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Sat, 14 November 2015
Live! Syrian passport found by body of one Paris attacker: police
Timeline Refresh
21:53 Rockers in Paris attacks to return to US
Eagles of Death Metal, the California rockers whose concert in Paris turned into a massacre, will cut short a European tour and return home, promoters said today.
The band -- known more for its raunchy humor than any political inclination -- will cut short a European tour that had been due to run until December 10 in Portugal.
The band had been due to play tonight in Tourcoing in northern France before a show the following day in Brussels.
The Deftones, another California band that had been present last night at the Bataclan concert hall in Paris, will also return home, the promoter said.
The Deftones, known for experimental metal, had three shows scheduled at the Bataclan from today to Monday. The group was in the audience yesterday, after posting pictures of Paris tourist sites on social media.
The Bataclan, built in 1864 in a chinoiserie style, turned into a bloodbath last night after four black-clad attackers opened fire with automatic weapons, killing at least 82 people. The band itself was reported to be safe.
21:07 PM leaves for Turkey after three-day UK visit
Prime Minister Narendra Modi today wrapped up his three-day UK visit and left for Turkey where he will attend the G20 Summit.
After visiting a Tata Motors-owned Jaguar Land Rover factory in the West Midlands region of England, Modi boarded a flight from Heathrow Airport to Antalya in Turkey to take part in the G20 summit, which opens tomorrow.
"My gratitude to the British people & Govt. Special thanks to PM @David_Cameron for his personal attention to all the aspects of my visit," Modi tweeted before his departure from the UK.
"The progress on the economic front was satisfying. India & UK are partners in development & our economic cooperation is all set to increase," he said.
"Goodbye UK. This visit was memorable because of the wide range of programmes I attended. The ground covered will transform India-UK ties," he added.
Modi's three-day tour had a packed schedule that included delegation-level talks with his British counterpart Cameron, lunch with Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace, a speech to British MPs and an address to the Indian diaspora at the Wembley Stadium.
In Turkey, Modi will attend the G20 Summit, chaired by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The summit will focus on the current state of the global economy, sustainable growth, development and climate change, investment, trade and energy.
20:09 Kamala Laxman passes away
Kamala Laxman, well known author and wife of legendary cartoonist R K Laxman, passed away due to old age ailments here today, family sources said. She was 89.
Kamala's demise came about ten months after Laxman breathed his last in January this year.
A devoted wife, she looked after Laxman ensuring proper medical care and comfort during the period when his health was failing, requiring frequent hospitalisation in Pune and Mumbai.
Kamala used to persuade Laxman, seated in a wheel chair, to draw the 'Common Man' with those magical strokes, whenever his admirers called on him.
20:08 Over 4 pc hike in upper class rly fares from tomorrow
Railway fares for travel in the upper class categories will go up from tomorrow as a service tax levy of 14 per cent and a Swachh Bharat cess of 0.5 per cent become effective.
According to a rail ministry circular, fares will go up by 4.35 per cent for First Class and all AC Classes from November 15.
There was a notification by the government for imposing a Swachh Bharat cess on all taxable services on November 6.
"Service tax of 14 per cent and Swachh Bharat cess of 0.5 per cent are chargeable on 30 per cent total passenger fare equivalent on 30 per cent of total passenger fare equivalent to 4.35 per cent of the total fare on first class and all AC fares," the circular said.
However, the service tax will not be applicable for tickets issued before November 15.
The levy will not be applicable for general and sleeper class travel.
With the hike, AC-I fares on mail and express trains from New Delhi to Mumbai will go up by Rs 206 while the rise is of Rs 102 for AC-III fares from New Delhi to Howrah.
On the Delhi-Chennai route, the increased fare works out to about Rs 140 for the AC-II segment.
20:01 Ashok Singhal hospitalised; condition critical say docs
VHP patron Ashok Singhal has been admitted to a multi-speciality hospital in Gurgaon once again after his health deteriorated.
Singhal was admitted to Medanta multi-speciality hospital late last night.
According to a VHP statement, doctors attending on him at Medanta multi-speciality hospital say that his condition is "critical". Singhal is suffering from respiratory problems for over a month now.
Singhal was earlier admitted to Medanta on October 20 after his condition deteriorated in Allahabad and was flown in to the national capital in an air ambulance. He was discharged only two days ago.
BJP President Amit Shah and party's general secretary (Organisation) Ramlal, besides Union Health Minister J P Nadda on Saturday visited him at the hospital and inquired about his health.
VHP international vice president Om Parkash Singhal, general secretary Champat Rai and other leaders have also assembled at Medanta.
Keeping in view Singhal's bad health, VHP has cancelled its 18-day Chaturved Swahakar Yajna that was slated to start at Delhi's Birla Mandir from November 16, as well as its Diwali Milan programme.
19:42
300 hospitalised after Paris attacks, 80 in 'critical' condition: AFP
19:41 Syrian passport found by body of one Paris attacker: police
A Syrian passport was found near the body of one of the assailants involved in a wave of deadly attacks on Paris, police said today.
Police did not say where exactly the passport was found, although they indicated a possible Syrian connection was a working hypothesis for investigators after assailants hit six separate locations in Paris late yesterday, killing 128 people.
19:23 Nitish to take oath as Bihar CM on November 20
Nitish Kumar, who along with RJD chief Lalu Prasad, steered the Grand Secular Alliance to a landslide mandate of over two-thirds majority in Bihar assembly poll, will be sworn in as Chief Minister on Novermber 20 for a third term along with his new cabinet.
Kumar, who was elected the leader of the Grand Alliance legislature party leader paving the way for his becoming the CM, told reporters outside Raj Bhawan after meeting Governor Ram Nath Kovind that he will take oath as Chief Minister on November 20 at 2 PM at Gandhi Maidan in Patna.
Emerging from Raj Bhawan after about a 45 minute meeting, he said all the three parties of the alliance -- JD-U, RJD and Congress would be part of his new cabinet.
In reply to a question by newsmen as to how many ministers would take oath with him on November 20, Kumar merely said the maximum limit for Bihar House was fixed at 36.
19:10
Eiffel Tower closed indefinitely following Paris attacks, says the management: AFP
18:40 Army Captain killed in Siachen avalanche; 15 soldiers rescued
Army Captain killed in Siachen avalanche; 15 soldiers rescued
Jammu, Nov 14 (PTI)
An Army Captain lost his life while 15 other soldiers were rescued after an avalanche struck a patrol party in Siachen Glacier in Ladakh sector of Jammu and Kashmir.
"A patrol party of army came under an avalanche in southern area of Siachen glacier yesterday," Udhampur-based defence spokesman Colonel S D Goswami said on Saturday.
A rescue operation was launched immediately and 15 soldiers were saved, he said.
Regimental Medical Officer Captain Ashwini Kumar could not be saved and his body was retrieved from under the avalanche, he said.
Capt Kumar, from 3 Ladakh Scouts, was a bachelor and hailed from Patiala in Punjab.
18:03 Syria's Assad blames French policies for Paris attack
Syrian President Bashar al Assad blamed 'mistaken French policies' for the 'spread of terrorism' in the European country which resulted in attacks in Paris on Friday that killed over 150 people.
In a meeting with a delegation of French lawmakers in Damascus, Assad said, "The terrorist attacks that targeted the French capital Paris cannot be separated from what happened in the Lebanese capital Beirut lately and from what has been happening in Syria for the past five years and in other areas."
17:39 Gatwick Airport terminal evacuated amid attack fears
Britain's second busiest airport Gatwick was today evacuated after a 'suspect package' was found amid fears of more terror strikes as the dreaded Islamic State claimed responsibility for the Paris attacks. "Due to an incident -- the North Terminal has been evacuated as a precautionary measure. Extra staff on-site looking after passenger welfare," the airport said in a statement. Sussex Police confirmed the north terminal was being evacuated "for the protection of the public" after a "suspicious object" was located at the airport. The airport is nearly 50 kilometres south of Central London. The evacuation came hours after the horrific terror attacks that killed over 150 people in the French capital.
17:27 Man arrested in Germany likely to have links with Paris attackers
A man arrested in southern Germany last week, who had weapons including machine guns and explosives in his car, was 'likely linked to attackers in Paris', German media reported today. Police in the southern region of Bavaria confirmed the arrest on November 5 during a routine check on a motorway, saying 'many machine guns, revolvers and explosives' were found in the vehicle of the suspect. However, the police spokesman would not confirm the link with Friday's attacks in Paris that left more than 150 people dead.
Meanwhile, France has banned public demonstrations in Paris and the surrounding area until Thursday as the authorities said they cannot 'provide security for specific marches or gatherings'.
Meanwhile, France has banned public demonstrations in Paris and the surrounding area until Thursday as the authorities said they cannot 'provide security for specific marches or gatherings'.
17:11 Modi visits Ambedkar's house in London
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated a memorial dedicated to Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar in London today. The memorial is in the house where Dr Ambedkar lived in London. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Ramdas Athawale, the chief of Republican Party of India-Athawale were also present at the event. "Just visited the house where Dr Ambedkar stayed. His message of equality & justice continues to resonate,' Modi tweeted.
16:43
JUST IN: Nitish Kumar to be sworn in as Bihar CM on November 20 at 2 pm at Patna's Gandhi Maidan.
16:42 Paris attacks revenge for insults to Prophet and aistrikes: Islamic State
The Islamic State terrorist group has claimed responsibility for the series of attacks targeting young concert-goers, soccer fans and Parisians enjoying a Friday night out at popular nightspots killed at least 150 people in the deadliest violence to strike France since World War II.
The Islamic State released an undated video on Saturday threatening to attack France if bombings of its fighters continue. "Indeed you have been ordered to fight the infidel wherever you find him -- what are you waiting for? There are weapons and cars available and targets ready to be hit," said an Islamic State militant, flanked by other fighters, in the video. "Even poison is available, so poison the water and food of at least one of the enemies of Allah."
16:34 Nitish Kumar elected leader of Grand Alliance legislature party
M I Khan from Patna reports: The Grand Alliance of Janata Dal-United, Rashtriya Janata Dal and Congress formally elected Chief Minister-designate Nitish Kumar as its Legislature Party leader on Saturday, a joint statement released by the parties said.
The newly-elected legislators of the Grand Alliance met at the annexe of the Bihar Legislative Council and unanimously elected Kumar as its Legislature Party leader, JD-U spokesperson Sanjay Singh told reporters.
JD-U president Sharad Yadav, general secretary K C Tyagi, RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav, former chief minister Rabri Devi and senior Congress leader C P joshi were present at the meeting.
Earlier in the day, Kumar was elected the leader of JD-U Legislature Party by the newly-elected MLAs.
A team of senior leaders of the Grand Alliance -- including Kumar, Sharad Yadav, Lalu Prasad and Joshi -- will meet Governor Ramnath Kovind to stake claim to form the next government.
The Grand Alliance won 178 of the 243 assembly seats in Bihar.
On Saturday morning, Kumar met Governor Ram Nath Kovind and apprised him of the state cabinet meeting to dissolve the House to make way for 16th Legislative Assembly and a new government. He also submitted his resignation.
16:08 PM Modi unveils statue of Basaveshwara in UK
Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled the statue of 12th century Indian philosopher Basaveshwara, who was one of the pioneers of the idea of democracy, in London. The bust is situated on the banks of River Thames in the London Borough of Lambeth. Basaveshwara (1134-1168) was an Indian philosopher, social reformer and statesman who attempted to create a casteless society and fought against caste and religious discrimination.
16:00 Hollande blames Islamic State for Paris attacks, announces 3 day mourning
While blaming the Islamic State for Paris terror attacks, French President Francois Hollande put the death toll at 127. The French President termed the Paris attacks as an 'act of war' by Islamic State jihadists. Hollande vows to strike back at IS after worst attacks in France since World War II. Hollande also announced three days mourning to express solidarity with the deceased.
15:17 When PM Nehru chased a cameraperson across the room
Once a photographer, at a Congress session, was told not to
light his magnesium powder flash when the Prime Minister was around,
but Kundan Lal had no choice in the matter. He had to get a picture and
it was impossible without exploding the magnesium flash. So, like a
journalist on the job, he disregarded the diktat and did just that.
Nehru was so annoyed that he actually
chased him from one end of the room to the other! Kundan Lal realised
that he could not escape and stopped and said: "Maro, mujhe maro".
Nehru too stopped and burst into laughter.
Read the full report HERE
14:57 On Day 3 of UK yatra, Modi meets Labour party's Corbyn
Prime Minister Narendra Modi today met Jeremy Corbyn, the chief of the Labour Party in Great Britain. It will be interesting to know what the two leaders discussed as Corbyn has long been known to be a critic of Modi.
In fact, in 2013, as the Foreign Office began making overtures to Modi after having snubbed him for more than a decade, Corbyn signed a parliamentary motion calling on the British government to reinstate its diplomatic boycott of Modi, "given his role in the communal violence in 2002 [in Gujarat] that claimed the lives of hundreds if not thousands of Muslims'.
It is reported that the Labour party leader will challenge Modi over his human rights record.
14:13 Artist's 'Peace for Paris' illustration goes viral after deadly attacks
In the wake of the horrifying terrorist attacks in Paris on Friday, many took to social media to express their condolences and concern for the people of the French capital, using hashtags like #PrayForParis, and images like this peace sign with an Eiffel Tower in the center, designed by artist Jean Jullien.
Jullien, a French graphic designer who currently lives in London, tweeted the image out shortly after the attacks, with the simple message "Peace for Paris," and it spread quickly.
13:52 Mumbai on high alert in wake of Paris attacks
In the wake of deadly terror strike in Paris, security was today stepped around major establishments across various cities of Maharashtra, including Mumbai which has been often targeted by terrorists. "All police units have been asked to review and access control measures at places with heavy footfall," Director General of Police, Maharashtra, Praveen Dixit said. "Owners and managers of such places have also been asked to do mock drills to avoid any possible untoward incidents," Dixit added.
Joint Commissioner of Police (Law and Order) Deven Bharti has said in view of terror attacks in the French capital last night, security has been beefed up in Mumbai as well. Security at major railway stations, airports, commercial establishments like shopping malls, theatres has been stepped up, another senior officer of Mumbai Police said.
The official apprised that all agencies involved in monitoring of security measures have been asked to share vital inputs more precisely.
13:18 Vatican condemns Paris killings
The Vatican has condemned the killings in Paris as "mad terrorist violence" and called for a decisive response to counter the spread of "homicidal hatred". Vatican spokesman Father Federico Lombardi said in a statement: "We condemn [it] in the most radical way together with the pope and all those who love peace."
13:17 France won't close borders, says Hollande
The French presidential office said on Saturday it had restored border controls rather than closing them in the wake of multiple terror attacks in Paris that left at least 153 people dead. "President Francois Hollande decided on the immediate restoration of border controls," Xinhua cited the Elysee Palace as saying in a press release issued after an emergency meeting of the council of ministers.
Hollande on Friday night declared a state of emergency across the country and said "the borders were to be closed". The Elysee said the state of emergency takes effect "immediately across the metropolitan territory and in Corsica" so as to "forbid the movement of people and establish zones of protection and security."
According to the French foreign ministry, airports and train stations will remain open, and the service and security will be assured.
12:42 After Wembley, another gala planned for Modi in Singapore
The Indian community in Singapore will host a cultural gala event for Prime Minister Narendra Modi who is scheduled to visit the prosperous city-state later this month. Modi is expected to address more than 18,000 people at the event, during which students from local schools will stage a series of cultural performances.
"Preparations are underway and three halls have been booked at the sprawling Singapore Expo centre," said Atul Temurikar, chairman of the Singapore NRI Forum, a not-for- profit trust.
Modi, actively seeking support from Singapore - now India's second largest source for FDI and 10th largest trading partner, is to make a three-day visit to the country starting November 23. "It will strengthen Singapore-Indian cultural ties," added Satya Murthy Vamaraju, a director of the forum.
Online registrations have already begun, with over 15,000 people having registered so far, said Vamaraju. The event is sponsored by the Singapore Indian community, Temurikar said.
12:25 Paris is a city where you are meant to live, not die
I watched in horror and shock with the rest of the world, as television and social media captured the terrorist attacks that struck Paris. It was a Friday night, when thousands of residents and tourists in Paris were enjoying themselves, as they usually do. A soccer match between Germany and France was on and there was a concert where an American rock band Eagles of Death Metal was scheduled to perform.
Hundreds died. This is the worst attack to hit the city after World War II. French President Francois Hollande, who declared a state of emergency and closed the country's borders, condemned it as a terrorist attack and pledged that France would stand firm against its enemies. The world stands united with Paris.
Read more HERE
11:36 Nitish Kumar passes resolution to dissolve present state assembly
The Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Saturday submitted his resignation to Governor Ram Kovind after the state cabinet chaired by him decided to recommend the dissolution of the state assembly.
"Nitish Kumar met the governor and submitted his resignation to him following the decision that was taken at the last cabinet meeting of the present government," an official said.
Earlier, Nitish Kumar had already said he would recommend dissolution of the state legislative assembly on November 14 after holding the last meeting of his cabinet. He will stake claim to form his new government after a joint meeting of Grand Alliance on the same day.
The Nitish Kumar-led grand alliance won 178 of 243 assembly seats in the recently concluded state assembly polls. He will be first elected as the leader of the JD-U legislature party followed by the leader of the Grand Alliance of JD-U,RJD and Congress.
Nitish Kumar will also stake claim today to form the next government.
-- M I Khan from Patna
11:10 Spielberg's film's Paris premiere cancelled after attacks
Fox 2000 Pictures has scrapped the November 15 Paris premiere of filmmaker Steven Spielberg's Cold War drama-thriller 'Bridge of Spies' in the wake of Friday's devastating terrorist attacks that left over 120 people dead.
The director-producer was on his way from Berlin to Paris for the screening when the tragedy struck, said The Hollywood Reporter. "In light of the tragedy in Paris, we have cancelled our scheduled film events. Further, we stand with the people of Paris and our thoughts go out to all those affected by these horrible events," Fox said in a statement.
11:03
Quite a strong message being sent out, right? French residents gather after terrorists went on a rampage at 6 different locations in the cosmopolitan city of Paris gunning down over 150 people.
The image was tweeted by @KJP/Twitter
10:19
#ParisAttacks: French President cancels plan to attend upcoming G-20 meeting
10:14 Newspapers around the world react to the Paris attacks
Here's some of the European newspapers' front page after terror and chaos was unleashed in Paris.
10:06 Paris attacker blamed Hollande for interfering in Syria: Witness
One of the assailants in Paris on Friday mentioned France's intervention in Syria's war to justify the attacks, said a witness who was at a concert venue where some 100 people were killed.
"I clearly heard them say 'It's the fault of (French President Francois) Hollande, It's the fault of your president, he should not have intervened in Syria'. They also spoke about Iraq," said Pierre Janaszak, a radio presenter.
A wave of coordinated attacks left more than 140 dead in scenes of carnage in Paris on Friday, including scores massacred by attackers shouting "Allahu akbar" during a rock concert and others in a suicide bombing near the national stadium.
09:28 Eight militants killed in Paris attacks, reports AFP
A total of eight militants were killed, including seven by their suicide belts, during the attacks in Paris that left at least 120 dead, a source close to the investigation said. Four of the attackers were killed in the Bataclan concert hall, three by activating their suicide vests and one shot by police. Three more died near the national stadium and a fourth was killed in a street in eastern Paris.
-- AFP
09:27
For Indians worried about their loved ones in Paris, here's the helpline for the embassy of India in Paris at 00 33 1 40 50 09 96.
The embassy announced that as far as they knew ALL Indians were safe.
09:24 Obama calls Paris massacres an attack against 'all of humanity'
US President Barack Obama condemned the series of deadly attacks across Paris Friday as an 'attack on all of humanity' and pledged to work with France in order to bring those responsible to justice. "Those who think that they can terrorize the people of France or the values that they stand for are wrong.
"The American people draw strength from the French people's commitment to life, liberty, the pursuit of happiness. We are reminded in this time of tragedy that the bonds of libert and galit and fraternit are not only values that the French people care so deeply about, but they are values that we share. And those values are going to endure far beyond any act of terrorism or the hateful vision of those who perpetrated the crimes this evening.
"We're going to do whatever it takes to work with the French people and with nations around the world to bring these terrorists to justice, and to go after any terrorist networks that go after our people."
08:38
Hollywood actress Salma Hayek Pinault, who is in Paris, posted this message on her Facebook page: 'I'm in Paris and although we are alright, I'm sharing the sadness of this tragic night.'
08:34 India stands firmly by France, Pranab tweets
President Pranab Mukherjee today condemned the deadly terrorist attacks in the French capital of Paris and expressed anguish over the incident in which at least 120 people were killed.
"Strongly condemn terrorist attacks in Paris, India stands firmly by France, my heart goes out its people," the President tweeted.
08:32 'I saw my final hour unfurl', eye-witness recalls
Julian Peace, a journalist for Europe 1, was inside the Bataclan in the 10th arrondissement, a popular and renowned concert venue, when the attack happened, reports the Guardian newspaper.
'He told France Inter that two to three people -- not wearing face masks -- opened fire on the crowd with automatic weapons, possibly, kalashnikovs. He said the shootings lasted 10 to 15 minutes -- long enough for the assailants to re-load their weapons two or three times,' the newspaper writes, listing out eye-witness accounts of Paris's nightmare.
It was carnage,' Marc Coupris, 57, told the Guardian, 'still shaking after being freed from being held hostage at the Bataclan, a popular concert venue.'
"I saw my final hour unfurl before me, I thought this was the end. I thought I'm finished, I'm finished. I was terrified. We must all have thought the same. Eventually, when a few gendarmes came in slowly we began to look up and there was blood absolutely everywhere. The police told us to run,' the newspaper reports.
Another witness, Jrome Boucer, 'shivering in the cold night wearing a white shirt splattered with the blood of the victims and wounded,' told the Guardian: "The concert had started. I was in the audience and I heard what sounded like a firecracker. It was loud but the gig was very loud and
'I thought it was something that was part of the show. I think lots of people did too. Then they started firing. I saw what I thought was at least two people, then I fled. The exits were clearly marked and I just ran. There were wounded, there was a lot of blood. Blood everywhere.'
To read more of the eye-witness accounts, click here.
08:25 Five Paris attackers may have been killed
Paris Prosecutor Francois Molins has been quoted by news agency Reuters as saying that as many as five of the attackers may have been killed, and that the death toll could cross 120. Various sources have put the toll at anywhere between 100 and 150.
07:37 Attack not just on France, but all of humanity: Obama
US President Barack Obama has condemned the deadly terrorist attacks in Paris, saying that the attack is not just on France but on all of humanity and universal values and also pledged to work with France to bring those responsible to justice.
"Once again we've seen an outrageous attempt to terrorise innocent civilians. This is an attack not just on Paris; it's an attack not just on the people of France. But this is an attack on all of humanity and the universal values that we share," Obama told reporters.
The US stands prepared and ready to provide whatever assistance that the government and people of France need to respond, Obama said.
"The situation is still unfolding. I've chosen not to call President Hollande at this time, because my expectation is that he is very busy at the moment," he said.
Obama was briefed on the attacks, which have killed at least 100 people, by his counter-terrorism advisor Lisa Monaco.
07:35 Egypt's Sisi condemns Paris attacks
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi today assured solidarity with France as he condemned the deadly terrorist attacks in Paris that killed at least 39 people and held others as hostages.
President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi asked the Egyptian ambassador in France to deliver the condolences to the French government and people and to confirm Egypt's solidarity with France, a presidency statement said.
It also added that Egypt supports the efforts of the international community in fighting terrorism that kills innocent people without differentiation across the world and doesn't know any limits or religions.
Such terrorist attacks will not weaken the will of the peaceful countries or people, but will make them insist on fighting terrorism, the statement added.
At least 100 people were killed in a series of simultaneous gun attacks across Paris, as well as explosions outside the national stadium Friday night.
07:34 'Anguishing, dreadful' news from Paris: Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi today condemned the deadly terrorist attacks in Paris that has killed at least 100 people, saying that the "news from Paris is anguishing and dreadful".
"News from Paris is anguishing & dreadful. Prayers with families of the deceased. We are united with people of France in this tragic hour," Modi tweeted soon after the attacks.
France was rocked by multiple, near simultaneous attacks on entertainment sites around Paris yesterday evening that killed at least 100 people and hostages being held in a concert hall.
At least two explosions were heard near the Stade de France national stadium where a France-Germany friendly soccer match was being played, attended by President Francois Hollande. After the attacks, Hollande declared a state of emergency and announced that he was closing the country's borders.
Hollande, who had to be evacuated from the stadium when the bombs went off outside, said in a televised address that the nation would stand firm and united. Nobody has claimed responsibility for the attack.
04:50 Obama, Democratic Party greet people on Diwali
Barack Obama and his Democratic Party have greeted people on the occasion of Diwali, with the US President saying that he has been proud to host the Diwali celebrations at the White House.
In a video message posted on the White House website, Obama said he has been proud to host Diwali celebrations at the White House -- and be the first President to light the Diya in 2009.
"When Michelle and I visited India, we were able to join in Diwali festivities with some wonderful children in Mumbai. It was a reminder of the traditions we share, across continents and cultures," he said.
Noting that Hindus, Jains, Sikhs and Buddhists -- some of the worlds oldest religions - light the Diya with family and friends, Obama said: "You celebrate lifes blessings -- the triumph of knowledge over ignorance and good over evil. But Diwali is also a time for prayer and contemplation, to reflect on our obligations to help our fellow human beings, particularly the less fortunate."
04:12 136-years-old British era bridge to be demolished
The 136-years-old Hancock Bridge, one of the city's oldest bridges from the British era, is all set to be demolished.
The Central Railway (CR) with the help of traffic police and the city municipal authorities, will start the task of dismantling the road over-bridge, near Sandhurst Road railway station, which currently connects Mazgaon and Umerkhadi, from November 18.
Currently, due to the height of the bridge, trains run at a restricted speed under the bridge. But once this old structure is pulled down and a new bridge is constructed in its place, the speed of local trains will increase, railway officials said.
"Hancock road over bridge between Sandhurst Road and Byculla stations will remain closed for road and pedestrian traffic with effect from November 18 in view of work being undertaken for dismantling of the bridge," a CR statement said.
03:47 Police: At least 26 dead in Paris, hostage-taking in theatre
Two police officials say that at least 26 people have been killed in shootings and explosions around Paris, in the deadliest violence in France in decades.
One of the police officials said 11 people were killed in a Paris restaurant in the 10th arrondissement and about 15 killed in the Bataclan theatre, where a hostage-taking is under way.
Both officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorised to be publicly named according to police policy.
Picture for representation only.
03:34 Strong 7.0-magnitude quake hits off Japan coast: USGS
A powerful 7.0-magnitude earthquake struck off the southwestern coast of Japan today, the US Geological Survey said.
The USGS put the epicentre of the shallow quake about 160 kilometres from the town of Makurazaki in southwest Japan.
The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said there was no tsunami threat from the quake, which struck at 5:51 am (2051 GMT Friday).
Japan's islands are situated at the juncture of several tectonic plates and experience a number of relatively violent quakes every year.
But building codes are rigorous and regular disaster drills are held, helping to ensure that despite their frequency and magnitude, quakes usually pass without loss of life or significant damage to property in Japan.
A massive undersea quake that hit in March 2011 sent a tsunami barrelling into Japan's northeast coast.
Picture for representation only.
01:36
As festivities at Wembley wind down, leading British parliamentarians call on PM Modi,
01:30 William, Kate to make maiden India tour next year
Prince William and his wife Kate will undertake their maiden visit to
"The Duke and Duchess of
"It will be the first time The Duke and Duchess have visited the country. Further #RoyalVisitIndia details will be announced early next year!" it said.
The royal couple, both aged 33, are likely to travel without their two children
00:35
Prime Minister Narendra Modi greets the crowd at London's Wembley Stadium.
00:28 'Let us all participate in India's journey towards development,'
"Bond between India and UK is such that all you need to do is turn your watch 180 degrees and know the time there," Prime Minister Modi says.
"Till the heavens last, till time ticks on, the relationship between India and UK will continue to deepen," PM Modi says.
"It doesn't matter what the colour of your passport is our relationship is marked by the colour of our blood," he said.
"Let us all participate in India's journey towards development," the prime minister concluded.
00:19 'From 15th December, a London-Ahmedabad direct flight will start plying'
"The OCI process will be simplified," the prime minister said referencing the Overseas Citizens of India.
"There is now an e-portal to help you with all your issues with Visa, PIO & OCI," he said.
"From 15th December, a London-Ahmedabad direct flight will start plying." the prime minister declared.
00:16 'My India resides in people like Imran Khan'
"Be it Skill India or Digital India, we are working towards it all," the PM stated.
"Never think that India is what you see on TV screens. India is much better than that," PM Modi.
"Imran Khan of Alwar made 50 apps to help students. My India resides in people like Imran Khan," PM Modi stated.
"There are lakhs of people working among the tribal communities and helping them in fields of education, health. That is where my India lies," the PM said.
00:04 'India can lead the world in the arena of harboring solar energy'
Prime Minister Narendra Modi talks of the International Solar Alliance to scale up use of solar energy.
"India can lead the world in the arena of harboring solar energy. We have taken this up," he said.
'We are the surya putra (sons of the sun) nations." the prime minister stated.
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