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Thu, 05 May 2016
Swamy wants day-to-day hearing in SC on Ram temple issue
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23:19 Kollam temple fire: Murder charges to be slapped against accused
Murder charges would be slapped against the accused in the case related to Puttingal temple firework tragedy that claimed 109 lives, police said.
Crime branch police, probing the case, informed a lower court hearing the case at Paravoor in the district that as per the advice of Law Department, murder charges would be framed against the accused.
There are 26 accused, including 15 temple managing committee members and workers of the contractors of the firework display held on April 10.
However, the crime branch said it was yet to take a decision on against whom the murder charges should be framed.
Currently the accused were charged under section 304 of IPC (culpable homicide not amounting to murder).
More than 350 people injured in the fire which occurred when a firework misfired and caused explosion of stored high-decibel crackers during the temple festival.
22:49 HC to pronounce verdict on Maharashtra's beef ban on Friday
The Bombay high court will pronounce the judgement on a bunch of petitions challenging the constitutional validity of the beef ban in Maharashtra on Friday.
A division bench of Justices A S Oka and S C Gupte had reserved the ruling in January after hearing the arguments.
In February 2015, the President granted assent to the Maharashtra Animal Preservation (Amendment) Act. While the original 1976 Act banned slaughter of cows, the amendment prohibited, in addition, slaughter of bulls and bullocks and possession and consumption of their meat.
As per the act, slaughter attracts a five-year jail-term and Rs 10,000 fine while possession of meat of bull or bullock attracts one-year in jail and Rs 2,000 fine.
During the hearing, the HC had refused to grant interim stay to the provisions penalising the possession of beef.
Arif Kapadia, a city resident, and noted lawyer Harish Jagtiani have challenged the provision which says mere possession of beef anywhere in the state is a crime.
This is arbitrary and undermines the cosmopolitan nature of the city which houses people from all religions and communities, they contend.
Other petitions have been filed by Vishal Sheth, a lawyer, and Shaina Sen, a student, contending that the ban on beef violates fundamental rights of citizens.
22:39 Deadly air strike on Syria refugee camp kills dozens
Dozens of people are reported to have been killed in an air strike on a refugee camp in northern Syria, BBC reported.
Images on social media showed tents destroyed at the al-Camouna camp near Sarmada in Idlib province, close to the Turkish border.
Some reports say the attack was by Syrian or Russian war planes but this has not been confirmed.
The strike comes a day after the extension of a truce was confirmed.
The Syrian military and non-jihadist rebel forces had agreed to a cessation of hostilities around the the city of Aleppo, following pressure from the US and Russia.
22:08 112 pilots tested positive for alcohol from Jan 2013 till Apr 28
As many as 112 pilots of various airlines tested positive for alcohol prior to the commencement of their flights from January 2013 till April 28, Lok Sabha was informed today.
As per the data available with DGCA, 112 pilots tested positive for alcohol during the pre-flight medical examination from January 2013 till April 28, Minister of State for Civil Aviation Mahesh Sharma said in a written reply in Lok Sabha.
Of these, a maximum number of 33 pilots were from full service carrier Jet Airways, while 25 belonged to budget airline IndiGo, he said. Nineteen pilots of national carrier Air India were found positive in the breath analyser test during this period, he added.
A total of 30 pilots tested positive for alcohol during the pre-flight medical test in 2013. The number came down to 26 in 2014, he said.
22:06 Swamy wants day-to-day hearing in SC on Ram temple issue
BJP leader Subramanian Swamy today demanded in Rajya Sabha the day-to-day hearing in the Supreme Court on the issue of Ram Janambhoomi temple at Ayodhya. Raising the issue through a point of order, he said both sides to the dispute have said that a court order on the issue would be acceptable to them and so the government must agree to do day-to-day hearing on the issue. The government, he said, should make a statement. "Ram temple matter should be decided on a day-to-day hearing basis," the newly-nominated member said. Deputy Chairman P J Kurien said this was not an issue of point of order.
Earlier as Swamy got up to raise his "point of order", he was heckled by opposition Congress members, to which Kurien said he has given a written notice to raise a point or order.
"You people cannot monopolise," he told Congress members. "Dont try to force upon me," he as Congress members objected to Swamy's raising of point of order.
"Subramanian Swamy as member as every right to raise," Kurien said. As Satyarth Chaturvedi (Cong) contested, Kurien threatened to invoke rule 255 that pertains to suspension of member for a day.
20:45 Anna Hazare withdraws defamation case against ex-Maha minister
Social activist Anna Hazare today withdrew a defamation case that he had filed against former Maharashtra minister Suresh Jain in 2003.
The withdrawal of case comes in the wake of a local court ruling, which said that there were sufficient grounds to frame charges against Jain in the defamation case filed by Hazare. Jain, former Food and Civil Supplies Minister, was arrested in 2012 in connection with the multi-crore Gharkul housing scheme scam in Jalgaon and is currently in jail.
"Jain has been in jail since the last four years and his bail application has been rejected multiple times. In such condition, it seems that ageing Jain will not come out of the jail," Hazare said in a release.
"He (Jain), too, has withdrawn a defamation case against me in a Jalgaon court and due to my busy schedule and age, even I do not find much time to pursue the present case. Therefore, I have decided to withdraw the case against him on humanitarian ground," he added.
Last month, a Pune court had framed charges against Jain after finding him 'prima-facie' accused of defaming Hazare.
19:55 US Attorney office, DEA join Prince's death investigation
The US Attorney's office and Drug Enforcement Administration are joining legendary singer Prince's death investigation. The "Purple Rain" hitmaker was found dead at his home last month. He was 57.
"The U.S. Attorney's Office and DEA are joining the Carver County Sheriff's investigation," a spokesperson for the US Attorney's office told E! Online.
"The DEA and U.S. Attorney's Office are able to augment this local investigation with federal resources and expertise about prescription drug diversion. While this remains an ongoing investigation, we will have no further comment."
The Carver County Sheriff's Department said, "The US Attorney and DEA have agreed to provide resources and expertise in our investigation."
19:33 CBI court orders personal presence of Lalu, Jagannath Mishra tomorrow
A CBI court today directed RJD president Lalu Prasad and former chief minister Jagannath Mishra to be present before it tomorrow in connection with a case of multi-crore rupee fodder scam.
The order for personal appearance of Lalu Prasad, Jagannath Mishra and others was passed by CBI judge Devraj Tripathi. The case relates to withdrawal of Rs 46 lakh illegally from treasuries in Bhagalpur and Banka by the Animal Husbandry department between 1994 to 1996.
Besides the two, 29 others are accused in this fodder scam case lodged by CBI on May 15, 1996. The charge sheet was submitted in the case against 44 in 2003 and the trial is on against 33. Prasad and Mishra are on bail after serving jail term in Ranchi in an another case of the scam.
The fodder scam relates to fraudulent withdrawal of around Rs 1000 crore by Animal Husbandry department from various districts when Lalu Prasad was chief minister of Bihar from 1990 to 1997.
Lalu Prasad had to give up his CM's post when he was first arrested in the case in 1997 and had handed over the reins to his wife Rabri Devi.
19:30
A woman pilgrim died after being struck by a lightning bolt today as thunderstorm hit the site of ongoing Simhastha-Kumbh mela in Ujjain.
"A woman pilgrim was killed in Undasa area when the lightning struck her," Ujjain SP Manohar Verma said.
19:28 China releases first translations of Tagore's collective works
China today released the first ever Chinese translations of the collective works of Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore, a rare honour to the famed poet who enjoys iconic status among generations of Chinese people.
In all 33 volumes containing 16 million words covering his poetry, essays, novels and drama sections were released ahead of Tagore's 155th birth anniversary at the China Radio International which broadcasts in Bengali besides a host of Indian and international languages as Indian and Bangladeshi diplomats also attended the function.
Considering his popularity, Tagore's works have been widely translated in China mostly from English translations but this is the first time his entire works barring songs were translated into Chinese directly from Bengali.
Eighteen Bengali scholars from CRI, state-run Xinhua news agency, Chinese foreign ministry, Peoples Liberation Army and the Central Communist Party School worked on a five-year project to complete it.
19:19 Unmasking Modi
If there's just one thing you have time to read today, let it be this: Siddharth Deb's piece in the New Republic essays PM Narendra Modi, saying, "the violence, insecurity, and rage behind the man who has replaced Gandhi as the face of India." Read
And this is Modi bhakt Rupa Subramanya's reaction to the story: Dark heart of self-important,pretentious pseudo literary pamphleteer rehashing same horseshit about Modi. #Yawn
And this is Modi bhakt Rupa Subramanya's reaction to the story: Dark heart of self-important,pretentious pseudo literary pamphleteer rehashing same horseshit about Modi. #Yawn
19:10 7 dead, 70 injured after pandal collapses at Ujjain Kumbh mela
Just in: Seven killed, 70 injured after a 'pandal' collapsed due to heavy rain at Ujjain's Kumbh Mela. Early reports say the injured have been taken to hospital.
However, the Ujjain Kumbh Mela authorities have denied that a stampede had caused the deaths.
The Times of India quoted the authorities as saying that a huge tent - built for the mela - fell on the devotees after it collapsed due to poor weather conditions.
Officials assured that security arrangements had been made for the hordes of people visiting the month-long Kumbh mela.
Ujjain Simhastha is a Hindu religious mela held every 12 years in the Ujjain city of Madhya Pradesh. The Simhastha Kumbh is scheduled to be held from April 22-May 21. Ujjain. Over five crore people including seers are expected to visit the holy city.
A woman pilgrim died after being struck by a lightning bolt today as thunderstorm hit the site of the mela.
However, the Ujjain Kumbh Mela authorities have denied that a stampede had caused the deaths.
The Times of India quoted the authorities as saying that a huge tent - built for the mela - fell on the devotees after it collapsed due to poor weather conditions.
Officials assured that security arrangements had been made for the hordes of people visiting the month-long Kumbh mela.
Ujjain Simhastha is a Hindu religious mela held every 12 years in the Ujjain city of Madhya Pradesh. The Simhastha Kumbh is scheduled to be held from April 22-May 21. Ujjain. Over five crore people including seers are expected to visit the holy city.
A woman pilgrim died after being struck by a lightning bolt today as thunderstorm hit the site of the mela.
19:05 Agusta in LS tomorrow: Will Parrikar better his RS performance?
It promises to be an action-packed day in Parliament tomorrow and here's why: Anurag Thakur, Kirit Somaiya, Nishikant Dubey, Saugata Roy and Jyotiraditya Scindia to raise the AgustaWestland issue in the Lok Sabha tomorrow. Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar to reply.
This morning, Prime Minister Narendra Modi heaped praise on Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar for his speech on the AgustaWestland VVIP chopper deal in the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday.
Taking to Twitter, Modi described Parrikar's address as one of the best speeches. "@narendramodi Yesterday's speech by RM @manoharparrikar in the Rajya Sabha was one of the best speeches, displaying best parliamentary traditions. RM @manoharparrikar rose above politics & placed all relevant facts on the table. Urging you all to hear his speech."
Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar on Wednesday said the probe in the AgustaWestland helicopter graft case will focus on those named in the Italian court judgment.
"There is an agreement that corrupt practices were involved in procurement of AgustaWestland helicopters. The previous government recognised these and put on hold the group in 2014, and the present government passed the order," Parrikar said in the Rajya Sabha, replying to a short duration discussion on the issue.
This morning, Prime Minister Narendra Modi heaped praise on Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar for his speech on the AgustaWestland VVIP chopper deal in the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday.
Taking to Twitter, Modi described Parrikar's address as one of the best speeches. "@narendramodi Yesterday's speech by RM @manoharparrikar in the Rajya Sabha was one of the best speeches, displaying best parliamentary traditions. RM @manoharparrikar rose above politics & placed all relevant facts on the table. Urging you all to hear his speech."
Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar on Wednesday said the probe in the AgustaWestland helicopter graft case will focus on those named in the Italian court judgment.
"There is an agreement that corrupt practices were involved in procurement of AgustaWestland helicopters. The previous government recognised these and put on hold the group in 2014, and the present government passed the order," Parrikar said in the Rajya Sabha, replying to a short duration discussion on the issue.
18:13 7-year jail, Rs 1 crore fine soon for showing PoK, Arunachal as disputed
Depiction of a wrong map of India or showing Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK) or Arunachal Pradesh as not a part of India on any online platform or physical documents could mean a stiff jail term of seven years along with an heavy fine of up to Rs 1 crore, says a new law being proposed by the Narendra Modi government. Read more
18:08 Laptops, power, phones -- it's raining freebies in Jaya's manifesto
AIADMK general secretary and Chief Minister Jayalalithaa on Thursday released the party's manifesto for the May 16 Assembly election. Releasing the manifesto at the Perundurai election rally this evening, she said she was happy that it was brought out in the district where Periyar was born. The first copies were given to young party cadres.
The AIADMK is the last to release its manifesto. While all other political parties have been campaigning based on their promises, the AIADMK has been only talking about what Jayalalithaa's government has done. Separate manifestos have been announced for Tamil Nadu and Puducherry.
Here are the highlights of the manifesto:
-- Jayalalithaa promises waiver of all farm loans
-- Rs 40,000 cr loans for farmers in 2016-21
-- Fisherfolk assistance to be hiked to Rs 5000
-- No FDI in retail
-- Free Laptops with internet for 10th and 12th std students.
-- Maternity assistance of Rs. 18,000
-- 100 units electricity free every two months.
-- Relief for fisherfolk to be increased to Rs. 5000
-- Separate housing for fisherfolk.
-- Women to get 50% subsidy for scooters
-- Master health check-up and women special check up to be expanded to all districts.
-- Assures uninterrupted supply of power
-- Poor people to get Amma Banking Card to avail all government services
-- 20% land on SME industrial parks will be reserved for SC/ST entrepreneurs.
-- The Hindu
The AIADMK is the last to release its manifesto. While all other political parties have been campaigning based on their promises, the AIADMK has been only talking about what Jayalalithaa's government has done. Separate manifestos have been announced for Tamil Nadu and Puducherry.
Here are the highlights of the manifesto:
-- Jayalalithaa promises waiver of all farm loans
-- Rs 40,000 cr loans for farmers in 2016-21
-- Fisherfolk assistance to be hiked to Rs 5000
-- No FDI in retail
-- Free Laptops with internet for 10th and 12th std students.
-- Maternity assistance of Rs. 18,000
-- 100 units electricity free every two months.
-- Relief for fisherfolk to be increased to Rs. 5000
-- Separate housing for fisherfolk.
-- Women to get 50% subsidy for scooters
-- Master health check-up and women special check up to be expanded to all districts.
-- Assures uninterrupted supply of power
-- Poor people to get Amma Banking Card to avail all government services
-- 20% land on SME industrial parks will be reserved for SC/ST entrepreneurs.
-- The Hindu
17:38 AgustaWestland probe: Brothers Tyagi face CBI tomorrow
Just in: All 3 cousin brothers of former Air Chief SP Tyagi summoned by CBI tomorrow in the AgustaWestland case.
So far, the Enforcement Directorate probe has found that the alleged middlemen Guido Haschke and Carlo Gerosa, in collusion with the Tyagi brothers Sanjeev, Rajeev and Sandeep "managed to make inroads in IAF through Air Chief Marshal Tyagi and thereby could influence and subvert the consistent stand of IAF regarding mandatory service ceiling of the helicopters."
So far, the Enforcement Directorate probe has found that the alleged middlemen Guido Haschke and Carlo Gerosa, in collusion with the Tyagi brothers Sanjeev, Rajeev and Sandeep "managed to make inroads in IAF through Air Chief Marshal Tyagi and thereby could influence and subvert the consistent stand of IAF regarding mandatory service ceiling of the helicopters."
17:31 Govt to deliberate on criminalising marital rape
The Home Ministry has asked the Law Commission to deliberate on the issue of criminalising marital rape, the Rajya Sabha was informed today.
"The Ministry of Home has requested the Law Commission to deliberate upon the subject of marital rape during the course of its comprehensive review of Criminal Justice System," Women and Child Development Minister Maneka Gandhi said in a written reply.
The minister said the Pam Rajput Committee had made certain recommendations for safety of women which also included criminalisation of marital rape. The recommendations of the Committee had been sent to the concerned ministries/departments for taking action, she said.
"Ministry of Home Affairs has informed that the Law Commission of India, while making its 172nd Report on 'Review of Rape Laws' in March 2000, did not recommend criminalisation of marital rape. "However, the Justice JS Verma Committee, while giving its report on 'Amendments to Criminal Laws' in January 2013, recommended that the law ought to be amended to delete the marital rape exception," she said.
"The Ministry of Home has requested the Law Commission to deliberate upon the subject of marital rape during the course of its comprehensive review of Criminal Justice System," Women and Child Development Minister Maneka Gandhi said in a written reply.
The minister said the Pam Rajput Committee had made certain recommendations for safety of women which also included criminalisation of marital rape. The recommendations of the Committee had been sent to the concerned ministries/departments for taking action, she said.
"Ministry of Home Affairs has informed that the Law Commission of India, while making its 172nd Report on 'Review of Rape Laws' in March 2000, did not recommend criminalisation of marital rape. "However, the Justice JS Verma Committee, while giving its report on 'Amendments to Criminal Laws' in January 2013, recommended that the law ought to be amended to delete the marital rape exception," she said.
17:12 9,776 people in Coochbehar voting for the first time since Independence
Over 74 per cent of the electorate exercised their franchise till 3 pm in the sixth and last phase of Assembly election in West Bengal today. While East Midnapore district recorded 75.19 per cent polling, 72.31 per cent votes were cast in Cooch Behar. The overall average till 3 pm was 74.15 per cent.
For the first time since Independence, 9,776 residents of border enclaves in Cooch Behar are exercising their franchise, made possible by the formal inclusion of the enclaves in the Indian territory last year.
For the first time since Independence, 9,776 residents of border enclaves in Cooch Behar are exercising their franchise, made possible by the formal inclusion of the enclaves in the Indian territory last year.
16:51 New UK newspaper to close after just 9 weeks
Britain's newest daily newspaper 'The New Day' today announced that it will be shut down due to poor sales, just nine weeks after it was launched with much fanfare.
The newspaper was launched in February by the Trinity Mirror Group, publishers of 'Daily Mirror' and 'Sunday Mirror' newspapers, as the first "standalone daily national newspaper" to be launched in the country in 30 years.
The newspaper was launched in February by the Trinity Mirror Group, publishers of 'Daily Mirror' and 'Sunday Mirror' newspapers, as the first "standalone daily national newspaper" to be launched in the country in 30 years.
16:46 Kanhaiya hospitalised after week-long hunger strike
JNU student leader Kanhaiya Kumar, who has been on hunger strike for a
week at the campus, was hospitalised today after his health
deteriorated.
"Kanhaiya is in a bad situation. He is in a semi-conscious state. There is a possibility of internal damage to (his) organs," Umar Khalid, who was charged with sedition along with Kanhaiya and Anirban Bhattacharya, said.
Khalid said Kanhaiya started vomiting today morning after which he was "rushed to a hospital".
The JNU Students Union (JNUSU) president, and 19 other students are on an indefinite hunger strike since April 28 to protest against the punishment handed out to them by a high-level committee that probed the controversial February 9 Kashmir event on the campus.
"The health of the rest of the students is also deteriorating fast. All students have lost around 4-6 kg weight," Khalid said.
"It has been the 8th day of the indefinite hunger strike... Still the JNU administration remains unmoved," said Khalid, who has been rusticated from the university for one semester.
16:42 Former Ranbaxy promoters fined Rs 2,600 crore for suppressing facts
In a major setback to Malvinder Mohan Singh and Shivinder Mohan Singh, the erstwhile promoters of Ranbaxy Laboratories, the Singapore Court of Arbitration slapped a fine of about Rs 2,600 crore ($400 million) for suppressing facts while selling the company to Japanese pharmaceutical company Daiichi Sankyo in 2008, as per a report published in the Economic Times.
The promoters' stake was sold for $2.4 billion. Daiichi, that filed arbitration case in Singapore in 2013, has asked for compensation for losses it was forced to pay the US Department of Justice.
Daiichi, that filed arbitration case in Singapore in 2013, has asked for compensation for losses it was forced to pay the US Department of Justice.
The promoters' stake was sold for $2.4 billion. Daiichi, that filed arbitration case in Singapore in 2013, has asked for compensation for losses it was forced to pay the US Department of Justice.
Daiichi, that filed arbitration case in Singapore in 2013, has asked for compensation for losses it was forced to pay the US Department of Justice.
16:38 Was pressured by govt to blame Gandhis in AgustaWestland scandal, says middleman Michel
A day after his explosive interview to India Today, the alleged middleman in the VVIP chopper scam Christian Michel has said that he was put under pressure by Indian investigative agencies to incriminate the Gandhi family.
In a letter written to the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea and shared exclusively with India Today, Christian Michel has alleged that the Modi government tried to cut a deal with him. Read more
In a letter written to the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea and shared exclusively with India Today, Christian Michel has alleged that the Modi government tried to cut a deal with him. Read more
16:34 Face off with Priyanka
That's what happened with Channing Tatum's wife face-swapped with Priyanka Chopra on Snapchat ... and we love it. Take a look
16:01 The only actor to come out in support of Kangana: Vidya Balan!
Bollywood actress Vidya Balan says she has the "greatest" admiration for Kangana Ranaut for standing up for herself in her ongoing feud with Hrithik Roshan.
The two actors have been at loggerheads since the "Queen" star called Hrithik her 'silly ex'. "I really think it is none of my business to be judging anyone but I have the greatest admiration for Kangana because she is standing up for herself," Vidya told reporters here.
"I think that is very creditable because as women we find it very easy to stand up for other people, our family members, children, husbands, parents but we rarely stand up for ourselves. She (Kangana) is standing up for herself, so kudos to her and more power to her for that," the "Kahani" actress added. Vidya was speaking at the trailer launch of her upcoming film "Te3n".
Megastar Amitabh Bachchan was also present at the event. When asked what he feels about the "Tanu Weds Manu" actress, who sat beside him during the national award ceremony recently, the 73-year-old "Piku" star was more cautious in his reply. "Can't decide the behaviour of a person, or what he or she is going through, by sitting beside them... But I appreciate that women are empowered, they stand on their feet. "We've always believed that women should have their own strength. Fifty per cent of the nations population, so there should be as many women and that much strength should be there. They should have importance in society and we have always believed that."
From her ex Adhyan Suman calling her "psychopath" to people on social media trending "Characterless Kangana", the "Queen" star has been mocked, derided by various sections as she has been fighting the case with the superstar.
The 29-year-old actress, however, has hit back at her critics saying no amount of slamming will bog her down and she doesn't care about being called "psychopath or a witch."
The feud between Hrithik and his "Krrish 3" co-star turned nasty after they slapped legal notices on each other. Hrithik, who was the first to send the legal notice, has demanded that she apologise in a press conference and clear the air about their alleged affair which he firmly refutes. A defiant Kangana had said she was not a "dim-witted" teenager and refused to apologise. She instead shot off a counter-notice to Hrithik warning him to take back his notice or face a criminal case.
The two actors have been at loggerheads since the "Queen" star called Hrithik her 'silly ex'. "I really think it is none of my business to be judging anyone but I have the greatest admiration for Kangana because she is standing up for herself," Vidya told reporters here.
"I think that is very creditable because as women we find it very easy to stand up for other people, our family members, children, husbands, parents but we rarely stand up for ourselves. She (Kangana) is standing up for herself, so kudos to her and more power to her for that," the "Kahani" actress added. Vidya was speaking at the trailer launch of her upcoming film "Te3n".
Megastar Amitabh Bachchan was also present at the event. When asked what he feels about the "Tanu Weds Manu" actress, who sat beside him during the national award ceremony recently, the 73-year-old "Piku" star was more cautious in his reply. "Can't decide the behaviour of a person, or what he or she is going through, by sitting beside them... But I appreciate that women are empowered, they stand on their feet. "We've always believed that women should have their own strength. Fifty per cent of the nations population, so there should be as many women and that much strength should be there. They should have importance in society and we have always believed that."
From her ex Adhyan Suman calling her "psychopath" to people on social media trending "Characterless Kangana", the "Queen" star has been mocked, derided by various sections as she has been fighting the case with the superstar.
The 29-year-old actress, however, has hit back at her critics saying no amount of slamming will bog her down and she doesn't care about being called "psychopath or a witch."
The feud between Hrithik and his "Krrish 3" co-star turned nasty after they slapped legal notices on each other. Hrithik, who was the first to send the legal notice, has demanded that she apologise in a press conference and clear the air about their alleged affair which he firmly refutes. A defiant Kangana had said she was not a "dim-witted" teenager and refused to apologise. She instead shot off a counter-notice to Hrithik warning him to take back his notice or face a criminal case.
15:56 272 Indian fishermen lodged in foreign jails: V K Singh
As many as 272 Indian fishermen are currently lodged in foreign jails, including 220 in Pakistan and 34 in Sri Lanka, government said today.
Minister of State for External Affairs V K Singh told the Rajya Sabha that the main reason for frequent arrest of Indian fishermen by Sri Lankan authorities was due to the allegation that they indulge in bottom trawling and there being no physical demarcation of international maritime boundaries.
"As of date there are only 34 fishermen and 19 boats which are in custody of Sri Lanka. From time to time, government secures the release of Indian fishermen. The last release that took place was of 99 Indian fishermen on April 9 in exchange for 9 Sri Lankan fishermen," he said.
Asked why an agreement is not put in place despite three rounds of meetings between fishermen associations in which governments are involved, he said, "Sri Lankan fishermen have said that you all are involved in bottom trawling. Till the time that is stopped we cannot have an agreement on fishing in each other's waters. That is the main reason that is stopping a proper agreement to come into place between two countries."
15:25 Vice Admiral Sunil Lanba to be next Navy Chief
Vice Admiral Sunil Lanba to be the next Navy Chief; to take over on May 31 following Admiral R K Dhowan's retirement. Lanba, a specialist in Navigation and Direction and an alumnus of Defence Services Staff College, has rich operational and staff experience of a career spanning more than three decades.
He has served as Navigating Officer of INS Sindhudurg (Corvette) and INS Dunagiri (Frigate). During his illustrious service, he commanded four frontline warships, namely INS Kakinada (Minesweeper), INS Himgiri (Frigate), INS Ranvijay and INS Mumbai (Destroyers).
He is an alumnus of the College of Defence Management, Secunderabad, where he also served as faculty.
14:51 Why a good monsoon this year will not solve India's drought problem
India's killer heatwave is leaving the country reeling from the worst drought in decades and a rural population struggling to survive.Relief is due with the arrival of the monsoon in mid-June, and because of the impending La Nina weather pattern, the forecast is for above-average rainfall.
However WaterAid India's Head of Policy, Nitya Jacob, says groundwater levels are so depleted that even if a good monsoon comes in June -- and meteorologists predict there will be one that ends the drought -- it won't be enough. Read
However WaterAid India's Head of Policy, Nitya Jacob, says groundwater levels are so depleted that even if a good monsoon comes in June -- and meteorologists predict there will be one that ends the drought -- it won't be enough. Read
14:41 It was Dhyan Chand, not Agusta that ruled RS proceedings
Rajya Sabha members across party lines today demanded that hockey wizard Major Dhyan Chand be conferred with Bharat Ratna, the country's highest civilian honour.
During Zero Hour, Chandrapal Singh Yadav raised the issue of the ace hockey player being denied the highest civilian honour despite several countries and personalities, including Adolf Hitler, praising him for his expertise with the stick.
Dhyan Chand had won three Olympic gold medals in hockey for India between 1928 and 1936.
"Major Dhyan Chand received awards and accolades across the world including from Adolf Hitler and the British government. But in our country, he has still not been appreciated as he should have been for making India a world power in hockey," Yadav said.
He said even Prime Minister Narendra Modi, when he was Chief Minister of Gujarat, had called for conferring Bharat Ratna on Dhyan Chand. Yadav's concerns were supported by members across party lines and even by Deputy Chairman P J Kurien.
During Zero Hour, Chandrapal Singh Yadav raised the issue of the ace hockey player being denied the highest civilian honour despite several countries and personalities, including Adolf Hitler, praising him for his expertise with the stick.
Dhyan Chand had won three Olympic gold medals in hockey for India between 1928 and 1936.
"Major Dhyan Chand received awards and accolades across the world including from Adolf Hitler and the British government. But in our country, he has still not been appreciated as he should have been for making India a world power in hockey," Yadav said.
He said even Prime Minister Narendra Modi, when he was Chief Minister of Gujarat, had called for conferring Bharat Ratna on Dhyan Chand. Yadav's concerns were supported by members across party lines and even by Deputy Chairman P J Kurien.
14:37 UP refuses Central govt's water train to parched Bundelkhand
The Uttar Pradesh government on Thursday refused the 'water train' offered by the Cenral government for parched Mahoba in Bundelkhand region of Uttar Pradesh.
The train with 10 water wagons reached Jhansi on Thursday and was scheduled to reach Mahoba on Friday, May 6.
However, UP officials said, "The water train is not required as there is no Latur like situation here." The ruling Samajwadi Party accuses local BJP leaders of asking the Centre for a water train in a desperate attempt to snatch credit from Akhilesh Yadav's government, which has distributed relief packets in the region.
But that's apparently not what UP Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav thinks. Akhilesh will meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss the severe drought and water crisis in Bundelkhand in New Delhi on May 7.
Yesterday, Suresh Prabhu, Union Railway minster had tweeted: "Bundelkhand is suffering water shortage. We are working on supplying water through trains, putting logistics in place to help our brethren."
Bundelkhand is facing a severe heat wave and drought and the Uttar Pradesh government has announced a special package for the parched area, while the Centre has chalked out a multi- pronged strategy to mitigate the woes of distressed farmers.
Bundelkhand region is home to 18.3 million people as per 2011 census and is blighted by drought and unseasonal rain that destroyed standing winter crops. Over the last few years, several farmers have committed suicide in the region.
The train with 10 water wagons reached Jhansi on Thursday and was scheduled to reach Mahoba on Friday, May 6.
However, UP officials said, "The water train is not required as there is no Latur like situation here." The ruling Samajwadi Party accuses local BJP leaders of asking the Centre for a water train in a desperate attempt to snatch credit from Akhilesh Yadav's government, which has distributed relief packets in the region.
But that's apparently not what UP Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav thinks. Akhilesh will meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss the severe drought and water crisis in Bundelkhand in New Delhi on May 7.
Yesterday, Suresh Prabhu, Union Railway minster had tweeted: "Bundelkhand is suffering water shortage. We are working on supplying water through trains, putting logistics in place to help our brethren."
Bundelkhand is facing a severe heat wave and drought and the Uttar Pradesh government has announced a special package for the parched area, while the Centre has chalked out a multi- pronged strategy to mitigate the woes of distressed farmers.
Bundelkhand region is home to 18.3 million people as per 2011 census and is blighted by drought and unseasonal rain that destroyed standing winter crops. Over the last few years, several farmers have committed suicide in the region.
13:57 Publish PM's degrees online, Kejriwal asks DU
The tenacious Arvind Kejriwal writes to the Delhi University vice chancellor seeking documents related to PM Modi's educational qualifications and asking that the documents be available online.
In a letter to VC Yogesh Tyagi, Kejriwal said the people of the country should have access to how educated their Prime Minister is. Moreover, he says, if there are allegations about the PMs BA degree, its a serious matter wherein the truth should be revealed at the earliest.
This comes days after the Central Information Commission (CIC) directed the Delhi University to provide information on an "RTI application' by Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal seeking details of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's educational qualifications.
However, Kejriwal's aides said they were turned away by the university's chief public information officer Wednesday, who allegedly said no such order had been received.
Three AAP leaders '"Ashutosh, Ashish Khetan and Raghav Chadha '" along with a lawyer representing Kejriwal approached CPIO Meenakshi Sahay, seeking details of the PM's graduation degree.
In a letter to VC Yogesh Tyagi, Kejriwal said the people of the country should have access to how educated their Prime Minister is. Moreover, he says, if there are allegations about the PMs BA degree, its a serious matter wherein the truth should be revealed at the earliest.
This comes days after the Central Information Commission (CIC) directed the Delhi University to provide information on an "RTI application' by Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal seeking details of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's educational qualifications.
However, Kejriwal's aides said they were turned away by the university's chief public information officer Wednesday, who allegedly said no such order had been received.
Three AAP leaders '"Ashutosh, Ashish Khetan and Raghav Chadha '" along with a lawyer representing Kejriwal approached CPIO Meenakshi Sahay, seeking details of the PM's graduation degree.
13:51 Italy seeks to reassure Asian tourists with imported Chinese police
For the next two weeks a small group of Chinese police officers, wearing the same uniforms they wear at home, will be patrolling the streets of Rome and Milan alongside Italian counterparts, ostensibly so that they can present a familiar face to visiting tourists from China who, for example, have had a run-in with a pickpocket at Termini railway station or got lost on their way to the Colosseum. Read more
13:39 Opera star Andrea Bocelli to sing at Leicester's stadium for EPL win
After entertaining Mumbaikars at the Brabourne Stadium, Andrea Bocelli will sing at Leiceseter Stadium to celebrate the team's EPL win.
Bocelli will sing one of his biggest hits at Leicester's stadium in tribute to their triumph.He will change the title of Time To Say Goodbye to Time To Win Again on Saturday before the champs play Everton.
Bocelli will sing one of his biggest hits at Leicester's stadium in tribute to their triumph.He will change the title of Time To Say Goodbye to Time To Win Again on Saturday before the champs play Everton.
13:10 Open Letter to Prannoy Roy From His Bengal Reporter
"Dear Dr Roy
The moment Battleground Bengal ended on board that ship on the Hooghly, the haze that had settled on my brain miraculously lifted and the smartest of repartees that would have made Groucho Marx proud came slithering into my mind.
And I just have to share them with you, irrespective of the difference they will make or won't to my annual increment.
Three things, really, to keep it short."
NDTV senior journalist Monideepa Banerjie writes to Dr Prannoy Roy and it's a must-read conversation piece.
The moment Battleground Bengal ended on board that ship on the Hooghly, the haze that had settled on my brain miraculously lifted and the smartest of repartees that would have made Groucho Marx proud came slithering into my mind.
And I just have to share them with you, irrespective of the difference they will make or won't to my annual increment.
Three things, really, to keep it short."
NDTV senior journalist Monideepa Banerjie writes to Dr Prannoy Roy and it's a must-read conversation piece.
12:54 Goa lawmaker charged with buying, raping girl from Nepal
Goa lawmaker Babush Monserrate has been charged with buying a young Nepalese girl and raping her a few weeks ago.
The police says the lawmaker, who is an independent, should be tried for human trafficking.
He has denied the accusations; the police says he is likely to be arrested soon.
A 16-year-old girl from Nepal has told the police that she was sold to him by her step mother and another woman she referred to as "aunty". Monserrate, who has in the past served as the state's Education Minister and was expelled by the Congress, spiked her drink and then raped her in his bungalow, the teen has allegedly told the police.
"The next morning I woke up without my clothes, covered in blood, he was sitting without his clothes on," the teen has told a committee that deals with protecting children. She is now staying at a government-run home for children.
The police says the lawmaker, who is an independent, should be tried for human trafficking.
He has denied the accusations; the police says he is likely to be arrested soon.
A 16-year-old girl from Nepal has told the police that she was sold to him by her step mother and another woman she referred to as "aunty". Monserrate, who has in the past served as the state's Education Minister and was expelled by the Congress, spiked her drink and then raped her in his bungalow, the teen has allegedly told the police.
"The next morning I woke up without my clothes, covered in blood, he was sitting without his clothes on," the teen has told a committee that deals with protecting children. She is now staying at a government-run home for children.
12:38 VVIP choppers case: ED writes to MoD, financial snoop agencies
In the other big story doing the rounds now -- AgustaWestland -- in an attempt to crack the suspect name codes and the alleged kickbacks paid in the VVIP choppers deal, the ED has sought information from the Defence Ministry, Income Tax department and FIU to share details about officials and other individuals figuring in the case.
Officials said the agency has sought property details on 10 serving and retired officials of the Ministry of Defence and the Indian Air Force who had handled the procurement process of the AgustaWestland choppers at some point of their service.
It has also sought details from the IT department and the Financial Intelligence Unit to provide details of personal finances, transactions and investments made by some people suspected to have some connection to the case.
They said the references have been made in the light of a hand written note by the alleged middlemen in the case, a document also brought on record by a Milan court which had sentenced Italian defence and aerospace major Finmeccanica's former chief Giuseppe Orsi and the former CEO of the firm Bruno Spagnolini on corruption charges in the sale of a dozen AgustaWestland helicopters to India for VVIP purposes.
Sources indicate ED investigators have made some "analysis" of the probable identity of these code names and hence want to investigate the flow of funds and the "proceeds of crime" and possible kickbacks made in the procurement of these choppers.
With the help of data from the tax department and FIU, some evidence can be established, they said. To the Defence Ministry, ED has specified names of officials about whom they need the details of assets possessed.
Officials said the agency has sought property details on 10 serving and retired officials of the Ministry of Defence and the Indian Air Force who had handled the procurement process of the AgustaWestland choppers at some point of their service.
It has also sought details from the IT department and the Financial Intelligence Unit to provide details of personal finances, transactions and investments made by some people suspected to have some connection to the case.
They said the references have been made in the light of a hand written note by the alleged middlemen in the case, a document also brought on record by a Milan court which had sentenced Italian defence and aerospace major Finmeccanica's former chief Giuseppe Orsi and the former CEO of the firm Bruno Spagnolini on corruption charges in the sale of a dozen AgustaWestland helicopters to India for VVIP purposes.
Sources indicate ED investigators have made some "analysis" of the probable identity of these code names and hence want to investigate the flow of funds and the "proceeds of crime" and possible kickbacks made in the procurement of these choppers.
With the help of data from the tax department and FIU, some evidence can be established, they said. To the Defence Ministry, ED has specified names of officials about whom they need the details of assets possessed.
12:29 Killers should remember Keenan-Reuben every day of their lives like we do: Father
"I'm happy with the order," Keenan Santos's father Valerian Santos said moments after a Mumbai Sessions Court handed out a life imprisonment for the four men found guilty of murdering Keenan and Reuben Fernandez.
"They (the four men) should spend every moment thinking of Keenan and Reuben like the way we are.
"I want them to know the suffering the family is going through and for how many years we have been suffering missing our son," said Valerian Santos.
"I'm very happy with the sentence. This is what I wanted. We have got justice."
Valerain told news channels that the going was tough. "I had to attend the hearings repeatedly for the last four and a half years, leaving work. It pricked my conscience as I had to do justice to my job. . Sometimes the accused were not brought, the judges were also changed. It was very difiicult. We were made beggars for justice.
"We are thankful it was transferred to the Sessions court. Why does the victims' family have to go through this?"
Keenan's brother said it had been a long journey. "We had lost hope in the middle. But my dad ensured we saw this case to the end. I'm happy."
Valerian Santos said that he had not asked for capital punishment because he knew it was not possible.
Keenan Santos, 24, and Reuben Fernandez, 29, were attacked outside a popular eatery at Amboli in Mumbai's Andheri on October 20, 2011. A crowd watched even as the youngsters were assaulted in full public view.
After retreating initially, the group came back to the spot with over 10 aides and repeatedly stabbed the duo. Keenan died on the same day, Reuben died 10 days later.
"They (the four men) should spend every moment thinking of Keenan and Reuben like the way we are.
"I want them to know the suffering the family is going through and for how many years we have been suffering missing our son," said Valerian Santos.
"I'm very happy with the sentence. This is what I wanted. We have got justice."
Valerain told news channels that the going was tough. "I had to attend the hearings repeatedly for the last four and a half years, leaving work. It pricked my conscience as I had to do justice to my job. . Sometimes the accused were not brought, the judges were also changed. It was very difiicult. We were made beggars for justice.
"We are thankful it was transferred to the Sessions court. Why does the victims' family have to go through this?"
Keenan's brother said it had been a long journey. "We had lost hope in the middle. But my dad ensured we saw this case to the end. I'm happy."
Valerian Santos said that he had not asked for capital punishment because he knew it was not possible.
Keenan Santos, 24, and Reuben Fernandez, 29, were attacked outside a popular eatery at Amboli in Mumbai's Andheri on October 20, 2011. A crowd watched even as the youngsters were assaulted in full public view.
After retreating initially, the group came back to the spot with over 10 aides and repeatedly stabbed the duo. Keenan died on the same day, Reuben died 10 days later.
11:57 Chak de India
Look who met Google CEO Sundar Pichai!
US ambassador to India, Rich Verma posted this picture: "San Francisco, CA Trailblazer changing lives through innovation - a real delight to meet @sundarpichai of @google."
US ambassador to India, Rich Verma posted this picture: "San Francisco, CA Trailblazer changing lives through innovation - a real delight to meet @sundarpichai of @google."
11:53 All four guilty of murdering Keenan-Reuben get life sentence
Just in: All four accused sentenced to life in jail. Which means they have been handed out a life sentence which ends only on their death.
Keenan Santos, 24, and Reuben Fernandez, 29, were attacked outside a popular eatery at Amboli in Mumbai's Andheri on October 20, 2011. A crowd watched even as the youngsters were assaulted in full public view.
After retreating initially, the group came back to the spot with over 10 aides and repeatedly stabbed the duo. Keenan died on the same day, Reuben died 10 days later.
Keenan's father Valerian Santos said it was very difficult for the family to cope not just with the deaths but also in getting justice. "It takes nearly five years to get justice for a boy who has done something good in society. We have to beg for justice.",
Keenan Santos, 24, and Reuben Fernandez, 29, were attacked outside a popular eatery at Amboli in Mumbai's Andheri on October 20, 2011. A crowd watched even as the youngsters were assaulted in full public view.
After retreating initially, the group came back to the spot with over 10 aides and repeatedly stabbed the duo. Keenan died on the same day, Reuben died 10 days later.
Keenan's father Valerian Santos said it was very difficult for the family to cope not just with the deaths but also in getting justice. "It takes nearly five years to get justice for a boy who has done something good in society. We have to beg for justice.",
11:25 All four accused found guilty in Keenan, Reuben murders
Just in: All four accused of murdering Keenan and Reuben found guilty. Verdict comes five years after the incident happened.
Keenan Santos, 24, and Reuben Fernandez,29, were repeatedly stabbed outside an eatery at Amboli on October 20, 2011 when they tried to protect their women friends from a group of men. Keenan succumbed to his injuries on the same day, while Reuben died 10 days later on October 31.
Four accused Jitendra Rana, Sunil Bodh, Satish Dulhaj and Dipak Tival were arrested the next day and a fast-track court had in October framed charges against them for murder, conspiracy and molestation.
Ujjwal Nikam is the public prosecutor in the case.
Keenan Santos, 24, and Reuben Fernandez,29, were repeatedly stabbed outside an eatery at Amboli on October 20, 2011 when they tried to protect their women friends from a group of men. Keenan succumbed to his injuries on the same day, while Reuben died 10 days later on October 31.
Four accused Jitendra Rana, Sunil Bodh, Satish Dulhaj and Dipak Tival were arrested the next day and a fast-track court had in October framed charges against them for murder, conspiracy and molestation.
Ujjwal Nikam is the public prosecutor in the case.
11:16
Bangladesh Supreme Court upholds top Islamist leader Motiur Rahman Nizami's death sentence.
11:15 103-year-old shows the way at polling booth in Coochbehar
Over 23 per cent of the electorate exercised their franchise in the first two hours of polling in the sixth and last phase of West Bengal Assembly election today. A booth at Dinhata in Coochbehar earned its place in the sun when 103-year-old Asgar Ali voted.
East Midnapore district has recorded a 24.45 per cent turnout, Coochbehar recorded 21.59 per cent. The overall average till 9 am was 23.46 per cent. An electorate of over 58 lakh is eligible to cast their ballots at 6,774 polling stations between 7 am to 6 pm in 25 constituencies.
In all, 170 candidates, including 18 women, are in the fray for the last phase.
For the first time since Independence, residents of border enclaves in Coochbehar are exercising their franchise, made possible by the formal inclusion of enclaves in the Indian territory last year. There are 9,776 voters in the enclave, for whom special arrangements and awareness programmes have been done.
Pic: 103-year-old Asgar Ali votes at a polling booth in Dinhata (Coochbehar, West Bengal).
East Midnapore district has recorded a 24.45 per cent turnout, Coochbehar recorded 21.59 per cent. The overall average till 9 am was 23.46 per cent. An electorate of over 58 lakh is eligible to cast their ballots at 6,774 polling stations between 7 am to 6 pm in 25 constituencies.
In all, 170 candidates, including 18 women, are in the fray for the last phase.
For the first time since Independence, residents of border enclaves in Coochbehar are exercising their franchise, made possible by the formal inclusion of enclaves in the Indian territory last year. There are 9,776 voters in the enclave, for whom special arrangements and awareness programmes have been done.
Pic: 103-year-old Asgar Ali votes at a polling booth in Dinhata (Coochbehar, West Bengal).
11:07 Waiting for the leader
The closer Barack Obama gets to the end of his second term, the more consequential his presidency seems, both in terms of his policy achievements and as a turning point in America's electoral politics.
Here's how, writes Mukul Kesavan. Read
Here's how, writes Mukul Kesavan. Read
10:48 WB polls: PM Modi urges voters to cast votes in large numbers
As the sixth and final phase of the West Bengal assembly election is currently underway, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday urged the voters to cast votes in large numbers.
"As the sixth & final phase of West Bengal Assembly polls gets underway, requesting voters to cast their vote in large numbers," Prime Minister Modi tweeted.
The polling for the final phase of the assembly elections is underway in West Bengal. Under this phase, 25 assembly seats, including 16 in Purba Medinipur and nine in Coochbehar districts are going go to polls.
10:27 After lapses, police officer removed from Kerala rape and murder probe
A police officer has been removed from the team investigating the savage rape and murder in Kerala of a law student. Sources say the deputy superintendent of police of Perambavoor was removed on account of "procedural lapses" after the 30-year-old woman was found murdered last Thursday. The investigation team has also been expanded to 24.
Meanwhile, early this morning, the police took two construction workers into custody.
10:12
JUST IN: Kerala student rape and murder case: Perumbavoor deputy superintendent of police SP Anil Kumar removed from the investigating team due to lapses.
09:50 IRCTC website hacked, info of lakhs feared stolen
Personal data of around 1 crore customers is feared to have been stolen from the server of the e-ticketing portal Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation, thus raising fears of safety and security.
IRCTC is India's largest e-commerce website, lakhs of transactions are conducted every day. Customers provide details like Pan Card numbers while filling up online reservation forms. A senior railway official said, "Somebody can create forged documents on the basis of the stolen data."
09:44 TMC leader injured in Murshidabad
Trinamool Congress Murshidabad district secretary Subir Sarkar
critically injured after bike-borne assailants fire at him near his
residence. Today is the final phase of the Bengal elections and results will be announced on May 19.
09:41 Parrikar receives high praise from PM Modi for Agusta speech
"Yesterday's speech by Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar in the Rajya Sabha was one of the best speeches, displaying best parliamentary traditions," wrote Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Twitter today.
Yesterday, Parrikar tore into the Congress over the AgustaWestland chopper deal. Parrikar claimed that the government was probing the names of people who received bribes and were named by an Italian court.
The country wants to know who instigated, supported and benefited from corruption. We cant let this pass, said Parrikar.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi further went on to write, "Parrikar rose above politics and placed all relevant facts on the table. Urging you all to hear his speech."
09:23 Jharkhand student found with her hands chopped off, head smashed
A woman studying to become a teacher has been found dead right outside her Jharkhand college, her head smashed and her hands severed. Disturbing photos show one of her amputated hands lying near her body.
The woman, identified as Sonali Murmu, 30, was married with a young child, the police said.
A woman in the Ramgarh district has told the police that she heard cries and rushed to the college gate, where she discovered the body. Unconfirmed reports say she has told the police that she saw a motorcycle leaving the area.
08:44 IAS officer on 'wrong foot' after hospital image goes viral
A young IAS officer in Chhattisgarh faces suspension and was also received flak on social media after a photograph showed him standing and talking to a sick child's mother with his left foot resting on the steel rail of a hospital bed.
The incident happened when Dr Jagdish Sonkar, the 2013-batch IAS officer who has a medical degree, visited a government hospital for a routine inspection and interacted with mothers of malnourished children being treated there.
08:29 Opposition tried to fail Odd-Even scheme: Kejriwal
Taking a jibe at the foreign visits of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal alleged the Opposition tried to ensure the failure of odd-even scheme as the initiative was being praised "world over".
He said the Opposition was worried after Delhi government's scheme was praised by a noted international magazine. "They had a fear. After the last odd-even, there were talks about it world over. Even Fortune magazine discussed about it....(Modi) is going around the globe, but not being praised," he said, without taking Modi's name.
"The AAP government people did not visit a single place, but even then they are being discussed world over. So they thought the odd-even scheme has to fail" Kejriwal said.
07:57 Final phase of Bengal elections begins
Polling began this morning in the sixth and last phase of assembly election in the two districts of East Midnapore and Coochbehar amidst strict security.
An electorate of over 58 lakh is eligible to cast their ballots at 6,774 polling stations between 7 am to 6 pm in 25 constituencies.
In all, 170 candidates, including 18 women, are in the fray for the last phase of elections. Maintaining a tight security cover, the poll panel has deployed 361 companies of central forces assisted by a contingent of 12,000 state police personnel.
Prohibitory orders under section 144 of the CrPC have been promulgated on the polling day and enforced strictly to ensure that any unlawful assembly is effectively curbed.
03:37 Trump a 'loose cannon', not worth the risk: Clinton
Launching a frontal attack on Donald Trump, Democratic presidential frontrunner Hillary Clinton has dubbed the Republican presumptive presidential nominee as a "loose cannon" on which the country cannot take a risk.
Clinton, who is most likely to lead the Democratic party in the November 8 United States presidential elections against Trump, fired her first salvo against her fellow New Yorker as it became evident that he was now the Republic presumptive nominee.
"I don't think we can take a risk on a loose cannon like Donald Trump running our country," Clinton told CNN in a major television interview, the first after the crucial Indiana primary wherein she was defeated by her sole Democratic rival Bernie Sanders in a tight contest.
She is still headed to be the party's presidential nominee because of her delegate count.
"Donald Trump has said it's okay for other countries to get nuclear weapons. I think that's just downright dangerous. He has said wages are too high. I think we need to have a raise for the American people, raise the minimum wage, get wages back going up," Clinton said.
"I think when he says women should be punished for having abortions, that is just beyond anything that I can imagine, I think most women can imagine," she said in response to a question.
"Well, he's a loose cannon. He's somebody who has said so many things, and I'm sure he'll be scrambling and his advisers will be scrambling, but he's already said all of these things," Clinton argued.
02:13 US visitors to Cuba surge 93 per cent
The number of Americans visiting Cuba surged 93 per cent year-on-year in the first four months of 2016, the Cuban government said.
The communist island is basking in its new found glow as a trendy tourist destination since Washington and Havana announced a historic rapprochement in December 2014.
Cuba has welcomed a stream of celebrities and VIPs since then, including US President Barack Obama, the pope, the Rolling Stones and German designer Karl Lagerfeld, who presented a Cuban-inspired runway show Tuesday for French fashion house Chanel.
The United States still maintains a trade and financial embargo on Cuba that forbids US citizens from traveling to the island for tourism, but Obama has loosened restrictions to the point that the first US cruise ship in 50 years was able to dock in Havana Monday.
The Carnival cruise liner circumvented the tourism ban by offering passengers "cultural exchanges," including meetings with artists, musicians and business owners, as well as dance classes and guided tours.
In all, 94,000 Americans visited Cuba from January to April, Tourism Minister Manuel Marrero said at the opening of an international tourism fair in Havana.
00:43 Delhi govt approves proposal to set up memorial on Kalam at Dilli Haat
The proposal to set up a memorial on former President APJ Abdul Kalam's life and belongings at Dilli Haat was approved by the Delhi government on Wednesday.
The decision taken by the Arvind Kejriwal cabinet comes months after the Aam Aadmi Party criticised the BJP for allocating Kalam's official residence at 10, Rajaji Marg to Union Culture Minister Mahesh Sharma.
"It has been decided that the Delhi Tourism and Transportation Development Corporation will be assigned the work of setting-up this memorial on deposit work basis and its further operation," an official statement said.
Earlier in April, Delhi Culture Minister Kapil Mishra had visited Rameswaram, the former President's birth place, to bring back his belongings to the city, which were sent there by the Centre after his death in July last year.
Mishra's department will be the nodal authority for implementing the project and which will be provided "adequate funds" by the Delhi Government's Finance department.
"It may be recalled that A.P.J. Mohamed Muthu Meeran Lebbal Maraikayar, the elder brother of the former President in his letter addressed to the Chief Minister had requested for setting up a 'Kalam National Centre for Knowledge Discovery' in New Delhi," the statement added.
00:41 India to cross 500 mn Internet users this year: Prasad
The number of Internet users in the country is likely to reach 500 million this year, Telecom Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said on Wednesday.
"India has grown to around 400 million Internet users. If we take Trai numbers then it is somewhere close to 332 million. As per service providers, they were telling me that up to date it is 402 million. We were to have 500 million users by 2017, I feel it will happen this year itself," Prasad said while launching Digital Desh Drive 2.
India has now over 100 crore mobile subscribers, he added.
As per the official data shared by him in Lok Sabha on Wednesday, the total mobile subscriber base at the end of February has 98.2 crore GSM mobile users and 4.45 crore subscribers on CDMA network.
People in India specially at grass root levels are using technology to transform their lives.
The Digital Desh 2.0, a narrative story book, has incorporated insights of small Indian businesses who are using Internet to transform their businesses.
00:36 Goa MLA booked for raping minor girl
The Goa police on Wednesday registered an FIR against expelled Congress legislator Atanasio Monserrate for allegedly raping a minor girl in March, which he said was a "conspiracy" against him.
"A case of rape has been registered against Monserratte. Further investigations are going on," said Karthik Kashyap, Superintendent of Police (crime branch).
However, he refused to divulge more details, saying investigations are still going on.
"The incident happened in March and after that the girl went missing. She was found by police recently and lodged in protective home where she disclosed about the incident," a senior police officer said on the condition of anonymity.
The FIR was lodged by the girl in Panaji police station.
Monserrate, who represents St Cruz constituency, was expelled from Congress recently for anti-party activities.
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