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Aarushi Maheshwari

03 Jul 2017,Monday

CISF security at Delhi Airport wins world's best award

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/cisf-security-at-igi-airport-adjudged-the-best/1/992507.html

The CISF security cover at the Delhi Airport has been rated the best service in the world by quality rating agency World Quality Congress. CISF said keeping a check on criminal activities at the airport and restoring passengers' forgotten items have helped it fetch the award. The WQC will hand over the award to CISF later this week in Mumbai.

New Delhi, Jul 2 (PTI) The CISF security cover at the Delhi airport has been recognised as the best service in this domain by a global quality-rating agency. The latest initiation of doing away with the tagging and stamping of hand baggages at the Delhi airport and over a dozen others, restoring forgotten items of the passengers and keeping a check on criminal activities at the sensitive airport has fetched the paramilitary this award, a CISF spokesperson said. "CISF security services at the Indira Gandhi International (IGI) airport has been adjudged as the best security service across the country by an independent body called the World Quality Congress (WQC)," the spokesperson said. Central Industrial Security Force chief O P Singh said the award is "recognition of the hardwork" put in by his men and women deployed at the airport and it will motivate them to perform even better to ensure passenger safety and well being. The WQC is an independent, not-for-profit organisation and it will hand over the decoration to the CISF later this week in Mumbai. The award focuses on the contribution of individuals, organisation and technologies used at airport, the spokesperson said, adding the WQC recognises and awards world class excellence achieved by an organisation. The number of competitors in the category, in which the CISF was adjudged the best, was not immediately known.

Shubhodeep Datta

12 Apr 2017,Wednesday

Art of Living event destroyed Yamuna floodplains: NGT panel

http://www.hindustantimes.com/delhi/sri-sri-event-destroyed-yamuna-floodplains-restoration-will-cost-rs-13-cr-take-10-years-ngt-panel/story-F69BbXjhM9NOLYX1OVWtnI.html

The National Green Tribunal-appointed committee of experts has found Sri Sri Ravi Shankar's Art of Living (AoL) responsible for destroying Yamuna floodplains, where its World Culture Festival was hosted last year. Further, the panel found that the rehabilitation of the floodplains destroyed by the event will take 10 years and cost over ?13 crore.

The damage to the Yamuna floodplains caused by the Art of Living?s three-day cultural festival last year will cost more than Rs 42 crore and at least 10 years to fix, according to the expert panel appointed by the National Green Tribunal.The Foundation has, however, called the committee biased and acting with vested interests.The expert panel, headed by Shashi Shekhar, secretary of ministry of water resources, submitted its report to the NGT on Wednesday, on damage assessment following the Art of Living?s three-day World Culture Festival in March 2016.The panel has suggested a time-bound action plan, which comprises two components - physical and biological rehabilitation. The physical component is estimated to cost around Rs 28.73 crore and the biological part would cost around Rs 13.29 crore.?In addition to this, there would be expenditure for the monitoring by a team of experts for 10 years and the cost of transportation of material outside the floodplain,? said an expert.The 47-page report estimates that approximately 120 hectares (about 300 acres) of floodplains of west (right bank) of the river Yamuna and about 50 hectares (120 acres) floodplains of the eastern side (left bank) of the river have been adversely impacted ecologically at different magnitudes.The Art of Living spokesperson, however, has alleged ?bias beyond doubt.??The Expert Committee members of the NGT who were supposed to be non-interested parties to the case and were to act as the eyes and ears of judges have given biased interviews in public while the case is sub-judice... The closeness of the petitioner with the expert committee members was not disclosed to us when it was appointed by NGT and went into the preparation of the report,? said Kedar Desai, the spokesperson.Desai said the Art of Living Foundation is a ?responsible and environmentally sensitive NGO? and its legal team will be looking into the report to decide on the appropriate future action.The NGT had allowed the festival in March 2016, saying that as the matter was ?fait accompli?, they could not ban it. The three-day World Cultural Festival soon grabbed headlines for allegedly polluting and damaging the Yamuna floodplain ecosystem.The NGT slapped an interim fine Rs 5 crore on the Foundation for environmental damage while efforts were made to ascertain the exact costs of the damage.An initial four-member committee had recommended that the Foundation pay Rs100 to Rs 120 crores as compensation for the restoration work.The green court had later asked an expert panel of seven members to estimate the damage to the floodplains and how much it would cost to fix these damages. This committee observed that the festival had ?completely destroyed, not simply damaged? the riverfront area between DND flyover and the Barapulla drain, which had served as the main event site.?The ground is now totally levelled, compacted and hardened and is totally devoid of water bodies or depressions and almost completely devoid of any vegetation.?Huge amount of earth and debris have been dumped to construct the ramps for access from the DND flyover and from the two pontoon bridges across the Barapulla drain,? the report said.It said the floodplain was severely harmed and ?almost all its natural vegetation? was lost, affecting the natural habitat of a large number animals, insects and other organisms.

Chhavi Tyagi

24 Jun 2017,Saturday

EC imposes 3-year poll ban on MP minister over paid news

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/election-commission-madhya-pradesh-minister-narottam-mishra/1/986353.html

The Election Commission has barred Madhya Pradesh Minister Narottam Mishra from contesting elections for three years over paid news allegations during 2008 Assembly polls. The complaint was filed by former Congress MLA Rajendra Bharti in April 2009. While Mishra had earlier approached the MP High Court seeking to quash the inquiry by the EC, his plea was rejected.

Highly placed sources have said that the Election Commission has disqualified Madhya Pradesh Health Minister Narottam Mishra over paid news allegations.The Election Commission reached to the conclusion after hearing the case and studying proof presented before it in the matter.Narottam Mishra is considered number two in the Shivraj Singh Chouhan cabinet in Madhya Pradesh. He is also the Minister for Public Relation in the Madhya Pradesh government.Complainant in the case is Rajendra Bharti, who had approached the Election Commission in 2012 alleging Narottam Mishra had paid for news without accounting for it in his expenses in 2008. Mishra had subsequently approached the Madhya Pradesh High Court seeking quashing the inquiry by the Election Commission. But, the high court and subsequently the Supreme Court had rejected Narottam Mishra's plea. WHAT IS THE CASE?Narottam Mishra was accused of hiding his election expenses by not accounting for 'a series of paid news' published in various newspapers ahead of 2008 Madhya Pradesh Assembly election. Congress leader Rajentra Bharti alleged that Narottam Mishra did so to enhance his prestige among the voters.Following Rajendra Bharti's complaint, the Election Commission issued a show-cause notice to Narottam Mishra in 2013.

Rini Sinha

20 Dec 2016,Tuesday

SRK, Big B, Anushka, Sonam win best acting Stardust Awards

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/stardust-awards-2016-shah-rukh-khan-anushka-sharma-amitabh-bachchan/1/838668.html

Shah Rukh Khan won the Editors' Choice Best Actor award for 'Fan', while Sonam Kapoor was named the Best Actress for 'Neerja' at Stardust Awards. In the Viewers' Choice Category, Amitabh Bachchan won the Best Actor award for 'Pink' while Anushka Sharma was named the Best Actress. Meanwhile, 'Sultan' was named the Viewers' Choice Best Film of the year.

The Stardust Awards 2016 was held at Mumbai yesterday and while Pink took most of the accolades in the recently concluded Star Screen Awards, it was Neerja's time to bag all the awards at Stardust.ALSO READ | Star Screen Awards 2016: Complete list of the winners While both Shah Rukh Khan and Amitabh Bachchan earned the top male actors' awards, Anushka Sharma and Sonam Kapoor were noticed for their performances as well.Here is the complete list of winners from Stardust Awards 2016:Viewers' Choice Best Actor of the Year: Amitabh Bachchan for PinkViewers' Choice Best Actress of the Year: Anushka Sharma for Ae Dil Hai Mushkil and SultanWith the directors behind Alizeh & Aarfa ð???â?¤ï¸?ð???ð??¼ @karanjohar@aliabbaszafarpic.twitter.com/9dDSIdiMhSEditor's Choice Best Actor of the Year: Shah Rukh Khan for FanEditor's Choice Best Actress of the Year: Sonam Kapoor for NeerjaThank you team bling for everything... but a big shout out to @alisha5dave you're the best manager but a better friend! Love you guys! #priyanka #piya #swati #atul #alisha #neha #shantiA photo posted by sonamkapoor (@sonamkapoor) on Dec 19, 2016 at 11:49am PSTBest Actor in a Negative Role: Jim Sarbh for NeerjaBest Actor in a Supporting Role (Male): Rishi Kapoor for Kapoor and SonsBest Actor in a Supporting Role (Female): Shabana Azmi for NeerjaBest Supporting Actress: @AzmiShabana for her role as Rama Bhanot in #Neerja#StardustAwards#legendpic.twitter.com/a9nsdQWl6uBest Male Debut: Harshvardhan Kapoor for MirzyaBest Female Debut: Saiyami Kher for Mirzya & Disha Patani for MS Dhoni: The Untold StoryALSO WATCH: MIRZYA MOVIE REVIEW Best Superstar of Next Generation: Varun DhawanMost Iconic Performance of the Year: Aishwarya Rai Bachchan for SarbjitLifetime Achievement Award: RekhaGlobal Icon of the Year: Priyanka ChopraViewer's Choice Best Film of the Year: SultanALSO WATCH: Is Rajini a bigger star than Salman Khan?Best Story: Kapoor and SonsBest Screenplay: Udta PunjabBest Costume: SultanBest Music Director: Pritam for Ae Dil Hai Mushkil@ipritamofficial wins best composer and best album at @Stardust_MagnaBest singer - @raiisonai Best Lyrics - #AmitabhBhattacharyað???ð??»ð???ð??»Best Lyricist: Amitabh Bhattacharya for Channa Mereya from Ae Dil Hai MushkilBest Playback (Male): Arijit Singh for Channa Mereya from Ae Dil Hai MushkilBest Choreographer: Bosco-Caesar for Kala Chashma from Baar Baar Dekho

Chhavi Tyagi

21 Jan 2017,Saturday

Delhi policeman helps arrest son who stabbed woman 9 times

http://www.hindustantimes.com/delhi/policeman-puts-duty-first-helps-cops-nab-son-who-stabbed-woman-nine-times/story-ueNa3NsqVBo6f5kK8h4rOO.html

As per reports, 52-year-old Assistant Sub-Inspector Raj Singh helped arrest his own son, who was guilty of stabbing a 23-year-old female playschool teacher nine times. Singh, posted in west district, was on a seven-day medical leave when he learnt about his son's involvement in the stabbing case. Reportedly, Singh first warned his relatives not to give his son a shelter.

For ASI Raj Singh, 52, his son was guilty of stabbing a woman who spurned him and had to be brought to justice. Singh knew his son deserved to be behind bars and had even threatened his relatives against helping, Amit, evade arrest. On Wednesday night, when Delhi police were grappling for clues to crack the case, Singh walked into the Najafgarh police station and offered to help the investigating officer arrest his son. Singh, posted in the west district, was on a seven day medical leave, when he learnt about his son?s involvement in the Najafgarh stabbing case. Within hours he was in touch with all the teams investigating the case. Police said Singh first spoke to his relatives and warned them not to give Amit shelter. Singh told relatives, who still did not know what Amit had done, that his son was guilty of stabbing a woman and deserved to be arrested. Sources said Singh even went to some of his relatives? house in Roshanpura to check if Amit was hiding there. A senior officer said that when he spoke to Singh, the man said that his duty came first and he was a cop who would treat his son like any other suspect. Joint commissioner of police (south west) Dependra Pathak confirmed that Singh had helped the police. ?The ASI helped the investigating team in locating his son. We respect his commitment towards his duty. He has certainly set an example for others,? said Pathak.

Chhavi Tyagi

13 Dec 2016,Tuesday

7 held for converting old notes into new in Bengaluru

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/bengaluru-hawala-operator-black-money-cbi-state-bank-of-india-icici-kotak/1/833217.html

The Bengaluru Police on Tuesday arrested seven people, including a hawala operator, for converting demonetised notes into new currency. The police have also recovered ?93 lakh in new currency from the middlemen after multiple government agency raids. Further, the CBI has also registered cases against the officials of four Karnataka banks on charges of converting old notes into new ones.

Seven people, including a hawala operator, were arrested in Bengaluru today as part of a racket that converted black money in banned Rs 500 and Rs 1000 notes into the new Rs 2000 currency notes.Rs 93 lakh in new currency was found with the middlemen after multiple government agencies raided them. One of the arrested has been identified as KV Virendra, who is believed to be running a casino in Goa. He was produced before a special court in Bengaluru which has sent him to six days of CBI custody for questioning.The CBI has also registered cases against the officials of four Karnataka banks - State Bank of India, State Bank of Mysore, ICICI Bank and Kotak Mahindra Bank - on charges of converting old notes with Rs 2000 notes.The CBI sources said that during preliminary probe, the names of several persons have been taken by Veerendra and it is trying to gather material evidence linking the alleged hawala operator with them. The seven accused are reported to be charging 15 to 35 per cent commission for their work from black money hoarders.Also read:Demonetisation the biggest scam of 2016: Former Finance Minister P ChidambaramBlack money crackdown: Rs 60 crore cash, 245 kg gold seized from 10 airports since demonetisationTamil Nadu: New notes worth Rs 24 crore seized in Vellore, total recovery rises to Rs 166 crore  

Prashanti Moktan

26 Jan 2017,Thursday

Hrithik, Yami's 'Kaabil' earns ?10.43 crore on opening day

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/kaabil-box-office-collection-hrithik-roshan-yami-gautam-review/1/866972.html

The Hrithik Roshan and Yami Gautam starrer 'Kaabil', which released on Wednesday, has earned ?10.43 crore on its opening day. Directed by Sanjay Gupta, the film is a revenge drama, where Hrithik and Yami star as a visually impaired couple. 'Kaabil' is reportedly inspired by the 1989 film 'Blind Fury' and the 2014 Korean movie 'Broken'.

Hrithik Roshan and Yami Gautam's Kaabil has beaten the opening day collection of Hrithik's last outing Mohenjo Daro and Yami's last film Junooniyat. The film has raked in Rs 10.43 crore on its opening day.MOVIE REVIEW: Kaabil 

Tanya Dhingra

18 Jul 2017,Tuesday

Funny how one wrong word can screw your career: Tiger

http://www.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/funny-how-one-wrong-word-can-sc-w-up-your-career-tiger-shroff/story-ozVsYCkVzbDOI7y4FNnBXN.html?utm_source=inshorts&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=fullarticle

Tiger Shroff, who was criticised for referring to his co-stars as "padding", said that he made the remark very casually, while adding, "It's so funny how using one wrong word can screw up your career." Tiger further said that he is not a sexist or racist person. He added, "I don't get under people's skin or pick up unnecessary fights."

Tiger Shroff has stayed away from any negative stories around him, ever since he started his career in Bollywood in 2014. However, the actor?s recent comment, where he allegedly referred to his Student of the Year 2 co-stars as ?padding?, didn?t go down well with people and he was trolled on social media.Although Tiger did clarify his stance on this, talking to us recently, he again picked on the subject and shared his views. ?I don?t understand why people these days overreact unnecessarily on everything that an actor says. I used ?padding? so casually and got badly scr**ed. It?s so funny how using one wrong word can screw up your career,? says Tiger. Hope you are ready to hit the streets, #DingDang will be out today at 4:30 pm you can also watch it exclusively on @eros_now :) #MunnaMichael @nidhhiagerwal @sabbir24x7 @vikirajani @filmsnextgen A post shared by Tiger Shroff (@tigerjackieshroff) on Jun 18, 2017 at 11:03pm PDT The 27-year-old, who is in Delhi to promote his next film, Munna Michael, was at his composed best throughout the interview but got visibly upset when he recalled the recent backlash that he faced. ?I mean, come on! I am not a sexist or a racist or anything like that. I don?t get under people?s skin or pick up unnecessary fights. Everyone knows the kind of person I am,? says Tiger, adding that his statement was highly misunderstood.The actor maintains that nowhere in his comments he meant to demean his female co-stars. ?I know the question was asked in context of my co-stars but my answer was taken in a different context. I just want to prove that journalist wrong. If you ask me, I might be a padding for the girls and I might help them and they might help me. I never meant that they?re mere props on set,? says Tiger. Take number 24....body slowed down...got weaker...but thinking about the king kept me going. #beparwah #bts #munnamichael #21st A post shared by Tiger Shroff (@tigerjackieshroff) on Jul 13, 2017 at 10:46pm PDT Explaining what he meant, he adds, ?What I meant by ?padding? was that directors and producers pad-up ? provide a cushion and package a film. Casting Tiger Shroff may also be some sort of a padding, because even I have only that much to offer.?

Tarun Khanna

27 Jan 2017,Friday

SC rejects PIL seeking all-India ban on cow slaughter

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/cow-slaughter-cattle-supreme-court-pil-all-india-ban/1/867650.html

The Supreme Court on Friday rejected a PIL seeking an all-India ban on cow slaughter, stating it will not interfere with state laws on the killing of cattle. "One state may ban slaughter, the other may not," the apex court observed. The court, however, said it has already passed orders on measures to stop the illegal inter-state transportation of cattle.

Dismissing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking an all-India ban on cow slaughter, the Supreme Court today said it will not interfere with state laws on the killing of cattle."One state may ban slaughter, the other may not... We will not interfere in state laws," the Supreme Court said as it rejected the petition seeking a uniform policy on cow slaughter.

Tarun Khanna

03 May 2017,Wednesday

We are hopeful we?ll convince Vishwas: Kejriwal

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/arvind-kejriwal-on-aam-aadmi-party-aap-rift-will-convince-kumar-vishwas/1/944115.html

Amid the ongoing rift in the Aam Aadmi Party, Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal and Deputy CM Manish Sisodia visited party leader Kumar Vishwas's residence in Ghaziabad on Tuesday night and asserted they are hopeful they will convince Vishwas. "He is an inseparable part of our movement. He is upset with us," said the AAP Convenor.

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders Arvind Kejriwal and Manish Sisodia tried their best to placate co-founder member Kumar Vishwas, who had hinted at breaking up from the ruling party in Delhi. However, after an hour of closed door meeting with Kejriwal and other AAP leaders, Kumar Vishwas left CM's residence without speaking to the media.The Delhi chief minister and his deputy had visited Vishwas at his residence in Ghaziabad late on Tuesday night to hold talks with him."He is an inseparable part of our movement. He is upset with us. We are sure that we will be able to convince him," Kejriwal said.Also read:Arvind Kejriwal in introspection mode after MCD debacle, plans major shake up in AAP

Ankur Vyas

26 Feb 2017,Sunday

Retd Colonel flies from Canada for wedding of sahayak's son

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/sahayak-buddy-system-25-madras-regiment/1/891661.html

Amid recent allegations against officers and their families entrusting menial duties to sahayaks, a retired Army officer recently flew from Canada to attend the wedding of his former sahayak's son. "He is family...I had to attend his son's wedding," Retired Colonel GS Ghuman said. Havildar Balagowda Raigowda Patil had worked as the Colonel's buddy for two decades.

Amid the controversy over an Army jawan describing the menial duties a sahayak is entrusted with by the Army officers and their families, comes the tale of a senior Army officer flying all the way from Canada to attend a wedding in his sahayak's family.For Colonel GS Ghuman, all it took was a call from his former 'buddy' - as sahayaks are known in the Army - inviting him to attend his son's wedding.Havildar Balagowda Raigowda Patil worked as the Colonel's buddy for almost two decades, before the two retired from the Army around 10 years ago."He (Patil) is family. How could I say no. I had to attend his son's wedding. So here I am, in India," Col Ghuman told PTI.The feeling was reciprocated by Patil, who said, "Saab's (Col Ghuman) mother treated me like her fourth son. Saab also never treated me as a junior but like a brother.""I was with saab since the IPKF days in Sri Lanka. I never felt humiliated as a 'buddy'," Patil, who retired in 2006, said.Col Ghuman retired the next year. Both were in the 25 Madras Regiment, where Patil's son, who got married recently, is posted as an Army jawan.The wedding took place at Patil's native place, around 50 kms from Belgaum.Col Ghuman also used this trip to reconnect with former jawans in his unit, and travelled to places like Mangalore, Kochi and Hyderabad to meet them and their families, before flying back to Canada.Col Ghuman's gesture comes amid reports that the Army is contemplating withdrawing combat soldiers working as sahayaks from peace stations across the country and post them back to their field formations.

Mansha Mahajan

07 Feb 2017,Tuesday

I-T dept detects ?16,200 crore in black money stashed abroad

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/hsbc-icij-list-i-t-dept-detects-rs-16200-cr-black-money/1/876978.html

The I-T Department has detected ?16,200 crore worth black money after conducting investigations on global leaks about Indians stashing funds abroad. Of this, ?8,200 crore undisclosed income was brought to tax in last 2 years on account of deposits made in unreported foreign accounts in HSBC. The government is committed to bring back black money stashed abroad, it said.

Over Rs 16,200 crore in black money has been detected by the government after investigations on global leaks about Indians stashing funds abroad, Parliament was informed today."As a result of systematic investigations, undisclosed income of about Rs 8,200 crore (including protective assessment of income of Rs 1,497 crore) has been brought to tax in last about 2 years on account of deposits made in unreported foreign bank accounts in HSBC."Further, about Rs 8,000 crore of credits in the undisclosed foreign accounts of Indians, whose names were disclosed by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ), have been detected," Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said in a written reply to the Rajya Sabha.NO ESTIMATION OF AMOUNT STASHED ABROADThere is no official estimation of quantum of black money stashed abroad by Indians, he said."The government is, however, committed to taking all possible measures to bring back black money stashed by Indians in foreign countries," he said.The Black Money (Undisclosed Foreign Income and Assets) and Imposition of Tax Act, 2015 (The BM Act) was enacted to specifically and effectively tackle the issue of black money stashed away abroad, the minister said.THE BM ACTThe BM Act provides for more stringent provisions of penalties and prosecutions in respect of black money stashed away abroad, he said."Further, under this law, for the first time the offence of wilful attempt to evade tax, etc. in relation to undisclosed foreign income/assets has been made a Scheduled Offence for the purposes of the Prevention of Money-laundering Act, 2002 (PMLA)," he added.Jaitley also listed a number of measures that have been put in place by the government to curb the menace of black money.

Radhika Chugh

29 Jul 2017,Saturday

MCG seals 52 properties of tax defaulters in 2 days

http://www.hindustantimes.com/gurgaon/gurgaon-mcg-seals-52-properties-of-tax-defaulters-in-two-days/story-wgruyU4vgXhLX3hglwalBJ.html?utm_source=inshorts&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=fullarticle

The Municipal Corporation of Gurugram (MCG) has sealed 52 properties of tax defaulters since Wednesday, while around 600 properties have been sealed in the city so far. The MCG will start auctioning the sealed properties from next month to recover dues. Notably, the civic body collected around ?500 crore in property tax in the last fiscal year.

With the date of auction approaching, the Municipal Corporation of Gurugram (MCG) has since Wednesday sealed 52 properties of building owners who failed to pay property tax.The MCG has been regularly carrying out sealing drives as it is going to start auctioning properties of tax defaulters from August 8 to recover dues.On July 20, the MCG had also sealed 70 shops in Sector 74 after their owners failed to pay the property tax dues.Since Wednesday, municipal corporation officials have sealed properties at Mehrauli-Gurgaon Road (MG Road), sectors 37, 4, 7 and Palam Vihar. These properties include shops located in malls in Sector 4, in MG Road and at the Vyapar Kendra in Palam Vihar.?Around 600 buildings have been sealed in the city so far and owners let out after warnings. While most tax defaulters cleared their dues and reclaimed their properties, the remaining who did not do so face the prospect of their properties being auctioned from August under Section 130 (manner of recovering tax or fee) of the Haryana Municipal Act, 1994,? said SS Rohilla, spokesperson, MCG.With rebate schemes no longer on offer, the MCG has warned defaulters to pay their tax dues by August 31 or their establishments could go under the hammer.The corporation will start the auctioning process with 20 buildings of tax defaulters that were sealed in February.In the 2016-17 fiscal, the MCG has collected around Rs500 crore in property tax as against the Rs387 crore collected last fiscal.

Abhishek Bansal

03 Jun 2017,Saturday

BJP MP tosses plastic bottle into river as UP Min watches

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/priyanka-rawat-swachh-bharat-saryu-river-barabanki-dharampal-singh/1/969898.html

BJP MP from Barabanki Priyanka Rawat tossed a plastic water bottle into Saryu during an inspection of an embankment on the river. Rawat was accompanied by UP Water Resources Minister Dharampal Singh, who, incidentally, gave a speech on how to keep rivers clean. Singh and Rawat had travelled more than 100 kilometres to Gonda from Lucknow for the embankment inspection.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched Swachh Bharat campaign with much fanfare and lots of emotion asking every citizen to contribute towards making India absolutely clean by 2019 - the 150th birth year of Mahatma Gandhi. But, BJP MP from Barabanki Priyanka Rawat seems to be least bothered.On an inspection of an embankment on the Saryu - which passes through Ayodhya and finds mention in Vedas as wells the Ramayana - Priyanka Rawat tossed a plastic water bottle into the river.Ironically, UP Water Resources Minister Dharampal Singh accompanied him when she tossed the plastic bottle into the Saryu. Dharampal Singh, incidentally, gave a speech on how to keep rivers clean. He emphasised, in his speech, that keeping rivers clean was a necessity.Dharampal Singh and Priyanka Rawat had travelled more than 100 kilometres to Gonda from Lucknow for Saryu embankment inspection. The officials present at the site suggested that Priyanka Rawat and Dharampal Singh take a round of Saryu river in a motorboat.AS IT HAPPENEDPriyanka Rawat can be seen in the video boarding the boat holding a plastic water bottle and carelessly tossing it up into the river. The camera crew present there shot the entire incident. Priyanka Rawat was the first to get onto the boat. Minister Dharampal Singh followed her. After gulping the remaining water from the bottle, Priyanka reportedly asked the minister what to do with the bottle.Without waiting for the answer from the Minister, Priyanka Rawat looks around and tosses up the bottle into Saryu river. #WATCH Priyanka Rawat, BJP MP from Barabanki tosses a plastic bottle into River Saryu, in Gonda pic.twitter.com/XBXGI2DNx3MINISTER BATS FOR CLEANLINESSA little later, Minister Dharampal Singh addresses the media and blames the previous Mayawati and Akhilesh Yadav governments for the state of rivers in Uttar Pradesh. Dharampal Singh reiterate the BJP government's commitment to clean Ganga saying, 'Aviral Ganga, Nirmal Ganga' (Uninterrupted Ganga, Clean Ganga). The Saryu ends up in River Ganga. The plastic water bottle tossed up by Priyanka Rawat will also reach the Ganga mocking the Namami Gange project of the Narendra Modi government.ON TOSSING UP BOTTLE INTO SARYUWhen a reporter asked about the plastic bottle thrown by Priyanka Rawat, Dharampal Singh could just say, "I said (we) should not (throw it into the river)" adding, "We will not allow the Ganga to be polluted."

Chhavi Tyagi

01 Jul 2017,Saturday

AAP to back Meira Kumar in presidential election

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/meira-kumar-aam-aadmi-party-presidential-election-upa-nominee-bjp-ram-nath-kovind/1/991932.html

The Aam Aadmi Party will support UPA's nominee and former Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar in the presidential election, as per reports. An official decision in this regard would reportedly be taken by AAP's Political Affairs Committee. The political party has further debunked reports claiming that the AAP would not take part in the presidential elections.

The Aam Aadmi Party is likely to support UPA's nominee and former Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar in presidential election. Top AAP sources told India Today that the party might vote for Kumar. A final official decision in this regard would be taken by the Political Affairs Committee of the AAP.According to sources, AAP leaders have said that there is no question of their abstaining from voting or lending support to NDA's presidential candidate Ram Nath Kovind.MEIRA KUMAR FILED NOMINATION PAPERS ON WEDNESDAY  Meira Kumar filed her nomination papers in Parliament on Wednesday. She said the Congress-led Opposition represented "the true legacy, thought and ideology of Mahatma Gandhi".The former Lok Sabha Speaker said that she would start her campaign in Sabarmati."Everyone knows the importance of Sabarmati and Sabarmati's Sant (Mahatma Gandhi). Just by going there one gets Shakti (power), so I am also going there," Kumar had said.Congress chief Sonia Gandhi has called the presidential election "a fight of ideologies and principles." ALSO READ | With Sonia, Manmohan by her side, Meira Kumar files nomination for presidential electionALSO READ |Presidential election: Opposition pick Meira Kumar to invoke Mahatma Gandhi's legacy during campaign

Chhavi Tyagi

03 Feb 2017,Friday

Bhopal man murders live-in partner, buries body in concrete

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/bhopal-man-murders-live-in-partner-buries-body-in-concrete/1/873627.html

The dead body of a 28-year-old missing West Bengal woman has been recovered from a concrete tomb inside a home in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh. The woman was allegedly killed by her live-in partner, a 32-year-old man named Udyan Das who claims to be an ex-IITian. The two had met each other on Facebook around eight months ago, the police said.

In a shocking incident in Bhopal a 32-year-old man strangulated his live in partner, put her into a wooden box, converted the wooden box into a cement slab by pouring several bags of cement concrete and water into and slept on it every night for almost two months before police drilled out the body that was burred in concrete at a home in the city's Saket Nagar suburb and arrested the accused late Thursday night.The youth Udyan Das led a lavish lifestyle in Bhopal, he moved around in a Mercedes car and lived alone in his house the BHEL township in the Saket Nagar area.According to the police Udyan Das first met the victim who has been identified as 28-year-old woman Akanksha Sharma on Facebook about two years ago. "Akanksha left her home in Bankura in West Bengal telling her parents she was moving to the United States about two years back. But instead of moving to the US she came to Bhopal and started living with Udyan Das," Police said.Also read: MP Police launches mobile app MP e-Cop for women safety Family and friends of Akanksha claim they used to receive telephone calls from her till about two months back and when the calls stopped her father got suspicious and registered a missing persons complaint with the Bankura policeThe Bankura police traced the calls to Bhopal and questioned Udyan Das on Thursday. Das initially tried to mislead the police but after grilling confessed he had killed her.On being questioned where he had disposed off the body, Udyan revealed he had put the body in a wooden box and put cement and concrete along with water into the box to convert it into a slab. After the slab dried he converted it into his bed on the first floor of his house and used to sleep on it.On late Thursday night police drilled the cement slab for three hours and extracted body parts of the dead girl from it.  Also read: MP to hold survey to monitor crimes due to liquor addictionAccording to neighbours and tenants who live on the ground floor of the house they had seen the girl come into the house several times. The last time she was seen was around two months back. "Though we knew him for the past 25 odd years he hardly used to interact with anyone. He used to lead a lavish lifestyle and claim that he had a factory in Raipur. We thought  since was the only child of his parents he must be getting money from them," a neighbour told.Das initially told the police that he was an Ex-IITan and had worked in the US in the past. He also claimed that he had got married with Akanksha in a temple and that the two had together travelled to the US where his mother lived. His father retired from the Bharat Heavy Electricals and passed away a  few years back.

Tanya Dhingra

14 Jul 2017,Friday

Kermit the Frog voice actor claims he was fired after 27 yrs

https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2017/jul/14/kermit-the-frog-voice-actor-devastated-to-lose-job-after-27-years?utm_source=inshorts&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=fullarticle

The voice actor of Kermit the Frog, Steve Whitmire has claimed he was fired from the Disney show 'The Muppets' after twenty seven years. In an open letter, he wrote, "I'd never consider abandoning Kermit...to do so would be to forsake the assignment entrusted to me by Jim Henson...mentor...my hero." Whitmire took over as Kermit following Henson's death in 1990.

Steve Whitmire, the puppeteer who was fired after 27 years as Kermit the Frog has said he is ?devastated to have failed? Muppets founder and his mentor Jim Henson.Whitmire has been with the Muppets since 1978, and took over as Kermit after Henson died in 1990. He wrote an emotional blog post in response to his firing a day after it was made public.He said he was let go against his will, and would never have left voluntarily.?For me the Muppets are not just a job, or a career, or even a passion. They are a calling, an urgent, undeniable, impossible to resist way of life,? Whitmire wrote. ?This is my life?s work since I was 19 years old. I feel that I am at the top of my game, and I want all of you who love the Muppets to know that I would never consider abandoning Kermit.?For me the Muppets ... are a calling, an urgent, undeniable, impossible to resist way of lifeWhitmire said he was informed that Kermit would be recast in October, and has kept silent in the ensuing months in the hopes that he could get his bosses to change their minds. He said he offered ?multiple remedies? to the reasons he was given for his firing.He would not say what those reasons were, nor would Muppet Studio or its parent company Disney, who have not responded to requests for comment from The Associated Press.Muppets Studio said in a statement to Time magazine that it ?thanks Steve for his tremendous contributions to Kermit the Frog and the Muppets franchise. We wish him well in his future endeavours?.The Hollywood Reporter and ABC News reported on Wednesday that longtime Muppets performer Matt Vogel will take over as Kermit.Kermit was Henson?s signature character, and the centrepiece of the Muppets franchise from 1955 until 1990. When he died it was unthinkable for many to imagine someone else taking on the role.But Whitmire took up the job, and became the only Kermit many of today?s young adults and children have ever known.The two made TV appearances on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, 30 Rock and Saturday Night Live and in films like Muppets Most Wanted and The Muppets.Addressing friends and fans, Whitmire wrote on his blog: ?I just want you all to know that I am sorry if I have disappointed any of you at any point throughout our journey, and to let everyone know that I am devastated to have failed in my duty to my hero.?

Daisy Mowke

05 Jul 2017,Wednesday

Kamal Haasan should be TN CM for a day: Director Alphonse

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/alphonse-puthren-wants-kamal-haasan-to-be-tn-chief-minister/1/994528.html

Filmmaker Alphonse Puthren wrote in a Facebook post that Kamal Haasan should be the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu for a day similar to the storyline of the film 'Mudhalvan'. "[H]ope it happens soon. He would take government to next level with his innovative ideas," he added. Alphonse further said if he has said something wrong he should be forgiven.

Kamal Haasan is well-known for raising his voice regarding matters concerning politics and artistic liberties. Be it his personal life or as an actor, Haasan has been bold and outspoken. At times, even at the cost of his own peace. Unlike Rajinikanth, Kamal Haasan has always stayed away from politics. Now, Alphonse Putharen, who shot to fame after directing the blockbuster Malayalam film Premam, took to his Facebook page and said he wanted to see the Nayagan actor as the chief minister of Tamil Nadu for a day."If there is a option like in mudhalvan film...to appoint a chief minister for one day . I think Kamal Hassan should be given one day for caring Tamil Nadu . Just one day would do . I hope it happens soon. He would take government to next level with his innovative ideas. This is just my wish . Please forgive this child if I said something wrong, (sic)" he wrote.The post has gone viral on social media. Recently, the Vishwaroopam star hit out at the state government for imposing double taxation on the film industry. "Karnataka has gone even further to facilitate the well-being of the film industry. Telangana and Andhra (Pradesh) are also doing their best for their film industries. Bihar used to be the nation's whipping boy when it came to corruption. Now, Tamil Nadu has left Bihar leagues behind. Film industry is one among the many industries asphyxiated by the prevailing systemic corruption in the state. I anticipate even stronger protests soon," Kamal said in a statement. On the work front, Kamal Haasan, who is currently busy with the Tamil version of the reality show Bigg Boss, is waiting for the release of his highly anticipated Vishwaroopam 2. 

Ankur Vyas

05 Feb 2017,Sunday

Self-defence classes at Infosys post Pune-techie's murder

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/infosys-techie-murder-self-defence/1/875054.html

Following the murder of a female Infosys employee at its Pune campus, the company has intensified self-defence training across all its campuses across India. A fifth dan martial art's expert Jaydev Mhamane has been roped in for the training. The management has also taken several steps like deploying panic buttons and increasing female security guards to prevent such incidents.

After the shocking incident wherein a 24-year-old female software engineer was murdered inside Infosys campus in Pune on January 29. Infosys company has now intensified self defense training at all its campuses throughout the country. The management has also taken various preventive measures so that such incident don't happen again. On Thursday, a circular mail was sent to all of its employees, appealing  to register their names for self defense martial arts classes. A 5th DAN martial art's expert, Jaydev Mhamane, has been roped in to teach self defence techniques. SELF DEFENCE CLASSES Mhamane and his team spent the entire Friday at Infosys campus. As many as 1000 female employees attended the self defence workshop.Talking to India Today, one of the employee who attended the Friday afternoon session said that there was a tremendous turnout of female employees who wanted to be self defendant. "Friday's  turnout was very nice, specially after the sad incident that happened inside Infosys campus. Everyone is talking that self defense is very important in day to day life. Not just living life normally but to learn new things. To save oneself first is bigger thing. people are taking it seriously and they want to practice more to make themself perfect," said an employee Bhavesh Kothari. Many male employees also joined the session. "Apart from attending the session, practicing what you have learnt is also important, and so is reading about self defense," Jaydev Mhamane said.In addition to self defence classes, the management of Infosys is looking into other measures to ensure their employees' safety.

Abhishek Bansal

12 Mar 2017,Sunday

Capt Amarinder Singh to take oath as Punjab CM on March 16

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/punjab-election-2017-captain-amarinder-singh-cm-congress-rahul-gandhi/1/902951.html

Congress leader Captain Amarinder Singh will take oath as the Chief Minister of Punjab on March 16, after he led his party to victory in the Punjab elections, winning 77 of 117 seats. Stating that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had talked to him after the election results, Singh said PM Modi promised to help him with the state.

Captain Amarinder Singh, the Congress's Chief Minister designate, will take oath as CM on March 16. The swearing-in ceremony will take place in Chandigarh on Thursday at 10 AM."A few cabinet members will also take their oath of office along with me," Amarinder said, refusing to say who will be inducted as ministers. Amarinder - accompanied by some senior Congress leaders - on Sunday went to Raj Bhawan to meet Punjab Governor V P Singh Badnore and formally staked his claim to form the next government in the state.The Governor congratulated Amarinder on the Congress' victory and has formally invited him to form the next government in the state. RAHUL GANDHI PROPOSES AMARINDER'S NAME AS CLP LEADEREarlier, Captain Amarinder Singh, who is the president of the Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee (PPCC), was unanimously elected the new leader of the Congress Legislative Party (CLP) in Punjab.Rahul Gandhi had proposed his name as the new CLP leader. "The election of Captain Amarinder as the CLP leader took place at the Congress Bhawan, where all the newly elected MLAs passed a one-line resolution authorizing AICC president Sonia Gandhi and vice president Rahul Gandhi to take a decision on the new CLP leader. I called up Rahul to apprise him of the CLP decision. The Congress MLAs then unanimously elected Captain Amarinder as their leader by a show of hands," AICC secretary in-charge of Punjab affairs, Asha Kumari said. Apart from Asha Kumari, other AICC leaders present at the CLP meeting were Ashok Gehlot (head of the Congress screening committee for Punjab elections) and Harish Chaudhary (AICC secretary). At the meeting, outgoing CLP leader Charanjit Singh Channi read out a statement thanking the people of Punjab for their stupendous support in the just concluded state assembly elections.PUNJAB GOVERNOR DISSOLVES ASSEMBLY Meanwhile, with Captain Amarinder set to take over from the Shiromani Akali Dal's Parkash Singh Badal, Punjab Governor VP Singh Badnore dissolved the state Assembly today. Here's the announcement.  

Chhavi Tyagi

22 Apr 2017,Saturday

If AAP doesn't win 50% seats, Kejriwal must resign: Yogendra

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/mcd-election-2017-yogendra-yadav-arvind-kejriwal-delhi-civic-election/1/935505.html

Ahead of Delhi civic polls, Swaraj India leader Yogendra Yadav has sought AAP convener Arvind Kejriwal's resignation if his political party fails to win 50% seats in the election. "You have broken the trust of the people of Delhi. Following your betrayal, the public has lost faith in its own capability to distinguish good from bad," he added.

A day ahead of the MCD election 2017, Swaraj India leader Yogendra Yadav has accused Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal of betraying the trust of the people of the city.Yogendra Yadav also sought Arvind Kejriwal's resignation "if the AAP fails to win 136 (50 per cent) seats" in the MCD elections.Writing a letter to his former India Against Corruption colleague, Yogendra Yadav said, "You have broken the trust of the people of Delhi," before adding, "Following your betrayal, the public has lost faith in its own capability to distinguish good from bad."Yogendra Yadav further said,"I am compelled to say that due to your ego, self-centrism and lust for chair, you have committed this crime."ALSO READ |MCD election 2017: All about Delhi civic polls; how BJP, AAP battle it out with Congress, Swaraj IndiaDelhi civic polls are not only about MCD elections, 4 per cent won't vote tomorrow  

Deepali Aggarwal

15 Jul 2017,Saturday

Pakistan accuses India of targeting CPEC

http://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/india-is-targeting-cpec-through-subversive-activities-pakistan-s-top-general/story-YrjNLQt2hGHVKnKGlTiK1N.html?utm_source=inshorts&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=fullarticle

Pakistan on Saturday accused India of targeting the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project through subversive activities. Pakistan further said that it is aware of "enemy designs" and is taking effective counter measures. Notably, India which has repeatedly dismissed all such allegations has raised sovereignty concerns over the project as it passes through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

Pakistan?s top military officer on Saturday accused India of targeting the US $50 billion China- Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project through ?subversive activities?.The CPEC is a planned network of roads, railways and energy projects linking southern Pakistan, and the Gwadar Port, to China?s restive Xinjiang Uyghur autonomous region.As it passes through the Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), India has raised objection to the project.Gen Zubair Mahmood Hayat, the Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, alleged that India?s Research and Analysis Wing was targeting the CPEC thorough ?subversive activities?.The highest-ranking military officer in the Pakistan Defense Forces made the remarks while addressing a passing out parade of the Navy Cadets here.Zubair, the only four-star general besides army chief Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa, said Pakistan was aware of ?enemy designs? and was taking effective counter measures for national security.He also said that peace and stability in Afghanistan was vital for regional security.Pakistan regularly accuses India of carrying out sabotage activities. India has repeatedly dismissed all such allegations and asserted that cross border terrorism being perpetrated by Pakistan-based groups must stop.

Prashanti Moktan

14 Jul 2017,Friday

Beyoncé tops Billboard's Top Money Makers of 2016 list

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/beyonce-top-50-money-makers-2016-beats-coldplay-adele-drake-formation-lemonade-lifest/1/1001839.html?utm_source=inshorts&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=fullarticle

Singer Beyoncé topped Billboard's Top 50 Money Makers of 2016 list with earnings of over ?400 crore ($62.1 million). Rock band Guns N' Roses came in second on the list with earnings of over ?272 crore while Drake, Adele and Coldplay were among those featured in the list's top ten. Late singer David Bowie ranked 34th on the list.

Last year, Beyonce released her epic visual album, Lemonade. One of the biggest hits from the album, Formation, had Beyonce declaring to the world that 'the best revenge is your paper'; that you can shut the world up by proving that you're worth your weight in gold.And now, the American singer-songwriter has proved her words by topping Billboard's Top 50 Money Makers of 2016 list!Queen Bey, who gave birth to twins Rumi and Sir Carter last month, earned a whopping 62.1 million dollars (Rs 400 crores, approximately) last year. Also Read: Beyonce named Most Charitable Celebrity in 2016 for her humanitarian acts By winning the top-earning position on the list, Beyonce has left other musical biggies like Guns N' Roses, Bruce Springsteen, Drake, Adele, Coldplay, Justin Bieber, Kanye West and Rihanna, far behind.

Saloni Tandon

24 May 2017,Wednesday

Bowlers second-class citizens in white-ball cricket: Bond

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/shane-bond-new-zealand-cricket/1/961784.html

Former New Zealand pacer Shane Bond has called bowlers "second-class citizens" in modern limited-overs cricket. "In an era gone by, the pattern was to tee-off in the first 15 overs, build through the middle and then launch a final onslaught. That philosophy has now gone out the window...slow bowlers are resorting to a more negative line of bowling," said Bond.

"Bowlers are pretty much second-class citizens in white-ball cricket," says former New Zealand pacer Shane Bond, who feels odds are stacked heavily against them in the limited-overs format.Writing for the International Cricket Council ahead of the upcoming Champions Trophy in England starting June 1, Bond said limited-overs cricket is "a batsman's game"."And it isn't merely the fast bowlers, who have their task cut out. The change in fielding restrictions in the last 10 overs of a one-day international has eased the pressure on the bowlers a little bit, but only a little bit," he said."...but for the most part, the bowlers are pretty much second-class citizens in white-ball cricket," he added.Bond said it is this imbalance which has led to spinners using negative tactics."The slow bowlers specifically are resorting to a more negative line of bowling, not because they want to but because they have to," he said."In an era gone by, the pattern was to tee-off in the first 15 overs, build through the middle of the innings and then launch a final onslaught. That philosophy has now gone out the window," he explained.Bond said bowlers cannot do without variety in the current scenario where every alternate game ends up being a run feast."The yorker is not just one of the most difficult balls to bowl, the margin for error is also extremely small. Therefore, it becomes vital to use that weapon judiciously."You must have the ability to change the length? bowl the yorker, yes, but also use the bouncer, the slower ball, the length ball," he opined."You dont bowl the full ball to certain batsmen, you dont bang it in to certain others. All of it is very much opposition, ground, conditions and batter-dependent. If you are off even marginally, the yorker is probably the easiest ball to hit for a four or a six. You have to weigh up risk against reward," he said.Bond said bowlers in modern cricket should mix it up to make it difficult for the batsman to settle down.

Chhavi Tyagi

28 Feb 2017,Tuesday

Ban may push dancers into prostitution: Bar Union to SC

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/maharashtra-bar-dancers-supreme-court-bharatiya-bar-girls-union-ban-like-atmosphere/1/893021.html

The members of the Bharatiya Bar Girls Union in Maharashtra on Monday said to the Supreme Court that the prevailing ban-like atmosphere in the state could push bar dancers into activities like prostitution. The union further reminded the court that the closing down of the bars in 2005 had left over 75,000 female workers unemployed.

Maharashtra's bar dancers have waltzed up to the Supreme Court and argued that the prevailing ban-like atmosphere in the state could push them into activities like prostitution.Members of the Bharatiya Bar Girls Union knocked on the SC's door on Monday against the "unjust and arbitrary" new restrictions such as curbs on body movement, ban on acceptance of tips and showering of money as well as serving of liquor in performing area apart from mandatory installation of CCTV cameras.They reminded the court that the closing down of the bars in 2005 left over 75,000 female workers unemployed. They brought to the apex court's attention the observation of another bench that struck down a similar state law. The plea will be heard on March 2. The Maharashtra government had over a decade ago suspended the licences of bars and hotels where young women were employed to dance to racy film songs for male customers, claiming they were a bad influence on society.But the top court said last year that bars could once again apply for licences.SUPREME COURT'S JUDGMENTThe SC had in an earlier judgment said, "It has been brought on the record that many of them (bar dancers) have been compelled to take up prostitution out of necessity for maintenance of their families. In our opinion, the impugned legislation has proved to be totally counterproductive and cannot be sustained."This is the first time that bar dancers themselves have come forward to oppose the Maharashtra law.Till now the challenge was only from hotel, restaurant and dance bar owners. The fresh plea has termed the new Act as "arbitrary" and "violative" of their right to earn a livelihood through legitimate means. The union alleges that the term "obscene dance" in the Act has been deliberately kept vague to allow police to harass performers.The SC had earlier slammed the Maharashtra Police on the matter. The apex court summoned and reminded the Mumbai DCP (licensing) that it was better for women to perform in dance bars than indulge in "unacceptable activities"."You have to change your mindset," Justice Dipak Misra had said. "Regulation is different from prohibition."ALSO READ: India Today impact: Thane municipality razes 27 illegal dance bars to the ground

Sumedha Sehra

06 Jul 2017,Thursday

How PM Modi is related with India-Israel ties since birth

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/narendra-modi-israel-benjamin-netanyahu-reuven-rivlin-india/1/995070.html

Prime Minister Narendra Modi shares a connection with the ties between India and Israel due to a date acting as a coincidence. India had officially recognised Israel as a nation on 17 September 1950, allowing the latter to open its consulate in Mumbai. Coincidentally, it was also on the same date that PM Narendra Modi was born in Gujarat's Vadnagar.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is on a three-day visit to Israel, is getting grand welcome where ever he is going. In the last two days, Israel's President Reuven Rivlin and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met PM Modi several times. Modi, who is the first Indian PM to visit Israel in 69 years, has been praised by Benjamin Netanyahu. In his welcome speech, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called Modi a friend and said in Hindi, "Aapka swagat hai mere dost." In such scenario, an interesting fact about PM Modi and Israel has been revealed.  PM Modi's connection with Israel It's a date.  17 September 1950 is that day when India had officially recognised  Israel as a nation and allowed it to open its consulate in Mumbai. And now, its special connection with PM Modi. This is the same day, when PM Modi was born in Gujarat's Vadnagar. India-Israel tiesThough, India had recognized Israel as a nation in 1950, but the diplomatic ties between the two nations was started only in 1992. The reason for the late beginning of diplomatic ties was India's support to Israel's arch-rival Palestine. In 2015, President Pranab Mukerjee became the first Indian president to visit Israel. I for India and IsraelMeanwhile, PM Modi during his meeting with Netanyahu said that both nations names start with letter I.  He further said that I for India and I for Israel means that India for Israel and Israel for India. He also said that Israel is real friend of India. ALSO READ:Did Israeli PM Netanyahu just make India and China 'sautans' with his 'marriage made in heaven' comment?When dinner with Modi reminded Israel PM Benjamin Netanyahu of his Indian restaurant date

Prashanti Moktan

12 Mar 2017,Sunday

I think Donald Trump is in love with me: Schwarzenegger

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/arnold-schwarzenegger-donald-trump-fight-us-president/1/902804.html

Actor Arnold Schwarzenegger has said that he thinks US President Donald Trump is in love with him. Schwarzenegger made this comment on a radio show, when he was asked as to why Trump is fixated on him. Earlier, Schwarzenegger had announced that he would not return as the host of 'The Celebrity Apprentice', which was previously produced by Trump Productions.

The Terminator actor Arnold Schwarzenegger and US President Donald Trump have been involved in a very public fallout. Ever since Schwarzenegger took over as the host of The Celebrity Apprentice from Trump, the latter has been criticising him for the show's poor ratings.In fact, when the actor announced that he will not return as the host for a second season, Trump tweeted, "Arnold Schwarzenegger isn't voluntarily leaving the Apprentice, he was fired by his bad (pathetic) ratings, not by me. Sad end to great show."Arnold Schwarzenegger isn't voluntarily leaving the Apprentice, he was fired by his bad (pathetic) ratings, not by me. Sad end to great showWhen Schwarzenegger was on the radio show, The Michael Smerconish Program, why the president is so fixated on him, the actor replied, "I think he's in love with me."Apart from the 69-year-old actor, Trump has also taken on a host of other Hollywood celebrities, including Meryl Streep and Kristen Stewart.

Vaibhav Gupta

19 Jan 2017,Thursday

WB govt to enter liquor distribution business: Reports

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/mamata-banerjee-west-bengal-no-dry-day-liquor-business/1/861148.html

According to reports, the Mamata Banerjee-led West Bengal government has decided to enter the liquor distribution business amid a revenue crunch faced by the government. A government-owned corporation will distribute Indian-made foreign liquor and country liquor across the state. Notably, the state government has allowed bars in three-star hotels and above to serve liquor for 365 days in a year.

Desperate to augment revenue, the cash-strapped Mamata Banerjee government in West Bengal has decided to enter the liquor distribution business, a move that is sure to raise a few eyebrows.In a precursor to the step, the government has almost done away with dry days in the state by allowing bars in three-star hotels and above to serve liquor for 365 days in a year. The government issued a notification in August last year in which it reduced the number of dry days observed from 12 to four. Now, the Mamata Banerjee government has decided to set up a state-owned agency for liquor distribution business.ALSO READ: Liquor ban: Is Madhya Pradesh going the Bihar and Gujarat way? ALSO READ:PM Modi's big praise for ex-ally Nitish Kumar over Bihar liquor ban

Sumedha Sehra

25 Jun 2017,Sunday

Telecom companies in Kashmir told to reduce 3G and 4G to 2G

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/kashmir-valley-data-services-srinagar-pantha-chowk-crpf-terrorism/1/986829.html

The telecom companies operating in the Kashmir Valley have been instructed to bring down the speed of internet from 3G and 4G to 2G in the region with immediate effect. This comes after terrorists attacked a CRPF convoy, leading to the death of two jawans. The terrorists had later taken shelter in Srinagar's DPS school.

Telecom companies have been instructed to bring down 3G and 4G data services in the entire Kashmir Valley to 2G speed immediately, the news agency ANI reported.This comes after terrorists on Saturday opened fire at a CRPF convoy near the Army cantonment in Srinagar's Pantha Chowk, and fled towards Delhi Public School (DPS) Srinagar, which has been cordoned off.Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) claimed responsibility for the attack, in which a CRPF sub-inspector was martyred, and another soldier and a civilian were injured. The sub-inspector has been identified as GD Sahab Shukla, a resident of Gorakhpur in Uttar Pradesh. A room-to-room search is under way in Delhi Public School to nab the terrorists.(With inputs from Shuja-ul-Haq and Ashraf Wani)ALSO READ | Srinagar: 1 CRPF soldier martyred in Lashkar terror attack, combing ops on

Nandini Sinha

01 Aug 2017,Tuesday

Saudi using Canadian equipment against citizens: Reports

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/jul/31/saudi-arabia-violence-canada-armored-trucks-justin-trudeau?utm_source=inshorts&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=fullarticle

Canada is investigating reports that Saudi Arabia has been using Canadian-made armoured vehicles against its citizens in the violence-hit Eastern Province. Videos and photos posted on social media show Saudi Arabia using Canadian equipment on Shia dissidents. Canada warned it would take action if "it is found that Canadian exports have been used to commit serious violations of human rights".

The Canadian government is investigating reports that Saudi Arabia is using armoured vehicles made in Canada against its own civilians ? allegations that have prompted renewed scrutiny over Ottawa?s recent decision to sign off on a billion-dollar arms deal with the kingdom.Videos and photos posted on social media in recent days allegedly show Riyadh using Canadian equipment in a violent crackdown on minority Shia dissidents in eastern Saudi Arabia. Last week at least five people were killed as security forces flushed out suspected militants in the town of Awamiya. Several sources told the Canadian newspaper the Globe and Mail that the vehicles being used appeared to be Gurkha RPVs made in Ontario by Terradyne Armoured Vehicles. Canadian officials said they were deeply concerned by the reports. ?We are looking at these claims very seriously ? and have immediately launched a review,? Justin Trudeau told reporters. In 2016, Saudi Arabia ranked among the largest importers of Canada-made military goods, purchasing more than C$142m worth of goods ? nearly 20% of all Canadian military exports that year.The ministry of global affairs said it was concerned over the escalating violence in eastern Saudi Arabia. In a statement issued last week, it highlighted the causalities among civilians and security forces and urged Riyadh to confront its security challenges in ?a manner that abides by international human rights law?.Days later, the ministry said the government was actively seeking more information about the reports of civilian casualties and claims that Canadian-made vehicles were involved. ?If it is found that Canadian exports have been used to commit serious violations of human rights, the minister will take action,? a spokesperson for department told the Guardian. He did not answer questions around what kinds of actions this could entail. Terradyne Armoured Vehicles did not respond to a request for comment. The allegations have prompted renewed calls for Trudeau?s Liberal government to scrap a recent decision to push forward with a 15-year contract to supply Saudi Arabia with weaponised armoured vehicles made by General Dynamics, another Ontario-based company. Critics say the C$15bn deal, struck in 2014 by the previous conservative government, could see the vehicles ? which are equipped with machine guns ? used by the Saudis to crush dissent at home. Others have pointed to Canadian rules that restrict arms exports to countries with poor human rights records and prohibit exports if there is a possibility that the buyer could use the arms against its own population. Despite these concerns, Trudeau?s Liberal government signed off on the export permits in 2016. Trudeau has since defended the decision, arguing that Canada would be seen as a ?banana republic? if it scrapped the deal. ?People have to know that when you sign a deal with Canada, a change in governments won?t immediately scrap the jobs and benefits coming from it,? the prime minister told the Toronto Star last year. The deal would reportedly create around 3,000 jobs in Canada. Amid escalating concerns over human rights, countries such as Germany and Belgium have in recent years denied export applications for arms headed to Saudi Arabia. In 2015, Sweden cancelled a longstanding defence agreement with the Saudis, citing similar concerns. This month, a high court in London ruled that the UK could proceed with arms sales to Saudi Arabia. ?Saudi Arabia has been, and remains, genuinely committed to compliance with International Humanitarian Law; and there was no ?real risk? that there might be ?serious violations? of International Humanitarian Law (in its various manifestations) such that UK arm sales to Saudi Arabia should be suspended or cancelled,? the court said. Campaigners called the ruling a ?green light? for the UK to sell arms to ?brutal dictatorships and human rights abusers?.In Canada, Amnesty International pointed to the indications that Canadian vehicles are being used against civilians to call on the Liberal government to reverse its support of the billion-dollar arms deal.?Mounting tensions and conflict in eastern Saudi Arabia, about which the Canadian government has rightly expressed public concern, further indicate how fraught it is for Canada to have authorised the sale of light armoured vehicles to Saudi Arabia at this time,? secretary-general Alex Neve said in a statement.

Chhavi Tyagi

08 Feb 2017,Wednesday

Braille ballot papers for visually-challenged voters in UP

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/braille-ballot-papers-for-over-900-visually-challenged-in-up/1/877696.html

Braille ballot papers would be provided to 966 visually impaired voters to cast their vote during the first phase of Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections on February 11 in Muzaffarnagar, an official said on Wednesday. District Magistrate DK Singh said such voters have been identified in six constituencies and the Braille ballot papers would be provided in all 1,819 polling booths.

Muzaffarnagar, Feb 8 (PTI) Braille ballot papers would be provided to help 966 visually impaired voters exercise their franchise during the first phase of Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections on February 11 here, an official said today. The district authorities have identified these voters in six assembly constituencies. District Magistrate D K Singh said the ballot papers in Braille would be provided in all 1,819 polling booths. As many as 19.14 lakh electorate including 8,73,063 women would cast their votes in the six assembly constituencies which include Muzaffarnagar, Miranpur, Purkazi, Budhana, Khatoli and Charthawal in the district.

Sumedha Sehra

28 Jul 2017,Friday

'What do I call you? God?' Pak woman to Swaraj after visa

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/swaraj-directs-indian-hc-to-give-visa-to-pak-patient/1/1012922.html?utm_source=inshorts&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=fullarticle

A Pakistani woman, Hijaab Asif, praised Indian External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj after the latter directed the Indian High Commission in Pakistan to issue Asif a medical visa. "@SushmaSwaraj What do I call you? Superwoman? God? No words to describe your generosity!" she wrote in a tweet, adding that Pakistan would have changed if she were their Prime Minister.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Thursday directed the Indian High Commission in Islamabad to issue a visa to a Pakistani national for medical treatment in India. Swaraj's direction to India's High Commissioner in Pakistan Gautam Bambawale came after a woman -- Hijaab Asif -- sought the external affairs minister's urgent intervention. Touched by Swaraj's prompt response, Asif praised Swaraj and even said that Pakistan would have changed had she been the prime minister of her country. Minutes after Swaraj's tweet to Bambawale, the Indian mission tweeted that it was in touch with the applicant. "Ma'am, we are in touch with the applicant. Rest assured we will follow it up," the Indian High Commission said in a tweet. 'HE SAID IT'S ALL UP TO YOU' Responding to Asif's plea, Swaraj also wondered whether Pakistan Prime Minister's Foreign Affairs Advisor Satraj Aziz had refused to issue a recommendation letter for the issuance of a visa by India to the patent. The External Affairs minister had a few weeks back said that Pakistani nationals seeking visas for medical treatment in India must accompany their visa applications with a recommendation letter by Aziz. "Dear maam, spoke to DHC (Deputy High Commissioner) in Islamabad, told the patients current condition and he said it's all up to you. If you allow," Asif had tweeted earlier. The patient is suffering from serious liver ailment and needs urgent treatment in India, she said. 'CANNOT STOP PRAISING YOU'After Swaraj's direction to grant a visa to the patient, Asif was effusive in her praise of the external affairs minister. "@SushmaSwaraj What do I call you? Superwoman? God? No words to describe your generosity! Love you maam. Cannot stop praising you in tears!!!," she said. In another tweet, she said "my heart belongs and beats for you", adding that "Pakistan doesn't deserve her at all". "Lots and Lots of Love and respect from here. Wish you were our prime minister. this country would have changed," she said.ALSO READ 39 missing Indians in Iraq: Sushma Swaraj's Lok Sabha statement rekindles hope of familiesWon't declare anybody dead without evidence: Sushma Swaraj on 39 Indians missing in Iraq

Tarun Khanna

08 Mar 2017,Wednesday

Lucknow siege ends, suspected ISIS terrorist killed

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/lucknow-seige-ends-11-hours-suspected-terrorist-saiful-killed/1/899298.html

The anti-terror operation in Lucknow, which lasted for almost 11 hours, ended on Wednesday after the body of suspected Islamic State terrorist was recovered from the house where he had been holed up. The man, identified as Saifullah, was suspected of being involved in the explosion on an Ujjain-Bhopal train in Madhya Pradesh which injured nine people.

After 11 hours, the Lucknow siege has finally come to an end with the suspected terrorist Saiful killed in the encounter. The target of the operation was a house in Haji Ali Colony in Thakurganj, on the outskirts of Lucknow. Early on, the operation seemed limited in its scope, with the police using chilli bombs and stun grenades to flush out the militants.The standoff began early Tuesday evening, hours after at least ten people were injured in a blast on the Ujjain Express. Suspected ISIS terrorist Saiful from the Lucknow siege is believed to be linked to the blast.The operation and the blast both came a day before today's seventh phase of polling in Uttar Pradesh, but there have been no indications that the developments are linked to the five-state Assembly elections, the results for which will be announced March 11. ISIS MODULE AT WORK?Saiful lived at the Thakurganj home with two other youngsters. The trio moved into the home, which belongs to a Saudi Arabia-based person called Badshah, around three months ago.They were known to keep to themselves and seldom stepped out of the house except for early morning jogs and to buy essentials.Saiful is believed to be part of a larger ISIS-inspired module that is suspected to be behind the Tuesday morning train blast.The module is believed to include Saiful, the two men arrested in Kanpur, the one nabbed in Eatawah and the three detained in Madhya Pradesh.Atif Muzaafffar, one of the three men arrested in Madhya Pradesh, is believed to be the leader of the module.

Chhavi Tyagi

15 Jul 2017,Saturday

102 terrorists killed in J&K till July, highest in 7 years

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/102-terrorists-killed-in-jk-in-7-months-of-this-years-more-on/1/1002387.html?utm_source=inshorts&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=fullarticle

Security forces in Jammu and Kashmir have killed 102 terrorists till July 12 this year, making it the highest number of killings in the January-July period in seven years. Earlier in 2010, the highest number of 156 militants were killed between January and July, while 77 terrorists were killed during this period in 2016.

hit-list of security forces Anil Bhatt Jammu, July 14 (PTI) Security forces and Jammu and Kashmir Police have killed 102 terrorists till now this year, making it the highest number of killings in the January-July period in seven years, a police official said today. The security forces also have prepared a hit-list of several other terrorists belonging to Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), Jaish-e-Mohammad and Hizbul Mujahideen. The slain terrorists included Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) commander Bashir Lashkari who was involved in the killing of six policemen in south Kashmir and top Hizbul Mujahideen militant Sabzar Ahmad Bhat, he noted. The security forces and police are going after terrorists as part of the operation "hunt down" and on the basis of a "hit-list" of terrorists, said the official who refused to be identified. The killing of 102 terrorists till July 12 makes it the highest number in the past seven years, the official said. Earlier in 2010, the highest number of 156 militants were killed between January and July that year. Last year, 77 terrorists were killed during this period, 51 each were killed in 2015 and 2014, respectively, 43 in 2013, 37 in 2012 and 61 in 2011, according to the police data. The hunt for terrorists of various outfits has been intensified under an operational strategy, the official said. The counter-terrorist grid continues to maintain dominance and deny any space to terrorists, the official said, adding synergised hard intelligence-based joint operations involving the J&K police and central paramilitary forces have been the hallmark of these operations. While the forces have already eliminated those involved the killing of seven cops and lynching of Dy SP, a massive hunt is underway for LeT commander Abu Ismail who has emerged as the mastermind of the deadly attack on Amarnath pilgrims. Sabzar Bhat, who was a close associate of the slain poster boy Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani, was killed along with an associate in an encounter in Tral in South Kashmir on May 28. On July one this year, Lashkari and another LeT militant Azad Malik were killed in a gunfight with security forces in Anantnags Brenti village in South Kashmir. Bashir Lashkari was involved in the killing of six policemen in the district?s Acchabal area on June 16, according to the police. On July 12, top Hizb terrorist Sajad Gilkar was among three militants killed by security forces in Budgam district of central Kashmir. According to the police, Gilkar had played a key role in the lynching of DySP Mohammad Ayub Pandith near Jamia Masjid in Nowhatta area of Srinagar on June 22. Most of the encounters have taken place in south Kashmirs Pulwama, Shopian and Anantnag districts while others have taken place in Bandipora and Kupwara in north Kashmir and Budgam in central Kashmir, the official pointed out. In June, the Army had released a "hit-list" of 12 top militants in Jammu and Kashmir who it aims to "go after". The hit-list carries the names and pictures of the militants along with the areas they are active in and the strikes carried out by them.

Ankur Vyas

18 Jan 2017,Wednesday

UAE envoy denies seizure of Dawood Ibrahim's assets

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/dawood-ibrahim-properties-uae-envoy-narendra-modi-bjp/1/860015.html

UAE's envoy to India Ahmed Al Banna has denied media reports claiming that underworld don Dawood Ibrahim's assets worth ?15,000 crore were seized in Dubai. "A legal process has to be followed in the country for an action against any individual," he said. Notably, BJP had also cited the reports claiming the seizure to be PM Narendra Modi's diplomatic masterstroke.

United Arab Emirates' envoy to India Ahmed Al Banna has denied media reports that wanted underworld don Dawood Ibrahim's properties and assets were raided in UAE.He dismissed the media reports that claimed property worth Rs 15,000 crore had been seized.A couple of weeks ago when reports about raids on Dawood's properties surfaced, even BJP's official social media handles went on an overdrive, claiming it to be a masterstroke of PM Modi's diplomacy.INDIA TODAY EXCLUSIVE: India media has already painted me black, says Dawood IbrahimA series of tweets had credited PM Modi's diplomacy with the success. It said, the prime minister had handed over a list of Dawood's properties during his visit to the UAE in 2015, and demanded the authorities to act against Dawood.Speaking exclusively to India Today, UAE envoy Al Banna said a legal process has to be followed in the country for an action against any individual. EXCERPTS FROM THE INTERVIEW:Q: Coming to area of security cooperation, in recent years we have seen an extradition treaty between India and UAE and some individuals have been deported. In terms of one specific name Dawood Ibrahim, there were reports that NSA Ajit Doval has handed over a dossier to UAE, can you confirm it sir?A: Well, I know there are international laws, rules and regulations, there are bilateral agreements and those agreements you know finalises any or emphasises on any decision that a country might take in terms of extraditing. Now, there is judicial system and there is a legal system and within the international framework within those agreements signed, the judicial and legal system works. Now, I have no information on who specifically they have been looked at or asked for but I know we have a very strong relationship and there has been several meetings between the NSA and our NSA and other organisations in the UAE and within that framework, within the legal framework, within the agreement there will be a final understanding.Q: Because there are also reports that UAE had cracked down and confiscated some of the properties. Again, we don't know whether it is true, untrue. Would you like to confirm?A: This is the first time I hear of it. I don't know anything of that as I mentioned UAE is a country where there are rules, regulations, laws, constitution and if there are any proceedings in our legal system, within our jurisdiction system then let it be. I don't think any action can be taken against anyone without that legal process, without the jurisdiction process.Q: But if you find substance in India's evidences against Dawood Ibrahim, the UAE will act?A: Then again, there are agreements as I said. The agreements between India and UAE will handle that and the meetings that will take place will handle that.WATCH:

Mansha Mahajan

21 Apr 2017,Friday

Record of goods lost, stolen, gifted to be maintained in GST

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/record-of-goods-lost-stolen-gifts-to-be-maintained-in-gst/1/934059.html

A record of goods lost, stolen or destroyed, and given as free samples and gifts will have to be maintained under GST, according to draft rules. Also, each volume of books of account will be maintained with serial numbers, and any entry in registers, accounts and documents will not be erased. Notably, GST is to be implemented by July 1.

New Delhi, Apr 20 (PTI) A record of goods lost, stolen or destroyed as well as those given as free sample and gifts will have to be maintained under the new goods and services tax regime, which kicks in from July 1. Also, each volume of books of account will have to be maintained with serial numbers and any entry in registers, accounts and documents will not be erased, effaced or overwritten, say draft rules for maintaining record under the GST. The rules, released by the CBEC, provide for maintaining separate account or records for each activity, including manufacturing, trading and provision of services. "A true and correct account of the goods or services" with relevant documents, including invoices, bills of supply, delivery challans, credit notes, debit notes, receipt, payment and refund vouchers and e-way bills will have to be maintained under the new GST regime that is scheduled to kick in from July 1. GST is being hailed as the biggest tax reform since Independence and is supposed to make it easier to do business by reducing compliance requirements. The rules stipulate maintaining of accounts of stock for each commodity received and supplied with clear details of "the opening balance, receipt, supply, goods lost, stolen, destroyed, written off or disposed of by way of gift or free samples and balance of stock including raw materials, finished goods, scrap and wastage thereof". Also, a separate account of advances received, paid and adjustments will have to be maintained. Alongside, details of tax payable, tax collected and paid, input tax, input tax credit claimed, together with a register of tax invoice, credit note, debit note, delivery challan issued or received during any tax period will have to be maintained. Particulars including name and address of suppliers as well as those receiving the supplies will have to be kept, the rules said, adding that accounts have to be serially numbered. "Any entry in registers, accounts and documents shall not be erased, effaced or overwritten, and all incorrect entries shall be scored out under attestation and thereafter correct entry shall be recorded," it said. Where registers and other documents are maintained electronically, there must be a log of every entry edited or deleted. "Unless proved otherwise, if any documents, registers, or any books of account belonging to a registered person are found at any premises other than those mentioned in the certificate of registration, they shall be presumed to be maintained by the said registered person ," the rules stated. Manufacturers have to maintain monthly production accounts, showing the quantitative details of raw materials or services used in the manufacture and quantitative details of the goods so manufactured, including the waste and by-products thereof.

Mansha Mahajan

27 Apr 2017,Thursday

TRAI plans rules for new telcos after Reliance Jio: Report

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/jio-effect-rules-soon-for-telcos-trai-ing-new-service/1/939699.html

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India plans to start industry-wide consultation on framing rules for new mobile operators testing their services prior to full-fledged commercial launch, reports said. The issue of specific framework for trial services had come up after Reliance Jio's entry. Incumbent operators had demanded that do's and don'ts of such trial services need to be made clear.

New Delhi, Apr 27 (PTI) Telecom regulator TRAI plans to start by May this year industry-wide consultation on framing rules for new mobile operators testing their services prior to full-fledged commercial launch. The issue of specific framework for trial services had cropped-up last year after newcomer Reliance Jios stormy entry into the telecom sector. The incumbent cellular operators had demanded that the dos and donts of such trial service needs to be clearly spelt out. The upcoming consultation paper is expected to address issues like the number of subscribers that can be on-boarded during the trial period by a new operator, as also the duration for such network and service testing. Other issues could be whether the services can be given free of charge or not. The consultation paper on the issue is likely to be issued by May, two people familiar with the matter told PTI. It may be recalled that the cellular operators body COAI had, last year, alleged that the new entrant Reliance Jio was attempting to acquire customers by offering connection loaded with freebies, in the guise of a trial launch. Reliance Jio, in turn, accused incumbent players like Bharti Airtel and Vodafone of not releasing sufficient interconnection ports even during its test run of services.

Dishant Sharma

09 Jan 2017,Monday

Thanks to HIL, I can pay University fee: Aus hockey player

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/thanks-to-hil-i-can-pay-university-fees-says-aus-forward/1/853018.html

Australian hockey player Tom Craig, intends to pay his university fees with earnings from the upcoming Hockey Indian League. Craig, who was bought by the Kalinga Lancers for $67,000 (?45 lakh), said, "[t]hat amount of money makes a massive difference to any hockey player". "India is a fantastic country and the crowds are brilliant", added Craig.

Sonu Kumari

22 Jul 2017,Saturday

Delhi Metro support staff stage protest for salary hike

http://www.hindustantimes.com/delhi-news/delhi-metro-support-staff-hold-token-protest-warn-of-total-shutdown-on-monday/story-6KWyekWKX2BRqktUfZEe9M.html?utm_source=inshorts&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=fullarticle

Delhi Metro's non-executive staff on Friday staged a protest for increase in salary by sitting on various platforms with black bands around their arms. They reportedly threatened a "total shutdown" of services from Monday if their demands are not met. Protestors said that they were assured of increased grade pay in 2015, but nothing has been done so far.

Non-executive staff of the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC)?have started a sit in at several Metro stations for salary parity. The staff are also demanding that the action taken against some employees who had been spearheading the campaign should be revoked.The agitating metro employees have threatened a complete ?shutdown? on Monday if their demands are not heard.?The non-executive staff of DMRC have started a sit in at multiple stations such as Dwarka, Yamuna Bank, Badarpur, Shahdara, Qutub Minar, and Vishwa Vidyalaya. The staff are sitting on the platforms with black bands on their on their arms,? said Anil Kumar Mahato, the secretary of the Staff Council.However, there has been no report of disturbance in metro operations due to the protest, so far. According to Mahato, all 9,000 of the non-executive staff, which include train operators and station crew, have extended their support to the agitation.?We were assured on May 29 2015, that our pay scales would be increased by a grade. We were in schedule C then, and we are still getting paid under schedule C now. Even after two years there has been no change,? said Mahato, who has also demanded their allowances be according to the same as what ?officers? make under schedule A.Their other demands include formation of a union. ?We have a staff council, but they have no power... The DMRC constantly tries to silence and oppress anybody who speaks up. We need a union to be able to fight for our rights,? added Mahato.The staff members had raised similar demands and staged a protest earlier this year too, which they had allegedly called off after reassurances by the administration. ?Nothing has been done so far. In turn they have taken action against me and other people seeking justice,? said Mahato. In letter to the Managing Director (MD), Delhi Metro, he has sought cancellation of chargesheet against him and one Ravi Bhardwaj filed for leading the protest. Mahato also demanded revoking of termination order against other colleague Vinod Shah.The staff members have now threatened to go on a strike and a ?total shutdown? of services from Monday, if their demands are not met.According to an agency report, the DMRC, in attempt to quell protest, has asked its employees to refrain from ?the path of agitation?. ?The issues raised by the agitating staff was an attempt to ?push their personal agenda to cause disruption?. The management is alive to its responsibility towards staff welfare. All concerned employees are requested to stay away from the path of agitation and not to fall for rumours and issues of alleged injustices,? a PTI report said.DMRC officials, and some passengers maintained that operations were not affected gravely on Friday. The DMRC?spokesperson also said that they were working to resolve the issues. ?These are internal HR issues and we are handling these within the framework of our organizational rules and regulations,? said the spokesperson.

Rini Sinha

14 May 2017,Sunday

Sushant plays dacoit in Udta Punjab director's next: Report

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/sushant-singh-rajput-chambal-dacoit-abhishek-chaubey/1/953068.html

According to reports, actor Sushant Singh Rajput will be seen playing a dacoit in Udta Punjab director Abhishek Chaubey's next film. According to sources, the film will be shot in Chambal ravines and its shooting will begin by the end of this year. The film will portray the reality of dacoits and not their horror stories, said the film's writer.

Director Abhishek Chaubey made his directorial debut with the fantastic Ishqiya (2011). Then came, Dedh Ishqiya and last year, the Shahid Kapoor, Alia Bhatt and Kareena Kapoor Khan-starrer drug-themed Udta Punjab.His next film co-written by NH10 and Udta Punjab writer Sudip Sharma is going to be based on the dacoits of Chambal and is set during the '70s. Sushant Singh Rajput has reportedly been roped in for the film while ex-UTV honcho Ronnie Screwvala is going to produce the film."Sushant is playing a dacoit. The film will be shot in the Chambal ravines and will roll by the year-end. Prep has begun and the team is excited," a source close to the film's production told Mumbai Mirror.Reportedly, Ranveer Singh and not Sushant Singh Rajpput was the first choice of the filmmakers for the lead role. Sushant Singh Rajput, after the success of MS Dhoni: The Untold Story, is one of the most wanted stars in the industry. He will soon be seen in the romantic drama Raabta followed by Tarun Mansukhani's Drive, the space-drama Chanda Mama Door Ke and the spy thriller Romeo Akbar Walter.Writer Sudip Sharma has visited Chambal and even met real dacoits for research purposes. "Some of them have more than 80 murder charges on them. Everyone has heard horror stories about the dacoits of Chambal but I have realised the reality is quite different from what Hindi films portray. We aim to capture that reality," Sudip said.

Daisy Mowke

19 Jul 2017,Wednesday

Despacito beats Bieber's Sorry to become most streamed song

http://www.hindustantimes.com/music/despacito-is-now-the-most-streamed-song-of-all-time-with-4-6-billion-plays/story-Rl1rJ2cIo8FKO9McBCUWgO.html?utm_source=inshorts&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=fullarticle

The song Despacito by Puerto Rican artists Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee and its remix featuring Justin Bieber beat the 2015 song Sorry, also by Bieber, to become the most streamed track ever. Despacito has recorded 4.6 billion plays across platforms. The Despacito remix has also been leading the Billboard Hot 100 chart for the 10th week.

Despacito has become the most streamed track of all time with more than 4.6 billion plays across streaming platforms.Universal Music Latin Entertainment announced Tuesday the song by Puerto Rican artists Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee and the accompanying remix featuring pop star Justin Bieber had surpassed the previous record holder ? Bieber?s 2015 hit song Sorry, which has 4.38 billion plays. Despacito, which was released in January, has been at the top of Billboard Hot 100 for weeks.Fonsi said in a statement that streaming has helped his music reach every corner of the planet.Daddy Yankee recently ousted Ed Sheeran this year to become the first Latino artist to lead in Spotify streams, thanks in part to Despacito?s success.Follow @htshowbiz for more

Tarun Khanna

05 May 2017,Friday

Australia to sell Kesar variety of Indian mango for 1st time

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/aus-to-sell-kesar-variety-of-indian-mangoes-for-first-time/1/946176.html

Australia will be selling Kesar variety of Indian mangoes for the first time with the inaugural consignment of nearly 400 trays landing in Sydney. "The first consignment was a little disappointing?The fruit had a little bit of blemish on the skin," said Perfection Fresh Australia (PFA) Australia's largest fresh produce marketing company. "The eating quality is quite nice," it added.

From Natasha Chaku Melbourne, May 5 (PTI) For the first time, Australia will sell Kesar variety of Indian mangoes with the inaugural consignment of nearly 400 trays landing in Sydney, but marketing firms called it a "little disappointing" as the fruit was a little blemish and not evenly coloured. The first consignment was received by Perfection Fresh Australia (PFA), Australias largest fresh-produce marketing company, after recently revised protocols that allowed Indian mango imports if the fruit was treated with irradiation prior to export. "The first consignment, Ive got to say, was a little disappointing," PFA chief executive Michael Simonetta said, adding "the fruit had a little bit of blemish on the skin and wasnt as evenly coloured as we expected it to be, so were in the process now of getting it to colour more evenly and then offer it for sale following that." "The eating quality is quite nice. Its pleasant to eat. The feedback has been okay and the upside for me as a consumer is that it tastes better than the Mexican Keitt (mangoes) that are in the market as well at the moment," he said. Simonetta said the mangoes would predominantly end up with independent retailers. "We have shown them to the major supermarkets, but at the moment the volumes are far too light. This is a trial and its yet to be concluded, so while Im a little bit underwhelmed, its too early to call." The next consignment of Kesar mangoes will be sent to Perth next week while imports of Alphonso mangoes would also begin soon. "The variety Im really excited about, is in a few weeks time well bring in the Alphonso mango which is known as the king of mango," he said. "Its got a very high profile in India and across the world and I think the whole programme of importation of mangoes from India will be judged on the success or otherwise of the Alphonso mango." Simonetta said it was too early to tell how many tonnes would be exported to Australia this season. "My hope is that we can bring into the country a good tasting mango, which the Alphonso is, counter-seasonally to supplement the mango lovers desire for fruit in the Australian off-season," he said. "The trade will be judged fairly and squarely, wholly and solely by the Australian consumer. If the consumer tells us they like this mango and there is a need for it then well bring it in, if they tell us otherwise then well follow their lead."

Parichit Mainra

24 Dec 2016,Saturday

Principal suspended for holding exam outdoors in China

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/principal-suspended-for-organising-outdoor-exam-in-smog/1/840018.html

A school principal in China's Linzhou city was suspended for holding exams for 400 students in an open playground despite closure orders amid a pollution 'red alert' across several parts of the country. The 'worst smog of the year' has reportedly affected over 46 crore people, with people being forced to either leave the affected cities or breathe toxic air.

From K J M Varma Beijing, Dec 21 (PTI) A school principal in China was today suspended for holding exams in open, defying closure orders and a red alert issued after the worst smog of the year that engulfed several parts of the country. The red alert, which has been in force since Friday, will be lifted at 12 am Thursday, said Beijings heavy pollution emergency response headquarters. Air quality will improve remarkably tomorrow in Beijing, it said, as cold air is expected to disperse the smog that has lasted for several days, official media here reported. Emergency measures such as car restrictions based on even- odd license plate numbers will end, and kindergartens and schools will resume classes, state-run Xinhua news agency reported. The PM 2.5 density in the capital remained at high levels today. More than 20 cities in north China including capital Beijing issued red alerts for the latest bout of polluted air. Hundreds of flights were disrupted and many freeways closed due to low visibility in some affected area. Meanwhile, the principal of a middle school in central Chinas Henan Province has been suspended from duty in Linzhou City for defying the orders to close all kindergartens and schools in the city following red alert for air pollution.

Abhishek Bansal

29 Mar 2017,Wednesday

AAP must pay ?97 cr for ads projecting Kejriwal: Delhi L-G

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/recover-rs-97-crore-from-aap-in-30-days-for-ads-lg-tells-cs/1/915857.html

Delhi Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal has directed the Chief Secretary to recover ?97 crore from the Aam Aadmi Party in 30 days for its advertisements projecting Arvind Kejriwal in violation of Supreme Court guidelines. The Comptroller and Auditor General had earlier criticised the AAP government for spending ?29 crore on advertisements outside Delhi, saying it was "beyond its responsibility".

New Delhi, Mar 29 (PTI) In a setback to the Kejriwal dispensation, Lt Governor Anil Baijal has directed that Rs 97 crore be recoverd from AAP that was allegedly "splurged" by the city government on advertisements in violation of the Supreme Court guidelines. Baijal also ordered an inquiry into the spendings on advertisements projecting Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and his party and asked the chief secretary to fix responsibility. The AAP will have to reimburse the money within a month. The move comes months after a Centre-appointed three-member committee indicted the AAP government for "misusing" exchequer money on advertisements. Sources told PTI that out of Rs 97 crore incurred on advertisements, government has so far paid Rs 42 crore to ad agencies and the LG has directed Chief Secretary M M Kutty to get the amount reimbursed from the AAP. The rest Rs 55 crore, which is yet to be paid by the Kejriwal government, would be given by Aam Aadmi Party to the ad agencies, according to the the LGs directions. Last year, the three-member committee, headed by former Chief Election Commissioner B B Tandon, had been constituted by the I&B ministry on directions of the Supreme Court to address issues related to Content Regulation in Government Advertising. "The Lt Governor has now directed the Chief Secretary to get the amount of Rs 97 crore from Aam Aadmi Party," a source said.

Shubhodeep Datta

25 Mar 2017,Saturday

Kejriwal to face trial in defamation case filed by Jaitley

http://www.hindustantimes.com/delhi/kejriwal-4-aap-leaders-to-face-trial-in-jaitley-defamation-case-hearing-begins-on-may-20/story-1kHXSQC8V2EA9hJw0s9i1L.html

Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal and five other AAP leaders will face trial in a criminal defamation case filed by Finance Minister Arun Jaitley. Jaitley has claimed AAP leaders made defamatory remarks against him over alleged financial irregularities in Delhi's cricket association, which he earlier headed for 13 years. Kumar Vishwas and Ashutosh are among the AAP leaders to face trial.

Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal and five other leaders of his party will stand trial in a criminal defamation case filed by Union finance minister Arun Jaitley.A city court framed notices on Saturday against Kejriwal, Kumar Vishwas, Ashutosh, Sanjay Singh, Raghav Chaddha and Deepak Bajpai. The accused have pleaded not guilty and trial is expected to commence on May 20.In December 2015, Jaitley filed a criminal complaint alleging that the Aam Aadmi Party leaders made defaming statements against him regarding his tenure as the Delhi District Cricket Association (DDCA) president from December 1999 to December 2013.?The criminal complaint for defamation has been filed against the six accused because they had given defamatory statements against Arun Jaitley on Twitter, Facebook and in the media,? said Jaitley?s counsel Sidharth Luthra.Jaitley has also filed a civil defamation case, demanding Rs 10 crore in damages, for the allegations made by Kejriwal and others. The CM has refused to retract the allegations and asked for bank statements of Jaitley and his family ? permission for which was denied by the court.Jaitley?s lawyers have said that the accused were delaying proceedings of the matter by filing frivolous applications, some of which have been dismissed in the high court.?Again on Saturday, frivolous objections were taken to delay the case which was dismissed by the court and the notices were framed against the accused,? said Luthra.

Tarun Khanna

28 Apr 2017,Friday

Punjab Speaker's Vinod Khanna obituary names Rajesh Khanna

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/punjab-speaker-obit-vinod-khanna-rajesh-khanna/1/940258.html

Condoling the death of veteran actor Vinod Khanna, a press release from the Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker named actor Rajesh Khanna in its opening line. Though the headline did mention Vinod Khanna, the error was made in the introduction. While Vinod Khanna passed away on Thursday, Rajesh Khanna had died in 2012.

In an embarrassing gaffe for the Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker, a press release condoling Vinod Khanna's death on Thursday, named Rajesh Khanna in its opening line instead.The mistake was pointed out on Twitter by journalist Man Aman Chhina, who shared a screenshot of the press release saying, "Punjab PR department copy pastes press release of Rajesh Khanna for Vinod Khanna. Changes heading but forgets to change text."Chhina's assumption that it was a copy-paste job could be legit, considering Rajesh Khanna was a Member of Parliament as well.Veteran actor Vinod Khanna, who was suffering from cancer, passed away on Thursday morning at Mumbai's HN Reliance Hospital.The 70-year-old was hospitalised due to "severe dehydration" on March 31. After a photo of the actor looking a frail shadow of his former self went viral, it sparked rumours of a cancer scare, and it was being said that he is suffering from bladder cancer.The actor is survived by wife Kavita Khanna and his four children, Rahul Khanna, Akshaye Khanna, Sakshi Khanna and Shraddha Khanna.Read: Vinod Khanna-Sanjay Dutt's emotional father-son story will make you teary-eyed

Aarushi Maheshwari

12 Jun 2017,Monday

Man saves python by lying near it and diverting road traffic

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/australia-man-saves-giant-serpent-pilbara-rick-olive-python/1/974899.html

An Australian man saved the life of a 2.5-metre Pilbara Rock Olive Python, an endangered species, by lying next to it on a busy road so it could cross safely. It took five minutes for the python to cross the road, but Matthew Bager did not leave its side. Sharing the story, Facebook user Tracey Heimberger wrote, "you're a legend!!"

A Good Samaritan saved a giant two-and-a-half metre python. Facebook user, Tracey Heimberger, posted about the incident wherein Matthew Bager, after spotting a 'Pilbara Rick Olive Python', an endangered species, lied down next to it on the road so that it can cross the road safely. #FYI: The python was bigger than Matthew.Also read:  Deadly python swallows man, police cuts open snake's stomach to retrieve his bodyHe spotted the giant python when it was crossing the road at Dampier Port Authority in Australia. It took five minutes for the python to move off the road and till then Matthew did not move from the busy road.

Tarun Khanna

12 Feb 2017,Sunday

Kailash Satyarthi's stolen Nobel replica recovered by police

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/kailash-satyarthi-nobel-peace-prize-replica-delhi-police/1/880772.html

Nobel Laureate Kailash Satyarthi's Nobel Peace Prize replica and its citation along with other valuables, which were stolen from his house in Delhi's Alaknanda earlier this week, has been recovered by the Delhi Police. The police have also arrested three persons in the case. The theft had taken place when Satyarthi was attending an event abroad.

Delhi Police have recovered the Nobel Peace Prize replica and other items stolen from Kailash Satyarthi's south Delhi house on February 7. Police recovered some stolen items from Sangam Vihar in Delhi and some from Ghaziabad's Khora colony.Three people, all from Sangam Vihar, have been arrested in connection with the robbery."I had complete faith in the government, the police and the people of this great nation. I thank the Delhi Police for the brilliant and speedy recovery of the items stolen from my residence and I hope that Nobel citation is recovered soon as well. Nothing can deter my mission to work towards my children," Satyarthi said in a letter. Satyarthi was not in his Alaknanda flat when the robbery took place.#UPDATE Replica of Kailash Satyarthi's Nobel Peace Prize & its citation along with jewellery, stolen from his residence, have been recoveredSatyarthi's original Nobel medallion is kept in Rashtrapati Bhavan since he dedicated his award to the country.

Pragya Swastik

31 Mar 2017,Friday

Old story all knew, no one talked about: Comedian on TVF row

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/sad-not-shocking-radhika-vaz-on-allegations-against-tvf-ceo/1/916710.html

Reacting to sexual harassment allegations against TVF Founder Arunabh Kumar, comedian Radhika Vaz on Thursday said, "Personally, I don't know this guy, but I was told this is an old story which everyone knew and no one talked about". She added, "This is sad, but not surprising or shocking". "Now we've guys in skinny jeans harassing us," Vaz further said.

New Delhi, Mar 30 (PTI) Comedian Radhika Vaz today said that the sexual harassment allegations against The Viral Fever (TVF) founder Arunabh Kumar were sad but not shocking. "This is sad, but not surprising or shocking. The reason I say this is because what surrounds sexual harassment has not changed. The only thing that has changed is that now we have guys in skinny jeans that are harassing us. "Personally, I dont know this guy, but I was told that this is an old story which everyone knew and no one talked about," Vaz said while addressing a session, which was held as part of the She Leads India conference by UN Women in partnership with SheThePeople.TV. The comedian drew laughs by comparing Arunabh with famous American entertainer Bill Cosby, who has been accused of sexual assault allegations by multiple women. "He is our proud Bill Cosby, now no American should think that only they have one," she quipped. Vaz, who calls herself a "feminist first" and a "comedian later", said things will remain the same unless "parents start teaching their children about how to behave with the other gender". "Rarely do I see parents talking to their children about sex, or on how to behave with girls. And then they are sent to schools and colleges which further segregate boys and girls.

Arshiya Chopra

17 Jul 2017,Monday

Tyre burst led to Amarnath bus accident

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/amarnath-yatra-bus-accident-front-tyre-burst-all-you-need-to-know/1/1003460.html?utm_source=inshorts&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=fullarticle

Jammu Police have said that a tyre burst led to the Amarnath bus accident on Sunday that killed at least 17 people and injured 29. The deceased belonged to UP, Bihar, Rajasthan, Assam, Haryana, and Madhya Pradesh. Recently, Shri Amarnath Shrine Board announced a compensation of ?3 lakh to the kin of Amarnath pilgrims killed in the accident.

Nearly a week after eight Amarnath yatris were killed in a terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Anantnag district, a bus carrying yatris met with an accident today. The death toll in the bus accident has so far climbed to 16 while 19 are reported to be seriously injured. (Inputs from Ashwini Kumar and Manjeet Singh Negi)ALSO READ:Amarnath Yatra attack: Death toll rises to 8 as another woman succumbs to injuries

Chhavi Tyagi

23 Feb 2017,Thursday

Another man claims getting 'churan lable' notes from SBI ATM

http://www.hindustantimes.com/delhi/a-fake-2-000-note-was-dished-out-by-an-sbi-atm-in-ghaziabad-just-days-before/story-8x15WYdr70QiixALqHUgSI.html

After reports of fake ?2,000 notes bearing 'churan lable' strip dispensed from Delhi's SBI ATM were denied by the bank, another man has claimed of receiving a similar note from Ghaziabad's SBI ATM. The man alleged that when he approached the bank, manager dismissed his allegations saying that all the notes are sorted before filling them in the ATM's vault.

Days before the cash machine of the State Bank of India in south Delhi?s Sangam Vihar dispensed five notes with ?Churan Lable? on them, another ATM in Ghaziabad had dished out a fake Rs 2,000 note to an employee of a MNC. The victim in this January 24 incident, 26-year-old Sidhant Shashikar, tried his best to recover his lost money, but the bank manager allegedly dismissed his allegations saying that all the notes are ?sorted? before the ATM?s vault is filled. After reading about the fake notes at Sangam Vihar and police action after that, he is now set to file a police report.Shashikar is employed as a network engineer in HCL Technologies and was headed to work when he decided to withdraw Rs 2,000. Shashikar had stopped at an SBI ATM at the bank?s branch in Indirapuram?s Gyankhand area and used his grandmother?s PNB card to withdraw Rs2,000. The note that was allegedly dispensed at 8.57am was strikingly similar to the ones dispensed by another SBI ATM in south Delhi?s Sangam Vihar on February 6..fakenote_boxwrap {width:auto; font-family: "Open Sans"; padding:10px; background-color:#eee7ce; float:left}.fakenote_box1 ul {width:95%; line-height:24px; text-decoration:none; list-style:none; margin:10px; padding-left:0px; margin-left:0px; font-size:130%; float:left}.fakenote_h1 {font-size:110%; font-weight:normal; padding-left:5px; margin-bottom:10px}.fakenote_tophead {width:100%; font-size:170%; color:#F00; line-height:24px; font-weight:bold; margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:10px; text-transform:uppercase; padding-left:5px; margin-top:10px; float:left}.fakenote_text1 {width:98%; font-size:110%; color:#F00; font-weight:bold; margin-top:5px; padding-left:5px; float:left}.fakenote_img {width:auto; float:left}.cricketmargin {width:100%; height:10px; border-bottom:1px dotted #000; float:left}.clrboth {clear:both}Spot the difference1. Bharatiya Manoranjan Bank instead of Bharatiya Reserve Bank2. Serial number 0000003. Rupee sign missing4. Churan Lable instead of strip with leaf markings5. P.K. logo instead of RBI seal6. I promise to pay the barer two thousand coupens (sic) instead of I promise to pay the bearer the sum of two thousand rupees7. Governor?s signature missing8. Churan Lable instead of the Ashok emblem9. Children Bank of India instead of Reserve Bank of India10. Guaranteed by the Children Government instead of Gauranteed by the Central Government?When I checked the note, I could not believe my eyes. It had the words ?Churan Lable?, ?Bharatiya Manoranjan Bank? and ?Children Bank of India? written on it. I immediately realised something was wrong and showed it to the guard at the ATM before visiting the branch manager,? said Shashikar.The bank manager, however, returned the hand-written letter to Shashikar by writing that the note in question did not pertain to them ?as all the notes are sorted before replenishing them in the ATM?.An angry Shashikar did not report to work that day and returned home to complain about the error and the bank manager?s alleged response to his aunt.His aunt immediately shot off a mail to SBI officials at gm.customer@sbi.co.in, but allegedly received no response. ?There is no redressal system where I can seek help. Your customer care numbers have been constantly busy and not responding and not giving me the right choice. Your website is not opening,? she wrote in her mail.The family said they did not approach the police as they had little hopes from them, but had safely kept the note with them all this while.

Radhika Chugh

12 Jul 2017,Wednesday

Scrap Kashmir's special status in 8 days: Shiv Sena to BJP

http://www.hindustantimes.com/mumbai-news/show-kashmir-is-part-of-india-scrap-its-special-status-in-8-days-shiv-sena-tells-pm-modi/story-43tnOgnG87i3EeIB4Iq3HK.html?utm_source=inshorts&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=fullarticle

The Shiv Sena has urged the PM Narendra Modi-led central government to scrap Jammu and Kashmir's special status in the next eight days, in order to combat terrorism in the state. "The country needs action and for that it is alright even if Prime Minister Narendra Modi has to imbibe Hitler's form" read an editorial in Sena's mouthpiece, Saamana.

To rein in terrorism in Kashmir, the Shiv Sena has urged the Narendra Modi-led Union government to scrap Article 370 that gives special status to the state within eight days and show that Kashmir is an integral part of India.In an editorial in the Sena?s mouthpiece, Saamana, the party said while terrorism was rampant in Kashmir during the Congress-led regime, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led government too has not been able to change the situation and it is time for tough action.The party said, ?If you want to send a strong message to extremists and Pakistan, show that Kashmir is an integral part of India by scrapping Article 370, which gives special status to the state in the next eight days. The country needs action and for that it is alright even if Prime Minister Narendra Modi has to imbibe Hitler?s form.?Read more: Mere condemnation of Amarnath attack won?t do, time for PM Modi to prove he has 56-inch chest, says SenaThe Sena said it is unfortunate that while the Union government celebrated the implementation of the Goods and Services Tax in the entire country it could not apply the single levy that has unified the country to Kashmir due to Article 370. The party said the country remembers Sena founder Bal Thackeray who took a tough stand against any kind of attacks on the Amarnath Yatra that ensured its smooth functioning for the next 20-25 years. The Shiv Sena had on Tuesday condemned the attacks on Amarnath yatra pilgrims in Kashmir, saying now was the time for the government to show the might of the much-touted 56-inch chest. Seven people died in the attacks while several others were injured.The party in the editorial said, ?All this was happening during the Congress government?s rule and so the public elected a change to have a courageous government. But though the government changed, the situation in Kashmir has not changed at all.?

Krishna Veera Vanamali

17 Jul 2017,Monday

Former CEO of NSE earned ?23 crore in her last eight months

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/nses-chitra-ramkrishna-earned-rs-23-cr-in-8-mths-of-fy17/1/1003973.html?utm_source=inshorts&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=fullarticle

Chitra Ramkrishna, former MD and CEO of National Stock Exchange (NSE), had drawn nearly ?23 crore as total remuneration for the last eight months of her tenure. This was 3-fold more than ?7.87 crore that she earned in 2015-16. Ramkrishna, who has been with NSE since its inception, quit on December 2 last year, citing personal reasons.

Tarun Khanna

15 May 2017,Monday

Govt will bring in law for Muslims, if triple talaq scrapped

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/triple-talaq-polygamay-nikah-halala-supreme-court-centre-mukul-rohatgi/1/954030.html

Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi, who is representing the Centre on the triple talaq matter, on Monday apprised the Supreme Court the government will bring in a divorce law for Muslims if triple talaq is scrapped. While theocratic countries like Pakistan and Afghanistan are moving towards reforms, India being a secular country is still debating the controversial divorce practice, he said.

The Centre today said that if the Supreme Court strikes down triple talaq, it will bring in a law to regulate Muslim marriages and divorces.Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi informed the Supreme Court about the Narendra Modi government's intent when asked what are the remedies for a Muslim man to come out of a marriage if such practices are struck down. At this, the Attorney General told a five-judge constitution bench headed by Chief Justice J S Khehar that "If the practice of instant divorce (triple talaq) is struck down by the court, then Centre will bring a law to regulate marriage and divorce among the Muslim community." Mukul Rohatgi told the Constitution bench that triple talaq violates Muslim women's right to equality within the community, and also within the country.All forms of talaq are bad since they are unilateral in nature, the Attorney General said adding that Muslim women are not given equal status within the community in matters pertaining to divorce. Muslim women in India have not been given rights that women in other countries have been given, said Mukul Rohatgi. WILL DEAL WITH TRIPLE TALAQ FOR NOWEarlier, the Supreme Court said that due to paucity of time it will only deal with triple talaq while keeping the issues of polygamy and nikah halala pending."It may not be possible to deal with all the three issues in the limited time we have. We will keep them pending for future," a five-judge Constitution bench headed by Chief Justice J S Khehar said. Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi said the Supreme Court must also test the validity of polygamy and nikah halala separately.ALL THREE ISSUES MUST BE HEARD, SAYS CENTREThe Centre insisted that all the three issues--triple talaq, polygamy, nikah halala--must be heard as the plea before the Supreme Court raises all the three questions."The scope of referring had all the three issues that was divorce, nikah halala, polygamy. All these three issues are before this court by virtue of the reference order of the two- judge bench," Mukul Rohatgi said. WILL BE DEALT IN FUTURE, SAYS COURT Rohatgi asked the bench, also comprising Justices Kurian Joseph, R F Nariman, U U Lalit and Abdul Nazeer, to make it clear that the issues of polygamy and nikah halala are still open and would be dealt by other bench in future. At this, the Supreme Court said it will keep the issues of polygamy and nikah halala open for debate at a later point in time. "It will be dealt in future," the bench clarified.The Constitution bench is hearing a clutch of petitions challenging the practice of triple talaq among Muslims. (Inputs from PTI) ALSO READ:Triple talaq undesirable, worst form of dissolution of marriage among Muslims: Supreme CourtTriple talaq: How it affects lives of India's 90 million Muslim women

Shubhodeep Datta

16 Dec 2016,Friday

Delhi Metro stations to get digital walls for video ads

http://www.hindustantimes.com/delhi/fare-hike-on-hold-delhi-metro-eyes-more-revenue-from-video-ads-at-stations/story-RdrYsVasYUxAibfMk1qWSI.html

Delhi Metro stations will soon get 'digital walls? to play video advertisements without the audio, an official said. ? [O]nly a pen drive will be needed [then] to put ads," he added. Such walls of 12x6 feet size have already been installed at the ITO station but stations like Rajiv Chowk will reportedly have walls as large as 16x8 feet.

Delhi Metro stations are soon going to have giant ?digital walls? to play video advertisements minus the audio. The move is a departure from Delhi Metro Rail Corporation?s (DMRC) existing format where only backlit panels are used for ads.With no fare revision in sight, the cash-strapped DMRC is focusing on these alternatives to increase its revenue. ?Apart from keeping commuters engaged during the journey, the move will also help the metro to generate more revenue. In the current panel format, an ad space gets occupied by a single advertiser for months. Digital walls will give us the chance to bring in multiple advertisers at the same time and in the same space,? a metro official said.Moreover, it is also a lot easier to manage. ?Once these walls are installed, only a pen drive will be needed to put ads and information. Earlier, putting up an ad took one to two days,? the official said.Read: No Metro fare hike for at least three more monthsAround 10 ad walls of 12x6 feet have been installed at the ITO station. But the size of these walls is going to get bigger at busy stations like Rajiv Chowk, Kashmere Gate, Central Secretariat and New Delhi. The walls at these hubs will be as big as 16x8 feet.Similar pattern will also be followed in the upcoming stations under the Phase 3 network. Besides, the new trains on these lines will have LED display panels for advertisements, which too will be in the video format.In fact, the DMRC is tapping even ticket counters for its digital push. As many as 148 ticketing counters are going to have LED screens to display real-time transaction details and other information.It will be first implemented on the Violet Line (ITO-Escorts Mujesar) with 32-38 inch LED screens to be installed at every ticket counter. ?They will display Metro-related information in both Hindi and English. A passenger?s transaction details will also be shown on the screen,? another metro official said.

Akshita Jain

29 Dec 2016,Thursday

Man held for newspaper ad offering to convert old notes

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/black-money-demonetisation-mumbai-marathi-newspaper/1/844841.html

A 44-year-old man has been arrested by Maharashtra police for giving an advertisement in a Marathi newspaper, asking people to contact him if they wanted to convert old currency notes into new. The advertisement appeared in the Solapur edition of the newspaper from December 14 to 16. The police traced the accused from the contact details mentioned in the advertisement.

A man was arrested by the Amboli Police for giving an advertisement in a Marathi newspaper for converting black money into white on a minimal commission basis.A 44-year-old man gave the advertisement in a leading Marathi newspaper of the state which read that anyone who wants to get their old Rs 500 and Rs 1000 notes converted at very minimal commission can contact him and the entire process will be done at the person's doorstep. The cops, with the given contact, traced the accused from Kolhapur. But the question still remains as to how a leading newspaper published such an advertisement for three consecutive days. On December 16, police received a complaint by a Mumbai based activist about the advertisement. According to the FIR accessed by India Today, the advertisement read, 'We will change your old notes i.e. Rs 500 and Rs 1000. Everything will be done at your doorstep'.

Chhavi Tyagi

17 Jul 2017,Monday

Army jawan, 8-year-old girl killed in firing by Pakistan

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/poonch-pakistan-violates-ceasefire-loc-india-retaliates/1/1003693.html?utm_source=inshorts&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=fullarticle

An Army jawan, Naik Muddasar Ahmed, and an 8-year-old girl were today killed in Poonch sector of Jammu and Kashmir in the latest firing by Pakistan along the Line of Control (LoC). According to the police, another woman was also injured during the mortar shelling in Panjgraian village on the LoC and has been shifted to Rajouri hospital for treatment.

A soldier and an 8-year-old girl were today killed in Poonch are of Jammu after Pakistan started firing and targeted civilian areas. In the fire exchange, Naik Muddasar Ahmed was grievously injured when mortar shells landed on his bunker. He was evacuated to the MI room where he succumbed to his injuries.The girl has been identified as Sajida Kousar. Police said another woman was also injured during the shelling in Panjgraian village on the LoC and has been shifted to Rajouri hospital for treatment.Heavy shelling is still going on along the LoC and the administration has advised all the villagers to remain inside their houses or go to safe places.Muddasar Ahmed, 37, belonged to Duchoo village of Tral, Kashmir.  Pakistan on Monday morning initiated unprovoked and indiscriminate firing of small arms, automatics and mortars from in Bimber Gali sector along the Line of Control. The Indian Army is retaliating strongly and effectively to the unprovoked firing.It may be recalled that Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Sunday had alleged that India's firing on Pakistan Army jeep at Neelum Valley resulted in drowning and killing of 4 Army personnel.Sources said that heavy mortar shelling was going on Bimber Gali area of Poonch in Jammu. KILLINGS ALONG LOC On July 15, a soldier of the Indian Army died after Pakistan resorted to unprovoked firing and mortar shelling in Rajouri sector across the LoC in Jammu and Kashmir. Lance Naik Mohammed Naseer (35), from border district of Poonch, was hit during the firing and shelling by the Pakistani troops on the Indian forward posts.On July 12, two jawans were killed in sniper fire by the Pakistani Army in Keran sector of north Kashmir.Earlier on July 8, two civilians were killed and some others injured when Pakistani Army violated ceasefire and resorted to mortar shelling and firing of small and automatic weapons targeting forward posts and hamlets along the LoC in the Poonch district.Also read: J-K: Army jawan killed in ceasefire violation by Pakistan in RajouriAlso read: Jammu and Kashmir: Pakistan Army violates ceasefire along LoC in Naushera, Indian Army retaliates

Shubhodeep Datta

13 Mar 2017,Monday

BJP to announce Uttar Pradesh CM on March 16

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/up-cm-bjps-parliamentary-board-meeting-up-election-results-uttar-pradesh-election-news/1/903032.html

The Bharatiya Janata Party will announce the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister on March 16. This comes after BJP parliamentary board met on Sunday and nominated Anil Jain and Kailash Vijayvargiya as observers for a BJP legislative party meeting convened in Uttar Pradesh. The BJP won UP elections with a massive majority, winning 325 of the 403 seats.

Who will be the next chief minister of Uttar Pradesh? The question will remain a question until March 16. The Bharatiya Janata Party parliamentary board met in New Delhi today evening and announced Venkaiah Naidu and Bhupendra Yadav as observers to BJP legislative party meeting convened on March 16. The parliamentary board meeting was expected to name the leader who would be UP chief minister but the suspense will stay here for another three days.The BJP won with a massive majority in this Assembly election with 325 of the 403 seats going into its kitty. There are many contenders for the post and speculation rife in political circles.Home Minister Rajnath Singh, UP BJP president Keshav Prasad Maurya, firebrand Hindutva face Yogi Adityanath and another central minister Manoj Sinha are frontrunners but any announcement will be a surprise even to them. The decision rests with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP president Amit Shah.An hour before the announcement, Prime Minister Narendra Modi told a gathering of supporters at the BJP headquarters that a "new India" was emerging and it stood for development.He struck a reconciliatory note after a very divisive and aggressive election campaign in Uttar Pradesh when he said government was of those who voted for the BJP and also of those who did not. Putting behind the acrimony of the political campaign, PM Modi said the BJP leaders and workers were humbled by the defeat. He said when a tree bears fruit, the branches hang lower and the being trusted with power by the people should make the party act more responsibly.WATCH THE VIDEO:                                                   Also read:

Chhavi Tyagi

11 May 2017,Thursday

Boy beheaded in Puducherry, head thrown into TN police booth

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/youth-hacked-to-death-severed-head-thrown-into-police-station/1/950898.html

A 17-year-old boy, Swethan, was on Wednesday beheaded in Puducherry by three men and his severed head was later thrown into Reddichavadi police station in Tamil Nadu. The victim's body was found dumped in a Puducherry lake which was taken to a government hospital for postmortem. A police complaint has been registered into the matter and the probe is underway.

In a gruesome incident, a 17-year-old youth was decapitated and his head thrown into the premises of a police station here, the police said today.After going through the CCTV footage of cameras near the police station, three persons in the age group of 20-24 years were arrested today in connection with the incident, they said.Interrogation revealed that the youth was hacked to death and beheaded by one of the accused at Bahour in Puducherry, 13 km from here, last night, due to previous enmity, police said.After decapitating him, they travelled on a two-wheeler with the head wrapped in a gunny bag before throwing it into the premises of the Reddichavavadi police station last night, the police said.The police managed to track them down after going through the CCTV footage. The decapitated body was found near the Bahour lake, they said.Also Read:Jealous man behind murder of Lucknow sistersSix held for murder of Ghaziabad temple priest

Daisy Mowke

18 Jan 2017,Wednesday

Ranbir doesn't want to be a father like me: Rishi Kapoor

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/rishi-kapoor-ranbir-kapoor-khullam-khulla-uncensored/1/860014.html

Actor Rishi Kapoor, while speaking on his relationship with son Ranbir Kapoor said that Ranbir does not want to be a father like him. "I cannot be a friend to a son," he added. Rishi further said, "I am not the type of guy who will ask him to share secrets of his girlfriends... I am sorry. It's my failure".

64-year-old Rishi Kapoor, who is presently touring the country to promote his recently-released autobiography Khullam Khulla: Uncensored, said that his son Ranbir would not like to be a father like him."Ranbir feels that when he is going to have kids, he is not going to be like me. It's a generation gap. I cannot be a friend to a son. You must accept me the way I am," Rishi said.ALSO READ: 10 interesting facts from Rishi Kapoor's autobiography Khullam KhullaALSO READ: Rishi Kapoor revealing his dad's affairs and 5 other times he shocked the worldALSO READ: When Rishi Kapoor had tea with Dawood Ibrahim and was offered 'everything'ALSO WATCH: Rishi Kapoor slams CongressSpeaking on his relationship with his 34-year-old son Ranbir, Rishi said that both he and Ranbir don't like discussing personal lives and that his approach to fatherhood stems from the kind of father late Raj Kapoor was."For me Raj Kapoor was not only a father. He was my guru, whatever I am today is because of him. When we were kids we knew that we were children of someone very important because wherever we went people looked at us as Raj Kapoor's sons," Rishi said.Rishi added that he never argued with his father Raj Kapoor and the kind of relationship he had with him, he passed on to the one between Ranbir and himself.

Chhavi Tyagi

17 Jun 2017,Saturday

In previous govt, no one considered PM as PM: Amit Shah

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/bjp-amit-shah-narendra-modi-manmohan-singh/1/981074.html

BJP President Amit Shah on Saturday said that in the previous UPA government, no one considered Manmohan Singh as the PM, but Prime Minister Narendra Modi has restored the pride associated with the post. "In the earlier government, every minister thought of themselves as the PM," Shah said at a press conference in Mumbai.

BJP President Amit Shah today said that in the previous United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government, no one considered Manmohan Singh as the PM, but Prime Minister Narendra Modi had now restored the "pride" associated with the post. "In (the) earlier government, every minister thought of  themselves as the PM," Shah said.His comments came at a press conference in Mumbai, where he earlier met with members of the Maharashtra BJP unit's core committee. He's on a 3-day tour of Mumbai ahead of the Presidential polls.On the Shiv Sena's proposals for the Presidential nomination, Shah said his party was open to all suggestions.The Sena on Friday said RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat was its first choice for the post. However, it tweaked its stand a little, proposing eminent agriculture scientist MS Swaminathan's name - if someone objected to Bhagwat's candidature.'BIGGEST ACHIEVEMENT THE CREATION OF A TRANSPARENT GOVERNMENT'The BJP chief listed some of the achievements of the Modi government, saying that One Rank One Pension (OROP) was implemented within a year, and that last September's surgical strikes demonstrated India's strength to fight back.The biggest achievement was the creation of a transparent government, he said.On demonetisation, Shah said the Congress had allowed the use of benami properties, and that the Modi government had successfully implemented 'note bandi,' an attack on black money.Ahead of tomorrow's Champions Trophy final between India and Pakistan, Shah said the two nations will continue to play in international tournaments, but neither will play on the other's soil.(With inputs from ANI) ALSO READ | Presidential election 2017: Amit Shah begins three-day Mumbai tour, to meet Uddhav ThackerayALSO READ | PM Modi flags off Kerala's first metro in Kochi

Tarun Khanna

06 May 2017,Saturday

Drinking water standards have improved in India: WWC

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/drinking-water-standards-have-improved-in-india-wwc/1/947136.html

As per a survey conducted by the World Water Council (WWC), 71% Indians believe the standard of drinking water in India has improved in the last five years. "I think Mr Modi is very much concerned with water and sanitation issues. He has even appointed a special secretary to deal with the Ganga river cleanup," said WWC President Benedito Braga.n

From Lalit K Jha Washington, May 6 (PTI) The standard of drinking water in India has improved in the last five years but a lot of work still remains to be done, the head of the World Water Council has said. World Water Council (WWC) recently carried out a major survey on water awareness in major parts of the world, including India. The survey was done ahead of the 8th World Water Forum that is scheduled to take place in the Brazilian capital Brasilia in March 2018. As per the survey, more than one-third of Indians think that not enough is being done to achieve the UNs Sustainable Development Goals to make water and sanitation for all a reality by 2030, World Water Council president Benedito Braga said. "There has been some work done in the past five years to improve the drinking water standards in India. Of course, theres still a lot of work to do there," Braga told PTI. Braga said more than three quarters of the Asians were convinced that governments need to lead the fight to make global access to safe drinking water and sanitation reality. According to the survey, 31 per cent of Indians said they had been in a situation where it was unsafe to drink water but they had no other choice and suffered from diseases like diarrhoea and gastroenteritis. A majority (71 per cent) of Indians said that safe drinking water had improved over the last five years. The survey stated that 62 per cent of the Indians said they believed that the government was doing enough to support access to safe drinking water. Referring to the Swachha Bharat Campaign, Braga praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his efforts towards clean drinking water and sanitation. "I think Mr Modi is very much concerned with water and sanitation issues. He has even appointed a special secretary in the ministry of water resources to deal with the Ganga River cleanup," he said. "I understand there is a major effort from the current aid in government towards improving water and sanitation access in the country. Thats my perception," Braga said.

Sonu Kumari

03 Aug 2017,Thursday

Mumbai has 2 out of 12 unique mangrove forests in India

http://www.hindustantimes.com/mumbai-news/two-mangroves-from-mumbai-region-on-list-the-12-unique-wetlands-in-india/story-EiVR3zcmlQBL2y19wYLMiJ.html?utm_source=inshorts&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=fullarticle

The Mangrove Society of India has listed Mumbai's two mangrove wetlands? Airoli and Vikhroli, among twelve unique mangrove forests in India. The twelve locations were selected to help conserve different mangrove species, and establish them as international tourism destinations, officials said. "Mangrove forests can sequester carbon 10 times more than tropical forests," they added.

The Mangrove Society of India (MSI) has put two of Mumbai region?s mangroves ? Airoli and Vikhroli wetlands ? among 12 unique mangrove forests in the country.Mangrove forests grow in creeks, estuaries, bays and lagoons and in inter-tidal areas ? area between the high tide and the low tide. Their ecosystem is believed to have evolved around 114 million years back in tropical and subtropical regions and India has 3% (4,740 sq km) of the world?s mangrove cover. The unique mangroves located along India?s 7,516-km coastline are in Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The world?s largest mangrove forests in Sunderbans, West Bengal, are also featured in the list. The list was released by the MSI and the Goa state biodiversity board at the National Mangrove Conference in Dona Paula, Goa last week. Maharashtra is the only state to have a dedicated cell protecting its mangrove cover.?Mangroves are under threat from developmental projects and we are failing to understand the value of safeguarding the coastline from disasters and their economic value when it comes to tourism. We do not have the concept of preservation in India,? said Arvind Untawale, secretary, MSI. ?The idea behind selecting these 12 locations is to enhance conservation and protection of different mangrove species, the biodiversity and establish them as international tourism destinations.?He added that tigers in Sunderbans, saltwater crocodiles in Odisha, and birds, fish, crabs, and the unique flora present in this ecosystem are not getting enough attention from the Centre. ?There is great potential for adventure, research, information, conservation and management aspects, which the tourism sector needs to focus upon,? said Untawale.Mangroves in?Vikhroli. (HT File) ?What most people are unaware of is that India is home to a maximum number of flora and fauna species in the world,? said Dr K Kathiresan, former dean and director, Annamalai University and from the Centre of Advanced Study in Marine Biology. He added that of the total 4,060 species living in India?s mangroves, 969 are floral species, accounting for 24% of the biodiversity and the rest 3,091 are faunal species. ?Mangrove forests can sequester carbon 10 times more than tropical forests and carbon storage is four times more than tropical, temperate or boreal forests (coniferous forests),? said Dr Kathiresan.Experts said the tourism potential of mangroves in India, unlike many other countries in the world, is underexplored. ?We have to develop such spots for people to realise its importance. Tourism spots will not only help boost revenue but even their protection,? said N Vasudevan, additional principal chief conservator of forest, Maharashtra state mangrove cell. SAVING THE NATURAL COAST GUARDS While India has 3% of the world?s mangrove cover, environmentalists believe they are under threat from developmental projects. Here are the 12 unique mangrove forest locations selected for better conservation:Gulf of Kutch, GujaratEstablished in 1980 and 1982, the Gulf of Kutch Marine National Park (163 sq km) and Marine Sanctuary (295 sq km) are mangrove forests spread across 42 islands with rich marine and mangrove biodiversity. They are accessible from Jamnagar by boats that travel 10km to reach these areas. Vikhroli mangroves, MumbaiIt is one of the largest (2000ha) private mangrove forests in the country. More than 16 mangrove species, 82 butterfly species, 208 bird species, 13 crab species, 7 prawn species, 20 fish species and mammals like jackals, wild boards, mongoose, otters and leopards can be spotted at the mangrove ecosystem.Mangrove and Marine Biodiversity Centre, Airoli, Navi MumbaiThe centre, a pet project of the Maharashtra state mangrove cell, was completed and opened for public earlier this year. It is surrounded by a flamingo sanctuary that is spread over 1,690 ha, which includes 896 ha of mangroves and 794 ha of land adjacent to a water body, to safeguard more than 50,000 flamingos visiting every year.Achra, Maharashtra The mangroves near the fishing village of Achra are considered sacred. (HT?FILE) Located near the fishing village of Achra, almost 30km away from Kankavli on the Mumbai-Goa highway, this is the most dense mangrove spot in the Konkan region. Here, the mangroves are considered sacred as the entire area is owned by Rameshwar temple trust. Dr Salim Ali Mangrove Sanctuary, GoaEstablished in 1982, a 250-hectare mangrove patch at Chodan, located very close to Panjim, is home to 16 mangrove species, more than 100 birds and large intertidal fauna. The area has boat facilities, walkways and observation towers for a closer look at the salt-tolerant plants.Kali Nadi, Karnataka With the Western Ghats in the background, the lush green mangrove cover along the Devbagh creek of the Kali Nadi estuary near Karwar, Karnataka, is considered the most sacred mangrove forests of the state. Kannur, Kerala Situated along the famous Kerala backwaters and not very far from Kochi, large portions (587 ha) of the Kannur mangrove forest were recently declared as reserved forests (highest protection status) after a significant mangrove cover was lost owing to developmental projects. However, several parts were restored by the forest department with man-made mangrove patches that cater to both marine and intertidal biodiversity.Pichavaram and Muthupet, Tamil NaduTwo mangrove spots along the Tamil Nadu coastline ? Pichavaran near Chidambaram and Muthupet near Pulicat Lake ? are fed with Vellary estuary waters and are rich in mangrove biodiversity. The forests are famous for natural genetic cross breeding of the Rhizophora mangrove species. Coringa and Krishna Wildlife Sanctuaries, Andhra PradeshThe Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary, situated on the mouth of the Godavari estuarine delta, has a mangrove expanse spread across 235.7 sq km. It was established in 1978 and is accessible by road and by boats from Vishakhapatnam. Established in 1999, the Krishna Wildlife Sanctuary in Guntur is spread across 195 sq km and located at the mouth of Krishna estuary.The Mahanadi estuarine in Odisha. (HT?FILE) Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary and Kendrapada Mangroves, OdishaThe Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary, along the Mahanadi estuarine, is known to have the highest mangrove biodiversity in Asia and is famous for the estuarine crocodiles that are 22-feet-long. Spread across 145 sq km, the sanctuary was established in 1988. The Kendrapada mangroves have mangrove area of 133 sq km.Sunderbans Biosphere Reserve, West BengalSpread across a massive 1,40,000 ha land along the Ganges delta, the Sunderbans are the largest mangrove forests in the world between Bangladesh and West Bengal. It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1987. The swampy mangroves are also home to chitals, crocodiles, monitor lizards and several birds.Andaman and Nicobar IslandsTourists around teh mangroves in Andaman and Nicobar Islands. (HT?FILE) Established between 1983 and 1986, two national parks ? Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park, Wandoor, south Andaman (281.5 sq km mangrove cover) and Rani Jhansi Marine National Park (256 sq km mangroves) ? have several islands with lush green mangrove cover and corals. Both locations are almost 30 km away from Port Blair.

Rini Sinha

07 Jan 2017,Saturday

Mainstream actor having an arranged marriage unique: Shahid

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/shahid-kapoor-mira-rajput-koffee-with-karan-arranged-marriage/1/851642.html

Actor Shahid Kapoor has said that a mainstream star like him, having an arranged marriage is unique. "...my life (is) up for discussion, by default. It won't stop whether I like it or not," he said, adding that wife Mira is "pretty chilled" about criticism. This comes after Shahid was criticised for advocating arranged marriage in a chat show.

Shahid Kapoor may have won hearts with his adorable displays of affection for wife Mira Rajput, but there was also a section of people who were unhappy with him for advocating arranged marriage and constantly bringing up his age difference with Mira. However, the actor himself is cool as a cucumber and unperturbed by the criticism. ALSO READ: This is when Shahid-Mira fell in love. 5 revelations from Koffee With Karan 5ALSO WATCH: Shahid and Saif battle for Kangana's love in the Rangoon trailerIn an interview with Mid-Day, Shahid said, "A mainstream star having an arranged marriage is unique. It is not everyday that a Hindi film hero goes and marries someone no one even knows of. I am an actor. Most parts of my life are up for discussion, by default. It won't stop whether I like it or not. If people cross the line, we do get displeased. But the line itself is wide. We can't be touchy and say, bhai mere baare mein koi baat nahin karega."

Saloni Tandon

13 Jul 2017,Thursday

Warne called me rockstar, didn't know what it meant: Jadeja

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/ravindra-jadeja-sri-lanka-series-shane-warne-india/1/1000757.html?utm_source=inshorts&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=fullarticle

Cricketer Ravindra Jadeja has said he did not know what "rockstar" meant when Shane Warne called him that during their days in Rajasthan Royals in 2008. "I was just thinking: 'I don't sing a song...Why is he calling me a Rockstar...When I met him first, I didn't know he was one of the greatest bowlers in Test cricket," said Jadeja.

Ravindra Jadeja's indecision cost Hardik Pandya his wicket in the final of the ICC Champions Trophy against Pakistan. Many cricket fans blamed the al-rounder for the eventual loss. "Honestly the true followers of the game understand that such things (run out) happen sometimes. No one does it intentionally," Ravindra Jadeja told India Today.  "Everyone wants to represents the country and everyone has big dreams. There have been so many run outs in cricket, but it is part of the game and I don't think I need to worry so much about it," he added.  India has played a lot of cricket since then. Virat Kohli's men finished the short West Indies tour on a sour note, losing in the solitary T20, but not before winning five-match ODI series 3-1. Up next a Sri Lanka who will be trying to bounce back after an humiliating loss to Zimbabwe in the ODI series.   "Critics change their views after every series. I don't play the game for critics. I play for myself. I always aim to give my best in whatever conditions that I play in," he said on his critics questioning his overseas record. Jadeja is excited for a long and challenging tour of the island nation. India will play three Tests, five ODIs and a lone T20 international in Sri Lanka starting July 26"I like to perform when there are challenges. In cricket when you get easy performances or easy wickets then it's no fun, but when you have to fight and perform in challenging conditions then that feeling is something else," he said.Ravindra Jadeja and his wife Reeva Solanki, who got married on April 17 last year in Rajkot, became parents to a baby girl at the  start of last month."It was a special feeling. I don't realise anything now but as I spend more time with the baby, then I will get more attached. It is a good thing for me and everyone in the family is so happy," said Jadeja on the birth of his baby girl, even confessing,  "Sometimes when I go home, I get bored so now I have a toy to play with now, it will be a good time pass for me."

Parmeet Kaur

20 Jul 2017,Thursday

Makeshift 'illegal' shops demolished by Noida authority

http://www.hindustantimes.com/noida/noida-livelihood-destroyed-shop-owners-now-wonder-what-to-do/story-UJZOQ8SYOcQaVBgQR3K6lI.html?utm_source=inshorts&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=fullarticle

Noida authority officials on Monday demolished around thirty makeshift shops near Sector 78 after residents demanded for removal of 'illegal encroachments'. This comes after over 300 protestors, mostly domestic helps, gathered outside a housing complex last week, alleging that one of its residents had assaulted a domestic help. Noida authority has however claimed that it was a routine demolition.

Last Wednesday at 7am, 45-year-old Ramesh Kumar was setting up his makeshift tea shop in Sector 76 for his early morning customers, he said. He claims he had no knowledge of the mob violence at Mahagun Moderne Society that was going on a few hundred metres from his shop at that time.Ramesh is one of the 30-odd kiosk owners whose makeshift shops were demolished by the Noida authority on Monday as the temporary structures had come up on government land.He said he had spent Rs20,000 to acquire the shop and the goods he needed. Like Ramesh, there are other 30 other shopkeepers who have lost their livelihood the demolition drive six days after the violence at Mahagun Moderne society violence.Rumours of a domestic help being beaten up and held captive had enraged a mob which allegedly attacked the housing society and vandalised property there.The Noida authority has officially claimed that the demolition was not due to the recent violence, but the demands for action against ?illegal? workers in Noida have increased ever since.However, Ramesh fails to understand what he has to do with it all. ?I had nothing to do with the crowd that attacked Mahagun society. I am a resident of Barola village and was busy setting up my tea shop when the violence took place in the society. I have three children to look after and the officers have demolished my shop and destroyed my livelihood,? he said.Ramesh?s friend Pappu (36), who like Ramesh says he belongs to Hardoi district in UP, too sold vegetables in the area from a kiosk that was demolished on Monday.?My wife is dead and I am supposed to feed my three children. I have been selling vegetables (here) for the past four months. Now, I am thinking of selling vegetables from a cart,? he said.Another vegetable seller, 22-year-old Sanjay Yadav, has been in business in the area for only two years, but is one of the oldest shopkeepers in the area.?I am the sole bread winner of my family and the demolition has destroyed my stock of vegetables. How will I earn from tomorrow? I have to support my whole family,? he said.Authority officials claimed the drive was carried out as the shops were set up illegally.?The encroachers were already served notice by the Noida authority to remove their makeshift settlements. When they failed to vacate the land, the authority razed their structures. The action was not taken because of the Mahagun Moderne violence,? said Awneesh Kumar, circle officer, city-3, who was a part of the police team accompanying the authority?s demolition wing officials.While there have been calls against ?illegal Bangladeshis? in the area following the Mahagun violence, Kumar said the encroachers in the area were from different parts of India.

Niharika Prabhakar

11 Jul 2017,Tuesday

Telangana issues ordinance to curb online rummy

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/tgana-govt-brings-out-ordinance-to-curb-evils-of-online-rummy/1/999516.html?utm_source=inshorts&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=fullarticle

The Telangana government has issued an ordinance to curb the "social evils" caused by online rummy card games. It claimed that the game has become an addiction for many people and affected their family life. Notably, online gaming is an offence as per the provisions of another ordinance issued by the state a month ago.

Hyderabad, Jul 11 (PTI) The Telangana government has issued an ordinance to check the social evils caused by online Rummy card games. The Telangana Gaming (Second Amendment) Ordinance, 2017 has been issued by making certain modifications in the provisions of the Telangana Gaming Act, 1974. Noting that online Rummy has become an addiction to several people in the state, particularly the young, the ordinance said such an addiction has affected their family life. "It has been considered necessary to arrest the social evils caused by online Rummy by issue (of) certain modifications in the provisions of the Telangana Gaming Act, 1974 to realise the said objective," the ordinance issued on July 8, said. The government had issued another ordinance about a month ago (June 17) making amendments to the Gaming Act. The Telangana State Gaming (Amendment) Ordinance, 2017 said, "Rummy is not a skill game as it (is) involved partly skill and partly luck or chance".

Tarun Khanna

06 Jan 2017,Friday

Cong to be biggest gainer in Punjab, AAP to come 2nd: Poll

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/congress-india-today-axis-opinion-poll-punjab-assembly-polls-sad-bjp-aap/1/850511.html

The India Today-Axis opinion poll has predicted that Amarinder Singh-led Congress may win 56-62 seats in the 117-member Punjab Assembly and Arvind Kejriwal-led AAP may emerge as the second largest party. Furthermore, the poll predicted that the Akali Dal-BJP combine may get just 18-22 seats. Around 34% of the respondents favoured Amarinder for CM post, said the poll.n

A down-and-out Congress may finally find a reason to cheer on March 11 when it wins back Punjab in the Assembly election scheduled to be held exactly a month from now.The India Today-Axis Opinion Poll has given the Sonia Gandhi-led party 56-62 seats in the 117-member Punjab Assembly, currently held by the Akali-Dal-BJP combine for two straight terms.

Ankur Vyas

08 May 2017,Monday

84-yr-old donates ?1 crore life savings to armed forces

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/gujarat-retired-bank-employee-donates-1-crore-to-national-defence-fund/1/948231.html

An 84-year-old retired State Bank of India employee, Janardan Bhatt, and his wife recently donated ?1 crore, his entire life savings, to the National Defence Fund. Bhatt was reportedly prompted to take the decision after watching reports of martyred jawans and the challenging conditions they face. Notably, Bhatt and his colleague had earlier shelled out ?54 lakh to help someone.

From Gautam Gambhir to Akshay Kumar, celebrities doing their bit for India's security forces has always made headlines. But seldom do we hear of laymen going out of their way for the country's jawans. Janardan Bhatt, an 84-year-old retired State Bank of India employee, is one such layman. Bhatt and his wife recently donated Rs 1 crore to the National Defence Fund.Bhatt, who hails from Gujarat's Bhavnagar, used his entire life savings to make the donation. The former SBI clerk was prompted to do his bit for the Indian Army after he saw reports of martyred jawans and the challenging conditions that soldiers fight in to combat terrorism. The Rs 1 crore donation was made possible thanks to savings from his earnings and his investments in various funds, which all gave him robust returns when he retired.Janardan Bhatt has a record of being a Good Samaritan and is known to have solved many problems faced by his colleagues when was a union leader during his professional life. In fact, Bhatt and his colleague had earlier shelled out Rs 54 lakhs in order to help someone.(With inputs from ANI)ALSO READ: 

Daisy Mowke

12 Apr 2017,Wednesday

Sushant takes rumoured girlfriend Kriti on a ride in new car

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/sushant-singh-rajput-kriti-sanon-new-car-maserati/1/926373.html

Actor Sushant Singh Rajput was spotted taking his rumoured girlfriend Kriti Sanon on a ride in Mumbai in his new car. The actor has bought himself a blue-coloured luxury sports saloon, Maserati Quattroporte, which has a starting price of ?1.5 crore. Sushant and Kriti will be seen together in the upcoming film 'Raabta'.

Sushant Singh Rajput, who joined the Rs 100 crore club with his last film MS Dhoni: The Untold Story, treated himself to a swanky car recently. His new ride is nothing less than a Rs 1.5 crore Maserati Quattroporte. And the first person he took out on a ride was none other than his rumoured girlfriend Kriti Sanon. The rumoured lovebirds were seen driving around the streets of Mumbai. Clad in a black t-shirt, Sushant looked dashing as Kriti sat next to him. Kriti and Sushant have remained tight-lipped about their relationship status, but their frequent outing have strengthened their dating rumours. Sushant and Kriti's rumoured relationship has been a hot topic for a while now. The couple brought in the New Year together in London with their friends. In fact, it was even rumoured that Kriti's growing proximity to Sushant was what led to the rift between Ankita and him. However, in a recent interview, Kriti said that she was single, although she would not mind being in a relationship with someone from the industry.A few days ago, Sushant took to Twitter to make the announcement about his new ride.I've been playing with the miniature model of this car since I was a kid. It was about time to own the beast. Who's up for a drive.?? #maserati #quattroporte ð???A post shared by Sushant Singh Rajput (@sushantsinghrajput) on Apr 9, 2017 at 1:05am PDTOn the work front, Kriti and Sushant will be seen together in Dinesh Vijan's Raabta. (Photos: Yogen Shah)

Aarushi Maheshwari

13 Jul 2017,Thursday

Canadian fisherman killed by whale moments after rescuing it

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/jul/11/canada-fisherman-killed-by-whale-after-rescuing-it?utm_source=inshorts&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=fullarticle

A Canadian lobster fisherman died after getting struck by a North Atlantic right whale, moments after rescuing it on Monday. Joe Howlett had saved roughly two dozen whales in fifteen years, after they became tangled in fishing nets. The fisheries department said, "taking part in whale rescue operations requires immense bravery and a passion for the welfare of marine mammals."

A Canadian lobster fisherman who saved dozens of endangered whales after they became tangled in fishing nets has been killed ? moments after a last successful rescue.Joe Howlett, from Campobello Island, New Brunswick, boarded a vessel off the province?s eastern coast on Monday to help rescue a north Atlantic right whale that had become heavily tangled in rope. The rescue was steeped in urgency: in the past month, seven north Atlantic right whales have been found floating lifelessly in the Gulf of St Lawrence, off Canada. With a global population believed to be around 525, the string of deaths suggests that more than 1% of the population has died in recent weeks. Howlett helped free the whale ? only to be struck by the mammal moments later, said Mackie Green of the Campobello Whale Rescue Team. ?They got the whale totally disentangled and then some kind of freak thing happened and the whale made a big flip,? Green, who was not onboard the vessel, told the Canadian Press.Howlett had previously saved some two dozen whales over the past 15 years, making use of his deep knowledge of knots and ropes to set the huge mammals free. Just a few days before his death, Howlett had helped liberate another north Atlantic right whale in the region, cutting away a fishing line caught in its mouth. ?Joe definitely would not want us to stop because of this,? said Green, who joined forces with Howlett to launch the whale rescue in 2002. ?This is something he loved and there?s no better feeling than getting a whale untangled, and I know how good he was feeling after cutting that whale clear.?On Tuesday, the federal fisheries department confirmed that Howlett had been killed while on one of its vessels, describing him as an ?irreplaceable member of the whale rescue community?.In a statement, the department offered its deepest sympathies to the family and friends of the father of two. ?Taking part in whale rescue operations requires immense bravery and a passion for the welfare of marine mammals,? it noted. ?There are serious risks involved with any disentanglement attempt. Each situation is unique, and entangled whales can be unpredictable.?Howlett?s death comes amid the unprecedented loss of seven north Atlantic right whales in the past month. A team included marine biologists, federal scientists and pathologists, among others, have been racing to figure out why the whales ? which live along the eastern seaboard of Canada and the US and can reach up to 16 metres (50ft) in length ? are dying in large numbers. Last week, they carried out necropsies on three of the seven whales, hoping to find clues before the carcasses decompose. While their findings are still preliminary and don?t explain why the deaths have seemingly occurred within such a short time frame, they found signs of severe blunt trauma and bruising on two of the whales, suggesting collision with a vessel, while the third had been tangled in fishing gear for weeks.

Arshiya Chopra

20 Jul 2017,Thursday

Indian-origin man becomes UK's youngest doctor

http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/indian-origin-doctor-to-become-uk-s-youngest-to-start-work-says-parents-will-be-very-proud/story-59BAzBHJDitpgUM4ZjBxxI.html?utm_source=inshorts&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=fullarticle

An Indian-origin man, who studied in Gujarat until he was 13, has become UK's youngest ever doctor. Arpan Doshi got accepted for a medical course when he was 17 and graduated at the age of 21 years and 335 days. Doshi, who is due to start work next month, beat the previous record by 17 days.

An Indian-origin doctor is set to become the UK?s youngest physician to start work at a hospital in north-east England.Arpan Doshi graduated with his Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery degree from the University of Sheffield on Monday -- aged 21 and 335 days -- and is due to start work as a junior doctor in York next month.He will beat the previous record for the youngest doctor to start work in the country by 17 days.?I didn?t realise I was the youngest person to qualify until a friend checked on the internet. I haven?t even told my parents yet but I know they will be very proud,? the Sun quoted India-born Doshi as saying.Arpan originally went to a local school in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, until he was 13.Then his mechanical engineer father, Bharat, got a job in Aix en Provence as part of an international Fusion project and the whole family moved to France.Arpan, who speaks English, Hindi and Gujarati, continued his education at an English-speaking International School.?The following year I realised that I already knew a lot of what was being taught so I skipped a year,? he recalls.He started applying to universities just weeks after his 17th birthday and despite a rejection from one university, three others offered him places.The University of Sheffield was so impressed with his credentials that they gave him a scholarship worth 13,000 pounds.He received financial support from his parents and also took part-time jobs as a lunch supervisor at a local school and in the careers service to fund his degree.?My dream is to become a heart surgeon but it is a very competitive field. It is not really a surprise I have ended up as a doctor,? said Doshi.The previous youngest doctor to qualify was Rachael Faye Hill, who received her medical degree from Manchester University when she was 21 and 352 days in 2010.Doshi is now set to overtake that record when he starts his two-year training as a junior doctor at York Teaching Hospital in August.

Anmol Sharma

23 Feb 2017,Thursday

When you need to go to the toilet, you got to go: Renshaw

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/matt-renshaw-retired-ill-stomach-upset-india-vs-australia/1/889712.html

Justifying his decision to retire ill following an upset stomach during Day 1 of the Pune Test, Australian opener Matt Renshaw said, "It came pretty suddenly...He (Smith) wasn't too thrilled about it but he understands that when you need to go to the toilet, you've got to go". "It wasn't an ideal scenario but it's life, pretty much," Renshaw added.

After drawing a lot of flak from former cricketers, Australia opener Matt Renshaw on Thursday finally gave his version of what really transpired on Day 1 of the Pune Test when he was seen leaving the field retired ill in the first session, just 15 minutes before the lunch break. (Scorecard)Renshaw was criticised by former Australia captains Allan Border and Michael Clarke for leaving mid-way through his innings and rushing off the field for a toilet break. Renshaw and David Warner were in the middle of a solid 82-run opening stand when the latter played on to a delivery from India pacer Umesh Yadav. (Bizarre scenes as Matt Renshaw leaves batting crease with upset stomach)As captain Steve Smith was coming on the field to take strike he saw Renshaw running towards the pavillion. The 20-year-old quickly explained to his captain that he needed to go to the toilet as he was suffering from a stomach bug. Umpire Nigel Llong then cleared Renshaw to retire ill so that he could go off the field unbeaten on 36. (Pune Test, Day 1: Starc defies India after Umesh grabs 4/32)The left-hander attended the press conference after the day's play where he revealed that his illness had struck suddenly 10-15 minutes before he was forced to bolt for the dressing room. (Ravindra Jadeja's obsession with opposition captains)"It came pretty suddenly," Renshaw said after play on Thursday. (What a cacth! Wriddhiman Saha flies to pull off a stunner)"Maybe five or 10 minutes before Davey (Warner) got out I asked Richard (Kettleborough, standing umpire) how long there was till lunch and he gave me the answer of 'half an hour' and I was struggling a bit then. It wasn't an ideal situation to be in." (India vs Australia, 1st Test, Day 1: As it happened)Naturally, Smith was bemused and lost. Renshaw had batted brilliantly up until that point, using his feet smartly against the spin of Ravichandran Ashwin, Jayant Yadav and Ravindra Jadeja. (Dry pitch for Pune Test could play into Australia's hands: Shane Warne)"He (Smith) wasn't too thrilled about it but he understands that when you need to go to the toilet, you've got to go to the toilet," Renshaw said."It wasn't an ideal scenario but it's life, pretty much. Obviously we just lost a wicket so there would be two new batsmen out there but it's a hard scenario to be in and he understood. We've had a chat now and we're all good."Renshaw wasn't too sure about the rules and didn't know that he had to retire ill to go off the field in such a scenario."I wasn't too sure on the ruling," he explained. "I didn't know you could retire ill so I thought I just had to get out there and make sure I batted until lunch.

Niharika Prabhakar

15 Jul 2017,Saturday

Explain source of wealth or Tejashwi must quit: JD(U) to RJD

http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/explain-source-of-wealth-or-tejashwi-yadav-must-quit-nitish-kumar-s-jd-u-tells-lalu-s-rjd/story-wHJOgePMaxONFTd22aIcmO.html?utm_source=inshorts&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=fullarticle

Bihar's Janata Dal (United) party demanded the resignation of Deputy Chief Minister and Lalu Yadav's son Tejashwi Yadav if his family does not reveal the source of funds used for acquiring allegedly illegal properties. The spat between 'Grand Alliance' members, JD(U) and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), began after raids on the Yadavs' properties, in connection with a land scam.

The rift in Bihar?s ruling ?grand alliance? appeared to have widened as the Janata Dal (United) said on Friday that deputy chief minister Tejashwi Yadav should resign if his family fails to explain the source of funding for properties mired in an alleged scam.The JD(U)?s demand, dismissed by RJD chief Lalu Prasad, followed efforts by Congress chief Sonia Gandhi to broker truce among the two allies.Chief minister Nitish Kumar?s JD(U) rules the state with the RJD and Congress, which together defeated the BJP in the 2015 assembly election.But RJD-JD(U) ties were strained after Prasad and his 26-year-old younger son, Tejashwi, were named in a land-for-hotels scandal, and the CBI raided their homes and other properties last week. The alleged scam is from Prasad?s stint as railway minister from 2004 to 2009.The RJD chief, who was in Ranchi attending a fodder scam trial, snapped at a media contingent eager to know of his next move.?Tejashwi was elected by the people, not by those asking for his resignation,? he said. His son had said he won?t step down.Prasad returned to Patna with a court waiver of the hearing on Saturday and met top RJD leaders at his 10 Circular Road home to finalise the next step.Congress president Gandhi spoke to chief minister Kumar to find a middle path to defuse the crisis and dispatched the party?s state chief Ashok Choudhary to play mediator.The JD(U) stuck to its stand and party spokesperson Neeraj Kumar compared assets of the chief minister and Prasad.?Nitish Kumar?s assets are known to the world, but on the other hand, what have you?? he asked Prasad.He said the RJD chief, his wife and former chief minister Rabri Devi, sons Tejashwi and Tej Pratap, and three daughters, including Rajya Sabha parliamentarian Misa Bharati, are charged with benami deals. But the family has not given any ?satisfactory? explanation.?They must come clear and spell out the source of income,? he said. ?The RJD owes it to the people and allies to issue a point by point rebuttal to the CBI charges and come clean on the allegations, or else, Tejashwi must resign.?Read |?Tejashwi Yadav won?t resign, Grand Alliance in Bihar unbreakable, says?Lalu PrasadThe JD(U), however, kept a window open to salvage the alliance as it didn?t specify a time limit for its partner to declare its funding source for the family properties that are under the scanner.?Why should we spell out a deadline? We will take appropriate action at the right time,? Neeraj Kumar said.The spat has reached a critical point as several JD(U) leaders suggested the party won?t accept ?half-measures? and would sever the alliance if needed.On Thursday, JD(U) state president Basishtha Narain Singh asked the RJD to explain its position on the deputy chief minister.The party is worried as any fresh scam taint on the RJD could splash back on chief minister, who has the image of an honest, untainted politician and pursues a policy of ?zero tolerance? against crime and corruption. Kumar?s image is his and the JD(U)?s biggest asset.Read |?Where?s the proof??Tejashwi Yadav hits back over tax noticeRJD leaders said Tejashwi?s resignation could be a possibility, but may not be immediate as it could reflect as an admission of guilt.?The party also toyed with the idea of fully withdrawing all ministers from the Nitish cabinet, should Tejashwi resign,? said a party leader, who didn?t wish to be named.Sources said the party will then lend outside support to the JD(U) to run the government and deny the BJP any political space. This would also convince the people that the RJD is not a spoiler, they added.

Aarushi Maheshwari

15 Apr 2017,Saturday

Jet Airways passengers protest over non-functioning AC

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/jet-airways-mumbai-bhopal-flight-delayed-passengers-protest-air-conditioning/1/929538.html

A Bhopal-bound Jet Airways flight at Mumbai Airport was forced to return to bay after passengers started protesting over its non-functional air conditioning system. The 1.5-hour flight, carrying 130 passengers, had proceeded to the runway and was about to take-off when passengers reportedly stood up to protest. The flight took off after the technical team fixed the issue.

A Jet Airways flight scheduled for departure from Mumbai airport to Bhopal was stopped from taking off after it had reached the runway when around 130 fliers started protesting about the non-functional air conditioning system.Around 130 passengers were onboard the Jet Airways flight 9W 7083 (S2 4621) which was, scheduled for departure at 5:55 am from Mumbai and was to arrive in Bhopal by 7:25 am, was delayed by over an hour.After boarding the flight, several passengers started complaining of suffocation and non-functioning of the air conditioners. The cabin crew was contacted by several passengers who did nothing about the complaints. The pilot then proceeded from the bay to the runway and was about to take-off when all the agitated passengers reportedly stood up and started protesting. The aircraft was then forced to turn back towards the bay where the technical team looked into the issue and rectified it.An angry passenger shot a series of tweet about the incident.Agitated ?? passengers force @jetairways#9W7083 return to bay from runway in #Mumbai because the AC was not working. Pathetic??@awasthisThe @jetairways flt #9W7083 was going to Bhopal. Why was the plane allowed to close door & proceed 2 take off if there was snag? 1/2

Radhika Chugh

02 Aug 2017,Wednesday

Online assessment delayed Mumbai University results: Maha CM

http://www.hindustantimes.com/mumbai-news/maharashtra-chief-minister-admits-online-assessment-delayed-mumbai-varsity-results/story-AKlagpeGfCgpaLIxZ08RdI.html?utm_source=inshorts&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=fullarticle

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday said that the newly adopted online assessment system delayed the declaration of Mumbai University results. He added that the government will implement technological changes systematically and in phases to avoid similar problems in the future. Notably, 14 lakh out of the 17.5 lakh answer sheets have been evaluated so far.

The Maharashtra government on Tuesday admitted that adopting online assessment system by the University of Mumbai (MU) for evaluating answer papers delayed declaration of results. The state has now promised to implement the system gradually to avoid similar problems in the future.    ?It is a serious issue. The MU had recently shifted to an online system for assessment of answer papers, which caused a delay in completing the assessment work. Scenario would have been different if it had been implemented in stages,? chief minister Devendra Fadnavis said.    Fadnavis was replying to a query raised by Nationalist Congress Party legislator and former deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar. The NCP leader said the university had failed to meet the July 31 deadline given by the governor Ch Vidysagar Rao for completing assessment work. Of 477 courses offered by the varsity, it declared results for only 173 courses on Monday. Asking the chief minister to intervene, Pawar said the issue had tarnished the university?s reputation in the country. Further delay in declaring results may also impact students who want to pursue higher education abroad, he added. Fadnavis said the online assessment system is the need of the hour and has been adopted worldwide. ?The system ensures that evaluators assess answer papers online, thus bringing transparency. The government will make sure that the system is implemented smoothly in phases,? he said.   He also informed the assembly that of 17.50 lakh answer sheets, 14 lakh have been evaluated so far. The governor has now set a new deadline of August 5 to declare the pending 304 results.   ?Mark sheets of students, who wish to pursue higher education abroad, will be made available by August 15,? Fadnavis said.

Anmol Sharma

05 Jul 2017,Wednesday

Gayle returns to WI squad after 15 months for India T20I

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/chris-gayle-west-indies-t20-squad-vs-india-sabina-park/1/994469.html

Windies' highest run scorer in T20Is, Chris Gayle has been included in the 13-man squad for the one-off T20I against India, marking his return to the international circuit after a 15-month gap. Gayle's last international match was the World T20 final against England in April 2016. The T20I match between India and Windies will be held on July 9.

Swashbuckling opener Chris Gayle has been included in the 13-man West Indies team which will play a T20 international match against India in Jamaica on Sunday, July 9.The left-hander is the highest run-maker for the Windies in the T20 format with 1,519 runs (average 35.32, strike rate 145.49), including two centuries. This will be his first T20 International on his home ground Sabina Park. He last played a T20 International for West Indies in April, 2016, in the World T20 final vs England at Kolkata's Eden Gardens."We welcome Chris back to the T20 squad. He is the most prolific batsman in this format and will add value to our team at the top of the order. He will get the chance to play on his home ground and against a top-quality Indian team," said Courtney Browne, Cricket West Indies' chairman of selectors.The left-handed batsman has been included in the side at the expense of Lendl Simmons, who scored 6, 17* and 15 in the series against Afghanistan, West Indies' last T20 assignment.Test and ODI skipper Jason Holder, who did not feature in that series, has been rested again.WI Team:Carlos Brathwaite (Captain)Samuel BadreeRonsford BeatonChris GayleEvin LewisJason MohammedSunil NarineKieron PollardRovman PowellMarlon Samuels

Abhishek Bansal

23 Dec 2016,Friday

Kohli named captain of Cricket Australia's Test Team of 2016

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/cricket-australia-test-team-of-the-year-virat-kohli-captain/1/841278.html

Cricket Australia has named Virat Kohli as the captain of its Test Team of the Year, ahead of Australian captain Steve Smith. ICC had earlier left out the Indian captain from its Test Team of the Year and included Smith as the 12th man. Cricket Australia came up with the Test XI based on performances in the calendar year 2016.

Cricket Australia has not only included Virat Kohli in its best Test XI of the Year but also made him the captain to lead a team which also includes Australia Test skipper Steve Smith. (Kohli vs Dhoni in 2016: How India's two captains fared)A day after the International Cricket Council (ICC) left out the Indian Test skipper from its Test team of the Year, Australian cricket board released its team on the CA website which has as many as six changes from the one released by the game's governing body on Thursday. (Ashwin lone Indian in ICC's Test Team of 2016; Kohli named captain of ODI team)Steve Smith, kept as No. 12 in the ICC Test team, quite obviously finds himself in the playing eleven in the team but David Warner, who hasn't had a great year in the longer format, has been left out. (Kohli, Root are the best right now, says Ian Botham)While the ICC had a qualification period that ran from September 14, 2015 to September 20, 2016, cricket.com.au came up with a Test XI based on performances in the calendar year. (Virat has to wait for ODI captaincy: Ganguly)

Ankush Verma

23 Jul 2017,Sunday

England to allow gay men to give blood 3 months after sex

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/jul/23/gay-men-blood-donation-three-months-after-sex?utm_source=inshorts&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=fullarticle

Gay men in England will be allowed to donate blood three months after having sex instead of a year, under equalities reforms announced by the government. The reforms will come into force in early 2018. Notably, a lifetime ban had been imposed on gay and bisexual men donating blood across the UK during the 1980s AIDS crisis.

Blood donation restrictions for gay men and sex workers are to be relaxed in England and Scotland under a series of equalities reforms announced by the government. Gay men will be allowed to donate blood three months after sexual intercourse instead of a year. Sex workers, who were previously banned from donating, will be subject to the same three-month rule.Advances in testing for blood-borne viruses, including hepatitis B and C and HIV, prompted the advisory committee on the safety of blood, tissues and organs to recommend the reforms to the government, which ministers accepted.Fears over infections being passed on through donations from gay men led to an outright ban at the height of the Aids epidemic, but that was cut to 12 months in 2011. The rule changes on blood donations will be implemented from November in Scotland, and early 2018 in England.Transgender people will also be able to choose their legal sex more easily as part of the equalities reforms announced by Justine Greening. ?This government is committed to building an inclusive society that works for everyone, no matter what their gender or sexuality, and today we?re taking the next step forward,? the education and equalities secretary said.?We will build on the significant progress we have made over the past 50 years, tackling some of the historic prejudices that still persist in our laws and giving LGBT people a real say on the issues affecting them.?Reforms making it easier for transgender people to chose their sex legally, by removing the need for a medical diagnosis of gender dysphoria and speeding up the bureaucratic process, will go out to consultation in the autumn.Greening said she wanted to reduce the stigma faced by trans people, who have to provide evidence that they have been in transition for at least two years before they can apply to change their gender legally.Theresa May indicated earlier this week that she was preparing to reform the Gender Recognition Act, saying: ?When it comes to rights and protections for trans people, there is still a long way to go.?The reforms have been widely welcomed by LGBT campaigners. Ethan Spibey, founder of FreedomToDonate, which campaigns against blood donation restrictions for gay and bisexual men, said: ?Today?s announcement from the government marks a world-leading blood donation policy for gay and bisexual men and the other groups previously restricted. I?m so proud that the work of FreedomToDonate and our supporters will help ensure more people than ever before are allowed to safely donate blood.?I began this campaign because I wanted to repay the donor who saved my granddad?s life after a major operation, and this announcement means I?m closer than ever to doing that, with the invaluable help of our team of volunteers, and the charities and organisations FreedomToDonate represents.?Suzanna Hopwood, a member of the Stonewall trans advisory group, said: ?Reform is one of the key priorities in our vision for removing the huge inequalities that trans people face in the UK. The current system is demeaning and broken. It?s vital that this reform removes the requirements for medical evidence and an intrusive interview panel, and finally allows all trans people to have their gender legally recognised through a simple administrative process. That?s what we?ll be calling for during this consultation, and I?m looking forward to seeing the law change soon after.?

Sanira Mediratta

02 May 2017,Tuesday

Priyanka wears world's longest trench coat at Met Gala 2017

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/priyanka-chopra-met-gala-2017-trenchcoat-gown-ralph-lauren-fashion-lifest/1/943349.html

Actress Priyanka Chopra wore what is believed to be the world's longest trench coat at the Met Gala 2017 red carpet. Priyanka made her debut at the annual fundraising event, which was held at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, on Monday. The trench coat gown with the long train was designed by Ralph Lauren.

Priyanka Chopra has a superpower, the power to win over the world in outfits unimaginably chic. Met Gala 2017 was held last night, and guess who stole the show?--the desi girl Priyanka Chopra, who else. While the star-studded event saw the who's and who of Hollywood walking in their fashionable and plush best, Priyanka Chopra appeared in a trench coat. Also Read: Before Met Gala 2017: 11 bizarre outfits from last year that were real-life memesAs confusing as it sounds, the elegant-yet-beautiful Ralph Lauren trench-coat gown was subtly the most drool-worthy outfit on the grand red carpet. After slayin' at the Oscars red carpet for the last two years, Priyanka has developed a knack for owing the international red carpets. The 34-year-old actor gave hotness a new synonym by pairing her double-breasted front-slit trench-coat-gown hybrid with black, high-top, high-heeled leather boots. Also Read: Priyanka Chopra's fashion game is doing great things to our eyesThe standing collars and just the right amount of cleavage show, was the perfect amalgamation of raw and sexy--the qualities Piggy Chops is best known for. With the gorgeous outfit, Priyanka adorned a pair of silver chunky danglers, how could she not add that bit of glamour to her already beyond-oomph outfit, right? As gorgeous as the earrings were in essence, they didn't sit very well with Priyanka's look--full marks for the risk involved though.

Dishant Sharma

31 Jul 2017,Monday

Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton gave up podium finish for teammate

https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2017/jul/30/sebastian-vettel-wins-hungarian-grand-prix-report?utm_source=inshorts&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=fullarticle

British F1 driver Lewis Hamilton gave up on a third place finish at the Hungarian Grand Prix to let his teammate Valtteri Bottas finish third instead. Hamilton, who was fourth placed, asked Mercedes to tell Bottas to let him through to chase down the leading Ferraris, agreeing to give the third place back if he fails to overtake them.

The Hungarian Grand Prix could yet stand as one of the defining moments of the 2017 Formula One season.Under the unyielding sun of a Budapest summer the two title protagonists, who have been equally unforgiving on track in a battle that has swayed gloriously between them, finally showed their hands as to how that fight would proceed in the second half of the season.Sebastian Vettel won what was hardly a classic race but Lewis Hamilton, in standing by his team-mate, admitted he might have dropped points that could ultimately cost him the world championship.Vettel won at the Hungaroring with an impressive drive from pole position. That he did so while nursing a damaged steering wheel made it all the more of an achievement but also put the Scuderia on the spot.His team-mate Kimi Raikkonen was quicker on track but they chose not to order Vettel to allow him to pass. That the German is their only title contender could not have been clearer.In their wake Hamilton was on a charge and in turn faster than his team?mate Valtteri Bottas. With passing at the Hungaroring all but impossible this year, he asked Mercedes to tell Bottas to let him through to chase down the leading Ferraris, agreeing that he would give the place back should he fail to overtake them. Bottas let him through and, unable to pass Raikkonen and seven seconds up the road from his team-mate, Hamilton duly gave back the place on the final lap. Raikkonen held second, with Bottas in third and Hamilton fourth.The British driver now trails Vettel by 14 points in the world championship and ceding the place cost him three. With the title fight likely to go to the wire it might yet prove to have been the sportsmanlike gesture that could deny him a fourth drivers? title this year.?I want to win the championship the right way,? he said. ?I don?t know whether that will come back to bite me on the backside or not but I said at the beginning of the year, I want to win it the right way. I do think today was the right way to do things.?Ferrari have a long history of imposing team orders and designating a No1 driver but the Mercedes executive director, Toto Wolff, agreed with Hamilton and drew a stark comparison with how his team and the Scuderia went racing.?We have seen the backlash from decisions that were ruthless and cold blooded and the effect that it had on the brand,? he said. ?You could say: ?Screw it, it still won them the championship, who cares? They are in the history books.? But I do not think that is the right spin and if the purpose of us being here is to do the right things and win in the right way ? sometimes doing it the right way and standing by your values is tough and it was today, believe me.?Giving the place back was no easy feat. Bottas was only just in front of the Red Bull of Max Verstappen and there was a real danger the manoeuvre could have cost Hamilton two places. The team had debated whether it should be done but were clear Hamilton was not instructed to do so and that he was merely sticking to his word.?It was very sportsmanlike behaviour,? said Wolff, who also acknowledged that it could cost Hamilton the title. ?These values won us six championships and it will make us win more championships in years to come. It cost us three points and could cost us the championship and we are perfectly conscious of that. But in terms of how the drivers and this team operates, we stick to what we say and if the consequences are as much as losing the championship, then we will take it.?There was little doubt that Vettel deserved the 25 points, both he and Raikkonen having a pace advantage in the early stage over Mercedes. But he revealed he was wrestling with his damaged car from the off. ?I felt there was something not right on the grid and for the formation lap the steering wheel was not straight,? he said.?Then it got worse and towards the end of the stint it was more difficult. We spoke on the radio about it and I was told to avoid the kerbs but on this track you use them on every corner, so you lose speed. It was good that it is tricky to overtake here. It felt like a very long race.?Ferrari have not won the constructors? championship since 2008 and have not taken the drivers? title since Raikkonen claimed it in 2007. Their step forward to go head-to head with Mercedes this season gives them a real opportunity to end the drought.Raikkonen might have been passed by Hamilton, which would have cost them constructor points, but they opted to gamble on the British driver being unable to do so. It paid off and they can consider their strategy a success but it indicated that they were willing to risk the team championship in favour of backing Vettel for the title.Maurizio Arrivabene, Ferrari?s team principal, praised Raikkonen for being a ?true team player? and Sergio Marchionne, the Ferrari chief executive, admitted the result had come as a relief. ?It was a much?needed win,? he said. ?The great thing is we earned it, this was a tough, tough race and we almost lost it and we got it back.?Vettel holds the lead going into the summer break and he has earned it but Hamilton can also rest easy knowing that he held an honourable line in Hungary. ?The team were in a difficult position but I think today really shows, hopefully, that I am a man of my word,? he said.

Nandini Sinha

27 Jul 2017,Thursday

Philippine Prez Duterte threatens to bomb tribal schools

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/jul/26/philippines-duterte-threatens-to-bomb-indigenous-schools?utm_source=inshorts&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=fullarticle

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has threatened to bomb tribal schools, accusing them of teaching students to rebel against the government. Duterte condemned insurgents for destroying infrastructure and alleged that the schools were operated by the rebels without government permits. Human rights groups demanded that Duterte retract the threat and warned such an attack would be a war crime.

The Philippine president has sparked alarm among human rights groups after he threatened to bomb tribal schools, accusing them of teaching students to become communist rebels.In a televised news conference on Monday, Rodrigo Duterte condemned insurgents for destroying bridges and torching schools in the countryside but said they were sparing indigenous Lumad schools, which he alleged were operating under rebel control without government permits. ?Get out of there, I?m telling the Lumads now. I?ll have those bombed, including your structures,? the president said. ?I will use the armed forces, the Philippine air force. I?ll really have those bombed ? because you are operating illegally and you are teaching the children to rebel against government.? Human rights groups called on him to retract the threat, warning such an attack would constitute a war crime. US-based Human Rights Watch said international humanitarian law ?prohibits attacks on schools and other civilian structures unless they are being used for military purposes?, adding that deliberate attacks on civilians, including students and teachers, ?is also a war crime?.Leftwing lawmaker Emmi de Jesus of the Gabriela Women?s party asked Duterte to retract the threat, saying government troops may use it as a pretext to attack indigenous schools and communities in the country?s south that have come under threat from pro-military militias in recent years. Angered by recent communist rebel attacks on government forces, including a road gun battle last week that wounded five members of his elite presidential guards, Duterte has called off peace talks with the Maoist guerrillas and threatened their perceived sympathisers. ?By calling for an attack on schools Duterte is directing the military to commit war crimes,? said Carlos Conde of Human Rights Watch. Conde urged Duterte to sign a 2015 international political statement, the Safe Schools Declaration, that commits governments to supporting the protection of students, teachers and schools in times of armed conflict. Duterte ascended to the presidency in 2016 after campaigning on his extra-tough approach on crime as a prosecutor and later as mayor of southern Davao city. He has remained popular despite thousands of deaths in his nationwide anti-drug crackdown, and his continuing popularity and the ineffective opposition have apparently emboldened him. On Monday night Duterte also called for abolishing the Commission on Human Rights, an independent agency created under the constitution. He demanded that the commission and the government ombudsman, who investigates officials for corruption and other infractions, route requests to investigate police and military personnel through him, and laid down conditions under which he would allow those investigations. Duterte said that if the ombudsman failed to address atrocities committed by insurgents on government forces, ?so that you can get the truth and the whole story, then do not investigate my army and police.?

Prashanti Moktan

22 Mar 2017,Wednesday

2.0 director apologises over attack on journalists by crew

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/rajinikanth-2-0-shankar-apologises-photojournalists-attack/1/910171.html

Shankar, the director of '2.0', starring Rajinikanth and Akshay Kumar, has apologised to two photo journalists, who alleged they were abused and beaten up by the film's crew members. Visiting the Press Council office in Chennai, Shankar said, "I shall ensure incidents like this don't repeat. It has happened without my knowledge." The journalists have reportedly withdrawn their police complaint.

Superstar Rajinikanth's 2.0 landed itself in a fresh controversy when two photojournalists were allegedly manhandled by the crew members of the film.Now, director Shankar himself had visited Press Council office in Chennai to sought an apology. He said, "I am sorry. I shall ensure incidents like this don't repeat. It has happened without my knowledge."According to reports, journalists have withdrawn a complaint filed against the film's production manager, a bouncer and Shankar's nephew.It all started when Ranganathan, a photojournalist, had questioned the crew members for shooting on broad daylight, when the permission was given only between 11pm and 6am. On the other hand, a bouncer had assaulted Sri Bharath, another photojournalist, on his face and alleged that he only tried to snatch the camera. The crew left immediately after the media came in for the rescue.After the ruckus, the police have detained Pappu, an assistant director of 2.0.Made on a lavish budget of Rs 400 crore, the film stars superstar Rajinikanth, Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar, Amy Jackson and Sudhanshu Pandey.Produced by Lyca Productions, the film is slated to release on Diwali this year.

Aarushi Maheshwari

17 Jul 2017,Monday

Air India's profit-making AI Express plans fleet expansion

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/ai-express-plans-fleet-expansion-eyes-more-overseas-routes/1/1003263.html?utm_source=inshorts&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=fullarticle

Profit-making Air India Express is preparing a 10-year vision document as it considers expanding its fleet and flying to more foreign destinations, a senior airline official has said. The move comes even as the government works on a road map for the disinvestment of Air India, the debt-laden parent of low-cost Air India Express.

Parmeet Kaur

21 Jul 2017,Friday

2 AAP MLAs cross voted for Kovind in Delhi Assembly

http://www.hindustantimes.com/delhi-news/presidential-polls-kovind-got-6-votes-in-delhi-assembly-2-aap-mlas-cross-voted/story-Oc8Bd2OOale7cfzXXVotTI.html?utm_source=inshorts&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=fullarticle

In addition to four BJP MLAs, two AAP MLAs from the 70-member Delhi Vidhan Sabha also voted for the NDA backed presidential candidate Ram Nath Kovind, who won the polls on Thursday. Prior to the polls, AAP had announced support to the opposition's candidate Meira Kumar. The two MLAs who cross-voted are suspected to be among the few suspended legislators.

Besides four Bharatiya Janata Party legislators, there were two more in the 70-member Delhi Vidhan Sabha who voted for Ramnath Kovind, the NDA-backed presidential candidate who emerged the winner on Thursday.The ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)?suspects the two MLAs who cross voted could be among the five suspended party legislators. Former water minister Kapil Mishra, who was suspended from the party in March for making corruption allegations against Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal, told Hindustan Times that he voted for the ?winning candidate?. ?It is obvious that one would vote for the winning candidate. I am glad that my vote got counted in the final result,? Mishra said on Thursday. Ahead of the polls, the AAP had announced its support to the opposition?s candidate Meira Kumar. Of the total 69 MLAs of Delhi, 67 -- 63 AAP, 4 BJP -- voted in the presidential polls on Monday. AAP had 67 MLAs initially. However, its strength reduced to 65?after one of its MLA,?Ved Prakash from Bawana joined the BJP?in March just before the municipal elections. The AAP lost the Rajouri Garden seat to BJP?s Manjinder Singh in the byelection. Despite the four votes from the BJP that went to Kovind, the former governor of Bihar who won with a landslide victory in the Presidential elections on Thursday, got a total of six votes --- which means that two AAP MLAs had cross-voted. Opposition?s candidate Meira Kumar, on the other hand, got 55 votes. Six votes were found invalid. The AAP, however, reacted to the voting pattern on positively and blamed the suspended MLAs for cross-voting. ?While we know for sure Kapil Mishra voted for Kovind, the other one must be some suspended MLA only,? said Saurabh Bhardwaj, AAP spokesperson and MLA from Greater Kailash. Bhardwaj was among the two MLAs who did not vote in the elections as he was out of town. Another MLA Devinder Sehrawat had stayed away from voting. ?It is in fact a proud moment for us that despite there being no whip, our MLAs voluntarily supported Ms Kumar and opposed those who propagate fundamentalism,? Bhardwaj said.Leader of the opposition in Delhi assembly Vijender Gupta said the election result indicates that dissent is simmering in AAP. ?Arvind Kejriwal is unable to keep his flock intact. He had to change his stand. In the beginning, the party had earlier announced to support Meira Kumar but Kejriwal later urged his legislators to vote according to their ?conscience?. What does it mean? He was sure that AAP MLAs could cross-vote. This shows clear insecurity in their leadership,? said the BJP leader.Gupta further added that victory of Kovind is a victory of India?s flourishing democracy. ?His victory has further strengthened our democratic system. I am confident under Kovind?s presidentship, the nation will march on road to progress with greater confidence and faith,? he said.

Daisy Mowke

02 Apr 2017,Sunday

Man accuses Cyber Hub pub staff of beating friends

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/the-wine-company-customer-thrashing-cyber-hub-pub-bouncers-zomato-suryansh-jalan/1/918015.html

A man has accused the staff of The Wine Company pub at DLF Cyber Hub, Gurgaon, of beating his friends. He said after sorting out "inconsistencies" in the bill, they were leaving the pub when the manager stopped them due to a "misconception". The bouncers then beat up his friends and also "broke several bottles on them", he alleged.

A visit to The Wine Company at DLF Cyber Hub, Gurgaon, turned foul for three young men, who now claim they were brutally thrashed by the bouncers here for no good reason.Suryansh Jalan wrote a review on Zomato saying that three of his friends had gone to The Wine Company on Monday night at around 10pm. A little after midnight, when they called for the bill, they noticed there were some "inconsistencies" in the amount charged. Jalan wrote that, at this point, the restaurant's manager was summoned, after which "a heated, yet cordial argument" ensued between the two parties.Ultimately, the manager accepted the restaurant's error, gave them a corrected bill, which Jalan said his friends paid and headed for the door "as can be clearly viewed on the CCTV footage."From here, as Jalan claims, things started going south: "Seems like there was a misconception in the company staff, as the Manager tried to stop one of the friends by grabbing their arm, and when the individual tried to release himself from the strong grip of the Manager, around 8-10 highly aggressive, seemingly uneducated and brutish bouncers, decide to take matters into their own hands, and viciously jumped them NOT with the intent to restrict them, but rather to cause heavy and grievous harm."Though Zomato now has taken down this review, it is still appearing on The Plunge Daily.Jalan further added that the restaurant staff "broke several bottles on them," and that one of the bouncers slashed a deep cut in his friend's neck with a glass shard. After this 'assault' Jalan said his friends where "dragged" out of the restaurant to the DLF CyberHub's promenade, and left there, when one of his friends called the police.WHAT DOES THE WINE COMPANY HAVE TO SAY?In a Facebook post shared on Thursday, The Wine Company responded to the incident saying that they have "thoroughly investigated the matter" and come to the conclusion that it was the customers (Jalan's friends) who were "misbehaving" at the restaurant.The Wine Company claims that the three men had "consumed excessive amounts of alcohol" until 12.30am, some time after which they were told that that the restaurant was about to shut and that the liquor licensing hour was up. "On hearing this, the customers began misbehaving with our staff," said The Wine Company post. "Our wine sommelier, who started reasoning with them, was then abused verbally, pushed across the restaurant and struck repeatedly without provocation."The Wine Company claims that at this point, two bouncers intervened to take the three "extremely drunk and unruly" men out of the restaurant, with some assistance from the restaurant staff."Once outside the premises of the restaurant, the three picked fights with passer-by's and were injured in the subsequent scuffle," said the post.The Wine Company also claimed that it was their restaurant manager who called the police. Here is a CCTV footage they shared of the incident:WHAT DOES ZOMATO HAVE TO SAY?Zomato is said to have taken down Suryansh Jalan's review of the incident at The Wine Company because they "cannot allow second-hand dining experiences only or opinions based on a media report/ a third party's incident [sic]."Jalan shared a screenshot of Zomato's mail to him, in which the company "defends" the removal of Jalan's review on The Wine Company from their platform.In the mail, Zomato officials wrote that though the "regret" the "unfortunate incident" that happened with his friends, they won't be able to carry Jalan's review as it is against their guidelines.Here is a screenshot of Zomato's mail to Jalan:

Nihal Thondepu

06 Mar 2017,Monday

Pilot dead as Medanta air ambulance crash-lands in Thailand

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/air-ambulance-medanta-hospital-crash-bangkok/1/898313.html

An air ambulance of the Gurugram-based Medanta Hospital has crash landed near Bangkok on Monday after catching fire while in air. The aircraft's pilot Arunaksha Nandy passed away and two doctors onboard were admitted to the ICU at the Bangkok Hospital, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj tweeted. Two others on board the aircraft suffered minor injuries, she added.

An air ambulance of the Gugaon-based Medanta Hospital has crash landed near Bangkok, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj tweeted. The aircraft, which was carrying a five-member crew, caught fire while in air, leading to the crash. The injured were transported a Bangkok Hospital by army helicopters, but the air ambulance's pilot, Arunaksha Nandy, passed away in the aftermath of the crash. The Air Ambulance of Medanta Hospital with five member crew caught fire and crashlanded near Bangkok. /1Two other people, identified as Dr. Shailendra and Dr. Komal, are in an ICU in Bangkok, Swaraj said. The remaining two people on board the plane suffered minor injuries, the minister added.

Saloni Tandon

17 May 2017,Wednesday

Harbhajan asks Kumble for increased fees for Ranji players

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/harbhajan-singh-anil-kumble-domestic-cricket-ranji-trophy/1/956195.html

Harbhajan Singh has written a letter to Anil Kumble, asking for his intervention in increasing the match fees of Ranji Trophy cricketers. A Ranji player is paid ?1.5 lakh for a first-class game, whereas a Test player gets ?15 lakh. Kumble will make a presentation to the Committee of Administrators on May 21 for a pay hike for BCCI-contracted cricketers.

Time away from national team has given Harbhajan Singh a fresh perspective about the condition of an average domestic cricketer, prompting him to request chief national coach Anil Kumble to raise the issue of their match fees with the COA.Kumble is set to give a presentation to the Committee of Administrators (COA) on May 21 about the revised pay structure of the contracted Indian cricketers with an eye on substantial hike on current central contract. The grades are Rs 2 crore, Rs 1 crore and Rs 50 lakh.While the elite Indian cricketers are a sorted lot along with a handful of first-class players, who have IPL contracts, an average domestic cricketer still gets a match fee of Rs 1.5 lakh (first XI player) for a first-class game (Ranji Trophy and Duleep Trophy) compared to the Rs 15 lakh for a Test match.One of India's finest spinners, Harbhajan has recently written to Kumble about the financial insecurities of domestic cricketers.The letter, accessed by PTI, has Harbhajan making an emotional plea to Kumble."It's been last 2/3 years (that) I am playing Ranji Trophy. I hate that I've found constant struggle around me in the financial situation of my first-class teammates. Even though Ranji Trophy is hosted by the richest cricket board in the world, I appeal to you as a player, who is an inspiration and role model for all Ranji players," Harbhajan wrote to Kumble."I request you to please take this up with the top brass of BCCI and players like Sachin, Rahul, Laxman, Viru to ensure that a change is brought about in the pay structure, in the amounts they get paid," Harbhajan wrote.Harbhajan finds it difficult to digest that the Ranji pay structure has not undergone revision for a long time."I am willing to help/assist in any way to help bring in a change. It's shocking to say the least that the payment system hasn't been changed since 2004. Imagine the value of 100 rupees then and now. It is so different."India's third highest wicket-taker in Tests felt that an average domestic cricketer can't plan his life and investments."Imagine in today's day and age how can you call yourself a professional if your 'job' doesn't even tell you how much you will earn yearly? How can you sign up and commit your life to a job which doesn't promise you a fixed income every year. And that too, you are paid one year after you complete your work."The guys can't even plan their future because they don't know whether they would earn Rs 1 lakh or Rs 10 lakh in that year and it leads to huge issues in their lives and families and (affects) state of mind. Anyway, let's try and gently make a change for our brothers," he concluded the letter.When asked about the letter, Harbhajan told PTI: "If I wouldn't have played domestic cricket during last four-five years, I wouldn't have known what an average domestic cricketer goes through. Not everyone has a job. By God's grace, if they get an IPL contract their lives improve.

Rini Sinha

17 Jan 2017,Tuesday

SRK to play a magician in Salman's 'Tubelight': Reports

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/shah-rukh-khan-salman-khan-tubelight-magician-kabir-khan/1/858701.html

As per reports, actor Shah Rukh Khan will play the role of a magician in the Salman Khan starrer upcoming film 'Tubelight'. The co-producer of 'Tubelight', Amar Butala, took to Twitter to confirm that SRK will be a part of the film. Directed by Kabir Khan, 'Tubelight' is set in the backdrop of the 1962 war between China and India.

Earlier, trade analyst Komal Nahta confirmed that Shah Rukh Khan will be playing an "important cameo" in Salman Khan-starrer Tubelight. Komal later deleted the tweet. When asked about the same, Shah Rukh gave a vague answer in an interview to Hindustan Times."Salman and I were planning to do something together on the business front. But then he sent me a message saying, 'Nahin karte hain yaar. Phir se log kahenge ki hamara jhagda ho gaya.' (Let's not do this. People will say we started fighting again.)," Shah Rukh was quoted as saying.Well now, if a report in Bollywoodlife.com is to be believed, Shah Rukh Khan is playing a magician in Salman Khan's Tubelight.ALSO READ: SRK-Salman to reunite in TubelightALSO READ: I'm an actor, not a vocal leader, says Shah Rukh when asked about his political correctnessALSO READ: KJo opens up on fight with Shah Rukh, love for AbRamDirected by Bajrangi Bhaijaan director Kabir Khan, Tubelight is reportedly the story of a mentally challenged man crossing the border to enter China to look for his lost brother played by Sohail Khan. Once there, the man, called "Tubelight" by others, falls in love with a Chinese girl played by actor Zhu Zhu.The story is set in the backdrop of the 1962 Sino-Indian War and is rumoured to be a remake of the 2015 Hollywood film Little Boy where a young boy Pepper undertakes a mission to find his father who gets lost while fighting in the second world war.In Little Boy, a local priest encourages Pepper to have belief in himself and tells him that if he has faith in his heart, he can change the course of the war. So, will Shah Rukh Khan's magician character be inspired by Little Boy's priest character?Recently, rumours were rife that Shah Rukh Khan is getting a temporary tattoo on his face to play his character in Tubelight. He was spotted on the sets of the film as well.Brothers with #Brothers On d set of #tubelight with d #SuperKhans #friends #Friends4Life Nazim Kazi - Kazim Kazi - Nasirr Khan with #SalmanKhan #KabirKhan & #ShahRukhKhan #SRK God bless...

Aarushi Maheshwari

29 Dec 2016,Thursday

Thailand expecting 13,200 Indians over New Year holidays

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/thailand-tourism-india-tourists-new-year-celebration-travel-lifetr/1/845142.html

The Tourism Authority of Thailand is expecting around 13,200 tourists from India during the New Year holiday period. It is also expecting around 3.75 lakh international tourist arrivals during the same duration, a 5% increase when compared to the previous year. Further, it expects to generate tourism revenue of THB 55.5 billion, a 12% increase when compared to 2015.

All geared up for the New Year, Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) expects to commence its celebrations with an increased number of international travellers. The TAT hopes to welcome 3,75,000 international tourist arrivals during the New Year holiday period, accounting for a five per cent surge over that of the previous year. And from India alone, it expects around 13,200 arrivals in the same period.The estimated numbers are likely to generate tourism revenue of about THB 55.5 billion, up by 12 per cent from last year.Also Read:Best of All, It's in Hong Kong, claims Hong Kong Tourism through its new campaign

Chhavi Tyagi

16 Jun 2017,Friday

Puducherry passes resolution to cut powers of L-G Kiran Bedi

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/lt-governor-kiran-bedi-faces-puducherry-assembly-resolution/1/980336.html

The Puducherry Assembly on Friday passed a resolution, seeking curtailment of the powers granted to Lieutenant Governor Kiran Bedi. The resolution came nearly a week after Chief Minister V Narayanasamy appealed Ministry of Home Affairs to resolve the governance crisis in Puducherry. Narayanasamy has accused the former IPS of "running a parallel government" in Puducherry.

Amid an ongoing tussle with Lt Governor Kiran Bedi, the Puducherry Assembly today passed a resolution against her.

Rini Sinha

25 Jul 2017,Tuesday

Advice youngsters to focus on talent over 6-pack abs: Mithun

http://www.hindustantimes.com/tv/mithun-chakraborty-to-young-actors-focus-on-your-talent-not-on-six-pack-abs/story-p3OyVhMmGnwEk5paODjgQI.html?utm_source=inshorts&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=fullarticle

Actor Mithun Chakraborty said that the only advice he has for youngsters is that they should concentrate more on talent as compared to-six pack abs. He added, "If you have talent....you have the capability to crack it in the film industry." Mithun further said that if one is not persistent with their efforts and talent, they can't do anything.

National award winning actor Mithun Chakraborty has acted in many acclaimed Hindi, Bengali, Oriya and Telugu films, and if there is one piece of advice that he would like to give the younger crop of actors, it would be to focus on talent and not just looks.?If you have talent then you have the capability to crack it in the film industry. You can be in mainstream or regional film industry but if you are not persistent with your efforts and talent then you cannot do anything. The only advice I have for youngsters is that concentrate more on your talent than six pack abs,? says Chakraborty, who has been part of films such a Shaukeen (1982), Swami Dada (1982) and Disco Dancer (1982).The 67-year-old actor is back on the small screen as part of the comedy show, The Drama Company, in which he is working with big television comedians such as Krushna Abhishek, Ali Asgar and Sugandha Mishra. Talking about his return, the actor says, ?I have been working for almost 300 days out of 365 days in a year and suddenly because of back pain I was bedridden. I have not seen the face of the camera for almost two years. I feel good getting back in action. Television has become huge today and it is good to be part of such a show, which brings something new to people.?The actor adds, ? I am nervous because all of them are already very established actors on television and I don?t know how I will be able to perform with them on the platform.? Follow @htshowbiz for more

Tanya Dhingra

17 Jul 2017,Monday

Game of Thrones puts women at the forefront: Gwendoline

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/got-put-women-at-the-forefront-gwendoline-christie/1/1003331.html?utm_source=inshorts&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=fullarticle

Actress Gwendoline Christie, known for her role as Brienne of Tarth in the HBO series Game of Thrones, has said that unlike other shows, GoT puts women at the forefront. Gwendoline added that the series explores female characters in an unconventional way, as "people in their own right", and not simply as mothers, sisters, girlfriends or wives.

Los Angeles, Jul 16 (PTI) Actress Gwendoline Christie said epic fantasy drama "Game of Thrones" is one such series that has given due importance to the women. The 38-year-old actress, who plays Brienne of Tarth on the HBO show, said "GOT" has been a game-changer as it gave an arc to its female characters, unlike many other shows on television, reported Entertainment Weekly. "This was a television show that would put women at the forefront. We were going to explore female characters in a way that conventionally doesnt happen," Christie said at "The Top 10 Game-Changing Game of Thrones Moments", a special on the People/Entertainment Weekly Network (PEN).

Aarushi Maheshwari

09 May 2017,Tuesday

J&K blacks out TV channels from Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Iraq

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/jammu-and-kashmir-tv-channel-black-out/1/948418.html

The Jammu and Kashmir government has ordered a blackout of at least 34 TV channels, including those from Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Iraq. The channels include Geo News, Saudi Al Quran Al Kareem, Noor TV and Zakir Naik's Peace TV. The move comes amid reports that channels indulging in "anti-India" propaganda were being broadcast via private cable networks in Kashmir.

Abhishek Bansal

05 Mar 2017,Sunday

BJP MP moves bill seeking Parliament seats for Gilgit, PoK

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/bjp-member-moves-bill-seeking-ls-rs-seats-for-gilgit-pok/1/897244.html

A BJP MP has moved a private member's bill in the Lok Sabha, seeking reservation of five seats in the Lok Sabha and one in the Rajya Sabha for residents of Gilgit and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) regions. The MP expects the bill to be taken up during the second phase of the Budget Session of Parliament starting from March 9.

A BJP MP has moved a private member's bill in the Lok Sabha, seeking reservation of five seats in the Lower House as well as one in the Rajya Sabha for residents of Gilgit and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) regions. "It is a matter of extreme surprise that the Lower House does not take into account this territory, whereas the State Legislature of Jammu and Kashmir keeps 25 seats vacant for the territory which is under illegal occupation of Pakistan," said Nishikant Dubey, who has piloted the bill. "It would be proper that seats provided for the Jammu and Kashmir area, which is under illegal occupation of Pakistan, in the Lok Sabha are kept vacant as elections can not be held in these areas," he said. Dubey expects the bill to be taken up during the second phase of the Budget Session of Parliament starting from March 9. INSERTION OF NEW ARTICLE 370AThe Legislation asks for an insertion of new Article 370A, after Article 370, in the Constitution of India, to add five Lok Sabha seats and one Rajya Sabha seat. However, these seats would be kept vacant as elections can not be held in these areas. At the same time, these seats shall not be taken into account for reckoning the total membership of both houses and the said area shall be excluded in delimiting the territorial constituencies, the bill proposes. Dubey had tried twice to introduce this private member's bill, once in November 2014 and in February 2015 again, but on both occasions Deputy Speaker of the Lok Sabha disallowed it. "I will approach all the members and try to build a consensus on this landmark legislation," Dubey said, adding that the purpose behind moving this legislation is to highlight the atrocities committed by Pakistan in these areas. Time has come to correct the mistake that is being carried out from 1950s, he added.

Mansha Mahajan

30 Jul 2017,Sunday

One-third of BSNL's prime land worth ?65,000 crore now: MD

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/new-valuation-pegs-bsnls-prime-land-at-rs-65000-cr-cmd/1/1014529.html?utm_source=inshorts&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=fullarticle

One-third of BSNL's prime land is estimated to be worth ?65,000 crore now, which is higher than the value of ?975 crore for its entire land assets decades ago, MD Anupam Shrivastava said. This includes land parcels in Delhi, Mumbai, and Ahmedabad, among others. The land on which BSNL has its corporate office, has itself been valued at ?2,500 crore.

New Delhi, Jul 30 (PTI) BSNLs one-third of prime land holdings alone is estimated to be now worth Rs 65,000 crore, way higher than the book value of Rs 975 crore for its entire land assets recorded decades ago, a senior company official said. Bharat Sanchar Nigam (BSNL) had a book value of Rs 975 crore for the 15,000-odd land and building assets it holds, Chairman and Managing Director Anupam Shrivastava said. This valuation was arrived at decades back, and in order to reflect a true picture the company got a reassessment done using the fair value method. BSNL -- figured among the top loss making firms with a net loss of about Rs 3,880 crore in the governments Public Enterprises Survey 2015-16 -- initiated the valuation exercise as part of project Vasundhara in April this year. KPMG was roped in as a consultant for the project, which is now nearing completion. The exercise, done alongside the aggressive business revival plans the company pursues, saw one-third of the freehold land assets, mostly in prime locations in major cities being reassessed at the current market value. "We decided to go for fair valuation of a third of our land parcels...freehold land. For entire land holding, the book value was so far Rs 975 crore in our books of account. With this, the fair valuation has been estimated at about Rs 65,000 crore just for one-third of land parcels," he told PTI here. According to Shrivastava, the valuation was taken up as part of a "special window allowed under the Indian Accounting Standard". "We were informed by our consultant KPMG that a window of opportunity was provided for this year, for all companies... So we are among companies that have undertaken this exercise of fair valuation of the land parcels," he said. The valuation exercise is "97-98 per cent complete", he added. The valuation includes land parcels in Delhi, Mumbai, Pune, Ahmedabad, Jaipur, Lucknow, Chennai and Kolkata, among others. "The land on which BSNL has its corporate office has itself been valued at nearly Rs 2,500 crore," he added.

Rini Sinha

02 Jun 2017,Friday

Priyanka's Hollywood debut film Baywatch hits the theatres

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/baywatch-movie-review-priyanka-chopra-dwayne-johnson-zac-efron/1/968916.html

Actress Priyanka Chopra's Hollywood debut film which released on Friday, "makes for a decent one-time watch. Priyanka is convincing as ruthless Victoria...," wrote India Today. "Unfunny... the film deserves to be drowned", wrote Hindustan Times. "Priyanka looks smokin' hot in this two-hour-long behind the scenes footage, masquerading as a film", wrote TOI. It was rated 2.5/5 (IT, TOI), 1/5 (HT).

Director:  Seth Gordon Cast: Dwayne Johnson, Zac Efron, Priyanka ChopraRating: (2.5/5)Baywatch, the TV series, is best remembered not for its great content, but for Pamela Anderson's jiggling jugs as she runs on the beach in slo-mo wearing her iconic red swimsuit. In Baywatch, the film, too, the female lifeguards have little to do other than pander to the male gaze. Ladies, worry not, there are enough shots of Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson and Zac Efron's abs to keep you distracted from the lack of a solid plot.Dwayne plays Mitch Buchanon (originally played by David Hasselhoff), the leader of the lifeguard squad consisting of Stephanie (Ilfenesh Hadera), CJ (Kelly Rohrbach, stepping into Pamela Anderson's shoes), Summer (Alexandra Daddario), Matt Brody (Zac Efron) and Ron (Jon Bass). For Mitch, being a lifeguard is not just about getting a tan and occasionally saving people from drowning, but about "saving the bay."They get their opportunity when the Huntley Club gets a new owner, Victoria Leeds (Priyanka Chopra), and things start going awry. Drugs and dead bodies start showing up on the beach, and the lifeguards are convinced that Victoria is somehow involved.The characters in Baywatch are largely unidimensional - Mitch is tough but emotional, the female lifeguards are mainly eye-candy and Matt is the stereotype of the cocky buff dude. Zac's Matt, the washed out Olympic gold medallist, almost gets some depth, but then the writers change their mind. One minute, he talks about his rough childhood spent in various foster homes, the next minute, he is back to being the thick-as-a-brick butt of jokes.Priyanka plays an alter ego of her Dil Dhadakne Do character in Baywatch - a girl who loses the family business to her brother, despite having the acumen, so she decides to come to the "land of opportunity" and rise to the top, by hook or by crook. She is convincing as the ruthless Victoria, but in terms of screen time, it feels like an extended cameo. Perhaps, some of the fault lies with the Indian Censor Board. Her "Easy, Britney" portion (from the trailer), for instance, is not in the final cut.Dwayne Johnson and Zac Efron are as good as they can be in a film with a wafer-thin plot. Dwayne's deadpan delivery of a different emasculating insult directed at Zac's character every time ("One Direction," "High School Musical," "Bieber"...you get the gist) evokes some laughter. Jon Bass has his hilarious moments - when he sings Katy Perry's Roar in the shower and when he owns the dance floor.Baywatch, the film, has been remodelled as a comedy with far too many penis jokes, most of which are flaccid (pun intended). What does impress, however, is the cinematography. Visually, Baywatch looks great, with beautiful shots of the lifeguards diving into the crystalline water.David Hasselhoff and Pamela Anderson have somewhat confusing cameos just for the sake of it; they play the same characters as they did in the original. So Mitch 1 shares screen space with Mitch 2...you get it.If you're looking for a no-brainer with lots of eye-candy and low-intellect jokes, Baywatch makes for a decent one-time watch.

Shubhodeep Datta

31 Mar 2017,Friday

UP govt bans employee strikes at universities, colleges

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/up-govt-bans-strikes-in-varsities-colleges-under-esma/1/917747.html

The Yogi Adityanath-led Uttar Pradesh government has banned employees in state universities and colleges from going on a strike till June 30. The period was reportedly chosen keeping in mind the busy academic calendar in the next three months. Any university employee taking part in a strike can now be sent to jail for up to six months.

Lucknow, Mar 31 (PTI) The Yogi Adityanath government in Uttar Pradesh today banned any strike by employees in state universities and colleges till June 30 under the stringent Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA). ESMA gives police the powers to arrest, without a warrant, anybody violating the Acts provisions.

Sanira Mediratta

14 Mar 2017,Tuesday

1st Hindi films to earn ?100 cr, ?200 cr, ?300 cr star Aamir

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/pk-aamir-khan-rajkumar-hirani-box-office-rs-300-crore-bollywood-film-rs-300-cr-mark/1/411420.html

Aamir Khan has featured in Bollywood films, which were the first to earn ?100 crore, ?200 crore and ?300 crore at box office. While 'Ghajini' was the first film to earn ?100 crore, '3 Idiots' was the first ?200 crore film. Aamir, who turned 52 on Tuesday, also featured in 'PK', which became the first film to earn ?300 crore.

Aamir Khan-starrer PK has become the first film to touch the Rs 300-crore mark in its box office earning in domestic markets.According to Trade Analyst Taran Adarsh, the social satire which invited ire from several religious groups became the first Bollywood film to enter the Rs 300-cr club.Interestingly, the top three films to have first scored the 100, 200 and 300 crore milestone are all Aamir Khan starrers. #Ghajini first Hindi film to cross Rs 100 cr. 3Idiots first Hindi film to cross Rs 200 cr. #PK first Hindi film to cross Rs 300 cr," Adarsh tweeted.#PK creates History. Crosses ? 300 cr. [Week 3] Sun 11.58 cr. Grand total: ? 305.27 cr nett. India biz. ALL TIME BLOCKBUSTER.#PK sets a new benchmark. Crosses ? 300 cr. HIGHEST GROSSER EVER [Hindi]. First *Hindi* film to attain this remarkable status.Aamir-starrer 'Dhoom 3' is second biggest earner with Rs 271.82 crore followed by Salman Khan starrer 'Kick' (Rs 244 crore) and Shah Rukh Khan's 'Chennai Express' (Rs 228 crore).#Ghajini first *Hindi* film to cross ? 100 cr. #3Idiots first *Hindi* film to cross ? 200 cr. #PK first *Hindi* film to cross ? 300 cr."I had never in my wildest dreams thought this film will cross these numbers. It reinforces faith that content is king. We can continue making films we believe in. The messages I get are overwhelming. People are watching the film over and over again. It's humbling," the director said in a statement.The Rajkumar Hirani directed alien drama has been in the news for more than one reason. Soon after its release on Dec 19, the movie landed in a huge controversy, courtesy its sensitive content. Several Hindu outfits including Bajrang Dal and Vishwa Hindu Parishad slammed PK for being anti-Hindu and demanded immediate ban. Theatres showing PK were also vandalised in some cities including Delhi, while Rajkumar Hirani and Aamir khan have been slapped with FIRs and PILs. However, people from all walks of life have liked the film for its entertainment value and social message. Even, in its third week the film is running to packed houses.  Also read:How PK hit the 300-cr jackpot Akhilesh Yadav says he downloaded PK Aamir Khan celebrates PK success

Ankur Vyas

21 Dec 2016,Wednesday

Over 70% rural citizens have adopted e-wallets: IT Ministry

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/over-70percent-rural-citizens-have-adopted-e-wallets-it-ministry/1/839317.html

The government on Tuesday asserted that over 70% of rural citizens across India have adopted e-wallets as a method for digital payments. Further, 16% of the rural population has opted for the Unified Payment Interface (UPI), the Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology said. Over 85% of merchants have also adopted e-wallets while 13% have opted for UPI, it added.

New Delhi, Dec 20 (PTI) More than 70 per cent of rural citizens have adopted the methods of e-wallets followed by Unified Payment Interface (UPI) payment option, the Electronics and IT Ministry said today. "An overview of the current data available with the Ministry of Electronics & IT (MeitY) shows that more than 70 per cent rural citizens have adopted the methods of e-wallets, 16 per cent opted for Unified Payment Interface (UPI)," the ministry said in a release. Rest of the people looked at Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD), Adhaar Enabled Payment System (AEPS) & Cards or Point of Sale(PoS). Similarly, more than 85 per cent of the merchants have adopted the e-Wallet system and 13 per cent have opted for UPI, the statement said. "The speed and scale at which digital transformation in taking place in India is paving the way for a digitally empowered, participative and inclusive society," MeitY Secretary Aruna Sundararajan said. Under its Digital Payments awareness and training programme, the Ministry said that Common Service Centre (CSC) network, which provides government service in rural area, has enrolled over 25 lakh rural citizens for digital payments.