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Mon, 13 February 2017
RBI currency press refuses to disclose printing capacity
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23:45 RBI currency press refuses to disclose printing capacity
The currency note printing press of Reserve Bank of India has refused to disclose its printing capacity, even as similar information is available on its website.
Responding to an RTI application by Pune-based activist Vihar Dhurve, Bharatiya Reserve Bank Note Mudran Private Limited cited 8(1)(a) of the Right to Information Act to deny information.
The section allows a public authority to withhold the information disclosure of which would prejudicially affect the sovereignty and integrity of India, the security, strategic, scientific or economic interests of the State, relation with foreign State or lead to incitement of an offence.
The website of the press, however, mentions "the present capacity for both the presses is 16 billion note pieces per year on a 2-shift basis."
In his application, Dhurve had sought to know the printing capacity to print new currency notes of Rs 2000 and Rs 500.
Bharatiya Reserve Bank Note Mudran Private Limited operates two currency note press, one at Mysore in Karnataka and the other at Salboni in West Bengal.
In an earlier response to a separate RTI application, the press had refused to give details of preparedness to tackle crisis arising out of the sudden demonetisation of Rs 1000 and Rs 500 notes on November 8, 2016.
According to Finance Ministry, the value demonetised currency was Rs 15.44 lakh crore.
The RBI has not been denying information about currency situation in the country and its preparedness in the wake of demonetisation citing one exemption or the other.
23:28 No more Rajiv Bansal-like situation, promises Infy chairman
Infosys Chairman R Seshasayee on Monday sought to allay concerns over ex-CFO Rajiv Bansal's severance pay, but admitted that the "judgement" could have differed if circumstances were different or if certain processes had been in place.
"At that time, it was a business judgement, there was an application of mind by the board and it was agreed to be paid. In retrospect, I have no hesitation in saying perhaps that judgement would have been different if circumstances were different or if the processes had been there," Seshasayee said speaking about Bansal whose hefty severance package has drawn flak from founders like N R Narayana Murthy.
Bansal's severance package -- amounting to Rs 17.38 crore -- equalled 24 months of pay.
Seshasayee clarified that out of the agreed Rs 17.38 crore, Infosys had paid Bansal only Rs 5 crore so far, with the remaining amount being withheld pending clarifications on the terms of the severance contract.
Infosys CEO Vishal Sikka said Bansal's exit was mutually agreed upon as there were "team chemistry issues" with him.
Seshasayee added that while the concerns raised about the hefty amount are valid, the allegations of it being "hush money" were "deeply disturbing".
22:25 Another Pak player suspended in corruption scandal
The match-fixing scandal that has rocked Pakistan Super league grew in proportion today as another player Nasir Jamshed, a Test discard, was suspended from all forms of cricket for his alleged involvement in the controversy.
Pakistan Cricket Board said in a statement that Jamshed will remain suspended from all forms of cricket for violation of its anti-corruption code.
Nasir, 27, a left-handed opening batsman has appeared in two Tests, 48 ODIs and 18 T20 internationals but last turned out for the national team in the 2015 World Cup.
According to well-informed sources, the suspended Pakistan players Sharjeel Khan and Khalid Latif, who were sent back home from the PSL in Dubai last week had claimed during their questioning by anti-corruption officials that Jamshed had asked them to meet with the person suspected to be part of an international betting syndicate.
22:22 Taiwan delegation in India; criticises One China policy
Taiwan has been hit hard by the One China policy but it has crafted a pragmatic approach in deepening engagement with major powers including India, a visiting Taiwanese parliamentary delegation said today.
The three-member delegation arrived in New Delhi on Sunday on a three-day visit, which may ruffle feathers in China as it considers 'One China' policy a cornerstone of its diplomatic engagement.
Seeking deeper ties with India, leader of the delegation Kuan Bi-Ling asserted that Taiwan was "totally independent" despite some countries refusing to recognise it.
The One China policy states that there is only one Chinese government and that the island of Taiwan is a breakaway province that belongs to China.
"It is a de-facto reality... We suffered a lot because of the One China Policy. We have crafted a pragmatic approach in our diplomatic engagement with major countries including India despite these difficulties," Kuan told reporters.
Calling India a major global power, she said Taiwan will make its ties with India as important as its relations with Japan and added there was huge scope for expanding cooperation in diverse areas including in areas of economy, politics and national security.
21:37
Pakistan appoints Tehmina Janjua as its first woman foreign secretary.
21:37 A township in Gujarat has gone cashless
The Gujarat Narmada Valley Fertilizers and Chemicals (GNFC) township in Bharuch has become country's first ever "cashless township", as over 10,000 residents have embraced various digital mode of payments instead of cash.
Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani today inaugurated the "cashless" GNFC township and expressed confidence that other townships in the country will follow the suit, an official release said.
"GNFC township has become country's first cashless township. I congratulate all the residents of this township for taking this revolutionary step, which will surely encourage around 180 other such townships in the country to follow the suit and turn cashless" Rupani was quoted as saying in the release.
He further said around 10,000 residents of this township have become a role model for the entire nation by embracing digital mode of payments instead of doing transactions using cash inside the township.
In the township, residents are making cashless payments at shopping centres, schools, colleges, hospital, stadium, laundry and even at tea stalls, it added.
21:35
There was a security breach at Karunanidhi's house, a masked man entered house and pointed gun at his wife, ANI quotes DMK's Paranthaman.
21:34 Allowing news on pvt, community radios a security risk: Govt
Allowing private FM radio stations, including community radios, to broadcast news could pose a "possible security risk" and may be "exploited" by foreign radical outfits to broadcast fabricated or radical views, government has told the Supreme Court.
Opposing a plea seeking direction for allowing news on private radio stations, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has said there is no mechanism to monitor the contents of news bulletins of every such station and it has to be ensured that community radios are not used as a tool by vested interests.
An affidavit, filed by the Ministry in pursuance to notice issued by a bench headed by Chief Justice J S Khehar, said community radio stations also air programmes involving chats with NRIs and the local population settled abroad.
"These stations may be exploited by foreign radical organisations to broadcast fabricated/radical views of some of these NRIs, as due to paucity of funds, the radio stations would not be able to afford authentic news sources," it said.
21:12 AIADMK MLA escapes from resort, joins OPS camp
In a blow to Sasikala Natarajan ahead of judgment day, another AIADMK MP and MLA have switched over to O Panneerselvam's camp.
ANI reported that AIADMK's South Madurai MLA Saravanan and Madurai MP R Gopalakrishnan have extended support to O Paneerselvam.
Saravanan had been housed at the Golden Bay resort at Koovathur along with other MLAs.
The Hindu quoted Saravanan as saying, "I am a civil engineer and I planned and escaped before Sasikala arrived. I came out in T-shirt and bermudas. We would eat three times a day there and we would secretly interact with the public through social networking sites and support OPS. If I can come, the rest will too."
Addressing the media, flanked by OPS, Gopalakrishnan says: "Whoever Jayalalithaa has supported, even the public has accepted them. OPS is the hero of Jallikattu, no other politician has a right to claim. In a few hours, we will make him sit as the chief minister again. The ones supporting Amma should support him."
21:02
ED attaches assets worth Rs 41.65 cr of Delhi-based lawyer Rohit Tandon and a bank manager in connection with a notes ban case
20:58
Just In: At least 28 people believed killed after tour bus flips over on road near Taiwan's capital, BBC reports
20:56 Pak troops target Indian positions along LoC in Rajouri
Pakistani troops targeted Indian posts along the Line of Control in Rajouri district of Jammu and Kashmir on Monday evening using mortar bombs and small arms, Defence ministry said in Jammu.
Pakistani troops initiated indiscriminate firing of small arms, automatic weapons and also mortar bombs on Indian posts along the LoC in Sunderbani sector at 1805 hours, Defence spokesman said.
Indian troops retaliated strongly and effectively, spokesman said.
The firing was still going on and further details are awaited, he added.
20:41 Davidson makes comeback as TN intelligence chief
More than a year after shunting him out, the Tamil Nadu Government today reappointed S Davidson Devasirvatham as the Intelligence chief with the state facing a political stalemate following the internal feud in the ruling AIADMK.
Devasirvatham, who was IG (Welfare), replaces K N Sathiyamurthy as IG Intelligence, Principal Home Secretary Apurva Varma said in a release.
Sathiyamurthy was appointed as the IG of Intelligence in place of Devasirvatham in December 2015 by the AIADMK government.
Devasirvatham, a 1995 batch IPS officer, has earlier served in many roles, including IG (Administration) and IGP (West Zone).
The announcement about the key posting came hours after Chief Minister O Panneerselvam visited the state secretariat, for the first time since revolting against AIADMK General Secretary V K Sasikala last week.
20:04 I will stay with MLAs at the resort tonight: Sasikala
Sasikala is addressing media persons at Golden Bay resort in Kuvathur. Highlights:
* "I will stay with MLAs tonight"
* "When I was coming here (resort), people called me to a hut & I went there; I saw Amma's photo there. That's where she lives... in their hearts."
* "Amma still alive in our hearts."
* "DMK is an expert in calculating things. When MGR passed away, they did the same thing."
18:54
JUST IN: Casualties feared as bomb blast in Lahore's Mall Road area.
More details awaited.
18:50 SC to deliver its verdict on Sasikala DA case tomorrow
Sasikala will know of her political future tomorrow as the Supreme Court has said that it will deliver its verdict tomorrow at 10.30 am.
Governor Ch Rao has been reportedly waiting for the Supreme Court to deliver its verdict on whether Sasikala is guilty of colluding with J Jayalalithaa in the early 90s to acquire an illicit fortune worth about 60 crores. Both women were jailed together in Bengaluru in 2014 for a few months before being acquitted.
An appeal was filed by Karnataka against the acquittal Ms Jayalalithaa, Sasikala and two of her relatives. The top court after hearing arguments for around four months had reserved verdict in June last year. It will not make a mention in its verdict Ms Jayalalithaa, who died in December last year.
18:21 MLAs not being held captive, TN cops tell Madras HC
A setback to the moves by the O Panneerselvam camp in the war for power in Tamil Nadu, state police has informed Madras High Court that all the 119 MLAs in the Golden Bay resorts were staying on their own volition and were not being held captive.
Now the state police itself debunking the allegation of the caretaker chief minister is a setback for Panneerselvams move to attract more and more legislators to his side ahead of a probable floor test in the assembly.
The police told the court that it has recorded the statement of all the 119 MLAs. No one is in illegal custody and none of them has raised any complaint, the police told the court.
17:46 Hold floor test within a week, Attorney General advises TN governor
Attorney general Mukul Rohatgi has advised Tamil Nadu governor to hold composite floor test in the Assembly pitting O Paneerselvam against Sasikala to test who commands majority.
The attorney general has suggested that a special session of Assembly be summoned by him in a week for testing the support enjoyed by Paneerselvam and Sasikala.
Mukul Rohatgi has cited the precedent of composite floor test between Jagadmabika Pal and Kalyan Singh in UP assembly in 1990s to support his suggestion for Tamil Nadu.
Meanwhile, the Supreme Court is likely to pronounce its judgment in the disproportionate assets case against Sasikala on Tuesday
17:17
JUST IN: Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi suggests to TN Governor to hold composite floor test in assembly
17:09 The untold tales from Kashmir
Showkat Nanda was all of seven years old in 1989 when the Kashmiri militancy exploded. Within a year he lost a brother and a cousin to the violence as insurgents launched a deadly battle against Indian forces. Even as he, like many youths from Kashmir, was being trained across the LoC to fight India, Nanda discovered a knack for shooting with a camera.
Today, the 34-year-old who has master's degrees from the University of Kashmir and the University of Missouri, has made it tell the stories of his homeland, writes Evelyn Nieves in the New York Times.
'The Endless Wait is a project that Mr Nanda could say he has been gathering string on for most of his life. It focuses on the effect of enforced disappearances as men suspected of rebel activity or who knows what were snatched from their beds, the markets and the streets during the conflict's last 26 years, never to be seen again,' writes Nieves.
To read more about it, click here.
16:57 Sasikala heads to resort to meet holed up MLAs; 3rd visit in 3 days
For the third day in a row, Sasikala will hold discussions with party MLAs at the resort.
Earlier in the day, the party's general secretary had slammed her new arch rival, saying, "O Pannerselvam was an ordinary man, she said. "He was brought to this heights by our leader. He is now trying to divide the AIADMK. He has proved he was never a loyalist," Sasikala said.
16:41 Joe Root named as England Test captain
Joe Root has been appointed the England Test captain. He was offered the job over the weekend by Andrew Strauss.
The 26-year-old Yorkshire batsman has scored 4,594 Test runs since he made his debut in 2012 and has been vice-captain since May 2015.
Cook, 32, resigned on February 6 after captaining England in 59 Tests.
Root, currently third in the world Test batting rankings, was the standout candidate and will become Englands 80th test skipper with his first game in charge set to be against South Africa at Lords on July 6.
16:06 Pro-Sasikala leader booked on charge of threatening Panneerselvam
A senior AIADMK leader, owing allegiance to party General Secretary V K Sasikala, was on Monday booked on the charge of issuing 'death threat' to Chief Minister O Panneerselvam recently.
AIADMK South Chennai-North District Secretary and former MLA V P Kalairajan was booked under different sections of IPC, including 'criminal intimidation', police said.
Reacting to it, Kalairajan alleged 'political vendetta' behind police filing the case. Kalairajan had recently made some controversial remarks against Panneerselvam after his revolt against Sasikala.
16:05
Just In: Supreme Court stays proceedings in Madras high court on PIL seeking return of PETA award given to ex-SC judge K S Radhakrishnan.
15:42 Karnataka passes bill to allow buffalo race, Kambala
Bowing to public pressure, a bill to legalise traditional buffalo race, Kambala and bullock cart races in Karnataka was passed by the state assembly on Monday with all parties backing the move.
The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, was amended in its application to Karnataka by the bill which was tabled after the clamour for Kambala grew, spurred by the success of pro-jallikattu (taming of bull) stir in Tamil Nadu.
Piloting the bill, Animal Husbandry Minister A Manju said Kambala was a traditional folk sport and involved no cruelty to animals and it was a "popular will" that it be allowed.
A committee headed by Law Minister T B Jayachandra had recommended that Kambala, as also bullock cart race, be permitted as no betting or cruelty to animals was involved and it related to agriculture and farmers' beliefs, Manju said.
The government did not want to take the ordinance route and preferred legislation to legalise them. Heeding to his appeal, the bill was supported by all parties and passed.
Kambala Committees and various Kannada outfits had recently held protests against the ban and demanded it be allowed.
The bill noted the significant role played by traditional sports events "Kambala" and "Bulls race or Bullock cart race" in preserving and promoting traditions and culture among the people in the state.
15:33 Man sues Uber for 45m euros for blowing lid off affair, divorce
This could have happened to anyone.
Man uses wife's phone to connect to his Uber app to request a cab, after which he logs out.
Unbeknownst to him, however, the app continues to send updates on his travels to his wife's phone.
So far, so good. Here's where the story alters slightly for this man from southern France. Thanks to the updates his wife got to know he was having an affair with another woman, and promptly divorces him.
Last heard, man has sued Uber for 45 million euros, and the ride aggregator has refused to comment on the matter. You can read more of this story, here.
15:10 Supreme Court to finalise norms for judges appointment this month
Just In: Supreme Court says it will finalise the memorandum of procedure for appointment of judges to the higher judiciary "may be within this month".
15:07 Poll panel takes note of exit poll violation by 'Dainik Jagran'
The Election Commission today took cognizance of reports on conduct of exit polls by an organisation and its publication by the Dainik Jagran, saying it is in violation of poll laws as assembly polls are still on.
A commission spokesperson said Resource Development International had carried out the exit poll and the publication of its results by a Hindi daily is in "clear violation of Section 126 A and B of the Representation of the People Act and wilful disobedience of lawful directions of the EC under Section 188 of the Indian Penal Code."
He said a report has been sought from the chief electoral officer, Uttar Pradesh, on the issue.
Writing in thewire.in on the episode, M K Venu says: 'One thing is very clear -- the owners of Dainik Jagran have taken this risk fully cognisant of the legal consequences. They have possibly consulted the best lawyers and are probably waiting for the election commission to initiate action.'
He goes on to add: 'What is also apparent is Dainik Jagran -- known to be unabashedly pro-Modi -- has greatly helped the BJP by publishing the exit poll for western UP illegally and prematurely, thus creating a positive 'hawa' for Narendra Modi in the remaining phases of the election in central and eastern UP.
'One must bear in mind that the newspaper has the largest readership -- over 45 million -- and much of it is concentrated in eastern and central UP. So Dainik Jagran in many ways is best placed to influence the remaining phases of polling in UP.
'Also, the exit poll comes the wake of an emerging consensus that the BJP is fighting with its back to the wall in UP, with its traditional voters such as Jats and Banias deserting it to a significant extent.'
You can read the full article by M K Venu, here.
14:58 SC refuses to interfere with selection of AMU V-C
The Supreme Court today refused to interfere with the process of selection and appointment of Vice Chancellor for the Aligarh Muslim University and dismissed a plea in this regard.
The apex court also declined to de-tag another plea in which the appointment of the current VC has been challenged from the petition in which AMU's status as a minority institution was held as unconstitutional by the Allahabad high court.
Before dismissing the plea challenging the ongoing process on appointment of the VC after the retirement of the incumbent, a bench comprising Chief Justice J S Khehar and Justice N V Ramana took on record that the three shortlisted candidates fulfil the academic guidelines laid by UGC for the post.
14:53
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister O Panneerselvam went to the state secretariat in Chennai on Monday. Coincidentally, one is sure, a while earlier DMK leader M K Stalin was also at the state secretariat.
Leading journalist Uma Sudhir to tweet: 'After one week, #TN #CM #OPS goes to Secretariat; no cabinet to give instructions to; meets secys of depts; but what is #Stalin biz at Sect?'
14:33 Have seen 1000 such Panneerselvams: Sasikala's latest attack on OPS
Targeting Tamil Nadu Chief Minister O Panneerselvam, All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam General Secretary VK Sasikala said that the party has seen 1000 such Panneerselvams and she is not scared of anyone.
"We have seen 1000 such Panneerselvams before. For the past 33 years, we both have seen everything. So I am not scared," Sasikala said in a press conference.
"People are trying to divide the organisation but I won't let this happen,"she said.
She further said," When Amma passed away, I came to know about conspiracy being hatched to divide the party."
13:51 Hindu population is reducing, minorities are flourishing in India: Rijiju
The Minister of State for Home Affairs, Kiren Rijiju has sparked a controversy by saying that the population of Hindus is decreasing in the country.
"Hindu population is reducing in India because Hindus never convert people. Minorities in India are flourishing unlike some countries around," the minister said in a tweet.
Rijiju was responding to the allegations made by the Congress about Arunachal Pradesh being converted into Hindu state by the Bharatiya Janata Party.
He also asked the Congress to refrain from making such allegations.
"Congress should not make such provocative statements. India is a secular country. All religious groups enjoy freedom & living peacefully," he said in another tweet.
13:12 Will the OPS faction ally with BJP at the Centre?
The BJP at the Centre may find it easier to deal with the belligerent Shiv Sena which is threatening to walk out of the alliance every other day. The BJP is now getting feelers from 11 MPs in the of O Pannerselvam camp of possible political negotiations. Once the matter of Sasikala's disproportionate assets case is settled, the OPS camp may suggest two Union Ministers of State from his men during the next Union Cabinet expansion. Consequently, the Shiv Sena will be sidelined with the rise of the OPS camp within the 37-strong AIADMK group in the Lok Sabha.
Last month, the Shiv Sena called off the partys 20-year alliance with the BJP in the Mumbai civic polls and vowed to never forge an alliance in future.
With no solution in sight for government formation in Tamil Nadu, the ruling AIADMK has asserted that a majority of its MLAs are behind General Secretary V K Sasikala and claimed the chances of Governor Ch Vidyasagar Rao "inviting" her today were "high."
In growing support for Panneerselvam, six more AIADMK MPs had joined his camp yesterday, taking the number of Parliamentarians in his favour to 11. Sasikala had yesterday vowed to protect the party nurtured by her long-time friend, late Jayalalithaa, saying "I will give my life for this cause".
File pic.
Last month, the Shiv Sena called off the partys 20-year alliance with the BJP in the Mumbai civic polls and vowed to never forge an alliance in future.
With no solution in sight for government formation in Tamil Nadu, the ruling AIADMK has asserted that a majority of its MLAs are behind General Secretary V K Sasikala and claimed the chances of Governor Ch Vidyasagar Rao "inviting" her today were "high."
In growing support for Panneerselvam, six more AIADMK MPs had joined his camp yesterday, taking the number of Parliamentarians in his favour to 11. Sasikala had yesterday vowed to protect the party nurtured by her long-time friend, late Jayalalithaa, saying "I will give my life for this cause".
File pic.
12:51 Not scared of anyone, I will succeed, tweets Sasikala
Sasikala tweets: No one can create any hurdles. I am not scared of anyone. I will succeed. #Chinnamma4CM
Meanwhile, M Thambidurai's continuation as Deputy Speaker of the Lok Sabha is doubtful with 10 MPs of the AIADMK joining the O Pannerselvam group. Thambidurai is close to VK Sasikala and has been spreading stories against the BJP and especially PM Narendra Modi, blaming the party for the split in the AIADMK.
O Panneerselvam is still short of the requisite number of MLAs he needs to cross the halfway mark, but every day, MPs have been making a
beeline to his house.
Incidentally, the 10 MPs in the OPS group have informally decided to approach the Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan to serve a notice on Thambidurai about their lack of confidence in him. This will be a tool for the BJP to arm twist Thambidurai and may pave the way for yet more political differences between the BJP and Sasikala.
Meanwhile, M Thambidurai's continuation as Deputy Speaker of the Lok Sabha is doubtful with 10 MPs of the AIADMK joining the O Pannerselvam group. Thambidurai is close to VK Sasikala and has been spreading stories against the BJP and especially PM Narendra Modi, blaming the party for the split in the AIADMK.
O Panneerselvam is still short of the requisite number of MLAs he needs to cross the halfway mark, but every day, MPs have been making a
beeline to his house.
Incidentally, the 10 MPs in the OPS group have informally decided to approach the Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan to serve a notice on Thambidurai about their lack of confidence in him. This will be a tool for the BJP to arm twist Thambidurai and may pave the way for yet more political differences between the BJP and Sasikala.
12:31 Let us only think of Amma, OPS urges AIADMK cadre
Another update on the battle for the Tamil Nadu throne.
O Panneerselvam is reporting to work today at the Chief Minister's office after a week's break since his meditation before Jayalalithaa's memorial and the announcement thereafter. Panneerselvam, who took charge of the state after J Jayalalithaa died in December while she was Chief Minister, says he must remain the head of the government.
Today, he sent out an announcement on his Twitter handle -- O. Paneerselvam
@CM_tamilnadu -- exhorting Amma's followers to stay the path.
This is a loose translation of the announcement:
"An announcement from Hon O Panneerselvam.
"A kind request to the party brethren who are carrying in their hearts remembrances about Hridayadevam (God of hearts) Puratchi Thalaivi Amma.
Bitter feelings
Bitter words
Bitter outbursts
This is not the time to account for all this. Let's forget everything, let's only think only of Amma. Let's prevent the destruction of the party that was nurtured by Hon. Amma. Let us work as one team to continue her golden rule. "
The Centre has meanwhile backed Governor Vidyasagar Rao saying there is no need for urgency.
Backing OPS are a small but influential group of leaders from the AIADMK. Sasikala has nearly 120 MLAs with her who still remain at a five-star resort to safeguard them from switching sides.
Panneerselvam is about to to leave for the Secretariat. V Ponraj, former scientific adviser to late President APJ Abdul Kalam, has joined the Panneerselvam camp. "We need to decide whether we need family politics or honest politics," he says. "OPS was hand-picked by Amma," he told the Hindu.
News agency ANI says DMK working president M.K. Stalin has reached the Secretariat.
O Panneerselvam is reporting to work today at the Chief Minister's office after a week's break since his meditation before Jayalalithaa's memorial and the announcement thereafter. Panneerselvam, who took charge of the state after J Jayalalithaa died in December while she was Chief Minister, says he must remain the head of the government.
Today, he sent out an announcement on his Twitter handle -- O. Paneerselvam
@CM_tamilnadu -- exhorting Amma's followers to stay the path.
This is a loose translation of the announcement:
"An announcement from Hon O Panneerselvam.
"A kind request to the party brethren who are carrying in their hearts remembrances about Hridayadevam (God of hearts) Puratchi Thalaivi Amma.
Bitter feelings
Bitter words
Bitter outbursts
This is not the time to account for all this. Let's forget everything, let's only think only of Amma. Let's prevent the destruction of the party that was nurtured by Hon. Amma. Let us work as one team to continue her golden rule. "
The Centre has meanwhile backed Governor Vidyasagar Rao saying there is no need for urgency.
Backing OPS are a small but influential group of leaders from the AIADMK. Sasikala has nearly 120 MLAs with her who still remain at a five-star resort to safeguard them from switching sides.
Panneerselvam is about to to leave for the Secretariat. V Ponraj, former scientific adviser to late President APJ Abdul Kalam, has joined the Panneerselvam camp. "We need to decide whether we need family politics or honest politics," he says. "OPS was hand-picked by Amma," he told the Hindu.
News agency ANI says DMK working president M.K. Stalin has reached the Secretariat.
12:20 Woman who accused SP MLA of rape found dead
A 22-year-old woman, who had accused Samajwadi Party MLA Arun Verma of raping her along with some other youth in 2013, was found murdered near her house in Sultanpur, police said today. The body of the woman, who was missing since Saturday, was found yesterday near a primary school in Jaisinghpur, they said. An FIR has been registered in this regard.
Police said the injury mark around her neck suggested that she was strangled to death. The body has been sent for postmortem to ascertain the cause of death. The woman had alleged that the local MLA, who is also the SP's Sultanpur candidate for the February 27 polls, and some others had gang-raped her in September 2013. At one stage, the woman had withdrawn her allegation and some local youths were charge sheeted in the police investigation. The trial in the case is still continuing. Police is probing the matter and going through call records of the woman.
Police said the injury mark around her neck suggested that she was strangled to death. The body has been sent for postmortem to ascertain the cause of death. The woman had alleged that the local MLA, who is also the SP's Sultanpur candidate for the February 27 polls, and some others had gang-raped her in September 2013. At one stage, the woman had withdrawn her allegation and some local youths were charge sheeted in the police investigation. The trial in the case is still continuing. Police is probing the matter and going through call records of the woman.
11:40 Reports on Infosys' governance issues 'distracting', says CEO Sikka
Infosys Ltd's Chief Executive Vishal Sikka said talk in media on corporate governance issues at the software services firm was "distracting" and that he had good relations with the firm's founders, including NR Narayana Murthy.
India's second biggest IT services company, based in the tech hub of Bengaluru, has recently been in an escalating public spat with its founders and former executives, who have accused its board of lapses in corporate governance.
"All this drama that has been going on in the media, it's very distracting - it takes away attention - but underneath that there is a very strong fabric that this company is based on and it is a real privilege for me to be its leader," Sikka said in response to a question at the Kotak Institutional Equities conference in Mumbai on Monday. -- Reuters.
India's second biggest IT services company, based in the tech hub of Bengaluru, has recently been in an escalating public spat with its founders and former executives, who have accused its board of lapses in corporate governance.
"All this drama that has been going on in the media, it's very distracting - it takes away attention - but underneath that there is a very strong fabric that this company is based on and it is a real privilege for me to be its leader," Sikka said in response to a question at the Kotak Institutional Equities conference in Mumbai on Monday. -- Reuters.
11:28 Sasikala's next move may be hunger strike
General secretary VK Sasikala's next move may be a hunger strike. That will happen if Governor C Vidyasagar Rao does ask her to form the government, say reports.
Meanwhile, the AIADMK's official Twitter handle has changed its profile picture to the one alongside pledging its support for her candidacy as CM.
Sasikala staked claim to form the government two days ago, but the governor will wait till the Supreme Court gives its verdict in the pending disproportionate assets case. Reports said that the Supreme Court is likely to hear the case sometime this week. Though Jayalalithaa, who died in December, and Sasikala, her closest confidante, were convicted by a lower court, the Karnataka High Court had acquitted them. The Karnataka government however had challenged the order.
Meanwhile, the AIADMK's official Twitter handle has changed its profile picture to the one alongside pledging its support for her candidacy as CM.
Sasikala staked claim to form the government two days ago, but the governor will wait till the Supreme Court gives its verdict in the pending disproportionate assets case. Reports said that the Supreme Court is likely to hear the case sometime this week. Though Jayalalithaa, who died in December, and Sasikala, her closest confidante, were convicted by a lower court, the Karnataka High Court had acquitted them. The Karnataka government however had challenged the order.
11:22 Calcutta HC judge ignores SC summons
Controversial Calcutta High Court Judge CS Karnan defies the Supreme Court order and refuses to appear before the court to face contempt proceedings.
Judge Karnan was expected to appear in court today to respond to a contempt notice issued to him for writing letters to various authorities, including the Prime Minister, accusing several judges of corruption.
Judge Karnan was expected to appear in court today to respond to a contempt notice issued to him for writing letters to various authorities, including the Prime Minister, accusing several judges of corruption.
11:05 Trump bashing continues as #SCROTUS takes Twitter by storm
President of the United States, Donald Trump, has always been a figure of controversies and in these divided times not everyone feels comfortable recognizing him at the POTUS.
Legendary actor George Takei, who has been criticizing President Trump over some of his policies, tweeted about the name given to the President on Twitter.
The 'Star Trek' star took to twitter and tweeted, "Overheard this new title for Trump: SCROTUS. The So-Called Ruler of the United States.
"It is said that it was comedian and writer Elayne Boosler who coined the term SCROTUS originally.
The word has been trending since then and has got many people tweeting about it. POTUS which stands for President of the United States, is a useful shorthand used by journalists to secret service to identify the President.
Legendary actor George Takei, who has been criticizing President Trump over some of his policies, tweeted about the name given to the President on Twitter.
The 'Star Trek' star took to twitter and tweeted, "Overheard this new title for Trump: SCROTUS. The So-Called Ruler of the United States.
"It is said that it was comedian and writer Elayne Boosler who coined the term SCROTUS originally.
The word has been trending since then and has got many people tweeting about it. POTUS which stands for President of the United States, is a useful shorthand used by journalists to secret service to identify the President.
10:55 Winning BAFTA is 'out of body experience': Dev Patel
Dev Patel, who bagged the trophy for 'best supporting actor' for 'Lion' at the 2017 British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) Awards, on Sunday, termed the experience to be an 'out of body' one.
According to a report in the Daily Star, while opening up after the win, Patel said, "This is an out of body experience. I hadn't even planned a speech. This film has a really big heart and I can see the power of word of mouth - I'm still overcome.
"Some time before making his way onto the BAFTA stage, the 'Slumdog Millionaire' star said that he already felt like a winner because "I've got my whole family with me and I'm wearing a tuxedo."
Patel, who is shooting for his upcoming film 'Hotel Mumbai' in India, also expressed his happiness over returning back to London, "It's great to be back in London on home turf.
"Directed by Australian director Anthony Maras, 'Hotel Mumbai' is based on the 2009 documentary Surviving Mumbai about the Mumbai attacks in 2008 at the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel.
The film also stars Anupam Kher, Armie Hammer, Nazanin Boniadi, Tilda Cobham-Hervey, Jason Isaacs, Suhail Nayyar and Natasha Liu Bordizzo.
According to a report in the Daily Star, while opening up after the win, Patel said, "This is an out of body experience. I hadn't even planned a speech. This film has a really big heart and I can see the power of word of mouth - I'm still overcome.
"Some time before making his way onto the BAFTA stage, the 'Slumdog Millionaire' star said that he already felt like a winner because "I've got my whole family with me and I'm wearing a tuxedo."
Patel, who is shooting for his upcoming film 'Hotel Mumbai' in India, also expressed his happiness over returning back to London, "It's great to be back in London on home turf.
"Directed by Australian director Anthony Maras, 'Hotel Mumbai' is based on the 2009 documentary Surviving Mumbai about the Mumbai attacks in 2008 at the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel.
The film also stars Anupam Kher, Armie Hammer, Nazanin Boniadi, Tilda Cobham-Hervey, Jason Isaacs, Suhail Nayyar and Natasha Liu Bordizzo.
10:48 Stephen Fry takes dig at Donald Trump during Bafta awards
Comedian-actor Stephen Fry kicked the 2017 BAFTAs off by taking aim at US president Donald Trump as he hosted the 70th edition of the film awards.
As seems to be customary at big awards ceremonies these days, the BAFTA host didn't waste any time and opened this year's ceremony by referencing Streep's public spat with President Trump after her passionate speech at the Golden Globes, where she criticised Trump for mocking a disabled reporter.
Fry entered the stage saying, "I look down on row after row of the most overrated people on the planet in their beautiful borrowed evening wear", while Streep was seen laughing at the gag.
The 59-year-old presenter praised Streep, who Trump recently branded "overrated", when he quipped that only a "blithering idiot" would think she wasn't one of the greatest actresses all time. "She's one of the greatest actresses of all time - only a blithering idiot would think otherwise," Fry said in his opener.
He then walked down the steps towards the nominees and the audience that had packed into London's Royal Albert Hall, where he said, "Ms Streep, it's tradition here for me to garner a kiss from one of the nominees every year." Streep happily placed a kiss on Fry, telling him she was "so thrilled", before he made his way back onstage.
As seems to be customary at big awards ceremonies these days, the BAFTA host didn't waste any time and opened this year's ceremony by referencing Streep's public spat with President Trump after her passionate speech at the Golden Globes, where she criticised Trump for mocking a disabled reporter.
Fry entered the stage saying, "I look down on row after row of the most overrated people on the planet in their beautiful borrowed evening wear", while Streep was seen laughing at the gag.
The 59-year-old presenter praised Streep, who Trump recently branded "overrated", when he quipped that only a "blithering idiot" would think she wasn't one of the greatest actresses all time. "She's one of the greatest actresses of all time - only a blithering idiot would think otherwise," Fry said in his opener.
He then walked down the steps towards the nominees and the audience that had packed into London's Royal Albert Hall, where he said, "Ms Streep, it's tradition here for me to garner a kiss from one of the nominees every year." Streep happily placed a kiss on Fry, telling him she was "so thrilled", before he made his way back onstage.
10:44 Adele's '25' wins Grammy for Album of the Year, sweeps awards
'25' by Adele wins Grammy award for album of the year.
The British singer swept the 2017 Grammy awards on Sunday, winning the following awards: Album of the Year for 25, her single Hello won for Best Pop Solo Performance, and was also declared Song of the Year and Record of the Year.
Beyonc, who had the highest number of nominations at nine, won Best Music Video for Formation. The 59th edition of popular music awards was hosted by The Late Late Show's James Corden at the Staples Centre in Los Angeles.
Just ahead of the win, for the second year in a row, Adele sang a tribute to George Michael, which went awry, prompting her to swear and ask for a restart while on stage, reports CNN.
She was just moments into her slowed down take of "Fastlove" when she paused.
"I know it's live TV, I'm sorry," she said, before she was briefly cut-off by a censor. "I can't do it again like last year. I'm sorry for swearing and I'm sorry for starting again. Can we please start it again?"
The tribute was Adele's second performance of the night. The singer kicked off Sunday's show with a pitch-perfect rendition of her hit "Hello."
"I can't mess this up for him," she said, as the crowd cheered.
Before attempting the song again, she also apologized to Grammy Awards producer Ken Ehrlich.
Last year, Adele's performance of "All I Ask" was plagued by sound problems after piano mics fell onto the instrument's strings, causing a distracting, tinny sound throughout.
After finishing "Fastlove," fellow artists showed their support for Adele in the audience with a standing ovation -- and on Twitter.
The British singer swept the 2017 Grammy awards on Sunday, winning the following awards: Album of the Year for 25, her single Hello won for Best Pop Solo Performance, and was also declared Song of the Year and Record of the Year.
Beyonc, who had the highest number of nominations at nine, won Best Music Video for Formation. The 59th edition of popular music awards was hosted by The Late Late Show's James Corden at the Staples Centre in Los Angeles.
Just ahead of the win, for the second year in a row, Adele sang a tribute to George Michael, which went awry, prompting her to swear and ask for a restart while on stage, reports CNN.
She was just moments into her slowed down take of "Fastlove" when she paused.
"I know it's live TV, I'm sorry," she said, before she was briefly cut-off by a censor. "I can't do it again like last year. I'm sorry for swearing and I'm sorry for starting again. Can we please start it again?"
The tribute was Adele's second performance of the night. The singer kicked off Sunday's show with a pitch-perfect rendition of her hit "Hello."
"I can't mess this up for him," she said, as the crowd cheered.
Before attempting the song again, she also apologized to Grammy Awards producer Ken Ehrlich.
Last year, Adele's performance of "All I Ask" was plagued by sound problems after piano mics fell onto the instrument's strings, causing a distracting, tinny sound throughout.
After finishing "Fastlove," fellow artists showed their support for Adele in the audience with a standing ovation -- and on Twitter.
10:28 Meanwhile, in Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu CM O Panneerselvam to go to the secretariat at noon.
Meanwhile, Sasikala has already assumed the functions of a chief minister. Here she is addressing the issues faced by 'star' speakers of the party. The picture was tweeted by the AIADMK.
Meanwhile, Sasikala has already assumed the functions of a chief minister. Here she is addressing the issues faced by 'star' speakers of the party. The picture was tweeted by the AIADMK.
10:11 Ivory Coast arrests six journalists over mutiny false info
Six journalists, including three media owners, have been arrested in the Ivory Coast for "spreading false information" about a mutiny by security forces, their newspapers and the public prosecutor said. The move came after elite forces became the latest troops to protest over pay in recent weeks in the West African nation, firing into the air in the army barracks town of Adiake.
10:03 State-sponsored hackers targeting prominent journalists, Google warns
Google has warned a number of prominent journalists that state-sponsored hackers are attempting to steal their passwords and break into their inboxes, the journalists tell Politico. Read more
10:02 Spillway on California dam in danger of collapse, evacuations ordered
Residents below the tallest dam in the United States near Oroville in Northern California, were urgently ordered to evacuate on Sunday as a spillway appeared in danger of imminent collapse.
The abrupt evacuation orders came as authorities determined that the auxiliary spillway on the Lake Oroville Dam could give way at any time, unleashing floodwaters onto rural communities along the Feather River. "Immediate evacuation from the low levels of Oroville and areas downstream is ordered," the Butte County sheriff said in a statement posted on social media. "This is NOT A Drill."
The Oroville dam is nearly full after weeks of heavy rains and snow brought relief to the state after some four years of devastating drought.
Reportedly, large population residing in areas being evacuated is that of Indian origin Americans.
09:12 SC may hear fresh PIL against Sasikala's swearing-in
Amid the escalating political tension in Tamil Nadu, the Supreme Court is likely to hear today a plea seeking a stay on the swearing-in ceremony of AIADMK general secretary Sasikala Natarajan.
This comes after the top court last week refused to grant an urgent hearing on a PIL that sought to put on hold Sasikala's swearing-in as Tamil Nadu chief minister till it passed judgment in the disproportionate assets case against her.
A bench of Chief Justice Jagdish Singh Khehar, Justice NV Ramana and Justice DY Chandrachud had said "sorry, declined" as the petitioner urged the bench to hear the plea.
The PIL was filed by Chennai resident Senthil Kumar, general secretary of the NGO, Satta Panchayat Iyakkam. Kumar has contended that if Sasikala is convicted and forced to resign, there is a possibility of riots erupting all over Tamil Nadu.
He said law and order may worsen in such an eventuality as the state was already facing a "desperate situation" due to cyclone, demonetisation and the death of former chief minister Jayalalithaa.
The petitioner claimed that in case the appeal against her acquittal results in a conviction, the AIADMK workers may once again protest and disturb the normal life of Tamil Nadu, adding that he filed the plea in the interest of people of Tamil Nadu and to maintain the peace in the state.
08:59 'La La Land' dominates Baftas, Dev Patel wins for 'Lion'
Director Damien Chazelle's musical La La Land continued its award dominance by taking five trophies, including the best film and best actress for Emma Stone, at the 70th British Academy Film Awards, which also
recognised British-Indian star Dev Patel in the best supporting actor category for Lion.
La La Land, which also won Chazelle a best director Bafta, is expected to sustain its momentum at the Oscars on February 26 where it has scored a record 14 nominations.
Veteran director Ken Loach's I, Daniel Blake was named outstanding British film at the ceremony on Sunday night.
Casey Affleck was named best actor for Manchester by the Sea while its director Kenneth Lonergan won the award for best original screenplay.
Viola Davis won the best supporting actress prize for Fences. Having won the other major awards this season as well, Davis is a strong contender at the Oscars too.
While the Golden Globes were dominated by Meryl Streep's moving speech criticising US President Donald Trump, he was not mentioned that much at the Baftas though Stone referred to him indirectly while accepting her best actress trophy.
"This country -- and the US, and the world -- seems to be going through a bit of a time, just a bit.
"In a time that's so divisive, I think it's so special we were able to come together tonight thanks to Bafta, to celebrate the positive gift of creativity and how it can transcend borders and how it can help people to feel a little
less alone," Stone said.
Patel, 26, was greeted with a round of applause as he accepted the prize for best supporting actor for Lion, about a man who was adopted as a child and is trying to find his family in India through the help of Google maps.
The actor seemed stunned, saying, "Wow, that just happened."
Patel said the film is about a love that "transcends borders, race, colour, anything".
08:50 'Islamophobia' fuelling terrorism: UN chief
"Islamophobia" in parts of the world is fuelling terrorism, the head of the United Nations said on a visit to Saudi Arabia, as anti-immigrant sentiment rises in some countries. \
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres made the comment to reporters after talks with Saudi King Salman, Crown Prince and Interior Minister Mohammed bin Nayef, and Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
"One of the things that fuel terrorism is the expression in some parts of the world of Islamophobic feelings and Islamophobic policies and Islamophobic hate speeches," Guterres said at a joint news conference with Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir.
"This is sometimes the best support that Daesh can have to make its own propaganda," Guterres said, using an Arabic acronym for the Islamic State group of Sunni extremists in Syria and Iraq.
The jihadist group has also claimed deadly attacks in Saudi Arabia and in Europe.
Anti-immigration politicians including France's Marine Le Pen have seen their popularity rise after an influx to Europe of migrants, many of them Muslims fleeing wars in Syria and elsewhere.
08:27 Another BJP worker hacked to death in Kerala
A Bharatiya Janata Party worker was allegedly hacked to death in Keralas Thrissur district late on Sunday.
The deceased has been identified as 20-year-old Nirmal of Nettissery. Another person, Thomas, 29, who is critically injured in the attack, has been hospitalised.
The BJP state unit has alleged that the ruling CPM was behind the act and has called for a strike in Thrissur district.
Thrissur is a politically sensitive region with a history of red-saffron violence.
Earlier on January 18, a BJP activist Ezhuthon Santhosh was allegedly murdered by some CPM workers from Dharmadom. Police on January 20, had taken five CPM workers into custody.
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