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Tue, 10 May 2016
Bangladesh hangs Motiur Rahman Nizami for war crimes
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23:51 Bangladesh hangs Motiur Rahman Nizami for war crimes
Bangladesh hangs Jamaat-e-Islami chief Motiur Rahman Nizami for war crimes committed during 1971 Liberation War against Pakistan.
"Nizami did not seek mercy. The executive order to carry out the death sentence has been sent to the prison authorities," Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan said tonight.
His comments came as elite anti-crime Rapid Action Battalion joined police to step up security around the Dhaka Central Jail in old part of the capital. The jail guards have beefed up the security inside the facility.
The street in front of the jail has also been barricaded and closed to traffic.
73-year-old Nizami's family members, including his wife, two sons and their wives, went to the jail this evening after prison officials asked them to go and meet him for the last time, bdnews24 reported.
23:47 Suicide blast kills at least 10 in eastern Afghanistan
A suicide car bomber detonated outside the home of an anti-Taliban fighter in the eastern Afghan province of Nangarhar today, killing at least ten people and wounding 23 more, local officials said.
The bomber "detonated his explosives-laden car outside the house of a local 'uprising' commander this evening", said Nangarhar police chief Zrawar Zahed, referring to Afghan villagers who take up arms against the Taliban with the government's backing.
A spokesman for the Nangarhar governor confirmed the attack in Nazyan district, and said 10 "civilians" had been killed with 23 wounded.
22:50 Facebook denies anti-conservative bias, censorship
Facebook today denied allegations from a former news curator that it scrubs its site of articles by and about political conservatives.
Tech news outlet Gizmodo reported yesterday that a former news curator at the social media giant has alleged that articles from politically conservative outlets -- particularly when written about conservative subjects -- were deliberately omitted from Facebook's "trending news" sidebar of popular stories.
"I'd come on shift and I'd discover that Conservative Political Action Conference or (former presidential candidate) Mitt Romney or (radio talk show host) Glenn Beck or popular conservative topics wouldn't be trending because either the curator didn't recognize the news topic or it was like they had a bias," the individual told Gizmodo anonymously.
The charges unleashed a fierce debate in the US media and on the social network itself, which has some 1.6 billion users around the globe.
But the Silicon Valley-based Facebook, a dominant player in the social media world, denied having an anti-conservative bias.
22:29 Militants exchange gunfire with forces in north Kashmir's Kupwara
Army and suspected militants on Tuesday exchanged gunfire in Handwara area of north Kashmir's Kupwara district.
An official said that militants exchanged fire with army and SOG of Jammu and Kashmir police in Bawan Watsar area of Rajwar in Handwara.
More details awaited.
22:24 Atomic oxygen detected in Martian atmosphere
Atomic oxygen has been detected in the atmosphere of Mars, according to NASA.
The atoms were discovered in the Martian mesosphere, the upper layers of the red planet's atmosphere. This discovery will enable researchers to have a better understanding of the elusive Martian atmosphere.
Atomic oxygen can help scientists determine atmospheric erosion and how other gases escape Mars. It also affects the radiative cooling from the carbon-dioxide bands in the Martian thermosphere, which is above the mesosphere.
The atomic oxygen discovery was made using an instrument on board the Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy, or SOFIA. SOFIA is a Boeing 747SP jet that has been modified for research purposes to carry a 100-inch diameter telescope.
Read more HERE.
21:56 Jamaat-e-Islami chief to be executed tonight: B'desh minister
Fundamentalist Jamaat-e-Islami chief Motiur Rahman Nizami will be executed tonight after he refused to seek presidential clemency for war crimes committed during Bangladesh's 1971 Liberation War against Pakistan, Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan said.
"He will be executed later tonight," Khan told PTI.
Khan said Nizami, the 73-year-old chief of Bangladesh's largest Islamist party, preferred not to seek presidential clemency, his last chance to save his neck "because he understood the crimes he had committed were unpardonable".
"Nizami did not seek mercy. The executive order to carry out the death sentence has been sent to the prison authorities," Khan said.
The minister's comments came minutes after Nizami's family members came out of Dhaka Central Jail after their final meeting with him.
Witnesses said three cars carrying over 20 close relatives including his wife, two sons, their wives and a daughter reached the heavily guarded jail at 7.50 pm (local time) and came out at 8.40 pm (local time).
"We were asked by the jail officials to come to the prison as we earlier requested for the (last) meeting," one of the relatives told reporters outside the prison gate.
Four other 1971 war crimes convicts were hanged earlier soon after their last meeting with family members.
21:49 Want to work for women empowerment: CS topper
Citing less number of working women in Haryana, Civil Services exam topper Tina Dabi on Tuesday said she wants to work in the neighbouring state to contribute in empowerment of fairer sex there.
"I always wanted to work in a challenging state. That is why I chose Haryana. We all know the sex ratio of girl and boy child is quiet less and that is why I would like to contribute my efforts for the empowerment of women there," she said.
Twenty two year old Tina has graduated from Lady Shri Ram college in New Delhi, topped the 2015 Civil Services exam in her first attempt.
"My mother is my role model. She wanted me to study political science. I chose it and got through in the examination. It was one of my main subjects," she said, crediting her mother, a former Indian Engineering Service
officer, who took voluntary retirement from the job.
Tina's father Jaswant is a serving Indian Telecom Service officer. "It is the best day of my life," he said.
Tina was born in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh. She did her schooling from Carmel Convent School there.
Elaborating more on her choice of Haryana as preferred state to work in, she said women should be given more chance to work in administration.
20:52 'Half a million people die due to cancer every year in India'
Half a million people die of cancer annually in the country due to lack of proper mechanism to identify the disease and necessary medical facilities to treat the terminal illness, V K Subburaj, Secretary Department of Pharmaceuticals, said today.
Delivering a lecture at CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology in Hyderabad, Subburaj said there are only 20,000 beds available for treatment of "psychiatric problems" against the requirement of 10 million.
"Every year one million cancer cases are identified. Half of them die even before the disease is identified or diagnosed. We should focus (on) developing science and technology that would help reduce cost for the patients," he said.
"Cancer cases and cardiovascular cases are killing our economy (in terms of treatment cost)," he said in his lecture titled "Drugs and Diseases: An Indian Overview".
20:50
JUST IN: Media reports say three people have killed, 22 wounded in bomb attack in Turkey's Diyarbakir city.
20:49 Facebook unveils 'Facebook at Work' in India
Social networking giant Facebook has rolled out its enterprise offering -- Facebook at Work -- in India that will allow employees of an organisation to collaborate and connect with co-workers.
The programme -- at its beta stage -- has seen firms like L&T Infotech, Telenor, RBS, YES Bank, Godrej Industries, Paytm, Zomato and Delhivery coming on board.
Similar to Facebook, the enterprise offering allows users to connect with their colleagues, see newsfeed, comment and share posts, create groups and chat using Work Chat.
However, users cannot use their personal accounts to log in and the access is managed by the organisation. So, if an employee leaves an organisation, the login ceases to work and hence, the corporate data stay safe.
Facebook at Work also has no ads or games. The US-based company charges a fee based on number of monthly active users.
"At Facebook, our mission is to make the world more open and connected, and this is also true in the workplace. In a mobile-first world, we want to help people find simpler ways to collaborate and connect with co-workers," Facebook at Work Director Julien Codorniou told reporters.
Facebook at Work is not a social networking solution, but a productivity solution, he added.
"Over 60,000 companies globally signed up globally for the pilot. Of these, we have already got 450 companies on board. These include different sectors from banking, telecom, travel, retail and real estate," Facebook at Work Asia-Pacific Head Ramesh Gopalkrishna said.
20:23 Obama to become first sitting US President to visit Hiroshima
Barack Obama will make a historic visit to Hiroshima this month to "highlight his continued commitment" to nuclear disarmament, becoming the first sitting US president to tour the site where America first dropped an atomic bomb in 1945, killing an estimated 140,000 people.
The White House on Tuesday said that Obama, who has been often accused by critics of making an "apology tour" to the Middle East and Europe during the first year of his presidency for the misdeeds of the Bush administration, will visit Hiroshima when he travels to Japan and Vietnam from May 21 to 28.
"The President will make a historic visit to Hiroshima with Prime Minister (Shinzo) Abe to highlight his continued commitment to pursuing the peace and security of a world without nuclear weapons," White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest said.
Deputy National Security Adviser Ben Rhodes said in a blog post that "in making this visit, the President will shine a spotlight on the tremendous and devastating human toll of war."
Rhodes said that Obama, a Nobel laureate, will visit the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, a once-ruined site at the centre of the city dedicated to the victims of the atomic bombing, on May 27 where he will share his reflections on the significance of the site the events that occurred there.
But he reaffirmed that the US president is unlikely to seek apology for that chapter in the American history.
"He will not revisit the decision to use the atomic bomb at the end of World War II. Instead, he will offer a forward-looking vision focused on our shared future," Rhodes wrote.
20:16 Bihar youth killing: JD-U suspends Rocky's mother Manorama Devi
The JD-U has suspended MLC Manorama Devi, whose son Rocky Yadav is accused of gunning down a 20-year-old youth, Aditya Sachdeva, for overtaking his vehicle.
Rocky was sent to judicial custody for 14 days earlier.Rocky, who went missing since the incident on Saturday, was arrested from his father's mixer plant in Gaya district earlier in the day.
19:53 ITI student beaten to death in Diamond harbour, 5 detained
An ITI student was beaten to death allegedly by a mob who mistook him as a cattle smuggler at Harindanga in South 24 Parganas district last night, triggering outrage in the area.
According to a complaint lodged by his relatives, Koushik Purkait was confined in a local club under Diamondharbour sub-division and mercilessly beaten by some people who suspected he was a part of the gang involved in smuggling of cattle in the area, a senior police officer said. Purkait, who came to his aunt's residence in the area, was roaming around when he was confronted by the club members and forcibly taken to a room.
He was later rescued by his relatives, who rushed to the spot after hearing about the incident and took him to Diamond Harbour Hospital. He died early this morning at S S K M Hospital in Kolkata,prompting a police clampdown in the area.
19:49 SC asks Maha govt to grant licenses to 8 dance bars by May 12
The Supreme Court today directed Maharashtra government to grant licenses to eight dance bars within two days and asked them to give an undertaking that they would not engage employees with criminal antecedents near the dance area.
"It is directed that an undertaking shall be given by appellants who have filed application that they shall not engage employees in the bar and dance area whose names have been mentioned in the affidavit given by the state.
"The undertaking shall be issued by tomorrow and the licenses shall be issued by day after tomorrow," a bench comprising Justices Dipak Misra and Shiva Kirti Singh said.
Maharashtra government had filed an affidavit in the court informing the bench that they had not granted licenses to eight dance bars as they found some of their employees with criminal antecedents.
Senior advocate Jayant Bhushan, appearing for Indian Hotel and Restaurant Association, said not a single license has been issued till date.
18:58 PM degree authentic: DU Registrar
Downplaying allegations of glaring discrepancies, Delhi University today said Prime Minister Narendra Modi's BA degree as circulated by BJP is "authentic" and it has all the relevant records relating to his graduation while terming as "minor error" mention of 1979 in his degree when he passed out a year earlier.
The clarification by Delhi University's registrar Tarun Das came amid the raging controversy over Modi's educational qualifications with AAP continuing to question the genuiness of the BA degree.
"We have checked our records and it has been authenticated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's degree is authentic. He cleared the examination in 1978 and was awarded the degree in 1979," he said hours after an AAP delegation went to the university seeking details of the degree.
Asked about certain discrepancies being alleged by AAP in his marksheets and degree certificate, he said, "the discrepancies in names in two marksheets exist in university records as well. The university seeks to maintain privacy of any student who is getting enrolled with it."
"In view of the queries and reports in media, we would like to state that Narendra Damodardas Modi had qualified for degree of Bachelors in Arts. His enrollment number was CC 594/74 and his examination roll number number was 16594," Das said.
Asked about variations in Modi's names in marksheets, Das said it is a common error as far as middle names are concerned. "Similar errors are often pointed out by other students as well which are rectified when requested."
On being asked about AAP's allegation that why he was awarded the degree in 1979 when he graduated in 1978, Das said "It is difficult to comment on minor errors."
Yesterday, BJP president Amit Shah and Finance Minister Arun Jaitley had released copies of Modi's BA and MA degrees in response to AAP's allegations. The AAP had said the documents were "forged" and had "glaring discrepancies" in them.
The clarification by Delhi University's registrar Tarun Das came amid the raging controversy over Modi's educational qualifications with AAP continuing to question the genuiness of the BA degree.
"We have checked our records and it has been authenticated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's degree is authentic. He cleared the examination in 1978 and was awarded the degree in 1979," he said hours after an AAP delegation went to the university seeking details of the degree.
Asked about certain discrepancies being alleged by AAP in his marksheets and degree certificate, he said, "the discrepancies in names in two marksheets exist in university records as well. The university seeks to maintain privacy of any student who is getting enrolled with it."
"In view of the queries and reports in media, we would like to state that Narendra Damodardas Modi had qualified for degree of Bachelors in Arts. His enrollment number was CC 594/74 and his examination roll number number was 16594," Das said.
Asked about variations in Modi's names in marksheets, Das said it is a common error as far as middle names are concerned. "Similar errors are often pointed out by other students as well which are rectified when requested."
On being asked about AAP's allegation that why he was awarded the degree in 1979 when he graduated in 1978, Das said "It is difficult to comment on minor errors."
Yesterday, BJP president Amit Shah and Finance Minister Arun Jaitley had released copies of Modi's BA and MA degrees in response to AAP's allegations. The AAP had said the documents were "forged" and had "glaring discrepancies" in them.
18:41 This isn't just about me, London mayor rebuffs Trump
London's first Muslim Mayor Sadiq Khan today hit out at Donald Trump for signalling that he would exempt him from his proposed temporary ban on Muslims entering the US, saying his "ignorant" comments play "into the hands of extremists".
The US presidential hopeful had said in an interview to the 'The New York Times' that he was happy to see Khan take over his new post and that "there will always be exceptions" to his controversial Muslim ban comments.
"This isn't just about me. It's about my friends, my family and everyone who comes from a background similar to mine, anywhere in the world," Khan said in his rebuttal.
"Trump's ignorant view of Islam could make both our countries less safe '" it risks alienating mainstream Muslims around the world and plays into the hands of the extremists. Donald Trump and those around him think that western liberal values are incompatible with mainstream Islam -- London has proved him wrong," the 44-year-old newly-elected mayor added. Khan told the BBC he is supporting Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton in her bid for the White House: "I hope she trounces him (Trump)." Last year, 69-year-old Trump had called for a temporary halt to all Muslims entering the US in the wake of the deadly terror attack in San Bernardino, California.
He said many Muslims nursed a "hatred" towards America and a ban should be in force "until our country's representatives can figure out what is going on".
Labour MP Khan, the son of a Pakistani bus driver, had likened to Trump's campaign with the Conservative party's tactics in the mayoral elections.
"They (Conservatives) used fear and innuendo to try to turn different ethnic and religious groups against each other '" something straight out of the Donald Trump playbook," he wrote in an article after being sworn in to his post over the weekend. Khan officially took charge of City Hall in London on Saturday following Thursday's election, which saw him defeat his Conservative rival Zac Goldsmith by 1,310,143 votes to 994,614 '" giving him one of the largest personal mandate for any UK politician.
The US presidential hopeful had said in an interview to the 'The New York Times' that he was happy to see Khan take over his new post and that "there will always be exceptions" to his controversial Muslim ban comments.
"This isn't just about me. It's about my friends, my family and everyone who comes from a background similar to mine, anywhere in the world," Khan said in his rebuttal.
"Trump's ignorant view of Islam could make both our countries less safe '" it risks alienating mainstream Muslims around the world and plays into the hands of the extremists. Donald Trump and those around him think that western liberal values are incompatible with mainstream Islam -- London has proved him wrong," the 44-year-old newly-elected mayor added. Khan told the BBC he is supporting Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton in her bid for the White House: "I hope she trounces him (Trump)." Last year, 69-year-old Trump had called for a temporary halt to all Muslims entering the US in the wake of the deadly terror attack in San Bernardino, California.
He said many Muslims nursed a "hatred" towards America and a ban should be in force "until our country's representatives can figure out what is going on".
Labour MP Khan, the son of a Pakistani bus driver, had likened to Trump's campaign with the Conservative party's tactics in the mayoral elections.
"They (Conservatives) used fear and innuendo to try to turn different ethnic and religious groups against each other '" something straight out of the Donald Trump playbook," he wrote in an article after being sworn in to his post over the weekend. Khan officially took charge of City Hall in London on Saturday following Thursday's election, which saw him defeat his Conservative rival Zac Goldsmith by 1,310,143 votes to 994,614 '" giving him one of the largest personal mandate for any UK politician.
18:14
Delhi University confirms Prime Minister Narendra Modi's degree is authentic, confirms examination roll number tweets @TimesNow.
17:51 End politics of confrontation: Harish Rawat to Centre
After winning the floor test in the Uttarakhand Assembly, Harish Rawat today refrained from commenting on its outcome but sought an end to the politics of confrontation by appealing to the "all powerful" Centre for help in development of the state.
68-year-old Rawat, who drove straight to the Congress office here after the floor test, made a speech in which he thanked Sonia Gandhi and Rahul, MLAs by individually taking their names, and party workers to express his gratitude to them for their solid support in the troubled times.
Earlier, stepping out of the Assembly after the vote, the sacked chief minister remarked "the cloud of uncertainty hovering over Uttarakhand will disappear tomorrow". "The fight for democracy cannot be won alone," he said in the short speech in which he merely said it was the prerogative of the Supreme Court to announce the result of the trial of strength.
"I have all along been saying I am a small chief minister of a small state who has to fight poverty and backwardness. "Come let's end the politics of confrontation and build together an Uttarakhand set firmly on the path of development. I appeal to the all-powerful people in Delhi to lend their helping hand in this noble mission," Rawat said.
Maintaining that the fight for democracy can only be won with humility and not arrogance, he said the strength from all the sections of the people of Uttarakhand have sustained him through this fight for democracy, especially the silent majority which lives in the villages.
"There were several moments over the past one month or so when it seemed demons from the skies had swooped upon Uttarakhand inflicting painful wounds on its body one after another so much so that it could not even shout.
"But the strength of the people of the state, especially its silent majority which resides in the villages, the minorities, the dalits and the youths and women, who sustained me through this fight for the restoration of democratic norms," he said to loud cheers from party workers.
68-year-old Rawat, who drove straight to the Congress office here after the floor test, made a speech in which he thanked Sonia Gandhi and Rahul, MLAs by individually taking their names, and party workers to express his gratitude to them for their solid support in the troubled times.
Earlier, stepping out of the Assembly after the vote, the sacked chief minister remarked "the cloud of uncertainty hovering over Uttarakhand will disappear tomorrow". "The fight for democracy cannot be won alone," he said in the short speech in which he merely said it was the prerogative of the Supreme Court to announce the result of the trial of strength.
"I have all along been saying I am a small chief minister of a small state who has to fight poverty and backwardness. "Come let's end the politics of confrontation and build together an Uttarakhand set firmly on the path of development. I appeal to the all-powerful people in Delhi to lend their helping hand in this noble mission," Rawat said.
Maintaining that the fight for democracy can only be won with humility and not arrogance, he said the strength from all the sections of the people of Uttarakhand have sustained him through this fight for democracy, especially the silent majority which lives in the villages.
"There were several moments over the past one month or so when it seemed demons from the skies had swooped upon Uttarakhand inflicting painful wounds on its body one after another so much so that it could not even shout.
"But the strength of the people of the state, especially its silent majority which resides in the villages, the minorities, the dalits and the youths and women, who sustained me through this fight for the restoration of democratic norms," he said to loud cheers from party workers.
17:28 Now, BJP wants President's rule in Bihar
Citing the alleged rise in crime and political murders in Bihar since the Grand Alliance of JD(U), RJD and Congress came to power, BJP members in Lok Sabha on Monday demanded the imposition of President's Rule in the state.
The demand came after a Class XII student was murdered in Gaya Saturday, allegedly by the son of JD(U) MLC.
The issue was raised by Janardan Singh Sigriwal and Ashwini Kumar Choubey of BJP and Rajesh Ranjan, who was elected on an RJD ticket but has been expelled from the party. Sigriwal spoke of a number of criminal incidents where those associated to the ruling alliance in Bihar were allegedly involved.
The demand came after a Class XII student was murdered in Gaya Saturday, allegedly by the son of JD(U) MLC.
The issue was raised by Janardan Singh Sigriwal and Ashwini Kumar Choubey of BJP and Rajesh Ranjan, who was elected on an RJD ticket but has been expelled from the party. Sigriwal spoke of a number of criminal incidents where those associated to the ruling alliance in Bihar were allegedly involved.
17:17 Jairam Ramesh's Aadhar case in SC
In the matter of Jairam Ramesh vs the Union of India challenging the validity of the Aadhar Bill, the Chief Justice asked the Attorney General to appear in compliance of his previous order dated April 25.
The Attorney General began by emphasizing the fact that the petition is not maintainable. After making initial inquiries about the proceedings within Parliament at the time when the Aadhar Bill was introduced as a money bill the CJI sought P Chidambaram and Kapil Sibal's explanation on the maintainability of the petition.
In response to the same, Chidambaram drew the court's attention to a previous judgement whereby the it was laid down that the judicial review of the proceedings of the Parliament is possible.The matter is now fixed for further arguments in the third week of July.
The Attorney General began by emphasizing the fact that the petition is not maintainable. After making initial inquiries about the proceedings within Parliament at the time when the Aadhar Bill was introduced as a money bill the CJI sought P Chidambaram and Kapil Sibal's explanation on the maintainability of the petition.
In response to the same, Chidambaram drew the court's attention to a previous judgement whereby the it was laid down that the judicial review of the proceedings of the Parliament is possible.The matter is now fixed for further arguments in the third week of July.
17:13
JUST IN: Delhi's Tina Dabi tops civil services exam; J-K's Athar
Aamir Ul Shafi Khan gets second rank.
Aamir Ul Shafi Khan gets second rank.
16:55 BJP to Sonia: World knows of your love for son, National Herald
In a new low in the level of political discourse, BJP president Amit Shah lashes out against Congress president Sonia Gandhi saying, "'World knows about your love for son, National Herald."
This is probably what the BJP thinks is a fitting reply to Sonia Gandhi's speech at Thiruvananthapuram yesterday. The Congress president said that India is her home and "it is here that my ashes will mingle with my loved ones".
This is probably what the BJP thinks is a fitting reply to Sonia Gandhi's speech at Thiruvananthapuram yesterday. The Congress president said that India is her home and "it is here that my ashes will mingle with my loved ones".
The Congress President used the election rally in Thiruvananthapuram to hit back at Modi after the prime minister raked up her Italian roots twice in the last three days while making a veiled attack on her over the controversial AgustaWestland chopper deal.
Sonia's response came while concluding her speech when she said she wanted to share something personal, not politics, about the prime minister's statement "about the Congress and particularly about me".
"Yes, I was born in Italy. I came to India in 1968 as the daughter-in-law of Indira Gandhi. I have spent 48 years of my life in India. This is my home. This is my country," Sonia said while referring to Modi's sarcastic queries to the gathering at his two poll rallies in Tamil Nadu and Kerala on Friday and Sunday whether they had any relatives in Italy.
Sonia said that all her 48 years in India, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh and the Bharatiya Janata Party and some other parties had always "taunted me to shame me for my birth".
"I was born to proud and honest parents. I will never be ashamed of them. Yes, I have relatives in Italy. I have a 93-year-old mother and two sisters. But it is here, in my country, India, it is in this part that the blood of my loves is mingled.
"It is here that I will breathe my last. It is here that my ashes will mingle with yours and my loved ones," she said, pointing out that the sole objective of Prime Minister Modi was to "indulge in character assassination of his adversaries and spread lies."
16:37 Uttarakhand floor test result huge setback to Modi government: Kejriwal
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal today said the BJP's defeat in the Uttarakhand floor test has come as a huge setback to Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led NDA, adding the ruling dispensation at the Centre must now stop toppling elected governments.
Kejriwal took to Twitter and said, "Uttarakhand floor test outcome is a huge setback to Modi govt. Hope they will stop toppling governments now."
With the conclusion of the crucial floor test in the Uttarakhand assembly today, former chief minster Harish Rawat in a very optimistic note said that the 'dark clouds' over Uttarakhand would finally drift away through the Supreme Court's formal announcement tomorrow.
16:29 Shashank Manohar quits as BCCI president
Shashank Manohar, the chief of BCCI has stepped down from his post with immediate effect. Reports come in that he has also resigned as the ICC chairman.
Sources said that Manohar was leaving the coveted post as he believes the recommendations made by the RM Lodha panel are impossible to implement.
16:16
JUST IN: Rajya Sabha adjourned for the day after Congress members raise Uttarakhand issue
16:04
JUST IN: Sensex gains 83.67 points to end at 25,772.53; Nifty settles at 7,887.80.
15:46 AAP at DU gates to verify details of PM's degree
Just in: Aam Aadmi Party leaders at the gates of Delhi University. They say they want to verify details of PM Modi's college degree. Yesterday, the released copies of BA and MA degrees of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in response to Aam Aadmi Party's allegations questioning his degree from Delhi, but AAP hit back saying the documents were "forged' and had "glaring discrepancies' in them.
AAP leader Ashutosh addressed a press conference in which he claimed Modi's name does not match in the BA marksheet and that of the MA degree and even claimed that there were discrepancies in the year of passing as well.
"Nakal ke liye bhi akal ki zaroorat hai (One needs brains even to copy). The BA marksheet is dated 1978 while the degree is of the year 1979. His name in the BA marksheet is Narendra Kumar Damodardas Modi while in Masters degree, it is Narendra Damoderdas Modi,' said the AAP leader.He said there were discrepancies in the PM's name even at the BA level with it being recorded as 'Narendra Kumar Damodardas Modi' in one of the marksheets while it was spelt as 'Narendra Damoderdas Modi' in the degree certificate.
AAP leader Ashutosh addressed a press conference in which he claimed Modi's name does not match in the BA marksheet and that of the MA degree and even claimed that there were discrepancies in the year of passing as well.
"Nakal ke liye bhi akal ki zaroorat hai (One needs brains even to copy). The BA marksheet is dated 1978 while the degree is of the year 1979. His name in the BA marksheet is Narendra Kumar Damodardas Modi while in Masters degree, it is Narendra Damoderdas Modi,' said the AAP leader.He said there were discrepancies in the PM's name even at the BA level with it being recorded as 'Narendra Kumar Damodardas Modi' in one of the marksheets while it was spelt as 'Narendra Damoderdas Modi' in the degree certificate.
15:34 Indian Express photographer dies on assignment in Jhansi
The Indian Express photographer Ravi Kanojia was electrocuted on the railway tracks that proved fatal while on an assignment in Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh on Monday. News of his death sent shock waves in the photography community. Ravi is survived by his parents and three sisters.
15:25 PM can't be gagged, entitled to speak on corruption: BJP on Modi's Sonia comment
Stepping up its attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Congress has given notices for breach of privilege against him in both Houses of Parliament over his remarks against Sonia Gandhi in the AgustaWestland issue even as the party members continued their protests.
The government, however, remained defiant, with Finance Minister Arun Jaitley today asserting in the Rajya Sabha that the "Prime Minister is entitled to speak on corruption" both inside and outside the House and he cannot be "gagged".
His statement came after Congress member Shantaram Naik said he has given notice for breach of privilege against Modi and Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar over the PM's remarks at an election rally on the AgustaWestland issue.
Naik contended that "lies" had been told outside the House about UPA leaders taking money in the chopper deal. Jaitley, who is Leader of the House, retorted, "Since when has an election speech by one politician against another outside the House started to be construed as breach of privilege?"
He said that political speech outside by one politician against another is for "publicity" like the Congress members have been doing in front of media the whole of yesterday. Deputy Chairman P J Kurien said he had called Naik to make a Zero Hour submission as per the notice he had given and not to raise any other issue like breach of privilege notice.
Congress leader Anand Sharma said the statements made by Modi in the House or outside are as Prime Minister of the country and there cannot be any distinction between them.
"The Prime Minister has contradicted his Defence Minister," he contended. After Jaitley's response, Kurien disallowed any further comments on the issue and proceeded with the listed business of the day.
The government, however, remained defiant, with Finance Minister Arun Jaitley today asserting in the Rajya Sabha that the "Prime Minister is entitled to speak on corruption" both inside and outside the House and he cannot be "gagged".
His statement came after Congress member Shantaram Naik said he has given notice for breach of privilege against Modi and Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar over the PM's remarks at an election rally on the AgustaWestland issue.
Naik contended that "lies" had been told outside the House about UPA leaders taking money in the chopper deal. Jaitley, who is Leader of the House, retorted, "Since when has an election speech by one politician against another outside the House started to be construed as breach of privilege?"
He said that political speech outside by one politician against another is for "publicity" like the Congress members have been doing in front of media the whole of yesterday. Deputy Chairman P J Kurien said he had called Naik to make a Zero Hour submission as per the notice he had given and not to raise any other issue like breach of privilege notice.
Congress leader Anand Sharma said the statements made by Modi in the House or outside are as Prime Minister of the country and there cannot be any distinction between them.
"The Prime Minister has contradicted his Defence Minister," he contended. After Jaitley's response, Kurien disallowed any further comments on the issue and proceeded with the listed business of the day.
14:55 The day we discovered our parents were Russian spie
For years Donald Heathfield, Tracey Foley and their two children lived the American dream. Then an FBI raid revealed the truth: they were agents of Putin's Russia. Their sons tell their story. Read more
14:45 Spend 7 days, 7 nights in your constituencies, PM tells his MPs
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is upset with his party MPs for their behaviour in Parliament. In an indirect attack on certain MPs who do not fall in line with the party line, Modi asked his MPs to spend seven nights in their Parliament constituencies. The MPs were surprised to hear the PM's 'harsh' words, we understand.
In a meeting held this morning, PM Narendra Modi has told his party MPs to spend at least seven nights in their Parliamentary constituencies ahead of the government's second anniversary this month. MPs have been told to advertise the different welfare schemes and reforms introduced by the government and to collate a wish-list from the public. The feedback is then to be presented to PM Modi by small clusters of MPs.
Ministers will be rostered to travel to 200 places around India to share the accomplishments of their departments, and to address complaints, said Rajiv Pratap Rudy.
The BJP Parliamentary Party meets on Tuesdays when the Parliament is in session. Today is the last Tuesday in the Budget session as Parliament will be adjourned sine die.
In a meeting held this morning, PM Narendra Modi has told his party MPs to spend at least seven nights in their Parliamentary constituencies ahead of the government's second anniversary this month. MPs have been told to advertise the different welfare schemes and reforms introduced by the government and to collate a wish-list from the public. The feedback is then to be presented to PM Modi by small clusters of MPs.
Ministers will be rostered to travel to 200 places around India to share the accomplishments of their departments, and to address complaints, said Rajiv Pratap Rudy.
The BJP Parliamentary Party meets on Tuesdays when the Parliament is in session. Today is the last Tuesday in the Budget session as Parliament will be adjourned sine die.
13:46 Rs 50,000 fine for AAP MLA fake degree case
The Delhi High Court today imposed a fine of Rs 50,000 on AAP MLA Commando Surender Singh for delay in filing his reply to an election petition of BJP leader Karan Singh Tanwar alleging that the legislator has a fake graduation degree.
Joint Registrar (Judicial) Ashutosh Kumar passed the order after the AAP Delhi lawmaker's reply to BJP's legislator petition was not found on record. However, the MLA has filed his response in the petition.
Joint Registrar (Judicial) Ashutosh Kumar passed the order after the AAP Delhi lawmaker's reply to BJP's legislator petition was not found on record. However, the MLA has filed his response in the petition.
13:25 Former Pak PM Yousaf Gilani's son abducted in 2013 recovered
Former prime minister Yousaf Raza Gilani's son was recovered on Tuesday in a successful operation, according to PPP chairman Bilawal Bhutto, reports Dawn.
"PM Yousuf Raza Gilani received a call from ambassador of Afghanistan. His son Haider Gilani has been recovered in a successful operation," the PPP chairman said on Twitter.
In May 2013, armed assailants kidnapped the son of the former prime minister, while also killing two Pakistan Peoples Party workers in the attack.The incident took place at a PPP corner meeting in Farrukhabad, near Matital Road in Multan, where the former premier's son, Ali Haider Gilani, was scheduled to address.
"PM Yousuf Raza Gilani received a call from ambassador of Afghanistan. His son Haider Gilani has been recovered in a successful operation," the PPP chairman said on Twitter.
In May 2013, armed assailants kidnapped the son of the former prime minister, while also killing two Pakistan Peoples Party workers in the attack.The incident took place at a PPP corner meeting in Farrukhabad, near Matital Road in Multan, where the former premier's son, Ali Haider Gilani, was scheduled to address.
13:22 Why SSP Garima Malik is slaying Twitter
Senior Superintendent of Police, Gaya, Garima Malik, has been trending on Twitter all through the morning after her feisty statement this morning in the aftermath of Rocky Yadav's arrest.
She said that she would ensure that the accused in the case do not intimidate the victim's family. Addressing a press conference this morning after Rocky Yadav's arrest, she said his statement corroborates with witnesses' statements. "He confessed to his crime. An investigation is underway and all guilty will be punished," she said.
The SSP has become something of a celebrity with tweeple @soojeet4 likening her to the firebrand cop Priyanka Chopra: "Garima Malik is SP Abha Mathur from #JaiGangajal."
Rocky Yadav, the son of a ruling Janata Dal-United member of legislative council in Bihar was arrested in the early hours on Tuesday on the charge of killing a youth in a road rage incident at Gaya after remaining on the run for two days. Rocky Yadav was arrested at around 3 am from Bodh Gaya police station area, SSP Mallik said.
Aditya Sachdeva, a Class X student, was allegedly shot dead by Rocky Yadav for overtaking his SUV on Saturday night.
The hashtag JusticeforAditya also saw baying for Rocky's blood.
@jayeshdewana12 tweeted: Its sad when a precious life is lost due to such psycho like Rocky Yadav who thinks he is Lord & Mater of Bihar #JusticeForAditya
While Youth Of India @we_YOI said, "You always worried abt modis degree when u will worried abt common man @ArvindKejriwal #JusticeForAditya.
Ujjwal Thakur @ashutosh5897_v finds a connect with JNU student leader, Kanhaiya Kumar: "Those who were making Rohit Vemula case an issue..Where are they now?Will Kanhaiya protest for Aditya also? #JusticeForAditya."
Meanwhile, Aditya Sachdeva's mother has demanded a speedy trial and a death penalty for Rocky Yadav for killing her son.
Adityas mother Chanda Sachdev told MI Khan/Rediff.com over the phone from Gaya, "A speedy trial and death penalty can give hope for all, not just us. People are cutting across caste, religion and community in Gaya demanding stern action."
She said that she would ensure that the accused in the case do not intimidate the victim's family. Addressing a press conference this morning after Rocky Yadav's arrest, she said his statement corroborates with witnesses' statements. "He confessed to his crime. An investigation is underway and all guilty will be punished," she said.
The SSP has become something of a celebrity with tweeple @soojeet4 likening her to the firebrand cop Priyanka Chopra: "Garima Malik is SP Abha Mathur from #JaiGangajal."
Rocky Yadav, the son of a ruling Janata Dal-United member of legislative council in Bihar was arrested in the early hours on Tuesday on the charge of killing a youth in a road rage incident at Gaya after remaining on the run for two days. Rocky Yadav was arrested at around 3 am from Bodh Gaya police station area, SSP Mallik said.
Aditya Sachdeva, a Class X student, was allegedly shot dead by Rocky Yadav for overtaking his SUV on Saturday night.
The hashtag JusticeforAditya also saw baying for Rocky's blood.
@jayeshdewana12 tweeted: Its sad when a precious life is lost due to such psycho like Rocky Yadav who thinks he is Lord & Mater of Bihar #JusticeForAditya
While Youth Of India @we_YOI said, "You always worried abt modis degree when u will worried abt common man @ArvindKejriwal #JusticeForAditya.
Ujjwal Thakur @ashutosh5897_v finds a connect with JNU student leader, Kanhaiya Kumar: "Those who were making Rohit Vemula case an issue..Where are they now?Will Kanhaiya protest for Aditya also? #JusticeForAditya."
Meanwhile, Aditya Sachdeva's mother has demanded a speedy trial and a death penalty for Rocky Yadav for killing her son.
Adityas mother Chanda Sachdev told MI Khan/Rediff.com over the phone from Gaya, "A speedy trial and death penalty can give hope for all, not just us. People are cutting across caste, religion and community in Gaya demanding stern action."
12:50 Kejriwal celebrates Rawat's victory
"Uttarakhand floor test outcome is a huge setback to Modi government. Hope they will stop toppling governments now," tweets Arvind Kejriwal
12:42 Man shouting Allahu Akbar knifes five people in Munich, 1 dead
A spokesperson at the Bavarian state criminal investigation office told The Independent one of the victims was initially in a critical condition but died later in hospital.
12:39 Man shouting Allahu Akbar knifes five people in Munich
Update on the attack at Munich station: The suspected attacker was overpowered and arrested, and the authorities working to identify him believe his motive may have been "political". The attack happened at Grafing train station.
Police are checking witness statements that the man shouted "allahu akbar" during the attack, which happened shortly before 5am on Tuesday morning. It is believed all of those injured in the stabbing were men.Initial reports from a Bavarian radio station had suggested that four people were left with life-threatening injuries.
Police are checking witness statements that the man shouted "allahu akbar" during the attack, which happened shortly before 5am on Tuesday morning. It is believed all of those injured in the stabbing were men.Initial reports from a Bavarian radio station had suggested that four people were left with life-threatening injuries.
12:23 Rawat's thanksgiving message
First reaction from Harish Rawat: Main sabhi devi-devtaaon ko dhanyawaad dena chahta hoon, janata ko pranaam karta hoon. I thank the SC, democratic forces, people of Uttarakhand and the gods. Uttarakhand will be victorious tomorrow.
12:18
Firing in a hotel in Peshawar's Dabgari, armed gunman shot dead: Reports. Developing story.
12:16 5 injured in knife attack in Munich station
Just in: German police say a man has attacked passengers with a knife at a train station in Grafing, near Munich, injuring four or five people, one seriously. The Independent quoting police spokeswoman Michaela Grob said a man was arrested and authorities were working to identify him. The incident happened in Grafing, east of Munich, shortly before 5am local time.
12:14 Harish Rawat proves majority, gets 34/61 votes: Reports
ABP News says Harish Rawat gets 34 votes out of 62 and hence proves his majority in the 61-member Uttarakhand Assembly. PDF says all six MLAs voted for Congress. BJP MLA Madan Kaushik accepts party's defeat in floor test. Harish Rawat says he is confident of winning majority, but steered clear of stating numbers. "Not appropriate to comment on number of votes before court's announcement," he said.
12:03 Uttarakhand trust vote over, SC to announce result tomorrow
Uttarakhand floor test: Voting is over, the result will be sent in a sealed envelope to the Supreme Court. The SC will announce the results tomorrow.
A BJP MLA tells NDTV that they have been and are ready to sit in the Opposition.
Uttarakhand has been under President's Rule since March 27 when the Congress government was dismissed by the central government citing misgovernance in the state. The 70-member Uttarakhand assembly has been reduced to only 61 after the Supreme Court upheld the disqualification of nine Congress rebel legislators. The halfway mark to majority is 31. The Congress has 27 members and the BJP 28. There are six from the PDF. Their vote would be crucial for Rawat to win the vote.
A BJP MLA tells NDTV that they have been and are ready to sit in the Opposition.
Uttarakhand has been under President's Rule since March 27 when the Congress government was dismissed by the central government citing misgovernance in the state. The 70-member Uttarakhand assembly has been reduced to only 61 after the Supreme Court upheld the disqualification of nine Congress rebel legislators. The halfway mark to majority is 31. The Congress has 27 members and the BJP 28. There are six from the PDF. Their vote would be crucial for Rawat to win the vote.
11:52
Salman Khan, who has been appointed India's Goodwill Ambassador for the 2016 Rio Olympics is taking his job seriously: @BeingSalmanKhan tweets: Let's cheer for Manpreet Kaur #RioOlympics2016 #MakeIndiaProud
11:48 Kerala rape: Why the Dalit identity cant be parked outside
Rape and molestation and subsequent murder are crimes that don't just violate another person's body but essentially represent the power that the aggressor has over the victim. Read more
11:36 Uttarakhand Assembly halfway mark is 31
Uttarakhand has been under President's Rule since March 27 when the Congress government was dismissed by the central government citing misgovernance in the state. The 70-member Uttarakhand assembly has been reduced to only 61 after the Supreme Court upheld the disqualification of nine Congress rebel legislators. The halfway mark to majority is 31. The Congress has 27 members and the BJP 28. There are six from the PDF. Their vote would be crucial for Rawat to win the vote.
11:32 Harish Rawat's floor test begins in assembly, Prez rule lifted for 2 hours
Harish Rawat's floor test begins in Uttarakhand, Congress gets BSP support, loses one member who switched sides, gains 1 member from BJP.
With its nine rebel MLAs barred from voting in today's trust vote, the Congress will still have the support of 27 MLAs including the Speaker, in the assembly today. Harish Rawat can prove majority with the support of only 31 legislators, since the effective strength of the 70-member House will be 61.
Equally, if 31 MLAs vote against him, he fails.
With its nine rebel MLAs barred from voting in today's trust vote, the Congress will still have the support of 27 MLAs including the Speaker, in the assembly today. Harish Rawat can prove majority with the support of only 31 legislators, since the effective strength of the 70-member House will be 61.
Equally, if 31 MLAs vote against him, he fails.
11:16 Foot-on-bed IAS officer apologises
The young IAS probationer in Chhattisgarh who faces suspension after a photograph showed him standing and talking to a sick child's mother with his left foot resting on the steel rail of a hospital bed has apologised on Facebook.
This is what he posted...
May 7 at 9:29pm
Dear All,
This post is to tender an open unconditional apology in response to the picture of mine that is being circulated in social media and newspapers.
No amount of words can justify the said act,although it was unintentional and was thoroughly avoidable.I understand the harm the act has inflicted on the image of the civil service fraternity.
I apologise to each one of them.I also thank people who stood by me,from among media,fraternity,friends and family ,during this times of tough scrutiny.
I thank those who had reserved their opinions and judgements, and have not concluded on me,based upon the picture alone.
I reassure each one of you,that I would stick to the core values of the civil services Honesty, Integrity, Objectivity, Impartiality and Civility, Modesty, Humility, Chivalry and strive my level best to be a better civil servant and a better human being.
Apologies to those hurt by the act and Gratitudes to those who stood by me.
As i am infrequent in social media, the response is delayed.
Sincerely,
Jagdish Sonkar
Jagdish Sonkar, a 2013 batch officer went to Ramanujgank hospital last week for an inspection where he spoke to a patient. Many other patients and other hospital staff allegedly were furious over his behaviour. A source then clicked a photo, and posted it on social media, which went viral.
For his "arrogant and insolent act', livid netizens rechristened the IAS as "India's Arrogant Service'. Twitter user Aniket Devdhar posted: "The term 'public servant' has lost its meaning long ago.' Fellow tweeple Kanchan Gupta shared the photo and wrote: "Meet Chhattisgarh IAS officer Dr Jagdish Sonkar. He has a MBBS degree. He clearly knows his place in this country.'
After the backlash, the Sub-Divisional Magistrate of Ramanujganj in Balrampur district said that Sonkar's "action was unintentional and avoidable.
"Sonkar's gesture did not go down well with Chief Minister Raman Singh who told the media that he has instructed the General Administration Department to "train new officers in social behaviour and public dealing before sending them to field posting."
This is what he posted...
May 7 at 9:29pm
Dear All,
This post is to tender an open unconditional apology in response to the picture of mine that is being circulated in social media and newspapers.
No amount of words can justify the said act,although it was unintentional and was thoroughly avoidable.I understand the harm the act has inflicted on the image of the civil service fraternity.
I apologise to each one of them.I also thank people who stood by me,from among media,fraternity,friends and family ,during this times of tough scrutiny.
I thank those who had reserved their opinions and judgements, and have not concluded on me,based upon the picture alone.
I reassure each one of you,that I would stick to the core values of the civil services Honesty, Integrity, Objectivity, Impartiality and Civility, Modesty, Humility, Chivalry and strive my level best to be a better civil servant and a better human being.
Apologies to those hurt by the act and Gratitudes to those who stood by me.
As i am infrequent in social media, the response is delayed.
Sincerely,
Jagdish Sonkar
Jagdish Sonkar, a 2013 batch officer went to Ramanujgank hospital last week for an inspection where he spoke to a patient. Many other patients and other hospital staff allegedly were furious over his behaviour. A source then clicked a photo, and posted it on social media, which went viral.
For his "arrogant and insolent act', livid netizens rechristened the IAS as "India's Arrogant Service'. Twitter user Aniket Devdhar posted: "The term 'public servant' has lost its meaning long ago.' Fellow tweeple Kanchan Gupta shared the photo and wrote: "Meet Chhattisgarh IAS officer Dr Jagdish Sonkar. He has a MBBS degree. He clearly knows his place in this country.'
After the backlash, the Sub-Divisional Magistrate of Ramanujganj in Balrampur district said that Sonkar's "action was unintentional and avoidable.
"Sonkar's gesture did not go down well with Chief Minister Raman Singh who told the media that he has instructed the General Administration Department to "train new officers in social behaviour and public dealing before sending them to field posting."
11:11
President's rule temporarily lifted for two hours in Uttarakhand as proceedings for floor test begin in assembly.
11:07 Cong loses 1 MLA, gains 1 MLA ahead of Uttarakhand floor test
Congress MLA Rekha Arya crosses over to the BJP, but another BJP MLA Bhimlal Arya moves to Congress, so it's even stevens.
Congress legislators spent the night before Harish Rawat's big trust vote at resorts in hill town Mussoorie. But Rekha Arya, was not among them. About an hour before the assembly is convened for the special two-hour session, Arya had still not been spotted, leading to panic in the Congress and speculation on whether she plans to jump ship, which she has.
So close is today's trust vote expected to be, that one vote could mean the difference winning and losing.
Meanwhile, BSP Chief Mayawati says there is 'No deal with BJP, our party is supporting Congress'. So, that's a big relief for Harish Rawat.
Pic: Cong MLA Rekha Arya who crossed over to the BJP.
Congress legislators spent the night before Harish Rawat's big trust vote at resorts in hill town Mussoorie. But Rekha Arya, was not among them. About an hour before the assembly is convened for the special two-hour session, Arya had still not been spotted, leading to panic in the Congress and speculation on whether she plans to jump ship, which she has.
So close is today's trust vote expected to be, that one vote could mean the difference winning and losing.
Meanwhile, BSP Chief Mayawati says there is 'No deal with BJP, our party is supporting Congress'. So, that's a big relief for Harish Rawat.
Pic: Cong MLA Rekha Arya who crossed over to the BJP.
10:58
Heavy security deployment outside Uttarakhand Assembly ahead of the floor test.
10:58 Uttarakhand will win, says Rawat as he reaches assembly
Ousted Uttarakhand Chief Minister Harish Rawat has reached the assembly ahead of the crucial floor test today.
"Whatever the BJP claims, Uttarakhand will win today. We have the blessings of all the people who've supported us so far," an elated Rawat said outside the assembly.
He is at an advantage as the nine rebel MLAs have been barred from voting.
The BJP MLAs also held a meet in the morning. Heavy security arrangements have been made outside the assembly. The floor test will be held during a two-hour-long special session from 11 am to 1 pm.
"Whatever the BJP claims, Uttarakhand will win today. We have the blessings of all the people who've supported us so far," an elated Rawat said outside the assembly.
He is at an advantage as the nine rebel MLAs have been barred from voting.
The BJP MLAs also held a meet in the morning. Heavy security arrangements have been made outside the assembly. The floor test will be held during a two-hour-long special session from 11 am to 1 pm.
09:52 JD-U MLC's son admits to killing youth for overtaking
Holding a press conference on Tuesday after arresting Janata Dal-United member of legislative council Manorma Devi's son Rocky Yadav, accused of killing a Class X student for overtaking his SUV, the Gaya police said that he has confessed to his crime.
Gaya Senior Superintendent of Police Garima Malik, left, said that they have recovered the murder weapon and the vehicle too.
"In his statement, Rocky Yadav admitted committing the crime. I assure you that we will soon arrest others who were involved in the crime," Malik said.
Gaya Senior Superintendent of Police Garima Malik, left, said that they have recovered the murder weapon and the vehicle too.
"In his statement, Rocky Yadav admitted committing the crime. I assure you that we will soon arrest others who were involved in the crime," Malik said.
09:40 Top IS military leader killed in airstrike: Pentagon
The Pentagon has claimed that the Islamic State's 'military emir of Anbar' Abu Wahib was neutralised in a 'successful' coalition airstrike.
According to CNN the attack took place on May 6 near Rutbah in Western Iraq.
Pentagon spokesman Peter Cook said Wahib, was travelling with three others in a vehicle at the time of the strike.
"ISIL leadership has been hit hard by coalition efforts and this is another example of that. It is dangerous to be an ISIL leader in Iraq and Syria these days and for good reason," Cook said.
There have been unconfirmed reports in the past suggesting Wahib was targeted by strikes, but this is the first time the Pentagon has said he was killed.
According to CNN the attack took place on May 6 near Rutbah in Western Iraq.
Pentagon spokesman Peter Cook said Wahib, was travelling with three others in a vehicle at the time of the strike.
"ISIL leadership has been hit hard by coalition efforts and this is another example of that. It is dangerous to be an ISIL leader in Iraq and Syria these days and for good reason," Cook said.
There have been unconfirmed reports in the past suggesting Wahib was targeted by strikes, but this is the first time the Pentagon has said he was killed.
09:23 Congress MLAs reach Dehradun ahead of floor test
Congress MLAs start arriving in Dehradun for the Uttarakhand assembly floor test today. They have been reportedly kept at various resorts in Mussoorie by the party which feared the Bharatiya Janata Party will attempt to break its ranks.
The floor test will be held at 11 am.
The floor test will be held at 11 am.
09:04 'Unwell' Rahul cancels TN, Kerala rallies
Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday cancelled his visits to Puducherry, Tamil Nadu and Kerala, citing health reasons.
Rahul apologised for cancelling the visits, saying that he had been running high fever since Sunday and has been advised rest by doctors for the next two days.
He was scheduled to tour Puducherry, Tamil Nadu and Kerala, where elections will be held on May 16. 'Unfortunately I have been down with high fever since Sunday and the Doctor has advised rest for the next two days,' he tweeted.
'Shall keep everyone updated about the rescheduled visits,' he added.
The campaigning ends in these states on May 14. The government on Monday cleared additional security for Rahul after his party met Home Minister Rajnath Singh about the assassination threats.
Singh issued extra caution for both the Intelligence Bureau and the elite force that guards politicians considered to be at high risk.
The Puducherry Police too had made special preparations for Rahul's speech.
The home minister had decided that Gandhi would get more commandos from the Special Protection Group, which handles the security of top leaders including the prime minister.
Rahul apologised for cancelling the visits, saying that he had been running high fever since Sunday and has been advised rest by doctors for the next two days.
He was scheduled to tour Puducherry, Tamil Nadu and Kerala, where elections will be held on May 16. 'Unfortunately I have been down with high fever since Sunday and the Doctor has advised rest for the next two days,' he tweeted.
'Shall keep everyone updated about the rescheduled visits,' he added.
The campaigning ends in these states on May 14. The government on Monday cleared additional security for Rahul after his party met Home Minister Rajnath Singh about the assassination threats.
Singh issued extra caution for both the Intelligence Bureau and the elite force that guards politicians considered to be at high risk.
The Puducherry Police too had made special preparations for Rahul's speech.
The home minister had decided that Gandhi would get more commandos from the Special Protection Group, which handles the security of top leaders including the prime minister.
08:54
JUST IN: Air India Delhi-Kochi flight makes emergency landing at Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh) airport due to technical glitch, all passengers safe.
08:32 Uttarakhand floor test today; Congress tries to keep its flock together
A floor test will be held in the Uttarakhand assembly today to ascertain whether ousted Congress chief minister Harish Rawat still enjoys a majority in the House.
During the two-hour-long special session from 11 am to 1 pm, the President's rule will be kept in abeyance for a single agenda of vote of confidence.
According to NDTV, most of the Congress MLAs are lodged in resorts in Mussoorie, near Dehradun, 'hidden' from the Bharatiya Janata Party, which, the Congress fears, will attempt to break its ranks.
It was also reported that on Monday the Congress could not make contact with one of its lawmakers Rekha Arya.
The proceedings of the floor test will be video-graphed and the result of the voting will be placed before the Supreme Court tomorrow in a sealed cover.
The Uttarakhand assembly has 70 members, out of which 27 belongs to the Congress, excluding the nine rebels. The BJP has 28 members, while there are six from other parties.
Ousted chief minister Harish Rawat will need at least 32 members for claiming his majority on the floor.
The rebel Congress MLAs can't vote, which gives an advantage to Rawat.
During the two-hour-long special session from 11 am to 1 pm, the President's rule will be kept in abeyance for a single agenda of vote of confidence.
According to NDTV, most of the Congress MLAs are lodged in resorts in Mussoorie, near Dehradun, 'hidden' from the Bharatiya Janata Party, which, the Congress fears, will attempt to break its ranks.
It was also reported that on Monday the Congress could not make contact with one of its lawmakers Rekha Arya.
The proceedings of the floor test will be video-graphed and the result of the voting will be placed before the Supreme Court tomorrow in a sealed cover.
The Uttarakhand assembly has 70 members, out of which 27 belongs to the Congress, excluding the nine rebels. The BJP has 28 members, while there are six from other parties.
Ousted chief minister Harish Rawat will need at least 32 members for claiming his majority on the floor.
The rebel Congress MLAs can't vote, which gives an advantage to Rawat.
04:24 Ground-breaking ceremony of Shivaji memorial put off till Sept
Maharashtra government has postponed the ground-breaking ceremony of the Chhatrapati Shivaji memorial in the Arabian Sea scheduled for this month to September-end, citing prevailing drought in the state.
The grand memorial which, among other things, will consist of a record-breaking tall statue of the warrior king mounted on a horse and wielding a sword, has been planned in the sea off the Girgaum Chowpatty coast.
The government's move has invited criticism from the Opposition Congress and NCP, which have alleged the BJP-led ruling coalition is not serious about the issue and is merely playing politics in the name of Shivaji.
"The ceremony for Shivaji Maharaj memorial had been planned keeping in mind his stature. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had even given an assurance of his presence on May 22 when the ground-breaking ceremony was to be performed," Vinayak Mete, Chairman of Shiv Smarak Samiti, told PTI.
04:23 Gaya road rage case: JDU MLC's son Rocky Yadav arrested by Police
According to reports from ANI, JDU MLC Manorama Devi's son Rocky Yadav has been arrested by police.
The Bihar police had launched a massive manhunt to arrest Rocky Yadav, the son of JD-U legislator Manorama Devi, who had been on the run since becoming a suspect in the killing of 19-year-old Aditya Kumar Sachdeva.
Aditya was shot dead in a case of road rage in Gaya district on Saturday night.
Rockys father Bindi Yadav, and Rajesh Kumar - Manorama Devi's official bodyguard who was with Rocky during the shooting - were sent to 14 days' judicial custody after being produced in the Gaya court.
03:06 Aleppo truce extended by 48 hours: Syrian army
A truce in Aleppo in northern Syria between regime forces and rebels that was due to expire has been extended by 48 hours, the army command said.
"The 'regime of silence' in Aleppo and its province has been extended by 48 hours from Tuesday 01:00 AM (local time) to midnight on Wednesday," a statement said yesterday.
The temporary truce, initially for two days and then prolonged until today at 00:01 AM, was decided after fighting killed nearly 300 people since April 22 in Aleppo, where some areas are held by rebels and others by government forces.
The announcement came as Russia and the United States agreed to boost efforts to find a political solution to Syria's five-year war which has killed more than 270,000 people and displaced millions.
02:34 Bin Laden's son urges jihadist unity in Syria
The son of Al-Qaeda's late founder Osama bin Laden has urged jihadists in Syria to unite, claiming that the fight in the war-torn country paves the way to "liberating Palestine".
"The Islamic umma (nation) should focus on jihad in Al-Sham (Syria) ... and unite the ranks of mujahedeen there," said 23-year-old Hamza in an audio message posted online. "There is no longer an excuse for those who insist on division and disputes now that the whole world has mobilised against Muslims," he said.
His undated message comes after Al-Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri also urged jihadists in Syria to unite, despite his continued rejection of the rival Islamic State group and its proclaimed caliphate.
02:16 Trump names NJ Gov Christie as head of his transition team
Donald Trump, the Republicanp residential presumptive nominee, today named the New Jersey Governor Chris Christie as the head of his transition team.
The role of a transition team would come into play only after Trump wins the November general elections and entails preparing for a potential transfer of power and selection of White House administration staff.
The real estate mogul became the presumptive Republican presidential nominee about a week ago when he won the Indiana primary and two of his rivals Ted Cruz and John Kasich dropped out of the race.
02:15 Duterte wins Philippine presidential election
Anti-establishment firebrand Rodrigo Duterte secured a huge win in the Philippine presidential elections, according to a poll monitor, after an incendiary campaign dominated by his profanity-laced vows to kill
criminals.
Duterte, the longtime mayor of the southern city of Davao, hypnotised millions with his vows of brutal but quick solutions to the nation's twin plagues of crime and poverty, which many believed had worsened despite strong economic growth in recent years.
And after a record turnout of voters in Monday's elections, Duterte scored a commanding victory, according to data released by the PPCRV, a Catholic Church-run poll monitor accredited by the government to tally the votes.
With 88 per cent of the vote counted early on Tuesday morning, Duterte had an insurmountable lead of 5.84 million votes over his nearest rival, administration candidate Mar Roxas, according to the data.
01:50 Now, Pune journalism dept gets packet with explosive substance
After the Film and Television Institute of India, another city-based institute has received a packet containing "explosive" substance, a
detonator and a threat letter carrying a warning against inviting JNUSU president Kanhaiya Kumar, police said today.
The Department of Communication and Journalism located in Ranade Institute building in Deccan area here, got the packet, with content similar to what was found in the FTII parcel on Saturday.
The Department of Communication and Journalism, which is run by the Savitribai Phule Pune University, had received the parcel on Saturday, which was opened today.
00:37 IS leader for Iraq's Anbar province killed in air strike
A US-led coalition air strike has killed a senior Islamic State leader in Iraq's Anbar province and three other jihadists, the Pentagon said today.
"On May 6, a coalition air strike targeted Abu Wahib, ISIL's military emir for Anbar province and a former member of Al-Qaeda in Iraq who has appeared in ISIL execution videos," Pentagon press secretary Peter Cook said, using an acronym for the IS group.
00:32 Panama Papers trove on shell companies released online
The International Consortium of Investigative Journalists today published online detailed data from the Panama Papers trove on more than 200,000 secret offshore companies.
The searchable database built on just a portion of the documents leaked from the Panama law firm Mossack Fonseca reveals more than 360,000 names of individuals and companies behind the anonymous shell firms, the ICIJ said.
Reports already published in April based on the explosive dossier linked some of the world's most powerful leaders, including Russian President Vladimir Putin, British Prime Minister David Cameron and others to unreported offshore companies.
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