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Fri, 27 September 2019
Climate crisis: 6 million join global protests
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23:45 Climate crisis: 6 million join global protests
Six million people have taken to the streets over the past week, uniting across timezones, cultures and generations to demand urgent action on the escalating ecological emergency.
A fresh wave of climate strikes swept around the globe on Friday with an estimated 2 million people walking out of schools and workplaces.
Organisers say that during the week of protests that began with a global climate strike last week a total of 6 million people, from trade unionists to schoolchildren, have taken part in thousands of towns and cities.
This week was a demonstration of the power of our movement, said a spokesperson for the FridaysForFuture group which has helped coordinate the demonstrations. People power is more powerful than the people in power. It was the biggest ever climate mobilisation, and its only the beginning. The momentum is on our side and we are not going anywhere.
On Friday there were huge protests in Italy where more than 1 million people were reported to have taken part Spain, the Netherlands and New Zealand, where more than 3.5% of the countrys population joined the demonstrations.
Organisers said they were expecting more people to join as the day progressed. High turnouts were expected in Canada, where Greta Thunberg who kickstarted the school strike movement with a solo protest in Sweden 12 months ago was due to join demonstrators in Montreal.
23:37 Pune flood toll rises to 21, five still missing
The police said on Friday that the death toll in floods and rain-related mishaps in Pune district stood at 21, with five persons missing.
Heavy rains lashed Pune city and the district on Wednesday and Thursday, leading to sudden flooding of nullahs,
rivers and incidents of wall collapse.
Pune police officials said 15 persons died in rain or flood-related incidents in the city, while four were missing.
Pune Rural police said that six people died in the district, while one person was missing.
Earlier in the day, senior Maharashtra minister Chandrakant Patil blamed unauthorized construction on nullahs
and streams for the flash floods.
The city recorded 106 millimetres of rainfall on Thursday.
-- PTI
23:06 Anand Mahindra's message to Greta Thunberg on climate change
Anand Mahindra, chairman of Mahindra Group, reached out to teenage activist Greta Thunberg in a tweet on Friday, saying that creating wealth out of environment friendly solutions would lead to greater benefit than pitching profit against sustainability.
Greta Thunberg, a 16-year-old Swedish girl, had made international headlines earlier this week in an impassioned speech at the UN Climate Action Summit in which she berated world leaders, accusing them of betraying her generation by failing to tackle greenhouse gas emissions.
In his message to Thunberg, Anand Mahindra said he understood her anger.
He wrote on Twitter, "I leave New York with optimism because of young people like @GretaThunberg Greta, we understand your anger,but I urge you to support the message that its not sustainability OR profit but that sustainability can CREATE wealth.This will lead to collaborative solutions."
Earlier, speaking at the UN Global Compact Private Sector Forum in New York this week, Anand Mahindra, whose multinational conglomerate employs over 2 lakh people, said that more and more business leaders are waking up to the fact that sustainability and profit go together, and that climate action represents the biggest business opportunity of the next few decades.
22:47 PM spoke like a true statesman: Amit Shah
Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday hailed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's speech at the United Nations General Assembly, saying he has put India on the world stage as a leading voice of reason and purpose.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said the prime minister's speech was a manifestation of India's imprint and intent at the global stage on fighting terror.
Modi urged the international community to stand united against terrorism, which he described as one of the biggest challenges not for any single country, but for the entire world.
"PM @narendramodi like a true statesman has not only conveyed the message of universal brotherhood but also reminded the world of India's unprecedented contribution towards Global Peace. From 'Jan Bhagidari to Jan Kalyan to Jag Kalyan' is the new mantra for the world to follow," Shah, also the BJP president, said in a tweet.
"I congratulate PM @narendramodi for a historic speech at UNGA. He perfectly summed up our cultural ethos, aspirations of 130crore Indians and our resolve to build a better future for our people. PM Modi has put India on the world stage as a leading voice of reason and purpose," he added.
Singh noted that the prime minister's appeal to the world for a united effort against terror was his most important message.
"Modiji also underlined India's recent achievements in his speech like health cover for 50 crore Indians and mentioned the largest financial inclusion drive ever. He expressed India's resolve to fight against pressing issues like global warming. He spoke like a true statesman," Singh said.
His speech was a manifestation of India's imprint and intent at the global stage. His appeal to world for a united effort against terror was his most important message. #PMModiAtUN," he also said in a tweet.
-- PTI
22:22 Daughter fulfils last wish of Sushma Swaraj, says husband
In a heartfelt message, Swaraj Kaushal, the widower of Sushma Swaraj said that their daughter on Friday fulfilled the last wish of the veteran BJP leader.
Swaraj's last wish was to give Rs 1 fee to senior advocate Harish Salve for contesting Kulbhushan Jadhav case in the International Court of Justice. "Your daughter Bansuri has fulfilled your last wish today. She has presented Rs 1 fee to Harish Salve in Kulbhushan Jadhav's case, which you had left," read a message by Swaraj on Twitter.
A day before she died, Sushma talked to Salve and told him to come and take his fees of Rs 1 for the Jadhav case. However, just 10 minutes later, she suffered a cardiac arrest.
Salve gave credit for India's success at the International Court of Justice in the Kulbhushan Jadhav case to Swaraj and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
"It (Kulbhushan Jadhav case) was all her brainchild. There was not a single paper filed in the case which she didn't see herself. She used to inspect everything and gave valuable suggestions. She used to go personally to the prime minister to ensure everything was cleared. The whole credit for the case goes to Prime Minister Modi and Sushma Ji," Salve had said.
The seven-time parliamentarian Sushma Swaraj passed away at 67.
-- ANI
21:53 Clueless on why Ajit quit assembly: Pawar
NCP chief Sharad Pawar on Friday said he was clueless as to why his nephew Ajit Pawar resigned as party MLA, adding that there was no feud within the family.
He however, said Ajit Pawar's son told him that the former Maharashtra deputy chief minister was "restless" after the Enforcement Directorate named the NCP patriarch in a money laundering case.
Talking to reporters, the former Union minister also dismissed reports of a feud within the Pawar family.
"There is no feud. My decision is the last word in all family matters," he added.
"When I meet Ajit I will ask him the reason for his extreme decision," Pawar said.
Pawar also said he is a "fighter" and will fight the money laundering case filed against him in connection with the
MSC bank scam.
"He (Ajit Pawar) did not discuss the resignation issue with anyone of us. I do not have even an iota of clue as to why did he take that decision... he has been unreachable since," Pawar said.
-- PTI
21:41
India to use the right to reply option, to Pakistan PM Imran Khan's speech in the United Nations General Assembly.
21:15 India's forcing people to radicalisation: Imran
Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan, as promised, raises the issue of Kashmir and blames India for radicalising Muslims.
Here are the updates from his speech at the United Nations General Assembly:
>> "When we came to power, we swore that we would try to bring peace
>> There are no terror groups in Pakistan, India's accusations incorrect
>> When Pulwama attack happened, India immediately blamed us. We asked them for proof but they instead they sent their aircraft
>> PM Modi's election campaign was also based on a lie. During 2019 Lok Sabha election, PM Modi campaigned saying "I have taught Pakistan a lesson" was a lie
>> PM Modi's RSS is inspired by Adolf Hitler, Benito Mussolini. RSS believes in the ethnic cleansing of Muslims. RSS goons butchered hundreds of Muslims
>> India might come and bomb us again if another Pulwama happens. What will Muslims living in India think? Won't they feel radicalised
>> India is forcing people into radicalisation. When people lose their hope to live, they become radicalised
>> Before any of this happens, the United Nations need to take responsibility. That is why UN was formed in 1945
>> There will be a bloodbath when curfew in Kashmir is lifted
20:56 Islamophobia creating divisions in world: Imran
Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan is addressing the United Nations General Assembly.
The Pakistani premier began his speech by saying he feels honoured to represent Pakistan at the world forum.
He said he would not have come to the UN if he did not feel that some "urgent issues" needed to be addressed.
Addressing the prevalance of Islamophobia, the Pakistani PM said it has grown at an alarming pace.
"Islamophobia is creating divisions, hijab is becoming a weapon; a woman can take off clothes but she can't put on more clothes.
"It started after 9/11 and it started because certain western leaders equated Islam with terrorism.
20:15 BJP-Sena to announce seat-sharing by Monday
Shiv Sena and BJP will announce the seat-sharing arrangement for the ensuing Maharashtra assembly polls, scheduled for October 21, by Monday. "Shiv Sena will get 128 seats while the BJP will field its candidates on 160 seats. 15 to 18 seats will be given to small alliance partner," sources in the Shiv Sena said.
The discussion for the post of Deputy chief minister from the Shiv Sena will take place later, sources added.
Senior Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut said: "Yes, we are in an alliance and will fight the state election together."
On seat-sharing formula, he said: "Earlier this year, during the Lok Sabha elections both Amit Shah and Uddhav Thackrey, agreed on 50-50 seat-sharing formula but now the BJP leaders are holding closed doors meeting in Delhi over seat-sharing."
"Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis was also there in the meeting and he must have gone back to Mumbai with a formula," added Raut.
He further said: "Shiv Sena believes in giving rather than taking. Considering Aditya Thackeray as deputy chief minister of Maharashtra is baseless. Thackrey family never runs behind power."
On the other hand, BJP sources have indicated that almost everything is final and both parties will fight elections together. BJP will retain the big brother status in the alliance and is expected to get around 20 more seats than the Shiv Sena, they said.
-- ANI
19:53 Terrorism threat to humanity: Modi @ UNGA
Speaking at the United Nations General Assembly, PM Modi raises the 'T' word.
He says:
>> We have given the world Buddha. That's why there is sincerity and anger towards combating terrorism. Terrorism is one of the world's biggest challenges in front of humanity. Terrorism hurts the principles on which UN was built. That's why the world needs to unite, have a consensus to combat terrorism. A divided world is in no one's interest. We must give a thrust to multilateralism and reforming the UN
>> Swami Vivekananda had given a message of Harmony and Peace to the Parliament of Religions and not dissension. The world's biggest democracy still has the same message for the world: Harmony and Peace
19:48 We are working for welfare of world: Modi @ UNGA
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is addressing the world at the United Nations General Assembly. This is Modi's first world address after he stormed to power for a second term.
Here are the highlights of his address:
>> The world's largest democracy voted for my government and me. We came back to power with a bigger majority and because of this mandate I am here today
>> While I was coming here, I read on the walls of the United Nations "No more single use plastic". I am delighted to inform you that we are running a big campaign in India to free the country of single use plastic
>> When a developing nation successfully runs the world's biggest sanitation programme, builds 11 crore toilets in just five years, it sends an inspiration message to the world. When a developing nation runs the world's health assurance scheme covers 50 crore people then it shows the world a new direction
>> When a developing nation successfully runs a the world's largest financial inclusion programme then it creates hope for all the world's poor. When a developing nation runs the world's largest digital identity programme, ensures them their rights, saves nearly $20 billion, it presents a new hope to the world
>> We are running a huge water conservation campaign. In 2022, when India celebrates 75 years of independence, we will build 2 crore homes for poor
>> How are we able to do this? How is India changing so rapidly? India is a thousands of year old civilization. We are working not just for the welfare of our people, we are working for welfare of the world. That's why our motto is Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas
>> We are working not to show off but out of a sense of responsibility. The efforts may be ours but the results will be for the entire world. Learning about other developing nations only strengthens my resolve to work more for my country's progress
19:40 PM speaks at UNGA, likely to miss Imran's speech
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is addressing the 74th session of the UN General Assembly on Friday in New York, a short while before his Pakistani counterpart Imran Khan.
The speech comes amid heightened tensions between India and Pakistan on the Kashmir issue, but PM Modi is unlikely to mention Pakistan in his speech and will resolutely focus on issues such as development, security, counter terrorism and climate change.
Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan will address the UN General Assembly after Modi. Khan has said that he will "forcefully present the Kashmir issue like never before" in his address at the UNGA session. Pakistan has been trying to internationalise the Kashmir issue after India withdrew the special status of Jammu and Kashmir on August 5, but New Delhi has asserted the abrogation of Article 370 was its "internal matter".
19:28 Gen Rawat becomes chairman of powerful tri-services committee
Army Chief General Bipin Rawat on Friday took charge as Chairman of Chiefs of Staff Committee from outgoing IAF Chief Air Chief Marshal B S Dhanoa.
As the next COSC chairman, General Rawat is focused to operationalise the appointment of Chief of Defence Staff, enhance tri-service integration and stimulate simultaneous growth of the services, the defence ministry said.
The COSC comprises chiefs of the army, the navy and the air force and the senior most member is appointed as its chairperson.
Gen Rawat received the Chairman, Chiefs of Staff Committee baton from outgoing Air Chief Marshal Dhanoa at a brief ceremon. Dhanoa retires from service on Monday.
As chairman of the COSC, Rawat will also focus on rapid operationalisation and synchronisation of modern war fighting capabilities of the armed forces to ensure that they are well aligned to the challenges of the future, the ministry said.
In a landmark military reform, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on August 15 announced that India will have a chief of defence staff as head of the tri-services, a proposal pending since the Kargil conflict in 1999.
Air Chief Marshal Dhanoa had taken charge of Chairman of COSC from then Navy Chief Admiral Sunil Lanba on May 29.
The Chairman of COSC is tasked with ensuring synergy among the three services and evolve common strategy to deal with external security challenges facing the country.
-- PTI
19:15
Congress wins assembly by-election in Dantewada in Chhattisgarh.
19:13 "All set", tweets PMO before Modi's UNGA speech
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the United Nations General Assembly on Friday, his first appearance on the premier global arena after a resounding victory in national elections earlier this year and the third since taking office in 2014. PM Modi, the fourth speaker on the fourth day of the general debate, is expected to take the stage in the iconic hall at the UN headquarters in New York around 7:30 pm Indian time.
PM Modi is expected to speak about his government's achievements, the climate crisis and take on Pakistan for sponsoring cross-border terrorism.
Ahead of his speech, PM Modi's office tweeted: "All set for the @UN General Assembly session! The speech of PM @narendramodi begins shortly. Do watch it LIVE."
The PM held a number of bilateral meetings with top world leaders like US President Donald Trump and German Chancellor Angela Merkel ahead of his UN address. Earlier this week, he hit out at Pakistan in his speech at a public event in Houston, Texas organised by the Indian community.
19:05 Techie death: AIADMK functionary held
After being on the run for over two weeks, a local level All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam functionary was detained on Friday in connection with the death of a woman techie after an illegal hoarding put up by him fell on her in a city suburb, police said.
Jayagopal, a former councillor who had been booked by the police on charges of attempt to commit culpable homicide, was nabbed from Krishnagiri district in western Tamil Nadu, police said.
Amid public outrage, he had been evading arrest for about two weeks ever since R Subhashri, the 23-year old woman techie riding a two-wheeler, was overrun by a tanker lorry after the illegal hoarding put up by him for his family wedding fell on her on an arterial suburban road in Chennai.
The Madras high court has taken serious note of the issue and frowned over such illegal banners besides questioning the delay in arresting Jayagpal.
The state Additional Advocate General had on Wednesday submitted in the court that though special teams have been formed, they were still not able to get any clue about his whereabouts. -- PTI
19:03 Security upped around vital Srinagar installations amid terror threat
Security around vital installations in Srinagar has been strengthened and fresh bunkers set up in and around the city following threats that terrorists may carry out strikes, officials said on Friday.
They said the security has been beefed up around army camps, military stations and other formations.
Also new bunkers have come up near major hospitals, police installations and the Srinagar airport, which has been targeted twice by terrorists in the past, they added.
A multi-tier security arrangement has been activated in some very important installations, they said.
National Security Advisor Ajit Doval had chaired several meetings over the past two days during which security agencies drew his attention towards the threats posed by Pakistan-sponsored terror outfits who may stage some demonstrative and sensational acts of terror.
Troops guarding the army camps, military stations and other formations have been put on high alert and ordered to be on round the clock vigilance, they said, adding the BSF and CRPF authorities have also increased the security level in and around their installations, particularly in the camps.
The state police has also directed police stations and other formations in border belts to remain alert, they said.
They have directed policemen to set up more checkpoints on probable infiltration routes in Jammu region and intensify night patrolling, they said
During the restriction period imposed by the Jammu and Kashmir administration since August 5, when the special status of the state was withdrawn and it was bifurcated into union territories, security forces have built makeshift bunkers at various localities.
The officials said some of these bunkers have also been strengthened in view of the threats posed by terror groups.
There have been intelligence reports that terrorists were roaming freely in some parts of the city as well as rest of the Kashmir valley.
The new bunkers, which have been erected at vantage points, will also help in checking entry and exit from the city, they said. -- PTI
18:49 PM Modi's UNGA address to begin shortly
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the 74th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York on Friday, in what would be his maiden speech at the world body after assuming office for the second term.
Modi's speech will outline the country's larger role on the world stage and what it was doing on the development, peace and security fronts.
The government has maintained that the prime minister will not mention the Kashmir issue at all during the time allotted for the address, in view that the revocation of Article 370 is India's internal matter.
The address will likely take place at around 7.30 pm (IST), shortly before Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan will deliver his speech.
Islamabad, on its part, has made it clear that Khan would raise the issue of Kashmir at the world body. -- ANI
18:39 Time over for Mamata govt: Nadda in Kolkata
Bharatiya Janata Party working president J P Nadda on Friday hit out at West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for her opposition to abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir and claimed that time is over for her government.
Nadda, who was addressing a seminar on abolition of Article 370 in Kolkata, questioned the patriotism of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for opposing the scrapping of the article and said his statement was used by Pakistan in United Nations to oppose the move.
Banerjee is so busy in the politics of appeasement that national interest has taken backseat for her, he said.
"The writing on the wall is clear. The time of her government is over. It's only a matter of time that BJP comes to power in Bengal," he said.
"Is (the concern for) vote bank bigger than national interest for Mamata Banerjee? She should answer why her party opposed the move to integrate the country," he said.
Criticising Rahul Gandhi, Nadda said, "Look at the statements made by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. His statements were used by Pakistan to oppose the India in United Nations. Is this nationalism? Is this patriotism?" Nadda asked. -- PTI
18:08 HC reserves order on Chidambaram's bail plea
The Delhi high court on Friday reserved order on bail plea of former finance minister P Chidambaram, arrested in the INX Media corruption case.
Justice Suresh Kait concluded the hearing on the petition filed by Chidambaram and reserved the order on the bail plea.
Chidambaram, arrested on August 21 by the CBI from his Jor Bagh residence here, is in Tihar Jail under judicial custody till October 3.
The CBI had registered an FIR on May 15, 2017, alleging irregularities in the FIPB clearance granted to the INX Media group for receiving overseas funds of Rs 305 crore in 2007 during Chidambaram's tenure as the finance minister.
Thereafter, the ED lodged a money laundering case in this regard in 2017. -- PTI
17:44 Kalyan Singh gets bail in Babri case
Bharatiya Janata Party leader and former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Kalyan Singh was on Friday granted bail on a personal bond of Rs 2 lakh by the special Central Bureau of Investigation court in Lucknow in connection with the Babri Masjid demolition case.
"Kalyan Singh has been granted bail by the court on a personal bond of Rs 2 lakh," said Manish, lawyer of the BJP leader.
Singh appeared before the court in Lucknow on Friday in connection with the Babri Masjid demolition case.
The court had earlier asked the CBI to submit a report stating that BJP leader Singh is no longer on an incumbent constitutional position.
This had come after the CBI filed an application in the court seeking an order to produce the former Governor in the court in the Babri Masjid demolition case.
On September 9, Singh had rejoined the BJP after completing his term as the Governor of Rajasthan, a post which had accorded him immunity.
Singh was the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh when the 16th century Babri Masjid was razed on December 6, 1992.
Besides Singh, LK Advani, Uma Bharti, and Murli Manohar Joshi are also accused in the case. -- ANI
17:29 No concern for Muslims in China? US asks Pak
The United States has asked Pakistan why it is only bothered about the human rights of Muslims in Kashmir and is not highlighting the 'horrific conditions' that continue to exist for the members of the community throughout China.
Alice Wells, US Acting Assistant Secretary for South and Central Asia, during a special briefing at the 74th Session of the United Nations General Assembly criticised Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan for not speaking out against China, which has detained an estimated one million Uyghurs and other Turkic-speaking Muslims in Xinjiang province.
China is an all-weather ally of Pakistan.
Beijing has often come to the rescue of Islamabad by trying to scuttle global efforts to impose sanctions against Pakistan-based terrorists like Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar and Mumbai terror attack mastermind Hafiz Saeed.
China has been providing financial help to cash-strapped Pakistan to overcome its economic woes.
"I would like to see the same level of concern expressed also about Muslims who are being detained in Western China, literally in concentration-like conditions.
"And so being concerned about the human rights of Muslims does extend more broadly than Kashmir, and you've seen the administration very involved here during the UN General Assembly and trying to shine a light on the horrific conditions that continue to exist for Muslims throughout China," Wells said. -- PTI
17:12 Narada case: BJP leader Mukul Roy fails to appear before CBI
Bharatiya Janata Party leader Mukul Roy on Friday cited 'preoccupations' as the reason for his non-appearance before the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), which had summoned him for questioning in connection with Narada tapes scandal, agency sources said.
The former railway minister sought more time to appear before the CBI.
"Roy informed the CBI about his inability to visit today owing to his preoccupations. He has been asked to appear before the probe team on Saturday," a source said.
The agency on Thursday arrested senior IPS officer SMH Mirza in the scandal, the first apprehension in the case since the tapes surfaced in 2016.
In the footages, persons resembling senior Trinamool Congress leaders are seen accepting money from the representatives of a fictitious company in return for favours.
Roy, who was then the Trinamool Congress MP, was purportedly shown conversing with Mathew Samuels who claimed to have conducted the sting operation in 2014.
The probe agency is yet to conduct a voice sample test of Roy to ascertain the veracity of the footages, which was released just before the assembly polls in 2016. -- PTI
16:49 Another Pak drone recovered near Indo-Pak border: Police
Police on Friday recovered a Pakistani drone which was used to airdrop arms and ammunition in border areas of Punjab, the second such seizure this week in the state, officials said.
The damaged drone was recovered in Mahawa village based on the information given by one of the four people the state police arrested on Sunday. They are allegedly part of a terror module of the Khalistan Zindabad Force (KZF).
Earlier, the police had recovered a half-burnt drone on Tuesday from Tarn Taran. They had said it was also used to drop weapons from Pakistan to fuel unrest in Punjab and adjoining states.
Akashdeep, one of the four people arrested whose interrogation led to the latest seizure, also accompanied a State Special Operations Cell team of the Punjab Police to the site from where the drone was recovered. Police officials said the drone was damaged and it could not fly back to Pakistan after delivering the consignment of weapon. The state police had on Sunday claimed to have busted the terror module of the KZF, which is backed by a group based in Pakistan and Germany. -- PTI
Image: The counter intelligence wing of the Punjab police escort the alleged members of the Khalistan Zindabad Force -- arrested after the seizure of AK-47 rifles, pistols, satellite phones and grenades in their possession -- to a local court in Amritsar, on September 23, 2019.
16:35 If you're in Delhi... onions@Rs 23.90
The Delhi government will sell onions at Rs 23.90 per kilogram in the city from September 28, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said on Friday. Announcing the decision at a press conference, Kejriwal said that onions will be sold at 400 ration shops and 70 mobile vans.
The government will procure one lakh kilogram of onions from the Centre over the next five days. He said one person can buy a maximum of five kilograms of onion at one time. The chief minister said in retail, onion is currently being sold at Rs 60 to 80 per kilograms. -- PTI
16:24 Indian Army Lt Col, Bhutanese pilot dead in crash
An Indian Army Cheetah helicopter crashed in Bhutan in which both the pilots lost their lives. The Indian Army pilot who died in the crash was of Lt Col (Lieutenant colonel) rank while the other was a Bhutanese Army pilot training with the Indian Army.
The helicopter crashed at 1 pm near Yongphulla in Bhutan and went out of radio and visual contact soon after 1 pm. It was en route from Khirmu (Arunanchal Pradesh) to Yongfulla on duty, said Indian Army Spokesperson, Col Aman Anand.
Ground Search and Rescue (SAR) operation was launched immediately from Yongfulla, the army said. The wreckage has been located. Indian Air Force and Army Helicopters SAR were also launched. More details are awaited.
File pic of a MiG-21 crash
16:19 Rajnath@Amritanandamayi ashram
Defence minister Rajnath Singh posts this pic from Kollam: "Visited Mata Amritanandamayi Math in Kollam today on the occasion of her birthday. She has been doing a great service for the society by promoting education, health and sanitation among the people. I pray for her good health and long life."
16:06 Trump's impeachment inquiry pushes markets into the red
Market benchmark BSE Sensex closed 167 points lower after a volatile session on Friday, dragged by metal, auto and financial stocks, as optimism over US-China trade deal waned amid rising political uncertainty in the US. The 30-share Sensex ended 167.17 points, or 0.43 per cent, lower at 38,822.57. The index swung 325 points intra-day, hitting a low of 38,782.60 and a high of 39,107.37.
Similarly, the broader NSE Nifty fell 58.80 points, or 0.51 per cent, to end at 11,512.40. Top laggards in the Sensex pack were Vedanta, IndusInd Bank, Yes Bank, Tata Steel, ONGC, Tata Motors, Sun Pharma, M&M, TCS and Hero MotoCorp, dropping up to 5.39 per cent. On the other hand, Bajaj Finance, Bharti Airtel, ITC, RIL, Kotak Bank and NTPC were the top gainers, rising up to 1.61 per cent.
According to traders, optimism over the upcoming US-China trade talks faded as market volatility increased on concerns over US President Donald Trump's impeachment inquiry, keeping global investors on the edge.
16:03 Will work with Sajid if he's acquitted: Akshay
Superstar Akshay Kumar on Friday said it was production banner Nadiadwala Grandson's decision to not give Sajid Khan credit as a director on the fourth installment in the "Housefull" franchise.
Sajid stepped down from his directing duties on "Housefull 4" in October last year after he was accused of sexual harassment by three women, including actor Saloni Chopra. Farhad Samji came on board to finish the film, the trailer of which was released on Friday.
"Sajid has directed 60 per cent of the film. But this is studio's call (to not give him credit). And that is how it going to happen now," Akshay told reporters at the trailer launch of the comedy.
The 51-year-old actor, who plays the lead in the movie, said the film industry has become a more secure place after the #MeToo movement made its way to India last year.
"There have been a lot of changes since #MeToo began. Every production company I know, like Sajid Nadiadwala's company, now a days there are officers on the set to deal with such cases. They make sure that nothing goes wrong. They are there to take the complaints. There is a lot of security now. And we don't want misbehaviour happening," he added.
Asked if he would collaborate with Sajid again in future, Akshay said he is open to working with the director if he gets a clean chit. "Well...See if he is acquitted with everything. I don't know what has happened exactly. And if he is acquitted I will surely work with him."
Refresh your memory: #MeToo fire: Sajid Khan steps down as Housefull 4 director
15:51 No officer probing coal block cases to be transferred without permission: SC
The Supreme Court on Friday reiterated that no investigating officer associated with the probe of coal block allocation scam cases would be transferred or repatriation to parent cadres without its permission.A bench headed by Justice Deepak Gupta, however, allowed a plea by some supervisory officers in ED and the Central Bureau of Investigation for repatriation to parent cadres. The court said that the officers shall be replaced by officers of the same rank.The court had, in July 2017, said officers of CBI and ED probing the cases cannot be transferred without its prior approval. -- ANI
15:39 Won't let anyone who bothers India RIP: Rajnath
A big incident carried out by terrorists from a neighbouring country on India's coastline cannot be ruled out but the government is committed to coastal and maritime security, Defence minister Rajnath Singh said on Friday.
Speaking at the 66th birthday celebrations of Mata Amritanandamayi Devi in Kollam at Kerala, Singh said India will not let anyone who bothered them "rest in peace" while referring to the air-force strike in Balakot in response to the Pulwama attack.
"We cannot rule out that our neighbouring country's terrorist can carry out a big incident on our coastline which extends from Kutch to Kerala. As a Defence minister I would like to assure that our country's maritime security is absolutely strong and solidified.
"We are completely committed to coastal and maritime security," he said. Singh said that when he was Home minister, the Pulwama incident had taken place and no one in the country will be able to forget the sacrifice of the soldiers who died in the incident.
"You know that after some days of Pulwama incident, our air force conducted airstrike at Balakot in Pakistan. We do not bother anyone, but if anyone bothers us, we will not let them rest in peace.
"The country that does not remember the sacrifice of its soldiers, it is not respected anywhere in the world," he said. He also said asked not to forget that the soldiers who sacrifice their lives for the country also have their parents.
"We should stand with them and honour the sacrifice made by the martyr of their family," he said. -- PTI
15:01 BJP-ally Sena says Pawar not in power during scam
Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut on Friday denied Sharad Pawar's involvement in the Maharashtra State Co-operative Bank fraud case, saying "the Nationalist Congress Party chief was not in power when the scam took place."
Speaking to ANI, Raut said: "Pawar is a big leader. Taking his name in such cases has created an unhealthy atmosphere in Maharashtra. He has no connection with the bank. He was not in power when the scam happened. His party leaders may have involvement but not him."
"Before putting Pawar's name in the bank scam, the ED should have held a discussion with the state government as Pawar is a very senior leader," he added.
The ED on Monday registered an Enforcement Case Information Report in connection with the MSC Bank fraud case against Pawar, his nephew and former Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar along with 70 other officials of the MSC Bank.
It is alleged that the bank had sanctioned several loans in a fraudulent way to workers and the directors of local co-operative sugar factories, spinning mills and other processing units, and also to the bank's then top executives. The scam is pegged at Rs 5,000 crore.
14:53
Former Uttar Pradesh chief minister Kalyan Singh appears before CBI court in Babri Masjid demolition case.
14:49 It doesn't take a crime to impeach a president
If House Democrats press ahead with impeachment proceedings against President Donald Trump, their case will rest in large part on the claim that he sought a foreign government's help, with hundreds of millions of dollars in aid in the balance, to dig up dirt on a political opponent to boost his reelection campaign. But, if true, would that be a crime? The answer might not matter. It doesn't take a criminal act to impeach a president. Read more
14:08 Pawar blinks, cancels ED office visit
Addressing a press conference outside his residence in Mumbai, NCP chief Sharad Pawar said he had dropped the plan of going to the Enforcement Directorate office for now.
He said Mumbai Commissioner of Police Sanjay Barve and the Joint CP had met him today and requested him to reconsider his decision to visit the ED office in Ballard Pier as it could cause a law and order situation.
"The ED action against me is aimed at maligning the image of opposition leaders," the NCP stalwart said.
Pawar has been named in a money-laundering case by the ED in connection with a scam at Maharashtra State Cooperative Bank.
He had announced that he would visit the ED office at 2 pm, even though the agency has not summoned him yet.
Pawar thanked the Shiv Sena and Congress for backing him on the ED action issue, adding the agency's action gave an impression that opposition leaders were being targeted.
13:52 Ruling LDF wins Kerala's Pala bypoll
The ruling CPI(M) led LDF on Friday won the byelection to Pala assembly constituency, wresting the seat from the opposition Congress led UDF. LDF candidate Mani C Kappen defeated Jose Tom Pulikkunel of the opposition Congress-led UDF in a closely contested fight. Kappen, leader of the Nationalist Congress Party, defeated Pulikkunel, a faction leader of the Kerala Congress (M) by 2,943 votes.
Pala was a bastion of the Congress-led UDF, held by veteran leader and former Finance Minister K M Mani for the last five decades. The bypoll was necessitated due to the demise of Mani in April. The win has come as a huge relief to the LDF after its rout in the Lok Sabha polls.
The bypoll was viewed as an acid test for UDF and the BJP headed NDA as a victory would have given boost to the three major combines prospects in the by-elections to five more assembly constituencies scheduled for October 21. -- PTI
13:29 Bengal govt plans to set up museum at Vidayagar's house
West Bengal government has plans to set up a museum at the north Kolkata house of 19th century social reformer Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar where he had spent the last few years of his life, state minister Partha Chatterjee said.
The museum will come up at Vidyasagar's residence at Badur Bagan area where pictures and models, chronicling his life from his birth place at Birsinghapur village in Paschim Medinipur district to the house in north Kolkata, will be put on display, he said on Thursday.
Chatterjee, who is the education minister, said this at a function after inaugurating 'Vidyasagar Academy' at the Badur Bagan residence on the 200th birth anniversary celebrations of the educational and social reformer. The minister also released two books, 'Amader Vidyasagar' and 'Chotoder Vidyasagar' at the programme. Some items used by Vidyasagar, gathering dust in the storeroom of the house, will be brought out for public viewing at the museum. -- PTI
Image: West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee reinstalled the bust of the noted Bengali reformer Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar at Vidyasagar College in Kolkata in June.
13:10 Modi selling family silver to meet needs: CPI-M
Taking a dig at the government over its plans to privatise PSUs, CPI(M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury on Friday said after driving the economy into the ground, selling 'family silver' to meet expenditures neither makes economic nor common sense. He also alleged that while Modi was busy campaigning for US President Donald Trump, he was also "dismantling" India's Constitutional order.
"Having driven the economy into the ground, selling 'family silver' to meet daily expenditures by Modi govt makes neither economic sense nor is it common sense: more jobs will be lost and large scale retrenchment will compound public misery," Yechury said, referring to the government's move to privatise Public Sector Undertakings.
Yechury also tagged a news report that said that the central government, in its memorandum to the Fifteenth Finance Commission, has sought a substantial decrease in devolution to states from the existing 42 per cent of the divisible tax pool.
"Cooperative federalism is a nice phrase but when this govt's actions are the opposite of what it claims, we know what it really wants. Tax people, states unfairly, don't share resources, stifle the economy and then blame fairies for the mess," Yechury tweeted tagging the report. -- PTI
13:07 2 years after Gorakhpur tragedy, court clears Dr Kafeel Khan
Dr Kafeel Khan, who was suspended from Gorakhpur's BRD Medical College two years ago, has been cleared of charges of medical negligence, corruption and not performing his duty in the 2017 Gorakhpur children death case. More than 60 children admitted at the hospital had lost their lives due to oxygen shortage in 2017.
The departmental enquiry report was handed over to Dr Kafeel by the medical college administration on Thursday.
"The allegations against the accused are insufficient... Therefore it is submitted that the accused officer is not guilty," the report stated.Khan, who was then posted with paediatrics department, was suspended from service on August 22, 2017, following the deaths of about 60 infants in the hospital due to lack of oxygen, after oxygen suppliers cut off supply due to non-payment of dues by the hospital.
Read our 2018 interview with Dr Khan here.
13:00 Fresh curbs in Kashmir for Friday prayers
Fresh restrictions were imposed in parts of Kashmir on Friday to maintain law and order in view of congregational prayers, even markets in the valley remained shut and public transport was off the roads for the 54th day, officials said.
Restrictions under Section 144 CrPc were imposed on Friday morning in various parts of the valley, the officials said.
They said the curbs were imposed in five police station areas of Nowhatta, Rainawari, Safakadal, Khanyar and Maharaj Gunj in downtown (interior areas) and in Hazratbal zone in Srinagar.
The restrictions were also imposed in Ganderbal, Anantnag, Awantipora, Sopore and Handwara towns of the valley, the officials added.
The authorities also sealed the Lal Chowk city centre the commercial hub of the city by placing barricades and concertina wires on all entry and exit points leading to the area, they said.
The officials said the curbs were imposed as a precautionary measure to maintain law and order in view of the Friday congregational prayers.
Restrictions were first imposed across the Kashmir on 5 August when the Centre announced its decision to abrogate Article 370 of the Constitution and bifurcate the state into two Union territories. The restrictions were lifted in phases from many parts of the valley as the situation improved with passage of time.
However, the authorities have been imposing restrictions in vulnerable areas of the valley every Friday, apprehending that vested interests might exploit the large gatherings at big mosques and shrines to fuel protests. -- PTI
Photograph: Umar Ganie /Rediff.com
12:27 Surprised Pawar's name figures in bank scam: Hazare
Social activist Anna Hazare has expressed surprise over NCP president Sharad Pawar's naming cropping up in the multi-crore Maharashtra State Co-operative Bank scam.
The Enforcement Directorate has filed a money laundering case against Pawar, his nephew Ajit Pawar -- a former deputy chief minister of Maharashtra -- and others in connection with the scam.
An Enforcement Case Information Report, equivalent to a police FIR, has been registered by the central agency under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act.
The case is based on a Mumbai Police FIR which had named former chairmen of the bank, Ajit Pawar, and 70 erstwhile functionaries of the cooperative lender.
"When this case came to me, Sharad Pawar's name was not there anywhere. How did his name crop up, who mentioned his name, all these things only they know," said Hazare on Thursday when asked about the ED case and the Maratha strongman's alleged links to the scam. The anti-corruption crusader, a Pawar critic, expressed the hope the truth will come out after the ED carries out a detailed investigation in the scam. -- PTI
12:22 Political opportunism, says Rahul on action against Pawar
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Friday slammed the Modi government, accusing it of being vindictive and targeting NCP chief Sharad Pawar ahead of the Maharashtra polls.
Pawar has been named in a money-laundering case by the Enforcement Directorate in connection with a scam at the Maharashtra State Cooperative Bank. The NCP chief has said that he will visit the ED office, even though it has not summoned him yet.
"Sharad Pawarji is the latest Opposition leader to be targeted by a vindictive Government. The timing of this action, a month before elections in Maharashtra, reeks of political opportunism," he said on Twitter.
Gandhi has been critical of the government targeting opposition leaders. The Congress has said that cases are being slapped against opposition leaders ahead of elections in states. -- PTI
11:48 Salman seeks exemption from court appearance
Bollywood actor Salman Khan has sought permanent exemption from appearing in court even as the Jodhpur court today will take up the actor's plea against his conviction in the blackbuck poaching case. The actor had filed a plea against his conviction by a lower court, which had sentenced him to five years in jail.
The actor did not appear before the court in view of a death threat issued by a gangster, 'Garry Shooter', of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang on Facebook last week. The court will now hear the case on December 19.
The Bishnoi community will now file a fresh case against Salman Khan.
During a hearing on July 4, Sessions Court Judge Chandra Kumar Songara had directed Khan to appear before the court on September 27, failing which his bail plea may be cancelled.
The actor has not appeared before the court since May last year, when he was granted bail. "Khan has not arrived so far and there is no intimation of his arrival," police said.
They said adequate security measures have been made for the actor. Airport sources said no charter flight is scheduled for the day from Mumbai. Khan is accused of killing two blackbucks during the shooting of a film in Jodhpur in 1998. -- PTI
11:15 SoBo in lockdown ahead of Pawar's ED visit
Police have imposed prohibitory orders outside the Enforcement Directorate's office here ahead of NCP chief Sharad Pawar's planned visit to the agency office on Friday, while the opposition party claimed police have started detaining its workers.
A large number of police personnel have been deployed and roads leading to the Enforcement Directorate office at Ballard Pier of South Mumbai have been closed in view of Pawar's visit, police said on Friday morning.
The former Union minister, named in a money-laundering case by the ED in connection with a scam at Maharashtra State Cooperative Bank, has said he will visit the ED office at Ballard Pier in South Mumbai even though it has not summoned him yet.
"Honourable @PawarSpeaks Saheb will visit ED office at 2 pm. Workers will be present in big number in his support. "But the police started detaining workers since yesterday night. We are people who believe in law and order.
"This suppression is not right. Condemnation!" NCP chief spokesperson Nawab Malik tweeted. NCP workers had staged protests in Mumbai and other parts of Maharashtra when the ED named Pawar in the case earlier this week.
Anticipating similar protests on Friday, orders prohibiting movement of groups of people under section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure have been imposed outside the ED office, a police official said on Thursday night.
A late Thursday night communication from the police said prohibitory orders have also been imposed under the jurisdictions of Colaba, Cuffe Parade, Marine Drive, Dongri, Azad Maidan, J J Marg and MRA Marg police stations in South Mumbai.
Pawar has appealed to party workers not to gather outside the ED office.
10:55 Congress candidate leading in Dantewada assembly bypoll count
The Congress candidate was leading by a margin of 2,778 votes in the Dantewada assembly bypoll where counting was taken up on Friday morning, officials said.
The counting of votes in the bypoll held on September 23 in the Naxal-affected seat began at 8 at the District Institute of Education and Training campus in Dantewada district headquarters,a poll official said.
As per the early trends, Devti Karma of the Congress was leading by a margin of 2,778 votes against her nearest rival Ojaswi Mandavi of the BJP, he said. -- PTI
10:53 US plans to slash refugee intake to 18,000
The US on Wednesday announced that it plans to allow only 18,000 refugees to be resettled in the United States in the 2020 fiscal year, the lowest number since Washington began its refugee program in 1980.
According to a senior administration official, US President Donald Trump administration will reserve 4,000 refugee slots for Iraqis who worked with the United States military, 1,500 for people from Central America and 5,000 for people persecuted for their religion, reports The New York Times.
The additional 7,500 slots are for those who are seeking family unification and have been cleared for resettlement, authorities added.Administration officials also said the change was to accommodate that huge increase in people seeking asylum.
"President Trump is prioritising the safety and security of the American people by making sure we do not admit more people than we can vet," the administration said.
10:41
Salman Khan to appear before the District and Sessions Court in Jodhpur today in the 1998 Blackbuck poaching case. Recently, he had received a death threat on social media.
10:39 Sniffing out trouble at NCP HQ
A police team arrives with sniffer dog at Nationalist Congress Party's office in Mumbai.
The police have imposed prohibitory orders outside the Enforcement Directorate's office at Ballard Pier and in other areas of south Mumbai in view of NCP chief Sharad Pawar's planned visit on Friday.
Pawar, named in a money-laundering case by the ED in connection with a scam at Maharashtra State Cooperative Bank, has said he will visit the ED office, even though it has not summoned him yet.
NCP workers had staged protests in Mumbai earlier when the ED named Sharad Pawar in the case.
10:29 Babri demolition case: Ex-UP CM in court today
BJP leader and former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Kalyan Singh is scheduled to appear before a CBI court in Lucknow on Friday in connection with a criminal case related to the Babri Masjid demolition.
He is scheduled to appear before the court at around 12 pm. The court had, last week, directed the Central Bureau of Investigation to produce Singh before the court on September 27.
"We have been informed that a new Governor has been appointed in the state of Rajasthan and Kalyan Singh has been relieved from the duties of his position. Taking suo motu cognizance of this, the court directs CBI to issue a summon for Kalyan Singh's presence in the court on September 27," the court order read.
The court had earlier asked the CBI to submit a report stating that BJP leader Singh is no longer on an incumbent constitutional position. This comes after the CBI filed an application in the court seeking an order to produce the former Governor in the court in the Babri Masjid demolition case.On September 9, Singh had rejoined the BJP after completing his term as the Governor of Rajasthan, a post which had accorded him immunity.
Singh was the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh when the 16th-century Babri Masjid was razed on December 6 in 1992. Besides Kalyan Singh, L K Advani, Uma Bharti, and Murli Manohar Joshi are accused in the case.
-- ANI
10:12 CJI, for some, its hope
Like Kashmir in official accounts, everything is calm on the surface in the rest of the country, too. But signs of anguish, if not disquiet, are emerging on social media, markedly so after the UK Supreme Court struck down Prime Minister Boris Johnson's decision to prorogue Parliament.
Some social media users have begun to compare the apex courts of the UK and India and wonder aloud whether the highest court in India should not stand up for those who are facing daunting odds.
Read the column HERE
10:07 Rupee slips against dollar in opening trade
The rupee slipped to 70.93 against the US currency in opening trade on Friday amid a stronger dollar in overseas markets. The domestic currency was trading lower by 5 paise at 70.93 at 0925 hrs against the US currency. The rupee moved in a range of 70.93 to 70.89 at the interbank foreign exchange market in opening trade. It had closed at 70.88 on Thursday on foreign fund inflows.
The US dollar rose to multi-weeks high against major global currencies as the impeachment probe into US President Donald Trump weighed on investor sentiment. -- PTI
09:15 Pawar to visit ED office today, sec 144 imposed
The Mumbai police have imposed prohibitory orders outside the Enforcement Directorate's office at Ballard Pier in South Mumbai in view of Nationalist Congress Party chief Sharad Pawar's planned visit on Friday.
Pawar, named in a money-laundering case by the ED in connection with a scam at Maharashtra State Cooperative Bank, has said he will visit the ED office, even though it has not summoned him yet.
NCP workers had staged protests in Mumbai on earlier when the ED named Sharad Pawar in the case.
Anticipating similar protests on Friday, orders prohibiting movement of groups of people under Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure have been imposed outside the ED office, a police official said on Thursday night.
The Mumbai police tweets on it Twitter handle,
"Dear Mumbaikars! Please be advised that prohibitory orders have been issued u/s 144 CrPC for the following jurisdictions.
1. Colaba PS
2. Cuffe Parade PS
3. Marine Drive PS
4. Azad Maidan PS
5. Dongri PS
6. JJ Marg PS
7. MRA Marg PS"
08:53 Indian-origin Singaporean jailed for petrol station robbery
An Indian-origin man in Singapore was jailed for 11.5 years after being convicted of robbery at a petrol station and admitting to drug consumption and possession, a media report said Friday.
Visvanathan Vadivelu, 50, had pleaded guilty to committing armed robbery at a Shell petrol station in Upper Bukit Timah Road in 2017, reported The Straits Times.
He had also admitted to two counts of drug consumption and one count of drug possession.
Visvanathan, who was unrepresented, told District Judge Kan Shuk Weng on Thursday that he was "mentally unwell" and that he fled from the court on September 17 after he "heard voices" telling him to go home.
He added that his mother later alerted police, who arrested him in their flat.
He was hauled back to court on September 19.
Visvanathan told Judge Kan that he wanted to be "sentenced" to the Institute of Mental Health.
She replied that being sent to IMH is not a sentencing option.
He robbed a petrol station on July 31, 2017, as he was "desperate for money". He was unemployed at the time. -- PTI
08:34 'Whistleblower on Trump scandal a CIA officer'
The whistleblower, who divulged that United States President Donald Trump had sought foreign help for his re-election and that the White House sought to cover it up, is a CIA official who was detailed to work at the White House at one point.
Quoting three people familiar with his identity, The Irish Times reported that the whistleblower's complaint made public on Thursday suggested that he was an analyst by training and demonstrated a sophisticated understanding of Ukrainian politics and some knowledge of the law.
However, little else is known about him.
Lawyers for the whistleblower refused to confirm that he worked for the CIA and said that publishing information about him was dangerous.
"Any decision to report any perceived identifying information of the whistleblower is deeply concerning and reckless, as it can place the individual in harm's way," said Andrew Bakaj, his lead counsel.
"The whistleblower has a right to anonymity," the counsel added.
A CIA spokesman declined to comment.
Trump took aim at the whistleblower's credibility on Thursday, attempting to dismiss his revelations because they were second-hand.
He also obliquely threatened the whistleblower or his sources with punishment. -- ANI
07:47 NASA releases pic of Chandrayaan 2 landing site
NASA on Friday released high-resolution images captured by its Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter Camera (LROC) during its flyby of the lunar region where India's ambitious Chandrayaan 2 mission attempted a soft landing near the Moon's uncharted south pole, and found Vikram had a hard landing.
The Vikram lander module attempted a soft landing on a small patch of lunar highland smooth plains between Simpelius N and Manzinus C craters before losing communication with ISRO on September 7.
"Vikram had a hard landing and the precise location of the spacecraft in the lunar highlands has yet to be determined,' NASA said. "The scene was captured from a Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter Camera Quickmap fly-around of the targeted landing site image width is about 150 kilometres across the centre."
Vikram was scheduled to touch down on September. 7. This event was India's first attempt at a soft landing on the Moon. The site was located about 600 kilometres from the south pole in a relatively ancient terrain, according to the US space agency.
The LRO passed over the landing site on September 17 and acquired a set of high-resolution images of the area; so far the LROC team has not been able to locate or image the lander.
"LRO will next fly over the landing site on October 14 when lighting conditions will be more favourable,' John Keller, Deputy Project Scientist Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter Mission, Goddard Space Flight Centre, told PTI via email.
"It was dusk when the landing area was imaged and thus large shadows covered much of the terrain; it is possible that the Vikram lander is hiding in a shadow. The lighting will be favourable when LRO passes over the site in October and once again attempts to locate and image the lander," NASA said.
07:33 Jaishankar meets FMs of Brazil, Japan at UN
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met and discussed bilateral issues with his counterparts and other leaders from a number of countries, including Brazil and Japan, on the sidelines of the 74th United Nations General Assembly session in New York.
He tweeted photographs of his meetings with Brazil's Foreign Minister Ernesto Arajo, Sierra Leone's Nabeela Tunis, Ugandan Prime Minister Ruhakana Rugunda and Latvia's Foreign Minister Edgars Rinkevics.
"Honoured to meet PM @RuhakanaR of Uganda. Recalled that PM @narendramodi had articulated India's approach to the African partnership in Kampala in July 2018. India-Uganda ties are a text book case for South-South cooperation," Jaishankar tweeted.
PM Modi's visit to Uganda last year was the first bilateral tour by an Indian prime minister since 1997.
"Getting to know my new Japanese counterpart, FM @moteging. Expecting to work closely with him on our special relationship," the external affairs minister said in another tweet.
Toshimitsu Motegi was appointed Japan's foreign minister earlier this month.
Jaishankar also posted photographs of his interactions with Singapore Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan, Croatia's FM Gordan Grlic Radman, European Union's Foreign Policy chief Federica Mogherini and the Maldivian Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid.
Image: Foreign Minister S Jaishankar with Uganda Prime Minister Ruhakana Rugunda on the sidelines of the UNGA session.
00:14 200 additional Foreigner Tribunals in Assam
The Assam government has issued a notification setting up 200 more appellate Foreigner Tribunals for hearing of appeals of people excluded from the final National Register of Citizens (NRC).
According to an official release on Thursday night, the new facilities will be in addition to the existing 100 Foreigner Tribunals (FTs).
The appeal against exclusion from the NRC must be filed in the quasi-judicial tribunals within 120 days of the publication of the final NRC.
The final NRC was released on August 31 with 19,06,657 of the total 3,30,27,661 applicants excluded and 3,11,22,004 included.
The process of NRC update was started in Assam following a Supreme Court order in 2013 and since then, the apex court has been closely monitoring the entire process.
The districts and number of additional appellate FTs as per the September 23 government notification are Baksa district 6, Biswanath 5, Bongaigaon 5, Barpeta 7, Cachar 9, Charaideo 1, Chirang 2, Darrang 10, Dhemaji 3, Dhubri 8, Dibrugarh 3, Dima Hasao 1, Goalpara 8, Golaghat 5, Hailakandi 8, Hojai 11, Jorhat 7, Kamrup (Metro) 15, Kamrup (Rural) 8, Karimganj 8, Karbi Anglong 4, Kokarajhar 5, Lakhimpur 7, Majuli 1, Morigaon 8, Nagaon 15, Nalbari 2, Sivasagar 3, Sonitpur 8, South Salmara 2, Tinsukia 9, Udalguri 4 and West Karbi Anglong 2. -- PTI
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