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Fri, 06 November 2015
India, China taking our jobs, will bring them back: Trump
Timeline Refresh
23:02 India, China taking our jobs, will bring them back: Trump
Leading Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump today vowed to bring back jobs from India and China, alleging that these countries are taking jobs away from Americans.
Without giving any definite policy perspective on how he would bring back jobs from India and China, Trump in an interview to Fox News argued that such a move would help him win the support of the Hispanic community.
"I am going to win the Hispanics because they know I am going to bring back jobs, from lots of places including India and China and lots of places, that are taking our jobs," said the real estate tycoon.
"But how are you going to do it? Can you get specific in terms of how you are going to get them?," he was asked.
"Yes, but I've been very specific, I've been very specific, look. We have to change our tax code, we have the highest taxes, we are highest taxed nation in the world," he said.
22:02 NDTV exit poll predicts majority for BJP-led alliance in Bihar
An exit poll on NDTV channel has predicted an edge for the BJP-led alliance in the Bihar assembly elections giving it 120 to 130 seats in the 243 member House.
The rival JD(U)-led Grand Alliance has been projected to get between 105 and 115 seats.
The poll showed that the NDA led in three phases -- second, third and fourth while the other grouping led in the remaining two phases.
In the first phase comprising 49 seats, the Grand Alliance has been given 28 seats and the NDA 20.
In the second phase with 32 seats, the alliances have been projected to get 12 and 19 respectively.
The BJP-led alliance is tipped to get 28 seats in the third phases, which has a total of 50 seats. The Grand Alliance gets 21 seats.
The fourth phase, which has 55 seats, the JD(U) alliance is predicted to 21 seats, 10 less than the NDA.
Surprisingly, the last phase, where Muslims and OBCs were a major factor, the NDA is predicted to get 27 of the 57 seats giving it a big edge. The JD(U)-led alliance is tipped to get only 28 seats.
Overall, the "Others" has been given 8 seats.
Yesterday at the end of the polling, most of the exit polls predicted a close fight giving an edge to the Grand Alliance while one poll predicted a clean sweep for the NDA.
21:58 Shiv Sena, BJP to share power in Kalyan-Dombivali
Putting behind the rancour of bitterly-fought Kalyan-Dombivali Municipal Corporation (KDMC) elections, Shiv Sena and BJP today decided to strike a deal to share power in the civic body following a hung verdict.
A decision to this effect was taken at a meeting between state BJP president Raosaheb Danve and senior Sena leader and state Industries Minister Subhash Desai in Mumbai.
Today's meeting came after a round of talks held between Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Sena leader and state PWD Minister Eknath Shinde at the former's official residence 'Varsha'.
Sena had emerged as the single largest party bagging 52 seats in the 122-member KDMC but fell short of a majority. BJP came second winning 42 seats, improving on its earlier tally of nine. With the decision to share power, the combined strength of Sena and BJP would be 94.
Congress won four, while NCP got two seats in the polls that took place last Sunday. Raj Thackeray-led MNS managed to get 9 seats while BSP and MIM won one seat each. Nine independent candidates also emerged as winners.
21:56 Alibaba to take over China's YouTube
Billionaire Jack Ma's Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba today announced a multi-billion-dollar deal to take over video streaming service Youku Tudou as it seeks to spread its online empire.
Alibaba is snapping up Youku Tudou, China's equivalent to YouTube, in the latest of a string of acquisitions as it sets its sights far beyond its core eBay-style transactions business.
In a "definitive merger agreement", Alibaba will pay $27.60 in cash per US-traded American depositary share in Youku Tudou, the companies said in a statement, without giving the overall value.
The price is 35 per cent higher than the share price on October 15 just before the takeover bid was first announced.
The agreed price is slightly up from the first bid of $26.60, an offer that had a total deal value of about $4.6 billion (4.2 billion euros) according to Bloomberg News.
Alibaba already owns more than 18 per cent of Youku Tudou, which offers mostly professionally produced video content licensed from copyright holders.
21:31 CISF launches mobile app for jawans
CISF today launched a new mobile application for its troops which will enable them to check their pay-related queries and register grievances while being on the move.
The Android-based facility has been named 'm-Power' and is an extended technology facility of the existing computer system facility for these men and women who guard some of the most vital installations in the country's civil aviation, aerospace and nuclear power domain.
"This is the first phase of the mobile-based application which offers one-touch access to information about locations and contact details of all force units, an employees' pay, interface for lodging grievance, monitoring its status and for knowing other service-related details," CISF spokesperson Hemendra Singh said.
The new Internet-based application has been developed in-house by the technical wing of the paramilitary and efforts are on to enhance its services, Singh said.
20:24 ISIS engaging IM terrorists to stoke communal tension: Intel
Pakistani intelligence agency, the ISI has engaged terrorists belonging to Indian Mujahideen to carry out vandalism at religious places in India for stoking communal tension in the country, intelligence inputs have stated.
Sources said such attempts could be carried out in border states like Punjab and Jammu and Kashmir, both of which have been alerted about the intelligence inputs and advised to remain vigilant for thwarting any bid to threaten the peace.
A few other states, too, have been alerted and asked to take preventive steps as vandalism at religious places may lead to communal tension at other places as well, they added.
Terrorists belonging to Indian Mujahideen, who had taken shelter in Pakistan, have been engaged by ISI for effecting the nefarious design, they said.
Last month, too, after getting reports of five Pakistani terrorists entering India, all the states were asked to stay extra vigilant against any attempt by subversive elements to disrupt the peace and spark communal tensions during the festival season.
Campaigns against cow slaughter by Hindu activists in recent weeks have some times led to road-blockades, arson and communal incidents.
Also, in the past, sacrifice of cattle at public and non-traditional places has proved to be a flashpoint for communal incidents.
Special watch at pandals, procession routes and venues of immersion would be desirable to prevent communal incidents and other law and order problems, the advisory said.
20:23 Noted economist shown the door at government conference
Jean Dreze, a noted economist who was was a member of Sonia Gandhi led National Advisory Council, was dropped from the list of speakers at the Delhi Economics Conclave organised by the Finance Ministry and inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Dreze, who was to speak at the conference on government's pet schemes of Jan Dhan-Aadhaar-Mobile (JAM trinity), later put his speech on a news portal in which he spoke of dangers fraught in government's push for high-tech cash transfers as a foundation for social policy.
In an email to PTI, the economist said he was informed of his name being dropped from the panel of speakers at the conference two days ago.
"...I am deeply disappointed, and also concerned that the Conclave has turned into a mutual appreciation society with everyone on the same side," Dreze said.
Chief Economic Advisor Arvind Subramanian, who had sent the letter of invitation to him, however, tried to played down the matter by saying that the cancellation was due to "last minute adjustments" in the schedule of the conference and it had nothing to do with his views.
"As soon as we had decided, we informed Jean Dreze about it. Just want to make clear, this has nothing to do with views, because the finance minister himself personally called the Kerala Chief Minister. It is not based on views or anything and everyone is welcome to attend," he said.
19:35 As a boy, pope wanted to be a butcher
When he was still knee-high to a grasshopper, Pope Francis never dreamt of becoming the leader of the world's 1.3 billion Roman Catholics. His secret desire? To be a butcher.
"When I was little, there were no shops where they used to sell things," the pontiff said in an interview published today, as he recounted his life growing up in the Argentine capital, Buenos Aires.
"There was a market with a butcher and a fruit-seller. I used to go with my mother and my grandma to do the shopping. I was little, four years old. And they asked me 'What do you want to be when you grow up?' and I said 'butcher!'."
The revelation came during an interview with a Dutch paper, "Straatnieuws", sold by the homeless in the central city of Utrecht.
The pontiff, the first to grace the Vatican from Latin America, also confided that he missed being able to walk on the streets.
In his modest district of Buenos Aires, there was a small square where he played football, although with little success.
"Those who played like I did were dubbed the hard potatoes. In other words, we had two left feet."
19:35 Chhota Rajan in stable medical condition: Medical team
Underworld don Chhota Rajan, who was brought back today morning from Indonesia is in stable medical condition and does not require any kind of medical intervention.
After his arrival at the Palam airport in New Delhi, CBI spokesperson said Rajan was medically fit and required no dialysis.
This statement comes after Maharashtra government had made arrangements for dialysis following reports that Rajan's kidneys were not functioning properly.
CBI sources said a detailed medical examination was done at the agency headquarters which suggested that he was in stable medical condition and no intervention was needed.
One of India's most wanted criminals, the 55-year-old gangster, whose real name is Rajendra Sadashiv Nikalje, was whisked away soon after landing here and taken straight to the barricaded CBI headquarters where a team of officials started questioning him.
19:34 SC directs Aditya Pancholi to vacate bungalow
The Supreme Court today refused to grant relief to Bollywood actor Aditya Pancholi's on his plea to retain tenancy rights over a bungalow in Juhu in Mumbai and directed him to vacate the premises by the end of the year.
A bench, comprising justices J S Khehar and R Banumathi, directed Pancholi to vacate the premises by December 31 and said "you are a big man. You can buy a flat. This conduct is not acceptable."
Pancholi had approched the Apex court after the Bombay high court rejected his plea to retain the tenancy rights over the bungalow and pay arrears to the owner.
The bungalow located near Juhu's ISKCON Temple was rented in 1960 at the rate of Rs 150 a month. The suit was filed by Tarabai Hate, owner of the bungalow, in July 1977 after Rajan Pancholi, Aditya's father, failed to pay the rent which amounted to Rs 1,384.
On November 2, Pancholi had told the Apex court that he was willing to take the premises and pay rent on current rates. The counsel appearing for the owner of the bungalow had sought time to seek instructions from the client.
During the proceedings today, the owner told the court that she was not willing to rent it out to Pancholi.
19:22 Apple Watch top model to cost about Rs 14 lakh in India
US technology major Apple today started selling its smartwatches in India with top models costing about Rs 14 lakh apiece.
"Top Apple Watch would cost around Rs 14 lakh apiece. However, it would be only available on order from customer," a person in Apple retail network said.
The company is selling Apple Watch variants at price starting from Rs 30,990 to Rs 14 lakh per unit through its over 100 Apple Premium stores in the country.
There are three variants in two different display sizes -- 38 mm and 42 mm -- and customers will have an option to buy from 40 combinations.
Apple Watch Edition, which comes with 18-carat rose gold case, white sport band and 42 mm display, is retailing at Rs 9.9 lakh.
The other two variants with 42-mm display are Apple Watch Sport with silver aluminium case and white sport band at starting price of Rs 34,900 while Apple Watch stainless steel case with white sport band is selling at a starting price of Rs 52,900.
In the 38-mm category, Apple has priced Apple Watch Sport with silver aluminium case and white sport band at a starting price of Rs 30,900 and Apple Watch with stainless steel case and white sport band at Rs 48,900.
18:21
Necessary security measures will be taken: BS Bassi, Delhi CP on Chhota Rajan's security.
18:08 War with India is not an option: Sharif
War with India is not an option as use of force could only worsen the situation, Pakistan's Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has said while hoping to resolve all outstanding issues between the two countries.
Sharif, during a meeting with President Mamnoon Hussain yesterday, wished to resolve all outstanding issues with India through dialogue as he believed the use of force could only worsen the situation, The Nation reported quoting a senior government official who cited the conversation between the two leaders. The Pakistan Prime Minister said war with India was not an option, according to the report.
Sharif, during a meeting with President Mamnoon Hussain yesterday, wished to resolve all outstanding issues with India through dialogue as he believed the use of force could only worsen the situation, The Nation reported quoting a senior government official who cited the conversation between the two leaders. The Pakistan Prime Minister said war with India was not an option, according to the report.
17:52 Huge blast in central Stockholm
There has been a large explosion in central Stockholm, reports The Independent.The blast occurred at 11:40 in the area around Brannkyrkagatan on Sodermalm, witnesses said. The street has been blocked off. Police are currently arriving at the scene, so too are emergency services
17:15 Govt cancels Greenpeace India registration
The Tamil Nadu Registrar of Societies has cancelled the registration of Greenpeace India, the environmental NGO that has been campaigning against air pollution and the unsustainable use of natural resources in India. Greenpeace India, registered as an NGO in India under the Tamil Nadu Registrar of Societies got the order of cancellation of its registration on Friday, although the order was formally issued on Wednesday.
16:42 Now, medal-wapsi from armed forces veterans over OROP
Armed forces veterans, upset at the delay in the one rank one pension or OROP scheme being notified, have decided to return the medals they have been honoured with in the country's service.
NDTV reports that the veterans said the decorated soldiers among them would hand over their medals on Tuesday and Wednesday next week at the arrival halls of the Delhi airport and at the offices of district collectors in other parts of the country.
Ex-servicemen abroad will return their medals at embassies, they said.
The government has promised the veterans that a notification to effect OROP will be issued as soon as the Bihar assembly election is over, pleading that a model code of conduct prohibits it from notifying new schemes during elections. Votes will be counted on Sunday, November 8.
The threat to return medals is aimed at pressuring the government to notify OROP on Monday, November 9. It is already under attack from a number of writers, filmmakers and others who have returned prestigious awards to protest against what they call "rising intolerance."
The government had, after negotiations that went on for months, announced on September 5 that it would implement OROP, which ensures that armed personnel of the same rank will draw the same pension regardless of when they retired.
Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar had earlier said the government was trying to issue the notification before Diwali, which falls on November 11.
Veterans protesting in New Delhi said last week that they have no faith in Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar's promise. "The minister has changed the goalposts and hence the veterans have no faith in this statement," Major General Satbir Singh (retd), who has led the ex-servicemen's protests, said.
Some groups of veterans had also said that the provisions that the government has announced on OROP has shortcomings.
NDTV reports that the veterans said the decorated soldiers among them would hand over their medals on Tuesday and Wednesday next week at the arrival halls of the Delhi airport and at the offices of district collectors in other parts of the country.
Ex-servicemen abroad will return their medals at embassies, they said.
The government has promised the veterans that a notification to effect OROP will be issued as soon as the Bihar assembly election is over, pleading that a model code of conduct prohibits it from notifying new schemes during elections. Votes will be counted on Sunday, November 8.
The threat to return medals is aimed at pressuring the government to notify OROP on Monday, November 9. It is already under attack from a number of writers, filmmakers and others who have returned prestigious awards to protest against what they call "rising intolerance."
The government had, after negotiations that went on for months, announced on September 5 that it would implement OROP, which ensures that armed personnel of the same rank will draw the same pension regardless of when they retired.
Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar had earlier said the government was trying to issue the notification before Diwali, which falls on November 11.
Veterans protesting in New Delhi said last week that they have no faith in Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar's promise. "The minister has changed the goalposts and hence the veterans have no faith in this statement," Major General Satbir Singh (retd), who has led the ex-servicemen's protests, said.
Some groups of veterans had also said that the provisions that the government has announced on OROP has shortcomings.
16:29
Tamil folk artist Kovan who was arrested by Chennai police for allegedly criticising AIADMK Govt in a song, sent to two day police custody.
15:12 Moody's Analytics' criticism of govt baseless: Sinha
Slamming Moody's Analytics for "baseless" criticisms of the government, Minister of State for Finance Jayant Sinha today said the arguments forwarded by the agency lacked depth and such comments are made when opponents become "restless" over the government's success.
"Moody's comment was totally baseless and there is no depth in its argument," Sinha said on the sidelines of the Delhi Economics Conclave here.
Last week, Moody's Analytics had said Prime Minister Narendra Modi must keep BJP members in check or risk "losing domestic and global credibility".
Sinha further said: "As we become successful and do good work for people of the country, our opponents will become restless. When they become restless, such kinds of comments will come."
"Moody's comment was totally baseless and there is no depth in its argument," Sinha said on the sidelines of the Delhi Economics Conclave here.
Last week, Moody's Analytics had said Prime Minister Narendra Modi must keep BJP members in check or risk "losing domestic and global credibility".
Sinha further said: "As we become successful and do good work for people of the country, our opponents will become restless. When they become restless, such kinds of comments will come."
15:08 Advani turns 88 on Bihar results day, will it be twin celebrations?
Sunday, November 8, 2015.
That's the day the results of the five-phase Bihar polls will be declared.
That's also the day when BJP stalwart LK Advani turns 88.
For both the BJP and the JDU, RJD, Congress alliance or the mahagathbandhan, it's been a do or die election. BJP 'margdarshak' Advani will also be waiting for the results as well.
BJP circles are agog with speculation that Advani's inner circle who are disgruntled with Narendra Modi will be at Advani's Prithviraj Road residence in New Delhi at 9 am.
This is obviously to wish the grand old man of the party and also to weatch and wait for the emerging results from Bihar. By 11 am a clear trend is generally available.
Advani's coterie have placed their faith on the exit polls which say its a BJP loss (except Chanakya). If the exit polls are indeed true, and the BJP loses, the group will up their ante and mount a campaign about the possible scenario in Bihar. The Modi camp believes that Advani's daugher Pratibha, and his secretary Deepak Chopra, will brief the media in private and prompt the veteran to speak on the reasons behind the defeat of the BJP in Bihar.
It may be recalled that the LK Advani had refused to address the BJP national executive that was held in Bangalore in April. Reports had indicated he was unhappy over his steady marginalisation in the BJP by the new dispensation headed by Narendra Modi and Amit Shah.
Will the BJP go with 'old is gold' or resist change, remains to be seen.
That's the day the results of the five-phase Bihar polls will be declared.
That's also the day when BJP stalwart LK Advani turns 88.
For both the BJP and the JDU, RJD, Congress alliance or the mahagathbandhan, it's been a do or die election. BJP 'margdarshak' Advani will also be waiting for the results as well.
BJP circles are agog with speculation that Advani's inner circle who are disgruntled with Narendra Modi will be at Advani's Prithviraj Road residence in New Delhi at 9 am.
This is obviously to wish the grand old man of the party and also to weatch and wait for the emerging results from Bihar. By 11 am a clear trend is generally available.
Advani's coterie have placed their faith on the exit polls which say its a BJP loss (except Chanakya). If the exit polls are indeed true, and the BJP loses, the group will up their ante and mount a campaign about the possible scenario in Bihar. The Modi camp believes that Advani's daugher Pratibha, and his secretary Deepak Chopra, will brief the media in private and prompt the veteran to speak on the reasons behind the defeat of the BJP in Bihar.
It may be recalled that the LK Advani had refused to address the BJP national executive that was held in Bangalore in April. Reports had indicated he was unhappy over his steady marginalisation in the BJP by the new dispensation headed by Narendra Modi and Amit Shah.
Will the BJP go with 'old is gold' or resist change, remains to be seen.
14:23 Chhota Rajan hale and hearty, does not require dialysis, say docs
A team of specialized doctors including a nephrologist has given their verdict on gangster Chhota Rajan's health. And the verdict is that Rajan is both mentally and physically fit.
The gangster, who is in the custody of the Central Bureau of Investigation custody and organised crime unit of the investigating agency has been cooperating with investigations.
Doctors said that Rajan was in good health and does not suffer from any major ailment. The Indian Express had reported that the Arthur Road jail in Mumbai has asked for a dialysis machine as the gangster has two failed kidneys. However, doctors who examined him today, say Rajan does not require dialysis.
After being on the run for the past 27 years, Rajan was brought to New Delhi early morning from Indonesia by a joint team headed by CBI officials for facing trial in various criminal cases registered against him in Delhi and Mumbai.
The gangster, who is in the custody of the Central Bureau of Investigation custody and organised crime unit of the investigating agency has been cooperating with investigations.
Doctors said that Rajan was in good health and does not suffer from any major ailment. The Indian Express had reported that the Arthur Road jail in Mumbai has asked for a dialysis machine as the gangster has two failed kidneys. However, doctors who examined him today, say Rajan does not require dialysis.
After being on the run for the past 27 years, Rajan was brought to New Delhi early morning from Indonesia by a joint team headed by CBI officials for facing trial in various criminal cases registered against him in Delhi and Mumbai.
13:39
Siddharth @svaradarajan Just heard Prof Jean Dreze was bumped off the Delhi Economic Conclave after being invited from Jharkhand to speak. So much for open debate.
13:38
Just in: Hardik Patel, arrested last month on sedition charges, to remain in jail for now, says Supreme Court.
12:53 Emami fined Rs 15 lakh after executive feels cheated
When young executive Nikhil Jain, then 23, was left feeling "cheated" after an advertisement had spurred him to buy a fairness cream, he decided he wouldn't take it lying down like "so many millions". Three years on, an unfair trade practices suit moved by Nikhil through his law student brother Paras - who was then 20 - has got a district consumer court in Delhi to impose a Rs 15-lakh fine on skin and healthcare giant Emami. Read more
12:35 Uphaar horror: Review 'no jail term' verdict for Ansals, CBI tells SC
Uphaar cinema case: The CBI asks the Supreme Court to review the verdict which said 'no jail term for Ansals'.
In August, real estate barons Sushil and Gopal Ansal escaped being jailed in the 18-year-old horrific Uphaar Cinema fire tragedy in which 59 people died with the Supreme Court asking them to pay a fine of Rs 30 crore each and restricting their jail term to the period already undergone by hem.
In August, real estate barons Sushil and Gopal Ansal escaped being jailed in the 18-year-old horrific Uphaar Cinema fire tragedy in which 59 people died with the Supreme Court asking them to pay a fine of Rs 30 crore each and restricting their jail term to the period already undergone by hem.
Over turning the pleas of CBI and the victims' association, a three-judge bench of Justices A R Dave, Kurian Joseph and Adarsh Kumar Goel asked them to pay the total fine of Rs 60 crore in three months and deposit it with the Delhi government, which in turn will spend the money on welfare schemes.
While Sushil, 76, had spent over five months in prison, 67-year-old
Gopal was in jail for over four months immediately after the tragedy. The bench rejected the submissions of senior advocate Harish Salve,
appearing for CBI, that the convicts be sent to jail to serve the
remaining jail term.
12:23 Acid attack survivor Laxmi blessed with baby girl
Disfigured in a terrible acid attack, 26-year-old Laxmi who goes by a single name has now turned a mother with her partner, a social activist who works for the welfare of acid attack victims.
Laxmi has given her seven-month-old daughter the name 'Pihu' and the baby like her mother will also sport a single name. For somebody who has been confronted with stares and often times with hostility whenever she appeared in public, finding love and a soulmate seemed to be a hopeless task right up to the time until she met Aloke Dixit, 28, with whom she now runs the Stop Acid Attack Campaign.
The couple, who have been living in together say they wanted some time to introduce their baby to the world. "For the initial 6 to 7 months we needed time for the baby and also for us. We wanted to relax. Also, because of our busy schedule we were not able to bring 'Pihu' in front of the world. But we finally thought of introducing her to others," Laxmi, was attacked with acid in 2005 in a busy marketplace when she was only 16-years-old by a man more than twice her age, whose advances she rejected.
Dixit says the decision to not get married was mutual and so also was the decision to not introduce their child in public immediately after her birth. "Laxmi had also gone through a lot of tragedies. She had lost her father and her younger brother very recently. So we did not want people to bombard her with questions and that's why we kept quiet," says Dixit.
Laxmi has given her seven-month-old daughter the name 'Pihu' and the baby like her mother will also sport a single name. For somebody who has been confronted with stares and often times with hostility whenever she appeared in public, finding love and a soulmate seemed to be a hopeless task right up to the time until she met Aloke Dixit, 28, with whom she now runs the Stop Acid Attack Campaign.
The couple, who have been living in together say they wanted some time to introduce their baby to the world. "For the initial 6 to 7 months we needed time for the baby and also for us. We wanted to relax. Also, because of our busy schedule we were not able to bring 'Pihu' in front of the world. But we finally thought of introducing her to others," Laxmi, was attacked with acid in 2005 in a busy marketplace when she was only 16-years-old by a man more than twice her age, whose advances she rejected.
Dixit says the decision to not get married was mutual and so also was the decision to not introduce their child in public immediately after her birth. "Laxmi had also gone through a lot of tragedies. She had lost her father and her younger brother very recently. So we did not want people to bombard her with questions and that's why we kept quiet," says Dixit.
12:04 Religion is private matter in which no one, including state, can interfere: Manmohan
In the middle of a debate on "intolerance", former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today said suppression of dissent poses "grave danger" for economic development.
"The nation is deeply concerned at recent tragic instances of violations of freedom of thought," he said at a conference organized to mark the 125th birth anniversary of Jawaharlal Nehru.
Dr Singh said no religion can become basis of public policy. "Religion is a private matter in which no one, including state, can interfere," he said, adding, "Secularism is an article of faith... it protects the fundamental freedom of every citizen."
The former prime minister's sharp comments come at a time "rising intolerance" has ignited a maelstrom of protests after incidents like the killing of rationalists and mob attacks over beef-eating or cow slaughter rumours.
"The nation is deeply concerned at the recent tragic instances of blatant violations of the right to freedom of thought, belief, speech and expression in our country by some violent extremist groups. The assault or murder of thinkers cannot be justified on any grounds, nor can suppression of right to dissent be allowed," said Dr Singh.
"All right thinking people in the country have condemned such incidents in the strongest terms as an assault on the nation," he added.
Earlier this week, Dr Singh joined Congress president Sonia Gandhi and her son Rahul Gandhi in the Congress party's march to the President's House to flag concerns about what it calls an assault on freedom of speech.
"The nation is deeply concerned at recent tragic instances of violations of freedom of thought," he said at a conference organized to mark the 125th birth anniversary of Jawaharlal Nehru.
Dr Singh said no religion can become basis of public policy. "Religion is a private matter in which no one, including state, can interfere," he said, adding, "Secularism is an article of faith... it protects the fundamental freedom of every citizen."
The former prime minister's sharp comments come at a time "rising intolerance" has ignited a maelstrom of protests after incidents like the killing of rationalists and mob attacks over beef-eating or cow slaughter rumours.
"The nation is deeply concerned at the recent tragic instances of blatant violations of the right to freedom of thought, belief, speech and expression in our country by some violent extremist groups. The assault or murder of thinkers cannot be justified on any grounds, nor can suppression of right to dissent be allowed," said Dr Singh.
"All right thinking people in the country have condemned such incidents in the strongest terms as an assault on the nation," he added.
Earlier this week, Dr Singh joined Congress president Sonia Gandhi and her son Rahul Gandhi in the Congress party's march to the President's House to flag concerns about what it calls an assault on freedom of speech.
11:47 Pace of reform is like a marathon not a sprint: PM at Economic Conclave
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Delhi Economic Conclave today hosted by the Finance Ministry.
The theme of the conclave this year is 'Realising India's JAM (Jan-Dhan, Aadhar, Mobile) Vision'.
Highlights of the PM's speech.
-- We have improved the economy by every economic indicator our economy is doing better than what we took 18 months ago.
-- In all parameters like GDP, fiscal deficit, revenue, we are doing better.
-- Success is the reason behind our series of well laid out policy.
-- We have embarked on a course of fiscal consolidation.
-- We have increased fiscal productive investment.
-- We decontrolled diesel prices and curbed energy subsidies. The coal cess was increased by four times and reduced the carbon tax.
-- We want to have maximum value for every rupee spent, maximum penetration in technology across the masses.
-- We have reduced wasteful expenditure to innovative methods.
-- We must reform to transform, to help all citizens, especially to help the poor.
-- We have started empowering unorganised sector.
-- Swachh Bharat and clean India program will create a swach Bharat and also create a powers of wellbeing for woman.
-- We have appointed accountable, credible bankers on key positions. We have laid foundation for 12 million jobs in India. Reforms to transform is like a marathon not sprint.
The theme of the conclave this year is 'Realising India's JAM (Jan-Dhan, Aadhar, Mobile) Vision'.
Highlights of the PM's speech.
-- We have improved the economy by every economic indicator our economy is doing better than what we took 18 months ago.
-- In all parameters like GDP, fiscal deficit, revenue, we are doing better.
-- Success is the reason behind our series of well laid out policy.
-- We have embarked on a course of fiscal consolidation.
-- We have increased fiscal productive investment.
-- We decontrolled diesel prices and curbed energy subsidies. The coal cess was increased by four times and reduced the carbon tax.
-- We want to have maximum value for every rupee spent, maximum penetration in technology across the masses.
-- We have reduced wasteful expenditure to innovative methods.
-- We must reform to transform, to help all citizens, especially to help the poor.
-- We have started empowering unorganised sector.
-- Swachh Bharat and clean India program will create a swach Bharat and also create a powers of wellbeing for woman.
-- We have appointed accountable, credible bankers on key positions. We have laid foundation for 12 million jobs in India. Reforms to transform is like a marathon not sprint.
11:26 Nayantara Sahgal says Rahul Gandhi is showing 'signs of great change'
Noted writer and niece of former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, Nayantara Sahgal is impressed with the way Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi has decided to play a "bigger role" and feels he is showing "signs of great change".
Speaking on the sidelines of fourth Chandigarh Literature Festival here today, Sahgal, when asked to comment on what she thought about Rahul, said, "Like everybody else I thought (several years back), he did not want to be in politics. Many of us thought it would be better if he takes up something else." She, however, quickly added that now she has seen a great change in Rahul.
Speaking on the sidelines of fourth Chandigarh Literature Festival here today, Sahgal, when asked to comment on what she thought about Rahul, said, "Like everybody else I thought (several years back), he did not want to be in politics. Many of us thought it would be better if he takes up something else." She, however, quickly added that now she has seen a great change in Rahul.
11:19 Tolerance is soul of country: Naqvi
Amid a debate on intolerance, Union Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi today targeted opposition parties contending their "political propaganda of threat to tolerance" is an "assault" on the country's soul. The Union Minister of State for Minority Affairs also reiterated his party BJP's stand that tolerance is "soul of the country" and harmony its "strength".
"Tolerance is 'soul of country and harmony is strength'. Political propaganda of threat to tolerance is attack on the country's soul," Naqvi said on Twitter. Earlier this week, Union Finance Minister and senior party leader Arun Jaitley had stated India cannot be intolerant, while Union Minister for Minority Affairs Najma Heptulla had dubbed the country as the "most tolerant" nation in the world.
"Tolerance is 'soul of country and harmony is strength'. Political propaganda of threat to tolerance is attack on the country's soul," Naqvi said on Twitter. Earlier this week, Union Finance Minister and senior party leader Arun Jaitley had stated India cannot be intolerant, while Union Minister for Minority Affairs Najma Heptulla had dubbed the country as the "most tolerant" nation in the world.
11:18 Why is nobody talking about this Dadri-type of lynching?
On Monday morning, the body of Mohammad Hasmat Ali, the headmaster of a government school, was found a short distance from his house in Keirao Makting village in Manipur. Ali, father of three children, was beaten to death by a mob alleging that he had stolen a calf. Angry villagers from Keirao Makting tried to storm their local police station on Tuesday. Read more
11:08 Quran is being misinterpreted by Muslim men to have more than one wife, says Gujarat HC
In a strongly-worded order, the Gujarat High Court on Thursday said the Quranwas being misinterpreted by Muslim men to have more than one wife and the provision of polygamy was being misused by them for "selfish reasons". The high court also stated that time has come for the country to embrace the uniform civil code as such provisions are in violation of the Constitution. Read more
11:04
High growth best antidote to poverty; public investment has to take lead till private investment picks up: FM Arun Jaitley.
11:02 The 'OBC' primer on Indian politics
Narendra Modi's landslide win in 2014 was hailed as an end to caste as it denied the OBCs their hitherto decisive role in India's politics. Eighteen months later, with the Bihar polls, it is obvious that reports on its end were vastly exaggerated. Read more
10:56 How the BJP went from selling development as a holy cow to banking on the cow being holy
In the electric campaign for the 2014 Lok Sabha election, the Bharatiya Janata Party went to town selling vikaas, development. Wherever Narendra Modi went, he spoke of the wonderful things he was going to do for the lives of ordinary Indians. Read more
10:53 Stop Muslim polygamy, its 'heinously patriarchal' says Gujarat HC, pitching for a common civil code
The Gujarat high court on Thursday made a strong pitch for a uniform civil code and called for the abolition of polygamy in Muslim society in India as it's a "heinously patriarchal" act. The court recommended an amendment of Muslim personal law saying that in this day and age, the practice of polygamy is often driven by selfish motives. Read more
10:17 Did Imran Khan's ex-wife Reham try to poison him?
A theory that has been doing the rounds lately since ex-cricketer-turned-politician Imran Khan's divorce with wife Reham Khan, is that the latter had tried to poison the 62-year-old.
Reham could have tried to poison Imran to grab his political legacy.
Pakistani journalist Arif Nizami revealed information about the attempted poisoning citing intelligence sources. Nizami told Pakistan's News 24 channel that Reham's intentions weren't right and that she tried to poison her husband to grab hold of his political power. "Intelligence agencies conveyed to Imran through his close friends that Reham's intentions were not right. It was feared she could poison Imran to grab his party's reigns."
Since the couple announced their split on October 30, this theory was brought up.
10:12 Bullet proof cars arrive for Modi's Kashmir visit
Bullet proof luxury cars including a customized BMW reached Jammu ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Jammu and Kashmir visit on Saturday.
Several bullet-proof cars, made to order sedans and critical care ambulances also arrived in Jammu, the winter capital of the state, sources in the intelligence department said. "The cars came on train and will be used for VVIP visit," a source said.
Modi will inaugurate the 450 MW phase second Baglihar power project in Ramban and a four-lane Udhampur-Bannihal stretch of the Jammu-Srinagar highway. At Baglihar, Modi will address a rally of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party and Bharatiya Janata Party in Srinagar on Saturday at 12.30 pm.
10:01
JUST IN: Veteran journalist Ved Bhasin dies in Jammu and Kashmir
09:32 Ghulam Ali to face worse fate than Sudheendra Kulkarni, warns Sena
A day after renowned singer Ghulam Ali confirmed his participation at the Lucknow Mahotsav scheduled for December 3, the Uttar Pradesh unit of Shiv Sena came out with open threats of making the situation "worse" for the Pakistani ghazal maestro if he landed in Lucknow.
The BJP's coalition partner in Maharashtra had attacked Sudheendra Kulkarni (aide of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee) with ink, hours before the book launch of former Pakistan foreign minister Khurshid Mahmud Kasuri which Kulkarni had organised in Mumbai last month.
"We will not only paint face of Ghulam Ali black but make his condition worse than Sudheendra Kulkarni if he landed in Lucknow to perform at the Mahotsav," said UP Shiv Sena president Anil Singh.
09:19 Pakistani actress Mahira Khan poses with 'Shiv Sainik' for Halloween, apologises
Pakistani actress Mahira Khan has apologised for posing with a guy, dressed up as a Shiv Sena worker at a Halloween party, after inviting backlash from Indian fans. The photo showed Mahira as a catwoman smiling, while posing with the guy, who is holding a placard that reads "Mahira ko bahar nikalo", referring to the Shiv Sena's threat that they will not let any Pakistani artist enter Maharashtra.
09:04 Would have given up national award if I had it: Zoya Akhtar
Bollywood director Zoya Akhtar said that if she had a national award to her credit she would have returned it given the current atmosphere in the country. "If I had the national award, I would have returned it. It is a peaceful way of saying things, expressing things. I support them," Zoya said.
Actress Kalki Koechlin too said it was a brave act for artists. "It is an important statement that people are making about the situation (returning of national awards). It is a brave act for artist to do," she said.
08:45 Mark Zuckerberg shares beautiful photo with pregnant wifey Priscilla
This one's worth a LIKE! Facebook's CEO Mark Zuckerberg shared a lovely image of his wife Priscilla, who is pregnant with their first child. He captioned the beautiful and touching picture taken by the famous photographer Annie Leibovitz, "I love her expression: intense yet kind, fierce yet loving, leading yet always supporting others. Thank you to Annie Leibovitz for capturing her spirit so beautifully."
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08:36 UK to raise Moody's 'ethnic tensions' report during Modi visit
Britain will raise the issue of alleged human rights violations in India as well as reports of growing intolerance in Indian society during the forthcoming three-day visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Britain's Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond said.
When asked if a Moody's Analytics report on rise in ethnic tensions in India would be discussed during the visit, Hammond said, "Yes, I am sure in all our meetings, with everybody we come in contact with, we always talk about issues of mutual concern."
Moody's has said it stands by its report.
He added: "I am sure Prime Minister Modi will have issues he wants to raise around the Indian diaspora in the UK, and I am sure Prime Minister Cameron would want to ask about some of the issues just mentioned, because they are clearly relevant to Prime Minister Modi's plans for the development of the Indian economy and the opening of India to the outside world, and securing India's sustainable development'.
08:04 Chhota Rajan kisses ground after he's brought back to India after 27 years
Underworld don and one of India's most wanted, Chhota Rajan, has finally been brought back to India this morning after being on the run for the past 27 years. Rajan landed at Delhi's Palam airport around 5:30 am from Indonesia and has been taken to the Central Bureau of Investigation headquarters at Lodhi Road for interrogation. The Delhi police has handed over seven cases related to Rajan to the CBI.
Sources said that the first thing that Rajan did after reaching India was to kiss the ground.
Rajan is wanted in more than 75 cases ranging from murder, extortion to smuggling and drug trafficking. The Mumbai Police has 69 cases registered against him, including 20 of murder, four cases under the Terrorist and Disruptive Activities (Prevention) Act, one under Prevention of Terrorism Act and more than 20 cases under the stringent Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act.
01:35 SRK needs to be listened and not abused: Bollywood
Several Bollywood celebrities including Riteish Deshmukh, Zoya Akhtar and Sudhir Mishra have joined the chorus to support superstar Shahrukh Khan who has drawn the ire of a section of BJP leaders over his recent "growing intolerance in the country" remark.
"What has happened to Shahrukh is unfortunate. I have seen the interview. I feel people are taking advantage of his statement and making it an issue," actor Riteish Deshmukh said on the sidelines of Mumbai Film Festival.
Echoing his sentiments, filmmaker Sudhir Mishra said, "He (Shahrukh) is a big actor. He is an icon. He talks things softly. It is important to listen to him. He needs to be listened and not abused".
Extending her support to Khan, director Zoya Akhtar said, "It's silly that he has to prove his credentials. He is a huge artist. He has billions of people supporting him. He is ok... he is fine".
Actress Esha Gupta said, "He is an Indian actor who represents India internationally. One should not look into religious things".
On his 50th birthday, Shah Rukh Khan had said that "there is extreme intolerance in India", apparently against the backdrop of incidents like Dadri lynching and killing of rationalists.
01:35 Outrage in US at second mistrial of cop who assaulted Indian
South Asian American organisations have expressed their "outrage" at the second mistrial of a former police official who is charged with use of excessive force against an elderly Indian man resulting in him being partially paralysed.
"SAALT (South Asian Americans Leading Together) is outraged that a second mistrial was declared on November 4, after a deadlocked jury once again failed to convict Madison, Alabama police officer, Eric Parker, on a civil rights charge brought against him by the US Department of Justice earlier this year, for attacking Sureshbhai Patel," a statement said.
"While the trial was supposed to focus on the unreasonable use of force that Parker used on Patel, it was Patel's immigration status and English proficiency skills that were really on trial," said Lakshmi Sridaran, Director of National Policy and Advocacy at SAALT.
Indeed, in his opening remarks, Parker's attorney said: "When you come to the US we expect you to follow our laws and speak our language. Mr Patel bears as much responsibility for this as anyone".
Parker was captured on video beating Patel, a grandfather, to the point of partial paralysis in February after Patel, initially identified by a neighbour as a "suspicious Black man," repeatedly told the officer he could not speak English, SAALT said.
"We continue to believe in the strength of the evidence and that the defendant's actions violated the constitutional rights of the plaintiff," said Bhavani Kakani, president of AshaKiran.
01:33 Facebook introduces music sharing feature
Facebook today made it easier to share music, introducing a new post format amid the boom in online streaming.
Dubbed "Music Stories," the new format creates a tidy, user-friendly Facebook entry whereas a fan in the past might have posted a cumbersome or random link to a webpage.
Music Stories will initially only work on Facebook's Apple-compatible mobile app for users with accounts on streaming leader Spotify or Apple Music.
A person listening to a song on a streaming site would click "share" and then "copy." He or she would then paste it on Facebook, adding commentary if desired, and friends will see the post with options to hear the song.
"We hope by making this experience better, artists will share more, friends will share and engage more, and music will become a better part of the Facebook experience overall," Michael Cerda, director of product at Facebook -- the world's second most popular website after Google -- wrote in a blog post.
Music Stories marks the latest effort to expand forms of content at Facebook, which allows its more than 1.5 billion users to swap messages, photos and videos.
01:31 Mumbai cops 'demoralised' over transfer of Rajan cases to CBI
The Maharashtra government's decision to hand over all the cases against underworld don Chhota Rajan to the Central Bureau of Investigation has not gone down well with the Mumbai Police with several senior officials criticising the move stating that it has raised doubts over their ability.
"The decision is a slap on the city police force as the government has directly portrayed that they don't trust the city police as well as its crime branch," said a crime branch official, requesting anonymity.
"This step has, in fact, demoralised the entire force, which has time and again curbed the underworld activities in the city. The city's crime branch was ranked next only to the Scotland Yard police in world," another official added.
The government's decision has made it apparent that the entire police force including the top brass of city police and crime branch is mixed up with the underworld, the officials said.
"Our own government that appoints the top brass of Mumbai Police has shown that it has no faith in the force," one more official said.
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