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Mon, 19 December 2016
'Don't forget Aleppo', said gunman before gunning down Russian ambassador
Timeline Refresh
23:37 'Don't forget Aleppo', said gunman before gunning down Russian ambassador
The Russian ambassador to Ankara was shot dead in an attack at an art gallery in the Turkish capital on Monday by a gunman shouting Dont forget Aleppo.
A Russian foreign ministry spokesperson confirmed the death of envoy Andrei Karlov, which marked one of the most serious spillovers of the Syria conflict into Turkey.
Russia is a close ally of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and its air strikes were instrumental in helping Syrian forces end rebel resistance last week in the northern city of Aleppo.
The Anadolu news agency said the gunman had been neutralised soon after the attack. Relations between Moscow and Ankara have long been fraught over the conflict, with the two supporting opposing sides.
Russian foreign ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said her country considered this as a terrorist act.
23:09 New army chief walks in his father's footsteps
On January 1 when General Bipin Rawat walks into the wood-paneled office of the Army Chief in the South Block office overlooking Rajpath where photographs of former chiefs hang in sequence, he would be walking a path that his father too was very familiar with. General Rawat's father General Lakshman Singh Rawat (retd) hung his boots as the Deputy Chief of Army Staff in 1988.
Read more HERE
23:01
JUST IN: At least 3 people shot at an Islamic center in Zurich, Switzerland; Shooter fled the scene, manhunt underway.
22:53 Russian ambassador gunned down in Ankara
The Russian ambassador to Ankara was shot in an attack at an art gallery in the Turkish capital on Monday and the Russian RIA news agency said he had died of his wounds.
The Anadolu news agency said the gunman had been "neutralized" soon after the attack, which appeared to mark one of the most serious spillovers of the Syria conflict in Turkey. Relations between Moscow and Ankara have long been fraught over the conflict, the two supporting opposing sides.
22:42 'Grave concerns' about Trump's mental stability: Harvard doctors
Three leading professors of psychiatry from America's prestigious universities have written to President Barack Obama, expressing their "grave concern" over his successor Donald Trump's mental stability.
In the letter addressed to the US president, the doctors -- one from the Harvard Medical School and two others who have been associated with top US varsities over the years -- have urged him to order a "full medical and neuropsychiatric evaluation" before the President-elect takes office on January 20.
"We are writing to express our grave concern regarding the mental stability of our President-elect," the letter published by the Huffington Post read.
"Professional standards do not permit us to venture a diagnosis for a public figure whom we have not evaluated personally. Nevertheless, his widely reported symptoms of mental instability -- including grandiosity, impulsivity, hypersensitivity to slights or criticism, and an apparent inability to distinguish between fantasy and reality -- lead us to question his fitness for the immense responsibilities of the office," the letter said.
"We strongly recommend that, in preparation for assuming these responsibilities, he receive a full medical and neuropsychiatric evaluation by an impartial team of investigators," it said.
22:04 Confer Bharat Ratna on Jaya: Panneerselvam's request to Modi
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister O Panneerselvam today urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to confer "Bharat Ratna" posthumously on J Jayalalithaa.
"I have requested the prime minister to recognise services and welfare policies of Amma and confer her Bharat Ratna," he said after a meeting with Modi.
Accompanied by state Chief Secretary Rama Mohana Rao, advisor Sheela Balakrishnan and Deputy Lok Sabha Speaker M Thambidurai, he also put forth a request for setting up a state-sponsored statue of Jayalalithaa in Parliament complex.
"Permission for installation of a life-sized statue of the departed leader on the Parliament premises has also been sought," Panneerselvam said.
At its first meeting on December 10 after Jaya's death, the Tamil Nadu Cabinet had decided to recommend her name for Bharat Ratna and to propose to the Centre to install her life-size bronze statue in Parliament complex.
22:01 Repeated deposits of old notes will raise queries: FM
Clarifying the cap on depositing more than Rs 5,000 in the scrapped Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said no questions will be asked if old currency deposited in one go.
However, he added that repeated deposits will raise queries.
Earlier, the government imposed new restrictions saying that deposits of more than 5,000 rupees in old notes can be made in a bank account only once from now till December 30, the deadline for depositing old notes.
The Reserve Bank of India has also said more than Rs. 5,000 in old notes will be credited into accounts only after customers have given a "satisfactory explanation" to two officials on why they had not deposited old notes earlier.
21:50
Just In: Russian ambassador to Ankara wounded in gun attack, reports AFP quoting local media.
21:18 No heavy vehicles on Mumbai roads during peak hours
To tackle traffic woes, Mumbai traffic police has decided not to allow heavy vehicles on Mumbai roads during peak hours, i.e from 7 am to 11 am and 5 pm to 9 pm.
Heavy vehicles providing essential services like vegetables, milk, ambulance, police department, fire brigade, government/semi government vehicles, public transport buses have been exempted from the restriction.
20:58 Justice J S Khehar appointed as next CJI
President Pranab Mukherjee has appointed Justice Jagdish Singh Khehar as next Chief Justice of India.
He will take oath on January 4.
Justice Khehar, 64, will be the first Chief Justice from the Sikh community and he will succeed CJI T S Thakur.
Justice Khehar led the five-judge constitution bench in the Supreme Court which had struck down the controversial National Judicial Appointments Commission Act for appointment of judges.
He has also headed a bench which had set aside the imposition of President's Rule in Arunachal Pradesh in January this year.
20:45 Pak senate adopts resolution seeking Rs 5,000 notes withdrawal
Pakistan's senate today passed a resolution seeking withdrawal of high denomination Rs 5,000 currency notes "in a phased manner" to curb the flow of black money, weeks after India demonetised its high value currencies.
Senator Usman Saif Ullah Khan of Pakistan Muslim League tabled the resolution that was endorsed by the majority of lawmakers in the Upper House.
The resolution said that the withdrawal of Rs5,000 notes will encourage the use of bank accounts and reduce the size of the undocumented economy, Dawn reported.
It said the withdrawal of the currency notes should take place within three to five years in order to purge markets of the notes.
Law Minister Zahid Hamid, however, said that the withdrawal of the notes will create crises in the market and the people will resort to foreign currencies in absence of Rs 5,000 notes.
He said that currently 3.4 trillion notes are in circulation in country of which 1.02 trillion notes are of Rs 5,000 denominations.
20:32 UNSC unanimously backs sending observers to Aleppo
With Russia's backing, the United Nations Security Council today voted to quickly deploy observers to Aleppo to monitor evacuations and report on the fate of civilians who remain in the besieged Syrian city.
The council unanimously adopted a French-drafted resolution that marks the first show of unity in months among world powers grappling with the crisis in Syria.
20:27 Trump nominates trading firm founder Viola as army secretary
United States President-elect Donald Trump plans to nominate Virtu Financial founder Vincent Viola as secretary of the army, Reuters quoted the Trump transition team as saying.
Viola is a West Point graduate and US Army veteran who has founded companies, including the high-frequency trading firm Virtu Financial. He is a former chairman of the New York Mercantile Exchange, where he began his financial services career, and is a leader in electronic trading, according to his company biography.
"Whether it is his distinguished military service or highly impressive track record in the world of business, Vinnie has proved throughout his life that he knows how to be a leader and deliver major results in the face of any challenge," Trump was quoted as saying in a statement from his transition team.
After the 9/11 attacks, Viola helped found the Combating Terrorism Center at West Point.
Born to Italian immigrant parents in Brooklyn, Viola was the first in his family to attend college. He trained as an Airborne Ranger infantry officer and served in the 101st Airborne Division, the transition team statement said.
20:22 Sushma Swaraj discharged from AIIMS
External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj was discharged from the AIIMS hospital in New Delhi, after undergoing a kidney transplant surgery.
Swaraj, who has been suffering from diabetes for almost 20 years, was admitted to AIIMS on November 7.
20:17 Banks can't turn away customers depositing pre-2005 notes: RBI
Banks can't turn away customers depositing pre-2005 currency notes, including the junked 500 and 1,000 rupee bills, the Reserve Bank said today.
In a clarification, the RBI said these specified bank notes (SBNs) would also include pre-2005 banknotes in the denominations of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000.
"Banks should accept deposits of pre-2005 banknotes in the denominations of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 under the scheme, but not reissue these. These notes can be exchanged at RBI Offices only," the RBI said in a clarification issued today.
The RBI said it has been receiving queries as well as complaints from public from across the country that banks are not accepting pre-2005 banknotes.
With effect from November 9, 2016, banknotes of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 were delegalised by the government with the aim to discourage black money hoarders as well as to bring a majority of the unaccounted money into the formal channel of banking.
20:12 IMF chief Christine Lagarde convicted
A special French court has declared International Monetary Fund chief Christine Lagarde guilty of criminal negligence in a long-running arbitration case, AFP reported.
But the court decided not to punish her or give her a criminal record.
The Court of Justice of the Republic ruled that her negligence while servicing as finance minister allowed for the misappropriation of funds by other people. The others, in a separate case, haven't yet been tried.
19:40 AAP announces CM candidate for Goa polls
Arvind Kejriwal has named former IAS officer Elvis Gomes as Aam Aadmi Party's chief ministerial candidate for 2017 Goa elections.
19:27 RBI to issue new Rs 50 notes
The Reserve Bank of India says that it will shortly issue Rs 50 denomination notes with inset letter 'L' in both the number panels and signature of Governor Urjit Patel.
19:19 Number of RAC berths in all trains to go up
To accommodate more passengers, Railways has decided to increase reservation against cancellation (RAC) berths in all trains.
It will help in allowing more passengers to travel in the train, a senior railway ministry official said today.
The decision will be implemented from January 17.
Currently there are five RAC berths in sleeper coaches, which has been increased to seven and as a result 14 passengers can be accommodated instead of 10.
Passengers are provided sitting accommodation at lower side berths marked as RAC and two passengers can sit in one berth.
In the 3AC coaches, there were only two RAC berths which has been increased to four to accommodate total eight passengers instead of four only.
For the 2AC coaches, RAC berths has been increased to three from the existing two. Now six passengers can be accommodated in 2AC instead of four only.
18:56 No limit on keeping cash at home: Government
Highly placed government sources on Monday denied media reports that the government is setting a limit on keeping cash at home.
Media reports stated that the government would set a limit on the amount of cash that can be kept at home.
The limit was speculated to be between Rs 3-15 lakh.
Experts were of opinion that India being a developing economy, it would be difficult to set a minimum limit.-- ANI
Media reports stated that the government would set a limit on the amount of cash that can be kept at home.
The limit was speculated to be between Rs 3-15 lakh.
Experts were of opinion that India being a developing economy, it would be difficult to set a minimum limit.-- ANI
18:31
JUST IN: CBI files chargesheet against former Delhi Principal Secretary Rajendra Kumar in the ongoing corruption case against him.
18:09 Comply with SC's order on national anthem: Centre to states, UTs
The Centre on Monday directed all states and Union Territories to comply with the Supreme Courts order of playing national anthem before start of a film and stand up while the anthem is played.
The government has written to chief secretaries of all state governments and Union Territories to comply with the November 30 order.
During its hearing, the apex court said that there shall be no commercial exploitation to give financial advantage or any kind of benefit.
'To elaborate, the national anthem should not be utilised by which the person involved with it either directly or indirectly shall have any commercial benefit or any other benefit,' it said.
It said that there shall not be dramatisation of the national anthem and it should not be included as a part of any variety show.
'It is because when the national anthem is sung or played it is imperative on the part of every one present to show due respect and honour. To think of a dramatised exhibition of the national anthem is absolutely inconceivable,' it added.
The apex court said the national anthem or a part of it shall not be printed on any object and also never be displayed in such a manner at such places which may be disgraceful to its status and tantamount to disrespect.
'It is because when the national anthem is sung, the concept of protocol associated with it has its inherent roots in national identity, national integrity and constitutional patriotism,' the order stated.
It asked all the cinema halls in India shall play the national anthem before the feature film starts and all present in the hall are obliged to stand up to show respect to the national anthem. -- ANI
The government has written to chief secretaries of all state governments and Union Territories to comply with the November 30 order.
During its hearing, the apex court said that there shall be no commercial exploitation to give financial advantage or any kind of benefit.
'To elaborate, the national anthem should not be utilised by which the person involved with it either directly or indirectly shall have any commercial benefit or any other benefit,' it said.
It said that there shall not be dramatisation of the national anthem and it should not be included as a part of any variety show.
'It is because when the national anthem is sung or played it is imperative on the part of every one present to show due respect and honour. To think of a dramatised exhibition of the national anthem is absolutely inconceivable,' it added.
The apex court said the national anthem or a part of it shall not be printed on any object and also never be displayed in such a manner at such places which may be disgraceful to its status and tantamount to disrespect.
'It is because when the national anthem is sung, the concept of protocol associated with it has its inherent roots in national identity, national integrity and constitutional patriotism,' the order stated.
It asked all the cinema halls in India shall play the national anthem before the feature film starts and all present in the hall are obliged to stand up to show respect to the national anthem. -- ANI
18:04
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister O Panneerselvam meets Prime Minister Narendra Modi, submits memorandum seeking central aid for restoration works in cyclone hit areas.Photograph: @PMOIndia/Twitter
17:53 Centre allows use of old notes for tax payment under PMGKY
The government on Monday allowed use of junked Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes till December 30 for paying tax on disclosures made under the tax evasion amnesty scheme.
After the shock demonetisation of high value notes on November 8, the government allowed the banned currency to be deposited in bank accounts.
Those with unaccounted cash were offered a chance to come clean by paying 50 per cent of it as tax, penalty and surcharge, while parking an additional 25 per cent in a non-interest-bearing deposit for four years.
'An opportunity has been given to the public to make the payments towards tax, penalty, cess/surcharge and deposit under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana 2016 with the old bank notes of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 denomination up to December 30, 2016,' an official statement said.
Explaining the provision, an official said a holder of unaccounted cash in Rs 500/1,000 notes can now deposit half of it in any of the 29 scheduled bank that are entitled to accept income tax on behalf of the government.
A quarter of the amount can be deposited in cash in the non-interest rate bearing PMGK Deposit Scheme 2016. The remaining 25 per cent can then be deposited in individual bank account.
After December 30, tax as well as the deposit will have to be made through cheque or RTGS transfer.
The government has allowed holders of the scrapped notes to deposit them in their bank accounts till December 30. No scheduled bank will accept them after that date. -- PTI
After the shock demonetisation of high value notes on November 8, the government allowed the banned currency to be deposited in bank accounts.
Those with unaccounted cash were offered a chance to come clean by paying 50 per cent of it as tax, penalty and surcharge, while parking an additional 25 per cent in a non-interest-bearing deposit for four years.
'An opportunity has been given to the public to make the payments towards tax, penalty, cess/surcharge and deposit under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana 2016 with the old bank notes of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 denomination up to December 30, 2016,' an official statement said.
Explaining the provision, an official said a holder of unaccounted cash in Rs 500/1,000 notes can now deposit half of it in any of the 29 scheduled bank that are entitled to accept income tax on behalf of the government.
A quarter of the amount can be deposited in cash in the non-interest rate bearing PMGK Deposit Scheme 2016. The remaining 25 per cent can then be deposited in individual bank account.
After December 30, tax as well as the deposit will have to be made through cheque or RTGS transfer.
The government has allowed holders of the scrapped notes to deposit them in their bank accounts till December 30. No scheduled bank will accept them after that date. -- PTI
17:06 Hyderabad blasts: Yasin Bhatkal, 4 others get death
A special National Investigation Agency court in Hyderabad sentenced Yasin Bhatkal and four others to death in 2013 Dilsukhnagar blast case.
The twin blasts had claimed 18 lives.
The court had last week convicted Bhatkal and others under various sections of Indian Penal Code, Arms Act, Unlawful Activities Prevention Act.
Besides Bhatkal, the others sentenced to death are Asadullah Akthar of Uttar Pradesh, Zia-ur-Rahman alias Waqas of Pakistan, Tahseen Akhthar of Bihar and Aizaz Shaik of Maharashtra.
The twin blasts had claimed 18 lives.
The court had last week convicted Bhatkal and others under various sections of Indian Penal Code, Arms Act, Unlawful Activities Prevention Act.
Besides Bhatkal, the others sentenced to death are Asadullah Akthar of Uttar Pradesh, Zia-ur-Rahman alias Waqas of Pakistan, Tahseen Akhthar of Bihar and Aizaz Shaik of Maharashtra.
17:00 On Nov 8, RBI had new notes worth little over 1/4th of banned currency
On the day Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced scrapping of Rs 1,000 and Rs 500 notes, the Reserve Bank of India had only Rs 4.94 lakh crore in 2,000 rupee notes, which was approximately one-fourth of over Rs 20 lakh crore it had in demonetised currency notes.
A response from the RBI to Mumbai-based activist Anil Galgalis Right to Information application says on November 8, it had Rs 9.13 lakh crore in 1,000 rupee notes while Rs 11.38 lakh crore in 500 rupee notes.
The RBI says it had 2,473 million pieces of 2,000 rupee notes on November 8 which had a value of over Rs 4.94 lakh crore. -- PTI
A response from the RBI to Mumbai-based activist Anil Galgalis Right to Information application says on November 8, it had Rs 9.13 lakh crore in 1,000 rupee notes while Rs 11.38 lakh crore in 500 rupee notes.
The RBI says it had 2,473 million pieces of 2,000 rupee notes on November 8 which had a value of over Rs 4.94 lakh crore. -- PTI
16:25 Enhanced facilities for women troops on borders: Rajnath
Home Minister Rajnath Singh today said that the government will provide enhanced infrastructure and logistical facilities at border posts where women personnel have been deployed, under the command of various frontier guarding forces.
Singh, after taking salute at the 53rd Raising Day event of paramilitary Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) at its camp, said it was essential to have "gender-friendly" facilities at these far flung areas for women as the present support system is deficient.
"There should be gender-friendly infrastructure at border posts where women are deployed....I believe there is a deficiency in this regard. This needs to be improved. I believe those border posts where women personnel are deployed, more facilities should be provided there," he said.
Singh, after taking salute at the 53rd Raising Day event of paramilitary Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) at its camp, said it was essential to have "gender-friendly" facilities at these far flung areas for women as the present support system is deficient.
"There should be gender-friendly infrastructure at border posts where women are deployed....I believe there is a deficiency in this regard. This needs to be improved. I believe those border posts where women personnel are deployed, more facilities should be provided there," he said.
16:15 PM has fire-bombed the poor: Rahul@UP rally
Rahul Gandhi addressing a rally in Jaunpur, UP. Highlights of the speech...
-- In the last few months, PM Modi has given 60 per cent of India's wealth to one per cent of India's population.
-- The decision made on Nov 8 was not against black money or corruption, but against farmers, the poor.
-- Narendra Modi ne 99% gareeb imaandar logon se bina pooche unka khoon nikal diya.
-- Modi Murdabad slogans should not be used in Congress meetings, as Modi is the PM. We will defeat him politically. 'Murdabad'kattarpanthi bolte hain, RSS ke log bolte hain. Modi ji Hindustan ke pradhanmantri hain, unke saath rajnetik ladai hai, lekin murdabad bolna Cong party ka kaam nahin hai.
-- 8 November ke baad Rs 1200 crore ki toffee Modi ji ne Mallya ko di.
-- 50 families pay for PM's campaign. 50 parivaaron ke paas Hindustan ke dhan ka sabse bada bhaag hai, ye Narendra Modiji ke den hai. In parivaaron ke log Narendra Modiji ke saath America, China jaate hain, unke jahaaaz mein baithte hain.
-- Maine Modi ji ko kaha kisaan ka karza maaf karo, unhone sawaal ka jawaab nahin diya, ek shabd nahi kaha. Ameer logon ka karza maaf karte ho, aap Hindustan ke kisaan ka karza maaf karo. People are asking where is Malltya.
-- It's not a surgical strike but fire bombing against the poor. Poor are begging after note ban.
-- In the last few months, PM Modi has given 60 per cent of India's wealth to one per cent of India's population.
-- The decision made on Nov 8 was not against black money or corruption, but against farmers, the poor.
-- Narendra Modi ne 99% gareeb imaandar logon se bina pooche unka khoon nikal diya.
-- Modi Murdabad slogans should not be used in Congress meetings, as Modi is the PM. We will defeat him politically. 'Murdabad'kattarpanthi bolte hain, RSS ke log bolte hain. Modi ji Hindustan ke pradhanmantri hain, unke saath rajnetik ladai hai, lekin murdabad bolna Cong party ka kaam nahin hai.
-- 8 November ke baad Rs 1200 crore ki toffee Modi ji ne Mallya ko di.
-- 50 families pay for PM's campaign. 50 parivaaron ke paas Hindustan ke dhan ka sabse bada bhaag hai, ye Narendra Modiji ke den hai. In parivaaron ke log Narendra Modiji ke saath America, China jaate hain, unke jahaaaz mein baithte hain.
-- Maine Modi ji ko kaha kisaan ka karza maaf karo, unhone sawaal ka jawaab nahin diya, ek shabd nahi kaha. Ameer logon ka karza maaf karte ho, aap Hindustan ke kisaan ka karza maaf karo. People are asking where is Malltya.
-- It's not a surgical strike but fire bombing against the poor. Poor are begging after note ban.
15:47 Crime Branch team reaches JNU, begins probe in Najeeb Ahmed case
The Crime Branch team on Monday reached the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) to begin its probe into missing student Najeeb Ahmed's case. The students of JNU have criticised the Delhi Police over the delay in tracing Najeeb, who has been missing from the campus after allegedly being beaten up by a mob of 20 students comprising mostly the ABVP members.
JNUSU president Mohit Pandey last month told media, "The police has not taken any action for finding Najeeb. They have not followed the procedures and responsibilities. Those who had beaten him were not interrogated.
Najeeb's family has so far been critical of the police for not being able to locate him. Denying reports that Najeeb was taking anti-depressant medicines, his sister had earlier alleged that the police was trying to give a different direction to this case.
"We hope the Delhi Police works on the right path to find him and not defame him. Please don't try to defame Najeeb'The Delhi Police needs to go in the right direction. We have also requested for a CBI probe,' she said.
The Delhi Police had last month increased the reward from Rs. 2, 00,000 to 5, 00,000 for the person, who provides information about the missing JNU student.
JNUSU president Mohit Pandey last month told media, "The police has not taken any action for finding Najeeb. They have not followed the procedures and responsibilities. Those who had beaten him were not interrogated.
Najeeb's family has so far been critical of the police for not being able to locate him. Denying reports that Najeeb was taking anti-depressant medicines, his sister had earlier alleged that the police was trying to give a different direction to this case.
"We hope the Delhi Police works on the right path to find him and not defame him. Please don't try to defame Najeeb'The Delhi Police needs to go in the right direction. We have also requested for a CBI probe,' she said.
The Delhi Police had last month increased the reward from Rs. 2, 00,000 to 5, 00,000 for the person, who provides information about the missing JNU student.
15:33 BJP questions Uttarakhand Govt's decision to give Muslims 90-min break
The Bharatiya Janata Party on Monday questioned Uttarakhand Government's decision to give a 90-minute break to Muslim employees for Friday prayers.
BJP leader Anil Baluni said Chief Minister Harish Rawat took the decision, keeping the next year's assembly elections in mind.
"Harish Rawat has taken this decision out of fear of losing the elections," he told ANI.
"The Uttarakhand chief minister is following the Congress tradition of misleading the Muslims. The Congress has taken the decision right before the election. What was on their mind? Do they want to influence elections?" he added.
A Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Harish Rawat has on Sunday decided that a special break from 12:30 p.m. till 2:00 p.m. will be given to Muslim employees on Fridays.
BJP leader Anil Baluni said Chief Minister Harish Rawat took the decision, keeping the next year's assembly elections in mind.
"Harish Rawat has taken this decision out of fear of losing the elections," he told ANI.
"The Uttarakhand chief minister is following the Congress tradition of misleading the Muslims. The Congress has taken the decision right before the election. What was on their mind? Do they want to influence elections?" he added.
A Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Harish Rawat has on Sunday decided that a special break from 12:30 p.m. till 2:00 p.m. will be given to Muslim employees on Fridays.
15:02 MP to soon have its first 'cashless' village
Badjhiri in Madhya Pradesh will soon become first 'cashless' village in the state having shops equipped with Point of Sale (PoS) machines, ATMs and kiosks for online payment facilities.
"A nationalised bank has come up with a plan in cooperation with the state government to transform Badjhiri into a cashless village," MP's Finance Minister Jayant Malaiya told PTI today.
Badjhiri is located on the outskirts of MP capital - Bhopal. "I will visit the village tomorrow with the bank officials to know how the plans will be materialised on ground to make this village entirely cashless," Malaiya added.
Finance Minister said that the Bank would provide PoS machines to all shopkeepers in addition to installation of ATMs and kiosks and all other measures ensuring digital transactions.
"A nationalised bank has come up with a plan in cooperation with the state government to transform Badjhiri into a cashless village," MP's Finance Minister Jayant Malaiya told PTI today.
Badjhiri is located on the outskirts of MP capital - Bhopal. "I will visit the village tomorrow with the bank officials to know how the plans will be materialised on ground to make this village entirely cashless," Malaiya added.
Finance Minister said that the Bank would provide PoS machines to all shopkeepers in addition to installation of ATMs and kiosks and all other measures ensuring digital transactions.
14:52 Employees' Provident fund rates lowered to 8.6%
Employees' Provident Fund Organisation fixes 8.65 per cent interest on EPF deposits for 2016-17. The earlier rate was 8.8 per cent.
The EPFO had provided 8.8 per cent rate of interest on EPF deposits for 2015-16 despite Finance Ministry's ratification for 8.7 per cent.
The Board fixes the rate of interest for a financial year and it is approved by its advisory body Finance, Audit and Investment Committee. As per the practice, Finance Ministry gives concurrence to the rate of interest fixed by the CBT considering the income projections of a year. After its ratification, the interest rate is notified and cred
The EPFO had provided 8.8 per cent rate of interest on EPF deposits for 2015-16 despite Finance Ministry's ratification for 8.7 per cent.
The Board fixes the rate of interest for a financial year and it is approved by its advisory body Finance, Audit and Investment Committee. As per the practice, Finance Ministry gives concurrence to the rate of interest fixed by the CBT considering the income projections of a year. After its ratification, the interest rate is notified and cred
14:09 Don't expect party to do well: BJP's UP MPs tells Amit Shah
Rajeev Sharma tells us: BJP President Amit Shah held a pre-poll strategy session with 36 BJP MPs from Eastern Uttar Pradesh at New Delhi's NDMC Convention Centre on the night of December 14 and took stock of the current political scenario in UP which is likely to have assembly polls next month.
Most MPs complained about the ill effects of demonetisation in their constituencies and said cash was still not reaching their areas even one-and-a-half months after PM Modi's announcement of banning Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes.
The MPs frankly told Shah that they did not expect the party to do well in the coming UP elections largely because of the massive inconvenience caused to the people by demonetisation and the fact that this situation is not going to improve anytime soon.
Cabinet Ministers Rajnath Singh and Uma Bharti were present at the meeting.
The BJP and the Modi government are considering a mega populist scheme in UP next month to regain political ground.
Most MPs complained about the ill effects of demonetisation in their constituencies and said cash was still not reaching their areas even one-and-a-half months after PM Modi's announcement of banning Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes.
The MPs frankly told Shah that they did not expect the party to do well in the coming UP elections largely because of the massive inconvenience caused to the people by demonetisation and the fact that this situation is not going to improve anytime soon.
Cabinet Ministers Rajnath Singh and Uma Bharti were present at the meeting.
The BJP and the Modi government are considering a mega populist scheme in UP next month to regain political ground.
13:39 Swaraj discharged from AIIMS, PM may visit her today
External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, who underwent a kidney transplant at AIIMS 10 days back, is being discharged from the hospital today. PM Narendra Modi is likely to visit her at home today.
"Sushma Swaraj, who underwent a kidney transplant operation on 10th December 2016, has shown steady recovery and is being discharged from hospital today," the AIIMS said in a statement.
It further said her postoperative recovery was closely monitored by a team of transplant surgeons, physicians, critical care experts and physiotherapists. Her health will be monitored from her home.
13:37 Finance ministry sealed to outsiders
The Ministry of Finance office in North Block, New Delhi, has been 'sealed' with the Intelligence Bureau taking over control of the entire first and second
floors of the office. Only officials working in the finance ministry are being permitted entry.
The reason?
Preparations for Union Budget 2017-18 have begun.
While media persons and PR persons are barred, grill doors have come up inside the North Block to protect the Tax Research Unit which effectively blocks the entry of unauthorised persons to such areas.
floors of the office. Only officials working in the finance ministry are being permitted entry.
The reason?
Preparations for Union Budget 2017-18 have begun.
While media persons and PR persons are barred, grill doors have come up inside the North Block to protect the Tax Research Unit which effectively blocks the entry of unauthorised persons to such areas.
13:26
Assam govt announces 0.75 per cent additional incentive on digital payment for petrol, diesel over the one given by Centre; total incentive to be 1.5 per cent.
13:12 Wikileaks offers to help Obama authenticate Russia hacking claim
Wikileaks has offered to help US President Barack Obama authenticate spy agencies' assessment that Russia was behind the leak of hacked Democratic emails during the presidential election.
The whistleblowing group, led by fugitive Julian Assange and which this summer published online the private medical files of mental health patients and teen rape victims, claimed on Twitter that only its authentication processes could render the conclusions credible. Read more
The whistleblowing group, led by fugitive Julian Assange and which this summer published online the private medical files of mental health patients and teen rape victims, claimed on Twitter that only its authentication processes could render the conclusions credible. Read more
12:53 Moderate quake jolts Doda, no damage reported
A moderate intensity earthquake shook Bhaderwah valley and parts of Doda and Bhalessa in Jammu and Kashmir's Doda district this morning, triggering panic among people.
The quake measuring 3.7 on the Richter scale struck at 6:31 am, and was the second such tremor in over a fortnight, Met officials said.
The epicentre of the quake was 7 km south east of Bhadarwah, the officials said.
The tremor was also felt in adjoining areas of Bhaderwah valley, including parts of Doda, Bhalessa and Matmat. Panic-stricken people rushed out of their homes in some
areas of the picturesque valley in the early morning cold.
"We have been collecting information from all our police posts and also from local sources since morning, but as of now, there is no immediate report of any casualty or damage to property," said Bhadarwah SP Sargun Shukla.
People of Chenab valley have been apprehensive of tremors after a study by a group of US scientists published last year predicted that there is a possibility of major earthquake in J&K.
12:49 Deposit over Rs 5000 using old notes cqan be made only once per account: FM
The finance ministry has, in a new directive, said that deposit of more than Rs 5000 using old Rs 500 and Rs 1000 notes can be made only once per account till December 30.
No limit on quantity or value of specified bank notes tendered for payment & deposit under Taxation & Investment Regime for PMGKY 2016.
Credit in such cases wil be afforded only after the tenderer answers questions as to why this could not be deposited earlier; only after receiving a satisfactory explanation can the credit be accepted.
Read the full directive HERE
12:07 597 die of 'shock' after Jayalalithaa's demise, says AIADMK
Ruling AIADMK said today that a total of 597 people have died of "shock" following the demise of former Tamil Nadu chief minister and party general secretary J Jayalalithaa on December 5.
In a statement, the party condoled the deaths and announced relief of Rs 3 lakh each to the families of the deceased. The party said the total number of people who had died now stood at 597.
The statement added that six people had attempted suicide thus far, including four people.
The party had earlier announced Rs 50,000 for one person who allegedly attempted suicide and another who had cut off his finger after hearing about Jayalalithaa's death. In the latest statement, the party announced Rs 50,000 for the four people for their medical treatment.
Pic: Tamil Nadu CM O Paneerselvam pays homage to J Jayalalithaa.
In a statement, the party condoled the deaths and announced relief of Rs 3 lakh each to the families of the deceased. The party said the total number of people who had died now stood at 597.
The statement added that six people had attempted suicide thus far, including four people.
The party had earlier announced Rs 50,000 for one person who allegedly attempted suicide and another who had cut off his finger after hearing about Jayalalithaa's death. In the latest statement, the party announced Rs 50,000 for the four people for their medical treatment.
Pic: Tamil Nadu CM O Paneerselvam pays homage to J Jayalalithaa.
11:58 Love the look!
Sunny Leone gets a thumbs up from SRK. @iamsrk Absolutely awesome @RamSampathOMGM & the ebullient @SunnyLeone r bringing bak a blast from the past #Lailaaaraheehai.
Raees releases in January.
Raees releases in January.
11:48 Russian plane crashes in Siberia with 16 injured
An IL-18 aeroplane belonging to the Russian defence ministry has crashed in Yakutia in Siberia with 39 people on board, BBC reports.
The defence ministry said 16 people were seriously injured, correcting earlier reports that 27 had died.
The plane was carrying 32 passengers and seven crew when it came down near Tiksi in the Bulun district of Russia's far east.
Weather conditions were reportedly bad in the area when the crash happened.The plane was carrying out a scheduled flight from Kansk when it came down about 30km (18 miles) short of Tiksi at 04:45 (19:45 GMT Sunday).
The plane broke into three pieces in what appears to have been an emergency landing.Three Mi-8 helicopters were despatched to the crash site by Russia's Emergency Ministry.
As well as the 16 seriously injured, another seven people on board the plane required hospital treatment.
The defence ministry said 16 people were seriously injured, correcting earlier reports that 27 had died.
The plane was carrying 32 passengers and seven crew when it came down near Tiksi in the Bulun district of Russia's far east.
Weather conditions were reportedly bad in the area when the crash happened.The plane was carrying out a scheduled flight from Kansk when it came down about 30km (18 miles) short of Tiksi at 04:45 (19:45 GMT Sunday).
The plane broke into three pieces in what appears to have been an emergency landing.Three Mi-8 helicopters were despatched to the crash site by Russia's Emergency Ministry.
As well as the 16 seriously injured, another seven people on board the plane required hospital treatment.
11:31 Pathankot attack: NIA names Jaish chief Masood Azhar
National Investigation Agency (NIA) files chargesheet in Pathankot airbase terror attack. NIA files chargesheet in NIA Special Court against senior commanders of JeM for their involvement in the Pathankot attack. The chargesheet has been filed against JeM Chief Masood Azhar, JeM Dy Chief MA Rauf Asghar, Shahid Latif, launching commander and Kashif Jan, main handler.
NIA will also issue a Red Corner notice against Masood and the other three JeM operatives.
NIA had reached out to Pakistan seeking its assistance in the probe twice earlier this year, but has received no reply so far. A call was then taken to go ahead with the chargesheet with or without Pakistans cooperation.
NIA will also issue a Red Corner notice against Masood and the other three JeM operatives.
NIA had reached out to Pakistan seeking its assistance in the probe twice earlier this year, but has received no reply so far. A call was then taken to go ahead with the chargesheet with or without Pakistans cooperation.
11:27 We scooped this news 10 days before it was announced
Allow us a little indulgence. We are blowing our own trumpet.
Ten days ago we told you that the Research and Analysis Wing and Intelligence Bureau will get new chiefs.
We told you Anil Dhasmana will replace Rajinder Khanna as the RAW chief.
We told you Rajiv Jain will replace Dineshwar Sharma as the IB chief.
We were right on both counts. And we scooped the news ten days before anyone else did.
Do we hear applause?
Thank you! And thank you for staying with us through the years...
Ten days ago we told you that the Research and Analysis Wing and Intelligence Bureau will get new chiefs.
We told you Anil Dhasmana will replace Rajinder Khanna as the RAW chief.
We told you Rajiv Jain will replace Dineshwar Sharma as the IB chief.
We were right on both counts. And we scooped the news ten days before anyone else did.
Do we hear applause?
Thank you! And thank you for staying with us through the years...
11:20 State govt claims 66% success ratio for past seven Vibrant Gujarat summits
Ahead of the eighth edition of the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit 2017 that begins on January 10, the state government claimed a 66 per cent success ratio for the past seven editions.
According to J N Singh, chief secretary, Government of Gujarat, so far 51,738 memorandums of understanding (MoUs) or investment intentions have been signed, from first edition in 2003 to the latest seventh edition in 2015.
Of these, about 34,234 projects have either been completed or are under implementation, putting the success ratio of the investment MoUs at about 66 per cent, said Singh while addressing mediapersons here on Saturday.
On the lines of the previous edition, the eighth edition too will see a Global CEO Conclave during the summit, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi will interact with chief executives of top global and Indian firms. The government is expecting 25-30 such CEOs and heads of overseas multinational firms to participate in the conclave, along with a similar number of CEOs and heads of top Indian firms.
We have so far received confirmation from 15 such CEOs of global firms outside India and expect more to come in as the days go by. The Gujarat Government and the Government of India's Department of Industrial Planning and Policy (DIPP) is working together to invite global CEOs. We are expecting participation of about 25 Global CEOs and heads of the multinational corporations to attend the event, said P K Taneja, additional chief secretary, industries & mines department, Government of Gujarat.
Modi is expected to arrive at Gandhinagar on January 9 to inaugurate the Global Trade Show exhibition as well as the international exchange at GIFT City by BSE. The next day, the Prime Minister will be formally inaugurating VGGS 2017, followed by the Global CEO Conclave in the evening.
Singh claimed that the eighth edition of VGGS will be the biggest of all summits and will exceed any other event happening elsewhere in the country. Singh maintained that the event was not likely to be impacted by the recent demonetisation on the grounds of long-term investment plans made by participating firms.
Moreover, stepping away from the previous tradition of being merely an investment summit, VGGS 2017 will see more focus on knowledge sharing and action-based brainstorming. For instance, for the first time in the country, several Nobel Laureates will host a science exhibition and also have a round-table discussion.
-- Business Standard
According to J N Singh, chief secretary, Government of Gujarat, so far 51,738 memorandums of understanding (MoUs) or investment intentions have been signed, from first edition in 2003 to the latest seventh edition in 2015.
Of these, about 34,234 projects have either been completed or are under implementation, putting the success ratio of the investment MoUs at about 66 per cent, said Singh while addressing mediapersons here on Saturday.
On the lines of the previous edition, the eighth edition too will see a Global CEO Conclave during the summit, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi will interact with chief executives of top global and Indian firms. The government is expecting 25-30 such CEOs and heads of overseas multinational firms to participate in the conclave, along with a similar number of CEOs and heads of top Indian firms.
We have so far received confirmation from 15 such CEOs of global firms outside India and expect more to come in as the days go by. The Gujarat Government and the Government of India's Department of Industrial Planning and Policy (DIPP) is working together to invite global CEOs. We are expecting participation of about 25 Global CEOs and heads of the multinational corporations to attend the event, said P K Taneja, additional chief secretary, industries & mines department, Government of Gujarat.
Modi is expected to arrive at Gandhinagar on January 9 to inaugurate the Global Trade Show exhibition as well as the international exchange at GIFT City by BSE. The next day, the Prime Minister will be formally inaugurating VGGS 2017, followed by the Global CEO Conclave in the evening.
Singh claimed that the eighth edition of VGGS will be the biggest of all summits and will exceed any other event happening elsewhere in the country. Singh maintained that the event was not likely to be impacted by the recent demonetisation on the grounds of long-term investment plans made by participating firms.
Moreover, stepping away from the previous tradition of being merely an investment summit, VGGS 2017 will see more focus on knowledge sharing and action-based brainstorming. For instance, for the first time in the country, several Nobel Laureates will host a science exhibition and also have a round-table discussion.
-- Business Standard
11:13 TN CM to meet PM with listicle... Bharat Ratna, bronze statue for Jaya
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam will meet Prime Minister
Narendra Modi today to hand over a letter that would request the
government to bestow the Bharat Ratna on late All India Anna Dravida
Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) chief J Jayalalithaa and to install her
bronze statue in the Parliament complex.
The Tamil Nadu Cabinet had on December 10 decided to recommend Jayalalithaa's name for India's highest civilian honour.
In its first meeting chaired by Panneerselvam after Jayalalithaa's demise, the Cabinet also decided to recommend to the Centre installation of her life-size bronze statue in the Parliament complex.
The Tamil Nadu Chief Minister will also relay the details of the damages caused by the Cyclone Vardah in the state.
Cyclone Vardah hit several parts of Tamil Nadu earlier on December 12.
The storm uprooted trees, overturned cars and did extensive damage to buildings as it tore across Chennai.
According to the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), at least 10 people have died so far due to the cyclone.
The Tamil Nadu Cabinet had on December 10 decided to recommend Jayalalithaa's name for India's highest civilian honour.
In its first meeting chaired by Panneerselvam after Jayalalithaa's demise, the Cabinet also decided to recommend to the Centre installation of her life-size bronze statue in the Parliament complex.
The Tamil Nadu Chief Minister will also relay the details of the damages caused by the Cyclone Vardah in the state.
Cyclone Vardah hit several parts of Tamil Nadu earlier on December 12.
The storm uprooted trees, overturned cars and did extensive damage to buildings as it tore across Chennai.
According to the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), at least 10 people have died so far due to the cyclone.
10:53 Govt may now set limit on keeping cash at home, say sources
After the announcement of demonetisation on November 8, the government may now set a limit on keeping cash at home -- anywhere between Rs 3 and Rs 15 lakh.
However, being a developing economy, it will be quite difficult to set a minimum limit to keep the cash, said experts.
In 2015, a team of experts assigned by the Supreme Court to fight and recover black money said the limit to keep cash at home should be set at Rs 15 lakh.
The panel of retired judges and bureaucrats was formed as a Special Investigating Team to ensure the government uncovers which Indians have hidden untaxed money in foreign bank accounts.
The government's demonetisation move has been criticised by the Opposition with Congress Party vice-president Rahul Gandhi terming the move as a "Modi Made Disaster'.
The Trinamool Congress president and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, two times within a month, sought the intervention of President Pranab Mukherjee in the demonetisation issue.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav recently said while those who have huge amount of cash in their accounts are getting "services' from bank managers at their doorstep. Only the poor are standing in queues outside banks, he added.
Ex-CM of UP, BSP chief Mayawati, escalating her attack on the BJP government at the centre recently said that the demonetisation exercise has taken the sheen off the government that used to brag about its "India Shining' slogan.
However, being a developing economy, it will be quite difficult to set a minimum limit to keep the cash, said experts.
In 2015, a team of experts assigned by the Supreme Court to fight and recover black money said the limit to keep cash at home should be set at Rs 15 lakh.
The panel of retired judges and bureaucrats was formed as a Special Investigating Team to ensure the government uncovers which Indians have hidden untaxed money in foreign bank accounts.
The government's demonetisation move has been criticised by the Opposition with Congress Party vice-president Rahul Gandhi terming the move as a "Modi Made Disaster'.
The Trinamool Congress president and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, two times within a month, sought the intervention of President Pranab Mukherjee in the demonetisation issue.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav recently said while those who have huge amount of cash in their accounts are getting "services' from bank managers at their doorstep. Only the poor are standing in queues outside banks, he added.
Ex-CM of UP, BSP chief Mayawati, escalating her attack on the BJP government at the centre recently said that the demonetisation exercise has taken the sheen off the government that used to brag about its "India Shining' slogan.
10:31 Elevation puzzle for army
The announcement of Lt Gen. Bipin Rawat as the next chief of army staff, superseding two seniors, has befuddled the army that is wondering if this will now be the policy.
The government is well within its rights to choose any officer as the chief of the army. But the convention of appointing the senior-most commander - barring two occasions in 1973 and 1983 - had come to be accepted as the policy.
On the two previous occasions when officers were superseded, the Prime Minister was Indira Gandhi. Although the Congress has questioned the choice of Rawat as the army chief, it was its governments that set the precedents. Rawat will supersede Lt Gen. Praveen Bakshi, who heads the Eastern Command at Fort William, and Lt Gen. P.M. Hariz, who helms the Southern Command. Government sources defended the selection. Read more
The government is well within its rights to choose any officer as the chief of the army. But the convention of appointing the senior-most commander - barring two occasions in 1973 and 1983 - had come to be accepted as the policy.
On the two previous occasions when officers were superseded, the Prime Minister was Indira Gandhi. Although the Congress has questioned the choice of Rawat as the army chief, it was its governments that set the precedents. Rawat will supersede Lt Gen. Praveen Bakshi, who heads the Eastern Command at Fort William, and Lt Gen. P.M. Hariz, who helms the Southern Command. Government sources defended the selection. Read more
10:16 Elections in 5 states in January
The Election Commission is set to announce the schedule for elections to five state assemblies, reports Rajeev Sharma. The announcement for the five state polls -- Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Goa and Manipur -- will take place any day now, but definitely by December 24, according to knowledgeable sources.
The election process will be completed well before February 1, the day of the Union Budget presentation for the Modi government.
The Congress party has already written to the Election Commission to ensure that the five state assembly elections take place before the Budget so that the government is not able to influence the voters through the Budget.
The election process will be completed well before February 1, the day of the Union Budget presentation for the Modi government.
The Congress party has already written to the Election Commission to ensure that the five state assembly elections take place before the Budget so that the government is not able to influence the voters through the Budget.
10:10 TMC MLA draws flak for talking on phone during National Anthem
In an incident signifying embarrassment for the Trinamool Congress (TMC), a party MLA Vaishali Dalmiya was caught on camera speaking over the phone while the National Anthem was being played.
The TMC leader, who was present at a sports event in Howrah, West Bengal on Sunday was busy attending phone calls while the National Anthem was being played.
Dalmiya, who is the daughter of late Jagmohan Dalmiya, former President of International Cricket Council and Board of Cricket Council of India, was attending Commissioner Cup, a Football tournament organised by Belur Police Station.
This not the first incident when a politician came under the radar for talking over phone during national anthem, as earlier, former chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir Farooq Abdullah faced a huge backlash for talking on phone while the national anthem was being played.
Meanwhile, in Kerala at least six people were detained for allegedly showing disrespect to the national anthem and in another incident a Kerala writer was charged with sedition over a Facebook post that was allegedly disrespectful to the national anthem
The TMC leader, who was present at a sports event in Howrah, West Bengal on Sunday was busy attending phone calls while the National Anthem was being played.
Dalmiya, who is the daughter of late Jagmohan Dalmiya, former President of International Cricket Council and Board of Cricket Council of India, was attending Commissioner Cup, a Football tournament organised by Belur Police Station.
This not the first incident when a politician came under the radar for talking over phone during national anthem, as earlier, former chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir Farooq Abdullah faced a huge backlash for talking on phone while the national anthem was being played.
Meanwhile, in Kerala at least six people were detained for allegedly showing disrespect to the national anthem and in another incident a Kerala writer was charged with sedition over a Facebook post that was allegedly disrespectful to the national anthem
10:02 Australia survive Pakistan scare in day-night Test
Pakistan gave Australia a mighty scare as they were bowled out for 450 after being set a massive 490 for victory in the day-night Test in Brisbane, on Monday.
Asad Shafique played a sparkling innings of 137, putting on 71 runs for the ninth wicket with Yasir Shah to keep Pakistan in the hunt.
But Shafique's dismissal to Mitchell Starc ended Pakistan's hopes before Yasir was run out as Pakistan narrowly lost by 39 runs.
09:49 Rahul's first to visit Gujarat after note ban
Business Standard reports: Congress Vice-President Rahul Gandhi will address a public rally in Mehsana, Gujarat, on Wednesday where the party enjoys a majority in both district and taluka panchayats. This will be his first visit to the state after demonetisation.
The visit holds significance with Assembly polls expected to be held in 2017. He had visited Gujarat in July to meet four dalit youths, who were allegedly thrashed by cow vigilantes in Una town. According to party leaders in the state, around 200,000 people are likely to attend the meeting.
09:35
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister O Panneerselvam arrives in Delhi to meet PM Narendra Modi
09:32 Five Kerala students surrender in ragging case
Five senior college students accused of ragging a younger student at a polytechnic college in Nattakam in Kottayam district have surrendered before the police to cooperate with the investigation.
A student named Avinash from Iringalakkuda in Thrissur was admitted in hospital after he was allegedly asked to strip and perform physical exercises in the nude for about six hours. He was also allegedly forced to drink tainted liquor by the seniors at the boys hostel, which caused serious damage to one of his kidneys. He had to undergo dialysis.
The five senior accused students -- Jerin, Saran, Manu, Raison and Jayakrishnan -- arrived at Changanassery DySP office along with their parents and lawyers to surrender.
According to the police, three more students have to be arrested in the case.
09:23 Miss Puerto Rico lands Miss World 2016 crown
Stephanie del Valle of Puerto Rico has been crowned Miss World 2016, edging out runners-up from the Dominican Republic and Indonesia, and beauties from around the globe.
Del Valle, 19, is a brown-eyed brunette student who speaks Spanish, English and French, and hopes to get into the entertainment industry. Crowned by Miss World 2015 Mireia Lalaguna of Spain, del Valle yesterday called it an "honor and a great responsibility" to represent her Caribbean homeland.
First runner-up was Yaritza Miguelina Reyes Ramirez of the Dominican Republic, followed by Miss World Indonesia Natasha Mannuela.
Contestants from Kenya and Catriona Gray of the Philippines also were in the final five. Canada's Miss World representative, Chinese-born Anastasia Lin was embroiled in a controversy when pageant officials reportedly warned her against speaking to the press for three weeks about human rights abuses in China. She was given the green light again on Wednesday.
09:14
One of the longest epics of India, Mahabharata will be broadcasted on All India Radio from today.
The famed teleserial, which has been divided into 140 episodes and the duration kept at 30 minutes, will be aired from Monday-Friday on 70 primary channels of Hindi Zone.
09:06 The MP who will return salary proportional to time wasted in Parliament
Biju Janata Dal MP Baijayant Jay Panda has decided to return part of his salary and daily allowance proportional to the time lost in the Lok Sabha due to disruptions.
"I have been doing this for several years now, I think about four or five years. At the end of every session, I have been returning (part of) my salary and daily allowance in the same proportion as the time that has been lost in the Lok Sabha due to disruptions," he said, adding that it was his symbolic gesture.
He admitted that this is nothing compared to the huge amount of money that has been wasted.
"The country is losing lots of money because of the disruptions in Parliament. So, this is my symbolic gesture. Because conscience bothers me that we are all taking all these benefits and not doing the job which we are supposed to do," he said.
Panda asserted that he never disrupted Parliament.
"I have not disrupted Parliament even once in my last 16 years. It is a matter of my personal conscience," he said.
08:56
Pune rural police raids a gambling den in Khandala near Lonavala and seizes Rs 16.90 lakh cash in new currency of Rs 2000
08:32 Pak cinemas to resume screening of Indian films
Cinemas in Pakistan will start screening Indian movies from today as film exhibitors and cinema owners lifted the a two-month self-imposed suspension on their screening that was put in place amidst Indo-Pak tensions following the Uri terror attack.
Zoraish Lashari, Chairman of the Film Exhibitors Association, told reporters that after thorough discussions with parties concerned, it has been decided that screening of Indian films would resume from today.
"The cinema owners and other stakeholders in the industry have been hit by the decision to impose a temporary suspension on screening of Indian films. A lot of investment has been made into upgrading or building new cineplexes and multiplexes and the business at this time is dependent on screening of latest Indian films," he said.
The cinema houses' owners said that they had only suspended the screening of Indian films but had not completely banned them. Movies which were missed and could not be screened due to the suspension will be screened first, said Nadeem Mandviwala of Atrium cinemas.
The first film to be screened will be actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui's Freaky Ali.
08:31 Man attacked for blaming Modi for queue outside ATM
A 45-year-old man was allegedly attacked with cricket bails after he blamed the Prime Minister for the serpentine queue outside a bank in southeast Delhi's Jaitpur area, police said.
According to complainant Lallan Singh Kushwaha, he was on his way to buy a television set on December 15 when he passed an ATM and noticed the long queue, they said.
He said Modiji ki wajah se line lagi hai (queue is because of Modi), following which a man named Atik came out of the crowd and started beating him.
Kushwaha alleged that the accused also took away Rs 6,000 from him, police said.
The matter is being investigated, they added.
08:30 Hollywood legend Zsa Zsa Gabor dead at 99
Zsa Zsa Gabor, the Hungarian-born Hollywood siren perhaps better known for her prodigious love life than her movie credits, has died after suffering a heart attack, her husband said. She was 99.
An emotional Frederic von Anhalt told Agence France Press that Gabor had passed away at home surrounded by friends and family.
"Everybody was there. She didn't die alone," he told AFP by telephone, choking back sobs.
The pair married in 1986, making it her longest marriage.
Gabor, who in her heyday embodied the film industry's platinum blonde ideal, was a voluptuous former beauty queen with a penchant for lame gowns that accentuated her hourglass curves.
Her resume includes a long list of film roles in such hit movies as Moulin Rouge, Lili and Arriverderci Baby.
08:28 What is making news at this hour
Good morning... Here's what is making news at this hour
* Mortal remains of gunner Saurabh Farate, who lost his life in Saturday's Pampore Attack, are being taken for last rites at Fursungi in Pune, Maharashtra.
* 6 International and 8 domestic flights from/to Delhi delayed following poor visibility caused due to foggy weather.
* Around 24 trains are running late, 5 have been rescheduled and 1 has been cancelled due to foggy weather conditions in Delhi.
* We're progressing in Hockey. Prize money of Rs 3 Lakh will be given to each player, says Sports Minister Vijay Goel on Junior Hockey World Cup win.
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