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Mon, 30 May 2016
War not a solution to Indo-Pak problems: Pak envoy
Timeline Refresh
23:19 New mobile app give access to over 1,000 govt services
The government is working on a mobile application which will give access to over 1,000 services from the Centre and state governments and would be launched by December 2016, Telecom Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said on Monday.
"We are going to launch a common mobile. In this app we will give services of central government, state government and local bodies. On a click of button people will be able scan 1000 services of government. We will start it in December with national student scholarships, women safety and health care," Prasad said.
Umang (Unified Mobile App for New Age Governance) will be available in 12 Indian languages in addition to English.
Prasad said that with help of technology the government is improving governance in the country.
"A former prime minister of India has said that if we send Rs 100 from Delhi and then only Re 1 reaches to people on the ground. I can very satisfactorily say that if Rs 100 is going out from Delhi then Rs 100 is reaching in account. By leveraging technology, we have addressed agony of former Prime Minister of India," Prasad said.
He said that success of Aadhaar tells that through technology governance can be improved.
Prasad said that in 2015-16 government transferred Rs 61,000 crore to 30 crore beneficiaries.
He said that 3.5 crore duplicate beneficiaries were weeded out and over Rs 15,000 crore were saved in 2014-15 under direct benefit transfer scheme.
22:59 Modi receives a call from Sharif, wishes Pak PM well for heart surgery
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday received a call from his Pakistan counterpart Nawaz Sharif just before the latter was wheeled in for his open-heart surgery in a hospital in the United Kingdom on Tuesday.
During the telephonic talk, Modi wished Sharif a speedy recovery.
"PM @narendramodi receives phone call from PM Nawaz Sharif just before Pak PM is wheeled in for surgery. Wishes him a speedy recovery," the spokesperson of the Ministry External Affairs Ministry Vikas Swarup tweeted.
Modi had on Saturday extended best wishes to Sharif.
"My best wishes to PM Nawaz Sharif Sahab for his open heart surgery on Tuesday. And for his speedy recovery & good health," Modi tweeted.
Sharif will undergo an open-heart surgery on Tuesday, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif had said on Friday.
Asif, also a confidante of 66-year-old Sharif, had said doctors have advised the prime minister to undergo an open-heart surgery, following which he will be staying in the hospital for a week.
"The prime minister will travel after one week, on doctor's permission," he added.
22:32 War not a solution to Indo-Pak problems: Pak envoy
War is not a solution to problems between India and Pakistan and only "foolish" people would consider such an option, Pakistan High Commissioner B S Basit said on Monday, two days after Pakistani nuclear scientist A Q
Khan said his country has the capability to hit New Delhi in five minutes.
Basit also said that Pakistan wants to resolve all issues with India through talks and that the two neighbours must have "result oriented" engagement.
"War is not a solution between both (India-Pak) countries. Only foolish people would consider war as a solution to the problems," Basit said during an interactive programme.
Addressing a gathering on the 18th anniversary of Pakistan's first nuclear test, Khan on Saturday had said in Islamabad that his country has the ability to "target" the Indian capital in five minutes.
Reacting to Khan's comments, a number of strategic affairs experts in New Delhi had said India has the capability to hit entire Pakistan but nuclear weapons were not weapons of war but only meant for deterrence.
Talking about overall Indo-Pak ties, Basit said, "We hope that the dialogue process will resume, because all our issues can be resolved through talks.
"Five months have passed after the Pathankot attack but the dialogue process between India and Pakistan has not resumed."
On the probe into the Pathankot attack, the Pakistani envoy said his government was extending cooperation to India in investigation of the attack.
"We're maintaining cooperation on Pathankot. Let's hope we'll be able to get to the bottom of that incident," he added.
22:20 Cong backed think-tank slams UGC's new API criteria
Accusing the HRD ministry of trying to convert universities into departments of government, a Congress backed think-tank has slammed the recent changes made by the University Grants Commission in the academic performance indicators system claiming it will reduce job opportunities and also cut down teacher-student interaction.
The Rajiv Gandhi Study Circle, which has former Rajasthan Chief Minister and senior Congress leader Ashok Gehlot as its chairman found several "faults" in the recently modified criteria of API scores for "In totality, the policies of MHRD are focused to convert universities into departments of government and deny accessibility and equity to masses in Higher education," a statement issued by the Circle said.
It claimed that as per the revised system, teacher-student interaction hours are decreased and more lectures are introduced in the workload of teachers paving the way for killing of innovation and creativity among young minds.
"The increased workload( earlier- 12 Lectures , Now - 18 Lectures plus 6 Tutorials ) is anti-student initiative as their space to interact with teachers is reduced, and at the same time, the opportunity for job is also lost. Thousands of teachers who are teaching as Permanent, Adhoc, temporary, guests will immediately lose job and their livelihood will be taken away," a statement released by the Circle said.
It claimed that the new system aimed to promote state control over knowledge production and dissemination in the name of UGC notified journal or publishers, etc.
The body also found fault with the new provision of student feedback of teachers saying in a multi-layered society, this system will lead to categorisation of teachers and may become a tool to reimpose the hierarchical and
stereotyped notions of society in education.
The body sought "corrective steps" like restoring students' right to have tutorials and any connection with administrative responsibilities must be taken back.
21:50 PM on official visit to Switzerland, Mexico next week: MEA
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be on an official visit to Switzerland and Mexico next week, the External Affairs Ministry announced today.
These visits would be part of Modi's five-nation trip beginning June 4 which will also cover Afghanistan, Qatar and the US. MEA has already formally announced Prime Minister's visit to Qatar and the US.
Modi will visit Switzerland on June 5-6, MEA said, adding with growing bilateral trade and foreign investment, India and Switzerland enjoy strong economic ties. "During the stay, Modi and Swiss President Johann Schneider-Ammann will hold discussions on bilateral, regional and multilateral issues of mutual interest," MEA said.
The prime minister will also be travelling to Mexico on a brief working visit on June 8 at the invitation of Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto.
21:48 Kashmir to witness Maha Kumbh on June 14
'Dashar Maha Kumbh' is being organised on the confluence of sacred rivers Sindhu and Vitasta in Ganderbal district of Kashmir on June 14, after a period of 75 years, in which Kashmiri Pandits are expected to participate.
The kumbh is being organised in Waskoora tehsil of Ganderbal district, Convenor of Maha Kumbh Celebration Committee A K Koul said today. He said 'Dashar Maha Kumbh' mela is being held after 75 years.
At the confluence of Vitasta (Jhelum), Krishen Ganga and Sindh (Indus) rivers, there is a Chinar tree that stands on a small island in the middle of the confluence spot where there is a Shiva Lingam and there are also religious places like Shadipora Ghats and Narayan Bagh. "It (the tree) is surrounded by water on all sides. This is known as Prayag Chinar. One has to come to this Chinar tree in a boat and go up some steps to have a commanding view of the confluence," he said.
The Shiva Lingam kept under the shade of this tree's trunk is also worshipped. This tree is considered mystical and sacred by Kashmiri Pandits and it is believed that even if the river flooding, the tree never sinks. Over 20,000 displaced Kashmir Pandits are expected to throng the Maha Kumbh, Kaul said.
21:42 Prince Philip pulls out of battle of Jutland commemoration
Prince Philip, Queen Elizabeth II's husband, has pulled out of the commemorations for the Battle of Jutland fought between Britain and Germany after receiving "medical advice". Prince Philip, 94, is said not to have attended hospital and has no plans to cancel any other forthcoming engagements.
In a statement, a Buckingham Palace spokeswoman said: "Following doctor's advice, the Duke of Edinburgh has reluctantly decided not to attend the commemorations marking the Battle of Jutland tomorrow in Kirkwall and Hoy.
"The Princess Royal, who was already attending the events, will represent the Royal Family." Descendants of those who fought at Jutland have been invited to join the commemorations, which include a service at St Magnus Cathedral on Kirkwall in Scotland tomorrow.
21:18 Arrested Babbar Khalsa terrorist was recruiting youths in Punjab
A suspected Babbar Khalsa International activist, arrested recently, was allegedly engaged in organising youth here for carrying out terrorist activities, the FIR registered in the case has said.
Arvinder Singh, a resident of Pallian Khurd was arrested from Rahon town near here on May 24. He was produced before a court here today after completion of his police remand.
The court extended his police remand till June 6. According to the FIR, Singh had been residing in Doha, Qatar since 2011 and was in touch with some Pakistan-based Babbar Khalsa terrorists. He returned from Doha around 7-8 months back and was allegedly engaged in recruiting youths here for committing terror activities.
Meanwhile, police today arrested one of Singh's accomplices in connection with the case. Confirming the arrest, SSP Snehdeep Sharma said the suspect hails from Batala and they are in the process of producing him before a court to seek his remand.
20:45 Some of judiciary's directives 'senseless': Parrikar
Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar today criticised judiciary claiming that some of the directives given by it are "senseless" and "without any scientific basis". "Senseless directions are being given without any scientific basis.
Some people who do not understand science have begun interpreting it," he said while speaking at a public function here. "I was reading a report about Mercedes Benz company.
They have stopped investment in India because they say the decisions of the court are beyond the limit of understanding. (They say) we don't understand the logic of banning diesel vehicles.
"We understand that you can ban diesel vehicles which are polluting but what is the point in banning a diesel vehicle which may not pollute or be less polluting than the petrol vehicle," Parrikar said.
He said he was astonished at some of the decisions of the judiciary and cited a personal experience when there was an order that he should be booked as Home Minister in Goa.
20:40 Congress likely to hold chintan shivir next month
Faced with poll debacle in four states, Congress is expected to hold a 'chintan shivir'(brainstorming session) next month either in party ruled Himachal Pradesh or Uttarakhand next month.
It will be the first such exercise after the 2014 LokSabha polls which saw Congress securing its worst ever performance of just 44 seats in a House of 543.
A senior leader, who declined to be identified, said that such a programme is being finalised and most probably it will be held in a hill state. Karnataka, which is also a party-ruled state, could also be considered.
The brainstorming session is being held at a time when Rahul Gandhi's elevation to the party chief's post is being talked about in party circles. Soon after the poll debacle, party leaders have saidthat a meeting of the Congress Working Committee to deliberateon the causes of the reverses would be held soon.
In 2003, Sonia Gandhi had organised a chintan shivir at Shimla where the Congress for the first time gave indications of its openness to share power at the Centre by calling for unity of secular forces.
Next year, Congress-led UPA hadensured ouster of the NDA Government led by Atal BihariVajpayee.
20:22 Swaraj assures help to Pak girl wanting to become doctor
External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj has assured help to a Pakistani teenaged girl, living in Jaipur for the last two years, in realising her dream of becoming a doctor.
Mashal Maheshwari, 19, who moved to Jaipur from Hyderabad in Pakistan's Sindh province two years ago along with her parents, both of whom are doctors, wants to study medicine but could not sit for the medial entrance test as she is a Pakistani national. Mashal, a Hindu, had scored 91 per cent marks in her CBSE class XII examination this year.
She was not allowed to appear for the All India Pre Medical Test as only NRIs and Persons of Indian Origin are allowed to take the test. After getting to know about Mashal's story, Swaraj reached out to her and assured that she will help her realise her dream.
"Mashal -- Don't be disappointed my child. I will personally take up your case for admission in a medical college," Swaraj tweeted.
20:18 Elephant found shot dead in Wayanad
A 13-year-old female elephant was found dead with gun shot wounds, near a wildlife sanctuary in the district today, a forest official said.
Forest officials on patrol found the Pachyderm in a kneeling posture at the Fourth Mile area on Sulthan Bathery-Pulpally road passing through Wayanad Wildlife sancutary, Forest Officer Dhanesh Kumar said.
According to the autopsy report the wounds in the head were caused by a bullet from a country made gun. Further investigations were underway, he said, adding, a reward of Rs 25,000 would be given to those providing any information about the killing.
20:07 Pvt jet carrying Naidu, Rudy aborts take off
A private jet carrying Union ministers M Venkaiah Naidu and Rajiv Pratap Rudy today aborted take off from Delhi airport at the last moment due to a glitch.
The eight-seater Hawker 800XP chartered aircraft was taxiing for take off when a "warning" was triggered, forcing the pilot to abort the flight seconds before being air borne. Naidu was on his way to Jaipur to file his nomination papers for the Rajya Sabha polls.
However, there was no harm to any of the persons on board the aircraft. "Both Naidu and Rudy are safe.
They were delayed by about two hours and took another jet for Jaipur," BJP sources said. Naidu, who is Parliamentary Affairs Minister, and Rudy who holds the charge of skill development ministry and is also a former civil aviation minister, were later flown to Jaipur in another private plane for filing his Rajya Sabha nomination papers from Rajasthan.
20:06 NCP's women's wing protest against Tanmay Bhat, burn his effigy
The women's wing of the Nationalist Congress Party staged a protest here on Monday against comedian Tanmay Bhat for making fun of legends Sachin Tendulkar and Lata Mangeshkar in a Facebook post.
The agitating women raised slogans denouncing the AIB comedian and burnt his effigy.
The AIB comedian drew flak from the politicians as well as several Bollywood celebrities, including actors Anupam Kher and Riteish Deshmukh, for insulting the diva of Indian film music and the master blaster.
19:48 No Muslim family should engage in birth control, says Turkey's Erdogan
No Muslim family should engage in birth control or family planning, Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said on Monday, calling again on pious Muslims to have more children.
"We will multiply our descendants. They talk about population planning, birth control. No Muslim family can have such an approach," he said in a speech in Istanbul broadcast live on television. "Nobody can interfere in God's work. The first duty here belongs to mothers," he said.
Women's groups and opposition politicians have criticised Erdogan, a devout Muslim for telling women how many children to have and dismissing the Western idea of gender equality. He has previously equated birth control with treason.
19:30 Up to Indian govt to take action on assurances: African envoys
Envoys of African countries are adopting a "wait and watch" policy regarding India's assurance in ensuring safety of their citizens after they had demanded concrete steps against "racism and Afro-phobia" last week in the wake of killing of a Congolese national.
Dean of African Group Head of Missions and Ambassador of Eritrea Alem Tsehage Woldemariam, who had issued a strongly- worded statement seeking stringent action to guarantee safety of Africans in India, said it was up to the Indian government to take action on the concerns conveyed by the envoys.
"Whatever we had to convey, we have done that on Africa Day. Now, it is up to the Indian government to take action on the assurances given to us," he said when asked if the Group would again raise with India the issue of fresh attacks against African nationals. Echoing his views, another African envoy said the African countries were waiting for MEA's follow up action on its assurance that security for African nationals would be enhanced.
18:45 Nigerians are a problem across country, in Goa: Minister
Amid a string of attacks on Africans in Delhi, Goa Tourism Minister Dilip Parulekar today demanded a strict law to deport Nigerians, claiming that they come in conflict with Indian law so as to extend their stay and indulge in drugs and other crimes.
The BJP leader's remarks came a day after a 39-year-old local woman was allegedly raped at knifepoint by a Nigerian at Parra village. "The problems of Nigerians are not only in Goa, they are across the entire country. They (Nigerians) arrive here to study and create problem so that the case is filed against them," Parulekar said.
The BJP leader's remarks came a day after a 39-year-old local woman was allegedly raped at knifepoint by a Nigerian at Parra village. "The problems of Nigerians are not only in Goa, they are across the entire country. They (Nigerians) arrive here to study and create problem so that the case is filed against them," Parulekar said.
18:35 Strictest action if attacks on Africans racial: Rijiju
With attacks on African nationals continuing to hog limelight, the government today promised strictest possible action if such assaults were found to have a racial angle.
"If a racial angle is found in any of the case, strictest of possible action will be taken," Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju told reporters. The minister was replying to a question on whether the recent incidents of attacks on African nationals in Delhi allegedly had a racial angle.
"We have taken up all the incidents very seriously. Action is being taken and some arrests have already been made," he said. On the attack on a taxi driver allegedly by a group of Africans in New Delhi today, Rijiju said anyone taking law in their hands would be punished.
"Maintaining law and order is our responsibility. Be it Indian citizens or foreign nationals, anyone who takes law in their hands won't be spared," he said.
There has been a series of attacks on African nationals in the last few days, including killing of a Congolese youth in the national capital. A 23-year-old Nigerian student was also assaulted in Hyderabad. Five people have been arrested in connection with the attacks on African nationals in Delhi.
Pic: Mos External Affairs VK Singh meets with African Heads of Mission during the Africa Day Celebration at ICCR in New Delhi on Thursday.
"If a racial angle is found in any of the case, strictest of possible action will be taken," Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju told reporters. The minister was replying to a question on whether the recent incidents of attacks on African nationals in Delhi allegedly had a racial angle.
"We have taken up all the incidents very seriously. Action is being taken and some arrests have already been made," he said. On the attack on a taxi driver allegedly by a group of Africans in New Delhi today, Rijiju said anyone taking law in their hands would be punished.
"Maintaining law and order is our responsibility. Be it Indian citizens or foreign nationals, anyone who takes law in their hands won't be spared," he said.
There has been a series of attacks on African nationals in the last few days, including killing of a Congolese youth in the national capital. A 23-year-old Nigerian student was also assaulted in Hyderabad. Five people have been arrested in connection with the attacks on African nationals in Delhi.
Pic: Mos External Affairs VK Singh meets with African Heads of Mission during the Africa Day Celebration at ICCR in New Delhi on Thursday.
18:13 Sunny Leone very excited about film with Arbaaz Khan
For all Sunny Leone fans. The actor will soon be seen on the silver screen with Arbaaz Khan. The actors have been roped in for an upcoming musical drama Tera Intezaar. This is the first time that Sunny and Arbaaz are working together in a film. Read more
18:03 Posting photos online is not living. You are producing your own obituary
As you point your phone at everything from Notre Dame to a slice of chocolate cake, remember these images will take on significance only after you have gone, writes Rana Dasgupta. Read
17:39 Pak origin singer-actor Salma Agha to get lifetime Indian visa
Pakistani origin veteran actor and singer Salma Agha to get lifetime Indian visa, say MHA sources.
Agha has applied for an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card and her request was being examined by the Home Ministry. The card gives multiple entry, multi-purpose life-long visa to visit India and exemption from reporting to police authorities for any length of stay in the country.
The Pakistan-born artist is a U.K. citizen. She had given her voice to few Bollywood films and acted in some of them. Agha had won the Filmfare best female playback award in 1982 for her rendition "Dil Ke armaan aansuon me beh gaye' in the movie 'Nikaah.'
The OCI card gives parity to an individual with Non-Resident Indians in financial, economic and educational fields except in the acquisition of agricultural or plantation properties.
Pic: A 2014 picture of Salma Agha with her daughter Sasha
Agha has applied for an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card and her request was being examined by the Home Ministry. The card gives multiple entry, multi-purpose life-long visa to visit India and exemption from reporting to police authorities for any length of stay in the country.
The Pakistan-born artist is a U.K. citizen. She had given her voice to few Bollywood films and acted in some of them. Agha had won the Filmfare best female playback award in 1982 for her rendition "Dil Ke armaan aansuon me beh gaye' in the movie 'Nikaah.'
The OCI card gives parity to an individual with Non-Resident Indians in financial, economic and educational fields except in the acquisition of agricultural or plantation properties.
Pic: A 2014 picture of Salma Agha with her daughter Sasha
17:33 CR asks NGOs to help in toilet upkeep at local train stations
Railways has planned to improve toilet facilities at 48 suburban train stations in the metropolis, for which it has asked several non-governmental organizations (NGOs), a senior official said today. Mumbai Rail Vikas Corporation (MRVC), a subsidiary of Indian Railways, is mandated for infrastructure improvement of Mumbai's suburban railway with the financial and logistical support from Maharashtra government.
"Thirty-three (Mumbai) suburban railway stations are included in the list of 400 stations, which are to be revamped through public-private partnership (PPP) model, in accordance with Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu's budgetary announcement earlier this year," S K Sood, General Manager of Central Railway (CR), told PTI.
"There are 48 suburban railway stations where we are finding it hard to provide proper toilet facilities. We expect NGOs to come forward and help us in improving the toilets at these stations," he said. "NGOs have evinced interest in the plan. One of the NGOs has taken up the task to maintain (toilets at) seven stations," he said. "Once we improve the cleanliness situation of the toilets, we can move on to revamp the other infrastructural facilities at the stations," he further said.
Representational picture. The names of the stations are not available as yet.
"Thirty-three (Mumbai) suburban railway stations are included in the list of 400 stations, which are to be revamped through public-private partnership (PPP) model, in accordance with Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu's budgetary announcement earlier this year," S K Sood, General Manager of Central Railway (CR), told PTI.
"There are 48 suburban railway stations where we are finding it hard to provide proper toilet facilities. We expect NGOs to come forward and help us in improving the toilets at these stations," he said. "NGOs have evinced interest in the plan. One of the NGOs has taken up the task to maintain (toilets at) seven stations," he said. "Once we improve the cleanliness situation of the toilets, we can move on to revamp the other infrastructural facilities at the stations," he further said.
Representational picture. The names of the stations are not available as yet.
17:28 Nehru praise unlocks IAS rights debate
The transfer of a collector who had praised Jawaharlal Nehru in a Facebook post has set off a debate in the Madhya Pradesh bureaucracy whether civil servants have the right to express political views in public. Some officials appear willing to support Ajay Gangwar, who has been removed as Badwani collector and posted as deputy secretary at the state secretariat in Bhopal.
"Very few dare to stand with truth and rationale to safeguard the basic values of democracy and humanity. I salute you, my friend," a Facebook post by Rajesh Bahuguna, additional commissioner with the commercial tax department, said without naming Gangwar. Read more
"Very few dare to stand with truth and rationale to safeguard the basic values of democracy and humanity. I salute you, my friend," a Facebook post by Rajesh Bahuguna, additional commissioner with the commercial tax department, said without naming Gangwar. Read more
17:20 Sensex logs gains for 5th day in choppy trade, up 72 points
Benchmark Sensex landed in the positive zone for the fifth straight day by gaining 72 points to 26,726 -- a seven-month high -- as March quarter earnings broadly stayed above expectations. A positive update about an above-normal monsoon this year, which is seen to rub off on the overall consumer demand, brightened economic prospects.
17:13
MEA spokesperson Vikas Swarup @MEAIndia tweets: Committed to welfare of our African brothers & sisters FS with a group of African students earlier today.
17:09 Hazaaron khwaishein aisi... Satya Nadella compares code to couplets
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, widely known for his computing skills across the globe, on Monday showcased his love for poetry in front of the Indian audience in the national capital.
Speaking at the Microsoft India programme 'Tech for Good, Ideas for India', Nadella said, "I had only two passions that have driven my dreams - poetry and computer science."
He then began his speech quoting Mirza Ghalib, the noted Urdu and Persian poet of the 19th century. "Hazaaron khwaishein aisi, ke har khwaish pe dum nikle. Bohot nikle mere armaan, fir bhi kam nikle," Nadella quoted. The couplet translates, "Thousands of aspirations such, that each aspiration takes your breath away... I had many dreams, but they still weren't enough." "Creativity in India can make poetry as well as technology for the world," he said.
The Microsoft top boss, who is on his third visit to India, reiterated how the tech giant can help the country in its 'Digital India' initiative and build technology around augmented reality and virtual reality. Nadella has often compared poetry to code.
Speaking at the Microsoft India programme 'Tech for Good, Ideas for India', Nadella said, "I had only two passions that have driven my dreams - poetry and computer science."
He then began his speech quoting Mirza Ghalib, the noted Urdu and Persian poet of the 19th century. "Hazaaron khwaishein aisi, ke har khwaish pe dum nikle. Bohot nikle mere armaan, fir bhi kam nikle," Nadella quoted. The couplet translates, "Thousands of aspirations such, that each aspiration takes your breath away... I had many dreams, but they still weren't enough." "Creativity in India can make poetry as well as technology for the world," he said.
The Microsoft top boss, who is on his third visit to India, reiterated how the tech giant can help the country in its 'Digital India' initiative and build technology around augmented reality and virtual reality. Nadella has often compared poetry to code.
16:56 Naidu to visit Germany to promote investments in smart cities
Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister M. Venkaiah Naidu will attend a three day conference on India's Smart City Mission to be held in Berlin, Germany from tomorrow with the objective of furthering cooperation with Germany and promoting investments. Naidu will hold detailed talks with his German counterpart and senior officials on the roadmap for developing Bhubaneswar in Odisha, Kochi in Kerala and Coimbatore in Tamil Nadu as smart cities with German assistance. These three cities were identified for German collaboration further to Inter-Governmental Consultations between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and German Chancellor Dr Angela Merkel in October, 2015 in New Delhi.
A detailed presentation on smart city plans of these 3 cities will be made at the conference. The Berlin visit of Naidu is aimed at intensifying high-level engagement for identifying new opportunities for German companies in the urban development sector offered by the initiative of development of 100 smart cities.
A detailed presentation on smart city plans of these 3 cities will be made at the conference. The Berlin visit of Naidu is aimed at intensifying high-level engagement for identifying new opportunities for German companies in the urban development sector offered by the initiative of development of 100 smart cities.
16:53
Shirish Kunder @ShirishKunder has a point: This should teach #TanmayBhat a lesson. Better to talk to Dawood than crack unfunny jokes.
16:40 Sushma Swaraj promises help to Pakistani teen barred from medical exam
A Pakistani teen who now lives in India hopes to become a doctor, just like her parents. However, 17-year-old Mashal Maheshwari is now running from pillar to post to prove herself eligible for the Medial Entrance examination and turn her dream into reality. The young student, desperate for some help, has now found support from a very exalted quarter --Minister for External Affairs Sushma Swaraj.
Now, Mashal's cause will be pleaded by Swaraj, who has promised to look into the matter personally. In a tweet posted on May 29, Ms Swaraj said: "Mashal - Don't be disappointed my child. I will personally take up your case for admission in a Medical College."
The foreign affairs minister added on Twitter today, "Mashal - I am watching you on CNN News. Please contact me on Telephone : 011-23794344. I am waiting for your call."
16:21 Private jet carrying Naidu, Rudy aborts take off
A private jet plane carrying Union ministers M Venkaiah Naidu and Rajiv Pratap Rudy today aborted take off from Delhi airport at the last minute due to a "fuel warning".
The Hawker chartered aircraft was taxiing and was about to take off when the fuel warning signal was triggered, forcing the pilot to abort the flight.
Naidu was on his way to Jaipur to file his nomination papers for the Rajya Sabha polls.
"Both Naidu and Rudy are safe. They were delayed by about two hours," BJP sources said. Naidu, along with Rudy, had to take another flight to reach Jaipur for filing his nomination papers.
16:20 Dawood call logs: Hacker files plea in HC for CBI probe
A Gujarat-based person, who claims to have hacked the call records of Dawood Ibrahim, has filed a petition in Bombay high court seeking protection for himself and CBI probe against Maharashtra minister Eknath Khadse for alleged calls between him and the underworld don.
The court, however, said there was no urgency for a vacation bench to hear the petition.
Vadodara-based hacker Manish Bhangale's advocate mentioned the petition on Monday before the vacation bench of justices B R Gavai and B P Colabawalla and sought urgent hearing while claiming that the petitioner has been receiving death threats.
The bench, however, said there was nothing urgent in the petition. It directed the petitioner to mention the petition before the regular bench once the high court resumes after vacation on June 6.
Bhangale claims to have hacked the authentication process of the Pakistan Telecommunication Company Ltd in April this year from which he acquired the telephone records of underworld fugitive Dawood Ibrahim.
15:44 Why PC is s RS nominee from Maharashtra
There is stiff opposition from both BJP and Congress leaders in Karnataka over the nomination of Venkaiah Naidu and P Chidamabram respectively to the Rajya Sabha from the state.
It is believed that BS Yeddyurappa opposed Naidu's candidature because it was Naidu who along with the then Karnataka state unit chief Ananth Kumar was instrumental in removing Yeddy from the Chief Ministership of Karnataka. Both men are loyal to the LK Adavni camp. Yeddy bided his time and took revenge now.
Similarly, Karnataka Chief Minister BS Siddaramaiah opposed Chidambaram beause there are many criminal cases against PC's son Karthik and wife Nalini and Karnataka Congress leaders also don't want Chidambaram to be nominated.
Consequently, Venkaiah Naidu had to rush to Jaipur, Rajasthan, to file his nomination to the Rajya Sabha, while Chidambaram was nominated from Maharashtra for the biennial elections.
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Lesson to be learnt? Never undermine the power of regional satraps.
It is believed that BS Yeddyurappa opposed Naidu's candidature because it was Naidu who along with the then Karnataka state unit chief Ananth Kumar was instrumental in removing Yeddy from the Chief Ministership of Karnataka. Both men are loyal to the LK Adavni camp. Yeddy bided his time and took revenge now.
Similarly, Karnataka Chief Minister BS Siddaramaiah opposed Chidambaram beause there are many criminal cases against PC's son Karthik and wife Nalini and Karnataka Congress leaders also don't want Chidambaram to be nominated.
Consequently, Venkaiah Naidu had to rush to Jaipur, Rajasthan, to file his nomination to the Rajya Sabha, while Chidambaram was nominated from Maharashtra for the biennial elections.
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Lesson to be learnt? Never undermine the power of regional satraps.
15:23 Family of deceased Congolese student at MEA
Just in: Family members of deceased Congolese student Masonda Olivier arrive at MEA with Congo ambassador. India on Monday assured the family of the Congolese national, who was killed in a brawl in the national capital on May 20, of a speedy trial in the case and prosecution of all those responsible for the crime as per law.
This was conveyed by a senior official of External Affairs Ministry who met the family members of Masonda Ketada Oliver at the airport on their arrival in New Delhi.
This was conveyed by a senior official of External Affairs Ministry who met the family members of Masonda Ketada Oliver at the airport on their arrival in New Delhi.
15:10 Tanmay Bhat responds...
Whether you find Tanmay Bhat's Sachin vs Lata roast funny or otherwise, we like his response to the uproar: Tanmay tweets @thetanmay Please pay me @Snapchat.
The video was posted on Facebook and Snapchat.
The ruling BJP and Shiv Sena have also urged Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to take action against both Bhat and AIB over the video -- Sachin vs Lata Civil War.
The video was posted on Facebook and Snapchat.
The ruling BJP and Shiv Sena have also urged Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to take action against both Bhat and AIB over the video -- Sachin vs Lata Civil War.
15:07 Mumbai police to ask Google, YouTube to block Sachin-Lata roast
Mumbai Police to contact Google, YouTube to block Tanmay Bhat's 'Sachin vs Lata' video.
Raj Thackeray's MNS today filed a police complaint against All India Bakchod's (AIB) Tanmay Bhat and threatened violence against any event featuring the 28-year-old stand-up comic. Bhat has allegedly mocked veteran singer Lata Mangeshkar and cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar in a video, which has already triggered a sharp backlash on social media.
The Special Branch of the Mumbai Police is inquiring into the complaint against AIB, DCP, PRO Mumbai Police said.
Bhat has allegedly mocked veteran singer Lata Mangeshkar and cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar in a video, which has already triggered a sharp backlash on social media.
MNS Chitrapat Sena president Ameya Khopkar today told reporters that they will beat Bhatt "whenever they see him". "Whenever we will see Tanmay, we will beat him. We will not let him do any shows," the MNS leader said.
"Some things should be beyond politics. Our agenda is clear. Those who have made videos on Lata Mangeshkar and Sachin Tendulkar should be arrested," he demanded.
Bhatt, a popular comedian with the AIB, had posted the video titled 'Sachin vs Lata Civil War' on May 26 on Facebook. Actors Anupam Kher, Riteish Deshmukh and Celina Jaitly have criticised Bhat for roasting Tendulkar and Mangeshkar, calling the video "not funny".
Raj Thackeray's MNS today filed a police complaint against All India Bakchod's (AIB) Tanmay Bhat and threatened violence against any event featuring the 28-year-old stand-up comic. Bhat has allegedly mocked veteran singer Lata Mangeshkar and cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar in a video, which has already triggered a sharp backlash on social media.
The Special Branch of the Mumbai Police is inquiring into the complaint against AIB, DCP, PRO Mumbai Police said.
Bhat has allegedly mocked veteran singer Lata Mangeshkar and cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar in a video, which has already triggered a sharp backlash on social media.
MNS Chitrapat Sena president Ameya Khopkar today told reporters that they will beat Bhatt "whenever they see him". "Whenever we will see Tanmay, we will beat him. We will not let him do any shows," the MNS leader said.
"Some things should be beyond politics. Our agenda is clear. Those who have made videos on Lata Mangeshkar and Sachin Tendulkar should be arrested," he demanded.
Bhatt, a popular comedian with the AIB, had posted the video titled 'Sachin vs Lata Civil War' on May 26 on Facebook. Actors Anupam Kher, Riteish Deshmukh and Celina Jaitly have criticised Bhat for roasting Tendulkar and Mangeshkar, calling the video "not funny".
15:04 African nationals thrash cab driver
Details on the cab driver who was attacked by African nationals...
A cab driver was beaten up allegedly by a group of Africans in the early hours today in south Delhi's Rajpur Khurd, the locality in which African nationals were attacked by groups of locals in four separate incidents last week.
The incident took place around 4 am when the cab driver, identified as Nuruddin, went to pick up passengers from Rajpur Khurd in Mehrauli. There were six of them -- four African men and two women.
An altercation took place between Nuruddin and the passengers when he refused to accommodate all six of them in his cab, a senior police official said. The group then allegedly attacked Nuruddin and ran away.
The injured driver, however, managed to stop one woman, who is believed to be from Rwanda, and called up the police. Nuruddin, who sustained injuries on his face, was rushed to AIIMS and the woman has been detained for questioning.
A case has been registered and efforts are on to identify the other accused persons, the official added. There has been a series of attacks on African nationals in the last few days including killing of a Congolese youth in national capital and assault on a 23-year-old Nigerian student in Hyderabad. Five persons have been arrested in connection with the attack on African nationals.
A cab driver was beaten up allegedly by a group of Africans in the early hours today in south Delhi's Rajpur Khurd, the locality in which African nationals were attacked by groups of locals in four separate incidents last week.
The incident took place around 4 am when the cab driver, identified as Nuruddin, went to pick up passengers from Rajpur Khurd in Mehrauli. There were six of them -- four African men and two women.
An altercation took place between Nuruddin and the passengers when he refused to accommodate all six of them in his cab, a senior police official said. The group then allegedly attacked Nuruddin and ran away.
The injured driver, however, managed to stop one woman, who is believed to be from Rwanda, and called up the police. Nuruddin, who sustained injuries on his face, was rushed to AIIMS and the woman has been detained for questioning.
A case has been registered and efforts are on to identify the other accused persons, the official added. There has been a series of attacks on African nationals in the last few days including killing of a Congolese youth in national capital and assault on a 23-year-old Nigerian student in Hyderabad. Five persons have been arrested in connection with the attack on African nationals.
14:44 7 States. 6 Days. 2,148 km and a journey of a lifetime
When Rediff.com's Archana Masih and Rajesh Karkera set course from the foothills of the Himalayas to the Arabian Sea, they could not think of a better place to begin their journey than the stately campus that has given India some of its greatest military heroes -- the Indian Military Academy in Dehradun. The first part of a five-part journey. Read
14:25
Johnny Depp and Amber Heard bust up sparked by row over dying mother? Read
14:20 Pratyusha Banerjee suicide case: SC rejects her mother's plea to cancel Rahul Raj's bail
The Supreme Court on Monday declined a plea by the mother of late actress Pratyusha Banerjee seeking cancellation of anticipatory bail of Rahul Raj Singh, accused of abetment to suicide of the "Balika Vadhu' star.
The apex court, comprising Justice PC Ghosh and Justice Amitava Roy, dismissed the plea of Soma Banerjee as withdrawn as a bench did not accept the plea that he should be charged for murder.
When the court was urged that only custodial interrogation can establish the charge of murder, the bench, not impressed by the plea, asked if Maharashtra police has filed any application challenging the grant of anticipatory bail.
The court dismissed the plea by Soma Banerjee as the bench was told by her council that the Maharashtra police has not moved any application contesting grant of anticipatory bail to Rahul Raj Singh by the state High Court.
The apex court, comprising Justice PC Ghosh and Justice Amitava Roy, dismissed the plea of Soma Banerjee as withdrawn as a bench did not accept the plea that he should be charged for murder.
When the court was urged that only custodial interrogation can establish the charge of murder, the bench, not impressed by the plea, asked if Maharashtra police has filed any application challenging the grant of anticipatory bail.
The court dismissed the plea by Soma Banerjee as the bench was told by her council that the Maharashtra police has not moved any application contesting grant of anticipatory bail to Rahul Raj Singh by the state High Court.
14:10 Chinese citizen targeted in Karachi blast
At least one person sustained minor injuries in a remote-controlled explosion targeting a Chinese engineer in Karachi's Gulshan-i-Hadeed area on Monday, police said. Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Rao Anwar said a pamphlet in Sindhi was recovered from the site of the blast denouncing "foreign control over Sindh's natural resources". Read more
14:03 Extend tax holiday for startups to 7 yrs: Nirmala to FinMin
The Finance Ministry should consider raising tax holiday for startups to 7 years from the current 3 years to encourage budding entrepreneurs, Commerce and Industry Minister Nirmala Sitharaman today said. Sitharaman said lots of inputs from startups have been received and "recommendations have gone to the Finance Ministry for extending the 3-year tax holiday to 7 years".
"We shall pursue it and there shall now be lots more interactions with them," she told reporters while briefing them on the initiatives taken by her ministry during the last two years. The minister said she would visit different co-work spaces of these new age companies to see the ground picture and infuse fresh energy.
"We shall pursue it and there shall now be lots more interactions with them," she told reporters while briefing them on the initiatives taken by her ministry during the last two years. The minister said she would visit different co-work spaces of these new age companies to see the ground picture and infuse fresh energy.
13:58 Period pain is officially as bad as a heart attack - so why have doctors ignored it?
Men wait an average of 49 minutes before being treated for abdominal pain. For women, the wait is 65 minutes for the same symptoms. It's thought that this is because women are seen as exaggerating pain and being 'dramatic' due to sexist stereotypes. Read more
13:37 When Rana Ayyub met Narendra Modi
In 2010, journalist Rana Ayyub was 26, struggling to come to terms with a dear colleague's death and working with Tehelka magazine. It was one of the lowest points in her life, and she found her way out of this rabbit hole because of a story.
Ayyub began investigating the Gujarat riots of 2002 and the way the state machinery worked in Gujarat under the aegis of Narendra Modi and Amit Shah. To do this, she went undercover and posed as a filmmaker from America, named Maithili Tyagi, who wanted to make a film on Modi and had a 'gora' assistant named Mike. The identity worked. She got a meeting with Modi, who was then chief minister of Gujarat. Here's how it went.
Read
Ayyub began investigating the Gujarat riots of 2002 and the way the state machinery worked in Gujarat under the aegis of Narendra Modi and Amit Shah. To do this, she went undercover and posed as a filmmaker from America, named Maithili Tyagi, who wanted to make a film on Modi and had a 'gora' assistant named Mike. The identity worked. She got a meeting with Modi, who was then chief minister of Gujarat. Here's how it went.
Read
13:30 Batla house: BJP stages protest, accuses Cong of propagating false sentiments
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Monday staged a protest in front of the Delhi Congress office in the national capital, against the grand old party's statement over the Batla House encounter case.
The BJP leaders denounced the Congress raising flags and placards and accused them of propagating false facts in connection with the Batla House case.
"The Congress and specially Sonia Gandhi have always been double faced. When the Batla Encounter took place the Congress leader said that the encounter which took place was fake," BJP leader Satish Upadhyay told ANI.
"Today the main accused of the Batla house encounter is being seen featuring in an ISIS video, where he says that he has come from Batla house and will destroy India. So this demonstration is against those who have brewed and nurtured terrorism in the nation," he added.
Another BJP leader said that the Congress, by dubbing the encounter as fake, not only projected the facts wrongly but also insulted martyrs like Mohan Chand Sharma.
Pic: Inspector MC Sharma had led the police team that had stormed an apartment in Batla House to catch the terrorists
The BJP leaders denounced the Congress raising flags and placards and accused them of propagating false facts in connection with the Batla House case.
"The Congress and specially Sonia Gandhi have always been double faced. When the Batla Encounter took place the Congress leader said that the encounter which took place was fake," BJP leader Satish Upadhyay told ANI.
"Today the main accused of the Batla house encounter is being seen featuring in an ISIS video, where he says that he has come from Batla house and will destroy India. So this demonstration is against those who have brewed and nurtured terrorism in the nation," he added.
Another BJP leader said that the Congress, by dubbing the encounter as fake, not only projected the facts wrongly but also insulted martyrs like Mohan Chand Sharma.
Pic: Inspector MC Sharma had led the police team that had stormed an apartment in Batla House to catch the terrorists
13:01 Mehbooba has lost her mental balance, says separatist Geelani
Hindustan Times reports: Separatist leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani has criticised Jammu and Kashmir CM Mehbooba Mufti's 'cat-pigeon' analogy while talking about the rehabilitation of Kashmiri Pandits in the Valley and said she "has lost her mental balance after attaining power".
"Comparing Kashmiris (sic) as cats is very humiliating statement on the part of Mehbooba Mufti," a Hurriyat statement said on Sunday.
Geelani said Kashmiris are like pigeons and Indian Army was behaving like cats and "mercilessly killing innocent Kashmiri people (pigeons) and destroying their nests".
He said there will be no threats to Kashmiri Pandits if they returned to their native places and "they can peacefully live with their Muslim brothers there".
Read more HERE
12:58 Ram Jethmalani files his RS papers
Ram Jethmalani files his nomination papers for the Rajya Sabha polls. RJD chief Lalu Prasad has nominated his daughter Misa Bharti and Jethmalani as party candidates for the biennial polls.
12:55 Sharad Yadav, Jethmalani, Misa Bharti file papers for RS polls from Bihar
Former JD-U president Sharad Yadav, Supreme Court lawyer and former BJP RS MP Ram Jethmalani, Misa Bharti and RCP Singh on Monday filed nomination papers for the biennial elections to the Rajya Sabha from Bihar. The elections will be held on July 10.
Sharad Yadav is the sitting Rajya Sabha member and senior JD-U leader.
Last week, the party re-nominated Sharad Yadav, and RCP Singh,considered close to Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar as JD-U candidate for the Rajya Sabha which has five seats from the state.
Both Yadav and Singh filed their nomination papers in Patna in the presence of senior party leaders.
RJD chief Lalu Prasad has nominated his daughter Misa Bharti and Ram Jethmalani as party candidates for the biennial polls. The national and state parliamentary boards of RJD met last week and authorized Lalu to select candidates for the Upper House of Parliament.
"Misa Bharti and Ram Jethmalani have filed their nomination papers," RJD leader Chandeshwar Prasad Singh confirmed.
Lalu's daughter Misa Bharti, is a doctor and has been trying to enter politics for several years. She was named after the Maintenance of Internal Security Act under which Lalu had been jailed during the Emergency.
JD-U and RJD along with Congress are part of the Grand Alliance in Bihar.
The BJP has nominated its senior leader and former state president Gopal Narain Singh as party candidate for the biennial polls.
With 80 MLAs in the Bihar Assembly, two RJDs nominees out of five Rajya seats will get through easily. RJDs ally JD-U will nominate two candidates for the Rajya Sabha polls with 71 MLAs, while BJP will nominate one candidate with 53 MLAs.
The term of five sitting Rajya Sabha MPs from Bihar expires in July.
MI Khan/Rediff.com in Patna.
Sharad Yadav is the sitting Rajya Sabha member and senior JD-U leader.
Last week, the party re-nominated Sharad Yadav, and RCP Singh,considered close to Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar as JD-U candidate for the Rajya Sabha which has five seats from the state.
Both Yadav and Singh filed their nomination papers in Patna in the presence of senior party leaders.
RJD chief Lalu Prasad has nominated his daughter Misa Bharti and Ram Jethmalani as party candidates for the biennial polls. The national and state parliamentary boards of RJD met last week and authorized Lalu to select candidates for the Upper House of Parliament.
"Misa Bharti and Ram Jethmalani have filed their nomination papers," RJD leader Chandeshwar Prasad Singh confirmed.
Lalu's daughter Misa Bharti, is a doctor and has been trying to enter politics for several years. She was named after the Maintenance of Internal Security Act under which Lalu had been jailed during the Emergency.
JD-U and RJD along with Congress are part of the Grand Alliance in Bihar.
The BJP has nominated its senior leader and former state president Gopal Narain Singh as party candidate for the biennial polls.
With 80 MLAs in the Bihar Assembly, two RJDs nominees out of five Rajya seats will get through easily. RJDs ally JD-U will nominate two candidates for the Rajya Sabha polls with 71 MLAs, while BJP will nominate one candidate with 53 MLAs.
The term of five sitting Rajya Sabha MPs from Bihar expires in July.
MI Khan/Rediff.com in Patna.
12:37 MNS files FIR against AIB's Tanmay Bhat for Sachin. Lata video roast
Raj Thackeray's MNS today filed a police complaint against All India Bakchod's (AIB) Tanmay Bhat and threatened violence against any event featuring the 28-year-old stand-up comic. Bhat has allegedly mocked veteran singer Lata Mangeshkar and cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar in a video, which has already triggered a sharp backlash on social media.
The Special Branch of the Mumbai Police is inquiring into the complaint against AIB, DCP, PRO Mumbai Police said.
Bhat has allegedly mocked veteran singer Lata Mangeshkar and cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar in a video, which has already triggered a sharp backlash on social media.
MNS Chitrapat Sena president Ameya Khopkar today told reporters that they will beat Bhatt "whenever they see him". "Whenever we will see Tanmay, we will beat him. We will not let him do any shows," the MNS leader said.
"Some things should be beyond politics. Our agenda is clear. Those who have made videos on Lata Mangeshkar and Sachin Tendulkar should be arrested," he demanded.
Bhatt, a popular comedian with the AIB, had posted the video titled 'Sachin vs Lata Civil War' on May 26 on Facebook. Actors Anupam Kher, Riteish Deshmukh and Celina Jaitly have criticised Bhat for roasting Tendulkar and Mangeshkar, calling the video "not funny".
The Special Branch of the Mumbai Police is inquiring into the complaint against AIB, DCP, PRO Mumbai Police said.
Bhat has allegedly mocked veteran singer Lata Mangeshkar and cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar in a video, which has already triggered a sharp backlash on social media.
MNS Chitrapat Sena president Ameya Khopkar today told reporters that they will beat Bhatt "whenever they see him". "Whenever we will see Tanmay, we will beat him. We will not let him do any shows," the MNS leader said.
"Some things should be beyond politics. Our agenda is clear. Those who have made videos on Lata Mangeshkar and Sachin Tendulkar should be arrested," he demanded.
Bhatt, a popular comedian with the AIB, had posted the video titled 'Sachin vs Lata Civil War' on May 26 on Facebook. Actors Anupam Kher, Riteish Deshmukh and Celina Jaitly have criticised Bhat for roasting Tendulkar and Mangeshkar, calling the video "not funny".
12:19
Vice President Mohammad Hamid Ansari leaves for North Africa on two-nation visit to Morocco and Tunisia.
12:15 Africans beat me for refusing to take more than 4 passengers: Cabbie
In the aftermath of multiple attacks on African nationals over the last one week, a taxi driver in Delhi has filed a police complaint, saying he was beaten up African nationals after he refused to take on board more than passengers. Details awaited.
A Congolese was beaten to death in Vasant Kunj last week, after which seven African nationals were also attacked by a group of 10 men within a span of half-an-hour inside a bylane in south Delhi's Chhatarpur. The victims -- three men and four women -- said the attackers hurled racial slurs at them and beat them up with iron rods, sticks, bricks and cricket bats.
A Congolese was beaten to death in Vasant Kunj last week, after which seven African nationals were also attacked by a group of 10 men within a span of half-an-hour inside a bylane in south Delhi's Chhatarpur. The victims -- three men and four women -- said the attackers hurled racial slurs at them and beat them up with iron rods, sticks, bricks and cricket bats.
11:38 AAP breakaway group forms Swaraj Party, to contest Punjab polls next year
The three-cornered contest in the upcoming Punjab Assembly elections (SAD-BJP, Congress and AAP) has got a new entrant. After months of deliberations, Swaraj Lehar or Swaraj Abhiyan, the breakaway group of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in Punjab on Sunday announced the formation of Swaraj Party to contest assembly elections in Punjab next year.
The announcement came after a convention in Chandigarh on Sunday in which a large number of delegates of Swaraj Lehar, from all over Punjab, unanimously passed a resolution for the formation of the political outfit, namely Swaraj Party with professor (retired) Manjit Singh as its president.
Read more
The announcement came after a convention in Chandigarh on Sunday in which a large number of delegates of Swaraj Lehar, from all over Punjab, unanimously passed a resolution for the formation of the political outfit, namely Swaraj Party with professor (retired) Manjit Singh as its president.
Read more
11:29 Vice Admiral Luthra named FOC-in-C of Western Naval Command
Vice Admiral Girish Luthra today succeeded Sunil Lanba as the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief (FOC-in-C) of the Western Naval Command. Vice Admiral Lanba, who will proceed to New Delhi to take over as the Chief of Naval Staff tomorrow, handed over the command to Luthra at a ceremonial parade here this morning.
11:08 MEA official meets deceased Congolese national's family
India today assured the family of the Congolese national, who was killed in a brawl in New Delhi on May 20, of a speedy trial in the case and prosecution of all those responsible for the crime as per law. This was conveyed by a senior official of External Affairs Ministry who met the family members of Masonda Ketada Oliver at the airport on their arrival here. He also informed them that the government of India will bear all expenses related to dispatch of mortal remains of Oliver, MEA spokesperson Vikas Swarup said. He said that the family members thanked the Indian government for its assistance. They were told that External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj has instructed speedy trial in the case.
23-year-old Congolese national Oliver, who was a French teacher at a private institute, was beaten to death in Vasant Kunj area of South Delhi following a brawl over hiring of an autorickshaw. Envoys of African countries had expressed shock and outrage over the killing following which India assured them of safety of African nationals.
23-year-old Congolese national Oliver, who was a French teacher at a private institute, was beaten to death in Vasant Kunj area of South Delhi following a brawl over hiring of an autorickshaw. Envoys of African countries had expressed shock and outrage over the killing following which India assured them of safety of African nationals.
10:36 Delhi gets rains, Met office predicts thunderstorm today
Delhiites woke up to a rainy morning today with the national capital region witnessing sporadic rainfall and strong winds throughout the night which led to water-logging in several parts of the city.
Safdarjung observatory, which gives the official reading for the city, showed 4.9 mm rainfall till 8.30 am while areas under Lodhi Road, Palam, Ridge and Aayanagar recorded 9.5 mm, 9.5 mm, 5.8 mm and 14 mm rainfall respectively during the same period, said a Met department official.
Traffic snarls due to water logging were reported from some parts of the city.
The minimum temperature was recorded at 23 degrees Celsius, four notches below the season's average, the official said.
Humidity was recorded as 98 per cent at 8.30 am. The Met office has predicted light rains and thunderstorm accompanied by squall for today.
10:15 AIBs Tanmay Bhat roasted for Lata-Sachin video
Comedy group AIB's Tanmay Bhat is in the eye of a storm with celebrities and others slamming him for posting a video of a mock conversation between Lata Mangeshkar and Sachin Tendulkar.
Bhat had on May 26 posted the video, captioned "Sachin vs Lata Civil War", on Facebook along with this disclaimer: "I make such nonsense on my Snapchat."
Tanmay is seen roasting the revered Bharat Ratna awardees all in the name of humour. Titled Sachin v/s Lata Civil War, some of the punchlines used against Lata in the video include Jon Snow also died, so should you, Your face looks like someone has kept you in water for eight days.
By Sunday, the video had been widely shared and had social media divided on whether it is funny or downright offensive -- or neither of the two.
09:48 Beant Singh's grandson 'commits suicide'
Harkirat Singh (41), grandson of former Punjab chief minister Beant Singh, allegedly committed suicide in Chandigarh on Sunday by shooting himself in his head with his licensed pistol. Sarpanch from the family's home village Kotli, he was suffering from acute depression, police said.
"My brother was a depression patient undergoing treatment since 1995. Two months ago, he came out of coma after an accident last year," said his cousin and Ludhiana MP Ravneet Bittu. While Harkirat's elder brother Gurkirat is MLA from Khanna, his father Tej Parkash was a cabinet minister in the 1990s.
Police said Harkirat took out his .33mm pistol and shot himself in the head. His wife was at home at the time of the incident.
09:40 Haryana government to move HC against Jat quota stay
Haryana government will on Monday file an application in the Punjab and Haryana High Court today, over the Jat reservation issue.
The high court had last Thursday stayed the reservation for Jats and four other communities provided by the Haryana government under a newly-carved Backward Classes (C) category.
The high court passed this order while hearing a petition challenging the constitutional validity of The Haryana Backward Classes (reservation in services and admission in educational institutions) Act 2016 that was passed unanimously by the state assembly on March 29.
The new act provides reservation for Jats and five other communities under a newly carved backward class (C) category. The five other communities -- including Jat Sikhs, Muslim Jats, Bishnois, Rors and Tyagis -- would be entitled to get 10 per cent reservation in government services and admission in educational institutions.
Following the verdict, Haryana CM Manohar Lal Khattar said his government would not wait till July 21 to initiate legal action against the "ex parte decision" of high court and would make all possible efforts to get the stay vacated.
09:33 Health minister Nadda picks up the broom at AIIMS
Union Health Minister J P Nadda on Monday participated in a cleanliness drive at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences hospital in New Delhi.
Earlier this month, the minister had taken stock of the sanitation and hygiene practices in place at the AIIMS as part of the 'Kayakalp Fortnight' launched in line with the Modi government's Swachch Bharat Abhiyaan.
The initiative towards total Swacchta in public health facilities is aimed towards building confidence of the users in public health facilities, provide quality service and encourage team work, underlined Nadda while stating that the initiative will encourage every public health facility in the country to work towards standards of excellence to help the facilities stay clean and hygienic.
08:48 Karnataka to Uber, Ola: Get licence or go off roads
Karnataka has directed taxi aggregators such as Uber and Ola to stop operations in the state until they secure a licence from the government, triggering sharp reactions from the corporate world.
Getting a licence would mean no more surge pricing, complying with the maximum fares fixed by the government periodically and registering with local transport authorities.
"If they have made some new rules for taxi aggregation, and the rules are reasonable without putting liabilities, it is fine. But they must not stop the business. Stopping the business means Bengaluru earning a bad name globally," said T V Mohandas Pai, chairman of venture capital firm Aarin Capital and a prominent business leader of the city, adding, "The Siddaramaiah government will be seen as anti-innovation and anti-technology."
Read more HERE
08:31 V-P Ansari set to take off for Morocco, Tunisia today
Vice President Hamid Ansari will undertake a five-day visit to Morocco and Tunisia from today as part of efforts to build on diplomatic gains from the India-Africa summit held in October last year.
The Vice President will discuss with leaders in the two north African countries issues of terrorism, UN Security Council expansion and investments in private sector, as well as ways to strengthen outreach to Africa and regional matters.
Ansari will be in Morocco from May 30 to June 1 at the invitation of Prime Minister Abdelilah Benkirane and the two leaders would jointly launch the India-Morocco Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Rabat, the External Affairs Ministry informed.
During the visit, a number of MoUs will be signed in areas like education, IT and communication technology sectors, focusing on "capacity building and cultural exchange".
In the second leg of his tour, Ansari will visit Tunisia from June 2-3.
Ansari's visit "will build on diplomatic gains" from the India-Africa summit and "we have chosen these two countries as they are great examples of democracy", Secretary (Economic Relations) in the MEA Amar Sinha said.
08:28 Narayanasamy to meet LtGov today to stake claim to form govt
Senior Congress leader V Narayanasamy, who was unanimously elected as the Congress legislature Party leader, would meet Lt Governor Kiran Bedi today to stake claim to become the chief minister of Puducherry.
Narayanasamy told reporters that he would meet Bedi at 10 am to hand over the letter staking claim to form the government.
Narayanasamy was elected leader of the 15-member CLP on Saturday. The Congress has the support of the two-member Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam in the 30-member assembly.
Earlier, he had called on DMK president M Karunanidhi at Chennai and obtained his party's letter of support for forming the government.
Narayanasamy, who did not contest the May 16 assembly polls in which Congress-DMK alliance secured a simple majority of 17 in the 30-member House, said Karunanidhi handed over the DMK's letter of support of its two MLAs to him during the meeting.
08:23
Good morning...
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