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Sat, 26 January 2019
Venezuelan showdown moves to UNSC

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22:29   1 dead, 9 taken ill after consuming 'prasad' in Karnataka temple
A woman died and nine others, including two children, were hospitalised after they allegedly consumed 'prasadam' (offering) served outside a temple in Chikkaballapura district, about 100 km from Bengaluru, police said on Saturday.

Two women have been detained in this connection, they said.

Kavita, 22, died, while nine others, including four of her family, were admitted to a hospital on Friday after eating the offering.

Two unidentified women came to the Gangamma Devi temple in Chintamani Town where a grand celebration took place Friday night, and distributed Kesari Bhat (halwa) to the devotees.

After consuming it, people started complaining of stomach pain, police said, adding they were rushed to a private hospital in the town.

"The temple management is not involved as nobody had prepared any 'prasad' there. Two women had brought some 'prasad' and were distributing it," police said.

Efforts are on to trace the women who distributed the offering outside the temple, they said.

Expressing shock over the incident, Karnataka Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy said a guideline would be formulated.

"The recurrence of such incidents warrants a guideline. In this regard, we will take necessary steps after discussing with officials," he said in a statement.

Last month, 17 people lost their lives and more than 100 were hospitalised in Chamarajnagar district of Karnataka after they consumed 'prasad' laced with poison at a temple.

A seer of Salur Math Pattada Immadi Mahadevaswamy and three others were arrested on charges of murder and attempt to murder for reportedly poisoning the temple offering.  -- PTI
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21:26   Venezuelan showdown moves to UNSC
Venezuela's political showdown moved to the United Nations on Saturday where a Security Council meeting called by the United States pit backers of President Nicolas Maduro against the Trump administration and supporters of the country's self-declared interim leader Juan Guaido.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo addressed the meeting ahead of Venezuelan Foreign Minister Jorge Arreaza and other council members, which include supporters of both duelling presidents.

The session focusing on Venezuela's crisis comes a day after Guaido vowed to remain on the streets until his country has a transitional government, while Maduro dug in and accused his opponents of orchestrating a coup.

The government of President Donald Trump announced it was recognising the 35-year-old leader of the opposition-controlled National Assembly quickly after his oath, leading Maduro to say that he was breaking all diplomatic ties with the United States.

The leaders of France, Spain and Germany turned up the pressure on Maduro on Saturday, saying they too would recognise Guaido unless Venezuela calls new presidential elections within eight days.  -- Agencies
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21:03   R-Day: Putin sends wishes to Prez Kovind, PM Modi
Russian President Vladimir Putin has extended cordial wishes to India's president, prime minister and the people of the country on its 70th Republic Day, embassy officials said on Saturday.

Putin in his message said India has achieved 'impressive success' in socio-economic, scientific, technical and other spheres.

India celebrated the august occasion with a grand military parade and exhibition of its history, cultural diversity and strategic weaponry at the Rajpath -- the city's centrepiece boulevard -- in the presence of thousands of spectators including foreign dignitaries and the country's top political and military brass.

South African President Ramaphosa was the chief guest at the 90-minute celebrations here marking the day when the world's biggest democracy was declared a republic in 1950.

"Russian President Vladimir Putin sends his cordial congratulations to President of India Ram Nath Kovind, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and to all citizens of the Republic of India," a senior official of the Russian Embassy in New Delhi said.

"India has achieved impressive success in socio-economic, scientific, technical and other spheres," Putin was quoted as saying in the statement.

Putin had visited India last year in October.

"Your country rightfully enjoys high authority in the international arena, actively participates in tackling pressing issues of the regional and global agenda," he said in his message.

The relations between the two countries are 'dynamically developing' in the spirit of privileged strategic partnership, he said.

"I am convinced that further advance of the entire gamut of Russian - Indian ties fully meets the interests of our friendly peoples and contributes to ensuring international stability and security."

"I sincerely wish you good health, well-being and success, and to all citizens of India - happiness and prosperity!," reads the message. -- PTI
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20:13   Indian-origin S Africans moved by tableau on Gandhi at Pietermaritzburg
A group of Indian-origin South African nationals who attended the Republic Day celebrations here Saturday were moved after seeing the Railway's tableau themed on transformation of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi to Mahatma.

Yashika Singh, who hails from KwaZulu-Natal Province, said the Pietermaritzburg train incident depicted in the tableau  'Mohan to Mahatma' touched many emotional chords among us.

In the tableau, a steam-engine train was depicted with the first carriage signifying the 1893 incident of Pietermaritzburg, when Gandhi, a young barrister was thrown off a carriage after facing racism.

"I am a fourth-generation South African of Indian-origin, and I love my country, but we feel a sense of deep connection with India too. And, Gandhi and Mandela provide strong links. So, this tableau really moved us," she told PTI.

Singh, who lives in Estcourt and works in the media sector, said, a group of Indian-origin journalists have come from different parts of South Africa to cover President Cyril Ramaphosa's State visit.

Asked if they were travelling with the president, Johannesburg-based Fakir Hassen said, "No, this has been done separately."

Durban-based Salma Patel, another South African of Indian-origin who works for a radio channel echoed Yashika's sentiments.

"South Africa is our home. But, we feel a connection with India. And, we are very delighted to participate in the Republic Day of India," she said.

On the top of the engine, a bust of Gandhi has been installed, which is similar to the bust installed in June last year at the Pietermaritzburg station, according to information shared by the Defence Ministry on tableaux.

The second coach depicts Gandhi travelling in third-class compartment in Indian railways after return from South Africa.

Yashika recalled that last year marked 125 years of the Pietermaritzburg station incident and External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj had travelled to South Africa.

"The incident was retraced, and it had really left us emotionally very moved," she said.

Asked, which part of India her ancestors had hailed from, she conjectures, "It is probably Bihar, as my mother says, the nature of food that we eat back home is similar to what people eat in Bihar but we do not know it as of now."

Gandhi's 150th birth anniversary was the overall theme of the Republic Day parade this year.

South African President Ramaphosa was the chief guest at the 90-minute celebrations marking the 70th Republic Day of India.  -- PTI
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19:30   Pak intruder shot in Samba found alive, shifted to hospital
A 22-year-old Pakistani intruder, shot at by Border Security Force personnel along the International Border in Samba district of Jammu and Kashmir and presumed dead earlier, was shifted to hospital after he was found alive, officials said.

Farooq Ahmad, a resident of village Bhollian Da Kothay of Shakargarh in Pakistan, was fired upon by the BSF personnel after he ignored repeated warnings against his bids to cross into this side of the border in Check Faqira area around 1.30 pm, the officials said.

He fell motionless on the ground after receiving the gun shot and was presumed dead, they said.

The intruder however, was found alive by the BSF personnel, who reached him to retrieve the body, the officials said.

The BSF personnel, accordingly, gave the first aid to the injured intruder and rushed him to a government hospital for specialised treatment.

The officials said nothing incriminating was recovered from the possession of the intruder, who seemed to be 'high on drugs'.  -- PTI

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19:08   100% chances for hacking EVMs: Chandrababu Naidu
Claiming that there were 100 per cent chances for hacking Electronic Voting Machines, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Saturday warned that democracy could not be sacrificed to hackers.

He demanded that the Election Commission of India either ensure VVPAT receipts were issued 100 per cent or revert to the old ballot paper system.

Addressing a meeting of Telugu Desam Party MPs in Amaravati, he noted that anybody could misuse technology.

"It's easy to misuse technology. It is particularly easy for the one who writes the (software) programme. The Election Commission is only a referee. It should not enforce a system on which there is no trust," the TDP chief remarked.

Stating that people were the main partners in elections, he said enhancing faith in the people was democracy.

"Political parties are only raising the people's demand. Many parties are opposed to the EVMs. Even developed countries have not been using EVMs and hence the EC should not exert pressure on using a system in which there is no faith," Chandrababu added.

He asked his party MPs to raise the issue in Parliament and oppose the use of EVMs in the ensuing elections.

Meanwhile, the TDP opposed the Centre's reported move to introduce a full Budget for the 2019-20 financial year.

Chandrababu asked his MPs to exert pressure on the Centre to make it introduce only a vote-on-account budget.

"It's wrong in a democracy for a government, which has a mandate (left) only for two months, to present a budget for the next 10 months as well. That's an undemocratic way.

"This government is trying to take decisions that a new government ought to take," TDP leader Y Satyanarayana Chowdary later told reporters.  -- PTI
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18:12   Glad my work finally recognised: Ex-ISRO scientist Nambi Narayanan
From being a celebrated ISRO scientist to being branded a 'spy' and finally awarded with the Padma Bhushan, Nambi Narayanan Saturday said he was glad that his work in the Indian space arena was finally recognised. 
 
"My name became famous because of 'spying' charges. Now I am glad that my contribution has been recognised by the government," he told PTI over phone.
Narayanan, 77, was awarded the prestigious Padma award this Republic Day.  
The former scientist had played a critical role in the development of Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV), Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle and in the initial phase of making cryogenic engines. 
He, however, was embroiled in an espionage case in 1994. The case pertained to allegations of transfer of certain confidential documents on India's space programme to foreign countries by two scientists and four others, including two Maldivian women. 
The case was first investigated by Kerala police and later handed over to the CBI, which found no espionage as was alleged to have taken place.
The case also had its political fallout with a section in the Congress targeting then chief minister late K Karunakaran over the issue, that eventually led to his resignation.
Narayanan, the then director of cryogenic project at Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), was arrested along with ISRO deputy director D Sasikumaran and the Indian representative of a Russian space agency, 
K Chandrasekhar. S K Sharma, a labour contractor and two Maldivian women-- Fousiya Hasan and Rasheeda-- were also arrested.
What followed was a long legal battle that ended last year with the Supreme Court clearing all charges against Narayanan and directing the Kerala government to give Rs 50 lakh compensation to the scientist.
The court also ordered a high-level probe into the action of the erring cops which had caused "tremendous harassment" and "immeasurable anguish" to Narayanan.
Looking back at the turn of events, the former scientist said they were "a part of life" and was glad that his contribution was finally recognised. 
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17:45  
Delhi court sends AgustaWestland scam accused Gautam Khaitan to 2-day ED custody in fresh case of holding black money and money laundering.
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17:07   Pak troops violate ceasefire along LoC in JK's Poonch
Pakistani troops Saturday violated ceasefire by targeting forward posts and villages along the Line of Control (LoC) in Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir, promoting "strong and effective retaliation" by the Indian army, a defence spokesman said.
   
The unprovoked small arms firing and mortar shelling from across the border started in Mankote area of Mendhar sector around 10:00 AM, the spokesman said.
 
He said Indian army retaliated strongly and effectively to silence the Pakistani guns.
 
A police official said the exchange of fire between the two sides continued till 1230 hours but there was no report of any casualty on the Indian side in the Pakistani firing.
 
Meanwhile, defence sources said there was no traditional exchange of sweets between the two armies at Chakan Da Bagh crossing point along the LoC in Poonch on the occasion of the Republic Day.
 
"No exchange of sweets at Chakan Da Bagh in view of the ongoing tense situation along the LoC, the sources said.
 
Since the beginning of the New Year, Pakistani troops have been regularly violating the ceasefire especially along the LoC in Jammu division.
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16:50   After 2018 fiasco, Rahul gets front row seat with Gadkari at R-Day parade
After a row over his seating arrangement at the Republic Day last year, Congress president Rahul Gandhi was seen sitting in the front row along with Union minister Nitin Gadkari at the 70th Republic Day celebrations in New Delhi. 
 
While Gandhi got a front row seat, Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad was seen seated in the second row behind Gandhi, unlike last year when both of them were made to sit in the sixth row.  
Gandhi, who had taken over as the new Congress chief last year from his mother Sonia Gandhi, was designated the sixth row seat during the 2018 Republic Day celebrations, prompting angry protest from his party which accused the government of setting aside traditions and indulging in "cheap politics".
The Congress sources maintained that their party presidents had always been seated in the front row at the Republic Day Parade celebrations at Rajpath. 
Gandhi earlier took to Twitter to wish the countrymen on Republic Day.  
"Best wishes to the countrymen on Republic Day," he said. 
Senior party leader P Chidambaram also wished the citizens on the occasion.  
"Happy Republic Day to all. Republic Day marks the birth of the Constitution of India. Celebrating the Constitution is a joy. Saving the Constitution is a duty," he tweeted. 
Other senior Congress leaders also put out a number of messages on their Twitter accounts, giving best wishes to the countrymen on Republic Day. 
"Remembering our founding fathers on the 70th Republic Day. It is time to rededicate ourselves to the values of equality, liberty and justice enshrined in our constitution, which make us a great nation. Jai Hind," Anand Sharma said. -- PTI
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16:29   Fans won't be satisfied with 'Game of Thrones' ending: Maisie Williams
Maisie Williams believes it does not matter who sits on the Iron Throne at the end of Game of Thrones, fans will not feel satisfied the way the show closes.
 
The eighth and final installment of what has gone on to become an important part of pop culture is slated to premiere on April 14.
In the HBO show, Williams plays Arya Stark, the tenacious girl who suddenly grew up after her father's public execution to become a focused, revenge seeking warrior.  
The 21-year-old actor said it is the "right time" that the show was coming to an end and she was proud of it.
"I don't know that anyone is going to be satisfied. No one wants it to end, you know, but I'm really proud of this final season. 
"I've always felt ashamed to say things like that, but I am. I'm really proud of all the work we've put it, for me it's the right time. I hope people like it," she told Sky News.
Several theories surround the much-awaited climax of the epic fantasy series, that first aired in 2011.
It was being said that the makers had decided to film multiple endings of the final season after suffering from major leaks in 2017 but Williams dismissed the reports. -- PTI  
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16:27  
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, former prime minister Manmohan Singh and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa at President Ram Nath Kovind's "At Home" function. 
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16:21   Saina Nehwal enters Indonesia Masters final
Saina Nehwal continued her impressive run to enter the finals of the USD 350,000 Indonesia Masters with a hard-fought win over China's He Bingjiao in Jakarta on Saturday.
 
The 28-year-old from Hyderabad, who had reached the finals at the last edition, notched up a come-from-behind 18-21 21-12 21-18 triumph over sixth seed Bingjiao, who had won a bronze medal at the World Championship last year.
Eighth seed Saina will now face either Spain's three-time World Champion and reigning Olympic champion Carolina Marin or China's Chen Yufei, seeded third. 
Saina had won a gold medal at the 2018 Commonwealth Games, a bronze at the Asian Games, besides reaching finals at the Denmark, Indonesia Masters and Syed Modi International last year. -- PTI
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15:45   India gifts 30 ambulances, 6 buses to Nepal on R-Day
India on Saturday donated 30 ambulances and six buses to Nepal and extended its support to the country in achieving prosperity.
India's gesture came as it marked 70th Republic Day.
India's Ambassador to Nepal Manjeev Singh Puri handed over keys of the ambulances and buses to the recipient organisations amidst celebrations in Indian Embassy premises, Katmandu on Saturday.
 
Since 1994, the Government of India has gifted 722 ambulances and 142 buses to various organisations across Nepal to expand access to healthcare and educational services in Nepal. 
Ambassador Puri also distributed cash to the kins of war veterans from the Gorkha regiment and gifted books to 53 schools and libraries across the country.
Puri unfurled the Indian national flag and read out the message delivered by the president of Indian to the nation on the occasion of the Republic Day.
"Government of India will extend support to government of Nepal in attaining its goal of 'Samriddha Nepal ra Sukhi Nepali' or 'Prosperous Nepal and Happy Nepali'," assured ambassador Puri. 
The function was attended by more than 2,000 people, including Indian embassy staff, Indian citizens residing in Nepal, Indian business community in Kathmandu, media persons and students. -- PTI 
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15:14   Mizoram Guv addresses empty ground amid R-Day boycott call
Mizoram governor Kummanam Rajasekharan on Saturday addressed an almost-empty ground in Aizawl on the 70th Republic Day, due to a statewide boycott call given by an umbrella organisation against the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill.
 
No member from the general public attended the function, police said adding that only ministers, legislators and top officials were present.
The boycott call was given by the NGO Coordination Committee, an organisation of civil society groups and student bodies.
Six armed contingents participated in the Republic Day parade, officials said. Up to 30 contingents traditionally take part in the annual event.
In other district headquarters, the deputy commissioners unfurled the tricolour in the absence of senior officials and public, as was the case in sub-divisional and block headquarters.
However, the Republic Day celebrations passed off peacefully without any untoward incident, despite the presence of placard-carrying protesters near the venues, police said. -- PTI
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15:06   Navy divers detect another body in Meghalaya coal mine
Navy divers Saturday located the body of another miner trapped since December 13 inside the 370-foot-deep coal mine in Meghalaya's East Jaintia Hills district, officials said.
 
"The Indian Navy has informed us that another body was found at 3am and is located at about 280 feet away from the bottom of the main shaft," district deputy commissioner F M Dopth said.
He said the body is decomposed and efforts are on to retrieve it to the top of the mine, using the Navy's remotely operated vehicle, with the help of the National Disaster Response Force.
The first body, of Amir Hussain from Assam's Chirang district, spotted in the mine was handed over to the family members Saturday morning.
In a joint operation, the Navy and the NDRF pulled Hussain's body out of the mine's shaft on Thursday, after it was first spotted on January 17.
On December 13, water from the nearby Lytein River flooded a network of tunnels in the illegal rat-hole coal mine in Lumthari village of East Jaintia Hills, trapping 15 men and prompting a multiple-agency rescue attempt.
Nearly 200 rescue personnel from the NDRF, the Indian Navy, Odisha Fire Service and state agencies are involved in the search-and-rescue operation.
Efforts to de-water the nearby abandoned mines with the help of high-powered pumps of Coal India Ltd, Kirloskar Brothers Ltd and Odisha Fire Service are still continuing, the officials said. -- PTI
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15:01   Bharat Ratna Bhupen Hazarika's voice resonates at Rajpath
The voice of Bhupen Hazarika, popularly known as the 'Bard of Brahmaputra', resonated at the Rajpath as the Assam tableau, depicting the handloom of the state inspired by Mahatma Gandhi made its way during the Republic Day celebrations, a day after the Bharat Ratna was posthumously awarded to him.
   
A poet, music composer, singer, actor, journalist, author and filmmaker, Hazarika, the self-proclaimed jajabor (wanderer) took the rich folk heritage of Assam and interpreted it beautifully for the world through his songs.
The front portion of Assam's tableau showcased a life-size Assamese woman working on her loom production, depicting the growth of cottage industry.
 
The middle portion showed a typical Assamese 'Sarai' followed by Sattriya Dance performed with the song "Mahatmai Hasi Bole-Ram O Rahim" in voice of Hazarika.
 
The rear portion shows a typical Assam house on the verandah of which there is a large sculpture of Mahatma Gandhi spinning charkha.
 
In the lower part, a concrete house which is known as "Poki" - the house of Jyotiprasad Agarwalla of Tezput where Gandhi stayed in 1934 was shown.
 
Also shown was an Assamese working on a typical handicrafts in a thatch house. The side panel in the end showcase relief mural depicting various handicraft items of Assam.
 
One of Assam's few balladeers, Hazarika was cherished in Dhaka as much as in Guwahati and Kolkata. He died in 2011.
 
Hazarika was awarded Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (1987), Padma Shri (1977), Dada Saheb Phalke Award (1992), Padma Bhushan (2001) and Padma Vibhushan (2012-posthumously). -- PTI
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14:58   Rahul meets South African President
Congress President Rahul Gandhi and former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh meet South African President Cyril Ramaphosa. He was the chief guest at the Republic Day parade today.
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14:14   Must strive to protect foundational ethics of Constitution: Pranab
A day after his name was announced for the Bharat Ratna award, former President Pranab Mukherjee called upon countrymen to strive to protect and preserve the foundational ethics of justice, liberty, equality and fraternity as enshrined in the Constitution.
   
Wishing fellow citizens on the 70th Republic Day, he urged them to strengthen their resolve to live up to the ideals of the Constitution. 
 
"As the Indian republic turns 70 years old, I wish each & every citizen in India and abroad a very Happy Republic Day. The foundation of this Great Democratic Republic was laid down by our Founding Fathers in our Indian Constitution," he said on Twitter.
 
Mukherjee also unfurled the national flag at his residence in central Delhi and took the salute from a contingent of Central Reserve Police Force personnel deployed there.
 
"Our Founding Fathers have guided us this far, let us go farther with greater vigour and spirit to create an India of our dreams. On this Republic Day, let us strengthen our resolve to live up to the ideals of our Constitution.
 
"The dynamism of our Constitution exemplified in the ideals of Justice, Liberty, Equality and Fraternity sets the tone of our development. We must strive to protect and preserve these foundational ethics," he also said.
 
The government on Friday announced conferring on Mukherjee the country's highest civilian award -- the Bharat Ratna -- for his contribution to public life. 

The late singer Bhupen Hazarika and the later Jana Sangh leader Nanaji Deshmukh were also conferred the Bharat Ratna. -- PTI  
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13:54   Trump says he wants people to come to the US legally
United States President Donald Trump has said he wants immigrants to come to the US legally and through a system based on merit so that they can enjoy safety and liberty, insisting that Americans cannot surrender operational control over the nation's borders to foreign cartels.
Trump's remarks came on Friday as he defended his plan for a wall along the US-Mexico border after reaching a deal with congressional leaders Friday to reopen the government for three weeks despite getting no new funding for the structure. 
"As Commander-in-Chief, my highest priority is the defence of our great country. We cannot surrender operational control over the nation's borders to foreign cartels, traffickers, and smugglers. We want future Americans to come to our country legally and through a system based on merit," Trump told reporters at the White House. 
 
Trump said the he needs people to come to the country. 
"We have great companies moving back into the United States. There are more people working today in the United States than have ever worked in our country," he said. 
"We need people to come in to help us -- the farms, and with all of these great companies that are moving back. Finally, they're moving back,' he said, adding that he wants them to enjoy the blessings of safety and liberty, and the rule of law. 
"We cannot protect and deliver these blessings without a strong and secure border," Trump said. -- PTI
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13:06   ED arrests VVIP chopper scam accused Gautam Khaitan
The Enforcement Directorate has arrested lawyer Gautam Khaitan, accused in the AgustaWestland VVIP chopper case, in connection with a fresh case of possession of black money and money laundering, officials said Saturday.
   
They said Khaitan was placed under arrest Friday night by the agency sleuths under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act.
 
Sources said a fresh criminal case under the PMLA was filed by the ED against Khaitan on the basis of a case filed by the Income Tax Department against him under Section 51 of the Black Money (Undisclosed Foreign Income and Assets) and Imposition of Tax Act, 2015.
 
Khaitan has been alleged to have been operating and holding a number of foreign accounts illegally and thereby possessing black money and stash assets, they said.
 
It is understood that the investigative agencies have got fresh leads against Khaitan after the questioning of Christian Michel, an alleged middleman in the VVIP chopper deal with AgustaWestland, who was extradited by India from Dubai in December last.
 
The Income Tax Department had last week carried out searches against Khaitan in this new case filed under the anti-black money law. -- PTI
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12:43  
Congress president Rahul Gandhi and senior Bharatiya Janata Party leader and Union minister Nitin Gadkari attended the Republic Day parade earlier. Photograph: ANI 
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12:19   Mobile internet services suspended in Kashmir on R-Day
Mobile internet services were suspended across Kashmir on Saturday as a precautionary measure on the occasion of Republic Day, but mobile phone services functioned as usual.
   
Mobile internet services were snapped in the early hours as stringent security arrangements were put in place for Republic Day celebrations across Kashmir Valley, a police official said.
 
He said the services were snapped as a precautionary measure.
However, the mobile phone services, which used to be suspended for the duration of the Republic Day ceremony here, were functioning as usual.
 
Two terrorists were killed in an encounter with security forces on Saturday in Khunmoh area on the outskirts of Srinagar city in Jammu and Kashmir, police said. -- PTI
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11:54   R-Day parade concludes, PM walks down Rajpath to greet people
Prime Minister Narendra Modi broke the general security protocol as he walked around greeting the crowd, gathered to witness the celebrations of India's 70th Republic Day at Rajpat.

After the Republic Day parade, President Ram Nath Kovind, chief guest at the 70th Republic Day celebrations South African President Cyril Ramaphosa left the venue.

However, Modi walked down on the streets and waved his hand to the crowd.  
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11:43  
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and chief guest at the 70th Republic Day celebrations South African President Cyril Ramaphosa witness the parade in Delhi. 
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11:42  
M A G N I F I C E N T ! 

33 people on nine motorcycles make a human pyramid during the Republic Day parade at Rajpath. 
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11:36   We Salute You!
Altitude: 18,000 ft 

Temperature: Minus 30 degree Celsius 

Indo-Tibetan Border Police personnel celebrates Republic Day in Ladakh. 
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11:31   R-Day parade: Lt Bhavana Kasturi leads all-male Army Service Corps
Lieutenant Bhavana Kasturi lead all-male Army Service Corps contingent during the Republic Day Parade at Rajpath in New Delhi. 

Kasturi is be the first-ever lady officer to lead an all-male contingent in the Republic Day parade.

'It's not about me -- but about my jawans, my country,' Lieutenant Bhavana Kasturi told Rediff.com's Archana Masih recently.

You can read her interview HERE.
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11:09   BSF, Pak Rangers exchange sweets at Attari-Wagah border on R-Day
The Border Security Force and Pakistani Rangers today exchanged sweets and greetings on the occasion of 70th Republic Day at the Attari-Wagah border.

The BSF gifted sweets to the Pakistani Rangers and it reciprocated the gesture.

However, last year, the BSF had refused to exchange sweets and greetings with the Rangers in the wake of heightened tension between the two countries along the International Border and the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir due to repeated ceasefire violations by Pakistani forces.
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10:57   2 terrorists gunned down in Srinagar
Two terrorists were killed in an encounter with security forces on Saturday in Khunmoh area on the outskirts of Srinagar city in Jammu and Kashmir, police said.
 
Security forces launched a cordon and search operation following information about presence of militants in the area, a police official said, as Republic Day events were being held in parts of the city.
He said the search turned into a gun battle after terrorists opened firing on security forces.
Two terrorists were killed in the operation, the official said adding that their identity and group affiliation were being ascertained. -- PTI
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10:28   Yellowish orange turban for PM Modi at R-Day event
Prime Minister Narendra Modi continued with his tradition of donning colourful turbans at Republic Day celebrations on Saturday by sporting a yellowish orange headgear with a red tail.
 
Wearing his traditional kurta pajama and the trademark Nehru jacket, Modi paid tributes to the martyrs at the Amar Jawan Jyoti before heading for the Republic Day parade.
Turbans have been a highlight of the PM's sartorial choices at Independence Day and Republic Day events.
For his maiden Independence Day address as the prime minister in 2014, Modi had opted for a Jodhpuri bandhej turban in bright red colour with green at the tail.
A yellow turban covered with criss-crossed lines in different shades of the same colour, along with a few in red and deep green, marked his 2015 look, and he chose a tie and dye turban in hues of pink and yellow for his appearance at the Red Fort in 2016.
The prime minister's turban for 2017 was a mix of bright red and yellow with criss-crossed golden lines all over it followed by a saffron turban last year.
From bright red bandhni turban from Kutch to mustard Rajasthani 'safa', the prime minister has sported varied turbans at his Republic Day appearances too. -- PTI 
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10:14   Prez hands over Ashok Chakra to Lance Naik Nazir Wani's kin
Lance Naik Nazir Ahmad Wani, a surrendered militant who became a soldier, was posthumously awarded India's highest peacetime gallantry award, the Ashok Chakra, on Republic Day for his courage during a fierce encounter in which six terrorists were killed in Kashmir last November.

Wani's wife and mother received the award from President Ram Nath Kovind.

Wani belonged to an army unit raised 15 years ago with surrendered militants as an experiment to rewrite the rules of counter-terror operations in Kashmir.
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10:05   PM Modi welcomes South African President at R-Day parade
Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomes President Ram Nath Kovind and chief guest President of South Africa Cyril Ramaphosa at Rajpath ahead of Republic Day parade.
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09:52   On R-Day, PM pays tribute to soldiers at Amar Jawan Jyoti
Ahead of the Republic Day parade, Prime Minister Narendra Modi pays tribute to the soldiers at the Amar Jawan Jyoti.

Accompanying him are the three service chiefs -- army, navy and air force.

After the PM lays a wreath, the buglers sound the Last Post' and a 2 minute silence is observed at the Amar Jawan Jyoti. 

The Eternal flame at Amar Jawan Jyoti honours every unknown soldier who sacrificed his life in wars. 

It was erected in December, 1971, inaugurated by PM Indira Gandhi in 1979.
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09:28   Trump signs deal to end longest US shutdown
United States President Donald Trump has announced a deal with the Democrats to temporarily open the government for three weeks till mid-February, ending the longest-ever partial shutdown and enabling over 800,000 federal workers to resume their job.
   
"I am very proud to announce today that we have reached a deal to end the shutdown and re-open the federal government," Trump said at the White House on Friday. 

"After 36 days of spirited debate and dialogue, I've seen and heard from enough Democrats and Republicans that they're willing to put partisanship aside, I think, and put the security of the American people first," he added.
 
The president, however, implied about declaring a national emergency if the Congress did not approve a funding for the wall by February 15. 

"If we don't get a fair deal from Congress, the government will either shut down on February 15 again or I will use the powers afforded to me under the laws and the Constitution of the United States to address this emergency," he said.
 
Minutes after the announcement, Republicans and the Democrats came together on the Senate floor to support a three-week continuing resolution to reopen the government, while they negotiate a bipartisan border security deal. 

Both the House and the Senate are expected to pass the resolution shortly for Trump to sign into law on Friday. -- PTI
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09:26   PM greets people on Republic Day
Prime Minister Narendra Modi greeted the people on the country's 70th Republic Day on Saturday.
   
"Happy Republic Day to all fellow Indians," he tweeted.
 
Several leaders took to social media to extend their greetings on the occasion.
 
"As we celebrate #RepublicDay2019, let us renew our vow to our country: let us strive to live up to the ideals of justice, liberty and equality as enshrined in the constitution. Let us move towards a stronger, better India. Let us, with fierce pride, say in one voice: JAI HIND!" Union Minister Rajya Vardhan Singh Rathore tweeted.
Union Minister Arun Jaitley, who is recuperating after a surgery in a hospital in the US, tweeted, "#RepublicDay2019 greetings to everyone. Happy 70th #RepublicDay2019".
Railways Minister Piyush Goyal tweeted, "70 & Growing Strong: As India celebrates its 70th #RepublicDay, let us cherish the memory of the day when we became an Independent Republic, and look ahead with aspiration & zeal towards building a New India."
 
Union Ministers Maneka Gandhi, Smriti Irani, Prakash Javadekar and J P Nadda and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal also took to Twitter to extend their greetings.
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09:17  
People are assembling at Rajpath in Delhi for the Republic Day parade. 
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09:15   Zee founder apologises after stock market rout
Essel Group chairman Subhash Chandra on Friday said his company is in a financial mess and has blamed the same for the aggressive bets on infra, which has gone out of control since the IL&FS crisis and also the acquisition of Videocon's D2H business.
Apologising to lenders, Chandra also alleged that some negative forces are out to sabotage his efforts to raise money through a strategic sale in the flagship company Zee Entertainment Enterprises.
The admission incidentally came after Zee shares tanked a whopping 26.43 percent on the BSE to Rs 319.35 on Friday, while other group company shares like Dish TV plunged 32.74 percent to Rs 22.60.
In an open letter, Chandra did not disclose the exact quantum of debt, limiting himself to say that rolling over debt has been difficult since the IL&FS crisis and the group has been able to honour its loan commitments till December.
"I am compelled to apologise to our bankers, NBFCs and mutual funds, since I believe that I have not lived up to your expectations, despite the best of my intentions," Chandra said in the letter.
Without divulging if the group has defaulted on any debt servicing commitment, he urged lenders not to react in "an anarchical manner and maintain patience" till the process of ZEE Entertainment's stake sale is completed.
"Post-sale process, we will be positively able to repay the entire dues, but if the lenders react in panic, it will only hurt them and us," he warned and claimed that he is not desirous of keeping a "single rupee" and that no promoter ever has decided to sell his "jewel crown" in face of financial troubles as he is trying to do.
The strategic sale, announced last November, will halve the promoter holdings, but is facing troubles from negative forces which are "sabotaging" by "hammering" the stock price.
Chandra claimed he had achieved successes through meetings in London recently and cited the 26.43 percent price correction to Rs 319.35 on Friday as an attempt to derail the sale process. -- PTI
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09:07  
BJP President Amit Shah unfurls tricolour at the party office in Delhi. 
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09:06   Gita Mehta, writer and Naveen Patnaik's sister, turns down Padma award
Renowned writer Gita Mehta has refused to accept the Padmi Shri, which the Centre announced on the eve of Republic Day.

Mehta, the elder sister of Odisha chief minister Naveen Patnaik, said the timing of the award might be misconstrued, causing embarrassment to the government and her.

In a press statement issued from New York, Mehta said, "I am deeply honoured that the Government of India should think me worthy of a Padma Shri but with great regret I feel I must decline as there is a general election looming and the timing of the award might be misconstrued, causing embarrassment both to the Government and myself, which I would much regret.

Mehta was selected for the coveted civilian honour in the literature and education category.

Mehta has authored books like Karma Cola (1979), Raj (1989), A River Sutra (1993), Snakes and Ladders: Glimpses of Modern India (1997) and Eternal Ganesha: From Birth to Rebirth (2006). 

She has also produced and/or directed 14 documentaries.
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08:52   Google celebrates India's 70th Republic Day with special doodle
Search giant Google today dedicated a special doodle to mark India's 70th Republic Day, which captured the country's architectural and cultural legacy as well as its rich bio-diversity.
   
The doodle with a 3D impression depicts the iconic facade of the grand Rashtrapati Bhavan in the backdrop, flanked by trees, reflecting the flora and fauna that resides on its sprawling campus.
 
Rich in colours, the celebrated landmark is fronted by six letters of the word G-O-O-G-L-E, each one on in a stylised form, ranging from a golf course to an ancient monument.
 
While G dipped in green colour, stands on a golf link, L has been represented by Delhi's Qutub Minar, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and one of the most visited sites in the country.
 
The fourth letter G takes a shape that portrays an elephant trunk placed over a peacock, both being symbols of India.
The rest two Os and E, represent the handicraft and intangible heritage of India, the overall result being thematically colourful.
 
The internet behemoth is known to mark landmark occasions and life and times of celebrated personalities with a special doodle on its homepage.
 
Search giant Google in its special doodle to mark the 68th Republic Day showed a stadium full of people amid a sea of tricolour decking up the arena. -- PTI
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08:25   Anti-aircraft guns, SWAT commandos: Security in top gear in Delhi for R-Day
SWAT women commandos, mobile hit teams, snipers are among the varied layers of security under which the national capital has been placed for the Republic Day celebrations. 

Elaborate measures, including deployment of anti-aircraft guns, were put in place to secure the airspace.
 
Following the arrest of two suspected Jaish-e-Mohammad members, who were planning to carry out terror strikes in the city during the 70th Republic Day celebrations, Delhi had been placed under high-security cover to avoid any terror strike or untoward incident.
The arrested members of the JeM had identified Lajpat Nagar market, Haj Manzil, Turkman Gate, Paharganj, India Gate and the IGL gas pipeline in east Delhi as potential targets, police said.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa will be the chief guest at the Republic Day parade. He will be the second South African president to be invited to the event as the chief guest.
Former South African president Nelson Mandela was the chief guest at the Republic Day parade in 1995. 

Multi-layer security arrangements are in place. 

Around 25,000 police personnel, including traffic officials, have been deployed. CCTV cameras and face-recognition cameras have also been installed at Rajpath, Deputy Commissioner of Police (New Delhi) Madhur Verma said.
Mobile hit teams, anti-aircraft guns and sharpshooters have also been deployed to keep a watch on the eight-km-long parade route from Rajpath to the Red Fort, besides the nearby localities. Thirty-six women commandos of the Delhi Police's Special Weapons And Tactics (SWAT) unit, who were formally inducted in August last year, will also be part of the security arrangements.
Parakram vans, that are manned by NSG-trained commandos, had been patrolling strategic locations to ensure that security is not jeopardised. Snipers have been stationed atop high-rise buildings while scores of CCTV cameras are keeping a tight vigil on people's movements on the parade route. Nearly 25,000 security personnel drawn from the Delhi Police and central security forces were deployed in Central Delhi.
The police are also using counter-drone technology to thwart any attack or identify any suspicious flying object, a senior police officer said.
The traffic police also deployed 3,000 personnel to manage route diversions and ensure a safe and secure passage for the visiting dignitaries. Elaborate traffic arrangements and restrictions were put in place in Delhi for smooth conduct of the Republic Day parade between Vijay Chowk and Red Fort Grounds, traffic police officials said Friday.
Metro services will be available for commuters at all stations on Republic Day, but there will be no boarding and de-boarding at Central Secretariat and Udyog Bhawan stations from 5 am till 12 noon.
Boarding and de-boarding will not be allowed between 8.45am to 12 noon at Lok Kalyan Marg (Race Course) and Patel Chowk metro stations, they said. The parade will start at 9.50am from Vijay Chowk and pass through Rajpath, Tilak Marg, Bahadur Shah Zafar (BSZ) Marg, Netaji Subhash Marg and proceed for the Red Fort. -- PTI
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00:25   JD-S leader says Pranab got Bharat Ratna for visiting RSS headquarters
Janata Dal-Secular leader Danish Ali on Friday said former president Pranab Mukherjee was being awarded the Bharat Ratna as he had visited the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh headquarters in Nagpur and had described Sangh ideologue K B Hedgewar as the 'son of the soil'.

The JD-S secretary general also protested the award being conferred on Mukherjee and not on seer Shivakumara Swami of the Siddaganga mutt in Karnataka, who died at the age of 111.

"Pranab Mukherjee is being awarded the Bharat Ratna because he visited the RSS headquarters and described the founding Sarsanghchalak chief, K B Hedgewar, as 'the son of the soil'," he said.

Ali added that there were more deserving candidates than the former president in the field of politics, like Biju Patnaik and Kanshi Ram, who had worked for the masses.

"We protest this as Sri Sri Shivakumara Swami of Siddaganga has not been conferred the award. Swamiji was a legend and had worked towards the social welfare of people all his life," he said.

Ali added that the people of Karnataka would teach a lesson to the Bharatiya Janata Party for not conferring the award on Shivakumara Swami.  -- PTI

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