LIVE
Tue, 09 August 2016
MHA inquiry against Naik's NGO begins, questionnaire sent
Timeline Refresh
23:39 Cow census to continue in Bengal despite censure by PM
Notwithstanding Prime Minister Narendra Modi's criticism of the cow vigilante groups, the cow protection cell in West Bengal, which is conducting a census of the animal in the state, today said it would continue with
the exercise.
"Whatever the prime minister has said is right, nobody has the right to attack anyone in the name of cow protection. There are incidents of Dalits being attacked in the name of cow protection. This is wrong. This should not have happened. But our cow census has nothing to do with attack on Dalits, so it will continue," sadi state president of cow protection cell Subrata Gupta.
"This cow census will continue for the sake of mankind and the country. Cow is treated as a mother in Hindu religion and everybody has the right to protect and have concern about his/her mother," he said.
In his first public denouncement of cow vigilantes, some of whom flogged Dalits in his home state Gujarat, Modi last week said he felt enraged at such "anti-social elements" who indulged in crimes by the night and masqueraded as cow protectors by the day.
"We will come out with the report on September 15. We are being helped by BJP, RSS, VHP, Shiv Sena and other Hindutva groups and organisations. We are facing a lot of threats and resistance while conducting this exercise, but we are committed towards the cause and will continue with it. Cow needs to be protected for the sake of environment, ecology and for the country," Gupta said.
22:55 Irom Sharmila rushed to hospital
Irom Sharmila rushed to hospital after she ended her 16-year-long fast.
Earlier in the day, Manipur's 'Iron Lady' ended her hunger strike, the world's longest such campaign, and declared that she wants to become the chief minister so that she could repeal the contentious Armed Forces Special Powers Act.
During her fast she was force-fed through a nasal tube to keep her alive. Now the familiar Ryles tube hanging from her nose was missing as she broke the fast.
22:37
Kidney racket: CEO, Medical Director of Hiranandani Hospital in Mumbai among five doctors arrested
22:16 MHA inquiry against Naik's NGO begins, questionnaire sent
The home ministry has initiated an inquiry against an NGO run by controversial Islamic preacher Zakir Naik for alleged violation of Foreign Contributions (Regulation) Act.
A standard questionnaire has been sent to Mumbai-based Islamic Research Foundation after preliminary inquiry found the NGO run by Naik allegedly received about Rs 15 crore during a five-year period preceding 2012.
The IRF has been asked to furnish details of its bank accounts, including the designated Foreign Contribution Regulation Act account, and amount of foreign contributions received and utilised by it since inception, official sources said.
The preliminary probe has found that most of IRFs foreign funds came from the United Kingdom, Saudi Arabia and a few other Middle-East countries.
The home ministry probe will cover the allegations that foreign funding to IRF was used for political activities.
It will also look into allegation that the NGOs funds were used to induce people towards converting to Islam and attract youths towards terror, the sources said.
A standard questionnaire has been sent to Mumbai-based Islamic Research Foundation after preliminary inquiry found the NGO run by Naik allegedly received about Rs 15 crore during a five-year period preceding 2012.
The IRF has been asked to furnish details of its bank accounts, including the designated Foreign Contribution Regulation Act account, and amount of foreign contributions received and utilised by it since inception, official sources said.
The preliminary probe has found that most of IRFs foreign funds came from the United Kingdom, Saudi Arabia and a few other Middle-East countries.
The home ministry probe will cover the allegations that foreign funding to IRF was used for political activities.
It will also look into allegation that the NGOs funds were used to induce people towards converting to Islam and attract youths towards terror, the sources said.
21:22 PM ignores security protocol; stops car to greet locals
Setting aside the security protocol, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today stopped his cavalcade of vehicles to accept the welcome offered by members of local Bohra community during his visit to Bhabhra in Madhya Pradesh.
When Modi was on way to the memorial of legendary Chandrashekar Azad, who was born in Bhabhra, a large number of people lined the road to catch a glimpse of the prime minister.
When some of them waved at him, Modi asked the driver to stop and got down from the car.
They offered him a shawl which he readily accepted.
Modi is the first Prime Minister to visit Bhabhra.
When Modi was on way to the memorial of legendary Chandrashekar Azad, who was born in Bhabhra, a large number of people lined the road to catch a glimpse of the prime minister.
When some of them waved at him, Modi asked the driver to stop and got down from the car.
They offered him a shawl which he readily accepted.
Modi is the first Prime Minister to visit Bhabhra.
20:39 Part of RBI's Rs 300 cr transported in train robbed
A part of more than Rs 300 crore being sent to the Reserve Bank of India in Chennai from Salem in Tamil Nadu in a train is suspected to have been stolen on the way after some of the currency boxes were found tampered with, police said on Tuesday.
The incident came to light after the express train from Salem arrived in Chennai on Tuesday and some of the more than 200 boxes carrying the cash and transported through three cargo coaches of the train were found tampered with.
Police officials were tightlipped on the quantum of money that was transported from Salem as well as the cash suspected to have gone missing.
A police official said that an air-vent in one of the coaches was found broken, prompting doubts that someone could have entered from its roof.
Police suspect that culprits could have entered the coach on the Salem-Vriddhachalam section where trains dont run on electricity but on diesel locomotives, making it easy for the robbers to make their way from the top.
Police said they were probing many angles including how the theft could have happened despite police protection provided to the cash which had both currency notes printed prior to 2005 as well as soiled notes.
Currency notes printed prior to 2005 had been ordered to be exchanged by the RBI with June 30 last as the deadline.
The incident came to light after the express train from Salem arrived in Chennai on Tuesday and some of the more than 200 boxes carrying the cash and transported through three cargo coaches of the train were found tampered with.
Police officials were tightlipped on the quantum of money that was transported from Salem as well as the cash suspected to have gone missing.
A police official said that an air-vent in one of the coaches was found broken, prompting doubts that someone could have entered from its roof.
Police suspect that culprits could have entered the coach on the Salem-Vriddhachalam section where trains dont run on electricity but on diesel locomotives, making it easy for the robbers to make their way from the top.
Police said they were probing many angles including how the theft could have happened despite police protection provided to the cash which had both currency notes printed prior to 2005 as well as soiled notes.
Currency notes printed prior to 2005 had been ordered to be exchanged by the RBI with June 30 last as the deadline.
20:09 Soni Sori begins 200-km-long tricolour march to protest killing of Adivasi teen
Sori exclusively spoke to Rediff.com's Prasanna Zore about her fight to seek justice for the tribals in the region.
Firebrand Adivasi leader Soni Sori -- who allegedly suffered sexual exploitation by the police as well as acid attacks for her fight for the tribals of Chhattisgarh -- began a 200 kilometre-long padyatra from Dantewada to Gompad village, where an Adivasi teen, Madkam Hidme, was allegedly raped and killed by security forces.
The piece can be read HERE.
19:45 Amnesty International appeals for repeal of AFSPA
As Irom Sharmila ended her 16-year fast to enter politics, Amnesty International today appealed to the government to drop all charges against her and take steps to repeal the AFSPA.
"Irom Sharmila's decision to break her hunger strike gives India another chance to start a dialogue and recognise how the AFSPA has alienated Manipur for over 35 years," said Abhirr VP, senior campaigner with Amnesty International India. He said Sharmila's hunger strike over the last 16 years had been a testament to her passion for human rights,
and her belief that a "draconian" law like the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Acts had no place in any society.
"The government arrested her, confined her to a hospital room and force-fed her for 16 years, seemingly to break her will," he said.
19:06 British schoolboy posts pictures online from ISIS territory
A 15-year-old British schoolboy believed to be fighting with the Islamic State in Syria has posted gun-toting pictures of himself on Facebook, alarming police and triggering fears that the terror outfit may be
using him to lure other western recruits.
Ibrahim Iqbal posted pictures of himself in full combat gear and holding an AK-47 on the social media site.
Pictures triggered fears that ISIS may be using him to lure other western recruits.
"We are aware of posts made on social media. These are currently being reviewed to establish if any offences have been committed," the UKs North East Counter Terrorism Unit said in a statement.
The unit is leading an investigation into the disappearance of Iqbal along with his family members from Bradford in northern England.
18:24 London stabbing suspect to stand trial in February 2017
A 19-year-old suspect, charged with the murder of an American national during a knife rampage in central London last week, was told today that he would face trial in the case in February.
Zakaria Bulhan, a London-based Norwegian national of Somalian descent who is charged with the murder of 64-year-old Darlene Horton and the attempted murder of five other people, was told he will stand trial at the Old Bailey court in London from February 6, 2017.
The trial date was set by the recorder of London, Nicholas Hilliard, and is expected to last two weeks.
Bulhan, who appeared via video-link from his police custody prison cell, covered his mouth with his hands throughout the hearing and spoke only to confirm his name.
18:16 Scotland Yard arrests man for climbing Buckingham Palace fence
A 22-year-old drunk man was arrested today by Scotland Yard for climbing over a security fence at Buckingham Palace, the London home of Queen Elizabeth 11.
The man was reportedly drunk but unarmed and the breach which occurred in the early hours of today is not believed to be terrorism related, according to Metropolitan Police officers on guard at the British monarch's residence.
"At approximately 04:15hrs on Tuesday, August 9, officers arrested a 22-year-old from Croydon on suspicion of trespassing on a protected site (contrary to section 128 of the Serious Organised Crime and Police Act 2005) after he climbed over a security fence at Buckingham Palace," a Met
Police statement said.
17:59 Dutch agency Randstad buys job site Monster for $429m
Dutch temporary employment agency Randstad announced it is buying up US jobs site Monster for $429 million (Rs 2,868 crore), boosting its foothold in the United States.
"Under the terms of the merger agreement, Randstad will pay $3.4 (Rs 227) per share in cash, or a total purchase price of approximately $429 million," the group, based in the Diemen suburb of Amsterdam, said in a statement.
Based in Massachusetts, Monster is a global online jobs listing site which first launched more than 20 years ago as an early pioneer of e-commerce on the Internet. It now offers its services across 40 countries.
17:55 Man arrested after climbing over Buckingham Palace security fence
A 22-year-old man has been arrested after climbing over a security fence at Buckingham Palace.
More details awaited.
17:50 No bouquets, only 'minimal staff' to receive me: Air India chief's missive
Air India, the country's national carrier, is largely innocent of customer service - unless it's a politician who's traveling, in which case, the VIP is often spotted being escorted by an eager retinue of staff.
Stop that, the airline's chief has said. In a letter sent to nearly 20,000 staffers yesterday, Ashwani Lohani has said "Emphasis in the organisation should be on work and work alone."
Lohani has also warned "no bouquets" should be presented to him when he visits Air India offices and only "minimal officials should receive or see me off at airports."
Lohani, who took over Air India in October last year, says "petty courtesies" need to be eliminated from the work culture of a state-run behemoth that has doggedly resisted multiple attempts at a turnaround.
17:42 'Dahi-Handi' festival: SC to clarify tomorrow on human pyramid
The Supreme Court is likely to pass an order tomorrow on a plea of the Maharashtra government seeking a clarification as to whether a youth below 18-years can participate in a 'Dahi-Handi' ritual and human pyramid formation could be above 20 feet.
A bench of Justices A R Dave and L Nageswara Rao said that it will clarify on the issue tomorrow as the counsel for the petitioner before the Bombay High Court was not present in the court.
17:15 'Intolerance towards Muslims rising due to Trump'
In a fresh attack on Donald Trump's poll rhetoric, the parents of a fallen Pakistani- origin American soldier have blamed the controversial Republican presidential nominee for the growing intolerance towards Muslims in the US.
Khizr and Ghazala Khan, the 'Gold Star' parents whose appearance at the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia created a firestorm for Trump, have said they felt compelled to speak out because the welcome they felt when they immigrated to the US nearly four decades ago is eroding in the face of this year's presidential campaign.
"You see people wearing scarves, people are pointing fingers at them and throwing them out of flights and calling them names when they pass by and all of that," 66-year-old Khizr Khan said.
"Most Americans are against this kind of nonsense, but there is an element that has gotten voice, has been encouraged by this political rhetoric, and especially this election season has made it worse," he said.
Khan said Trump's call to ban all Muslim immigrants -- a position the Republican nominee has since modified -- and his provocative statements against Mexicans and others bear some of the responsibility for a loss of civility and restraint.
16:46 Irom Sharmila's advice to PM: Govern with fatherly affection
"If I become CM, first thing I will do is remove the draconian AFSPA," says Irom Sharmila. She said she ended her hunger strike as she needed strength to fight dirty politics. "We we want the right to equality in my society," she said and added that the people of Kashmir should be allowed self determination. She said she wanted Independent candidates to come with her and advised the PM to govern with fatherly affection.
16:38 Irom Sharmila weeps as she ends historic 16-year-long fast
Just in: Iron Lady Irom Sharmila ends her 16-year fast. Taking a dab of honey on her fingers, Sharmila tears up, while tasting her first 'meal' in a manner of speaking through her mouth. Extremely emotional moment for Sharmila as she spends a quiet moment taking in the moment. After breaking her fast she says her fight against AFSPA will continue. She said she wants to be the CM of Manipur and wanted to break her fast in front of the world. She said she was just a human being, not a goddess and admitted she did not know anything about politics but wanted to be the chief minister of Manipur. "I'll never forget this moment," she said finally breaking into a broad smile.
Asked if she was a woman in love, she replied saying it was a personal matter and it was very natural (to fall in love).
Asked if she was a woman in love, she replied saying it was a personal matter and it was very natural (to fall in love).
16:23 India summons Pak envoy
Just in: India summons Pakistan envoy Abdul Basit over cross-border terrorism. India's strong demarche to Pakistan makes specific reference to the terror group Lashkar-e-Toiba.
15:46 56% employees fear dismal retirement life compared to parents
Despite employee satisfaction with their financial situation in India higher by 9 per cent since 2013, over half the employees anticipate a less comfortable retirement life compared to their parents, says a survey.
According to the survey by global advisory, broking and solutions company Willis Towers Watson, 56 per cent of Indian employees still fear they would be worse off than their parents post retirement.
The study, conducted on over 2,000 employees, found that almost 54 per cent are worried about their future financial state. When questioned about their current financial state, 46 per cent of the respondents expressed concern and more than 1 -in-3 stated that their financial problems are negatively impacting their lives.
"The growing insecurities of employees around long-term financial stability demands immediate attention of employers," Kulin Patel, Director, Willis Towers Watson India, said. The survey results also suggest that 1-in-4 employees, when asked about their top priorities, prefer superior retirement or health benefits to pay and bonus, and more than 2-in-5 would prefer some alternatives to pay and bonus.
According to the survey, the biggest growth in promoting financial well-being in India will be in the use of customised and targeted messages sent as advisory by the employer on how much one should save as per his salary bracket.
While 50 per cent of the employers are intending to do it over the next three years, 13 per cent are currently doing it. Employers should aim to help employees address different issues from short-to-medium-term savings to the traditional long-term retirement savings, it added.
"There is a need to boost engagement and productivity by reconfiguring the benefit package offered by employers. Different employee segments may require a different mix of benefits that depend on their financial priorities at their given stage in life," Patel added.
According to the survey by global advisory, broking and solutions company Willis Towers Watson, 56 per cent of Indian employees still fear they would be worse off than their parents post retirement.
The study, conducted on over 2,000 employees, found that almost 54 per cent are worried about their future financial state. When questioned about their current financial state, 46 per cent of the respondents expressed concern and more than 1 -in-3 stated that their financial problems are negatively impacting their lives.
"The growing insecurities of employees around long-term financial stability demands immediate attention of employers," Kulin Patel, Director, Willis Towers Watson India, said. The survey results also suggest that 1-in-4 employees, when asked about their top priorities, prefer superior retirement or health benefits to pay and bonus, and more than 2-in-5 would prefer some alternatives to pay and bonus.
According to the survey, the biggest growth in promoting financial well-being in India will be in the use of customised and targeted messages sent as advisory by the employer on how much one should save as per his salary bracket.
While 50 per cent of the employers are intending to do it over the next three years, 13 per cent are currently doing it. Employers should aim to help employees address different issues from short-to-medium-term savings to the traditional long-term retirement savings, it added.
"There is a need to boost engagement and productivity by reconfiguring the benefit package offered by employers. Different employee segments may require a different mix of benefits that depend on their financial priorities at their given stage in life," Patel added.
15:37 State funeral for Kalikho Pul
Arunachal Pradesh cabinet decides to extend full status of a state funeral and state mourning for 3 days for former CM Kalikho Pul who was found dead today.
15:35 Rio hope gymnast Dipa Karmakar placed under 'house arrest'
Faced with the gigantic expectations of an excited nation, India's trail-blazing gymnast Dipa Karmakar has been put under "house arrest" at the Olympic Games Village by her coach Bishweshwar Nandi as she gears up to script history in the vault finals on August 14.
More than 15,000 kilometres away from her hometown Agartala in Tripura, Dipa is set to turn 23 on Tuesday but is unlikely to receive birthday greetings except for the ones from her parents.
Her only companions are roommate Saikhom Mirabai Chanu --the only Indian woman weightlifter -- and of course Nandi who's been with her for the last 16 years."I've removed the SIM card from her mobile. Only parents are allowed to talk to her. I don't want her to lose focus," Nandi told PTI from the Games Village, a day after Dipa became the toast of the nation by making the final of artistic gymnastics' vault finals.
"Her birthday celebration can wait for the moment. It's only her parents who are allowed to talk to her at the moment during the small breaks I give her.
"But she does not miss it. She likes to stay aloof from friends, her friends circle is very small, thanks to her tough regimen in gymnastics," Nandi said of Dipa who trains in SAI New Delhi.
Dipa had become the first Indian woman gymnast to qualify for Olympics.
She has also caught attention for performing the risky Produnova vault -- a double-front somersault which has the highest degree of difficulty for a women's vault.
"Every event in gymnastics is a risk, accident may happen anytime but Dipa has mastered the Produnova and we're very hopeful," Nandi said.
Dipa and her coach follow a strict regimen with training sessions of four hours each in the morning and evening sessions.
Nandi is grateful to the Government of India and Sports Authority of India for their help."We got three months' time but I'm grateful to SAI director (Injeti Srinivas) and project officer (Inderjeet Singh Pabla) who went all out to help us."
Daughter of a weightlifting coach in Agartala, Dipa, youngest of two sisters, started gymnastics at the age of three under Nandi's wife Suma, a SAI coach.
"She brought Dipa to me and we have never looked back since then," Nandi said recollecting her formative years at the Netaji Subhas Regional Coaching Centre in Agartala.
Nandi said Dipa won't disappoint in the final slated to be held at 2.47pm local time on August 14.
"By the time she will finish, it will be August 15 in India -- a time difference of 8 hours and 30 minutes -- and a medal in gymnastics can be the greatest Independence Day gift to the nation. We can have her birthday celebration then," Nandi concluded.
More than 15,000 kilometres away from her hometown Agartala in Tripura, Dipa is set to turn 23 on Tuesday but is unlikely to receive birthday greetings except for the ones from her parents.
Her only companions are roommate Saikhom Mirabai Chanu --the only Indian woman weightlifter -- and of course Nandi who's been with her for the last 16 years."I've removed the SIM card from her mobile. Only parents are allowed to talk to her. I don't want her to lose focus," Nandi told PTI from the Games Village, a day after Dipa became the toast of the nation by making the final of artistic gymnastics' vault finals.
"Her birthday celebration can wait for the moment. It's only her parents who are allowed to talk to her at the moment during the small breaks I give her.
"But she does not miss it. She likes to stay aloof from friends, her friends circle is very small, thanks to her tough regimen in gymnastics," Nandi said of Dipa who trains in SAI New Delhi.
Dipa had become the first Indian woman gymnast to qualify for Olympics.
She has also caught attention for performing the risky Produnova vault -- a double-front somersault which has the highest degree of difficulty for a women's vault.
"Every event in gymnastics is a risk, accident may happen anytime but Dipa has mastered the Produnova and we're very hopeful," Nandi said.
Dipa and her coach follow a strict regimen with training sessions of four hours each in the morning and evening sessions.
Nandi is grateful to the Government of India and Sports Authority of India for their help."We got three months' time but I'm grateful to SAI director (Injeti Srinivas) and project officer (Inderjeet Singh Pabla) who went all out to help us."
Daughter of a weightlifting coach in Agartala, Dipa, youngest of two sisters, started gymnastics at the age of three under Nandi's wife Suma, a SAI coach.
"She brought Dipa to me and we have never looked back since then," Nandi said recollecting her formative years at the Netaji Subhas Regional Coaching Centre in Agartala.
Nandi said Dipa won't disappoint in the final slated to be held at 2.47pm local time on August 14.
"By the time she will finish, it will be August 15 in India -- a time difference of 8 hours and 30 minutes -- and a medal in gymnastics can be the greatest Independence Day gift to the nation. We can have her birthday celebration then," Nandi concluded.
15:23 This nun was branded mentally unstable
The church preaches charity, kindness, and compassion towards everyone but Sr. Mary Sebastian, a 45-year-old nun, is afraid that the very institution that she has served for 25 years might harm her.Sr. Mary wants to leave the Church and it is a well-known fact that the Church does not take too kindly to rebels. Read more
15:14 PM on Kashmir: Youths who should be given laptops, handed stones
PM Modi launches 'Yaad Karo Kurbani' celebrations in MP to mark 70 years of Independence and the Quit India Movement anniversary. Highlights...
-- PM breaks his 'silence' on Kashmir. Calls on youth of Kashmir, lets make Kashmir a heaven on earth once again.
-- I want to thank the nation, I want to thank Congress that we all very maturely made attempts to deal with the situation in Kashmr.
-- Every Indian desires to go to Kashmir, every Indian loves Kashmir.
-- We are the people who walk the path that Atal Bihari Vajpayee took when it comes to Kashmir.
-- Kashmir, which we give so much love to, some people there are causing it a lot of harm.
-- The freedom that every Indian has also belongs to every Kashmiri.
-- We want the same bright future for every youth in Kashmir. Youths should have laptops, volleyball in hands, dreams in their eyes, instead stones are handed to them.
-- We are those who see development as solution of problems. But there are some who see destruction as solution.
-- Our flag inspires the people to change the future of India. It inspires desh-bhakti in us:
-- PM breaks his 'silence' on Kashmir. Calls on youth of Kashmir, lets make Kashmir a heaven on earth once again.
-- I want to thank the nation, I want to thank Congress that we all very maturely made attempts to deal with the situation in Kashmr.
-- Every Indian desires to go to Kashmir, every Indian loves Kashmir.
-- We are the people who walk the path that Atal Bihari Vajpayee took when it comes to Kashmir.
-- Kashmir, which we give so much love to, some people there are causing it a lot of harm.
-- The freedom that every Indian has also belongs to every Kashmiri.
-- We want the same bright future for every youth in Kashmir. Youths should have laptops, volleyball in hands, dreams in their eyes, instead stones are handed to them.
-- We are those who see development as solution of problems. But there are some who see destruction as solution.
-- Our flag inspires the people to change the future of India. It inspires desh-bhakti in us:
15:03
Protest over Arunachal ex-CM Kalikho Pul's suicide turn violent. Angry mob attacks Arunachal CM Pema Khandu's residence. Details awaited.
14:55 Pul was a man of grit, determination: Assam CM
Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal today mourned the untimely demise of former Arunachal Pradesh CM Kalikho Pul. "It is really shocking to hear the tragic death of former Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Kalikho Pul. He was a man of grit and determination and filled with innovative ideas," Sonowal said in a message. The country, especially Arunachal Pradesh, has lost a visionary leader who could have contributed so much towards development, he said and conveyed his condolences to members of the bereaved family.
14:37 'Let us prevent the lava from erupting'
"Only the smoke is coming out now. Let us prevent the lava from coming out by taking proper measures.I have told every leader that you cannot have a stable government without winning the confidence of the scheduled castes, scheduled tribes and the most backward castes. Leaders feel that by giving a sop here and there and by symbolic actions, they can win votes. That's all they want. Votes."
Though PS Krishnan, 84, retired after three decades of service as an IAS officer in 1990, as the secretary to the Government of India, he continues his work for the socially deprived classes in India.
Read the interview on Rediff.com.
Though PS Krishnan, 84, retired after three decades of service as an IAS officer in 1990, as the secretary to the Government of India, he continues his work for the socially deprived classes in India.
Read the interview on Rediff.com.
14:21 Irom Sharmila wants to contest as Manipur CM, will end fast on Aug 23
Irom Sharmila to end her 16-year-old fast, not today, but on August 23. She was supposed to end her fast today, but the court has postponed the hearing to the 23rd. Sharmila told the Hindu that she had been fasting for 16 years but did not got anything from it. "I want to try a different agitation now one that will see me contest against the Chief Minister of the State."
Sharmila has been granted bail in the case connected with her 16-year-long fast against the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act at an Imphal Court. The court, which has repeatedly tried her for attempted suicide, allowed her to sign a bail bond of Rs 10,000. However, it has not issued a release order yet, which means she is still in judicial custody.
The bench also wished her luck after she said she will pursue a political career as an independent candidate.
Sharmila started a hunger strike in November 2000, following the killing of 10 civilians by security forces. She was arrested by the Manipur government the same year under section 309 of the Indian Penal Code, which prohibits an attempt to commit suicide.
Sharmila, known as the 'Iron Lady of Manipur', announced on July 26 that she would end her fast and contest next year's Manipur assembly election. She also hinted that she would marry her boyfriend Desmond Coutinho, an India-born British national, and resume normal life.
Sharmila has announced she will contest Manipur assembly elections next year, with the BJP, Congress and JD-U sending her feelers.
Image: Irom Sharmila was escorted to the Court of the Chief Judicial Magistrate, Imphal West.
Sharmila has been granted bail in the case connected with her 16-year-long fast against the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act at an Imphal Court. The court, which has repeatedly tried her for attempted suicide, allowed her to sign a bail bond of Rs 10,000. However, it has not issued a release order yet, which means she is still in judicial custody.
The bench also wished her luck after she said she will pursue a political career as an independent candidate.
Sharmila started a hunger strike in November 2000, following the killing of 10 civilians by security forces. She was arrested by the Manipur government the same year under section 309 of the Indian Penal Code, which prohibits an attempt to commit suicide.
Sharmila, known as the 'Iron Lady of Manipur', announced on July 26 that she would end her fast and contest next year's Manipur assembly election. She also hinted that she would marry her boyfriend Desmond Coutinho, an India-born British national, and resume normal life.
Sharmila has announced she will contest Manipur assembly elections next year, with the BJP, Congress and JD-U sending her feelers.
Image: Irom Sharmila was escorted to the Court of the Chief Judicial Magistrate, Imphal West.
14:17 The American who fought for India's freedom
Samuel Stokes made India his home and participated in the freedom struggle. He was the only American to be imprisoned for sedition; the British CID even maintained a special file on him. Stokes also bought apples to Himachal Pradesh and transformed the lives of the state's farmers.
As India celebrates its 70th Independence Day next week, Asha Sharma, Samuel Stokes' grand-daughter, tells Rediff.com's Archana Masih about her extraordinary grandfather and wonders why he is hardly remembered today.
Do read this amazing interview, right here.
As India celebrates its 70th Independence Day next week, Asha Sharma, Samuel Stokes' grand-daughter, tells Rediff.com's Archana Masih about her extraordinary grandfather and wonders why he is hardly remembered today.
Do read this amazing interview, right here.
13:41 Why Soni Sori plans to hoist the Tiranga in Maoist heartland
Firebrand Adivasi leader Soni Sori -- who has allegedly suffered sexual exploitation by the police as well as acid attacks for her fight for the tribals of Chhattisgarh -- will lead a 200 kilometre-long padyatra from Dantewada to Gompad village, where an Adivasi teen, Madkam Hidme, was allegedly raped and killed by security forces.
The march will highlight the brutalities faced by the people in the battle between the government and the Maoists in the tribals' name.Sori spoke to Rediff.com's Prasanna D Zore about her "historic fight" to seek justice for Hidme and many other women by hoisting the Tricolour in the remote village of Gompad. Read the interview here.
The march will highlight the brutalities faced by the people in the battle between the government and the Maoists in the tribals' name.Sori spoke to Rediff.com's Prasanna D Zore about her "historic fight" to seek justice for Hidme and many other women by hoisting the Tricolour in the remote village of Gompad. Read the interview here.
13:36
Russian President Vladimir Putin, and his Turkish counterpart, Recep Tayyip Erdogan to meet today.
13:26 Icon or human: Irom on eve of history
Irom Sharmila must spend tonight tossing in her hospital bed torn between whether she is about to make history or merely end it in a whimper. Hers has been a never-before hunger vigil, chained 16 years to a surgical tube that has kept her alive on anodyne essentials - oral hydrating fluids, baby food supplements, the occasional variation of artificial fruit juice, diluted and poured off tetra packs. Read Sankarshan Thakur's report on the Telegraph.
13:22 The fog of war thickens in Syria
The meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Turkish counterpart Recep Erdogan later today at St. Petersburg will be keenly watched in world capitals. One point of immediate concern will be as regards the situation in Syria. Over the weekend, Erdogan acknowledged the importance of Turkey harmonising with Russia. Read more
13:09
Just in: Home minister Rajnath Singh has spoken to Arunachal Pradesh CM Pema Khandu on Kalikho Pul death.
13:08 MH370 plunged into ocean at high speed: report
MH370 plunged into the ocean at high speed -- up to 20,000 feet a minute -- reinforcing analysis that the missing Malaysia Airlines jet crashed in the current search zone, a report said today.
The Boeing 777 disappeared on March 8, 2014 en route from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing with 239 people onboard. An extensive underwater hunt in the southern Indian Ocean has not yet found the crash site, fuelling speculation it may be outside the current search zone, particularly if someone was at the controls at the end of the flight.
A manned plane could have been glided down, allowing it to enter the water outside the 120,000 square kilometre area being searched, some experts have suggested.
But extensive testing by aircraft manufacturer Boeing and new Australian defence department data analysis both suggest that -- regardless of the possible actions of one or both of the pilots -- the jet dived into the ocean at high speed, The Australian reported. Once MH370 ran out of fuel and the engines flamed, it slowed before plunging down towards the water in a series of swoops -- dropping from 35,000 feet at a rate of between 12,000 feet a minute and 20,000 feet a minute, Boeing said, according to the report.
The sharp dive was confirmed by a new data analysis by Australia's defence department involving signals sent automatically between the plane and a satellite, the head of the agency leading the MH370 hunt said.
The Boeing 777 disappeared on March 8, 2014 en route from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing with 239 people onboard. An extensive underwater hunt in the southern Indian Ocean has not yet found the crash site, fuelling speculation it may be outside the current search zone, particularly if someone was at the controls at the end of the flight.
A manned plane could have been glided down, allowing it to enter the water outside the 120,000 square kilometre area being searched, some experts have suggested.
But extensive testing by aircraft manufacturer Boeing and new Australian defence department data analysis both suggest that -- regardless of the possible actions of one or both of the pilots -- the jet dived into the ocean at high speed, The Australian reported. Once MH370 ran out of fuel and the engines flamed, it slowed before plunging down towards the water in a series of swoops -- dropping from 35,000 feet at a rate of between 12,000 feet a minute and 20,000 feet a minute, Boeing said, according to the report.
The sharp dive was confirmed by a new data analysis by Australia's defence department involving signals sent automatically between the plane and a satellite, the head of the agency leading the MH370 hunt said.
12:50 Deal with Kashmir situation with iron hand, BJP tells state govt
And while on Jammu and Kashmir, the BJP has asked the state government to deal with the current situation in the Kashmir Valley decisively and with an "iron hand."
State BJP spokesperson Virender Gupta said yesterday that there is no option for the government other than meeting the challenge posed by the separatists and terrorists "supported by Pakistan" decisively and with an iron hand otherwise the situation will deteriorate further and it may not be possible to bring back normalcy in the Valley.
Image: 5-year-old-Nasir damaged his eye during clashes between security forces and protesters in Srinagar. Photographs: Umar Ganie/Rediff.com
State BJP spokesperson Virender Gupta said yesterday that there is no option for the government other than meeting the challenge posed by the separatists and terrorists "supported by Pakistan" decisively and with an iron hand otherwise the situation will deteriorate further and it may not be possible to bring back normalcy in the Valley.
Image: 5-year-old-Nasir damaged his eye during clashes between security forces and protesters in Srinagar. Photographs: Umar Ganie/Rediff.com
12:42 SC order probe into death of Srinagar protester, rules out arrest of cop
Just in: A senior Kashmir police officer DSP Quadri will not be arrested for the death of a protester, rules Supreme Court cancelling complaint against him. The court also orders a probe into the killing of protester Shabbir Ahmed Mir.
This comes in the wake of a Srinagar court asking the city police to lodge an FIR and probe the death of Shabir Ahmad on July 10. The police did not investigate the charges and booked Ahmad under charges of armed rioting and attempt to murder, among others. The police also refused to file an FIR against deputy superintendent of police, Yasir Qadri, who Ahmad's family says shot him dead in the lawns of their house in Srinagar.
The Rajya Sabha to discuss the situation in Kashmir on Wednesday.
'
Representational picture.
This comes in the wake of a Srinagar court asking the city police to lodge an FIR and probe the death of Shabir Ahmad on July 10. The police did not investigate the charges and booked Ahmad under charges of armed rioting and attempt to murder, among others. The police also refused to file an FIR against deputy superintendent of police, Yasir Qadri, who Ahmad's family says shot him dead in the lawns of their house in Srinagar.
The Rajya Sabha to discuss the situation in Kashmir on Wednesday.
'
Representational picture.
12:35 Why August 9, 1953 casts a dark shadow over Kashmir
On August 9, 1953, Sheikh Abdullah, political anchor of J&K's accession with the Indian Union, was unceremoniously removed from power and put behind bars; causing a tectonic emotional breach and setting off disastrous fault lines between Srinagar and New Delhi and its effects continue to this day, says Mohammad Sayeed Malik. Read
12:27 Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Bill introduced in Lok Sabha
The Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Bill has been introduced in Lok Sabha.
The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi had lasy week given its approval for Motor Vehicle (Amendment) Bill 2016.
Some of the highlights of the Bill include:
* Increasing compensation for hit and run cases from Rs 25,000 to Rs 2 lakh. Compensation of up to Rs 10 lakh in road accidents fatalities.
* Increasing fine from Rs 100 to Rs 1,000 for riding without wearing a helmet besides disqualification of the rider's licence for three months.
* Penalty for drink-and-drive will be raised to Rs 10,000 from Rs 2,000.
* Penalty for driving without wearing a seatbelt will be raised from Rs 100 to Rs 1,000.
* Adding online services such as enabling online learning licenses, increasing validity period for driving licenses and fulfilling requirements of educational qualifications for transport licenses.
12:21 Mahad bridge collapse: Search operation to be intensified
Even as rescue personnel failed to trace more bodies in Savitri river after the collapse of a bridge near Mahad in Raigad district, they have decided to intensify the search today as water flow has receded.
So far, 26 bodies have been recovered during the search and rescue operations launched a day after two State Transport buses and some other vehicles fell into the swollen river after bridge collapse on the night of August 2.
Despite all efforts by NDRF, Navy and Coast Guard, no body or remains of vehicles could be traced yesterday.
"The flow of flood water has receded a bit since this morning and therefore, we have intensified our search operation near the collapsed bridge now," NDRF's 5th battalion commandant Anupam Srivastava said today.
"Almost 150 meters area of the collapsed bridge has not been searched so far extensively due to rapid current of river water and now we are focusing on this too," he said.
When asked how long their search would continue, Srivastava said his team would not call off their operation till they get orders from higher authorities.
12:18
SC stays contempt proceedings against Srinagar IGP and SSP, accused of killing a 26-year-old who protested agnst Burhan Wahi killing
12:12
PTI reports: ED questions Himachal Pradesh CM Virbhadra Singh's wife Pratibha in connection with an alleged money laundering case
11:35 28 days left as RBI governor, intend to use them fully: Rajan
Reserve Bank Governor Raghuram Rajan on Tuesday kept the repo rate unchanged at 6.50 per cent. Stating that there are 28 days left in his term as RBI governor, he said, "I intend to use them fully."
This is Rajan's last monetary policy review as he will leave on September 4 after a three-year term. This is also the last bi-monthly monetary policy to be decided by the central bank Governor as the broad-based 6-member panel may take over the job before the next review on October 4.
Highlights...
-- Several developments have clouded the outlook for the global economy.
-- Risks to the inflation target of 5 per cent for March 2017 continue to be on the upside.
-- The passage of the GST Bill augurs well for the growing political consensus for economic reforms.
-- Despite easy liquidity, some banks have only partially passed the past RBI rate cuts.
-- RBI does not give money directly to citizens despite the central bank printing money. He said this partly in jest, but primarily warning the public not to respond to emails saying the RBI governor is handing out money.
The government announced last week that it would like the RBI to focus on maintaining retail inflation rate of 4 per cent for the next five years, based on which the new interest rate setting panel would take its monetary policy decisions going forward.
The move, which provides for a margin of plus or minus 2 per cent in this target thus fixing the upper tolerance level at 6 per cent till 2021, is being seen as government putting the seal on Rajan's inflation-first model of monetary policy.
This is Rajan's last monetary policy review as he will leave on September 4 after a three-year term. This is also the last bi-monthly monetary policy to be decided by the central bank Governor as the broad-based 6-member panel may take over the job before the next review on October 4.
Highlights...
-- Several developments have clouded the outlook for the global economy.
-- Risks to the inflation target of 5 per cent for March 2017 continue to be on the upside.
-- The passage of the GST Bill augurs well for the growing political consensus for economic reforms.
-- Despite easy liquidity, some banks have only partially passed the past RBI rate cuts.
-- RBI does not give money directly to citizens despite the central bank printing money. He said this partly in jest, but primarily warning the public not to respond to emails saying the RBI governor is handing out money.
The government announced last week that it would like the RBI to focus on maintaining retail inflation rate of 4 per cent for the next five years, based on which the new interest rate setting panel would take its monetary policy decisions going forward.
The move, which provides for a margin of plus or minus 2 per cent in this target thus fixing the upper tolerance level at 6 per cent till 2021, is being seen as government putting the seal on Rajan's inflation-first model of monetary policy.
11:21
President of India @RashtrapatiBhvn tweets, "Shocked to hear of untimely demise of promising young leader Kalikho Pul whose contributions shall always be remembered #PresidentMukherjee."
11:09 Raghuram Rajan keeps repo rate unchaged at last RBI meet
Reserve Bank Governor Raghuram Rajan stuck to the script by holding repo rate steady in his last monetary policy announcement today, reports NDTV.
Dr Rajan kept the key repo rate unchanged at over five-year low of 6.5 per cent citing rising inflationary trend in the economy. Experts had predicted a status quo on interest rates, considering retail inflation is hovering around a two-year high.
Dr Rajan, who has been dubbed as an inflation warrior for his relentless focus on controlling prices, will be credited for breaking the back of double digit levels prevailing when he was appointed in 2013.
When he walks away on September 4 to return to academia in the US, Dr Rajan will be relieved that the government that has formerly adopted the retail inflation targets he had set. Among Dr Rajan's legacy would be a yet-to-be-formed monetary policy committee that will decide on interest rates in the future.
Dr Rajan kept the key repo rate unchanged at over five-year low of 6.5 per cent citing rising inflationary trend in the economy. Experts had predicted a status quo on interest rates, considering retail inflation is hovering around a two-year high.
Dr Rajan, who has been dubbed as an inflation warrior for his relentless focus on controlling prices, will be credited for breaking the back of double digit levels prevailing when he was appointed in 2013.
When he walks away on September 4 to return to academia in the US, Dr Rajan will be relieved that the government that has formerly adopted the retail inflation targets he had set. Among Dr Rajan's legacy would be a yet-to-be-formed monetary policy committee that will decide on interest rates in the future.
10:56 Pul had attempted suicide earlier too...
Ironically, his name Kalikho Pul means 'A Better Tomorrow'.
In this interview to the New Indian Express, the former Arunachal Pradesh CM, talks about being an orphan and attempting suicide...
I suffered from chronic gastric problem for six long years, beginning 1980. I had just `1600 with me. I approached my relatives. One offered just `2 and another `5. It was then that I realized I was an orphan. One day, I made up my mind to commit suicide and walked up to the bridge over the river Lohit. I stood there for 36 minutes but couldnt take the extreme step due to the presence of people, Pul recalled.
Read more
In this interview to the New Indian Express, the former Arunachal Pradesh CM, talks about being an orphan and attempting suicide...
I suffered from chronic gastric problem for six long years, beginning 1980. I had just `1600 with me. I approached my relatives. One offered just `2 and another `5. It was then that I realized I was an orphan. One day, I made up my mind to commit suicide and walked up to the bridge over the river Lohit. I stood there for 36 minutes but couldnt take the extreme step due to the presence of people, Pul recalled.
Read more
10:53 Former Arunachal Pradesh CM Kalikho Pul 'commits suicide'
Just in: Former Arunachal Pradesh CM Kalikho Pul was found dead at his official residence today. He was chief minister from the period February to July 2016. News reports suggests that he committed suicide at his residence by hanging himself, but the police is yet to confirm this. Reports say he was suffering from depression. Details awaited.
10:41 Chinese tourist loses wallet, becomes refugee in Germany for 2 weeks by mistake
A Chinese tourist who lost his wallet unwittingly became a refugee in Germany for two weeks.
The 31-year-old backpacker, who spoke neither German nor English, reported that he "needed help" after arriving at Stuttgart airport on July 4.
The man, who was described as "smartly dressed" and had apparently travelled to Europe for a walking holiday in Italy, was taken to a reception centre in the nearby town of Heidelberg.
Instead of signing a stolen item form for his wallet at the local police station, the man, known as Mr L, unwittingly filled out an asylum request form. Read more
The 31-year-old backpacker, who spoke neither German nor English, reported that he "needed help" after arriving at Stuttgart airport on July 4.
The man, who was described as "smartly dressed" and had apparently travelled to Europe for a walking holiday in Italy, was taken to a reception centre in the nearby town of Heidelberg.
Instead of signing a stolen item form for his wallet at the local police station, the man, known as Mr L, unwittingly filled out an asylum request form. Read more
10:28 Husband goes alone on honeymoon, Sushma Swaraj promises, 'Your wife will be there'
External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, easily a favourite on Twitter, has won hearts again with not just her prompt response, but the tone of her tweet.
A newly married young man Faizan Patel who had planned a honeymoon to Europe, got a nasty shock when he learnt that his wife Sana's passport was missing.
But Faizan did the unusal. He went ahead without his wife on his honeymoon and tweeted this picture inside the aircraft. He wrote, "@faizanpatel This is how I am travelling with my wife as of now. @SushmaSwaraj @MEAIndia @MEAQuery."
Faizan pinned his wife's picture on the empty seat next to him which should have been occupied by her and asked the minister for help.
As expected, Sushma Swaraj responded promptly, saying, "@SushmaSwaraj Ask your wife to contact me. I will ensure that she is with you on the next seat. pic.twitter.com/sktnOMkg0a @faizanpatel."
Easily one of PM Modi's most effective and popular ministers, Sushma Swaraj has always helped Indians stranded in distant lands.
Faizan's story reminds of Huma Mobin, a Pakistani woman, who went on a honeymoon to Greece without her husband Arsalaan Mobin when he was refused a visa. The pictures she posted almost broke the internet. Take a look at the story here.
A newly married young man Faizan Patel who had planned a honeymoon to Europe, got a nasty shock when he learnt that his wife Sana's passport was missing.
But Faizan did the unusal. He went ahead without his wife on his honeymoon and tweeted this picture inside the aircraft. He wrote, "@faizanpatel This is how I am travelling with my wife as of now. @SushmaSwaraj @MEAIndia @MEAQuery."
Faizan pinned his wife's picture on the empty seat next to him which should have been occupied by her and asked the minister for help.
As expected, Sushma Swaraj responded promptly, saying, "@SushmaSwaraj Ask your wife to contact me. I will ensure that she is with you on the next seat. pic.twitter.com/sktnOMkg0a @faizanpatel."
Easily one of PM Modi's most effective and popular ministers, Sushma Swaraj has always helped Indians stranded in distant lands.
Faizan's story reminds of Huma Mobin, a Pakistani woman, who went on a honeymoon to Greece without her husband Arsalaan Mobin when he was refused a visa. The pictures she posted almost broke the internet. Take a look at the story here.
10:06
Delhi: PM Narendra Modi arrives for BJP Parliamentary Party meeting.
10:01 Be warned! Bad times ahead for the Indian economy
India has begun the process of passing what many think is its most important economic reform in two decades. The Goods and Services Tax will simplify indirect taxation in India and some think merely this simplification would add a couples of points of economic growth.
Others disagree, but all believe that this is a key reform. What other reforms can we expect? Not many and none the size of GST. If the expectation was that the Narendra Modi government would legislate dramatic change, this expectation has been let down.
The GST bill being pushed as a big reform is the idea of the previous Congress government and had actually been opposed by Modi as chief minister. When he won the general election, he changed his position and I think that is very good and wise politics. Read more
Others disagree, but all believe that this is a key reform. What other reforms can we expect? Not many and none the size of GST. If the expectation was that the Narendra Modi government would legislate dramatic change, this expectation has been let down.
The GST bill being pushed as a big reform is the idea of the previous Congress government and had actually been opposed by Modi as chief minister. When he won the general election, he changed his position and I think that is very good and wise politics. Read more
09:37 Witness in Sohrabuddin case killed in Telangana encounter
Former Naxalite and gangster Mohammed Nayeemuddin, who the Gujarat police referred to as Kalimuddin and a witness in its probe into the 2005 killing of Sohrabuddin Sheikh and Kauser Bi in an alleged fake encounter, was shot dead Monday morning by a Telangana anti-Naxal team on the outskirts of Hyderabad. Read more
09:17 Irom Sharmila to end 16-year fast today; Cong, BJP send feelers
Human rights activist Irom Sharmila who was on a fast for 16 years demanding repeal of Armd Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) in the state is set to break her fast today.
44-year-old Sharmila was kept alive by force-feeding since 2000. Sharmila, to everyone's surprise, had made this announcement on July 26 adding that she will join active politics to continue her fight. Manipur is going to polls in 2017.
"She will be produced before a judicial magistrate tomorrow and the court will release her from judicial custody after she breaks her fast as she had announced a fortnight ago,' Iron Sharmila's brother told PTI on Monday.
Praising Irom Sharmila for her determination, the Congress on Tuesday hinted that the grand old party will welcome the iron lady of Manipur in their party, if she wishes to join the political outfit.
The BJP followed with an offer, saying it will welcome the activist if she wants to join the saffron party. BJP leader, K.H. Joykishan told ANI that Sharmila contesting elections from a BJP ticket is a decision which is to be considered by the central leadership of the party.
"The BJP welcomes everyone. if she wants to join our party we will not deny her admission. But regarding tickets we I cannot ensure as it is a decision of the Central leadership," said Joykishan.
44-year-old Sharmila was kept alive by force-feeding since 2000. Sharmila, to everyone's surprise, had made this announcement on July 26 adding that she will join active politics to continue her fight. Manipur is going to polls in 2017.
"She will be produced before a judicial magistrate tomorrow and the court will release her from judicial custody after she breaks her fast as she had announced a fortnight ago,' Iron Sharmila's brother told PTI on Monday.
Praising Irom Sharmila for her determination, the Congress on Tuesday hinted that the grand old party will welcome the iron lady of Manipur in their party, if she wishes to join the political outfit.
The BJP followed with an offer, saying it will welcome the activist if she wants to join the saffron party. BJP leader, K.H. Joykishan told ANI that Sharmila contesting elections from a BJP ticket is a decision which is to be considered by the central leadership of the party.
"The BJP welcomes everyone. if she wants to join our party we will not deny her admission. But regarding tickets we I cannot ensure as it is a decision of the Central leadership," said Joykishan.
08:58 Trump would be a dangerous president, says damning letter from 50 Republicans
In a blow to Donald Trump, a group of 50 Republican national security experts, including former top spy masters and diplomats, has said the White House nominee would be a dangerous President and would put the country's safety at risk.
However, Trump sought to dismiss their charges by saying that these "Washington elites" should look for answers on why the world has become a mess.
In a statement issued yesterday, the group of national security experts said, "None of us will vote for Donald Trump. From a foreign policy perspective, Trump is not qualified to be the President and Commander-in-Chief. Indeed, we are convinced that he would be a dangerous President and would put at risk our country's national security and well-being." "Most fundamentally, Trump lacks the character, values, and experience to be President. He weakens the US' moral authority as the leader of the free world," said the letter which has been signed by individuals who served in senior national security and foreign policy positions in Republican administrations, from Richard Nixon to George W Bush.
The statement added that the 70-year-old business tycoon appears to lack basic knowledge about and belief in the US Constitution, US laws and US institutions, including religious tolerance, freedom of the press and an independent judiciary.
Claiming that Trump lacks the temperament to be the President, the statement alleged he has demonstrated repeatedly that he has little understanding of America's vital national interests, its complex diplomatic challenges, its indispensable alliances and the democratic values on which the US foreign policy must be based. Trump, the statement said, is unable or unwilling to separate truth from falsehood. He does not encourage conflicting views.
However, Trump sought to dismiss their charges by saying that these "Washington elites" should look for answers on why the world has become a mess.
In a statement issued yesterday, the group of national security experts said, "None of us will vote for Donald Trump. From a foreign policy perspective, Trump is not qualified to be the President and Commander-in-Chief. Indeed, we are convinced that he would be a dangerous President and would put at risk our country's national security and well-being." "Most fundamentally, Trump lacks the character, values, and experience to be President. He weakens the US' moral authority as the leader of the free world," said the letter which has been signed by individuals who served in senior national security and foreign policy positions in Republican administrations, from Richard Nixon to George W Bush.
The statement added that the 70-year-old business tycoon appears to lack basic knowledge about and belief in the US Constitution, US laws and US institutions, including religious tolerance, freedom of the press and an independent judiciary.
Claiming that Trump lacks the temperament to be the President, the statement alleged he has demonstrated repeatedly that he has little understanding of America's vital national interests, its complex diplomatic challenges, its indispensable alliances and the democratic values on which the US foreign policy must be based. Trump, the statement said, is unable or unwilling to separate truth from falsehood. He does not encourage conflicting views.
08:43 Jeb Bush's son urges Republicans to support Trump
Swallowing the bitter pill of humiliation of his father by Donald Trump, George P Bush, son of the former Florida Governor and presidential aspirant Jeb Bush, has urged Republican activists to support Trump in the November general elections in the US.
"From Team Bush, it's a bitter pill to swallow, but you know what? You get back up and you help the man that won, and you make sure that we stop Hillary Clinton," Bush told his supporters at an event in Texas during the weekend. George, is the fourth generation of the famous Bush family. His grandfather George H W Bush and uncle George W Bush were the presidents of the US. His father Jeb Bush lost the Republican presidential primaries to Trump. At present, George is the Texas land commissioner and Republican victory chairman.
"From Team Bush, it's a bitter pill to swallow, but you know what? You get back up and you help the man that won, and you make sure that we stop Hillary Clinton," Bush told his supporters at an event in Texas during the weekend. George, is the fourth generation of the famous Bush family. His grandfather George H W Bush and uncle George W Bush were the presidents of the US. His father Jeb Bush lost the Republican presidential primaries to Trump. At present, George is the Texas land commissioner and Republican victory chairman.
08:37 The Indian Muslim must back a Uniform Civil Code
With its refusal to accept the modern social values, which progressive communities around the world have accepted, the Indian Muslim community is virtually going down the slope of progress, says Najid Hussain.
Read the column here.
Read the column here.
08:30 We are with PM Modi: RSS tells Parivar
For the second time in as many days, RSS has condemned violence against Dalits by cow vigilante groups. The statement follows Prime Minister Narendra Modi's remarks against cow vigilantism this weekend, including that the majority of gau rakshaks were anti-social elements, reports the Times of India.
"Taking law into their own hands and mistreating people from their own samaaj (social group) is not only injustice but downright inhuman conduct," RSS general secretary Bhaiyyaji Joshi said in a statement on Monday.
He added that violence against Dalits needed to be condemned in the "strongest terms". "We ask all sections of society to be wary of elements who are disturbing trust and amity. We expect the administration to ensure the punishment of individuals and groups who are making a mockery of the law."
"Taking law into their own hands and mistreating people from their own samaaj (social group) is not only injustice but downright inhuman conduct," RSS general secretary Bhaiyyaji Joshi said in a statement on Monday.
He added that violence against Dalits needed to be condemned in the "strongest terms". "We ask all sections of society to be wary of elements who are disturbing trust and amity. We expect the administration to ensure the punishment of individuals and groups who are making a mockery of the law."
08:24 US welcomes passage of GST bill
The US has welcomed the passage of the landmark Goods and Services Tax (GST) bill, saying it would have far-reaching benefits for expanding bilateral trade and investment partnership with India. "We welcome the passage of the landmark Goods and Services Tax (GST) Bill," State Department spokesperson Elizabeth Trudeau.
03:45 Syria's civil war: Rebels push to take all of Aleppo
A Syrian rebel alliance has announced the start of a battle to recapture the whole of Aleppo, a day after it broke a government siege on the rebel-held half of the city.
The Army of Conquest, a coalition of rebel groups including Jabhat Fatah al-Sham (formerly the al-Nusra Front), said in a statement on Sunday that it would "double the number of fighters for this next battle".
"We announce the start of a new phase to liberate all of Aleppo," the group said. "We will not rest until we raise the flag of the conquest over Aleppo's citadel."
03:12 Mr. Trump: The media is no longer your friend
Dear Mr. Trump,
Apparently you didn't get the memo '" the one that told you the difference between competing in the primaries and running in the general election. Here's the bottom line: you are now facing off against Hillary Clinton, and the media is no longer in your corner.
If you're wondering why The New York Times ran a piece about the Khan family a full 10 days after the Gold Star father spoke out against you at the Democratic convention, even though there is no breaking news on that damaging fracas, it is because they do not want you to win. If you're marveling at how quickly the explosive leaks about the DNC sabotaging Bernie Sanders' campaign vanished from headlines '" here it is: you are on the wrong side of the progressive press.
03:00 Ensure zero school dropouts: PM to village heads of Varanasi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday asked village heads of his parliamentary constituency to ensure total vaccination, zero school dropouts and cleanliness in their respective villages.
"During the interaction, the prime minister encouraged the Pradhans (heads) to work towards total vaccination, zero school dropouts and 'swacchta' (cleanliness) in their respective villages," a statement from the Prime Minister Office said.
Modi also urged them to eliminate discrimination between daughters and sons, it said.
The group of village heads, who had come here to meet him, expressed their willingness to celebrate the birth of a girl child by planting a tree as a celebratory gesture.
Modi also asked them to share their experience of visiting Parliament and national capital with the residents of Varanasi.
02:57 Trump, Clinton face new battle as ex CIA man enters White House race
Offering an alternative to the American public in the United States polls, a little-known former CIA counter-terrorism operative and a Republican dissident Evan McMullin on Monday entered the White House race, saying America deserves much better than Donald Trump or Hillary Clinton.
McMullin, 40, a chief policy adviser for House Republican Conference, was slated to file paperwork with the Federal Elections Commission as a presidential candidate. But he has a little chance of winning.
"In a year where Americans have lost faith in the candidates of both major parties, it's time for a generation of new leadership to step up," McMullin said in a statement on his official Facebook page.
"It's never too late to do the right thing, and America deserves much better than either Donald Trump or Hillary Clinton can offer us. I humbly offer myself as a leader who can give millions of disaffected Americans a better choice for President," he wrote.
McMullin, a former House Republican aide, has a fierce Trump critic on social media, calling him an "authoritarian" last month on Twitter.
Conservative group Better For America, which opposes a Trump presidency, is backing McMullin's candidacy, according to ABC News.
02:45 43 killed by mudslides in Mexico; new storm aims for Baja
Tropical Storm Javier pushed closer to the resort city of Cabo San Lucas on the tip of Mexico's Baja California Peninsula on Monday, while the death toll from former Hurricane Earl rose to 43 in the country's eastern
mountains.
Communities in two states were digging out from weekend mudslides during heavy rains brought by remnants of Earl, which slammed into Mexico's Gulf coast.
Three more bodies were found amid the mud and floodwaters in central Puebla state bringing the toll there to 32, and 11 more died in neighboring Veracruz state.
Javier was expected to stay slightly out to sea as it passes by Cabo San Lucas late today or early Tuesday, and continue on a more northerly track, raking the Pacific coast of the Baja peninsula.
Javier was located about 75 kilometers southeast of Cabo San Lucas on Monday morning, with winds of 50 mph (85 kph), according to the US National Hurricane Center.
The center said "heavy rains (are) beginning to spread over southern Baja California" from the storm.
Javier was moving northwest at about 10 mph (17 kph), on a path that could brush land around Puerto San Carlos, further up the peninsula, on Wednesday, and again around Laguna San Ignacio later in the week.
02:33 Jeb Bush's son endorsed Donald Trump
Jeb Bush's son, Texas Land Commissioner George P Bush, is urging Republicans to support the man who beat his dad in a fiercely fought GOP primary.
Addressing a closed-door gathering of Texas Republican Party leaders Saturday, Bush called for helping Donald Trump win in November.
"From Team Bush, it's a bitter pill to swallow. But you know what? You get back up and you help the man that won, and you make sure that we stop Hillary Clinton," Bush said in a video first posted online by the Texas Tribune.
Bush declined further comment Monday. He has not publicly endorsed Trump and skipped last month's Republican National Convention. His father, uncle and grandfather former presidents George W Bush and George HW Bush have also refused to back Trump.
The younger Bush is in a tight spot. He is a rising star among Republicans in Texas and beyond. Ignoring the GOP nominee could hurt his profile. Also, as chairman of the state party's victory committee, he's responsible for generating support for all Republicans.
But embracing Trump too much could be seen as betraying the rest of his family. In an interview with The Associated Press in May, Bush said he hadn't endorsed Trump because "I've got two boys that are 1 and 3 ... I want them to be able to look at the Oval Office and see the presidential seal and say, 'That is somebody who I look up to.' And right now, Donald Trump's not satisfied that litmus test."
Jeb Bush, a former Florida governor, was an early favorite in the Republican presidential race, but saw his polling numbers plummet amid a barrage of attacks from Trump.
George P Bush became the first member of his famous political family to win his first election in 2014, easily taking Texas' land commissionership.
02:02 DIG-rank officer to identify cow vigilantes in Haryana
The Haryana government has appointed a DIG-rank officer to identify cow vigilantes in the state, a day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi came down heavily on 'cow vigilantism'.
"The Haryana government has appointed DIG-Rank officer Bharti Arora for this job and directed her to lead a team to identify genuine Gaurakshak Dal in the state," Haryana BJP Spokesperson Raman Malik said.
The state government has a list of 325 Gaurakshak Dal members, he said, adding now police has to find if they are working for protection of cows or involved in misdeeds.
"Cow protection is a vast subject to talk and we have moral and social responsibility to protect cows from slaughtering and smuggling but we should not frame ourselves in anti-social deeds," Malik said.
Haryana has passed Gauvansh Sanrakshan and Gausamvardhan Bill 2015 in assembly under which violators would be punished up to 10 years of rigorous imprisonment and Rs 1 Lakh fine or both.
Modi had lashed out at 'cow vigilantes', saying a majority of them were anti-socials who have proclaimed themselves to be protectors of cows to cover up their misdeeds.
01:50 Alive and well: Snowden lawyer quashes 'dead man switch' theories
While speculation was rife that Edward Snowden had been killed after tweeting a so-called "dead man switch,' his lawyer Anatoly Kucherena has confirmed the whistleblower is "alive and well.'
After Snowden issued two mysterious tweets last week, both of which were then deleted and no further tweets sent, theories began circulating suggesting he had been kidnapped or killed.
Speaking on Monday, Snowden's lawyer Anatoly Kucherena said such theories were nothing new but they were false.
01:47 Islamic State claims suicide bombing at Pakistan hospital
The Islamic State group on Monday claimed it was behind a suicide bombing that tore through a Pakistani hospital, killing at least 70 people, the IS-linked Amaq news agency said.
"A martyrdom bomber of the Islamic State detonates his explosive belt on a group of personnel belonging to the Ministry of Justice and the Pakistani Police in the city of Quetta," Amaq said.
The bomber struck a crowd of some 200 people gathered at the Civil Hospital in the Balochistan provincial capital of Quetta after the fatal shooting of a senior local lawyer earlier in the day.
01:26 Pak great Hanif Mohammad battling for life
Former Pakistan captain Hanif Mohammad is battling for his life after being put on a ventilator at the Aga Khan hospital in Karachi.
Admitted to the hospital since late last month due to respiratory problems, his son, Test player, Shoaib Mohammad said his father's condition had deteriorated since Sunday.
"He is now on a ventilator and in intensive care unit, Shoaib said.
"He is facing respiratory complications due to his lung cancer," he said.
Hanif, 81, known as the little master for his batting skills was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2013 and went to London for surgery and treatment and returned home well.
But Shoaib said the cancer had spread with time.
Hanif was a member of Pakistan's first touring Test squad that went to India in 1954-55 and went on to play 55 Tests scoring a memorable 337 runs against the West Indies in 1957-58.
It remains the longest innings in Test history (and stood as the longest in all first-class cricket for over 40 years).
01:16 Delta resumes some service after hours of global outage
Delta Air Lines canceled around 427 flights on Monday after its computer systems crashed worldwide, stranding thousands of passengers on a busy travel day.
That number is likely to grow. More than 1,000 flights were delayed, according to flight tracking site FlightStats Inc.
About 11 hours into the outage, limited flights had resumed but widespread delays and cancelations were ongoing. A power outage at an Atlanta facility at around 2:30 am local time initiated a cascading meltdown, according to the airline, which is also based in Atlanta.
A spokesman for Georgia Power told The Associated Press that the company believes a failure of Delta equipment caused the airline's power outage. He said no other customers lost power.
A Delta spokesman said he had no information on the report. Many passengers were frustrated that they received no notice of a global disruption, discovering that they were stranded only after making it through security and seeing other passengers sleeping on the floor.
It was unclear if the airline was even able to communicate due to its technical issues, and Delta said that there may be a lag issuing accurate flight status on the company website because of the outage.
Flights that were already in the air when the outage occurred continued to their destinations, but flights on the ground remained there.
01:13 PM Modi to attend BJP national council and executive at Kozhikode in Sept
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will attend the BJP's national council and national executive meetings in Kozhikode next month to mark the centenary year of late Jan Sangh president Deendayal Upadhyayay.
Talking to reporters after BJP's Kerala state leadership meet, state president Kummanam Rajasekharan said union ministers, Chief Ministers of party-ruled states, MPs, party's national leaders and top leaders of the party's various state units will attend the three-day meeting from September 23.
Modi will attend the meeting on September 24 and 25.
The prime minister will address a public meeting being organised as part of the national council at Kozhikode Beach Maidan on September 24.
Modi will also inaugurate the birth centenary celebrations of Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyay, former Jan Sangh president, at a special function on September 25, Rajasekharan said.
BJP leaders said Kozhikode was chosen for the national council meeting as Deendayal Upadhayay was elected Jan Sangh president at the party's conclave in that city in December 1967.
Rajasekharan said elaborate arrangements are being made to make the conclave a success.
00:23 50 GOP officials warn Trump would put nations security at risk
Fifty of the nation's most senior Republican national security officials, many of them former top aides or cabinet members for President George W. Bush,have signed a letter declaring that Donald J. Trump "lacks the character, values and experience' to be president and "would put at risk our country's national security and well-being.'
Mr. Trump, the officials warn, "would be the most reckless president in American history.'
The letter says Mr. Trump would weaken the United States' moral authority and questions his knowledge of and belief in the Constitution.
00:14 No need for anybody to feel threatened in India: Goyal
Muslims are very much part of India and there is no need for anybody to feel threatened, Union minister Piyush Goyal said in New Delhi on Monday.
Speaking at the launch of a book titled 'Modi and his challenges', the Minister of Coal and Power said he has spent "years and years" in association with RSS.
Terming RSS as an organisation that focuses on reaching out to different segments of the society, particularly those in distress, he said RSS has never "told any of us that we have to either like or dislike" any other community or any other person who practises any other religion.
"What they are trying to say is that Muslims should be as much a part of India and there is no question of either feeling unwanted or unsafe. They are Indians. They are as much part of India as Rajiv Kumar (author of the book) is, as I am, or anybody else is.
"There is no question, there is no need for anybody to get into ghetto psychology. There is no need for anybody to feel threatened at all within this country as long as we are working for the development of the country," he said.
00:12 China breaking rules, will adopt tough stance against it: Trump
Claiming that China is responsible for nearly half of the United States' entire trade deficit, Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump on Monday vowed to adopt a tough posture against Beijing if voted to power and alleged that the country was breaking rules in every way imaginable.
"At the centre of my plan is trade enforcement with China. This alone could return millions of jobs into our economy," Trump said in his major economic policy speech which among others included strong protections against currency manipulation, tariffs against any countries that cheat by unfairly subsidising their goods and a renegotiation of the North American Free Trade Agreement.
"If we don't get a better deal, we will walk away," the 70-year-old real estate tycoon said.
He claimed that China was responsible for nearly half of US' entire trade deficit. Trump alleged that China breaks the rules in every way imaginable.
"China engages in illegal export subsidies, prohibited currency manipulation, and rampant theft of intellectual property. They also have no real environmental or labour protections, further undercutting American workers," Trump said.
Trump said that along with that the saved jobs from cracking down on currency cheating and product dumping, will bring trillions of dollars in new wealth and wages back to the United States.
The Republican presidential nominee also lashed out at South Korea, which he claimed perfectly illustrates the broken promises that have hurt so many American workers.
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