Datasets:

ayoubkirouane

/

news_summary

like 1

Shubhodeep Datta

16 Feb 2017,Thursday

5 judges appointed to Supreme Court, total strength now 28

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/sc-gets-five-more-judges/1/883665.html

Five new judges were appointed to the Supreme Court on Wednesday, taking its working strength to 28. The new judges elevated to the apex court include four chief justices of state high courts and a sitting Karnataka High Court judge. Notably, the Supreme Court has a total sanctioned strength of 31 judges.

New Delhi, Feb 15 (PTI) Five new judges were today appointed to the Supreme Court, taking it working strength to 28. President Pranab Mukherjee has signed their Warrants of Appointment and the notifications will be issued shortly, sources in the government said here. Those elevated to the apex court are five high court judges, including four chief justices of state high courts.

Sumedha Sehra

16 May 2017,Tuesday

Who is Harish Salve, lawyer representing India against Pak?

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/harish-salve-re1-fee-kulbhushan-jadhav-drives-bently-plays-piano/1/954969.html

Senior lawyer Harish Salve, who charged ?1 for representing India at ICJ, is one of the most expensive lawyers in the country. His fee for an appearance in the Supreme Court or High Courts ranges between ?6-?15 lakh. Salve's clients include Salman Khan and Mukesh Ambani. He also appeared in the Bilkis Bano case at National Human Rights Commission's request.

Senior lawyer Harish Salve's strong arguments to defend India's stand on Kulbhushan Jadhav at the International Court of Justice were widely appreciated by one and all.Some, who said any senior lawyer "would have done the same and with much less expenses than Harish Salve", came in for a surprise when Minister of External Affairs Sushma Swaraj said that he has charged just Re 1 for the Kulbhushan Jadhav case.Not fair. #HarishSalve has charged us Rs.1/- as his fee for this case. https://t.co/Eyl3vQScrsThat he is one of the most expensive lawyers in the country is a fact possibly well known. Yet, just for numbers' sake, Harish Salve takes home anywhere between Rs 6 lakh to Rs 15 lakh per appearance in the Supreme Court or the Delhi High Court.Harish Salve also has a penchant for Apple products and generally likes to have one within hours of its launch. A man of fine tastes, Salve loves playing the piano, enjoys jazz and drives a Bentley.His convincing arguments, which were also at display during the International Court of Justice hearing on Monday, make him arguably the best legal eagles in the country. In the past, Salve has worked with former Attorney General Soli Sorabjee.             Besides high-profile clients such as Salman Khan and Mukesh Ambani, Harish Salve also appeared for Gujarat riots victim Bilkis Bano at the request of the National Human Rights Commission. Harish Salve was also part of the team that successfully argued at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) against a bid by Marshall Islands to sue India for violating the nuclear disarmament obligations.WHAT DO OTHER TOP LAWYERS TAKE HOME:Ram Jethmalani: The man who is often dubbed as the devil's advocate is representing Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in the defamation case filed against him by Finance Minister Arun Jaitley.Following a controversy over the fee he charged Arvind Kejriwal in the case, Jethmalani reportedly said that he can offer his services free of cost to his "poor client". One of the senior-most lawyers in the country, Ram Jethmalani is right on top when it comes to the fee he charges per appearance in the Supreme Court or the Delhi High Court. According to Legally India, Jethmalani charges more than Rs 25 lakh per appearance but handles several pro bono (free of charge) cases.He became the youngest lawyer at 18 when the minimum age to become a lawyer in the country was 21. Ram Jethmalani, whose sharp memory distinguishes him from the rest, also loves playing badminton.Kapil Sabil: The senior Congress leader is also a sought-after lawyer and commands a fee of Rs 5 lakh to Rs 16 lakh per appearance. The former law minister is appearing for the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) in the triple talaq case in the Supreme Court. "Yes, I do charge industry... In any case, one-third of my practice has always been pro bono" Kapil Sibal was quoted by The Economic Times.His brother Kanwal Sibal is a retired diplomat who was awarded the Padma Shri this year.Salman Khurshid: Yet another Congress leader, Salman Khurshid charges Rs 5 lakh-plus per appearance in the Supreme Court and Rs 8 lakh to Rs 11 lakh for every appearance in the Delhi High Court. Like most senior lawyers, Salman Khurshid also accepts pro bono cases and is known to accommodate young lawyers. The Supreme Court recently requested Khurshid to assist it as an amicus curiae in the triple talaq case.A look at some other senior lawyers and what they take home:Shanti Bhushan: Charges anywhere between Rs 4.5 lakh to Rs 6 lakh per appearance in the Supreme Court or the Delhi High CourtAbhishek Manu Singhvi: Rs 6 lakh to Rs 11 lakh per appearance in the Supreme Court; Rs 7 lakh to Rs 15 lakh per appearance in the Delhi High CourtDushyant Dave: Rs 5.5 lakh to Rs 10 lakh per appearance in the Supreme Court or the Delhi High Court. Does not charge armed forces, civil services, teachers, doctors, NGOs. (Source: Figures on lawyers' fees from Legally India, September 2015) ALSO READ:Kulbhushan Jadhav case: 3 examples Harish Salve cited to tip ICJ scales in India's favour

Prashanti Moktan

07 Jun 2017,Wednesday

Himesh Reshammiya's divorce with wife of 22 years finalised

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/himesh-reshammiya-wife-komal-officially-divorced-photos/1/972865.html

Singer Himesh Reshammiya and his wife Komal, who had been married for 22 years, finally got their divorce finalised on Wednesday. In December 2016, Himesh and Komal confirmed to the media that they were seeking legal separation. Himesh had earlier said, "Komal and I have amicably decided to part ways...Komal is and will always remain a part of our family."

Himesh Reshammiya, the voice behind popular tracks like Aashiq Banaya Aapne and Tera Suroor, is officially divorced from his wife of 22 years, Komal, now. Himesh and Komal filed for a divorce in December last year. A family court in Bandra, Mumbai granted them a divorce today.Himesh and Komal were both spotted at the family court today for the final hearing in their divorce case.The couple had been living separately for quite some time before filing for a divorce. An extra-marital affair was said to be the reason behind the couple's marriage hitting choppy waters. Himesh, rumours say, is in a relationship with TV actor Sonia Kapoor.In December last year, Himesh and Komal had both confirmed to the media that they were seeking legal separation.Himesh was quoted as saying, "Sometimes in life, mutual respect becomes the most important, and giving due respect to our relationship, Komal and I have amicably decided to part ways... There is no problem whatsoever with this decision among us and our family as every member respects it. Yet, Komal is and will always remain a part of our family and I will always be a part of her family."Komal confirmed the news to the media, "Himesh and I completely respect each other and are jointly going ahead with this decision to part ways, but mutual respect will always be there between us as I am a part of his family and will always be, and the same stands for him towards my family."Himesh and Komal tied the knot in 1995. According to earlier reports, Himesh and Komal are to co-parent their son Swayam.

Vani Vivek

30 Apr 2017,Sunday

Ola losses tripled to ?2,311 crore during 2015-16

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/ola-lost-rs-6-crore-a-day-during-2015-16/1/942060.html

Taxi-hailing startup Ola posted a loss of ?2,311 crore for fiscal 2015-16, which is about three times compared to the year before. The loss was reportedly on account of employee-related expenses rising over five-fold. However, despite the increase in absolute amount of loss, the Softbank-backed startup Ola reduced its loss margin, said research and analytics firm Tofler.

By Stuti Roy and Moumita Bakshi Chatterjee New Delhi, Apr 30 (PTI) SoftBank-backed cab aggregator Ola posted a consolidated loss of over Rs 2,311 crore -- about Rs 6 crore a day -- during fiscal 2015-16, on account of heavy advertising and promotional expenses and high employee cost. The Bengaluru-based firm, which is locked in an intense battle for leadership with US-based Uber, has seen its losses widen about three times from Rs 796.11 crore in 2014-15, Ola said in a filing with the Ministry of Corporate Affairs. ANI Technologies -- which runs Ola -- did see its revenues registering a stellar growth at Rs 758.23 crore during 2015-16 compared to Rs 103.77 crore in the previous fiscal. Emails sent to Ola remained unanswered. Anchal Agarwal, co-founder of research and analytics firm Tofler said while the absolute amount of losses have indeed widened, the loss margin has "reduced considerably". "They spent almost Rs 8.5 for every rupee earned in 2014 -15. That number is down to almost Rs 4 for every rupee earned for 2015-16. With the pull-back in incentives etc in recent months, its possible this has now dropped to levels at par with e-commerce companies that spend roughly Rs 2-3 for every rupee earned," she added. The consolidated numbers include financials of ANI Technologies, Ola Fleet Technologies (leasing business), Serendipity Infolabs (Taxi For Sure) and Zipcash Card Service (46 per cent ownership). In August 2016, Ola shut down the TaxiForSure (TFS) business, about 18 months after acquiring the rival for USD 200 million. As per the filing, Olas losses were widened on account of employee related expenses rising over five-fold to Rs 461.60 crore in the said fiscal from Rs 85.16 crore in 2014- 15. Similarly, Ola expanded its advertising and promotional expenditure to over Rs 437.89 crore in 2015-16 from Rs 99.84 crore in the previous year. Both Ola and Uber have loosened their purse strings to bring more riders and driver partners on board, offering them discounted rides and incentives, in a bid to wrest control of the lucrative Indian market. Over the last few years, the explosion of smartphones in India ? the world?s second largest telecom market in terms of subscriber base ? has made it more convenient for consumers to book a cab on the go through apps and secure payment options. Companies like Ola and Uber have made booking a taxi ride as easy as a couple of quick taps on the phone screen. Since ANI Technologies is not a publicly-traded company, it is not obligated to disclose quarterly performance. It has raised investments of over USD 1.5 billion from investors, including SoftBank Group, Tiger Global, Matrix Partners, Steadview Capital, Sequoia India, Accel Partners US and Falcon Edge.

Daisy Mowke

27 Feb 2017,Monday

Randeep praises Sehwag's tweet on Kargil martyr's daughter

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/virender-sehwag-randeep-hooda-abvp-du-violence-gurmehar-kaur/1/892190.html

Actor Randeep Hooda praised former cricketer Virender Sehwag's tweet which was in response to Kargil martyr's daughter Gurmehar Kaur's tweet. She had earlier posted a photo holding a placard that said, "Pakistan did not kill my dad. War killed him." Virender's tweet showed him holding a placard which read, "I didn't score two triple centuries, my bat did".

Thank you for your attention. We do not intend to tag Gurmehar Kaur only as a Kargil martyr's daughter, which she is and is proud of, but want her to be considered a citizen of India with the ability to think critically, has her own set of ideals and ideologies, and can speak and stand up for herself, even if that means disagreeing to millions of Indians.  Beauty of democracy, right? Photo courtesy: Twitter (@mehartweets)Kaur, a student of Delhi's Lady Sri Ram College, and daughter of Kargil martyr Captain Mandeep Singh, made a Facebook post on February 22 with a photo of herself holding a placard that said, "I am a student from Delhi University. I am not afraid of ABVP. I am not alone. Every student of India is with me," and #studentsagainstABVP. The post went viral with over 3,500 shares and many students followed suit and made similar posts. Kaur's post came after the deplorable violence that took place at Delhi University's Ramjas College between members of Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad and All India Students Association over an invitation sent to JNU's Umar Khalid and Shehla Rashid for a cultural event. The ABVP has been accused of physically assaulting students and teachers, regardless of gender, and Delhi Police has been accused of inaction.Gurmehar's campaign enraged right-wing loyalists, and as seen often on social media, many such people (with untraceable identities, thanks to the power of social media) even made rape threats to her for opposing ABVP.Watch: ABVP enjoys government and institutional patronage, says Umar KhalidVIRENDER SEHWAG'S ENTRYKnown for his witty tweets post his retirement from cricket, Virender Sehwag tweeted a photo of himself holding a placard carrying a (Photoshopped) message saying, "I didn't score two triple centuries, my bat did" and saying "Bat me hai Dum!" along with #BharatJaisiJagahNahi. Bat me hai Dum !#BharatJaisiJagahNahipic.twitter.com/BNaO1LBHLHThis was in response to learning that Gurmehar Kaur has been part of social media campaigns before as well. She was seen in one such campaign, to ensure better relationship with Pakistan, started by activist Ram Subramanian. Kaur was seen holding a placard that said, "Pakistan did not kill my dad. War killed him."#FYI: Twitter is out with memes and jokes on Kargil martyr's daughter for opposing ABVPSehwag's tweet didn't go down well with the sect of people known as "libtards and sickulars" but pleased the already enraged right-wing supporters. One fellow liked Sehwag's tweet so much that he said it is even better than Sehwag's triple century achievement.à¤?पà¤?ा यह à¤?वà¥?à¤? तà¥? à¤?à¥?रिपल सà¥?à¤?à¤?à¥?रà¥? सà¥? भà¥? 'à¤?à¥?रà¥?à¤?' हà¥? @virendersehwag पा à¤?à¥?. ð???ð??» #BharatJaisiJagahNahipic.twitter.com/fYGtsn6kdnRANDEEP HOODA CHEERS SEHWAGActor Randeep Hooda, who has in the past expressed his opinion about various socio-political issues, found Sehwag's sly tweet amusing. He quoted the tweet and lauded Sehwag for his wit. Hooda's tweet got 3,300 retweets and fueled more anger towards Gurmehar. When senior journalists called him out for cheering Sehwag, Hooda said Kaur "is being used as a political pawn and a prop to spread hatred". This is what followed:So when a girl speaks she is being "used"? How patronising (&sexist)to assume @mehartweets doesn't have a mind of her own. But that you do? https://t.co/1NggrZOhz4none of these two "celebs" will match up to the dignity of this woman. Whatever her viewpoint is, she's lost her father, have some shame. pic.twitter.com/BrL0rG5NspHats off to you for standing your ground, @mehartweets. A strong young woman like you gives us hope for India's future. https://t.co/tSNmMtoNvfYou're welcome to call me what u want. She's no "poor girl" or "pawn." She's a strong, thinking adult who speaks her mind, handle patriarchy https://t.co/cKhgAumFcfIS GURMEHAR BEING BULLIED? There have been reports that the Bharatiya Janata Party pays to maintain an army of "trolls" that Trinamool Congress MP Derek O'Brien raised the issue in the Rajya Sabha. O'Brien had accused Twitter user Rahul Raj, who goes by the handle @bhak_sala, of making "rape and communal threats" on the platform.#FYI: Bhak sala: Rahul Raj, Twitter user Derek O'Brien slammed in Parliament, takes a break from social mediaGurmehar's viral Facebook post said, "The brutal attack on innocent students by ABVP is very disturbing and should be stopped. It was not an attack on protesters, but an attack on every notion of democracy that is held dear in every Indians heart. It is an attack on ideals, morals, freedom and rights of every person born to this nation." Standing up against supporters of the ruling party comes with a cost is possibly what many people think. Talking to NDTV, Kaur said, "I have been getting a lot of threats on social media. I think it is very scary when people threaten you with violence or with rape."At such a time, when a fellow Indian citizen, a woman, is being threatened with violence and rape on social media, Sehwag's tweet -- even if it was meant to be a joke -- and Hooda's encouragement, is being considered as bullying. ENTER KIREN RIJIJUQuoting Randeep Hooda's tweet cheering Sehwag, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju asked, "Who's polluting this young girl's mind? A strong Arm Force prevents a war. India never attacked anyone but a weak India was always invaded," in response to the "Pakistan did not kill my dad" message Kaur tried to spread last May. Who's polluting this young girl's mind? A strong Arm Force prevents a war. India never attacked anyone but a weak India was always invaded. https://t.co/gXHkAGi9shMany Twitter users are now wondering why Kaur, an adult, cannot have thought processes and opinions of her own and why a Union Minister would say that "her mind has been polluted".Talking to the press, Rijiju also said people living in India should not talk against the nation.  It is due to this country India that you have freedom of expression. Iss desh ka namak khaa ke koi desh ke khilaf baat na kare: Kiren Rijiju pic.twitter.com/otqMRTR922MEANWHILE...

Daisy Mowke

02 Apr 2017,Sunday

Surfing festival to be held in Karnataka

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/surfing-karnataka-tourism-year-of-the-wild-lifetr/1/911824.html

In what is believed to be a first, Karnataka Tourism will organise a surfing festival between May 27-29. The festival will be held at the Sasithithlu Beach in Mangalore. Along with this, the state's tourism ministry is also planning to introduce a set of recreational activities which will include skydiving and motorcycle tourism.

Come May, and Karnataka Tourism will host its first-ever surfing festival. In a bid to dub Karnataka as a tourist hub, the state's tourism ministry is introducing a set of recreational activities that can be enjoyed by those interested. According to a report by the Indian Express, The Indian Open of Surfing, will take place between May 27 to May 29 at the Sasithithlu Beach in Mangaluru.

Daisy Mowke

13 Jul 2017,Thursday

Akshay praises fan's rap video on 'Toilet- Ek Prem Katha'

http://www.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/akshay-kumar-salutes-his-fan-who-made-toilet-ek-prem-katha-rap-watch-video-here/story-8Vn7OtRKWyU0d7L0P8JvaN.html?utm_source=inshorts&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=fullarticle

Akshay Kumar took to Twitter to share a fan's rap video on his upcoming film 'Toilet- Ek Prem Katha' and praised him for the video. The fan, named Abhishek Bhatt, wrote that he has made the video to "thank Mr Khiladi for always inspiring us". The film's plot is aligned with the principles of PM Narendra Modi's Swachh Bharat Abhiyaan.

Actor Akshay Kumar is generating a lot of buzz for his upcoming film Toilet: Ek Prem Katha, whose plot is aligned with the principles of Prime Minister Narendra Modi?s Swachh Bharat Abhiyaan. While Akshay and his co-star Bhumi Pednekar are yet to start ground promotions for the film, it looks like fans have already started spreading the word.One of the most remarkable fan tributes is a rap video, with quirky lyrics and peppy beats, made by Abhishek Bhatt aka ABRK. He says that the video is dedicated to ?Mr. Akshay Kumar?. Abhishek posted the video on YouTube and wrote: ?It?s time to be a part of Keshav [portrayed by Akshay] and Jaya?s [portrayed by Bhumi] anokhi love story! Presenting my own made Rap of Toilet- Ek Prem Katha.?Addressing ?Dear Akshay Sir?, Abhishek?s message further read: ?I hope you?ll see this video. I have worked on it for 2 days. You are my inspiration. I am one of the biggest fan of yours (sic).? He also wrote that he has made the video to ?thank Mr. Khiladi for always inspiring us?.While Abhishek only hoped that his idol would watch the video, he probably never expected Akki to acknowledge his gesture by not only sharing the video on Twitter but also giving a ?salute? to the fan who made it. ?Har ghar mein hoga shauchalaya, woh din sabse acha hoga hi lekin filhaal yeh video dekhkar aaj ka din acha ho gaya. Salute to you Mr. #ABRK,? Akshay posted on Twitter, along with the fan?s rap song, which promotes the message being sent out through the film.Har ghar mein hoga shauchalaya, woh din sabse acha hoga hi lekin filhaal yeh video dekhkar aaj ka din acha ho gaya? Salute to you Mr. #ABRK https://t.co/iqkala1vmH? Akshay Kumar (@akshaykumar) July 13, 2017The video opens with the title, Toilet: Ek Prem Katha, and the first stanza goes:Desh ko karta ganda kyun, insaan bana hai andha kyunPower ki aad mein, chal raha galat dhanda kyunToilet: Ek Prem Katha, samaaj ko lagega pataShauchalya na banwane ki, haan kya hoti hai khataConsisting stills of the movie shown in the trailers released so far, the rap video has been filmed by Bharat Gupta, while Abhishek has written the lyrics, and performed the song, besides doing the mixing and editing.Being directed by Shree Narayan Singh, Toilet: Ek Prem Katha is a satirical comedy that highlights the issue of open defecation, especially in the rural areas of India, and is releasing on August 11, 2017.Follow @htshowbiz for more

Saloni Tandon

10 Jan 2017,Tuesday

Pak batsmen cannot hold nerves even for 2 sessions: Inzamam

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/inzamam-ul-haq-pakistan-australia-batsmen-lack-of-aggression/1/853324.html

Former Pakistan captain and current chief selector Inzamam-ul-Haq has said Pakistani batsmen cannot hold their nerves for "even two sessions" in a match, which is "unfortunate". "Even when they were in strong position, our batsmen could not show aggression...If that is the standard of our consistency, it is not good enough at the international level," said Inzamam.

Pakistan batsmen weren't aggressive enough while the bowlers looked jaded, contributing to a whitewash in the three-Test series against Australia, chief selector Inzamam-ul-Haq has said."First of all we couldn't play well under pressure and twice our batsmen failed to hold their nerve for even two sessions of the day which is quite unfortunate," he said, as quoted by Pakistan daily Dawn on Sunday."Even when they were in strong position, our batsmen could not show aggression. In Brisbane they scored with an average of 3.1 and were even slower in Melbourne. The Australians on the other hand were aggressive, scoring at times at almost eight runs an over," he said. (Misbah-ul-Haq bemoans bowling flaws in Pakistan's series loss)"When you go on the defensive, it allows the opposition bowlers to dominate you and that's what happened with our team." Inzamam said only Azhar Ali, who has been in fine form for Pakistan, was consistent with skipper Misbah Ul Haq failing to contribute at all."Our key batsmen like Younis Khan, Asad Shafiq and others just played a couple of good knocks in the three Test series and only Azhar Ali was consistent with more good knocks. As for Misbah, he failed to play even a single good innings," rued Inzamam. (Sydney Test: David Warner, Josh Hazlewood star as Australia complete 3-0 whitewash vs Pakistan)"Now if that is the standard of our consistency, it is not good enough at the international level. Our bowlers might have been experiencing fatigue as no bowler could take five wickets in an innings which was sorry to see.""Our main bowlers have been playing regularly in the last three series and the fatigue could have affected their performance," he added.Reliance on spinner Yasir Shah has been excessive, another factor in Pakistan's losses."We have also been overtly relying on leg-spinner Yasir Shah, who had emerged as our main bowler in the past few series. But he failed miserably in Australia and generally all our bowlers conceded too many runs," the former right-hand batsman pointed out."I feel that the bowlers, if they were not getting wickets, should have at least tried to control the flow of runs but that did not happen." (Australia rest Hazlewood for opening ODI, Pakistan recall Hafeez)On skipper Misbah looking helpless at times on the field, Inzamam said: "Look, when your team is not performing and you are also struggling with the bat, the pressure is doubled and Misbah is also passing through the same situation."

Saloni Tandon

25 Jul 2017,Tuesday

Wrestler's son threatens to sell India's 1st Olympic bronze

http://www.hindustantimes.com/other-sports/threat-to-auction-india-s-first-ever-individual-olympic-medal/story-3NRNXbfv9qgMRRF6J6JA3J.html?utm_source=inshorts&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=fullarticle

The family of late wrestler Khashaba Dadasaheb Jadhav, who bagged India's first Olympic bronze medal in 1952, has threatened to auction the medal to fund a wrestling academy. The wrestler's son said the Maharashtra government had planned an academy in 2009, but no action was taken. The family has also threatened a hunger strike if funds are not released.

In an embarrassment for the Maharashtra government, the family of the late wrestler Khashaba Dadasaheb Jadhav, who bagged India?s first individual Olympic bronze medal in 1952, on Monday threatened to auction it off to finance a wrestling academy the state had long promised to fund.The legendary wrestler?s son, Ranjit K. D. Jadhav said that it was exactly 65 years ago (July 24), when his father created history for India sports by bagging the first individual Olympic medal in Bantamweight Freestyle wrestling at the Helsinki Olympics in 1952.?Since then, it was my father?s dream to set up a full-fledged world-class wrestling academy in our village, Goleshwar (Karad sub-district) in Satara. Despite repeated attempts we have failed,? Ranjit Jadhav told IANS.In 2009, the then Maharashtra Sports Minister announced the government?s plans to set up an academy, but nothing moved till December 2013 when an amount of Rs.1.58 crore was earmarked for the academy.READ |?SAI orders fitness test for department coaches, but confusion prevails?The matter languishes in cold storage even after sanctioning the amount and now the cost of setting up the academy would be nearly double,? Jadhav said.The Goleshwar Village Panchayat, along with the family have decided to take matters into their own hands, warning that they will auction off the medal to raise finances for the dream academy of the great wrestler.?We have issued an ultimatum to the state government till August 14 - the 33rd death anniversary of my father, who died aged 58 in 1984. If they fail to clear its promise of the academy, from Independence Day, August 15, the family and villagers will go on a hunger strike,? Jadhav declared.On the plans to auction the medal, he said the main problem before the villagers and the family was ascertaining its true value.For this, they have put the ball in the state government?s court, and said the officials must determine its true value, auction it and hand over the entire proceeds to the village to finance the academy, Jadhav said.READ |?Manpreet Kaur fails dope test, but remains eligible for shot put event at World meetHe admits that the Olympic bronze medal ?is invaluable and a national treasure?, but the circumstances and official indifference have compelled them to initiate steps to auction it.Jadhav recalled how his father was keen for such an academy which could produce many more potential Olympic medallists for the country, which had to wait 44 years for its second individual Olympic medal till tennis player Leander Paes bagged a bronze in the Atlanta Olympics in 1996.The villagers are sour that their Olympic hero was not considered for any government honours, including the Padma awards, and was doing nothing to fulfil its commitment of setting up the academy.Meanwhile, embarrassed by the auction plans, a government official has reportedly assured the family that he would personally speak with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on this issue and arrange a meeting with the villagers this week to resolve the matter.

Saloni Tandon

26 Jul 2017,Wednesday

Mithali an incredible ambassador for cricket: Sania Mirza

http://www.hindustantimes.com/cricket/mithali-raj-an-incredible-ambassador-for-cricket-says-sania-mirza/story-8aRiZoI2VuX8LnSEA3Xk9O.html?utm_source=inshorts&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=fullarticle

Sania Mirza has called Indian women's team captain Mithali Raj an "incredible ambassador for the game of cricket". "Mithali has been performing amazingly for many years... I really hope this appreciation that all the girls are getting continues because they deserve it," said Sania. Mithali became the first Indian captain to lead the team in two ODI World Cup finals.

Tennis star Sania Mirza recently lauded the Indian Women?s cricket team and skipper Mithali Raj for their excellent performance in ICC Women?s Cricket World Cup.Terming Mithali an ?incredible ambassador,? the 30-year-old told ANI, ?Mithali (Raj) has been performing amazingly for many years; she is an incredible ambassador for the game of cricket.?READ?|?After Women?s Cricket World Cup high, time to give Mithali Raj and Co. their dueAdding, ?I really hope this appreciation that all the girls are getting continues because they deserve it.?Sania Mirza recently played at the Wimbledon Open in the doubles category but crashed out in the third round of the womens? doubles category, after losing to former partner Martina Hingis and Chan Yung-Jan.

Ayushi Ahluwalia

29 Jul 2017,Saturday

Rajasthan vendors protest child marriages by refusing supply

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/over-45-000-vendors-in-rajashtan-refuse-rent-out-wedding-supplies-to-raise-their-voice-against-child-marriage/1/653694.html?utm_source=inshorts&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=fullarticle

Over 45,000 tent vendors from the Rajasthan Tent Dealers Kiraya Vyavsai Samiti have reportedly refused to supply to weddings without verifying the birth certificates of the bride and groom, to protest the custom of child marriage. Further, the association will inform the nearest police station in case there is any discrepancy in the birth certificates.

With an aim to help terminate the extensively prevalent issue of child marriage in the country, over 45,000 tent vendors from the state of Rajasthan have decided to turn their backs towards those who facilitate the social evil.The vendors, who come under the umbrella of the Rajasthan Tent Dealers Kiraya Vyavsai Samiti, have taken it upon themselves to closely verify and scrutinise the birth documents of the bride and groom, each time they're approached for wedding supplies.Also Read: Shocking video: 6-year-old girls married off in RajasthanBut their role doesn't just end there. If there is a discrepancy in the birth certificates and they feel a child marriage is what is being planned, the association has also taken the responsibility of informing the nearest police station. "If anyone comes to book us to supply the tent and do other decorations, we will ask for the birth certificate of the boy and girl to ensure it is not a child marriage. In case a person or group of persons gives us wrong information, we will immediately inform the police and other government officials for the required intervention," Ravi Jindal, the president of the group Rajasthan Tent Dealers Kiraya Vyavsai Samiti told The Times of India.As horrific as the act of child marriage itself is, its prominence in some Indian states--Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka in particular--is what makes the situation all the more alarming. The Logical Indian reports, "India ranks sixth in the world in the number of child marriages that happen every year. According to the Census report of 2011, nearly 17 million Indian children between the ages of 10 and 19 are married. Of this number, 76%, or 12.7 million, are minor girls."Also Read: Child marriages in India: Explained in numbersThe Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006, clearly states that "if a male has not completed 21 years of age, and if a female has not completed 18 years of age" then the marriage between the two is illegal and punishable by law.But when has the law ever deterred criminals from committing crimes, anyway?With its roots deeply-entrenched in the socio-cultural fabric of the nation, the implications of child marriage are as horrific as it gets--something that was reiterated through a recent incident in Chittorgarh, India. After a video showing a mass-wedding ceremony involving several little girls and boys who were crying and being forced to tie the knot, surfaced on the internet, the issue gained momentum and caused a major uproar across several social media platforms. Watch: 3 arrested in Chittorgarh child marriage

Prashanti Moktan

07 Jun 2017,Wednesday

Anupam Kher's look as Dr Manmohan Singh in upcoming film out

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/the-accidental-prime-minister-anumpam-kher-first-look-manmohan-singh/1/972602.html

Actor Anupam Kher's look as former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh has been revealed in the upcoming film The Accidental Prime Minister's first poster. "To reinvent yourself as an actor is to challenge yourself. Looking forward to portraying Dr Manmohan Singh," tweeted Kher while sharing the poster. Directed by Vijay Ratnakar Gutte, the film has been written by Hansal Mehta.

Anupam Kher, who plays Manmohan Singh in The Accidental Prime Minister, the biopic based on Sanjaya Baru's book of the same name, took to Twitter to post the first look of the film today.Kher, 62, shared the poster on Twitter:To reinvent yourself as an actor is to challenge yourself. Looking forward to portraying #DrManmohanSingh in #TheAccidentalPrimeMinister.:) pic.twitter.com/PsVdkpjZWYSanjaya Baru's book gave a detailed account of the tenure of Manmohan Singh's office and an insight into the Indian political scenario. The film, slated to release in 'Winter 2018' (according to the poster), is written by the National Award-winning director Hansal Mehta of Aligarh and City Lights fame.While Kher is confirmed to play the former prime minister, the rest of the cast has not been finalised yet. The film is to be directed by debutant Vijay Ratnakar Gutte and produced by Ashoke Pandit and Sunil Bohra.

Parmeet Kaur

31 Jul 2017,Monday

5 liquor smugglers, 3 drug peddlers arrested in Ghaziabad

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/5-arrested-for-smuggling-liquor-3-for-peddling-drugs-in-a/1/1014223.html?utm_source=inshorts&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=fullarticle

The Ghaziabad Police on Sunday said they have arrested five persons for smuggling liquor and three persons for alleged drug peddling over the past week during raids conducted in the city. The police recovered 304 cartons of liquor during routine checking drives and also seized nine kilograms of marijuana from the drug peddlers.

week: Police Ghaziabad, Jul 29 (PTI) The Ghaziabad police today said it has arrested five persons on charges of smuggling liquor and three for alleged drug peddling in the past week during several raids in the district. Senior Superintendent of Police H N Singh said in this week the police has recovered 304 cartons of liquor during its routine checking drives at intersections of Sector C-8 and A-7 under Tronica City Police Station.

Daisy Mowke

25 Mar 2017,Saturday

Jawan killed in accident saves lives by donating 6 organs

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/delhi-soldier-donates-organs-itbp-roshan-kumar-organ-transplant/1/909777.html

Twenty-two-year-old jawan Roshan Kumar, who passed away in a road accident in Delhi last week, saved the lives of transplant patients by donating six of his vital organs. Roshan had suffered serious brain injuries in the accident. "Roshan is not at the border to protect the country. But... he served the nation by saving six lives," said his uncle.

He could not serve the nation and its people while alive. But in death, 22-year-old ITBP recruit Roshan Kumar became the saviour for half a dozen families. Days after he received news of his first posting with the Indo-Tibetan Border Police, the Uttarakhand native died in a road accident last week in Delhi's Dwarka area where he was visiting relatives. But six of his vital organs became life-savers for as many transplant patients at hospitals in the Capital. India has a huge gap in demand and supply of organs. Experts say many people are unwilling to donate relatives' organs due to religious beliefs, because they don't understand how it works, or because it is too difficult to do so due to red tape. Roshan belonged to an army background, and was brought up by an uncle. "When he was just one year old, his parents died. I looked after him. From his very childhood and schooldays he wanted to become a soldier and serve the country. For this, he worked very hard. His dream was about to become reality. Now Roshan is not at the border to protect the country. But I am proud to say that he served the nation by saving six lives," Roshan's uncle told Mail Today, requesting anonymity. According to government data, about 2 lakh people are waitlisted for kidneys and 30,000 for livers. Legal donations meet about 3 to 5 per cent of the demand. ROSHAN WAS HIT BY A SPEEDING BIKEIn desperation, some patients on the waiting list seek the services of middlemen to procure organs for money illegally. Dr AK Rai, medical superintendent of Safdarjung Hospital, told Mail Today, "Last week, late night we received a call from a Dwarka-based hospital that they were referring a severely injured accident patient to us. We activated our expert team as the patient had very little chance of survival. Even in the time of grief, family members of the deceased agreed to donate the organs of their young son to fulfil his only wish to serve the country." Roshan was on foot when he was hit by a speeding bike and fell, receiving serious brain injuries.Doctors retrieved the organs in quick time. "After the patient was declared brain dead and the family agreed to donate his all organs, experts' team from NOTTO (National Organ & Tissue Transplant Organisation) and Safdarjung Hospital started the procedure of organ retrieval," said (Prof) Dr Anup Kumar, head of renal transplant department at Safdarjung. HE SERVED HIS NATION IN DEATH"All potential organs such as eyes, heart, liver, kidneys and intestine were procured, which gave fresh lease of life to six patients. Two people got eyes and one patient at AIIMS received the heart. Two patients got kidneys, one got a liver and the intestines were sent to Medanta hospital." Roshan's act is a message of brotherhood and harmony for the nation, say doctors. "He is a gem," Dr Kumar said. "One of his kidneys was transplanted to a Muslim patient at Safardjung Hospital who was on dialysis for two years and could not find any donor." Speaking to Mail Today, 47-year-old Parvez Alam who stays at Khanpur in south Delhi, said, "I am blessed that I have received a kidney from a Hindu patient who was brain dead. Roshan proved Hindu-Muslim Bhai Bhai. I was searching for a kidney for the past two years, but the miracle happened when I was in the last stage of dialysis. May Roshan's soul rest in peace." On Tuesday, Safdarjung Hospital felicitated Roshan's family. "If a person is dedicated to fulfil his dreams, he or she can do it even when not alive," said Dr Sangeeta Sehrawat, organ retrieval coordinator at the institute. "One needs only determination and this was proved by this inspiring young defence personnel."

Mansha Mahajan

13 Dec 2016,Tuesday

?60 cr cash, 245 kg gold seized at 10 airports post note ban

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/cash-gold-seized-airports-cisf-demonetisation/1/833166.html

The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) has seized over ?60 crore cash and gold weighing 245 kg from 10 major airports across the country since the demonetisation move. All of the currency seized is in the scrapped notes of ?500 and ?1,000 denomination. The seizures were made at Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Guwahati, Chennai, and Patna airports, among others.

In a massive crackdown against black money since demonetisation of old high-currency notes came into force, the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) has seized over Rs 60 crore cash and gold weighing 245 kg from 10 major airports across the country.According to documents accessed exclusively by India Today, a special surveillance operation was initiated by the CISF and the intelligence units of the Income Tax department and the interceptions have been made at Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Guwahati, Chennai, Patna, Ahmedabad, Nagpur, Dimapur,and Pune airports since November 10.Also read | Venkaiah says Centre has no plans to rework demonetisation strategyThe total cash and gold seized from November 10 to December 8, 2016 is about Rs 60 crore. While the currency is all in the scrapped denomination of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000, the gold recovered is about 245 kilograms.HOW MUCH AND WHEREAt the Delhi airport, cash worth Rs 6.23 crore and gold weighing 19.409 kg has been seized between November 10 and December 6.In Mumbai, cash to the tune of Rs 18.32 crore and gold weighing 90.4 kg recovered between November 15 and December 8.In Kolkata, cash amounting to Rs 5.65 crore and 25.463 kg of gold seized between November 15 and December 8.At the Chennai airport, cash worth Rs 6.05 crore and gold weighing 109 kg was seized in only two days -- December 8 and 9.In Guwahati, cash worth Rs 69.14 lakh was recovered between November 15 and December 8.At the Patna airport, cash amounting to Rs 1.33 crore was seized between November 19 and December 1.In Ahmedabad, cash to the tune of Rs 3.14 crore and gold weighing 800 grams was recovered between November 19 and December 4.At Nagpur airport, cash worth Rs 11 crore was seized between November 24 and December 2.

Chhavi Tyagi

17 Jul 2017,Monday

Venkaiah Naidu declared NDA's candidate for Vice President

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/vice-presidential-election-venkaiah-naidu-nda-gopalkrishna-gandhi/1/1004240.html

The BJP-led NDA on Monday announced Union Information and Broadcasting Minister M Venkaiah Naidu as its candidate for the upcoming Vice Presidential elections. Naidu will contest against the Congress-led Opposition's candidate Gopalkrishna Gandhi, who is Mahatma Gandhi's grandson. The voting is scheduled for August 5 and the current Vice President Hamid Ansari's term will end on August 10.

Senior BJP leader and union minister M Venkaiah Naidu was today picked as NDA's vice presidential nominee.The decision was taken at BJP's parliamentary board meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi this evening. Besides Naidu, names of Maharashtra Governor C Vidyasagar Rao and O Rajagopal were doing the rounds as probables for the coveted post.Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president Amit Shah said the decision in favour of Venkaiah Naidu was consensus at the party meeting. For the August 5 vice presidential elections, Naidu will file his papers tomorrow as it is the last date for making nominations.With the ruling NDA backing him firmly, 68-year-old Naidu's victory seems easy.A BJP Rajya Sabha MP from Rajasthan, Naidu is a Minister for Urban Development, Housing & Urban Poverty Alleviation, and Information and Broadcasting. The former BJP president has been pitted against former West Bengal Governor, diplomat and scholar Gopalkrishna Gandhi whose name has been finalised by an alliance of 18 opposition parties.Incumbent Vice President Hamid Ansari's term ends on August 10.The electoral college for the election consists of 790 MPs of the two Houses of Parliament.The ruling bloc enjoys an overwhelming majority in the electoral college and BJP has expressed confidence about garnering anywhere between 500 and 550 votes. Describing him as a fitting candidate for the office of Vice President, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he has always admired Naidu for his hardwork and tenacity.I know @MVenkaiahNaidu Garu for years. Have always admired his hardwork & tenacity. A fitting candidate for the office of Vice President. A farmerâ??s son, @MVenkaiahNaidu Garu brings years of experience in public life and is admired across the political spectrum.The years of Parliamentary experience @MVenkaiahNaidu Garu has will help him discharge the important role of Rajya Sabha Chairperson. Born in Andhra Pradesh's Chavatapalem, Venkaiah Naidu had started his political career as students' union leader from VR College, Nellore.After winning an Assembly seat in Andhra Pradesh in 1978, Naidu rose to the ranks in the party and remained the general secretary of BJP from 1993-2000. Two years later, he was promoted as BJP's national president.In June 2016, Naidu was re-elected to Rajya Sabha from Rajasthan for a fourth term.Known to have his way with words, the BJP veteran is famous for his one-liners. The urban development ministry, under which the Narendra Modi's pet project of Smart Cities is being executed, made him more close to the prime minister.Also read:5 reasons why Venkaiah Naidu may be BJP's pick for Vice-PresidentVice-Presidential election: Bitter rivals TMC, Left united on support for Gopalkrishna Gandhi Vice-Presidential election dates announced: Polling, result on August 5ALSO WATCH: Gopalkrishna Gandhi to India Today: Not seeking votes as a Gandhi descendant

Anmol Sharma

09 Dec 2016,Friday

FIFA sued over maltreatment of migrant workers for Qatar WC

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/fifa-qatar-world-cup-sue-netherlands-trade-union-confederation-fnv/1/830665.html

A legal action against FIFA has been filed by the Netherlands Trade Union Confederation over its alleged involvement in the maltreatment of workers at Qatar World Cup 2022 construction sites. The lawsuit has been lodged in a Swiss court on behalf of Bangladeshi migrant worker Nadim Alam. Notably, FIFA has denied responsibility for living and working conditions on the sites.

The Netherlands Trade Union Confederation (FNV) has confirmed it has filed legal action against football governing body FIFA over its alleged complicity in the maltreatment of workers at the Qatar World Cup 2022 construction sites.The lawsuit was lodged in the Swiss court by FNV on behalf of Bangladeshi migrant worker Nadim Sharaful Alam, who asked for compensation for damages, Sputnik."The Swiss court is asked to rule that FIFA acted wrongfully by selecting Qatar for the World Cup 2022 without demanding the assurance that Qatar observes fundamental human and labour rights of migrant construction workers, including the abolition of the Kafala system," FNV said in a statement, as quoted by The Guardian on Thursday. (India to train Qatari police for 2022 FIFA World Cup)In a letter sent to FIFA President Gianni Infantino in early October lawyers acting on behalf of the FNV and Alam gave the football body three weeks to admit complicity and pay damages.

Daisy Mowke

14 Jul 2017,Friday

Kamal Haasan criticised for naming actress in abduction case

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/kerala-actress-abduction-case-kamal-haasan-names-survivor/1/1001904.html?utm_source=inshorts&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=fullarticle

Kamal Haasan has been criticised for naming the survivor in the Malayalam actress abduction case. "It doesn't matter if I've used the name... Don't hide the name as there is nothing wrong with it... Don't refer to her as 'a female'," he explained. Haasan further said it is not just about the safety of actresses, but of women in general.

Controversies are nothing new to Kamal Haasan. Recently, in a press conference, Kamal Haasan, while supporting the Malayalam actress, named the survivor's name and tried to justify it. "Why is it the safety of women in the film industry alone? A female's presence in the crowd is important to me and I will not let anything happen to her. It's our duty to see if you are safe. It is not just about actresses. We are not supporting her (mentions the name), because she is an actress," said Haasan.When a female reporter corrected Haasan and asked him to not name the victim, he said, "It doesn't matter if I have used the name. It is you (media). You put out her name when the incident happened. Do not hide the name as there is nothing wrong with it. If you want to call her Draupadi, call her that. Don't refer to her as 'a female'," he added.While Kamal was appreciated for his take on women's safety, he was severely criticised for naming the actress' name. Earlier, Malayalam actress Dileep and Aju Varghese received brickbats for the same. Kamal Haasan was addressing the media after a fringe Hindu group had demanded the arrest of the actor for hosting the Tamil version of Bigg Boss. According to reports, the security has been beefed up at Haasan's residence owing to the protests from the fringe group.The popular Malayalam actress, who has worked in Tamil and Telugu films, was abducted and allegedly molested by a gang of six earlier this February.  ALSO READ: Dileep's bail plea to be heard todayALSO READ: Kerala actress  says she had personal problems with Dileep

Mansha Mahajan

15 Jun 2017,Thursday

Indo-American Founder of health startup becomes billionaire

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/rishi-shah-indian-american-college-dropout-chicago-latest-billionaire/1/979168.html

Rishi Shah, the Indian-American Founder of healthcare startup Outcome Health, who quit college 10 years ago to become an entrepreneur, is now a billionaire. Outcome saw a recent $600 million venture capital investment that pushed 31-year-old Shah?s wealth to $3.6 billion. Notably, the firm installs touch screens in doctors' offices and uses specialised software to help in treatment decisions.

Indian-American Rishi Shah, who quit college 10 years back to pursue entrepreneurial dreams, has become tech's newest billionaire. And his business partner, Shradha Agarwal, is close behind. Their windfall came with a USD 600 million infusion of venture capital into Outcome Health, the Chicago health care tech company they founded in 2006. It's now valued at USD 5.6 billion. Shah grew up in the Chicago suburb of Oak Brook, the son of a doctor who emigrated from India. His mother managed his father's medical practice. The initial idea for a company providing content to doctor's offices was inspired, Shah says in an interview to local media, by his sister. "My sister has type 1 diabetes," Shah says. "If she gets on an insulin pump and she is able to achieve better blood sugar control and she is checking her blood sugar more effectively, the device manufacturer wins, the insulin manufacturer wins, the blood glucometer wins, the doctor wins, but the payer wins most of all. And she wins personally." CONTEXT MEDIA FOUND IN 2008He attended North-western University as a transfer student, where he met a woman named Shradha Agarwal, now Outcome's president. Originally working on a campus magazine, they eventually found a company called Context Media, out of North-western in 2008, funding it by taking loans that have over the years reached a combined USD 325 million instead of giving up equity. Knocking on doctor's office doors around the Chicago area, the two found little appetite for their idea. Some doctors didn't see the value in digital education in their offices; others who did want to see revenue to feel comfortable committing to such a fledgling product. Without signing them, however, the entrepreneurs had no revenue with which to placate them. They eked out $1 million in revenue that first year. "Then we were off to the races," says Shah, doubling most years since. "We had to build a profitable business, or at least a break-even business, from scratch," says Shah. "We had no margin of error." Outcome Health is not only the newest unicorn company, having earned the honor just last week, but it is also already valued in the top 30 on the list of roughly 200 non-public companies worth $1 billion. THE GROWTH OF CONTEXT MEDIACEO Rishi Shah, 31 and president Shradha Agarwal found Context Media in 2006 while the two were at North-western University. The company began to sell its video monitor services to physicians and hospitals without any outside investment. Over the next decade, the company grew and big-time investors noticed, but Shah and Agarwal passed up offers in order to scale organically and retain ownership. In January, the company changed its name to Outcome Health as it slowly pushed towards its first major round of funding. According to Crain's, the company took in more than $130 million in revenue last year and posted an operating profit margin of roughly 40%. Outcome Health doubled its revenue in each of the last two years, and it also grew with its acquisition of Accent Health last November. WHAT THE COMPANY DOES TODAYToday, Outcome Health helps both patients and doctors by providing touch screen monitors to hospitals and health care offices around the country. The company installs large, interactive video boards that allow physicians to better explain a patient's current health care needs or problems through the use of video, graphics and interactive visual aids. Outcome Health also utilises specialised software to assist physicians and patients for everything from treatment decisions to medical warning signs. Outcome tries to maximise how both doctors and patients spend their time, which helps unclog those stereotypically crowded waiting rooms. According to one of the company's online testimonials, Neil Baum, a New Orleans-based urologist, cut the time it takes him to explain a common urological procedure from 12 minutes to less than five minutes through the use of Outcome Health's Digital Anatomy Board. Outcome Health often provides its services to medical providers for free. The company makes most of its money from insurance providers, drug makers, health care marketers and pharmaceutical companies.Also Read:The story of Nagaland cop who turned Kerala billionaire

Chhavi Tyagi

12 Jul 2017,Wednesday

Class 6 student commits suicide in his Hyderabad hostel room

http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/telangana-class-6-student-commits-suicide-at-his-hostel-room/story-LRl9GKU4xntqIXj5IxKgEL.html?utm_source=inshorts&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=fullarticle

A 12-year-old Class 6 student allegedly committed suicide by hanging himself in his hostel room at Jeedimetla on the outskirts of Hyderabad on Wednesday. He reportedly cut his bed sheet vertically, made it into a rope, tied it to the ceiling fan and hanged himself. The family members suspect that the boy might have been subjected to physical harassment.

A 12-year old boy allegedly committed suicide by hanging himself at his hostel room at Jeedimetla on the outskirts of Hyderabad on Wednesday. According to Jeedimetla police, the body of Fareeduddin, a Class 6 student of Telangana Minority Welfare Residential School, was found hanging from the ceiling of his hostel room on the first floor of the school building. He reportedly cut his bedsheet vertically, made it into a rope, tied it to the ceiling fan and hanged himself. School principal Syed Aslam Nazir told the media that Fareeduddin was sharing the hostel room with four other boys, who were fast asleep when he took the extreme step. One of the inmates who woke up in the early hours noticed the boy hanging from the ceiling. He alerted the hostel staff, who in turn informed the police. The police said Fareeduddin hails from a poor family staying at Venkatramireddy Nagar in Jeedimetla. His father passed away five years ago and his mother Akthar Begum is a daily wage worker. The family members suspect that the boy might have been subject to physical harassment by the school and hostel authorities. They questioned why the boy?s body was shifted to the hospital without even intimating to them. However, the police said there were no external injuries on the body. ?Preliminary inquiries revealed that Fareeduddin was not interested in studies. He was admitted into this school only on Friday last and he returned home on Saturday. He was forcibly brought back to school on Monday evening. May be he felt home sick,? Jeedimetla sub-inspector K Srinivas told HT. The police, who booked a case of suspicious death, shifted the body of the boy to Gandhi Hospital, Secunderabad for post-mortem. Meanwhile, Andhra Pradesh child rights association has demanded that the school authorities be held responsible for the death of the boy. ?It is their responsibility to provide a safe and secure environment for the children. Their callousness led to the boy?s death,? association president P Achyuta Rao said and demanded that the family be paid an ex gratia of Rs 12 lakh. 

Pragya Swastik

01 May 2017,Monday

FIR against Ola driver for molestation of Bengaluru woman

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/bengaluru-ola-cab-driver-molests-woman-passenger/1/942605.html

A 30-year-old Bengaluru woman has filed an FIR against an Ola driver, accusing him of molesting her on her way back from office at 2:15 AM on Friday. "Before I realised, his hands were on my chest...I screamed and told him to stop the car, but he kept driving," she said. Police has identified the accused and begun its investigation.

An Ola cab driver allegedly molested a woman in Bengaluru in early hours on Friday morning. The woman, a professional singer was on her way from Koramngala to Begur when the driver stopped the cab at an isolated place around 2:15 am and groped her."We had just crossed Bommanahalli signal when he said that the roads ahead were blocked and under the pretext of reversing, he stopped, turned and groped me," she said. She managed to escape from the spot but the driver followed her. The driver ran away only after the woman threatened to call the cops.The woman took shelter in Lakshmi Specialty Hospital and later filed an FIR with Bommanahalli police station.The police is now on a lookout for Ravi Kumar who has been booked under Section 354(A) of the Indian Penal Code. In light of this incident, Ola released a statement, "'We have terminated the driver partner from the Ola platform as soon as we received a complaint from the customer. Safety of users is of utmost importance to us and we have zero-tolerance towards any such behavior. We have assured the customer of  full support in further investigation of the issue.' Also Read: Mumbai: TV actor Parth Samthaan booked for molestation Nagpur: Lecturer booked for molestation, Shiv Sena workers blackens face

Dishant Sharma

07 Mar 2017,Tuesday

Sunil Gavaskar was the 1st batsman to reach 10,000 Test runs

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/1987-Gavaskar+is+the+first+to+score+10000+test+runs:+A+10+tonne+toast/1/76385.html

Sunil Gavaskar became the first batsman to register 10,000 runs in Test cricket on March 7, 1987. Batting against Pakistan in Ahmedabad, Gavaskar, needing 58 runs to reach the milestone, scored 63 runs in India's first innings. The batsman went on to register 10,122 runs in his Test career before retiring after his 125th Test match.

Talk about small steps and giant leaps. On March 7, 1987, a quick single nudged through the slips to a Pakistani bowler named Ejaz Fakih took Sunil Manohar Gavaskar from his innings score of 57 to 58 at the Sardar Patel Stadium in rural Motera outside Ahmedabad. That run also took Gavaskar to a territory which, never mind the batsman, even cricket itself had never seen. Fifty seven to fifty eight sent Gavaskar from 9,999 to the first 10,000th run in Test cricket. Non-striker Kiran More says Gavaskar celebrated that moment like he usually didn't do in cricket. He sprinted. Or at least that's what it seemed like to millions watching TV because it was an accomplishment that all of India wanted to own quickly. So we believe that in that instant, this deliberate, determined Indian batsman was quicker than usual. His head slightly lowered, mid-single, Gavaskar raised his bat in both triumph and celebration. AlsoBy evening, he was out for 63 and they say when he returned to the dressing room, at first he was not satisfied, but furious. Gavaskar's principle never changed: every run counted, every innings had to be maximised. So 10,000 had been achieved but to not extend that innings of 63 irked him. If he ever got out after getting in, dressing rooms would usually clear out to give the infuriated maestro his space. When play ended, what he did have though, was contentment, "I would have just been happy with 1,000 runs. Now I feel 10 times more fantastic." No wonder, even in the dry state of Gujarat that night, they sourced some champagne to go with the cake. India did not know it then but Gavaskar was to play only one more Test after Ahmedabad. When he retired later that year, the country was in deep gloom: Indian cricket's defender, its most gritty general had gone. He had re-defined the standards of excellence and professionalism, re-written definitions in the school of Indian batsmanship. It is said he has no mementos from the match in which he crossed 10,000, but he wouldn't need any: Sunil Gavaskar's achievement always carries with it the power of everlasting memory. --by Sharda Ugra

Chhavi Tyagi

17 Mar 2017,Friday

PM Modi is not authoritative: J&K CM Mehbooba Mufti

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/india-today-conclave-2017-mehbooba-mufti-shivraj-singh-chouhan-devendra-fadnavis/1/906099.html

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti said, "I have met PM Narendra Modi a few times and I have found that he is open to ideas. He is not authoritative." Speaking at India Today Conclave, she added, "Contrary to perception and allegations by some, Modi is not centralised. He wants to make a true federal system in the country."

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti has rebuffed the allegation against Prime Minister Narendra Modi that he is authoritarian in his approach.Participating in a debate at India Today Conclave 2017, Mehbooba said, "I have met Prime Minister Narendra Modi a few times and I have found that he is open to ideas. He is not authoritative.""Contrary to perception and allegations by some PM Modi is not centralised. He wants to make it true federal system in the country. He has the moral authority to do it," Mehbooba said.Mehbooba was in discussion with Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.Mehbooba also said that the Centre and the state government both need to think about phasing out AFSPA from the Kashmir Valley.Inviting the businessmen and investors from Mumbai in Kashmir Valley, Mehbooba said, "Kashmir is the safest place for women even when encounters are taking place. Come not only to invest. Come to Kashmir with your families."FADNAVIS AS DEFENCE MINISTER?Taking part in the India Today Conclave 2017 in Mumbai, Devendra Fadnavis kept everyone guessing about him being moving to Delhi as a Union Minister.Responding to a query about the speculation that he could be the next Defence Minister, Fadnavis said, "India Today Conclave has shifted from New Delhi to Mumbai. Why do you want me to move from Mumbai to Delhi?"But, Fadnavis immediately added, "I am a true soldier of party. Whatever our Prime Minister and party president tells me to do, I am ready to do.""Right now I have a job on hand. I am a Chief Minister now. I have Maharashtra on my agenda."'ONLY FARMERS DON'T COMMIT SUICIDE'Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan asserted that his state no longer belonged to BIMARU state after registering double digit GDP growth rate in the last seven years.Chouhan tried to play down the issue of farmers' suicide in Madhya Pradesh saying, "Only farmers are not committing suicide. Students and businessmen are also committing suicide.""All suicides by the farmers are not due to loan or crop failure. There are other reasons also for farmers' suicide. We remain committed to ameliorate the living conditions of farmers," Chouhan said.THE GST QUESTIONResponding to a query about will July 1 deadline for GST be met, Fadnavis said, "Yes, I am confident. The deadline will be met. GST council has approved it. If political disruption is the motive then I can't say anything.""GST will create a common market. When VAT was introduced, there were concerns and apprehensions were expressed. VAT was a barrier regime. Now we are shifting to non-barrier regime. Barriers were artificially created," Fadnavis said."We are manufacturing state. As a big manufacturing state, we will lose something. But, at the same time being a big state, we are a big consumer state and there we will gain something," said Fadnavis."If some states lose more, then we must think that we are one nation. If some backward state gains and some better doing states are losing out, they should be happy. The GST will bring level playing field for everyone. Every state will gain with GST," Fadnavis added.APPRECIATE REGIONAL ASPIRATIONSJammu and Kashmir CM Mehbooba Mufti once again defended Article 370. She said every state has a unique situation. Maharashtra has Article 371 there, Jammu and Kashmir has Article 371, she said."You cannot do away with the regional aspirations. You have seen it after Mandal commission report. You have seen groups of Yadavs, rise of Mayawati and others," Mehbooba said."For us in Kashmir, India is not a country. It is a universe for us. It is full of diversity, different aspirations and all co-exist. It is the beauty of India," Mehbooba added.Mehbooba said that the Centre has been responsive about the needs of Jammu and Kashmir. "Whenever I have met Union Ministers, be it (Nitin) Gadkari or (Prakash) Javadekar, they have always listened to us and supported us. We have been given whatever we needed," Mehbooba said at India Today Conclave 2017.However, she was quick to add that in cases of international treaties if the states are affected then need to be consulted. DEMONETISATION FACTORTalking about public anguish over demonetisation, Madhya Pradesh CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan said that he did not see any.Chouhan said, "I go out to people every day. I did not see anyone complaining about demonetisation. No one showed anger.

Chhavi Tyagi

06 Jul 2017,Thursday

NDMC fails to rename Teen Murti Marg before PM's Israel tour

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/plan-to-rename-teen-murti-marg-after-israeli-city-in-limbo/1/995450.html

The New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) has failed to rename Teen Murti Marg after Israeli city 'Haifa' before Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the Jewish nation. "No final call has been taken on the proposal yet...We are not sure whether it will be scrapped totally or reconsidered later," NDMC Vice Chairman Karan Singh Tanwar said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Haifa today, but a proposal mooted by NDMC more than two months ago to rename a prominent road in Lutyens Delhi after the Israeli city is still in limbo.The New Delhi Municipal Council had proposed in April that Teen Murti Marg and Teen Murti Chowk be renamed Haifa ahead of Modis visit to Israel, the first by an Indian prime minister."No final call has been taken on the proposal yet. It was deferred in the April meeting and has not been taken up since then. We are not sure whether it will be scrapped totally or reconsidered later," NDMC Vice Chairman Karan Singh Tanwar told PTI.In a meeting on April 24, some council members had claimed the proposal had been passed but the civic body chairman, Naresh Kumar, had announced hours later that the issue was deferred.The proposal has not been taken up in any council meeting since then.The prime minister, who is on a three-day visit to the Jewish nation, has visited Haifa to pay homage to Indian soldiers who fought in the World War I.HAIFA DAY - RESPECT FOR SOLDIERSThe Israeli city was liberated from Ottoman occupation by Indian soldiers during the war.A large number of Indian soldiers of the 15th Imperial Service Cavalry Brigade died during the battle to free the city and nearly 900 are buried in Israel.September 23 is celebrated as Haifa Day in India and Israel every year as a mark of respect for the soldiers who lost their lives in the battle and to mark the end of 400 years of Turkish control over the city.Demands to rename Teen Murti Road and Chowk have been made over the past few years by different organisations, including the RSS.Senior RSS functionary Indresh Kumar had said in 2015 that the government should acknowledge the role played by the three regiments of the Indian Army in the Battle of Haifa in 1918.According to the Ministry of Culture, a "wrong impression" has been built about the Teen Murti Chowk that it has something to do with Mahatma Gandhi."The Teen Murti Chowk was named to mark the role of the three cavalry regiments. But no one knows this today. The moment people think of the Teen Murti they think of Gandhiji's monkeys. This is a wrong impression that needs to be corrected," it had earlier said.Teen Murti Bhavan, the residence of Indias first prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru and now a museum, is at the Teen Murti crossing.ALSO READ:Innovation, technology can boost India-Israel ties, says PM Modi

Saloni Tandon

27 Apr 2017,Thursday

Sports Minister asks anti-dope body to criminalise doping

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/doping-as-criminal-offence-up-for-discussion-in-nada-seminar/1/938822.html

Sports Minister Vijay Goel has asked the National Anti-Doping Agency to consider the possibility of making doping a criminal offence and adopt a "Zero Tolerance Policy". He also asked the agency to sensitise grassroots-level players about the ill-effects of doping through seminars. A mechanism to test food supplements, to ensure they free of prohibited substances, is also being set up.

Rini Sinha

08 Apr 2017,Saturday

Why're people questioning Akshay's N'tnl award: Priyadarshan

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/why-are-people-questioning-akshays-win-priyadarshan/1/923535.html

Chairperson of National Film Awards jury Priyadarshan has asked why people are questioning Akshay Kumar's National Award win. He added, "When Ramesh Sippy was jury head Amitabh Bachchan won. When Prakash Jha was jury head, Ajay Devgn won. No one questioned them." This comes after numerous social media users attributed Akshay's win to his friendly equation with Priyadarshan.

Priyadarshan, the chairperson of the feature film section for the National Film Awards, said he does not understand why people are questioning Akshay Kumar's Best Actor award. The filmmaker has collaborated with Akshay Kumar in films like Hera Pheri, Garam Masala, Bhagam Bhaag, Bhool Bhulaiya, De Dana Dan and Khatta Meetha. Many in social media are attributing Akshay's win to his close proximity to Priyadarshan. But the director says last year Ramesh Sippy was head of the jury and none questioned his good friend Amitabh Bachchan's Best Actor win, so why should he and Akshay be subjected to such allegations. "I have heard of all that and I will answer it in a simple way. When Ramesh Sippy was jury head Amitabh Bachchan won. When Prakash Jha was head of jury, Ajay Devgan won. None questioned at that time. So why all these questions are cropping up today," Priyadarshan told PTI. The filmmaker also clarified that Akshay's performance in Rustom and Airlift were considered by the jury during the selection process. However, as only the name of one film could be mentioned, the list featured the courtroom drama Rustom, he said. "Akshay was given the best actor on the basis of his performance in two films -- Airlift and Rustom. It was the jury's decision. One performance was dramatic and one was realistic. But according to the rule book, only one film can be mentioned and Rustom was mentioned in the list. But the award recognises his performance in both the movies,"said Priyadarshan.This year saw the dominance of regional cinema at the National Film Awards with Marathi film Kasaav winning best feature film, Surabhi CM getting best actress and Rajesh Mapuskar being named best director for Marathi movie Ventilator. Bollywood films which managed to score are Pink (Best Film on Social Issues), Dhanak (Best Children's Film) and Neerja (Best Hindi Film). Priyadarshan says regional films don't chase after box office numbers and that is why they are true to their stories and also give social messages. "While watching films we realised that a lot of Bollywood movies were themed around homosexuality. The movies are not really highlighting social problems. Whereas regional cinema are themed around fantastic social issues. They try to tell different stories. Even Dangal doesn't talk about social issues. It was a life story," said Priyadarshan. "Regional movies are not made with the aim to earn Rs 100 crore. They are made from the heart. We should promote films that reflect the Indian culture. Regional movies are doing a very good job of storytelling through social issues," he said.|| Read more ||Priyadarshan's reason why Akshay won National Award over Aamir is bizarreAkshay Kumar and Sonam Kapoor on National Award win: Who would have thought!!National Film Awards 2017: Akshay Kumar wins Best Actor for Rustom, Shivaay wins Best VFX award

Ankush Verma

13 Jul 2017,Thursday

Putin wanted Hillary Clinton to win presidency: Trump

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/jul/12/donald-trump-vladimir-putin-get-along-very-well?utm_source=inshorts&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=fullarticle

US President Donald Trump has claimed that Russian President Vladimir Putin would have preferred a Hillary Clinton victory in the US presidential elections. "Why would he want me?...He doesn't want to see that," Trump said. Trump's statement comes amid a probe by federal investigators on whether his campaign advisers colluded with the Russian government to help him win the elections.

President Donald Trump, battling allegations that Russia helped him win the White House, claimed on Wednesday that Vladimir Putin would have preferred a Hillary Clinton victory ? despite US intelligence saying the Russian leader directed a covert effort to help defeat her.?We are the most powerful country in the world and we are getting more and more powerful because I?m a big military person. As an example, if Hillary had won, our military would be decimated,? Trump said.?That?s why I say, why would he want me? Because from day one I wanted a strong military, he doesn?t want to see that.?In an interview with Pat Robertson of the Christian Broadcasting Network, Trump said ?There are many things that I do that are the exact opposite of what he (Putin) would want.? Trump said he got along ?very, very well? with the longtime Russian leader, whom he met in Hamburg last week. ?So what I keep hearing about that he would have rather had Trump, I think ?probably not,? because when I want a strong military? he said.?When I want tremendous energy ? we?re opening up coal, we?re opening up natural gas, we?re opening up fracking, all the things that he would hate ? but nobody ever mentions that,? he said.On Saturday, Putin told reporters he had hopes for the bilateral relationship after meeting Trump. ?The Trump that you see on TV is very different than the real Trump,? Putin told reporters at the G20 in Germany. ?He perfectly understands whom he is talking to and answers questions quickly. I think personal relations were established.?Decrying what he called a political ?witch hunt?, Trump has also come to the defense of his eldest son, Donald Trump Jr, after the release of emails showing his embrace of a Russian offer to provide derogatory information about Clinton during the campaign.The email exchange has been described in some quarters as a possible ?smoking gun? in the ongoing investigation by an independent prosecutor into whether Trump?s campaign colluded with Moscow to get him elected.In a separate interview with Reuters, Trump said he did not fault his son for meeting with a Russian lawyer during the 2016 presidential election campaign and that he was unaware of the meeting until a few days ago.Asked if he knew that his son was meeting with lawyer Natalia Veselnitskaya in June last year, the president told Reuters in a White House interview: ?No, that I didn?t know until a couple of days ago when I heard about this.?Trump Jr eagerly agreed to meet the woman he was told was a Russian government lawyer who might have damaging information about Democratic rival Hillary Clinton as part of Moscow?s official support for his father?s campaign, according to emails the son released on Tuesday.Seated at his Oval Office desk, Trump said he did not fault his son for holding the meeting, writing it off as a decision made in the heat of an upstart, non-traditional campaign. ?I think many people would have held that meeting,? he said. ?It was a 20-minute meeting, I guess, from what I?m hearing,? Trump said. ?Many people, and many political pros, said everybody would do that.?The emails were the most concrete evidence that Trump campaign officials might have been willing to accept Russian help to win the 8 November election, a subject that has cast a cloud over Trump?s presidency and prompted investigations by the US justice department and Congress.Donald Trump Jr, in an interview with Fox News on Tuesday, said: ?In retrospect, I probably would have done things a little differently.?In the White House interview, the president said he directly asked Russian President Vladimir Putin if he was involved in what US intelligence says was Russian meddling in the presidential campaign and that Putin had insisted he was not.Trump said he spent the first 20 or 25 minutes of his more than two-hour meeting with Putin last Friday in Germany on the election meddling subject.?I said, ?Did you do it?? And he said, ?No, I did not. Absolutely not.? I then asked him a second time in a totally different way. He said absolutely not,? Trump said.Asked if he believed Putin?s denial, Trump paused.*Look. Something happened and we have to find out what it is, because we can?t allow a thing like that to happen to our election process. So something happened and we have to find out what it is,? he said.About Putin, he added: ?Somebody did say if he did do it, you wouldn?t have found out about it. Which is a very interesting point.?

Saloni Tandon

10 Jul 2017,Monday

Sachin's coach Ramakant Achrekar felicitated on Guru Purnima

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/cricketers-recall-their-achrekar-sir-on-guru-pournima/1/998076.html

Sachin Tendulkar's childhood coach Ramakant Achrekar was felicitated in Mumbai on the occasion of Guru Purnima on Sunday. The event was attended by Achrekar's former protégés including Vinod Kambli, Pravin Amre and Sameer Dighe. Sachin could not make it to the event since he was out of the country, but thanked his coach through a Twitter post.

Mumbai, Jul 9 (PTI) He has coached several cricketers from the 1983 World Cup squad member Balwinder Singh Sandhu to the batting legend Sachin Tendulkar who have represented India at the international level. On the occasion of Guru Purnima today, the students fondly recalled the contribution of their mentor Ramakant Achrekar who they call Achrekar Sir. The octogenarian was felicitated today at a programme Guru Vandana organised by Deeplo Sports Club here in presence of his several students. Former India batsman Praveem Amre, who had scored a hundred on his debut, said he was under Achrekar Sir for 10 years. "There was no off-season with sir as we played with rubber ball during Monsoon. He has created good coaches along good players. In my opinion, sir was a Guru and there is a lot of difference between a Guru and a coach," said Amre, who played 11 Tests for the country. Former India stumper and batsman Chandrakant Pandit recalled how "visionary" Achrekar sir made him change his school to pursue a career in cricket. Another ex-stumper Sameer Dighe remembered the role played by the veteran trainer in his career. "Pravin (Amre) used to keep wickets. But on sirs word for me, he left keeping when I was playing for Mithibai (College)," recalled Dighe, the present Mumbai Ranji coach. Balwinder Singh Sandhu recalled that he was initially an off spinner, but it was Achrekar who spotted his talent to bowl good "in-swing". "Till that time, I did not know that the ball was called an in-swing," Sandhu said sending a peal of laughter in audience. "It was sir who asked me to develop the in-swing," he added. Pandurang Salgoankar, who had played with Achrekar, narrated some instances, involving the latter as a wicket keeper. However, Sachin Tendulkar could not make it to the event as he was abroad.

Ankur Vyas

24 Apr 2017,Monday

India named world's 5th largest military spender

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/india-military-expenditure-world-fifth-pakistan-us-russia-china/1/936738.html

India has become the world's fifth-largest military spender, witnessing a growth of around 8.5% in expenditure in 2016, a report has claimed. According to the figures released by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, India's defence expenditure stood at ?3.6 lakh crore in 2016. Meanwhile, US remained the world's largest military spender, followed by China, Russia, and Saudi Arabia.

Chhavi Tyagi

10 Jan 2017,Tuesday

Arjun Rampal, Jackie Shroff likely to campaign for BJP

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/arjun-rampal-jackie-shroff-to-campaign-for-bjp/1/853812.html

Model-turned-actor Arjun Rampal and Bollywood star Jackie Shroff could be the star campaigners for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) ahead of the Uttar Pradesh Assembly election. After leaving the BJP headquarters in Delhi where meetings with party officials were held on Tuesday, Arjun Rampal said that he hasn't decided about joining the political party yet.

Model-turned actor Arjun Rampal and Bollywood star Jackie Shroff could be the star campaigners for the Bhartiya Janata Party ahead of the Uttar Pradesh assembly election. Speculation regarding this started emerging after the duo reached the BJP's headquarters in New Delhi early this morning and held meetings with party officials. Soon after the meeting Arjun Rampal spoke to the media and expressed his admiration for the way Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been functioning over the last two and a half years since the NDA came to power. Rampal also said that he was impressed with the BJP since he believed that the party was working for the development of the people. When asked if he would be joining the party as a politician, the actor said that he hadn't decided on that yet.

Sanira Mediratta

13 Feb 2017,Monday

Pak poet Faiz Ahmad Faiz had been arrested for opposing govt

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/faiz-ahmad-faiz-as-paks-lost-voice-of-reason/1/129371.html

Pakistani poet Faiz Ahmad Faiz, whose 106th birth anniversary was observed on Monday, was once arrested for conspiring against the country's Prime Minister Liaquat Ali Khan to overthrow his government. Faiz, who wrote numerous revolutionary poems, is best known for his ghazals 'Gulon Mein Rang Bhare' and 'Dasht-E-Tanhai Mein'. He passed away at the age of 73 in Pakistan's Lahore.

Chhavi Tyagi

28 Dec 2016,Wednesday

Anil Baijal to succeed Najeeb Jung as new Delhi Lt Governor

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/anil-baijal-replaces-najeeb-jung-to-be-next-delhi-l-g/1/844538.html

Retired bureaucrat Anil Baijal is set to succeed Najeeb Jung as the 21st Lieutenant Governor of the National Capital Territory of Delhi. Baijal, a 1969-batch IAS officer, also served as the Home Secretary in the Atal Bihari Vajpayee government. This comes after President Pranab Mukherjee accepted Jung's resignation on Wednesday.

Tarun Khanna

05 Jan 2017,Thursday

Abu Azmi's son, Esha Gupta engage in twitter war

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/farhan-azmi-abu-azmi-esha-gupta-bengaluru-molestation-ayesha-takia/1/849518.html

After SP MLA Abu Azmi said women consider nudity as fashion, his son Farhan Azmi engaged in a war of words with Esha Gupta. "The only woman to blame here...is the woman who unknowingly gave birth to a jerk like Abu Azmi," Esha tweeted. "She was far more dignified than U," Farhan tweeted while retweeting a topless picture of Esha.n

Like father, like son, right? Seems so.Samajwadi Party's Maharashtra Unit Chief Abu Azmi recently shared his mind on the mass molestation incident in Bengaluru on New Year's Eve.ALSO READ: Bengaluru Molestation happened because nudity is in fashion, says Abu Azmi ALSO READ: Abu Azmi's comments are choking, says son Farhan AzmiALSO WATCH: SP MLA Abu Azmi blames women for Bengaluru molestation incidentSpeaking to India Today, Abu said that molestation is unavoidable because women consider being nude as fashion. "If a girl celebrates after dark she should go with her husband, father and not with strangers. There should be strict action against those going against our culture," Abu said.Earlier in 2014, Abu had gone on record to say that a raped girl should be hanged. A Deccan Chronicle report stated that according to Abu Azmi, "Rape is punishable by hanging in Islam. But here, nothing happens to women, only to men. Even the woman is guilty."Regarding her father-in-law's statements, Ayesha had expressed her grief and rage regarding them on Twitter.if wot im reading about my father in laws statements r true then me and Farhan are deeply embarrassed n ashamed...We surely do nottt share this mindset...its disrespectful to women.if these statements r true then its sad.Well, yesterday actor Esha Gupta took to a dig at Abu Azmi's rampant misogny and tweeted that the only woman to blame in regard to Abu Azmi's remarks is his mother for unknowingly giving birth to a "jerk".Abu Azmi's enraged son Farhan Azmi took to Twitter and attacked Esha in the most vile manner possible.Meanwhile, on a completely unrelated note, Farhan Akhtar had tweeted the following.But then, Farhan Azmi took offense to that as well and attacked Farhan Akhtar.

Mansha Mahajan

23 Jul 2017,Sunday

CAG criticises Indian Railways over dirty linen and blankets

http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/now-cag-criticises-indian-railways-over-dirty-linen-blankets-and-pillows/story-g9UMcL4c4qll5PwYrpbwbJ.html?utm_source=inshorts&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=fullarticle

The CAG has criticised Railways over improper cleanliness and management of linen, and suggested putting in place a mechanism to ensure strict compliance to norms. It said the washing and sanitation of linen and blankets are not done as per norms. The CAG added at many storage depots, fresh linen was stored haphazardly and was exposed to dirt and contamination.

The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) has criticised the railways over cleanliness and management of linen, and suggested putting in place a mechanism to ensure strict compliance to norms.In its report tabled in Parliament on Friday, the country?s top auditor said the washing and sanitation of linen as well as blankets are not done as per the norms established by the railways.The Railway Board has instructed that washing of linen (except blankets) should be done after every single use and blankets be dry-cleaned every two months.?Various zonal railways had provided periodicity of once every fortnight/month/once in two-three months for washing blankets,? said the CAG report.The CAG has collected data on number of blankets in use and those washed during the review (2012-2013 to 2015-2016) period in 33 selected depots of coaches.It was found that in 14 selected depots, under nine zonal railways, no blankets had been dry-washed in the said period. And except for seven depots under five zonal railways, linens had not been sanitised in the other selected depots, the CAG has said.During 2015-2016, in respect of 12 coaching depots of eight zonal railways, blankets had been washed after an interval of 6-26 months, the report stated.These depots included Lokmanya Tilak Terminus (Mumbai), Sealdah (Kolkata), Gwalior, Guwahati, Dibrugarh, Lucknow, Secunderabad, and Hatia and Tatanagar (in Jharkhand).The report also said there were general stores depots which stored fresh linens along with those that were to be discarded. At the Basin Bridge depot in Chennai, pillow covers were being stitched from the used bedsheets to tide over shortages.In a few cases, in the Northern Railway, used pillow covers were provided to the passengers, the report said.The audit report said there was a need for the railways to increase the pace of setting up of mechanised laundries and prescribe norms for quality standards for washed linen.?A mechanism may be put in place to ensure strict compliance to norms of cleaning blankets and pillows as per required periodicity,? it said.The CAG also said at many storage depots, fresh linen was stored haphazardly and was exposed to dirt and contamination.?Proper storage space may be provided for storage of linen in store depots, so that linen can be issued in an organised manner,? it recommended.It has also advocated providing ?adequate storage space? for linen in coaching depots.In Western Railway, new linen was stored in a manner that they were exposed to dirt in storage depots in Mahalakshmi and Sabarmati. At the store in Kharagpur, face towels were kept in a room with broken windows susceptible to damage due to seepage of rainwater.In some zonal railways, new stock remained unutilised almost all their life span.In North Eastern Railway, the audit said, the stock at the depots had already completed two-to-seven months life from the date of manufacture before it was received at the Gorakhpur depot.In the South Eastern Railway, bedsheets (life cycle of 12 months) and pillow covers (life cycle of nine months) remained unutilised for seven months and similarly face towels (life cycle of nine months) remained unutilised for five months at the depots.?This indicated that lot received first were not issued first,? the audit said.In case of pillows too, instructions were not followed, it said.?Blankets and pillows were not dry cleaned and/or sanitised for long periods before supply to the passengers,? the audit said.The audit report also recommended that railways seek regular feedback from passengers to effectively improve passenger satisfaction in respect of quality of linen.

Deepali Aggarwal

05 Mar 2017,Sunday

House of Cards maker asks Twitter to remove Trump's account

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/house-of-cards-creator-asks-twitter-to-remove-trumps-account/1/897131.html

After US President Donald Trump accused Barack Obama of wiretapping, House of Cards creator Beau Willimon took to Twitter to state that Trump's account should be removed from the micro-blogging site. Adding that presidency comes with great responsibility, Willimon wrote that Trump's tweets pose a national security threat as they embolden enemies to take advantage of his "flagrant shortcomings".

Los Angeles, Mar 5 (PTI) "House of Cards" creator Beau Willimon wants Twitter to delete Donald Trumps account and even shared a 16-point argument as to why the President "should be removed" from the micro-blogging website. Trump, in a series of tweets, accused his predecessor Barack Obama of "wire tapping" his office in New York just before the 2016 presidential elections and likened the alleged surveillance of his communications to the "Watergate" scandal. Referring to Trumps posts, Willimon, 39, wrote, "Todays tantrum is just the latest example of why @realDonaldTrump and @POTUS must be removed from @Twitter." Adding that being the President of the United States comes with "a supreme and unique responsibility unlike any other user" Willimon wrote that Trumps tweets have a "real and significant impact on the business of governance, world affairs and national security." "President Trump has consistently made misleading claims, attacked the judiciary and threatened sovereign states, the press and public," he continued. He further said how todays outburst "is broadcasting to foreign leaders his continuing impulsiveness, recklessness, delusion and ignorance about government." Adding, "That makes Trumps tweets a national security threat. It emboldens our enemies to take advantage of his flagrant shortcomings." He also pointed out that if people argue that removing his account is "violation of free speech" then consider how "the White House has retaliated against the press by selectively locking them out, called them the enemy of the people and ignored hard questions."

Saloni Tandon

18 Jan 2017,Wednesday

Indian women boxers win 6 medals despite airport fiasco

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/women-boxers-without-luggage-stranded-indian-serbia/1/859663.html

India's 10-member contingent won six medals finishing third at the Nations Cup in Serbia, despite missing their luggage and being stranded at the airport for 24 hours. The women boxers' flights got cancelled following snowstorms across Europe. They reached the destination a night before the competition, while their luggage, which contained their medical books, came later.

Stranded at the airport for nearly 24 hours and without their luggage for a good part of the competition, Indian women boxers had to deal with more than just opponents at the Nation's Cup in Serbia but showed tremendous fortitude to return with half a dozen medals.The 10-member team returned to the country early Tuesday morning after finishing third in the competition behind powerhouses Kazakhstan and Russia.Haryana-girl Neeraj (51kg), competing in her maiden international tournament, stood out with a gold medal, while Sarjubala Devi (48kg), Priyanka Chaudhary (60kg), Pooja (69kg) and Seema Punia settled for silver medals. Veteran Kavita Goyat (75kg) was the lone bronze-medallist.The girls reached Vrbas, where the event was staged, a night before the competition started. This was after a gruelling journey that was stretched by close to 24 hours due to cancellation of flights following snowstorms across Europe."All Turkish Airlines flights had been cancelled and we were stuck at the airport which resembled a madhouse with so many people stranded from all over the world," chief coach Gurbax Sandhu, who has been made in charge of women after more than two decades as men's coach, said."The federation got us on another flight as quickly as they could. But once we landed in Vrbas, we realised our luggage had not arrived. Thankfully, the girls had kept their fighting gear and gumshields in hand baggage. But then their medical books were in luggage," he said."But the organisers were very cooperative, the supervisor allowed us to compete without medical books as we were stuck in extraordinary circumstances," he added.They got no time to rest, relax or get acclimatised but managed to give a good account of themselves once the competition started, incidentally their first international outing after World Championships in May last year.Add to this, it was also their first in the revamped format of three rounds of three minutes each. The previous format of four rounds of two minutes each had been recently scrapped by the International Boxing Association."Hats off to the girls. They were marvellous in the way they handled the situation. Not one girl complained, they managed things in their own little ways but did not let the situation affect their performance. In fact none of them showed any discomfort in adjusting to the new format," Sandhu said. "We had to manage weight control, we had no spare tracksuits. The federation had told me to go ahead and buy new but by the time we got the time for it, our luggage arrived. It was an eventful trip," he added.

Chhavi Tyagi

22 Mar 2017,Wednesday

2 sentenced to life imprisonment in Ajmer dargah blast case

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/ajmer-blast-case-special-court-jaipur-quantum-of-punishment/1/909827.html

The NIA special court in Jaipur has sentenced Devendra Gupta and Bhavesh Patel to life imprisonment in the 2007 Ajmer dargah blast case. On March 6, the court had found Gupta, Patel, and Sunil Joshi guilty in the case, wherein three were killed and 17 others injured. Joshi who died under mysterious circumstances earlier, and Patel, were former RSS workers.

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) special court in Jaipur today sentenced Devendra Gupta and Bhavesh Patel to life in jail in the Ajmer blast case.  The two were convicted along with Sunil Joshi on March 6. Joshi died under mysterious circumstances soon after the bombing, in which three people were killed and 17 others were injured. The October 11, 2007 blast took place during the month of Ramazan and targeted the Khwaja Chishti shrine.Both Devendra Patel and Sunil Joshi are former RSS pracharaks. 

Anmol Sharma

19 Jun 2017,Monday

Nobody is anyone's father or son: Latif after Ind-Pak final

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/rashid-latif-virender-sehwag-icc-champions-trophy-india-vs-pakistan/1/982609.html

Following Pakistan's Champions Trophy victory, former Pakistani cricketer Rashid Latif shared "a message of love" for Indian fans and Virender Sehwag. Latif said that nobody is anyone's father or son and it was a narration that came from India's side on social media which he wanted to end. He further said that he expected a similar gesture from India.

Rashid Latif has extended a hand of friendship towards Virender Sehwag after his tirade on social media created a storm in India. In the course of the Champions Trophy, Latif had used derogatory language over Sehwag's witty remarks on social media. The former Pakistan wicketkeeper's choice of vocabulary had left much to be desired and his verbal onslaught left observers stunned. While Sehwag had chosen to maintain a dignified silence, India cricketer Manoj Tiwary posted a video with a like-for-like response to Latif. India had defeated Pakistan in their Champions Trophy opener on June 4 and there was the usual social media banter between supporters of the two teams. Sometimes the banter tends to get a little overboard as emotions run high. However, Pakistan came back strongly from their dismal start to first storm into the final and then defeating India, the pre-tournament favourites. "We lost one match badly in this year's Champions Trophy to India and India lost the final badly to Pakistan...this is a part of cricket and it happens," said Latif in a fresh video after Pakistan's remarkable vicotry.

Krishna Veera Vanamali

24 Jul 2017,Monday

CBEC slams West Bengal's introduction of e-way bill

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/cbec-officials-unhappy-with-bengals-e-way-bill/1/1008705.html?utm_source=inshorts&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=fullarticle

Central Board of Excise and Customs has criticised West Bengal's introduction of e-way bill system without waiting for it's launch by the Centre. E-way bill would be rolled out after infrastructure is ready to employ RFID chips and QR codes to ensure speedy movement of goods. Under GST, e-way bill is required to transport goods worth over ?50,000.

Kolkata, Jul 23 (PTI) Central Board of Excise and Customs (CBEC), the nodal national agency for administering customs and GST, was unhappy with West Bengals introduction of e-way bill system without waiting for it being launched by the Centre across the country. "West Bengal is one of the two states in the country which has already introduced e-way bill. We have urged the state to keep the procedure on hold until it is rolled out by the Centre and across the states," a CBEC official told PTI. The e-way bill system is creating problems to the trade for being a process working in isolation, he said. However, the official said, CBEC cannot dictate the state government to withdraw it as it is state subject.

Prashanti Moktan

18 Feb 2017,Saturday

Legal suit filed against Kangana's character in Rangoon

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/kangana-ranaut-rangoon-fearless-nadia-legal-suit-roy-wadia/1/885263.html

A legal case has been filed against filmmaker Vishal Bhardwaj over Kangana Ranaut's character Miss Julia in 'Rangoon' being based on Australian stunt actor Mary Evans, popularly known as 'Fearless Nadia'. The case filed by Wadia Movietone alleged that the makers of Rangoon have infringed on the copyrighted Fearless Nadia's characters, costumes, persona and even her signature "Bloody Hell!" phrase.

Just a week ahead of its release, news is out that director Vishal Bhardwaj's Rangoon starring Shahid Kapoor, Kangana Ranaut and Saif Ali Khan is caught up in legal trouble.Film production company Wadia Movietone Pvt. Ltd. has reportedly filed a commercial suit against Vishal Bhardwaj and others in the Mumbai High Court on grounds of copyright infringement.According to a report in Mid-Day, Roy Wadia on behalf of Wadia Movietone Pvt. Ltd. has claimed that Miss Julia, the character of Kangana Ranaut - a strong stuntwoman - is based on real-life Australian stunt actor Mary Evans, popularly known in India and around the world as Fearless Nadia.Wadia's firm hold rights to all scripts, publicity material and posters for the Fearless Nadia films it has produced. The Wadias' suit alleges that the makers of Rangoon have infringed on the copyrighted Fearless Nadia's characters, costumes, persona and even her signature "Bloody Hell!" phrase.Watch Bloody Hell from Rangoon here:Bloody Hell is the first single from Rangoon that was released and it focused on the character of Kangana Ranaut entertaining soldiers of British-occupied India.Why Roy Wadia is angryRoy Wadia, the Managing director of Wadia Movietone Pvt. Ltd. alleges that Rangoon's makers have carried out a "breach of trust."Back in 2006, Ronnie Screwvala of UTV was approached by Roy Wadia to make a film on Nadia. Things did not work out but soon news emerged that Vishal Bhardwaj was making a similar film for UTV.UTV and Vishal Bhardwaj told Roy Wadia that their film, then-titled Julia, was not inspired by the story of Fearless Nadia. Later, Wadia learned that the film was shelved. In 2008, Wadia signed an agreement with a German firm that it could use all of Wadias' copyrighted material on Fearless Nadia to make a film on her.Seven years later, Roy Wadia got news that a film called Rangoon was being made and that it was supposedly based around Nadia's life. Wadia told the film's makers that the rights to Fearless Nadia's character and story were with a German firm and if Vishal and co. still went ahead with Rangoon, they could land in legal trouble. Disney UTV (then, headed by Siddharth Roy Kapur) assured Wadia and the German firm that the film wouldn't be made.Then in 2016, while Vishal was making Rangoon with Sajid Nadiadwala, Vishal assured Roy Wadia that his film was a love story set in the backdrop of World War II and was not remotely inspired by Nadia's life. UTV Disney by then was not in the picture.When Wadia finally saw the film's promos in 2017, he realised that Kangana's character Julia was indeed inspired from the life of Fearless Nadia.Watch Rangoon trailer here:Now, the suit comes up for hearing in Mumbai High Court on February 20.While the Rangoon camp has been quiet about this since the matter is sub-judice, a member from Rangoon's cast, requesting anonymity said, "Kangana was advised to watch Hunterwali (a famous 1935 Fearless Nadia stunt film), and the stylists told to reference her dressing for Kangana, who plays Julia. Some of the male characters also resemble those from Nadia's life."

Rini Sinha

31 Jul 2017,Monday

Talking about toilets is still taboo in India: Akshay Kumar

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/akshay-kumar-toilet-ek-prem-katha-taboo-india/1/1015098.html?utm_source=inshorts&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=fullarticle

Actor Akshay Kumar has said that talking about toilets is still considered a taboo in India. He added, "It's also about the mindset. In places where I've gone, I heard people saying, 'We don't do it (defecate) in the same house where we cook food'. But how can they openly defecate on the field, from where the food is coming?"

Akshay Kumar, whose forthcoming movie Toilet Ek Prem Katha stresses on the importance of building toilets and ending open defecation, hopes the film changes people's mindset about this "taboo topic in Indian society".Akshay said in an interaction with the media, "Talks on toilet are still taboo in India. I remember when I had to say a dialogue in the film which is, 'Ab biwi ghar aaye na aye, sundaas to laakar hi chhodunga is gaon mein', people were rethinking if I should say it or not. But as an individual, I think it is necessary... I mean who does not go to the toilet?"However, he is hopeful that things will change."Our youth is very strong minded. They understand the necessity of using the toilet. Some people are starting to talk about it, which is great... It means awareness has been created. See, it is also about the mindset. In places where I have gone, I heard people saying, 'We don't do it (defecate) in the same house where we cook food'. But how can they openly defecate on the field, from where the food is coming? Government is doing its part (by sanctioning public toilets)... People should also take a step," said the Airlift actor.Directed by Shree Narayan Singh, Toilet Ek Prem Katha also features Bhumi Pednekar, and is releasing on August 11 this year.Considering the fact that the Hindi film industry is going through a rough patch and that footfalls in theatres are decreasing, Akshay was asked if ticket price is one of the reasons behind that. He said, "But then regional films and Hollywood films are doing well. If the ticket price is not affecting their business, then why ours? Maybe content is responsible then."Whether it is Airlift, Rustom, Jolly LLB 2 and even Toilet Ek Prem Katha, Akshay is acting in stories that project realism.Asked if that is a strategy, the National Award-winning actor said, "If you are talking about issue-based stories like Toilet Ek prem Katha, I think being a successful actor by the grace of God, if my association gives the film a better mileage and if the story intrigued me, I do it. I got to know from research statistics that one child dies every five minutes in our country because of open defecation. Do you understand the intensity of the issue? That apart, if there's any story that is interesting, I do it."Toilet Ek Prem Katha is Akshay Kumar's second release in 2017, after Jolly LLB 2 that hit the screens this Holi. Kumar was honoured with the Best Actor title at the National Film Awards this year, for his work in last year's Rustom.

Sonu Kumari

19 Jul 2017,Wednesday

Yuva Sena leaders ask BMC to file case against RJ Malishka

http://www.hindustantimes.com/mumbai-news/yuva-sena-leaders-ask-bmc-chief-to-file-rs500-crore-suit-against-red-fm-and-rj-malishka/story-SqWvBN95pgmlkAO64UwLgJ.html?utm_source=inshorts&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=fullarticle

Two leaders of Yuva Sena on Tuesday asked the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation's commissioner to file a ?500 crore defamation case against 93.5 Red FM and its host RJ Malishka. The controversy ensued after a viral song by the channel allegedly made fun of the BMC. They claimed that the channel had defamed the corporation for problems outside its jurisdiction.

After a video by a local private FM channel poking fun at the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) went viral on social media, two Yuva Sena members on Tuesday urged the municipal commissioner to file a Rs500-crore defamation suit against 93.5 Red FM.The two leaders ? Amey Ghole, who is also a corporator, and Samadhan Sarvankar, who is Sena legislator Sada Sarvankar?s son ? said the radio channel and its radio host, Malishka, were unfairly blaming the BMC for problems that are not under its jurisdiction. Read: RJ Malishka hits back at BMC, tweets she has six more songs readyThey submitted a letter to BMC commissioner Ajoy Mehta, saying the video maligned the image of Mumbai and the BMC, and also dented the confidence of several thousand of BMC employees who work hard to keep the city afloat during the rains.Sarvankar said, ?The song did not name the Shiv Sena directly, but it hurts us that Mumbai?s and the BMC?s image is unnecessarily taking a hit. The two main highways of Mumbai don?t come under the BMC and it is not responsible for Mumbai?s traffic or the functioning of its railways.? He added that Mehta assured that the BMC will take some action. Read: More trouble for RJ Malishka: Now, BMC sends her notice for mosquito-breeding at Mumbai homeGhole, a corporator from Wadala, said, ?The BMC?s legal department will decide what action is best suited in this case. The song has hurt the city?s efforts at attracting foreign investment and global talent. The civic body can either file a defamation suit or issue a warning.? Read more: RJ?Malishka gets BMC notice: BJP, Congress blame Shiv Sena

Rini Sinha

09 Jun 2017,Friday

Akshay was 1st choice for Sohail's role in Tubelight: Report

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/akshay-kumar-salman-khan-tubelight-kabir-sohail/1/974492.html

According to reports, actor Akshay Kumar was the first choice to play actor Sohail Khan's role in the upcoming film 'Tubelight'. However, Salman suggested Sohail as the chemistry between the two as brothers would come automatically. Salman revealed, "They wanted someone bigger so that we could crack the number game and earn more at the box office."

Kabir Khan's Tubelight has already grabbed eyeballs for the on-screen camaraderie between Salman Khan and Sohail Khan, who play brothers in the film too. But not many know that Sohail wasn't the first choice to play Bharat in Tubelight. In fact, Kabir wanted Akshay Kumar to play Salman's on-screen brother in the film. In an interview to DNA, Kabir revealed that while writing the script of the film, he was keen to cast an A-lister for Bharat's role. "Instead of a real brother, I thought we should get another actor and create the chemistry on screen," he told the daily. The director, who has collaborated with Salman for the third time, said that he had a few actors in his mind during the scripting stage, and Khiladi Kumar was one of them. "That was while we were developing the script, and before we could decide, I was convinced by Sohail. Maybe, with another actor, I would have had to spend time and create the chemistry that Salman and Sohail share," he added. However, it was Salman who was keen to get Sohail on board as he was convinced that their real-life bromance will translate effectively on screen. "They wanted someone bigger so that we could crack the number game and earn more at the box office. But I wanted to be really comfortable, and honestly, with Sohail, I didn't need to act too much. The emotions came automatically. So when you see the tears in the film, sometimes, they are my own emotions as a brother," said Salman. Kabir, who has worked with Sohail for the first time, is happy with the actor's hardwork in the film. "We put Sohail through a lot of hard work, like making him sprint across the mountains of Ladakh - anybody else in his place would have said, 'I'm out of this place', but Sohail kept going even with his oxygen pump in hand. Sohail's is a dignified character in the film. People will love him, I am sure," he added.  Tubelight is set to hit the screens this Eid.

Deepali Aggarwal

30 May 2017,Tuesday

Pilot killed, 2 injured in Nepal Army plane crash

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/pilot-killed-in-nepal-army-plane-crash/1/966497.html

A Nepal Army plane crashed on Tuesday, killing the pilot and injuring two crew members, during an emergency landing triggered by bad weather, reports said. The aircraft carrying food supplies overshot the runway by about 50 metres and crashed in a field. This is the second accident involving a cargo aircraft in less than a week in the country.

By Shirish B Pradhan Kathmandu, May 30 (PTI) The pilot of a small cargo plane of the Nepal Army was killed and two crew members injured when the aircraft overshot the runway during an emergency landing in western Nepal today, the second accident involving a cargo aircraft in less than a week in the Himalayan nation. Captain Kailash Gurung died and two others sustained injuries in the accident at Kolti airport in Bajura district, about 700 kilometres west of Kathmandu, Nepal Army said. The injured have been admitted to a hospital. The Army aircraft, PZL M28 Skytruck with call sign NA- 048, was carrying food supplies from Nepalgunj to the mountainous district of Humla in far-west Nepal. The plane was to land at the Simikot airport in Humla district. But, due to bad weather it was flown to Bajura where the pilot tried to force-land it resulting in the accident. The plane overshot the runway for about 50 metres and overturned on a field, an airport official said.

Krishna Veera Vanamali

18 Jul 2017,Tuesday

36 lakh bank accounts saw cash deposits of ?10 lakh or more

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/over-36-lk-bank-a-cs-saw-cash-deposit-of-rs-10-lakh-or-more/1/1004761.html?utm_source=inshorts&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=fullarticle

Union Minister Santosh Gangwar has said that over 36 lakh bank accounts witnessed cash deposits of ?10 lakh or more, in a financial year. However, Gangwar didn't specify the financial year of these deposits. Notably, I-T rules state banks must report cash deposits aggregating ?10 lakh or more in a financial year, in one or more accounts of a person.

New Delhi, Jul 18 (PTI) Over 36 lakh bank accounts have seen cash deposits of Rs 10 lakh or more in a financial year, Parliament was informed today. Rule 114E of the Income Tax Rules says banks, including cooperative banks, have to report to taxmen cash deposits aggregating to Rs 10 lakh or more in a financial year, in one or more accounts (other than a current account and time deposit) of a person.

Chhavi Tyagi

09 Dec 2016,Friday

Sasikala didn't allow Jaya to be close to her family: Niece

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/jayalalithaa-niece-amruttha-sasikala/1/831079.html

Late Tamil Nadu CM Jayalalithaa's niece Amrutha has claimed that Sasikala Natarajan never allowed Jayalalithaa to be close to her family. Saying that Sasikala does not have any rights over Jayalalithaa's property, cash, and jewellery, Amrutha added, "Let it be handed over to the government and this can be utilised for the people of Tamil Nadu."

 The late chief minister of Tamil Nadu, J Jayalalithaa never spoke about her family. She was in fact very secretive about who was family. The only one seen by her side everywhere was Sasikala Natarajan who as of today allegedly has all the power in her hands whether it is the party or the government.  Joining the controversy about who would own what of the late chief minister's property, cash and jewellery and now joining the controversy is Jayalalithaa's estranged younger sister's daughter Amrutha who lives in Kengeri on the outskirts of Bengaluru. "Whatever is there should be handed over to the government because Sasikala does not have any rights in this case. Let it be handed over to the government and this can be utilised for the people of Tamil Nadu," Amrutha said.She was extremely heartbroken when she was not allowed to visit her aunt while she was under treatment at the Apollo hospital in Chennai. "Thrice we went to the hospital to visit Jayalalithaa. When we went over there, the police said that she wasn't there and was being treated elsewhere," she said. Also Read FAMILY NOT INFORMEDAmrutha got the news of her aunt's death on television. She along with her family members rushed to Chennai but was denied permission to see Jayalalithaa's mortal remains.  "They kept avoiding us. It was a leader belonging to the DMK who took us to see her. It was difficult for him as well but he did his best," Amruttha said.Also Read: Jayalalithaa's house opens to public with lot of restrictions According to her estranged niece, it was only when an article was published in a local Tamil magazine in 2014, that Jayalalithaa didn't want her family to be known to the media. She said that, "Jayalalithaa did not want our relationship to come out in the open and not let the media know about this.' Things were different before, said Amruttha. "When she was not well she would speak about it on the phone. When she was feeling depressed she would tell me. She would cry on the phone," she said. "But at that moment if anyone entered the room she would remain silent, she would not speak but would cut the call. I used to always think that it was Sasikala who had entered the room. Then she would not call immediately but would wait for 3 days or a week to call back." Also Read: What exactly happened to Jayalalithaa? We got this from doctors who know MEMORIESAmrutha recollected the time she spent at Poes Garden with late chief minister in 1996-1998. "I have had breakfast along with her but she really liked mango juice. She used to drink it early in the morning at 5," she said. "We have always said that we do not want any of her property. Even my mother used to always say that we do not want anything of hers but that Jayalalithaa acknowledged that she was her sister."

Sumedha Sehra

23 Jul 2017,Sunday

Ram Temple should be constructed in legal manner: Amit Shah

http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/ram-temple-should-be-constructed-in-legal-manner-amit-shah/story-yG0RSkPwV42gxezP4y5zhK.html?utm_source=inshorts&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=fullarticle

BJP National President Amit Shah said on Saturday that the Ram Temple in Ayodhya should be constructed in a legal manner. "The party?s stand is clear and mentioned in the last four Lok Sabha election manifestos. The temple should be constructed in a legal manner and there should be mutual dialogue," he said during his visit to Uttar Pradesh.

BJP President Amit Shah on Saturday said his party wants the Ram temple in Ayodhya to be constructed in a legal manner after mutual dialogue.?The party?s stand is clear and mentioned in the last four Lok Sabha election manifestos. The temple should be constructed in a legal manner and there should be mutual dialogue,? he said at a press conference here.On suggestions that the creamy layer among SCs/STs should be excluded from reservation benefits, the BJP supremo said a decision can only be taken after discussion with all parties in Parliament.Shah, who is a on a three-day visit to the state, said that all political parties should discuss the issue of holding Lok Sabha and assembly elections simultaneously and take it up with the Election Commission.?We definitely want that Lok Sabha and state assembly elections should be held together.?The BJP believes in the concept and Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also expressed his desire with all political parties for discussion,? he said.Addressing the press conference, Shah referred to major steps by the BJP-led government in Centre, including demonetisation, GST implementation and shutting down shell companies.He said the BJP was never against GST implementation by UPA-led government but it was against the way it was sought to be implemented.?The states were demanding that losses incurred by them should be fully compensated by the Centre. We accepted their demands while implementing the GST and now the states are with us,? Shah said in reply to a question.?There were apprehensions raised by the Opposition, but people of the country have accepted it,? he said.Asked whether the government intends to bring any legislation on cow protection, Shah said that such laws already exist in BJP-ruled states.

Daisy Mowke

28 Mar 2017,Tuesday

Disha Patani stalked by male fan in Delhi

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/disha-patani-stalked-fan-delhi/1/914431.html

Actress Disha Patani was stalked by a male fan when she was in Delhi for a brand shoot recently. The man reportedly reached Disha's hotel on two consecutive days to meet her and also kept following her to the sets. "I am relieved that the episode is over... It was an unpleasant experience," said Disha.

Two-film-old Disha Patani is finally getting to know the scary side of being in showbiz. The actor was stalked by a male fan when she was in Delhi for a brand shoot recently, Mid-Day reports.Reportedly, the man reached Disha's hotel on two consecutive days to meet her. It does not end there. He relentlessly followed her, be it to her set, a shopping mall or a movie theatre. In fact, he even had a scuffle with the hotel staff because he was not allowed to meet her, and was promptly removed from the premises.Disha told the publication, "I am relieved that the episode is over. I am deeply overwhelmed by the love of fans. When I got to know about it, I was in for a shock. It was an unpleasant experience."While the actor did not register a complaint, she has decided to have a bodyguard with her at all times as a safety measure.

Parichit Mainra

09 Jan 2017,Monday

Beijing residents warned against touching 'dirty' snow

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/avoid-contact-with-snow-in-beijing-officials/1/851859.html

Chinese Meteorological department on Saturday warned people against coming in contact with snow in Beijing, claiming that the snow is "dirty" as it has absorbed pollutants from the smog which engulfed Beijing recently. The officials also advised people to carry umbrellas for protection. Meteorological officials have said snow followed by blasts of wind will clean up Beijing's air.

From K J M Varma Beijing, Jan 7 (PTI) Chinese Met depatment today warned people in capital Beijing to avoid coming in contact with snow which officials said is "dirty" as it has absorbed pollutants which had enveloped the city since the final day of the last year. The Beijing weather forecast bureau said that snow followed by blasts of cold wind will clean up the air this weekend. Snow fell in many parts of Beijing today morning and is expected to last into the night, bringing a bit of relief from the smog that has persisted since the last day of 2016. The city witnessed slight snow but the smog continued to envelope the city. Meteorologist Guo Jianxing, however, warned the public not to get too close to snow. "Because the snow absorbs pollutants, it is dirty," Guo said. "People should carry umbrellas if they walk outside and quickly brush off any snow that falls on their skin," he was quoted as saying by state-run Xinhua news agency. According to the citys air quality surveillance centre, with the exception of northwestern Beijing, the capital remained "seriously polluted" as of 1 pm today. The density of PM 2.5 - tiny pollutant - was 178 micrograms per cubic meter. The weather bureau said gusts of wind, a major force to dispel the smog, will start to arrive tomorrow from the north. It said Beijings heavy air pollution will be eased and finally cleared from north to south. At worst, only very light smog will linger in a small portion of the city, it added. The smog has become north Chinas biggest environmental issue in recent years, particularly in winter, when coal-fired heating boilers rev up and the wind weakens. Despite drops in pollution indicators, smog still frequently occurs, the report said. Chen Jining, minister of environmental protection, told media here yesterday that his ministry is evaluating emergency plans of 20 cities including Beijing in dealing with heavy air pollution amid criticism that officials shun putting out high alerts to avoid taking action against erring factories. Chen said that inspections had found some cities failing to take effective measures following alerts, or their measures were impracticable. Though pollution in Beijing exceeded hazardous levels for the past several days, the city has not issued the red alert, the maximum warning which would warrant enforcement of odd and even number car system, closure of schools and factories emitting pollution as construction sites.

Rini Sinha

17 Jul 2017,Monday

Oscar-winning actor Martin Landau passes away aged 89

http://www.hindustantimes.com/hollywood/oscar-winning-hollywood-legend-martin-landau-dies-at-89/story-MNNYHL0JKcarjRdnRu0NFL.html?utm_source=inshorts&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=fullarticle

Oscar-winning Hollywood actor Martin Landau passed away aged 89 on Monday in California. Landau won an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor in 1995 for the film 'Ed Wood'. He is known for his role in the television series 'Mission: Impossible' for which he received numerous Emmy nominations and a Golden Globe award.

Martin Landau, the chameleon-like actor who gained fame as the crafty master of disguise in the 1960s TV show Mission: Impossible, then capped a long and versatile career with an Oscar for his poignant portrayal of aging horror movie star Bela Lugosi in 1994?s Ed Wood, has died. He was 89.Landau died Saturday of unexpected complications during a short stay at UCLA Medical Centre, his publicist Dick Guttman said.Mission: Impossible, which also starred Landau?s wife, Barbara Bain, became an immediate hit upon its debut in 1966. It remained on the air until 1973, but Landau and Bain left at the end of the show?s third season amid a financial dispute with the producers. They starred in the British-made sci-fi series Space: 1999 from 1975 to 1977.Academy award winning actor Martin Landau sits on his new star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, as he poses for photographers during ceremonies to honour him, in Hollywood, December 17, 2001. (REUTERS) Landau might have been a superstar but for a role he didn?t play - the pointy-eared starship Enterprise science officer, Mr. Spock. Star Trek creator Gene Rodenberry had offered him the half-Vulcan, half-human who attempts to rid his life of all emotion. Landau turned it down.?A character without emotions would have driven me crazy; I would have had to be lobotomized,? he explained in 2001. Instead, he chose Mission: Impossible, and Leonard Nimoy went on to everlasting fame as Spock.Ironically, Nimoy replaced Landau on Mission: Impossible.After a brief but impressive Broadway career, Landau had made an auspicious film debut in the late 1950s, playing a soldier in Pork Chop Hill and a villain in the Alfred Hitchcock classic North By Northwest.He enjoyed far less success after Mission: Impossible, however, finding he had been typecast as Rollin Hand, the top-secret mission team?s disguise wizard. His film career languished for more than a decade, reaching its nadir with his appearance in the 1981 TV movie The Harlem Globetrotters on Gilligan?s Island.Actor Martin Landau holds the Screen Actors Guild Award he won for outstanding performance by a male actor in a supporting role for his role in the film Ed Wood at the first-ever televised awards show for the organization in Los Angeles. (REUTERS) He began to find redemption with a sympathetic role in Tucker: The Man and his Dream, the 1988 Francis Ford Coppola film that garnered Landau his first Oscar nomination.He was nominated again the next year for his turn as the adulterous husband in Woody Allen?s Crimes and Misdemeanors.His third nomination was for Ed Wood, director Tim Burton?s affectionate tribute to a man widely viewed as the worst Hollywood filmmaker of all time.?There was a 10-year period when everything I did was bad. I?d like to go back and turn all those films into guitar picks,? Landau said after accepting his Oscar.In Ed Wood, he portrayed Lugosi during his final years, when the Hungarian-born actor who had become famous as Count Dracula was ill, addicted to drugs and forced to make films with Ed Wood just to pay his bills. A gifted mimic trained in method acting, Landau had thoroughly researched the role.Actor Martin Landau arrives for the European premiere of the film Frankenweenie at the Odeon Leicester Square in central London October 10, 2012. (REUTERS) ?I watched about 35 Lugosi movies, including ones that were worse than anything Ed Wood ever made,? he recalled in 2001. ?Despite the trash, he had a certain dignity about him, whatever the role.?So did the New York-born Landau, who had studied drawing at the Pratt Institute in Brooklyn and worked for a time as a New York Daily News cartoonist before switching careers at age 22.He had dabbled in acting before the switch, making his stage debut in 1951 at a Maine summer theatre in Detective Story and off-Broadway in First Love.In 1955, he was among hundreds who applied to study at the prestigious Actors Studio and one of only two selected. The other was Steve McQueen.On Broadway, Landau won praise for his work in Middle of the Night, which starred Edward G Robinson. He toured with the play until it reached Los Angeles, where he began his film career.Landau and Bain had two daughters, Susan and Juliet. They divorced in 1993.Follow @htshowbiz for more

Ayushi Ahluwalia

29 Jul 2017,Saturday

Tricolour is sacrosanct: Govt on Mehbooba Mufti flag remark

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/tricolour-sacrosanct-to-us-jitendra-on-mehboobas-flag-remark/1/1014240.html?utm_source=inshorts&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=fullarticle

Union Minister Jitendra Singh on Saturday said the tricolour flag is sacrosanct and will fly as high in J&K as any other state in the country. This was in reference to J&K CM Mehbooba Mufti's earlier comment that nobody in the state will hold the tricolour if there was any change to Article 35(A).

Jammu, Jul 29 (PTI) Union minister Jitendra Singh today said the tricolour is "sacrosanct" and termed as "shocking and ridiculous" Chief Minister Mehbooba Muftis remarks that no one in Jammu and Kashmir would be there to hold the flag if their special rights are tinkered with. Mehbooba Mufti yesterday said at a function in New Delhi "Who is doing it? Why are they doing it? (challenging Article 35-A). Let me tell you that my party and other parties who carry the national flag there (in Jammu and Kashmir) despite all risks.... I have no doubt in saying that there will be no one to hold it (national flag) (if it is tinkered)."

Chhavi Tyagi

12 Jul 2017,Wednesday

Maid beaten up for theft, held captive in employer's car

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/noida-mahagun-moderne-society-maid-stone-pelting-uttar-pradesh/1/1000209.html?utm_source=inshorts&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=fullarticle

A maid was found in the boot of her employer's car in Noida's Sector 78 where she was reportedly held captive after being beaten up for stealing from the employer's house. After the domestic help was found in the car, a mob of villagers surrounded the premises of the society, entered there with rods and started pelting stones.

It was a riot-like situation on Wednesday morning outside a housing society in Noida's Sector 78 after a mob of few villagers surrounded the premises and started pelting stones. Residents of Mahagun Moderne society were shocked to see villagers entering the society premises with rods. The mob of around hundred people were mostly domestic helps, daily wage labours and neighbours of a maid.According to media reports, this maid was beaten up by one of the residents of Mahagun Moderne society. She was allegedly held captive in the boot of her employer's car and beaten up for stealing from their house.Zohra, 26, went missing on Tuesday after which her family and neighbors started protesting and demanding to know her whereabouts.Police personnel were deployed at the society and the situation is now under control.ALSO READ:For 20 years, she was locked in a dark room. Found with no clothes, urine stench Delhi shocker: Rape victim forced to carry body of her child in Metro to Gurgaon

Sumedha Sehra

07 Jun 2017,Wednesday

Jawan martyred, 3 militants killed in encounter in Nagaland

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/encounter-in-nagalands-mon/1/972552.html

A soldier of the Territorial army was martyred and at least three militants were killed in an encounter that broke out in Nagaland's Mon district on Wednesday morning. The encounter, which is still underway, also claimed the life of a civilian in the area. Additionally, at least three soldiers were injured.

At least three terrorists were killed in an encounter in Nagaland's Mon district, the Indian Army said on Wednesday morning.One soldier from the Territorial Army and one civilian were also killed in the encounter. Three other jawans were injured.The Indian Army's Eastern Command said in a message on Twitter that the soldier killed was an officer in the Territorial Army. The injured soldiers have been evacuated to a hospital and their condition is stable, the Eastern Command said.The encounter broke out at around 11.30 pm on Tuesday after militants ambushed security personnel. Three militants were killed in the subsequent encounter. Major David Manlum of the Territorial Army died in the gunfight while three other soldiers suffered inujuries. The anti-terror operation was still underway today morning.

Rini Kapoor

31 Dec 2016,Saturday

BJP questions Salman as open defecation drive ambassador

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/salman-khan-mumbai-bjp-bmcs-brand-ambassador-open-defecation-free-drive/1/846537.html

Mumbai BJP President Ashish Shelar has questioned the appointment of Bollywood actor Salman Khan as the brand ambassador of Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation's drive against open defecation. He also raised the issue of a Humboldt penguin's death in Mumbai zoo. "Those who killed a penguin have appointed a brand ambassador who killed a black buck, it really amuses me...", Shelar added.

Mumbai BJP president Ashish Shelar has raised questions over the appointment of Bollywood actor Salman Khan as the brand ambassador of Brihan Mumbai Municipal Corporation's (BMC) open defecation free (ODF) drive. While questioning the move he also raised the issue of a Humboldt penguin's death in Mumbai zoo."Those who killed a penguin have appointed a brand ambassador who killed a black buck, it really amuses me..." Shelar said while talking to reporters in Mumbai. Recently Salman had visited the BMC headquarters with Shiv Sena leader Aditya Thackeray. The actor through his NGO Being Human Foundation had submitted a proposal to work towards an open defecation free Mumbai.The actor also pledged to donate mobile toilet vans to the civic body but Shiv Sena's move hasn't gone down well with the party's ally BJP.BJP QUESTIONS THE MOVE

Saloni Tandon

04 Jan 2017,Wednesday

Dhoni has hit most sixes in international cricket as captain

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/ms-dhoni-quits-limited-overs-captaincy-stats/1/849672.html

India's former limited overs skipper MS Dhoni holds the record for hitting the most sixes in international cricket as captain. Dhoni led India in 331 matches across all formats, hitting 211 sixes as skipper. He is followed by former Australian skipper Ricky Ponting, who played 324 matches as captain and hit 171 sixes.

Mahendra Singh Dhoni has stepped down as India's limited-overs captain, ahead of ODI and T20I series against England starting January 15. However, he remains available for the series, with the selectors meeting on Friday to pick the squads.  The 35-year-old had given up on the Test captaincy in December 2014 after the Melbourne Test, but continued to lead India in the T20s and one-dayers.Dhoni, was arguably India's best limited-overs captain and the only one in the world to have won three ICC tournaments - World Cup, Champions Trophy and World Twenty20. (Dhoni steps down as India's limited-overs captain)He captained India in 331 matches across all formats (Tests, ODIs and T20Is) - most by any player in cricket's history. Australia's Ricky Ponting is second with 324 matches.WATCH FULL VIDEO HEREDhoni is only the first captain from the sub-continent and third to have won 100 ODIs, after Allan Border and Ponting. He is also the only player to captain in 50 Twenty20 Internationals. Last year captaincy record: 71.43       Last year's batting record: 0       Last year Virat in T-20 and ODI as a batsman: 0

Akshita Jain

22 Jan 2017,Sunday

Delhi to get 10 more pollution monitoring stations

http://www.hindustantimes.com/delhi/delhi-to-get-10-more-pollution-monitoring-stations-by-next-winter/story-Ipal3yRk71AMNrPCtW86iL.html

Delhi is all set to get 10 more pollution monitoring stations before next winter to help in better handling of air quality, according to reports.The aim is to have at least three monitoring points in each of the Delhi districts. This comes after the graded response plan was enforced across the capital by the Supreme Court-appointed pollution control body.

The national capital will have 10 more pollution monitoring stations before next winter to help area-wise micro handling of its air quality which, according to a WHO assessment, is the worst among world?s top cities.Subsequently, another 10 stations will be set up as part of a plan to have at least three such monitoring points in each of the Delhi districts, government sources said on Friday.The new stations will be located in areas such as Greater Kailash, Defence Colony, Vasant Kunj, Qutub Institutional Area, Okhla, Najafgarh, and Paschim Vihar, among others.The air pollution data in the capital is currently taken from 28 monitoring stations . (HT?Graphics) The air pollution data in the capital is currently taken from 28 monitoring stations ? four run by Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC), eight operated by the MeT department and the rest by Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).To check pollution levels in your city, click hereThe decision to install more stations comes after the Supreme Court approved the CPCB?s ?graded response action plan?, notified last week and enforced partially on Friday. The plan outlines measures based on air quality ? moderate to poor, very poor, severe, and severe-plus or emergency. A separate set of action plan has been suggested for each category.The top court in December last year had asked authorities to install real-time and manual pollution monitoring stations in Delhi, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan to check air quality for the graded response.According to the SC-approved graded action plan, the entire national capital region (NCR) will be treated as one. Authorities and experts have warned that the landlocked city?s air quality cannot improve unless adequate measures are taken in the whole of NCR, which involves territories governed by neighbouring Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and Rajasthan.A Delhi government official said the process to have 20 more fixed monitoring stations in place has started, and the tendering procedure is expected to start in February.?A bid manager has already been appointed for the tendering process. These monitoring stations will help us get a comprehensive picture of air pollution in Delhi, especially during winter, when the city?s air quality worsens. We want to ensure that each Delhi district has at least three stations,? the official told Hindustan Times.The city of about 20 million people has been struggling to clean up its air that contains a toxic cocktail of dust, smoke and gases from vehicle and factory exhausts. The condition worsens every autumn and winter as the city, buffeted by farmers burning crop stalks in neighbouring states and atmospheric changes, records higher levels of air pollution.?In a big city like Delhi, the air quality is not the same at various points. For example, Anand Vihar with high volume of vehicular traffic is one of the most polluted corners of the city while at Jor Bagh in the heart of the city the pollution levels are well under control,? an environment department official told Hindustan Times, underlining the need for an area-wise micro monitoring of the air quality.?More monitoring stations will help us in a thorough understanding of the nature of pollution in various parts of the city,? he said.In a meeting called by Environment Pollution Control and Prevention Authority (EPCA) on Friday, it was stated that Haryana will get 34 stations, Uttar Pradesh 16, while Rajasthan is eyeing 11 monitoring spots in the next nine months.A fixed-automatic station where air pollutants like Sulphur Dioxide (SO2), Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2), PM2.5 and PM10 are being monitored regularly, costs Rs 1.2 crore with 10% yearly operation and maintenance cost, a CPCB official said.Also read |?Air pollution: Piecemeal solutions won?t end a problem that?s hurting India?s economy

Akshita Jain

14 Feb 2017,Tuesday

Crime rises in Delhi with a rape case reported every 4 hours

http://www.hindustantimes.com/delhi/unsafe-capital-there-s-a-rape-every-4-hours-in-delhi/story-8GtiB5CAX6DMOG5zRnPFHK.html

Crime in Delhi increased for the third straight year in 2016 and three out of every four cases went unsolved, according to official data. Women made a distress call to the helplines every nine minutes on an average, a molestation complaint was received every two hours and a rape case was registered every four hours, the data revealed.

Crime in Delhi increased for the third straight year and three out of every four cases registered in 2016 went unsolved, official data released on Monday showed.The numbers, released by Delhi Police as part of an annual disclosure, cement the national capital?s reputation of being a dangerous city ? particularly for women who made a distress-call to helplines every 9 minutes on an average.Of the 2,09,519 cases reported last year, 1,53,562 cases ? or 73.29% of them ? could not be cracked. In 2015, the proportion of cases that were unsolved was 72.78%.Allegations of crimes against women ? a molestation complaint every two hours, a rape case every four hours ? remained staggeringly high. But rape cases were fewer in 2016 compared to the year before when 2,199 cases were registered. Last year, 2,155 rape cases were filed.?In the last three-four years, the proactive action by the police has led to a positive demonstration effect. Each complaint given by a woman is being immediately registered and seriously investigated. This is the reason why the numbers appear constant,? joint commissioner of police, Dependra Pathak said.Most of the cases that remained unsolved were street crimes ? robberies, snatching, pick-pocketing and similar thefts. These incidents are more widespread, affecting most citizens.Every six minutes, someone becomes a victim of theft. There was a case of snatching reported every 30 minutes on an average.?It is very important for the police to instil faith in people by working hard to solve such cases. More than solving of these cases, it is important how police develops relationship with the person who has lodged the case. How they behave with the complainant make a lot of difference,? criminal psychologist Rajat Mitra said. Former Delhi police commissioner Ajai Raj Sharma explained that less heinous crimes are often neglected by police teams. ?Firstly, there are no eyewitnesses in such cases and hence the investigation is very time consuming. The only way to solve them is to study the crime scene in detail and gather clues.?Police, Sharma added, gave precedence to law and order duties over solving street crime cases. ?There is already shortage of staff and investigators, on top of that police personnel are engaged in security and law and order duties. If an investigator is deployed for a VIP movement, when will he investigate the case? Law and order should be separate from the police unit investigating cases,? Sharma said.

Chhavi Tyagi

28 Dec 2016,Wednesday

Congress' youth wing posters feature Priyanka Gandhi's photo

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/priyanka-gandhi-vadra-congress-foundation-day-sonia-gandhi-rahul-gandhi/1/844273.html

On the 132nd foundation day of the Congress, the political party's youth wing posters featuring Priyanka Gandhi Vadra's pictures alongside Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi have been used. While it is reportedly the first time that Priyanka's photos have been used officially by Congress' frontal organisations, this comes amid reports that she will be given charge of frontal organisations.

Shubhodeep Datta

14 Feb 2017,Tuesday

Kerala all-party meet decides to turn Kannur violence-free

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/all-party-meeting-decides-to-turn-kannur-violent-free-%EF%BF%BD%EF%BF%BD%C2%A0/1/882781.html

An all-party meeting convened by Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan in Kannur on Tuesday decided to take joint efforts to turn the state's Kannur area into a 'violence-free' zone. This comes amid several reports of party workers amassing armaments in the district. Last month, a 52-year-old BJP worker was stabbed to death allegedly by CPI(M) activists in the district.

Sumedha Sehra

23 Jul 2017,Sunday

Delhi driver held for masturbating at 33-yr-old German woman

http://www.hindustantimes.com/delhi-news/delhi-driver-held-for-masturbating-in-front-of-33-year-old-german-woman/story-w7JbT2yb0cOVgGw2rqnIBN.html?utm_source=inshorts&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=fullarticle

A 32-year-old Delhi driver was arrested for masturbating at a 33-year-old German woman in south Delhi's Greater Kailash II. The woman was walking her dog in the area when she noticed the man staring her. When she walked further, he removed his pants and started masturbating while looking at her. She screamed at him and clicked pictures of his car.

A 32-year-old driver has been arrested for allegedly masturbating in front of a foreign woman while she was taking her dog out for a walk in the posh Greater Kailash neighbourhood on Thursday afternoon.When the 33-year-old German national confronted the man, he tried to escape in his car. But the woman used her presence of mind to take a photo of the man?s car, an act that led to his arrest on Saturday.The woman hails from Berlin in Germany and is pursuing her PhD from Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU). Having arrived in India last year, she had taken a rented accommodation in Greater Kailash 2.The incident happened around 2.45 pm on Thursday. The woman was walking her dog in the neighbourhood, when she noticed a man staring at her. She paused for a moment, but continued walking her dog again.?Suddenly, the man removed his trousers and began masturbating while staring at the woman, leaving her shocked,? said Romil Baaniya, deputy commissioner of police (south-east).The woman decided to confront the man and began screaming at him, but he chose to run into his Maruti Suzuki Ritz car that was parked nearby.?But the woman decided not to let him get away easily. She immediately brought out her mobile phone and took photos of the car, ensuring the registration number was captured,? said the DCP.Even as the man drove away, the woman dialled the police control room. A police team immediately arrived at the spot. ?The woman provided us the photos she had taken and described the man?s features in detail,? said an investigator.The inputs from the woman proved vital. Using the registration number, the police first tracked down the car?s original owner. The owner told police he had sold the car to a man who lived in the Hodal village in Haryana?s Palwal district.A police team reached Hodal to track down the car?s new owner. He led them to the suspect ? Tarun Kumar, his driver. Tarun told police he had dropped off the car owner?s relative at a mall in south Delhi before heading to a park in Greater Kailash to while away his time.Initially, he pleaded innocence claiming that he was urinating on the roadside, but allegedly broke down and confessed to the crime when confronted with the woman?s version.He has been booked for crimes such as performing an obscene act and using a gesture intended to outrage the modesty of a woman. No previous criminal cases against him has been found, said police.The DCP, meanwhile, used this case to call out to other women to ?stand for themselves?. ?One may see her (the German woman) as a victim in this case, but we see her as a hero of this story,? said Baaniya.

Shubhodeep Datta

11 Mar 2017,Saturday

Akhilesh Yadav resigns as Uttar Pradesh CM after BJP's win

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/assembly-election-results-2017-live-uttar-pradesh-punjab-uttarakhand-goa-manipur-modi/1/901863.html

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav on Saturday submitted his resignation to Governor Ram Naik following his party's loss in the state Assembly elections. The Bharatiya Janata Party and its allies led in as many as 324 constituencies in the 403-member house while the Samajwadi Party-Congress alliance was relegated to a distant second with lead in only 55 seats.

AAJ TAK LIVE TV WITH LIVE ELECTION RESULTS I congratulate Shri. Narendra Modi and the BJP on their victory in Uttar Pradesh & UttarakhandMy heartiest congratulations to Capt Amarinder Singhji & all our party workers who worked tirelessly @capt_amarinderTo all Congress workers across India: We stand resolute & committed to our values & our belief in an India united in strength & purposeOur fight continues and will not end till we win the hearts & minds of peopleCongratulations to @AmitShah, party office bearers & state units for their exemplary work in taking the party to new heights.  Spoke to @capt_amarinder & congratulated him on the win in Punjab. Also wished him a happy birthday & prayed for his long & healthy life.  .@BJP4India takes lead over @INCIndia in #ManipurWatch #Verdict2017 : https://t.co/TFg6M7I5XDpic.twitter.com/N0J8NNjN3oIn Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand we are disappointed. The alliance had lot of expectations: Sanjay Jha, CongLIVE https://t.co/4fqxBVUizLpic.twitter.com/AxCle4efLiIn a nutshell there is no leader today with a pan India acceptability who can take on Modi & the BJP in 2019.At this rate we might as well forget 2019 & start planning/hoping for 2024.How the hell did almost all the experts/analysts miss this wave in UP? It's a tsunami not a ripple in a small pond.Celebrations galore at BJP HQ as Ashoka Road gets barricaded. #ElectionResults@newslaundrypic.twitter.com/3zdaWhfHBA.@narendramodi be like#ElectionResults2017@BJP4Indiapic.twitter.com/0KVevi8dGT#ElectionResults2017: Meanwhile in the Delhi @BJP4India headquarters (Photo: @NeerajGupta20) pic.twitter.com/SR7may7Q0B  In #UttarPradesh, @BJP4India hasn't left much to imaginationWatch #Verdict2017 : https://t.co/TFg6M7I5XDpic.twitter.com/UyufTVNxcM#Verdict2017It's BJP everywhere in UP. @rahulkanwal shares the latest numbers from UP assembly polls. Live:https://t.co/oIU1FtZewBpic.twitter.com/vnUtSdIF1APunjab is proof that the Congress can win an election despite Rahul Gandhi. #PunjabElection2017Modi magic still working in Uttar Pradesh. Demonetisation, what demonetisation??#ElectionResultsScenes of celebration @BJP4India HQ in Delhi. Pic by @the_hindu photog Sandeep Saxena pic.twitter.com/0oQ8s6FOayThe brilliant @MANJULtoons strikes again on #ElectionResults day.Only the guy in the middle is not getting his wish today. ð??? pic.twitter.com/D9JA8jJOGe#UPElection2017 Results LIVE: Counting of votes underway, #BJP emerges as clear winner with lead in 287 seats https://t.co/0eCLGTAeEQpic.twitter.com/p8l2eOX1iEThe Loha Singh Live Blog: Assembly Election Result updates with a punch ð??? Grab some popcorn ð??? and read ð??? https://t.co/sQ5MPCReyUpic.twitter.com/ATo9PXtyQk@KyaUkhaadLega AAP is ready with victory posters ð???ð???ð??? pic.twitter.com/lyQUr0PEGdBJP leading in Uttar Pradesh: Party workers celebrate in Lucknow #ElectionResultspic.twitter.com/SmmoBRNKSV#UttarPradeshElection2017 Counting shuru ho gayi hai, humari badi jeet hogi: Shivpal Yadav, SP #ElectionResultspic.twitter.com/7C91hJWhcJ#ResultsWithNdtv@ndtv at Lucknow counting centre , drone cameras being used to monitor activity pic.twitter.com/VKhU0XCPGUMuscle, money power openly used by parties: Irom Sharmila https://t.co/d91oCpXEtZ Read @ANI_news story #Manipurpic.twitter.com/gdQ1KJMv3h#ABPResults UP Assembly Election Result Live: @samajwadiparty accuses EC of being biasedhttps://t.co/6I474e06FOpic.twitter.com/DAjGeq1RDh#UttarPradeshElection2017 Security arrangements in place outside counting centres in Moradabad #ElectionResultspic.twitter.com/XlwpiN5ZecSP-Congress alliance will win today,and we will expose the people who were conspiring against CM: Rajendra Chaudhary,SP #ElectionResultspic.twitter.com/iEq4OAiloXSamajwadi Party workers perform Havan in Lucknow #ElectionResultspic.twitter.com/SP9iJcdwfX                                                                                                                                               

Ankur Vyas

17 Jan 2017,Tuesday

Istanbul nightclub massacre suspect captured

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/jan/16/istanbul-nightclub-gunman-new-years-day-reina#img-2

The gunman suspected of killing 39 people in an Istanbul nightclub on New Year's Day has been caught, Turkish officials confirmed on Tuesday. The Uzbek national, identified as Abdulkadir Masharipov, was captured in a house just 40 km from the site of the attack. According to reports, four other people, including three women, were also arrested along with him.

The man suspected of shooting dead 39 people in a New Year?s Eve attack on a nightclub in Istanbul has been arrested, Turkish officials said late last night.It is understood the Uzbek national, named as Abdulkadir Masharipov by the Turkish media, was captured in a raid by security forces on a house in the residential Esenyurt district of Istanbul, 25 miles from where the attack took place.A state news agency also reported that four other people were arrested with him, including a Kyrgyz man and three women.The state-run Anadolu Agency said the suspects were being taken to Istanbul?s police headquarters for questioning. It also claimed police were carrying out raids on other suspected Islamic State cells.After the arrest, Turkey?s foreign minister, Mevlüt Çavu?o?lu, thanked police and security organisations ?who caught the Reina attacker in the name of the people?.In the last two weeks, dozens of people across Turkey have been detained and questioned in connection with the deadly assault at the Reina nightclub.During the attack on new year revellers, the gunman arrived by taxi at the upmarket venue in the Ortaköy district on 31 December and shot dead 21-year-old police officer Burak Y?ld?z and Ayhan Ar?k, a 47-year-old travel agent who had been walking past the entrance.He then went inside and started spraying bullets at the 600 partygoers. The attacker repeatedly reloaded his weapon to shoot the wounded as they lay on the ground. At least 70 people were injured.Isis has claimed responsibility for the attack, saying it was revenge for Turkish military involvement in Syria.After fleeing the scene of the massacre, it is believed the gunman initially hid in a safe house, where he was joined by his wife and children. He then fled with his four-year-old son, who was still with him when he was pinned down by officers and handcuffed, according to the Turkish newspaper Hürriyet. A photograph circulated on social media by the publication shows a bruised and bloodied black-haired man.The Turkish television channel NTV said the suspect?s son had been taken into protective custody. It said police had established the gunman?s whereabouts four or five days ago, but delayed the raid to monitor his movements and contacts.Before the arrest, Turkey?s deputy prime minister said he believed the attack had been carried out professionally and an intelligence organisation was involved.During an interview with broadcaster A Haber on Monday, Norman Kurtulmus said: ?It was an extremely planned and organised attack.?

Saloni Tandon

17 May 2017,Wednesday

21-year-old dies after being hit with a bat during match

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/cricket-domestic-cricket-death-india/1/955618.html

A 21-year-old amateur cricketer died after accidentally being hit with a bat of another player during a friendly match in Hyderabad on Tuesday. The cricketer was fielding when he was hit on the forehead by the bat and fell on stones which were kept as stumps. He was taken to hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.

A 22-year-old man succumbed to his injuries after being hit by a bat during a friendly cricket match in Bahadurpura district of Hyderabad.

Vani Vivek

19 Feb 2017,Sunday

Startup makes caterpillar chips, cake to tackle malnutrition

https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2017/feb/17/can-crunchy-caterpillars-help-tackle-malnutrition-in-burkina-faso?CMP=twt_gu

FasoPro, a startup based in African nation Burkina Faso creates products like salted cakes and pepper chips with protein-rich caterpillar powder to tackle malnutrition. The caterpillars, which feed on the leaves of shea trees, are made up of more than 60% protein. The startup was founded by Kahitouo Hien, a graduate of the University of California, Berkeley in 2011.

Small black cylinders simmer in two pots, emitting a pungent and smoky smell.This is not someone?s kitchen, however. It is the offices of agrifood company FasoPro, which double as a caterpillar laboratory.Kahitouo Hien walks hastily from one room to another, his T-shirt bearing an unusual slogan: ?Small caterpillars, big pleasure.??Caterpillars are made up of more than 60% protein,? says Hien. ?They are among the most nutritious foods available in Burkina Faso.?According to the World Food Programme, acute malnutrition in Burkina Faso stands at 10.4%.Poor harvests, caused by drought, mean there is a lack of food and diverse nutrients in the country. Hien aims to change that. In 2015, he set up an improvised laboratory in Ouagadougou to industrialise the production of shea caterpillars ? insects that feed on the leaves of shea trees.Traditionally eaten in many parts of Burkina Faso, caterpillars are now sold at markets throughout the country as a tasty treat. But no one had thought of industrialising their production until now, says Hien.Hien decided to start his business while studying engineering at the University of California, Berkeley, in 2011. ?I wrote a business plan on caterpillars because I?ve been eating them since childhood,? he says. Hien?s tutor encouraged him to take part in the university?s global social venture competition, and he went on to win the prize for best social startup in 2012. Armed with the prize and his degree, Hien worked on developing his business for two years before finally selling his first caterpillars to market traders.?It didn?t start off well,? he recalls. ?Our price ? 3,000 Central African francs (about £4) for one 500g pack of fresh caterpillars ? was just too high.?He came up with a solution the day his steriliser broke down. ?Bags of fresh caterpillars were piling up and the insects were drying out,? Hien said. ?We had to find a way to shift them.? In January 2016, he launched a new product: dried caterpillars. At 650 francs (85p) for a 70g pack, the crunchy caterpillars were an instant hit. ?We sold 30,000 units last year, and hope to hit 100,000 this year,? he says.Yelo Kam, one of his six employees, meticulously cuts labels for caterpillar bags. ?Kahitouo is an ambitious man, a visionary,? she says, without lifting her eyes from her work. ?You have to be brave to hang in there.?Hien?s venture was given ?42,000 (£36,000) in 2016 after winning a French competition that rewards social initiatives. ?The money will allow us to attend regional fairs, as well as to find markets and partners in west Africa,? he says.Hien still pursues his first passion: research. For several months, his team has been working on ways to breed caterpillars in a controlled environment, rather than in nature.?Once mature, caterpillars normally hide in the ground to grow ? a stage that is only possible in porous soil,? Hien explains. ?Yet with soils drying up, caterpillars are becoming rarer.?While initial results are encouraging, the company needs more funds to finish its research, but the road ahead does not scare Hien. ?I like taking risks. Challenges spur me on.? And he?s already thinking of his next prototype: a cricket biscuit.

Chhavi Tyagi

23 Mar 2017,Thursday

UP CM Yogi makes surprise visit to Hazratganj police station

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/yogi-adityanath-surprise-visit-to-hazratganj-police-station/1/910828.html

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath made a surprise visit to the Hazratganj police station in Lucknow. After inspecting the police station for 30 minutes, Yogi Adityanath said police should be people-friendly and steps will be taken to maintain law and order in the state. Adityanath directed police to provide better accommodation to women officers and recruit more women.

Yogi Adityanath, the new Uttar Pradesh chief minister, made a surprise visit to the Hazratganj police station in Lucknow.Following an inspection of the police station, Yogi Adityanath said police should be people-friendly and steps will be taken to maintain law and order in the state.During the 30-minute inspection, DGP Javeed Ahmad, IG Satish Ganesh and SSP Manzil Saini were present.Yogi Adityanath visited the mahila (woman's) police station, the local police station and the circle officer's chamber during the inspection. The BJP fought the election in Uttar Pradesh on the development plank and promised to improve the law and order situation in the state.THE THREE ISSUES YOGI ADITYANATH DISCUSSED:#Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said women police officers should be provided better accommodation facilities. He also asked the department to prepare a plan to recruit more women in the police.#He asked for better relationship between the citizens and the police force. The issues he stressed on: there should be seating facility for those visiting the police station; police should be cordial to people; clean drinking water should be available at all police stations.#He also discussed the growing menace of cyber crime with the department and asked for more focus on the cyber crime cell.OTHER MAJOR DECISION OF THE CHIEF MINISTER: Yogi Adityanath, in less than a week since assuming office, has taken several big decisions in line with the promises made by the party in its election manifesto.The chief minister ordered the state police to form anti-Romeo squads to check eve-teasing. These squads, to be deputed near schools and colleges, are carrying out awareness drives across cities. In Lucknow zone, the IG will monitor these squads.Yogi Adityanath also ordered a blanket ban on cow smuggling and said zero tolerance would be exercised against offenders. This in in addition to the government's crackdown on illegal slaughterhouses--the BJP had promised to close illegal slaughterhouses in the state in its election manifesto. Since Yogi Adityanath took oath as the chief minister on March 19, several illegal slaughterhouses have been sealed in Meerut, Ghaziabad, Allahabad among other places.On Wednesday, the Uttar Pradesh chief minister banned consumption of gutkha, pan masala in state government offices. While visiting the old CM's office in Lucknow, Yogi Adityanath was furious to see paan stains all over the office.On Tuesday, Yogi Adityanath met Union Tourism Minister Mahesh Sharma and is learnt to have discussed the construction of a huge Ramayana museum in Ayodhya. The Centre has already allocated a fund of Rs 154 crore for the ambitious project.ALSO READ:Romeos must die: On Yogi Adityanath's orders, UP police forms squads to crack down on eve-teasers  

Shubhodeep Datta

02 Jan 2017,Monday

65-yr-old priest held over unnatural sex with 10-yr-old boy

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/father-basil-kuriyakose-kerala-arrested-unnatural-sex-section-377/1/847494.html

The Kerala Police has arrested Father Basil Kuriyakose, the Principal of Kings David International School, for allegedly subjecting a 10-year-old boy to unnatural sex. The pastor is said to have molested the boy on December 21 night after other hostel inmates had gone for a vacation. The 65-year-old priest was booked under Section 377 of the IPC.

The Kerala Police arrested Father Basil Kuriyakose, the Principal of Kings David International School, for allegedly subjecting a 10-year-old boy to unnatural sex.After the kid disclosed the incident to his parents, they lodged a police complaint. "The victim was a 10-year old boy who was studying at a boarding school here. The boy disclosed the incident to his brother who came to meet him at the school. Following this, the parents lodged a complaint", the police told ANI.

Shubhodeep Datta

20 Apr 2017,Thursday

Mulayam Singh has unpaid electricity bills worth ?4 lakh

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/surprise-check-mulayam-singh-house-electric-bills-unpaid/1/934217.html

Following a surprise check at Mulayam Singh Yadav's house in Etawah, officials have found out that the Samajwadi Party patriarch has unpaid electricity bills worth ?4 lakh. Yadav has been given time till April-end to clear the dues. Notably, Mulayam's bungalow has over dozen rooms, its own air-conditioning plant, a temperature-controlled swimming pool, and several elevators, according to a report.

Uttar Pradesh's electricity department officials did a surprise check at former chief minister Mulayam Singh's residence in Etawah and found anomalies. They also found that a bill of Rs 4 lakh is pending.The power connection was just of 5 kW but they were consuming 40 kW. Officials later changed it to 40 kW.The Samajwadi Party leader has been given time till the end of the month to clear all dues.His party had lost the recent Uttar Pradesh elections under the leadership of his son Akhilesh Yadav, who was elected SP's national president in place of his father by the party's national convention on 1 January this year.While the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) won 312 of the 403 seats, Samajwadi Party could only manage to win a mere 47.

Aarushi Maheshwari

03 Aug 2017,Thursday

Sunbathers killed as plane hits them while landing on beach

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/aug/02/sunbathers-killed-as-light-plane-lands-on-beach-in-portugal-reports?utm_source=inshorts&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=fullarticle

Two sunbathers, a 56-year-old man and an eight-year-old girl, were killed on Wednesday when a light plane struck them while making an emergency landing at a beach in Portugal. The others had run into the sea to save themselves. The two occupants of the plane, which appeared to be in difficulty and had a partly broken left wing, were unhurt.

Two people were killed when a light plane made an emergency landing on a beach near Lisbon, Portuguese authorities have said.The two sunbathers, a 56-year-old man and an eight-year-old girl, died while others ran into the sea when the plane came down on Wednesday.Hundreds of sunbathers were on the popular São João da Caparica beach, 12 miles (20km) to the south of Lisbon, at the time. Officials said they were not aware of any other injuries.?A plane with two people on board made an emergency landing on São João da Caparica beach, striking two sunbathers and causing their deaths,? Portugal?s national maritime authority said in a statement. ?It happened very fast, there was no chance to prepare ... to run,? Enrique Coelho, who was playing with his son at the beach and saw the plane crash, told local media.The victims were hit by the plane, the commander of the port of Lisbon, Jose Isabel, confirmed.The two occupants of the plane were unhurt and were being questioned by officers from Portugal?s national maritime police. The small aircraft, a Cessna, appeared to be in difficulty and wobbled as it skimmed low over the sunbathers, scattering them and spreading panic on the beach, witnesses said.The plane appeared to have a partly broken left wing, which hung lower than the right wing, according to Portuguese TV pictures. Local reports said the aircraft was registered to a flying school in Torres Vedras.The Portuguese newspaper Diário de Notícias reported that the Aerocondor aviation school in Cascais had confirmed the aircraft ? a Cessna CS?AVA ? was ?on a training flight with one student and one senior instructor?, who had ?high experience and thousands of hours of flying time?.The dead girl was with her parents, who were unhurt, witnesses told local media. The plane passed over the dead man?s legs as he sunbathed on a towel, they said.One witness, Rita Rogado, 20, told the Público newspaper that the plane crashed right by the sea, dragging her along for a few metres in the sand. Some sunbathers said the plane appeared to be gliding, as they heard no engine noise.? This article was amended on 3 August 2017. An earlier version said São João da Caparica beach was 20 miles south of Lisbon. This has been corrected to 12 miles.

Chhavi Tyagi

13 Jul 2017,Thursday

Four arrested for beating up man in Maha for 'carrying beef'

http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/cow-vigilantes-strike-again-beat-up-muslim-man-in-maharashtra-town/story-2UCcPcWbt14Rl0Fel3Si6O.html?utm_source=inshorts&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=fullarticle

The police have arrested four cow vigilantes for allegedly beating up a 36-year-old Muslim man in Nagpur, Maharashtra, accusing him of carrying beef. The victim is undergoing treatment at a local hospital. Notably, the accused were members of Prahar Sanghatana, which describes itself as a social and cultural body and is led by Bacchu Kadu, an independent MLA from Amravati.

A 36-year-old Muslim man was hospitalised with serious injuries after he was assaulted in a Maharashtra town on Wednesday evening allegedly by self-styled cow protectors who accused him of carrying beef. The Nagpur police have arrested four men for the assault in Jalalkheda town, the latest in a series of violent incidents involving cow vigilante groups.?We have arrested all the four accused and they would be produced before the court for police custody,? Jalalkheda police station in-charge Vijay Tiwari said on Thursday.The four are the members of Prahar Sanghatana, which describes itself as a social and cultural body. Sanghatana is led by Bacchu Kadu, an independent MLA from Amravati.According to reports, Ismail Shah was pulled off his two-wheeler by four men, who accused him of carrying cow meat. Shah kept telling them it was goat meat and not beef but the men won?t listen to him.Police identified the alleged attackers as Ashwin Uike, Janardan Chowdhury, Rameshwar Tayde and Moreshwar Tandulkar. A Delhi youth was stabbed in a train last month after an argument, as the crowd accused him and his brothers of being ?beef eaters?. The killing sparked nationwide protest, forcing Prime Minister Narendra Modi to say ?killing people in the name of protecting cows is not acceptable?. A map of mob violence and lynchings reported since the Dadri incidentThere has been a rise in incidents of mob violence in the name of cow, considered holy by many Hindus. Cow slaughter and smuggling is banned in most states of the country. The BJP-ruled states, which includes Maharashtra, have come out with stringent punishment for these offences.To curb cow vigilantism, the Maharashtra government plans to provide beef-detection kits to police for on-the-spot meat tests.

Rini Sinha

12 May 2017,Friday

Happy Rajini's 2.0 isn't releasing with Golmaal Again: Rohit

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/relieved-golmaal-4-not-clashing-with-2.0-says-rohit/1/951415.html

Filmmaker Rohit Shetty has said he's happy and relieved that the Rajinikanth-Akshay Kumar starrer '2.0' isn't releasing on Diwali, the same day as his film 'Golmaal Again'. He added, "We know if we release a film with another big film, business does get affected." Earlier, Aamir's 'Secret Superstar', 'Golmaal Again' and '2.0' were scheduled to release on Diwali this year.

Mumbai, May 11 (PTI) Director Rohit Shetty says he is happy that his upcoming film "Golmaal 4" will not have to face competition from Ranjinikanths "2.0" at the box office as now both the movies are releasing on separate dates. Earlier Rohits film starring Ajay Devgn, Tabu, Parineeti Chopra and Arshad Warsi, was set to release this Diwali alongside "2.0". "We tried to do that (referring to pushing ahead the release date) but we were not getting the right date. If we come on solo week or normal week then it is ok. But when you clash (at the box office) obviously the window is not that big as far as business is concerned," Rohit told PTI.

Saloni Tandon

07 May 2017,Sunday

Pakistan Cricket Board seeks ?447 cr compensation from BCCI

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/pakistan-cricket-board-bcci-icc-indo-pak-shaharyar-khan/1/947583.html

The Pakistan Cricket Board has demanded a compensation of ?447 crore from the BCCI for dishonouring the MoU signed between the two countries. The MoU stated that India and Pakistan would play six series between 2014-2023. PCB recently sent a legal notice to BCCI, claiming it suffered losses of $69,576,405 (?447 crore) following India's refusal to play against Pakistan.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has demanded a compensation of Rs 447 crore from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for not honouring the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to play six bilateral series between 2014 and 2023.The PCB had recently sent a notice to the BCCI, complaining that it suffered loses to the tune of USD 69,576,405 since the Indian team missed the November 2014 and December 2015 series.The BCCI is to respond within seven days of receipt of notice, sent on May 3.

Ankur Vyas

29 Mar 2017,Wednesday

Use social media to promote welfare schemes: PM to BJP MPs

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/narendra-modi-asks-mps-to-use-social-media-to-promote-welfare-schemes/1/915374.html

During his meeting with BJP MPs, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday asked them to use social media to its maximum potential to popularise the government's social welfare schemes. PM Modi further asked them to keep in touch with their respective constituencies, and not let the people feel that they don't meet their elected representative.

As part of a series of meetings between the Prime Minister and BJP MPs from various states, Narendra Modi today meet Members of Parliament (MPs) from Delhi, Bihar, Punjab, Haryana, Assam and Himachal Pradesh. At the meeting, the Prime Minister told the MPs that they should use social media to its maximum potential and spread the word on the social welfare schemes launched by the government. Today's meeting was the third in a series of meetings between Narendra Modi and MPs which would continue till March 31. ALSO READ:PM Modi sets eye on 2019 Lok Sabha polls, asks BJP MPs to hit the ground

Anmol Sharma

10 Feb 2017,Friday

What is Chinaman bowling in cricket?

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/kuldeep-yadav-india-vs-bangladesh-chinaman-bowling-brad-hogg-paul-adams/1/877623.html

Chinaman, in layman's term, is considered to be a leg-spin delivery by a left-arm bowler. While an orthodox leg-spin delivery turns away from a right-handed batsman, a chinaman delivery brings the ball back to the right-handed batsman. Also known as left-arm unorthodox spin, a chinaman delivery usually turns sharply owing to the spin imparted by the wrist.

India were forced to make a change to their one-off Test squad against Bangladesh as Amit Mishra, who injured himself was replaced by Uttar Pradesh and Kolkata Knight Riders' left-arm chinaman bowler Kuldeep Yadav. Although he is not the first ever Indian chinaman blower as that tag belongs to Preeti Dimri, he became the first ever chinaman bowler to earn a call-up in the Indian Test team. (Also read: India vs Bangladesh one-off Test: Chinaman bowler Kuldeep Yadav replaces injured Amit Mishra)Not only that, he is only the second bowler in Indian cricket currently who belongs to a rare breed. The other one is Shivil Kaushik, who took people by surprise with his Paul Adams-esque "frog in a blender"  bowling action when he played for the Gujarat Lions last year in the Indian Premier League.WHAT IS CHINAMAN?So what is Chinaman bowling? In layman's term it's basically left-arm leg-spin - the same as right-arm leg-spin. While a leg spinner turns the ball away from the right hander, a chinaman bowler brings it back into him, which can sometimes make life difficult. As a right-handed batsman, your natural instinct is to expect the ball to turn away from you . It's also called left-arm unorthodox spin.This a rare type and is actually considered to be more dangerous because of the sharp turn it generates into a right hander or away from the left hander.VARIATIONS OF A CHINAMAN BOWLERWell, it is traditionally wrist spin. A chinaman bowler has the normal variations of a normal wrist spin bowler. The stock ball comes into the right hander and leaves a left handed batsman. If he possesses ' a 'Googly', the ball is supposed to leave the right hander and come into the left hander. WHY CHINAMAN?The term is traditionally believed to have originated with the former West Indian spinner Ellis Achong. Back in 1933, England hosted West Indies in a Test match in Old Trafford. Achong, said to be a left-arm orthodox spinner or slow left-arm as it is popularly said bowled an unexpected delivery from his wrist which got a sharp turn after pitching outside off and got the English batsman Walter Robins stumped. Achong was the first Test cricketer of Chinese origin and it is believed that a perplexed and angry Robins commented while walking towards the pavilion -  "Fancy being done by a bloody Chinaman."From then, left-arm wrist spinners have been referred to as chinaman bowlers.HISTORY OF CHINAMAN BOWLINGWell, this is a rare breed all together. So much so that there have been only around 30 of them in international cricket. Out of these only 16 - Achong,  Chuck Fleetwood-Smith,  George Tribe,  Johnny Wardle, Garfield Sobers,  Lindsay Kline,  Johnny Martin,  David Sincock, Inshan Ali, Bernard Julien, Paul Adams, Brad Hogg, Beau Casson, Dave Mohammed, Michael Rippon and Lakshan Sandakan are the ones who made the teams solely due to their bowling.Now one might wonder that what is the legendary Garry Sobers doing in the list? He was a left-arm fast bowler - well, he used to turn his wrist once in a while as well, to add one more dimension to his game. Even Achong, Tribe, Wardle and Martin were not specialised chinaman bowlers as they used to bowl finger spin as well.WHO MADE IT BIG?Not many have mastered the art really. But two people who really made it big are Australia's Hogg and South Africa's Adams.Hogg was always under the shadow of Shane Warne but whenever he got a chance, he performed admirably and slowly became an integral part of two World Cup-winning squads in 2003 and 2007. He has played 123 one-day internationals and picked up 156 wickets. He has also represented the Aussies in seven Tests and 15 T20Is picking up 17 and seven wickets in the process.However, Hoggy has enjoyed a renaissance of sorts since T20 leagues around the world started. The 45-year-old has enjoyed tremendous success in the Big Bash League and the IPL to be specific and is still going strong.Adams on the other hand has played 45 Tests and picked up 134 wickets for South Africa. He also played 24 ODIs, picking up 29 wickets in them.

Pragya Swastik

04 Jun 2017,Sunday

Congress calls Kashmir 'Indian-occupied Kashmir' in booklet

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/congress-goof-up-kashmir-map-indian-occupied-kashmir-booklet-bjp/1/970146.html

The Uttar Pradesh Congress on Saturday released a booklet in Lucknow in which Kashmir was labelled as 'Indian-occupied Kashmir'. The booklet, released to target BJP-led NDA government on completion of three years, was released by Ghulam Nabi Azad and Raj Babbar. Congress leader Ajay Maken said it was a "printing error" and apologised for the same.

In a major goof up, the Uttar Pradesh Congress today released a booklet in Lucknow in which Kashmir has been labeled as Indian-occupied Kashmir. The booklet, which targets the BJP-led NDA government as it completes three years and highlights its failures, was released by Ghulam Nabi Azad  and Raj Babbar.The 11th page of the 16-page booklet talks of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and carries a map of the project. The map, seen by India Today, carries the label 'India-occupied Kashmir' for the area of Kashmir. Text appearing alongside the map says that the $54 billion CPEC will pass through Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir to connects Gwadar Port in the Arabian sea to China. In a bid to target the BJP, Congress wonders if the project raises questions over India's claim on PoK?At the press conference, Ghulam Nabi Azad raised issues of national security being jeopardized by the BJP and spoke about a spurt in terror-related violence in the country. The Congress also targeted the BJP saying that the ruling party has been lax in securing India's borders and that the defence preparedness of India has been compromised under the Narendra Modi government. Azad also indicated that the state of Jammu and Kashmir is in turmoil and that Naxalism has been rearing its ugly head and their attacks have become more spectacular in nature. Meanwhile, Congress leader Ajay Maken said it was a "printing error" but admitted that it was his party's responsibility to ensure that such a mistake was not allowed."We apologise for this and will ensure that such a mistake is not repeated," he said.ALSO READ:Indian map includes Pakistan, Bangladesh in Morocco university goof-up while hosting Hamid Ansari

Aarushi Maheshwari

26 Jul 2017,Wednesday

Vatican turns off fountains for 1st time in yrs amid drought

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/jul/25/vatican-turns-off-historic-fountains-amid-rome-drought?utm_source=inshorts&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=fullarticle

The Vatican has turned off 100 fountains for the first time in years due to a prolonged drought affecting the city state and surrounding Italian city Rome. The Vatican said this was its "way of living in solidarity with Rome." Rome, which has also closed drinking fountains, is considering water rationing for as many as eight hours a day.

Vatican authorities have turned off 100 fountains, including two Baroque masterpieces in St. Peter?s Square, due to a prolonged drought affecting the tiny city state and the city of Rome, which surrounds it. Suffocating summer heat has followed two years of lower-than-average rainfall in Rome, forcing the Italian capital to close drinking fountains and consider the prospect of water rationing.More than a million residents of Rome are facing water rationing for up to eight hours a day as the prolonged heatwave that has ravaged southern Europe takes its toll. Vatican spokesman Greg Burke said it was the first time authorities in the spiritual home of the world?s 1.2 billion Catholics could remember being forced to turn off the fountains. Standing in St Peter?s Square, where two fountains by 17th-century sculptors Carlo Maderno and Gian Lorenzo Bernini stood dry, Burke said the Vatican wanted to help. ?This is the Vatican?s way of living in solidarity with Rome, trying to help Rome get through this crisis,? he told Reuters TV.The measure was initiated on Monday, and all 100 Vatican fountains will be turned off gradually over the coming days. Rome is gasping after 72% less rain than normal fell in July, according to Sky Italia?s weather TV channel. There was 74% less than normal in June, and a 56% reduction from the long-term average across March, April and May. Caring for the planet and its resources is an important issue for Pope Francis, who demanded swift action by world leaders in the first ever papal document dedicated to the environment. ?This decision is very much in line with the pope?s thinking on ecology: you can?t waste and sometimes you have to be willing to make a sacrifice,? Burke said.

Tanya Dhingra

15 Jul 2017,Saturday

Meeting Salman at 18 was the most memorable thing: Katrina

http://www.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/meeting-salman-at-18-was-the-most-memorable-experience-katrina-kaif-at-iifa/story-aWmAI9vA4TROQ11UFwA2PM.html?utm_source=inshorts&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=fullarticle

Katrina Kaif, when asked about the most naughty or memorable thing she did at the age of 18, said, "I was 18 when I met Salman and that is the most memorable thing." When Salman was asked the same question, he jokingly replied that he did nothing naughty and hasn't done anything memorable. They said this at an IIFA event.

Katrina Kaif tasted her first Bollywood success opposite Salman Khan and she said meeting the superstar was the most memorable moment of her life.The 33-year-old made her film debut with Kaizad Gustad?s 2003 movie Boom, which was a failure. Her first hit was 2005 Salman-starrer Maine Pyaar Kyun Kiya?, directed by David Dhawan.When asked what was the most naughty or memorable thing she did at the age of 18, Katrina replied, ?I was 18 when I met Salman and that is the most memorable thing.?Salman Khan greets actress Katrina Kaif during a press conference. (AFP) To which Salman jokingly added, ?There is nothing naughty that I did. And there is nothing memorable that I have done.?Salman and his former girlfriend, Katrina, will be performing at the 18th edition of The International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) Awards in New York.Sushant Singh Rajput, Kriti Sanon, Varun Dhawan, Salman Khan, Katrina Kaif, Alia Bhatt and Shahid Kapoor pose during a press conference ahead of the 18th International Indian Film Academy. (AFP) When posed the same question, actress Alia Bhatt said, she was giving her exams and was also doing workshops for her debut film ?Student of the Year? at the age of 18.The 24-year-old said she was both nervous and excited about her debut performance at IIFA.?I have not been part of the IIFA so far and I think everything happens for a reason. It had to be in New York and it had to be when I was nominated for two of my films - Dear Zindagi and Udta Punjab. It is special. I am excited, enthusiastic and nervous.?Katrina quickly added, ?I hope Alia wins both the trophies and gives one in charity.? Follow @htshowbiz for more

Daisy Mowke

13 Jul 2017,Thursday

Ranveer chops off beard, moustache on live Instagram video

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/ranveer-singh-chops-off-beard-video-padmavati-deepika-padukone/1/1000898.html?utm_source=inshorts&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=fullarticle

Ranveer Singh chopped off his beard and long moustache on a live video on Instagram. He did this as he had finished shooting for the older version of Alauddin Khilji in the film 'Padmavati' and will be shooting for the character's younger version. Ranveer also shared a picture of the facial hair he removed and captioned it, "I'll miss you".

Ranveer Singh tearfully bid adieu to his long moustache and beard, to transform himself from the old Alauddin Khilji to the young Alauddin Khilji. The actor cut off his facial hair in an Instagram live video for Sanjay Leela Bhansali's film, Padmavati, where he plays the antagonist.Ranveer recalled the last time his facial hair had been chopped in this manner. Remember how Deepika Padukone was only too happy to chop off his twirling moustache after Bajirao Mastani? Ranveer reminisced, "Remember when Deepika did it? She was so happy! I don't feel like that at all. I feel like I'm cutting off a body part."The actor, who by his own admission is very attached to his facial hair, needed AR Rahman's cult hit Urvasi Urvasi to get him through the act of chopping it off.Ranveer also shared a collage of selfies before and after his "mundan."Before Mundan - After MundanA post shared by Ranveer Singh (@ranveersingh) on Jul 12, 2017 at 11:01am PDTOn the work front, Ranveer will be seen next in Padmavati. The film, which also stars Deepika Padukone and Shahid Kapoor, is set to release on November 17 this year.

Rini Sinha

12 May 2017,Friday

Topic is redundant: Madhuri on rumoured ex-boyfriend Dutt

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/madhuri-dixit-ex-boyfriend-sanjay-dutt-biopic-rajkumar-hirani/1/952021.html

Actress Madhuri Dixit has said that the topic of rumoured ex-boyfriend Sanjay Dutt in present times is redundant. Madhuri said this in response to reports which stated that she asked filmmaker Rajkumar Hirani to remove references to her alleged relationship with Dutt in his upcoming biopic. Sanjay and Madhuri were rumoured to be dating in the 1990s.

It is a known fact that Madhuri Dixit was dating Sanjay Dutt back in the early 90s. But as soon as Dutt was arrested in 1993 Bombay blasts, Madhuri started to maintain her distance, and as they say, rest is history. But decades later, filmmaker Rajkumar Hirani has decided to bring Sanju baba's life on 70mm. And if reports are to be believed, Madhuri's existence in his life has been carefully cropped in the biopic. There were rumours a few months ago that Dhak Dhak girl had requested Hirani to chop off her part. However, in an interview to Mid-Day, Madhuri rubbished the rumours and said, "For where I am today, this [the topic of Dutt] has become redundant. Life has come a long way since then. I don't know where these reports are coming from. In any case, it doesn't make a difference to me."There were reports that Karisma Tanna was supposed to essay the role of Madhuri in the biopic. However, it was later revealed that Sonam Kapoor's character will be an amalgamation of Dutt's love interests in the early 90s. Ranbir Kapoor has stepped into the shoes of Sanjay Dutt for the biopic. Tentatively titled Dutt, the film will focus on Sanjay's formative years, his relation with his father Sunil Dutt, his struggles coping up with the loss of his mother, his many affairs, etc. 

Saloni Tandon

05 Jun 2017,Monday

Absconding Vijay Mallya spotted at India-Pakistan match

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/vijay-mallya-at-india-pakistan-champions-trophy/1/970820.html

Businessman Vijay Mallya, who is wanted in India for foreign exchange violation, debt recovery and embezzlement-related cases, was spotted at the India-Pakistan Champions Trophy match in Birmingham on Sunday. Mallya fled to UK in March last year and is currently out on bail after being arrested by Scotland Yard in April. Mallya owes Indian banks approximately ?9,000 crore with interest.

Absconding businessman Vijay Mallya was today spotted at the Edgbaston Cricket Ground in Birmingham, where India began its Champions Trophy defence against arch rivals Pakistan. Pictures shared widely on social media showed the owner of the now-defunct Kingfisher Airlines sitting in the stands wearing a white coat. Notably, Mallya was once associated with the Indian Premier League as the owner of the Royal Challengers Bangalore team. In an another photo, also shared on social media, Mallya was seen along with Indian batting legend Sunil Gavaskar. India Today could not independently verify the photo, but the businessman was wearing the same attire seen in other photos shared from the match. Gavaskar, who appeared to be looking at something on the liquor baron's phone, and Mallya both could be seen wearing Champions Trophy lanyards. Mallya, who owes Indian banks Rs 6,963 crore (Rs 9,000 crore with interest), is wanted in India for cases relating to foreign exchange violation, debt recovery and embezzlement. He fled India for the United Kingdom in March last year and was officially declared an absconder by a special Prevention of Money Laundering Act court in November last year. The 61-year-old Mallya, known for leading a flamboyant lifestyle, has been fighting an extradition case in the UK. In April this year, London's Scotland Yard, acting upon India's request, formally arrested Mallya on an extraction warrant. He was taken to a local court, which granted him bail. He is next set to appear in front of the British court on May 17. India has been pushing for Mallya's extradition, with even the Prime Minister's Office getting involved.  In November last year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi personally explained to visiting British PM Theresa May why it was important that Mallya be returned to India.MALLYA CASE: TIMELINEAugust, 2014: CBI starts preliminary enquiry into the Rs 800 crore bad loan given by IDBI Bank to Kingfisher Airlines ignoring company's negative credit ratings.July, 2015: IDBI Bank lodges complaint against Mallya accusing him of cheating and conspiracy to misuse bank's funds in connivance with public servants.October, 2015: CBI conducts raids at Mallya's office.December, 2015: CBI questions Mallya.February, 2016: SBI-led consortium of banks moves debt recovery tribunal to attach Mallya's passport.March, 2016: Mallya flees India.June, 2016: CBI forms SIT to investigate case; Rakesh Asthana appointed to lead the teamJune, 2016: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) attaches Mallya's assets worth Rs 1,411 croreJuly, 2016: SBI lodges an FIR against Mallya following pressure from the SIT.August, 2016: The bank consortium urges the Supreme Court to act against Vijay Mallya for failing to turn up in court despite a contempt notice issued against him.September, 2016: The ED attaches Rs 6,630 crore worth of properties belonging to Mallya.November, 2016: Special PMLA court declares Mallya an absconder. November 2016: PM Narendra Modi meets PM Theresa May in India, explains importance of getting Mallya back.

Chhavi Tyagi

10 Mar 2017,Friday

Notice to 100 WB schools for promoting religious intolerance

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/bengal-schools-showcausd-for-promoting-religious-intolerance/1/899694.html

West Bengal Education Minister Partha Chatterjee has said that over 100 schools have been served show cause notice following allegations of attempt to influence innocent minds through teachings that might promote religious intolerance. The government had taken note of such activities taking place in some schools, particularly in parts of north Bengal and North 24 Parganas district, he added.

West Bengal Education Minister Partha Chatterjee today said that around 100 schools were show caused following allegations of attempt to influence innocent minds through teachings that might promote religious intolerance. The minister told the Assembly that the government had taken note of such activities taking place in some schools, particularly in parts of north Bengal and North 24-Parganas district in south Bengal. Chatterjee said that Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, in her capacity as the Home minister, had also given him a list of some schools allegedly indulging in such activities and after due process the "no objection certificate" (NOC) of some of these institutions were cancelled. Warning that the government would not allow any attempt to promote religious intolerance through teachings in some private schools, the minister said that educational institutions would have to adhere to the syllabus of the board to which these are affiliated. Chatterjee points out that many of these private schools get affiliation from different central boards of education and then take an NOC from the state, making it difficult for the state to directly act against them. The minister was replying to a question on steps being taken by the state government over reports of some private educational institutions teaching outside their syllabus and curriculum with some hidden religious agenda. Also read:

Chhavi Tyagi

11 Apr 2017,Tuesday

BSF seizes fake notes worth ?7 lakh from Bangladesh border

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/border-security-force-fake-currency-indo-bangladesh-border/1/926005.html

The Border Security Force (BSF) has seized fake ?2,000 notes worth ?6.96 lakh from the Indo-Bangladesh border at Kaliachak in Malda district. This comes after the BSF conducted a raid after receiving intelligence inputs about the movement of the consignment from across the border in Bangladesh into India. The notes were reportedly thrown into Indian territory from the other side.

The Border Security Force (BSF) has seized a huge consignment of Fake Indian Currency Notes (FICN) from the Indo-Bangladesh border at Kaliachak in Malda district. The 24th Battalion of the BSF has confiscated a bag of counterfeit notes of the new Rs 2000 notes worth Rs 6.96 lakhs in an ambush late on Monday night.The security agency carried out the operation at Gate Number 179 at the Chori-Anantapur border observation post (BOP) based on specific intelligence inputs. The BSF conducted the raid after receiving intelligence about movement of the consignment from across the border in Bangladesh into India. When BSF officers reached the spot, they recovered a packet of notes which was apparently thrown inside Indian territory from the other side. The BSF has now launched a joint probe into the case along with the Malda police and other central agencies.INDO-BANGLADESH BORDER- HUB OF FAKE CURRENCYThe raid comes just three days after the district police arrested a youth with fake currency notes worth Rs 1 lakh. The 26 year-old Amajuddin Sheikh was arrested by officers from Baishnabnagar police station with a consignment of 50 fake notes of the new 2000 denomination notes near National Highway 34. Similarly, earlier this month, two others were also nabbed from the same area by the police for carrying four fake Indian currency.The Indo-Bangladesh border in Malda and Murshidabad district is infamous for being the fake currency hub of India. Recently, Union Minister of State for Home Affairs, Kiren Rijiju, in a written reply to a query in Rajya Sabha, had informed that FICN worth Rs 14.76 lakh have been seized from the Malda district til then.

Ankur Vyas

27 Dec 2016,Tuesday

Govt to set up special units to probe crimes against women

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/modi-government-crime-against-women-special-investigative-units-rapes-acid-attacks/1/843529.html

In view of the rise in crimes against women, the Centre has decided to set up 200 special investigating units in the most crime-prone districts. The Investigative Units on Crime Against Women will be set up on a 50:50 cost sharing basis with the states. Besides augmenting state machinery, the units would encourage women to come forward and lodge complaints.

Taking in view the rise in attacks against women across the country, the Modi government has decided to augment capacity of states in investigation of crimes like rape, acid attack, dowry death and human trafficking by setting up 200 special investigating units after identifying the "most crime-prone districts".There were 34,651 cases of rape and 384 cases of acid attacks reported across India last year. The country also witnessed 25,800 dowry deaths between 2013 and 2015. An affidavit filed by the Home Ministry in the Supreme Court said Investigative Units for Crime Against Women (IUCAW) will be set up on a 50:50 cost sharing basis with the states, subject to ceiling of Rs 28 lakh per unit. Also read: Kerala shocker: 90-year-old cancer patient raped  Also read: Karnataka: Employee frequently raped, accused boss on the run Also read: Murshidabad: Woman stabbed to death for protesting daughter's rape WHAT WILL THE INVESTIGATIVE UNITS DOThe primary objective of these states would be to assist the local police in the investigation of heinous crime against women. They will also provide the additional functionalities of proactive policing, intelligence gathering, tackling organised crime, monitoring proper implementation of legislative provisions, help in awareness generation and social participation in crimes against women.

Deepali Aggarwal

23 May 2017,Tuesday

UK election campaigning suspended after terror attack

https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/live/2017/may/22/manchester-arena-ariana-grande-concert-explosion-england?page=with:block-5923cdf5e4b03ddbc8d5c26a#block-5923cdf5e4b03ddbc8d5c26a

Campaigning ahead of UK's general election on 8 June has been suspended in the wake of Monday's terrorist attack at Ariana Grande's concert in Manchester. Prime Minister Theresa May will today chair a meeting of the government's emergency Cobra committee to discuss the attack. Trains to and from Manchester's Victoria station have also been cancelled until further notice.

8.37am BST 08:37 London?s mayor, Sadiq Khan, has confirmed that security is being reviewed and stepped up in the capital. ?I am in constant contact with the Metropolitan police, who are reviewing security arrangements in London. Londoners will see more police on our streets,? he said.My statement on the barbaric and sickening attack in Manchester last night. London stands with Manchester today. https://t.co/S2dUbSzViG pic.twitter.com/THHp0rWxd8Updated at 8.40am BST 8.34am BST 08:34 Kim WillsherThe French president, Emmanuel Macron, has expressed his ?horror? and ?distress? at the Manchester attack. The Élysée Palace said Macron was planning to speak to Theresa May later today, writes Kim Willsher. In a statement (see earlier) the recently elected French leader said he sent the British people France?s ?compassion and sorrow? and pledged to continue working with Britain to fight terrorism.France?s prime minister, Édouard Philippe, condemned what he called ?the most cowardly terrorism? that had ?specifically and clearly? targeted young people going to a concert. ?In the face of this abominable crime, I would like to express to the citizens of Manchester and the British people, my sadness, the French people?s solidarity and unwavering friendship,? Philippe told AFP.French government spokesman Christophe Castaner tweeted: ?Once more attacked, our democracies must work together. My thoughts and solidarity go to the victims, their families and the British...?Interior minister Gérard Collomb also Tweeted sympathy to Manchester. The Paris mayor, Anne Hidalgo, wrote on Twitter: ?Tonight Paris stands with Manchester?. French-Canadian singer Céline Dion wrote: ?Manchester, I am with you. All my love?.Updated at 8.39am BST 8.32am BST 08:32 Matthew TaylorA report of a suspicious package at Victoria coach station in London this morning was a false alarm, according to the Metropolitan police.The reported suspect package at Victoria Coach Station has now been cleared. Not suspicious. Thanks for your patience.Updated at 9.15am BST 8.19am BST 08:19 Steven MorrisRichard Leese, the leader of Manchester city council, has spoken of the city?s determination to defeat terrorism. Speaking alongside Andy Burnham, Leese said:?Our thought are with the families and friends of the victims. As a city we will have to take some time to grieve. We have to ensure that terrorism never wins so business as usual as much as possible, communities coming together ? we will not allow this to divide us. As citizens of Manchester demonstrated last night, this city will pull together. A dark day but something that Manchester in its unique way will make sure we turn into a strength. We need to be alert but we must not be afraid.?Updated at 8.25am BST 8.15am BST 08:15 The European commission president, Jean-Claude Juncker, has given this statement:?It was with great sadness and profound shock that I learnt of the brutal attack that struck Manchester.It breaks my heart to think that, once again, terrorism has sought to instil fear where there should be joy, to sow division where young people and families should be coming together in celebration.I would like to convey my deepest sympathies to Prime Minister May and to the British people.Today we mourn with you. Tomorrow we will work side by side with you to fight back against those who seek to destroy our way of life. They underestimate ours and your resilience ? these cowardly attacks will only strengthen our commitment to work together to defeat the perpetrators of such vile acts.?Updated at 8.17am BST 8.11am BST 08:11 The French president, Emmanuel Macron, has spoken of his horror and consternation at the attack. In a statement he offered his sympathies to the British people and promised that France and Britain would work together to combat terrorism. He also said he would speak to Theresa May later today.#Manchester @EmmanuelMacron adresse au peuple britannique toute la compassion et la sollicitude de la France pic.twitter.com/gyPjZexeXeUpdated at 8.14am BST 8.05am BST 08:05 Matthew WeaverThe Greater Manchester mayor, Andy Burnham, was asked how the attack compared with the 7/7 attack in London in 2005. He said:I was in the Home Office as a minister on that day, and I remember how London felt on that day. I remember it very vividly. London pulled together in exactly the same way that Manchester is its own unique way will pull together. We will stand strong, and stand together, that?s what we are. That?s what we do. So they won?t win. We are grieving, we are hurt today, but as I said we are strong. And this city has dealt with difficult days in the past and we do so now.Burnham also confirmed that he would be taking part in the government?s emergency Cobra meeting via video-link from Manchester. He said: ?I will be heading over to Greater Manchester police force headquarters after this press call to take part in the Cobra meeting alongside the police constable. There will be a further update after that. We will work with the government to give the people the reassurance that they need, and to insure that, as far as possible, that we return to business as usual in the city.? Steve Morris in Manchester has this footage of his statement. Andy Burnham on the Manchester attack (part 2). https://t.co/kxXmdXCryBUpdated at 8.14am BST 8.01am BST 08:01 Claire PhippsWe are working to establish the full details of what is being treated by the police as an appalling terrorist attack.All our thoughts are with the victims and the families of those who have been affected.?broken. From the bottom of my heart, I am so so sorry. I don?t have words.?Updated at 8.15am BST 8.00am BST 08:00 The Lee Rigby Foundation, which offers support for bereaved families in memory of the soldier who was murdered by terrorists in 2013, has tweeted its shock and sorrow at last night?s attack.Rigby was killed on 22 May 2013; the Manchester attack fell on the fourth anniversary of his death.We are deeply shocked and saddened at the dreadful terrorist attack in #ManchesterArena & send our deepest sympathies to all those affected.Updated at 8.00am BST 7.55am BST 07:55 Elle HuntFor some it sounded muffled and far away, as though somewhere in the distance a big balloon had popped. For others the terror was all too immediately apparent.The lights had just come on and Ariana Grande had left the stage after concluding an elaborate three-hour, four-part entertainment extravaganza with an encore performance of her latest single, Dangerous Woman.At 10.30pm following a sold-out show in the 21,000-capacity Manchester Arena, thousands of fans began to gather up their belongings and filter slowly out of four exits.Then the bang.For the first milliseconds, minds did not immediately connect the sound with an explosion or a bomb.?It sounded like a big balloon popping, but it was kind of muffled, like it wasn?t in the stadium itself,? said a young Mancunian fan, identified as Sammy, in a video he recorded of his experience and posted on Periscope.?There were a few screams, then there was silence. Then the whole arena literally split like the Red Sea ? everyone was trampling over each other, sprinting to get to the nearest exit. It was like a scene out of a horror movie.?

Rini Sinha

21 Mar 2017,Tuesday

The rules of the Censor Board need to be revisited: Anupam

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/anupam-kher-naam-shabana-intolerance-padmavati/1/908355.html

Actor Anupam Kher has said that the rules of the Censor Board need to be revisited since they were written in 1952. He added, "The present government had appointed a committee headed by filmmaker Shyam Benegal. I don't know what happened to the recommendations." Anupam further said that even though new rules are made, they are not implemented.n

Anupam Kher is known to have voiced his opinions on a series of issues, from the Kashmir unrest to demonetisation. Call it a "political opinion," and he corrects you - "It's my national opinion. My opinions are about my country. They are not representative of any political ideology. It's a very cliched thing to call any opinion about the country a political opinion."Many people believe that actors should stay away from talking about anything unrelated to films. In fact, if an actor has an opinion, especially one that is not popular, they get trolled. Kher tells IndiaToday.in, in an exclusive interview, "Acting is a part of my life, it's not my life. I'm an individual; I'm a citizen of this country, I'm a teacher, I'm a motivational speaker, I'm a writer, I'm a son. Just because everyone may not agree with me, doesn't mean I'll stop putting forth what I want to say. In life, you cannot make everyone happy. And you don't necessarily stop talking to those who don't agree with you. You have to, as a celebrity, learn the art of ignoring. Yes, of course, you get upset and unhappy sometimes. But it's alright, I have been in this business for a long time."While B-Towners from Shah Rukh Khan to Aamir Khan had expressed their concern that India was becoming increasingly intolerant, Anupam Kher had begged to differ. But when Sanjay Leela Bhansali is thrashed and his Padmavati sets are attacked for allegedly distorting the glorious Rajput history, does it not smack of intolerance? The actor says that "it is very unfortunate," but not does think intolerance is the reason."I think the media gives it great importance. The problem is that if a bunch of 10 people doing something like this gets nationally covered, then they know that this is how they will get noticed... But on a level of what they have done, it's absolutely not right. It should not have happened. Nobody can dictate what should be made and what should not be made," he emphasises.Anupam Kher, who was the censor chief from 2003-04, also said that the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) rules need to be revisited. "The rules were written in 1952. The present government had appointed a committee headed by Shyam Benegal. I don't know what happened to the recommendations. They need to be implemented. Rules toh ban jaate hai, unko implement nahi kiya jaata," the actor said.Anupam Kher will be seen next in Naam Shabana, which is scheduled to release on March 31. The film also stars Taapsee Pannu, Akshay Kumar and Manoj Bajpayee.

Sumedha Sehra

20 Jul 2017,Thursday

Indian jails no less than ones there: India to UK on Mallya

http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/vijay-mallya-will-not-get-preferential-treatment-in-jail-india-to-uk/story-YlgcCAohGDiLa3EOGtSNhL.html?utm_source=inshorts&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=fullarticle

India has told the UK that the jails in India are no less than the ones in European nations, and extradited individuals will be lodged in proper jails. The statement comes after Vijay Mallya challenged India's extradition move saying Indian jails are "below standard". Further, Maharashtra has been instructed to improve the Arthur Road jail, where Mallya will be lodged.

India has told UK authorities that all wanted Indians, including liquor baron Vijay Mallya, will get equal treatment like any other prisoner in India and the facilities in its jails are no less than what European nations have, a senior official said.This was conveyed by Union Home Secretary Rajiv Mehrishi to his British counterpart Patsy Wilkinson, the second permanent secretary in the British Home Office, during a meeting last week in London.The Indian delegation led by Mehrishi told the British authorities that whoever is extradited from the UK, he or she will be lodged in a proper jail with facilities on par with European jails, said the official, who did not want to be quoted.However, the Indian team made it clear that no extradited persons will be given preferential treatment but would be treated like any other prisoner and asked the British authorities to convey this to the court in London.This bears significance as Mallya has challenged the Indian government?s move in the court to get him extradited from the UK saying the conditions in Indian jails are below standard.The Indian delegation told their British counterparts that the cells in Indian jails are bigger than European jails and all jails have medical facilities with a proper hospital, the official said.The home ministry has already written to the Maharashtra government to improve the conditions of its Arthur Road jail, where Mallya would be lodged if extradited from the UK, he said.Mallya, who is wanted in India for Kingfisher Airlines? default on loans worth nearly Rs 9,000 crore, has been in Britain since March, 2016.A court in London is hearing a case regarding his return to India.India has already assured Britain of all assistance in extradition matters to allow the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) to present water-tight cases before the courts there against Mallya.Mehrishi visited London in the wake of Prime Minister Narendra Modi?s talks with his British counterpart Theresa May in Hamburg, on the sidelines of the G20 meeting there recently.Modi had asked for Britain?s cooperation in sending ?economic offenders? back to India.A joint team of the ED and the CBI is currently in London to brief UK prosecution, working on the extradition of Mallya, and to submit fresh proof in the case.The visiting officials of the two central probe agencies will also submit the charge-sheet filed by the Enforcement Directorate in the case last month in Mumbai, said a senior official in the probe team.

Vaibhav Gupta

29 Jan 2017,Sunday

We'll shift to Jan Dhan, Aadhaar, Mobile in 2-3 yrs: Naidu

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/financial-transactions-will-be-shifted-on-jam-platform-naidu/1/868792.html

Union Minister M Venkaiah Naidu on Saturday said the present BJP-led Centre aims to shift all government scheme-related financial transactions to Jan Dhan, Aadhar and Mobile (JAM) platforms across India in the next 2-3 years. Adding that corruption in government schemes will be reduced, Naidu said that JAM would bring a big financial revolution in the country.

Hyderabad, Jan 28 (PTI) Union Minister M Venkaiah Naidu today said the aim of the NDA Government is to shift financial transactions on Jan Dhan, Aadhar and Mobile (JAM) platforms all over the country in the next two to three years. "There should be no need for people to meet any officials for their work. All the amounts pertaining to Government schemes should be credited to their accounts without any hindrance. This would be a revolutionary change. I am confident that JAM will become a reality in two to three years," Naidu said at BJP party workers?meeting here. "Once it becomes reality it would become a big (financial) revolution in the country. Corruption will be reduced. And also diversion (of Government schemes) will also be reduced. Dilution (of the schemes) will also be reduced," Naidu said at the meeting. He said with digital payment system in place, employers should credit salaries of their employees through digital means which would nullify anomalies if any. "The biggest beneficiary of the digital transfer of funds will be the working class. Those who claim to be champions of working class are opposing the government move. You should take this message to people," he said mocking at Left Parties and Congress. He said Opposition parties have decided to oppose all the moves being launched by the Government despite merits in them. He admitted that there were some problems in the initial days of the note-ban period. But people understood the issues and cooperated with the Government.

Radhika Chugh

26 Jul 2017,Wednesday

Quit in the interest of Bihar: Nitish Kumar post resignation

http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/bihar-political-crisis-live-updates-cm-nitish-kumar-meets-governor-keshari-nath-tripathi-amid-row-over-graft-charges-against-tejashwi-yadav/story-TWzgT6JfRqu1MJ7GF6MyiN.html?utm_source=inshorts&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=fullarticle

Explaining why he resigned as Bihar Chief Minister, JD(U)'s Nitish Kumar on Wednesday said he quit in the interest of the state. "I want Bihar's welfare and I tried to keep the alliance intact, but it didn't work," he added. Kumar has resigned citing a crisis in the ruling Congress-RJD-JD(U) alliance as the reason.

In dramatic developments in Bihar, Nitish Kumar on Wednesday resigned as chief minister, dumping the RJD and Congress to stitch a new alliance with BJP, which quickly announced support to a new government under him. Kumar, whose resignation was immediately accepted by governor Keshari Nath Tripathi, will take oath at the chief minister at 5pm on Thursday.?In the circumstances that prevail in Bihar, it became difficult to run the grand alliance government,? Kumar told reporters outside Raj Bhavan after submitting his resignation to governor Keshri Nath Tripathi.Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed Kumar?s resignation, saying in doing so he has joined the fight against corruption. Immediately after Kumar announced his resignation, Modi tweeted: ?Congratulations! Mr Nitish Kumar for joining the fight against corruption.?Here are Wednesday?s highlights on the political crisis in Bihar:12.30am: Lalu Prasad says: ?Nitish Kumar has underlined that he is an opportunist. Having done what he has, he cannot stake claim without a challenge. The Congress, CPI-ML and independents will back our claims to form the next government... Struggle is my life. I have to be in Ranchi for the next three days. However, Tejashwi has been asked to present the claim to the governor in the forenoon tomorrow.?12.28am: Tejashwi Yadav along with RJD delegation will meet Bihar governor KN Tripathi at 11 am on Thursday; to stake claim for forming government.12.07am: Taking a letter of support to governor to stake claim for forming government: Prem Kumar, BJP, on Sushil Modi and Nitish Kumar?s meet with governor Keshari Nath Tripathi.12.04am: Have asked Governor for time to meet, being the largest party we will stake claim to from government, tweets Tejashwi Yadav. We will also get support from JDU MLAs, he says.11.56pm: Nitish Kumar, Sushil Modi and BJP, JDU leaders leave for Raj Bhavan to meet governor Keshari Nath Tripathi.11.11pm: Governor Keshari Nath Tripathi reaches Raj Bhavan after being discharged from hospital.10.36pm: Nitish Kumar to take oath as CM of Bihar at 5pm tomorrow.10.31pm: Bihar governor KN Tripathi admitted to Indira Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences in Patna due to an ENT problem.10.20pm: Nitish may take oath on Thursday. A meeting of JD(U) and BJP MLAs is underway.10.07pm: When Nitish Kumar broke alliance with BJP in 2013 he choreographed and followed the same script to secure himself. He surrenders as per needs: Lalu Prasad?s tweet9.55pm: Sushil Modi says BJP has handed over a letter of support to the governor, and will be part of the new government. All NDA members are heading to 1, Aney Marg to elect Nitish Kumar as the leader, Modi adds.9.49pm: Sushil Modi, Nityanand Rai and other BJP MLAs reach Nitish Kumar?s residence in Patna for a meeting of JDU-BJP MLAs, reports ANI.9.30pm: Sushil Kumar Modi says BJP will be part of the government under Nitish Kumar. BJP and JD(U) leaders are headed to the Raj Bhawan to meet governor Keshari Nath Tripathi.9.02pm: ?There are charges against both Nitish and Tejashwi. The MLAs of the Grand Alliance parties should sit down and pick a new leader. Bihar?s poor, deprived and reservation-backed sections gave the Grand Alliance historic majority against the BJP. This is foeticide of the Grand Alliance? There were corruption allegations against us before. Did Nitish Kumar not know while making an alliance and forming a government?? -- Lalu Prasad?s tweets9.01pm: Nityanand Rai and I called Nitish Ji. The BJP decides to support him; we will support the government formed under him. We will inform the governor also: ANI?quotes Sushil Modi as saying9pm: Thank PM Modi for his tweet on my decision, tweets Nitish Kumar after resigning as Bihar CM8.55pm: There?s involvement of Narendra Modi. Nitish Kumar slapped people of Bihar. People like Sushil Modi are eager to form a government in Bihar: Lalu Prasad8.40pm: Meeting underway at Lalu Prasad?s residence in Patna. Rabri Devi, Tejashwi Yadav, Tej Pratap Yadav and senior RJD leaders present.8.23pm: CP Joshi was informed at the governor?s house; he asked Kumar to wait. Joshi said he will get back after a word with Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi: ANI quotes sources8.21pm: Nitish Kumar did not inform Rahul Gandhi about his intention to resign in their meeting: ANI?quotes sources.8.02pm: I appeal to Nitish Kumar... All RJD, JD(U) and Congress MLAs should sit down and pick new leader and make a government... His unwillingness to do so will prove he has already struck a deal with the BJP: Lalu Prasad7.59pm: The BJP welcomes the battle against corruption in Bihar; not in favour of midterm elections... A three-member panel from Bihar will report to central leadership for final call: JP Nadda after the BJP?s parliamentary board meeting.7.58pm: We are deeply disappointed by the news of Nitish Kumar?s resignation. The Congress respects Nitish Kumar as a leader: Randeep Surjewala, Congress7.57pm: Nitish Kumar knew that he is accused of section 302; one of India?s CM is main accused in murder and arms case : Lalu Prasad7.51pm: Nitish Kumar had said that he will never join hands with BJP: Lalu Prasad7.50pm: RJD chief Lalu Prasad says did not speak to the press over corruption allegations against Tejashwi following lawyers? advice. 7.49pm: Nitish Kumar did not ask for resignation: RJD chief Lalu Prasad at a press conference after Nitish Kumar quits as Bihar CM.7.45pm: RJD chief Lalu Prasad to address a press conference shortly.7.42pm: We are happy that Bihar CM didn?t compromise on issue of corruption and did not kneel down before RJD: BJP leader Sushil Kumar Modi7.36pm: We don?t want midterm elections in Bihar. The MLAs should complete their term. A three-member committee will talk to MLAs and apprise the Centre of the situation in the state: BJP leader Sushil Kumar Modi7.26pm: Source say BJP legislature party to finalise support without preconditions at its meeting late evening today.7.25pm: Nitish-Lalu alliance was a mismatch. This had to happen: Union minister Ravi Shankar Prasad on Nitish Kumar?s resignation7.24pm: PM Narendra Modi arrives for BJP parliamentary meeting in Delhi.7.09pm: The country and time require that for the bright future of India, and especially Bihar, people need to rise above political disputes and fight against corruption together: Prime Minister Narendra Modi7.09pm: I congratulate Nitish Kumar for joining the fight against corruption. The 1.25 billion people of the country are welcoming and supporting his honesty: Prime Minister Narendra Modi7.08pm: Before resigning, I had informed Laluji and Congress Bihar in-charge CP Joshi: Nitish Kumar.7.05pm: Gandhiji always said needs can be met on the Earth, but greed can never be fulfilled: Nitish Kumar7.04pm: I am not blaming anyone, those who want to blame me are free to do so: Nitish Kumar7.02pm: I felt that for a person like me it was not possible to run this government. I don?t want to create a dispute... When I saw there was no other way... I broke myself away (from the alliance with the RJD). The governor has accepted my resignation, and asked me to continue working till the next development.6.58pm: We worked in the alliance till the point we could: Nitish Kumar6.57pm: If there are charges then they must have replied to it. We felt they were not in a position to speak: Nitish Kumar6.56pm: It?s not possible to work in this environment; I tried. Tried to find out a solution: Nitish Kumar6.52pm: The situation is such that it?s not possible to work. Whatever we do, the discussion is only about one thing: Nitish Kumar6.50pm: Not possible to work in the grand alliance. We made all attempts. We never asked for anyone?s resignation: Nitish Kumar6.34pm: Bihar CM Nitish Kumar reaches Raj Bhavan to meet Governor Keshari Nath Tripathi amid speculation that he may resign.6.33pm: Bihar CM Nitish Kumar on his way to Raj Bhavan to meet Governor Keshari Nath Tripathi.

Rini Sinha

24 Apr 2017,Monday

Kailash slams Sonakshi on being chosen for Bieber concert

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/kailash-kher-sonakshi-sinha-justin-bieber-mumbai-concert-dy-patil-stadium-purpose-tour-lifest/1/936603.html

Singer Kailash Kher has slammed actress Sonakshi Sinha's selection for the opening act at Justin Bieber's upcoming Mumbai concert. He added that actors are selected to perform with international singers instead of Indian singers as the event organisers are scared. "It doesn't give a good message internationally. Foreigners will think Sonakshi must be a big singer in India," said Kailash. n

Padma Shri award-winning singer-composer Kailash Kher says getting Bollywood actress Sonakshi Sinha on board to perform at Justin Bieber's maiden concert in India over any other acclaimed Indian singer is not a good sign, and sends a wrong message internationally.The singer added that getting a known Bollywood face has become a trend followed by event managers and producers of the Indian entertainment industry."I read somewhere that a Canadian singer Justin Bieber is coming to India, and actress Sonakshi will perform at the gig. The news was cute, but quite a lie. It doesn't give a good message internationally," said Kher."They (people from foreign shores) will think that Sonakshi must be a big singer in India. And then she will get concert offers from Canada, and then probably Sonakshi will laugh them off saying 'I am not a singer but an actor'," Kailash said, over phone from Mumbai about Sonakshi, who made her debut as a singer in 2015 with single Ishqholic, and also judged singing reality show, Indian Idol Junior.He added, "Whenever any singer from the West comes to India, we get an actor on board to match their level. We don't get singer for another singer, but actor... Event managers and producers of entertainment industry are so scared."The actress will perform as one of the opening acts at the highly anticipated gig, which will be held at the DY Patil Stadium in Mumbai on May 10.The Indian award-winning singer feels people tend to give more value to actors instead of singers in India."Live performances are thought to be more valuable around the world, not actors, but not in India... Indians are very emotional and that is why sometimes they miss out on logic while watching a live gig.""The organisers don't consider crowd's sensibilities (while deciding on the acts in a live gig), and only go for a popular face. Often actors just come and say 'It is nice to be here'."Be it for his work in the music industry or association with government initiatives or his endeavours to promote homegrown talent and live musicians, Kailash has expanded his horizon, and earned critical acclaim from all quarters.Hailing from Meerut, Kailash rose to fame after years of struggle in terms of finding shelter in a new city like Mumbai and hardships due to cash crunch. After starting with advertisement jingles, he got his big break with the song, Allah Ke Bande.He carved a niche for himself with his rustic voice with hits like, Ya Rabba, Chak De Phatte and Tere Naal Ishqa. Kailash also gave chartbusters from albums like Teri Deewani, Saiyyan and Chaandan Mein.Kailash, who makes it a point to promote live musicians through his tours, rues the plummeting standard of live gigs in India.The 43-year-old said, "It is our choice. We can reduce our live tours, there is no need to keep a band and be more hero-type and work for films... I always wanted to do live music and to promote it through concerts.""If we keep on seeing shows by actors, it will be so sad because live musicians won't be able to survive," added the singer, who performed at the Phoenix Marketcity, Kurla in Mumbai, in March.

Anmol Sharma

23 Jun 2017,Friday

When did Test nations play their first-ever Test matches?

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/afghanistan-ireland-test-cricket-icc/1/985308.html

The first-ever Test match was played between England and Australia in 1877. South Africa became the third Test-playing nation in 1889 while India debuted in 1932. In 2000, Bangladesh became the fourth Asian country and tenth overall to play a Test. ICC awarded Test status to a nation after 17 years on Thursday, granting full membership to Ireland and Afghanistan.

Afghanistan and Ireland will join the ranks of full Test-playing nations after receiving the backing of the International Cricket Council's (ICC) conference on Thursday.The body said it had voted to admit the two nations into the elite group that is permitted to play traditional five-day Test matches.As new full members of the ICC, Ireland and Afghanistan will take the total of countries playing Tests to 12."For a nation like Afghanistan it is a huge and remarkable achievement, the entire nation will be celebrating across all five regions and different provinces. It is the perfect Eid gift," said Afghanistan Cricket Board Chief Executive Shafiq Stanikzai, referring to the approaching Muslim holiday that marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan."Everyone has waited for this news and has been so keen to hear this news. Afghanistan cricket has gone from strength to strength and we dared to dream that this would happen and today it has become a reality," he added.Until 1982 there were only seven full members of the ICC but that year Sri Lanka were admitted. Zimbabwe then joined in 1992 and Bangladesh became the most recent member in 2000.Cricket has a long history in Afghanistan but the country played amongst the sports minnows until gaining one-day international (ODI) status in 2011.Two years later, still suffering from the impact of war and conflict, the country was given 'associate member' status of the world governing body ICC.In 2015 Afghanistan played in their first 50-over World Cup and they have also featured in the World Twenty20 competition.Ireland have steadily progressed in the game and first qualified for the World Cup in 2007, when they pulled off a shock win over Pakistan, and they have qualified for both World Cups since then."We are delighted and proud with today's historic announcement. It is an extraordinary testament to the talent and endeavour of thousands of passionate players, coaches, volunteers, staff, clubs and committee people," Cricket Ireland Chief Executive Warren Deutrom said.

Mansha Mahajan

17 Mar 2017,Friday

It's pay taxes or get out, says Adi Godrej

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/india-today-conclave-2017-adi-godrej-deepak-parekh/1/906134.html

Godrej Group Chairman Adi Godrej has said that GST will check tax evasion and reduce unaccounted money in the system, adding that it's now "pay taxes or get out". Once the GST framework is in place, things will change for the better, he added. Commenting on demonetisation, Godrej said whenever a government has tried to control things, it has failed.

Godrej Group Chairman Adi Godrej and Housing Development Finance Corporation (HDFC) Chairman Deepak Parekh batted for the Goods and Service Tax (GST).Speaking on the day one of the India Today Conclave 2017 in Mumbai, the two industry leaders said that once the GST is rolled out, the economy is set to get a big boost.HDFC Chairman Deepak Parekh said that once the initial confusion around GST is dealt with, economists have projected that the GDP will go up.Adi Godrej concurred and said once the GST framework is in place, the situation on ground will change for the better. He said GST will check evasion of indirect taxes and reduce unaccounted money in the system. "Pay taxes or get out," the Godrej Group chairman said.An ideal GST will give us a benefit of 100 per cent; the present system will still give us a benefit of 80 if not 100, said Adi Godrej, allaying fears that GST will hit entrepreneurs.On fears of Inspector Raj coming back post-demonetisation, Deepak Parekh said cracking down on people holding black money is the right thing to do and such people ought to be penalised.Adi Godrej, however, differed and said that whenever a government has tried to control things, it has failed.Godrej said that while the objectives of the exercise were good but they should be achieved not just by cracking down but through incentivisation. "Whenever we have reduced the rate of taxes, we have had great success," he said. On the government's November 8, 2016 decision to demonetise high-value currency, Deepak Parekh backed it while Adi Godrej said he would have been more cautious if he were to make a similar decision.On the ease of doing business, both Deepak Parekh and Adi Godrej said India still has a long way to go. The reforms made at the Central level have not yet percolated to the state, said Deepak Parekh, asking states to shape up.

Rini Kapoor

22 Dec 2016,Thursday

Mamata Banerjee is 'maharani of corruption': BJP

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/bjp-mamata-maharani-of-corruption-vindictive-politics/1/839807.html

Calling West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee 'maharani of corruption', BJP National Secretary Siddharth Nath Singh rejected her allegations of BJP's "political vendetta" against the TMC. This comes after Banerjee hit out at BJP over the Income Tax raid at Tamil Nadu Chief Secretary's residence and said, "Why don't they raid Amit Shah and others who are collecting money?"

After West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee hit out at the Narendra Modi government over the Income Tax raid at Tamil Nadu chief secretary's residence, the BJP launched a counter-attack calling her a "maharani of corruption".BJP National Secretary Siddharth Nath Singh said I-T raids are being conducted across the country, including in Rajasthan which has a BJP government in power.ALSO READ: Mamata calls raid on Tamil Nadu chief secretary vindictive, asks why Amit Shah sparedALSO READ: RBI changing demonetisation rules like PM changing his clothes: Rahul Gandhi

Manaya Bagga

03 Aug 2017,Thursday

India probably worst place to do business in: Cellular body

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/india-probably-worst-country-to-do-business-in-ica/1/1017339.html?utm_source=inshorts&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=fullarticle

Indian Cellular Association President Pankaj Mohindroo on Wednesday said that India is probably the worst country to do business in. He criticised India's business climate saying cumbersome processes have emerged out of distrust between tax officials and customs authorities. He further said that lack of ease of doing business is very upsetting to the industry.

New Delhi, Aug 2 (PTI) Mobile industry body Indian Cellular Association (ICA) today criticised the business climate in India saying cumbersome processes have emerged out of distrust between tax officials and customs authorities. "Ease of doing business...there are very few countries we can compete with, obviously from the bottom. Probably, this is the worst country to do business in. That is a very frank statement I want to make," ICA National President Pankaj Mohindroo said at an event organised by IAMAI. He said that IGCR (Import of goods at concessional rate of duty for manufacture of excisable goods) processes are very cumbersome in the country. "There is no trust between customs authorities and taxation authorities. Most ridiculous thing that I have ever heard is that there is target given for revenue collection," Mohindroo said. He said that lack of ease of doing business is very upsetting to the industry. Industry players raised concerns over huge capital getting blocked in bank guarantees given as assurance to customs that the items imported by them on concessional duty rates will not be retailed in the market and will be used solely for making mobile phones. As per data available in April, it is estimated that bank guarantees to the tune of Rs 29,000 crore have been furnished by companies. Ajay Kumar, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Electronics and IT who was present at the event, countered Mohindroos claim saying that there has been continuous improvement when it comes to doing business in India. "India has jumped up several position in global indices released on ease of doing business. Now, government gives 30 clearances in one day on e-biz portal for which people were required to approach similar number of offices. Ease of doing business is a continuous improvement process and India is on right track," Kumar said. The Fast Track Task Force, a joint government and industry body, has an objective to achieve production target of 500 million mobile phones by 2019 and generate employment for 15 lakh by 2019. Mohindroo, who heads the task force, said the target can be achieved only if India is able to match competitors like China and Vietnam. "China today is around 82 per cent of global manufacturing, which means it produces 20 lakh mobile phones per year. We are very elated that (mobile production) in India has reached Rs 90,000 crore, Vietnam is already at 3 lakh crore. We have to match them in terms of direct taxes what Vietnam and China are able to give," Mohindroo said. He said that direct tax in China in special cases is around 10 per cent while in Vietnam it is nearly zero. Mohindroo said exports will play key role to achieve the target set by 500 million mobile phones production in India. "Pakistan does not permit Indian mobile phones to enter Pakistan, which is closest biggest market, and we have given most favoured nation to Pakistan. This is not fair. I think Commerce Ministry has to take a lot of lead in this. Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, also dont give us any credits," he said.

Sumedha Sehra

15 Jun 2017,Thursday

Man throws his pet puppy from balcony for dropping laptop

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/gurgaon-man-flings-puppy-off-balcony/1/979054.html

A Gurugram man flung his 4-month-old puppy from the first floor after she dropped his laptop and chewed the DTH wires on Tuesday night. Though the man denied the act, his wife admitted saying "Generally, we love her, but that day, it really damaged the whole laptop, chewed up wires and everything. My husband got angry and flung it."

A man tossed his pet puppy off his first-floor balcony in Gurgaon's Sector 42 in an act of revenge after she dropped his laptop while playing with it and chewed up the DTH wires on Tuesday night.After a neighbour, who himself owns a German shepherd, heard the cries of the pup in the bushes and confronted the offender, he allegedly scooted.    The four-month-old puppy suffered a fracture on her right foreleg. She was brought by the owner's wife and their neighbour to the CGS Pet Hospital in Gurugram. The canine will undergo surgery to heal the broken bone soon.Experts said this is not an isolated incident and cases of insensitivity against animals are on the rise. In July last year, two medical students - Gautam Sudarshan and Ashish Paul - flung a stray from their private college terrace in Chennai while holding her just by the ear and skin.Similarly, a psychopath, Nakul Mishra, was found stabbing dogs to death at the Green Park Metro Station in Delhi, and an unemployed Dwarka resident chopped off the hind legs of a puppy with a hacksaw when it scratched him in December 2016.PUP'S OWNER FLEESArvind Kumar, an IT professional and resident of HUDA, M-Block, sector 42 in Gurugram, who saw the incident happening on Tuesday, said, "It was around 11 pm. I was doing my laundry in the backyard when I heard a sharp cry from a dog. When I came down to check, I saw the fearful puppy limping and hiding in the bushes.The couple, Dora Shlem and Phillip Maxwell, reached the spot too, and when I enquired from Maxwell, he denied doing anything but immediately fled in his car. His wife Dora told me everything."Dora has given a written confession and also told Mail Today, "Generally, we love her, but that day, it really damaged the whole laptop, chewed up wires and everything. My husband got angry and flung it."Arvind said he will file an FIR against Maxwell.   Abhinav Srihan, founder of the NGO Fauna Police, said, "It is extremely sad that people do such things to helpless animals. Puppies are just like human babies. They will be naughty and damage a shoe, furniture or TV once in a while. If you cannot tolerate their smell, hair or such acts, please do not adopt them."  LAX LAWS Activists say the laws against such crimes are very lax and their implementation is even more pathetic. Section 11 of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960 has provision for a maximum fine of Rs 50 and punishment of three months only.Also, Section 429 of the Indian Penal Code, which regards killing and maiming of an animal, gives a maximum punishment of five years that has so far not been given to anyone.Amita Singh, an animal rights activist and JNU professor, said, "Our whole struggle comes to a naught when these people simply get a bail and escape with a fine of just Rs 50."

Abhishek Bansal

02 May 2017,Tuesday

SC raps Bihar govt for seeking 2 years to fill 174 vacancies

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/sc-rejects-bihar-govts-roadmap-to-fill-up-police-vacancies/1/943755.html

The Supreme Court on Tuesday rebuked the Bihar government for seeking two years' time to appoint 174 stenographers in the police. "You are making fun of this court. You can hold one single test for stenographers and recruit them," stated the apex court. The court is monitoring the filling up of police vacancies in all states.

New Delhi, May 2 (PTI) "You are making fun of this court," an anguished Supreme Court told the Bihar government today, pulling it up for seeking two years time to appoint 174 stenographers in the police and rejecting its roadmap to fill up the vacancies in the force. The apex court, which is monitoring the filling up of police vacancies in all states, asked the Nitish Kumar government to revise its roadmap and submit a fresh one. "This proposal is completely unacceptable. You want time till 2019 to fill up the posts of 174 stenographers. This is not done. You are making fun of this court. You can hold one single test for stenographers and recruit them," a bench headed by Chief Justice J S Khehar said. The bench, also comprising Justices D Y Chandrachud and S K Kaul, said it was angry with the way the roadmap was presented to it and asked the Bihar government to file a fresh proposal for filling up of vacancies in police by Friday. "You should now file a fresh affidavit explaining a reasonable roadmap. If you do not revise it, then you will be in serious trouble. Revise and come on Friday or we are going to send someone who prepared this roadmap to jail," the bench said. With regard to West Bengal, the bench accepted the roadmap given by the state and asked it to fill up the 25,487 vacancies of constable by 2020. The West Bengal government informed the court that the process for filling up police vacancies was on and by July 31, a total of 4357 posts would be filled up. The apex court directed the state government to fill up 8000 posts of constables every year from 2018 till 2020 and "meticulously adhere" to the time-line. In case any vacancies remains, then it should be filled up by 2021, it said, adding that for any breach of the time schedule, the concerned DGP (Recruitment) and Additional Secretary (Home) would be personally responsible. The state government said that out of 1173 vacancies of junior constables, 465 have been filled up as on date and by 2020, all the remaining vacancies will also be filled up. It told the bench that till date, it has 253 vacancies for the post of Sub Inspectors and this number would rise to 3175 by 2018. The apex court directed that the state government should fill up 700 posts this year and from 2018 till 2020, it should fill up 800 annually. The hearing remained inconclusive and will continue tomorrow. The apex court had on April 24 directed Uttar Pradesh government to fill over 1.5 lakh police vacancies in the state in fours years, saying filling up of the posts will help in dealing with the law and order problem. It had also directed the governments of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka to fill up about 45,000 such vacancies in a time- bound manner, while expressing dissatisfaction with the responses of West Bengal, Bihar and Jharkhand in the matter. The apex court had directed the UP government to start filling up the currently 1,01,619 vacant posts in the police and asked the state government to start recruiting 30,000 constables every year from August 17 till August 2020, apart from filling up of 11,376 posts of Sub-Inspector. It had directed that 3,200 posts of Sub-Inspector should be filled annually from January 2018 till January 2021, apart from filling up the promotional posts every year. The apex court had also accepted the roadmaps of filling up of police vacancies in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka and asked them to complete the process of recruitment in a time-bound manner. The bench has accepted the roadmap given by the three states to fill up the vacancies and sought similar fresh road maps from Bihar, Jharkhand and West Bengal. It also asked the Home Secretaries of Gujarat, Telangana and Rajasthan to be personally present on May 1 and suggest the roadmap to fill up over 50,000 police vacancies. The bench was not satisified with the responses of West Bengal, Bihar governments whose Home Secretaries were summoned by the apex court on April 17 and had asked them to furnish detailed roadmaps for filling up of the long pending vacancies by May 1. It had said that Uttar Pradesh has 1.51 lakh vacancies, West Bengal has 37,325, Karnataka has 24,899, Jharkhand 26,303, Bihar 34,500 and Tamil Nadu has 19,803 posts vacant.

Chhavi Tyagi

20 Feb 2017,Monday

3-year-old sexually assaulted by school staffer in Bengaluru

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/bengaluru-3-year-old-sexually-assaulted-by-school-staffer/1/887217.html

A three-year-old was sexually assaulted by a man who worked at the nursery school located in Bellandur in Karnataka's capital city Bengaluru. The accused school staffer was arrested soon after a complaint was filed by the parents of the kid. An FIR has also been registered against the school after the incident which took place on Friday.

In yet another shocker from the city, a three-and-a-half-year old girl was sexually assaulted in her nursery school located in Bellandur by the supervisor who was later arrested. The incident came to light on Friday when the girl upon returning from school complained about pain in her private part and after some questioning by her parents, she told them that, 'Manju Bhaiya,' who works in her school had put his finger in there.The parents immediately rushed to the school and confronted principal Dr. Veena who initially denied the possibility of such an incident taking place. However, the little girl identified the man and said that the incident has happened 5-6 times.The parents then took their little one to the nearby Sakra hospital for a thorough check up. It was the hospital authorities who asked the parents to register an FIR without waiting for the school to do so. The father of the victim tells us that initially Dr. Veena was willing to register an FIR but later on only said the school would provide support and nothing more. He told India Today that she was adamant that the incident did not take place and hence would not register an FIR against the supervisor who has worked for more than 8 years in the school.On Friday evening while at the hospital itself, the parents with the help of the security staff at the Sakra hospital filed a complaint with the police. The father of the victim said that the constables came to the hospital and began to take down the complaint. But when they heard what he had to say, they immediately stopped writing and asked him to come with them to the police station. Later on in the evening, the police along with the victim's father went to the nursery school and demanded the supervisor address. He was immediately arrested and booked under the very stringent POCSO Act.On Monday as word spread, many more parents reached the school and demanded strict action against the principal. Some have alleged that their children as well have been touched inappropriately by the same school supervisor. 'My kid's thigh was touched when she would go to the washroom by the accused in spite of an aaya being present,' is what one parent told India Today. Others came out with more damning experiences their kids recounted to them.Such being the case, they wanted a case of criminal negligence be filed against the principal. But with the school authorities resorting to delaying tactics, they began to protest in the school premises till the police arrived on the spot and brought the situation under control. The principal was finally detained by the police and that was when she changed track saying she was always with the parents.Major Aditi (Retd), a child and human rights activist in the city assisted the parents in making sure that the police stopped wasting time. Speaking to India Today Aditi said, "I want to know whether the principal was competent enough to run the school in the first place and why the most basic measures were not being followed. We have spoken about measures to be put in place so why was the little girl not escorted by an aaya to the washroom, what was the male supervisor doing there."As of now, the school has been shut until further notice and the parents want a full-fledged investigation to take place.WATCH: Another Bengaluru horror: Woman groped, molested by bike-borne men in dark alley

Sumedha Sehra

24 May 2017,Wednesday

Ex-ISI official agrees with India on Jadhav's capture

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/kulbhushan-jadhav-amjad-shoaib-isi-paksitan-icj/1/961463.html

An ex-official of Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and a retired Lieutenant General, Amjad Shoaib has admitted that former Indian Navy officer Kulbhushan Jadhav was captured in Iran. Notably, Pakistan has been arguing that Jadhav was arrested in the country's restive Balochistan province last year. However, India claims that he was captured in Iran, where he went for business purposes.

Puncturing Pakistan's claim that it arrested Kulbhushan Jadhav on its own soil, Amjad Shoaib - an ex-ISI official and a retired Lieutenant General - has admitted that the ex-Indian Navy officer was captured in Iran . It now remains to be seen if India chooses to quote Shoaib at the International Court of Justice's (ICJ) next hearing.In a breather for India, the ICJ had on May 18 stayed the execution of 46-year-old Jadhav, who was sentenced to death last month by a Pakistan military court that convicted him of alleged spying and subversive activities.The retired Indian Navy officer has been in Pakistan's custody for more than a year.Pakistan claims its security forces arrested the Indian national from its restive Balochistan province on March 3 last year after he reportedly entered from Iran.However, India maintains that he was kidnapped from Iran where he had business interests after retiring from the Navy.PAKISTAN SEEKS EARLY HEARING Pakistan has asked the International Court of Justice (ICJ) for an early hearing in the case, the news agency PTI reported  on Tuesday citing a Pakistani media report.Amid anger at home over losing the first round in the world court, Pakistan had last Friday filed a plea in the ICJ for it to rehear the case within six weeks, after the Nawaz Sharif government was slammed by the opposition for "mishandling" the case.Pakistan's Foreign Affairs Advisor Sartaj Aziz said Islamabad, with a new team of lawyers, will put forward its case against letting off Jadhav. ALSO READ | Kulbhushan Jadhav case: Pakistan asks ICJ for early hearing after losing Round One to India

Rini Sinha

12 Jan 2017,Thursday

Lisa Haydon expecting first child with husband Dino Lalvani

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/lisa-haydon-pregnant-dino-lalvani-baby-bikini-photo-instagram/1/855472.html

Actress Lisa Haydon took to Instagram on Thursday to announce that she is expecting her first child with husband Dino Lalvani. In the photograph, the 30-year-old actress can be seen posing in a bikini with the picture captioned, "Humble beginnings". Lisa got married to Dino Lalvani in October 2016 after dating him for a year.

Lisa Haydon made sure to announce the news of her pregnancy in style. The Ae Dil Hai Mushkil actor took to Instagram to post a picture of herself flaunting her baby bump in a bikini. She captioned the photo: Humble beginnings.PHOTOS: Lisa Haydon gets hitched to beau Dino LalvaniOPINION: Lisa Haydon clarifies her dad-in-law is not Pakistani. Even if he is, SO WHAT?Humble beginnings ð???ð??¶ð???A photo posted by Lisa Haydon (@lisahaydon) on Jan 11, 2017 at 8:42pm PST

Dishant Sharma

02 Apr 2017,Sunday

Would have been interested in Test captaincy: James Anderson

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/james-anderson-test-captaincy-alastair-cook/1/918121.html

England's leading Test wicket-taker James Anderson has admitted he would've seriously thought about Test captaincy, following Alastair Cook's resignation in February. "I don't know if I'd have taken the captaincy but it would've been nice to have been considered for it", the 34-year-old said. He, however, went on to say, "it makes sense for a younger guy to do it".

England pace spearhead James Anderson, who is one of the senior members of the national team, has admitted he was a bit disappointed after he was overlooked for the role of Test captain following Alastair Cook's decision to step down from the post.Cook had earlier this year stepped down as England's Test captain after a record 59 matches in charge. His tour of the subcontinent, which included a maiden Test defeat against Bangladesh, culminated with a 0-4 loss in the five-Test series against India.Joe Root was appointed as his replacement, with the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) almost immediately announcing the decision."I don't know if I'd have taken the captaincy but it would have been nice to have been considered for it," ESPNcricinfo quoted Anderson as saying."From a personal point of view I'd have seriously thought about it, but from the outside looking in I'd have thought: is this actually where the team needs to go - with a 34-year-old as captain?""I don't know how long I'm going to keep going for and in the grand scheme of things it makes sense for a younger guy to do it," he added.Anderson, who is a veteran of 122 Tests and England's all-time leading wicket-taker, pointed out that most of the fast bowling captains he had known have been pretty successful and was thus surprised why more fast bowlers aren't given the opportunity to do it."I'm all for bowlers being captains," he said.Anderson's arguments can be backed up seeing the examples of Shaun Pollock, Courtney Walsh, Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis who have successfully led their sides in all the formats of the game.The 34-year-old will play for Lancashire in the County Championship, in a bid to get match fit after sustaining a shoulder injury during England's tour of India last year.

Mansha Mahajan

14 Mar 2017,Tuesday

Employers can ban staff from wearing headscarves: EU court

https://www.theguardian.com/law/2017/mar/14/employers-can-ban-staff-from-wearing-headscarves-european-court-rules?CMP=twt_gu

Employers may bar staff from wearing visible religious symbols, including women wearing Islamic headscarves at work, European Court of Justice ruled on Tuesday. However, customers cannot demand that workers remove headscarves if the company has no policy barring religious symbols, it stated. Notably, this is the EU court's first decision on the issue of women wearing Islamic headscarves at work.

Politicians on the right have welcomed a ruling by the EU?s highest court that allows companies to ban staff from wearing visible religious symbols, as a long-awaited legal judgment ricocheted into the French and Dutch election campaigns.In its first decision on the issue of women wearing Islamic headscarves at work, the European court of justice in Luxembourg ruled the garments could be banned, but only as part of a general policy barring all religious and political symbols.Nor can customers simply demand workers remove headscarves if the company has no policy barring religious symbols, the court ruled on Tuesday.The long-awaited ruling came on the eve of Dutch elections, where Muslim immigration has been a contentious issue. In France, where the race to succeed President François Hollande remains wide open, politicians on the right seized on the issue.François Fillon, the presidential candidate who has taken a hardline stance on Islam?s place in France, welcomed the judgment. On the day he was placed under formal investigation for misuse of public funds he said in a statement that it was ?an immense relief, not just for thousands of companies but also for their workers?. He said the ruling would be ?a factor in cohesion and social peace?, particularly in France.Gilbert Collard, an MP for the Rassemblement Bleu Marine, which supports Marine Le Pen?s Front National, claimed the ruling was an endorsement. ?Even the ECJ votes Marine,? he wrote on Twitter.In Germany, the rightwing populist party, Alternative für Deutschland, also welcomed the ruling: ?The ECJ?s ruling sends out the right signal, especially for Germany,? said the AfD?s Berlin leader, Georg Pazderski. ?Of course companies have to be allowed to ban the wearing of headscarves.?The ECJ issued a joint judgment in the cases of two women, from France and Belgium, who were dismissed for refusing to remove headscarves.?An internal rule of an undertaking which prohibits the visible wearing of any political, philosophical or religious sign does not constitute direct discrimination,? the court said.It ruled that a company?s wish to project a neutral image was legitimate and allowed internal rules banning political, philosophical or religious symbols.The first case was referred to the ECJ by the Belgian courts. Samira Achbita had been a receptionist for the Belgian branch of G4S, the London-listed outsourcing and security company when, after three years at the firm she decided she wanted to start wearing a headscarf at work for religious reasons. Achbita was fired in June 2006 for refusing to take off her scarf. The company said she had broken unwritten rules prohibiting religious symbols.In the second case, Asma Bougnaoui, a design engineer, was fired from an IT consultancy firm, Micropole, after a customer complained that his staff had been ?embarrassed? by her headscarf while she was on their premises to give advice. She had been told before taking the job that wearing a headscarf might pose problems for the company?s customers.In Achbita?s case the ECJ followed the advice of a senior legal adviser to the court, who argued that companies should be allowed to have policies banning the wearing of religious and political symbols.?The court of justice finds that G4S?s internal rule refers to the wearing of visible signs of political, philosophical or religious beliefs and therefore covers any manifestation of such beliefs without distinction. The rule thus treats all employees to the undertaking in the same way, notably by requiring them, generally and without any differentiation, to dress neutrally.?In Bougnaoui?s case the court?s adviser had ruled that she had suffered discrimination. She had been ?professionally competent? and sacked only because she had refused to remove her headscarf, the advocate general advised.The court upheld this view with a less ringing endorsement. It said customers? wishes not to be served by a worker wearing a headscarf did not give companies a get-out clause from EU anti-discrimination law. ?However, in the absence of such a rule, the willingness of an employer to take account of the wishes of a customer no longer to have the employer?s services provided by a worker wearing an Islamic headscarf cannot be considered an occupational requirement that could rule out discrimination.?The ECJ did not rule on whether Bougnaoui?s dismissal was based on her failure to observe company policies, saying this was a matter for the French court to determine.The German broadsheet Süddeutsche Zeitung predicted that the ruling would fundamentally change how German courts assess similar cases, because the assumption since 2002 had been that religious symbols could not be banned from the workplace on anything other than safety grounds. The ruling, which is more nuanced than a straightforward ban, could sow confusion about which religious symbols can be worn at work. Some legal experts said it seemed to cut against a ruling from the European court of human rights (ECHR) that allowed crosses to be worn.Steve Peers, a professor of EU law at Essex University, said the latest ECJ ruling looked awkward when set against the ECHR judgment that wearing religious symbols is ?sometimes an employee?s right to manifest freedom of religion?. He said the ECJ had not referred to this case law or attempted to deal with the distinction between freedom of religion and non-discrimination.The ECHR is the high court of the 47-member Council of Europe and not part of the EU. Traditionally, the EU court in Luxembourg confined itself to evening out distortions in Europe?s single market, but its remit has grown as EU law has expanded.The ruling prompted dismay from some religious groups. The Conference of European Rabbis, which comprises 700 Jewish leaders across Europe, said Europe was sending a clear message that its faith communities were no longer welcome. Referring to the rise of racially motivated incidents, Pinchas Goldschmidt, the group?s president, called on politicians to ensure Europe did not isolate religious minorities.Maryam H?madoun at the Open Society Justice Initiative said she was disappointed by the ruling, which she described as discrimination against people who chose to show their religion in their dress. ?It will lead to Muslim women being discriminated in the workplace, but also Jewish men who wear kippas, Sikh men who wear turbans, people who wear crosses. It affects all of them, but disproportionately Muslim women,? she said.Stephen Evans, the campaigns director at the National Secular Society in the UK, said: ?Where a ban on employees wearing religious or political symbols is founded on a general company rule of religious and political neutrality, and where that rule is applied equally to all, it can?t be realistically argued that that this constitutes ?less favourable treatment?.?Religious and political neutrality is a perfectly reasonable aim and, where businesses and organisations wish to present themselves in such a way, this ruling demonstrates that this approach is perfectly consistent with equality and human rights law.?Angelique Chrisafis contributed to this report

Tanya Dhingra

02 Aug 2017,Wednesday

Used to get scared of online rape, acid attack threats: Dia

http://www.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/dia-mirza-on-trolls-it-s-frightening-when-people-threaten-rape-or-acid-attack/story-fvywwyGVGPoVinz2LXcKkL.html?utm_source=inshorts&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=fullarticle

Dia Mirza, while talking about being trolled on social media, said she used to get frightened by the rape and acid attack threats she received online for expressing her opinion. Dia added, "Elements...who are faceless and nameless...who harass people, (don't) need to be taken seriously...we need to be like ducks and let (trolling) be like water sliding off our backs."

Actor Dia Mirza, who was in Delhi to walk for designer Anju Modi at the India Couture Week 2017, has not just a lovely face but also a strong mind. And that is something Twitter trolls couldn?t digest. In this era of non-stop trolling, Dia recalls how, in her early days in Bollywood, she was targeted for expressing her opinion on various issues. In recent times, Dia?s tweets have advocated water conservation on Holi and a noise-free Diwali. ?In the earlier days, when I did get trolled, it really affected and frightened me. Because when you?re told that people want to throw acid on you, or they want to rape you, or kill you, or call you anti-national because of something that you?ve said... and they ask you to move to another country... and it?s all new to you, then it really alarms you,? she says. The 35-year-old actor was trolled on social media when she had tweeted and urged her fans to play a dry Holi. She had written: ?The irony of the times we live in: farmers commit suicide due to drought and people waste water to ?play? #Holi. Go ahead call me anti-Hindu.? The trolls were quick to tag her as anti-national. Dia was also called intolerant when she had tweeted about wanting a cracker-free Diwali. Now, after so many years in Bollywood, Dia takes such crude reactions in her stride. The actor states that she has always voiced her opinion on issues that deeply matter to her. ?I have continued to express my opinion. I reserve my opinion for things that truly matter to me. And when you express your opinion on something that deeply matters to you, it doesn?t matter how people construe it,? she says. ?I feel that those elements on social media who are faceless and nameless, who make it their business to harass people, [don?t] need to be taken seriously. I?ve been in the public sphere long enough now to understand that we need to be like ducks and let this [trolling] be like water sliding off our backs. The only thing that matters is our own truth. The intent is what should matter,? adds the actor. Dia will be seen next in the Sanjay Dutt biopic by Rajkumar Hirani; she plays the role of Maanyata, Dutt?s wife. Speaking about her film and working with Hirani ? he is the director of such blockbusters as Lage Raho Munnabhai (2006), 3 Idiots (2009), and PK (2014) ? Dia says, ?Rajkumar Hirani is my favourite director. (Dia worked with Hirani in Lage Raho Munnabhai, starring Sanjay Dutt as Munnabhai.) It was an absolute pleasure to be asked by him to be a part of Sanjay Dutt?s biopic. [Hirani] is one of those real people who tells stories in the most unique and honest way. I have known Sanju sir for many years and through the course of my interaction with him, I have interacted with Maanyata as well. It has been such an honour and joy working with Rajkumar Hirani, Ranbir (Kapoor, who plays Dutt?s role in biopic), Anushka (Sharma), and Vicky Kaushal.?