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Wed, 18 April 2018
Chemical weapons inspectors' security team fired on in Douma
Timeline Refresh
23:44 Chemical weapons inspectors' security team fired on in Douma
A UN security team doing reconnaissance at the site of an attack in the Syrian town of Douma has come under gunfire, the head of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons has said, further delaying the arrival of chemical weapons inspectors.
The OPCW director general, Ahmet zmc , told a meeting at the organisations headquarters in The Hague on Wednesday that the security team had been forced to withdraw.
zmc said that when a reconnaissance team arrived at one site, a large crowd gathered and the team withdrew. At a second site the team came under small-arms fire and an explosive was detonated. The reconnaissance team returned to Damascus.
The delay in the inspectors arrival, 10 days after the attack, will raise fresh concerns over the relevance of the OPCW investigation and possible evidence-tampering.
The efforts to investigate the attack, which has been blamed on Bashar al-Assads government and sparked a joint operation by the US, Britain and France to bomb chemical weapons facilities near Damascus, has been repeatedly delayed despite Syrias claim to have established full control over Douma and the surrounding region.
23:09 Modi addresses audience at Bharat Ki Baat Sabke Saath event
>> I do not need to read books to understand poverty. I have lived in poverty, I know what it is to be poor and belong to the backward sections of society. I want to work for the poor, the marginalised and the downtrodden
>> 18,000 villages did not have electricity. So many women do not have access to toilets. These realities of our nation did not let me sleep. I was determined to bring about a positive change in the lives of India's poor
>> We have a million problems but we have a billion people who can solve them
22:31 'I know how to respond to terror against my fellow countrymen'
During the event at London's Central Hall Westminster, an audience member asks PM Modi about terrorism and the surgical strikes.
This is what PM Modi had to say:
Look back at India's history. India has never desired anyone else's territory. During World War 1 and 2 we had no stake but our soldiers took part in the Wars. These were big sacrifices. Look at our role in UN Peacekeeping Forces
We believe in peace. But we will not tolerate those who like to export terror. We will give back strong answers and in the language they understand. Terrorism will never be accepted
Those who like exporting terror, I want to tell them that India has changed and their antics will not be tolerated
22:11 India is getting increasingly aspirational: Modi at event in London
PM Modi is currently speaking at 'Bharat Ki Baat Sabke Saath', a diaspora event in London.
Here are the highlights:
>> People are equivalent to Gods in a democracy and if they wish even a tea-seller can become their representative and shake hands at the Royal Palace
>> Impatience is not a bad thing. If a person has a cycle, person then aspires for a scooter. If a person has a scooter, person aspires for a car. It is nature to aspire. India is getting increasingly aspirational
>> People have more expectations from us because they know that we can deliver. People know that when they say something, the Government will listen and do it
22:05 Cuba nominates Castro replacement
Cuba's lawmakers say Miguel Daz-Canel is the sole candidate to succeed Ral Castro, bringing the family's decades-long rule to an end.
Ral Castro took over as president from his ailing brother Fidel in 2006.
The National Assembly, the country's legislative body, will vote on the nomination, with the result announced on Thursday.
Ral Castro is expected to remain a powerful influence in the communist state even after he steps down.
21:40 Opposition leaders to attend Yashwant Sinha's programme on Apr 21
Leaders of the Congress, the RJD and other opposition parties besides BJP MP Shatrughan Sinha would attend a programme of former union minister Yashwant Sinha's organisation Rashtra Manch on April 21, a Samajwadi Party leader said today.
Leaders of the AAP, the Samajwadi Party, the Trinamool Congress, the Rashtriya Lok Dal would also attend the programme, the capital of BJP-JD-U ruled Bihar.
Sinha, who is another dissident BJP leader, along with people from various other fields including politicians had launched the Rashtra Manch on January 30 in New Delhi.
Besides Shatrughan Sinha and Yashwant Sinha, Trinamool Congress MP Dinesh Trivedi, RJD's Tejashwi Prasad Yadav, RLD leader Jayant Choudhary, Aam Admi Party's Sanjay Singh and
disgruntled JD-U leader Uday Narayan Choudhary would attend the programme, Samajwadi Party spokesman Ghanshyam Tiwari told reporters.
Tiwari claimed that BJP-led NDA government at the Centre, which promised "Achhe Din" to the people, has actually been pushing the country towards "Bure Din".
The Rashtra Manch is committed to protect seven issues that included protecting, preserving and safeguarding institutions of democracy in the country, he said.
21:30 Patnaik second former Mumbai police chief to join politics
Arup Patnaik, who joined the Biju Janata Dal today, is the second former Mumbai police
commissioner to join politics.
Satyapal Singh, who quit as Mumbai police chief in 2014 to contest the Lok Sabha election, was the first.
Interestingly, Singh had succeeded Patnaik as Mumbai police commissioner in August 2012, after the former, facing flak for his handling of the Azad Maidan riots in the same
month, was shunted out.
Several policemen were injured in the violence.
Maharashtra Navnirman Sena chief Raj Thackeray, during a rally in Mumbai, had demanded ouster of Patnaik over the violence at Azad Maidan, for allegedly failing to control the
situation during a protest against "persecution" of Muslims in Assam and Myanmar.
Patnaik, who was appointed Mumbai police chief in 2011, was also in line of fire by the Opposition for handling of the Azad Maidan situation.
Patnaik, a 1979 batch Indian Police Service officer, retired in 2015 after 36 years' service, as Director General of Maharashtra State Police Housing and Welfare
Corporation.
Patnaik, who hails from Odisha, joined BJD in presence of Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik.
-- PTI
21:07 PM Modi meets Queen Elizabeth at Buckingham Palace
After meeting his British counterpart Theresa May at 10 Downing and sharing a few laughs with Prince Charles at the Science Museum in London to explore the '5000 Years of Science and Innovation' exhibition, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Queen Elizabeth at Buckingham Palace.
The meeting with the monarch comes before the Bharat Ki Baat, Sabke Saath diaspora event, to be telecast live from the iconic Central Hall Westminster in London.
Earlier with May, Modi held talks on a wide range of issues of mutual interest, including cross-border terrorism, visas and immigration.
A memorandum of understanding on the return of illegal immigrants, which had expired in 2014, will be officially renewed to take into account biometric and other developments in the field, along with a range of nearly a dozen MoUs across different sectors.
21:02 HC asks Maharashtra Cricket Board to not use water for IPL matches in Pune
What could be a setback to the IPL and Chennai Super Kings, the Bombay high court on Wednesday directed the Maharashtra Cricket Association not to use water from the Pavana Dam to maintain stadiums in Pune for the IPL matches until further orders.
The court observed that the agreement between the state and MCA is faulty as it wrongly says that the water from the dam is being used for industrial purposes.
A division bench of Justices AS Oka and RI Chagla was hearing a petition filed by NGO Loksatta, which had sought information on how the Maharashtra government proposes to allocate water in Pune stadiums since the home matches of the Chennai team have been shifted from Chennai to Pune for this season of IPL following protests and chaos in the Tamil Nadu capital during the last match here.
The petitioner has been raising concerns since 2016 about water usage for stadium management in Maharashtra for IPL at a time when the state was reeling under drought.
The state government had earlier told the court that it does not intend to provide additional supply of water for this purpose.
20:22 India's Chandrayaan-2 launch postponed to end of 2018
The launch of India's second mission to the moon Chandrayaan-2, which was scheduled for this month, has been postponed to later this year, ISRO chief K Sivan today informed the government.
A national level committee to review Chandrayaan-2 recommended some additional tests before the mission could take off, Indian Space Research Organisation sources said.
This has been done to exercise caution as Chandrayaan-2 will be ISRO's first inter-planetary mission to land a rover on any celestial body, they said.
During a meeting, Sivan briefed Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State in the Prime Ministers Office (that looks after the Department of Space), on the upcoming Chandrayaan-2 mission, expected to be launched from Sriharikota around October-November this year, an official statement said.
In a setback to ISRO last month, the GSAT-6A, the country's newest communication satellite, went incommunicado in space.
An ambitious mission, Chandrayaan-2 will be equipped with a land-rover and probe, which will descend on the surface of the moon, from where they will collect samples of soil, water, etc. to carry back home for detailed analysis and research.
This will be the first-of-its-kind moon mission.
20:05 Independent probe into Judge Loya's death? SC to decide tomorrow
The Supreme Court is expected to take a call tomorrow on whether an independent investigation will be held into the death of judge BH Loya.
Judge Loya had died of a heart attack in Nagpur in December 2014, while hearing a murder case in which BJP chief Amit Shah was an accused.
The judge who replaced him ruled that there was no evidence against Mr Shah to merit a trial.
Last year, in an interview to the Caravan magazine, Judge Loya's sister had raised questions about his death, triggering calls for an independent investigation.
19:44 Modi speaks to British PM Theresa May on Vijay Mallya's extradition
Prime Minister Narendra Modi raised the subject of fugitive tycoon Vijay Mallya's extradition in his talks with his British counterpart Theresa May, government sources have said.
Though there was no official statement on this, a spokesperson of 10 Downing Street said Theresa May and PM Modi had discussed cooperation between the two countries on legal matters.
Vijay Mallya is wanted in India in a money laundering case and an alleged bank fraud case in India.
The liquor baron skipped the country after defaulting on loans that run into hundreds of crores.
He is accused of fraudulently palming off losses from his now defunct Kingfisher Airlines onto banks by taking out loans worth Rs. 9,000 crore, which he had no intention of repaying.
The Modi government has been repeatedly targeted by opposition parties over Vijay Mallya's exit and his flashy, luxe lifestyle in Britain, where he lives in a sprawling mansion near London and attends races.
19:16 Man assaulted for serving 'banned meat', houses ransacked; 7 held
A person from a minority community was assaulted in Koderma district on suspicion that he had served banned meat to guests at his son's wedding reception, following which prohibitory orders were clamped, police said today.
The prohibitory orders under section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure were imposed in and around the Nawadih village under Domchanch block after the man was assaulted and several houses in the village were ransacked yesterday.
"We have arrested seven persons in this connection. The situation is under control now," Koderma Superintendent of Police Shivani Tiwari said.
Adequate forces have been deployed in and around the village to maintain law and order, she said, adding the police have been keeping a tight vigil on mischief-mongers attempting to foment trouble through social media.
Asked whether banned meat was served, Tiwari said, "We have sent the hooves for forensic test and can confirm only after receiving a report."
Some villagers yesterday found some hooves and bones in a field behind the man's house and alleged that he had served banned meat at his son's wedding reception on Monday night, police said.
The villagers then beat him up, leaving him with serious injuries, ransacked several house near his residence and damaged a number of vehicles.
Police sent the man to the Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences, Ranchi, police said.
A similar attack was reported in Jharkhand last year when a group of people lynched meat trader Alimuddin Ansari in Ramgarh town on June 29, on the suspicion that he was carrying beef in his car.
Forensic tests later confirmed that the meat he was carrying was beef, the sale of which is banned in the state.
Eleven cow vigilantes were sentenced to life imprisonment by a Ramgarh court last month in connection with the case. -- PTI
The prohibitory orders under section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure were imposed in and around the Nawadih village under Domchanch block after the man was assaulted and several houses in the village were ransacked yesterday.
"We have arrested seven persons in this connection. The situation is under control now," Koderma Superintendent of Police Shivani Tiwari said.
Adequate forces have been deployed in and around the village to maintain law and order, she said, adding the police have been keeping a tight vigil on mischief-mongers attempting to foment trouble through social media.
Asked whether banned meat was served, Tiwari said, "We have sent the hooves for forensic test and can confirm only after receiving a report."
Some villagers yesterday found some hooves and bones in a field behind the man's house and alleged that he had served banned meat at his son's wedding reception on Monday night, police said.
The villagers then beat him up, leaving him with serious injuries, ransacked several house near his residence and damaged a number of vehicles.
Police sent the man to the Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences, Ranchi, police said.
A similar attack was reported in Jharkhand last year when a group of people lynched meat trader Alimuddin Ansari in Ramgarh town on June 29, on the suspicion that he was carrying beef in his car.
Forensic tests later confirmed that the meat he was carrying was beef, the sale of which is banned in the state.
Eleven cow vigilantes were sentenced to life imprisonment by a Ramgarh court last month in connection with the case. -- PTI
19:10 How can anybody do this with a 'living form of Mata': Mehbooba on Kathua
Terming the Kathua rape incident as 'alarming', Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti today expressed anguish that 'a living form of the Mata' has been treated so cruelly in the land where girls are worshipped as incarnation of Goddess Durga.
Addressing the 6th convocation at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University in Kakriyal, Reasi, today, the chief minister said the heinous act of the perpetrators 'has shocked us as a society' and showed that the value system was facing a crisis.
She batted for inclusion of value education in curriculum, saying 'our material growth becomes meaningless, if we are not able to become a good human beings'.
"The entire set of rituals are practised in this part of the state (Jammu) as Kanya Puja, where minor girls have been worshipped as incarnation of Goddess Durga. How could anybody do such a heinous act against one such living form of 'Mata' in her own land," the chief minister said referring to the Kathua rape victim.
She said that Trikuta hills are known as the abode of Goddess Mata Vaishno Devi and are the best testimony of this society and how they are treating the females.
"When we talk of value system, I feel it is under crisis. The recent happening against a weaker underprivileged individual, especially a girl child, was alarming and has shocked us as a society," she said, adding 'there is something seriously wrong in our changing life system'.
"Our material growth becomes meaningless, if we are not able to become a good human being with compassion and humanity, inclusive sense and set of values, which can distinguish us as a civilized society," she added.
An eight-year-old girl was kidnapped on January 10 and her body was found on January 17 in the Kathua district. -- PTI
Addressing the 6th convocation at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University in Kakriyal, Reasi, today, the chief minister said the heinous act of the perpetrators 'has shocked us as a society' and showed that the value system was facing a crisis.
She batted for inclusion of value education in curriculum, saying 'our material growth becomes meaningless, if we are not able to become a good human beings'.
"The entire set of rituals are practised in this part of the state (Jammu) as Kanya Puja, where minor girls have been worshipped as incarnation of Goddess Durga. How could anybody do such a heinous act against one such living form of 'Mata' in her own land," the chief minister said referring to the Kathua rape victim.
She said that Trikuta hills are known as the abode of Goddess Mata Vaishno Devi and are the best testimony of this society and how they are treating the females.
"When we talk of value system, I feel it is under crisis. The recent happening against a weaker underprivileged individual, especially a girl child, was alarming and has shocked us as a society," she said, adding 'there is something seriously wrong in our changing life system'.
"Our material growth becomes meaningless, if we are not able to become a good human being with compassion and humanity, inclusive sense and set of values, which can distinguish us as a civilized society," she added.
An eight-year-old girl was kidnapped on January 10 and her body was found on January 17 in the Kathua district. -- PTI
18:56 7-year-old girl raped in Parbhani district; man arrested
In yet another case of rape of a minor, an 18-year-old man allegedly sexually assaulted a seven -year-old girl in Maharashtra's Parbhani district, police said today.
The man was arrested today, five days after the crime, when he was trying to flee Parbhani, located around 490km from Mumbai in the Marathwada region, they said.
The incident occurred on April 13 in a village near Selu town when the victim had gone to play with the accused's younger sister at his home, a police official said.
When the accused's sister went out for some work and no other family member was at home, he called the girl to a room on the pretext of watching television and allegedly raped her, he said.
As the girl started crying, he dropped her at her residence and left, the official said.
The incident came to light when the parents of the victim took her to a doctor, the official said, adding they then approached the police and lodged a complaint.
After getting to know about the police case against him, the accused fled from his residence.
Today morning, officials of the Selu Police Station got an information that he is about to leave Parbhani, he said.
Accordingly, a trap was laid at the Parbhani bus depot from where the accused was arrested, the official added. -- PTI
The man was arrested today, five days after the crime, when he was trying to flee Parbhani, located around 490km from Mumbai in the Marathwada region, they said.
The incident occurred on April 13 in a village near Selu town when the victim had gone to play with the accused's younger sister at his home, a police official said.
When the accused's sister went out for some work and no other family member was at home, he called the girl to a room on the pretext of watching television and allegedly raped her, he said.
As the girl started crying, he dropped her at her residence and left, the official said.
The incident came to light when the parents of the victim took her to a doctor, the official said, adding they then approached the police and lodged a complaint.
After getting to know about the police case against him, the accused fled from his residence.
Today morning, officials of the Selu Police Station got an information that he is about to leave Parbhani, he said.
Accordingly, a trap was laid at the Parbhani bus depot from where the accused was arrested, the official added. -- PTI
18:23 Still under pressure to contest from north Karnataka: Siddaramaiah
Karnataka Chief minister Siddaramaiah today said he is still under pressure to contest from north Karnataka, fuelling speculation again whether he would opt for an alternative or a second constituency in the May 12 assembly elections.
However, the chief minister, who has been fielded from Chamundeshwari, also said he has made it clear to the Congress high command about his unwillingness to contest from two constituencies.
"Yesterday leaders from the district (Bagalkote) had come to me once again in the night. S R Patil, G T Pati, sitting MLA Chimmanakatti's son, also people from other constituency (Badami), are pressurising that I will have to contest (from there)," Siddaramaiah said.
Not acceding to Siddaramaiah's reported wish to contest from two seats -- Chamundeshwari in Mysuru and Badami in north Karnataka, the Congress in its list of candidates for 218 seats announced on April 15, had named Devraj Patil as its nominee from Badami.
But issuing of B-form (required to be filed by a political party mentioning name of its approved candidate) to Patil has been put on hold.
Earlier this month, a delegation of party leaders from north Karnataka had met Siddaramaiah and urged him to contest from Badami constituency in Bagalkote district in the region.
There were speculations that Siddaramaiah was looking for another constituency amid reports it will not be an easy battle for him in the seat.
Speaking to reporters in Mysuru, Siddaramiah today said, "They had come to me once again saying there is confusion as there are several candidates (in Badami); and if I contest it will benefit the party. I have told them that I will discuss, so it is held up (issuing of B form the party candidate)."
Asked if 'held up' meant that chances are still open for him to contest from Badami in Bagalkote district in north Karnataka, he said "...you understand whichever way you want."
"I have made it very clear to the high command. I'm? not interested and I do not want to contest from two constituencies. I have made it very clear to the high? command," he added.
Siddaramaiah's reported wish to contest from two seats is said to have met with stiff opposition from veteran party leaders Mallikarjuna Kharge and Veerappa Moily, following which it was decided to field Patil.
But, this has led to internal squabblings within the local unit of the party with many including sitting MLA Chimmanakatti opposing it.
Chimmanakatti has said if the chief minister is not contesting from Badami, he should be the candidate. Badami with strong Kuruba presence, the community to which Siddaramaiah belongs, was seen as second safe option for the Chief Minister. -- PTI
However, the chief minister, who has been fielded from Chamundeshwari, also said he has made it clear to the Congress high command about his unwillingness to contest from two constituencies.
"Yesterday leaders from the district (Bagalkote) had come to me once again in the night. S R Patil, G T Pati, sitting MLA Chimmanakatti's son, also people from other constituency (Badami), are pressurising that I will have to contest (from there)," Siddaramaiah said.
Not acceding to Siddaramaiah's reported wish to contest from two seats -- Chamundeshwari in Mysuru and Badami in north Karnataka, the Congress in its list of candidates for 218 seats announced on April 15, had named Devraj Patil as its nominee from Badami.
But issuing of B-form (required to be filed by a political party mentioning name of its approved candidate) to Patil has been put on hold.
Earlier this month, a delegation of party leaders from north Karnataka had met Siddaramaiah and urged him to contest from Badami constituency in Bagalkote district in the region.
There were speculations that Siddaramaiah was looking for another constituency amid reports it will not be an easy battle for him in the seat.
Speaking to reporters in Mysuru, Siddaramiah today said, "They had come to me once again saying there is confusion as there are several candidates (in Badami); and if I contest it will benefit the party. I have told them that I will discuss, so it is held up (issuing of B form the party candidate)."
Asked if 'held up' meant that chances are still open for him to contest from Badami in Bagalkote district in north Karnataka, he said "...you understand whichever way you want."
"I have made it very clear to the high command. I'm? not interested and I do not want to contest from two constituencies. I have made it very clear to the high? command," he added.
Siddaramaiah's reported wish to contest from two seats is said to have met with stiff opposition from veteran party leaders Mallikarjuna Kharge and Veerappa Moily, following which it was decided to field Patil.
But, this has led to internal squabblings within the local unit of the party with many including sitting MLA Chimmanakatti opposing it.
Chimmanakatti has said if the chief minister is not contesting from Badami, he should be the candidate. Badami with strong Kuruba presence, the community to which Siddaramaiah belongs, was seen as second safe option for the Chief Minister. -- PTI
17:49 Accept your apology, not convinced about contention
The Week journalist Lakshmi Subramanian's response to Tamil Nadu governor Banwarilal Purohit's apology for patting her cheek during a press conference.
@lakhinathan Your Excellency, I have with me your letter expressing regret at what happened at the press conference in Chennai the previous day. I accept your apology, even though I am not convinced about your contention that you did it to appreciate a question I asked @TheWeekLive
Image: Governor Banwarilal Purohit's apology letter
@lakhinathan Your Excellency, I have with me your letter expressing regret at what happened at the press conference in Chennai the previous day. I accept your apology, even though I am not convinced about your contention that you did it to appreciate a question I asked @TheWeekLive
Image: Governor Banwarilal Purohit's apology letter
17:41 Kashmir unites over Kathua rape
The campaign for justice for the eight-year-old victim of Kathua rape and murder case is gaining momentum across Kashmir with students and people holding protest marches across the length and breadth of the valley today, giving police a tough time. Students of various educational institutions took out a protest rally on Residency Road in Srinagar, demanding justice for the girl and stern punishment to those involved in the heinous crime that has sparked outrage across the nation.
A group of lawyers, civil society members and people from other walks of life also held a protest rally at Pratap Park, demanding death penalty for the persons involved in the rape and murder of the minor girl in January this year.
They also demanded setting up of a fast-track court for speedy delivery of justice in the case. A massive rally was taken out by students in Uri town -- near the Line of Control -- in Baramulla district in support of the victim, reports said.
Similar protests were held in the Tral area of Pulwama district where police used batons and tear smoke shells to disperse the students. Official sources said several students were hurt in the police action. Students held protests in Anantnag, Baramulla, Awantipora and other parts of the valley as well.
The protestors accused the police of using force at some places to quell protests, a charge denied by the police. A police spokesman said some miscreants indulged in stone-pelting to enforce a shutdown in Anantnag town.
"In the said incident, two police personnel and two miscreants received injuries when they were hit by stones. All of them are stated to be stable," he said. He said personnel of municipal committee were pelted with stones during an anti-encroachment drive in Pulwama.
"However, the police party reached the spot and subsequently dispersed the miscreants. No loss was reported," the spokesman added. He said miscreants tried to block the main road at Awanitpora but due to the timely intervention of police, the situation was handled and no street vandalism could take place.
"It is clarified that situation has been brought under control in all these locations," the spokesman said. The campaign for justice for the victim is gaining momentum every passing day with people adopting novel methods of protest.
Many passenger vehicles, including autorickshaws, have put up placards in front of the windscreens, demanding justice for the victim girl. A large number of private cars and motorcycles also have posters, making the same demand. Business establishments have also put up similar placards on their premises.
In the virtual world, an online petition to Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti was started last month to demand justice for the victim.
"Big thank you to all! We are over 1.6 million. This is our silver lining. There are more people who are willing to side with justice than with hate. We, women from J&K, had started a petition to @MehboobaMufti over one month ago seeking Justice for the vicitm of Kathua case," JNU scholar Shehla Rashid said in a post on social networking site.
"It has gone on to become the biggest ever Indian petition on change.org, with over 15 lakh signatures!!" she added. The demand for justice can be seen on thousands of Facebook pages, in whatsapp messages and statuses and in tweets as well.
The police spokesman further said they request citizens not to fall prey to any speculations and rumours which are intended to disturb peace in the state. we seek their cooperation for maintaining law and order, he added. -- PTI
Image: Former JNU vice-president Shehla Rashid with students during a protest demanding justice for the Kathua rape victim in Srinagar. Picture courtesy: PTI
A group of lawyers, civil society members and people from other walks of life also held a protest rally at Pratap Park, demanding death penalty for the persons involved in the rape and murder of the minor girl in January this year.
They also demanded setting up of a fast-track court for speedy delivery of justice in the case. A massive rally was taken out by students in Uri town -- near the Line of Control -- in Baramulla district in support of the victim, reports said.
Similar protests were held in the Tral area of Pulwama district where police used batons and tear smoke shells to disperse the students. Official sources said several students were hurt in the police action. Students held protests in Anantnag, Baramulla, Awantipora and other parts of the valley as well.
The protestors accused the police of using force at some places to quell protests, a charge denied by the police. A police spokesman said some miscreants indulged in stone-pelting to enforce a shutdown in Anantnag town.
"In the said incident, two police personnel and two miscreants received injuries when they were hit by stones. All of them are stated to be stable," he said. He said personnel of municipal committee were pelted with stones during an anti-encroachment drive in Pulwama.
"However, the police party reached the spot and subsequently dispersed the miscreants. No loss was reported," the spokesman added. He said miscreants tried to block the main road at Awanitpora but due to the timely intervention of police, the situation was handled and no street vandalism could take place.
"It is clarified that situation has been brought under control in all these locations," the spokesman said. The campaign for justice for the victim is gaining momentum every passing day with people adopting novel methods of protest.
Many passenger vehicles, including autorickshaws, have put up placards in front of the windscreens, demanding justice for the victim girl. A large number of private cars and motorcycles also have posters, making the same demand. Business establishments have also put up similar placards on their premises.
In the virtual world, an online petition to Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti was started last month to demand justice for the victim.
"Big thank you to all! We are over 1.6 million. This is our silver lining. There are more people who are willing to side with justice than with hate. We, women from J&K, had started a petition to @MehboobaMufti over one month ago seeking Justice for the vicitm of Kathua case," JNU scholar Shehla Rashid said in a post on social networking site.
"It has gone on to become the biggest ever Indian petition on change.org, with over 15 lakh signatures!!" she added. The demand for justice can be seen on thousands of Facebook pages, in whatsapp messages and statuses and in tweets as well.
The police spokesman further said they request citizens not to fall prey to any speculations and rumours which are intended to disturb peace in the state. we seek their cooperation for maintaining law and order, he added. -- PTI
Image: Former JNU vice-president Shehla Rashid with students during a protest demanding justice for the Kathua rape victim in Srinagar. Picture courtesy: PTI
17:14 PM Modi pays floral tributes at Basaveshwara bust in London
Prime Minister Narendra Modi today paid floral tributes at the bust of 12th century Lingayat philosopher and social reformer Basaveshwara at Albert Embankment Gardens on the banks of the river Thames.
The event was organised by The Basaveshwara Foundation, a non-profit organisation-based in the United Kingdom that has installed the statue of Basaveshwara.
This comes in the backdrop of Karnataka Cabinet recommending to the Centre grant of religious minority status for Lingayat and Veerashaiva Lingayat community.
Lingayats/Veerashaivas, estimated to form 17 per cent of the state's population, are considered the Bharatiya Janata Party's traditional voter base in Congress-ruled Karnataka which is going to assembly polls next month.
The Basaveshwara statue installed at the Albert Embankment is not only the first statue to be unveiled by an Indian prime minister in the UK, but is also the first conceptual statue approved by the British Cabinet in the vicinity of the Parliament.
The approval was given as a mark of respect to Indian philosopher and social reformer Basaveshwara for promoting democratic ideals, social justice and gender equality.
Basaveshwara (1134-1168) was an Indian philosopher, social reformer and statesman who attempted to create a casteless society and fought against caste and religious discrimination.
India has recognised Basaveshwara as one of the pioneers of democracy and his statue was installed in the Indian Parliament during the tenure of Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
India had also released a coin and a postal stamp as a mark of respect for Basaveshwara and his contribution to Indian society. -- PTI
Photograph: Courtesy @MEAPhotogallery/Flickr
The event was organised by The Basaveshwara Foundation, a non-profit organisation-based in the United Kingdom that has installed the statue of Basaveshwara.
This comes in the backdrop of Karnataka Cabinet recommending to the Centre grant of religious minority status for Lingayat and Veerashaiva Lingayat community.
Lingayats/Veerashaivas, estimated to form 17 per cent of the state's population, are considered the Bharatiya Janata Party's traditional voter base in Congress-ruled Karnataka which is going to assembly polls next month.
The Basaveshwara statue installed at the Albert Embankment is not only the first statue to be unveiled by an Indian prime minister in the UK, but is also the first conceptual statue approved by the British Cabinet in the vicinity of the Parliament.
The approval was given as a mark of respect to Indian philosopher and social reformer Basaveshwara for promoting democratic ideals, social justice and gender equality.
Basaveshwara (1134-1168) was an Indian philosopher, social reformer and statesman who attempted to create a casteless society and fought against caste and religious discrimination.
India has recognised Basaveshwara as one of the pioneers of democracy and his statue was installed in the Indian Parliament during the tenure of Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
India had also released a coin and a postal stamp as a mark of respect for Basaveshwara and his contribution to Indian society. -- PTI
Photograph: Courtesy @MEAPhotogallery/Flickr
16:40 Law Commission recommends bringing BCCI under RTI
Law Commission has recommended bringing Board of Control for Cricket in India under the ambit of Right to Information Act.
"It is recommended that RTI Act be made applicable to BCCI along with all of its constituent member cricketing associations, provided they fulfil the criteria applicable to BCCI," the Law Commission said.
More details awaited. -- PTI, ANI
"It is recommended that RTI Act be made applicable to BCCI along with all of its constituent member cricketing associations, provided they fulfil the criteria applicable to BCCI," the Law Commission said.
More details awaited. -- PTI, ANI
16:33 UIDAI brings updated QR code for offline Aadhaar verification
To provide an extra layer of privacy to Aadhaar, Unique Identification Authority of India has introduced an updated 'QR code' that holds non-sensitive details like name, address, photo, and date of birth, and can be used for offline user verification without the 12-digit ID number.
With Aadhaar increasingly becoming the nationally-accepted ID for all kinds of work, the new QR code, that now comes with photo, can be used in offline mode in a way that will safeguard against any tempering of documents.
This would be especially handy for establishing the identity with non-statutory entities, say, the likes of online shopping portals when delivering goods.
Aadhaar holders can download and print their biometric ID with the QR code from the website of UIDAI or its mobile app.
A QR code is a form of barcode label which contains machine-readable information. Users can manually blacken the Aadhaar number and use the printout with the new QR code for establishing their identity, offline too.
For example, when an online shopping delivery is made and the delivery man asks for ID, Aadhaar holder can show him the printed QR code which when scanned (through an updated QR code reader on Aadhaar site) would read non-sensitive information.
This includes name, address, date of birth and photo, thus establishing the bonafide identity, sources said. It will also ensure that Aadhaar holder is genuine and not using any tampered ID documents.
Aadhaar number is not given out in the entire process, nor are biometrics, thus ensuring that privacy is maintained throughout the verification process.
This new feature is available through Aadhaar downloads. Sensitive information would include details like bank accounts or biometrics, among others.
Ajay Bhushan Pandey, CEO of Aadhaar-issuing body UIDAI, said: "The offline QR code is a landmark development which will allow everyone to establish their identity through offline verification without giving out Aadhaar number".
He added: "Only in those places where Aadhaar number is required under the law including banks, telecom companies, or for availing subsidies, one will have to go through the authentication process." -- PTI
With Aadhaar increasingly becoming the nationally-accepted ID for all kinds of work, the new QR code, that now comes with photo, can be used in offline mode in a way that will safeguard against any tempering of documents.
This would be especially handy for establishing the identity with non-statutory entities, say, the likes of online shopping portals when delivering goods.
Aadhaar holders can download and print their biometric ID with the QR code from the website of UIDAI or its mobile app.
A QR code is a form of barcode label which contains machine-readable information. Users can manually blacken the Aadhaar number and use the printout with the new QR code for establishing their identity, offline too.
For example, when an online shopping delivery is made and the delivery man asks for ID, Aadhaar holder can show him the printed QR code which when scanned (through an updated QR code reader on Aadhaar site) would read non-sensitive information.
This includes name, address, date of birth and photo, thus establishing the bonafide identity, sources said. It will also ensure that Aadhaar holder is genuine and not using any tampered ID documents.
Aadhaar number is not given out in the entire process, nor are biometrics, thus ensuring that privacy is maintained throughout the verification process.
This new feature is available through Aadhaar downloads. Sensitive information would include details like bank accounts or biometrics, among others.
Ajay Bhushan Pandey, CEO of Aadhaar-issuing body UIDAI, said: "The offline QR code is a landmark development which will allow everyone to establish their identity through offline verification without giving out Aadhaar number".
He added: "Only in those places where Aadhaar number is required under the law including banks, telecom companies, or for availing subsidies, one will have to go through the authentication process." -- PTI
16:04 Masturbating Uber driver arrested
An Uber driver was arrested for allegedly masturbating while ferrying a woman passenger in his cab, police said today. The incident occurred on the night of April 15 in Lutyens' Delhi. The accused, identified as Shokeen Khan, was arrested and was found to be having a fake driving licence, they said. The woman had booked the cab from the airport. She saw the driver masturbating at the wheel. When the cab reached near Janpath, she asked the driver to stop near a police vehicle. The driver fled from the spot but was later nabbed, police said. PTI
15:42 Spielberg to helm 'Blackhawk' film adaptation
Steven Spielberg is making his superhero genre debut with "Blackhawk", the film adaptation of the DC Comics. The action adventure film is based on the 1941 comic of the same name and centres on a team of World War II fighter pilots who are led by a mysterious man known as Blackhawk and face down fantastical threats. -- PTI
15:22 Tripura CM stands by his statement on Mahabharata internet
Tripura Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb on Wednesday reiterated his statement, where he claimed that internet and satellites existed since the Mahabharata era.
Speaking to ANI, the Tripura chief minister said that only the narrow-minded people will find it difficult to believe the facts stated by him.
"They want to belittle their own nation and think highly of other countries. Believe the truth. Do not get confused and do not confuse others," Deb said.
Earlier while speaking at a Regional Workshop on Computerisation and Reforms at Pragna Bhawan in Agartala, Deb said that the internet was invented by India lakhs of years ago.
"Internet and satellite communication had existed in the days of Mahabharata. How could Sanjaya (the charioteer of King Dhritarashtra) give a detailed account and description to the blind king about the battle of Kurukshetra? It means internet was there, the satellites and that technology was there in this country at that time," he said.
The BJP leader said that the European nations and the United States may claim that it is their invention, but it is actually India's technology. -- ANI
Speaking to ANI, the Tripura chief minister said that only the narrow-minded people will find it difficult to believe the facts stated by him.
"They want to belittle their own nation and think highly of other countries. Believe the truth. Do not get confused and do not confuse others," Deb said.
Earlier while speaking at a Regional Workshop on Computerisation and Reforms at Pragna Bhawan in Agartala, Deb said that the internet was invented by India lakhs of years ago.
"Internet and satellite communication had existed in the days of Mahabharata. How could Sanjaya (the charioteer of King Dhritarashtra) give a detailed account and description to the blind king about the battle of Kurukshetra? It means internet was there, the satellites and that technology was there in this country at that time," he said.
The BJP leader said that the European nations and the United States may claim that it is their invention, but it is actually India's technology. -- ANI
15:01
Mother-of-two killed after being sucked out of 737 jet window when engine exploded at 32,000ft. Read the story here.
14:34 'Kashmiris are not secessionists or terrorists'
"I don't know if that is an adequate term to describe it. There is much more to that.
It is not just a crime of rape, it is premeditated, and heinously implemented. They kept her captive almost for a week in the precinct of a temple, can you believe it!
"As facts come out in the media, you get to learn that it was a conspiracy. The worst possible thing is they added religious rites to it and she was raped one more time by a policeman when she was almost dead. It is sickening."
Mohammad Shafi Pandit, the first Kashmiri Muslim to enter the IAS, led a delegation of retired bureucrats to meet Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh in 2016 after violence rocked Kashmir in the wake of Hizbul Mujahideen 'commander' Burhan Wani's killing.
In conversation with Rediff.com's Archana Masih, Pandit discusses the brutal murder of a child that has shaken the conscience of India, and its deeper intent at killing the idea of India.
Read the interview here.
It is not just a crime of rape, it is premeditated, and heinously implemented. They kept her captive almost for a week in the precinct of a temple, can you believe it!
"As facts come out in the media, you get to learn that it was a conspiracy. The worst possible thing is they added religious rites to it and she was raped one more time by a policeman when she was almost dead. It is sickening."
Mohammad Shafi Pandit, the first Kashmiri Muslim to enter the IAS, led a delegation of retired bureucrats to meet Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh in 2016 after violence rocked Kashmir in the wake of Hizbul Mujahideen 'commander' Burhan Wani's killing.
In conversation with Rediff.com's Archana Masih, Pandit discusses the brutal murder of a child that has shaken the conscience of India, and its deeper intent at killing the idea of India.
Read the interview here.
14:21 T V R Shenoy: Farewell to a very special friend
Mr T V R Shenoy, who contributed columns to Rediff.com from its birth, passed into the ages on Tuesday evening. As we grieve and mourn his passing, Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar bids adieu to an unusual human being, a sage for our times. Do read his eulogy here.
14:17 PM Modi meets Theresa May
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday morning met with his British counterpart Theresa May at 10 Downing Street in London. PM Modi, who is on a five-day tour to three nations, landed in the United Kingdom on Tuesday to take part in the 2018 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting.
He was received by United Kingdom's Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs Boris Johnson at the airport.Later at 11:00 p.m. (local time) Prime Minister Modi will be visiting an exhibition on 5000 years of Science and Innovation followed by attending a Living Bridge Themed Reception.
At noon Prime Minister Modi will offer his prayers to the bust of Karnataka-based saint Basaveshwara.
He is later scheduled to visit research laboratories and will also attend a joint India-United Kingdom summit forum which will showcase the collaborative projects of both the countries.
Prime Minister Modi will also be honoured in a private audience with Queen Elizabeth at Buckingham Palace, an event which has been organised previously for only three nations.
He is then scheduled to have in an interaction with the Indian community at around 5 pm (local time) followed by attending the dinner hosted by United Kingdom Prime Minister Theresa May for the Commonwealth leaders. ANI
He was received by United Kingdom's Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs Boris Johnson at the airport.Later at 11:00 p.m. (local time) Prime Minister Modi will be visiting an exhibition on 5000 years of Science and Innovation followed by attending a Living Bridge Themed Reception.
At noon Prime Minister Modi will offer his prayers to the bust of Karnataka-based saint Basaveshwara.
He is later scheduled to visit research laboratories and will also attend a joint India-United Kingdom summit forum which will showcase the collaborative projects of both the countries.
Prime Minister Modi will also be honoured in a private audience with Queen Elizabeth at Buckingham Palace, an event which has been organised previously for only three nations.
He is then scheduled to have in an interaction with the Indian community at around 5 pm (local time) followed by attending the dinner hosted by United Kingdom Prime Minister Theresa May for the Commonwealth leaders. ANI
13:56 TN governor apologises to journalist
Tamil Nadu Governor Banwarilal Purohit apologises to the journalist whose cheek he patted yesterday. The governor after addressing a press conference at the Raj Bhavan
in Chennai responded to a woman journalist's question by patting her
cheek.
The woman tweeted her outrage following which the governor was forced to apologise today.
The woman tweeted her outrage following which the governor was forced to apologise today.
13:47 Lalu's son Tej Pratap gets engaged
Lalu Prasad Yadav's elder son Tej Pratap gets engaged to RJD MLA Chandrika Rai's daughter Aishwarya. The woman with the red dupatta is Lalu Pradad Yadav's daughter Misa Bharti.
Lalu Yadav is serving time behind bars after getting convicted in fodder scam cases.
Nearly 200 people were present when the couple exchanged rings at Hotel Maurya in Patna.
The wedding is slated to take place on May 12 at the Bihar Veterinary College compound in Patna.
According to a report in Dainik Jagran, flowers for the ceremony had been brought in from far off places including Delhi, Kolkata, Bengaluru, and Pune.
Lalu Yadav is serving time behind bars after getting convicted in fodder scam cases.
Nearly 200 people were present when the couple exchanged rings at Hotel Maurya in Patna.
The wedding is slated to take place on May 12 at the Bihar Veterinary College compound in Patna.
According to a report in Dainik Jagran, flowers for the ceremony had been brought in from far off places including Delhi, Kolkata, Bengaluru, and Pune.
13:38
Prime Minister Narendra Modi meets British PM Theresa May at 10 Downing Street in London.
13:38 Normal monsoon may prompt rate cuts by RBI in Aug: Report
Following normal monsoon forecast, the Reserve Bank of India is expected to go for a 25 basis points rate cut in key rates in its policy review meet in August, says a report.
According to a Bank of America Merrill Lynch, normal rains should help to push rural demand, especially after a relatively poor rabi harvest.
"We grow more confident of our call of a 25 bps RBI rate cut on August 1 after the India Met forecast? a normal south-west monsoon at 97 per cent of long period average," the global financial services major said in a research note.
According to the India Meteorological Department, the country is likely to witness a normal monsoon this year. The monsoon will be 97 per cent of long period average, which is normal for the season.
The four-month monsoon season from June to September provides about 75 per cent of the annual rainfall to the country, where GDP is still largely driven by the agriculture sector. Several parts of India are witnessing agriculture distress and a good rainfall is likely to provide some relief. PTI
According to a Bank of America Merrill Lynch, normal rains should help to push rural demand, especially after a relatively poor rabi harvest.
"We grow more confident of our call of a 25 bps RBI rate cut on August 1 after the India Met forecast? a normal south-west monsoon at 97 per cent of long period average," the global financial services major said in a research note.
According to the India Meteorological Department, the country is likely to witness a normal monsoon this year. The monsoon will be 97 per cent of long period average, which is normal for the season.
The four-month monsoon season from June to September provides about 75 per cent of the annual rainfall to the country, where GDP is still largely driven by the agriculture sector. Several parts of India are witnessing agriculture distress and a good rainfall is likely to provide some relief. PTI
12:45
On April 13, the high court issued notices to 12 media houses for disclosing the identity of an eight-year-old girl who was gang raped and killed in Kathua district of Jammu and Kashmir.
Of the 12, counsel for nine media houses were present in the court today. The court had earlier prohibited them "from effecting any publication including the name, address, photograph, family details, school details, neighbourhood or any other particulars which may have an effect of leading to the disclosure of the identity of the child victim".
In its news reports in connection with the case, The Press Trust of India has not disclosed the name or put out a photograph of the victim.
Of the 12, counsel for nine media houses were present in the court today. The court had earlier prohibited them "from effecting any publication including the name, address, photograph, family details, school details, neighbourhood or any other particulars which may have an effect of leading to the disclosure of the identity of the child victim".
In its news reports in connection with the case, The Press Trust of India has not disclosed the name or put out a photograph of the victim.
12:29 Named Kathua victim because of ignorance of law, says erring media houses
Media houses, issued notices for revealing the identity of the eight-year-old Kathua rape victim, today apologised before the Delhi High Court and were directed to pay Rs 10 lakh each to the Jammu and Kashmir Victim Compensation Fund. Advocates representing media houses told the court that the mistake of revealing the identity of the victim was due to their ignorance of the law and a misconception that they could name her as she was dead. A bench of Acting Chief Justice Gita Mittal and Justice C Hari Shankar directed that the compensation amount be deposited with the registrar general of the high court within a week and the money transferred to the Jammu and Kashmir legal service authority's account to be used for Jammu and Kashmir's victim compensation scheme. The bench also directed that wide and continuous publicity be given to the statutory provisions of law regarding privacy of victims of sexual offences and punishment for revealing their identities. -- PTI
12:23 6-month jail for revealing Kathua victim's identity, warns HC
Update on the Kathua rape: The Delhi High Court orders media houses who had revealed the identity of the Kathua victim and to whom notices were issued to pay Rs 10 lakh each to the court. The court will transfer the amount to J&K victims compensation fund. The court also said that anyone who discloses rape victim's identity can be imprisoned for six months. The next date of hearing in the case is 25th April.
Meanwhile, J&K CM Mehbooba Mufti condemned the incident saying, "How can someone do such a cruel thing to a small girl who is a manifestation of Mata Vaishno Devi. There is something wrong with society. Mufti was speaking in Katra, Jammu.
President Ram Nath Kovind said, "After, 70 years of independence such an incident occurring in any part of the country is shameful. We have to think what kind of society are we developing. It is our responsibility to ensure such a thing does not happen to any girl or woman."
Former PM Dr Manmohan Singh in an exclusive interview to the Indian Express said that PM Modi should follow his own advice to me and speak more often.
Meanwhile, J&K CM Mehbooba Mufti condemned the incident saying, "How can someone do such a cruel thing to a small girl who is a manifestation of Mata Vaishno Devi. There is something wrong with society. Mufti was speaking in Katra, Jammu.
President Ram Nath Kovind said, "After, 70 years of independence such an incident occurring in any part of the country is shameful. We have to think what kind of society are we developing. It is our responsibility to ensure such a thing does not happen to any girl or woman."
Former PM Dr Manmohan Singh in an exclusive interview to the Indian Express said that PM Modi should follow his own advice to me and speak more often.
12:03 Basaveshwara not anybody's 'property': K'taka Home Min
Karnataka Home Minister Ramalinga Reddy on Wednesday slammed BJP MP Shobha Karandlaj for objecting to the Congress party from honouring the 12th-century Lingayat philosopher Basaveshwara.
Talking to media, the state home minister said that Karandlaje is nobody to make such remarks and Basaveshwara is not her 'property'."Who is she? Who is she to tell us? Basaveshwara (12th-century Lingayat philosopher) is not the property of Shobha Karandlaje," Reddy said.
As per reports, the Karandlaje on Tuesday said that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah should not be allowed to garland the statue of Basaveshwara on the occasion of his annual Jayanti being observed across Karnataka on April 18.
Karandlaje had said that Siddaramaiah has no moral right to celebrate the birth anniversary of Basaveshwara.
Meanwhile, BJP Chief Amit Shah paid tribute to Basaveshwara and by garlanding on his status here.Further reacting on Union Minister Anant Kumar Hegde's allegation that the truck which hit his escort vehicle in Haveri on Tuesday night was actually targeting him, the State Home Minister said that he will ask the police to probe the incident. (ANI)
Talking to media, the state home minister said that Karandlaje is nobody to make such remarks and Basaveshwara is not her 'property'."Who is she? Who is she to tell us? Basaveshwara (12th-century Lingayat philosopher) is not the property of Shobha Karandlaje," Reddy said.
As per reports, the Karandlaje on Tuesday said that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah should not be allowed to garland the statue of Basaveshwara on the occasion of his annual Jayanti being observed across Karnataka on April 18.
Karandlaje had said that Siddaramaiah has no moral right to celebrate the birth anniversary of Basaveshwara.
Meanwhile, BJP Chief Amit Shah paid tribute to Basaveshwara and by garlanding on his status here.Further reacting on Union Minister Anant Kumar Hegde's allegation that the truck which hit his escort vehicle in Haveri on Tuesday night was actually targeting him, the State Home Minister said that he will ask the police to probe the incident. (ANI)
11:39 Lalu's son to get engaged today
Patna: Preparations underway for Lalu Prasad Yadav's elder son Tej Pratap's engagement to RJD MLA Chandrika Rai's daughter Aishwarya. While the engagement will be held today, their marriage is likely to take place in May this year.
Tej Pratap represents the Mahua constituency in the Bihar Assembly. He won during the 2015 Bihar Assembly elections and was made the environment minister in the Nitish Kumar Cabinet. He is the elder son of former Bihar chief ministers Lalu Prasad Yadav and Rabri Devi.
Tej Pratap represents the Mahua constituency in the Bihar Assembly. He won during the 2015 Bihar Assembly elections and was made the environment minister in the Nitish Kumar Cabinet. He is the elder son of former Bihar chief ministers Lalu Prasad Yadav and Rabri Devi.
11:34 Rs 10 lakh fine for media houses who revealed Kathua rape victim's identity
Delhi High Court orders media houses who had revealed the identity of the Kathua rape victim and to whom notices were issued, to pay Rs 10 lakh each to the court. The court will transfer the amount to J&K victims compensation fund.
11:28
West Bengal: Train services affected after strong winds hit the region last night; visuals from Siliguri railway station.
11:26 People will talk about Singapore, Amethi in the same breath: Rahul
Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday assured the people of Amethi that in 15 years the constituency will be as developed as Singapore and California.
Addressing a gathering after inaugurating a school in his parliamentary constituency of Amethi, the Congress chief also accused the Centre and state government for halting the progress of the state by taking away the big projects.
"After 10-15 years, when people would mention Singapore and California, they will also mention Amethi in the same breath," Rahul said. He further said Amethi will become world famous education hub soon and nobody can stop this from happening.
The Gandhi scion is on a three-day visit to the family's pocket borough constituency of Amethi and Raebareli in Uttar Pradesh. His mother and former Congress president Sonia Gandhi is the Member of Parliament from Raebareli. -- ANI
Addressing a gathering after inaugurating a school in his parliamentary constituency of Amethi, the Congress chief also accused the Centre and state government for halting the progress of the state by taking away the big projects.
"After 10-15 years, when people would mention Singapore and California, they will also mention Amethi in the same breath," Rahul said. He further said Amethi will become world famous education hub soon and nobody can stop this from happening.
The Gandhi scion is on a three-day visit to the family's pocket borough constituency of Amethi and Raebareli in Uttar Pradesh. His mother and former Congress president Sonia Gandhi is the Member of Parliament from Raebareli. -- ANI
11:08 Two tigers found dead at Ranthambore
Two tigers were found dead at the Ranthambore National Park, with forest officials suspecting that they were killed in a territorial fight with another tiger. Postmortem of the tigers will be conducted today to find the exact cause of the death. The tigers aged year-and-a-half were from the litter of tigress T-79 and were found dead at Aanwad-ki-Khad of Swai Man Singh Sanctuary in the park yesterday.
10:33 My government will transform India: PM
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said his government would transform India.
Addressing Indian diaspora at Stockholm University in the presence of Swedish Prime Minister Stefan Lofven, Prime Minister Modi talked about the steps being taken by BJP led NDA government for 'New India'.
"All these programmes (brought by the government) are not reforms. This is transformation. This is our promise. We will transform India. The road ahead is long but we have our destination in sight and determination in heart," Prime Minister Modi said.
He added that India is going through a big change and there is a government which is working day and night for bettering India's image, self-respect and taking India to new heights in the 21st century.
"Four years back, Indians gave us a solid mandate for Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas. We have worked hard for New India. In the last 4 years, we have taken steps after steps that have increased world's hope and belief in India. Be it an African nation or a small country of Pacific Ocean, ASEAN, Europe, or Asia; today all are seeing India as a trusted partner, a trusted friend," Prime Minister Modi said.
He said the government has left behind the culture of sloganeering about Garibi Hatao (poverty eradication) and made empowerment a tool.
"There used to just slogans about Garibi Hatao. We have left behind that culture. Empowerment has been made a tool to uplift the living standards of poor. Be it the empowerment of the weaker section of the society or of women; Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas mantra is becoming a reality," the Prime Minister said. -- ANI
Addressing Indian diaspora at Stockholm University in the presence of Swedish Prime Minister Stefan Lofven, Prime Minister Modi talked about the steps being taken by BJP led NDA government for 'New India'.
"All these programmes (brought by the government) are not reforms. This is transformation. This is our promise. We will transform India. The road ahead is long but we have our destination in sight and determination in heart," Prime Minister Modi said.
He added that India is going through a big change and there is a government which is working day and night for bettering India's image, self-respect and taking India to new heights in the 21st century.
"Four years back, Indians gave us a solid mandate for Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas. We have worked hard for New India. In the last 4 years, we have taken steps after steps that have increased world's hope and belief in India. Be it an African nation or a small country of Pacific Ocean, ASEAN, Europe, or Asia; today all are seeing India as a trusted partner, a trusted friend," Prime Minister Modi said.
He said the government has left behind the culture of sloganeering about Garibi Hatao (poverty eradication) and made empowerment a tool.
"There used to just slogans about Garibi Hatao. We have left behind that culture. Empowerment has been made a tool to uplift the living standards of poor. Be it the empowerment of the weaker section of the society or of women; Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas mantra is becoming a reality," the Prime Minister said. -- ANI
10:27 Uproar over TN governor's pat on woman journalist's cheek
Tamil Nadu Governor Banwarilal Purohit walked straight into another controversy when after addressing a press conference at the Raj Bhavan in Chennai he responded to a woman's journalist question by patting her cheek.
The press conference had just concluded when the journalist Lakshmi Subramanian, who works with the Week, asked the governor a question at the venue of the crowded press conference, when it had almost ended.
The upset journalist tweeted this open letter about what happened.
"Governor Banwarilal Purohit, I am angered and agitated. You didn't answer my questions, but you decided to patronisingly, and without my consent, pat on my cheek as a reply. To you, it might be a mark of appreciation, and a "grandfatherly" gesture, as you replied to several questions during the hour-long press conference on sexual allegations against you. But to me, it was an uninvited gesture as I wanted only answers and not a pat on my cheek.
It was a day of news reports on the professor Nirmala Devi issue. As a journalist, I too wrote on the politics and the controversies surrounding the case. And, when there was a press communique from the governor's office saying he will meet the press at 6 pm, I too set out with our Manorama TV crew to pose a few questions to Banwarilal Purohit on the issue.
I was sitting right on the first row throughout the press conference. I had three to four questions to him over allegations of sexual misconduct, and the reports over a home ministry enquiry against Banwarilal Purohit. To these, he replied with much anger, dubbing them, "nonsense and baseless allegation."
The press conference went on and there were so many questions on the allegations surrounding Raj Bhavan, and his excellency Governor Banwarilal Purohit himself. When a scribe asked him if he should appoint a committee when the professor, in her recorded audio conversation, drops his name, his face turned red, and all that he said was, "I haven't even seen her face."
During the entire press conference, it seemed that Banwarilal Purohit wanted to reiterate the fact that he is the highest authority of the state as per constitution. To questions on his authority to appoint the one-man committee under retired IAS officer R. Santhanam, he said he has acted as per the existing guidelines under Universities Act.
The press conference was almost over. And when he got up from his chair, a TV reporter quickly managed to grab his attention and asked him about how much progress he had in learning Tamil. Purohit had earlier spoke about his interest in learning the language. He was happy to answer the question. "Thamizh oru inimaiyana mozhi (Tamil is a very sweet language)," he said.
I was standing next to him. "Who is your Tamil teacher," I asked him. Standing next to me was my friend Lavanya Natarajan of News 7, who also had the same question. Banwarilal Purohit didn't reply, but moved a step forward. My next question to him was the one that he had refuse to answer earlier. "Sir, you said you are satisfied with the government's performance. Are you satisfied when it comes to the performance of universities too," I asked him.
He didn't hear me at all. Instead, he patted on my left cheek and got away. It was a crowded press conference, and I was transfixed for a moment by that gesture. Lavanya tried to console me.
I rushed to the washroom and washed my face several times. When I narrated my ordeal on Twitter, many trolled me. But there were many who supported me too. And I sincerely thank them.
I want to say, yes I am agitated. Many may ask me to dismiss the entire episode saying, 'may be, this was a pat of appreciation' or 'a grandfatherly gesture'. But to me, Banwarilal Purohit is the governor of a state, and I am a journalist whose responsibility is to ask the right questions. I expect answers, not a pat on my cheek.
An act like this moments after he dismissed a barrage of questions about allegations of sexual misconduct against him, to me, is unprofessional behaviour. And, it is completely uncalled for to touch a strangera womanwithout her consent."
The press conference had just concluded when the journalist Lakshmi Subramanian, who works with the Week, asked the governor a question at the venue of the crowded press conference, when it had almost ended.
The upset journalist tweeted this open letter about what happened.
"Governor Banwarilal Purohit, I am angered and agitated. You didn't answer my questions, but you decided to patronisingly, and without my consent, pat on my cheek as a reply. To you, it might be a mark of appreciation, and a "grandfatherly" gesture, as you replied to several questions during the hour-long press conference on sexual allegations against you. But to me, it was an uninvited gesture as I wanted only answers and not a pat on my cheek.
It was a day of news reports on the professor Nirmala Devi issue. As a journalist, I too wrote on the politics and the controversies surrounding the case. And, when there was a press communique from the governor's office saying he will meet the press at 6 pm, I too set out with our Manorama TV crew to pose a few questions to Banwarilal Purohit on the issue.
I was sitting right on the first row throughout the press conference. I had three to four questions to him over allegations of sexual misconduct, and the reports over a home ministry enquiry against Banwarilal Purohit. To these, he replied with much anger, dubbing them, "nonsense and baseless allegation."
The press conference went on and there were so many questions on the allegations surrounding Raj Bhavan, and his excellency Governor Banwarilal Purohit himself. When a scribe asked him if he should appoint a committee when the professor, in her recorded audio conversation, drops his name, his face turned red, and all that he said was, "I haven't even seen her face."
During the entire press conference, it seemed that Banwarilal Purohit wanted to reiterate the fact that he is the highest authority of the state as per constitution. To questions on his authority to appoint the one-man committee under retired IAS officer R. Santhanam, he said he has acted as per the existing guidelines under Universities Act.
The press conference was almost over. And when he got up from his chair, a TV reporter quickly managed to grab his attention and asked him about how much progress he had in learning Tamil. Purohit had earlier spoke about his interest in learning the language. He was happy to answer the question. "Thamizh oru inimaiyana mozhi (Tamil is a very sweet language)," he said.
I was standing next to him. "Who is your Tamil teacher," I asked him. Standing next to me was my friend Lavanya Natarajan of News 7, who also had the same question. Banwarilal Purohit didn't reply, but moved a step forward. My next question to him was the one that he had refuse to answer earlier. "Sir, you said you are satisfied with the government's performance. Are you satisfied when it comes to the performance of universities too," I asked him.
He didn't hear me at all. Instead, he patted on my left cheek and got away. It was a crowded press conference, and I was transfixed for a moment by that gesture. Lavanya tried to console me.
I rushed to the washroom and washed my face several times. When I narrated my ordeal on Twitter, many trolled me. But there were many who supported me too. And I sincerely thank them.
I want to say, yes I am agitated. Many may ask me to dismiss the entire episode saying, 'may be, this was a pat of appreciation' or 'a grandfatherly gesture'. But to me, Banwarilal Purohit is the governor of a state, and I am a journalist whose responsibility is to ask the right questions. I expect answers, not a pat on my cheek.
An act like this moments after he dismissed a barrage of questions about allegations of sexual misconduct against him, to me, is unprofessional behaviour. And, it is completely uncalled for to touch a strangera womanwithout her consent."
09:49 Sensex rises over 100 points, Nifty nears 10,600
The BSE Sensex rose over 100 points in early trade today, continuing its winning spree for the 10th straight session, on positive global leads and sustained buying by domestic institutional investors. The 30-share index moved higher by 110.13 points, or 0.32 per cent, to 34,505.19. The gauge had gained 1,375.99 points in the previous nine sessions. All the sectoral indices, led by metal and healthcare
09:41 Surat rape: Minor victim identified
The Gujarat Police on Tuesday identified the minor girl, whose body was found brutalised and raped in Surat.Surat's Police Commissioner, Satish Sharma said that the victim was from Andhra Pradesh and went missing in October last year.
"Parents of the victim have arrived in Surat, their DNA test will be conducted soon," Sharma said.
The body of the then-unidentified minor girl, believed be in the age group of 9 to 11 years was found from a cricket ground in Bhestan area of Surat on April 6 with 86 injury marks.
After a five-hour long postmortem, it was revealed that the girl was raped and tortured for at least eight days. She was strangled to death.
None of her family came forward at that time to claim the body.
Civil Hospital Forensic Head Ganesh Govekar said, "The girl's body had 86 injury marks including ones on her private parts. Samples have been taken for forensic test to ascertain whether she was drugged or not."
Police inspector BK. Jhala said that a case of rape has been registered and also booked the unidentified accused under The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act.
A reward of Rs 20,000 was announced for anyone providing information about the girl or her family. -- ANI
"Parents of the victim have arrived in Surat, their DNA test will be conducted soon," Sharma said.
The body of the then-unidentified minor girl, believed be in the age group of 9 to 11 years was found from a cricket ground in Bhestan area of Surat on April 6 with 86 injury marks.
After a five-hour long postmortem, it was revealed that the girl was raped and tortured for at least eight days. She was strangled to death.
None of her family came forward at that time to claim the body.
Civil Hospital Forensic Head Ganesh Govekar said, "The girl's body had 86 injury marks including ones on her private parts. Samples have been taken for forensic test to ascertain whether she was drugged or not."
Police inspector BK. Jhala said that a case of rape has been registered and also booked the unidentified accused under The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act.
A reward of Rs 20,000 was announced for anyone providing information about the girl or her family. -- ANI
09:38 Kathua rape-murder: Mehbooba meets J-K Governor, calls for speedy trial
Amid the recent protest over the gangrape and murder of the eight-year-old girl in Kathua district, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti on Tuesday met Governor NN Vohra and urged that that hearing in the case should take place every day in court.
Chief Minister Mufti met Vohra at the capital's Raj Bhavan. Mufti also apprised the governor about her recent meetings and discussions in Delhi over future developments within the state.
According to media sources, Governor Vohra also discussed issues relating to the long-pending elections and reiterated the need for strict accountability being enforced in the functioning of the entire administrative apparatus. - ANI
Chief Minister Mufti met Vohra at the capital's Raj Bhavan. Mufti also apprised the governor about her recent meetings and discussions in Delhi over future developments within the state.
According to media sources, Governor Vohra also discussed issues relating to the long-pending elections and reiterated the need for strict accountability being enforced in the functioning of the entire administrative apparatus. - ANI
09:30 Internet, satellite existed since Mahabharata era, claims Tripura CM
Tripura Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb claimed that internet and satellite are not something new but existed since the Mahabharata era.
Speaking at a Regional Workshop on Computerisation and Reforms at Pragna Bhawan in Agartala, Deb said that the internet was invented by India lakhs of years ago.
"Internet and satellite communication had existed in the days of Mahabharata. How could Sanjaya (the charioteer of King Dhritarashtra) give a detailed account and description to the blind king about the battle of Kurukshetra? It means internet was there, the satellites and that technology was there in this country at that time," he said.
The BJP leader said that the European nations and the United States may claim that it is their invention, but it is actually India's technology.
"Internet and satellite system had existed in India during lakhs of years ago. The richest culture belongs to our nation and I feel proud of it. Even today in internet and software technology, we are ahead. See Microsoft, it may be a US company but most of its engineers are all from our country," he added.
The Tripura Chief Minister viewed that since the era of the Mahabharata, India was top in technology but somehow in the middle, it got lost.
"But, again today India has regained its position in technology in the world and it can be proved from the fact that a large number of software engineers play a vital role in the US companies," the Chief Minister said.
Deb further said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given a big push to digitisation by making it accessible to citizens across the country.
"Our Prime Minister himself is active on social networking sites and he asks the MPs and even the Chief Ministers about their presence on social media. We are lucky enough to have a guardian-like Prime Minister," he added. -- ANI
Speaking at a Regional Workshop on Computerisation and Reforms at Pragna Bhawan in Agartala, Deb said that the internet was invented by India lakhs of years ago.
"Internet and satellite communication had existed in the days of Mahabharata. How could Sanjaya (the charioteer of King Dhritarashtra) give a detailed account and description to the blind king about the battle of Kurukshetra? It means internet was there, the satellites and that technology was there in this country at that time," he said.
The BJP leader said that the European nations and the United States may claim that it is their invention, but it is actually India's technology.
"Internet and satellite system had existed in India during lakhs of years ago. The richest culture belongs to our nation and I feel proud of it. Even today in internet and software technology, we are ahead. See Microsoft, it may be a US company but most of its engineers are all from our country," he added.
The Tripura Chief Minister viewed that since the era of the Mahabharata, India was top in technology but somehow in the middle, it got lost.
"But, again today India has regained its position in technology in the world and it can be proved from the fact that a large number of software engineers play a vital role in the US companies," the Chief Minister said.
Deb further said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given a big push to digitisation by making it accessible to citizens across the country.
"Our Prime Minister himself is active on social networking sites and he asks the MPs and even the Chief Ministers about their presence on social media. We are lucky enough to have a guardian-like Prime Minister," he added. -- ANI
09:22 12-year-old mentally challenged girl raped in Delhi
A 12-year-old mentally challenged girl was allegedly raped by her neighbour in outer Delhi's Rohini, police said on Tuesday.
The accused also made a video of the act and circulated it, they said.
The man who raped her was arrested and two others who shot the video have been detained.
The accused took the girl along with him to his house where he called the two others for shooting the video, they added.
They threatened the girl with dire consequences if she reported the matter.
On Saturday, her mother received the video of the alleged act and informed the police.
The video was also circulated to others, they added. -- PTI
09:09 20 dead as bus carrying marriage party falls into Sone river in MP
At least 20 members of a marriage party were killed when a mini-truck carrying them fell off a bridge over the Sone river in Sidhi district of Madhya Pradesh last night, officials said.
Around 30 people were injured in the accident.
Expressing deep sorrow over the accident, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan announced an assistance of Rs 2 lakh each to the kin of the deceased and Rs 50,000 each to the injured, the district collector said.
The mini-truck fell off the Jogdaha bridge near Amelia in Bahri police station area of the district, he said.
The vehicle fell about 60-70-foot down onto the dry river bed. Efforts were on to pull out the truck.
The site is about 42 km from the Sidhi district headquarters, he said.
Both the district collector and the district police chief reached the spot and were supervising the rescue operation, the officials added. -- PTI
08:51 PM Modi arrives in UK for bilateral meetings, CHOGM
Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in the United Kingdom for a four-day visit of bilateral engagements as well as multilateral discussions as part of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting.
UK Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson received Modi at the Heathrow airport in London.
Johnson said he was "excited" about the growing India-UK bilateral trade and that the visit will help build on "huge economic advantages".
"..thanks to our shared history, we have a living bridge between us and now we want to build on the incredible tech sector where both India and the UK are making giant strides together," Johnson said in a statement.
Modi is set for a packed day of official engagements today, starting with his bilateral meeting with British Prime Minister Theresa May at 10 Downing Street.
The two leaders are expected to discuss a wide range of issues of mutual interest, including separatism, cross-border terrorism, visas and immigration.
A memorandum of understanding on the return of illegal immigrants, which had expired in 2014, will be officially renewed to take into account biometric and other developments in the field, along with a range of nearly a dozen MoUs across different sectors.
Modi will then head to the Science Museum in London to visit the '5000 Years of Science and Innovation' exhibition where he will interact with Indian-origin and other scientists and innovators based in the UK.
The event, hosted by Prince Charles, will include the launch of a new Ayurvedic Centre of Excellence, aimed at creating a first-of-its-kind global network for evidence-based research on yoga and Ayurveda.
A brief stop to garland the Basaveshwara statue -- which Modi had inaugurated during his last visit to the UK in 2015 -- on the banks of the river Thames will then be followed by his second meeting with May at an event hosted by the British prime minister at the Francis Crick Institute.
After an interaction with Indian-origin scientists working on cancer research, malaria and other tropical diseases, both leaders will initiate the India-UK CEOs Forum.
Modi is then scheduled for a private audience with Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace before the 'Bharat Ki Baat, Sabke Saath' diaspora event, to be telecast live from the iconic Central Hall Westminster in London today.
The event, billed as the centrepiece of the 'Living Bridge' theme of the India-UK bilateral visit, will involve Modi addressing questions from across the world which have already been received via social media.
At the end of the live telecast, he will join Heads of Government from 52 other Commonwealth countries at a dinner hosted by the British prime minister as a formal welcome to CHOGM.
This will be followed by the executive session of the heads in London tomorrow before they head to Windsor for the CHOGM retreat, where the world leaders will interact on an informal basis.
This will conclude Modi's UK visit after which he will leave for India. -- PTI
Image: UK Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson received PM Modi at the Heathrow airport in London. Photograph: @MEAIndia/Twitter
08:46 CIA Director secretly met Kim Jong Un in North Korea: Reports
CIA Director Mike Pompeo recently travelled to North Korea to meet with its leader Kim Jong Un, United States media reported.
The highly unusual, secret visit comes ahead of a planned historic summit between the North Korean leader and US President Donald Trump, currently planned for sometime in late May or early June.
It will be the first official meeting between a member of the ruling Kim family and a sitting US president.
The White House declined to comment on CIA director's visit.
However, Trump, who is currently hosting Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, said on Tuesday that the US and North Korea were holding direct talks at "extremely high levels" in preparation for an anticipated meeting with Kim.
"We have had direct talks," the President said.
The White House later clarified Trump's comments to make it clear he has not yet talked directly with Kim.
08:24 Former US First Lady Barbara Bush dies at 92
Former First Lady Barbara Pierce Bush, wife of a United States president and mother of another, died today.
She was 92.
Her husband George Herbert Walker Bush, the former US president and her son George walker Bush, also a former president, were by her side along with other family members when she breathed her last at her Houston home.
"A former First Lady of the United States of America and relentless proponent of family literacy, Barbara Pierce Bush passed away Tuesday, April 17, 2018 at the age of 92," said a statement from the office of her husband.
Funeral arrangements would be announced as soon as is practical, the statement said.
She is survived by her husband, five children -- including former President George W. Bush -- and her brother Scott Pierce, as well as 17 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
Over the past few years, she had been suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and congestive heart failure. In her final days, she decided against seeking additional medical treatment.
Bush was last hospitalised for bronchitis in January of 2017 alongside her husband, who was being treated in the ICU.
Joining the nation in celebrating the life of Barbara Bush, US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania said Barbara Bush as a wife, mother, grandmother, military spouse, and former First Lady, was an advocate of the American family.
"Amongst her greatest achievements was recognising the importance of literacy as a fundamental family value that requires nurturing and protection. She will be long remembered for her strong devotion to country and family, both of which she served unfailingly well," Trump said. -- PTI
00:07 Starbucks to close 8,000 stores for racial-bias education on May 29
Starbucks will close more than 8,000 US stores for an afternoon next month to train employees after two black men were arrested while waiting at one of the coffee chains Philadelphia stores last week.
The racial-bias education training will occur on May 29 and be provided to nearly 175,000 employees, the company said in a statement Tuesday.
Starbuckss chief executive Kevin Johnson said he had spent the past few days in Philadelphia listening to the community, learning what the company did wrong and what steps were necessary to fix the problem.
The announcement from worlds biggest coffee company comes as it tries to cool tensions after the arrest of two black men at one of its Philadelphia cafes last week sparked accusations of racial profiling at the chain.
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