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Thu, 07 January 2016
Paris attacker killed by police carried image of ISIS flag
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23:26 Paris attacker killed by police carried image of ISIS flag
Paris, on edge after weathering a year of jihadist violence, faced a fresh scare Thursday as police shot dead a knife-wielding man on the anniversary of the Charlie Hebdo attacks.
An image of the ISIS flag, printed on paper, was found on the man's body, along with a handwritten note in Arabic from him claiming responsibility for the attack, the Paris prosecutor's office said in a statement.
The office's anti-terror section is investigating.The man, whose identity is not known, was shot as he attempted to enter a police station in the northern Paris neighborhood of Barbes, bearing a butcher's knife and yelling "Allahu Akbar," the statement said.
He was carrying a fake explosive device, it said.
Read this story HERE
22:31 Bombay HC directs youths accused of molestation to sweep roads
The Bombay high court today directed four young men accused of molestation and attempted murder to sweep public roads once a week for six months while quashing the case against them.
The four youths - Ankit Jadhav, Suhas Thakur, Milind More and Amit Adkhale - approached the high court seeking quashing of the attempt to murder and molestation case lodged against them by the Thane police in October last year.
The petitioners sought quashing of the case on the ground that they have reached at an amicable settlement with the complainants. According to the police, during a Dussehra procession in Thane in October the four, who were allegedly drunk, misbehaved with some women and assaulted a man who objected to it.
An FIR was subsequently lodged against the four for attempt to murder and molestation.
22:26 Indira waited to meet US Prez, not so with Modi: Minister
Union Minister Radha Mohan Singh today claimed while former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi had to wait for meeting American President, today the White House incumbent himself comes out to greet Premier Narendra Modi when he visits that country.
The BJP leader said Modi's overseas trips have enhanced India's stature on the global stage. "We had prime ministers earlier...they used to go to America, England, but Indians living in those countries never knew that their Prime Minister had visited.
"I remember that (then PM) Indira Gandhi had once gone to America to meet its President, there it was 4'o clock. She had to sit and wait in the White House.
"Today when our prime minister goes to America, lakhs of Indians living there come to the streets, and even the President has to come out of the White House to greet him," Singh said.
22:20 NIA team trying to connect dots in Pathankot attack
NIA team led by its chief Sharad Kumar was today trying to connect the dots in the attack by Pakistani terrorists on Pathankot IAF base, as it visited several spots and continued to question several eyewitnesses including senior police officers.
There was a possibility that some of the eyewitnesses could be brought to Delhi for some scientific tests including polygraph test (lie detector test), sources said. As it recorded the statements of Superintendent of Police-rank officer Salwinder Singh and two others who were kidnapped by the terrorists, the NIA team visited the border village where the terrorists could have possibly entered and spoke to the villagers and BSF personnel.
A team of NIA, central agency created after Mumbai attack to probe terror-related cases, quizzed Salwinder Singh in Pathankot which showed there were some discrepancies in his statement which was being looked into, the sources said.
The agency had taken Singh to the places he had visited before he, along with his jeweller friend Rajesh Kumar Verma and cook Madan Gopal, was kidnapped.
21:32 Pak raising constitutional status of Gilgit-Baltistan?
In a move that is bound to raise hackles in India, Pakistan is working on raising the constitutional status of its occupied Gilgit-Baltistan to address China's concerns over the $46-billion economic corridor through the strategic region.
The strategic region in the north provides the only vital link with China. It is also on the key route of the ambitious China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, linking western China to southern Pakistan's Gwadar Port with a network of roads, highways, railways and investment parks.
An official said that a committee was working on a plan to address Chinese concerns over its investment after India objected to its building of the CPEC through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
"One of the proposals is to raise the status of the region but it will be still short of regular province. The region would be mentioned in the Constitution and will be represented in Parliament," he said.
20:55 JeM chief Masood Azhar identified as 'handler' of Pathankot terror attack
Pakistan-based terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammad chief Maulana Masood Azhar and his brother Abdul Rauf Asghar, mastermind of IC-814 hijack case, are among four persons identified by Indian intelligence agencies as 'handlers' behind the recent Pathankot attack.
Besides the agencies here claimed to have found evidence that "conspiracy" was hatched near Lahore, top government sources said today.
The details of these four persons have been shared with Pakistan "through proper channel" and India has pressed for stern action against them as a condition for any future talks with Pakistan, the sources claimed.
National Security Adviser Ajit Doval is understood to have spoken to his Pakistani counterpart ex-General Nasser Khan Janjua and shared all relevant evidences including voice data, they said.
The evidence alleging JeM's involvement in the recent attack may put a question mark on scheduled Foreign Secretary-level talk between India and Pakistan in Islamabad on January 15.
Those identified by Indian agencies are Azhar, Rauf, Ashfaq and Kashim, the sources said. Rauf was mastermind of hijack of Air India plane in Kathmandu, in 1999 which was later taken to Kandahar in Afghanistan. The eight-day hijack crisis had ended after release of three hardcore militants including Azhar in exchange for the freedom of passengers and crew members who were held hostage.
Asked as to what action India wants Pakistan to take against these four, the sources said they have to be arrested and handed to New Delhi so that they could be questioned in the ongoing investigation.
20:33 No headway, Congress refutes BJP's claims over GST
Logjam continued over the Goods and Services Tax Bill today between the government and the Congress, which dismissed Union minister M Venkaiah Naidu's meeting with party chief Sonia Gandhi as 'all optics' and alleged that there is no end to the Bharatiya Janata Party's 'obduracy' on the issue.
"What proposal? There is no proposal from the government side. If he had to accept our demands why would Finance Minister Arun Jaitley say that shrinking Congress strength in Rajya Sabha will make the GST happen," party spokesperson Kapil Sibal said.
He also rebuffed suggestions that the government accepted the demands of the Congress and sent a proposal to Gandhi through Naidu.
Claiming that the BJP was not ready for any compromise with the opposition party on the issue, Sibal said, "The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh and the Swadeshi Jagaran Manch have red-flagged the reform measure."
When asked why Naidu met Gandhi if there was no forward movement on the GST, he said, "This is all optics. Naidu came and met Sonia Gandhi. They have to show all this. Had there been anything substantial, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Jaitley would have gone on Twitter now."
A party functionary separately said that the government is resorting to these 'optics to divert attention' from Pathankot attack.
The BJP, meanwhile, accused the Congress of not being serious about the GST, and said the opposition party's priority was 'development and protection of its ruling family'.
"What proposal? There is no proposal from the government side. If he had to accept our demands why would Finance Minister Arun Jaitley say that shrinking Congress strength in Rajya Sabha will make the GST happen," party spokesperson Kapil Sibal said.
He also rebuffed suggestions that the government accepted the demands of the Congress and sent a proposal to Gandhi through Naidu.
Claiming that the BJP was not ready for any compromise with the opposition party on the issue, Sibal said, "The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh and the Swadeshi Jagaran Manch have red-flagged the reform measure."
When asked why Naidu met Gandhi if there was no forward movement on the GST, he said, "This is all optics. Naidu came and met Sonia Gandhi. They have to show all this. Had there been anything substantial, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Jaitley would have gone on Twitter now."
A party functionary separately said that the government is resorting to these 'optics to divert attention' from Pathankot attack.
The BJP, meanwhile, accused the Congress of not being serious about the GST, and said the opposition party's priority was 'development and protection of its ruling family'.
20:02 HC asks 4 men to sweep roads to get molestation case quashed
The Bombay High Court today directed four young men accused of molestation and attempted murder to sweep public roads once a week for six months while quashing the case against them.
The four youths -- Ankit Jadhav, Suhas Thakur, Milind More and Amit Adkhale -- approached the high court seeking quashing of the attempt to murder and molestation case lodged against them by the Thane police in October last year.
The petitioners sought quashing of the case on the ground that they have reached at an amicable settlement with the complainants.
According to police, during a Dussehra procession in Thane in October the four, who were allegedly drunk, misbehaved with some women and assaulted a man who objected to it. An FIR was subsequently lodged against the four for attempt to murder and molestation.
A division bench of Justices R V More and V L Achiliya while hearing the case today agreed to quash the case, but suggested the youths to do some community service in return.
The court then directed the four to sweep public roads in Thane for eight hours every Sunday for next six months. A police officer from Naupada police station will monitor if they are following the court order.
The four youths -- Ankit Jadhav, Suhas Thakur, Milind More and Amit Adkhale -- approached the high court seeking quashing of the attempt to murder and molestation case lodged against them by the Thane police in October last year.
The petitioners sought quashing of the case on the ground that they have reached at an amicable settlement with the complainants.
According to police, during a Dussehra procession in Thane in October the four, who were allegedly drunk, misbehaved with some women and assaulted a man who objected to it. An FIR was subsequently lodged against the four for attempt to murder and molestation.
A division bench of Justices R V More and V L Achiliya while hearing the case today agreed to quash the case, but suggested the youths to do some community service in return.
The court then directed the four to sweep public roads in Thane for eight hours every Sunday for next six months. A police officer from Naupada police station will monitor if they are following the court order.
19:44 Pak-based JeM 'handlers' identified in Pathankot terror strike
Pakistan-based terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammad chief Maulana Masood Azhar and his brother Abdul Rauf Asghar, mastermind of IC-814 hijack case, are among four persons identified by Indian intelligence agencies as 'handlers' behind the recent Pathankot attack.
Besides the agencies in Delhi claimed to have found evidence that "conspiracy" was hatched near Lahore, top government sources said today.
The details of these four persons have been shared with Pakistan "through proper channel" and India has pressed for stern action against them as a condition for any future talks with Pakistan, the sources claimed. National Security Adviser Ajit Doval is understood to have spoken to his Pakistani counterpart ex-General Nasser Khan Janjua and shared all relevant evidences including voice data, they said.
The evidence alleging JeM's involvement in the recent attack may put a question mark on scheduled Foreign Secretary-level talk between India and Pakistan in Islamabad on January 15.
Those identified by Indian agencies are Azhar, Rauf, Ashfaq and Kashim, the sources said. Rauf was mastermind of hijack of Air India plane in Kathmandu, in 1999 which was later taken to Kandahar in Afghanistan. The eight-day hijack crisis had ended after release of three hardcore militants including Azhar in exchange for the freedom of passengers and crew members who were held hostage.
Asked as to what action India wants Pakistan to take against these four, the sources said they have to be arrested and handed to New Delhi so that they could be questioned in the ongoing investigation. Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar has recently said there are indications that some of the materials used by the terrorists were made in Pakistan.
Six terrorists, who had sneaked into the country from Indo-Pak border in Pakistan, had attacked Indian Air Force base in Pathankot during the intervening night of January 1 and 2. They were killed during a counter-operation by Indian forces that lasted for about three days in which seven security personnel were killed.
Pic: Security personnel stand guard outside the Indian Air Force base at Pathankot after the terror attack.
Besides the agencies in Delhi claimed to have found evidence that "conspiracy" was hatched near Lahore, top government sources said today.
The details of these four persons have been shared with Pakistan "through proper channel" and India has pressed for stern action against them as a condition for any future talks with Pakistan, the sources claimed. National Security Adviser Ajit Doval is understood to have spoken to his Pakistani counterpart ex-General Nasser Khan Janjua and shared all relevant evidences including voice data, they said.
The evidence alleging JeM's involvement in the recent attack may put a question mark on scheduled Foreign Secretary-level talk between India and Pakistan in Islamabad on January 15.
Those identified by Indian agencies are Azhar, Rauf, Ashfaq and Kashim, the sources said. Rauf was mastermind of hijack of Air India plane in Kathmandu, in 1999 which was later taken to Kandahar in Afghanistan. The eight-day hijack crisis had ended after release of three hardcore militants including Azhar in exchange for the freedom of passengers and crew members who were held hostage.
Asked as to what action India wants Pakistan to take against these four, the sources said they have to be arrested and handed to New Delhi so that they could be questioned in the ongoing investigation. Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar has recently said there are indications that some of the materials used by the terrorists were made in Pakistan.
Six terrorists, who had sneaked into the country from Indo-Pak border in Pakistan, had attacked Indian Air Force base in Pathankot during the intervening night of January 1 and 2. They were killed during a counter-operation by Indian forces that lasted for about three days in which seven security personnel were killed.
Pic: Security personnel stand guard outside the Indian Air Force base at Pathankot after the terror attack.
19:42 Move to discipline rowdy MPs in RS
Rajya Sabha chairman Hamid Ansari has decided to hold a meeting with leaders of political parties to amend the rules in the Rajya Sabha so that MPs who rush to the Well of the House can be expelled or suspended. There is a major difference between Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha rules to discipline MPs.
Dr Ansari who was criticised for not disciplining Congress MPs who prevented the GST Bill from being passed, believes a solution is necessary.
Dr Ansari who was criticised for not disciplining Congress MPs who prevented the GST Bill from being passed, believes a solution is necessary.
19:33 Stocks get a bashing, rupee at 3-week low as crude crashes
Indian markets joined the global sell-off sparked by China growth concerns as the benchmark Sensex today saw this year's worst single-day fall of 555 points to end at a 19-month low of 24,851.83, pulling down the rupee to more than a three-week low of 66.93.
On the other hand, gold regained the Rs 26,000-level to trade at a three-week high of Rs 26,330 per 10 grams. In the forex market, the rupee weakened another 11 paise to close at over three-week low of 66.93 against the dollar due to heavy demand for the US currency from banks and importers amid a sharp fall in equities.
On the other hand, gold regained the Rs 26,000-level to trade at a three-week high of Rs 26,330 per 10 grams. In the forex market, the rupee weakened another 11 paise to close at over three-week low of 66.93 against the dollar due to heavy demand for the US currency from banks and importers amid a sharp fall in equities.
19:26 Don't be a noodlehead. Find out why China affects your investment portfolio
If your investments are in the red today after markets continued to bleed after the accelerated devaluation of the Chinese Yuan, here's what you need to know about how Asian economies have a direct impact on your portfolio. Read
19:16 JeM chief Maulana Masood Azhar, brother, Pathankot attack handlers: MEA
Putting the ball squarely in Pakistan's court, India on Thursday linked the Foreign Secretary-level talks to Islamabad's "prompt and decisive' action in the Pathankot terror attack for which it has provided "actionable intelligence'.
New Delhi has also identified Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Maulana Masood Azhar, his brother Rauf, and two others as "handlers' behind the terror attack.
Uncertainty prevails on talks scheduled for January 15, 2016 in Islamabad between Foreign Secretary S. Jaishankar and his Pakistani counterpart Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry following the terror strike on the Pathankot air base.
There is a widespread speculation that the talks may be put off to enable National Security Advisors to meet before that.
At a media briefing in New Delhi, External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Vikas Swarup faced a barrage of questions on Foreign Secretary-level talks but he remained non-committal on whether the talks will proceed as scheduled or will be put off. "Today is January 7 and there are 8 days to go before January 15," he remarked.
New Delhi has also identified Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Maulana Masood Azhar, his brother Rauf, and two others as "handlers' behind the terror attack.
Uncertainty prevails on talks scheduled for January 15, 2016 in Islamabad between Foreign Secretary S. Jaishankar and his Pakistani counterpart Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry following the terror strike on the Pathankot air base.
There is a widespread speculation that the talks may be put off to enable National Security Advisors to meet before that.
At a media briefing in New Delhi, External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Vikas Swarup faced a barrage of questions on Foreign Secretary-level talks but he remained non-committal on whether the talks will proceed as scheduled or will be put off. "Today is January 7 and there are 8 days to go before January 15," he remarked.
19:07
Senior bureaucrat Amitabh Kant to be CEO of Niti Aayog after his retirement this month-end. Kant is now secretary, dept of indutstrial policy and promotion.
18:49 Protesting FTII students released
A Ganesh Nadar/Rediff.com reports: Forty students of the the Film and Television Institute of India, Pune, who were detained before the arrival of chairman Gajendra Chauhan were released after he left the campus. Earlier in the day Chauhan had arrived at the campus and formed his new council. The students were not allowed within 100 meters of the building where the meeting was held. A senior student Reema Kaur told Rediff.com, "There were cops everywhere, it was a war-like situation. The students were protesting peacefully but they were not allowed to do so."
FTII was in the news for most of last year as the students protested against
the appointment of Gajendra Chauhan as chairman along with four board members.
FTII was in the news for most of last year as the students protested against
the appointment of Gajendra Chauhan as chairman along with four board members.
18:34 'News Hour is Fox News on steroids'
"If you've never seen The Newshour, then imagine nine disembodied heads surrounded by flames screaming at you in a format and colour configuration that looks like a pub fruit machine. Then imagine one large head in the middle that controls all the other heads and shouts more than them and at a greater volume. That's Arnab, the one shouting head to rule them all. His show is Fox News on steroids. It makes most other news programmes look like an official broadcast of a 19th century royal coronation."
The harshest and truest assessment of the news show that is called News Hour. This is a must read
The harshest and truest assessment of the news show that is called News Hour. This is a must read
18:22
Just in: Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Maulana Masood Azhar, his brother Rauf, and two others identified by India as 'handlers' behind Pathankot terror attack.
18:17
French police officials: Man who threatened police with knife was wearing fake explosives vest.
18:16 PDP writes to governor, Mehbooba set to be first woman CM of J&K
Ruling PDP president Mehbooba Mufti is set to be the first woman Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, succeeding her father Mufti Mohammad Sayeed who passed away today, with party MLAs unanimously electing her as their leader and writing to Governor NN Vohra in this regard.
A party delegation met the Governor at Raj Bhavan here and handed over the letter which says that the PDP legislators back the 56-year-old Mehbooba to take over as the 13th Chief Minister of the state, a senior PDP leader said.
He said the selection of Mehbooba, a Lok Sabha member, as the leader of 28-member PDP Legislature party was a unanimous decision. The party leader, however, did not specify the date or time for her swearing-in.
"It will follow in due course of time as we are still in the process of performing last rites of our beloved leader," the PDP leader said. Earlier, BJP, which is the coalition partner in the state government, left it to PDP to choose its nominee for the post of Chief Minister.
"As the BJP has left it to the PDP to select its Chief Ministerial nominee, decks seem to have been cleared for Mehbooba to become the first woman chief minister of the state," the PDP leader said.
A party delegation met the Governor at Raj Bhavan here and handed over the letter which says that the PDP legislators back the 56-year-old Mehbooba to take over as the 13th Chief Minister of the state, a senior PDP leader said.
He said the selection of Mehbooba, a Lok Sabha member, as the leader of 28-member PDP Legislature party was a unanimous decision. The party leader, however, did not specify the date or time for her swearing-in.
"It will follow in due course of time as we are still in the process of performing last rites of our beloved leader," the PDP leader said. Earlier, BJP, which is the coalition partner in the state government, left it to PDP to choose its nominee for the post of Chief Minister.
"As the BJP has left it to the PDP to select its Chief Ministerial nominee, decks seem to have been cleared for Mehbooba to become the first woman chief minister of the state," the PDP leader said.
18:13 Man in suicide vest shot as he tries to enter Paris police station
Police shot dead a man outside a northern Paris police station. The man was seen flashing a knife while attempting to enter the police station when he was shot. An eyewitness told reporters that the man appeared to be wearing a vest, but police could not confirm whether it was an explosive one. Le Parisian reported that he was wearing an explosives vest.
A French interior ministry official said the man shouted Allah Akbar as tried to enter the police station.
Anna Polonyi, an editor with the International New York Times, posted a picture of a bomb disposal robot apparently being used to inspect the man's body. She said the man had been running towards the building when he was shot at around 12pm local time.
The picture of the man in the vest was tweeted by @RosannaMrtnz
A French interior ministry official said the man shouted Allah Akbar as tried to enter the police station.
Anna Polonyi, an editor with the International New York Times, posted a picture of a bomb disposal robot apparently being used to inspect the man's body. She said the man had been running towards the building when he was shot at around 12pm local time.
The picture of the man in the vest was tweeted by @RosannaMrtnz
17:01 Mr Attenborough, you rock!
The wittiest 140 characters on Twitter and a picture to go with it.
(Click on the picture to enlarge the image.)
(Click on the picture to enlarge the image.)
16:54 India will remain Incredible with or without me, says Aamir
Aamir Khan's statement after he was dropped as brand ambassador of Incredible India.
"It has been an honour and a pleasure for me to be the Brand Ambassador for the Incredible India campaign for the past 10 years. I was happy to be of service to my country, and will always be available for it. I would like to clarify that all public service films I have done till date have all been free of any cost to me. It is always an honour for me to be of service of my country, and this is how it will always be. It is the prerogative of the government to decide whether they need a brand ambassador for any campaign, and if so, who that ambassador should be. I respect the decision of the government to discontinue with my services. I am sure they will take all appropriate steps to do what is best for the country. Whether I am brand ambassador or not, India will remain Incredible, and that's the way it should be."
"It has been an honour and a pleasure for me to be the Brand Ambassador for the Incredible India campaign for the past 10 years. I was happy to be of service to my country, and will always be available for it. I would like to clarify that all public service films I have done till date have all been free of any cost to me. It is always an honour for me to be of service of my country, and this is how it will always be. It is the prerogative of the government to decide whether they need a brand ambassador for any campaign, and if so, who that ambassador should be. I respect the decision of the government to discontinue with my services. I am sure they will take all appropriate steps to do what is best for the country. Whether I am brand ambassador or not, India will remain Incredible, and that's the way it should be."
16:35 Ball in Pak court, says MEA, but NO clarity on talks
The Ministry of External Affairs holds a press briefing in the aftermath of the Pathankot attacks. Highlight of MEA spokesperson Vikas Swarup's briefing...
-- India wants friendly relations with Pakistan. --
-- The Pathankot attack has once again put renewed focus on the challenge of cross-border terrorism.
-- The ball is now in Pakistan's court. We have extended a hand of friendship with Pakistan but it doesn't mean that we tolerate cross border terrorism.
-- We are waiting for Pakistan's response on talks.
-- We have given actionable intelligence to Pakistan. It is for Pak to act now. We must have talks on terror.
-- We want prompt and decisive action from Pakistan. It has to act on evidence given by India.
The foreign secretary level talks were scheduled to be held on January 14-15. Swarup has refused to state whether the talks will be called off, stating that the government was adopting a wait-and-watch approach.
Pic: A file pic of Pak PM Nawaz Sharif during his May 2014 visit when he was in New Delhi for PM Modi's swearing in.
-- India wants friendly relations with Pakistan. --
-- The Pathankot attack has once again put renewed focus on the challenge of cross-border terrorism.
-- The ball is now in Pakistan's court. We have extended a hand of friendship with Pakistan but it doesn't mean that we tolerate cross border terrorism.
-- We are waiting for Pakistan's response on talks.
-- We have given actionable intelligence to Pakistan. It is for Pak to act now. We must have talks on terror.
-- We want prompt and decisive action from Pakistan. It has to act on evidence given by India.
The foreign secretary level talks were scheduled to be held on January 14-15. Swarup has refused to state whether the talks will be called off, stating that the government was adopting a wait-and-watch approach.
Pic: A file pic of Pak PM Nawaz Sharif during his May 2014 visit when he was in New Delhi for PM Modi's swearing in.
16:18 Amitabh replaces Aamir as Incredible India brand ambassador
Amitabh Bachchan replaces Aamir Khan as the new brand ambassador of Incredible India, reports ABP.
A controversy surrounding actor Aamir Khan erupted on Wednesday after a section of media reported that the Centre had removed him as the brand ambassador of the Incredible India campaign under Tourism Ministry.
Comments on Twitter were fueled by speculation that the move was in response to the actors remarks on growing intolerance during the Ramnath Goenka Excellence in Journalism Award function last November.
However, clarifying his ministrys stand, MoS, Tourism, Mahesh Sharma said that it was purely a contractual matter with advertising agency McCann Worldgroup. The Rs 2.96-crore contract with the agency, which featured Khan in a film for the ministry, recently ended.
Aamir Khan told NDTV that he respects the government's decision to discontinue his services.
A controversy surrounding actor Aamir Khan erupted on Wednesday after a section of media reported that the Centre had removed him as the brand ambassador of the Incredible India campaign under Tourism Ministry.
Comments on Twitter were fueled by speculation that the move was in response to the actors remarks on growing intolerance during the Ramnath Goenka Excellence in Journalism Award function last November.
However, clarifying his ministrys stand, MoS, Tourism, Mahesh Sharma said that it was purely a contractual matter with advertising agency McCann Worldgroup. The Rs 2.96-crore contract with the agency, which featured Khan in a film for the ministry, recently ended.
Aamir Khan told NDTV that he respects the government's decision to discontinue his services.
16:13 Overseas Indian Affairs ministry merges with External Affairs ministry, Sushma heads both
The government today decided to merge the Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs with the Ministry of External Affairs. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given his approval to the merger, while External Affairs Minister Sushma Swraj confirmed that the proposal has been accepted on Twitter.
The Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs was tasked with overseeing the the welfare of Indians working or studying abroad.
Swaraj was heading both the ministries and had proposed that both ministries should be merged.
Swaraj tweeted: "Prime Minister has kindly accepted my proposal. So MOIA will now be part of Ministry of External Affairs. As Minister for External Affairs & Overseas Indian Affairs, I realized that Substantial work of MOIA is done through our missions abroad. Therefore I proposed to Hon'ble Prime Minister that MOIA should be merged with Ministry of External Affairs.
The Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs was tasked with overseeing the the welfare of Indians working or studying abroad.
Swaraj was heading both the ministries and had proposed that both ministries should be merged.
Swaraj tweeted: "Prime Minister has kindly accepted my proposal. So MOIA will now be part of Ministry of External Affairs. As Minister for External Affairs & Overseas Indian Affairs, I realized that Substantial work of MOIA is done through our missions abroad. Therefore I proposed to Hon'ble Prime Minister that MOIA should be merged with Ministry of External Affairs.
16:04 Gunmen on motorbike shoot at tourists in Cairo
Tourists have been attacked by gunmen in Cairo as they boarded a bus near the city's ancient pyramids. Men on a motorcycle opened fire on the group on Thursday morning outside a hotel, which lies on a road leading to the famous tourist site. One gunman was arrested at the scene and security forces surrounded the other attacker in another part of Cairo, the Independent reported. There were no immediate reports of deaths.
Pic: A 2011 picture of locals hiding for cover after a gunbattle in Cairo
Pic: A 2011 picture of locals hiding for cover after a gunbattle in Cairo
15:51
At least 40 dead in truck bomb attack on police training center in Zliten, Libya, mayor says.
15:39 Pathankot attack: bodies of 4 militants sent for post-mortem
The bodies of the four militants gunned down in an encounter with security forces during the terror attack on the country's strategic air base in Pathankot were sent for post mortem today, while combing operations to "sanitise' the entire air base was on its last leg.
In all, six militants were killed in the attack which started in the early hours of Saturday.
While the bodies of four were found to be intact, the remaining two were blown into pieces. The bodies of four terrorists were brought to the civil hospital for the post-mortem examination, officials said adding that a team of four doctors would conduct the medical examination on them.
Meanwhile, the mop up operation continued today to fully sanitise the air force base. "Our work is in progress in the entire area,' Pathankot Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) R K Bakshi said. Security officials said that the combing operations will continue at the forward base where seven security personnel and six terrorists were killed.
In all, six militants were killed in the attack which started in the early hours of Saturday.
While the bodies of four were found to be intact, the remaining two were blown into pieces. The bodies of four terrorists were brought to the civil hospital for the post-mortem examination, officials said adding that a team of four doctors would conduct the medical examination on them.
Meanwhile, the mop up operation continued today to fully sanitise the air force base. "Our work is in progress in the entire area,' Pathankot Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) R K Bakshi said. Security officials said that the combing operations will continue at the forward base where seven security personnel and six terrorists were killed.
15:21 Govt says it accepts Congress demands on GST bill
The government today agreed to accept demands set by the Congress party to back a landmark tax reform, raising hopes a political standoff that blocked the measure throughout last year might be resolved.Parliamentary Affairs Minister Venkaiah Naidu also said the government was willing to bring forward the next parliament session to pass the proposed goods and services tax bill (GST) if Congress supports the measure.
The proposed tax, India's biggest revenue shake-up since independence in 1947, would seek to replace a slew of federal and state levies, transforming the nation of 1.2 billion people into a customs union.
Naidu met Congress leader Sonia Gandhi on Thursday to convey the government's decision. Gandhi, however, didn't assure him of her party's support.
"Sonia said they (Congress) will discuss among themselves and take a final decision," Naidu said. The Congress press team was not immediately available for comment.The Congress party, the original author of the tax reform, has opposed what it calls the "flawed" version now before parliament, where it has been able to block a key constitutional enabling amendment in the upper house.
The proposed tax, India's biggest revenue shake-up since independence in 1947, would seek to replace a slew of federal and state levies, transforming the nation of 1.2 billion people into a customs union.
Naidu met Congress leader Sonia Gandhi on Thursday to convey the government's decision. Gandhi, however, didn't assure him of her party's support.
"Sonia said they (Congress) will discuss among themselves and take a final decision," Naidu said. The Congress press team was not immediately available for comment.The Congress party, the original author of the tax reform, has opposed what it calls the "flawed" version now before parliament, where it has been able to block a key constitutional enabling amendment in the upper house.
15:13 PM's chai pe charcha with Sonia, other parties ahead of budget session
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has plans to invite leaders of major political parties in Parliament for tea at 7 Racecourse Road before Republic Day. The invitees have been identified and include Sonia Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge, Ghulam Nabi Azad and leaders of regional parties like the TMC, SP, BSP and Left Parties. This is aimed to ensure smooth functioning of the Budget session.
14:42 Be careful about what you post on WhatsApp
An administrator and a member of a WhatsApp group have been booked for allegedly posting objectionable content against a particular community at Kandhla town, police said today.
Admin of the group, Baram Saini and a member Deepak were yesterday booked by Kandhla police on the complaint of one Aslam, Circle officer N P Singh said. A case has been lodged under sections 153 (Promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion and doing acts prejudicial to maintenance of harmony), 153A and 295A (Deliberate and malicious acts, intended to outrage religious feelings) of the IPC, he said.
Admin of the group, Baram Saini and a member Deepak were yesterday booked by Kandhla police on the complaint of one Aslam, Circle officer N P Singh said. A case has been lodged under sections 153 (Promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion and doing acts prejudicial to maintenance of harmony), 153A and 295A (Deliberate and malicious acts, intended to outrage religious feelings) of the IPC, he said.
14:09 It's a first for Gajendra Chauhan
The first meeting of the newly constituted FTII Society in Pune chaired by Gajendra Chauhan, earlier today.
13:54 PM's sends messenger to Sonia to end Parliament logjam
Prime Minister Narendra Modi sent word today to Congress Chief Sonia Gandhi through Venkaiah Naidu to end the logjam in Parliament. Insiders speak with authority that President Pranab Mukherjee also played a key role to ensure that the government meets Congress leaders with a view to have an amicable solution to get bills passed.
13:51 Budget Session of Parliament to be advanced to February?
Political circles in New Delhi are agog with speculation that the Union Budget session will be advanced to early February so that the GST Bill can be passed and put into action by April.
Efforts to achieve this are being put to action. Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Venkaiah Naidu met Congress president Sonia Gandhi today to discuss the passage of critical bills in the upcoming budget session of Parliament.
The government is keen on passing the much-important Goods and Services Tax reform and the Real Estate bill, but the Congress stands as an impediment in its way, especially in the Rajya Sabha where the government does not enjoy a majority.
Naidu therefore seeks the cooperation of the Congress party in the passage of bills.
Efforts to achieve this are being put to action. Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Venkaiah Naidu met Congress president Sonia Gandhi today to discuss the passage of critical bills in the upcoming budget session of Parliament.
The government is keen on passing the much-important Goods and Services Tax reform and the Real Estate bill, but the Congress stands as an impediment in its way, especially in the Rajya Sabha where the government does not enjoy a majority.
Naidu therefore seeks the cooperation of the Congress party in the passage of bills.
13:31 State funeral for Mufti, national flag at half mast across country: MHA
The MHA has released a statement saying that the central government, while mourning the death of JK CM Mufti Mohammed Sayeed, said the national flag will fly at half mast across the country today. The government has also decided to accord a state funeral to the departed leader in Jammu and Kashmir.
Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, who died at a Delhi hospital today, will be laid to rest in his ancestral town of Bijbehara later in the day. "Mufti Sahib will be buried at his ancestral graveyard at Bijbehara today," PDP general secretary Rafi Ahmad Mir told PTI.
According to PDP sources, the mortal remains of the Chief Minister will be flown in from Delhi this afternoon and taken to his Gupkar residence for allowing the party workers and general public to pay their last respects. The body will be later taken to Bijbehara town, 41 kms from Srinagar, in south Kashmir Anantnag district for burial, the sources said.
Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, who died at a Delhi hospital today, will be laid to rest in his ancestral town of Bijbehara later in the day. "Mufti Sahib will be buried at his ancestral graveyard at Bijbehara today," PDP general secretary Rafi Ahmad Mir told PTI.
According to PDP sources, the mortal remains of the Chief Minister will be flown in from Delhi this afternoon and taken to his Gupkar residence for allowing the party workers and general public to pay their last respects. The body will be later taken to Bijbehara town, 41 kms from Srinagar, in south Kashmir Anantnag district for burial, the sources said.
13:19
Gajendra Chauhan chairs first meeting as FTII chairperson.
13:15
Just in: NIA submits report to the MHA on the Pathankot Attack.
13:07
Pavan Kapoor, presently High Commissioner of lndia in Maputo, has been appointed as the next Ambassador of lndia to lsrael.
12:56 Big B injures rib cage during 'TE3N' shoot
Megastar Amitabh Bachchan injured his rib cage while shooting for his upcoming drama "TE3N" here but assured fans not to worry. The 73-year-old actor said he suffered the injury last night and is taking pain killers.
"No nothing to worry... I have injured my rib cage, it pains and so when I breathe it hurts. Am doing ice-pack and pain-killers, spoken to my doctor... should take 48 hours to heal, he says. Else we do X-Ray or MRI or whatever he decides," Bachchan posted on his blog.
The "Piku" star has been shooting the film with Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Vidya Balan for sometime now. Despite the injury, the actor will be taking his friends and fans to watch "Wazir", which releases tomorrow. "Hurt rib from shoot .. but ok .. taking friends Ef to WAZIR at South City Mall, Kolkata this evening !! YEA."
"No nothing to worry... I have injured my rib cage, it pains and so when I breathe it hurts. Am doing ice-pack and pain-killers, spoken to my doctor... should take 48 hours to heal, he says. Else we do X-Ray or MRI or whatever he decides," Bachchan posted on his blog.
The "Piku" star has been shooting the film with Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Vidya Balan for sometime now. Despite the injury, the actor will be taking his friends and fans to watch "Wazir", which releases tomorrow. "Hurt rib from shoot .. but ok .. taking friends Ef to WAZIR at South City Mall, Kolkata this evening !! YEA."
12:54 Roosevelt and Stalin, Trump and Putin
The US Republican party presidential contender, Donald Trump, has promised to initiate a conversation with the Russian president, Vladimir Putin, to establish a new cooperative relationship between the United States of America and Russia. This brings to mind Susan Butler's recent book - trawled with due diligence in American and Russian archives - entitled Roosevelt and Stalin: Portrait of a Partnership. Read more
12:41 'Shocked and grieved' Jayalalithaa pays tribute
TN CM Jayalalithaa pays tribute: "Shocked and grieved to hear of the sad and untimely demise of MM Sayeed, he was one of the tallest leaders from J&K. Nation lost a great leader & a politician of great distinction. I convey my heartfelt condolences to his daughter and family."
12:38 Mufti Sahab was an embodiment of fragrant Kashmiriyat
BJP MP Tarun Vijay pays tribute: What made him so adored even among those who didn't agree with him? It was his sincerity and a clear heart that throbbed for Indian unity which won him admiration across the faults of the political divide. Read
12:23 Go back Chauhan protests ring out at FTII
Here's what's happening at FTII, Pune, where the much-loved Gajendra Chauhan is set to formally take over as the chairperson of the institute.
Police used force to disperse and round up a group of about 40 FTII students protesting against TV actor and BJP member Gajendra Chauhan.
Notwithstanding a warning issued by police yesterday to maintain peace on the eve of the first meeting of the new FTII Society headed by Chauhan, members of the FTII Students Federation (FSA) staged a protest demonstration at the institute's gate shouting "Gajendra Chauhan go back" which led to a scuffle between the students and police.
"We have been brutally targeted by police who lathi-charged us with the knowledge of FTII administration," alleged one of the students as he was put in a police van and whisked away. The students of the prestigious institution here were on a strike opposing Chauhan's appointment since June 12 last year and called it off on October 28 and returned to the classes.
An FSA representative Vikas Urs said, "We had withdrawn the strike but we have not given up our resistance to the wrong appointments. Police have attacked on our peaceful protesters in connivance with the FTII administration. Our protest will continue". "We had asked the students to demonstrate peacefully but we had to use force because they wanted to block the way to the institute and therefore we had to detain them. We used minimum force," said Tushar Joshi, Deputy Commissioner of Police who was on the spot.
The FSA has alleged that Chauhan lacks stature to head the FTII. A tough posture by the Information and Broadcasting Ministry which steadfastly refused to accept the FSA demand for removal of Chauhan, a crackdown on some students and their arrest subsequent to gherao of the institute director Prashant Pathrabe ultimately saw the long drawn out agitation by students fizzle out last year as they returned to academics.
Meanwhile, the first meeting of FTII Society scheduled to be held today at the campus, is likely to be attended among others by Anagha Ghaisas, Rahul Solapurkar, Shailesh Gupta and Narendra Pathak -- the members whose appointments have been objected by the FSA for being political and allegedly lacking in merit and stature for the post.
Police used force to disperse and round up a group of about 40 FTII students protesting against TV actor and BJP member Gajendra Chauhan.
Notwithstanding a warning issued by police yesterday to maintain peace on the eve of the first meeting of the new FTII Society headed by Chauhan, members of the FTII Students Federation (FSA) staged a protest demonstration at the institute's gate shouting "Gajendra Chauhan go back" which led to a scuffle between the students and police.
"We have been brutally targeted by police who lathi-charged us with the knowledge of FTII administration," alleged one of the students as he was put in a police van and whisked away. The students of the prestigious institution here were on a strike opposing Chauhan's appointment since June 12 last year and called it off on October 28 and returned to the classes.
An FSA representative Vikas Urs said, "We had withdrawn the strike but we have not given up our resistance to the wrong appointments. Police have attacked on our peaceful protesters in connivance with the FTII administration. Our protest will continue". "We had asked the students to demonstrate peacefully but we had to use force because they wanted to block the way to the institute and therefore we had to detain them. We used minimum force," said Tushar Joshi, Deputy Commissioner of Police who was on the spot.
The FSA has alleged that Chauhan lacks stature to head the FTII. A tough posture by the Information and Broadcasting Ministry which steadfastly refused to accept the FSA demand for removal of Chauhan, a crackdown on some students and their arrest subsequent to gherao of the institute director Prashant Pathrabe ultimately saw the long drawn out agitation by students fizzle out last year as they returned to academics.
Meanwhile, the first meeting of FTII Society scheduled to be held today at the campus, is likely to be attended among others by Anagha Ghaisas, Rahul Solapurkar, Shailesh Gupta and Narendra Pathak -- the members whose appointments have been objected by the FSA for being political and allegedly lacking in merit and stature for the post.
12:07 'Mufti now is very different from the Mufti of 2002'
So, what was Mufti Mohammad Sayeed all about.
Read Sheela Bhatt/Rediff.com's interview with former R&AW chief A S Dulat', where he says that "Mufti is much more mellowed, much more accommodating. He knows he is stuck and he knows that he cannot retreat now.'Not so many Pandits want to go back."
The complete interview here.
Read Sheela Bhatt/Rediff.com's interview with former R&AW chief A S Dulat', where he says that "Mufti is much more mellowed, much more accommodating. He knows he is stuck and he knows that he cannot retreat now.'Not so many Pandits want to go back."
The complete interview here.
12:05 Mufti's son, the cinematographer
While everyone knows Mufti's daughter Mehbooba Mufti, who will now take over as the next CM of J-K, Mufti also has two other daughters and a son. Tassaduq Hussain his only son, was the cinematographer in the critically acclaimed film Omkara. He was too young to enter politics, so the mantle fell on Mufti's eldest daughter, Mehbooba. Another daughter is of course, Dr Rubaiya Sayeed, who was abducted by Kashmiri militants in 1989. She was freed in exchange of the release of five militants.
Read Hussain's piece here.
Read about the impact of her Rubaiya Sayeed's abduction in this archival piece from Rediff.com.
Read Hussain's piece here.
Read about the impact of her Rubaiya Sayeed's abduction in this archival piece from Rediff.com.
11:54
Another picture of PM Modi laying a wreath at Mufti Mohammad Sayeed's coffin at Palam airport.
11:51
Mehbooba Mufti who will takeover as J-K CM will not take oath today. She is likely to take over only after the fourth day of mourning, say reports.
11:50
PM Modi lays a wreath at Mufti Mohammad Sayeed's coffin at Palam airport. The body will be taken Mufti's official residence where prayers will be held. Only after that will his mortal remains be taken to his ancestral home at Bijbehera in South Kashmir, about 48 km from Srinagar.
11:48 PM pays respects to Mufti at Palam airport, Rajnath to accompany body to Srinagar
PM Modi lays a wreath at the coffin of Mufti Mohammed Sayeed. He was accompanied by home minister Rajnath Singh who will be going to Srinagar to participate in the last rites.
Pic: A TV grab of the coffin at Palam airport.
Pic: A TV grab of the coffin at Palam airport.
11:42 PM to pay respects to Mufti at Palam airport
PM Modi to pay his respects to the mortal remains of Mufti Mohammad Sayeed at Palam airport in Delhi. The body has reached the airport.
Mufti is the second J&K Chief Minister to die in office, the first one being Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah who died on September 8, 1982. Sayeed's daughter 56-year-old Mehbooba is expected to take over as the first woman Chief Minister of the state with PDP leaders throwing their weight behind her. But this will require the approval of BJP. Sayeed is survived by his wife, three daughters and a son. Jammu and Kashmir government has declared a seven-day mourning and holiday today. Flags will be flown at half mast.
Mufti is the second J&K Chief Minister to die in office, the first one being Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah who died on September 8, 1982. Sayeed's daughter 56-year-old Mehbooba is expected to take over as the first woman Chief Minister of the state with PDP leaders throwing their weight behind her. But this will require the approval of BJP. Sayeed is survived by his wife, three daughters and a son. Jammu and Kashmir government has declared a seven-day mourning and holiday today. Flags will be flown at half mast.
11:38 Gajendra readies for Kurukshetra
Gajendra Chauhan reaches the FTII campus in Pune where students are protesting against him taking over as institute's chairman. He formally takes over as FTII chairman today.
Yudhishthir readies for Kurukshetra.
Yudhishthir readies for Kurukshetra.
11:33 'We have lost an outstanding public figure'
President Pranab Mukherjee pays tribute to the JK CM.
"Shri Mufti Mohammad Sayeed distinguished himself through remarkable political acumen and vision. Throughout his life, Shri Sayeed worked for the socio-political transformation & betterment of the State of J&K. In his passing away, we have lost an outstanding public figure who was always in touch with the grassroots of society. "
"Shri Mufti Mohammad Sayeed distinguished himself through remarkable political acumen and vision. Throughout his life, Shri Sayeed worked for the socio-political transformation & betterment of the State of J&K. In his passing away, we have lost an outstanding public figure who was always in touch with the grassroots of society. "
11:31 Mufti's last journey home
The mortal remains of Mufti Mohammad Sayeed being taken from AIIMS (Delhi). The body will be flown to Srinagar where it will be kept for people to pay homage. He is likely be buried in his ancestral village Bijbehera in South Kashmir, about 48 km from Srinagar.
11:25
Parliamentary Affairs Minister M Venkaiah Naidu meets Sonia Gandhi; seeks Congress' cooperation for passage of GST and Real Estate Bill.
11:22 Protesting FTII students lathicharged ahead of Gajendra Chauhan's visit
The contentious Film and Television Institute of India Society headed by actor Gajendra Chauhan is set to hold its first meeting at the institute campus today, almost six months after its reconstitution triggered protests and strike by students that lasted over four months.
Many students have been detained outside the campus and protesting students have been lathicharged.
With the institute anticipating trouble from the students during the meeting, the police had issued notices to 17 students asking them to refrain from any act of protest.
The 139-day strike by the students of the Pune-based Film and Television Institute of India ended in October with their main agenda -- the removal of Ganjendra Chouhan as chairperson of the institute and cancelling of the appointments of four members to the FTII society -- remaining unanswered.
Many students have been detained outside the campus and protesting students have been lathicharged.
With the institute anticipating trouble from the students during the meeting, the police had issued notices to 17 students asking them to refrain from any act of protest.
The 139-day strike by the students of the Pune-based Film and Television Institute of India ended in October with their main agenda -- the removal of Ganjendra Chouhan as chairperson of the institute and cancelling of the appointments of four members to the FTII society -- remaining unanswered.
11:15
Last rites of Mufti Mohammad Sayeed will take place today in Bijbehara.
11:07 Twitter fan turns Modi critic
Ever since Narendra Modi became prime minister in May 2014, his critics have not wasted a single moment or opportunity to harangue him but through it all his steadfast supporters have remained loyal.
As Modi nears the completion of two years in office, even the ardent NaMo fans (or bhakts, as they are referred to) is slowly beginning to lose patience at the way things are being run. Or not being run, it seems.
A straw in the wind, if you can call it that, is journalist Ravinar, who tweets as MediaCrooks and who has in the past held the flag aloft for Modi.
This morning he tweeted:
'Im not impressed by Madison Sq garden or NRI trips or Mann ki baat... Get down to business now @NarendraModi... Theres no second chance...'
'Empty blabber can only get you so far during euphoria... How are you going to protect & serve India? Answer that...'
'We worked very hard to expose and throw out corrupt Congress.... @narendramodi Whats the difference YOU are making? NOTHING SO FAR...'
So what next, will he now become the target of trolling by the other Modi fans?
This is what MediaCrooks has to say: 'Hahahahhaha... Nobody likes me... Im used to it... Im just trying hard to find a pink lipstick... LOL!'
Things should get livelier than they already are!
11:05 Opposition parties condole demise of Mufti
Opposition parties in Jammu and Kashmir today condoled the death of Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed as his predecessor, Omar Abdullah, saying he was saddened by the death. "Just heard the terrible terrible news of Mufti Sahib's passing away. I'm shocked & deeply saddened. May he rest in peace," Omar tweeted.
JKPCC chief Ghulam Ahmad Mir said Sayeed was the biggest pillar of the state. "Sayeed spent his entire life in politics and worked for the interests of the state. His endeavour was to end the uncertainty in the state," Mir told PTI.
CPI(M) MLA M Y Tarigami said it was a "very very sad moment for people of Jammu and Kashmir, which is already under stress and strain". Tarigami said the mature leadership of Sayeed will be missed greatly. "He was a man who had done a lot for the state in his long political career. He will be remembered for his efforts to bring the state out of the mess," he added.
JKPCC chief Ghulam Ahmad Mir said Sayeed was the biggest pillar of the state. "Sayeed spent his entire life in politics and worked for the interests of the state. His endeavour was to end the uncertainty in the state," Mir told PTI.
CPI(M) MLA M Y Tarigami said it was a "very very sad moment for people of Jammu and Kashmir, which is already under stress and strain". Tarigami said the mature leadership of Sayeed will be missed greatly. "He was a man who had done a lot for the state in his long political career. He will be remembered for his efforts to bring the state out of the mess," he added.
10:58 Priyanka Chopra wins for 'Quantico' at People Choice Awards
Bollywood star Priyanka Chopra has bagged the favourite actress in new TV series honour at the 2016 People Choice Awards for her performance of an FBI recruit on American show Quantico.
Priyanka becomes the first Indian actor to register a win at the People Choice Awards. She beat popular Hollywood and TV actresses like Emma Roberts, Jamie Lee Curtis, Lea Michele and Marcia Gay Harden to bag the award.
The 33-year-old actress took to Twitter to thank her fans, who voted for her.
"I am so fortunate! Thank you to everyone who voted for me at the #PCAs! My #PCManiacs-I am nothing without you! Big love," she tweeted alongside a photo of her posing with the black trophy.
Priyanka looked stunning in a glittering gold and silver dress by American fashion designer Vera Wang.
10:45 Sensex breaks; down over 350 points; Nifty struggles below 7650
Sensex cracks below 25,000-level for the first time since September 7; plunges 406.54 points to hit 24,999.79 on China rout.
At 10:42 am, the Sensex was down 371 points.
The global sentiment currently is extremely negative with the Chinese markets suspending trade today.
Lupin, Bharti Airtel, GAIL and Coal India are top gainers while Tata Motors, Maruti Suzuki, Tata Steel, M&M and Axis Bank are laggards in the Sensex.
Gold is near a seven-week high as investors channelled money into the safe-haven metal amid a global stock market rout, worries over the Chinese economy and heightened geopolitical tensions.
10:40
JUST IN: More than 20 students detained while protesting against Gajendra Chauhan outside FTII campus in Pune
09:33 Mufti sahab provided a healing touch to J&K: PM Modi
Some reactions on Mufti Mohammed Sayeed's demise:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi: Mufti sahab provided a healing touch to J&K through his leadership. He will be missed by all of us.
Rahul Gandhi, Congress: Extremely saddened to learn of the passing away of Mufti Mohammad Sayeed Saab. My condolences to his family and supporters. A veteran politician, he had a long & distinguished political career. His loss will be deeply mourned in J&K and across the country.
Home minister RajnathSingh: Deeply pained to learn of Mufti Mohammad Sayeed's demise. He was known for his love for common people. Mufti Sayeed had a wonderful understanding of complex issues pertaining to J&K. He wanted to bring permanent peace to the Valley.
President Pranab Mukherjee: Heartfelt condolences on the passing away of Jammu and Kashmir CM Mufti Mohammad Sayeed
Ram Madhav, BJP: Muftiji was a visionary leader who dedicated entire life to a united strong J&K and India. His demise at a crucial juncture is saddening.
Omar Abdullah, National Conference leader: Shocked and deeply saddened. May he rest in peace: on Mufti Mohammed Sayeed's death
09:30 7 months after appointment, Gajendra Chauhan to enter FTII today
Seven months after his controversial appointment, TV actor and BJP member Gajendra Chauhan is expected to take charge as FTII chairman today but he will face protests from students who went on an unprecedented 139-day strike demanding his removal.
The students of the prestigious institution in Pune were on a strike opposing Chauhan's appointment since June 12 last year and called it off on October 28 and returned to the classes.
However, unrelenting in their opposition to his appointment, the students said they will protest peacefully when he assumes charge.
The first meeting of the Film and Television of India (FTII) Society headed by Chauhan is to be held today at the FTII campus and will be attended by among others Anagha Ghaisas, Rahul Solapurkar, Shailesh Gupta and Narendra Pathak --the members whose appointments have been objected to by the FTII Students Association for being political and allegedly lacking in merit and stature for the post.
"We still have problem with these appointments and will continue to resist it unless concerned authorities put the FTII Society (which governs the institute) in abeyance.
09:26 Anti-submarine corvette INS Kadmatt to be commissioned today
'INS Kadmatt', the second indigenous stealth anti-submarine warfare corvette, will be commissioned by Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral R K Dhowan at naval dockyard in Visakhapatnam today.
A unique feature of the ship is the high level of indigenisation incorporated in the production, accentuating the national objective of 'Make in India'.
The ship has many state-of-the-art equipment which include the rail-less helo traversing system and foldable hangar door for the integral ASW helicopter which not only increases the strike capability of the ship, but also enhances the detection capability manifold, a defence release stated.
About 90 per cent of the ship is indigenous. It has been designed by the Navy's in-house organisation, the Directorate of Naval Design, and constructed by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Limited, Kolkata.
'Kadmatt' is the latest indigenous ship after 'Shivalik' class, 'Kolkata' class and 'INS Kamorta' wherein a plethora of weapons and sensors have been integrated to provide a 'Common Operational Picture (COP)'.
As an ASW corvette, the ship carries on the legacy of her predecessor INS Kadmatt (P 78), which served the Navy for 24 years from December 23, 1968 to November 30, 1992.
08:38 J&K CM Mufti Sayeed passes away
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mufti Mohammed Sayeed passed away in New Delhi on Thursday. He was 79.
Sayeed, detected with sepsis, decreased blood counts and pneumonia, was admitted to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences on December 24, with complains of neck pain and fever.
Since then, he continued to be in the Intensive Care Unit giving anxious moments to the doctors as his platelets dropped dangerously low.
08:20 Chinese stock markets suspended for day after shares fall 7%
China stock markets closed for the day less than half an hour after opening today when shares fell more than seven per cent, triggering an automatic "circuit breaker".
By 9:58 am, when the market halted trading, figures showed the benchmark Shanghai Composite Index had slumped 7.32 per cent, or 245.95 points, to 3,115.89.
The Shenzhen Composite Index, which tracks stocks on China's second exchange, had tumbled 8.35 per cent, or 178.08 points, to 1,955.88.
The "circuit breaker" went into force at the beginning of the year as part of efforts to reduce volatility on China's wild bourses, which plummeted in mid-2015, sending jitters through world markets.
It was triggered for the first time on Monday. The system is based on the CSI 300 index, which tracks the largest 300 stocks on the two exchanges. If it falls by five per cent, trading is initially suspended for 15 minutes.
"The use of the circuit breaker is the main reason for the falls as investors panicked after seeing it being triggered on Monday," Phillip Securities' analyst Chen Xingyu told AFP.
03:37 Nepalese PM to first visit India in Feb
Nepalese Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli will travel to New Delhi early next month on his first official foreign visit, his close aide said today, scotching speculation that the Communist leader would visit China ahead of India.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Kamal Thapa made the announcement, saying some agreements would also be signed with India to implement past understandings during his visit, amid hiccups in Indo-Nepal ties over the Madhesi issue.
Madhesis, largely of Indian-origin, are agitating over the new Constitution demanding more representation.
They are also protesting division of their ancestral homeland under the seven-province structure and have led an ongoing blockade of key border trade points with India.
03:32 Failure to pass GST may affect Govt's ability to ramp up spending: WB
The World Bank today warned that failure to pass the Goods and Services Tax bill by Parliament could hamper the Indian government's ability to ramp up spending on infrastructure.
"A failure to pass the Goods and Services Tax could hamper the government's ability to ramp up spending on infrastructure needs and preserve the status quo of fragmented domestic markets," it said in its latest report Global Economic Outlook. The Constitution Amendment bill to roll out GST is stuck in the Rajya Sabha where the ruling NDA does not have a majority of its own.
The bill is being opposed by Congress although many other opposition parties are on board. Congress is seeking three changes in the bill, including a constitutional cap on the GST rate, to support it. In its report, the World Bank said that risks are mostly of domestic origin and mainly on the downside.
03:32 Failure to pass GST may affect Govt's ability to ramp up spending: WB
The World Bank today warned that failure to pass the Goods and Services Tax bill by Parliament could hamper the Indian government's ability to ramp up spending on infrastructure.
"A failure to pass the Goods and Services Tax could hamper the government's ability to ramp up spending on infrastructure needs and preserve the status quo of fragmented domestic markets," it said in its latest report Global Economic Outlook. The Constitution Amendment bill to roll out GST is stuck in the Rajya Sabha where the ruling NDA does not have a majority of its own.
The bill is being opposed by Congress although many other opposition parties are on board. Congress is seeking three changes in the bill, including a constitutional cap on the GST rate, to support it. In its report, the World Bank said that risks are mostly of domestic origin and mainly on the downside.
02:36 US national indicted for using WMD in Afghanistan
A US court today indicted a 30-year-old American national for allegedly using weapons of mass destruction against a US military base in Afghanistan.
If convicted, Muhanad Mahmoud Al Farekh, faces a mandatory minimum sentence of seven years in prison and a maximum sentence of life imprisonment. According to court papers, Farekh assisted in the preparation of a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device for use in the attack at a US military base in Afghanistan.
On January 19, 2009, two co-conspirators drove vehicles to the US military base in Afghanistan. The first co-conspirator detonated the VBIED in his vehicle during the attack on the military base.
The second co-conspirator drove a truck containing a second VBIED to the military base, but did not detonate that device. Farekh's fingerprints were subsequently recovered from packing tape on the VBIED that did not detonate, federal prosecutors alleged.
Image for representation only
00:51 Amartya Sen hails Delhi governments odd-even rule
Nobel Laureate Amartya Sen today praised the Delhi government's car rationing 'odd-even' scheme saying he salutes the effort as air quality in India was in many ways worse than that of Beijing.
"I think, the most important thing that we learn from the odd and even (scheme) is that it is not just odd and even, which I of course salute. I am delighted that Delhi population has lived up to the expectations and thought of a problem before it arises," he said.
Sen, who won Nobel Prize for his contribution to welfare economics in 1998, was speaking in the "Nobel Solutions Summit" where six Nobel laureates from different fields of expertise from around the world came together to discuss biggest problems of mankind and propose possible solutions.
Drawing a sketchy comparison between the pollution and air quality between the Indian and the Chinese capitals, he said, "I think the difficulty is certain types of pollution are easy to see like the one in Beijing."
00:19 26/11 trial: Pak court reserves verdict on plea to examine boat
The Pakistani anti-terrorism court hearing the 2008 Mumbai attack case today reserved its verdict on the application of the prosecution to form a commission to examine the boat used by the 10 LeT terrorists to reach the Indian coast.
The prosecution, in the last hearing on December 23, had filed an application in the Anti-Terrorism Court Islamabad, seeking formation of a commission to examine the boat 'Al-Fauz' used by the Lashkar-e-Tayiba errorists so that the boat could be made "case property".
"Today the ATC held the hearing at the Adiala Jail Rawalpindi. Both prosecution and defence presented arguments on the matter and the court reserved its verdict," a court official told PTI after the hearing. "The court may announce its verdict before the next hearing," he said.
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