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Tue, 10 October 2017
Horse Shaktiman killing: Govt seeks to revoke case against BJP MLA
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23:00 Horse Shaktiman killing: Govt seeks to revoke case against BJP MLA
Uttarakhand Home Department has written to the district magistrate of Dehradun to withdraw case against Bharatiya Janata Party MLA Ganesh Joshi who was booked for attacking police horse Shaktiman last year.
'(The) government has decided to withdraw the case in the public interest against Ganesh Joshi booked under various sections,' the letter by Additional Secretary (home) Ajay Rautela read.
The horse had lost its leg after it was brutally beaten during clashes between BJP protesters and the police on March 14 last year.
In a video that went viral, Joshi was purportedly seen charging towards the white horse during the protest in Dehradun.
Joshi, accused of assaulting 'Shaktiman', was arrested after national outrage over the incident.
'Shaktiman', who suffered multiple fractures on its hind leg, died on April 20 last year.
"Shaktiman was injured on March 14 after which we had to operate on him. He was later fitted with an artificial leg. But he was unable to fully recover from an infection," Senior Superintendent of Police Dehradun Sadanand Date had said then.
"The case is withdrawn. I thank Uttarakhand Chief Minister (Trivendra Singh Rawat). A CBI (Central Bureau of Investigation) probe should be launched against (former CM) Harish Rawat in the case," Joshi said on Tuesday. -- ANI, Agencies
'(The) government has decided to withdraw the case in the public interest against Ganesh Joshi booked under various sections,' the letter by Additional Secretary (home) Ajay Rautela read.
The horse had lost its leg after it was brutally beaten during clashes between BJP protesters and the police on March 14 last year.
In a video that went viral, Joshi was purportedly seen charging towards the white horse during the protest in Dehradun.
Joshi, accused of assaulting 'Shaktiman', was arrested after national outrage over the incident.
'Shaktiman', who suffered multiple fractures on its hind leg, died on April 20 last year.
"Shaktiman was injured on March 14 after which we had to operate on him. He was later fitted with an artificial leg. But he was unable to fully recover from an infection," Senior Superintendent of Police Dehradun Sadanand Date had said then.
"The case is withdrawn. I thank Uttarakhand Chief Minister (Trivendra Singh Rawat). A CBI (Central Bureau of Investigation) probe should be launched against (former CM) Harish Rawat in the case," Joshi said on Tuesday. -- ANI, Agencies
22:38 Swords, knives, iron rods seized near BJP Kannur office
Police today seized swords, knives and iron rods near the Bharatiya Janata Party district committee office in Kannur.
The weapons were found by corporation workers from a compound near the BJP office.
Police said a case has been registered.
BJP district president P Satyaprakash termed the seizure a 'drama' by the police.
Some pockets in Kannur had witnessed violence in the past, with ruling Communist Party of India-Marxist alleging that BJP/Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh workers were attacking its activists.
On Monday, a hartal was observed in Panur and Kadambur in Kannur by the CPI-M and opposition Congress to protest against attacks on their workers, allegedly by BJP and RSS activists.
As many as 14 persons, including four police personnel, were injured in the attack on a procession taken out by CPI-M activists at Kaivellikal.
The incidents came days after the BJP had launched the 'Janaraksha Yatra' from Kannur to highlight the 'Red and Jihadi terrorism' in the state. -- PTI
The weapons were found by corporation workers from a compound near the BJP office.
Police said a case has been registered.
BJP district president P Satyaprakash termed the seizure a 'drama' by the police.
Some pockets in Kannur had witnessed violence in the past, with ruling Communist Party of India-Marxist alleging that BJP/Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh workers were attacking its activists.
On Monday, a hartal was observed in Panur and Kadambur in Kannur by the CPI-M and opposition Congress to protest against attacks on their workers, allegedly by BJP and RSS activists.
As many as 14 persons, including four police personnel, were injured in the attack on a procession taken out by CPI-M activists at Kaivellikal.
The incidents came days after the BJP had launched the 'Janaraksha Yatra' from Kannur to highlight the 'Red and Jihadi terrorism' in the state. -- PTI
21:49 Pak Army hands over Indian woman who crossed LoC inadvertently
Pakistan Army today handed over an Indian woman, who had inadvertently crossed into the country through the Line of Control, to the Indian security forces.
The Army, in a statement, said the woman was handed over to the Indian security forces in Kashmir in a goodwill gesture and in continuation of its efforts to maintain peace and tranquillity along the LoC.
The woman, Azmat Jan, who hails from Kashmir inadvertently crossed over the LoC at Chirikot Sector, the Army said.
However, it was not clear when she crossed the border. She has been returned to Kashmir at Rawala-Poonch crossing point on humanitarian grounds, it said. Civil and military officials of both the sides were present on the occasion, the statement said. -- PTI
The Army, in a statement, said the woman was handed over to the Indian security forces in Kashmir in a goodwill gesture and in continuation of its efforts to maintain peace and tranquillity along the LoC.
The woman, Azmat Jan, who hails from Kashmir inadvertently crossed over the LoC at Chirikot Sector, the Army said.
However, it was not clear when she crossed the border. She has been returned to Kashmir at Rawala-Poonch crossing point on humanitarian grounds, it said. Civil and military officials of both the sides were present on the occasion, the statement said. -- PTI
21:05 Gujarat polls to be held in December: CEC
The Chief Election Commissioner Achal Kumar Jyoti on Tuesday announced that assembly elections in Gujarat will be held in December this year.
"The term of the Gujarat assembly ends on January 22, so the election will have to be completed in December. Assembly elections will mostly be conducted in the December," Jyoti said at a press conference in poll-bound Gujarat.
He, however, not informed that whether the state will see a one or two-phased election and said that they are still assessing various aspects.
The Election Commission also imposed a blanket ban on the possession of arms and weapons by civilian in the wake of the upcoming Gujarat assembly elections.
"License holders will have to deposit their licensed weapons with concerned SHO or police station," he said.
All licensed weapons will be returned to the licensed owners after the polling is over, the chief election commissioner said.
The Commission also asked the State authorities to provide cashless facilities to all polling staff.
The 14th legislative assembly election will be held this year to elect members of the 182 constituencies in Gujarat.
Eyeing the assembly polls, the Bharatiya Janata Party and Congress have begun rigorous election campaign for the western state. -- ANI
"The term of the Gujarat assembly ends on January 22, so the election will have to be completed in December. Assembly elections will mostly be conducted in the December," Jyoti said at a press conference in poll-bound Gujarat.
He, however, not informed that whether the state will see a one or two-phased election and said that they are still assessing various aspects.
The Election Commission also imposed a blanket ban on the possession of arms and weapons by civilian in the wake of the upcoming Gujarat assembly elections.
"License holders will have to deposit their licensed weapons with concerned SHO or police station," he said.
All licensed weapons will be returned to the licensed owners after the polling is over, the chief election commissioner said.
The Commission also asked the State authorities to provide cashless facilities to all polling staff.
The 14th legislative assembly election will be held this year to elect members of the 182 constituencies in Gujarat.
Eyeing the assembly polls, the Bharatiya Janata Party and Congress have begun rigorous election campaign for the western state. -- ANI
20:02 Terrorists attack CRPF vehicle; 1 injured in return fire
Terrorists fire at Central Reserve Police Force vehicle of the 29th Battalion at Sanat Nagar Chowk in Jammu and Kashmir.
No injuries reported to Indian troops. One terrorist reportedly injured in return fire, says CRPF.
More details awaited. -- ANI
Representative image.
No injuries reported to Indian troops. One terrorist reportedly injured in return fire, says CRPF.
More details awaited. -- ANI
Representative image.
19:00
Pallavi Purkayastha murder case: Convict Sajjad Mughal, who had jumped parole, has been arrested.
18:55 IMF lowers India's growth forecast to 6.7 per cent
The International Monetary Fund today lowered India's growth projection to 6.7 per cent in 2017, 0.5 percentage points less than its previous two forecasts in April and July, attributing it to demonetisation and introduction of the GST.
It also lowered the country's growth for 2018 to 7.4 per cent, 0.3 percentage points less than its previous two projections in July and April.
India's growth rate in 2016 was 7.1 per cent, which saw an upward revision of 0.3 percentage points from its April report.
"In India, growth momentum slowed, reflecting the lingering impact of the authorities' currency exchange initiative as well as uncertainty related to the midyear introduction of the country-wide Goods and Services Tax," the
IMF said in its latest World Economic Outlook report.
"Strong government spending and data revisions in India led to an upward revision of 2016 growth to 7.1 per cent (6.8 per cent in April), with upward revisions of about 0.2 percentage point, on average, for 2014 and 2015," it said.
The latest report, released ahead of the annual meetings of the IMF and the World Bank here this week, puts China slightly ahead of India in terms of growth rate for the year 2017.
China is projected to grow at 6.8 per cent in 2017, which is 0.1 percentage more than its two previous projections in April and July.
However, India is likely to regain the tag of the fastest growth emerging economies of the world in 2018, with China projected to grow at 6.5 per cent in 2018, it said.
The GST, which promises the unification of India's vast domestic market, is among several key structural reforms under implementation that are expected to help push growth above eight per cent in the medium term, the report said.
"In India, simplifying and easing labour market regulations and land acquisition procedures are long-standing requirements for improving the business climate," the report said. -- PTI
18:30 AAP to launch 'satyagraha' over metro fare hike
The Aam Aadmi Party today announced launching of a city-wide protest against the Metro fare hike, and alleged that the decision to raise tariffs was taken by the Centre to "benefit" radio cab operators.
Aam Aadmi Party's Delhi unit convenor Gopal Rai also sought to debunk the claim that the fare hike was being done to cut down Metro losses, and said if the travel tariffs increase, this will have a direct impact on ridership.
He said the AAP will launch a "satygaraha" to demand a rollback and protest outside all Metro stations tomorrow and will gherao Nirman Bhawan, the office of the Union Urban Development Ministry, on Thursday.
"The Modi government's decision to hike the fare is unfortunate and taken with animosity. They (the UD ministry) say that Metro is running into losses, but this is not true. How come the losses started mounting since last one year," Rai told reporters.
He said despite fervent efforts made by the Delhi government to stop the fare hike, including expressing its willingness to share the operational costs, the Centre has gone ahead with the proposed fare hike.
"The increase in the fare is not to shore up the losses, but it appears that the main purpose is to benefit the Ola and Uber (radio cab operators). The fare hike will further congest Delhi and increase pollution," Rai added.
AAP MLAs have been raising the issue in the Delhi Legislative Assembly and a resolution, to oppose the proposed hike, was passed by the House as well.
The hike, which comes five months within the last one, will affect every commuter of the mass rapid transit who travels beyond 5 km, while journeys falling in the 2-5 km distance slab will cost Rs 5 more.
The revised fare structure will be: up to 2 km -- Rs 10, 2 to 5 km -- Rs 20, 5 to 12 km -- Rs 30, 12 to 21 km -- Rs 40, 21 to 32 km -- Rs 50 and for journeys beyond 32 km -- Rs 60. --PTI
18:19 After Delhi, no sale of firecrackers in Maharashtra too
A day after the Supreme Court banned sale of firecrackers during Diwali in the Delhi-NCR region, the Bombay high court today imposed the same ban in residential areas in Maharashtra.
The apex court on Monday banned the sale of firecrackers in Delhi-NCR till November 1, dealing a body blow to the traders and businessmen dealing in them.
The court said its last month's order, temporarily lifting the stay and permitting sale of firecrackers, would be made effective only from November one, 12 days after the 'festival of lights'.
The immediate effect of the order was also made clear by the top court which ordered "forthwith" suspension of temporary licences issued by the police for sale of firecrackers pursuant to the order of September 12.
17:55 Now, wives of railway officials asked to avoid ostentation
Not just railway officials but their wives too have now been asked to avoid ostentation.
The Railway Women's Welfare Organisation president, Arunima Lohani, the wife of Railway Board Chairman Ashwani Lohani, has issued an advisory to RWWO members to avoid splurging, days after railway officials were asked to put an end to the VIP culture.
Arunima Lohani, in the October 3 letter, asked members of the RWWO to avoid floral decorations during meetings and barred the presentation of mementos and gifts to anyone using the organisation's funds.
She has also said that expenditure incurred towards refreshments served during such meetings should be met from the subscription collected by the RWWO.
"Farewell may be given to RWWO volunteers on the occasion of retirement only and not transfers. In case of president or senior members or executive members, the expenditure towards souvenir should not exceed Rs 2,000. RWWO's money should not be spent on celebration of birthdays and anniversaries of any member," the letter reads.
An official in the know of the working of the organisation said that it was for the first time that such a letter had been issued by any president.
"For the first time, there will be some kind of accounting of the finances of the organisation. Huge amount of money was spent on farewell and parties previously," the official said.
In an order on September 28, the Railway Board chairman brought to an end a 36-year-old protocol where it was mandatory for general managers to present themselves on arrival and departure of the Railway Board chairman and other board members during zonal visits.
Ashwani Lohani also said no official would accept bouquets and gifts. -- PTI
17:39 Union minister forced to delete tweet for cheering cracker ban
Union Environment Minister Harsh Vardhan on Monday faced flak on Twitter for backing the Supreme Court decision to ban sale of firecrackers during Diwali in the Delhi-NCR region.
"Welcome decision by the SC on ban of firecrakers sales in NCR. Comes as a huge support for my #GreenDiwali initiative for our environment," Harsh Vardhan had tweeted after the apex court's decision.
However, his comments didn't go down well with many attacking him on Twitter.
Later, the minister deleted the tweet.
Here are some tweets which forced the minister to delete the tweet.
@sankrant
If your focus was on #GreenDelhi, not #GreenDiwali, you'd find that firecrackers are least of the problem. Banning Diwali won't fix Delhi
@UnSubtleDesi
Stop embarrassing yourself Mr. Harshvardhan. Your incessant campaign is sickening https://
@by2kaafi
If he stands in my constituency, I'll vote against him. My respect & desire for Modi-ji as PM notwithstanding
17:19 BJP routed us so badly it knocked sense into us: Rahul
Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi today said that a humiliating defeat at the hands of the Bharatiya Janata Party in the 2014 Lok Sabha polls helped him "a lot".
"The BJP helped me a lot. They have really helped me. We lost 2014 but the defeat could not have helped us more. Itni buri tarah haraya ki pit pitkar humein akal aa gayi (They beat us so badly in 2014 that it drilled sense into us)," Rahul said, expressing "gratitude" to the BJP for his party's virtual wipeout after 10 years in power.
"They helped me a lot by pitai karke, gaali deke, maar maarke (they beat me, abused me, thrashed me). They opened my eyes."
Ahead of polls in Gujarat later this year, Gandhi is touring the BJP's strongest citadels in the state where the Congress has been out of power for nearly 20 years.
16:48
Panchkula court sends Honeypreet Insan to three day police remand.
16:14 Ever seen women wearing shorts in RSS Shakha, asks Rahul in Gujarat
Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi today accused the BJP-RSS of discriminating against women in their organisations and asked if anyone had ever seen women at an RSS 'shakha' meeting wearing shorts, the group's trademark khaki uniform.
"Their (BJP) organisation is the RSS. How many women are there
in the RSS... Have you ever seen any woman in shakhas wearing
shorts?" he said in a sarcastic tone.
"In the Congress you will see women at every level in the organisation," he said.
Gandhi also said that if his party's government comes to power in Gujarat, it will give importance to women and try to resolve their issues.
The Congress leader began his second day of 'Navsarjan Yatra' in central Gujarat region from Vadodara by addressing the students.
15:42 Gujarat, Maharashtra slash VAT on diesel, petrol; prices reduced
Maharashtra government reduces VAT on petrol, diesel; prices to come down by Rs 2 and Re 1 a litre respectively from mid-night.
Earlier, the state of Gujarat too reduced the value added tax on petrol and diesel by 4 per cent.
With this rate cut, the price of petrol will come down by Rs 2.93 and that of diesel by Rs 2.72 in the state. The effective price of petrol in Gujarat from mid-night today will be Rs 67.53 per litre and that of diesel Rs 60.77 per litre, the chief minister said.
The Congress cried foul, alleging that the step has been taken by the government with an eye on the upcoming state poll and is a result of the pressure built up because of the response to Congress Vice-President Rahul Gandhi's campaign tour in the state.
15:20 Pakistan: Ready to destroy Haqqani safe havens if US gives evidence
Pakistan is ready for a joint operation with the US to destroy the Haqqani Network if it provides evidence about the presence of safe havens of the dreaded terror outfit in the country, Foreign Minister Khawaja Asif has said.
His remarks came after US President Donald Trump, in August, had accused Pakistan of harbouring "agents of chaos and terror" and the "very enemy US forces have fighting in Afghanistan" for the past 17 years.
Asif, who recently visited Washington and met senior Trump administration officials, told Express News, "We have offered American authorities to visit Pakistan with evidence of Haqqani network's safe havens in the country.
"If they find any activity [of Haqqanis] in the targeted areas, our troops, along with the US, would destroy them once and for all."
The Haqqani network has carried out a number of kidnappings and attacks against US interests in Afghanistan. The group is also blamed for several deadly attacks against Indian interests in Afghanistan, including the 2008 bombing of the Indian mission in Kabul that killed 58 people.
The foreign minister also said that Pakistan Army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa had made the same offer to Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani during his Kabul visit earlier this month.
Pakistan's offer is a major concession to Washington, as so far it has resisted US boots on its soil, and it comes ahead of the expected visits of US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and Secretary of Defence Jim Mattis to Islamabad in the coming weeks.
15:15
JUST IN: AAP to organise satyagraha against Delhi Metro fare hike on October 13
14:44 From 'beti bachao', govt transitioned to 'beta bachao': Rahul
The government had transitioned from "Beti Bachao" to "Beta Bachao", Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi said today in another swipe following a report alleging that a firm owned by Bharatiya Janata Party chief Amit Shah's son saw a huge rise in turnover after the party came to power.
Gandhi's remark came after several Union ministers came out in support of Shah's son Jay Amit Shah.
"Amazing transition from Beti Bachao to Beta Bachao," Gandhi said on Twitter, using the term "Shehzada" to describe Shah's son.
He also tagged a report headlined "Piyush Goyal defends Jay Shahs business dealings for second day" along with his tweet.
Yesterday, Gandhi had pressed Prime Minister Narendra Modi to "say something" on claims in the report in the news portal The Wire.
"Modiji, ...Did you act as a watchman or were you a partner? Please say something," he had said.
The Congress has launched an all-out attack on the BJP chief with several party leaders holding press conferences across the country to hit out at Shah's son over his alleged business dealings while prodding the prime minister to speak on the issue.
The charge has been rejected by the BJP and Shah's son, who termed the report "false, derogatory and defamatory".
The Congress is asking Prime Minister Modi to remove Shah as BJP chief and order a probe by Supreme Court judges. --PTI
13:45 Militants attack army base in Arunachal
Just in: Suspected militants attack company operating base of Army's Longding battalion at Niausa in Arunachal Pradesh. No casualty or damage to property reported. Details awaited.
13:34 Allegations against Amit Shah's son have no basis: Rajnath
Home Minister Rajnath Singh today said allegations against BJP president Amit Shah's son have no basis and there was no need for any investigation.
Inaugurating the new headquarters of the National Investigation Agency, the minister said such allegations are levelled "from time to time".
"Such allegations have surfaced in the past too. They are levelled from time to time. It has no basis," he told reporters on the sidelines of a function.
News portal The Wire reported that a firm owned by Shah's son Jay Amit Shah saw a huge rise in turnover after the BJP came to power in 2014. The charge has been rejected by the BJP and Shah's son, who termed the report "false, derogatory and defamatory". -- PTI
Inaugurating the new headquarters of the National Investigation Agency, the minister said such allegations are levelled "from time to time".
"Such allegations have surfaced in the past too. They are levelled from time to time. It has no basis," he told reporters on the sidelines of a function.
News portal The Wire reported that a firm owned by Shah's son Jay Amit Shah saw a huge rise in turnover after the BJP came to power in 2014. The charge has been rejected by the BJP and Shah's son, who termed the report "false, derogatory and defamatory". -- PTI
13:20 Gandhis visit Amethi because of BJP: Smriti
Taking a jibe at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, Union minister Smriti Irani has claimed that visits by her and senior BJP leaders ensured that the people of Amethi were seeing more of the Congress vice-president.
The Union Minister of Textiles and Information and Broadcasting is on a two-day tour of Amethi, a constituency seen as a Congress bastion.
Speaking to reporters yesterday, she said, "In 2014, I had promised the people of Amethi and of the country that by my repeated visits to Amethi I will ensure that the people would be seeing more of Rahul Gandhi."
Gandhi's one-day visit to Amethi last week was planned after hearing the news of BJP chief Amit Shah's visit to the constituency, she claimed.
Days after Gandhi's visit, the Amethi constituency is gearing up for another high-profile event today as Shah and Irani will unveil a slew of projects.
Amethi had witnessed a high-pitched electoral battle between Gandhi and Irani in the 2014 Lok Sabha elections. Though she lost, Irani managed to reduce the Congress leader's victory margin from around 3.70 lakh votes in 2009 to 1.07 lakh in 2014. She said a former Congress MLA along with 60-70 village pradhans had joined the BJP yesterday.
"They were anguished as they had devoted their time to the Congress believing that there would be development in the state under the party, especially under the leadership of Gandhi... But due to neglect and insult of the Congress workers, the party leadership in Amethi is leaving Rahulji," she alleged.
"This indicates that the person who had shown dreams of development to the nation failed to bring development to even his constituency. It shows that if the people of Amethi today are banking on any party, then it is the BJP," she claimed. -- PTI
File pic
The Union Minister of Textiles and Information and Broadcasting is on a two-day tour of Amethi, a constituency seen as a Congress bastion.
Speaking to reporters yesterday, she said, "In 2014, I had promised the people of Amethi and of the country that by my repeated visits to Amethi I will ensure that the people would be seeing more of Rahul Gandhi."
Gandhi's one-day visit to Amethi last week was planned after hearing the news of BJP chief Amit Shah's visit to the constituency, she claimed.
Days after Gandhi's visit, the Amethi constituency is gearing up for another high-profile event today as Shah and Irani will unveil a slew of projects.
Amethi had witnessed a high-pitched electoral battle between Gandhi and Irani in the 2014 Lok Sabha elections. Though she lost, Irani managed to reduce the Congress leader's victory margin from around 3.70 lakh votes in 2009 to 1.07 lakh in 2014. She said a former Congress MLA along with 60-70 village pradhans had joined the BJP yesterday.
"They were anguished as they had devoted their time to the Congress believing that there would be development in the state under the party, especially under the leadership of Gandhi... But due to neglect and insult of the Congress workers, the party leadership in Amethi is leaving Rahulji," she alleged.
"This indicates that the person who had shown dreams of development to the nation failed to bring development to even his constituency. It shows that if the people of Amethi today are banking on any party, then it is the BJP," she claimed. -- PTI
File pic
12:45
Rajnath Singh says that allegations against BJP chief Amit Shah's son have no basis.
12:41 India's transition to GST fairly smooth despite attempts to derail it: Jaitley
India's transition to the Goods and Services Tax regime has been "fairly smooth" despite attempts by "ill-informed" Opposition leaders to derail its implementation, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley has said, Jaitley, who is on a week-long visit to the US to attend the annual meetings of the International Monetary Fund and World Bank, said under the GST the government has unveiled attractive schemes to ensure that the non-compliant in India become compliant.
"Many attempts have been made by political groups to derail the GST, but I am glad that their own state governments are not listening to them because they know 80 per cent of the money is going to come to them so they don't have to appease an ill-informed central leader of the party and let the revenues of their own state suffer," Jaitley told a New York audience.
"So, the state governments are being wiser," Jaitley said in response to a question during an event titled 'India's market Reforms: The Way Forward' organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry in association with the US Chambers of Commerce. The obvious problem in the GST, he said, is going to be that the noncompliant are going to eventually come in to the net. -- PTI
"Many attempts have been made by political groups to derail the GST, but I am glad that their own state governments are not listening to them because they know 80 per cent of the money is going to come to them so they don't have to appease an ill-informed central leader of the party and let the revenues of their own state suffer," Jaitley told a New York audience.
"So, the state governments are being wiser," Jaitley said in response to a question during an event titled 'India's market Reforms: The Way Forward' organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry in association with the US Chambers of Commerce. The obvious problem in the GST, he said, is going to be that the noncompliant are going to eventually come in to the net. -- PTI
11:43 Jay Shah is icon of Start-Up India: Rahul
Rahul Gandhi's interaction with students in Vadodara on day 2 of his Navsarjan Yatra.
The Congress vice-president has been doing some plain-speaking, peppering his speeches with quotable quotes. Excerpts from his address today.
"Have you heard of Start up India? Have you heard about the icon of start up India, Jay Shah? The chowkidaar of India is quiet, he does not like to comment on these things (Jay Shah).
"Inka (BJP) main sangathan RSS hai. Kitni mahila hain usme, kabhi shaakha mein mahilaon ko dekha hai shorts mein? Maine to nahi dekha. Inki (BJP) thinking ha jab tak mahila chup rahe, kuch bole na tab tak mahila theek hai jaise hi mahila ne muh khola usko chup karvao.
"You enjoy taking selfies but this phone gave employment to Chinese youth, it is made in China because Modi-ji's focus is not on jobs."
The Congress vice-president has been doing some plain-speaking, peppering his speeches with quotable quotes. Excerpts from his address today.
"Have you heard of Start up India? Have you heard about the icon of start up India, Jay Shah? The chowkidaar of India is quiet, he does not like to comment on these things (Jay Shah).
"Inka (BJP) main sangathan RSS hai. Kitni mahila hain usme, kabhi shaakha mein mahilaon ko dekha hai shorts mein? Maine to nahi dekha. Inki (BJP) thinking ha jab tak mahila chup rahe, kuch bole na tab tak mahila theek hai jaise hi mahila ne muh khola usko chup karvao.
"You enjoy taking selfies but this phone gave employment to Chinese youth, it is made in China because Modi-ji's focus is not on jobs."
10:21 It's a girl! Baby born on Mumbai train platform
Finally, a happy story from Mumbai's suburban railway system.
A 26-year-old woman Salma Shaikh delivered a baby girl on platform 3 of Mumbai's Dadar Station last night.
The train was en route to CST from Kalyan and was stationed on platform number 3 at the Dadar Station of the Central Line, when the woman gave birth to the baby.
Soon after the delivery, the mother and newborn baby were shifted to the nearby KEM hospital for further treatment. Their condition is now stable.
The ailing mother was aided by a doctor from a 'One Rupee Clinic' set up at stations to help commuters during medical emergencies. The delivery took place at 10:17 pm and was attended by Dr. Prajwalit, a female GRP officer and few others. -- ANI
Image: Dr. Prajwalit, a GRP officer and others with the baby girl.
A 26-year-old woman Salma Shaikh delivered a baby girl on platform 3 of Mumbai's Dadar Station last night.
The train was en route to CST from Kalyan and was stationed on platform number 3 at the Dadar Station of the Central Line, when the woman gave birth to the baby.
Soon after the delivery, the mother and newborn baby were shifted to the nearby KEM hospital for further treatment. Their condition is now stable.
The ailing mother was aided by a doctor from a 'One Rupee Clinic' set up at stations to help commuters during medical emergencies. The delivery took place at 10:17 pm and was attended by Dr. Prajwalit, a female GRP officer and few others. -- ANI
Image: Dr. Prajwalit, a GRP officer and others with the baby girl.
09:58 Gujarat govt reduces VAT on petrol/diesel prices
Govt largesse for a state going to the polls: The Gujarat govt reduces VAT on petrol/diesel prices by 4 per cent. The price of petrol has been cut by Rs 2.93 and diesel by Rs 2.72 per litre
09:41 Sena slams BJP for 'removing' Rajan
The Shiv Sena has called out the BJP for the contradictory opinions made by its ministers on demonetisation, a day after Union Minister Nitin Gadkari said that the poor were "hit hard" by the decision.
"The common man has suffered from demonetisation; this is an admission by Union Minister Nitin Gadkari. We take Gadkari's words seriously because he is known for his straight-forwardness, but at the same time, another senior leader Arun Jaitley has put forth a different opinion," said an editorial in the Shiv Sena mouthpiece, 'Saamna'.
The editorial said that only a party spokesperson could clarify as to whose statement should be taken for the truth. It further claimed that the government has refused to admit to the failure of demonetisation, despite admissions by prominent political leaders, as well as the former governor of RBI, Raghuram Rajan.
The Shiv Sena added that Rajan was compelled to step down for objecting to demonetisation, and was even labelled as a greedy and an incompetent financial expert.
"At that time, it was said that Rajan is a greedy and incompetent economic expert, but the same man was nominated for a Nobel Prize for his contribution in the field of Economics," the editorial said, condemning the "removal" of Rajan from his post.
The editorial claimed that demonetisation was a conspiracy to convert black money into white money, and help the rich get richer.
Through the editorial, the Shiv Sena also congratulated Gadkari for admitting that poor have suffered, and added that the admission was a favour to the poor people of the country. -- ANI
"The common man has suffered from demonetisation; this is an admission by Union Minister Nitin Gadkari. We take Gadkari's words seriously because he is known for his straight-forwardness, but at the same time, another senior leader Arun Jaitley has put forth a different opinion," said an editorial in the Shiv Sena mouthpiece, 'Saamna'.
The editorial said that only a party spokesperson could clarify as to whose statement should be taken for the truth. It further claimed that the government has refused to admit to the failure of demonetisation, despite admissions by prominent political leaders, as well as the former governor of RBI, Raghuram Rajan.
The Shiv Sena added that Rajan was compelled to step down for objecting to demonetisation, and was even labelled as a greedy and an incompetent financial expert.
"At that time, it was said that Rajan is a greedy and incompetent economic expert, but the same man was nominated for a Nobel Prize for his contribution in the field of Economics," the editorial said, condemning the "removal" of Rajan from his post.
The editorial claimed that demonetisation was a conspiracy to convert black money into white money, and help the rich get richer.
Through the editorial, the Shiv Sena also congratulated Gadkari for admitting that poor have suffered, and added that the admission was a favour to the poor people of the country. -- ANI
09:31
Amul's tribute to filmmaker Kundan Shah, who passed away on October 7.
Read our tribute to the filmmaker here.
Read our tribute to the filmmaker here.
08:55
That's the statement from the Governor of Texas shortly after the shooting.
08:42 Most 'warmhearted scene' since Doklam stand-off: Chinese media
The state-run Chinese media has hailed the recent friendly exchange between Indian Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and the Chinese troops at the Sino-Indian border in Nathu-la on Saturday, terming it as the most 'warmhearted scene' ever since a truce was called on the Doklam stand-off.
The Global Times, in an editorial, titled 'Sitharaman greeting sends warm signal', said that the Indian Defence Minister's traditional 'Namastey' greetings to the Chinese soldiers conveyed her hope for peace along the border and "unwillingness to see a new stand-off," adding that this was an attitude of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government at the Centre."
Sitharaman's greeting to the Chinese soldiers conveys her hope for peace on the Sino-Indian border and unwillingness to see a new stand-off. This is commonly regarded as the attitude of the Narendra Modi government," it said.
"This is a realistic and responsible attitude for the country and its people. Both before and after the Doklam crisis, the Chinese government hopes for border peace with the broad support of the Chinese people. But Indian society's understanding of their country's border policy seems ambiguous and chaotic. Some Indians believe New Delhi will take tough measures to crush Beijing's will," it added.
The light-hearted exchange saw Sitharaman greeting the Chinese soldiers 'Namastey', to which they responded with 'Ni Hao'.The two sides also discussed the meaning of their respective form of greetings.
"An Indian soldier standing beside Sitharaman is seen holding a gift in the video released by the Indian Defence Ministry, probably the most warmhearted scene since the Doklam standoff," the Chinese daily said. -- ANI
The Global Times, in an editorial, titled 'Sitharaman greeting sends warm signal', said that the Indian Defence Minister's traditional 'Namastey' greetings to the Chinese soldiers conveyed her hope for peace along the border and "unwillingness to see a new stand-off," adding that this was an attitude of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government at the Centre."
Sitharaman's greeting to the Chinese soldiers conveys her hope for peace on the Sino-Indian border and unwillingness to see a new stand-off. This is commonly regarded as the attitude of the Narendra Modi government," it said.
"This is a realistic and responsible attitude for the country and its people. Both before and after the Doklam crisis, the Chinese government hopes for border peace with the broad support of the Chinese people. But Indian society's understanding of their country's border policy seems ambiguous and chaotic. Some Indians believe New Delhi will take tough measures to crush Beijing's will," it added.
The light-hearted exchange saw Sitharaman greeting the Chinese soldiers 'Namastey', to which they responded with 'Ni Hao'.The two sides also discussed the meaning of their respective form of greetings.
"An Indian soldier standing beside Sitharaman is seen holding a gift in the video released by the Indian Defence Ministry, probably the most warmhearted scene since the Doklam standoff," the Chinese daily said. -- ANI
08:32 Texas university student who shot cop held
The Texas Tech University shooting suspect, Hollis Daniels, now in police custody. He was captured near a stadium.
A Texas Tech University officer was shot in the head and killed at Texas Tech police headquarters in Lubbock, Texas, police have confirmed.
@mike_Zollo echoed the anger of Americans at the incident. "Texas Tech shooter that shot a brave police officer in the head has been apprehended. I hope he spends the rest of his life in prison."
The shooting happened at around 8pm Central time on Monday night. The Texas Tech campus as well as its neighboring University Medical Center were on lockdown until after 9:30pm.
A SWAT team has responded to support clearing buildings.
Earlier in the day, officers performed a welfare check on a student and found evidence of drugs and drug paraphernalia, a police spokesman said Monday night. Officers then brought the student to the police station for a standard debriefing. At this time, the suspect pulled out his gun and shot the officer in the head. The suspect then fled on foot, but has since been apprehended.
A Texas Tech University officer was shot in the head and killed at Texas Tech police headquarters in Lubbock, Texas, police have confirmed.
@mike_Zollo echoed the anger of Americans at the incident. "Texas Tech shooter that shot a brave police officer in the head has been apprehended. I hope he spends the rest of his life in prison."
The shooting happened at around 8pm Central time on Monday night. The Texas Tech campus as well as its neighboring University Medical Center were on lockdown until after 9:30pm.
A SWAT team has responded to support clearing buildings.
Earlier in the day, officers performed a welfare check on a student and found evidence of drugs and drug paraphernalia, a police spokesman said Monday night. Officers then brought the student to the police station for a standard debriefing. At this time, the suspect pulled out his gun and shot the officer in the head. The suspect then fled on foot, but has since been apprehended.
08:07 Delhi metro rides costlier from today
Back in India and in Delhi, if you are travelling beyond 5 km on the Metro from today, be prepared to shell out Rs 10 extra with yet another fare hike coming into effect. The hike, which comes five months within the last one, will affect every commuter of the mass rapid transit who travels beyond 5 km, while journeys falling in the 2-5 km distance slab will cost Rs 5 more.
The revised fare structure will be: up to 2 km -- Rs 10, 2 to 5 km -- Rs 20, 5 to 12 km -- Rs 30, 12 to 21 km -- Rs 40, 21 to 32 km -- Rs 50 and for journeys beyond 32 km -- Rs 60.
Smart card users, who, according to DMRC's estimates, happen to be 70 per cent of the metro's total ridership, will continue to get 10 per cent discount on each ride. They will get an additional discount of 10 per cent while travelling during off-peak hours, that is from beginning of services till 8 am, between 12 pm and 5 pm and from 9 pm to end of the services.
The announcement came late last night following a meeting of the metro's top decision making body, the DMRC board, which refused to "interfere" in the matter, referring to the stiff opposition mounted by Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal against the hike.
The board, which met for around two hours, said it has no power to change the recommendations of the fare fixation committee (FCC), which had proposed the steep hike last year.
The board met around 8 pm at Nirman Bhawan following Kejriwal's insistence that the decision be withheld. The Delhi Assembly passed a resolution against the hike earlier in the day. -- PTI
The revised fare structure will be: up to 2 km -- Rs 10, 2 to 5 km -- Rs 20, 5 to 12 km -- Rs 30, 12 to 21 km -- Rs 40, 21 to 32 km -- Rs 50 and for journeys beyond 32 km -- Rs 60.
Smart card users, who, according to DMRC's estimates, happen to be 70 per cent of the metro's total ridership, will continue to get 10 per cent discount on each ride. They will get an additional discount of 10 per cent while travelling during off-peak hours, that is from beginning of services till 8 am, between 12 pm and 5 pm and from 9 pm to end of the services.
The announcement came late last night following a meeting of the metro's top decision making body, the DMRC board, which refused to "interfere" in the matter, referring to the stiff opposition mounted by Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal against the hike.
The board, which met for around two hours, said it has no power to change the recommendations of the fare fixation committee (FCC), which had proposed the steep hike last year.
The board met around 8 pm at Nirman Bhawan following Kejriwal's insistence that the decision be withheld. The Delhi Assembly passed a resolution against the hike earlier in the day. -- PTI
08:05 Student kills university cop at police station
If you've just joined us, there's been a shootout at a university in Texas, which has left one cop dead.
The Washington Post reports that the Texas Tech University in Lubbock was placed on lockdown after a campus police officer was shot and killed.
University spokesman Chris Cook said campus police made a student welfare search on Monday evening and, upon entering the room, found evidence of drugs and drug paraphernalia. Officers then brought the suspect to the police station for standard debriefing.
While at the station, Cook said the suspect pulled out a gun and shot an officer in the head, killing him. The suspect then fled on foot and remains at large.
The suspect's identity has not been released.
University officials issued a lockdown alert to students on social media, noting that the suspect had not been apprehended. The alert urged those on campus "to take shelter in a safe location".
The Washington Post reports that the Texas Tech University in Lubbock was placed on lockdown after a campus police officer was shot and killed.
University spokesman Chris Cook said campus police made a student welfare search on Monday evening and, upon entering the room, found evidence of drugs and drug paraphernalia. Officers then brought the suspect to the police station for standard debriefing.
While at the station, Cook said the suspect pulled out a gun and shot an officer in the head, killing him. The suspect then fled on foot and remains at large.
The suspect's identity has not been released.
University officials issued a lockdown alert to students on social media, noting that the suspect had not been apprehended. The alert urged those on campus "to take shelter in a safe location".
07:58 Is this the shooting suspect?
@yorkcommatyler Lubbock and Texas Tech police searching for active shooting suspect Hollis Daniels, freshman. Fled in a silver 2001 BMW SUV.
07:51 First reactions to the shootout
@Drakedabs I was just at Texas Tech getting a burrito when the shooting went down the burrito was good though please pray for both families
@BrooklynnWilde Prayers for Texas Tech students who where in the shooting...
@avery_fitnurse ACTIVE SHOOTING AT TEXAS TECH. ONE COP IS REPORTED DEAD. SHOOTER AT LARGE. RED HAIR BLUE EYES 140 pounds SEEK IMMEDIATE SHELTER
@lm_sant Honestly SICK to my stomach about the active shooting at Texas Tech - praying the shooter is found immediately & ALIVE
@BrooklynnWilde Prayers for Texas Tech students who where in the shooting...
@avery_fitnurse ACTIVE SHOOTING AT TEXAS TECH. ONE COP IS REPORTED DEAD. SHOOTER AT LARGE. RED HAIR BLUE EYES 140 pounds SEEK IMMEDIATE SHELTER
@lm_sant Honestly SICK to my stomach about the active shooting at Texas Tech - praying the shooter is found immediately & ALIVE
07:42 Shootout at Texas Tech University
Just in: Reports of a shooting on the campus of Texas Tech University in the US. The shooter is believed to be still at large. Students have been urged to take shelter as police search for the shooter.
The Dallas News reports that a Texas Tech police officer has been shot and killed at the police department's headquarters.
The university reported the shooting at the Texas Tech University police department on Twitter at 8:23 p.m.
Texas Tech University @TexasTech tweeted that a shooting has been reported at TTU Police Department. "Shooter is at large. The campus is on lockdown. Take shelter. Emergency update. The current situation is ongoing. Continue to shelter in place. More info as it is available."
The Dallas News reports that a Texas Tech police officer has been shot and killed at the police department's headquarters.
The university reported the shooting at the Texas Tech University police department on Twitter at 8:23 p.m.
Texas Tech University @TexasTech tweeted that a shooting has been reported at TTU Police Department. "Shooter is at large. The campus is on lockdown. Take shelter. Emergency update. The current situation is ongoing. Continue to shelter in place. More info as it is available."
07:34 Malala attends her first lectures at Oxford
Pakistani rights activist Malala Yousafzai, who secured a place at Oxford University to study philosophy, politics and economics, tweeted last night to say, @Malala "5 years ago, I was shot in an attempt to stop me from speaking out for girls' education. Today, I attend my first lectures at Oxford."
The Nobel Peace Prize winner follows in the footsteps of numerous world leaders by studying at the prestigious varsity. The UN Messenger of Peace, lives in Birmingham since she was airlifted for a life-saving surgery after being shot in the head by the Taliban five years ago.
In March, the 20-year-old had revealed her "conditional offer" to study the three subjects at the world-famous university if she achieved three As in her A-level results. It would seem she has got the grades that she required. "So excited to go to Oxford!! Well done to all A-level students -- the hardest year. Best wishes for life ahead!" she tweeted.
File pic.
The Nobel Peace Prize winner follows in the footsteps of numerous world leaders by studying at the prestigious varsity. The UN Messenger of Peace, lives in Birmingham since she was airlifted for a life-saving surgery after being shot in the head by the Taliban five years ago.
In March, the 20-year-old had revealed her "conditional offer" to study the three subjects at the world-famous university if she achieved three As in her A-level results. It would seem she has got the grades that she required. "So excited to go to Oxford!! Well done to all A-level students -- the hardest year. Best wishes for life ahead!" she tweeted.
File pic.
07:27 Quake of 4.3 hits Andamans
An earthquake of magnitude 4.3 hit the Andaman Islands in the early hours of Tuesday.
The tremor occurred at 1:03 am in the Andaman Islands Region, confirmed KS Dhatwalia, DG PIB. No loss of life, injury or damage to property has been reported so far.
Further details are awaited.
Earlier on October 6, an earthquake of magnitude 4.9 had hit the Andaman Sea.On October 3, an earthquake of mild intensity - of magnitude 4.5, yellow stage - hit the Andaman Islands. -- ANI
The tremor occurred at 1:03 am in the Andaman Islands Region, confirmed KS Dhatwalia, DG PIB. No loss of life, injury or damage to property has been reported so far.
Further details are awaited.
Earlier on October 6, an earthquake of magnitude 4.9 had hit the Andaman Sea.On October 3, an earthquake of mild intensity - of magnitude 4.5, yellow stage - hit the Andaman Islands. -- ANI
06:40 'Modi zindabad' at Cong HQ
The Bihar state Congress headquarters yesterday saw a free-for-all as workers exchanged blows, former state unit president Ashok Choudhary was thrashed, and slogans of "Narendra Modi zindabad" rent the air.
Sadaquat Ashram, the state Congress HQ, was hosting a meeting - of 1,240 newly elected delegates, MLAs and MLCs - convened by state unit working president Kaukab Quadri.
Entry was on the basis of a list prepared by party officials. However, several delegates and district leaders alleged their names were missing and held Quadri and former RJD man-turned-Congress leader Akhilesh Prasad Singh responsible. This sparked protests and slogan shouting. Read more here.
Sadaquat Ashram, the state Congress HQ, was hosting a meeting - of 1,240 newly elected delegates, MLAs and MLCs - convened by state unit working president Kaukab Quadri.
Entry was on the basis of a list prepared by party officials. However, several delegates and district leaders alleged their names were missing and held Quadri and former RJD man-turned-Congress leader Akhilesh Prasad Singh responsible. This sparked protests and slogan shouting. Read more here.
06:31 Speak up, Mr Prime Minister!
Senior CPI leader D Raja today demanded a response from Prime Minister Narendra Modi over a media report's claim that the turnover of the firm of BJP chief Amit Shah's son Jay Shah rose by a huge margin after the party came to power in 2014.
He said a probe should be initiated to reveal the truth. "Why we are not hearing a single word from Prime Minister Narendra Modi regarding allegations against Amit Shah's son? We want that he should respond to the matter and should constitute a probe to bring out the truth. Let the allegations be probed," Raja said. He said the time has come for the prime minister to act instead of pointing fingers at others.
In its article, news portal 'The Wire' had claimed that Jay Shah's firm Temple Enterprise's turnover zoomed by around 16,000 times from Rs 50,000 to around Rs 80 crore in 2015-16 after the BJP came to power in 2014. Jay Shah today filed a defamation case against the news portal over the report and prayed for, "criminal action against the respondents for defaming and tarnishing the reputation of the complainant through an article, which is scandalous, frivolous, misleading, derogatory, libelous and consisting of several defamatory statements."
The row set off by the article escalated with the Congress demanding the BJP chief's ouster. -- PTI
He said a probe should be initiated to reveal the truth. "Why we are not hearing a single word from Prime Minister Narendra Modi regarding allegations against Amit Shah's son? We want that he should respond to the matter and should constitute a probe to bring out the truth. Let the allegations be probed," Raja said. He said the time has come for the prime minister to act instead of pointing fingers at others.
In its article, news portal 'The Wire' had claimed that Jay Shah's firm Temple Enterprise's turnover zoomed by around 16,000 times from Rs 50,000 to around Rs 80 crore in 2015-16 after the BJP came to power in 2014. Jay Shah today filed a defamation case against the news portal over the report and prayed for, "criminal action against the respondents for defaming and tarnishing the reputation of the complainant through an article, which is scandalous, frivolous, misleading, derogatory, libelous and consisting of several defamatory statements."
The row set off by the article escalated with the Congress demanding the BJP chief's ouster. -- PTI
06:27 SC to continue hearing on plea against Karti Chidambaram today
Another important case the Supreme Court is hearing today:
The Court will today continue the hearing on the INX media case, in which Karti Chidambaram is alleged to have committed irregularities in the Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) clearance for the project with the alleged help of his father and former finance minister P. Chidambaram.
Earlier in September, the former finance minister denied the reports of his son Karti holding bank accounts in foreign land and asked the CBI to come clear on the accusations.
"It's an absolute lie. By quoting the CBI, a lie doesn't become the truth. Why doesn't the CBI take my open offer and name the alleged 'undisclosed assets'?" Chidambaram told ANI.
Karti's counsel had informed the top court that his complainant was abroad when FIPB clearance was given.The FIR lodged by the CBI, on May 15, alleged that Karti illegally took service charges for getting the FIPB clearance when his father P. Chidambaram was the finance minister.
Earlier, the Supreme Court had refused Karti to move abroad and made it clear that he could not leave India. -- ANI
File pic: Karti Chidambaram (right) with his father P Chidambaram
The Court will today continue the hearing on the INX media case, in which Karti Chidambaram is alleged to have committed irregularities in the Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) clearance for the project with the alleged help of his father and former finance minister P. Chidambaram.
Earlier in September, the former finance minister denied the reports of his son Karti holding bank accounts in foreign land and asked the CBI to come clear on the accusations.
"It's an absolute lie. By quoting the CBI, a lie doesn't become the truth. Why doesn't the CBI take my open offer and name the alleged 'undisclosed assets'?" Chidambaram told ANI.
Karti's counsel had informed the top court that his complainant was abroad when FIPB clearance was given.The FIR lodged by the CBI, on May 15, alleged that Karti illegally took service charges for getting the FIPB clearance when his father P. Chidambaram was the finance minister.
Earlier, the Supreme Court had refused Karti to move abroad and made it clear that he could not leave India. -- ANI
File pic: Karti Chidambaram (right) with his father P Chidambaram
06:22 Delhi govt must give Rs 3K cr for metro fare hike withdrawal: BJP
Opposition BJP today demanded the Delhi government give a Rs 3,000 crore annual grant if it wanted the withdrawal of the proposed metro fare hike, and abstained from the session that passed a resolution against the increase in the assembly.
The House passed the government resolution to oppose the proposed metro fare hike, moved by Transport Minister Kailash Gahlot, with a voice vote.
Leader of the Opposition Vijender Gupta claimed that rules stipulate that the state government must bear the full operational loses of the Metro Rail.
"The Delhi government must provide an annual grant-in-aid of about Rs 3,000 crore if it wants the fare hike in Delhi Metro to be put on hold," he said.
He alleged that Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal was "misleading" the people when he says that the Centre and the Delhi government are equal partners in Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC), implying that both must bear equal operational loses.
The demand of Rs 3,000 crore from the Delhi government, in case of withdrawing the fare hike, scheduled to come into effect from tomorrow, was raised by the Union Urban Development Minister Hardeep Puri.
Gupta also alleged that the Delhi government was creating "hurdles" in the smooth journey of the Delhi Metro. "The Phase-III of the Delhi Metro was planned to be completed by December 16, 2016. But due to inaction of the Delhi government the work was delayed by over 15 months," he said.
The BJP legislators also demanded that the Delhi government to reduce the 5 per cent VAT on petrol and diesel. The discussion on the proposed hike in metro fare got off to a rocky start in the Assembly with two BJP MLAs, who sought an apology from Kejriwal for allegedly using "foul language" in a recent debate on guest teachers, were marshalled out of the House. -- PTI
The House passed the government resolution to oppose the proposed metro fare hike, moved by Transport Minister Kailash Gahlot, with a voice vote.
Leader of the Opposition Vijender Gupta claimed that rules stipulate that the state government must bear the full operational loses of the Metro Rail.
"The Delhi government must provide an annual grant-in-aid of about Rs 3,000 crore if it wants the fare hike in Delhi Metro to be put on hold," he said.
He alleged that Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal was "misleading" the people when he says that the Centre and the Delhi government are equal partners in Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC), implying that both must bear equal operational loses.
The demand of Rs 3,000 crore from the Delhi government, in case of withdrawing the fare hike, scheduled to come into effect from tomorrow, was raised by the Union Urban Development Minister Hardeep Puri.
Gupta also alleged that the Delhi government was creating "hurdles" in the smooth journey of the Delhi Metro. "The Phase-III of the Delhi Metro was planned to be completed by December 16, 2016. But due to inaction of the Delhi government the work was delayed by over 15 months," he said.
The BJP legislators also demanded that the Delhi government to reduce the 5 per cent VAT on petrol and diesel. The discussion on the proposed hike in metro fare got off to a rocky start in the Assembly with two BJP MLAs, who sought an apology from Kejriwal for allegedly using "foul language" in a recent debate on guest teachers, were marshalled out of the House. -- PTI
06:18 SC to begin hearing on plea favouring euthanasia today
Good morning and welcome to the Live! news commentary on Rediff.com.
First up, the Supreme Court's Constitution bench will today begin the hearing on a plea favouring euthanasia.
A five-judge constitution bench of the top court, headed by Chief Justice Dipak Misra, will hear the case.
Besides the CJI, the bench also comprises justices A.K. Sikri, A.M. Khanwilkar, DY Chandrachud and Ashok Bhushan.
The court had in February 2014 referred to a Constitution bench a plea favouring voluntary passive euthanasia or mercy killing in cases where a person is suffering from a terminal illness and has no chance of revival and recovery as per the medical opinion.
The court will consider the plea of an NGO, Common Cause, to declare 'right to die with dignity' as a fundamental right within the fold of Right to Live with Dignity guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution.
First up, the Supreme Court's Constitution bench will today begin the hearing on a plea favouring euthanasia.
A five-judge constitution bench of the top court, headed by Chief Justice Dipak Misra, will hear the case.
Besides the CJI, the bench also comprises justices A.K. Sikri, A.M. Khanwilkar, DY Chandrachud and Ashok Bhushan.
The court had in February 2014 referred to a Constitution bench a plea favouring voluntary passive euthanasia or mercy killing in cases where a person is suffering from a terminal illness and has no chance of revival and recovery as per the medical opinion.
The court will consider the plea of an NGO, Common Cause, to declare 'right to die with dignity' as a fundamental right within the fold of Right to Live with Dignity guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution.
00:21 'Enemy' will pay 'unbearable cost' in case of attack: Pak army chief
Pakistan Army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa on Monday said that his forces are fully capable of responding to any aggression and warned that the 'enemy' has to pay an 'unbearable cost' in case of an attack.
Addressing a passing out parade of the Pakistan Air Force cadets at the Asghar Khan Academy in Risalpur in the country's northwest, Gen Bajwa also said that Pakistan is a peace-loving country and it wants to promote peace.
"We stand firmly committed to this cause (peace) and will not allow anybody to misinterpret our actions. Our Armed Forces are fully capable of responding to all sorts of internal or external threats or aggression," Bajwa said.
"If the enemy ever resorts to a misadventure, regardless of its size and scale, it will have to pay an unbearable cost," he warned.
Bajwa said that no country has sacrificed as much as Pakistan has in the fight against terrorism. He rued that the international community has failed to recognise Pakistan's efforts and sacrifices in the war on terror.
"It is our resolve that we will make Pakistan a terror-free country, come what may. With continuous public support to the Armed Forces, it will be done sooner than later," he said. -- PTI
Addressing a passing out parade of the Pakistan Air Force cadets at the Asghar Khan Academy in Risalpur in the country's northwest, Gen Bajwa also said that Pakistan is a peace-loving country and it wants to promote peace.
"We stand firmly committed to this cause (peace) and will not allow anybody to misinterpret our actions. Our Armed Forces are fully capable of responding to all sorts of internal or external threats or aggression," Bajwa said.
"If the enemy ever resorts to a misadventure, regardless of its size and scale, it will have to pay an unbearable cost," he warned.
Bajwa said that no country has sacrificed as much as Pakistan has in the fight against terrorism. He rued that the international community has failed to recognise Pakistan's efforts and sacrifices in the war on terror.
"It is our resolve that we will make Pakistan a terror-free country, come what may. With continuous public support to the Armed Forces, it will be done sooner than later," he said. -- PTI
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