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Sat, 17 September 2016
Trump: Never wrong, never sorry, never responsible
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22:59 Trump: Never wrong, never sorry, never responsible
What makes Donald Trump such a singular figure -- in modern politics and, perhaps, ever -- is his refusal to take ownership of the outrageous things he has said and done.
It is the essence of his leadership style, the defiance that exasperates his foes and makes his supporters love him all the more. The one thing that is consistent about him is inconsistency.
Not only does Trump refuse to apologize, he blames others for his own actions. His campaign staff may claim to speak for him, but he will leave even his aides twisting when it suits his purposes.
Never had the GOP nominee done all of this in such a fun-house-mirror fashion as on Friday, when he disavowed a crackpot con that he had once promoted. He even went so far as to claim credit for rectifying the situation.
Read more HERE
22:56
Spice Jet flight from Hyderabad to Tirupati skidded off the runway at Tirupati airport while landing. All passengers safe.
22:54
India loses #DavisCup World Group playoff tie to Spain as Paes/Saketh go down to reigning Olympics champion Nadal/Lopez in 4 sets
22:08 Explosive device detonates in New Jersey ahead of charity race
A bomb exploded in Seaside Park, New Jersey, on Saturday along the route of a planned road race that was then canceled, a prosecutor and local media said.
The Ocean County prosecutor's office said on Facebook that no injuries or damage to surrounding structures were reported after a device exploded within a garbage pail.
A second device was found near the site of the explosion, according to NJ.com, quoting the prosecutor's spokesman, Al Della Fave. It was no immediate clear whether the second device was detonated.
Authorities including the FBI were in the town and were investigating the possibility there was at least one other unexploded device, the office said.
22:05 False alarm leads to major police operation in central Paris
Parts of central Paris were cordoned off on Saturday after a false alarm triggered a major security operation, French police said.
French government security alert app -- SAIP -- warned citizens that a police operation was under way in Saint-Leu church in the busy shopping district of Chatelet and advised people to stay away.
Interior minister, Bernard Cazeneuve, issued a statement confirming the false alarm and said that "the circumstances around the intervention" had yet to be determined.
More than one hundred police officers, including elite units, carried out the operation and the area was reopened to traffic after it became evident that there was no danger, a Reuters witness said.
21:55
Complaint filed against AAP MLA Sarita Singh in an alleged bribery case in Delhi. Delhi police probing the matter.
21:52 INS Viraat to berth on Visakhapatnam coast by mid-2017
The Navy has agreed to hand over INS Viraat to Andhra Pradesh government after its decommissioning and the aircraft carrier will berth on the coast here by mid-2017, Flag Officer Commanding-In-Chief, Eastern Naval Command, Vice-Admiral H C S Bisht said today.
The AP government had shown a keen interest in getting INS Viraat, the oldest aircraft carrier operated by Indian Navy, to berth in Vizag for promotion of tourism after its decommissioning, he said.
He was speaking to reporters after taking part in the International Coastal Cleanup Day at R K Beach in Visakhapatnam today.
Viraat is likely to be decommissioned by end of 2016 after 55 years of service, including 27 years with the Royal Navy (British Navy), he said.
21:51 BSF mulls deploying UAVs in Indo-Pak border in Rajasthan
The BSF is mulling to deploy unmanned aerial vehicles to beef up surveillance along the Indo-Pak border under the Rajasthan Frontier.
The UAVs have already been deployed for border surveillance in J&K and Gujarat and their deployment on Indo-Pak border in Rajasthan is in the pipeline, BSF DIG Ravi Gandhi said.
If this takes place, the 804-km-long Indo-Pak border, from Jaisalmer to Sri Ganganagar district, under the Rajasthan Frontier will be under the sharp eyes of UAVs, he added.
"We have already taken efforts like electrifying fences in sensitive parts, installing CCTV cameras and flood lights, and hanging bells on the fences. Leaving no stone unturned, we have constantly been taking in measures, which are more fool-proof," said IG (BSF) B R Meghwal.
The entire border has been fenced and is under intense surveillance of border guards. However, the 35-km stretch at Shahgarh Balz still requires robust fencing due to presence of thick and shifting sand dunes.
21:50 Maha plans to attach electronic chips to legs of convicts
Alarmed over rise in the incidents of the convicts on parole absconding, the Maharashtra government plans to put a band containing electronic chips on the legs of those serving time in the state jails.
This will help prison authorities get timely information on the location of these convicts whether they are in prison or are out on furlough and parole, a senior prison department official said.
Authorities were left red-faced recently when Sajjad Mughal, convicted for the murder of city-based lawyer Pallavi Purkayastha, jumped parole and became untraceable.
Around 29,000 inmates in cases of serious offences are lodged in prisons across the state, including 9,000 convicts. As of now, 600 convicts are on parole or furlough, Additional Director General, Prisons, Bhushankumar Upadhyay said.
The plan is to put an electronic chip in the form of a band on convicts' legs, he said. The band will help trace the convict's location and will alert jail officials if it is removed, he added.
21:04
It's one set all now as Nadal/Lopez take the 2nd set 7-6 (2) Vs Paes/Myneni. Indians were by a break. Spain won the first two singles encounters.
20:58 150-200 militants waiting to infiltrate into Valley: IG BSF
Around 200 militants from across the border are trying to infiltrate into Kashmir, while some have already sneaked into the Valley and the number of encounters along the Line of Control has increased, a senior Border Security Force officer has said.
"There has been an increase in the number of encounters along the LoC this year, and seeing that there is no denial that infiltration has taken place... Around 150-200 militants are waiting on the other side of LoC to infiltrate," Inspector General BSF, Kashmir Frontier, Vikash Chandra told media persons.
He also blamed Pakistan and militant organisations for the ongoing unrest in the Valley.
"This whole unrest is Pakistan sponsored. The militant organisations there have a huge hand in all this and they are trying their best (to fuel the unrest)," Chandra said.
20:40
Paes/Myneni take the 1st set 6-4 vs Rio Gold medalist Nadal/Lopez in the doubles event of Davis Cup tie in New Delhi.
20:39 Broadband internet services to resume in Valley
Broadband internet services of BSNL in Kashmir Valley would be restored tonight after remaining suspended for five days.
"The broadband internet services will be restored tonight," an official said.
The services were snapped on the eve of Eid-ul-Azha on September 12 in view of the apprehensions of law-and-order problems.
Mobile telephony services, excluding the post-paid connections of BSNL were also snapped across the Valley at 4pm on the same day. However, there was no word on the restoration of such services.
Mobile internet remains suspended in the violence-hit valley since July 10 after the unrest broke out in the wake of the killing of Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani with the security forces on July 8.
As many as 81 people including two cops have been killed and several thousands have been injured in the violence so far.
20:38 Asaram to be flown to Delhi for medical check up at AIIMS
Self-styled godman Asaram will be flown to Delhi on Sunday under police custody for medical examination at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences.
Asaram would be taken to New Delhi by an Air India flight in the afternoon in pursuance of the directions of the Supreme Court, Police Commissioner, Jodhpur, Ashok Kumar Rathore said.
"We have formed a team of police officials to accompany him to Delhi and back to Jodhpur safely. Another team of the city police is already in Delhi to receive him," he said.
Police attributed the delay in taking Asaram to Delhi to the festive season, during which heavy police force is deployed in the city to maintain law and order.
The Supreme Court had on August 29 allowed Asaram to be taken to AIIMS from Jodhpur jail for medical examination.
The order had come after a three-member panel of doctors from AIIMS informed the apex court that requisite equipment for evaluation of Asaram's medical condition were not there in Jodhpur jail and he needed to be brought to the institute for proper check up.
20:36 Court grants Kejriwal exemption from personal appearance
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal was today granted exemption from personal appearance for the day by a local court in a criminal defamation complaint filed by Union minister Arun Jaitley against him and others.
Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Sumit Dass fixed the matter for October 24 after counsel for Kejriwal and five other AAP leaders, who are also accused in the case, submitted that its earlier order refusing to stay proceedings in the case, has been challenged in the Delhi High Court.
The court, which was told that Kejriwal could not appear today as he has undergone throat surgery in Bengaluru, directed that the matter be put up on the next date after Jaitley's counsel said he has no objection if the matter was heard after the high court's decision.
The court also allowed the exemption pleas moved by complainant Jaitley and another accused Sanjay Singh who claimed official work as the reason for their non-appearance.
The court had on May 19 dismissed the accused' plea seeking stay of the proceedings in the current criminal defamation case, after which they approached the high court.
20:34 China braces for another typhoon after 'Meranti' kills 28
The death toll has risen to 28 in the destruction caused by 'Meranti', the world's strongest typhoon this year in China, even as the country braces for yet another powerful typhoon for which an orange alert has been issued, officials said today.
Twenty-eight people were killed and 15 others are still missing when 'Meranti' struck eastern Chinese provinces of Fujian and Zhejiang province two days ago, state-run Xinhua news agency reported.
'Meranti', the strongest typhoon this year, made landfall in Xiamen City, Fujian on Thursday, with a maximum 17-grade wind force bringing extraordinary rainstorms.
As many as 18 people died and 11 others were missing in the province, Fujian flood control authorities said today.
The typhoon paralysed several cities in the south of the province, including Xiamen, Quanzhou and Zhangzhou.
Direct economic losses in Fujian were over 16.9 billion yuan (about USD 2.6 billion).
Ten people died and four remained unaccounted for in neighbouring Zhejiang after the typhoon brought heavy rainfall. More than 902 houses collapsed and over 1.5 million people were affected, Zhejiang provincial flood control headquarters said.
20:32 PM's birthday events set three Guinness world records: Gehlot
Three world records were set at two events held to celebrate the 66th birthday of Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Navsari in south Gujarat, Union Minister Thawar Chand Gehlot said today.
While one record- most persons (989) lighting earthen lamps within 30 seconds- was set last evening, another two feats were achieved today in the presence of Modi, he said.
All the three events were held at the same venue in Navsari.
Today's records are: 1,000 differently-abled persons making a formation on wheelchairs at a single venue creating the largest wheelchair logo; and 1,700 deaf persons being distributed 3,400 hearing aid machines at one place.
20:27
Rajendra Choudhary removed from SP spokesperson post, Ambika Chaudhary likely to be the next SP spokesperson, reports ANI
19:48 Israeli missile brings down rocket fired from Syria
A battery of Israel's Iron Dome missile defence system was activated on Saturday and successfully intercepted a rocket fired from Syria over the Golan Heights, according to Israel's Channel 2.
No injuries were reported as a result of the incident.
"A short time ago a projectile fired from Syria was intercepted by the Iron Dome aerial defense system. No injuries have been reported," a military statement said.
A spokeswoman could not immediately say if it was the first time Iron Dome had seen action on the Golan but it was a departure from recent tit-for-tat artillery fire and occasional retaliatory air strikes.
According to the Jerusalem Post, an IDF assessment came to the conclusion that the intercepted missile was stray fire resulting from adjacent battles between Assad regime forces and rebels on the Syrian Golan.
19:31 'Mohenjo Daro' to be screened for I&B ministry officials on Sunday
A special screening of Hrithik Roshan starrer Mohenjo Daro has been arranged for the officials of the Information and Broadcasting Ministry in New Delhi on Sunday.
Released on August 12, the Ashutosh Gowariker directed movie, based on Indus Valley civilisation, garnered around Rs 60 crore at the box office.
The secretary, joint secretaries and the officials of the I&B ministry requested for the screening of the film.
"I am delighted that the secretary, joint secretaries and the officials of ministry of I&B, wish to see my film Mohenjo Daro," Gowariker said in a statement.
"It's a honour that such great dignitaries are interested in your work. We have arranged a screening for them and hoping they all enjoy the film," he added.
The movie will be screened at the films division auditorium in the national capital.
19:28 Security tightened at IAF stations after terror alert
A "general" terror alert has been issued for all air force stations and air bases in the country, especially in Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand.
Security sources said that the alert was issued based on an input generated by the Defence Intelligence Agency.
The input was shared with the Multi Agency Centre earlier this week following which it was disseminated to the concerned states.
However, it is not specific in nature, sources said.
"The alert is very general in nature but security measures have been enhanced," a senior security official said.
19:11 Subramanian Swamy believes he will be a better FM than Jaitley
BJP leader Subramanian Swamy believes he will be a better Finance Minister than the incumbent Arun Jaitley.
"I am an economist. He is a lawyer. How can he be better than me," Swamy, whose antagonism for Jaitley is open, said at an event on Saturday.
Swamy was replying to a query on whether he will make a better Finance Minister than Jaitley at the India Today Mind Rocks Summit.
Swamy's relentless criticism of former RBI governor Raghuram Rajan was also seen as indirect attack on Jaitley.
The reply came following AIMIM leader Asaduddin Owaisis comment that inflation would have been in check had Swamy been the finance minister.
"There has been a fight between southern Brahmins and northern Brahmins for long," Swamy later quipped.
19:06 Uber appoints Shweta Rajpal Kohli as Head of Public Policy India
Cab-hailing app Uber has appointed former journalist, Shweta Rajpal Kohli as the Head of Public Policy and government Affairs for its India operations.
The appointment comes at a time when the US-based company is focussing on ramping up its business in India, which is its second largest market in terms of number of trips taken, after the US.
"I'm hugely excited to take up the role of Head of Public Policy and Government Affairs in Uber India. Uber is transforming mobility for riders, providing livelihood with dignity for driver partners and celebrating cities. I look forward to being part of this impactful journey and joining the Uber India team," Kohli said.
Kohli was previously working as the Economic Affairs Editor at NDTV. She has worked across media houses like Bennett Coleman and Co Ltd, Business Standard, Hindustan Times and The Indian Express.
19:00 Pak terms India's stand on Kashmir a 'travesty of history'
Just In: Pakistan Foreign Ministry tweets: "Pakistan delegation 2UN HRC rebutted Indias untenable stance on J&K; slammed its persistent interference in Balochistan."
"Pakistan delegate termed India's attempts to deny its illegal occupation of Jammu and Kashmir a "travesty of history". Said if India had any respect 4 intl law, it would end its occupation & let Kashmiris decide their future thru the UN mandated plebiscite."
India had on Wednesday launched a scathing counterattack against Pakistan by raising human rights violations it perpetrates in Balochistan at the United Nations Human Rights Council.
India also took aim at human rights violations by Pakistan's politico-military establishment across the country, including Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
On Friday, Pakistan's Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Tehmina Janjua impressed upon the UN HRC that Kashmiri people's right to self-determination is not only enshrined in the foundational documents of the UN, including the UN Charter, but has also been unequivocally endorsed in the UNSC resolutions.
She further added that the people of Jammu and Kashmir have been struggling for over six decades to realize this right to determine their own future.
18:07 Tutu readmitted to hospital: family
South African retired archbishop and anti-apartheid icon Desmond Tutu was today readmitted to hospital in Cape Town just days after being discharged following surgery, his family said.
Tutu, 84, underwent a "minor surgical procedure" last week to determine the cause of a "recurring infection". He was discharged Wednesday, but was hospitalised again three days later.
"The Archbishop was readmitted on Saturday as a precaution after his surgical wound had shown signs of infection," said a statement by his family.
His wife Leah Tutu said she was "very grateful for the ongoing prayers and support".
The Nobel Peace laureate was last year hospitalised over a persistent infection which was a result of the prostate cancer treatment he has been receiving for nearly 20 years. The much-loved former archbishop of Cape Town gained worldwide prominence for his strong opposition to white-minority rule in South Africa.
18:05 AI crew held for smuggling banned drug to US
A cabin crew member of national carrier Air India has been arrested at the international airport in New Delhi for allegedly trying to smuggle about 300 bottles of a banned drug to the US.
The crew member, who was intending to depart to New York, was intercepted by the customs officials on Friday. On his personal and baggage search, 300 bottles of 'Phensedyl new cough Linctus 50 ml' were allegedly recovered.
The cough syrup contains banned substance 'codeine phosphate', which is commonly used by drug addicts, a senior customs official at Indira Gandhi International Airport said.
These bottles have been seized and the crew, who is in his early thirties, has been arrested, he said.
"We will also write to Air India about their crew's involvement in this incident," the official said.
The cough syrup is not expensive and is sold around Rs 60 per bottle in retail market. The codeine-based syrups are in great demands in some countries among drug addicts as they are psychotropic, he said.
17:59 Rajinikanth's daughter Soundarya confirms separation from husband
Soundarya, second daughter of superstar Rajinikanth, has confirmed that her marriage to industrialist Ashwin Ramkumar was coming to an end and that divorce talks have been initiated.
News about my marriage is true. We have been separated for over a year and divorce talks are on. I request all to respect my familys privacy, Soundarya wrote on her Twitter page on Friday.
Soundarya and Ashwin got married here in 2010, and they have a one-year old son.
A graphic designer by profession, Soundarya has worked in Tamil films such as Baba, Sandakozhi and Sivaji among others. She is also the founder of Ocher Picture Productions.
Soundarya is most popular for directing her father in Indias first motion capture 3D Tamil film Kochadaiiyaan, and producing the Venkat Prabhu-directed 2010 Tamil comedy Goa.
17:52 BMC to move court against Shahid Kapoor for breeding mosquitoes
A day after serving notice to Bollywood actor Shahid Kapoor over mosquito-breeding spots at his residential premises, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation will file a case against him for not abiding by its rules.
The BMC's insecticide team found breeding spots of aedes aegypti mosquito (which can spread dengue, chikungunya among other illnesses) in the actor's private swimming pool at his residence in Juhu Tara Road area.
BMC's Executive Health officer Padmaja Keskar said "I have asked the legal department to file a court case against the actor for his negligence. The case would be filed in a day or two."
The civic body on Friday served a notice to Shahid Kapoor under Section 381-B of Mumbai Municipal Corporation Act, 1888, seeking his explanation.
"We are not going to wait for the actor's response to our notice. We are moving ahead for action (such as collection of fine) against him and would file a court case," she said.
Keskar said not only the filmstar, court cases are also being filed against all those whose premises were found housing mosquito-breeding spots.
17:51 Integrated construction to cut ship-building period: Lanba
The Indian ship building activity is now moving on to integrated construction to reduce building time further, Navy chief Admiral Sunil Lanba said today.
He was speaking to reporters after the launch of 'Mormugao' warship, which was built ahead of schedule, at the Mumbai-based Mazagaon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd.
"A ship, from its concept to commencement, generally takes 10-12 years anywhere in the world and now same period is required in India. We are gradually reducing the building period for our warships and moving on to integrated construction to reduce building time further," he said.
While 'Mormugao' is 68 per cent indigenous, including its steel, made by the Steel Authority of India Ltd, some parts were developed as a joint venture between India's Defence Research and Development Organization and Israel Aerospace Industries.
Over the years, the Indian content would increase, Admiral Lanba said.
17:03
Prime Minister Nranedra Modi distributes assistive devices to differently-abled people during Samajik Adhikarita Shivir in Navsari, Gujarat, on his birthday. Photograph: ANI
16:59 AAP questions panel's neutrality after being rapped for splurge on ads
Questioning the neutrality of the panel that indicted the Delhi government for 'splurging' exchequer's money on advertisements, the Aam Aadmi Party today alleged it was a 'ploy to defame' the Arvind Kejriwal dispensation by the 'beneficiaries' of the Modi government and Bharatiya Janata Party.
AAP leader Ashutosh said the Central government-appointed committee's remarks were an apt example of the Congress and the BJP coming together as the panel gave its report on the complaint filed by Delhi Pradesh Congress Committee president Ajay Maken against the Delhi government.
The three-member committee, headed by former Chief Election Commissioner B B Tandon, had been constituted by the Information and Broadcasting ministry on the directions of the Supreme Court to address issues related to Content Regulation in Government Advertising.
The panel also comprised adman Piyush Pandey and journalist Rajat Sharma.
"This is nothing but a ploy to target and defame the Delhi government. The committee required people of impeccable neutrality and those who could do their job without showing any bias or partiality.
"But two members of the panel are either linked to the BJP or are beneficiaries of Modi ji. So, how can one expect a fair report," Ashutosh alleged, even as he refrained from attacking Tandon.
He alleged that of the two panel members one is linked to the BJP since his college days while the other chalked out a campaign for Modi during the 2014 Lok Sabha polls.
The senior AAP leader also said the Delhi government will explain its stand before the Supreme Court.
In its report, the committee came down heavily on the AAP government, saying it had splurged exchequer's money on advertisements projecting Kejriwal and his party in violation of the SC guidelines and asked the ruling party to reimburse.
The panel had been constituted by the I&B ministry on directions of Supreme Court to address issues related to Content Regulation in Government Advertising.
AAP leader Ashutosh said the Central government-appointed committee's remarks were an apt example of the Congress and the BJP coming together as the panel gave its report on the complaint filed by Delhi Pradesh Congress Committee president Ajay Maken against the Delhi government.
The three-member committee, headed by former Chief Election Commissioner B B Tandon, had been constituted by the Information and Broadcasting ministry on the directions of the Supreme Court to address issues related to Content Regulation in Government Advertising.
The panel also comprised adman Piyush Pandey and journalist Rajat Sharma.
"This is nothing but a ploy to target and defame the Delhi government. The committee required people of impeccable neutrality and those who could do their job without showing any bias or partiality.
"But two members of the panel are either linked to the BJP or are beneficiaries of Modi ji. So, how can one expect a fair report," Ashutosh alleged, even as he refrained from attacking Tandon.
He alleged that of the two panel members one is linked to the BJP since his college days while the other chalked out a campaign for Modi during the 2014 Lok Sabha polls.
The senior AAP leader also said the Delhi government will explain its stand before the Supreme Court.
In its report, the committee came down heavily on the AAP government, saying it had splurged exchequer's money on advertisements projecting Kejriwal and his party in violation of the SC guidelines and asked the ruling party to reimburse.
The panel had been constituted by the I&B ministry on directions of Supreme Court to address issues related to Content Regulation in Government Advertising.
16:14 Eight IS terrorists arrested in Pak
Pakistan police has arrested eight Islamic State militants who were planning 'large-scale' terror attacks on government installations in Punjab province.
The Counter-Terrorism Department spokesman said four members of the terrorist group were arrested on Friday from Lahore, following a tip-off that 'terrorists belonging to the IS were planning to attack government installations on a large scale in Lahore and assassination of officials of intelligence agencies'.
He said the arrested men also had links with 'terrorists who had killed policemen in Lahore and Faisalabad' and they were attempting to trigger unrest in the province.
CTD seized 1,600-kg explosives, safety fuse and four non-electric detonators from them.
In another raid in Chan Qila Gujranwala district, about 80 kilometres from Lahore, CTD in collaboration with intelligence agency officials arrested four other IS members.
They seized weapons and explosives from their possession. CTD said the arrested terrorists were planning to target officials of law enforcement agencies in Gujranwala.
The Pakistani government has regularly denied the presence of IS in the country, but law enforcement agencies have been arresting IS members from different parts of the country.
The Counter-Terrorism Department spokesman said four members of the terrorist group were arrested on Friday from Lahore, following a tip-off that 'terrorists belonging to the IS were planning to attack government installations on a large scale in Lahore and assassination of officials of intelligence agencies'.
He said the arrested men also had links with 'terrorists who had killed policemen in Lahore and Faisalabad' and they were attempting to trigger unrest in the province.
CTD seized 1,600-kg explosives, safety fuse and four non-electric detonators from them.
In another raid in Chan Qila Gujranwala district, about 80 kilometres from Lahore, CTD in collaboration with intelligence agency officials arrested four other IS members.
They seized weapons and explosives from their possession. CTD said the arrested terrorists were planning to target officials of law enforcement agencies in Gujranwala.
The Pakistani government has regularly denied the presence of IS in the country, but law enforcement agencies have been arresting IS members from different parts of the country.
15:52 AI crew held for smuggling banned drug to US
A cabin crew member of national carrier Air India has been arrested at international airport in New Delhi for allegedly trying to smuggle about 300 bottles of a banned drug to the United States.
The crew member, who was intending to depart to New York, was intercepted by the customs officials on Friday. On his personal and baggage search, 300 bottles of 'Phensedyl new cough Linctus 50 ml' were allegedly recovered.
The cough syrup contains banned substance 'codeine phosphate', which is commonly used by drug addicts, a senior customs officials at Indira Gandhi International Airport said.
These bottles have been seized and the crew, who is in his early thirties, has been arrested, he said.
"We will also write to Air India about their crew's involvement in this incident," the official said.
The cough syrup is not expensive and is sold around Rs 60 per bottle in retail market. The codeine-based syrups are in great demands in some countries among drug addicts as they are psychotropic, he said.
The crew member, who was intending to depart to New York, was intercepted by the customs officials on Friday. On his personal and baggage search, 300 bottles of 'Phensedyl new cough Linctus 50 ml' were allegedly recovered.
The cough syrup contains banned substance 'codeine phosphate', which is commonly used by drug addicts, a senior customs officials at Indira Gandhi International Airport said.
These bottles have been seized and the crew, who is in his early thirties, has been arrested, he said.
"We will also write to Air India about their crew's involvement in this incident," the official said.
The cough syrup is not expensive and is sold around Rs 60 per bottle in retail market. The codeine-based syrups are in great demands in some countries among drug addicts as they are psychotropic, he said.
15:19 Bhopal: AIIMS students throw ink at Nadda in protest
Students of Bhopal All India Institute of Medical Sciences throw ink at Union Health Minister J P Nadda in protest, demanding better facilities and faculty.
"We wanted him (Nadda) to hear us out, but he did not stop. We wanted to stop him," the students said.
"We wanted him (Nadda) to hear us out, but he did not stop. We wanted to stop him," the students said.
15:09 We are united: Akhilesh after meeting Shivpal
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav addresses media after meeting his uncle Shivpal Yadav in Lucknow on Saturday:
- I never considered politics a game, its not a game. It is a serious business.
- I have congratulated him (Shivpal Yadav) on being made UP chief of Samajwadi Party.
- We all need to work together to stop opposition from taking advantage.
- The decision of netaji (Mulayam Singh Yadav) is unanimously accepted.
- We are united; there is no rift in Samajwadi party.
- I never considered politics a game, its not a game. It is a serious business.
- I have congratulated him (Shivpal Yadav) on being made UP chief of Samajwadi Party.
- We all need to work together to stop opposition from taking advantage.
- The decision of netaji (Mulayam Singh Yadav) is unanimously accepted.
- We are united; there is no rift in Samajwadi party.
14:42 On his b'day, PM launches schemes for tribal development in Gujarat
Prime Minister Narendra Modi launches schemes for tribal development in Limkheda, Gujarat on his 67th birthday. The PM is speaking at the launch. Excerpts from his address.
- When Gujarat was formed, people raised questions on whether it will develop, but today we can see the state has developed.
- Water scarcity remained a key issue in Gujarat. At times we would get adequate rainfall but we werent able to conserve water.
- Mantra of 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas' is resonating all over.
- I know that the farmer here is very skilled and I have also seen the farmer is innovative and willing to learn new things.
- Am glad I got the opportunity to be with my tribal sisters and brothers. I always hope Gujarat continues to scale new heights of progress.
- When Gujarat was formed, people raised questions on whether it will develop, but today we can see the state has developed.
- Water scarcity remained a key issue in Gujarat. At times we would get adequate rainfall but we werent able to conserve water.
- Mantra of 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas' is resonating all over.
- I know that the farmer here is very skilled and I have also seen the farmer is innovative and willing to learn new things.
- Am glad I got the opportunity to be with my tribal sisters and brothers. I always hope Gujarat continues to scale new heights of progress.
13:51 Trump tricks media into covering his event by promising 'major announcement'
Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump has outraged the media after he duped them into broadcasting an infomercial for his new hotel on the pretext of a 'major announcement' to get more than 20 minutes of free air-time.
Not only CNN but also all the major networks showed Trump's event at his newly inaugurated Trump International Hotel in Washington DC as pro-Trump military members started speaking.
Ahead of the event, Trump had hyped over Fox News that he would be making a major announcement about the 'birther' controversy of the US President Barack Obama.
All the news networks -- CNN, MSNBC, and Fox -- started carrying the event live.
They kept on waiting for 20 minutes waiting for Trump to speak on the birther controversy. It was not before 20 minutes that the news networks apparently realised that they have been taken for a ride once again.
'We got played, again, by the Trump campaign, which is what they do,' CNN's chief national correspondent John King said after the news channel showed live the GOP nominee for nearly 20 minutes waiting for the major announcement coming from Trump.
'He got a live event broadcast for some 20 minutes,' King said.
Not only CNN but also all the major networks showed Trump's event at his newly inaugurated Trump International Hotel in Washington DC as pro-Trump military members started speaking.
Ahead of the event, Trump had hyped over Fox News that he would be making a major announcement about the 'birther' controversy of the US President Barack Obama.
All the news networks -- CNN, MSNBC, and Fox -- started carrying the event live.
They kept on waiting for 20 minutes waiting for Trump to speak on the birther controversy. It was not before 20 minutes that the news networks apparently realised that they have been taken for a ride once again.
'We got played, again, by the Trump campaign, which is what they do,' CNN's chief national correspondent John King said after the news channel showed live the GOP nominee for nearly 20 minutes waiting for the major announcement coming from Trump.
'He got a live event broadcast for some 20 minutes,' King said.
13:45 I am a 'disciplined swayamsevak': Parrikar on RSS-Goa rumblings
Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar on Saturday downplayed the issue of rebel Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh leader Subhash Velingkar floating a political outfit in poll-bound Goa.
"So many parties are there. The AAP (Aam Aadmi Party) is there. Anyone can float the party, this is democracy," the ex-chief minister of Goa said.
He refused to comment on the happenings in the RSS in Goa but added that he is a 'disciplined Swayamsevak'.
"I am a swayamsevak, I follow the RSS. You will have to go to shakha to follow the RSS," Parrikar told reporters in Panaji in the background of the ongoing controversy within the RSS in Goa.
"Discipline is the most important aspect for me. I have followed the discipline and I will continue to follow it. If you want any comment on RSS you will have to contact the RSS," he said.
Parrikar was talking to reporters at the sidelines of a health camp organised by the Bharatiya Janata Party to mark the birthday of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
"So many parties are there. The AAP (Aam Aadmi Party) is there. Anyone can float the party, this is democracy," the ex-chief minister of Goa said.
He refused to comment on the happenings in the RSS in Goa but added that he is a 'disciplined Swayamsevak'.
"I am a swayamsevak, I follow the RSS. You will have to go to shakha to follow the RSS," Parrikar told reporters in Panaji in the background of the ongoing controversy within the RSS in Goa.
"Discipline is the most important aspect for me. I have followed the discipline and I will continue to follow it. If you want any comment on RSS you will have to contact the RSS," he said.
Parrikar was talking to reporters at the sidelines of a health camp organised by the Bharatiya Janata Party to mark the birthday of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
13:04 Probe suggests Scorpene leak happened at DCNS' end: Navy chief
Navy chief Admiral Sunil Lanba has said that Scorpene data leak did not take place in India but at DCNS office in France.
"There is a high level committee which is inquiring into the Scorpene Leak on our side. Similarly in France, DCNS and the French government have launched an inquiry," Admiral Lanba said in Mumbai on Saturday.
"Based on this inquiry, we will see what needs to be done, whether any mitigation measures are required or not," he said.
"In preliminary investigation, it has been found that leak did not happen in India but in DCNS office in France," the Navy chief said.
"There is a high level committee which is inquiring into the Scorpene Leak on our side. Similarly in France, DCNS and the French government have launched an inquiry," Admiral Lanba said in Mumbai on Saturday.
"Based on this inquiry, we will see what needs to be done, whether any mitigation measures are required or not," he said.
"In preliminary investigation, it has been found that leak did not happen in India but in DCNS office in France," the Navy chief said.
12:55 CBI registers Preliminary Enquiry in Embraer 'graft' case
The Central Bureau of Investigation has registered a Preliminary Enquiry against unknown officials of the Ministry of Defence and others on a reference from the MoD on allegations related to Brazilian firm Embraer employing an agent to facilitate various contracts.
These include the contracts for Airborne Early Warning and Control project with Centre for Air Borne Systems / Defence Research of Development Organisation for procurement of three aircraft.
Earlier, the Defence Ministry had written to the CBI, seeking a probe into the allegations of kickbacks in the 2008 Embraer aircraft deal.
The deal was signed between Embraer and the Defence Research and Development Organisation for three aircraft equipped with indigenous radars for airborne early warning and control systems.
The $208-million (Rs 1,390 crore) jet deal with the Brazilian aircraft maker during the United Progressive Alliance regime kicked up dust with United States authorities going into alleged payment of kickbacks.
These include the contracts for Airborne Early Warning and Control project with Centre for Air Borne Systems / Defence Research of Development Organisation for procurement of three aircraft.
Earlier, the Defence Ministry had written to the CBI, seeking a probe into the allegations of kickbacks in the 2008 Embraer aircraft deal.
The deal was signed between Embraer and the Defence Research and Development Organisation for three aircraft equipped with indigenous radars for airborne early warning and control systems.
The $208-million (Rs 1,390 crore) jet deal with the Brazilian aircraft maker during the United Progressive Alliance regime kicked up dust with United States authorities going into alleged payment of kickbacks.
11:47 World's 'biggest' cake for PM Modi's birthday
A cake weighing 3,750 kg, claimed to be world's biggest, has been made in Surat, Gujarat, for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's birthday, in an attempt to set a new world record.
The cake will be cut by girls coming from various tribal areas and will be distributed among them and others.
Photograph: ANI
The cake will be cut by girls coming from various tribal areas and will be distributed among them and others.
Photograph: ANI
11:20 Launching ceremony of missile destroyer Mormugao begins with chanting of 'shlokas'
The Indian Navy unveils Mormugao, the second ship of Project 15B destroyers, at Mumbais Mazgaon docks amid chanting of slokas and pooja.
The Navy uploaded photos of the ongoing launch ceremony of the guided missile destroyer on social media.
Some pics of the launch ceremony...starting with reciting slokas (sic).
MDL (Mazagon Dock Limited) priest Shri Puranik doing the mandatory pooja and blessing the ship, the Navy said in series of tweets.
Mormugao and four other ships of its class are the most advanced destroyers built in India. Each of them is designed to operate 4,000 nautical miles at sea with a complement of 50 officers and 250 sailors on board.
According the Navy, These ships are among the most technologically advanced guided missile destroyers in the world, with state-of-the-art weapons/sensors package, advanced stealth features and a high degree of automation.
With a displacement of 7,300 tonnes, the Mormugao spans 163 metres in length and is powered by 4 Ukrainian gas turbine engines to achieve speeds in excess of 30 knots, approximately 56 km per hour. Photograph: @indiannavy/Twitter
The Navy uploaded photos of the ongoing launch ceremony of the guided missile destroyer on social media.
Some pics of the launch ceremony...starting with reciting slokas (sic).
MDL (Mazagon Dock Limited) priest Shri Puranik doing the mandatory pooja and blessing the ship, the Navy said in series of tweets.
Mormugao and four other ships of its class are the most advanced destroyers built in India. Each of them is designed to operate 4,000 nautical miles at sea with a complement of 50 officers and 250 sailors on board.
According the Navy, These ships are among the most technologically advanced guided missile destroyers in the world, with state-of-the-art weapons/sensors package, advanced stealth features and a high degree of automation.
With a displacement of 7,300 tonnes, the Mormugao spans 163 metres in length and is powered by 4 Ukrainian gas turbine engines to achieve speeds in excess of 30 knots, approximately 56 km per hour. Photograph: @indiannavy/Twitter
10:43
Sand artist Sudarshan Pattnaik's sculpture in Puri (Odisha) on the occasion of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's birthday. Photograph: ANI
10:33 Teen dies of pellet injuries in Srinagar; toll hits 81
The death toll in ongoing unrest in Kashmir went up to 81 as the pellet-ridden body of a teenager was found in Srinagar.
The body of Momin Altaf Ganai, a resident of Harwan in Srinagar, was found in the area late on Friday night a police official said on Saturday.
He said Ganai's body bore injuries caused by pellets.
The teenager was injured in clashes between protesters and security forces in Harwan on Friday, the official said, adding that he had gone missing immediately after the clashes.
More than 40 people were injured in the clashes in different areas of the Valley on Friday.
IMAGE: A youth throws stones on police during clashes between civilians and police in Srinagar. Photograph: PTI Photo
The body of Momin Altaf Ganai, a resident of Harwan in Srinagar, was found in the area late on Friday night a police official said on Saturday.
He said Ganai's body bore injuries caused by pellets.
The teenager was injured in clashes between protesters and security forces in Harwan on Friday, the official said, adding that he had gone missing immediately after the clashes.
More than 40 people were injured in the clashes in different areas of the Valley on Friday.
IMAGE: A youth throws stones on police during clashes between civilians and police in Srinagar. Photograph: PTI Photo
10:14 Washington gets Modi blues
Against the backdrop of the upheaval in Jammu & Kashmir and ensuing India-Pakistan tensions, Washington is unmistakably signalling to Delhi to calm down and get its act together as a responsible regional power.
The US is walking a fine line, given the complexities of the overall situation.
READ Mk Bhadrakumar's blog.
The US is walking a fine line, given the complexities of the overall situation.
READ Mk Bhadrakumar's blog.
10:12 US to be partner country for Vibrant Gujarat 2017
Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Nisha Biswal has announced that United States has agreed to be a partner country for the 2017 Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit, the Gujarat government's biennial investors' summit that brings together global business leaders, investors, corporations, thought leaders, and policymakers.
Biswal hosted a meeting with a delegation from the Gujarat, led by Resident Commissioner Bharat Lal and accompanied by Indian Charge d'Affaires Ambassador Taranjit Singh Sandhu on September 15.
The assistant secretary praised Resident Commissioner Lal for his efforts to make the State of Gujarat a model of innovation and sustainable economic growth and reform for India.
'US is proud partner for @VibrantGujarat 2017 Summit. Discussed plans w Bharat Lal, @IndianEmbassyUS, @AmbRivkin, NSC & Commerce official,' she tweeted.US Secretary of State John Kerry had attended the last Vibrant Gujarat Summit.
Biswal hosted a meeting with a delegation from the Gujarat, led by Resident Commissioner Bharat Lal and accompanied by Indian Charge d'Affaires Ambassador Taranjit Singh Sandhu on September 15.
The assistant secretary praised Resident Commissioner Lal for his efforts to make the State of Gujarat a model of innovation and sustainable economic growth and reform for India.
'US is proud partner for @VibrantGujarat 2017 Summit. Discussed plans w Bharat Lal, @IndianEmbassyUS, @AmbRivkin, NSC & Commerce official,' she tweeted.US Secretary of State John Kerry had attended the last Vibrant Gujarat Summit.
09:40 PM Modi turns 66 today; check out who wished him
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is celebrating his 66th birthday today, has been greeted by the prominent personalities of the nation, including singers, Bollywood stars and sports icons.
President Pranab Mukherjee and Vice President Mohammed Hamid Ansari greeted him and Chief Justice of India T S Thakur met him in Gandhinagar to extend his wishes.
'I thank Honourable Rashtrapati ji for his kind birthday greetings. My gratitude to Vice President Shri Hamid Ansari for his wishes,' the PM tweeted on Saturday.
Modi met his mother in Gandhinagar on Saturday and sought her blessings.
Prominent personalities like Lata Mangeshkar, Madhuri Dikshit, Amitabh Bachchan, Kailash Kher, P Gopichand, P V Sindhu, Saina Nehwal, Sania Mirza, Vinod Rai, Jagdish Bhagwati, Arvind Panagariya and Sri Sri Ravishankar sent their good wishes to the prime minister on the Narendra Modi App.
People who have worked with the PM, have shared their personal anecdotes which highlighted his qualities of leadership, attention to minute details and of being a good listener.
To get the entire country involved and give them an opportunity to wish their prime minister on his special day, a particular section has been created in the Narendra Modi App which will enable people to send their wishes directly to him.
People can send customised greeting card through the in which one can use their own photos with the Prime Minister in making this card.
One can also take pledge towards various causes to help in nation building.
The user will also get a personalised video in return once the card is sent through the app.
President Pranab Mukherjee and Vice President Mohammed Hamid Ansari greeted him and Chief Justice of India T S Thakur met him in Gandhinagar to extend his wishes.
'I thank Honourable Rashtrapati ji for his kind birthday greetings. My gratitude to Vice President Shri Hamid Ansari for his wishes,' the PM tweeted on Saturday.
Modi met his mother in Gandhinagar on Saturday and sought her blessings.
Prominent personalities like Lata Mangeshkar, Madhuri Dikshit, Amitabh Bachchan, Kailash Kher, P Gopichand, P V Sindhu, Saina Nehwal, Sania Mirza, Vinod Rai, Jagdish Bhagwati, Arvind Panagariya and Sri Sri Ravishankar sent their good wishes to the prime minister on the Narendra Modi App.
People who have worked with the PM, have shared their personal anecdotes which highlighted his qualities of leadership, attention to minute details and of being a good listener.
To get the entire country involved and give them an opportunity to wish their prime minister on his special day, a particular section has been created in the Narendra Modi App which will enable people to send their wishes directly to him.
People can send customised greeting card through the in which one can use their own photos with the Prime Minister in making this card.
One can also take pledge towards various causes to help in nation building.
The user will also get a personalised video in return once the card is sent through the app.
09:26 Trump says he would reverse concessions given to Cuba
Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump has said that if elected he would reverse the concessions being given to Cuba unless it provides religious and political freedom to its people.
"We are also going to stand with the Cuban people in their fight against communist oppression. The President's one-sided deal for Cuba benefits only the Castro Regime," Trump told his supporters at an election rally in Miami, Florida, which has a significant population of Cuban-Americans.
"But all of the concessions that Barack Obama has granted the Castro Regime were done through executive order, which means the next President can reverse them -- and that is what I will do, unless the Castro Regime meets our demands," he said.
Those demands will include religious and political freedom for the Cuban people, Trump said.
Trump also talked about Venezuela, saying if he is elected the President, he would to push to expand freedom for all people.
"Venezuela is a beautiful, vibrant, and resource-rich country, filled with amazing and hardworking people. But Venezuela has been run into the ground by socialists," he said.
"The next President of the United States must stand in solidarity with all people oppressed in our hemisphere, and I will stand with the oppressed people of Venezuela yearning to be free," Trump said.
"Here, in America, I will push to expand freedom for all of our people," he added.
"We are also going to stand with the Cuban people in their fight against communist oppression. The President's one-sided deal for Cuba benefits only the Castro Regime," Trump told his supporters at an election rally in Miami, Florida, which has a significant population of Cuban-Americans.
"But all of the concessions that Barack Obama has granted the Castro Regime were done through executive order, which means the next President can reverse them -- and that is what I will do, unless the Castro Regime meets our demands," he said.
Those demands will include religious and political freedom for the Cuban people, Trump said.
Trump also talked about Venezuela, saying if he is elected the President, he would to push to expand freedom for all people.
"Venezuela is a beautiful, vibrant, and resource-rich country, filled with amazing and hardworking people. But Venezuela has been run into the ground by socialists," he said.
"The next President of the United States must stand in solidarity with all people oppressed in our hemisphere, and I will stand with the oppressed people of Venezuela yearning to be free," Trump said.
"Here, in America, I will push to expand freedom for all of our people," he added.
03:52 Islamic State's 'minister of information' killed in airstrike
A senior Islamic State operative, considered the terror group's information minister, was killed in a coalition airstrike in Syria, the Pentagon said today, a week after another raid eliminated a top ISIS leader.
Pentagon spokesman Peter Cook said that Dr Wa'il, also known as Wa'il Adil Hasan Salman al-Fayad, has been killed in a precision airstrike near the ISIS stronghold of Raqqah in Syria.
"On September 7, coalition forces conducted a precision strike near Raqqah, Syria, that targeted and killed Dr Wa'il, one of ISIS's most senior leaders," Cook said.
Wai'l operated as the minister of Information for the terror organisation and was a prominent member of its Senior Shura Council - ISIS's leadership group, he said.
03:04 IS supporter convicted of Bangladeshi imam's murder in UK
A British ISIS supporter was today found guilty of killing a 71-year-old Bangladeshi-origin imam after he suspected him of "practising black magic".
Mohammed Hussain Syeedy, 21, was found guilty of murder after jurors at Manchester Crown Court were told he helped plan the attack on Jalal Uddin and also acted as the getaway driver for a co-accused, who has since fled the country.
Syeedy, a former Manchester United football match steward and electrical engineering student, now faces a life term in jail when Judge David Maddison will announce the sentence by next week.
01:44 Trump owes Obama an apology: Clinton
Donald Trump, the Republican presidential nominee, owes an apology to the US President Barack Obama for lying about the latter's place of birth, his Democratic rival, Hillary Clinton demanded today ramping up
the attack on the real estate mogul.
"Barack Obama was born in America, plain and simple, and Donald Trump owes him and the American people an apology," Clinton said.
Moments later Trump said that Obama was born in the US, but did not say anything about the apology.
The White House said the US President does not care about the apology.
The Democratic Party also demanded an apology from Trump on this issue.
At a morning event, Clinton alleged that for five years Trump had led the birther movement to delegitimise the first black president.
"His campaign was founded on this outrageous lie. There is no erasing it in history. Just yesterday, Trump again refused to say with his own words that the president was born in the United States," she said.
Trump, she alleged, "is feeding into the worst impulses, the bigotry and bias that lurks" in the country.
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