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Thu, 09 August 2018
AAP will not join opposition alliance for 2019 Lok Sabha polls: Kejriwal
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23:33 Melania Trump's parents granted US citizenship
President Donald Trump's in-laws are officially United States citizens.
Viktor and Amalija Knavs, the parents of first lady Melania Trump, were granted citizenship Thursday, their immigration attorney, Michael Wildes, announced.
"It went well and they are very grateful and appreciative of this wonderful day for their family," he said in a statement to CNN.
The US first lady's office declined to comment.
Viktor and Amalija Knavs, who are from Slovenia, had been living in the United States with green cards and have been frequently spotted in Washington since their son-in-law assumed the presidency.
Wildes told CNN that as of February, the couple were living in the US on green cards -- a status that allows them to live and work in the US indefinitely and paves the way for citizenship.
22:57 AAP will not join opposition alliance for 2019 Lok Sabha polls: Kejriwal
AAP leader and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal today said his party will not join the proposed opposition alliance against the BJP for the 2019 general elections.
He said the parties who are joining the proposed alliance have had no role in the country's development.
"The AAP will not be a part of any alliance in 2019," Kejriwal said.
He said his party will contest the Haryana Legislative assembly polls and the general elections from all seats.
Blaming the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led central government for the pending development works in Delhi, he alleged that hurdles were created for every step taken by his government for people's welfare.
"We have done revolutionary work in the education and health sectors in Delhi," he asserted.
Kejriwal said compared to Delhi, Haryana lagged behind in development.
He said his Haryana counterpart Manohar Lal Khattar should learn from the Delhi government how development is done.
The Delhi chief minister asked when the AAP government can bring a revolution in the power, water, health and education sectors without full statehood, then why can the Khattar government not do it.
-- PTI
22:47 US sanctions 'categorically unacceptable,' says Putin spokesman
The Kremlin has described the Trump administration's decision to impose further sanctions against Russia following the poisoning of former Russian spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter in the UK earlier this year as "categorically unacceptable" and "illegal," and has vowed to "work on retaliatory measures."
The US State Department announced Wednesday that sanctions would be imposed under a chemical and biological warfare law and would go into effect around August 22. The statement also accused Russia of violating international law.
During a regular press call on Thursday, Russian President Vladimir Putin's spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that Russia "does not have anything to do with the use of chemical weapons" and that the sanctions were "unacceptable" and "illegal."
Later on Thursday, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said that Russia "will work on retaliatory measures" in response to the sanctions.
Skripal and his daughter Yulia Skripal were hospitalized and treated for a nerve-agent attack in March. Yulia Skripal was discharged from the hospital in April, and her father was released in May. The UK and its allies have blamed Russia for the attack, an accusation the Kremlin has repeatedly rebuffed.
"Once again we totally reject any allegations of possible Russian government involvement over what happened in Salisbury," Peskov said Thursday, adding that "Russia did not have and does not have anything to do with the use of chemical weapons."
22:20
JUST IN: Congress will boycott the breakfast organised by Venkaiah Naidu tomorrow for new members and the deputy chairperson of the Rajya Sabha
21:54 6 more dead in UP, toll climbs to 212 in rain-related incidents since July
Six more rain-related deaths were reported from Uttar Pradesh, taking the toll to 212 since July 1, officials said today.
In a statement issued today, Aditi Umrao the project director of emergency operation, UP State Disaster Managment Authority, said that in the last 24 hours two persons died in Khiri, while one person each died in Allahabad, Ghaziabad, Farrukhabad and Rampur.
"As many as 13 persons were injured in the state. This includes 10 in Ghaziabad."
She added that as many as 212 persons have died in the state since July 1, 2018.
"As many as 171 persons have died due to house collapse (after rains), 34 died due to lightning, two died after falling into borewell and five died due to snake bite," she said.
The number of injured stands at 168, while 242 animals have died. As many as 2,732 houses have suffered damage, she said.
-- PTI
21:33 Kanwaria attack in west Delhi: Police make first arrest
Two days after some kanwarias vandalised a car in west Delhis Moti Nagar after the vehicle brushed past one of them, police have made its first arrest in the case.
A 25-year-old man identified as Rahul alias Billa was on Thursday arrested by the Delhi police. The accused, a resident of Uttam Nagar, was also found to be involved in a case of theft in the past, a senior police official said.
Vijay Kumar, DCP (West) said that the police inquiry revealed that on Tuesday evening, a car which was being driven by a woman, brushed past one of the kanwarias. This led to the spilling of Jal (holy water) he was carrying.
After an altercation broke, other kanwarias also joined on the other side. The occupants of the car including the lady driver and her friend left the spot. The kanwarias turned violent and damaged the car with sticks and baseball bats.
Delhi Police had yesterday said in a statement that as per initial inquiry, it came to light that a kanwaria was slapped by one of the occupants. After a thorough inquiry and on the basis of CCTV footage, the police was today able to identify one of the accused in the Tuesdays incident.
20:48 India's economy is elephant that's starting to run, says IMF
India is on track to hold its position as one of the worlds fastest-growing economies as reforms start to pay off, according to the International Monetary Fund.
The $2.6 trillion economy was described by Ranil Salgado, the IMFs mission chief for India, as an elephant starting to run, with growth forecast at 7.3 per cent in the fiscal year through March 2019 and 7.5 per cent in the year after that. The nation accounts for about 15 per cent of global growth, according to the Washington-based fund.
Key risks flagged by the IMF in its annual Article IV assessment of the economy include higher oil prices, tightening global financial conditions and tax revenue shortfalls. Authorities should take advantage of stronger growth to bring down debt levels, simplify the consumption tax system and continue to gradually tighten monetary policy, it said.
After a shock cash ban in late 2016 and a disruptive nationwide sales tax last year, Indias economy is once again gaining momentum. Growth reached the fastest pace in seven quarters in January through March, and high frequency indicators from purchasing managers surveys to auto sales data show the economy is likely to grow above 7 pe rcent.
20:06 Imran Khan asked for 'signed apology' for poll code breach
Pakistan's election commission today demanded a signed apology from Prime Minister-in-waiting Imran Khan for violating the electoral code of conduct while casting his vote in the general election on July 25, according to media reports.
A four-member bench headed by the chief election commissioner Muhammad Raza Khan heard the case against Khan, the Chairman of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf after the Election Commission of Pakistan took notice of the photos of him stamping the ballot paper in full public glare in the NA-53 Islamabad constituency.
Khan's counsel Babar Awan, who appeared before the ECP, submitted a written reply stating that his client did not intentionally stamp his ballot publicly, Geo News reported.
According to the reply, photos of Khan's ballot were taken without his permission. The curtain, used around the ballot for secrecy, had fallen due to the crowd inside the polling booth, it said.
"The divider (at the booth) was removed due to rush," Awan told the bench. When Khan asked staff for instructions, he was told how to cast his vote, he was quoted as saying by The News.
Awan also sought an end to the case and requested the ECP to issue the notification for Khan's victory from NA-53 Islamabad constituency.
The ECP, however, dismissed the reply submitted by Awan and demanded an affidavit from Khan apologising for the controversial vote casting complete with his signature.
The commission then adjourned the hearing till tomorrow.
19:28 Antigua examining India's request to extradite Choksi: MEA
India today said Antigua and Barbuda is considering its request to extradite Mehul Choksi, who is wanted in connection with India's biggest banking fraud and currently living in the Caribbean nation.
An India team led by a senior official from the ministry of external affairs on August 3 handed over a request to Antigua for extradition of Choksi who obtained citizenship of the island nation.
"We have been told that they (Antiguan authorities) are examining the (extradition) request," MEA Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said, responding to a volley of questions on the issue during a media briefing.
He said it will be premature to talk about what would be the response of the Antiaguan authorities on India's request.
India is trying to bring back Choksi from Antigua under the provision of a law of the island nation which provides for extradition of a fugitive to a designated Commonwealth country. He faces various charges in India in connection with the $2 billion Punjab National bank scam.
Kumar said as per the provisions of the Extradition Act, 1993 of Antigua and Barbuda, a fugitive may be extradited to a designated Commonwealth Country or a State with which there are general or special arrangement or a bilateral treaty.
-- PTI
18:50 US President Donald Trump may not visit India
United States President Donald Trump is unlikely to visit India in January next year as the chief guest for Republic Day celebrations. According to highly placed sources, while Washington has acknowledged the invitation sent by New Delhi, it is reliably learnt that the visit may not happen, owing to his other engagements during that period.
Sources in the know said that Trumps India visit in the near future is currently not on the radar of the US administration.
The government is keen to invite Trump as chief guest for 2019 Republic Day function, which would be the NDA regimes last before the Lok Sabha polls. It had invited then US President Barack Obama as chief guest during the Republic Day function in 2015.
Considering the fact that there have been raging differences between India and the US over trade issues, the bilateral ties are currently going through a uneasy phase and, therefore, this could also be a reason behind keeping the visit on the backburner, sources indicated. Also Indias relations with Iran and its proposed pact with Moscow over the S-400 defence missile system have also added to the complexities, sources pointed out.
India is learnt to have moved closer towards acquiring five advanced S-400 Triumf air defence missile systems from Russia despite reservations from the US.
18:17 Will have to consult volcano: Swaraj to man who asked if Bali was safe to travel
"I will have to consult the volcano there", was External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj's tongue-in-cheek reply to a man asking her if it was safe to travel to Bali in Indonesia.
Swaraj's reply left the Twitterati in splits with her tweet receiving over 11,000 likes and 2,000 retweets.
The man reached out to Swaraj on Twitter and asked if it was safe to travel to Bali from August 11 to August 17 and if there was any advisory issued by the Indian government.
He also tagged the Indian embassy in Indonesia and the consulate general of India in Bali along with his tweet seeking Swaraj's advice.
"I will have to consult the volcano there," Swaraj said in her reply.
While some Twitter users were amused by her reply, there were others who criticised the man for asking "silly" questions.
"At least maintain the sanctity of the MoE, if she helps one and all it doesn't mean we should put silly questions across...," a Twitter user said.
Thousands of tourists were evacuated from Indonesian islands after a powerful quake struck Lombok on Sunday, killing over 300 people.
-- PTI
17:56 3rd red alert at Kerala's Idukki reservoir, rail tracks damaged
The Kerala state electricity board has issued a third red alert in Idukki reservoir. The dam will be opened tomorrow morning to maintain the water level. At 4 pm today, the water level was 2399.56 ft.
Heavy rain abd subsequent water flow has already damaged a section of the track (B-line) between Kanjikode and Walayar, yesterday. Train services have been temporarily suspended on this line. Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) & other divisional officers inspected the site immediately.
Eleven passenger trains on the Kanjikode-Walayar stretch in the Palakkad-Podanur section are likely to be regulated by 30 minutes to 60 minutes. Freight trains will be delayed. Repair work of the damaged track expected to be completed today.
At least 22 people have died in Kerala due to heavy rains and landslides, the Home Ministry said today. According to Kerala State Emergency Operations Centre, 22 people have lost their lives due to the heavy rains and landslides last night.
According to a home ministry spokesperson, of the total deaths, 11 people died in Idukki district, five in Malappuram district, three in Wayanad, two in Kannur and one in Kozhikode. Four teams of the National Disaster Response Force, comprising 45 personnel each, have left Chennai for Kerala to assist the rescue and relief operations.
Heavy rain abd subsequent water flow has already damaged a section of the track (B-line) between Kanjikode and Walayar, yesterday. Train services have been temporarily suspended on this line. Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) & other divisional officers inspected the site immediately.
Eleven passenger trains on the Kanjikode-Walayar stretch in the Palakkad-Podanur section are likely to be regulated by 30 minutes to 60 minutes. Freight trains will be delayed. Repair work of the damaged track expected to be completed today.
At least 22 people have died in Kerala due to heavy rains and landslides, the Home Ministry said today. According to Kerala State Emergency Operations Centre, 22 people have lost their lives due to the heavy rains and landslides last night.
According to a home ministry spokesperson, of the total deaths, 11 people died in Idukki district, five in Malappuram district, three in Wayanad, two in Kannur and one in Kozhikode. Four teams of the National Disaster Response Force, comprising 45 personnel each, have left Chennai for Kerala to assist the rescue and relief operations.
17:39 Rekha Sharma appointed chairperson of NCW
NCW member Rekha Sharma, who recently stoked a controversy by suggesting abolition of confessions in churches, has been appointed as the chairperson of the National Commission for Women. Sharma, 54, was earlier a member of the Commission and was holding the additional charge of chairperson after Lalitha Kumaramangalam demitted office in September last year. -- PTI
16:34 Harivansh hopes for constructive debate, consensus in House
Newly elected Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh today said it would be his endeavour to uphold the dignity of the Upper House and expressed hope that
differences would be ironed out through constructive debates, consensus and guidance.
The journalist-turned-politician exuded confidence that all members will work together and tread on principles of Gandhi and Jai Prakash Naryan to ensure a smooth run of the House.
The JD(U) member said, "Treading on rules and procedures framed by our Constitution makers, we can lead the country to greatness...There would be differences in debates, there would be different opinions... We can find out a way.
"I got this opportunity to be here...I am frightened, surrounded by so many experienced people but this is my strength too as you all will guide me and I assure you I will run the House in a fair and decent manner," he said.
Emphasising that people emulate parliamentarians, he said they should lead by example and also urged them to follow Gandhian principles citing how he had set 10-12 points of conduct for all who followed him.
-- PTI
16:08 Ahead of I-Day 2 held with ammunition in Delhi
Ahead of Independence Day, two suspected arms peddlers were arrested with arms and ammunition, police said today.
The accused have been identified as Mohammad Azim, a resident of Malda in West Bengal and Aas Mohammad, a resident of Shamli in Uttar Pradesh, said Sanjeev Kumar Yadav, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Special Cell).
Aas Mohammad was arrested yesterday while Azim was arrested earlier this week, the police said.
Two carbine, 50 pistols and as many as cartridges were recovered from their possession by the Special Cell of Delhi Police.
The accused were involved in supplying arms to Delhi-based criminals for the last four-five years.
With the Independence Day round the corner, the Special Cell has been keeping a tight vigil on the movement of arms suppliers and those with suspected terror links, said a senior police officer, adding that during their vigil, they found the trail of the accused duo. -- PTI
15:38 Parts of Kerala go under
Rainwater enters low-lying residential areas in Pathalam, Ernakulam. Kerala Fire & Rescue Department rescue people using boats. 20 people have died in Kerala so far in flooding and landslides following heavy and incessant rains.
15:27 Rajasthan govt renames villages with Muslim names
In a shocking move ahead of the upcoming Assembly Elections, the Union Home Ministry, acting on the proposal of the Rajasthan government led by Vasundhara Raje, has approved the change of Muslim names of eight villages.
For instance, the name of a village called 'Miyon ka Bara' in Barmer district has been changed to 'Mahesh Nagar'. The state government's justification is that the names have been changed because they were inhabited by a majority of Hindus.
The government also said that renaming the villages would boost matrimonial prospects as the earlier name gave an impression that the village was inhabited by Muslims.
Notably, Mughalsarai railway junction was recently renamed as Deen Dayal Upadhyay junction, igniting a debate.
The Rajasthan government had sent a proposal to the Union Home Ministry to change the name of 27 such villages. The Ministry has given its nod to change the name of eight villages as yet. The move is seen as a part of the Raje government to woo voters ahead of the crucial Assembly Elections.
Image: The village 'Miyon ka Bara' in Barmer district has been changed to 'Mahesh Nagar'. Hanumant Singh, former sarpanch of the village says,"Till India got independence, it was Mahesh Bara but during settlement of refugees, the name was changed to Miyan Ka Bara. It has been renamed to Mahesh Nagar now."
For instance, the name of a village called 'Miyon ka Bara' in Barmer district has been changed to 'Mahesh Nagar'. The state government's justification is that the names have been changed because they were inhabited by a majority of Hindus.
The government also said that renaming the villages would boost matrimonial prospects as the earlier name gave an impression that the village was inhabited by Muslims.
Notably, Mughalsarai railway junction was recently renamed as Deen Dayal Upadhyay junction, igniting a debate.
The Rajasthan government had sent a proposal to the Union Home Ministry to change the name of 27 such villages. The Ministry has given its nod to change the name of eight villages as yet. The move is seen as a part of the Raje government to woo voters ahead of the crucial Assembly Elections.
Image: The village 'Miyon ka Bara' in Barmer district has been changed to 'Mahesh Nagar'. Hanumant Singh, former sarpanch of the village says,"Till India got independence, it was Mahesh Bara but during settlement of refugees, the name was changed to Miyan Ka Bara. It has been renamed to Mahesh Nagar now."
15:17
Cabinet approves changes in triple talaq bill; provision of bail added: Sources.
15:14 Amit Shah attacks Rahul on SC/ST Bill
BJP president Amit Shah reacts to Rahul Gandhi's presence at a protest meet on the SC/ST Bill at Jantar Mantar. Shah tweets, "Rahulji, when you are free from winking and disrupting Parliament, give some time to facts as well. NDA Government, through a Cabinet decision and in Parliament ensured the strongest amendment to the Act. Why are you protesting that?"
Clearly, Rahul's hug and wink act in Parliament two weeks ago during the no-confidence motion has left the government rattled.
Clearly, Rahul's hug and wink act in Parliament two weeks ago during the no-confidence motion has left the government rattled.
14:57 Nothing religious about it: Meerut cop defends petal showers
The senior cop who showered rose petals from a chopper on Kanwariyas, has defended his gesture, saying it should not be given a religious hue.
"No religious angle should be given to this; flowers are used to welcome people. Administration respects all religions and actively takes part, even in Gurupurab, Eid, Bakrid or Jain festivals," said Prashant Kumar, the Additional Director General (ADGP) of Meerut Zone.
In a photo that went viral on Wednesday, Kumar was seen sitting in an airborne helicopter with his hands full of rose petals. Along with him, Divisional Commissioner of Meerut, Anita Meshram, and other top officials, showered down flowers on Kanwariyas on Wednesday.
Coming close on the heels of Kanwar pilgrims vandalising a car on a Delhi road even as cops looked on, the top police official honouring the Kanwariyas did not go down well with some social media users.
Kanwar pilgrims are the devotees of Shiva. Each year, around this time of the year, scores of these devotees from across India commence their pilgrimage on foot on the first day of the Hindu month, Saavan.
They walk with heavy pots filled with Ganga water, carrying on their shoulders and emptying them at the temples of Lord Shiva. But over the last few years, some of them have come under criticism for allegedly creating ruckus on the roads during their holy journey. -- ANI
"No religious angle should be given to this; flowers are used to welcome people. Administration respects all religions and actively takes part, even in Gurupurab, Eid, Bakrid or Jain festivals," said Prashant Kumar, the Additional Director General (ADGP) of Meerut Zone.
In a photo that went viral on Wednesday, Kumar was seen sitting in an airborne helicopter with his hands full of rose petals. Along with him, Divisional Commissioner of Meerut, Anita Meshram, and other top officials, showered down flowers on Kanwariyas on Wednesday.
Coming close on the heels of Kanwar pilgrims vandalising a car on a Delhi road even as cops looked on, the top police official honouring the Kanwariyas did not go down well with some social media users.
Kanwar pilgrims are the devotees of Shiva. Each year, around this time of the year, scores of these devotees from across India commence their pilgrimage on foot on the first day of the Hindu month, Saavan.
They walk with heavy pots filled with Ganga water, carrying on their shoulders and emptying them at the temples of Lord Shiva. But over the last few years, some of them have come under criticism for allegedly creating ruckus on the roads during their holy journey. -- ANI
14:52
Delegation of opposition parties, including Congress, TMC and Left, meet President Kovind over NRC issue.
14:19 Police chief's son arrested for assault on Sikh man in California
The son of a police chief in a Californian city is among two teenagers arrested and charged with attempted robbery and abuse of a 71-year-old Sikh man on Monday, the second attack on a minority community member in the US state within a week, authorities said.
The investigators are trying to determine if the attack was a hate crime. Police arrested 18-year-old Tyrone McAllister and a 16-year-old male juvenile yesterday for the attack on Sahib Singh Natt on the side of a road early morning on August 6 in Manteca.
McAllister, the son of Union City Police Chief Darryl McAllister, and the juvenile have been charged with attempted robbery, elder abuse and assault with a deadly weapon.
The Manteca Police Department said it received numerous tips which assisted in the identification of the suspects. Investigations Supervisor sergeant Miller said the public assistance in providing information with this case was instrumental in identifying the suspects and helped in making a quick arrest.
Meanwhile, McAllister's father posted a statement on the Facebook page of the Union City Police department saying he is "completely disgusted' to find out that one of the suspects in this "horrific crime' is his son. He said his son has been "estranged' from his family and home for several months now.
"Words can barely describe how embarrassed, dejected, and hurt my wife, daughters, and I feel right now. Violence and hatred is not what we have taught our children; intolerance for others is not even in our vocabulary, let alone our values," the senior McAllister said in the statement. He said it is difficult for his family to comprehend how one of his three kids, raised with the same values and character, wandered so far astray. -- PTI
Image: Tyrone McAllister. Pic courtesy: Courtesy of Manteca Police Department
The investigators are trying to determine if the attack was a hate crime. Police arrested 18-year-old Tyrone McAllister and a 16-year-old male juvenile yesterday for the attack on Sahib Singh Natt on the side of a road early morning on August 6 in Manteca.
McAllister, the son of Union City Police Chief Darryl McAllister, and the juvenile have been charged with attempted robbery, elder abuse and assault with a deadly weapon.
The Manteca Police Department said it received numerous tips which assisted in the identification of the suspects. Investigations Supervisor sergeant Miller said the public assistance in providing information with this case was instrumental in identifying the suspects and helped in making a quick arrest.
Meanwhile, McAllister's father posted a statement on the Facebook page of the Union City Police department saying he is "completely disgusted' to find out that one of the suspects in this "horrific crime' is his son. He said his son has been "estranged' from his family and home for several months now.
"Words can barely describe how embarrassed, dejected, and hurt my wife, daughters, and I feel right now. Violence and hatred is not what we have taught our children; intolerance for others is not even in our vocabulary, let alone our values," the senior McAllister said in the statement. He said it is difficult for his family to comprehend how one of his three kids, raised with the same values and character, wandered so far astray. -- PTI
Image: Tyrone McAllister. Pic courtesy: Courtesy of Manteca Police Department
13:54 Foreign secretary Vijay Gokhale in US to lay 2+2 groundwork
Foreign secretary Vijay Gokhale and other senior Indian officials will hold discussions with their US counterparts in Washington this week to prepare the ground for the first two-plus-two dialogue between the two countries, to take place in New Delhi in September, sources said. Read the report here.
13:43 The former Chief Minister and his canine friends
An array of photographs featuring DMK president M Karunanidhi with leaders like Rajaji, Kamaraj, SS Thennarasu (who was known as the king of short stories), and many others adorns the wall of the verandah of his Gopalapuram residence. But what no visitor would miss is the picture of the DMK leader posing with his pet dog.Khanna, a Lhasa apso-type dog, that used to roam the house like a VIP, would always remain at the feet of Karunanidhi when he was at home. Read more here.
13:36 Rahul protests at Jantar Mantar over SC/ST Bill
CPM's Sitaram Yechury and Congress President Rahul Gandhi join the protest at Jantar Mantar, New Delhi.
Speaking at Jantar Mantar, Rahul said PM Modi was unsympathetic to the plight of Dalits. Rahul said the BJP government was anti Dalit and added that the Congress wants the Act in the 9th Schedule.
He slammed the government for slamming the provisions under the SC/ST Act.
The Lok Sabha on Monday passed the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Amendment Bill, 2018, which seeks to overturn a Supreme Court order that struck down the provision for immediate arrest. The amendment bill was introduced in the Lok Sabha by Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment Thaawar Chand Gehlot last week.
Speaking at Jantar Mantar, Rahul said PM Modi was unsympathetic to the plight of Dalits. Rahul said the BJP government was anti Dalit and added that the Congress wants the Act in the 9th Schedule.
He slammed the government for slamming the provisions under the SC/ST Act.
The Lok Sabha on Monday passed the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Amendment Bill, 2018, which seeks to overturn a Supreme Court order that struck down the provision for immediate arrest. The amendment bill was introduced in the Lok Sabha by Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment Thaawar Chand Gehlot last week.
13:07
The Union Cabinet to meet at 1 pm.
13:05 Sometimes we win, sometimes we lose: Sonia on RS poll loss
First reactions from Sonia Gandhi on the UPA losing the Rajya Sabha deputy chairperson polls. She kept it short, saying, "Sometimes we win and sometimes we lose."
NDA candidate and JD(U) member Harivansh Narayan Singh was today elected as Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman, defeating opposition's B K Hariprasad.
Rajya Sabha Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu initiated the process of the election by calling for division of votes in the House. While Harivansh Narayan Singh secured 125 votes, Hariprasad got 105.
The post of Rajya Sabha deputy chairman has been lying vacant since the retirement of P J Kurien on July 1. Leader of the House Arun Jaitley, who is recovering from a kidney ailment, attended the proceedings after a long gap. -- PTI
NDA candidate and JD(U) member Harivansh Narayan Singh was today elected as Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman, defeating opposition's B K Hariprasad.
Rajya Sabha Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu initiated the process of the election by calling for division of votes in the House. While Harivansh Narayan Singh secured 125 votes, Hariprasad got 105.
The post of Rajya Sabha deputy chairman has been lying vacant since the retirement of P J Kurien on July 1. Leader of the House Arun Jaitley, who is recovering from a kidney ailment, attended the proceedings after a long gap. -- PTI
12:44 Maratha bandh: Mumbai calm, Maharashtra at a standstill
In Mumbai, protesters demanding Maratha Reservation gather outside Mumbai Collector office in Bandra. However, there are no reports of violence or disruption of rail or road traffic in any other part of the city.
In other parts of Maharashtra, internet services were suspended in Pune district today to prevent rumour-mongering in view of the Maratha quota agitation, police said. Superintendent of Police (SP) Sandip Patil told PTI the Internet services were temporarily suspended in Baramati, Shirur, Khed, Junnar, Maval, Bhor and Daund rural tehsils of the district.
The step was taken to prevent any untoward incident after violent protests were witnessed during the Maratha community's protest for reservation last month, he said.
Chakan, an industrial hub located in Khed tehsil, witnessed large-scale violence during the Maratha quota agitation on July 30, when around 70 buses were torched and damaged in the area. Patil said there was no information of any untoward incident in the district so far.
The agitators held a sit-in protest outside the residence of Nationalist Congress Party chief Sharad Pawar in Baramati today. The Sakal Maratha Samaj, an umbrella body of Maratha groups, has called for a "bandh" today across Maharashtra, except Navi Mumbai, over the community's demand for reservation in government jobs and education. -- PTI
Image: Maratha Reservation protestors outside the Mumbai Collector's office in Bandra.
In other parts of Maharashtra, internet services were suspended in Pune district today to prevent rumour-mongering in view of the Maratha quota agitation, police said. Superintendent of Police (SP) Sandip Patil told PTI the Internet services were temporarily suspended in Baramati, Shirur, Khed, Junnar, Maval, Bhor and Daund rural tehsils of the district.
The step was taken to prevent any untoward incident after violent protests were witnessed during the Maratha community's protest for reservation last month, he said.
Chakan, an industrial hub located in Khed tehsil, witnessed large-scale violence during the Maratha quota agitation on July 30, when around 70 buses were torched and damaged in the area. Patil said there was no information of any untoward incident in the district so far.
The agitators held a sit-in protest outside the residence of Nationalist Congress Party chief Sharad Pawar in Baramati today. The Sakal Maratha Samaj, an umbrella body of Maratha groups, has called for a "bandh" today across Maharashtra, except Navi Mumbai, over the community's demand for reservation in government jobs and education. -- PTI
Image: Maratha Reservation protestors outside the Mumbai Collector's office in Bandra.
12:37 SC modifies BCCI's 'one state, one vote' policy
The Supreme Court modified its earlier order on the 'one state, one vote' policy for Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) members today and granted permanent membership of the board to the cricket associations of Mumbai, Saurashtra, Vadodara and Vidarbha.
A bench headed by Chief Justice Dipak Misra also approved the draft constitution of the cash-rich apex cricket body in the country with certain modifications and asked the registrar general of Tamil Nadu Societies to bring on record the approved BCCI constitution within four weeks.
The bench, also comprising Justices A M Khanwilkar and D Y Chandrachud, restored permanent membership to Railways, Services and Universities.
It also directed state cricket associations to adopt the BCCI constitution within 30 days and warned them that non-compliance would invite action in accordance with its earlier order.
Dealing with the issue of a cooling-off period and disqualification of BCCI office-bearers, the bench said a person would have to go through a cooling-off period after holding a post in the board for two consecutive terms.
On July 5, the apex court had restrained all the state cricket bodies from holding elections till it pronounced the verdict on finalisation of the draft constitution of the BCCI. In the earlier hearing, the counsel for Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA) had opposed the cooling-off period for the office bearers suggested by the Justice (Retd) R M Lodha-led panel and said there should be continuity of experience. He had also objected to the age cap of 70 years for office bearers as suggested by the panel.
The top court had earlier asked state cricket associations and BCCI office-bearers to give suggestions on the draft constitution for the apex cricket body to the amicus, saying these have to be in tune with the Lodha panel recommendations and its verdict.
The Justice Lodha panel had recommended a slew of structural reforms in BCCI which were approved by the apex court. The court had approved these recommendations, including 'one state, one vote', 'one member, one post' and fixing an age cap of 70 years on those occupying BCCI posts.
The Lodha panel was formed in January 2015 in the wake of the Justice Mukul Mudgal Committee report that called for reforms in the BCCI. The Mudgal panel had gone into the state of affairs of the BCCI, following the 2013 IPL betting and spot-fixing controversy. The court had in its July 18, 2016 verdict accepted most of the recommendations of the Lodha committee to reform the BCCI following charges of large-scale maladministration in the cash-rich cricket body. -- PTI
A bench headed by Chief Justice Dipak Misra also approved the draft constitution of the cash-rich apex cricket body in the country with certain modifications and asked the registrar general of Tamil Nadu Societies to bring on record the approved BCCI constitution within four weeks.
The bench, also comprising Justices A M Khanwilkar and D Y Chandrachud, restored permanent membership to Railways, Services and Universities.
It also directed state cricket associations to adopt the BCCI constitution within 30 days and warned them that non-compliance would invite action in accordance with its earlier order.
Dealing with the issue of a cooling-off period and disqualification of BCCI office-bearers, the bench said a person would have to go through a cooling-off period after holding a post in the board for two consecutive terms.
On July 5, the apex court had restrained all the state cricket bodies from holding elections till it pronounced the verdict on finalisation of the draft constitution of the BCCI. In the earlier hearing, the counsel for Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA) had opposed the cooling-off period for the office bearers suggested by the Justice (Retd) R M Lodha-led panel and said there should be continuity of experience. He had also objected to the age cap of 70 years for office bearers as suggested by the panel.
The top court had earlier asked state cricket associations and BCCI office-bearers to give suggestions on the draft constitution for the apex cricket body to the amicus, saying these have to be in tune with the Lodha panel recommendations and its verdict.
The Justice Lodha panel had recommended a slew of structural reforms in BCCI which were approved by the apex court. The court had approved these recommendations, including 'one state, one vote', 'one member, one post' and fixing an age cap of 70 years on those occupying BCCI posts.
The Lodha panel was formed in January 2015 in the wake of the Justice Mukul Mudgal Committee report that called for reforms in the BCCI. The Mudgal panel had gone into the state of affairs of the BCCI, following the 2013 IPL betting and spot-fixing controversy. The court had in its July 18, 2016 verdict accepted most of the recommendations of the Lodha committee to reform the BCCI following charges of large-scale maladministration in the cash-rich cricket body. -- PTI
12:03 PM lauds Singh's commitment to ethics and public service.
PM speaking in the House on the newly elected RS deputy chairperson, Harivansh Narayan Singh: "Working closely with Chandra Shekharji, Harivanshji knew in advance that Chandra Shekharji would resign. However, he did not let his own paper have access to this news. This shows his commitment to ethics and public service.
Today, we also mark the anniversary of Quit India Movement. Harivanshji hails from Ballia, a land linked with freedom fighters. He has been inspired by Loknayak JP. He also spent time in Varanasi. Here's a leader who worked with a statesman like Chandra Shekharji."
Today, we also mark the anniversary of Quit India Movement. Harivanshji hails from Ballia, a land linked with freedom fighters. He has been inspired by Loknayak JP. He also spent time in Varanasi. Here's a leader who worked with a statesman like Chandra Shekharji."
11:57
I am happy that the Leader of the Rajya Sabha, Arun Jaitley is present today: PM
11:57 Congratulate the new deputy chairman: PM
PM Narendra Modi congratulates NDA Candidate Harivansh Narayan Singh who was elected as Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman.
11:50 NDA's Harivansh Singh is RS deputy chairperson
NDA nominee Harivansh Narayan Singh has been elected as the deputy chairman of the Rajya Sabha. Singh was elected as the Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman with 125 votes, while UPA's BK Hariprasad got 105 votes.
11:40
Division of votes underway in the house now.
11:35 RS deputy chairperson election begins
Leader of the House in the Rajya Sabha, Arjun Jaitley is present today for the first time after undergoing a renal transplant in May. Chairman Venkaiah Naidu has accepted the motions moved for both the candidates and the members will now vote. NDA nominee Harivansh Narayan Singh at a clear numerical advantage following the decision to abstain by Arvind Kejriwal's AAP and Jagan Mohan Reddy's YSR Congress.
The latest to back Singh is BJD president and Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, who said his party will support the NDA candidate over opposition nominee BK Hariprasad in the election to the post of Rajya Sabha deputy chairman.
PJ Kurien, the deputy chairperson of the house, retired in June.
Lobbies have been cleared in Rajya Sabha, division of votes for Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman elections to begin shortly.
The latest to back Singh is BJD president and Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, who said his party will support the NDA candidate over opposition nominee BK Hariprasad in the election to the post of Rajya Sabha deputy chairman.
PJ Kurien, the deputy chairperson of the house, retired in June.
Lobbies have been cleared in Rajya Sabha, division of votes for Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman elections to begin shortly.
11:14 That's how they brought their hero home
Locals sprinkle flowers in Mira Road in the distant suburbs of Mumbai as the convoy carrying mortal remains of Major Kaustubh Prakash Kumar Rane passes through. Major Rane lost his life in Gurez Sector of J&K on August 7.
11:05 It's heil Hitler for the TDP MP today
TDP MP Naramalli Sivaprasad dressed up as Adolf Hitler during protests in Parliament demanding special status for Andhra Pradesh. He had earlier also dressed up as a school boy, Narad muni and others.
11:00 Arun Jaitley to lead the electoral battle in RS today
A keen contest is on the cards today between NDA nominee Harivansh and joint opposition candidate BK Hariprasad for the post of Rajya Sabha deputy chairman, with both sides claiming majority support.
Union Finance Minister and Leader of the House in the Rajya Sabha Arun Jaitley will take part in the election to the post of Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairperson today.
Jaitley has refrained from public engagement for the past three months after he underwent a kidney transplant. Doctors have advised him to completely refrain from interacting with people for three months. Besides this, he has been advised to stay indoors in a sanitised space so as to that avoid infections.
He has to participate in the voting because the NDA does not enjoy a majority in the upper house.
The numbers, however, appear stacked in favour of the ruling coalition which claims the support of 126 members in the Upper House, which has an effective strength of 244 MPs.
While Harivansh is a first-time MP of the JD-U, Hariprasad is a three-time parliamentarian of the Congress.
Both the ruling NDA and the opposition camp gave notices on behalf of their respective candidates and their papers have been found to be in order, according to sources in the Rajya Sabha Secretariat.
The election will be held at 11 am on Thursday, soon after the laying of papers. The post of Rajya Sabha deputy chairman has been lying vacant since the retirement of PJ Kurien on July 1. The BJP has issued a whip asking all MPs to be present in the Rajya Sabha. The YSR Congress will abstain from voting.
Union Finance Minister and Leader of the House in the Rajya Sabha Arun Jaitley will take part in the election to the post of Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairperson today.
Jaitley has refrained from public engagement for the past three months after he underwent a kidney transplant. Doctors have advised him to completely refrain from interacting with people for three months. Besides this, he has been advised to stay indoors in a sanitised space so as to that avoid infections.
He has to participate in the voting because the NDA does not enjoy a majority in the upper house.
The numbers, however, appear stacked in favour of the ruling coalition which claims the support of 126 members in the Upper House, which has an effective strength of 244 MPs.
While Harivansh is a first-time MP of the JD-U, Hariprasad is a three-time parliamentarian of the Congress.
Both the ruling NDA and the opposition camp gave notices on behalf of their respective candidates and their papers have been found to be in order, according to sources in the Rajya Sabha Secretariat.
The election will be held at 11 am on Thursday, soon after the laying of papers. The post of Rajya Sabha deputy chairman has been lying vacant since the retirement of PJ Kurien on July 1. The BJP has issued a whip asking all MPs to be present in the Rajya Sabha. The YSR Congress will abstain from voting.
10:31 IKEA opens first India store in Hyderabad
Swedish home furnishings major IKEA today opened its first store in India, kicking off its retail journey five years after it received approval to invest in the country's single-brand retail sector.
The company, which has employed 950 people directly and another 1,500 indirectly at its store in Hyderabad, plans to hire 15,000 in the coming years as it expands operations in India. IKEA Group CEO Jesper Brodin said the opening of the first store in India marks a milestone in the company's journey here which began over three decades ago through sourcing of products.
"We have a long term commitment to India, which is an important market for us," he added. The store here is the first of 25 such outlets planned to be set up in India by 2025. In 2013, IKEA received nod from the government to invest Rs 10,500 crore in single-brand retail. IKEA had originally planned to open its first store in India by 2017, but it was delayed.
The opening of its first store here was scheduled for July 19 this year but the company again pushed it back by almost 20 days to August 9, citing quality commitments. Out of the total outlay of Rs 10,500 crore, the company has so far invested Rs 4,500 crore in its different projects in India.
The company, which has employed 950 people directly and another 1,500 indirectly at its store in Hyderabad, plans to hire 15,000 in the coming years as it expands operations in India. IKEA Group CEO Jesper Brodin said the opening of the first store in India marks a milestone in the company's journey here which began over three decades ago through sourcing of products.
"We have a long term commitment to India, which is an important market for us," he added. The store here is the first of 25 such outlets planned to be set up in India by 2025. In 2013, IKEA received nod from the government to invest Rs 10,500 crore in single-brand retail. IKEA had originally planned to open its first store in India by 2017, but it was delayed.
The opening of its first store here was scheduled for July 19 this year but the company again pushed it back by almost 20 days to August 9, citing quality commitments. Out of the total outlay of Rs 10,500 crore, the company has so far invested Rs 4,500 crore in its different projects in India.
10:28 Meerut top cop on surveillance duty showers flowers on Kanwariyas
Meerut police's top cop Prashant Kumar was at the receiving end of a social media backlash after his photo and video showering petals on Kanwariyas from a chopper went viral. Several Twitter and Facebook users slammed the exercise as a waste of public money.
The video posted by news agency ANI, showed the Additional Director General of Uttar Pradesh Police (Meerut Zone) Prashant Kumar and Commissioner Chandra Prakash Tripathi showering rose petals on Kanwariyas below while on surveillance duty in a helicopter.
The cops were ostensibly surveying the deployment of troops after Kanwariyas turned violent yesterday and smashed windows of a car with the passengers still inside. Even though policemen were present, they did little to stop the mayhem. The incident took place in the Moti Nagar area of New Delhi.
"Who foots the helicopter bill for this? Why is public money wasted like this? Feel sorry for cops who bend over backwards to please their political masters," a Twitter user wrote.
However, the plan to shower rose petals on Kanwariyas was announced by the Meerut district magistrate Anil Dhingra on July 25 to keep Kanwariyas in 'good spirits'.
The UP government has undertaken several measures to facilitate Kanwariyas along the route of the annual yatra as they fetch water from Ganges for Lord Shiva.
In fact, the cops were actually following in UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's lead. On July 28, the CM took an aerial survey of the yatra route during the first half of the Shrawan month. He also showered flower petals from his chopper on the Kanwarias. They responded by prostrating on the highway as the chopper passed and raised slogans in praise of the chief minister.
The video posted by news agency ANI, showed the Additional Director General of Uttar Pradesh Police (Meerut Zone) Prashant Kumar and Commissioner Chandra Prakash Tripathi showering rose petals on Kanwariyas below while on surveillance duty in a helicopter.
The cops were ostensibly surveying the deployment of troops after Kanwariyas turned violent yesterday and smashed windows of a car with the passengers still inside. Even though policemen were present, they did little to stop the mayhem. The incident took place in the Moti Nagar area of New Delhi.
"Who foots the helicopter bill for this? Why is public money wasted like this? Feel sorry for cops who bend over backwards to please their political masters," a Twitter user wrote.
However, the plan to shower rose petals on Kanwariyas was announced by the Meerut district magistrate Anil Dhingra on July 25 to keep Kanwariyas in 'good spirits'.
The UP government has undertaken several measures to facilitate Kanwariyas along the route of the annual yatra as they fetch water from Ganges for Lord Shiva.
In fact, the cops were actually following in UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's lead. On July 28, the CM took an aerial survey of the yatra route during the first half of the Shrawan month. He also showered flower petals from his chopper on the Kanwarias. They responded by prostrating on the highway as the chopper passed and raised slogans in praise of the chief minister.
10:14 Sensex hits historic 38,000 mark
The BSE Sensex hit the 38,000 level for the first time today on widespread buying in banking, energy and PSU stocks amid unabated inflows by domestic and foreign institutional investors. The broader NSE Nifty too touched a new peak of 11,495.20.
The 30-share Sensex climbed 162.56 points, or 0.42 per cent, to 38,050,12 in early trade today, breaching its previous intra-day record of 37,931.42 hit yesterday. Strong gains in banking, oil and gas, PSU, realty, healthcare, IT, teck, metal, infrastructure, capital goods, FMCG, power and auto stocks spurred the index higher. The NSE Nifty spurted 45.20 points, or 0.39 per cent, to 11,495.20, surpassing its previous (intra-day) record of 11,459.95 hit yesterday.
Analysts said strong liquidity in the market following unabated buying by foreign as well as domestic institutional investors and encouraging Q1 earnings bolstered sentiment. -- PTI
The 30-share Sensex climbed 162.56 points, or 0.42 per cent, to 38,050,12 in early trade today, breaching its previous intra-day record of 37,931.42 hit yesterday. Strong gains in banking, oil and gas, PSU, realty, healthcare, IT, teck, metal, infrastructure, capital goods, FMCG, power and auto stocks spurred the index higher. The NSE Nifty spurted 45.20 points, or 0.39 per cent, to 11,495.20, surpassing its previous (intra-day) record of 11,459.95 hit yesterday.
Analysts said strong liquidity in the market following unabated buying by foreign as well as domestic institutional investors and encouraging Q1 earnings bolstered sentiment. -- PTI
09:57 Home they brought her warrior dead
Mortal remains of Major Kaustubh Prakash Kumar Rane who lost his life in Gurez Sector of J&K on August 7, arrives at his residence in Mira road area.
The major and three soldiers were killed while foiling an infiltration bid in north Kashmir's Gurez sector, on Tuesday.
The encounter between the army's patrolling party and the infiltrating group took place at Govind Nallah in Gurez sector of Bandipore district.
The bodies of two terrorists could be seen from a distance while two more are believed to have been killed, they said.
Further reinforcements were rushed to the encounter site.
The other deceased have been identified as hawaldars Jamie Singh and Vikramjeet and rifleman Mandeep.
Initial reports said a group of eight was trying to infiltrate into the country.
Of them, four ran back to Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir, officials said.
The major and three soldiers were killed while foiling an infiltration bid in north Kashmir's Gurez sector, on Tuesday.
The encounter between the army's patrolling party and the infiltrating group took place at Govind Nallah in Gurez sector of Bandipore district.
The bodies of two terrorists could be seen from a distance while two more are believed to have been killed, they said.
Further reinforcements were rushed to the encounter site.
The other deceased have been identified as hawaldars Jamie Singh and Vikramjeet and rifleman Mandeep.
Initial reports said a group of eight was trying to infiltrate into the country.
Of them, four ran back to Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir, officials said.
09:39 Maratha bandh in Mumbai begins with a whimper
The day-long Maharashtra bandh called today from 8 am to 6 pm by Maratha organisations demanding reservations in jobs and educational institutions is getting a mixed response.
In Mumbai, local trains are running on time and there are no reports of any traffic disruptions. However, many shopkeepers kept their establishments shut fearing violence.
Though Maratha organisations have said the bandh will not include Nashik, Thane and Navi Mumbai, many schools were shut fearing violence. In Pune too, schools and colleges remained shut.
The Dadar wholesale vegetable market was shut as vendors did not wanted to risk being the target of violence. The APMC wholesale market in Navi Mumbai too was shut as trucks coming in from outside Mumbai have refused to ply.
There is heavy police bandobast across the state. ANI reports that internet services have been suspended in 7 tehsils of Pune district- Shirur, Khed, Baramati, Junnar, Maval, Daund and Bhor, as a precautionary measure.
The bandh is being organised despite Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis' assurances that his government was working on providing reservation to the Marathas in government jobs and educational institutions, one that is legally sustainable. Fadnavis had sought time till November to take steps with regard to the quota demands.
-- Syed Firdaus Ashraf/Rediff.com
Image: Empty roads at GTB Nagar in Mumbai.
In Mumbai, local trains are running on time and there are no reports of any traffic disruptions. However, many shopkeepers kept their establishments shut fearing violence.
Though Maratha organisations have said the bandh will not include Nashik, Thane and Navi Mumbai, many schools were shut fearing violence. In Pune too, schools and colleges remained shut.
The Dadar wholesale vegetable market was shut as vendors did not wanted to risk being the target of violence. The APMC wholesale market in Navi Mumbai too was shut as trucks coming in from outside Mumbai have refused to ply.
There is heavy police bandobast across the state. ANI reports that internet services have been suspended in 7 tehsils of Pune district- Shirur, Khed, Baramati, Junnar, Maval, Daund and Bhor, as a precautionary measure.
The bandh is being organised despite Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis' assurances that his government was working on providing reservation to the Marathas in government jobs and educational institutions, one that is legally sustainable. Fadnavis had sought time till November to take steps with regard to the quota demands.
-- Syed Firdaus Ashraf/Rediff.com
Image: Empty roads at GTB Nagar in Mumbai.
09:38
Sensex breaches 38,000-mark for the first time; Nifty climbs 45.20 pts to hit new high of 11,495.20.
09:13 Lynching in the name of cow heartbreaking, says Kangana
Actor Kangana Ranaut has said it is a sad state of affair that people in the country are being lynched in the name of cows, even as she stressed the need to protect the animal.
There have been several incidents of lynching in the country on suspicions of either cow smuggling or consuming beef.
When asked where she thought the country was headed in the wake of the lynchings, Kangana told reporters, "You feel conflicted. You want to save the animals but when the lynching happens, you feel heartbroken at what's going on. You feel this is wrong."
The actor was in conversation with Sadhguru in Mumbai at a special event.
At the event, Kangana said there was a long discussion on the sets of her latest movie Manikarnika, where a calf was involved in a scene.
"I'm working on a martyr's biopic Manikarnika where there is a scene where my protagonist, Laxmibai, goes and saves a calf. My crew had a discussion, we halted the shoot. They said 'we can't save a calf' because we don't want to look like cow savers," she said.
"When such a prejudice thrives, as a person you feel very protective of who you are and what your values are, and you want to save all animals and you definitely want to save the cows because the prejudice is really agonising. But (then) lynching for cows takes place and you look like an idiot," she added.
The actor claimed that liberals only accept people "in their group" if "you hate the same person they do".
"And then you jump to the other side which has always criticised and they never want to be protecting cows and these people look sensible, these so-called 'liberals'. Liberals, by definition, are people who have acceptance for other people and opinions, but these liberals will not take you into their group unless you hate the same people as they do.
"If it's for the betterment of the country, you don't mind hating on BJP, you don't mind believing that everything that is being run by... Amit Shah is practically doing. But what I don't get is what is their (liberals') agenda and plan of action for bringing this country out of the pit. What is that they are doing," she added.
The Queen star claimed liberals are the first ones to point fingers but don't offer much solution.
"A rape takes place in Kashmir and they say, 'Hindustan raped our daughter', (they are the first ones) to be pointing fingers at each other when our country is so vulnerable and trying to break a civil war? Is that what liberals do?
"The most sensible things seem to be sceptic but a sceptic isn't nothing but a space cadet, doesn't know where he is going. We need a definite direction to go into, we cannot be stuck into the unfortunate loop of to be or not to be," she said. -- PTI
09:08 Indian-American high schooler wins Intl Geography Bee World Championship
Indian-American high school student Avi Goel has won the world championship at the International Geography Bee's junior varsity division held in Berlin, Germany, last month.
Avi, 14, a tenth grader at Silver Creek High School in Evergreen, San Jose, CA, won a gold medal in seven out of the 10 medal events, and a silver medal in two of the events, topping the overall medals table.
He also bagged the top spot in all the three events counting towards the world championship title: the International Geography Exam, the International Geography Showdown, and the International Geography Bee.
The competition took place from July 11-18, 2018, and brought together over 100 of the world's top geography students to vie for the world championship title in the subject.
"After these awards, I want to move on to progress in other subject areas such as math and computer science as these are my desired areas to study in college. The lion's share of my rationale for winning such things stems back to personal pride and desire although I hope to use them, to some extent, to hopefully embellish my college applications if possible," Avi told PTI.
"With this international win, his long time passion has been fulfilled and we are very proud of his hard work and dedication," proud parents Komal & Rajiv Goel said.
The International Geography Bee featured exams, quiz rounds, and other competitions formats testing all aspects of geographic knowledge from historical geography, to physical geography and climatology etc.
The competition was held by International Academic Competitions, a worldwide organization that runs academic competitions across the world, including the newly formed International Geography Bee.
Avi has a long history of competing in geography competitions. In 2017, in Arlington, Virginia, he won the national championships of the United States Geography Olympiad junior varsity division despite being a middle schooler at the time. He has been competing in geography competitions throughout middle school, winning 2nd in the state of California in the 6th grade.
George Bernstein, CEO, Nobel Learning Communities Inc congratulated Avi who "is an excellent example for us to share with the next generation of students". -- PTI
09:06 Martyred army officer's body flown to Mumbai
The mortal remains of Major Kaustubh Rane, who was killed in Jammu and Kashmir during an operation to foil an infiltration bid, was flown in Maharashtra's Mira Road, defence sources said.
His last rites will be performed today with full military honours in Bhayander town in Thane district where his family lives.
Maharashtra education minister Vinod Tawde paid floral tributes to the martyred army officer as the body was received at the Mumbai airport.
Major Rane and three soldiers were killed while foiling an infiltration bid in north Kashmir's Gurez sector.
At least two terrorists were gunned down in the operation.
He is survived by parents, wife and a two-and-a-half-year old child. -- PTI
08:35 Bharat bandh postponed but Maharashtra bandh is on
Dalit organisations have reportedly called off the Bharat Bandh that was scheduled for today.
Citing government passing the amendments to the SC/ST Act to undo strictures by the Supreme Court the reason to call off the bandh, the organizations, however said that they would continue their support for the All India Kisan Sabha-led protest programme across the country
Ashok Bharti, chairman of All India Ambedkar Mahasabha (AIAM) while speaking to News18 said, "We are giving more time to the government to fulfill our demands. We are not calling off the bandh, we are only deferring it. If the Centre does not accept our demands we will hit the streets again."
However, a day-long bandh called by pro-quota Maratha groups in Maharashtra will go on as scheduled to demand reservation in government jobs and educational institutions.
Elaborate security arrangements have been made in the state, particularly in capital Mumbai, to avoid a repeat of last months protest which had led to large-scale violence and arson.
The Maharashtra bandh, will, however, not be observed in Navi Mumbai, because of 'sensitive issues'.
Amol Jadhavrao, leader of Sakal Maratha Samaj said, "Due to some sensitive issues, we have decided not to observe bandh in Navi Mumbai. He added that all essential services, schools and colleges have been excluded from the bandh.
The politically influential Marathas constitute around 30 percent of Maharashtras population and have been demanding 16 percent reservation in government jobs and education.
00:32 Railways announces 9 exam special trains
To clear the extra rush on the eve of the first phase of the railways' computer-based exam for loco pilots and technicians, railways has now announced nine exam special trains.
The national transporter announced the running of two trains between Bihar's Muzaffarpur city and Secunderabad in Telangana.
It also said special trains would be run between Muzaffarpur and Bhubaneshwar, between Darbhanga and Bhubaneshwar, Barauni and Sikandarabad, and Danapur and Sikandarabad.
Nearly 48 lakh candidates will appear for the first set of the computer-based tests for 66,502 vacancies of assistant loco-pilots (ALP) and technicians.
The exams will be conducted in a phased manner till August 31.
The next set of exams is on August 10, followed by exams on August 13, 14, 17, 20, 21, 29, 30 and 31.
The 05289 Muzaffarpur-Secunderabad special train departed from Muzaffarpur this noon and will arrive at Secunderabad at 1 pm on Friday, a statement said.
The return 05290 Secunderabad-Muzaffarpur train will depart Secunderabad at 9 pm on Friday and arrive at Muzaffarpur at 2 am on Sunday.
It will stop at Samastipur, Barauni, Mokama, Bakhtiyapur, Patna, Ara, Buxar, Dildarnagar, Pt Deen Dayal Upadhyaya, Allahabad Cheoki, Satna, Katni, Jabalpur, Itarsi, Nagpur and Balharshah stations.
The train between Muzaffarpur and Bhubaneshwar will depart on August 10 at 5.25 pm and reach Bhubaneshwar at 6.30 pm the next day.
The train between Darbhanga and Bhubaneshwar will depart at 3 pm on August 11 and reach it's destination at 4.30 pm the next day.
The train between Barauni and Sikandarabad will depart at 7.05 am on August 10 and reach it's destination the next day at 11.00 pm.
The train between Danapur and Sikandarabad will depart at 5.10 pm on August 10 and reach Sikandarabad at 2.30 pm.
On Tuesday, the national transporter had announced three special trains -- Patna-Indore-Patna, Danapur-Secunderabad and Darbhanga Secunderabad -- for the exam. -- PTI
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