither of the Sangh.
The matter was raised by Leader of Opposition Ghulam Nabi Azad when the House met for the day, saying a map published in the 'Organiser' depicted Pak-occupied Kashmir (PoK) as part of Pakistan.
"Jammu and Kashmir is the crown of India and numerous sacifices have been made to maintain it as the crown," he said.
Observing that the BJP and RSS have been in the forefront of protests whenever a foreign magazine showed PoK as part of Pakistan, Azad wanted to know from the government if it approved of the 'Organiser' map.
An embarrassed government promised to investigate the matter saying this was not its stand and neither of the Sangh.
The matter was raised by Leader of Opposition Ghulam Nabi Azad when the House met for the day, saying a map published in the 'Organiser' depicted Pak-occupied Kashmir (PoK) as part of Pakistan.
"Jammu and Kashmir is the crown of India and numerous sacifices have been made to maintain it as the crown," he said.
Observing that the BJP and RSS have been in the forefront of protests whenever a foreign magazine showed PoK as part of Pakistan, Azad wanted to know from the government if it approved of the 'Organiser' map.
12:45 Sweden is the only Western country standing up to Saudi Arabia
The Swedish government this week decided to scrap an arms deal with Saudi Arabia, effectively bringing to an end a decade-old defence agreement with the kingdom. The move followed complaints made by the Swedish Foreign Minister Margot Wallstrom that she was blocked by the Saudis from speaking about democracy and women's rights at a gathering of the Arab League in Cairo. Read more
12:41 It is often convenient to misread history to avoid harsh truths
The public commemoration of anniversaries is drearily routine and, at best, a marketing opportunity for the publishing, postage stamp and collectibles industries. Yet, which birthdays, death anniversaries and momentous events a country chooses to remember often tells us more about contemporary realities than the past. Likewise, any landmark anniversary a society chooses to overlook is a commentary on collective awkwardness with a facet of the past.
Read Swapan Dasgupta's column for the Telegraph.
Read Swapan Dasgupta's column for the Telegraph.
12:36 In London tomorrow? Head to Parliament Square
If you're in London, you could look this up.
The UK government will unveil a statue of Mahatma Gandhi in London's Parliament Square on Saturday 14 March.
The statue will be unveiled by Finance Minister Arun Jaitley.
The ceremony will feature live music and personal reflections from Mahatma Gandhi's grandson, and former Governor of West Bengal, Gopalkrishna Gandhi.
Doors to the event area will open at 09:15 and the event will take place between 10:00-11:00, during which time the public will be able to view the bronze statue in place at Parliament Square.
The UK government will unveil a statue of Mahatma Gandhi in London's Parliament Square on Saturday 14 March.
The statue will be unveiled by Finance Minister Arun Jaitley.
The ceremony will feature live music and personal reflections from Mahatma Gandhi's grandson, and former Governor of West Bengal, Gopalkrishna Gandhi.
Doors to the event area will open at 09:15 and the event will take place between 10:00-11:00, during which time the public will be able to view the bronze statue in place at Parliament Square.
12:29
Modi was accorded a 21-gun salute from the Sri Lankan Navy on his arrival as he took a Naval Guard of Honour at the Presidential Secretariat in the presence of Sirisena before being introduced to the dignitaries present.
In 1987, the then Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi met with a hostile reception as he was attacked by a Sri Lankan sailor using a rifle butt when he inspected the guard of honour parade during his visit to Colombo to sign the Indo-Lanka Accord.
Later, Modi held bilateral talks with the Sri Lankan President.
In 1987, the then Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi met with a hostile reception as he was attacked by a Sri Lankan sailor using a rifle butt when he inspected the guard of honour parade during his visit to Colombo to sign the Indo-Lanka Accord.
Later, Modi held bilateral talks with the Sri Lankan President.
12:07
India, Sri Lanka sign 4 pacts - Agreement on visa, Customs, Youth development and building Rabindranath Tagore memorial.
12:04 Iran prepares for victory lap
Tehran has barely tolerated for the past few years the Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's theatrics and tantrums on the nuclear issue, but the gloves are off, finally, as the US-Iran talks decidedly enter a phase where the American media is wondering whether to call the deal an 'agreement', 'a 'memorandum of understanding', a 'treaty' and so on. The diplomats of the permanent members of the UN Security Council have just begun consultations in New York about a resolution formally lifting the UN sanctions on Iran if a deal is struck.
Read more
Read more
11:50 PM addresses Lanka parliament in historic visit after 28 years
Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses the Sri Lankan parliament in Colombo.
Modi flew into Colombo in the early hours today for a historic visit during which he is expected to hold talks with the country's top leadership.
Speaking in Sri Lankan parliament Modi said, "I am conscious of the significance of this visit. This is the first stand alone bilateral visit by an Indian Prime Minister since 1987.
"Last month President Sirisena honored us by making India his first visit, this is how it should be between neighbors. It helps us understand each other better, find solutions to mutual concerns," the PM said.
Modi was received by Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickramasinghe at the airport after he arrived in Colombo for a two-day visit at 5.25 a.m. following an overnight journey from Port Louis in Mauritius in a special Air India plane.
Sri Lanka is the final stop of his three-nation tour of Indian Ocean island nations that took him to Seychelles and Mauritius.
Modi, who is the first Indian Prime Minister to visit Lanka in 28 years, will on Friday hold summit talks with Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena, who was in India last month on his first foreign trip after assuming office in January. He will also hold talks with his Sri Lankan counterpart Ranil Wickramasinghe.
Modi flew into Colombo in the early hours today for a historic visit during which he is expected to hold talks with the country's top leadership.
Speaking in Sri Lankan parliament Modi said, "I am conscious of the significance of this visit. This is the first stand alone bilateral visit by an Indian Prime Minister since 1987.
"Last month President Sirisena honored us by making India his first visit, this is how it should be between neighbors. It helps us understand each other better, find solutions to mutual concerns," the PM said.
Modi was received by Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickramasinghe at the airport after he arrived in Colombo for a two-day visit at 5.25 a.m. following an overnight journey from Port Louis in Mauritius in a special Air India plane.
Sri Lanka is the final stop of his three-nation tour of Indian Ocean island nations that took him to Seychelles and Mauritius.
Modi, who is the first Indian Prime Minister to visit Lanka in 28 years, will on Friday hold summit talks with Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena, who was in India last month on his first foreign trip after assuming office in January. He will also hold talks with his Sri Lankan counterpart Ranil Wickramasinghe.
11:41 Is Gandhi still a hero to Indians?
Read: There is some irony in the fact that even as Gandhi is being so warmly embraced by the British establishment that once mocked him, his legacy in India is more ambivalent.
11:33 No good, bad terrorists, Pak must ensure Lakhvi stays in jail: India
India reacts to the Islamabad High Court's order declaring 26/11 Mumbai terror attack kingpin Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakhvi's detention null and void.
The home ministry in a statement said that Pakistan should realise there are no good terrorists or bad terrorists. The MHA said that the overwhelming evidence against the 2008 Mumbai attack mastermind Lakhvi not presented properly before court by Pak agencies. It is the responsibility of the Pakistan government to take all legal measures to ensure that Lakhvi does not come out of jail.
Image: A file picture of the Taj hotel, Mumbai, under attack by Pakistan-sponsored terrorists.
The home ministry in a statement said that Pakistan should realise there are no good terrorists or bad terrorists. The MHA said that the overwhelming evidence against the 2008 Mumbai attack mastermind Lakhvi not presented properly before court by Pak agencies. It is the responsibility of the Pakistan government to take all legal measures to ensure that Lakhvi does not come out of jail.
Image: A file picture of the Taj hotel, Mumbai, under attack by Pakistan-sponsored terrorists.
11:18 Govt under fire over Ramdev's 'sex-selection' medicine
The BJP government in Haryana has come under heavy criticism for its choice of yoga guru Ramdev as the state's brand ambassador. The opposition on Thursday alleged that Ramdev's company was selling 'Puttar Bijak' -- proper name 'Divya Putrajeevak Beej' -- medicine that was meant to help women give birth to male child. Read
11:08 LDF supporter dies of heart attack in police crackdown outside Kerala assembly
An LDF supporter has died of a heart attack in the police crackdown on protestors outside the Kerala assembly.
There were massive protests by the opposition in the Kerala assembly after state finance minister K M Mani, facing corruption charges in the bar licence issue, presented the budget this morning.
Ugly scenes erupted as opposition's Left Democratic Front lawmakers engaged in a scuffle with the watch and ward staff.
The Speaker's chair thrown out of podium, his mike was flung and entrances to the assembly were blocked.
Two MLAs -- Communist Party of India-Marxist's TV Rajesh and CPI's K Suleka were injured. Protestors continued outside the assembly as well. Police lathi charged demonstrators and used water cannons to disperse them.
There were massive protests by the opposition in the Kerala assembly after state finance minister K M Mani, facing corruption charges in the bar licence issue, presented the budget this morning.
Ugly scenes erupted as opposition's Left Democratic Front lawmakers engaged in a scuffle with the watch and ward staff.
The Speaker's chair thrown out of podium, his mike was flung and entrances to the assembly were blocked.
Two MLAs -- Communist Party of India-Marxist's TV Rajesh and CPI's K Suleka were injured. Protestors continued outside the assembly as well. Police lathi charged demonstrators and used water cannons to disperse them.
11:00 Apple's Tim Cook 'offered his liver to dying Steve Jobs
Apple founder Steve Jobs angrily rejected Tim Cook's offer of a transplant despite fears he would die, according to a new book. Read
10:55 Wanted: echo of Indira's scream
The march has brought the Congress's focus back on Sonia
Gandhi just when the party was reluctantly preparing for her
"retirement" and replacement by son Rahul.
The enthusiasm among the Congress leaders reminded some of a 1998 march in Delhi when Sonia, having just taken over as party chief, led a protest against onion prices.
Rahul's absence from the march to Manmohan Singh's residence at 3 Motilal Nehru Marg was hardly missed today, raising some veterans' hopes that Sonia might hang around a little longer.
Sources claimed Sonia was viewing the summons to Singh as a political opportunity - like the one Morarji Desai's government had handed Indira Gandhi by arresting her in the late 1970s. Read
10:51
I-T Dept slaps Rs 20,495 cr tax demand on Cairn India for failing to deduct withholding tax on alleged capital gains made by its erstwhile promoter, Cairn Energy Plc.
10:39 Modi, Sirisena hold one-on-one talks
PM Narendra Modi and and Sri Lanka President Maithripala Sirisena hold one-on-one talks.
They are expected to address the media shortly.
They are expected to address the media shortly.
10:21 AGAIN Islamabad court orders release of 26/11 plotter Lakhvi
And yet again... Islamabad high court today ordered the release of mastermind of 26/11 Mumbai attacks Zaki-ur Rehman Lakhvi, declaring his detention illegal, Express News reported.
Lakhvi is accused of being involved in planning, financing and executing the Mumbai attacks in 2008.
The Islamabad deputy commissioner had issued Lakhvis detention orders under the Maintenance of Public Order on December 18, 2014 immediately after he was granted post-arrest bail by an anti-terrorism court. Since then it has been extended thrice. Currently, Lakhvi is under detention in Adiala Jail.
Lakhvi is accused of being involved in planning, financing and executing the Mumbai attacks in 2008.
The Islamabad deputy commissioner had issued Lakhvis detention orders under the Maintenance of Public Order on December 18, 2014 immediately after he was granted post-arrest bail by an anti-terrorism court. Since then it has been extended thrice. Currently, Lakhvi is under detention in Adiala Jail.
10:15 Sensex regains 29,000-mark as Parliament passes Insurance Bill
The benchmark BSE Sensex regained the 29,000-mark by soaring 253 points and the NSE Nifty again breached the 8,800-level in opening trade today on foreign capital inflows and buying by investors following passage of Insurance Bill in Parliament amid a firming trend overseas.
Rising for the second session, the 30-share Sensex recaptured the crucial 29,000-level by gaining 253.35 points, or 0.87 per cent, at 29,183.76 with all sectoral indices, led by realty, banking, capital goods, power, PSUs and metal, trading in positive zone and rising up to 0.69 per cent.
The gauge had gained 271.24 points in yesterday's trade. On similar lines, the 50-share NSE Nifty reclaimed the 8,800-level by spurting 73.75 points, or 0.84 per cent, to 8,849.75.
Brokers said passage of the Insurance Bill, raising foreign investment cap in the sector from 26 per cent to 49 per cent, buoyed the trading sentiments. Besides, better-than-expected industrial production index, which grew 2.6 per cent in January, influenced sentiments, they added.
Rising for the second session, the 30-share Sensex recaptured the crucial 29,000-level by gaining 253.35 points, or 0.87 per cent, at 29,183.76 with all sectoral indices, led by realty, banking, capital goods, power, PSUs and metal, trading in positive zone and rising up to 0.69 per cent.
The gauge had gained 271.24 points in yesterday's trade. On similar lines, the 50-share NSE Nifty reclaimed the 8,800-level by spurting 73.75 points, or 0.84 per cent, to 8,849.75.
Brokers said passage of the Insurance Bill, raising foreign investment cap in the sector from 26 per cent to 49 per cent, buoyed the trading sentiments. Besides, better-than-expected industrial production index, which grew 2.6 per cent in January, influenced sentiments, they added.
10:11 PM Modi holds talks with Sirisena in Colombo
After a gaurd of honour and official reception at Sri Lanka presidential secretariat, Prime Minister Narendra Modi holds talks with President Maithripala Sirisena in Colombo.
09:57 Kolkata's brave rape survivor who revealed her identity
The 40-year-old rape survivor died of meningoencephalitis at a hospital in Kolkata on Friday. She is a single mother of two.
In 2013, she revealed her identity to the world as Suzette Jordan.
"Why should I hide my identity when it was not even my fault? Why should I be ashamed of something that I did not give rise to? I was subjected to brutality, I was subjected to torture, and I was subjected to rape, and I am fighting and I will fight," she said at the time, according to NDTV.
In 2013, she revealed her identity to the world as Suzette Jordan.
"Why should I hide my identity when it was not even my fault? Why should I be ashamed of something that I did not give rise to? I was subjected to brutality, I was subjected to torture, and I was subjected to rape, and I am fighting and I will fight," she said at the time, according to NDTV.
09:33 ! Park Street rape survivor dies in Kolkata
Just in: Park Street rape survivor dies. She was in the ICU for the last three days. She died on multiple organ failure, reports NDTV.
She survived a gang-rape in Park Street area in a moving car in 2011.
There was outrage after the rape asChief Minister Mamata Banerjee dismissed her case as a sajano ghatana (manufactured incident).
Details awaited.
She survived a gang-rape in Park Street area in a moving car in 2011.
There was outrage after the rape asChief Minister Mamata Banerjee dismissed her case as a sajano ghatana (manufactured incident).
Details awaited.
09:09 High drama inside Kerala assembly, lawmakers throw mike, Speaker's chair
There's high drama in the Kerala assembly as Opposition blocks all entrances. Clashes are taking place inside the assembly and the speaker's chair and mike is thrown
Hundreds of activists of LDF and Yuva Morcha converged around the state assembly complex as part of a protest siege to check state Finance Minister K M Mani from presenting the budget today over the bar bribery issue.
Though a high level security was placed and barricades had been set up by police in the vicinity, activists began to pour in large numbers in the area since last evening.
Tension mounted in the state capital after CPM-ledLDF opposition warned the Congress-headed UDF government that they would go to any extent if Mani, facing allegations in the bar bribery case, would try to present the budget and Chief Minister Oommen Chandy made it clear in the assembly that Mani himself would present the budget as he has the
Hundreds of activists of LDF and Yuva Morcha converged around the state assembly complex as part of a protest siege to check state Finance Minister K M Mani from presenting the budget today over the bar bribery issue.
Though a high level security was placed and barricades had been set up by police in the vicinity, activists began to pour in large numbers in the area since last evening.
Tension mounted in the state capital after CPM-ledLDF opposition warned the Congress-headed UDF government that they would go to any extent if Mani, facing allegations in the bar bribery case, would try to present the budget and Chief Minister Oommen Chandy made it clear in the assembly that Mani himself would present the budget as he has the
08:28 Modi reaches Colombo, first Indian PM to visit Lanka in 28 years
Prime Minister Narendra Modi today flew into the Sri Lankan capital in the early hours for a historic visit during which he is expected to hold talks with the country's top leadership.
Modi was received by Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickramasinghe at the airport after he arrived in Colombo for a two-day visit at 5.25 am following an overnight journey from Port Louis in Mauritius in a special Air India plane.
Sri Lanka is the final stop of his three-nation tour of Indian Ocean island nations that took him to Seychelles and Mauritius. Modi, who is the first Indian prime minister to visit Lanka in 28 years, will today hold summit talks with Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena, who was in India last month on his first foreign trip after assuming office in January.
He will also hold talks with his Sri Lankan counterpart Ranil Wickramasinghe. The prime minister's visit to Lanka is considered to be an opportunity to further strengthen all aspects of the bilateral relationship. His trip to Lanka is also the first standalone prime ministerial visit to the island nation since 1987 when Rajiv Gandhi visited the country.
Modi was received by Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickramasinghe at the airport after he arrived in Colombo for a two-day visit at 5.25 am following an overnight journey from Port Louis in Mauritius in a special Air India plane.
Sri Lanka is the final stop of his three-nation tour of Indian Ocean island nations that took him to Seychelles and Mauritius. Modi, who is the first Indian prime minister to visit Lanka in 28 years, will today hold summit talks with Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena, who was in India last month on his first foreign trip after assuming office in January.
He will also hold talks with his Sri Lankan counterpart Ranil Wickramasinghe. The prime minister's visit to Lanka is considered to be an opportunity to further strengthen all aspects of the bilateral relationship. His trip to Lanka is also the first standalone prime ministerial visit to the island nation since 1987 when Rajiv Gandhi visited the country.
04:05 Two bodies recovered from US military helicopter crash
The bodies of two soldiers killed in a US Army helicopter crash have been found off the Florida coast, officials said today.
The two soldiers were among 11 troops presumed to have died in Wednesday's crash of a UH-60 Black Hawk, which went down during a routine training exercise near Eglin Air Force base in Florida. The Louisiana National Guard said it was unlikely there were any survivors from the crash.
04:04 Islamic State 'accepts' Boko Haram's allegiance pledge
Islamic State has accepted a pledge of allegiance from Nigeria's militant group Boko Haram, according to an audio message.
In the tape, which has not been verified, an IS spokesman says the aim of establishing a caliphate has now been expanded to West Africa.Last week, Boko Haram posted a message saying it wanted to join ranks with IS.
Boko Haram began a military campaign to impose Islamist rule in northern Nigeria in 2009.
02:28 Fox hires ex-Navy Seal said to have killed bin Laden
Fox News announced today it hired former US Navy Seal Rob O'Neill, said to be the soldier who gunned down Osama bin Laden.
O'Neill will be a contributor to the news channel and "offer military expertise and analysis across various daytime and primetime programs," said a statement from the channel, a unit of Rupert Murdoch's 21st Century Fox.
02:15 After four years of conflict, Syria is 'entering the dark ages'
More than 80% of the lights in Syria have been extinguished in the last four years, according to humanitarian agencies who warn that the country's devastating civil war is pushing its people into the dark ages '" literally and figuratively.
Scientists based at Wuhan University in China analysed satellite images that showed the number of lights visible at night over Syria between March 2011 and February 2014. They estimate that 83% are gone, evidence of the massive destruction and displacement caused by the war.
01:43 7 die, scores trapped as Bangladesh cement factory caves
At least seven workers were killed, over 50 injured and scores of others were feared trapped under tonnes of debris after the roof of an under-construction cement factory collapsed today in southwestern Bangladesh.
The roof collapsed in the afternoon when around 150 workers were working on the extended part of the under-construction building of Mongla Cement Factory, run by an army welfare trust.
01:16 French sports stars testify in Argentine crash inquiry
Several top French athletes testified in the Argentine inquiry into a helicopter crash that killed 10 people during a reality TV shoot, said a source close to the case.
Olympic champion swimmer Alain Bernard, figure skater Philippe Candeloro and cyclist Jeannie Longo recounted the twin helicopter crash to the judge assigned to the case, who is interviewing witnesses at a hotel in Argentina's remote northwest, said the source.
00:30 Pakistani-born brothers plead guilty in Florida terror plot
Two Pakistani-born brothers pleaded guilty today to charges of plotting a terrorist explosives attack against New York City landmarks and assaulting two deputy US marshals while in custody.
The pleas were entered today in Miami federal court by Sheheryar Alam Qazi, 32, and Raees Alam Qazi, 22. The pair has been in federal custody since late November 2012 after Raees Qazi returned from New York by bus following an aborted attack, possibly involving bombs made of common chemicals and Christmas tree lights.
00:26 PM Modi departs from Mauritius; heads to Lanka
Prime Minister Narendra Modi tonight left the Mauritian capital for his historic visit to Sri Lanka, the final stop of his three-nation tour of Indian Ocean island nations.
Modi, who will be the first Indian Prime Minister to visit Lanka in 28 years, will tomorrow hold summit talks with Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena, who was in India last month on his first foreign trip after assuming office in January.
00:26 Nemtsov killing exposes cracks in Kremlin unity
The killing of Russian opposition figure Boris Nemtsov within sight of the Kremlin has exposed rarely seen tensions between different camps inside President Vladimir Putin's system of rule.
No outsiders can know with any certainty what is happening behind the red-brick walls of the Kremlin, but some of Nemtsov's associates say his shooting is being used by one faction to send Putin a message that they are unhappy and need to be reckoned with.
00:23 Top headlines in that last 24 hours
Prohibitory orders lifted in Dimapur, SMS service resumed
Raids in ministries exposes racket of selling documents to corporates
Thrashed for love: Bengaluru father beats up girl in public
Smriti Irani dropped from BJP's National Executive body
Salman's bodyguard said he was drunk driving: Cop tells court
Sonia and Co rally to defend Manmohan
Blogger Avijit's wife, father battle for justice
Delhi HC refuses to lift ban on rape documentary
'Hand' that rocked Rao's boat after conviction stays by Manmohan
Raids in ministries exposes racket of selling documents to corporates
Thrashed for love: Bengaluru father beats up girl in public
Smriti Irani dropped from BJP's National Executive body
Salman's bodyguard said he was drunk driving: Cop tells court
Sonia and Co rally to defend Manmohan
Blogger Avijit's wife, father battle for justice
Delhi HC refuses to lift ban on rape documentary
'Hand' that rocked Rao's boat after conviction stays by Manmohan
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