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Tue, 15 March 2016
AYUSH files plaint against 'RTI' claiming it denies jobs to Muslims
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23:36 AYUSH files plaint against 'RTI' claiming it denies jobs to Muslims
The AYUSH ministry on Tuesday filed a formal complaint with the Delhi Police asking them to probe the alleged 'fake' Right To Information query, in which journalist Pushp Sharma alleged that the Centre's discrimination against Muslims in the Yoga teachers' selection process for International Yoga Day is fabricated, adding that he has proof that all the RTI replies in his possession are authentic.
The Delhi Police have picked Sharma from his residence today evening for questioning and they are going through the complaint.
Apparently, Pushp Sharma has been arrested in connection with his story published by The Milli Gazette and other media outlets, portals and channels about an RTI reply received from the AYUSH ministry saying that as per the government policy, it did not recruit any Muslim as Yoga trainer.
Earlier, the ministry rejected a purported 'fabricated and mischievous' RTI reply which had claimed that the Centre does not recruit Muslims in the ministry as a policy.
The Delhi Police have picked Sharma from his residence today evening for questioning and they are going through the complaint.
Apparently, Pushp Sharma has been arrested in connection with his story published by The Milli Gazette and other media outlets, portals and channels about an RTI reply received from the AYUSH ministry saying that as per the government policy, it did not recruit any Muslim as Yoga trainer.
Earlier, the ministry rejected a purported 'fabricated and mischievous' RTI reply which had claimed that the Centre does not recruit Muslims in the ministry as a policy.
23:01 Dalit woman burnt to death by in-laws for dowry
A Dalit woman was allegedly burnt to death by her husband and in-laws over dowry demands at Berkhedi village in Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh today, police said.
The woman, identified as Rakhi, was married to Popin a month ago.
She was found burnt to death today, additional superintendent of police (Dehat) Jagdish Sharma said.
The victim's family alleged she was strangled to death and then burnt, the ASP said.
On the basis of a complaint lodged by the woman's family, a first information report was lodged by police following which her husband, brother-in-law and mother-in-law were arrested, Sharma said.
The body has been sent for post-mortem, police said.
The woman, identified as Rakhi, was married to Popin a month ago.
She was found burnt to death today, additional superintendent of police (Dehat) Jagdish Sharma said.
The victim's family alleged she was strangled to death and then burnt, the ASP said.
On the basis of a complaint lodged by the woman's family, a first information report was lodged by police following which her husband, brother-in-law and mother-in-law were arrested, Sharma said.
The body has been sent for post-mortem, police said.
22:36 Even after newspaper releases mail trail, Mallya denies interview
Reiterating his claim, beleaguered businessman Vijay Mallya on Tuesday said that he has not given any interview to anyone and the email account attributed to him is fake.
"I've not given any email or interview to anyone including Sunday Guardian, email account attributed to me does not belong to me," said Mallya.
Earlier, the owner of now defunct Kingfisher Airlines, denied that he has given an interview to The Sunday Guardian. In the interview, Mallya allegedly said that the time is not right to return to India.
Later, the newspaper released a chain of emails of its interview, purportedly with the former 'King of Good Times.'
Mallya has filed a complaint with the cyber police station in Mumbai in the issue, ANI reported.
22:08 Swacch drive carried out in PMO
It was the typical exercise of 'charity begins at home'.
With Swacch Bharat being one of the most prominent initiatives of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a special cleanliness-cum-beautification drive was carried out in the Prime Minister's Office over the last 15 days.
The drive resulted in the weeding out of over 10,000 files and the transfer of 1000 files of important archival value to the National Archives of India, a PMO statement said.
This was the third such major drive since Modi became the prime minister and altogether more than one lakh files have been weeded out since May 2014, it said.
As a result, two record rooms became available for alternative use, the statement said.
21:28 Turkey's military: 45 PKK rebels killed in air strikes
At least 45 Kurdish rebels were killed in Turkish air strikes against suspected militant targets in northern Iraq following the suicide car bombing in Ankara, AFP reported.
While the clashes in the mainly-Kurdish city of Diyarbakir left a police officer and three Kurdish militants dead.
Turkish F-16 and F4 jets struck Kurdistan Workers Party, or PKK, positions across the border in Iraq yesterday, a day after the attack which killed 37 people and wounded dozens of others.
21:15 Shots fired at Brussels police in raid linked to Paris attacks
Shots were fired today at Belgian police in the capital Brussels as they carried out an operation linked to the Paris attacks, Belgian prosecutors
said.
"Police were fired at," Eric Van Der Sypt, a spokesman for the federal prosecutor, told AFP adding that the search in the southern Forest district was "linked to the Paris attacks investigation".
Three police officers suffered slight injuries in two different shootouts in the same building in Belgium's capital, said Marie Verdete, a spokeswoman for police in south Brussels, reported CNN.
Two suspects were on the run after the incident, the Derniere Heure newspaper reported.
21:07 Brazil's Lula on verge of joining government: sources
Brazil's ex-president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva is about to join the government of his embattled protege and successor Dilma Rousseff, administration sources said, as both seek to save their political lives.
"There are two possibilities for Lula in the government: chief of staff or cabinet secretary," an administration source told AFP, saying the former president would travel to Brasilia Monday or Tuesday to discuss his options with Rousseff in person.
Speculation had swirled in recent days that such a move was imminent, as both Lula and Rousseff's political stars waned.
He is facing charges in a case linked to a massive corruption scandal, and she faces an impeachment drive, a deep recession and mass protests.
If confirmed, the move would spare Lula from facing trial in ordinary court over money-laundering charges tied to the multi-billion-dollar scandal at state oil giant Petrobras.
20:48 British codebreakers show Eisenhower letter on their success
British codebreakers cracked Nazi Germany's encrypted secrets but did such a good job of keeping silent that their work was nearly lost to history.
Now a letter from Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower is helping to underscore the importance of Bletchley Park, the once classified home of the World War II codebreakers.
The letter, unveiled for the general public today at the historic site, offers a heartfelt tribute to the codebreakers, who labored in
blacked-out rooms for years to crack the Enigma code and beat the Nazis.
20:31 Russia begins withdrawing forces from Syria
Russia began withdrawing its forces from Syria on Tuesday in a move that will leave behind both significant destruction and a Syrian regime to fend for itself to a much greater extent.
The first group of Russian planes left Hmeymim air base in Syria on Tuesday morning, the Russian Defense Ministry said.
Russia's surprise announcement Monday that it would withdraw from the conflict came as suddenly as its devastating airstrike campaign that started in September.
Read more HERE.
20:13 Amitabh Bachchan to sing National Anthem before India-Pak match
Bollywood superstar Amitabh Bachchan will sing the National Anthem before the start of the marquee India-Pakistan World Twenty20 cricket match at the Eden Gardens March 19.
Bachchan has confirmed the development by retweeting a post in his official Twitter handle while sources in the Cricket Association of Bengal today said this was an effort by its president Sourav Ganguly.
"The president was involved and the plan was on for a long time," CAB sources said. While the 'Big B' will sing the National Anthem in his signature baritone, Pakistan will also make their presence felt with classical singer Shafaqat Amanat Ali who is slated to sing the Pakistani National Anthem.
19:50 Pak invites Kashmiri separatist leaders for 'Pakistan Day' function
Hardline separatist leader Syed Ali Geelani and Asiya Andrabi among others have been invited by Pakistan to attend 'Pakistan Day' function at its high commission here.
Besides them, Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front chief Yasin Malik and Hurriyat's moderate faction chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq have also been called to attend the event, official sources said.
Pakistan's envoy Abdul Basit has invited Hurriyat leaders including Geelani, Andrabi, Malik, Farooq and others to attend the 'Pakistan Day' function on March 23, they said. Minister of State in Prime Minister's Office Jitendra Singh has also been invited to the function. However, sources said it is unlikely that he will attend the function. Pakistan has been inviting separatist leaders every year to attend the 'Pakistan Day' function at its high commission in the national capital.
Minister of State for External Affairs V K Singh had represented the government at the Pakistan National Day reception last year. The meetings of Kashmiri Hurriyat leaders with Pakistani establishments have always raised eyebrows.
In August last year, a controversy had erupted over the proposed meeting between former Pakistan's National Security Adviser Sartaz Aziz and Hurriyat leaders ahead of NSA-level talks in India. India had then advised Pakistan that it would not be appropriate for Sartaz Aziz to meet with the Hurriyat representatives. Pakistan had then called off the NSA talks between the two nations.
19:24 Bhujbal arrest: 150 protesting NCP workers detained; freed
Police today detained more than 150 workers of NCP from over half a dozen places here when they were staging "rasta roko" to protest the arrest of their leader Chhagan Bhujbal in a money laundering case. The NCP workers blocked road traffic at different places in the metropolis as part of their "rasta roko" protest.
They were detained from Bhandup, Vikhroli, Deonar, Goregaon, Worli, Bandra, Kurar and Chembur areas, said police. More than 150 NCP activists were detained and later released, they said.
Bhujbal, a former Maharashtra deputy chief minister, was arrested last night by the Enforcement Directorate after 10 hours of questioning here in connection with its probe in a money laundering case registered against him and others.
19:03 Horse injured by BJP MLA recovering, leg won't be amputated
Police horse Shaktiman which got injured during the BJP's protest march has been given medical assistance in Dehradun. Sadanand Date, senior superintendent of police says the operation has been successful. The horse had multiple fractures, which will heal and his leg does not need to be amputated. The horse had a four-hour surgery.
The horse deployed as part of mounted police was injured during a protest march by the Bharatiya Janata Party to the state assembly in Dehradun, Uttarakhand, on Monday with the ruling Congress alleging that it sustained injuries after being attacked by BJPs Mussoorie MLA Ganesh Joshi, a charge denied by the opposition party.
The incident happened during the BJPs march against 'corruption and poor law and order' to the state assembly which was stopped at barricades put up by the Uttarakhand police near Ripsana bridge, a few metres from the state assembly premises.
Hours after the incident, two videos, one of them purportedly showing
the horses broken hind leg and the other showing the BJP legislator
from Mussoorie attacking the horse with a baton from the front, went
viral sparking an allegation by Chief Minister Harish Rawats media
in-charge Surendra Kumar that the animal had fallen a victim to Joshis
cruelty.
18:51 BJP sacks Kirti Azad, Varun Gandhi, Dushyant Singh from Standing Committee
Just in: BJP decides to remove some members from standing committee as they were not regular, including Vinod Khanna, Kirti Azad, Varun Gandhi, SS Ahluwalia, Nand Kumar Chauhan, Om Birla, Ramesh Pokhriyal, Sanjay Jaiswal, Ganesh Singh, Dushyant Singh.
18:35
Just in: NCP leader Chhaggan Bhujbal breaks down in court. "I am a victim. I have done nothing wrong," he says.
18:03 India denies permission to 5 Pak diplomats for Kolkata T20
Just in: India refuses permission to five Pakistani diplomats to travel to Kolkata for the March 19 India-Pakistan World Twenty20 match. India has denied clearance saying the diplomats belong to the ISI and defence. The MEA says two other diplomats have been cleared to travel to India.
India's Deputy High Commissioner to Pakistan to be summoned by Pak MOFA over denial of travel permits to the five Pakistani officials.
A thick security blanket has been thrown around Eden Gardens and the hotel, where the Pakistan cricket team has been staying, in view of threat to the match.
India's Deputy High Commissioner to Pakistan to be summoned by Pak MOFA over denial of travel permits to the five Pakistani officials.
A thick security blanket has been thrown around Eden Gardens and the hotel, where the Pakistan cricket team has been staying, in view of threat to the match.
17:38 Real Estate Bill passed in both houses of Parliament
Just in: Real Estate Bill passed in both houses of Parliament. The bill seeks to protect the interests of property buyers against unscrupulous promoters and set up a sectoral watchdog. The opposition Congress party has said it favours the legislation.
The Real Estate Regulator (Regulation and Development) Bill, pending before parliament since 2013, got approval of the Rajya Sabha on March 10. A major benefit for consumers proposed in the bill is that builders will have to quote prices based on carpet area and not super built-up area, while carpet area has been clearly defined in the bill to include usable spaces like kitchen and toilets.
The bill makes it mandatory for all commercial and residential real estate projects where the land is over 500 square metres, or eight apartments, to register with the regulator for launching a project, in order to provide greater transparency in project-marketing and execution.
The Real Estate Regulator (Regulation and Development) Bill, pending before parliament since 2013, got approval of the Rajya Sabha on March 10. A major benefit for consumers proposed in the bill is that builders will have to quote prices based on carpet area and not super built-up area, while carpet area has been clearly defined in the bill to include usable spaces like kitchen and toilets.
The bill makes it mandatory for all commercial and residential real estate projects where the land is over 500 square metres, or eight apartments, to register with the regulator for launching a project, in order to provide greater transparency in project-marketing and execution.
16:45 Smriti Irani should go, says Kanhaiya leading 'azaadi' march
Kanhaiya Kumar, the JNU student charged with sedition, today denied that he had received any expulsion warning from the university. He led an "azaadi" protest march with five demands that include the exit of Education Minister Smriti Irani.
"I did receive a show-cause notice but there was nothing about rustication in it," Kanhaiya said. He was speaking to reporters shortly before he led a "march for democracy" in the heart of Delhi.
"We want the resignation of Smriti Irani, dropping of sedition charges, the release of two students from jail, no interferences in the university's autonomy and a law against caste politics in colleges," Kanhaiya told NDTV.
"I did receive a show-cause notice but there was nothing about rustication in it," Kanhaiya said. He was speaking to reporters shortly before he led a "march for democracy" in the heart of Delhi.
"We want the resignation of Smriti Irani, dropping of sedition charges, the release of two students from jail, no interferences in the university's autonomy and a law against caste politics in colleges," Kanhaiya told NDTV.
16:40 Thieves made merry at Sri Sri's festival; 70 FIRs filed, 30 held
Gangs from across the country targeted visitors at three-day World Culture Festival in the New Delhi amid high security and made away with valuable articles like laptops, jewellery and cash, leading to at least 70 FIRs and the police apprehending about 30 persons. Read more
16:36
Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar arrives in Pokhara, Nepal, to attend the 37th SAARC Council of Ministers Meeting.
16:26
The Mexican actress who dazzled El Chapo. Read more
16:15
Beware the Ides of March! Julius Caesar was assassinated on this day in 44 BC.
16:04 Nobody has made formal demand for repealing sedition law: Govt
No formal representation seeking review or repeal of the sedition law has been received by the government, Lok Sabha was informed today.
A total of 47 cases under this law were reported across the country in 2014 with only one conviction that year, the government said.
Responding to a question, Minister of State for Home Haribhai Parthibhai Chaudhary said, "The government has not received any formal representation regarding review/repeal of the sedition law."
He added, however, that in October, 2012, a request was made by the Home Ministry to the Ministry of Law and Justice to study the usage of the provisions of Section 124A of IPC and suggest amendments.
The law ministry requested the Law Commission to consider undertaking a comprehensive review of criminal laws in the country, he said.
15:26 Mother Teresa to be made a saint on September 4
Breaking news: Pope Francis says Mother Teresa of Calcutta is to be made a Roman Catholic Saint on September 4th.
The Vatican committee that approves elevations to sainthood met today to consider a recommendation that Mother Teresa becomes Saint Teresa, the Holy See announced.
With the long-awaited decision seen as a formality, Pope Francis has long been expected to sign a decree approving the canonisation of the 1979 Nobel peace prize winner and set a date and venue for it to happen.
The nun and missionary will be one of five candidates for sainthood considered by the Vatican panel tomorrow but by far the most high-profile.
What is unclear is whether the pope will bow to appeals from the Catholic Church in India and travel to Kolkata for the ceremony or, as Vatican sources say is more likely, preside over one in Rome.
The Vatican committee that approves elevations to sainthood met today to consider a recommendation that Mother Teresa becomes Saint Teresa, the Holy See announced.
With the long-awaited decision seen as a formality, Pope Francis has long been expected to sign a decree approving the canonisation of the 1979 Nobel peace prize winner and set a date and venue for it to happen.
The nun and missionary will be one of five candidates for sainthood considered by the Vatican panel tomorrow but by far the most high-profile.
Known across the world, Teresa was awarded the Nobel for her work with the poor, sick, old and lonely in the slums of Kolkata.
15:12
I-T Department slaps Rs 18,800 cr tax demand on UK's Cairn Energy; demand includes Rs 8,600 cr in interest back dated to 2007.
14:59
Author Arundhati Roy at an AISA protest march at Mandi House over the JNU row.
14:57 Delhi HC refuses to hear plea for action against Kanhaiya
The Delhi High Court refuses to entertain a plea for action against JNUSU President Kanhaiya Kumar for allegedly making anti-national remarks after securing bail in the sedition case.
The petition was filed in the high court today, seeking action against the JNU Students Union president on a sedition charge for saying that the Indian Army is responsible for raping women in Kashmir.
The petition said that Kanhaiya Kumar has sought azadi (freedom) for Kashmir, Nagaland and Assam where the government is an elected government voted by the people, said the plea, adding that he and his associates -- Anirban Bhattacharya and Umar Khalid -- have said that their fight for azadi would continue.
The plea sought the courts direction for investigation by the Intelligence Bureau into the issue.
Despite giving an undertaking to the court that he would not involve himself in any anti-national activities, Kanhaiya Kumars 45-minute speech after release from jail was controversial and faced the brunt of opposition.
Meanwhile, JNU leaders Umar Khalid and Anirban Bhattacharya's custody has been extended by 14 days.
The petition was filed in the high court today, seeking action against the JNU Students Union president on a sedition charge for saying that the Indian Army is responsible for raping women in Kashmir.
The petition said that Kanhaiya Kumar has sought azadi (freedom) for Kashmir, Nagaland and Assam where the government is an elected government voted by the people, said the plea, adding that he and his associates -- Anirban Bhattacharya and Umar Khalid -- have said that their fight for azadi would continue.
The plea sought the courts direction for investigation by the Intelligence Bureau into the issue.
Despite giving an undertaking to the court that he would not involve himself in any anti-national activities, Kanhaiya Kumars 45-minute speech after release from jail was controversial and faced the brunt of opposition.
Meanwhile, JNU leaders Umar Khalid and Anirban Bhattacharya's custody has been extended by 14 days.
14:20 B'desh central bank governor resigns over USD 100 mn heist
Bangladesh's central bank chief resigned today after hackers stole over USD 100 million from the nation's foreign reserves in what is believed to be the world's biggest ever bank theft that embarrassed the government. Atiur Rahman, 64, resigned over after a meeting with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
14:18
First group of Russian planes flies out of Syria base: defence ministry.
14:15 Afridi spoke his mind, not controversial: Younis
Pakistan cricket coach Waqar Younis today defended under-fire captain Shahid Afridi for his love for India statement, saying that there was nothing controversial in it and the all-rounder was merely expressing his emotions. "For me, I did not find anything controversial in it. This is something he felt. It's his emotions. I believe we should leave it at that rather than creating a controversy out of nothing. We're here to play cricket, to beat teams. To focus on cricket is a better idea," Younis said at the pre- match news conference in Kolkata. "My message to the boys is just leave everything behind. This is about playing some quality cricket, playing for the nation. They all are capable."
14:13 Under-fire Afridi skips practice
A day after creating a furore back home with his "love for India" statement, Pakistani skipper Shahid Afridi today skipped the team's training session, citing "fever", ahead of their ICC World Twenty20 opener against Bangladesh here tomorrow.
For his statement that he got "more love" in India than in Pakistan, Afridi received much flak back home yesterday with the legendary Javed Mianadad blasting him "shame on you".
Afridi meanwhile sought to douse the fire by saying that he did not intend to demean his nation and was merely trying to give a "positive message" by showing respect to the fans here.
Pakistani head coach Waqar Younis however said it's nothing to do with the controversy and added: "It's not like that. He was not feeling well in the morning... So it's better to take rest. It's hot and humid out there." Later, giving an update on Afridi, Pakistani team manager Intikhab Alam said he was running fever in the morning.
For his statement that he got "more love" in India than in Pakistan, Afridi received much flak back home yesterday with the legendary Javed Mianadad blasting him "shame on you".
Afridi meanwhile sought to douse the fire by saying that he did not intend to demean his nation and was merely trying to give a "positive message" by showing respect to the fans here.
Pakistani head coach Waqar Younis however said it's nothing to do with the controversy and added: "It's not like that. He was not feeling well in the morning... So it's better to take rest. It's hot and humid out there." Later, giving an update on Afridi, Pakistani team manager Intikhab Alam said he was running fever in the morning.
13:55 SC directs Swamy to amend petition challenging Jet-Etihad deal
Supreme Court directs Subramanian Swamy to amend his petition challenging Jet-Etihad deal. The Supreme Court also asks Swamy to make Air India, IndiGo, SpiceJet as parties in the Jet-Etihad petition. The hearing is on July 29.
Swamy had filed petition seeking to quash the deal on the ground that it was against public interest as there has been squandering of natural resource, that is the sky and airspace.
Swamy also earlier sought a CBI probe against government officials who had cleared the deal, while questioning governments decision to execute the agreement in favour of Abu Dhabi under the existing Air Service Agreement between the governments of India and United Arab Emirates.
The apex court had on December 6, 2013 made it clear that it would quash the Jet-Etihad Airways deal if any irregularities were found in it.
Swamy had filed petition seeking to quash the deal on the ground that it was against public interest as there has been squandering of natural resource, that is the sky and airspace.
Swamy also earlier sought a CBI probe against government officials who had cleared the deal, while questioning governments decision to execute the agreement in favour of Abu Dhabi under the existing Air Service Agreement between the governments of India and United Arab Emirates.
The apex court had on December 6, 2013 made it clear that it would quash the Jet-Etihad Airways deal if any irregularities were found in it.
13:48 Historic vote hands Myanmar first civilian prez in decades
Myanmar's lawmakers today elected a close aide and longtime friend of Aung San Suu Kyi to become the country's first civilian president in decades, a historic moment for the formerly junta-run nation. Htin Kyaw, 69, hailed his elevation to the top post as "Suu Kyi's victory", a clear nod to her plan for him to serve as a proxy for the Nobel laureate who is constitutionally barred from becoming president.
MPs erupted into applause after victory was announced following a lengthy ballot count by hand in the capital Naypyidaw in which Htin Kyaw took 360 of 652 votes cast.
Myanmar is in the grip of a stunning transformation from an isolated and repressed pariah state to a rapidly opening aspiring democracy.
Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy won a thumping victory at the polls in November, allowing her party to dominate Myanmar's two legislative houses.
But the military remains a powerful force in the Southeast Asian nation and has refused to change a clause in the junta-era constitution that bars Suu Kyi from top political office.
The veteran activist has instead vowed to rule "above" the next leader. Her choice of Htin Kyaw to act in her place is seen as a testament to her absolute faith in his loyalty.
"This is sister Aung San Suu Kyi's victory," the newly elected president told reporters after the vote. "Thank you." Htin Kyaw will take office on 1 April, replacing incumbent Thein Sein's five years of army-backed quasi-civilian leadership that has been lauded for steering the nation out from the shadow of outright military rule.
MPs erupted into applause after victory was announced following a lengthy ballot count by hand in the capital Naypyidaw in which Htin Kyaw took 360 of 652 votes cast.
Myanmar is in the grip of a stunning transformation from an isolated and repressed pariah state to a rapidly opening aspiring democracy.
Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy won a thumping victory at the polls in November, allowing her party to dominate Myanmar's two legislative houses.
But the military remains a powerful force in the Southeast Asian nation and has refused to change a clause in the junta-era constitution that bars Suu Kyi from top political office.
The veteran activist has instead vowed to rule "above" the next leader. Her choice of Htin Kyaw to act in her place is seen as a testament to her absolute faith in his loyalty.
"This is sister Aung San Suu Kyi's victory," the newly elected president told reporters after the vote. "Thank you." Htin Kyaw will take office on 1 April, replacing incumbent Thein Sein's five years of army-backed quasi-civilian leadership that has been lauded for steering the nation out from the shadow of outright military rule.
13:45 Don't believe in vendetta politics, Fadnavis says after Bhujbal's arrest
Chaggan Bhujbal's arrest comes up for discussion in the Maharashtra Assembly. CM Devendra Fadnavis says Bhujbal has been arrested by the Enforcement Directorate on the basis of evidence found in the investigation against him.
Fadnavis tells the Assembly, "Hum badle ki karyavahi nahi karte hain. Agar koi ghotaala hua hai toh kya jaanch agencies haath pe haath daalkar baithe rahenge? We do not believe in the politics of vendetta. But if there is a scam, should investigative agencies sit around and do nothing?"
NCP leader and former Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Chhagan Bhujbal was arrested Monday evening after being questioned for over nine hours by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in an alleged money laundering case which the agency claims caused a loss of Rs 870 crore
Fadnavis tells the Assembly, "Hum badle ki karyavahi nahi karte hain. Agar koi ghotaala hua hai toh kya jaanch agencies haath pe haath daalkar baithe rahenge? We do not believe in the politics of vendetta. But if there is a scam, should investigative agencies sit around and do nothing?"
NCP leader and former Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Chhagan Bhujbal was arrested Monday evening after being questioned for over nine hours by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in an alleged money laundering case which the agency claims caused a loss of Rs 870 crore
13:28
Congress worker Sunil Kumar hacked to death by alleged Democratic Youth Front of India activists in Alappuzha, Kerala.
13:14 Mass killer Breivik to sue Norway for 'inhuman treatment'
Mass killer Anders Behring Breivik goes to court on Tuesday to accuse the Norwegian state of inhuman treatment, in a case that is raising questions about how to deal with a man who killed 77 people in 2011.
The militant right winger is appearing in public for the first time since his 2012 trial. In that time, he has had just one visitor, his mother, who was allowed into prison and gave him a hug shortly before she died of cancer in 2013. Read more
The militant right winger is appearing in public for the first time since his 2012 trial. In that time, he has had just one visitor, his mother, who was allowed into prison and gave him a hug shortly before she died of cancer in 2013. Read more
12:51 When the Goa CM turned down invite to party with Mallya
Goa Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar has said that he had once turned down an invitation by beleaguered liquor tycoon Vijay Mallya to attend his birthday celebrations in the state.
"He (Mallya) had invited me for his birthday. He had sent his officer who had said there is a room booked for me," Parsekar told reporters last evening.
"I folded my hands and told him that I am better off in my home," the Chief Minister said. On allowing banks to confiscate Mallya's mansion - Kingfisher Villa - Parsekar said law will take its own course.
"I have heard that he has a property in Goa somewhere. If it is to be attached then law will take its own course," Parsekar said.
Under fire over dues running to the tune of Rs 9,000 crore of long-grounded Kingfisher Airlines in unpaid loans and interest, Mallya left the country on March 2, triggering a political row with Congress and BJP trading charges.
The Enforcement Directorate(ED) has summoned the liquor baron to appear before it in Mumbai on March 18 as part of its money laundering probe over the alleged default of payment of dues to IDBI bank by Kingfisher Airlines.
"He (Mallya) had invited me for his birthday. He had sent his officer who had said there is a room booked for me," Parsekar told reporters last evening.
"I folded my hands and told him that I am better off in my home," the Chief Minister said. On allowing banks to confiscate Mallya's mansion - Kingfisher Villa - Parsekar said law will take its own course.
"I have heard that he has a property in Goa somewhere. If it is to be attached then law will take its own course," Parsekar said.
Under fire over dues running to the tune of Rs 9,000 crore of long-grounded Kingfisher Airlines in unpaid loans and interest, Mallya left the country on March 2, triggering a political row with Congress and BJP trading charges.
The Enforcement Directorate(ED) has summoned the liquor baron to appear before it in Mumbai on March 18 as part of its money laundering probe over the alleged default of payment of dues to IDBI bank by Kingfisher Airlines.
12:38 Then They Came For ..
Whether all the leading public intellectuals of our times have suddenly decided to go for a break -- now that Kanhaiya Kumar is out of jail -- or are thinking that the impending storm would peter away on its own. Anyone who has closely followed the public hounding of two of the finest human beings of our times -- Prof Nivedita Menon and Gauhar Raza -- and the silence which has followed with it ( barring a statement signed by many and few articles here and there on some webmagazines ) would understand what does that mean.
While Prof Menon is being targetted because of airing of selective quotes from one of her lectures, Gauhar has been put under the scanner because of his participation in Indo-Pak mushaira. It is clear that one of his poems -- focussing on the dangerous cocktail of religion and politics '" which he recited there, has infuriated them. Read more
While Prof Menon is being targetted because of airing of selective quotes from one of her lectures, Gauhar has been put under the scanner because of his participation in Indo-Pak mushaira. It is clear that one of his poems -- focussing on the dangerous cocktail of religion and politics '" which he recited there, has infuriated them. Read more
12:33 Chhota Rajan's house exists -- only in passport: CBI
Underworld don Chhota Rajan provided a false house address in Karnataka to get a passport in the name of a fictitious Mohan Kumar, according to a chargesheet the CBI filed in a court.
Not just this, he used a fake voter identity card and a fake ration card to secure the travel document in the name of Mohan Kumar.
When Chhota Rajan was caught in Indonesia in October, he had a passport issued in the name of Mohan Kumar. Deported to New Delhi in November, the don is now lodged in Tihar Central Jail.
The chargesheet, filed before Special Judge Vinod Kumar last month, alleges that Chhota Rajan got his fake passport from Bengaluru in 1998-99 allegedly in connivance with then passport officers -- Jayashree Dattatray Rahate, Deepak Natvarlal Shah and Lalitha Lakshmanan -- in the name of a fictitious Mohan Kumar, whose address was given as 107/B Old M.C. Road, Azad Nagar, Mandya, Karnataka.
"The given address of Mohan Kumar does not exist in Old M.C. Road and Azad Nagar areas of Mandya," the chargesheet said.
The CBI said an inspection by revenue officials of the municipality in the presence of independent witnesses, including the municipal councillor, too confirmed the truth.
Postal workers also confirmed that house number 107/B does not exist in Old MC Road and Azad Nagar areas of Mandya and no Mohan Kumar ever lived there, the CBI added.
The CBI said no voter identity card and ration card was issued in the name of Mohan Kumar in that address.
The agency said that Rajendra Sadashiv Nikalje alias Chhota Rajan submitted an application on December 10, 1998 at the Regional Passport Office in Bengaluru for a re-issue of a passport he claimed to hold.
But that passport, which was expiring and which numbered F004555, was in the name of one Enyat Akmal Khan. It had been issued on January 20, 1989.
The CBI has booked Rajan and the others on charges of criminal conspiracy, cheating, cheating by impersonation and forgery.
Chhota Rajan is wanted in over 85 cases, ranging from murder to extortion, smuggling and drug trafficking. He has cases pending against him in Maharashtra, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat and with the CBI.
Not just this, he used a fake voter identity card and a fake ration card to secure the travel document in the name of Mohan Kumar.
When Chhota Rajan was caught in Indonesia in October, he had a passport issued in the name of Mohan Kumar. Deported to New Delhi in November, the don is now lodged in Tihar Central Jail.
The chargesheet, filed before Special Judge Vinod Kumar last month, alleges that Chhota Rajan got his fake passport from Bengaluru in 1998-99 allegedly in connivance with then passport officers -- Jayashree Dattatray Rahate, Deepak Natvarlal Shah and Lalitha Lakshmanan -- in the name of a fictitious Mohan Kumar, whose address was given as 107/B Old M.C. Road, Azad Nagar, Mandya, Karnataka.
"The given address of Mohan Kumar does not exist in Old M.C. Road and Azad Nagar areas of Mandya," the chargesheet said.
The CBI said an inspection by revenue officials of the municipality in the presence of independent witnesses, including the municipal councillor, too confirmed the truth.
Postal workers also confirmed that house number 107/B does not exist in Old MC Road and Azad Nagar areas of Mandya and no Mohan Kumar ever lived there, the CBI added.
The CBI said no voter identity card and ration card was issued in the name of Mohan Kumar in that address.
The agency said that Rajendra Sadashiv Nikalje alias Chhota Rajan submitted an application on December 10, 1998 at the Regional Passport Office in Bengaluru for a re-issue of a passport he claimed to hold.
But that passport, which was expiring and which numbered F004555, was in the name of one Enyat Akmal Khan. It had been issued on January 20, 1989.
The CBI has booked Rajan and the others on charges of criminal conspiracy, cheating, cheating by impersonation and forgery.
Chhota Rajan is wanted in over 85 cases, ranging from murder to extortion, smuggling and drug trafficking. He has cases pending against him in Maharashtra, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat and with the CBI.
12:20 Trump favours Indian students staying back in US
Surprise! Trump wants Indians in US.
Indians studying in American educational institutions should not be kicked out as the country needs smart people like them, Republican presidential front-runner Donald Trump has said as he sought to set the record straight about his immigration policies.
"Whether we like that or not, they pay, et cetera, et cetera but we educate a lot of people, very smart people. We need those people in the country," Trump, 69, told Fox News in an interview when asked about his views on legal immigration.
"They cannot come into the country. You know, they go to Harvard, they are first in their class and they're from India they go back to India and they setup companies and they make a fortune and they employ lots of people and all of that," he said. "Many people want to stay in this country and then want to do that. I think somebody that goes through years of college in this country we shouldn't kick them out the day they graduate, which we do," Trump said clarifying his position on certain aspect of H-1B visas.
Trump has been widely accused of having an "all or nothing" stance when it comes to immigrants. There are about the roughly 11 million undocumented immigrants in the United States. He has been advocating the scrapping of the H-1B visa programme from the beginning of his campaign as he thinks it is "very unfair" for American workers and has been taking away their jobs.
IT professionals from India and major Indian IT companies are beneficiary of H-1B, a non-immigrant visa in the US which allows US employers to temporarily employ foreign workers in speciality occupations.
Indians studying in American educational institutions should not be kicked out as the country needs smart people like them, Republican presidential front-runner Donald Trump has said as he sought to set the record straight about his immigration policies.
"Whether we like that or not, they pay, et cetera, et cetera but we educate a lot of people, very smart people. We need those people in the country," Trump, 69, told Fox News in an interview when asked about his views on legal immigration.
"They cannot come into the country. You know, they go to Harvard, they are first in their class and they're from India they go back to India and they setup companies and they make a fortune and they employ lots of people and all of that," he said. "Many people want to stay in this country and then want to do that. I think somebody that goes through years of college in this country we shouldn't kick them out the day they graduate, which we do," Trump said clarifying his position on certain aspect of H-1B visas.
Trump has been widely accused of having an "all or nothing" stance when it comes to immigrants. There are about the roughly 11 million undocumented immigrants in the United States. He has been advocating the scrapping of the H-1B visa programme from the beginning of his campaign as he thinks it is "very unfair" for American workers and has been taking away their jobs.
IT professionals from India and major Indian IT companies are beneficiary of H-1B, a non-immigrant visa in the US which allows US employers to temporarily employ foreign workers in speciality occupations.
12:15 The man who will be designing the RSS trousers
Months before award-winning designer Suket Dhir created waves across the globe with his win at the International Woolmark Prize 2015-16 for menswear, he was making history with his design ideas for RSS's new look. Dhir is largely responsible for Sangh's fashion makeover as it renounces its century-old tradition of the khaki half-pants for trousers. Read more
11:54 Mallya disowns UK paper interview, dubs it 'total fake'
Liquor baron Vijay Mallya, who left India in the first week of March even as a probe was being activated against him for defaulting on a massive loan of more than Rs.9000 crore, on Tuesday distanced himself from reported interview given to the UK daily The Sunday Guardian, which quoted him as having said that the time was not "right" for him to return to India.
"Shocked to see Sunday Guardian's claim that I exchanged mails with them from my proton mail account. Have never heard of proton mail before. Sunday Guardian's claim that I wrote to them from my so called proton mail account to the reporters proton mail account is a total fake," Mallya tweeted on his official Twitter page.
"Never ever had nor do I have a proton mail e-mail account. As I said earlier, I have never ever heard of proton mail," he added. The leading daily, however, has released emails of Mallya, saying it stands by its interview.
"The Sunday Guardian stands by its interview of Mr Vijay Mallya. This was given to the newspaper on 12 March 2016. Mr. Mallya personally responded to our email questionnaire from his encrypted email id: vjmallya@protonmail.com. This id was confirmed to us by his legal counsel's office on 8 March. To a questionnaire sent to Mr Mallya on 10 March, he replied via email on 12 March," the newspaper website said.
"For reasons that are not clear, Mr Mallya has sought to distance himself from the interview. We, however, stand by our report. The email trail is attached," it added.
The Enforcement Directorate ( ED) has summoned the liquor baron to appear before it in Mumbai on March 18 as part of its money laundering probe in the alleged default in payment of Rs 900 crore dues to IDBI bank by Kingfisher Airlines
"Shocked to see Sunday Guardian's claim that I exchanged mails with them from my proton mail account. Have never heard of proton mail before. Sunday Guardian's claim that I wrote to them from my so called proton mail account to the reporters proton mail account is a total fake," Mallya tweeted on his official Twitter page.
"Never ever had nor do I have a proton mail e-mail account. As I said earlier, I have never ever heard of proton mail," he added. The leading daily, however, has released emails of Mallya, saying it stands by its interview.
"The Sunday Guardian stands by its interview of Mr Vijay Mallya. This was given to the newspaper on 12 March 2016. Mr. Mallya personally responded to our email questionnaire from his encrypted email id: vjmallya@protonmail.com. This id was confirmed to us by his legal counsel's office on 8 March. To a questionnaire sent to Mr Mallya on 10 March, he replied via email on 12 March," the newspaper website said.
"For reasons that are not clear, Mr Mallya has sought to distance himself from the interview. We, however, stand by our report. The email trail is attached," it added.
The Enforcement Directorate ( ED) has summoned the liquor baron to appear before it in Mumbai on March 18 as part of its money laundering probe in the alleged default in payment of Rs 900 crore dues to IDBI bank by Kingfisher Airlines
11:51 Prayers to Mother India cannot hide efforts to suppress dissent
To someone who agrees with neither Jawaharlal Nehruvian students nor self-proclaimed nationalists, their views must sound parochial. The comparison may not be obvious, for parochial conventionally means limited to a small region. But it will become clearer if we look at the etymology of parochial. Oikos means a house in Old Greek. Paraoikos means someone near the house, a neighbour; that leads to paroikia, a neighbourhood. Once Christianity arrived in Greece, the meaning became more specific: the neighbourhood of a church. Those living in the neighbourhood would go to church; they would be homogeneous in their religious belief, or parochial. So if we remove the judgmental part, parochial means sharing a belief. Nationalism in the sense it has acquired in Delhi is quintessentially parochial: it is a shared belief in a goddess called Bharatmata. Read more
11:36
Just in: Suu Kyi close aide voted Myanmar's next president.
11:32 The Red Earth that made Kanhaiya Kumar
"The blood that runs in the veins of our family can never be anti-national. They called Kanhaiya a traitor for questioning the Indian Army. Do they know that our cousin was killed by militants in Manipur while serving with the CRPF?
"Kanhaiya Kumar will eventually leave the headlines, but on the verandah of his family home in Bihat, he will be in the news for a long time. For the old comrades in the village -- also known as 'Bihar's Leningrad' -- clinging to the vestiges of Communism, Kanhaiya has stoked Marxism's dying red embers, at least for now.
Archana Masih/Rediff.com travels to the land of Lal Salam to find out what moulded India's most talked about student leader. Read
"Kanhaiya Kumar will eventually leave the headlines, but on the verandah of his family home in Bihat, he will be in the news for a long time. For the old comrades in the village -- also known as 'Bihar's Leningrad' -- clinging to the vestiges of Communism, Kanhaiya has stoked Marxism's dying red embers, at least for now.
Archana Masih/Rediff.com travels to the land of Lal Salam to find out what moulded India's most talked about student leader. Read
11:27 No Dalit in JNU probe panel that calls for rustication of Kanhaiya, say students
A high-level inquiry committee formed to look into the February 9 incident on the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) campus has recommended the rustication of JNU student union president Kanhaiya Kumar, Anirban Bhattacharya and Umar Khalid for a certain period for "violating university rules,' sources in the university administration said. At least 21 students have been served show-cause notice for "violating
the rules and regulations of university' at the February 9 event.
One of the students who have been served a show-cause notice says there is no Dalit member in the probe panel and neither is there any reason given in the show-cause notice. The student told NDTV that the probe panel was formed only to penalise students.
JNU teachers association also asked for the probe panel report to be made public and asked that the evidence based on which rustication has been recommended be disclosed.
The five-member committee has also recommended imposing a fine on some students, including JNU Students Union president Kanhaiya Kumar, who were present at the event.
However, a final call will be taken by the office of the Chief Proctor. A meeting in this connection has been scheduled for Friday.
Kanhaiya, Umar Khalid and Anirban Bhattacharya were arrested by the Delhi Police on sedition charge for allegedly raising slogans in support of the 2002 Parliament attack convict Afzal Guru.
While Kanhaiya was released on bail earlier this month, Aniraban Bhattacharya and Khalid are still in judicial custody.
One of the students who have been served a show-cause notice says there is no Dalit member in the probe panel and neither is there any reason given in the show-cause notice. The student told NDTV that the probe panel was formed only to penalise students.
JNU teachers association also asked for the probe panel report to be made public and asked that the evidence based on which rustication has been recommended be disclosed.
The five-member committee has also recommended imposing a fine on some students, including JNU Students Union president Kanhaiya Kumar, who were present at the event.
However, a final call will be taken by the office of the Chief Proctor. A meeting in this connection has been scheduled for Friday.
Kanhaiya, Umar Khalid and Anirban Bhattacharya were arrested by the Delhi Police on sedition charge for allegedly raising slogans in support of the 2002 Parliament attack convict Afzal Guru.
While Kanhaiya was released on bail earlier this month, Aniraban Bhattacharya and Khalid are still in judicial custody.
11:08 UN Security Council praises Russia's Syria pullout
The UN Security Council views Russia's decision to begin withdrawing from Syria as a positive step, the body's president has said. The council discussed the surprise Russian announcement during a closed-door meeting, when it also heard a report from UN envoy Staffan de Mistura on a new round of peace talks that opened in Geneva.
"The decision just announced today by the Russian president -- that's a positive step," said Angolan Ambassador Ismael Gaspar Martins, who holds the council's rotating presidency this month. "That's what we like to see."
President Vladimir Putin announced that Russia will begin withdrawing the bulk of its forces from Syria starting on Tuesday. The Kremlin leader said his forces had achieved their military goals and expressed hope that peace talks will yield a settlement to end the five-year war.
"The decision just announced today by the Russian president -- that's a positive step," said Angolan Ambassador Ismael Gaspar Martins, who holds the council's rotating presidency this month. "That's what we like to see."
President Vladimir Putin announced that Russia will begin withdrawing the bulk of its forces from Syria starting on Tuesday. The Kremlin leader said his forces had achieved their military goals and expressed hope that peace talks will yield a settlement to end the five-year war.
11:07 P&G stops sale of 'Vicks Action 500 Extra' after govt ban
FMCG firm Procter and Gamble (P&G) has discontinued manufacture and sale of its popular brand 'Vicks Action 500 Extra' with immediate effect after the government banned fixed dose combination drugs.
"The Government of India has prohibited the manufacture for sale, sale and distribution of fixed dose combination drugs (Paracetamol + Phenylephrine + Caffeine) with immediate effect," Pfizer said in a BSE filing. It further said: "Our product 'Vicks Action 500 Extra' has the same fixed dose combination and gets covered under notification. we have discontinued the manufacture and sale of all SKUs of 'Vicks Action 500 Extra with immediate effect."
Yesterday, drug majors Pfizer and Abbott stopped sale of their popular cough syrups Corex and Phensedyl respectively, after the government banned over 300 fixed dose combinations (FDCs) drugs. The two companies, however, said they are exploring "all options" to counter the impact of ban.
"The Government of India has prohibited the manufacture for sale, sale and distribution of fixed dose combination drugs (Paracetamol + Phenylephrine + Caffeine) with immediate effect," Pfizer said in a BSE filing. It further said: "Our product 'Vicks Action 500 Extra' has the same fixed dose combination and gets covered under notification. we have discontinued the manufacture and sale of all SKUs of 'Vicks Action 500 Extra with immediate effect."
Yesterday, drug majors Pfizer and Abbott stopped sale of their popular cough syrups Corex and Phensedyl respectively, after the government banned over 300 fixed dose combinations (FDCs) drugs. The two companies, however, said they are exploring "all options" to counter the impact of ban.
10:58 Mallya's date with Enforcement Directorate clashes with F1 opener
Drinks tycoon and motor racing boss Vijay Mallya faces a sensitive diary clash this week as the season-opening Australian Formula One Grand Prix coincides with an appointment to appear before the Enforcement Directorate.
Mallya, under pressure from banks to repay $1.4 billion (Rs 9,000 crore) owed by his collapsed Kingfisher Airlines, left India for Britain on March 2. His departure sparked outrage in Parliament, after creditors had asked courts to ensure he stayed in the country.
A senior official from the Enforcement Directorate said last week that Mallya had been summoned for questioning this Friday as part of an investigation related to one of the bank loans.
Friday is also the first official practice day before Sunday's Australian Grand Prix. Mallya, who co-owns Britain-based team Force India and regularly attends races, did not respond to a request for comment on whether he plans to go.
If he does, without first making a pit stop back home, it is likely to trigger further uproar in India.
Read more HERE
10:55 YSRC to move no-confidence motion against AP Speaker
A day after it lost the motion of no-confidence against the Andhra Pradesh government, the opposition YSR Congress today issued a notice to move a similar motion against Legislative Assembly Speaker Kodela Sivaprasada Rao.
YSRC MLA Kotamreddy Sridhar Reddy and others were signatories to the notice seeking to move the no-confidence motion against the Speaker.
The notice was handed over to the Legislature Secretary (in-charge) K Satyanarayana Rao ahead of the start of the day's proceedings.
At least 50 legislators are required to support the motion when it is moved for the leave of the House for the no-confidence motion to be admitted.
The YSRC, which technically has 67 members in the 175-member AP Assembly, lost the motion of no-confidence against the Council of Ministers yesterday. The motion was defeated by voice vote at the end of a nearly nine-hour acrimonious debate in the House late last night.
10:43 Engine of passenger train derails in Chhattisgarh; none hurt
The engine of a passenger train derailed in a forest pocket of Chhattisgarh's insurgency-hit Dantewada district today but no one injured in the incident.
As per preliminary information, the engine of Kirandul-Visakhapatnam jumped off the track at around 7:40 am near Kamaloor under Bhansi police station limits while it was heading towards Visakhapatnam, Dantewada Superintendent of Police Kamlochan Kashyap said.
"However no one was reported to be injured in the accident," he added.
Security forces have been dispatched to the spot after getting report in this regard.
Besides, railway personnel also rushed to the scene along with a repairing team to restore the track, he said.
Naxals' role can't be ruled out in the incident but the exact reason will be known once the police party and railway personnel will reach there and carry out investigation, the SP said.
10:33 Chidambaram admits to 'editorial' changes in Ishrat Jahan files
Former finance minister P Chidambaram has admitted to having made "editorial" changes to the affidavits filed in the Ishrat Jahan case.
Chidambaram was replying to a question at the launch of a book Standing Guard -- A Year in Opposition written by him, at a hotel in Mumbai.
Chidambaram said: "It was drafted, went to the attorney general, came to me. I, with a compulsive habit of all lawyers, made small editorial changes. This is a habit of all lawyers. Any lawyer would put a comma here and there or strike out a word.
"I don't think any of the files that came to me went back without making a change. That is a habit to make small changes here and there. Then the file went back to the home secretary. The files passed the home secretary's table at least three times."
"And now they say those papers are missing. To whose advantage has the vetted draft gone missing? I want the vetted draft. To whose interest is to say that the draft is missing? There is nothing to hide. I think the mystery has been unravelled now," he added.
Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday ordered an 'internal inquiry' to probe how files concerning the affidavits filed in the Ishrat Jahan case have gone missing, said informed sources.
Former home secretary GK Pillai had also claimed that there was "political interference" in the case which led to the deletion of reference to Lashkar-e-Taiba from the revised affidavit filed in 2009.
10:29 More trouble for Mallya; fresh non-bailable warrants issued in cheque bounce case
In more trouble to liquor baron Vijay Mallya, fresh non bailable warrants have been issued against him and now defunct airlines Kingfisher CFO in cheque bounce case.
The Police has been asked to produce them by March 29. Five more non bailable warrants issued by 11th Magistrate Court Erramanzil judge Ranjoji on Monday against Mallya and KFA CFO.
It may be recalled that a Hyderabad court has earlier issued a non-bailable warrant against the beleaguered businessman after he failed to appear before it in a cheque dishonour case amounting to Rs 50 lakh.
GMR Hyderabad International Airport Ltd, or GHIAL, which runs Hyderabad's Rajiv Gandhi International Airport had filed a petition in the court seeking Mallya's prosecution for defaulting on payments and cheating them by allegedly issuing cheques that bounced.
Meanwhile, the Central Bureau of Investigation has decided to get Letters Rogatory (LR) issued to seek details of liquor baron Vijay Mallya's properties and investments abroad.
10:27 'Sidelined' BJP veteran Yashwant Sinha to hold 'Budget workshop' for Delhi MLAs
Apparently sidelined senior BJP leader Yashwant Sinha, who had served as finance minister in former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee's cabinet, will hold an orientation programme for Delhi finance minister, finance secretary and MLAs on state's budget and its process on Tuesday.
Delhi government officials had earlier approached the former finance minister seeking his directions on making the budget.
An invitation by the Delhi assembly to BJP veteran Yashwant Sinha -- to conduct a 'budget workshop' for MLAs -- had created a flutter in political circles, with speculation about the sidelined BJP leader being wooed by the AAP.
However, functionaries of the assembly maintained that such workshops with political leaders across party lines have been routinely held in the past.
10:22 Why Chhagan Bhujbal is on slippery ground today
Chhagan Bhujbal has come a long way from being a one-time vegetable vendor to one of the most powerful politicians in the state, is in big trouble today.
The former Maharashtra deputy chief minister was always controversy's child. As he has grown in stature, he has regularly fallen and risen like a phoenix.
However, this time, things may have got too murky for Bhujbal to come out unscathed. The Maharashtra Sadan scam, the Kalina library land case and misappropriation of funds and misuse of property in the Mumbai Educational Trust case together may prove too much for the feisty OBC leader to battle.
Read Neeta Kolhatkar's take on why Bhujbal is on slippery ground today. Click HERE
10:14 India vs New Zealand WT20: Google commemorates with doodle!
Google has come up with a new doodle on Tuesday to mark the opening match of the ICC World T20 between India and New Zealand on its India homepage.
Today's doodle features crossed cricket bats with ball on top and the caption reading 'The Black caps take on the Men in Blue'.
Dhoni and his men begin their campaign in the World T20, Group 2 league match against New Zealand at Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium, Nagpur.
This is the first time ever that the Twenty20 is being hosted in India. Seven Indian cities are hosting matches at the tournament, with the final to be played at Eden Gardens, Kolkata.
09:15 Chhagan Bhujbal to be produced before court today
Senior NCP leader and former Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Chhagan Bhujbal will be produced before Special PMLA Court in Mumbai Sessions Court on Tuesday.
He was arrested on Monday night by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) here after 10 hours of questioning in connection with its probe in a money laundering case registered against him and others.
According to an ED official, the arrest of the former PWD minister was effected under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) after he allegedly refused to cooperate during questioning.
The agency also recorded his statement in the case.
The agency has filed two FIRs against Bhujbal, his son and nephew and others under the provisions of PMLA, based on Mumbai Police FIRs, to probe the Delhi-based Maharashtra Sadan construction scam and the Kalina land grabbing case.
09:08 Naga accord: Kiren Rijiju to respond in Lok Sabha today
Minister of State for Home Affairs Kiren Rijiju will today make statement on Naga peace accord in Lok Sabha.
The accord was signed in August 2015 in presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Home Minister Rajnath Singh had earlier refuted Rahul Gandhi's claim that he was not informed before signing a peace pact with Naga insurgent group NSCN-IM saying the Congress vice-president's statement was 'completely false and baseless' and he 'misled' Parliament.
The home minister's reaction came after the Congress vice president told the Lok Sabha that Singh was not aware of Naga peace accord which was signed in August 2015 in presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
08:57 E-catering service extended to 408 major railway stations
Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu will today launch station-based e-catering at all the 408 major stations in the country, expanding the IRCTC's popular facility that allows travelling passengers to order food of their choice from leading Railway and private caterers to be delivered at the stations.
The facility is only for stations and not on moving trains.
An official said the new facility has been launched in accordance with this year's Railway Budget announcement and it is also in conformity with the Prime Minister's 'Digital India' vision.
There are four ways for booking food at stations. One has to dial 1323 and make payment on cash on delivery.
Secondly, one can download "Food on Track" app on Android or Ios platforms, order food and make payment either in advance or through COD.
Thirdly, food can be ordered on IRCTCs e-catering website -- ecatering.irctc.co.in -- make online payment in advance or through COD. Lastly, passengers can choose to SMS to 139 by giving details of their PNR and seat number.
IRCTC has already collaborated with major food suppliers and aggregators like Bikanerwala, Nirulas, Sagar Ratna, Sarvana Bhavan, Haldiram, Street Foods, KFC, McDonald, Domino's and Pizza Hut.
Besides e-catering, IRCTC makes available meals supplied by its own Jan Ahaars (budget food), Food Plazas and Fast Food Units.
08:51 Vatican set to elevate Mother Teresa to sainthood
The Vatican committee that approves elevations to sainthood will meet today to consider a recommendation that Mother Teresa becomes Saint Teresa, the Holy See announced.
With the long-awaited decision seen as a formality, Pope Francis is expected to sign a decree approving the canonisation of the 1979 Nobel peace prize winner and set a date and venue for it to happen.
The nun and missionary will be one of five candidates for sainthood considered by the Vatican panel tomorrow but by far the most high-profile.
The canonisation is widely expected to take place on September 4, the eve of a previously-scheduled celebration of her memory.
What is unclear is whether the pope will bow to appeals from the Catholic Church in India and travel to Kolkata for the ceremony or, as Vatican sources say is more likely, preside over one in Rome.
Known across the world, Teresa was awarded the Nobel for her work with the poor, sick, old and lonely in the slums of Kolkata.
08:50 JNU students to march to Parliament to seek release of Umar, Anirban
Taking a step forward in their agitation JNU students will today march to Parliament demanding release of Umar Khalid, Anirban Bhattacharya and SAR Geelani who are jail in a sedition case.
Students union president Kanhaiya Kumar who was released on bail on March 3, is also likely to participate in the march which will start from Mandi House at 2 pm.
The third in the series of "People's march to save democracy" will be in solidarity with the trio who are facing sedition charges in connection with separate events against hanging of Parliament attack convict Afzal Guru during which anti-national slogans were allegedly raised.
"Similar protests will be in held in Bengaluru and Hyderabad where universities have come out in our support condemning the witch-hunt of students," Shehla Rashid Shora, vice president of the JNU Students Union said.
08:40 Kejriwal to visit BSP founder Kanshi Ram's native village in Punjab
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal will today visit the native village of BSP founder Kanshi Ram in Punjab on his birth anniversary.
This will be the AAP chief's second visit to the assembly poll-bound state, which has a sizable Dalit population, in a fortnight.
Party sources said Ram's family invited the AAP chief to their village. The BSP founder was born in Pirthipur Bunga village of Punjab.
"He has been invited by the family of Kanshi Ram and villagers of Bunga. So, he will be visiting them on March 15, Ram's birth anniversary," said an AAP leader.
Assembly poll in Punjab is slated for early next year.
08:36 Putin orders withdrawal of Russian forces from Syria
Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered the defence ministry to begin the withdrawal of Russian forces from Syria on Tuesday.
"The task that was set before our defence ministry and armed forces has as a whole been completed and so I order the defence ministry to from tomorrow start the withdrawal of the main part of our military contingents from the Syrian Arab Republic," Putin told Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu in televised comments.
08:33 IS commander 'Omar the Chechen' dead, US confirms
A top Islamic State group commander known as "Omar the Chechen" is dead after suffering injuries in a US-led coalition strike in northeastern Syria, the Pentagon has confirmed.
The announcement would appear to clear up the fate of the notorious Omar al-Shishani, a week after a US official said the most-wanted terrorist had been targeted in a March 4 attack on the jihadist's convoy.
"We believe he subsequently died of his injuries," Navy Captain Jeff Davis, a Pentagon spokesman, said.
On Sunday, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights monitoring group said Shishani had been "clinically dead" for several days.
Shishani -- the nom de guerre of Tarkhan Batirashvili -- was one of the IS leaders most wanted by Washington, which put a $5 million bounty on his head.
08:31 N Korea claims nuclear warhead re-entry test a success
North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un today said the country has successfully lab-tested a nuclear warhead re-entry, as he ordered upcoming warhead detonation and ballistic missile tests, just weeks after being slapped with tough, new UN sanctions.
The test had provided a "sure guarantee for the reliability of the inter-continental ballistic missile (ICBM) warhead re-entry," Kim was quoted as saying by the North's official KCNA news agency today.
A proven ability to build a warhead capable of standing the intense heat and vibration of atmospheric re-entry would be a major step-up in North Korea's nuclear strike capability, comprising a clear threat to the US mainland.
The latest claim follows more than a week of dire threats and warnings by Pyongyang of strikes against Seoul and Washington over ongoing South Korea-US large scale military exercises.
Kim's comments also came days after he was photographed posing with what state media said was a miniaturised nuclear warhead capable of fitting on a ballistic missile.
08:30 US man jailed 150 years for abusing girls in Russia
A Los Angeles man was sentenced to 150 years in prison for raping a 12-year-old girl while in Russia and vowing to sever her head if she went to authorities.
US District Judge Otis Wright yesterday called Yusef Abramov, 58, "the ultimate predator" in handing down the sentence.
According to the charge sheet, Abramov, who has dual US and Russian citizenship, preyed on schoolgirls during repeated visits to Russia.
In June 2009, he raped a 12-year-old girl and threatened to decapitate her and play soccer with her head if she told anyone of the abuse.
Several months later, he again traveled to Russia and abused minor girls.
The following March, believing that his victims had contacted the police, he and two accomplices cornered the girls and gang-raped them. Wright during the sentencing recalled the sheer terror of one of the victims when called to testify during the case.
03:54 Mumbai delivers best quality of life in India, says report
Mumbai topped the list among 21 big cities in a survey conducted to assess the capability of city administration to deliver better quality of life over the medium and long term.
According to a Times of India report, while the maximum city moved eight places from last year, Thiruvananthapuram retained the second position. Delhi ranked slipped to sixth position from five in 2014 while Bhubaneswar, which ranked number one in the smart cities contest recently, came 18th in the list.
The Annual Survey of India's City-Systems survey conducted by Janaagraha Centre for Citizenship and Democracy, covered 18 states.
According to the report, all the 21 cities had very low score when compared to cities such as London and New York, indicating the need to push major reforms in municipal governance as pressure increases on major urban centres.
Read the full report HERE
According to a Times of India report, while the maximum city moved eight places from last year, Thiruvananthapuram retained the second position. Delhi ranked slipped to sixth position from five in 2014 while Bhubaneswar, which ranked number one in the smart cities contest recently, came 18th in the list.
The Annual Survey of India's City-Systems survey conducted by Janaagraha Centre for Citizenship and Democracy, covered 18 states.
According to the report, all the 21 cities had very low score when compared to cities such as London and New York, indicating the need to push major reforms in municipal governance as pressure increases on major urban centres.
Read the full report HERE
03:09 Afridi slapped with 'treason' case for 'we get more love in India' remark
Shahid Afridi was today dragged to court for 'committing treason' and 'hurting sentiments' of Pakistanis, a day after his statement that the national cricket team was 'loved more in India' than in Pakistan.
A senior lawyer served a legal notice on the 36-year-old Pakistan T20 cricket captain for his statement in India yesterday ahead of the World T20 tournament. "I have served a legal notice on Shahid Afridi and 'de facto' chairman of Pakistan Cricket Board Najam Sethi for their love for India over Pakistan. I have also written to PCB Chairman Shahryar Khan to launch an inquiry into the statement of Afridi in India," advocate Azhar Saddique said.
"Afridi has let down the whole Pakistani nation for expressing more love for India than Pakistan. In fact he has committed treason. Now who will ensure that Pakistani team will play against India in Kolkata in T20 match to win," said Saddique.
Asked about the damages he is claiming in his lawsuit, Saddique said, "My notice is (just) to tell Afridi that he has hurt the sentiments of Pakistanis and for PCB to take action against him".
Siddique also asked Afridi to apologise to the nation.
At a press conference in Kolkata, Afridi had said, "I've not enjoyed playing anywhere as much as I have in India. I am in the last stage of my career and I can say that the love I have got in India is something that I will always remember. We have not got this much love even from Pakistan. There are cricket-loving people here, much like in Pakistan. Overall, I've enjoyed a lot playing in India in my cricketing career".
Saddique said Afridi's insensitive statement has not only hurt the sentiments of Pakistanis but also made his (Afridi) life vulnerable.
"God forbid if Pakistan loses match against India, Afridi keeping in view his 'pro-India' statement nobody here will forgive him ever," he said, adding Afridi is neither an ambassador nor a diplomat and he made 'uncalled for comments' which he should take back.
"The PCB should investigate the role of Najam Sethi as he might have pushed Afridi to speak in favour of India. Sethi always advocates Indian cause," he said.
The notices have been sent to the residences of Afridi and Sethi.
Meanwhile, in Karachi, Aamir Nawaz, an advocate, filed a petition in the Sindh high court in which he pleaded that with his remarks Afridi had hurt the sentiments of the Pakistani nation and requested the court to restrain the all-rounder from making such statements in future.
The petition and also sought a directive to the Pakistan Cricket Board to take disciplinary action against him.
"I think being the national captain and a ambassador of the country in India, Afridi's remarks were totally out of line and uncalled for," Nawaz told the media.
"He needs to be disciplined by the board as he has caused embarrassment to the cricket loving people of Pakistan," he said.
A senior lawyer served a legal notice on the 36-year-old Pakistan T20 cricket captain for his statement in India yesterday ahead of the World T20 tournament. "I have served a legal notice on Shahid Afridi and 'de facto' chairman of Pakistan Cricket Board Najam Sethi for their love for India over Pakistan. I have also written to PCB Chairman Shahryar Khan to launch an inquiry into the statement of Afridi in India," advocate Azhar Saddique said.
"Afridi has let down the whole Pakistani nation for expressing more love for India than Pakistan. In fact he has committed treason. Now who will ensure that Pakistani team will play against India in Kolkata in T20 match to win," said Saddique.
Asked about the damages he is claiming in his lawsuit, Saddique said, "My notice is (just) to tell Afridi that he has hurt the sentiments of Pakistanis and for PCB to take action against him".
Siddique also asked Afridi to apologise to the nation.
At a press conference in Kolkata, Afridi had said, "I've not enjoyed playing anywhere as much as I have in India. I am in the last stage of my career and I can say that the love I have got in India is something that I will always remember. We have not got this much love even from Pakistan. There are cricket-loving people here, much like in Pakistan. Overall, I've enjoyed a lot playing in India in my cricketing career".
Saddique said Afridi's insensitive statement has not only hurt the sentiments of Pakistanis but also made his (Afridi) life vulnerable.
"God forbid if Pakistan loses match against India, Afridi keeping in view his 'pro-India' statement nobody here will forgive him ever," he said, adding Afridi is neither an ambassador nor a diplomat and he made 'uncalled for comments' which he should take back.
"The PCB should investigate the role of Najam Sethi as he might have pushed Afridi to speak in favour of India. Sethi always advocates Indian cause," he said.
The notices have been sent to the residences of Afridi and Sethi.
Meanwhile, in Karachi, Aamir Nawaz, an advocate, filed a petition in the Sindh high court in which he pleaded that with his remarks Afridi had hurt the sentiments of the Pakistani nation and requested the court to restrain the all-rounder from making such statements in future.
The petition and also sought a directive to the Pakistan Cricket Board to take disciplinary action against him.
"I think being the national captain and a ambassador of the country in India, Afridi's remarks were totally out of line and uncalled for," Nawaz told the media.
"He needs to be disciplined by the board as he has caused embarrassment to the cricket loving people of Pakistan," he said.
02:11 Egypt's Justice Minister sacked after comment on Prophet
Egypt's Justice Minister has been 'relieved' of his post, amid widespread criticism of televised comments he made that many considered blasphemous.Ahmed al-Zind was stood down on Sunday, according to Egyptian state media.
No official reason was given for the sacking but the move comes days after al-Zind, in response to a television host's question regarding whether he would imprison journalists, answered: "Even if it was Prophet [Mohammed]."
The comment caused widespread criticism on social media and spawned a Twitter hashtag calling for him to be tried.Al-Zind quickly issued an apology, describing the comment as a 'slip of the tongue'.
Read HERE
No official reason was given for the sacking but the move comes days after al-Zind, in response to a television host's question regarding whether he would imprison journalists, answered: "Even if it was Prophet [Mohammed]."
The comment caused widespread criticism on social media and spawned a Twitter hashtag calling for him to be tried.Al-Zind quickly issued an apology, describing the comment as a 'slip of the tongue'.
Read HERE
01:11 EC orders removal of posters, banners lauding Mamata govt
The Election Commission tonight ordered 'immediate removal' of all hoardings and banners across West Bengal depicting the achievements of the Mamata Banerjee government and asked officials to ensure compliance with its orders.
The Election Commission took the decision in Kolkata after meeting representatives of political parties.
The chief election commissioner and fellow election commissioners were in West Bengal on Monday to review the preparedness for the six-phased assembly elections in the state beginning April 4.
Sources said it was pointed out to the poll panel that various government buildings were still displaying hoardings and banners showing the achievements of the Trinamool Congress dispensation.
Though the model code of conduct came into force on March 4 following the announcement of polls, certain officials were reluctant to take action, they said.
Now the EC has asked officials to take steps to remove banners and hoardings which violate the provisions of the model code, sources said.
The Election Commission took the decision in Kolkata after meeting representatives of political parties.
The chief election commissioner and fellow election commissioners were in West Bengal on Monday to review the preparedness for the six-phased assembly elections in the state beginning April 4.
Sources said it was pointed out to the poll panel that various government buildings were still displaying hoardings and banners showing the achievements of the Trinamool Congress dispensation.
Though the model code of conduct came into force on March 4 following the announcement of polls, certain officials were reluctant to take action, they said.
Now the EC has asked officials to take steps to remove banners and hoardings which violate the provisions of the model code, sources said.
00:27 BJP, CPI-M workers clash in Kerala; 16 injured
Former Kerala Bharatiya Janata Party state president V Muraleedharan was among 16 persons injured in a clash between workers of the party and Communist Party of India-Marxist at nearby Kattayikonam today.
A procession of BJP activists on certain local issues resulted in the clash with CPI-M workers, police said.
The clash occurred after stones were allegedly pelted at the processionists, they said, adding most of the injured were BJP workers.
The 16 injured were treated at the Medical College Hospital, sources in the hospital said. BJP has called for a 12-hour hartal tomorrow in the district protesting the attack on its workers by CPI-M.
A procession of BJP activists on certain local issues resulted in the clash with CPI-M workers, police said.
The clash occurred after stones were allegedly pelted at the processionists, they said, adding most of the injured were BJP workers.
The 16 injured were treated at the Medical College Hospital, sources in the hospital said. BJP has called for a 12-hour hartal tomorrow in the district protesting the attack on its workers by CPI-M.
00:07 Ajit Pawar will also go to jail, says Somaiya after Bhujbal's arrest
Lauding the Centre and the state government for the arrest of former Maharashtra deputy chief minister and Nationalist Congress Party leader Chhagan Bhujbal, Bharatiya Janata Party MP Kirit Somaiya on Monday said that the investigation into the irrigation scam is in the final phase and like Bhujbal, NCP leaders Ajit Pawar and Sunil Tatkare would also have to go to jail.
"It is a great achievement of the Modi and Fadnavis governments. At last, all these scandalous people are being sent to jail. The investigation into the irrigation scam is in the final phase, and I am very much certain that like Chhagan Bhujbal, Ajit Pawar and Sunil Tatkare will also have to go jail," Somaiya was quoted as saying by ANI.
Meanwhile, the NCP alleged vendetta politics by the BJP over the arrest of Bhujbal, adding that the party would fight the matter politically in the court of law.
"This is absolutely a vendetta politics done by the Bharatiya Janata Party. Since four-five years, they were alleging this kind of false allegation. To give support to this kind of an allegation, they have taken action. He (Bhujbal) was cooperating to the enquiry. There was no need to arrest him," NCP leader Nawab Malik said.
"It is a great achievement of the Modi and Fadnavis governments. At last, all these scandalous people are being sent to jail. The investigation into the irrigation scam is in the final phase, and I am very much certain that like Chhagan Bhujbal, Ajit Pawar and Sunil Tatkare will also have to go jail," Somaiya was quoted as saying by ANI.
Meanwhile, the NCP alleged vendetta politics by the BJP over the arrest of Bhujbal, adding that the party would fight the matter politically in the court of law.
"This is absolutely a vendetta politics done by the Bharatiya Janata Party. Since four-five years, they were alleging this kind of false allegation. To give support to this kind of an allegation, they have taken action. He (Bhujbal) was cooperating to the enquiry. There was no need to arrest him," NCP leader Nawab Malik said.
00:04 Top headlines at this hour
Chhagan Bhujbal arrested in money laundering case
Afzal Guru row: JNU issues show-cause notice to 21 students
Good news for ex-servicemen: Centre releases new pensionary benefits
Charge sheet filed against 35 FTII students for gherao of director
Ethics Committee takes up Mallya issue
The most successful team in WT20? It's all here!
Afzal Guru row: JNU issues show-cause notice to 21 students
Good news for ex-servicemen: Centre releases new pensionary benefits
Charge sheet filed against 35 FTII students for gherao of director
Ethics Committee takes up Mallya issue
The most successful team in WT20? It's all here!
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