LIVE
Mon, 23 November 2015
Bring law in Parliament for building Ram temple: Togadia
Timeline Refresh
23:58 Set up centre of discovery: Abdul Kalam's brother to Delhi CM
A P J M Maraikayar, an elder brother of former President A P J Abdul Kalam, has urged Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal to set up 'Kalam National Centre for Knowledge Discovery' in the capital in his memory.
"Dr Kalam had a personal library, students' interaction hall where he used to meet a number of students on regular basis, meeting room and technology interaction room at No 10, Rajaji Marg, New Delhi.
"May we request that Government of New Delhi, under your able leadership, may set up 'Kalam National Centre for Knowledge Discovery' in New Delhi," Maraikayar said in his letter to Kejriwal.
He also said this centre may be used for a different purpose of higher and continuing education and research for school students and youths who can study the sustainable development systems for making India great through his books and other resources.
23:47 Wife suggested moving out of India: Aamir on intolerance
Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan today joined the chorus of intelligentsia against growing intolerance, saying he has been "alarmed" by a number of incidences and his wife Kiran Rao even suggested that they should probably leave the country. He also virtually supported those returning their awards, saying one of the ways for creative people to express their dissatisfaction or disappointment is to return their awards.
"As an individual, as part of this country as a citizen, we read in the papers what is happening, we see it on the news and certainly, I have been alarmed. I can't deny. I have been alarmed by a number of incidents," he told an audience at the Ramnath Goenka Excellence in Journalism Awards that included Information & Broadcasting Minister Arun Jaitley.
The actor said he also feels that the sense of insecurity and fear has been growing in the past six or eight months.
"When I sit at home and talk to Kiran, she says 'Should we move out of India?' That's a disastrous and big statement for Kiran to make. She fears for her child. She fears about what the atmosphere around us will be. She feels scared to open the newspapers every day.
23:45 Ashok Singhal's ashes immersed in holy Sangam
The ashes of Vishwa Hindu Parishad patriarch Ashok Singhal, who passed away at a Gurgaon hospital last week, were today brought here and immersed in the holy Sangam in presence of a large number of senior Sangh Parivar leaders.
The ashes of Singhal, who breathed his last on November 17, were brought here by the VHP's international general secretary Champat Rai. A huge posse of VHP activists had gathered at the Allahabad Junction this morning where Rai arrived with the ashes by a train from New Delhi.
The ashes were, thereafter, taken to Kesar Bhavan -- the local office of the VHP -- in a procession amidst fervent chants of 'Jai Shri Ram'.
23:19 Bring law in Parliament for building Ram temple: Togadia
Vishwa Hindu Parishad general secretary Pravin Togadia today called for building of Ram Temple at Ayodhya by passing a law in Parliament. "Ashok Singhal was synonymous to Ram Temple Movement.
The real 'shrandhanjali' (tribute) to him will be to build Ram Temple," Togadia said at the condolence meeting for Singhal held here. Gujarat Chief Minister Anandiben Patel and Governor O P Kohli were also present at the meeting.
"We demand that to build the temple, way of Sardar Patel should be used. For building Somnath Temple, Sardar Patel did not go to talk to people, nor did he wait for court order, but he brought a resolution in the Parliament," Togadia said.
"In the same way, present Parliament should bring in a law for building of Ram Temple," Togadia said. The Ram temple issue is presently bef
23:18 Tipu was 'Aurangzeb' of South, says 'Panchjanya'
Highly critical of Karnataka government's decision to celebrate Tipu Jayanti to "appease" minorities, an article in 'Panchjanya' described him as 'Aurangzeb' of South who "forcibly" converted lakhs of people.
Citing an eminent sage's advice, articles in 'Organiser' suggested that government should steer clear of birth anniversaries of controversial personalities like Tipu and instead celebrate jayantis of Muslim personalities such as Maulana Abul Kalam Azad and Sir Mirza Ismail, who was the Dewan of princely Mysore (and later Jaipur and Hyderabad).
"Tipu has been a controversial figure. The sole purpose of celebrating Tipu's jayanti was to polarise Muslim votes. It has triggered heated debate between his sympathisers and those opposing him.
23:11 One lakh voters 'deleted' in Ahmedabad by SEC, alleges Guj Cong
The Gujarat Congress today alleged that over one lakh voters in Ahmedabad have failed to exercise their franchise as their names were "deleted" overnight by the State Election Commission ahead of the polls to six municipal corporations held yesterday.
However, SEC refuted these allegations by saying no voters' name was deleted by them as claimed by the Congress. To substantiate their claims, Congress today issued two official documents of SEC, having total number of voters in Ahmedabad before and after the voting took place yesterday.
According to the official release issued by SEC on November 20, Ahmedabad was having 39.83 lakh registered voters, said Gujarat Congress spokesperson Manish Doshi, quoting the release issued by SEC.
21:46 Sri Lanka willing to set up forum to secure Indian Ocean: Wickremesinghe
Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe today said his country was wiling to take the lead in forming a multilateral forum with UN support to ensure the maritime security of the Indian Ocean.
He was making the keynote address at Galle Dialogue the annual maritime security conference held in the southern port town of the island. "The Indian ocean is in need of a mutually benefiting security architecture established on a multi lateral basis," Wickremesinghe said.
He said no country was capable of handling maritime security threats alone no matter how advanced and developed it may be.
21:19 Nepalese parties agree to advance Constitution amendment bill
Nepal's major political parties today agreed to table a Constitution amendment bill to accommodate the demands of Indian-origin Madhesis over the division of their homeland and better representation, a move likely to ease the political logjam and spiralling violence.
After four protesters were killed in police firing during a blockade in the volatile Terai region along the Indian border, Prime Minister K P Oli called a meeting of all major political parties at his residence this morning to find a way out of the ongoing political crisis in the nation. The meeting ended inconclusively, but the senior leaders of the parties realised the urgency to address the demands raised by the agitating Madhesi parties as the crisis has deepened with the escalation of violence in the Terai districts including Saptari, where the protesters were killed.
During the meeting, Nepali Congress, CPN-UML, UCPN- Maoist, Rastriya Prajatantra Party-Nepal, Rastriya Prajatantra Party and Madhesi Janaadhikar Forum-Democratic agreed to proceed with the Bill, currently pending.
21:05 Sheena married diamond merchant in US, Indrani told Vidhie
Vidhie Mukerjea, daughter of Indrani and Peter Mukerjea, has told CBI that when she tried to contact Sheena Bora after her disappearance in April 2012, she received a reply but from a new email id in Sheena's name.
This may bolster the CBI's case that after murdering Sheena in April 2012 and disposing of her body, Indrani, her mother, used to send emails or text messages in her name.
Vidhie, whose statement was recorded by CBI after it took over the case, also says that whenever she asked Indrani about Sheena's whereabouts, Indrani used to get angry. Indrani told her that Sheena had married a diamond merchant in USA, according to Vidhie.
"The police informed my father (Peter) and me that Sheena Bora was murdered on April 24, 2012 and a murder case has been registered against my mother (Indrani), driver Shyam Rai and my biological father Sanjeev Khanna. I contacted Sanjeev Khanna and asked him about the murder and his involvement in the said crime. He took it very casually and said `ha ha' and disconnected the call," Vidhie says in the statement.
20:53 No dress code for pilgrims at Kashi Vishwanath: Nyas Parishad
Kashi Vishwanath temple authorities today denied media reports that they were planning to impose a dress code for the pilgrims and said it had only urged the devotees to wear "decent clothes".
"There is no such dress code of wearing saree imposed for foreign women as well as domestic pilgrims visiting the Kashi Vishwanath temple," Ashok Dwivedi, Chairman of Sri Kashi Vishwanath Mandir Nyas Parishad said today. "We want to clarify that it is not any school or college where dress codes are applicable. It's a temple and we cannot impose any dress code for pilgrims," he stressed.
He however said, "The temple authorities have only urged the pilgrims - foreigner or domestic -- to visit the temple wearing decent clothes, such as saree."
Dwivedi further said "a senior official concerned with the functioning of the temple had proposed to introduce the dress code out of "emotional pouring" following demands for "decent" dress code, but it has not been imposed."
20:50 Peter Mukerjea being taken to Delhi by CBI
JUST IN: former media magnate Peter Mukerjea is being taken to New Delhi by the CBI.
Earlier in the day, the CBI got Peter Mukerjea's custody for another three days. The CBI had asked for a 10-day extension. Mukerjea's custody ends on November 26.
The CBI has told the Mumbai court that financial transactions were the motive behind Sheena Bora's murder and has asked the court for a remand extension of 10 days.
Mukerjea was produced before the court in connection with the Sheena Bora murder case. Peter was arrested on November 20 on charges of murder, abduction and criminal conspiracy and has been in CBI custody since.
20:35 Two more families claim to be Geeta's parents: Swaraj
External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj today said that two more families have claimed Geeta, a hearing and speech impaired girl who returned from Pakistan last month, to be their daughter but she has refused to identify one of them on the basis of their photographs.
Swaraj also said that efforts will be intensified to trace Geeta's real parents, which will include exhibiting her photographs in her childhood hair style. Swaraj met Geeta who has been staying with an organisation working for the cause of deaf and mute children here since her return from Pakistan.
"We are trying our best to locate parents of Geeta. Two families, including one from Bihar, have claimed that they are her family members," Swaraj told reporters.
The minister said Geeta refused to recognise the photograph of a Muslim family, but sought more time to go through another photograph. Swaraj said that at least four families from Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh and Punjab had also claimed Geeta to be their daughter, but their claims could not be proved. Among the four families was Bihar's Janardhan Mehto whose DNA didn't match with Geeta.
"However, my efforts will continue till I find her real parents. I am hopeful and confident on the issue," the minister said. Swaraj also sought to fend off criticism of government by some quarters over keeping Geeta in the city-based organisation for the children with hearing and speech impairments.
20:15 Rajnath visits site of founding of Communist party of China
Home Minister Rajnath Singh today paid a visit to the founding site of China's Communist Party here, perhaps making him the first BJP leader to visit the origins of the Red Movement.
Singh, who concluded his six-day visit to China today, also visited a nearby police station in Xin Tian Di which functions as a 'paperless' sub-bureau of Shanghai Public Security Bureau in an attempt to understand whether such a model can be adapted in India.
Accompanied by Vice Minister of Ministry of Public Security, Chen Zhenmin, Singh visited the site where Communist Party of China was founded and has now been turned into a small museum. Singh earlier met Mayor Yang Xiong who hosted a banquet for him.
20:14 Govt officials to read out the Constitution preamble on Nov 26
Government officers who are by now used to take various pledges like Sadbhavna pledge, Anti-terrorism pledge, Swachh Bharat pledge and Ekta pledge, now will be required to do one more on November 26 every year, beginning this month.
Modi government has decided to observe November 26 as the Constitution Day.
The government has asked all the officials to read out the preamble of Constitution on November 26, sources in government said.
Ministries and departments have also been asked to organise the appropriate programme to mark the occasion.
20:10 Modi waves to supporters in Singapore's 'Little India'
PM Narendra Modi waves at his supporters gathered outside Komala Vilas restaurant in Singapore's 'Little India'.
Komala Vilas was opened in 1947 and has become a household name in Singapore. It serves vegetarian food.
The prime minister just finished dinner at the iconic restaurant hosted by Singpore's PM Lee Hsien Loong.
19:57 ISIS does not consider Indians good enough fighter
Dreaded terrorist group ISIS does not consider South Asian Muslims, including Indians, good enough to fight in conflict zone of Iraq and Syria and so treat them as inferior to Arab fighters often tricking them
into suicide attacks.
According to an intelligence report prepared by foreign agencies and shared with Indian agencies, fighters from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh as well as certain countries like Nigeria and Sudan are considered inferior to Arab fighters.
There appears to be clear hierarchy wherein the Arab fighters are preferred as officer cadre and provided better arms and ammunition, equipment, accommodation and salaries.
"The fighters from South Asia are usually housed in groups in small barracks and are paid less than the Arab fighters and are provided inferior equipment," the input says.
There are reports that the so-called inferior fighters are also, at times, tricked into suicide attacks. Usually they are given a vehicle loaded with explosives and asked to go near a targeted destination and call a certain number, who would purportedly come and meet them to explain the mission.
19:49 'For Indians, Bali most popular global destination in winter'
This winter, Bali, a city in Indonesia, has topped the list of most popular international destination for Indian travellers while Goa is the most
preferred domestic destination, according to a survey.
"For Indian travellers, Bali is the most popular international destination and Goa the most popular domestic destination this winter," according to TripAdvisor search data.
The report 'Winter Vacation Value Report' revealed that destinations having colder climatic conditions during winter are finding favour with the Indian travellers Jaipur, New Delhi, Manali, Shimla and Agra - all feature in the top 10 list.
The winter period mentioned in the survey was from December 1 to January 31 next year.
19:44 BJP expels Hari Om who had criticised alliance with PDP
BJP today expelled senior leader Hari Om from the party's primary membership for six years after he criticised the party's actions, including forming the coalition government with PDP.
BJP state president and MP Jugal Kishore Sharma expelled Hari Om for "gross indiscipline, anti-party activities and un-repentance for his misconduct" after receiving his reply to a show cause notice issued to him on November 5.
"Having received your response to the show cause notice, pertaining to your acts of gross indiscipline and anti-party activities, issued on 05.11.2015 and received by you on the same date, your un-repentance for your misconduct is writ large in your reply," Sharma said in a letter to Hari Om.
"Therefore, keeping in view your anti-party conduct and totally unsatisfactorily explanation, you are hereby expelled from the primary membership of BJP for six years," he added.
Earlier, the party had served a show cause notice on Hari Om who recently criticised the party's actions, including alliance with PDP for forming government in the state, saying it amounted to "gross indiscipline and misconduct".
19:05 Dinner at Singapore's iconic veg restaurant Komala Vilas awaits PM
Singapore PM Lee Hsien Loong hosts dinner for PM Narendra Modi at Komala Vilas in Serangoon Road, Singapore. Komala Vilas was opened in 1947 and has become a household name in Singapore. It serves vegetarian food.
Amid a standoff between China and some East Asian nations over South China Sea, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said oceans, space and cyberworld should not become "new theatres of contests" but be the avenues of "shared prosperity" and offered to work in this direction.
Delivering a lecture here, he talked about how India and China have kept their border region peaceful and stable despite the "unresolved issues", including the boundary question between the two countries.
"In the flux and transition of our times, the most critical need in this region is to uphold and strengthen the rules and norms that must define our collective behaviour," he said.
"...We must all come together, in East Asia Summit and other forums, to build a cooperative and collaborative future, not on the strength of a few, but on the consent of all," Modi said in his 20-minute '37th Singapore Lecture -- India's Singapore Story' -- soon after his arrival on a two-day visit.
In an apparent reference to the standoff between China and some East Asian Nations over South China Sea, he said, "India will work with countries in the region and beyond, including the US and Russia, our East Asia Summit partners, to ensure that our commons - ocean, space and cyber -- remain avenues of shared prosperity, not become new theatres of contests."
The statement is significance as tensions are growing over South China Sea with the US now getting involved and China warning it to keep away.
Image: Singapore PM Lee Hsien Loong hosts dinner for PM Narendra Modi.
Amid a standoff between China and some East Asian nations over South China Sea, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said oceans, space and cyberworld should not become "new theatres of contests" but be the avenues of "shared prosperity" and offered to work in this direction.
Delivering a lecture here, he talked about how India and China have kept their border region peaceful and stable despite the "unresolved issues", including the boundary question between the two countries.
"In the flux and transition of our times, the most critical need in this region is to uphold and strengthen the rules and norms that must define our collective behaviour," he said.
"...We must all come together, in East Asia Summit and other forums, to build a cooperative and collaborative future, not on the strength of a few, but on the consent of all," Modi said in his 20-minute '37th Singapore Lecture -- India's Singapore Story' -- soon after his arrival on a two-day visit.
In an apparent reference to the standoff between China and some East Asian Nations over South China Sea, he said, "India will work with countries in the region and beyond, including the US and Russia, our East Asia Summit partners, to ensure that our commons - ocean, space and cyber -- remain avenues of shared prosperity, not become new theatres of contests."
The statement is significance as tensions are growing over South China Sea with the US now getting involved and China warning it to keep away.
Image: Singapore PM Lee Hsien Loong hosts dinner for PM Narendra Modi.
18:10 PM addresses Singapore with a tribute to Lee Kuan Yew
PM Narendra Modi delivers the 37th Singapore Lecture with a tribute to the founder of the nation state -- Lee Kuan Yew. Highlights of his speech.
-- To the people of Singapore on 50 years of Independence, I extend greetings of 1.25 billion friends and admirers
-- I can do no better than to begin with homage to one of the tallest leaders of our times, the architect of modern Singapore.
--
I am conscious that I walk in footsteps of leaders who have shaped modern India and our relationship with this region.
-- Singapore is a nation that has become a metaphor for the reality of dreams, it teaches us many things.
-- I do not judge the success of our efforts from the cold statistics of number, but from the warm glow of smile on human faces.
-- Singapore teaches us many things. The size of a nation is no barrier to the scale of its achievements.
-- It is with the same vision that we are pursuing the transformation of India: people are the power behind the change.
-- In India,together with software of change,we are building hardware of progress. We are creating opportunities by reforming laws, policies.
In India, the Swachh Bharat campaign is not just a programme to clean the environment, but to transform the way we think, live and work.
Trade, urban and skill development, defence co-operation and cyber security will be high on his agenda during the two-day visit to Singapore.
-- To the people of Singapore on 50 years of Independence, I extend greetings of 1.25 billion friends and admirers
-- I can do no better than to begin with homage to one of the tallest leaders of our times, the architect of modern Singapore.
--
I am conscious that I walk in footsteps of leaders who have shaped modern India and our relationship with this region.
-- Singapore is a nation that has become a metaphor for the reality of dreams, it teaches us many things.
-- I do not judge the success of our efforts from the cold statistics of number, but from the warm glow of smile on human faces.
-- Singapore teaches us many things. The size of a nation is no barrier to the scale of its achievements.
-- It is with the same vision that we are pursuing the transformation of India: people are the power behind the change.
-- In India,together with software of change,we are building hardware of progress. We are creating opportunities by reforming laws, policies.
In India, the Swachh Bharat campaign is not just a programme to clean the environment, but to transform the way we think, live and work.
Trade, urban and skill development, defence co-operation and cyber security will be high on his agenda during the two-day visit to Singapore.
17:42 5 more arrests on weekend anti-terror raids in Brussels, Paris gunman elusive
Belgian police have made five more arrests in anti-terror raids, but suspected Paris attacks gunman Salah Abdeslam remains at large, the authorities have said. The total number of arrests are now 21.
Some 22 raids were carried out Sunday across Brussels and Charleroi, the federal prosecutor's spokesman said. Brussels remains on the highest level of terror alert, reports the BBC.
Universities, schools and the metro system will stay closed on Monday.
More than 130 died and 350 were injured in the Paris attacks 10 days ago.
Police fired two shots at a car during an operation in the Brussels district of Molenbeek, injuring one suspect who was later arrested. No weapons or explosives were found during the searches on Sunday, spokesman Eric Van Der Sypt told a news conference.
Image: Belgian soldiers and a police officer inspect the documents of a woman in a shopping street in central Brussels, after security was tightened in Belgium following the attacks in Paris. Photograph: Youssef Boudlal/ Reuters
Some 22 raids were carried out Sunday across Brussels and Charleroi, the federal prosecutor's spokesman said. Brussels remains on the highest level of terror alert, reports the BBC.
Universities, schools and the metro system will stay closed on Monday.
More than 130 died and 350 were injured in the Paris attacks 10 days ago.
Police fired two shots at a car during an operation in the Brussels district of Molenbeek, injuring one suspect who was later arrested. No weapons or explosives were found during the searches on Sunday, spokesman Eric Van Der Sypt told a news conference.
Image: Belgian soldiers and a police officer inspect the documents of a woman in a shopping street in central Brussels, after security was tightened in Belgium following the attacks in Paris. Photograph: Youssef Boudlal/ Reuters
16:53 CBI gets Peter Mukerjea's custody for another 3 days
The CBI gets Peter Mukerjea's custody for another three days. The CBI had asked for a 10-day extension. Mukerjea's custody ends on November 26.
The CBI has told the Mumbai court that financial transactions were the
motive behind Sheena Bora's murder and has asked the court for a remand
extension of 10 days.
Peter Mukerjea was produced before the court in connection with the Sheena Bora murder case. Peter was arrested on November 20 on charges of murder, abduction and criminal conspiracy and has been in CBI custody since.
Peter Mukerjea was produced before the court in connection with the Sheena Bora murder case. Peter was arrested on November 20 on charges of murder, abduction and criminal conspiracy and has been in CBI custody since.
16:37 PM Modi's itinerary in Singapore
After a successful three-day visit in Malaysia, Prime Minister Narendra Modi reached Singapore's Changi Airport. Trade, urban and skill development, defence co-operation and cyber security will be high on his agenda during the two-day visit to Singapore.
Prime Minister Modi will deliver a lecture today where his Singapore counterpart Lee Hsien Loong and some other prominent leaders are expected to be present.
He will have a series of engagements tomorrow, including with the country's President Tony Tan Keng Yam and Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong. The two Prime Ministers will sign the India-Singapore Strategic Partnership to elevate bilateral relations and will also unveil a commemorative stamp to mark the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between two countries.
Prime Minister Modi will lay a wreath at the Indian National Army memorial marker and visit Institute of Technical Education which is involved in skill development.
He will also address the India-Singapore Economic Convention, besides interacting with CEOs of Singapore to focus on the investment opportunities in India.
Before wrapping up his visit, the Prime Minister will address the Indian diaspora in Singapore -- 9.1 percent of resident population of the country.
Prime Minister Modi will deliver a lecture today where his Singapore counterpart Lee Hsien Loong and some other prominent leaders are expected to be present.
He will have a series of engagements tomorrow, including with the country's President Tony Tan Keng Yam and Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong. The two Prime Ministers will sign the India-Singapore Strategic Partnership to elevate bilateral relations and will also unveil a commemorative stamp to mark the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between two countries.
Prime Minister Modi will lay a wreath at the Indian National Army memorial marker and visit Institute of Technical Education which is involved in skill development.
He will also address the India-Singapore Economic Convention, besides interacting with CEOs of Singapore to focus on the investment opportunities in India.
Before wrapping up his visit, the Prime Minister will address the Indian diaspora in Singapore -- 9.1 percent of resident population of the country.
16:29 CBI seeks 10 more days with Peter Mukerjea to probe financial transactions
The CBI has told the Mumbai court that financial transactions were the motive behind Sheena Bora's murder and has asked the court for a remand extension of 10 days.
Peter Mukerjea was produced before the court in connection with the Sheena Bora murder case. Peter was arrested on November 20 on charges of murder, abduction and criminal conspiracy and has been in CBI custody since.
According to the sources, a Mumbai top cop will be a witness in the case. Indrani and Peter approached an IPS officer seeking help to trace a missing relative only to say a few days later that the missing relative has been traced. The move, sources added, was largely done to create an alibi.
The CBI on Sunday questioned Rahul Mukerjea, who has handed over several documents allegedly used by Sheena Bora to "blackmail" her mother Indrani Mukerjea.
Rahul is considered an "important link" in the sensational Sheena Bora murder case by the agency which also continued the grilling of his father Peter Mukerjea, an accused in the case who was arrested on November 19.
Pic: Peter Mukerjea being brought to the Killa Court in Mumbai on Friday.
Peter Mukerjea was produced before the court in connection with the Sheena Bora murder case. Peter was arrested on November 20 on charges of murder, abduction and criminal conspiracy and has been in CBI custody since.
According to the sources, a Mumbai top cop will be a witness in the case. Indrani and Peter approached an IPS officer seeking help to trace a missing relative only to say a few days later that the missing relative has been traced. The move, sources added, was largely done to create an alibi.
The CBI on Sunday questioned Rahul Mukerjea, who has handed over several documents allegedly used by Sheena Bora to "blackmail" her mother Indrani Mukerjea.
Rahul is considered an "important link" in the sensational Sheena Bora murder case by the agency which also continued the grilling of his father Peter Mukerjea, an accused in the case who was arrested on November 19.
Pic: Peter Mukerjea being brought to the Killa Court in Mumbai on Friday.
16:06
Sheena Bora murder case: CBI seeks more 10 days remand of Peter Mukerjea. His custody ends today.
16:06 Cover up, Kashi Vishwanath temple tells foreigners
If a woman foreigner in shorts or capri pants wants to visit the Kashi Vishwanath temple in Varanasi, she will have to change into a sari first. The famed shrine in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's constituency today introduced a dress code targeted particularly at women visitors from the West, demanding they cover up their arms and legs in deference to "Indian culture". Read
16:00 PM should take oath again, says Lalu after son Tej Pratap's fumble
After his son Tej Pratap Yadav was asked to repeat his oath as Bihar minister after a fumble, Lalu Yadav says that Prime Minister Narendra Modi should do the same.
Yadav tweeted a link to PM Modi's oath-taking in May last year and said that when he had to say "Akshunn" or "to uphold" India's sovereignty and integrity, he said "Akshann."
"If he didn't say Akshunn, then his oath is useless. The PM must be sworn in again. Akshann means nothing in Hindi," Yadav tweeted. He added: "PM's agenda is to divide the country because he never took oath to uphold India's unity."
On Friday, Tej Pratap, Lalu's older son, was asked by Governor Ramnath Kovind to repeat his oath after said "Upekshit (neglected)" instead of "Apekshit (expectations)". Even in his second attempt, he fumbled on another word.
Tej Pratap and his younger brother Tejaswi have both become ministers in the Nitish Kumar government after winning their very first election. Tejaswi, who is seen to be Lalu Yadav's political heir, has become deputy Chief Minister.
Yadav tweeted a link to PM Modi's oath-taking in May last year and said that when he had to say "Akshunn" or "to uphold" India's sovereignty and integrity, he said "Akshann."
"If he didn't say Akshunn, then his oath is useless. The PM must be sworn in again. Akshann means nothing in Hindi," Yadav tweeted. He added: "PM's agenda is to divide the country because he never took oath to uphold India's unity."
On Friday, Tej Pratap, Lalu's older son, was asked by Governor Ramnath Kovind to repeat his oath after said "Upekshit (neglected)" instead of "Apekshit (expectations)". Even in his second attempt, he fumbled on another word.
Tej Pratap and his younger brother Tejaswi have both become ministers in the Nitish Kumar government after winning their very first election. Tejaswi, who is seen to be Lalu Yadav's political heir, has become deputy Chief Minister.
15:39 MH370 hunt moves to where British pilot believes it crashed
The deep sea hunt for a missing Malaysian airliner has shifted to a remote part of the Indian Ocean where a British pilot has calculated that the Boeing 777 made a controlled ditching last year with 239 people aboard, officials said today.
The patch of deep ocean southwest of Australia that Capt. Simon Hardy has determined is the most likely resting place of Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 will be searched through December, the Australian Transport Safety Bureau, which is coordinating the search on Malaysia's behalf, said in a statement. But Australian authorities are not being guided by the experienced Boeing 777 pilot's analysis.
Martin Dolan, the bureau's chief commissioner, said the search was moving farther south within a 120,000-square-kilometer (46,000-square-mile) priority area because the southern hemisphere spring had made the extreme conditions in the southern ocean calmer.
The patch of deep ocean southwest of Australia that Capt. Simon Hardy has determined is the most likely resting place of Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 will be searched through December, the Australian Transport Safety Bureau, which is coordinating the search on Malaysia's behalf, said in a statement. But Australian authorities are not being guided by the experienced Boeing 777 pilot's analysis.
Martin Dolan, the bureau's chief commissioner, said the search was moving farther south within a 120,000-square-kilometer (46,000-square-mile) priority area because the southern hemisphere spring had made the extreme conditions in the southern ocean calmer.
15:21 Goldie Hawn, Kurt Russell to marry in 2016?
Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russell are reportedly planning to wed after 30 years together. The Hollywood stars, who met in 1983, will exchange vows in a ceremony at their ranch near Aspen, Colorado in the New Year, reported Contactmusic.
"It's going to be cowboy hats, horses and rock 'n' roll. All their relatives are thrilled that they have at last decided to tie the knot," a friend of the couple said.
The report also suggests the couple's son Wyatt, who is an actor and former professional hockey player, will serve as Russell's best man. Hawn recently celebrated her 70th birthday with her close-knit family.
"It's going to be cowboy hats, horses and rock 'n' roll. All their relatives are thrilled that they have at last decided to tie the knot," a friend of the couple said.
The report also suggests the couple's son Wyatt, who is an actor and former professional hockey player, will serve as Russell's best man. Hawn recently celebrated her 70th birthday with her close-knit family.
15:13 Govt woos opposition on GST ahead of Parl session
The government is reaching out to the Opposition to bring it on board to ensure passage of the Constitution Amendment Bill for GST in the Winter Session, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Venkaiah Naidu today said. Terming GST as the "need of the hour", Naidu said: "GST should be passed in the Winter Session of Parliament. I appeal to all political parties not to have political consideration, but to think in terms of national interest. There are other political issues on which we can fight but GST has been pending for the last seven years."
He added: "I am confident (about the passage of GST) as the Parliamentary Affairs Minister. I am already in touch with some of the Opposition parties. We are discussing with them and they have meaningful suggestions... they can also be taken into consideration while adopting the Bill in Parliament."
He added: "I am confident (about the passage of GST) as the Parliamentary Affairs Minister. I am already in touch with some of the Opposition parties. We are discussing with them and they have meaningful suggestions... they can also be taken into consideration while adopting the Bill in Parliament."
14:51 Lalu pulled me into a hug: Kejriwal defends bonhomie that went viral
Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal says RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav pulled him into a hug. "I continue to be anti corruption," Kejriwal said.
The Delhi Chief Minister drew flak from leaders of various political parties for hugging Rashtriya Janata Dal chief Lalu Yadav during the oath-taking ceremony of Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar.
Former Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) member and Swaraj Abhiyan leader Yogendra Yadav said that it was a "shameful" act.
Yadav, who was expelled from AAP, said it was not mere hugging, but the defeat of ideals to form a bloc against the BJP. "Political capital of the movement sold to symbols of political corruption. Ashamed!""This is the same logic which Congress supporters used to use against the Lokpal movement. They would say that they (the Congress) are corrupt, but the Lokpal movement should not be supported as it would help the BJP. Kejriwal used the same logic, but shamed those strove against corruption,"
Yadav said in a post on his Facebook page.
Lok Janshakti Party leader Chirag Paswan said he was surprised to see Kejriwal hugging the RJD chief. "You cannot give Lalu-ji a benefit of doubt as he has been convicted in a corruption case. Kejriwal is known for his anti-corruption stand and his hugging Lalu ji indicates whether he has stopped his war against corruption."
BJP's Sambit Patra also attacked Kejriwal saying the AAP chief used to hold one press conference after another in which he would name Lalu Yadav in his list of most corrupt politicians.
"Arvind Kejriwal hugged the ideology which he had been opposing," Patra said.
Delhi Chief Minister was criticised even on social media with many even posting a tweet of his that wrote in October 2013. "Laloo made crores in fodder scam. But no order for recovery of that money. Just 25 lakh fine and few years in jail. A sweet deal," Kejriwal had tweeted.
Hitting back, Kejriwal supporters claimed that it was Lalu Yadav who forcibly hugged him despite his reluctance and defended the friendly gesture between the two saying that it was nothing but a "political courtesy".
The Delhi Chief Minister drew flak from leaders of various political parties for hugging Rashtriya Janata Dal chief Lalu Yadav during the oath-taking ceremony of Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar.
Former Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) member and Swaraj Abhiyan leader Yogendra Yadav said that it was a "shameful" act.
Yadav, who was expelled from AAP, said it was not mere hugging, but the defeat of ideals to form a bloc against the BJP. "Political capital of the movement sold to symbols of political corruption. Ashamed!""This is the same logic which Congress supporters used to use against the Lokpal movement. They would say that they (the Congress) are corrupt, but the Lokpal movement should not be supported as it would help the BJP. Kejriwal used the same logic, but shamed those strove against corruption,"
Yadav said in a post on his Facebook page.
Lok Janshakti Party leader Chirag Paswan said he was surprised to see Kejriwal hugging the RJD chief. "You cannot give Lalu-ji a benefit of doubt as he has been convicted in a corruption case. Kejriwal is known for his anti-corruption stand and his hugging Lalu ji indicates whether he has stopped his war against corruption."
BJP's Sambit Patra also attacked Kejriwal saying the AAP chief used to hold one press conference after another in which he would name Lalu Yadav in his list of most corrupt politicians.
"Arvind Kejriwal hugged the ideology which he had been opposing," Patra said.
Delhi Chief Minister was criticised even on social media with many even posting a tweet of his that wrote in October 2013. "Laloo made crores in fodder scam. But no order for recovery of that money. Just 25 lakh fine and few years in jail. A sweet deal," Kejriwal had tweeted.
Hitting back, Kejriwal supporters claimed that it was Lalu Yadav who forcibly hugged him despite his reluctance and defended the friendly gesture between the two saying that it was nothing but a "political courtesy".
14:44 PM invites senior journalists to lunch
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will have lunch with the media on November 28 at the BJP headquarters at 11 Ashoka Road. The event is rare for two reasons:
1. PM Modi has restricted interactions with the Indian media
2. The event organised by BJP president Amit Shah is the first meeting with the press after the Bihar debacle.
At least 850 to 900 senior journalist from both TV and print have been invited. Modi before leaves for Paris thereafter.
Ever since the BJP government assumed power in 2014, private news outlets have been unhappy with the way Modi has sidelined independent media houses from governance by restricting exposure only to state-owned media organisations.
Instead of letting the entire media sector participate in official events, as was the norm previously, the government has chosen public broadcaster Prasar Bharti-owned All India Radio and Doordarshan News to carry out Modi's messages and transcripts of the events attended by the PM and his government.
Expect full attendance at this rare meeting with the PM. On the menu, we hear, is humble pie.
1. PM Modi has restricted interactions with the Indian media
2. The event organised by BJP president Amit Shah is the first meeting with the press after the Bihar debacle.
At least 850 to 900 senior journalist from both TV and print have been invited. Modi before leaves for Paris thereafter.
Ever since the BJP government assumed power in 2014, private news outlets have been unhappy with the way Modi has sidelined independent media houses from governance by restricting exposure only to state-owned media organisations.
Instead of letting the entire media sector participate in official events, as was the norm previously, the government has chosen public broadcaster Prasar Bharti-owned All India Radio and Doordarshan News to carry out Modi's messages and transcripts of the events attended by the PM and his government.
Expect full attendance at this rare meeting with the PM. On the menu, we hear, is humble pie.
14:26 Kalam's grand-nephew quits BJP over refusal to make bungalow a memorial
Former president APJ Abdul Kalam's grand nephew APJ Sheikh Salim, who had joined the Bharatiya Janata Party recently, quit the party today.
Syed Ibrahim was reportedly upset with the BJP-led Central government for not making Kalam's Delhi bungalow a memorial and allotting it to an Union minister.
Union Tourism and Culture Minister Mahesh Sharma was allotted Kalam's bungalow in Lutyens' Delhi. The former president's house at 10 Rajaji Marg was allotted to Sharma after Kalam's family members vacated it on October 18.
Defending the allotment of Kalam's bungalow to Sharma, Urban Development Minister M Venkaiah Naidu had said the allocation was made as per "rules and procedures" of the government. "All our ministers have been allocated government accommodation one after another. Only Mahesh Sharma could not be allocated. Earlier, 7 Tyagraj Marg was allotted to him but the occupant that time did not vacate the bungalow," he said.
"Now the 10 Rajaji Marg bungalow, which has become vacant, has been allocated to Sharma as per rules and procedures on the basis of vacation by former President Kalam's staff," he said.
Syed Ibrahim was reportedly upset with the BJP-led Central government for not making Kalam's Delhi bungalow a memorial and allotting it to an Union minister.
Union Tourism and Culture Minister Mahesh Sharma was allotted Kalam's bungalow in Lutyens' Delhi. The former president's house at 10 Rajaji Marg was allotted to Sharma after Kalam's family members vacated it on October 18.
Defending the allotment of Kalam's bungalow to Sharma, Urban Development Minister M Venkaiah Naidu had said the allocation was made as per "rules and procedures" of the government. "All our ministers have been allocated government accommodation one after another. Only Mahesh Sharma could not be allocated. Earlier, 7 Tyagraj Marg was allotted to him but the occupant that time did not vacate the bungalow," he said.
"Now the 10 Rajaji Marg bungalow, which has become vacant, has been allocated to Sharma as per rules and procedures on the basis of vacation by former President Kalam's staff," he said.
14:06 Mali in mourning as siege hotel yields clues
Mali today started three days of national mourning for the victims of the jihadist siege at a luxury hotel that left 19 people dead in the capital Bamako, with neighbouring Senegal, Mauritania and Guinea joining in a show of solidarity.
The investigation was "following several lines" with no certainty about the number and nationality of the perpetrators of the attacks, which have been claimed by two separate jihadist groups.
Gunmen went on the rampage at the Radisson Blu hotel from early morning on Friday, shooting in the corridors and taking 170 guests and staff hostage.
The assault, which ended when Malian and international troops stormed the building, left 19 people dead, including 14 foreigners, as well as two attackers, according to a "definitive" report by the government.
The victims included six Russians, three Chinese, two Belgians, an American, an Israeli, a Senegalese and a member of the Malian special forces. The UN peacekeeping force in Mali, MINUSMA, however spoke of 22 fatalities, including two attackers.
The investigation was "following several lines" with no certainty about the number and nationality of the perpetrators of the attacks, which have been claimed by two separate jihadist groups.
Gunmen went on the rampage at the Radisson Blu hotel from early morning on Friday, shooting in the corridors and taking 170 guests and staff hostage.
The assault, which ended when Malian and international troops stormed the building, left 19 people dead, including 14 foreigners, as well as two attackers, according to a "definitive" report by the government.
The victims included six Russians, three Chinese, two Belgians, an American, an Israeli, a Senegalese and a member of the Malian special forces. The UN peacekeeping force in Mali, MINUSMA, however spoke of 22 fatalities, including two attackers.
14:00 7 people including woman pilot killed in chopper crash in Katra
Mukhtar Ahmad/Rediff.com reporting from Srinagar says that the pilot of the chopper carrying the six pilgrims was a woman. Everyone on board the chopper which was flying from Katra to the cave shrine of Vaishnodevi has died in the crash.
The helicopter belonged to the privately-run Himalayan Heli Services, which also runs choppers for the Chardham Yatra.
Pic: Police keep curious onlookers at bay at the crash site of the chopper. Picture: Umar Ganie
The helicopter belonged to the privately-run Himalayan Heli Services, which also runs choppers for the Chardham Yatra.
Pic: Police keep curious onlookers at bay at the crash site of the chopper. Picture: Umar Ganie
13:32 Chopper carrying pilgrims to Vaishnodevi shrine in Jammu crashes, 7 dead
A chopper carrying pilgrims to the Vaishnodevi shrine crashes in Katra, Jammu and Kashmir. Six pilgrims and the pilot have been killed in the incident. Katra is the base for the pilgrimage to Vaishnodevi in Jammu. Details awaited.
File pic: Devotees wait to enter the holy cave of Vaishnodevi
File pic: Devotees wait to enter the holy cave of Vaishnodevi
13:27
1 Army jawan killed in Pakistan ceasefire violation at LoC Nowshera, Rajouri Distt, J&K.
13:20 India, Malaysia vow to combat terror; ramp up defence ties
Vowing to combat terror, India and Malaysia today decided to ramp up their strategic ties in security and defence sectors and called on all states to bring perpetrators of terrorism to justice as Prime Minister Narendra Modi held talks with his Malaysian counterpart.
Modi, while speaking at a joint media briefing after his talks with Malaysian Premier Najib Razak, said the recent spate of attacks in different countries, "not to mention the ceaseless terrorist attempts against India and Afghanistan are a reminder of the global nature of this threat."
Modi also complimented Najib for providing leadership in combating extremism and radicalisation, rejecting any link between terrorism and religion and in highlighting the "real values of Islam".
A joint statement released after the talks said both sides expressed "strong condemnation for terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, and called upon all states to reject terrorism and bring perpetrators of terrorism to justice. In this context, they welcomed the ongoing cooperation between the two countries on counter terrorism and agreed to further enhance cooperation in this direction."
Malaysia and India also agreed to continue sharing of information and best practices to address the challenges posed by terrorism and other "traditional and non-traditional threats".
Modi and Najib recalled their stake in promoting multiculturalism and reaffirmed their "commitment to democracy, pluralism and development".
Modi, while speaking at a joint media briefing after his talks with Malaysian Premier Najib Razak, said the recent spate of attacks in different countries, "not to mention the ceaseless terrorist attempts against India and Afghanistan are a reminder of the global nature of this threat."
Modi also complimented Najib for providing leadership in combating extremism and radicalisation, rejecting any link between terrorism and religion and in highlighting the "real values of Islam".
A joint statement released after the talks said both sides expressed "strong condemnation for terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, and called upon all states to reject terrorism and bring perpetrators of terrorism to justice. In this context, they welcomed the ongoing cooperation between the two countries on counter terrorism and agreed to further enhance cooperation in this direction."
Malaysia and India also agreed to continue sharing of information and best practices to address the challenges posed by terrorism and other "traditional and non-traditional threats".
Modi and Najib recalled their stake in promoting multiculturalism and reaffirmed their "commitment to democracy, pluralism and development".
13:15
French president Francois Hollande to go to US to meet President Obama to discuss the war on terror.
12:56 TN flood relief: PM releases Rs 940-crore, Jaya asked for Rs 2000 cr
PM Narendra Modi releases Rs 940 crore for flood-hit Tamil Nadu. With the North East monsoon leaving a trail of destruction in the state, the state government on Monday pegged the damage at Rs 8,481 crore, with Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa urging the Prime Minister to immediately release Rs 2,000 crore to sustain relief work.
In a letter to the Prime Minister, she said that 169 lives have been lost in various rain-related incidents since October 1, 2015.
Detailing the extent of the damage, Jayalalithaa told the PM that despite her government's preventive efforts, the state had suffered severe damage on account of the "extremely heavy and sustained" rainfall which, she said, had left a trail of destruction and that her government had allocated Rs 500 crore for relief work.
The assessment of damages and requirement of funds for immediate relief and restoration of infrastructure which she said had been speedily carried out indicated a much higher financial requirement.
"The requirement of funds for immediate rescue and relief and the temporary and permanent restoration of infrastructure has been worked out at Rs.8,481 crore in all...
"This assessment has been made as an immediate measure since the Government of Tamil Nadu requires assistance from Government of India to meet the very high expenditure requirements that such a severe calamity has caused. The funds required are well beyond the resources available with the state, including the State Disaster Response Fund," she said.
She requested Modi to depute a central team immediately to make its on-the-spot assessment of damage and to release central financial aid without any delay keeping in view the urgency of restoring many of the infrastructure facilities and services to the flood affected people.
"In the meanwhile, I request that an on account release of Rs 2,000 crore may be sanctioned immediately to enable the state government to sustain the relief and restoration operations with the same vigour," Jayalalithaa said.
Jayalalithaa recalled that a deep depression of 'high intensity' in the Bay of Bengal had hit the Tamil Nadu coast near Marakkanam on November 10, 2015, causing extremely heavy rains, particularly in the four northern coastal districts of Cuddalore, Kancheepuram, Chennai and Tiruvallur.
"Based on the forecast received from Indian Meteorological Department and the alerts received from the National Disaster Management Agency, adequate precautionary measures were taken which minimised loss to life and property," she said, adding state-level agencies and the local administration in the affected districts were put on high alert.
In a letter to the Prime Minister, she said that 169 lives have been lost in various rain-related incidents since October 1, 2015.
Detailing the extent of the damage, Jayalalithaa told the PM that despite her government's preventive efforts, the state had suffered severe damage on account of the "extremely heavy and sustained" rainfall which, she said, had left a trail of destruction and that her government had allocated Rs 500 crore for relief work.
The assessment of damages and requirement of funds for immediate relief and restoration of infrastructure which she said had been speedily carried out indicated a much higher financial requirement.
"The requirement of funds for immediate rescue and relief and the temporary and permanent restoration of infrastructure has been worked out at Rs.8,481 crore in all...
"This assessment has been made as an immediate measure since the Government of Tamil Nadu requires assistance from Government of India to meet the very high expenditure requirements that such a severe calamity has caused. The funds required are well beyond the resources available with the state, including the State Disaster Response Fund," she said.
She requested Modi to depute a central team immediately to make its on-the-spot assessment of damage and to release central financial aid without any delay keeping in view the urgency of restoring many of the infrastructure facilities and services to the flood affected people.
"In the meanwhile, I request that an on account release of Rs 2,000 crore may be sanctioned immediately to enable the state government to sustain the relief and restoration operations with the same vigour," Jayalalithaa said.
Jayalalithaa recalled that a deep depression of 'high intensity' in the Bay of Bengal had hit the Tamil Nadu coast near Marakkanam on November 10, 2015, causing extremely heavy rains, particularly in the four northern coastal districts of Cuddalore, Kancheepuram, Chennai and Tiruvallur.
"Based on the forecast received from Indian Meteorological Department and the alerts received from the National Disaster Management Agency, adequate precautionary measures were taken which minimised loss to life and property," she said, adding state-level agencies and the local administration in the affected districts were put on high alert.
12:30 Cultural policing in India is dangerous: Nandita Das
Voicing her concern about the growing environment of intolerance and throttling of the voice of expression in the country, acclaimed actress-filmmaker Nandita Das says this kind of cultural policing is dangerous for a democracy like India.
The 46-year-old "Earth" actress feels it is crucial to give importance to every opinion as that is the only way one can learn to respect what others have to say.
"Even in film festivals where I have been to as a jury member; there are a lot of different viewpoints. And its ok as that is how we slowly educate ourselves with the perspective of another person and that way our own thinking will evolve and change.
"I think this throttling of the voice and this kind of cultural policing that is happening is extremely dangerous," Nandita said.
Calling India one of the most stable democracies the actress said it is necessary for people of the country to save their freedom of expression.
"We are proud to be part of democracy and one of the most stable democracies in the South-East Asian region. All other countries they look up to us as the biggest pillar of democracy. So we must protect our freedom of expression." Nandita says it is absolutely fine to have varied opinions as it is a healthy sign and freedom to speak up is necessary for the growth of a society
The 46-year-old "Earth" actress feels it is crucial to give importance to every opinion as that is the only way one can learn to respect what others have to say.
"Even in film festivals where I have been to as a jury member; there are a lot of different viewpoints. And its ok as that is how we slowly educate ourselves with the perspective of another person and that way our own thinking will evolve and change.
"I think this throttling of the voice and this kind of cultural policing that is happening is extremely dangerous," Nandita said.
Calling India one of the most stable democracies the actress said it is necessary for people of the country to save their freedom of expression.
"We are proud to be part of democracy and one of the most stable democracies in the South-East Asian region. All other countries they look up to us as the biggest pillar of democracy. So we must protect our freedom of expression." Nandita says it is absolutely fine to have varied opinions as it is a healthy sign and freedom to speak up is necessary for the growth of a society
12:28 AAP MLA Sarita Singh booked for misbehaving with police official
An Aam Aadmi Party MLA was on Sunday booked for allegedly misbehaving with a police official on duty in northeast Delhi's Rohtash Nagar area, a charge denied by the legislator.
According to the police, legislator Sarita Singh's driver allegedly hit the police official's motorbike while reversing his car.
The officer, identified as assistant sub-inspector Om Pal, was deployed in security arrangement at a marriage party function of a party worker in the area. He had to jump off to save himself from getting injured, police claimed.An argument broke out between the driver and the officer during which the MLA intervened and allegedly hurled abusive words on the ASI.
The incident was also recorded by someone, which later went viral on media, said a senior police official.The incident took place at the parking area around 7.15 pm when Singh had gone to attend the function where ASI Om Pal and his team were deployed, he said.
According to the police, legislator Sarita Singh's driver allegedly hit the police official's motorbike while reversing his car.
The officer, identified as assistant sub-inspector Om Pal, was deployed in security arrangement at a marriage party function of a party worker in the area. He had to jump off to save himself from getting injured, police claimed.An argument broke out between the driver and the officer during which the MLA intervened and allegedly hurled abusive words on the ASI.
The incident was also recorded by someone, which later went viral on media, said a senior police official.The incident took place at the parking area around 7.15 pm when Singh had gone to attend the function where ASI Om Pal and his team were deployed, he said.
12:21 Here's Bakha Dutt's This Unquiet Land -- Stories from India's Fault Line
It's taken four years in the writing, says NDTV's Barkha Dutt, and it goes on the stands next month @BDUTT tweeted. "It took me four years to write & it's ready now- My first book- #ThisUnquietLand -Stories From India's Fault Line."
Amazon, where the hardcover edition is available for Rs 419, writes: "One of the most remarkable books ever published about contemporary India, arguably the most complex society on earth, This Unquiet Land tells the truth about the countrys secrets and lies, its torments and triumphs, and its heroes and villains. This is the first book by Barkha Dutt, Indias best known journalist.Indias fault lines run wide and deep."
Amazon, where the hardcover edition is available for Rs 419, writes: "One of the most remarkable books ever published about contemporary India, arguably the most complex society on earth, This Unquiet Land tells the truth about the countrys secrets and lies, its torments and triumphs, and its heroes and villains. This is the first book by Barkha Dutt, Indias best known journalist.Indias fault lines run wide and deep."
12:14 Furious Smriti Irani has a spat with a journalist on Twitter
HRD minister Smriti Irani has a spat with Economic Times journalist Anubhuti Vishnoi on Twitter.
Vishnoi's report in the ET today says that HRD minister Smriti Irani recommended over 5,000 requests for admission to the Central government-run Kendriya Vidyalaya chain of schools in the current academic year, a more than four-fold jump from quota levels of her predecessors.
Of the admissions recommended by the minister, some 3,000 were finally effected after the others apparently opted out on some account or the other. Read the full report here.
Smriti Irani tweeted: "HRD minister can usually recommend 1200 admissions to KVs under minister quota. @anubhutivishnoi it is bcoz of journalists like u dat a reader like me has stopped subscribing to ET.
All admissions r recorded as per requests frm MPs across parties+Bpl families. Ur source based lie as usual ignores facts."
On Friday, Irani found herself in a spot when her remarks that women in the country are not told what to wear, whom to meet and where to go, drew voices of dissent from an audience she was addressing.
"In India I don't think any woman is dictated what to wear, how to wear, whom to meet, when to meet....I am of the opinion I don't think anybody is dictated here, you are not told," she said while interacting with New York- based journalist Tina Brown at an event in New Delhi.
As many from the gathering vociferously disagreed with the minister's remarks, Brown drew her attention to it. Putting up a brave front, Irani retorted, "Are you told? I am sorry. I am not. My apologies ladies." Trying to justify her remarks, Irani said she did not come from a celebrated family but an absolutely lower middle class family which told her to determine her own future.
Vishnoi's report in the ET today says that HRD minister Smriti Irani recommended over 5,000 requests for admission to the Central government-run Kendriya Vidyalaya chain of schools in the current academic year, a more than four-fold jump from quota levels of her predecessors.
Of the admissions recommended by the minister, some 3,000 were finally effected after the others apparently opted out on some account or the other. Read the full report here.
Smriti Irani tweeted: "HRD minister can usually recommend 1200 admissions to KVs under minister quota. @anubhutivishnoi it is bcoz of journalists like u dat a reader like me has stopped subscribing to ET.
All admissions r recorded as per requests frm MPs across parties+Bpl families. Ur source based lie as usual ignores facts."
On Friday, Irani found herself in a spot when her remarks that women in the country are not told what to wear, whom to meet and where to go, drew voices of dissent from an audience she was addressing.
"In India I don't think any woman is dictated what to wear, how to wear, whom to meet, when to meet....I am of the opinion I don't think anybody is dictated here, you are not told," she said while interacting with New York- based journalist Tina Brown at an event in New Delhi.
As many from the gathering vociferously disagreed with the minister's remarks, Brown drew her attention to it. Putting up a brave front, Irani retorted, "Are you told? I am sorry. I am not. My apologies ladies." Trying to justify her remarks, Irani said she did not come from a celebrated family but an absolutely lower middle class family which told her to determine her own future.
12:02 Infosys Foundation donates Rs. 56 cr to create 11 faculty chairs
Infosys Foundaion, the philanthropic arm of IT major Infosys has instituted 11 faculty chairs at eight leading academic institutes across India over the past year.
The grants range from Rs 2 crore to Rs 33 crore for setting up the chairs with a total commitment of Rs 56 crore. The donated funds will be used for research in areas such as obstetrics & gynaecology, agriculture, economics, mathematics, technology, biology, rural development and cancer, it said in a statement.
The beneficiaries are International Institute for Information Technology '" Bangalore (IIIT-B), Indian Institute of Science(IISc), Institute of Bioinformatics and Applied Biotechnology (IBAB), Chennai Mathematical Institute (CMI), Indian Council for Research on International Economic Relations (ICRIER), Presidency University, All India Institute of Medical Science (AIIMS) and Indian Institute of Management - Ahmedabad (IIM-A).
The grants range from Rs 2 crore to Rs 33 crore for setting up the chairs with a total commitment of Rs 56 crore. The donated funds will be used for research in areas such as obstetrics & gynaecology, agriculture, economics, mathematics, technology, biology, rural development and cancer, it said in a statement.
The beneficiaries are International Institute for Information Technology '" Bangalore (IIIT-B), Indian Institute of Science(IISc), Institute of Bioinformatics and Applied Biotechnology (IBAB), Chennai Mathematical Institute (CMI), Indian Council for Research on International Economic Relations (ICRIER), Presidency University, All India Institute of Medical Science (AIIMS) and Indian Institute of Management - Ahmedabad (IIM-A).
12:00 Lavender oil in your ears to stop the itch
"When I first started out we used to charge 1 anna for one person. Now we charge Rs 20. Those days we made five rupees a day which worked out to Rs 150 a month. Now I earn Rs 300 to 400 every day. I was happier when I was earning Rs 15 a day. I could save Rs 10 every day. Now I cannot save anything even when I earn Rs 400 a day. It doesn't last, food items have become so expensive."
Abdul Nabi, who has been cleaning people's ears for 40 years in Mumbai speaks to Rediff.com in our special series where we look at India through the lives of its people. Read
Abdul Nabi, who has been cleaning people's ears for 40 years in Mumbai speaks to Rediff.com in our special series where we look at India through the lives of its people. Read
11:53
Image of the day: A female Pakistani commando guards Sikh pilgrims from India as they arrive in Pakistan.
Over 2,500 Sikh pilgrims arrived in Lahore on Friday from India by three trains to participate in religious and cultural rituals to mark the 547th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak.
Over 2,500 Sikh pilgrims arrived in Lahore on Friday from India by three trains to participate in religious and cultural rituals to mark the 547th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak.
11:42
Some good news coming in: One militant killed in an ongoing encounter with security forces in Kupwara, J&K.
11:41 Tejaswi Yadav -- Bihar's youngest ever deputy CM -- takes charge
Lalu's son Tejaswi Yadav takes charge as deputy CM in the Bihar government. Tejaswi, who at 26 is the youngest deputy CM of the state, said about his inexperience on Saturday, a day after the government was sworn in: "No one comes with experience." He was also allocated the portfolios of PWD, forest and environment.
A Telegraph report says that even though he is entitled to a ministerial bungalow, the father and party chief will not allow them to shift to their new houses.
A Telegraph report says that even though he is entitled to a ministerial bungalow, the father and party chief will not allow them to shift to their new houses.
11:30
Call it family values or finger firmly on the
remote control, Lalu Prasad won't let his minister sons venture far from
his shadow.
Even though the sons - deputy chief minister Tejaswi and health, minor water resources, forests and environment minister Tej Pratap - are entitled to ministerial bungalows, the father and party chief will not allow them to shift to their new houses, RJD sources said.
Read the full story here.
11:28 Kupwara: Massive ops to smoke out militants still on after 24 hours
In a massive encounter that has entered its second day today, Indian Army personnel are engaged in a search operation to flush out hiding terrorists from the Rajwar forests in Handwara, Jammu and Kashmir.
The fierce gun battle that has been raging on since Sunday entered its second day today and so far three Army personnel have been injured, including a Lieutenant-Colonel and two jawans.
The militants are believed to be cornered and attempts are being made to capture or neutralise them.
Heavy firing is underway and additional troops have been rushed to cordon off the forest area. Earlier, the Army had launched a search operation in Kupwara where Colonel Santosh Mahadik, the Commanding Officer (CO) of 41 Rashtriya Rifles was killed in a fierce gun battle with terrorists.
The fierce gun battle that has been raging on since Sunday entered its second day today and so far three Army personnel have been injured, including a Lieutenant-Colonel and two jawans.
The militants are believed to be cornered and attempts are being made to capture or neutralise them.
Heavy firing is underway and additional troops have been rushed to cordon off the forest area. Earlier, the Army had launched a search operation in Kupwara where Colonel Santosh Mahadik, the Commanding Officer (CO) of 41 Rashtriya Rifles was killed in a fierce gun battle with terrorists.
11:18 Political vacuum in the Bihar win
A serious setback for the BJP in Bihar need not be a substantial gain for progressive forces. The euphoric moment of an electoral battle is dangerous for it could take eyes off the retreat on multiple fronts in the ongoing political war for the very idea of India, writes former AAP member Yogendra Yadav. Read.
11:13 It is necessary to sustain the morale of the armed forces
In a gesture of sagacious political leadership, the defence minister chose to be present with the family for the last rites of Mahadik in his native place in the Satara district of Maharashtra (picture). As per the military tradition of honouring the honourable, Mahadik's coffin would have been draped in the national Tricolour with his medals and peak cap atop, the significance of the medals being that these national honours bestowed on him accompany him on his final journey. Read more
10:45 PM Modi unveils Torana Gate at 'Little India'
An intricately carved gateway, built at a cost of over $1 million and representing hundreds of years of Buddhist and Islamic art forms in India, was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 'Little India' in Kuala Lumpur on Monday.
The Torana Gate is a gift from India to mark the launch of Kuala Lumpur's Litte India project as a symbol of friendship between the two countries.
Inaugurating the Torana Gate, Prime Minister Modi said: "This will be a milestone in our relations with Malaysia. Torana Gate is not an art piece sculpted in stone. It is a connection between two great countries & will become a tourist attraction."
The project was delayed due to the need to conform the architectural design and features of the massive stone pillar.
The intricately carved Torana, inspired by the Toranas of the great Buddhist sculpture of Sanchi, has carvings and relief work representing ancient Indian art as well as the Islamic art form.
Kshitij Jain, the chief designer and architect of the Torana, said, "Toranas, built by the great Mauryan dynasty ruler, Ashoka, in first century BC, essentially depict symbols related to Buddhism.
"There is the Bodhi Tree, the lotus flowers, the jatakas tales and many other such illustrations, but we did not just replicate them as it would not match the inclusivity and acceptance that India stands for.
10:35 Rahul to lead 'Kisan Padyatra' today in UP's Saharanpur
Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi will interact with the sugarcane farmers and take part in a march to highlight their problems in Uttar Pradesh's Saharanpur district today.
During the 'Kisan Padyatra', Rahul will interact with farmers of Hardakhedi, Sikrikalan and Patni villages and listen to their woes.
Preparation for the Padyatra is underway in full swing in Saharanpur, with posters and banners welcoming Rahul being put up at major roads and crossings in the town.
Congress committee chief from Saharanpur, Sashi Walia, said that the sugarcane farmers in the region are leading a difficult life due to the closure of mills in recent times.
10:33 Air India sells Dreamliners to repay loans
Air India has mopped up Rs 7,000 crore by selling nine of its 21 Dreamliner aircraft to a Singaporean lessor, which it has taken back on lease from the company under an SLB (sale and lease back) arrangement.
A major chunk of these funds will go into repayment of the bridge loan availed earlier for purchasing these Boeing 787-800s, airline sources said.
Under an SLB arrangement, the seller of an asset leases it back from the purchaser for a long-term period and continues to use it without actually owning it.
Air India has 131 aircraft in its fleet, consisting of Boeing, Airbus and ATR planes as well as CRJs. Of these, 21 are Boeing 787-800s.
Earlier also, the flag carrier had sold and leased back 12 Dreamliners under a similar arrangement.
09:37 Lessons from the relentless jihad in the Sahara sands
The case of Al Qaeda shows that even if the Islamic State is decimated in its heartland by the multinational coalition now bombing its forces, this may not mean the end of the death cult it represents.
Like the Al Qaeda survived the destruction of its command centres in Afghanistan, the Islamic State could fight on.
For world leaders, this is bad news: as memories of each jihadist massacre wane, public appetite for expensive, bloody wars diminish.
Led to believe that air power can deliver decisive victories, the Western world has little stomach for grinding wars of attrition.
The case of Mali, though, demonstrates just how necessary it is to be willing to conduct such campaigns: the alternative is the emergence of jihadist empires, from where mass slaughter can be launched.
Read more HERE
09:34 Rupee down 11 paise vs dollar in early trade
The rupee depreciated by 11 paise to 66.30 against the US dollar in early trade today due to appreciation in the US currency overseas.
Dealers attributed the rupee's fall to fresh demand for the US currency from importers and banks.
However, early gains in domestic stock markets capped the rupee losses, they said.
The rupee ended steady at 66.19 per dollar on Friday against the American currency at the interbank Foreign Exchange in view of steady dollar in the overseas market.
Meanwhile, the benchmark BSE Sensex advanced by 89.55 points, or 0.34 per cent, to 25,958.04 in early trade today.
09:27 Bilateral ties with Malaysia will get deeper and stronger: PM
Highlights of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's joint press statement with his Malaysian counterpart Najib:
* We will work together to combat terrorism and on climate change.
* Very pleased with our discussions. Bilateral ties will get deeper and stronger.
* Appreciate your gesture of hosting me in the midst of the ASEAN and East Asia Summit.
* Commend the resolve and resilience of people of Malaysia. India's links with Malaysia are very old.
* We will work with renewed vigour to raise momentum of our partnership. We will continue to deepen security cooperation.
* We will make defence cooperation stronger. Our agreements on cyber security are very important
* Our trade and investment relations can be scaled up significantly. Malaysia's competence in infrastructure is well known.
* We will play special emphasis on cultural and people to people ties.
09:18 PM Modi holds talks with Malaysia's Najib
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday held talks with his Malaysian counterpart Najib Razak on ways to ramp up bilateral cooperation with the focus on building a "well-rounded partnership".
On the third and final day of his Malaysia visit, Modi began bilateral programmes with a ceremonial welcome in Kuala Lumpur.
Modi was warmly embraced by Najib as he got out of his car at Perdana square in Putrajaya, the sprawling administrative capital on the outskirts of Kuala Lumpur.
Modi, dressed in a Bandhgala, inspected a guard of honour and was introduced by Najib to Malaysian Ministers and officials.
Modi then held a one-on-one meeting with Najib.
"A tete-a-tete begins proceedings. PM @narendramodi in a restricted meeting with PM @NajibRazak," External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Vikas Swarup tweeted.
Delegation level talks began after the ceremonial welcome, the guard of honour and the one-on-one meeting between Modi and Najib.
09:16 Paris attacks staged to malign Islam: Lashkar chief Hafiz Saeed
Terming the Paris attacks as an international conspiracy, Lashkar-e-Tayiba head Hafiz Saeed has claimed that the attacks were staged to pin the blame on Muslims.
In an interview with Online at an undisclosed location, the JuD chief condemned the attacks saying that Muslims in the West in general and France in particular must not be blamed and targeted for the Paris incident.
"The truth is that sometime back, ex British premier Tony Blair admitted that Western powers created Daesh and that it was a mistake. Daesh is the product of Western evil designs against Muslims and this terrorist organisation is dancing to the tune of the international establishment formed by Western imperialist powers."
He said the terrorist organisations like Daesh had only one agenda, to let down Islam on the behest of foreign powers.
The JuD chief slammed India and its prime minister, Narendra Modi saying the extremism against minorities in India exposed the real designs of Modi and his government.
"This insane and evil man came to power on the basis of Hindu supremacy. What else is expected of him? The entire world has seen that it is India that is breeding extremism and not Pakistan."
08:39 Modi accorded ceremonial welcome in Malaysia
Prime Minister Narendra Modi was accorded a ceremonial welcome in Kuala Lumpur as he entered the bilateral phase of his visit to Malaysia on Monday, the third day of his visit to this southeast Asian nation.
Modi was greeted with a hug by his Malaysian counterpart Najib Razak at Putrajaya, the federal administrative centre of Malaysia, following which he was accorded a guard of honour.
Modi attended the 13th ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations)-India Summit on Saturday and the 10th East Asia Summit on Sunday.
08:37 Several people shot at parade in New Orleans park
At least 16 people were shot in New Orleans, Louisiana when a gunman began randomly firing at hundreds of people gathered in a playground for a video filming event.
Local media describe a chaotic scene, with the injured lying on the ground and ambulances rushing away.
Police estimate up to 300 people were at the parade.
Its unclear how many people were shot, what their conditions are or what led to the shooting.
More details to come.
08:30 Saudi Arabia, an ISIS that has made it
Terrorist outfit ISIS has a mother: the invasion of Iraq. But it also has a father: Saudi Arabia and its religious-industrial complex.
Until that point is understood, battles may be won, but the war will be lost.
Jihadists will be killed, only to be reborn again in future generations and raised on the same books.
The attacks in Paris have exposed this contradiction again, but as happened after 9/11, it risks being erased from our analyses and our consciences.
Read more HERE
08:28 Top headlines at this hour:
* Terror threat: Belgium police arrest 16, Paris fugitive still at large
* Landslide in Myanmar kills about 100 people, with many others missing
* At least 10 shot at playground during party after neighborhood parade in New Orleans, US
* PM Modi to visit Batu Caves Temple, inaugurate Torana Gate, interact with Corporate Malaysia today
* Sheena Bora murder: CBI may use Rahul's statement to seek Peter's custody
* Security for Pope Francis almost doubles ahead of Africa trip
08:19
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