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Tue, 26 September 2017
Want diplomatic solution to standoff with North Korea: US
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23:20 Want diplomatic solution to standoff with North Korea: US
Defence Secretary James Mattis said today that the United States wants a diplomatic resolution to his country's standoff with North Korea, in an apparent effort to cool frayed tempers amid an escalating war of words between Pyongyang and Washington.
"We maintain the capability to deter North Korea's most dangerous threats, but we also will back up our diplomats in a manner to keep this as long as possible in the diplomatic realm," Mattis said, responding to a question at the joint press briefing with India's Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.
"Our goal is to solve this diplomatically. President (Donald) Trump is very clear about this issue," he added.
The last few days have seen what many perceive as a pre-war rhetoric between Kim Jong Un, the leader of the reclusive nation, and Trump, after Pyongyang tested a hydrogen bomb and test-fired ballistic missiles over Japan.
Yesterday, North Korea's Foreign Minister Ri Yong Ho told reporters at the United Nations that the Trump administration has declared war against North Korea and it has "every right" under the UN Charter to take countermeasures, "including the right to shoot down the United States' strategic bombers even if they are not yet inside the airspace border of our country".
His statement further spiked the tensions between the two countries.
Mattis said the United States continued to put pressure on the North's leadership through diplomatic channels.
23:14 Only CCTV-equipped schools to become board exam centres in UP
To curb copying during the Uttar Pradesh board examinations next year, the state government has decided to allow only CCTV-equipped to become examination centres.
The state government also has decided to ask schools that school bus drivers and other staff should be hired only after police verification, a move that comes in the backdrop of the killing of a 7-year-old student in a school in Haryana's Gurgaon.
The killing had triggered massive furore.
This year, the examination centres will be decided through a transparent online process, so that no allegations are levelled, Deputy Chief Minister Dinesh Sharma, who is also the minister for secondary education, said in a statement.
"Only the schools which are equipped with CCTV cameras will be allowed to become board examination centres," he added.
He was addressing district inspectors of schools through video-conferencing.
Sharma issued directives to the district inspectors to carry out inspections and submit a report on whether a school qualifies to be an examination centre.
Instructions were also issued that in order to ensure safety of children, bus drivers and fourth class employees be appointed only after police verification, the UP government statement added.
22:53 Anil Ambani says telecom sector in ICCU, warns of monopoly
Anil Ambani today said the telecom sector is in an "ICCU" with government and lenders most at risk, and warned of a monopolistic market emerging.
He also promised to get RCom out of its difficulties by March 2018, saying its lenders are supportive of all its actions.
With the entry of his elder brother Mukesh Ambani- promoted Reliance Jio wrecking the already competitive market, Anil Ambani said we are "potentially" moving towards a market with limited competition and feared that it may turn into a "monopoly".
"The wireless or mobility sector, from any dimension you look at, is in the ICCU. It is not in the general ward, it is not in the ICU, it is in the ICCU," Ambani said at Reliance Communications' (Rcom) annual general meeting in Mumbai.
"It is a systemic threat for government, for its revenues, it's a systemic threat for our banking sector and it is what I call creative destruction of a sector," he said.
Noting that over the years as the number of operators coming to six from over over a dozen, there was a sharp erosion in competitive landscape where nearly all global companies who were here have exited.
"I am sure they see things that allow them to write-off large amounts of money and exit India. It cannot be the power of the market that is forcing them to leave but it has got to be from other dimensions of the sector which is forcing them to leave," he said.
Ambani said fresh lending to the sector has completely halted after Reserve Bank's caution to banks in April," and wondered how can the once-sunshine sector maintain service quality as it requires Rs 1 trillion in investments annually.
Warning that the industry is heading towards a monopolistic situation, he said "If customer is supreme and consumer is king, can we afford to be a oligopoly, a duapoly or a monopoly?"
Ambani claimed that Rcom, which has a debt of Rs 45,000 crore and has been given a moratorium till this December, has the support of all its lenders including the Chinese ones and promised to get the company back.
22:10 After Rajnath's appeal, GJM withdraws Darjeeling shutdown
Gorkha Janmukti Morcha tonight said the indefinite shutdown in Darjeeling hills will be suspended from tomorrow morning in response to appeal bu Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh.
The indefinite shutdown by the GJM for a separate state of Gorkhaland entered the 104th day today. The strike had begun on June 15.
"Our party supremo Bimal Gurung has decided to suspend the indefinite shutdown in the hills from 6 am tomorrow morning for an indefinite period.
"The decision was taken after Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh's appeal to withdraw the strike," GJM vice-president Kalyan Dewan told PTI.
Singh appealed to the GJM to withdraw the ongoing strike in Darjeeling hills for a separate Gorkhaland state and asked the union home secretary to convene an official-level meeting to discuss all related issues.
In a statement, the home minister said that in a democracy dialogue is the only way out to resolve any problem and solutions can be found through restraint and mutual dialogue within the legal ambit.
Although the strike was officially on in the hills but for the last one week most of the shops and markets had reopened defying the diktats by GJM leadership.
22:03 Bihar Congress chief Ashok Choudhary removed from post
Chief of Congress's Bihar unit Ashok Choudhary was today removed from the post with immediate effect.
The party, however, did not announce his replacement.
"Congress President Sonia Gandhi has relieved Ashok Choudhary from the post of Bihar Pradesh Congress Committee chief with immediate effect," AICC general secretary Janardan Dwivedi said.
The action comes amid reports of a possible split in the Bihar unit, which a section of the party alleged was being spearheaded by him.
In a recent outburst, Choudhary had also accused a section within the party of maligning his name for brewing a rebellion within the Bihar unit.
The Congress has 27 MLAs in the 243-member Bihar Assembly.
Amid fears that the state unit may split and some members may join the ruling JD-U, the Congress has claimed of having "defused" the situation after several MLAs were reportedly gravitating towards the JD(U) following the disintegration of the Grand Alliance last month.
Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi had also met over 20 of the 27 party MLAs earlier this month and sought their views on the party's functioning.
Sources said Gandhi had invited the Congress MLAs to avoid a split in the party, who were feeling uneasy after losing power in the state.
21:53 GST collection for August slips to Rs 90,669 crore
The government has collected Rs 90,669 crore in Goods and Services Tax for August, the second month of the indirect tax regime rollout.
According to the revised estimate, the GST mop-up for July stood at Rs 94,063 crore, up from the initial projection of Rs 92,283 crore.
"The total revenue of GST paid under different heads (up to September 25, 2017) is Rs 90,669 crore," an official statement said, adding these figures do not include GST paid by 10.24 lakh assessees who have opted for composition scheme.
Of this, as much as Rs 14,402 crore has come in from the Central GST (CGST), Rs 21,067 crore from State GST (SGST), Rs 47,377 crore from Integrated GST (IGST) and Rs 7,823 crore from compensation cess levied on demerit and luxury goods.
It is to be noted that the last date for payment of GST as well as filing of GSTR 3B return for the month of August was September 20, 2017.
The statement further said that there are still a number of assessees who have not filed their returns either for July or August 2017.
The increase in the above stated figures will be informed in due course, it said.
Total number of taxpayers who were supposed to file monthly returns for August is 68.20 lakh, of which, as on September 25, 37.63 lakh GSTR 3B returns have been filed, it said.
The GST was implemented across the country in place of more than a dozen central and state levies like excise duty, service tax and VAT was implemented from July 1.
In July, the GST collection was Rs 92,283 crore from 64.42 per cent of the total taxpayer base.
20:44 Army foils Pakistan backed terrorist attack on LoC
The Indian Army today foiled an attack by Pakistani Border Action Team, comprising terrorists and soldiers, near the Line of Control in Keran Sector of Kashmir
The attackers were forced to retreat to Pakistan-occupied Kashmir without causing any damage on the Indian side, an army source said.
"A BAT action was attempted by seven to eight armed intruders (from PoK side) today at 1.00 pm in the area of Keran Sector (Kupwara). The armed intruders came near own posts," the source said.
He said the BAT intruders were supported by nearby Pakistani posts with mortar shelling and small arms firing.
"The BAT action was aimed at causing damage to our post but it was effectively thwarted and the armed intruders were forced to retreat," the source said.
"Fire assault towards enemy positions was underway," the source added.
Earlier, an army official in Srinagar said the Pakistani troops targeted Indian posts by firing light weapons in Keran sector.
20:01 Honeypreet's bail plea rejected
The Delhi high court has dismissed the bail application of Honeypreet Insan, who is facing charges of sedition and inciting violence after the conviction of Dera Sacha Sauda chief Ram Rahim in twin rape cases.
The court asked the counsel for Honeypreet, who claims to be the adopted daughter of the jailed Dera Sacha Sauda chief, to move the Punjab and Haryana high court for anticipatory bail.
Priyanka Taneja alias Honeypreet tops the list of 43 persons wanted by the Haryana Police in connection with incidents of violence that had followed Ram Rahim's conviction in the rape cases.
Earlier, Honeypreet's advocate had sought the relief saying she was a lady, who was not running away and was ready to join the probe if protected by this court.
"It is to humiliate me. I am not required for custodial interrogation. If I am given protection from here, I will move to Panchkula court or the Punjab and Haryana high court for anticipatory bail. I am not even named in the FIR. What kind of sedition charges can be there against me," advocate Pradeep Kumar Arya, who represented Honeypreet, said.
He said Honeypreet was apprehending arrest in Delhi and the police had raided her house in Delhi on Tuesday.
19:42 Govt eyes 5G rollout by 2020, plans Rs 500-cr fund for support
The government has formed a high-level forum to guide India to start 5G service by 2020, a technology that will deliver wireless broadband speed of about 10,000 mbps in urban areas and 1,000 mbps in rural belts, Telecom Minister Manoj Sinha said today.
In a bid to facilitate research and development activities for 5G service rollout, the government is looking at setting up a Rs 500-crore support fund.
"We have created a high-level 5G forum that will work on vision mission and goals of 5G service in the country. When the world will roll out 5G in 2020, I believe India will be at par with them," Sinha said.
The telecom minister announced setting up of a high-level group '5G India 2020 forum' which will be steered by Telecom Secretary Aruna Sundararajan, IT secretary Ajay Kumar Sawhney and Department of Science and Technology Secretary Ashutosh Sharma, along with experts in the tech fields.
Sinha said the country missed an opportunity to have its say in 3G and 4G technologies but now the government wants India to contribute actively in developing 5G standards and products.
"We will make efforts to develop globally competitive products and manufacture them here with a target of getting 50 per cent of India market and 10 per cent of global market over next 5-7 years," Sinha said.
Under the 5G technology, the government aims to deliver about 10,000 megabit per second (10 gbps) in urban areas and 1,000 mbps (1 gbps) in rural areas, he said.
The data transfer in 5G technology has latency or gap of 1 millisecond (ms) compared to 30 ms in case of 4G technology. It can be used for controlling and operating critical devices in the field of medical, self driving cars etc.
19:27 Emancipation from western culture would mean real freedom: LK Advani
Veteran BJP leader L K Advani today said emancipation from western culture would mean real freedom, saying it would be achieved when "we free ourselves of the domination" of western education, culture and way of
living.
"Real freedom will come only when we free ourselves of the domination of western education, western culture and western way of living which had been engrained in us. Emancipation from this culture would mean real freedom for us," he said.
In his address after launching the platinum jubilee celebrations of Jaigopal Garodia National Higher Secondary School at suburban Tambaram in Chennai, the former deputy prime minister also said universities should produce "true servants who will live and die for the country's freedom."
The Lok Sabha MP, who had laid the foundation stone for the first building at the new premises of the school in 1979 as then information and broadcasting minister, stressed on the need for humility.
Referring to a saying, he said "ornament for education is humility. If you become a person who has many degrees, that should never make you proud. Pride leads to a fall," the leader said, adding, "humility is greatest virtue."
19:17 No sign of plagiarism in 'Newton', says 'Secret Ballot' director
Newton had come under the scanner for allegedly being a rip-off of Secret Ballot but the director of the 2001 Iranian film, Babak Payami, has confirmed that there is no sign of plagiarism in the Amit Masurkar-directed movie.
Payami, in an interview with Cinestaan, said he watched the film and did not find any "specific stylistic or structural similarities" in Newton, which was recently selected as India's official entry to the Oscars.
"I saw the film and there is no sign of plagiarism. These are completely different films. Any similarities between the two films are broad and I don't see any specific stylistic or structural similarities between the two films. These are two different films on a common theme," he said in the interview.
Amid reports that the film has striking similarities with Secret Ballot, director-producer Anurag Kashyap came forward in support of Masurkar and reached out to Payami and film's producer Marco Muller to get their opinion.
He shared a screenshot of the then yet-to-be published interview with Payami on Facebook, where the Iranian filmmaker said he was happy for the selection of Newton at the Oscars and had no issue with the thematic similarities between the two films.
Kashyap had also sent the link of Newton to Muller, who after watching the film, told the director that "Newton" was "definitely no rip-off from our Secret Ballot (even if the general concept is the same)."
Newton revolves around a government employee's struggle to conduct a free and fair election in a conflict-hit area of Chhattisgarh, while Secret Ballot focuses on a woman ballot officer, who visits a desolate place in Iran to convince people to cast their vote.
18:24 'Until when will you be quiet?' Sena attacks PM on BHU row
Ally Shiv Sena today launched a frontal attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his performance and asked him if the police lathicharge on Banaras Hindu University students is the 'saubhagya' (privilege) of women who elected him with a lot of aspirations.
Sena, which has frequently criticised the Maharashtra government and the Centre though it is a constituent of the ruling National Democratic Alliance, took the jibe at the PM, who had yesterday launched 'Saubhagya' -- a Rs 16,000 -- crore scheme to provide electricity to over four crore households that are without power connection by December 2018.
"Inflation has become a monster and you are quiet. Petrol and diesel are on fire and you are quiet. People are helpless in the name of system improvement and you are quiet," the Sena alleged in an editorial in party mouthpiece 'Dopahar ka Saamana'
"Daughters of the country are being lathicharged and you are quiet. Your party workers are creating havoc. Until when will you be quiet?"
"Is this the 'saubhagya' of the daughters of your constituency, who brought you to the top with a lot of aspirations?" the ediotoral said.
A number of students, including women, and two journalists were injured in a lathicharge by police in the Banaras Hindu University where a protest earlier this week against an alleged eve-teasing incident turned violent.
The editorial, which referred to the PM in second person, wondered if anyone tried to find out why did the university administration received a "jolt" after the students placed their demands.
"They had only demanded that the Banaras Hindu University get CCTV cameras on its campus and the accused be arrested. Was it right to file an FIR against them?" it questioned.
"You (Modi), without thinking twice, took steps that brought a storm in the nation, but, as far as people's questions were concerned, you only whip up 'jumlas' (catch phrases).
"You have told your workers, power is not for happiness but to do 'seva' (service) of the people. But, what will you answer, if they ask you what 'seva' have you performed in the last three years," the Sena said.
The Sena alleged that the daughters of Uttar Pradesh and Varanasi who elected Modi are being troubled and are facing the trauma of eve-teasing.
"When they raise their voice against it and demand justice, they are beaten up with lathis. Forget the 'jumla' of 'beti bachao, beti padhao' (save and educate girl child), at least do not let them get beaten up," it said.
"Agreed this is a matter of the state government, but, being a local MP, you could have spoken two words to console the bereaved.
"The local government also belongs to your party. If you can keep a hawk's eye on small issues, you can at least ask about the well being of the country's daughters? If not physically, at least on Twitter, as you are known to be Twitter friendly?" it said.
IMAGE: An injured student writhing in pain after police allegedly beat them up during a clash at Banaras Hindu University late Saturday night. Photograph: PTI Photo
17:48 Delhi HC reserves order on Honeypreet's bail plea
The Delhi High Court on Tuesday reserved its order on Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh's 'adopted' daughter Honeypreet's bail plea.
The Delhi High Court during the hearing asked Honeypreet's lawyer, "How does this application come under jurisdiction of Delhi Court?" Honeypreet's lawyer said, "She has a house in Delhi and has apprehension to be arrested."
Earlier in the day, the Panchkula Police after conducting raid at Dera property in South Delhi confirmed that Honeypreet was not found at the location.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (South East) Romil Baaniya said, "Raids were conducted today morning at A-9 Greater Kailash with arrest warrant against Honeypreet.
Later it was confirmed that she was not sighted here in the recent past nor she is staying here currently.
"The suspicion of sighting Priyanka Taneja alias Honeypreet Insan in Delhi developed when her lawyer claimed that she visited his office in the national capital yesterday to sign the anticipatory bail application.
The Delhi High Court during the hearing asked Honeypreet's lawyer, "How does this application come under jurisdiction of Delhi Court?" Honeypreet's lawyer said, "She has a house in Delhi and has apprehension to be arrested."
Earlier in the day, the Panchkula Police after conducting raid at Dera property in South Delhi confirmed that Honeypreet was not found at the location.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (South East) Romil Baaniya said, "Raids were conducted today morning at A-9 Greater Kailash with arrest warrant against Honeypreet.
Later it was confirmed that she was not sighted here in the recent past nor she is staying here currently.
"The suspicion of sighting Priyanka Taneja alias Honeypreet Insan in Delhi developed when her lawyer claimed that she visited his office in the national capital yesterday to sign the anticipatory bail application.
17:45 Xi vows full backing to Chinese-led Interpol
President Xi Jinping today pledged to fully back Interpol in its efforts to combat terrorism and cyber crime, amid concerns over China using the global police body to target overseas political dissidents.
Kicking off the General Assembly meeting of Interpol, the international police agency, here, Xi promised Beijing's full support to raise its profile under its first Chinese head, who is also China's top public security official. -- PTI
Kicking off the General Assembly meeting of Interpol, the international police agency, here, Xi promised Beijing's full support to raise its profile under its first Chinese head, who is also China's top public security official. -- PTI
16:21 Varun Gandhi vs Modi mantri on Rohingyas
Union minister Hansraj Ahir today criticised BJP MP Varun Gandhi for his views that Rohingya Muslims should be given asylum in India after security vetting, saying those who have national interest in mind should not make such statements.
"Jo desh ke hith mein sochenga woh is tarah ke bayan nahi dega (Anyone who have national interest in mind, won't make such statements)," Ahir told reporters.
In an article written in a Hindi daily, Varun said India must give asylum to Rohingyas but before that analysis of genuine security concerns should be done.
After Ahir's comments, Varun said his recent piece focused primarily on defining India's asylum policy, with clear demarcations on how "we would accept refugees".
"As for the Rohingyas, I've called for empathy, leading potentially to asylum, while vetting each applicant for national security concerns (sic)," he tweeted.
The BJP, in its national executive yesterday, adopted a resolution supporting the government's stand on the Rohingya issue, saying it fulfilled its responsibilities by providing humanitarian relief to Bangladesh for Rohingya refugees while ensuring that internal security was not compromised for its 125 crore citizens.
Terming the Rohingya refugees as "illegal" immigrants, the government recently told the Supreme Court that some of them were part of a "sinister" design of Pakistan's ISI and terror groups such as the ISIS, whose presence in the country will pose a "serious" national security threat.
Home Minister Rajnath Singh last week had said Rohingyas were not refugees who have applied for asylum in India but illegal immigrants who "will be deported". -- PTI
"Jo desh ke hith mein sochenga woh is tarah ke bayan nahi dega (Anyone who have national interest in mind, won't make such statements)," Ahir told reporters.
In an article written in a Hindi daily, Varun said India must give asylum to Rohingyas but before that analysis of genuine security concerns should be done.
After Ahir's comments, Varun said his recent piece focused primarily on defining India's asylum policy, with clear demarcations on how "we would accept refugees".
"As for the Rohingyas, I've called for empathy, leading potentially to asylum, while vetting each applicant for national security concerns (sic)," he tweeted.
The BJP, in its national executive yesterday, adopted a resolution supporting the government's stand on the Rohingya issue, saying it fulfilled its responsibilities by providing humanitarian relief to Bangladesh for Rohingya refugees while ensuring that internal security was not compromised for its 125 crore citizens.
Terming the Rohingya refugees as "illegal" immigrants, the government recently told the Supreme Court that some of them were part of a "sinister" design of Pakistan's ISI and terror groups such as the ISIS, whose presence in the country will pose a "serious" national security threat.
Home Minister Rajnath Singh last week had said Rohingyas were not refugees who have applied for asylum in India but illegal immigrants who "will be deported". -- PTI
16:09 Mattis reveals US wants diplomatic end to North Korea crisis
Defence Secretary Jim Mattis made it clear that the United States intends to resolve North Korea nuclear crisis diplomatically amid the ongoing war of words between President Donald Trump and Kim Jong-un.
"U.S.maintain the capability to deter North Korea's most dangerous threats but also to back up our diplomats in a manner that keeps this as long as possible in the diplomatic realm That is our goal, to solve this diplomatically, and I believe that President Trump has been very clear on this issue," U.S. defence Secretary Mattis said.
"US also appreciate India's efforts - along with those of the international community - to increase pressure against North Korea over its dangerous and destabilizing behavior," Mattis added.
The tensions between the U.S. and North Korea escalated after Pyongyang tested most powerful hydrogen bomb and 22 missiles till September 15th including intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), which it claims could reach "anywhere in the world. -- ANI
"U.S.maintain the capability to deter North Korea's most dangerous threats but also to back up our diplomats in a manner that keeps this as long as possible in the diplomatic realm That is our goal, to solve this diplomatically, and I believe that President Trump has been very clear on this issue," U.S. defence Secretary Mattis said.
"US also appreciate India's efforts - along with those of the international community - to increase pressure against North Korea over its dangerous and destabilizing behavior," Mattis added.
The tensions between the U.S. and North Korea escalated after Pyongyang tested most powerful hydrogen bomb and 22 missiles till September 15th including intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), which it claims could reach "anywhere in the world. -- ANI
15:53 Trump's son-in-law used pvt email for White House business
As many as six top advisers of United States President Donald Trump have used private email accounts to correspond with other administration officials for White House business.
The revelations that several officials in Trump administration are using personal email accounts for government business came a day after news surfaced that President's son-in-law and senior adviser Jared Kushner has corresponded with other administration officials about White House matters through a private email account set up during the transition last December, New York Times reported.
Jared Kushner has occasionally used a private email account for correspondence with fellow administration officials, his lawyer, Abbe Lowell, confirmed to CNN on Sunday."
Fewer than a hundred emails from January through August were either sent to or returned by Kushner to colleagues in the White House from his personal email account,"CNN quoted Lowell's statement. -- ANI
The revelations that several officials in Trump administration are using personal email accounts for government business came a day after news surfaced that President's son-in-law and senior adviser Jared Kushner has corresponded with other administration officials about White House matters through a private email account set up during the transition last December, New York Times reported.
Jared Kushner has occasionally used a private email account for correspondence with fellow administration officials, his lawyer, Abbe Lowell, confirmed to CNN on Sunday."
Fewer than a hundred emails from January through August were either sent to or returned by Kushner to colleagues in the White House from his personal email account,"CNN quoted Lowell's statement. -- ANI
15:37 Judicial probe into BHU violence
The Uttar Pradesh government today ordered a judicial inquiry into the violence on the campus of the Banaras Hindu University. A number of students, including women, and two journalists were injured in a lathicharge by the police in BHU where a protest on Saturday night against an alleged eve- teasing incident turned violent.
"A judicial inquiry has been ordered into the incidents," UP government spokesperson and cabinet minister Srikant Sharma said. He was speaking to mediapersons after a meeting of the state cabinet chaired by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. Sharma, however, did not elaborate as to whether the probe would be conducted by a retired or sitting judge.
The violence erupted after some students, protesting against the incident on Thursday, wanted to meet the varsity's vice-chancellor at his residence. As opposition parties targeted the BJP over the police action on the campus, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP president Amit Shah yesterday spoke to the chief minister and asked him to address the issue at the earliest.
Sharma said the government wanted that there should be communication with the students by the local administration, vice chancellor and other university officials. Sharma accused the opposition parties of trying to vitiate the academic atmosphere.
"If they wish to do politics, they should do it with us and not with students. They should keep away from holding agitations in campuses," he said.
On lathicharge on girl students sitting on dharna against the alleged eve-teasting on the campus, he said, "We are identifying those 'outsiders' who are using the students to do politics and also identifying those who indulged in lathicharge." He said the government has asked the local administration to strengthen the security on the campus. -- PTI
"A judicial inquiry has been ordered into the incidents," UP government spokesperson and cabinet minister Srikant Sharma said. He was speaking to mediapersons after a meeting of the state cabinet chaired by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. Sharma, however, did not elaborate as to whether the probe would be conducted by a retired or sitting judge.
The violence erupted after some students, protesting against the incident on Thursday, wanted to meet the varsity's vice-chancellor at his residence. As opposition parties targeted the BJP over the police action on the campus, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP president Amit Shah yesterday spoke to the chief minister and asked him to address the issue at the earliest.
Sharma said the government wanted that there should be communication with the students by the local administration, vice chancellor and other university officials. Sharma accused the opposition parties of trying to vitiate the academic atmosphere.
"If they wish to do politics, they should do it with us and not with students. They should keep away from holding agitations in campuses," he said.
On lathicharge on girl students sitting on dharna against the alleged eve-teasting on the campus, he said, "We are identifying those 'outsiders' who are using the students to do politics and also identifying those who indulged in lathicharge." He said the government has asked the local administration to strengthen the security on the campus. -- PTI
15:26 Malegaon blast case: Army Major gets bail
The Bombay High Court today granted bail to retired Major Ramesh Upadhyay, an accused in the 2008 Malegaon blast case. Accepting Upadhyay's plea on the ground of parity -- since the other prime accused in the case have been granted bail by the high court and the apex court -- a bench of Justices Ranjit More and Sadhna Jadhav granted him bail against a personal bond of Rs 1 lakh.
While the National Investigating Agency's (NIA) counsel Sandesh Patil opposed the bail plea, the HC said that its hands were tied in view of the apex court's directions on parity.
The court also asked if Upadhyay's role in the blasts was larger than that of prime accused Shrikant Purohit. Upadhyay's counsel, however, denied the same and said, "The apex court had recently granted bail to Purohit and that the trial court in Mumbai had also let out two other accused persons in the case, Sudhakar Chaturvedi and Sudhakar Dhar Dwivedi. Thus, Upadhyay too must be granted bail."
The NIA, in its chargesheet, had cited transcripts of phone conversations between Upadhyay and Purohit as prime evidence against the former. The Supreme Court had last month granted bail to Purohit in the 2008 Malegaon blast case.
Seven people were killed in a bomb blast on September 29, 2008 at Malegaon, a communally-sensitive textile town in Nashik district of north Maharashtra. A special MCOCA court had earlier ruled that the ATS had wrongly applied this law against Sadhvi Pragya Thakur, Purohit and nine others.
While the National Investigating Agency's (NIA) counsel Sandesh Patil opposed the bail plea, the HC said that its hands were tied in view of the apex court's directions on parity.
The court also asked if Upadhyay's role in the blasts was larger than that of prime accused Shrikant Purohit. Upadhyay's counsel, however, denied the same and said, "The apex court had recently granted bail to Purohit and that the trial court in Mumbai had also let out two other accused persons in the case, Sudhakar Chaturvedi and Sudhakar Dhar Dwivedi. Thus, Upadhyay too must be granted bail."
The NIA, in its chargesheet, had cited transcripts of phone conversations between Upadhyay and Purohit as prime evidence against the former. The Supreme Court had last month granted bail to Purohit in the 2008 Malegaon blast case.
Seven people were killed in a bomb blast on September 29, 2008 at Malegaon, a communally-sensitive textile town in Nashik district of north Maharashtra. A special MCOCA court had earlier ruled that the ATS had wrongly applied this law against Sadhvi Pragya Thakur, Purohit and nine others.
15:08 Maha CM Fadnavis leaves for 3-day South Korea, Singapore tour
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis today embarked on a three-day tour of South Korea and Singapore where he will visit infrastructure projects and hold meetings for investments.
The chief minister is scheduled to meet several business leaders in South Korea and discuss the prospect of investment in state's flagship projects. On day one of the tour, he will meet representatives of global giants such as Samsung, Hyundai Heavy Engineering, LG Electronics and Hyosung.
"The interactions will focus on getting FDI for the state," a statement from the chief minister's office said. It, however, did not elaborate on Fadnavis's engagements in the latter part of the visit. When contacted, an official from the CMO said details will be shared once the engagements are through. -- ANI
The chief minister is scheduled to meet several business leaders in South Korea and discuss the prospect of investment in state's flagship projects. On day one of the tour, he will meet representatives of global giants such as Samsung, Hyundai Heavy Engineering, LG Electronics and Hyosung.
"The interactions will focus on getting FDI for the state," a statement from the chief minister's office said. It, however, did not elaborate on Fadnavis's engagements in the latter part of the visit. When contacted, an official from the CMO said details will be shared once the engagements are through. -- ANI
14:40 Won't have Indian boots in Afghanistan: Defence minister
India on Tuesday ruled out deploying its troops in Afghanistan but will expand its development activities to help stabilize the war-torn country.
"There shall not be any (Indian) boots on the ground in Afghanistan," Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman told reporters after talks with visiting US Defence Secretary Jim Mattis said.
She said there was a growing convergence between India and the US over the issue of terrorism in the region and condemnation of those who use terror as an instrument of state policy.
Image: Defence minister Niramala Sitharaman with US Defence Secretary Jim Mattis
"There shall not be any (Indian) boots on the ground in Afghanistan," Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman told reporters after talks with visiting US Defence Secretary Jim Mattis said.
She said there was a growing convergence between India and the US over the issue of terrorism in the region and condemnation of those who use terror as an instrument of state policy.
Image: Defence minister Niramala Sitharaman with US Defence Secretary Jim Mattis
14:32 Cannibal couple 'admit to eating up to 30 people' in south-east Russia
Dmitry Baksheev and his wife Natalia were reportedly caught after losing a phone with pictures of body parts on it. Read more
13:54
2008 Malegaon blast accused Major Ramesh Upadhyay granted bail by the Bombay High Court.
13:37 Tarun Tejpal rape case: HC refuses stay framing of charges
The Goa High Court on Tuesday refused to stay framing of charges against former Tehelka magazine editor-in-chief Tarun Tejpal, but asked to hold the trial till it directs otherwise.
The high court will hear Tejpal before deciding on the first witness appearance at the trial.
The high court said it will hear the arguments on November 1.On September 7, the additional district and sessions court at Mapusa ordered that charges be framed against the Tejpal in connection with a rape case filed by a junior colleague."
Final charges are 354 (A), 354 (B), 341, 342, 376(2) F, 376(2) K. Section 376 is not there. The court will frame the charge and then we will see and examine the order and will decide the next course of action," Tarun Tejpal's lawyer, Pramod Dubey, told ANI.
The high court will hear Tejpal before deciding on the first witness appearance at the trial.
The high court said it will hear the arguments on November 1.On September 7, the additional district and sessions court at Mapusa ordered that charges be framed against the Tejpal in connection with a rape case filed by a junior colleague."
Final charges are 354 (A), 354 (B), 341, 342, 376(2) F, 376(2) K. Section 376 is not there. The court will frame the charge and then we will see and examine the order and will decide the next course of action," Tarun Tejpal's lawyer, Pramod Dubey, told ANI.
13:24 Mithali Raj biopic in works
Indian Women's Cricket team captain Mithali Raj's remarkable journey will soon be adapted for big screen. Viacom18 Motion Pictures has acquired the rights for biopic on Mithali, who is the highest run-scorer in women's international cricket and the only woman cricketer to surpass the 6,000 run-mark in ODIs.
Mithali is the first Indian to have lead the women's national team to an ICC ODI World Cup final twice - 2005 and 2017. An Arjuna awardee, she was also awarded the Padma Shri in 2015, India's fourth highest civilian honour for her contribution in the field of cricket. -- PTI
Mithali is the first Indian to have lead the women's national team to an ICC ODI World Cup final twice - 2005 and 2017. An Arjuna awardee, she was also awarded the Padma Shri in 2015, India's fourth highest civilian honour for her contribution in the field of cricket. -- PTI
13:18 MP education body cautions schools about Blue Whale challenge
The Madhya Pradesh Rajya Shiksha Kendra has advised the headmasters of all primary and middle schools in the state to keep the students away from the online game 'Blue Whale Challenge', which allegedly incites players to commit suicide.
The RSK, an autonomous body under the state's school education department, has also prohibited the use of mobile phones by students in primary and middle schools.
"The Blue Whale Challenge is a game started by criminal-minded people in which children get entangled and find it difficult to come out of it. In a few cases, children even attempted suicide," said a letter issued yesterday by the Rajya Shiksha Kendra.
The use of mobile phones has been prohibited in primary and middle schools due to its radiation and adverse effects on the innocent minds of children, the letter said.
"It is the responsibility of the teachers to advise children against the use of mobile phones and if they find the link of the (Blue Whale) game in any phone, they should take effective measures to get it removed immediately," it said.
During the meetings with parents, the teachers should ask them to remain vigilant and stop the children from playing the game, it added. The Blue Whale Challenge is reportedly a suicide game in which the players is given certain tasks to complete over a period of 50 days and the final task leads him or her to commit suicide. -- PTI
The RSK, an autonomous body under the state's school education department, has also prohibited the use of mobile phones by students in primary and middle schools.
"The Blue Whale Challenge is a game started by criminal-minded people in which children get entangled and find it difficult to come out of it. In a few cases, children even attempted suicide," said a letter issued yesterday by the Rajya Shiksha Kendra.
The use of mobile phones has been prohibited in primary and middle schools due to its radiation and adverse effects on the innocent minds of children, the letter said.
"It is the responsibility of the teachers to advise children against the use of mobile phones and if they find the link of the (Blue Whale) game in any phone, they should take effective measures to get it removed immediately," it said.
During the meetings with parents, the teachers should ask them to remain vigilant and stop the children from playing the game, it added. The Blue Whale Challenge is reportedly a suicide game in which the players is given certain tasks to complete over a period of 50 days and the final task leads him or her to commit suicide. -- PTI
12:53 Indo-US defence talks begin
India and the United States are holding bilateral talks on taking defence cooperation forward in New Delhi today soon after a ceremonial reception and guard of honour was given to visiting US Defense Secretary Jim Mattis.
While the American delegation at the talks is being led by Secretary Mattis, the Indian side is being led by recently appointed Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.
According to reports, both sides are expected to review existing levels of defence cooperation between the two countries and will decide on next steps in that direction.Afghanistan's security situation will also be discussed during the defence dialogue.
This is the first US Cabinet-level visit to India after the Trump Administration assumed office on January 20 this year.
Secretary Mattis will also call on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and is expected to underscore Washington's enduring commitment to a strategic and defence partnership with New Delhi, as also on jointly countering terrorism, maritime, regional and global issues. He will also meet National Security Advisor Ajit Doval.
Prior to his arrival in New Delhi, Secretary Mattis has emphasized that the United States views India as a valued and influential partner, and added that the broad mutual interests of the two nations extends well beyond South Asia, a US Department of Defence statement said.
During his visit from September 26. to September 28, Secretary Mattis will also participate in a wreath-laying ceremony at the memorial dedicated to the unknown soldier at India Gate.India's Ambassador to the United States Navtej Sarna said that the India-U.S. relationship has been transformed into a global partnership. -- ANI
While the American delegation at the talks is being led by Secretary Mattis, the Indian side is being led by recently appointed Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.
According to reports, both sides are expected to review existing levels of defence cooperation between the two countries and will decide on next steps in that direction.Afghanistan's security situation will also be discussed during the defence dialogue.
This is the first US Cabinet-level visit to India after the Trump Administration assumed office on January 20 this year.
Secretary Mattis will also call on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and is expected to underscore Washington's enduring commitment to a strategic and defence partnership with New Delhi, as also on jointly countering terrorism, maritime, regional and global issues. He will also meet National Security Advisor Ajit Doval.
Prior to his arrival in New Delhi, Secretary Mattis has emphasized that the United States views India as a valued and influential partner, and added that the broad mutual interests of the two nations extends well beyond South Asia, a US Department of Defence statement said.
During his visit from September 26. to September 28, Secretary Mattis will also participate in a wreath-laying ceremony at the memorial dedicated to the unknown soldier at India Gate.India's Ambassador to the United States Navtej Sarna said that the India-U.S. relationship has been transformed into a global partnership. -- ANI
12:46 The General in charge of the surgical strikes
As the highest ranking officer in Jammu and Kashmir during the September 28-29, 2016 surgical strikes, the buck literally stopped with Lieutenant General Deependra Singh Hooda.
General Hooda was the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Northern Command, in charge of the planning and execution of the top secret operation across the Line of Control. Most officers and soldiers in the Northern Command -- responsible for the security of J&K and Line of Control -- were not aware of the strikes being planned.
As the general monitored the progress of his men as they crossed the Line of Control, their safe return was at the top of his mind. According to the just released book India's Most Fearless: True Stories of Modern Military Heroes, Indian soldiers spent two nights and a day in "enemy territory".
It was one of the most difficult operations under his watch, the general recalls. Now retired, the former officer of the Gorkha Rifles with over four decades in the army, relives those unforgettable hours with Rediff.com's Archana Masih.
Read the interview here.
General Hooda was the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Northern Command, in charge of the planning and execution of the top secret operation across the Line of Control. Most officers and soldiers in the Northern Command -- responsible for the security of J&K and Line of Control -- were not aware of the strikes being planned.
As the general monitored the progress of his men as they crossed the Line of Control, their safe return was at the top of his mind. According to the just released book India's Most Fearless: True Stories of Modern Military Heroes, Indian soldiers spent two nights and a day in "enemy territory".
It was one of the most difficult operations under his watch, the general recalls. Now retired, the former officer of the Gorkha Rifles with over four decades in the army, relives those unforgettable hours with Rediff.com's Archana Masih.
Read the interview here.
12:42 INS Tarasa joins the Indian Navy
INS Tarasa, a patrol vessel of the Car Nicobar class of Indian Navy, was commissioned today at the Naval Dockyard, Mumbai.
Built by the Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers, the INS Tarasa is a Water Jet Fast Attack Craft that will be used for anti-smuggling and search and rescue operations.
It is the last of the 10 patrol vessels built by the GRSE for the Indian Navy.
Launched in June 2016, the craft has undergone extensive sea trials before being handed over to the Navy.
The ship can do a maximum speed of 35 knots, which makes it ideal for intercepting fast-moving vessels, and is fitted with CRN-91 30mm guns.
12:06 AMU's vice president shot at
The outgoing vice president of Aligarh Muslim University was shot at and attacked with a knife late on Monday night, ANI reports.
He was shot at by unknown assailants and the bullet scraped his shoulder, after which he was attacked with a knife.
He has been admitted in hospital, and further details are awaited.
11:53 Delhi HC to hear Honeypreet's anticipatory bail plea
The Delhi high court today agreed to hear the anticipatory bail plea of Honeypreet Insan, who is wanted by the Haryana Police in connection with incidents of violence following conviction of the Dera Sacha Sauda chief.
The plea for urgent hearing of Honeypreet's application was mentioned before Acting Chief Justice Gita Mittal and Justice C Hari Shankar who sought to know why they are 'super- excited now'.
"You must be anticipating this," the bench asked advocate Pradeep Kumar Arya, who sought three weeks transit anticipatory bail for Honeypreet.
The bench, however, listed the matter for today after the counsel pressed for hearing the petition on an urgent basis.
Arya informed the court that even the Director General of Police Haryana has gone on record to say that there is 'danger' to her life.
Priyanka Taneja alias Honeypreet, the adopted daughter of the jailed Dera chief, tops the list of 43 persons 'wanted' by the Haryana Police in connection with incidents of violence that had followed Ram Rahim's conviction in the rape cases. -- PTI
The plea for urgent hearing of Honeypreet's application was mentioned before Acting Chief Justice Gita Mittal and Justice C Hari Shankar who sought to know why they are 'super- excited now'.
"You must be anticipating this," the bench asked advocate Pradeep Kumar Arya, who sought three weeks transit anticipatory bail for Honeypreet.
The bench, however, listed the matter for today after the counsel pressed for hearing the petition on an urgent basis.
Arya informed the court that even the Director General of Police Haryana has gone on record to say that there is 'danger' to her life.
Priyanka Taneja alias Honeypreet, the adopted daughter of the jailed Dera chief, tops the list of 43 persons 'wanted' by the Haryana Police in connection with incidents of violence that had followed Ram Rahim's conviction in the rape cases. -- PTI
11:33
Just In: Delhi high court issues notice to Vikram Bakshi, estranged
partner of McDonalds, on its plea for enforcement of arbitral award by the London
Court of International Arbitration, which had directed th etransfer of shares
in McDonald-Bakshi joint venture to the company.
11:18 Woman who was in a relationship with a serial killer for 10 years had no clue
A woman who was in a relationship with a serial killer and did not know of his double life has spoken out for the first time.Holly Eudy, who was with Todd Kohlhepp for a decade, told Inside Edition: "I knew there was something that didn't sit right with me about him, but I couldn't really put my finger on it.'
Read more
Read more
11:11 Simple case of eve teasing: BHU VC
The alleged sexual harassment of a female student at the Banaras Hindu University, which provoked massive protests and a controversial police crackdown on students, was a "a simple case of eve teasing", the university's Vice Chancellor has said.
NDTV reports that Girish Chandra Tripathi has also alleged that the "incident was deliberately staged" a day before Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Varanasi, which is his parliamentary constituency.
To bring you up to speed, a number of students, including women, and two journalists were injured in a lathi charge by the police in BHU, which witnessed violence on Saturday night, in an ugly turn to a protest against the alleged sexual molestation incident.
In the wake of the violence, the university has announced holidays from Monday till October 2, advancing it from September 28.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath sought a report from the divisional commissioner about the incident as various political parties, including Samajwadi Party, criticised the government and condemned the police action.
A number of students, including women, and two journalists were injured in the lathi charge by the police. Some policemen were also injured in the clashes during which students indulged in arson, police sources said.
IMAGE: An injured student writhes in pain after police allegedly beat them up during a clash at BHU late Saturday night. Photograph: PTI Photo
NDTV reports that Girish Chandra Tripathi has also alleged that the "incident was deliberately staged" a day before Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Varanasi, which is his parliamentary constituency.
To bring you up to speed, a number of students, including women, and two journalists were injured in a lathi charge by the police in BHU, which witnessed violence on Saturday night, in an ugly turn to a protest against the alleged sexual molestation incident.
In the wake of the violence, the university has announced holidays from Monday till October 2, advancing it from September 28.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath sought a report from the divisional commissioner about the incident as various political parties, including Samajwadi Party, criticised the government and condemned the police action.
A number of students, including women, and two journalists were injured in the lathi charge by the police. Some policemen were also injured in the clashes during which students indulged in arson, police sources said.
IMAGE: An injured student writhes in pain after police allegedly beat them up during a clash at BHU late Saturday night. Photograph: PTI Photo
10:47 Cops raid missing Honeypreet's Delhi home
Update: Panchkula police today raided Honeypreet Insan's Greater Kailash residence in New Delhi with an arrest warrant, but failed to find her.
Honeypreet, who has been on the run following the conviction of Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh in two rape cases, on 25 September approached the Delhi High Court seeking anticipatory bail, her lawyer said. The court will hear her anticipatory bail plea at 2 pm today.
Honeypreet, who has been on the run following the conviction of Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh in two rape cases, on 25 September approached the Delhi High Court seeking anticipatory bail, her lawyer said. The court will hear her anticipatory bail plea at 2 pm today.
The 'adopted' daughter of the jailed Dera chief, tops the list of 43 persons 'wanted' by the Haryana Police in connection with incidents of violence that had followed Ram Rahim's conviction in the rape cases.
Her lawyer, Pradeep Kumar Arya, confirmed that she visited his office in Delhi's Lajpat Nagar on 25 September afternoon. Earlier, the police issued a lookout notice against Honeypreet.
10:46
Times of India takes down a story the BJP finds embarrassing, again. Read
10:39 Nirmala Sitharaman meets James Mattis
Delhi: Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman receives US Defence Secretary James Mattis in New Delhi.
Ajai Shukla in his column for Rediff.com, writes, "When United States Defence Secretary Jim Mattis meets his Indian counterpart, Nirmala Sitharaman in New Delhi on Tuesday, it will be a first handshake between an unusually powerful American incumbent and a greenhorn Indian one. General Mattis is a vastly experienced combat soldier who has commanded an infantry battalion in Iraq in 1991, an expeditionary brigade in Afghanistan after 9/11, a US Marine division in Iraq in 2003 and eventually the US Central Command, which covers the world's most dangerous hotspots from Pakistan to West Asia and North Africa."
Read more on the column here.
Ajai Shukla in his column for Rediff.com, writes, "When United States Defence Secretary Jim Mattis meets his Indian counterpart, Nirmala Sitharaman in New Delhi on Tuesday, it will be a first handshake between an unusually powerful American incumbent and a greenhorn Indian one. General Mattis is a vastly experienced combat soldier who has commanded an infantry battalion in Iraq in 1991, an expeditionary brigade in Afghanistan after 9/11, a US Marine division in Iraq in 2003 and eventually the US Central Command, which covers the world's most dangerous hotspots from Pakistan to West Asia and North Africa."
Read more on the column here.
10:31 Sensex slips 59 points on rising North Korea rhetoric
Markets made a subdued start today, in line with a sluggish Asian opening, as trading of barbs between the US and North Korea made investors edgy.
The BSE 30-share benchmark after rising briefly to 31,693.59 at the outset, slipped back to quote lower by 59.12 points, or 0.18 per cent, to 31,567.51.
The gauge had fallen 797.13 points in the previous five sessions. FMCG, consumer durables, banking and PSU banking were in the red, losing by up to 0.32 per cent. The broader NSE Nifty too fell by 26.05 points, or 0.26 per cent, at 9,846.55.
The rupee depreciating by 18 paise to a fresh six-month low of 65.28 against the dollar in early trade and spiking crude prices overseas following Turkish threats to block Kurdish oil exports hurt investor sentiment. -- PTI
The BSE 30-share benchmark after rising briefly to 31,693.59 at the outset, slipped back to quote lower by 59.12 points, or 0.18 per cent, to 31,567.51.
The gauge had fallen 797.13 points in the previous five sessions. FMCG, consumer durables, banking and PSU banking were in the red, losing by up to 0.32 per cent. The broader NSE Nifty too fell by 26.05 points, or 0.26 per cent, at 9,846.55.
The rupee depreciating by 18 paise to a fresh six-month low of 65.28 against the dollar in early trade and spiking crude prices overseas following Turkish threats to block Kurdish oil exports hurt investor sentiment. -- PTI
09:12 Commissioner blames BHU for not handling eve-teasing complaint properly
Varanasi Commissioner Nitin Gokarn has submitted a preliminary report to Uttar Pradesh Chief Secretary Rajiv Kumar on over an alleged eve-teasing incident in the Banaras Hindu University and subsequent protests by students.
The report puts the blame on the university administration, saying it did not deal with the victim's complaint in a sensitive manner, nor handled the situation on time.
Uttar Pradesh Governor Ram Naik had yesterday constituted a committee headed by the chief secretary to probe the incidents in the university.
"A committee has been constituted under the chief secretary. Necessary action will be taken on the basis of its report. The committee will see as to how the police had behaved and examine other aspects," he said.
A number of students, including women, and two journalists were injured in a lathi-charge by the police in the university on Saturday night where protests against the alleged eve-teasing incident turned violent. -- ANI, PTI
IMAGE: Heavy police force deployed outside the Banaras Hindu University as Samajwadi Party workers protest over the police lati-charge on the female students of the university, in Varanasi on Monday. Photograph: PTI Photo
The report puts the blame on the university administration, saying it did not deal with the victim's complaint in a sensitive manner, nor handled the situation on time.
Uttar Pradesh Governor Ram Naik had yesterday constituted a committee headed by the chief secretary to probe the incidents in the university.
"A committee has been constituted under the chief secretary. Necessary action will be taken on the basis of its report. The committee will see as to how the police had behaved and examine other aspects," he said.
A number of students, including women, and two journalists were injured in a lathi-charge by the police in the university on Saturday night where protests against the alleged eve-teasing incident turned violent. -- ANI, PTI
IMAGE: Heavy police force deployed outside the Banaras Hindu University as Samajwadi Party workers protest over the police lati-charge on the female students of the university, in Varanasi on Monday. Photograph: PTI Photo
08:19 Honeypreet to move HC for anticipatory bail, says lawyer
Honeypreet Insan, the adopted daughter of jailed Dera Chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh, is likely to move the Delhi high court for an anticipatory bail.
Honeypreet Insan has been on the run following the conviction of Ram Rahim Singh in two rape cases.
Earlier, Honeypreet's lawyer Pradeep Arya claimed that she visited his office today to sign the anticipatory bail application.
Arya told ANI that Honeypreet was in constant contact with him and that he would move the Delhi high court tomorrow seeking bail for his client.
"It took time for her to decide I guess. As soon she contacted us we took necessary steps. Honeypreet came today in the afternoon at my office in Delhi's Lajpat Nagar to sign the bail papers," he said.
When questioned about Honeypreet's whereabouts, Arya said that he has no clue about it.
He said that Honeypreet is very upset with the conviction of Dera Chief and the 'irresponsible' presentation of her relation with Ram Rahim.
"We are requesting for urgent hearing. Primarily she has been charged for treason. The charges farmed against her are incorrect," Arya said.
As per Honeypreet's lawyer case has been filed against her under section 151, 152, 153, 120B, 121A of the Indian Penal Code.
The Haryana Police on September 18 released a 'wanted list' of 43 people, over violence lashed after conviction of the Dera chief in two rape cases.
The list had Honeypreet Insan, on the top.
Haryana witnessed uproar by Dera Sacha Sauda followers after Ram Rahim was convicted in the rape cases by the special Central Bureau of Investigation court on August 25, leaving about 41 people dead and injuring more than 250 people. -- ANI
Honeypreet Insan has been on the run following the conviction of Ram Rahim Singh in two rape cases.
Earlier, Honeypreet's lawyer Pradeep Arya claimed that she visited his office today to sign the anticipatory bail application.
Arya told ANI that Honeypreet was in constant contact with him and that he would move the Delhi high court tomorrow seeking bail for his client.
"It took time for her to decide I guess. As soon she contacted us we took necessary steps. Honeypreet came today in the afternoon at my office in Delhi's Lajpat Nagar to sign the bail papers," he said.
When questioned about Honeypreet's whereabouts, Arya said that he has no clue about it.
He said that Honeypreet is very upset with the conviction of Dera Chief and the 'irresponsible' presentation of her relation with Ram Rahim.
"We are requesting for urgent hearing. Primarily she has been charged for treason. The charges farmed against her are incorrect," Arya said.
As per Honeypreet's lawyer case has been filed against her under section 151, 152, 153, 120B, 121A of the Indian Penal Code.
The Haryana Police on September 18 released a 'wanted list' of 43 people, over violence lashed after conviction of the Dera chief in two rape cases.
The list had Honeypreet Insan, on the top.
Haryana witnessed uproar by Dera Sacha Sauda followers after Ram Rahim was convicted in the rape cases by the special Central Bureau of Investigation court on August 25, leaving about 41 people dead and injuring more than 250 people. -- ANI
08:15 Terrorist killed as infiltration bid foiled in Uri
A terrorist was killed today as Army foiled an infiltration bid along the Line of Control (LoC) in Uri sector of north Kashmir's Baramulla district.
"An infiltration bid has been eliminated in general area Zorawar of Uri sector. One terrorist has been killed," an Army official said.
He said a weapon has been recovered from the site of the encounter.
The operation is on and further details are awaited, the official added. -- PTI
Representative image
"An infiltration bid has been eliminated in general area Zorawar of Uri sector. One terrorist has been killed," an Army official said.
He said a weapon has been recovered from the site of the encounter.
The operation is on and further details are awaited, the official added. -- PTI
Representative image
00:20 US has not declared war on North Korea, calls claim 'absurd'
The White House says America has not declared war on North Korea.
US Press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said at a press briefing on Monday afternoon: We have not declared war on North Korea and the suggestion of that is absurd.
It comes after the regimes foreign minister said Donald Trumps comments are a declaration of war and Pyongyang has the right to shoot down US strategic bombers.
He added that they will strike even if they arent in North Korean airspace.
Foreign Minister Ri Yong Ho said: "The whole world should clearly remember it was the US who first declared war on our country.
"Since the United States declared war on our country, we will have every right to make countermeasures, including the right to shoot down United States strategic bombers even when they are not inside the airspace border of our country."
In the last week Kim Jong-un has said that Donald Trump would pay dearly for threatening to totally destroy North Korea if the US was forced to defend itself or its allies against an attack.
Kims foreign minister told reporters this week that the Norths response to Trump could be the most powerful detonation of an H-bomb in the Pacific.
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