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Daisy Mowke

07 Mar 2017,Tuesday

Karan Johar will be an excellent father: Tusshar Kapoor

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/tusshar-kapoor-advice-karan-johar-father-twins-surrogacy/1/897656.html

Actor Tusshar Kapoor, while speaking about filmmaker Karan Johar becoming father to twins via surrogacy, said that he will be an excellent father. "He's loving; he's a giver and a complete family man... After the relationship with his parents, this will be the closest to his heart," he added. Tusshar became a father to a boy via surrogacy last year.

It was only last year that Tusshar Kapoor became a single parent through surrogacy. The 40-year-old actor welcomed his bundle of joy, Laksshya and since then he has been busy being a hands-on daddy. And the actor is extremely happy for filmmaker Karan Johar who has joined the bandwagon of Bollywood's single parents. KJo recently became a dad to twins, a boy and girl, through surrogacy. In an interview to Times of India, Tusshar talked about the happiness that he shares with Karan.  "I'm very happy for him. I know what he must be feeling right now. Doubly so. It's a different kind of happiness. It fills you with confidence. Being a single parent teaches you time management and in a matter of minutes, you become so selfless because your energies are suddenly not for you, they're for your child. Karan's babies are about a month old. It's the most overwhelming feeling to have your children around you," he told the daily. On March 5, Karan issued an official statement announcing the big news and said that he is in a happy state. He added that he is blessed to be a parent to twins. When asked if he has any advice for B-Town newest daddy, Tusshar said, "He's the best multi-tasker I know. He doesn't need advice actually. He juggles so many things at once. And Karan will be an excellent father. He's a terrific son and a great pal. He's loving; he's a giver and a complete family man, which is evident even in his movies. He cherishes and values relationships. After the relationship with his parents, this will be the closest to his heart."He added, "The only thing I can tell him out of my experience is that he should go with the flow. There are no formulas for being a father. Trust your paternal instincts. They'll never misguide you."ALSO READ: This is what close friend SRK has to say on Karan Johar becoming a dad

Deepali Aggarwal

17 Jul 2017,Monday

Philippine Prez offers Muslim self-rule to counter ISIS

http://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/philippine-president-duterte-offers-muslim-self-rule-to-counter-islamic-state/story-C0rSWZH5wemiHn1L0d5OQM.html?utm_source=inshorts&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=fullarticle

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday offered self-rule to the country's Muslim minority in an attempt to defeat militants loyal to Islamic State who have besieged the city of Marawi for nearly two months. The government and Muslim insurgent groups have agreed that giving the mainly Catholic nation's Islamic minority self-rule is crucial for ending the lure of violent extremism.

President Rodrigo Duterte offered self-rule to the Philippines? Muslim minority on Monday in an attempt to defeat Islamist militants who seized a southern city in the gravest challenge to his year-old rule.Duterte hopes the promise of autonomy will persuade Filipino Muslims to reject the Islamic State group, whose followers still control parts of Marawi after nearly two months of fighting that had left more than 500 people dead.Duterte vowed to shepherd through Congress a ?Bangsamoro Basic Law? bill jointly written and submitted to him Monday by government officials and the country?s largest Muslim guerrilla group, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).?This moment is a significant step forward in our quest to end centuries of hatred, mistrust and injustice that cost and affected the lives of millions of Filipinos,? he said in a speech to MILF leaders and government officials.Both sides said that giving the mainly Catholic nation?s large and largely impoverished Islamic minority a better choice was crucial to heading off the lure of violent extremism.?These misguided people have filled the vacuum created by our failure to enact the basic law, and feed into the frustration of our people,? MILF chairman Murad Ebrahim told the same gathering, referring to the Marawi gunmen.Muslims since the 1970s had waged a decades-old insurgency that claimed more than 100,000 lives in the Mindanao region that includes Marawi.The MILF signed a peace treaty with Duterte?s predecessor Benigno Aquino in 2014 but Congress refused to pass the self-rule bill -- a key provision of the accord.Small rebel factions began pledging allegiance to the IS soon afterwards. The Marawi attack on May 23 was their first major action, forcing Duterte to impose martial rule across Mindanao.The chief government peace negotiator, Irene Santiago, said Manila expects the bill?s passage within a year.?The next 12 months are full of opportunity but also fraught with so much danger. The dangers are staring us in the face: violent extremism, the source of the crisis in Marawi,? Santiago added.An Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao has been in place in parts of the south since after a rival faction, the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), signed peace with Manila in 1996.However it had failed to end violence and rebellion.Santiago said both the MILF and MNLF helped to draft the new self-rule bill giving all sides optimism about its passage. Duterte is also set to decide within the week whether to extend military rule over Mindanao.The constitution limits martial rule to 60 days, a safeguard against abuses put in place after the downfall of the Ferdinand Marcos dictatorship.However Congress can authorise an extension.The military said there were still 60-80 gunmen holed up in about 500 Marawi houses and buildings after weeks of day and night air strikes and artillery pounding.About 300 civilians also remain trapped in the area and some of them have been taken hostage, the military said.

Tarun Khanna

22 Feb 2017,Wednesday

Shiv Sena not Hindutvavadi, pretends to be one: VHP

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/shiv-sena-not-hindutvavadi-pretends-to-be-one-for-political/1/888090.html

The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) on Tuesday said that Shiv Sena was never a Hindutvavadi outfit and was pretending to be one only for political gains. Bal Thackeray himself was clueless about his party workers bringing portions of the mosque down in Ayodhya, said VHP. "You don't become Hindutvavadi by merely chanting Chhatrapati Shivaji's name," it added.

gains: VHP New Delhi, Feb 21 (PTI) The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) today said NDA constituent Shiv Sena was never a Hindutvavadi outfit and was pretending to be one only for political gains. Speaking to reporters here, VHP joint general secretary Surendra Jain said that merely chanting King Shivajis name does not make Shiv Sena a Hindutvavadi (one championing the Hindutva cause) party. "I dont think Shiv Sena was ever a Hindutvavadi organisation. It is the media which gave this tag to Shiv Sena after Babri mosque was demolished," Jain said. "It is pretending to be a Hindutuvavadi organisation for political gains," he added. His remark comes against the backdrop of stinging verbal exchanges between long-standing allies Shiv Sena and BJP leaders ahead of Maharashtra civic polls, voting for which was held today. Seeking to buttress his claim, the VHP leader stated late Shiv Sena founder Bal Thackeray himself was "clueless" about his party workers bringing portions of the mosque down in Uttar Pradeshs Ayodhya in 1992. "He (Thackeray) himself had said he had no clue about it. But he said he was a proud man if his party men demolished the mosque. That one statement made them Hindutva champion...you dont become Hindutvavadi by merely chanting Chhatrapati Shivajis name," Jain claimed. Apparently referring to Shiv Senas sons-of-the-soil campaign in Maharashtra, particularly Mumbai, Jain said the party is rather a "fissiparous" force, which targeted its own Hindu brothers from south and north India for "narrow benefits" and does not understand broad concepts of Hindutva. "When they talk about Hindutva...are Hindus from Tamil Nadu not Hindus? Whether Hindus from Bihar and Uttar Pradesh are not Hindus? Even today, they are beaten there (in Mumbai).

Sumedha Sehra

20 May 2017,Saturday

Cut penis myself as it was of no use: Swami accused of rape

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/kerala-swami-claims-says-he-chopped-off-his-sexual-organ/1/958669.html

The Kerala swami who was accused of rape by a woman on Friday night, said in his statement to the police that he cut his penis wilfully, as it was "not useful" to him. He allegedly attempted to rape the woman, after which she claimed to have cut off his penis. He reportedly raped her for over seven years.

A 54-year-old swami in Kerala whose penis was cut off by a 22-year-old law student has now claimed that it was he himself "who chopped off his sexual organ" as it was "not useful" for him.The sanyasi's comments are from the statement he gave Kerala Police after being charged under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POSCO) Act for repeatedly raping the now 22-year-old woman over a period of seven years. According to the police, the swami is a resident of the Padmana Chattambi Swami Ashram, which he joined 15 years ago after deciding to become a spiritual guru.

Tarun Khanna

19 Apr 2017,Wednesday

SC orders clubbing of two trials in Babri Masjid case

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/babri-demolition-lk-advani-criminal-conspiracy-supreme-court-verdict/1/932461.html

The Supreme Court on Wednesday ordered the clubbing of two trials in the Babri Masjid demolition case. Notably, the case involving unnamed 'karsevaks' is being heard in a Lucknow court, while the second case related to the BJP leaders was being heard in a Raebareli court until now. Both the matters will now be heard in the Lucknow court.

The Supreme Court today ruled that Lal Krishna Advani and several other senior Bharatiya Janata Party leaders will face conspiracy charges in the Babri Masjid demolition case. The court also ordered a time-bound trial, ordering that the judge hearing the case shall not be transferred until a judgement is delivered and that there shall be adjournments during the trial except under exceptional circumstances. The Allahabad High Court had earlier ruled in favour of the conspiracy charges being dropped against the veteran BJP leaders, including Advani, Murli Manohar Joshi and Union minister Uma Bharti. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), which is prosecuting the Babri demolition cases, had appealed against the high court's order.The Supreme Court today allowed the CBI's appeal and also ordered the clubbing of two trials that are currently going on in the Babri demolition case. The case against Advani, Joshi and Bharti was being heard in a Raebareli court while a Lucknow court was hearing a case against unnamed karsevaks who are accused to actually demolishing the Babri masjid on December 6, 1992. However, the apex court has now ordered the clubbing of the two cases, ruling that the Lucknow court will also rule on the conspiracy charges against Advani, Joshi, Bharti and others. The bench of Justices PC Ghose and RF Nariman also ruled that the trial judge hearing the Babri case will not be transferred until the judgement in the case is delivered. The bench also ruled that Kalyan Singh, currently the governor of Rajasthan, enjoys constitutional immunity and won't be tried right now. Singh, who was the chief minister of Uttar Pradesh at the time of the demolition, will be tried once he relinquishes the post of governor. (With inputs from PTI)ALSO READ| The Babri Masjid timeline: What happened and whenALSO READ | Ayodhya, December 6, 1992: A nation's shameALSO READ | Babri Masjid demolition case is a drag? These 5 examples will tell you the list is long

Chhavi Tyagi

04 Feb 2017,Saturday

Spineless EC has surrendered to PM Modi: Arvind Kejriwal

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/spineless-election-commission-pm-modi-arvind-kejriwal-punjab-polls/1/874776.html

Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal on Saturday alleged that the Election Commission has "completely surrendered" before PM Narendra Modi. He further termed the poll panel as "completely shameless and spineless". Kejriwal further tweeted, "As per EC notification, polling time in Goa is 7 am to 5 pm but in Punjab, it's from 8 am to 5 pm (one hour less). Why?"

Calling it "spineless", Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Saturday alleged that the Election Commission has "completely surrendered" before Prime Minister Narendra Modi.Kejriwal's remarks came in response to reports of people allegedly visiting polling booths with party symbols and other campaigning material, and also campaigning on social media and TV on polling day."Election Commission has completely surrendered before Modiji, just like the CBI and the RBI," Kejriwal tweeted. As per EC notification, polling time in Goa from 7 am to 5 pm but in Punjab, it is from 8 am to 5 pm (one hr less). Why?"This is a completely shameless and spineless Election Commission."Also read: Punjab Assembly Polls 2017 LIVE: 55 per cent voter turnout till 3 pmThe Aam Aadmi Party leader had earlier repeatedly targeted the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and Reserve Bank of India (RBI) for acting on the directions of the Prime Minister's Office."Just like Modiji destroyed the RBI, he has also destroyed the Election Commission by appointing his cronies in the Commission," Kejriwal said.Punjab began voting for all 117 assembly constituencies in the state at 8 a.m., while polling for Goa's 40 assembly seats got underway at 7 a.m.Also read: Assembly Elections 2017: FULL COVERAGEKejriwal also slammed Modi for his November 8 demonetisation move and said it had failed to curb black money."Modiji had said that the note ban will put an end to black money. But it is being openly distributed in Punjab and Goa. Then what was the use of the note ban," Kejriwal asked.In a sudden move, the Prime Minister had on November 8 announced that 500 and 1,000 rupee notes would no longer be legal tender.

Anmol Sharma

28 Mar 2017,Tuesday

Rahane should continue as India captain: Mitchell Johnson

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/ajinkya-rahane-india-test-captain-mitchell-johnson/1/914723.html

Following India's win over Australia in the Dharamsala Test, former Australian pacer Mitchell Johnson said Ajinkya Rahane should continue as India captain instead of Virat Kohli. "Rahane should stay captain! It was a tough series but I believe it should stay on the field with the players," Johnson tweeted in response to an article shared by Cricket Australia regarding Kohli.

Former Australia pacer Mitchell Johnson feels Ajinkya Rahane should be given India's Test captaincy following the home team's series clinching eight-wicket victory over Australia in Dharamsala."Rahane should stay captain! It was a tough series but I believe it should stay on the field with the players," Johnson tweeted. (Virat Kohli blasts detractors: If someone pokes us, we won't back down)Lokesh Rahul and Rahane steered India to an emphatic win in the fourth and final Test to seal the series 2-1. Rahul made 51 not out and Rahane added a rapid unbeaten 38 to help India chase down the modest 106-run victory target with more than five sessions to spare, the opener completing his sixth fifty of the series when he scored the winning runs.Watch: Biggest takeaways from India vs Australia Test seriesJohnson's comments come after Virat Kohli clarified that he is no longer friends with the Australian players following an eventful series which witnessed sparks flying from both the camps. (At times I've let my emotions slip, I apologise: Steve Smith)The Kohli-Steve Smith quarrel started in Bengaluru over a DRS incident when the Australian captain was caught seeking help from his team's dressing room over a review after he was trapped leg before by Umesh Yadav.While Smith called it a "brain fade", Kohli warned the visitors of "crossing the line". International Cricket Council put an end to the saga by not pressing charges against Smith or Kohli. (Matthew Wade's chirping behind the stumps motivated me: Jadeja)SMITH SORRYSmith apologised for his actions on the field once again for what he had already termed as a 'brain fade' moment. (Jadeja wins sledging war against unruly Australian wicketkeeper)"I have been pretty intense throughout this series. I really wanted to do well for the team. At times I have been in my own bubble and have let my emotions slip. I apologise for that," Smith said at the post-match presentation ceremony.FRIENDS NO MOREBefore the start of the series last month, Kohli had said no matter what was said in heated and charged-up moments, everything was forgotten after the contest. He had in fact said that he was "really good friends with all these guys off the field." (Rahane's captaincy draws high praise from Clarke, Ganguly)When asked if he would still be friends with the Aussie cricketers after a keenly fought series, Kohli said no."No, it has changed. I thought that was the case, but it has changed for sure. As I said, in the heat of the battle you want to be competitive but I've been proven wrong. (Virat Kohli ecstatic after historic triumph: 'Our best series win so far')"The thing I said before the first Test, that has certainly changed and you won't hear me say that ever again," he said at the post-match press conference.CLARKE, GANGULY IN AWE OF RAHANE'S CAPTAINCYFormer Australia captain Michael Clarke and former India skipper Sourav Ganguly praised Rahane's leadership qualities in such a crucial match in the absence of regular skipper Kohli, who missed the contest with a shoulder injury. (Virat Kohli has ensured India won't ever back down: Michael Clarke to India Today)

Sanira Mediratta

11 May 2017,Thursday

People who criticised my appearance were right: Parineeti

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/parineeti-chopra-meri-pyaari-bindu-comeback-weight-loss-golmaal-4/1/951011.html

Parineeti Chopra has said when people criticised her older appearance, they were right. Talking about her old photos, she said, "I know that's not me. I'm a very self-assured person which is what makes me real. I'm not showing off by doing so." Parineeti added, "I knew when I lose the weight, everybody will say that she looks so good."

Parineeti Chopra is making her comeback of sorts in Bollywood. The 28-year-old actor, who was last seen in 2014 film Kill Dil, is gearing up for the release of her upcoming film Meri Pyaari Bindu. In an interview to India Today, she talks about her film, her break, her love for music and Golmaal 4. It has been almost two and a half years since we saw a Parineeti-starrer film. What did you do during this break? If it was two and a half years long, this question was valid. My break was only ten months - I didn't shoot a film for 10 months. I shot the song (Dishoom), did the Dream Tour and I was shooting ads. So this break that everybody has made a thing about really didn't happen. I know this industry is like 'Three days she is not in news, oh she's done'. But never did anybody write me off. I pride myself for the goodwill I earned for the work I did in the first three years. I could hold on to that great work in the beginning and confidently come back with a film two years later.So did you use those 10 months to reassess your career and bring about a change?That was the plan. You are able to really think about what works for you and what you excel at. Adi (Aditya Chopra) and Maneesh (Sharma) were my third eye through that journey and gave me their opinion. I was also working on my fitness. I really had some health issues and had to see a lot of doctors. Let's talk about the Parineeti 2.0. The old Parineeti got a lot of flak for her appearance. How did you cope with all the criticism?When they were criticising me, they were absolutely right. I'd look at that photo and I know that's not me. I'm a very self-assured person which is what makes me real. I'm not showing off by doing so. I have come from that background and family. I knew when I lose the weight, everybody will say that she looks so good. Now I'm in the best-dressed lists. Don't you think actresses face a stern test? Surely it shouldn't all be about 36-24-36.Today 36-24-36 is not the perfect figure. We need to change that stat I feel. Films are a visual medium. They are inspirational. Even when I watch a film, I feel like I want to wear that skirt, have that hair and have a Raj (in my life). Why are films so big? Because they make you cut off (from the real world). If you are not inspirational, then you cannot be on the larger-than-life celluloid. When you are at that global pedestal, you need to inspire - visually, with you performance, voice and dancing. You need to deliver a beautiful image. Fitness is a part of that. And you have been propagating being fit in this new avatar.I have seen the craziest hip-hop dancers who are size 18. They are fit and flexible, so healthy and glowing; (have the) best hair, nails and skin. Fitness does not equal to (being) thin. You need to be your fittest self. It automatically comes from fat loss. People think 'Oh you just go on a treadmill and you lose weight because you want to wear a bikini.' I have been struggling with my weight for 12 years of my life. I couldn't work for more than four hours. I was very big, a UK size 16. My heart and liver were taking a strain, I have an injured knee because of my weight. People don't think of that.Is your approach to picking roles different from before? I definitely feel more responsible towards entertaining the audience. I want to deliver more entertainment value. I definitely want to do an action film. I just hope that they can write a good action character for a girl and it comes to me. I really wanted to do a comedy and I'm doing Golmaal.You are juggling promoting Meri Pyaari Bindu and shooting Golmaal 4. I miss my boys. They are my gang now. Within two days, I was part of that mad team. They literally invest their time, money and skills in playing pranks on each other. When earlier journalists would ask me do you play pranks on sets, I'd be like No. Now [with Golmaal] you are constantly looking behind your back because anything could happen.Rohit Sir (director Rohit Shetty) keeps his team together. They are a seven of us but really it is a cast is of 19 actors.Were you worried that you would get lost in the crowded ensemble?I'm a lover of Golmaal. When Rohit Sir called, I knew I want to do this film; I'm doing this film. Listening to the script was a formality for me. But of course I had to listen to it. I loved my role. I also wanted to work with Rohit Sir. I'd be a tree in his film.Coming back to Meri Pyaari Bindu. How is Bindu different from other romantic comedy heroines?She is irresponsible, doesn't finish things and leaves relationships. She keeps moving cities and jobs. She is not very stable because she wants to fly like a bird, and explore everything and keep trying. That's what makes her stand out. She is not the demure, stereotypical Bollywood heroine of yesteryear. She is spunky. What I do have in common with her is that she loves music and singing, and is energetic. When she enters the room, everybody has to look at what she is doing. We are seeing the lesser-seen musical side of yours in this film. Maneesh Sharma mentioned how you'd sing in the corridors of YRF office. Yes, I used to walk and sing on the first floor when I was working in the marketing department. I think music is what defines me as a person. I really want to take music more seriously. I want to release many more songs and do live shows.

Mansha Mahajan

30 Jul 2017,Sunday

Man with baby punched by airport staff after a 13-hour delay

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/jul/30/easyjet-passenger-punched-by-airport-worker-in-france?utm_source=inshorts&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=fullarticle

EasyJet is seeking answers after a worker at France's Nice airport punched a passenger who was holding his baby at the terminal after a 13-hour delay. A picture of the incident was circulated online. "The man...went over and talked to the Frenchman and the Frenchman didn't reply, he just smiled and smirked and then whacked this guy," another passenger said.

EasyJet is ?urgently? seeking answers after a worker at Nice airport apparently punched one of the airline?s passengers who was holding his baby at the terminal after a 13-hour delay.A photo circulating online appears to show the man, believed to be a special assistance provider at the airport in south-east France, attacking the man in front of other passengers on Saturday.A fellow passenger said the man was struck after families had been held up because of delayed flight EZY2122 from Nice to Luton, with little access to information or space to sit down. EasyJet employee hitting man holding baby after delay of over 14hours #easyJet #Telegraph #Dailymail #TheSun pic.twitter.com/3ZZChG0djBArabella Arkwright, who took the photograph, said the man was holding his baby while his wife vented their frustration to airport staff about the lack of baby food and seats.?The man with the baby ... went over and talked to the Frenchman and the Frenchman didn?t reply, he just smiled and smirked and then whacked this guy on the left side of his face,? she told BBC Radio 5 Live. She said her 64-year-old husband pulled the man off the apparent victim and ?frogmarched? him away before police were called. Both men were taken away, but passengers demanded the man with the baby was allowed to board his flight. ?When he arrived on the plane, all the plane clapped him,? said Arkwright. An easyJet spokesman said the person in the photograph is believed to work for Nice airport?s special assistance provider Samsic, which is contracted to provide workers to help to disabled passengers, including those using wheelchairs.In a statement the airline said: ?EasyJet is very concerned to see this picture and can confirm the person in the photo is not an easyJet member of staff and does not work for easyJet?s ground handling agents in Nice.?We are urgently taking this up with Nice airport and their special assistance provider Samsic, who we understand the person photographed works for.? The airline apologised for the delay to the flight because of a ?technical issue with the aircraft?. Arkwright said passengers were not told what was wrong with the aircraft or how long the delay would be, but easyJet said passengers were provided with updates and refreshment vouchers. ?The safety and wellbeing of our passengers and crew is always easyJet?s highest priority,? it said. ?EasyJet sincerely apologises for the delay and thanks passengers for their patience.?

Arshiya Chopra

18 Jul 2017,Tuesday

India's provocation will trigger confrontation: Chinese media

http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/doklam-standoff-india-should-get-ready-for-all-out-confrontation-says-chinese-media/story-UVMFYiE6Lf8g8jTCZIv2KI.html?utm_source=inshorts&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=fullarticle

Citing the escalated standoff at Doklam, Chinese media on Tuesday stated that if India stirs up conflicts at Line of Actual Control (LAC), it should be ready to face consequences of "all-out confrontation". The media asserted that India is concerned with China's rapid economic growth and blamed the former for provoking border conflicts as means of sounding out China.

India should get ready for an ?all-out confrontation? along the entire stretch of the disputed boundary with China, the country?s state media said on Tuesday, threatening to open up new fronts of conflict on the 3,488 km non-demarcated border between the two countries.China isn?t afraid to go to ?war? with India and will be ready for a long-term confrontation, the Global Times comment piece said.The threat of new geographical points of conflict being opened up along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) comes amid the People?s Liberation Army (PLA) recently carrying out live-fire drills in Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR) close to Arunachal Pradesh, claimed by China as part of south Tibet.Read more: India rejects ?malicious? Pakistani media report of soldier deaths in Chinese attackThe continuing hostile posturing by China?s state-controlled media is a crucial aspect of Beijing?s overall aggressive stand taken on the ongoing military impasse at Donglang across the Sikkim border.?China can take further countermeasures along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). If India stirs up conflicts in several spots, it must face the consequence of an all-out confrontation with China along the entire LAC,? the nationalistic tabloid, Global Times, said in a comment piece on Tuesday. ?China doesn?t advocate and tries hard to avoid a military clash with India, but China doesn?t fear going to war to safeguard sovereignty either, and will make itself ready for a long-term confrontation,? it added.Affiliated to the Communist Party of China (CPC) mouthpiece, People?s Daily, the Global Times has been on the forefront of Chinese media?s editorial attack on India. Its battle-plan is short and simple ? obfuscate New Delhi?s points of view on the current impasse and peddle China?s deliberately one-sided view of the situation.For one, the GT article claimed that since the 1962 war, it is only India that has provoked China along the border, conveniently not mentioning the incursions made by the PLA?s border troops over the decades.?The 3,500-kilometer border has never been short of disputes. Since the 1962 border war, the Indian side has repeatedly made provocations. China must be prepared for future conflicts and confrontation. China can take further countermeasures along the Line of Actual Control (LAC),? wrote GT?s Duo Mu in the newspaper.?If India plans to devote more resources in the border area, then so be it. China can engage in a competition with India over economic and military resources deployment in the border area,? the newspaper wrote. The article mentioned China?s superior military and economic infrastructure in the Sino-India border region, and how that?s an advantage.?With growing national strength, China is capable of deploying resources in remote border areas. It is conducive to the economic growth of these regions, as well as to safeguarding integration of China?s territory. Road and rail in the Tibetan area have been extended close to the border area with India, Nepal and Bhutan. It?s a competition of military strength, as well as a competition of overall economic strength,? it said.The author said in China ??there are voices calling for the Indian troops to be expelled immediately to safeguard the country?s sovereignty, while Indian public opinion is clamoring for war with China. However, the two sides need to exercise restraint and avoid the current conflict spiraling out of control.? China has blamed India for the ongoing Donglang (Doklam) impasse, accusing Indian soldiers of trespass and preventing Chinese soldiers from building a road in the region, which is also claimed by Bhutan.Beijing wants India to withdraw its troops from Donglang before the two sides can open talks. New Delhi says the road, if built, will have serious security implications for India.

Aarushi Maheshwari

14 Jun 2017,Wednesday

Princess Diana tried to cut wrist after wedding, claim tapes

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/princess-diana-tried-to-cut-her-wrists-weeks-after-her-wedding/1/976851.html

Princess Diana tried cutting her wrists with razors weeks after marrying Prince Charles, secret tapes recorded in 1991 have revealed. She said in the tapes, "I was so depressed... I was in a very bad way," and had bulimia. Diana described her love for Charles and insecurity of Camilla Parker Bowles, whom he married years after Diana died.

Diana was so unhappy in the few weeks after her fairy tale wedding with Prince Charles that she tried to slash her wrists, according to the transcripts of secret tapes of the popular princess. The shock revelations were made in a book about her battles with depression, life with Charles and his lover Camilla . "I was so depressed, and I was trying to cut my wrists with razor blades," The Princess of Wales is quoted as saying. The "suicide" tapes - are believed to have recorded in 1991 with the help of a friend - and have remained secret for 20 years, The Sun reported. But they are now being used in a republished version of Andrew Morton?s book: Diana- Her True Story. Diana in the tapes tells how life became a misery after life in Balmoral during their honeymoon. "I got terribly, terribly thin. People started commenting: Your bones are showing. By October (1981) I was in a very bad way," she said. "I was so depressed, and I was trying to cut my wrists with razor blades. It rained and rained and rained. I came down early (to London) to seek treatment, not because I hated Balmoral, but because I was in such a bad way. "I was so depressed, and I was trying to cut my wrists with razor blades,? she was quoted as saying. In the original book Morton had revealed the suicide attempts - but had quoted "friends". Now the new edition reveals that it was Diana who had spoken candidly about how quickly the marriage had fallen apart. She also reveals how she kept looking for Camilla Parker Bowles, her love rival, even as she walked down the aisle at her wedding. "As I walked up the aisle, I was looking for Camilla. I knew she was in there. "I had a very bad fit of bulimia the night before. I ate everything I could possibly find which amused my sister (Jane) because she was staying at Clarence House with me. "On the day, there was great anticipation. Happiness because the crowds buoyed you up ? but I don?t think I was happy." Diana said she was in love with Charles and "could not take my eyes off him" . "I just absolutely thought I was the luckiest girl in the world. He was going to look after me. Well, was I wrong on that assumption! "So walking back down the aisle, I spotted Camilla ? pale grey, veiled pillbox hat, saw it all, her son Tom standing on a chair. To this day, you know ? vivid memory," she was quoting as saying. On her honeymoon she reveals she suffered "appalling dreams", adding: At night, I dreamt of Camilla the whole time. "I was obsessed by Camilla totally. I didn't trust (Charles), thought every five minutes he was ringing her up, asking how to handle his marriage." Diana remained the object of worldwide media scrutiny during and after her marriage, which ended in divorce on August 28, 1996. She was killed in a car crash in Paris in August 1997 at the age of 36 along with Dodi Fayed.Also Read: Have you noticed this one glaring thing in all of Prince Charles and Princess Diana's photos?US tabloid claims Prince Charles is gay, splashes photos of scandalous 'kiss'

Nandini Sinha

16 Jul 2017,Sunday

Pak court orders seizure of Opp'n leader Imran Khan's assets

http://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/pakistan-court-orders-seizure-of-imran-khan-tahirul-qadri-s-assets/story-6oTnmJFHicW0N6MgFjbhfK.html?utm_source=inshorts&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=fullarticle

An Anti-Terrorism Court in Pakistan has ordered the seizure of properties belonging to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Chairman and Opposition leader Imran Khan for failing to appear in hearings of terrorism cases registered against him. Earlier, the court had issued perpetual warrants of arrest against Khan over violence in a case related to an attack on a senior police officer in 2014.

An Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Pakistan on Friday ordered the seizure of properties of opposition leader Imran Khan and cleric-turned politician Tahirul Qadri after they failed to appear in hearings of terrorism cases registered against them.The ATC here heard the case which was registered with the secretariat police station against the duo for committing violence during protests in 2014 which paralysed Islamabad.According to a lawyer, the court also issued notices to relevant police stations and revenue boards to implement the order.On February 3, the ATC had issued perpetual arrest warrants against Khan, the chairman of Pakistan Tehreek-i- Insaaf (PTI), and Qadri, the chief of Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT), in a case related to an attack on Senior Superintendent of Police Asmatullah Junejo during the 2014 protests.Secretariat police had registered a case against several PTI and PAT workers for their alleged involvement in vandalism and attacking SSP Janjejo.ATC judge Sohail Ikram had issued the perpetual arrest warrants after police submitted a report stating that the suspects could not be arrested despite a proclamation being issued.So far, police have failed to arrest the two leaders due to political reasons and fear of backlash by their supporters.Both Khan and Qadri have also demanded Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif?s resignation in the wake of the Panama papers leak.

Krishna Veera Vanamali

18 Jul 2017,Tuesday

Govt transfers over 300 I-T commissioners across the country

http://www.hindustantimes.com/business-news/govt-transferred-300-income-tax-commissioners-across-country/story-CIna3tnattZuDjhSsaPpAN.html?utm_source=inshorts&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=fullarticle

The government has recently transferred 325 commissioners of the Income Tax department across the country. The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT), which frames policy for the tax department, has brought out two lists, transferring 80 and subsequently 245 commissioner rank officials. This is reportedly the largest scale of transfers done in the department in the last few years.

Over 300 commissioners of the Income Tax department have been transferred recently by the government, a major reshuffle seen as an attempt to fine tune the working of the department.The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT), which frames policy for the tax department, has recently brought out two lists ? first transferring 80 and subsequently 245 commissioner rank officials across the country.Just few days before this, on May 31, the CBDT also transferred over 50 chief commissioners of the department across the country.A senior department official said these three lists in quick intervals can be billed as the largest scale of transfers done in the department in the last few years.?The 245 commissioners transfer list published recently is the largest amongst the three lists. Such huge numbers were never heard of, even as the lists have come during the usual transfers season due every year. The aim is to ensure better work productivity and transparency in the department which has a large public interface,? he said.The task of the commissioners and chief commissioners rank officials in the I-T department is largely supervisory, but is very crucial in ensuring the quality and efficacy of the tax collection, assessment, investigation and other aspects under the direct taxes charter.The transfer lists have been personally vetted by CBDT Chairman Sushil Chandra who, in the past, has written regular letters to his senior officials to ensure ?preventive vigilance? in the department and effective check on work conduct.The transferred officers, the official said, have been asked to join their new charges in short time as the CBDT wants to initiate a number of new taxpayer friendly measures.It also wants to give continuity to the ongoing drive like nabbing those who generated black money post demonetisation and the job of widening the tax base by identifying those who can pay income tax but are not doing so at present, the official added.

Sumedha Sehra

12 Jun 2017,Monday

Don't wish to seek re-appointment: Attorney General Rohatgi

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/dont-want-a-second-term-ag-mukul-rohatgi-to-modi-govt/1/976403.html

Indian Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi has asked the government not to consider him for a second term, as his current tenure ends on June 19, 2017. He said that he considers his "three-year term as enough" and wishes to return to private practice. "I will come to the aid of the government as long as I live," he added.

New Delhi, Jun 11 (PTI) Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi, whose three-year tenure will end on June 19, has asked the government not to consider him for reappointment to the post. Rohatgi told PTI that he had written to the government last month conveying his wish to discontinue as Attorney General and return to private practice. He said the extension given to him by the government earlier this month was "adhoc", till further orders, as it was done when the Prime Minister was on a visit to Russia. "So, the government has to take a call on my decision," he said. Rohatgi said that he maintained a "good relationship" with the government and would come to its aid as and when required. He said he was appointed by the Narendra Modi government after it came to power in May 2014 and he has served his term to his full satisfaction. He said he considers this duration as the top law officer enough and does not want to be considered for reappointment. "I have conveyed to the government last month that I dont wish to seek re-appointment. I consider the three-year term as enough and I had also served the previous BJP government for five years. I would like to return to private practice," Rohatgi told PTI. He clarified that his letter conveying his decision not to seek reappointment should not be considered as resignation as his term is due to end. "I will come to the aid of the government as long as I live," he said. Asked about his response if Prime Minister Narendra Modi insists that he continue, Rohatgi said, "I will cross the bridge when it comes." Besides Rohatgi, two additional solicitor generals P S Patwalia and Neeraj Kishan Kaul have also preferred not to seek reappointment as law officers. Rohatgi was appointed as the AG on June 19, 2014 immediately after the BJP government came to power in May that year. During his three-year stint, he argued many contentious matters like the challenge to NJAC Act on appointment of judges for the higher judiciary. He also defended the government which was in tussle with the Supreme Court Collegium of judges on the appointment of judges for higher judiciary. Recently, he assisted the apex court in triple talaq matter in which the judgement is reserved. He has also advanced the governments stand of defending the policy of Aadhaar in which the issue of Right to Privacy has been raised and is pending before apex court. As a top law officer, Rohatgi defended the governments policy of demonetisation in which the high denomination currency of Rs 1,000 and Rs 500 were declared as not a legal tender.

Pragya Swastik

26 Dec 2016,Monday

Diaper that alerts when it needs to be changed developed

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/new-diaper-alerts-caregivers-when-its-wet/1/842937.html

Japanese scientists have developed a urine-powered sensor that can alert caregivers when a diaper is wet. It took the scientists five years to develop a flexible embeddable battery and urine sensor for diaper. The setup contains a battery attached to capacitor that stores generated electricity and a transmitter which can beam signal to a receiver up to 16 feet away.

Tokyo, Dec 26 (PTI) Scientists in Japan have developed a new urine-powered sensor that can alert caregivers when a diaper is wet and ready to be changed. A team from the Ritsumeikan University in Japan worked on the diaper for about five years, with the aim of caring for ageing patients suffering from urinary incontinence. Producing a sensor suitable for a diaper proved to be a challenge, researchers said. They first developed a urine sensor too rigid to embed into a diaper. Flexible embeddable battery and sensor contain a chemical potentially unsafe for humans and their charging times varied. The new diaper sensors overcome all of those problems by using a urine-activated battery, Gizmodo reported.

Mansha Mahajan

12 Feb 2017,Sunday

Fabindia gets legal notice for using brand name 'Khadi'

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/kvic-sends-legal-notice-to-fabindia-for-using-brand-name-khadi/1/880774.html

Khadi India has threatened to sue ethnic-wear brand Fabindia, for indulging in "unfair trade practice" by unauthorisedly selling cotton products under its registered brand name 'Khadi'. Fabindia has been asked to immediately stop using 'Khadi' from all cotton products and remove display banners from showrooms. A legal notice alleged Khadi India's brand name was used unlawfully to mislead buyers.

Sanira Mediratta

25 Dec 2016,Sunday

Sand artist creates 1,000 Santa Claus sculptures in Odisha

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/sand-artiste-creates-1000-santa-claus-sculptures/1/842541.html

Sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik created 1,000 Santa Claus sculptures at the Puri beach in Odisha on Christmas eve. The installation was constructed with the help of 35 students and about 1,000 tons of sand in four days. With the sand art, Sudarsan broke his 2012 Limca Book record of 500 sand Santa Claus sculptures.

Bhubaneswar, Dec 25 (PTI) Internationally acclaimed sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik today said that creation of 1,000 sand sculptures of Santa Claus by him and his students at Puri sea beach on the eve of Christmas has become a record to feature in Limca Book of Records. Pattnaik said Senior Editor of Limca Book of Records, Arthy Muthanna Sindh has congratulated him on the feat through an e-mail communication and has confirmed it as a world record that would feature in Limca Book of Records. The Santa festival started at Puri yesterday evening and will continue till January 1, he said. With 1,000 Santa Clauses, Sudarsan was eyeing to break his 2012 Limca Book record of sculpturing 500 sand Santa Clauses.

Dishant Sharma

20 Jan 2017,Friday

Sachin calling me a superstar is little embarrassing: Yuvraj

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/yuvraj-singh-reaction-india-vs-england-cuttack-odi/1/862064.html

Following his 150-run knock in the second ODI against England, Yuvraj Singh said that Sachin Tendulkar calling him a "superstar" is a little embarrassing. "What an amazing partnership between a superstar and a rockstar!! We enjoyed the show :) @YUVSTRONG12 @msdhoni #INDvENG", tweeted Sachin Tendulkar. The 35-year-old scored his 14th ODI hundred, coming after a gap of almost six years.

Yuvraj Singh's innings against England at Cuttack is being hailed by the cricketing fraternity since Thursday. Yuvraj roared back to form and announced his comeback to international cricket with a blazing 150 off 127 balls which helped India win the second ODI by 15 runs and take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series. (Kohli on Yuvraj's 150: Exactly what we envisioned)It was a typical Yuvraj innings which included a staggering 21 boundaries but just three sixes. Indian cricket fans also to witness Mahendra Singh Dhoni at his very best as he slammed a 122-ball 134. The duo revived memories of their numerous match-winning partnerships of the past by adding a record 256 runs for the fourth wicket which helped India post a mammoth 381/6 after being asked to bat first. (Yuvraj Singh, MS Dhoni hundreds give India series win over England)England then rode on captain Eoin Morgan's 81-ball 102 to get close to the target but fell agonisingly short thanks to some intelligent bowling by Ravichandran Ashwin (3/65) and Jasprit Bumrah (2/81) in the death overs. (Kohli's trust was important as I could have retired: Yuvraj Singh)Yuvraj's twitter account was instantly flooded with congratulatory messages from his fans, fellow cricketers and his former teammates. Cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar also wished Yuvi and Dhoni after the win and called them both superstar and rockstar respectively. (Vintage Yuvraj Singh is back with a bang)What an amazing partnership between a superstar and a rockstar!! We enjoyed the show :) @YUVSTRONG12@msdhoni#INDvENGpic.twitter.com/mU8o3iJfZiYuvraj though, was a little embarrassed with Tendulkar's message and he explained why after the match. (Nice to see Dhoni play freely: Yuvraj)"He (Sachin) always calls me a superstar which is a little embarrassing in front of him. He's always trying to be funny with be but I always take his wishes. Thank you very much Mr. Tendulkar for your wishes, I think they worked really well today," Yuvi told bcci.tv.

Aarushi Maheshwari

29 Jul 2017,Saturday

UK lifts laptop ban on two Turkish airlines

http://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/britain-lifts-laptop-ban-on-some-flights-from-turkey/story-3oxFSoPx6jU3j1Lp6u5FzJ.html?utm_source=inshorts&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=fullarticle

The UK has lifted an in-cabin laptop ban on Turkish Airlines and Pegasus. The Transport Department said the restrictions "will be lifted on a case-by-case basis once the UK government has verified that airlines have put in place alternative security measures." The UK had imposed the ban on direct flights from Turkey, Lebanon, Jordan, Egypt, Tunisia and Saudi Arabia.

Britain has eased a ban on laptops and tablets in airline cabins, lifting the prohibition on some flights from Turkey.In March, Britain banned electronic devices larger than smartphones on direct flights from Turkey, Lebanon, Jordan, Egypt, Tunisia and Saudi Arabia.The Department for Transport said on Friday that the rule no longer applies to flights from Istanbul?s Sabiha Gokcen airport. The ban still holds at Istanbul?s other international airport, Ataturk.The department says restrictions at other airports ?will be lifted on a case-by-case basis once the UK government has verified that airlines have put in place alternative security measures.?Britain?s ban came after the US barred laptops in cabins on flights from 10 Mideast airports over concerns about explosives on planes.The ban has since been lifted for several airlines.

Sumedha Sehra

16 Jul 2017,Sunday

I will shave off my beard: Modi lookalike after AIB meme

http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/aib-meme-annoys-modi-lookalike-in-kerala-he-makes-up-mind-to-shave-off-beard/story-BuMcUvzvM9uLKj9iMHzvpN.html?utm_source=inshorts&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=fullarticle

PM Narendra Modi's lookalike and Kerala resident, MP Ramachandran has said that he will shave off his beard to not look like Modi. "People are misusing my picture. This has been happening for a while," he said, after comedy group AIB posted his picture alongside Modi's to create a meme. He also said he often gets selfie requests from strangers.

A resident of Kerala, MP Ramachandran was used to the attention he attracted for being a lookalike of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Often stopped at railway stations and bus stops by strangers with requests for selfies, he readily obliged. But not anymore.Ever since the Mumbai-based comedy group All India Bakchod (AIB) used his photograph alongside a morphed picture of Modi with dog?s ears and a snout superimposed, triggering a controversy, Ramachandran, 61, has grown tired of his resemblance with the prime minister.?I will shave off my beard next week,? he said on Saturday. His grey beard gone, he hopes he will not make heads turn anymore. ?People are misusing my picture. This has been happening for a while,? he told HT from Bengaluru, where his son works.The photograph of him peering into a mobile while waiting for a train to Bengaluru was taken at the railway station of his hometown Payyanur earlier this week. With his grey hair and beard, he looked uncannily similar to the prime minister and the photograph went viral on social media.The photograph was picked up thereafter by the AIB for taking a crack at the prime minister. They used Ramachandran?s photograph alongside a picture of Modi?s face with the Snapchat dog filter, using the hashtag #Wanderlust.Not many found it funny and the Mumbai cyber police on Friday filed an FIR against AIB co-founder Tanmay Bhat for ?insulting? Modi.However, Ramachandran, now retired after having worked in the Gulf for several years, insists he is an ardent fan of Modi. ?He (Modi) is an able administrator. For the first time we feel someone is in charge,? he said.Ramachandran has firsthand knowledge of Modi?s strong connect with ordinary people. The first time he was stopped was two years ago when he was waiting for a train to Jammu. ?A boy approached me to click a picture. There were army personnel around and they jostled with each other to pose for pictures with me. The picture frenzy ended up delaying the train?s departure by nearly 20 minutes. I also heard chants of Modiji zindabad,? he recalled.Incidentally, Ramachandran is not the only Modi doppelganger. Vikas Mahante from Mumbai?s Malad locality too hit the headlines for his uncanny resemblance to the PM. Another who sees himself as a Modi lookalike, Abhinandan Pathak, even jumped into the poll fray from Varanasi ? incidentally, against the BJP. Yet another Modi lookalike in Nagpur cut a cake on the PM?s 66th birthday this year and participated in a road cleaning drive to spread the message of Swachh Bharat Abhiyan.PM Narendra Modi?s social media following31.6 million: Twitter42.5 million: Facebook3.2 million: Google+2.2 million: LinkedIn8.6 million: Instagram6.85 lakh subscribers: YouTube   

Dishant Sharma

01 Aug 2017,Tuesday

Serena calls for equal pay for black women in personal essay

https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2017/aug/01/serena-williams-calls-for-equal-pay-for-black-women-in-passionate-personal-essay?utm_source=inshorts&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=fullarticle

Tennis star Serena Williams wrote a personal essay in which she demanded equal pay for black women. In the essay, Williams said that for every dollar earned by men in the United States, black women earn just 63 cents. "The cycles of poverty, discrimination and sexism are much, much harder to break than the Grand Slam titles record," Williams wrote.

Serena Williams, one of the highest paid and most successful athletes in the world, has issued a stirring call for black women to demand equal pay and spoken about the racism she has faced ?on and off the tennis court?.In a personal essay published by Fortune to coincide with Black Women?s Equal Pay Day, the tennis superstar said the gender pay gap ?hits women of colour the hardest?, as they suffer from both gender and racial financial disparity. For every dollar earned by men in the US, Williams said, black women earn 63 cents, and 17% less than white women.Her comments come as pay gaps are examined in a range of industries after the BBC was engulfed in scandal when it published a list of its top earners in July.Williams, a 23-times grand slam winner, wrote that black women have to work eight months longer to earn the same ?as their male counterparts do in one year?, and drew on her own experiences to highlight the unfair treatment of black women in the workplace. ?I?ve been disrespected by my male colleagues and ? in the most painful times ? I?ve been the subject of racist remarks on and off the tennis court,? she wrote.Williams has repeatedly been the target of sexist and racist remarks by men in tennis. In 2016 the chief executive of the Indian Wells tennis tournament, Raymond Moore, said women?s tennis was riding on the coat-tails of the men?s tour and that female players should ?thank god? for Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal. In April the Romanian team captain, Ilie Nastase, made an apparently racist comment about Williams?s unborn baby and was heard calling her and Johanna Konta ?fucking bitches?. Most recently, former champion John McEnroe said Williams would ?be, like, 700 in the world? if she played on the men?s tour. ?Luckily I am blessed with an inner drive and a support system of family and friends that encourage me to move forward. But these injustices still hurt,? Williams wrote.July 31 is Black Women's Equal Pay Day. Black women are the cornerstone of our communities, they are phenomenal, and they deserve equal pay. pic.twitter.com/XOHyIdbYPcNoting that she is ?in the rare position to be financially successful beyond my imagination?, Williams said that, if she had not been lucky enough to pick up a tennis racquet and break through, she would be like the other 24 million black women facing wage disparities in the US.?The cycles of poverty, discrimination and sexism are much, much harder to break than the record for Grand Slam titles,? she wrote. ?For every black woman that rises through the ranks to a position of power, there are too many others who are still struggling.?She said that changing the status quo would take courage to push the issue into the spotlight and force employers to compensate female employees equally: ?We deserve equal pay for our mothers, our wives, our daughters, our nieces, friends, and colleagues ? but mostly for ourselves.?Black women: be fearless. Speak out for equal pay. Every time you do, you?re making it a little easier for a woman behind you. Let?s get back those 37 cents.?Black Women?s Equal Pay Day, on 31 July, marked how long into 2017 an African American woman would have to work to be paid the same wages as her white male counterpart last year. ?Despite the large gender disadvantage faced by all women, black women were near parity with white women in 1979,? the Economic Policy Institute said. ?However in 2016, white women?s wages grew to 76% of white men?s, compared to 67% for black women relative to white men ? a racial difference of nine percentage points. The trend is going the wrong way ? progress is slowing for black women.?In the UK, research by the Fawcett Society in March revealed a similar story, that many minority ethnic women were ?left behind? by progress on the pay gap. Black African women in the UK have seen virtually no progress since the 1990s in closing the gender pay gap with white British men, with a full-time pay gap of 21.4% in the 1990s and 19.6% today. ?Black African women have been largely left behind, and in terms of closing the pay gap, Pakistani and Bangladeshi women are today only where white British women were in the 1990s,? Sam Smethers, the charity?s chief executive, said.The low number of staff from ethnic minorities on the BBC?s list of its best-paid talent has also provoked an angry response inside the corporation, after no black or ethnic minority staff featured among those earning the top 24 salaries. Williams has been a consistent advocate of equal pay. Earlier this month, when asked about what she would want for her child, she said: ?If my daughter were to play in a sport and she was able to have equal prize money, or equal pay, or equal rights, I feel like that would be a success. And if not, I would really want her to speak up for it. Any daughter of mine will have a voice.?She also praised Andy Murray after he corrected a journalist who said Sam Querrey was ?the first US player to reach a major semi-final since 2009?. Williams has joined the board of Silicon Valley firm SurveyMonkey to help tech companies diversify their workforces.

Daisy Mowke

27 Jul 2017,Thursday

Police question singer Rimi Tomy in actress abduction case

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/kerala-actress-abduction-case-singer-rimi-tomy-questioned/1/1012312.html?utm_source=inshorts&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=fullarticle

Singer Rimi Tomy has been questioned by the police in the Malayalam actress abduction case. Reports suggested that Rimi might have had some financial dealings with actor Dileep, who has been arrested in connection to the case. "It is painful to hear fake news... I have no problems with the actress who was assaulted," Rimi was quoted as saying.

Over the last few months, the Malayalam industry has been witnessing a crime that has had several twists and turns. Earlier today, singer and television host Rimi Tomy was questioned in connection with the abduction and assault of a popular Malayalam actress. This comes after Dileep's wife and actress Kavya Madhavan was grilled by the police on Wednesday. Reports suggest that Rimi might have had some financial dealings with actor Dileep. Pulsar Suni, the main accused in the case, wrote a letter to Dileep wherein he mentions 'Madam'. The Kerala police suspect Rimi Tomy's alleged involvement.According to a report in The News Minute, Rimi Tomy quashed the baseless reports and said she had no such dealings with Dileep. "I am not the 'madam' in this case. A police officer name Baiju Paulose called and enquired about some stage shows I'd done abroad. He said that police are aware that I have no connection with the case. It is painful to hear fake news about this on TV. Reporters, please clarify with me before putting out such news. I have no problems with the actor who was assaulted," she was quoted as saying.Earlier this month, actor Dileep was arrested on the charges of criminal conspiracy in the Malayalam actress case. His bail plea was recently rejected by the Kerala High Court.Dileep's judicial custody has been extended till August 8.ALSO READ: Malayalam actress abduction case | Kerala HC rejects Dileep's bail pleaALSO READ | Kerala actress abduction case: HC defers verdict on Dileep's bail pleaALSO READ: Kerala actress abduction case- Dileep's official website hacked?

Mansha Mahajan

07 Feb 2017,Tuesday

You can operate when body is healthy: PM Modi on note ban

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/pm-narendra-modi-live-note-ban-demonetisation-parliament/1/876683.html

Defending demonetisation, PM Narendra Modi has said, "When can you have an operation? When the body is healthy." Modi said since the economy was in strong condition, timing of demonetisation was "the best". "I am taking such decisions which are hurting big people and because of that I am going to face problems. I am ready for that," he added.

Defending his decision to ban Rs 500 and Rs 1000 currency notes, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said the best time to launch demonetisation is when the economy is in good shape. "Since the economy was in strong condition, the timing of demonetisation was the best," Modi said in Lok Sabha during his reply to the Motion of Thanks on President Pranab Mukherjee's address. "When can you have an operation? When the body is healthy. The economy was doing well and thus our decision was taken at the right time," he said."Like Swachh Bharat, the decision on demonetisation is a movement to clean India (from corruption and black money)," Modi said today."I am taking such decisions which are hurting big people and because of that I am going to face problems. I am ready for that." he said.Modi's defence of demonetisation, however, runs counter to many top economists, who had protested the decision when the Indian economy was doing well. Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, also a renowned economist, had called demonetisation a "monumental mismanagement" and "organised loot and legalised plunder". Development economist Jean Dreze had used a racing analogy. "Demonetisation in a booming economy is like shooting at the tyres of a racing car," he had said.On November 8 last year, Modi, in a televised address, announced the banning of high currency notes - a decision he said was aimed at checking black money and terror funding. The decision triggered massive protest from the Opposition and chaos outside banks and ATMs across the country following the massive cash crunch. There are also allegations of over a 100 deaths due to demonetisation.In his speech, Modi also attacked the Congress over the role of "one family" in the freedom struggle and said they had neglected the contribution of others. "There are many people like me who couldn't die for the nation during the freedom struggle but we are living for India and serving India," Modi said during the debate on Motion of Thanks to the President's address. "Somewhere on the way, 'Jan Shakti' (people power) was forgotten and we don't accept this," he said. "I never heard them speak about the role of Chandrasekhar Azad, Bhagat Singh and many other freedom fighters who laid down their lives for the country," Modi said."They think the country got independence only due to one family," Modi said in an apparent attack on the Nehru dynasty. He said India had to be taken to newer heights. "Faith in Jan Shakti will give results."Also read:PM Narendra Modi LIVE in Parliament: They don't want demonetisation debate because I gain from itPM Modi knows why Uttarakhand earthquake happened. And it has a Rahul Gandhi connectionGandhis died for the nation... Not even a dog from your house: Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge's outburst in Parliament

Prashanti Moktan

19 Jul 2017,Wednesday

Actor rescued after being trapped at waterfall for 3 days

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/jul/19/paul-nicholls-rescued-three-days-waterfall-thailand-eastenders?utm_source=inshorts&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=fullarticle

Paul Nicholls, a British actor who worked on shows like EastEnders and Ackley Bridge, has been rescued three days after he was trapped at the base of a jungle waterfall in Thailand's Koh Samui island. He was found partially submerged in a rock pool, semi-conscious and with hypothermia. "I am lucky to be alive," said Nicholls.

A British actor who worked on EastEnders and Channel 4 drama Ackley Bridge has been rescued three days after falling from the top of a jungle waterfall and smashing his leg on the Thai island of Koh Samui.Paul Nicholls, 38, was found in agony at the base of Khun Si falls after a local spotted his abandoned rental motorbike, which police traced to his real name ? Gerrard Paul Greenhalgh ? prompting a search.He was found partially submerged in a rock pool, semi-conscious and with hypothermia, unable to move to safety or find food.?I am lucky to be alive,? Nicholls said, according to the Sun. ?It took such a long time to find me. It?s an understatement to say it wasn?t a great situation ? The problem was I couldn?t move to get out of there.?I had a phone with me but I fell from such a height into the water it was unretrievable.?Nicholls said his kneecap was destroyed in the fall and would need a complete reconstruction.It took two hours for emergency services to get him to International Koh Samui hospital, the Sun reported, adding that Nicholls? medical bills will run into tens of thousands of pounds.Last month American tourist Geoffrey Maui, 28, died after falling at the same waterfall.Nicholls debuted in EastEnders in 1996 as Joe Wicks. He quit the soap a year later and has since worked on City Central, Holby City, Secret Diary of a Call Girl and Law & Order. He also acted in the 2004 film, Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason.

Saloni Tandon

13 Jul 2017,Thursday

Ex-BCCI Prez Thakur issues 'unconditional apology' to SC

http://www.hindustantimes.com/cricket/anurag-thakur-tenders-fresh-unconditional-apology-before-sc-in-contempt-case/story-2YyPPJaob876rMEDGl1v8H.html?utm_source=inshorts&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=fullarticle

Former BCCI President Anurag Thakur on Thursday issued an "unconditional" and "unequivocal" apology in the Supreme Court to get relief from contempt proceedings initiated against him. Thakur was removed from his post by SC in January on charges of perjury and contempt of court, for filing a false affidavit regarding writing to the ICC about the implementation of Lodha reforms.

Former BCCI president Anurag Thakur on Thursday tendered a fresh ?unconditional? and ?unequivocal? apology in the Supreme Court, saying it was never his intention to undermine the majesty of the apex court.Thakur, a senior BJP leader and a Member of Parliament from Hamirpur in Himachal Pradesh, was asked by the apex court on July 7 to tender an apology in explicit terms to get relief from the contempt proceedings initiated against him.?I humbly submit that it was never the intention of the deponent to undermine the majesty of this court and since unintentionally some kind of misinformation and miscommunication has occured, I unhesitatingly tender my unconditional and unequivocal apology to this court,? he said in his affidavit filed. The apex court had directed him to file a ?one-page short affidavit? tendering an apology while making it clear that it was not going to consider his earlier affidavit of apology.READ |?Ravi Shastri and the support staff quandary: Is trouble brewing already?The apex court had also asked Thakur to be present on July 14 to tender the apology, indicating that it was willing to accept the apology and close the contempt proceedings against Thakur.Senior advocate P S Patwalia, appearing for Thakur had said that though his client was willing to tender an unconditional apology, he had a very good case on merit through which it can be proved that he did no wrong.Senior advocate Gopal Subramanium, who is assisting the court as amicus curiae (friend of court) in the matter, had said if the court was magnanimous in granting pardon to Thakur, then he has nothing to say, but the apology should be unqualified and explicit in terms.The apex court had initiated contempt proceedings against Thakur on January 2 this year for filing a false affidavit regarding writing to the International Cricket Council (ICC) on the issue of BCCI?s autonomy.READ |?Mithali Raj says lack of support in Indian women?s team hampered her battingIt had slapped Thakur with contempt and perjury notices for filing a false affidavit over writing to the ICC on the issue.?The conduct of the President of BCCI in seeking a letter from the President of ICC in August 2016, after the final judgement and Order of this Court, is nothing but an attempt on the part of the head of BCCI to evade complying with the Order of this Court,? the apex court had said while issuing a show-cause notice to Thakur.Coming down heavily on the defiant BCCI brass, the apex court had on January 2 removed Thakur and Ajay Shirke as the President and the Secretary for ?obstructing? and ?impeding? its directions for overhauling governance in the cricket body. It had also appointed a committee of administrators to oversee BCCI?s functions.Thakur had on March 6 tendered an ?unconditional and unqualified apology? before the apex court, saying he had never intended to file any false information before the apex court.READ | Virat Kohli fails to recognise Mithali Raj: Gender bias at playOn January 30, the apex court had appointed a four-member committee of administrators headed by former Comptroller and Auditor General of India Vinod Rai to run BCCI?s affairs and implement court-approved recommendations of the Justice R M Lodha panel on reforms in the cash-rich cricket body.Three other members of the committee of administrators included historian Ramachandra Guha, Vikram Limaye, IDFC Managing Director and former Indian women cricket captain Diana Edulji. Guha had recently informed the apex court that he has tendered his resignation due to personal reasons to Rai.

Pragya Swastik

11 Feb 2017,Saturday

Ambassador car brand sold to Peugeot for ?80 crore

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/ambassador-brand-now-gets-a-new-owner-in-peugeot/1/880097.html

Kolkata-based automaker Hindustan Motors on Friday sold the iconic Ambassador car brand to French car manufacturer Peugeot in a deal worth ?80 crore. Hindustan Motors began manufacturing the Ambassador car in 1958, which was also used by several Prime Ministers. The production of the car stopped nearly three years ago in May 2014.

The iconic brand Ambassador, which used to be a symbol of the high and mighty in power corridors, has changed hands, with Hindustan Motors selling it to European auto major Peugeot for Rs 80 crore. The C K Birla group firm has inked an agreement with Peugeot SA to this effect. Also read: Ambassador: The best taxi in the worldAs things stand, the manufacturing of Ambassador car has been discontinued. "Hindustan Motors has executed an agreement with Peugeot SA for the sale of the Ambassador brand, including the trademarks, for a consideration of Rs 80 crore," Hindustan Motors today said in a regulatory filing. Last month, the PSA Group had inked a partnership with the CK Birla group to re-enter the Indian market and earmarked an initial investment of 100 million euros (around Rs 700 crore) to set up vehicle and powertrain manufacturing in Tamil Nadu.MUST READ: Ambassador Retro triggers nostalgiaThe tie-up entails two joint venture agreements between the companies of the two groups. Also read: Tesla gives Modi's Make in India a fillip, to make cars in IndiaThe initial manufacturing capacity will be set at about 1,00,000 vehicles per year and followed by incremental investment to support a progressive ramp-up of the long-term project. The manufacturing capacity for powertrains will cater to the domestic market requirements and global OEMs. The performance of the industrial set-up will be supported by a significant level of localisation in order to attain necessary cost competitiveness, the company had said last month. Also read: Hyundai Grand i10 New vs old, which is betterThe long-term partnership will allow both companies to participate in the growth of the Indian automotive market, which is expected to reach 8-10 million cars by 2025, from the current 3 million in 2016. The PSA group, which sells three brands -- Peugeot, Citron and DS -- is no stranger to India, having entered into a partnership with the erstwhile Premier family, resulting in joint venture Peugeot PAL India. However, it pulled out of the JV in 2001.

Akshita Jain

28 Jan 2017,Saturday

Suspected mortar shell found in Delhi, NSG called in

http://www.hindustantimes.com/delhi/old-corroded-mortar-shell-found-in-delhi-s-vasant-kunj-secured-by-bomb-blanket/story-47yKXtWkynJqC6YXS8u9eP.html

A suspected mortar shell was found in Vasant Kunj in Delhi on Saturday and the National Security Guard (NSG) was called in, according to reports. The NSG picked up the explosive, placed it in a blast-proof vessel for transportation to Manesar, where it would be disposed off. "It is alive enough to explode or be launched," said an official.

A suspected mortar shell was found at Vasant Kunj in South Delhi early on Saturday, triggering panic in the locality.A ragpicker alerted local residents after discovering the explosive at a garbage dumping site in Kishangarh area. The police control room was informed around 8.30 am.Additional deputy commissioner of police (south) Chinmoy Biswal said personnel from the nearest police station ? led by station house officer Gagan Bhaskar ? were immediately deployed to the area. They cordoned off the spot, and covered the object with a bomb blanket as an interim measure.An unmanned robotic vehicle moves the mortar shell from the location in Delhi?s Vasant Kunj on Saturday. (Ravi Choudhary/ HT?Photo) Later, a bomb disposal squad of the National Security Guard arrived at the scene and picked up the explosive using a remotely operated vehicle (a robot used to handle sensitive equipment). The mortar was then placed in a blast-proof vessel for transportation to Manesar, where it would be disposed of in keeping with standard protocol.National Security Guard personnel and bomb experts oversee the transporting operations of the mortar shell. (Ravi Choudhary/HT?Photo) Upon conducting a visual inspection, experts identified the shell as an old, foreign-made piece of ordinance with an intact fuse. When asked if the explosive was capable of exploding, Biswal said: ?That can be said only after a full-fledged technical investigation. It may not explode even during disposal due to loss of potency.?A senior police officer said they were enquiring if local residents had seen anybody leaving the object at the dumping site. Footage acquired from CCTV cameras installed in the locality was also being examined for clues, he added.

Rini Sinha

02 Mar 2017,Thursday

I quit alcohol before it became impossible to stop: Pooja

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/pooja-bhatt-alcoholism-mahesh-bhatt/1/895055.html

Filmmaker Pooja Bhatt has revealed that she was lucky to quit alcohol before it became impossible for her to stop. She added, "Being the daughter of an alcoholic makes you four times more susceptible to becoming one." Pooja further said that she's in the pink of health now, except for the weight she has gained.nnnn

She began drinking at the age of 16, but it's been 68 days since Pooja Bhatt touched a drop of alcohol. It was only recently that Pooja opened up about his alcohol addiction and how she overcame it. In an interview to Mid-Day, Bhatt girl revealed that she pulled the plug on alcohol last December and has been sober ever since. And for her it's a way of catharsis to talk about her alcohol problem in public. "I want to bust the stigma attached to alcoholism in our country. Women particularly are discouraged from seeking help because it's a matter of shame for the family. We don't share our pain or frailties, we cover our weaknesses and it becomes a cancer," she told the daily. Although, she is happy to be where she is now, it has not been an easy journey for Pooja. "Luckily, I pulled the plug before it became impossible for me to stop. I'm in the pink of health except for the weight I put on because I'm now a stressful producer. But being the daughter of an alcoholic makes you four times more susceptible to becoming one," she added. But daddy Bhatt quit drinking years ago.  After being in love with her bottle for over decades, it was text message from her dad Mahesh Bhatt which made her rethink. During one the chats, Mahesh told Pooja that if she loves him, then she should love herself too as he lives in her. And this text struck a chord with Pooja and she decided to take the reigns in her hands. She also revealed that being brought up in an Anglo-Indian environment, it was normal for wine to be passed around the table and beer opened on Sunday. She added that even in the film industry there were people drinking copiously."Alcohol is comforting, it colours your evening. It's a socially accepted narcotic even at business lunches and in the boardroom. Also, living in a fast-paced city, being in a high-stress profession, it becomes a reason to celebrate and cope with failure. Your film is a hit, you bathe in champagne, it flops, a single malt lessens the pain," she added. But she was no ready to go on like this forever and decided to put her foot down. "I was 45 and if I wanted to give myself 10 years of living, I had to quit now before I drank myself to the grave. I had to reclaim the sharper, brighter me which had got watered down," she added.

Pragya Swastik

16 Jun 2017,Friday

TVF CEO Arunabh resigns amid sexual harassment allegations

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/tvf-ceo-arunabh-kumar-quits-dhawal-gusain-replaces-him/1/980386.html

Online entertainment startup The Viral Fever Founder and CEO Arunabh Kumar on Friday stepped down from his role following multiple sexual harassment allegations against him by former female employees. "Whatever has happened in the past three months has mentally & emotionally drained me...Therefore I've decided to step down," said Kumar. TVF COO Dhawal Gusain has been appointed the new CEO.

The Founder and CEO of Mumbai-based content creation company The Viral Fever Arunabh Kumar, who was accused of sexual harassment months ago by an anonymous blogger by the name of Indian Fowler, has decided to step down from the post of Chief Executive Officer of the company.  Arunabh Kumar posted an open letter from his verified Twitter handle saying, "I have decided to step down as #TVFCEO".I have decided to step down as #TVFCEOpic.twitter.com/JKY5X7NL54In the letter, Arunabh Kumar said that he took the decision to step down in the wake of the personal attacks that followed the news of him being accused of sexual harassment and what that did to TVF's brand image.He said he will be available as a mentor for the content team and announced that Dhawal Gusain will replace him as the CEO of The Viral Fever. ARUNABH KUMAR'S LETTER "Hello Everyone, The last few months have been the most challenging ones of my life and I would like to thank my friends and family for their unwavering support.Lot of people wanted me to say something or tell my side of the story, but I did not because I learnt the hard way what happens when you say anything in haste.We made a grave mistake, by reacting instinctively, in our first official response. While no amount of apologies can undo the mistake, I would like to again apologize from the bottom of our hearts for letting you all down and thus humbly accept the brickbats we received from all of you for that insensitive response.A lot has happened in the last three months which has mentally and emotionally drained me. However, I have faith and confidence that eventually truth will prevail.Through this all it has become clearer to me that, what was and will always continue to be most important is- TVF.I started my entrepreneurial journey with a passion to entertain people with great stories and my dream was to make an Indian content company to match up to the likes of Disney and HBO.It was and remains my dream to make content creation, which is always seen as an individual driven business, into a more organized profession, one that Indian youth can aspire for and where hundreds of storytellers could be successful. And that's the core of TVF, a culture rooted in democratic and equal opportunities for everyone irrespective of gender, caste and background. We grew from a bunch of passionate, talented and inexperienced novices to a team of over 200 professionals, on the foundation of this very culture.TVF was, is, and always will be larger than any one individual and I believe we have only just started on our path breaking journey to be a young global organization.In the wake of the recent personal attacks, what really breaks me is the blemish on the brand's true promise. I have therefore taken the decision to step down as the CEO of TVF.I will be available as a mentor for the content team as they continue to deliver the stories you love us for. I transition from this role knowing that TVF is in safe hands, handling over the reins to Dhawal Gusai, who will take on the mantle as the CEO of TVF. Dhawal has a sharp business acumen and, together with our leadership team, will keep working tirelessly to scale TVF to greater heights and bring a renewed ambition and zeal to make TVF the best place to work at, for both women and men. Last but not the least, the biggest stakeholders of any company are its users, and we can't thank you enough for standing by us throughout. We are indebted and grateful to you for giving us so much love and inspiration to do better. No matter what you say, for us, it only means one thing-that you care. TVF is nothing without you!Thank you,Arunabh Kumar" WHAT HAPPENED MONTHS AGO?

Mansha Mahajan

18 May 2017,Thursday

No-fly rules tilted in favour of airlines, say passengers

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/passengers-unhappy-over-lopsided-proposals-in-no-fly-list/1/956251.html

Air travellers have voiced concerns over 'lopsided' measures in the no-fly list for unruly passengers and demanded airlines should also be held accountable for crew's misbehaviour. "We have received at least 25 suggestions on the website and social media. Passengers have asked for a balanced rule," an official said. Earlier, the government released draft rules for a national no-fly list.

New Delhi, May 17 (PTI) Air travellers have voiced concerns over what they call lopsided measures in the no-fly list for unruly passengers and demanded airlines should also be held equally accountable for misbehaviour of their crew. The Ministry of Civil Aviation earlier this month released draft rules on a "national no-fly list" for unruly passengers for all domestic carriers. It proposes a flying-ban for a minimum period of three months and a maximum duration which can extend indefinitely. The draft has been placed in the public domain for 30 days inviting comments and feedback from stakeholders. The government will come out with final amendments by June 30. "There have been a lot of feedback and concern from the public that while there are penal actions recommended against unruly passengers, how will misbehaviour on the part of airlines be dealt with," said a senior ministry official. The draft was released on May 5 and comments have been invited until June 4. The ministry has so far received 25 responses from various stakeholders. The official said the governments intention is to have a balance, but added that those who gave feedback felt the draft rules were "tilted towards airlines". The proposed no-fly list will compile data on disruptive passengers from all airlines. In case an airline imposes a fly-ban on a passenger, other airlines can independently decide whether to allow him or her. The government has recommended three levels of unruly behaviours- each entailing a corresponding duration for flying ban. The first level of misdemeanor, which includes verbal harassment or physical gesture, carries a flying ban of three months. The second level comprises physically abusive behaviour and will carry a ban of six months.

Ankush Verma

27 Jul 2017,Thursday

Trump administration cuts short anti-teen pregnancy grants

http://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/trump-administration-cuts-short-anti-teen-pregnancy-grants/story-VXJvdueUKeVFf7mqtKBpNJ.html?utm_source=inshorts&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=fullarticle

Dozens of teen pregnancy prevention programs deemed ineffective by US President Donald Trump's administration will lose over $200 million in funding following a surprise decision to end five-year grants after only three years. US government officials said only four of 37 programs studied showed lasting positive impacts. Critics urged the government "not to turn back the clock" on progress.

Dozens of teen pregnancy prevention programs deemed ineffective by President Donald Trump?s administration will lose more than $200 million in funding following a surprise decision to end five-year grants after only three years.The administration?s assessment is in sharp contrast with that of the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, which credited the program with contributing to an all-time low rate of teen pregnancies.Rachel Fey of the National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy said Tuesday that grantees under the Teen Pregnancy Prevention Program were given no explanation when notified this month their awards will end next June. The program, begun under President Barack Obama?s administration, receives about $100 million a year.?We know so little about the rationale behind cutting short these grants,? said Fey, who said the teen birth rate has fallen by about 40 percent nationally since the program went into effect in 2010. The focus of the program is on evidence-based interventions aimed at preventing teen pregnancy. It does not pay for or provide contraceptives.A Health and Human Services spokesman said late Tuesday that an evaluation of the first round of grants released last fall found only four of 37 programs studied showed lasting positive impacts. Most of the other programs had no effect or were harmful, the department said, including three that it said increased the likelihood that teens would have unprotected sex and become pregnant.?Given the very weak evidence of positive impact of these programs, the Trump administration, in its ... 2018 budget proposal, did not recommend continued funding for the TPP program,? the department statement said.The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists urged the administration ?not to turn back the clock? on progress.?It?s as though the evidence and the facts don?t matter,? ACOG President Dr. Haywood Brown said.The North Texas Alliance to Reduce Unintended Pregnancy in Teens, one of more than 80 current grantees around the country, will lose just under $1 million a year, about three-quarters of its budget, Executive Director Terry Goltz Greenberg said. The program worked with more than 1,700 kids last year in high-poverty neighborhoods where the teen birth rates are three to five times the national average, she said.?Most of the evidence-based programs are not just talking about contraception but are putting it in the context of bigger goals in life, such as, ?Where do you want to be in three years?? ?How does a kid fit into that,?? she said.Elizabeth Gomez, 44, said the Texas program?s after-school classes taught her how to discuss difficult topics with her three daughters in a respectful way that made them listen and respond.?For Hispanics, it?s difficult, because it?s a taboo to talk about sex,? she said.A letter to Health and Human Services Secretary Tom Price signed by 37 Democratic senators called the decision short-sighted. Teen Pregnancy Prevention Program grantees served a half-million youth from 2010 to 2014 and were on their way to serve an additional 1.2 million through 2019 when the grant was scheduled to end, the senators said. Their letter asked Price for an explanation and questioned the timing of the notifications in advance of congressional action on fiscal year 2018 appropriations.Two of Shawanda Brown-Cannon?s children take classes once a week through a southwest Georgia program called Quest for Change which, according to its director, will lose about 87 percent of its total budget.The classes prompted both her 17-year-old daughter, Amaya, and her 13-year-old son, Chandler, to talk with their mother about what they?ve learned, for instance a Valentine?s Day class on how to show love without sexual activity.?It opens up a line of communication,? Brown-Cannon said.Angelina Jackson, a 17-year-old high school senior, is a member of Quest for Change. She helps run classroom lessons and organize events as a member of the youth leadership council focused on her school.?Some people are not able to talk to their parents at home about the stuff that Quest does,? Jackson said. ?They provided a comfortable environment where people could ask questions or talk about their concerns.?Vermont-based Youth Catalytics was informed July 5 that its five-year, $2.8 million federal grant had been cut off June 30, the end of the first year. The grant provided about half of the organization?s annual budget. As recently as July 3, people from the organization had been working with HHS officials about the details of the program, said Meagan Downey, the group?s director of special projects. The grant covered about half of her salary.Downey said her organization was one of five grant recipients nationwide that lost their funding immediately. Others were given until July 1, 2018 to prepare for the loss of the funds.Leaders of the HOPE Buffalo program always had an eye toward establishing partnerships with city and community leaders that would enable its work to continue beyond the five-year lifespan of the grant, which provided $2 million a year, Project Director Stan Martin said. With less time and less funding, he said, ?our efforts were just accelerated.?

Abhishek Bansal

03 May 2017,Wednesday

Kill politicians, not soldiers: MP Pappu Yadav to Maoists

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/pappu-yadav-jan-adhikar-party-maoists-jawans-crpf-prime-minister-modi-chhattisgarh-sukma/1/944759.html

Jan Adhikar Party MP Pappu Yadav on Wednesday urged the Maoists to kill political leaders instead of security personnel. "Politicians are looting the country, so Maoists should first kill them," said the MP. Yadav also criticised PM Modi for the recent Maoist attack and said, "Modi had claimed that corruption, terrorism, and Maoist problems will be eliminated after demonetisation."

Jan Adhikar Party MP Pappu Yadav on Wednesday sparked off a controversy by urging Maoists to kill political leaders instead of security personnel, saying the former "looted" the country, while the latter provided it security."Politicians (leaders) are looting the country, so Maoists should first kill them", the expelled Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader said in Hajipur town.Pappu urged Maoists not to kill the security forces. "Maoists should kill those who have been looting the country."Pappu Yadav also asked Narendra Modi why attacks by Maoists were continuing despite demonetisation since the Prime Minister had claimed that such strikes would end after the note ban move.MODI CLAIMED MAOIST PROBLEMS WOULD END AFTER DEMONETISATION: PAPPU"Modi had claimed that corruption, terrorism and Maoist problems will be eliminated after demonetisation."Pappu Yadav was expelled from RJD in May 2015 for six years for indulging in "anti-party activities".

Tarun Khanna

25 Apr 2017,Tuesday

BJP trying to poach AAP MLAs: Alka Lamba

http://www.hindustantimes.com/delhi/aap-s-alka-lamba-accuses-bjp-of-trying-to-mlas-gets-into-twitter-war-with-shazia-ilmi/story-3fBMZ62zQNMhIq48I0HfBL.html

AAP MLA from Chandni Chowk, Alka Lamba, has accused BJP of trying to poach AAP legislators by offering them tickets in the Lok Sabha elections or coveted government posts. "The BJP leader who called me cited an example of Shazia Ilmi (Ex-AAP leader who joined BJP) saying that she is earning ?5 lakh after getting a government post," she alleged.

Chandni Chowk MLA Alka Lamba has alleged that BJP leaders are calling Aam Aadmi Party legislators and luring them to switch sides by offering ticket in the Lok Sabha elections or coveted government posts.In a series of tweets, the AAP legislator claimed that she, too, received a call from a BJP leader. Though she did not name the BJP leader, Lamba said she will make the phone recording public at an opportune time.?The BJP leader who called cited example of Shazia Ilmi (former AAP leader who joined BJP ahead of 2015 assembly elections) saying that she is earning Rs 5 lakh after getting a government post. You should also think,? Lamba said in one of her tweets.The mention of her name in the tweets irked Ilmi who got into a war of words with Lamba. Ilmi reminded Lamba over the previous association with the Congress before joining AAP.@LambaAlka well I challenge you to prove this or get ready for a another defamation case? Any evidence or just gassing??? shazia ilmi (@shaziailmi) April 24, 2017Tweets of Lamba on the issue was also retweeted by chief minister Arvind Kejriwal. Speaking at a press conference at party office, AAP (Delhi) convener Dilip Pandey said party legislator from Jangpura, Praveen Deshmukh, has also been approached by the BJP leaders. ?It?s a well known fact that the BJP has been using such tactics in other states as well to form government?But would like to make it clear to the BJP that its dirty tactics would not bear fruits as our legislators are out to put in place an alternative polity in the country,? Pandey said. Meanwhile, Delhi BJP spokesperson Naveen Kumar denied the charges. ?I haven?t seen the tweets yet. But this is the outcome of their personal rivalry. On the question of AAP leaders being lured by offering money, I would say this has been the culture of AAP and Congress. The BJP never invites leaders of other parties to join and it will never do in future. This shows AAP?s frustration. Why don?t they wait for another day? The results will be out on April 26, which will make things clear,? Kumar said.On March 28, AAP legislator from Bawana, Ved Parkash had quit Delhi assembly and the party to join the BJP.

Rini Sinha

20 Apr 2017,Thursday

Kareena Kapoor offered ?6 crore for upcoming film: Reports

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/kareena-kapoor-khan-6-crore-film/1/933562.html

As per reports, actress Kareena Kapoor has been offered ?6 crore for a role in an upcoming film. The 36-year-old actress will reportedly be seen playing a character of her age in the film. Meanwhile, Kareena will shoot for the film 'Veere Di Wedding' next, which is being produced by Rhea Kapoor and Ekta Kapoor.

She is one of Bollywood's most popular actors. If her films have drawn huge crowds to theatres, her personal life has equally caught the fancy of her fans. Be it her pregnancy or her post pregnancy break, Kareena is all over the place. And despite the small break, there is no dearth of films offers for Bebo. Her next with Rhea Kapoor and Sonam Kapoor has already been in news for a long time. Kareena was to begin shooting for Veere Di Wedding during her pregnancy, but the makers later thought otherwise. And if a report in Mumbai Mirror is to believed, Kareena has been offered a bomb for another film. The report suggests that she has been offered an author backed role in a co-production. In fact, the 36 year old will play her age and that has got her really excited. If this wasn't enough, the Jab We Met actor has been reportedly offered Rs 6 crore for the film. And now that is left for her to sign on the dotted lines. Meanwhile, there were reports that she might collaborate with close friend Karan Johar for a film. But the rumours were later put to rest.

Radhika Chugh

19 Jul 2017,Wednesday

Telangana caps school bag weight for students

http://www.hindustantimes.com/education/telangana-govt-caps-weight-of-school-bags-for-students-from-primary-to-class-x/story-kNAMx7vJb8FUtiuPx48nZI.html?utm_source=inshorts&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=fullarticle

The Telangana School Education Department on Tuesday issued an order capping the weight of school bags for students in primary, upper primary and high schools. The order directed school managements to ensure that the weight of a bag does not exceed 5 kilograms for class 10 students. Reportedly, students in Telangana have been carrying bags weighing 6 to 17 kgs.

Schoolchildren in Telangana will no longer have to carry loads of textbooks and notebooks following a government order on Tuesday capping the weight of school bags for students from primary school to Class X.The order, which came into effect from Wednesday, made it mandatory for all the school managements to ensure that the students do not carry more than the prescribed weight of school bags.According to the order, the maximum weight of a school bag with textbooks and notebooks should not exceed 1.5 kg for Class 1 and II; 2-3 kg for Classes III to V; 4 kg for Classes VI and VII; 4.50 kg for Classes VIII and IX and 5 kg for Class X students.Until now, school children were carrying bags weighing from 6 kg to 12 kg at primary level and up to 17 kg at high school level, the government noted. ?This has a severe, adverse physical effect on the growing children which can cause damage to their vertebral column, knees and can also causes anxiety disorders in students,? the order said.The order said the heavy load was caused by the fact that the children bring textbooks, guides, homework notebooks, rough work notebooks etc., to the classroom every day. Therefore, clear guidelines of what to bring to the schools is required, it said.The school managements should inform students well in advance about the textbooks and notebooks to be brought to the school on a particular day. The department asked the schools to sensitise parents and students about appropriate kind of school bags to be used.The order also said that there should be no homework for primary school students and all work pertaining to exercises given at the end of each unit or lesson in textbooks should be done during school hours under supervision of teachers. ?The school should plan for homework to classes VI to X by allocating particular days for homework for specific subjects,? the order said.The order also asks schools to provide safe drinking water so as to avoid children getting water bottles from home, which add to their load.The Andhra Pradesh Child Rights Association has welcomed the move and said the government should ensure strict implementation of the order. ?The officials should take action against the school managements which insist on workbooks and other material, thereby overloading the students,? association president P Achyuta Rao said.

Mishika Bangia

19 Jul 2017,Wednesday

Gujarat govt canteens to offer meals at ?10 to labourers

http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/in-gujarat-government-canteens-to-offer-meals-to-labourers-at-rs-10/story-srL4jmih5N90S3Vo97vrnL.html?utm_source=inshorts&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=fullarticle

The Gujarat government launched a pilot programme on Tuesday to provide subsidised meals to labourers for ?10, once a day, under Chief Minister Vijay Rupani's scheme 'Shramik Annapurna Yojana'. The meal will be served through stalls at various labourer markets. Although, the government plans to cover over 5 lakh registered labourers, presently, 25,000 labourers will be covered through 83 stalls.

Poll-bound Gujarat has joined the likes of Tamil Nadu,Odisha and Rajasthan by coming out with its own version of canteens for providing meals to the poor at a highly subsidised rate.Under the Shamik Annapurna Yojna launched on Tuesday, labourers will be provided a meal per day at Rs 10. This is probably the first of its kind scheme for labourers, especially the homeless who do not have fuel and utensils for cooking.The meal ? five rotis, mixed vegetable, rice, pickles and green chilies (and desert on Sundays) ? will be served through saffron-coloured stalls. These  stalls are at spots near various kadiyanakas (labourer markets).For the time being, some 25,000 labourers will be covered through 83 stalls set up across the state. The government plans to cover over five lakh registered labourers in the future.?No government in the past 60 years thought about addressing issues like the daily food requirement of labourers. Our government has taken an initiative,? chief minister Vijay Rupani, who served piping hot meals to workers at a stall in Narol area of Ahmedabad, said. Each stall has six attendants. While two of them ? donning apron, hand gloves and cap ? are there to prepare and serve food, the job of two others is to check identity cards and collect cash from the beneficiaries. The other two attendants will be managing crowds.Beneficiaries have to produce an identity card, either Aadhaar or voter card, and get themselves registered with the stall from which they wish to buy food every day.?NGOs have been roped in to prepare the meal. This will also help us to maintain the quality,? said an official from the Labour and Employment department.  The BJP government in Gujarat will seek a sixth-term in assembly elections scheduled later this year. Subsidised canteens called ?Amma Canteens? launched by former Tamil Nadu chief minister J Jayalalithaa proved to be hugely popular and earned her immense political goodwill. Subsidised meal schemes have been introduced in other states since then, including Odisha where chief minister Naveen Patnaik?s ?Aahar? canteens have also been a big hit. Critics, however, say such welfare measures are non-productive and are a big drain on the exchequer.

Tarun Khanna

10 Feb 2017,Friday

Jama Masjid Shahi Imam urges Muslims to support BSP

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/uttar-pradesh-assembly-election-2017-shahi-imam-bsp-samajwadi-party-akhilesh-yadav/1/879178.html

Ahead of the first phase of polling in UP to be held on February 11, Jama Masjid Shahi Imam Syed Ahmed Bukhari has urged the Muslim community to support Mayawati-led BSP. "I met Mulayam several times on the issue of reservation to Muslims and Netaji brought the same to the notice of Akhilesh Yadav but he did nothing," he said.

Just hours after the campaigning for the first phase of Assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh ended today, Jama Masjid Shahi Imam Syed Ahmed Bukhari surprised many by announcing support for Mayawati's Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP).Bukhari accused the Samajwadi Party and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav of neglecting Muslims in the state while doing everything for Yadavs.Assembly Elections 2017: Full Coverage Blaming the Samajwadi Party for Muzaffarnagar and Dadri incidents, the Shahi Imam said that the state witnessed over 400 communal cofrontations during Akhilesh's rule.  "I met Mulayam several times on the issue of reservation to Muslims and Netaji brought the same to the notice of Akhilesh Yadav but he did nothing. Akhilesh didn't listen to his father. How can you rely on a person who has ill treated his father," Bukhari said.While praising previous BSP regime under Mayawati, he said the Samajwadi Party failed miserably in controlling law and order situation in the state. "The BSP should be given a chance," the top religious leader added.Bukhari also asserted that the Muslims were indispensable and they should unite and not rely on Congress and Samajwadi Party.Voting in the first phase of Assembly election on 73 constituencies is scheduled to be held on February 11. 

Dishant Sharma

12 Jul 2017,Wednesday

Aizawl FC's I-League win to be made into a Bollywood movie

http://www.hindustantimes.com/football/aizawl-fc-s-i-league-triumph-set-to-be-made-into-bollywood-movie/story-2qpg9OknyGGrmNxeY8zFjP.html?utm_source=inshorts&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=fullarticle

Aizawl FC's 2016-17 I-League title win is set to be made into a Bollywood film after the club signed a deal with a production company. Robert Royte, the owner of the club, said the film will provide a major boost to India's football fraternity. Notably, Aizawl FC is the first club from the Northeast to win the top-flight title.

Aizawl FC?s remarkable 2016/17 I-League title win is set to be made into a Bollywood movie, after the club signed a deal with Rajnandini Entertainment Limited, headed by producer Tarun Rathi, to take the club?s success story to the silver screen.?The historic win of top league of the country by the unknown, low-budget club of Aizawl FC deserves worldwide recognition and visibility.READ | Aizawl FC: I-League champions, but not best at home in Mizoram?Together with Aizawl FC,we can go a long way in serving the people of Mizoram and northeast through the said Bollywood film. We will start the work soon,? Rathi was quoted in a press release sent by the club.Robert Royte, owner and president of the club, said the film will come as a major boost to the country?s football fraternity.Earlier, media reports had indicated that veteran Bollywood actor Ajay Devgan would play the role of Khalid Jamil, who had led the club to the unprecedented title last season.Aizawl had created history earlier this year when they became the first club from the northeast to win the top-flight title.

Saloni Tandon

04 Jun 2017,Sunday

ISI agents to display Kashmir banners at Ind-Pak tie: Report

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/india-pakistan-champions-trophy-match-isi-banners-on-kashmir/1/970270.html

Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence agency is reportedly sending its agents to display banners on the Kashmir issue at the India-Pakistan Champions Trophy match in Birmingham on Sunday. Slogans like "Kashmir Seeks Attention", "Kashmir is bleeding", "We stand with Kashmir" and "Free the state of Jammu and Kashmir now" will be displayed in order to grab international attention.

The Inter-Services Intelligence agency plans to send as many as 14 operatives to the India-Pakistan Champions Trophy match on Sunday with the aim of displaying banners related to Kashmir, sources have told India Today. According to the sources, the agents have been asked to display A3 placards bearing pro-Kashmir freedom messages during the Champions Trophy clash in Edgbaston, England. Pakistan's intelligence agency has instructed its agents to display these slogans: 'Kashmir Seeks Attention', 'Kashmir is bleeding', 'We stand with Kashmir', and 'Free the state of Jammu and Kashmir now'. The idea seems to be to grab international attention should one of the cameras on the ground get any of the banners in frame. According to the sources, Indian intelligence agencies are aware of the ISI's plans. The hotly awaited Indo-Pak game comes amid tensions between the nuclear-armed neighbours. There have been a spate of ceasefire violations along the Line of Control and a Border Action Team recently killed two Indian jawans and mutilated their bodies.    Just today, the Pakistan military said it had killed five Indian jawans along the LoC, a claim Indian Army denied. Meanwhile, the Narendra Modi government recently reiterated that a bilateral cricket series between India and Pakistan is "almost impossible" until the latter ends its support for terrorism.Also Read:Jammu: Panthers Party protests against India-Pakistan match, calls it an insult to martyrs

Rini Sinha

12 May 2017,Friday

SRK talks about rumours of AbRam being Aryan's love child

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/shah-rukh-khan-abram-aryan-ted-conference-2017/1/952047.html

Actor Shah Rukh Khan, in his first TED Talk, revealed there were reports that his youngest child AbRam was the love child of his eldest son Aryan, who was 15-years-old then. "Apparently, he had sown his wild oats with a girl while driving her car in Romania," added Shah Rukh. SRK further said that these reports disturbed his family.

Shah Rukh Khan got the audience on their feet clapping and hooting at the 2017 TED Conference held last month in Vancouver, Canada. His speech was witty, insightful and wise as always and one of the highlights of the twenty-minute long speech-a-thon was Shah Rukh Khan talking about his reaction to a rather idiotic rumour about him, his family and his youngest child, AbRam.Shah Rukh Khan began speaking about speculations and rumours about his life as a superstar and apparently, one of the rumours was that AbRam was the love child of SRK's eldest son Aryan Khan!Shah Rukh Khan spoke, "Four years ago, my lovely wife Gauri and me decided to have a third child. It was claimed on the net that this child was the love child of our first child (Aryan Khan) who was 15 years old. Apparently, he had sowed his wild oats with a girl while driving his car in Romania. And yeah there was a fake video to go with it. And we were so disturbed as a family. My son who is 19 now, even when you say hello to him he says, 'But bro, I didn't even have a European driving license'."As an afterthought, Shah Rukh Khan added that in the digital era, the virtual could emulate the real and the real could often be mistaken for the virtual."Yeah, in this new world slowly reality became virtual and virtual became real and I began to realise I cannot say what I thought. And humanity at this time completely identified with me," Shah Rukh Khan said.

Chhavi Tyagi

30 Mar 2017,Thursday

Stamping of hand baggage to end at 7 airports from April 1

http://www.hindustantimes.com/delhi/delhi-airport-6-others-to-do-away-with-hand-bag-stamping-from-april-1/story-o05VF62S5VDzgVQ55oPTPN.html

The stamping of hand baggage will be stopped at Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, and Cochin airports from April 1. Before this, all hand baggage had to be rubber-stamped by security personnel after it was put through security scanners at airports. Notably, this plan had been implemented earlier but was stopped due to the lack of required security equipment.

Domestic air travellers at Delhi and six other airports will not have to get hand baggage tag stamped anymore. The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), has decided to do away with the procedure to speed up the check in process from April 1. Besides Delhi, the rule will be implemented in Mumbai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad and Cochin. In December, CISF had started trial runs for this but stamping was resumed after a week due to security concerns. The BCAS had in February issued an order announcing that the procedure was to be done away with but the CISF had at that time object to immediate implementation of the plan. Following this, a joint meeting was held to iron out issues. ?Appropriate measures have been taken. The cycle of security check will speed up and our staff will get more time to check suspicious baggage,? CISF DG OP Singh said.Recently, CISF had conducted trial runs in two phases at 12 airports and concluded that stamping of baggage tags could be dispensed with after certain modifications of security architecture in Security Hold Areas of the airports and installation of high definition CCTV cameras. These modifications were required to make sure that passengers could not access bags containing restricted items which are segregated by CISF personnel for checking. ?High Definition CCTV cameras focussed on the baggage screening system were required so that CISF personnel who cleared a bag could be easily identified to fix accountability,? a CISF official said.CISF had collected the feed back during the one-week trial run. ?In Bengaluru, 89% of the passengers appreciated the move, while 11% said that stamp on tag brings a sense of security. In Delhi, over 2,400 flights were covered and in some cases, during random check at boarding gates, few suspicious items were caught. We were required to fill the gap before reintroducing it,? the official added.During the trial run from December 15-22, security check areas were monitored through CCTV cameras to ensure no passenger skips the mandatory check. CISF staff at the boarding gates have been asked not to check for baggage tag. The decision was taken after the D-G met representatives of all the airlines last week. ?As per the feedback, stamping causes inconvenience to passengers. Many a times, a passenger is turned away from the boarding gate if the tag gets misplaced,? he further said.Often if a traveller is asked to open a bag after it goes through a scan. Others in the queue have to wait till their tags can be stamped. ?Now, if one passenger is stopped, others in the queue can move on to the boarding gate after security check. This will benefit the passengers and at no point, security will be compromised,? he said.

Saloni Tandon

19 May 2017,Friday

Sachin biopic made tax-free before release in 2 states

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/sachin-a-billion-dreams-sachin-tendulkar/1/957373.html

Sachin Tendulkar's biopic 'Sachin: A Billion Dreams' has been made tax-free in Kerala and Chhattisgarh even before its release on May 26. The decisions were taken by the respective cabinets of each state in compliance with government policies, makers of the film revealed in a statement. The film's producers called it "an inspiring lesson for the youth of today."

'Sachin: A Billion Dreams', a film based on the life of cricketing legend Sachin Tendulkar, has been declared tax-free in Kerala and Chhattisgarh.The decisions in this regard were taken by the respective cabinets of each state, in compliance with government policies, read a statement from the makers of the film. (Tendulkar wants to dedicate 'Sachin A Billion Dreams' to father, brother)"We are pleased that 'Sachin: A Billion Dreams' is tax-free in the states of Kerala and Chhattisgarh," said Ravi Bhagchandka, who has produced the film under the 200NotOut banner."The film is a tribute to the hard work and determination of one individual, but it is also an inspiring lesson for the youth of today who clearly needs a real-life hero, to prove to them that success comes to those who strive, against all odds." (Tendulkar to India Today on his biopic: Fans will get to see my romance with Anjali)

Dishant Sharma

15 Jul 2017,Saturday

'Leader' Dhoni posts photo in Chennai Super Kings jersey

http://www.hindustantimes.com/cricket/ms-dhoni-celebrates-chennai-super-kings-return-to-ipl-in-unique-way/story-QT5z9l0ddWaTYK8RpM2qAM.html?utm_source=inshorts&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=fullarticle

Following Chennai Super Kings' return to IPL after a two-year ban, MS Dhoni posted a photograph of him wearing a CSK jersey, with the Tamil word 'Thala', which translates to 'Leader', written on it. The club also posted the photograph on Twitter, with the caption that read, "Lions, start the whistles... Guess who's back! #whistlepodu #CSKReturns".

Chennai Super Kings, the two-time Indian Premier League champions are back. The fans of the franchise are excited and so is their leader is obviously ecstatic . With the two-year ban on Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Rajasthan Royals (RR) ending and the BCCI formally welcoming back the two franchises in IPL, but CSK captain MS Dhoni, who spent two years with Rising Pune Supergiant (formerly Rising Pune Supergiants) in the IPL, celebrated it in style.Dhoni posted a photograph of himself wearing a CSK jersey, sporting his customary jersey number ?7? and the Tamil word ?Thala? written over it. ?Thala? in Tamil translates to ?leader?. A post shared by @mahi7781 on Jul 14, 2017 at 9:24pm PDT There were also no surprises in learning that as soon as the news broke out, several of Chennai Super Kings? fans took to social media demanding Dhoni?s return to the franchise.One of the most successful T20 teams, CSK won the IPL twice under the leadership of Dhoni, in 2010 and 2011. They have been runners-up on as many as four occasions, in 2008, 2012, 2013 and in 2015.Lions, start the whistles... Guess who's back! #whistlepodu #CSKReturns pic.twitter.com/5eVUZSEBKa? Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) July 15, 2017Chennai Super Kings have also won the now-defunct Champions League T20 twice, in 2010 and 2014. CSK were banned in 2015 when the Supreme Court-appointed Justice RM Lodha Committee announced their decision, in wake of the IPL 2013 spot-fixing and betting scandal.?Jaipur IPL claims it is highly celebrated as a nursery of players. But three of its players have accused of alleged spot-fixing. This shows that all is not well in their handling of affairs,? said former Chief Justice of India, RM Lodha.

Chhavi Tyagi

27 Dec 2016,Tuesday

Andhra beggar donates silver crown worth ?1.5 lakh to temple

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/temple-beggar-lord-ram-silver-crown-donation/1/843605.html

Yadireddy, a 75-year-old beggar from Andhra Pradesh's Vijayawada, has donated a silver crown worth ?1.5 lakh to a Ram temple. Yadireddy, who did odd jobs including rickshaw pulling for 45 years, has been begging for the past few years. Claiming that he has survived due to strength God has given, Yadireddy said, "As a thank you, I'm offering my bit."

Meet Yadireddy, a beggar from Andhra capital city Vijayawada, who donated a silver crown to Lord Ram.At a time when many across the country are facing a severe cash crunch, the offering made by the beggar to Lord Ram came as a surprise for many.75 year old Yadireddy hailing from Nalgonda district of Telangan had came to Vijayawada as teenager. During his life's journey for livelihood he did many odd jobs and drove a rickshaw for almost forty five years. But for past few years, as he turned old, he started begging on the city streets. He actally realised soon that he was earning more than what he needs and since he has no family, Yadireddy decided to spent his extra earnings on spiritual work.A THANK TOY GESTURE TO GOD

Sumedha Sehra

02 Aug 2017,Wednesday

Gujarat Congress MLAs in Bengaluru not allowed to go out

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/congress-mlas-bengaluru-resort-gujarat-mlas-bengaluru-resort/1/1016309.html?utm_source=inshorts&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=fullarticle

The Gujarat Congress MLAs staying in a Bengaluru resort are not allowed to go out, and 30 MLAs from Karnataka have been put in charge of the discipline. The party has planned seminars and programmes for their entertainment inside the resort. These include a lecture on the corruption charges against UPA, and Congress' achievements in 60 years, transparency and accountability.

Bored in confines of a sprawling resort in Bengaluru, the Congress flock of 44 MLAs is a frustrated lot now. Following strict orders of the Karnataka Power Minister DK Shivakumar, the MLAs are not allowed to venture out in the city. While the minister is presently in New Delhi to seek further course of action, 30 MLAs have been put in-charge of the discipline. But few defiant MLAs did head out in the city for sightseeing, shopping, to visit temples, much to the dismay of those still under curbs. The MLAs who were allowed to go out are supposedly those, the Congress is confident of not ditching the party.

Niharika Prabhakar

20 Jul 2017,Thursday

Right to privacy not absolute, may be regulated: SC

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/right-to-privacy-cant-be-absolute-may-be-regulated-sc/1/1006154.html?utm_source=inshorts&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=fullarticle

The Supreme Court on Wednesday observed that the right to privacy is not absolute and the state may put reasonable restrictions on it. Privacy is an "amorphous" term and defining it would be impossible, the court added. It further referred to the issue of data protection and said that its ambit was "much wider" than the right to privacy.

(Eds: Correcting year of verdict in paras 13 and 15) New Delhi, Jul 19 (PTI) Right to privacy cannot be an absolute right and the State may have some power to put reasonable restriction, the Supreme Court said today while examining the issue whether it can be declared as a fundamental right under the Constitution. A nine-judge Constitution bench, headed by Chief Justice J S Khehar, also asked the Centre and others to assist it about the "contours" and ambit of test on which the width and scope of right to privacy and its infringement, if any, by the State would be tested. The bench then referred to the apex court judgement, criminalising gay sex and said if right to privacy was construed in its widest sense, then the verdict in the Naz Foundation case "would become vulnerable". The NGO, Naz Foundation, has been fighting a legal battle for decriminalising consensual unnatural sex including lesbians, gays, bisexuals and transgenders. During the day-long hearing, the bench, also comprising Justices J Chelameswar, S A Bobde, R K Agrawal, Rohinton Fali Nariman, Abhay Manohar Sapre, D Y Chandrachud, Sanjay Kishan Kaul and S Abdul Nazeer, said, "Right to privacy is an amorphous right and not absolute. It is only a small sub-sect of liberty." It then gave illustrations including that giving birth to offsprings might fall under right to privacy and the parents could not say that the government did not have the power to direct sending every child to schools. It also referred to issue of data protection and said that its ambit was "much wider" than right to privacy and "cataloguing the contents of privacy" has the danger of limiting the right itself. "We live in an age of big data and the state is entitled to regulate the data whether it is for the purpose of regulating crime, taxation or other activities... Right to privacy cannot be so absolute that it prevents the State from legislating or regulating it," the bench said. If a bank has sought personal details for disbursing loans then it could not be said to be an infringement of right to privacy, it said, adding that the issues like ones sexual orientation and the bedroom details were covered under right to privacy. Senior advocate Gopal Subramanium, appearing for one of the petitioners, initiated the arguments and said right to privacy was an "inalienable" and "inherent" to the most important fundamental right which the right to liberty. He said the right to liberty, which also included right to privacy, was a pre-existing "natural right" which the Constitution acknowledged and guaranteed to the citizens in case of infringements by the State. "Liberty is the fundamental value of our Constitution. Life and liberty are natural existing rights which our Constitution acknowledges and guarantees. How can liberty be at all experienced without privacy?," he asked. Subramanium, at the outset, referred to apex court verdicts to highlight the process of interpretation of fundamental rights by it and assailed the two judgements delivered in M P Sharma and Kharak Singh cases by an eight- judge and six judge benches in 1954 and 1963 respectively in which it was held that right to privacy was not a fundamental right. The issue of right to privacy as a fundamental right was deliberated upon by the court in the two cases. "It is submitted that the decision in the 1954 and 1963 cases, to the extent they interpret fundamental rights on a distinctive basis (as recognised in the A K Gopalan case of 1950) are no longer good law. "In view of the fact that the A K Gopalan case stands overruled in the R C Cooper case (of 1970), it follows a fortiori (from a stronger argument) that neither of the above decisions are effective." He assailed the M P Sharma verdict which had held that right to privacy was not a fundamental right, saying that the M P Sharma case was not "an authority for the proposition that there is no fundamental right to privacy in the Constitution". He argued that right to privacy is inherent to the right to liberty and the Constitution "mediates" between the citizens and the State and the concept of privacy is "embedded in liberty as well as honour of a person". He then referred to the Preamble and Article 14 (equality before law), 19 (freedom of speech and expression) and 21 (protection of life and liberty) of the Constitution to contend that right to privacy was intrinsic to these "inalienable" fundamental rights also. The counsel assailed the contention of Attorney General K K Venugopal that right to privacy was a "common law right" and not the fundamental one and said it "went much beyond the common law" as it was inherently attached to the basic rights of life and liberty. "Right to privacy invariably means the inviolability of the person. The expression person includes the body as well as the inviolate personality and the privacy really is intended to indicate the realm of inviolable sanctuary that most of us sense in our beings. "It refers to spatial sanctity, freedom in decisional autonomy, informational privacy as well as the ability to freely develop ones personality and exercise discretion and judgement," he said. Former Attorney General Soli Sorabjee, appearing in support of privacy right, went much beyond and said even if the Constitution did not "explicitly" provide this right, it could be deduced as had been done in the case of freedom of press. He referred to Article 19 and said it dealt with the freedom of speech and expression and the apex court deduced the media right from it. Another senior advocate Shyam Divan also said privacy right was a fundamental right according to the "golden triangle" rule that comprised Article 14, 19 and 21. "As recognised by an unbroken line of decisions of this court since 1975, right to privacy is protected under Part III of the Constitution. This court has recognised several unenumerated rights as facets of Article 21. "Similarly, right to privacy has also been recognised as flowing from Article 21," he said. He said that right to privacy extends to several aspects, including body integrity, personal autonomy, right to be left alone, informational self-determination and protection from State surveillance. The bench, at one point, stopped Divan from raising issues relating to Aadhaar that that government could not force citizens to give biometric details and asked him to focus on the privacy issue alone. When the bench asked whether privacy right could be absolute and the government could put some restriction or not, he said that the aspect of privacy might be determined on a case-to-case basis. "In a technologically dynamic society it is imperative to keep dimensions of right to privacy flexible to adapt and adjust with the new scenarios," he said, adding many of the fundamental rights "cannot be enjoyed to the fullest in the absence of right to privacy". He further referred to the fact that India is a signatory to the Universal Declaration on Human Rights and now to say that right to privacy is a common law right only will be a "regressive" step.

Anmol Sharma

12 Jan 2017,Thursday

Sarita set to become India's first female professional boxer

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/boxer-sarita-devi-manipur-zsofia-bedo-hungary-pro/1/855844.html

Former world champion Sarita Devi is set to become the first female professional boxer from India. Sarita will be making her professional debut against Hungary's Zsofia Bedo on January 29 fight night being organised by Indian Boxing Council in Imphal. She is training under 73-year-old American Joe Clough, who is known for being a part of Muhammad Ali's coaching staff.

31-year-old Sarita Devi will become the first ever female professional boxer from India when she takes on seasoned pro Zsofia Bedo of Hungary in a much-anticipated bout in hometown Imphal later this month.The Manipur pugilist, an Arjuna awardee and a former world and national champion, has been training for the January 29 bout under the watchful eyes of 73-year-old American Joe Clough who has coached Evander Holyfield in the past.Sarita's opponent, World Number 29, is a veteran of 59 professional bouts and has, to her credit, 19 wins with an impressive knockout record. Perhaps that's the reason why Sarita wants to take no chances and has even opted for a male sparring and practice partner at the training camp.

Shubhodeep Datta

11 Mar 2017,Saturday

74 missing defence personnel may be in Pak jails: Swaraj

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/74-missing-defence-personnel-believed-to-be-in-pak-jails-govt/1/901540.html

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj has informed the Parliament that as many as 74 missing defence personnel, including 54 prisoners of war, are believed to be in Pakistani jails. Swaraj added that their release has repeatedly been taken up through diplomatic channels. However, Pakistan has not acknowledged the presence of any Indian prisoner of war in its custody, Swaraj stated.

New Delhi, Mar 10 (PTI) There are 74 missing defence personnel, including 54 prisoners of war, believed to be in Pakistani jails, the government has said. In a written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha yesterday, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said the government has repeatedly taken up the matter with the Pakistan government through diplomatic channels and during high-level contacts for the release of Indian PoWs believed to be in Pakistan. However, Pakistan does not acknowledge the presence of any Indian PoW in its custody, she added.

Ayushi Ahluwalia

21 Jul 2017,Friday

Ambika Soni to step down as Congress' General Secretary

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/ambika-soni-congress-poor-health-uttarakhand-himachal-pradesh-sonia-rahul-gandhi/1/1007603.html?utm_source=inshorts&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=fullarticle

Congress leader Ambika Soni on Friday announced that she is stepping down as the party's General Secretary in-charge of Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh, citing poor health as the reason. However, she will continue as the Member of Parliament for Congress in Rajya Sabha, and will also serve her additional responsibilities in the two states till new appointments are made.

Congress general secretary Ambika Soni has resigned as in-charge of the party's Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh units, citing health reasons. Soni handed over her resignation to the Congress high command. However, she has said that she wants to continue working as a Congress MP.Talking to ANI, Soni said, "I have requested party leadership to relieve me as in-charge of Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh due to health reasons."Party chief Sonia Gandhi and son Rahul will take a final decision on the matter.

Saloni Tandon

18 Jun 2017,Sunday

Women sacrificing love for parents common in India, says SC

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/women-sacrificing-love-for-parents-common-in-india-says-sc/1/981403.html

A Supreme Court bench has said that women sacrificing their love for parents is common in India. The bench was setting aside the life sentence of a man who had made a suicide pact with a woman after secretly marrying her in 1995. The woman's suicide bid was successful, while the man survived and was convicted for her murder.

By Abhishek Anshu New Delhi, Jun 18 (PTI) Unsuccessful love stories have found a very vivid description in a Supreme Court observation wherein it has said that women sacrificing their relationship to accept parents decision is a common phenomenon in India. The apex court noted this in a judgement which set aside the conviction and life sentence of a man who had survived a pact with a woman to commit suicide immediately after secretly entering into wedlock. While the 23-year-old woman could not be saved in the incident of 1995, the man suffered the ordeal as the police booked him for the offence of killing her. The top court noted that the woman might have first "unwillingly" agreed to go by her parents wish but later she apparently changed her mind which appeared from the scene of the incident where garlands, bangles and vermilion were found. Further, it observed that the woman might have told her lover that due to resistance from her family, she would not marry him. "Such a reaction on the part of a girl to sacrifice her love and accept a decision of her parents, even though unwillingly, is a common phenomenon in this country," a bench of justices A K Sikri and Ashok Bhushan said. The court noted that the victim and the accused were in love with each other and the womans father had testified in the court that due to caste differences, his family had refused to give their nod to the couple to marry. The man was convicted for allegedly killing her and awarded life term by a trial court and the verdict was subsequently upheld by the Rajasthan High Court. The man had told the trial court that since her family was not agreeing to their marriage, both of them had decided to commit suicide and consumed copper sulphate at a house in an under-construction building in Jaipur. He had said that the quantity of copper sulphate consumed by him was less as compared to the woman after which her health deteriorated and he went out of the building to seek help from neighbours. When he returned, he found the woman hanging after which she was rushed to a hospital but she eventually died. The mans version of the incident was held as "plausible" by the apex court which noted that as per his statement, the woman was physically abused by her family and was mercilessly beaten even on the day of incident in November 1995. "When she was madly in love with the appellant (man) and wanted to marry him, there is a possibility that after receiving such kind of shabbily treatment at the hands of her parents, in anguish she may have decided to revolt and, therefore, proposed to the appellant that they should get married for which they chose a secluded place," the bench noted in its order.

Dishant Sharma

26 Jan 2017,Thursday

Japan gets its first sumo wrestling grand champion in 18 yrs

https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2017/jan/25/big-in-japan-sumo-comes-home-with-first-local-champion-in-years?CMP=Share_AndroidApp_Slack

Sumo wrestler Kisenosato became the first Japanese wrestler to be titled 'yokozuna', the sport's grand champion, in almost 18 years. The 30-year-old, who weighs 178 kilograms, became the sport's 72nd yokozuna and Japan's first after Wakanohana, who won the title in 1998. The sport had seen foreign sumo wrestlers getting crowned grand champions for the past few years.

Japan?s long wait for a homegrown sumo grand champion has ended after Kisenosato became the first Japanese wrestler to reach the ancient sport?s pinnacle in almost two decades.The 30-year-old became the sport?s 72nd yokozuna, or grand champion, after Japan?s sumo association approved his promotion on Wednesday in a move purists hope will mark the start of a challenge to years of dominance by overseas wrestlers.The last Japan-born wrestler to reach the top rank was Wakanohana in 1998.The 178kg Kisenosato ? who has been criticised for letting several tournament titles slip through his hands ? became a serious contender for promotion after winning the new year?s contest in Tokyo with a record of 14 victories and one defeat.At a ceremony at his stable on Wednesday morning, Kisenosato said he accepted his promotion ?with great humility?. He added: ?I will show devotion and try not to disgrace the title of yokozuna.?In recent years sumo has been dominated by wrestlers from Mongolia, Hawaii and Samoa.Earlier this week, with his promotion all but a formality, Kisenosato told reporters that the rank of yokozuna came with a special responsibility. ?I feel grateful to all the people that have helped me,? said Kisenosato, who paid tribute to his late stable master, Naruto. ?If I had not met my former trainer I would not have got to where I have now,? he said. ?I have nothing but gratitude.?Kisenosato?s ascent to sumo?s summit did not come easily: his historic victory on Sunday came at the end of his 73rd tournament as a professional, which is more than it has taken any other wrestler since 1926 to reach the top rank.His addition to the yokozuna ranks is also expected to help improve sumo?s image, after a decade in which it has been rocked by a series of scandals, including bullying, drug taking and allegations of match fixing.Kisenosato joins three other wrestlers at the rank of yokozuna, all of whom were born in Mongolia: Kakuryu, Harumafuji and Hakuho. The latter is considered by many to be the greatest sumo wrestler of all time with 37 tournament titles.Foreign-born wrestlers? domination of sumo began with the 287kg Konishiki in the 1990s and continued into the next decade with the arrival of Asashoryu from Mongolia whose unpredictable behaviour outside the ring occasionally took the sheen off his brilliant performances inside it.

Prashanti Moktan

30 Jul 2017,Sunday

Anupam Kher claims an anonymous news report was about him

http://www.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/this-is-why-anupam-kher-posted-a-blind-item-on-twitter-and-soni-razdan-replied-to-it/story-0sEoULv4gRnJqk9gdnz1JL.html?utm_source=inshorts&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=fullarticle

Actor Anupam Kher tweeted the clipping of a newspaper report about an actor, whose name was kept anonymous, and claimed that it was about him. The report stated how a veteran actor suffered from a heart related ailment when he had gone to attend an awards show in New York recently.

Soni Razdan has advised actor Anupam Kher to carry biscuits and dried fruits to events after the latter blanked out at an awards function earlier this month. Anupam shared a blind item which read that an actor who was in New York for an awards show had a ?heart-related ailment in the middle of the junket?.Anupam tweeted this, and posted, ?Let me unburden you. This is about me. Hadn?t eaten for hours so had blanked out. Salman Khan called paramedics.?To this, Soni, who is Alia Bhatt?s mother, wrote, ?Ai hai please eat every two hour. Carry dried fruits and biscuits always especially to award functions.?On Sunday, Anupam also completed 509 films in 32 years of his career. ?Thank you Indian film industry for standing by me for 509 films in 32 years. This is the best place in the world. Honoured and humbled. Jai ho,? Anupam tweeted.

Aarushi Maheshwari

10 May 2017,Wednesday

21 flyers from one flight caught smuggling gold in bottles

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/mumbai-customs-flight-gold-smuggling-water-bottles/1/949798.html

Mumbai Customs' Air Intelligence Unit on Sunday night arrested 21 passengers from a single flight for smuggling over 100 pieces of gold valued at ?1.7 crore. The passengers, who were from a UP village, were allegedly working for a Lucknow-based gold smuggling syndicate and had hidden the gold in water bottles. They had arrived by a Jet Airways Jeddah-Mumbai flight.

On Sunday night, the Air Intelligence Unit (AIU) of Mumbai Customs arrested 21 passengers (including one woman) from a single flight for smuggling 112 cut pieces of gold bars, weighing 5.665 kg valued at Rs 1.70 crore.All these passengers arrived by Jet Airways flight from Jeddah to Mumbai. During examination, it was found that all 112 cut pieces of gold bars were concealed by sticking them onto the inner side of the caps of the water bottles and by sticking them to the bottom of the bottles carried by them.The statement recorded by airport officials revealed that all passengers belong to the village Tanda in Rampur district, Uttar Pradesh. They acted as carriers for one Lucknow-based gold smuggling syndicate. All passengers were arrested and subsequently released on bail.It was a major operation and first of its kind in recent past wherein a group of 21 carriers has been arrested and their organised smuggling activities have been unearthed.OTHER RECENT CASES In another incident on Monday, one passenger namely Hameed Ahmed Shaikh (57), a Mumbai resident was apprehended for carrying 16 pieces of gold bars weighing 1856 grams worth Rs 55 lakhs. He had arrived from Dubai via Muscat by Oman Air flight.In this case, all the gold bars were bundled together in the form of a cube and wrapped with cello tape and concealed in his pocket. The passenger runs a catering business from Undria Street, Nagpada.In the third incident on Monday night, one Sudanese national Yaseen Mohd Ali was arrested for smuggling 500 grams of assorted gold jewellery valued at Rs 14.75 lakh. Arrived from Riyadh, the passenger is a businessman in Sudan and buys readymade clothes and electric wires in Mumbai to sell the same in Sudan.

Sumedha Sehra

17 Jul 2017,Monday

CBSE planning 10, 12 exams on same dates in different shifts

http://www.hindustantimes.com/education/cbse-plans-to-hold-class-10-12-exams-on-same-day-to-give-evaluators-more-time/story-GCTQLwOHaZUrTpAqgLAqFJ.html?utm_source=inshorts&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=fullarticle

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) is planning to conduct the class 10 and class 12 Board exams on the same dates, in different shifts. According to the plan, class 12 exams will be held in the morning and class 10 in the afternoon. This would reduce duration of exams and give teachers extra time for checking the papers.

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) proposes to hold the finals for classes 10 and 12 on same dates in two shifts, a move that will reduce the examination period and give teachers extra time to check answer-scripts more thoroughly.The new plan was designed after the board met principals of some of the top schools in New Delhi and its satellite cities. The CBSE, which has two panels committees to suggest ways to improve the system, will review the suggestions before a final decision is taken.The country?s largest school board that has more than 18,000 institutions affiliated to it holds the two exams usually from March 1, barring exceptions such as this year?s state assembly elections that delayed the test by more than a week. The exams run close to 45 days because of an array of subjects and separate time-tables for the two classes.The plan to set common dates for both exams, with Class 12 in the morning and Class 10 in the afternoon, is likely to decrease the overall duration of the finals.At present, exams are not held in the afternoon.The reduced number of exam days will give evaluators ? a pool of schoolteachers selected by the CBSE ? more time to check the answer-scripts of students before the results are declared in May.The teachers usually get a small window to check the answers, given the sheer size of the number of examinees. More than a million students wrote the Class 12 exam this year. ?By conducting Class 12 and 10 exams on the same day we can reduce the examination period and provide more time to the evaluators,? a senior board official said.The CBSE has drawn criticism for its evaluation system as several students complained of variation in marks after asking the board for a relook.The board said it took extra care to cut faults, but the possibility of human error cannot be ruled out in calculating the marks, putting them on answer-scripts and feeding them manually in computers.?Efforts are made to further improve the system,? the official said. The meeting with principals was called to gather views ?before deciding anything on the evaluation and examination system?, the official said.According to sources, most principals were against reevaluation or rechecking of answer-scripts, but won?t mind verification of marks.?A longer evaluation period will be better for students. This will give teachers more time to look at the answer sheets, maybe more teachers can look at them. This will ensure fewer errors,? a principal said.Another principal said ?we have assured the board we will send our best teachers? to check answers.It has also been suggested that the board should ask students to suggest teachers who could be good evaluators. Another suggestion is to increase the remuneration of evaluators, at least by 20%, and to set a figure as to how many copies they need to check.?We are looking at restricting the number of copies that can be evaluated by a person in six hours so that quality is maintained,? the CBSE official said.(Inputs from A Mariyam Alavi in New Delhi)

Vaibhav Gupta

30 Jan 2017,Monday

I urge PMO to allow EC to act against Parrikar: Kejriwal

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/ec-manohar-parrikar-amarinder-singh-arvind-kejriwal/1/869804.html

Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal on Monday urged the Prime Minister's Office to allow Election Commission to act against Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar for his bribery remarks. Kejriwal also asked if EC will "dare" act against Parrikar and Congress leader Amarinder Singh for their remarks. Parrikar and Singh reportedly asked voters to take money but vote for their respective parties.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Monday asked the Election Commission if it will "dare" act against Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar and Congress leader Amarinder Singh for asking voters to accept money to attend rallies.Kejriwal's remarks came a day after Parrikar asked voters in Goa to accept money for attending rallies but vote only for the Bharatiya Janata Party.In Lambi constituency in Punjab, Captain Amarinder Singh, the Congress Chief Ministerial candidate, also reportedly told people that it was okay to accept money if offered by any party "but vote for the Congress".Also read: Election Commission orders FIR against Arvind Kejriwal for poll code violation, AAP says not aware"Will Election Commission dare take action against Parrikar... I urge PMO (Prime Minister's Office) to allow Election Commission to act against Parrikar," Kejriwal tweeted on Monday.Kejriwal had earlier alleged that the poll panel was acting on the directions of the PMO."Will Election Commission register an FIR against Captain? Or should I say, would Election Commission be granted permission by the PMO to act in this case," the Aam Aadmi Party leader asked.Also read: Punjab polls: Modi targets Kejriwal at Faridkot, tells AAP to go back to Delhi

Deepali Aggarwal

12 Jul 2017,Wednesday

UK PM May suspends MP over 'n****r in the woodpile' comment

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/jul/10/tories-urgently-investigating-after-mp-uses-n-word-at-public-event?utm_source=inshorts&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=fullarticle

UK PM Theresa May has suspended Conservative MP Anne Morris after she described the country's departure from the European Union without an agreed deal as "the real n****r in the woodpile". Morris was accused of racism for using the N-word and PM May denounced it as "completely unacceptable". Morris later apologised for her remark, saying "the comment was totally unintentional".

Theresa May has ordered the Conservative party?s chief whip to suspend an MP who used the N-word at an event during a discussion about Brexit.Anne Marie Morris, the MP for Newton Abbot in Devon, said sorry for causing offence with her use of the word, after a string of opposition politicians accused her of racism.However, the prime minister decided to suspend the whip from Morris after saying the remarks were shocking and unacceptable.The row broke out after Morris was recorded telling an event: ?Now I?m sure there will be many people who?ll challenge that, but my response and my request is look at the detail, it isn?t all doom and gloom. Now we get to the real nigger in the woodpile, which is, in two years what happens if there is no deal??Her remarks, recorded by the Huffington Post at the East India Club, caused an immediate backlash, with opposition politicians calling on May to withdraw the whip from Morris.Within an hour of the comments emerging, Morris had issued a statement of apology. ?The comment was totally unintentional. I apologise unreservedly for any offence caused,? she said in an email.About three hours later, May released a statement saying Morris was being disciplined and the whip suspended.?I was shocked to hear of these remarks, which are completely unacceptable,? May said. ?I immediately asked the chief whip to suspend the party whip. Language like this has absolutely no place in politics or in today?s society.?A Conservative source said that May had initially been unaware of the remarks because she was had been with the Australian leader and then in the House of Commons.Morris is likely to carry on voting with the whip but the move notionally reduces May?s fragile majority of just six, if both Conservative and DUP MPs are included.Politicians from across the spectrum expressed their disgust at Morris?s words, including Tory MP Heidi Allen, who said an apology was not enough and the party must show zero tolerance towards racism. Tulip Siddiq, the Labour MP for Hampstead and Kilburn, called in a tweet for the prime minister to take disciplinary action:I'm absolutely appalled by this. I assume PM will take appropriate action? https://t.co/KcOgTc2cM7Tim Farron, the outgoing leader of the Liberal Democrats, was one of the first to call for Morris to lose the Tory whip. ?This disgusting comment belongs in the era of the Jim Crow laws and has no place in our parliament,? he said.?The Conservative party should withdraw the whip from Anne Marie Morris and they should do it today. Every hour they leave her in place is a stain on them and the so-called ?compassionate conservatism? they supposedly espouse.?I am utterly shocked that this person represents the good people of Newton Abbot. Even if she mis-spoke, this is the nastiest thing I?ve heard an MP utter since Lord Dixon-Smith uttered the same awful phrase a few years ago.?Caroline Lucas, co-leader of the Green party, also called on the Tories to remove the whip. Appalling. Should have the whip removed immediately. No place in our politics for racism, full stop. https://t.co/khnbjFUVGiAndrew Gwynne, Labour?s campaign coordinator, said Morris?s comments were ?outrageous and totally unacceptable?.?While the Conservative party has tabled a debate on Wednesday to apparently discuss and condemn abuse of candidates in the general election, these comments prove their hypocrisy,? he said.?Theresa May once spoke about changing the Tories? ?nasty party? tag. If she?s serious about that, she will admit it?s not enough for the Tories to ?investigate? and will apologise and act immediately. If that means withdrawing the whip, that?s what they should do.?Earlier this year, Morris distanced herself from comments made by her electoral agent and partner, Roger Kendrick, who told a hustings event that ?the crisis in education was due entirely to non-British-born immigrants and their high birth rates?.In response, Morris told DevonLive: ?I don?t share the views expressed by Roger Kendrick.? One person at the Brexit event contacted the Guardian because he was so shocked about what he had heard Morris say. ?I attended in a professional capacity with a colleague,? he said. ?I work in financial services and was there to hear about the report on enhanced equivalence being published.?I was completely taken aback after hearing such a vile and offensive phrase being used by someone in public life, who should be campaigning against such language being used, not dispensing it herself.?

Deepali Aggarwal

22 Jul 2017,Saturday

Chinese spy ship spotted near US-Australia war operation

https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2017/jul/22/provocative-move-chinese-spy-ship-sighted-off-queensland-coast?utm_source=inshorts&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=fullarticle

A Chinese spy ship was spotted off the coast of Queensland during a joint war exercise between Australian and US forces, the Australian Defence Force (ADF) said on Saturday. Adding that the spy ship remained outside Australia's territorial waters and did not interfere with the operation, ADF said that the ship did enter the Australian Exclusive Economic Zone.

A Chinese spy ship has been spotted off the coast of Queensland during a joint training exercise between Australian and US forces, the defence department has confirmed.The Type 815 Auxiliary General Intelligence (AGI) vessel was sighted during war games, known as Exercise Talisman Sabre, and defence officials told the ABC?s AM program it was a ?provocative move?. A statement from the defence department confirmed that the spy ship had remained outside Australia?s territorial waters but had entered its exclusive economic zone.However, they said the ship?s presence did not interfere with the operation of Talisman Sabre.The three-week training exercise in central Queensland has involved more than 33,000 personnel from Australia, the United States, New Zealand, Japan and Canada. This week a fleet of 33 warships and submarines amassed off the coast of Rockhampton for a final exercise as the war games came to a close. ?Australia respects the rights of all states to exercise freedom of navigation in international waters in accordance with international law,? the department said.But Euan Graham, from the Lowy Institute, said the presence of the Chinese ship sent ?an unfriendly message?. ?I personally am not aware of any publicised appearance of an AGI off the Australian coast before,? he told the ABC. ?Coinciding with a joint exercise with the United States, clearly that sends quite an unfriendly message ... at the moment what we see is a double standard where China picks the areas of the law of the sea that it likes and refuses to implement those that it doesn?t.?

Aarushi Maheshwari

03 Jul 2017,Monday

Pilot violated SOP by flying plane with faulty AC: DGCA

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/air-india-ac-failure-dgca-bagdogra-delhi-flight/1/992955.html

In the wake of a viral video showing passengers fanning themselves due to a malfunctioned AC on an Air India flight, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation said prima facie it appeared the pilot violated the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP). The aviation watchdog said it would probe the incident, after passengers claimed the AC was not working even before take-off.

A day after a video showing hassled passengers gasping for fresh air after the air conditioning system on their Air India flight developed a snag went viral, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) today said it'll probe the incident. The aviation watchdog said that prima facie it appears that the pilot of flight AI-880 from West Bengal's Bagdogra to Delhi violated the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP). FLIGHT TO HELL The video showed passengers on board the flight were seen frantically fanning themselves with safety manual cards and in-flight magazines when the aircraft landed in Delhi on Sunday at about 4:05pm on Sunday (July 2).Passengers speaking exclusively to India Today said they discovered even before take off that the AC wasn't functioning. But when they brought this to the notice of the Air India staff, they were told that the system would work just fine after the flight takes off. But nothing happened.For the next two hours, they relied on whatever they could get their hands on - from newspapers to instruction manuals - to keep themselves from sweating and suffocating.A few passengers also tried to put on the oxygen masks, but these too were reportedly not working.ALSO READ:

Chhavi Tyagi

09 Dec 2016,Friday

Katju offers apology to SC for criticising judges in a case

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/justice-katju-unconditional-apology-supreme-court-soumya-murder-case/1/830615.html

Former Supreme Court Judge Markandey Katju on Friday offered an unconditional apology to the SC in a contempt of court case for allegedly criticising the court judges for their verdict in Soumya rape and murder case. In his personal blog, Katju had described the court's judgment, setting aside the death penalty of the convict, in the case as "legally flawed".

Former Supreme Court judge Markandey Katju on Friday offered unconditional apology to Jusitice Ranjan Gogoi in connection with the Soumya rape case.An apex court bench of justices Gogoi, Prafulla C Pant and Uday Umesh Lalit had issued a show cause notice to Justice Katju asking him "why contempt proceedings should not be drawn up" him.Writing in his blog, Justice Katju had criticised the Supreme Court judges saying that they committed an error in judgement in dispensing the case.READ| SC summons Justice Katju over his blog on Soumya verdictTHE SOUMYA CASESoumya was an employee at a mall in Kochi, Kerala. She was died on February 6, 2011 at a hospital in Thrissur. Soumya had suffered fatal injuries after a fall from a moving train on February 1, 2011.The prosecution said that the incident took place when Soumya was travelling in women's coach on the Ernakulam-Shoranpur passenger train. It claimed that Govindachamy, the accused, attacked and pushed Soumya off the moving train.According to the prosecution, Govindachamy also jumped off the train and took an injured Soumya to a nearby forest and raped her.Soumya succumbed to her injuries five days later at a hospital.READ| Katju issued contempt notice after heated exchange with Supreme Court judgeTHE SUPREME COURT JUDGEMENTThe case moved from Kerala courts to the Supreme Court in due process. In the final judgement, the apex court bench found the accused Govindachamy guilty of assault and rape. He was sentenced to life imprisonment.But, the Supreme Court acquitted him of the charges of murder.Justice Katju criticised the judgement in his blog. WATCH:

Mansha Mahajan

10 Jan 2017,Tuesday

Cadbury-owner to pay ?89 crore penalty in bribery case

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/mondelez-cadbury-to-pay-$13mn-to-sec-in-india-bribery-case/1/853802.html

Food major Mondelez will pay $13 million (around ?89 crore) penalty to the US government for violating anti-corruption law by its subsidiary, erstwhile Cadbury India. The matter relates to Cadbury India allegedly paying over ?61 lakh to an agent to obtain "outside assistance" in securing licenses and approvals, which allowed Cadbury to claim a tax exemption worth over $90 million.

New Delhi, Jan 10 (PTI) Global confectionery and food major Mondelez International will pay USD 13 million penalty to the US government for violating anti-corruption law by its subsidiary, erstwhile Cadbury India, in getting regulatory approvals for expansion of a unit in Himachal Pradesh. The matter relates to violation of Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) in India by Cadbury India, which had in 2009, took help of an agent to obtain "outside assistance" in securing various licenses and approvals to increase production capacity of one of its unit at Baddi, Himachal Pradesh. Passing a "cease and desist from committing or causing any violations and any future violations" order against Mondelez last week, the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) said, Mondelez shall "pay a civil penalty in the amount of USD 13 million (Rs 88.5 crore) to the Securities and Exchange Commission for transfer to the general fund of the United States Treasury". Commenting on the development, a company spokesperson said: "Mondelez International Inc and Cadbury Limited are pleased to have reached an agreement with the SEC to settle charges related to internal controls and books-and-records provisions of the FCPA, without admitting or denying the charges." The spokesperson further said: "As part of the settlement, Mondelez International Inc has agreed to pay a civil penalty of USD 13 million to resolve the investigation."

Arshiya Chopra

15 Jul 2017,Saturday

Cattle smuggled from India harming economy: Bangladesh Army

http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/cattle-smuggled-from-india-harming-economy-of-bangladesh-border-guards/story-s9xgam0281cBJtsrYUuJVP.html?utm_source=inshorts&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=fullarticle

A senior official of Border Guards Bangladesh (BGB) has claimed that cattle smuggled from India is harming Bangladesh's economy and formally requested BSF to stop it. The official added, "If it [cattle] doesn't come from India, then our dairy farmers can go up and we can take care of ourselves." This issue was raised during the BSF-BGB Border Coordination Conference.

Cattle smuggled from India is harming the economy of Bangladesh, a senior officer of Border Guards of Bangladesh said on Saturday and formally requested the Border Security Force (BSF) to stop it.?Actually it (cattle smuggling is harming our economy. If it doesn?t come from India then our dairy farmers can go up and we can take care of ourselves,? BGB Region commander additional director general Md Zahid Hasan told reporters here.He said, ?We have requested BSF to stop smuggling and a lot of other related issues can be resolved by that.?The BGB officer who attended the four-day BSF-BGB Border Coordination Conference here also admitted that cattle smuggling was one of the agendas of the conference.Stating that cattle all by itself cannot walk across the border, Hasan said, ?We have requested that such kind of smuggling be stopped because these cattle are coming from deep inside from within India and from West of India.?The BGB region commander and the Meghalaya frontier BSF IG PK Dubey also met Meghalaya?s director general of Police SB Singh and discussed on the issue of cattle smuggling and cross border crimes.?Action plan has been drawn on intelligence sharing on real time basis on criminal activities on either side of the border, both the forces will promptly act,? Hasan said.The BGB commander has also raised the issue of firing by BSF personnel on Bangladesh nationals.?There are few in our areas of concern which we have discussed. Some of the incidents categorically were brought before the discussion. We have discussed the issue and we have agreed on certain issues on that and hopefully that will come down to zero,? he said.The Meghalaya Frontier BSF IG P K Dubey said border related issues were discussed in details and efforts have been taken to curb trans-border crimes.?Our main concerns were killing of innocent Bangladeshi nationals and smuggling of drugs, and also to find out the modalities to build our relationships,? he said.He also said, ?We have expressed zero tolerance for smuggling of fire arms and explosives, human trafficking and drugs. We have agreed to enhance the confidence building measures between both the forces on the ground.?The BSF-BGB conference takes place twice a year and the last one was held in Sylhet in November.

Tarun Khanna

26 Mar 2017,Sunday

B'desh founder Mujibur Rahman's statue anti-Islam: ABMYF

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/mujibur-rahman-statue-anti-islam-baker-hostel/1/912819.html

The All Bengal Minority Youth Federation (ABMYF) has demanded the removal of Bangladesh's founder Mujibur Rahman's statue from the government-run Baker hostel in Kolkata, calling it "anti-Islamic". "Since the hostel has a mosque in its premises, such a statue could not be allowed," said ABMYF. The statue was installed by the then Left government in 1998.n

A fringe Muslim group in West Bengal has demanded the removal of a statue of "Bangabandhu" Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the founder of Bangladesh from a government hostel in Kolkata.Terming the statue "unethical and anti-Islamic", the All Bengal Minority Youth Federation (ABMYF) has opposed the statue at the government run Baker hostel. The group says, the hostel is meant for Muslim students and since it has a mosque in its premises, such a statue could not be allowed in an "Islamic atmosphere".The 110 year-old  hostel, located in central Kolkata was home to the great leader between 1945 and 1946 when he was a student at the erstwhile Islamia college in Kolkata. In 1998, the then left front government in the state had converted his room on the third floor of the hostel into a memorial and alter a white marble statue of Bangabandhu was also installed."We are religious people. It is our free right to follow our religion as per the Indian Constitution . We cannot read Namaz and also install statues at the same place. It is defiling to our religion," claimed Md. Quamruzzaman, general secretary of the minority body."No Muslim institutions have statues inside them. Aligarh Muslim University was built by Sir Syed Ahmed Khan but his statue was never installed at the university," he argued.MAMATA BANERJEE EMBARRASSED?

Mansha Mahajan

26 Feb 2017,Sunday

HSBC being investigated for tax evasion by four Indians

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/hsbc-discloses-tax-evasion-probes-in-india-other-countries/1/891789.html

Global banking giant HSBC has disclosed being probed by tax authorities in India for allegedly abetting tax evasion by four Indians and their families. The lender said it has received notices from the tax department and is cooperating with the authorities. Further, the bank has also been approached by other countries for information on people named in the Panama Papers.

London/New Delhi, Feb 26 (PTI) Global banking giant HSBC has disclosed being probed by tax authorities in India and several other countries, including against its Swiss and Dubai units, for allegedly abetting tax evasion of four Indians and their families. Besides, the bank has been approached by the regulatory and law enforcement agencies of various countries for information on persons and entities named in the leaked Panama Papers -- which included hundreds of Indians who had indulged in alleged tax violations through offshore tax havens with the help of Panamanian law firm Mossack Fonseca. Disclosing the "tax-related investigations" in its latest annual report published last week, HSBC further said it has set aside USD 773 million (over Rs 5,000 crore) as a provision for various tax- and money laundering-related matters. "There are many factors that may affect the range of outcomes, and the resulting financial impact of these investigations and reviews. Due to uncertainties and limitations of these estimates, the ultimate penalties could differ significantly from the amount provided," HSBC said, while adding that it is cooperating with the relevant authorities. "Various tax administrations, regulatory and law enforcement authorities around the world, including in the US, France, Belgium, Argentina and India, are conducting investigations and reviews of HSBC Swiss Private Bank and other HSBC companies in connection with allegations of tax evasion or tax fraud, money laundering and unlawful cross- border banking solicitation," it said. Giving case-wise details, it further said the Indian tax authorities in February 2015 had issued a summons and request for information to an HSBC company in India. "In August 2015 and November 2015, HSBC companies received notices issued by two offices of the Indian tax authority alleging that the Indian tax authority had sufficient evidence to initiate prosecution against HSBC Swiss Private Bank and an HSBC company in Dubai for allegedly abetting tax evasion of four different Indian individuals and/or families and requesting that the HSBC companies show why such prosecution should not be initiated. "HSBC Swiss Private Bank and the HSBC company in Dubai have responded to the show-cause notices," it said, but did not disclose the name of the Indian individuals.

Daisy Mowke

31 Jan 2017,Tuesday

'Healing' garments made with herbs to be showcased at LFW

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/designer-to-showcase-healing-garments-at-lfw-summer-resort-2017-lifest/1/870577.html

Designer Reshma Merchant will showcase a line titled 'The White Rose Collection' which includes garments made with herbs at the Lakmé Fashion Week Summer/Resort 2017. The garments have been created by customising bolts of silk, linen and cotton spun with hand-picked herbs like neem, turmeric and aloe vera. "[W]e are reviving a 2000-year-old craft," said Merchant.

Herbs like neem, turmeric and jasmine will be incorporated in designer Reshma Merchant's "non-toxic" line titled The White Rose Collection, which will be showcased at the forthcoming Lakme Fashion Week (LFW) Summer/Resort 2017. The designer will showcase her collection of "healing garments" called The White Rose Collection under her label, House of Milk (HOM)--a boutique lifestyle brand co-founded by Merchant and Priyanka Kaul Lakdawala.Also read: Lakme Fashion Week welcomes a gender neutral model on its runway for the first time"With our healing garments, we are reviving a 2000-year-old craft and we will be presenting a very sophisticated, luxurious, one-of-a-kind healing collection," Merchant said in a statement.Ancient ayurvedic tradition of detoxifying fabric while enriching it with the additional benefit of wellness, is the mantra for the garments.Also read: Meet Anjali Lama, Lakme Fashion Week's first transgender modelHOM has collaborated with experts of this practice to customise bolts of silk, linen and cotton spun with hand-picked herbs such as neem leaves, aloe vera, nochi leaves, curry leaves, turmeric, adhatoda, lavender, and jasmine among several others. The result is a collection of fabrics which are therapeutic to the mind, body and soul.

Krishna Veera Vanamali

14 Jul 2017,Friday

SEBI orders Goldmine Agro, directors to refund investors

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/sebi-orders-goldmine-agro-directors-to-refund-investors/1/1001066.html?utm_source=inshorts&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=fullarticle

Market regulator SEBI has directed Goldmine Agro and its directors to refund investors money that it had raised illegally. SEBI also imposed a ban on the firm and its directors from accessing capital markets for four years after the refund. SEBI observed that securities issued by the firm required compulsory listing on recognised stock exchanges, which it failed to do.

New Delhi, Jul 13 (PTI) Markets regulator Sebi has asked Goldmine Agro Ltd (GAL) and its directors to refund investors money that the Kolkata-based company had raised illegally by issuing securities. Besides, Sebi imposed a ban on the firm and its directors from accessing the capital markets for four years from the completion of refund. Goldmine Agro mobilised funds illegally through issuance of non-convertible redeemable debentures (NCDs). According to Sebi, Goldmine Agro had raked in Rs 35.62 crore by issuing NCDs to investors during 2009-10 and 2011-12. However, the company had not given details about the number of allottees. The company, through such activity, violated various norms, Sebi noted. The regulator observed that allotment of NCDs by the firm was a public issue, which under the rules require a compulsory listing on a recognised stock exchange. It was also required to file a prospectus, among others, which it failed to do.

Anmol Sharma

02 Mar 2017,Thursday

Looking forward to get back to winning ways: Anil Kumble

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/anil-kumble-india-vs-australia-bengaluru-test/1/895048.html

Indian coach Anil Kumble on Thursday said it was important to move ahead from the defeat in Pune and focus on the Bengaluru Test to get back to winning ways. "Australia are a quality side. All the other touring sides were quality sides too. We are looking forward to this game to again start on a winning note," he added.

India coach Anil Kumble on Thursday said it was important to move ahead from the embarrassing defeat in Pune and focus on the Bengaluru Test to get back to winning ways against Australia.Australia won the first Test of the four-match series by 333 runs with two days to spare and snapped India's 19-Test unbeaten run, shocking fans who expected the team to steamroll the visitors.Also watch: I consider Kohli as the best batsman right now in all formats: Michael ClarkeKumble felt his team needed to forget what happened in Pune and concentrate on making a comeback in the series in Bengaluru Test starting March 4. (Why Australia's spinners won't threaten India again in this series)"What has happened in Pune is done and dusted. We didn't play really well, didn't adapt to the conditions. Every game we need to adapt to what comes our way. Australia played well," Kumble said at the press conference ahead of the second Test."We don't need to worry about the Pune loss. Really looking to forward to this game to get back to winning ways. It was a team failure and we cannot point fingers at anyone," he added. (Can Virat Kohli's India repeat 2001 heroics vs Australia? Harbhajan Singh and Nayan Mongia recall Kolkata miracle)Skipper Virat Kohli had blamed India's batting - they were skittled for 105 and 107 - for the unexpectedly lopsided 333-run defeat. The former India captain, who took charge as the head coach in June last year, said his side will look to play as a unit in Bengaluru and tick the boxes which they failed to do in Pune. (Sourav Ganguly recalls 2001 miracle vs Australia at Eden Gardens)"Australia are a quality side. Don't think we played to our potential in Pune. We want to play to our potential in this match. Partnerhsips as batting unit, bowling unit, didn't tick those boxes. We want to tick those boxes to win the Test match," he said.Before the Pune Test, India were on an unbeaten streak at home in the 20 previous matches, while Australia entered the series on a streak of nine losses in Tests played in Asia. (Pune pitch rated 'poor' by International Cricket Council)"You can't keep winning every game. It has to come to an end. 20 games winning streak in international cricket is quite challenging. This team has able to do it. This team adapted to different situations but last game we did not and that's why we lost," Kumble said.The coach also made it clear that there was no question of dropping batsman Ajinkya Rahane from the playing XI after a single failure in Pune.Rahane got the nod in Pune ahead of Karun Nair, who slammed a triple hundred against England in the Chennai Test. However, Rahane's poor performance in Pune, where he managed to score 13 and 18 in both innings, led to questions being asked on his place in the team. (India frugal with praise for Pune tormentor Steve O'Keefe)"There's no question of dropping Ajinkya Rahane. He has scored well and has extremely successful. We still haven't discussed the team composition. It is unfortunate that Karun Nair has missed out. That's how the team composition goes. "That's the beauty about this group. Whoever has come in, has done really well. Unfortunate for Karun, he is a class act. Our aim is to win every game," he said.

Daisy Mowke

02 Aug 2017,Wednesday

Substance abuse is like a bad marriage: Prateik Babbar

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/prateik-babbar-drug-abuse-revelations/1/1016738.html?utm_source=inshorts&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=fullarticle

Actor Prateik Babbar, while speaking about dealing with drug addiction, said substance abuse is like a bad marriage. "[E]ven after you quit, it haunts you for a while till people start noticing the turnaround," he added. Prateik further said, "Addiction is not a moral failing, it doesn't make you a bad person even if you have made a poor choice".

It took him five years and lot of courage to openly speak about his battle with drug addiction. After making a promising start in Bollywood, Prateik Babbar vanished from the limelight for a good five years. His absence might not have caught anybody's attention, but his return has grabbed many eyeballs. And why not? For the first time, the 30-year-old actor has openly spoken about his battle with substance abuse. When many actors shy away from talking about their issues, Prateik has come out in the open, talking about his his long battle with addiction. In an interview to Mumbai Mirror, the actor talked about addiction, recovery and his career. This is what he said. On addiction He has come to terms with complications of his life and has fought the demons of substance abuse. It was last year when he first talked about his drug addiction, and in the last one year, he has been a "work in progress". "Addiction is not a moral failing, it does not make you a bad person even if you have made a poor choice. People still think I got hooked because it was 'cool' for a celebrity to indulge in recreational drugs. But for me, it was more of an escape from reality. My childhood was complicated and there were a lot of questions I didn't have answers to so I looked elsewhere for solace," said Prateik.  On acceptanceIt took him a while to understand that he was an addict, and he needed to get out of it as soon as possible. "Acceptance and speaking up can help change the face of addiction. It educates those who are ailing and tells others that the stereotype of people suffering is the exception rather than the rule. Acceptance is one of the first steps to recovery," added the actor. On coming outPrateik came out in open about his addiction as he didn't want to keep his fans in the dark. He wanted them to be aware of the dark truth of his life. "I'm a fighter and criticism is not an option for me. Yes, one is entitled to his/her opinion and it's human to be judgmental but everyone deserves a second chance. The idea is to move on. I want to create awareness by showcasing the boy uninterrupted so the world doesn't get to see just one side of the story," said the 30-year-old actor. On recoveryIt has taken him a few years to get back to his normal life and he says that with each passing day, he is making an effort to better his life. He said, "I'm still on the road to recovery but I'm proud to have turned over a new leaf. Substance abuse is like a bad marriage, even after you quit, it haunts you for a while till people start noticing the turnaround. I'm answerable to only my conscience. And yes, people take me more seriously now that I'm no longer the hippie rave but someone committed to fitness, auditions and family."On his careerHe began his career with the 2008 film Jaane Tu... Ya Jaane Na, and went onto bag a few promising roles in the subsequent years. However, it's been almost five years since Prateik has been seen on the big screen. But the actor is all set to bounce back. "I'm looking for quality work and am not embarrassed to go out and ask for it. I'm also doing a lot of theatre with Jeff Goldberg because I believe it polishes your acting skills," he added.

Prashanti Moktan

16 Jan 2017,Monday

I'm an actor, not a vocal leader: SRK on Meryl Streep

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/shah-rukh-khan-meryl-streep-donald-trump-raees-mahira-khan/1/858292.html

Shah Rukh Khan, while reacting to actress Meryl Streep's recent speech, said that he is an actor and not a vocal leader. "She found a platform and... people who appreciated what she said. In India, everybody has so many opinions that they want to pick on something others say," said SRK. He added he doesn't want to comment on issues.

When multiple Oscar-winning actor and living legend Meryl Streep took the stage at the 74th Golden Globe Awards ceremony on January 8, little did she know that her speech against US President-elect Donald Trump would make pundits back in India criticise Indian actors and celebrities for not being politically vocal and honest.In her much-celebrated (and criticised) speech, Meryl Streep, on winning the Cecil B. DeMille Award, spoke against Donald Trump and rebuked him for his ways, in particular, his mockery of New York Times' disabled reporter Serge Kovaleski at a Republican rally."It kind of broke my heart when I saw it," Streep said, "and I still can't get it out my head because it wasn't in a movie, it was in real life. That instinct to humiliate when it's modeled by someone in a public platform, it filters down into everyone's life because it gives permission for others to do the same."ALSO READ: Complete Golden Globes speech of Meryl Streep attacking Donald TrumpALSO READ: Donald Trump responds to Meryl Streep's speechOPINION: Dear Zindagi is Shah Rukh's natural evolution, not a change of trackNow, in a recent interview published in Hindustan Times, when Shah Rukh Khan was asked why stars wouldn't talk about "real issues" in India, Shah Rukh said that he would go ahead and say something only if the journalist he speaks to would put across his views exactly as they are, without adding or deleting anything."Get me a top TV journalist who puts my views across as they are, without trying to add their own point of view. Then I would say something. I have said it before, and I rue the day I said it (shared my opinions.) It is about how much views are put across, which is very sad. And then the same people ask, 'Why doesn't Shah Rukh Khan say anything?' No, I won't say anything. You say it, but you can't tell me what to say," Shah Rukh was quoted as saying.To put things in context, back in 2015, when Shah Rukh appealed to Indians to preserve and uphold secularism, a massive hate campaign was launched all across India to paint Shah Rukh as an intolerant anti-national and harm the box-office collections of his film Dilwale, which had released just after the controversy."Religious intolerance and not being secular is the worst kind of crime that you can do as a patriot," is what Shah Rukh had said which got him into trouble.Now, Shah Rukh is in no mood to invite trouble when trouble is all the more out there, looking for easy targets like him. Regarding Meryl Streep's speech, Shah Rukh said, "You like Meryl Streep so much, run her tape. God bless you; you have Meryl Streep saying it, so why do you want someone else to say the same thing? Why do you want to be a copycat like you always have been? It's stupid."ALSO WATCH: No one understands me, says Shah Rukh KhanWhen asked about his opinions on whether Streep did the right thing, SRK said, "I think Meryl Streep said a wonderful thing. We all have to be like that, and I am not talking about just artistes. Also, whenever something happens somewhere, they are like, 'Why isn't Shah Rukh Khan commenting on it?' But I don't want to. I am an actor, main koi vocal leader thodi na hoon (I am not a vocal leader, right?). So, what the lady said is marvellous. She found a platform and she found people who appreciated what she said. In India, everybody has so many opinions that they want to pick on something others say."

Parmeet Kaur

31 Jul 2017,Monday

Mumbai teen allegedly kills self for 'Blue Whale' challenge

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/mumbai-teen-suicide-could-be-first-indian-case-of-blue-whale-challenge/1/1014835.html?utm_source=inshorts&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=fullarticle

A 14-year-old Mumbai boy killed himself on Saturday after jumping off the terrace of a seven-storey building. Police suspect that the boy was addicted to the online game 'Blue Whale' which demands players to complete 50 tasks in 50 days, with the last task being committing suicide. However, the police is officially yet to find the reason for his suicide.

A 14-year-old boy in Andheri, a suburb of Mumbai, killed himself this weekend, jumping off the terrace of his seven-floor building on Saturday. Sources within the Mumbai Police tell India Today that the boy is believed to have been addicted to an online game known as 'Blue Whale'. Blue Whale is a challenge-based underground game with a shadowy history, and has previously been linked to suicides in Russia and other countries. However, officially, Mumbai Police has said that it is yet to find the reason behind the 14-year-old Andheri boy's suicide.The boy, a 9th standard student of an international school in Andheri, is survived by his parents and two sisters. He dreamed of becoming a pilot and had expressed a desire to go to Russia for training. On Saturday, a neighbour from a building adjoining the boy's spotted the teenager on the terrace, walking on parapet while shooting what seemed to be a selfie video. The boy then jumped off and killed himself.  The Mumbai Police have registered an accidental death report (ADR) in the matter and have ruled it to be a clear case of suicide.Cops, however, refused to confirm whether the suicide was linked to Blue Whale. Speaking to India Today, DCP Navinchandra Reddy said, "The parents have not given any information on the reason of suicide, they are in state of shock. We are investigating the case in all possible angles (sic)."BLUE WHALEBlue Whale is a video game said to have originated in Russia and its creator was reportedly arrested by Russian police earlier this year. The game gives players a series of 50 quests, with the final task asking them to commit suicide. The game also asks players to document the completion of each task in the form of photographs. The players are supposed to send the evidence of their completion to the game's administrator who then qualifies them to attempt the next task. Blue Whale's tasks range from the seemingly harmless - watching a scary video at 4 am - to the disturbing - writing/drawing on arms with a sharp object.For the final task, players are directed to jump off a terrace building while, again, documenting the act in the form of photos/video.  According to media reports, Blue Whale has spread across several countries and taken lives of hundreds of teenagers. However, the Andheri suicide would likely be the first such case in India.Following the suicide, a WhatsApp message warning parents about Blue Whale has begun to do the rounds in Mumbai. The message, seen by India Today, references the Andheri suicide to say that parents should be wary of handing their children mobile phones or other devices that could allow them to access the online challenge.

Tarun Khanna

08 Mar 2017,Wednesday

Modi, Kejriwal wasting time of India, Delhi: Rahul Gandhi

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/rahul-gandhi-mcd-elections-arvind-kejriwal-narendra-modi-delhi-uttar-pradesh-polls/1/899310.html

Campaigning for Congress ahead of MCD polls, party Vice-President Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday accused both PM Narendra Modi and CM Arvind Kejriwal of wasting time of people of the country and the national capital. He further accused Modi and Kejriwal of running "individual-centric" governments and "causing losses" to the country. Congress governments echo voice of every countryman, he added.

Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi launched party's Delhi unit's poll campaign for the upcoming prestigious MCD elections.The Amethi MP fired salvos on both Prime Minister Narendra Modi as well as Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. He even tried to boost the moral of cadre by calling them 'Babbar sher' ( Lion ).IDEOLOGY MATTERS The Gandhi scion said that the Congress workers , leaders , MLAs and MPs will tell the difference between their and AAP / BJP ideologies. "They know that everyone has some qualities and some wisdom ... And we make an effort to listen to all and run out governments unlike BJP and AAP," said Gandhi.REMEMBERS MA GANGAThough the curtain falls on the highly charged up poll campaign in Varanasi, the Amethi MP did mention Ma Ganga and Varanasi in his speech at Ramlila Maidan."Polls are being held in Uttar Pradesh. In 2014, Prime Minister Modi had said to the people of Varanasi, that Ganga Ma has called him. Ma Ganga belongs to each one of us but you try to understand the arrogance of a man who stands up and says that Ma Ganga is only his. Aren't we all not sons and daughters of Ma Ganga?" said the Congress vice-president.KEJRIWAL KNOWS HOW TO USE THE ANGER OF DELHIITESNarrating an incident involving an AAP strategist, Rahul Gandhi said , "Someone from AAP came to meet me. I asked him that you work for Kejriwal, do you feel that Kejriwal has reduced corruption?? And will he be able to root out the corruption?? He said I know he will not be able to remove corruption. The AAP strategist informed me that Delhi Maine bahut gusa hai Kejriwal sirf uss gusse ka istimal karta hai ( Delhiities are really angry and Kejriwal just manipulate their anger). He added that in AAP only Kejriwal rules like a king and only his will / decisions works."Rahul also said that both PM Modi and CM Kejriwal are wasting time of the people of Delhi and the entire country. TICKET DISTRIBUTION IN CONGRESSRahul Gandhi while addressing party workers at the iconic Ramlila Maidan also said that he will not give tickets to parachute candidates. "We will give tickets only to our workers who fight for people of Delhi.. They will get the tickets and will elect their head," said Gandhi, adding, "You - the workers of Congress - are Babbar sher ( Lion ) , you don't need to be scared or worried."WHY IS THE PRIME MINISTER SILENT ON RACIAL ATTACKS ON NON-RESIDENT INDIANS?Rahul Gandhi said, "When people are dying in USA why Modiji hasn't spoken a word?? Because PM of India is scared." Also Read: Congress eyes Delhi, Rahul Gandhi to launch campaign for municipal election

Dishant Sharma

04 Jul 2017,Tuesday

BCCI to appoint professional manager for Team India

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/bcci-coa-india-team-manager-virat-kohli/1/993534.html

The BCCI is set to appoint a professional manager for the Indian cricket team. The move has come after the Committee of Administrators deemed the reports by BCCI representatives acting as managers had little meaning. Notably, the team's administrative manager, in his Champions Trophy report, had made no mention of the rift between then coach Anil Kumble and Virat Kohli.

BCCI will soon appoint a professional manager for the Indian cricket team and will put out the advertisement for the same possibly within a week. The Committee of Administrators (CoA) is not happy with the practice of existing BCCI officials touring and giving reports which have little meaning.

Arshiya Chopra

21 Jul 2017,Friday

BSF to use capsicum-based teargas to control crowds

http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/bsf-to-use-capsicum-based-teargas-for-crowd-control/story-6gRoJwJFeaLm9VdJJIheAM.html?utm_source=inshorts&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=fullarticle

BSF will be supplied with capsicum-based teargas in spray can and shell forms to quell the mob in deteriorating law and order situation anywhere in the country. The bio-friendly, non-lethal ammunition is being introduced after security forces in Kashmir didn't find Pelargonic Acid Vanillyl Amide shells very effective. About 50,000 shells will be produced initially, followed by need-based orders.

After trying out PAVA shells, security forces have now turned to capsicum gel-based teargas to quell mobs in the Kashmir valley and other places.A senior BSF official said the new teargas will be ready for use by security forces in spray can and shell forms, as early as next month.The non-lethal munition can be used by security forces at any location in the country where there is a law and order problem but the largest inventory of the product is expected to be shipped to the Valley owing to the number of public protests and incidents of stone pelting, the official said.The shells will be produced by the Tekanpur (Madhya Pradesh)-based Tear Smoke Unit (TSU) of the Border Security Force.Last year, the TSU had launched the PAVA teargas munitions which, the BSF said, was ?effectively? used by various police and security forces.However, sources in the security establishment had said the personnel on ground in Kashmir had given feedback that PAVA (Pelargonic Acid Vanillyl Amide) was not an effective replacement for the controversial pellet guns and hence some other non-lethal ammunition should be provided to them to counter stone pelters and protestors.The new bio-friendly oleoresin capsicum-based teargas shells will be produced in collaboration with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).The official said the chilli ingredient for these new munitions will be sourced from the jungles of the northeast and Andhra Pradesh and have two variants.?One will be a teargas shell and the other spray can. The ultimate product will be helpful for police and security forces to combat both close-quarter and distant targets,? the official said.In the first go, about 50,000 shells will be produced by the TSU which will be followed by subsequent need-based orders from the forces.An annual general body meeting of the TSU was also held under the chairmanship of BSF Director General K K Sharma at the forces? headquarters here today.?The governing body also reviewed the progress of automation and production management of the TSU,? a BSF statement later said.PAVA was introduced last year by the Union home ministry after scores of protesters were blinded by the use of pellet guns in the Kashmir valley.The pellet guns have not been discarded and are now used sparingly by the forces there.

Ayushi Ahluwalia

28 Jul 2017,Friday

Delhi boy forced to drink acid after fight over paneer

http://www.hindustantimes.com/delhi-news/delhi-on-short-fuse-teen-forced-to-drink-acid-for-refusing-to-sell-cottage-cheese/story-LuDB5HGDIHC7h4s86Ei4XN.html?utm_source=inshorts&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=fullarticle

A 17-year-old boy in Delhi was forced to drink acid by a group of men following an argument that started when he refused to sell them paneer owing to a shortage of fresh stock, according to reports. The men reportedly held the victim inside the dairy shop run by his family and forcefully poured acid into his mouth.

A group of four youth allegedly forced a 17-year-old to drink acid after he reportedly refused to sell them cottage cheese in southeast Delhi?s Sangam Vihar area on Tuesday night.On Monday, Yogesh and his mother Mamta Devi, who run a dairy shop on the ground floor of their house, were at the counter when two youths came to buy cottage cheese around 9pm. When Devi told them the stock was over, the youths reportedly barged inside the shop, insisting that they saw it in the fridge and she cannot refuse to sell it.?I told them that I do not have any left and that they can buy it in the morning once I get the fresh stock but they forcefully entered the shop and started checking the refrigerator,? said Devi. ?My son asked them to leave the shop. The youths overturned the cupboard and even slapped by son when he tried to intervened. When I raised an alarm, the youths left the shop but threatened to return. They got out of the shop, picked up a knife from the vegetable cart parked in the area and threatened to stab my son. They, however, had to leave as many people had gathered by then,? Devi said.Road rage to fight over food bill: Why Delhi is on short fuseThe next day, the youths reportedly returned to the shop with a group of other men when Yogesh was alone in the shop. They held him inside the shop and forced acid down his throat.?Yogesh was about to draw the shutter and come back home. I was waiting for him when I heard a loud scream. I went to see if he was fine and saw a group of boys running out of the shop,? she said. ?When I went downstairs, I saw Yogesh vomiting blood. His entire mouth had burnt and he was seething with pain. We rushed him to the hospital. It was later that I found out that they were the same boys who threatened to kill him yesterday,? she said.DCP southeast, Romil Baaniya said, ?We received a call from the Majeedia Hospital, regarding the admission of Yogesh with acid burns. He was later referred to AIIMS. His sister told us that on the day of incident, three boys, out of them one identified as Golu, poured acid in her brother?s mouth. A case of voluntarily causing grievous hurt by dangerous weapons has been registered in the matter. Raids to arrest the youths are on.?

Radhika Chugh

26 Jul 2017,Wednesday

BMC denies Ganesh mandal's demand for online approval

http://www.hindustantimes.com/mumbai-news/ganpati-mandals-in-mumbai-want-approval-process-to-go-online-bmc-says-no/story-vXD9ksZ46XpA5IpRU9bn6H.html?utm_source=inshorts&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=fullarticle

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has denied a Ganesh mandal coordination committee's demand to take the approval process for setting up mandals online. The committee claimed that the single-window clearance system which was introduced in 2015 to improve mandal approval rate was ineffective. Reportedly, it will now meet Mayor Vishwanath Mahadeshwar to demand a better clearance system.

With a month to go for the 10-day Ganeshotsav, a Ganesh mandal coordination committee in the city has asked the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to take the process to get permission to setup pandals online.  After the Bombay high court issued a directive against structures encroaching public roads, the civic body had drafted rules for pandals in 2015 to ensure pedestrians do not face any inconvenience during the festival.  As per this policy, the BMC had made it compulsory for all pandals to get approvals from the police, traffic and fire departments. To improve the application-approval rate, the civic body had introduced single-window clearance in all the 24 wards. The Brihanmumbai Sarvajanik Ganeshutsav Samanvay Samiti (BSGSS) pointed out that the single-window clearance system was slow and failed to improve the approval rate, which is why the BMC should start accepting applications online. The committee had met BMC and traffic police department earlier this month to put forth their demands. ?The authorities promised that single-window clearance system will help in quicker approvals or rejections and there will be better coordination between the departments, which was absent last year,? said Naresh Dahibhavkar, president, BSGSS.  The committee will now meet mayor Vishwanath Mahadeshwar to demand a better single-window clearance system. However, BMC officials said they have no plans to move the system online and all the mandals will have to go to ward offices to submit their applications. The civic official added that though there are more than 11,000 mandals across the city, only 20% of them seek permission to erect pandals during Ganeshotsav.The nine-page circular of the BMC policy was issued to all 24 administrative wards by civic chief Ajoy Mehta, last year, after the HC order.  It requires organisers to submit a location map with the sketch of the pandal mentioning its length, width and height.

Chhavi Tyagi

10 Feb 2017,Friday

Rahul, Akhilesh denied roadshow permission in Varanasi

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/rahul-akhilesh-varanasi-roadshow-narendra-modi-up-assembly-election/1/879432.html

The Varanasi administration has denied permission to allow Rahul Gandhi and Akhilesh Yadav to hold a joint roadshow in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Lok Sabha constituency for the second time. However, the SP-Congress alliance claims that it has been called off as it coincides with the birth-anniversary of Guru Ravidas, an annual function wherein huge crowds gather in Varanasi.

The Varanasi administration has declined - for a second time - their permission to allow Rahul Gandhi and Akhilesh Yadav to hold a joint roadshow in the run-up to the crucial Uttar Pradesh election.The Congress is citing "inconvenience to people" as its reason to cancel the rally since the day coincides with Ravidas Jayanti, an annual festival in which a large number of people turn up in Varanasi. But there is more to it than meets the eye. Akhilesh Yadav had already planned rallies on the same day in Baraily and Rampur in western Uttar Pradesh. Apparently, the ruling Samajwadi Party is trying to put its best foot forward in western UP, which is why Akhikesh rallies were planned earlier this week.Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav have held two roadshows so far in Lucknow and Agra. Assembly Elections 2017: Full Coverage Incidentally, the temple city of Varanasi in eastern Uttar Pradesh is represented in Lok Sabha by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, whose BJP is a major contender in the seven-phase election starting Saturday.In the three-cornered fight in Uttar Pradesh, Rahul's Congress and Akhilesh's Samajwadi Party have allied and decided to contest 105 and 298 seats respectively.

Parmeet Kaur

22 Jul 2017,Saturday

Nithari case accused convicted of murdering 20 yr old woman

http://www.hindustantimes.com/noida/nithari-serial-killings-pandher-koli-convicted-of-murdering-20-year-old-woman/story-qmOTvbjahTI5fZiijWDcCO.html?utm_source=inshorts&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=fullarticle

Nithari case accused, Moninder Singh Pandher and his domestic help Surinder Koli, were held guilty of the murder and attempted rape of a 20-year-old woman by a CBI court on Saturday. This is one of the several cases against the two, for the serial killings and sexual assaults of multiple women and minor girls at Pandher's Nithari residence in 2006.

A trial court on Saturday convicted businessman Moninder Singh Pandher and his domestic help Surinder Koli of murdering a 20-year-old woman, one of the several cases known as the Nithari serial killings of 2006.Pandher, who was out on bail, was taken into custody after the CBI court in Ghaziabad pronounced the judgment.CBI special judge Pawan Tiwari held Pandher and Koli guilty of murder, attempted rape and destruction of evidence.Koli has already been sentenced to death in seven out of 16 cases probed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).Moninder Singh Pandher at the CBI court in Ghaziabad. (Sakib Ali / HT?Photo)Pandher was earlier convicted by the trial court in another case in 2009 but was acquitted by the Allahabad high court. He is, however, facing trial in three other cases.Nithari came into the limelight in 2006 following disappearances of many women including minor girls.The police and later the CBI found skeletons in the premises and from a drain near the house of Pandher. The girls were lured into Pandher?s house where they were killed after being assaulted sexually, the CBI said.

Daisy Mowke

15 Mar 2017,Wednesday

Malavika Mohanan replaces Deepika in Majid Majidi's film

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/malavika-mohanan-majid-majidi-film-deepika-padukone/1/903933.html

Theatre actor Malavika Mohanan will be playing the leading role in Iranian filmmaker Majid Majidi's upcoming film 'Beyond The Clouds', which is set in India. It is said to be a story about a brother-sister relationship. Earlier, there were reports that Deepika Padukone had auditioned for the role. The film also marks the debut of Shahid Kapoor's half-brother Ishaan Khattar.

Theatre actor Malavika Mohanan has bagged the lead role in Iranian auteur Majid Majidi's India-set film Beyond The Clouds.Daughter of renowned cinematographer KU Mohanan, Malavika was considered to be apt for the character in the tale of human relationships, read a statement.A spokesperson on behalf of Zee Studios and Eyecandy, said, "Malavika is on board for the film and Majidi has already begun shooting with her since a week in Mumbai."Beyond The Clouds is being described by the makers as a beautiful story centered around a brother-sister relationship.A source in the know of developments said, "Majidi found his leading lady in Malavika as he was looking for a face, that could fit the character."Earlier, there was speculation that Deepika Padukone had auditioned for the role, but things did not work out. Malavika is said to have been handpicked by Majidi himself.Known for masterpieces like Children of Heaven, The Color of Paradise and Baran, Majidi has a knack of weaving magic on screen with new faces. The film also marks the debut of Shahid Kapoor's brother Ishaan Khatter.

Aarushi Maheshwari

24 Jan 2017,Tuesday

Soapy 'Shower Beer' created by Swedish brewery

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/this-beer-is-made-specifically-for-drinking-in-the-shower-lifeft/1/858478.html

Swedish brewery PangPang has created a beer meant to be consumed in the shower. The 'Shower Beer' has a soapy flavour and a relatively higher alcohol content as compared to other beers. The brewery says the beer is "sweet, but strong" and "meant to gulp in three sips while standing in the shower."

A Swedish brewery called Pang Pang has partnered with a creative agency called Snask to create a product, that has become the ultimate elixir for a blissful shower.Appropriately dubbed as Shower Beer, this product is "sweet, but strong" and "meant to gulp in three sips while standing in the shower."The brewery's founder, Fredrik Tunedal, told VICE that he "wanted to optimise the experience of having beer in the shower by trying to customize a brew for this glorious occasion."It is strong and has  relatively high alcohol content (in regards to other beers) so that you can start feeling the happy shower beer effects quickly--even if a little water gets in the bottle and dilutes the libation.Also read: Is beer healthier than milk? PETA sure thinks soThis beer becomes even more sinful owing to its soapy flavour which is a perfect pairing for the shower.Also read: The Beer Cafe is offering a free beer to all the Sonam Guptas out thereThe founder also added, "We always loved the concept of drinking beer in the shower, so the idea to create a beer that would be drunk while showering was a must.The idea for a Shower Beer is a universal thing, I think. As a brewer I work long and hard days, and when I come home I'm often covered in malt dust (my girlfriend actually calls me Mr Malty Pants) and the shower is a gateway back to normal society."This drink has created quite a wave of excitement among beer lovers, it seems to fulfill many demands. The term "showerbeer" is tagged in over 31,000 Instagram posts.  So, when you're heading to the shower, and you want to quickly grab the right Beer from the fridge, this one will jump out onto your face, as there hasn't been a drink like this before. Also read: Vagina Beer to Urine Beer: 2016 was a weird year for the drink you really love(d)

Abhishek Bansal

28 Feb 2017,Tuesday

India got only 17 DRS referrals right out of 55 in 7 Tests

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/indecision-review-system-india-get-17-out-of-55-calls-right/1/892665.html

The Indian team got only 17 DRS referrals in their favour out of the 55 reviews it took during the seven Test matches since the series against England. While, the team got 10 referrals correct out of 42 taken in fielding, it had 7 successful reviews out of 13 in batting. India's success rate in DRS referrals stands at 30.9%.

Prashanti Moktan

17 Apr 2017,Monday

Baahubali 2 director defends Katappa actor over Cauvery row

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/baahubali-2-karnataka-release-protest-sathyaraj-ss-rajamouli/1/930469.html

Baahubali 2 director SS Rajamouli has spoken in defence of actor Sathyaraj, who portrays Katappa, against pro-Kannada organisations asking for an apology over the actor's speech on the Cauvery issue. Rajamouli claimed that Sathyaraj's speech was from nine years ago. "After that, about 30 films of his were released in Karnataka... No one had problems with that," added Rajamouli.

India's highly anticipated Baahubali: The Conclusion is facing stiff protest from an activist Vatal Nagaraj, who demanded Sathyaraj to apologise for his insensitive remarks on Kannadigas during the Cauvery water issue.Speaking about the issue, SS Rajamouli, in an exclusive interview with India Today, said, "It is a sad thing and we were shocked to see that on social media." Sathyaraj as the salve warlord Katappa, is one of the most important characters in The Conclusion."I worked with Sathyaraj for almost five years and I could have never ever imagined he is a person who could try to hurt someone. Some videos were posted on the internet. When we started inquiring, we learned that whatever comments Mr Sathyaraj made it was nine years back. And after that, about 30 films of his were released in Karnataka. Baahubali 1 released. No one had problems with that. And suddenly, raking up the issue at this point in time is not right," he said.Rana Daggubati, who plays the mighty Bhallala Deva, also reacted to the issue. He said, "That's something he (Sathyaraj) said 10 years ago. Baahubali part 1 released in Karnataka and everybody loved it. It was huge in Karnataka. I mean, they're just trying to make news again."Made on a lavish budget of Rs 250 crore, Baahubali is touted to have earned more than Rs 500 crore even before its release through its satellite and distribution rights.Directed by SS Rajamouli, Baahubali 2 takes the story forward from where Baahubali: The Beginning ended. Prabhas, Rana Daggubati, Anushka Shetty, Tamannaah, Sathyaraj and Ramya Krishnan star in pivotal roles in this instalment of Baahubali too. The film is slated to release on April 28 this year.ALSO READ: SS Rajamouli discussed Mahabharata with Aamir before Baahubali 2

Tarun Khanna

18 Apr 2017,Tuesday

Ganga tunnel of East West Metro is 1st of its kind: Minister

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/ganga-tunnel-of-east-west-metro-to-be-the-countrys-first/1/931476.html

Union Minister Babul Supriyo on Monday said the underwater tunnel of East-West Metro Corridor Project in Kolkata, built below the Ganga river bed, is the first of its kind in the country. "Building a tunnel under the river had never taken place elsewhere in India. Further being built under Ganga, it has an emotional value as well," he added.

Kolkata, Apr 17 (PTI) The underwater tunnel of East-West Metro Corridor Project here, built below the Ganga river bed, is the first of its kind in the country, said Union Minister Babul Supriyo today after going into the tunnel. "This is the first such project in the country. Building a tunnel under the river had never taken place elsewhere in India. Further being built under Ganga, it has an emotional value as well," Supriyo, who went inside the tunnel between slab numbers 820 and 840, said. He has been asked by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to personally supervise the work, said Supriyo while interacting with the officials of Afcons-Transtonnelstroy of South Africa, the agency to build the tunnel between Howrah Maidan and the proposed Mahakaran metro station near Writers Buildings here. Supriyo also collected soil from the place and kept it in two utensils - one for gifting to the prime minister and another for himself as a memento. The entire stretch of tunnel from Howrah Maidan to the Ganga bank in the city will be 1.7 km, of which a significant part will be on the surface. "Basically, we reached almost the bottom of the Ganga and spent a considerable time (there). It was an exhilarating experience. I salute the engineers and the workers for the heroic work," Supriyo, the Union Minister of State for Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises said. Asked about the safety of the project, he said "Let me allay any apprehension about the safety. We did not feel uncomfortable inside though we were 32 m below the river water - that is the sea level." He said the tunnel went under buildings like Howrah Station but there were no threat to them as the latest technology had been used. The tunnel boring machine (TBM), used in the excavation work, will now go beyond the slab number 840 to dig up earth under the river bed and finally reach the east bank - that is the city. Expressing hope that the Howrah Maidan-Esplanade part of Phase II of the project, which would connect Howrah Maidan to Sealdah) will not miss the deadline, Supriyo said "We expect to clear the logjam in the wake of the existing rule that infrastructure projects would not come up within 100 m of the heritage buildings." "There are three heritage constructions - two synagogues and the Currency Building within 30 m of the proposed tunnel. But IIT-Kharagpur in a feasibility study said the tunnel work and metro movement would not cause any damage to the structures." "We are not setting up a time-frame and the Union cabinet is preparing a note to exempt the Metro work. Lets hope for the best," he said. The entire second phase of the East West Project, with 100 per cent funding by the Centre, had been facilitated by the West Bengal government with intervention by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and her cabinet colleagues to clear settlements. Phase 1 of the East-West Metro Corridor Project, he said, is expected to be completed on time and thanked Banerjee for removing encroachments along the route. "During my chance meeting with the West Bengal CM in 2015 which the media had christened as Jhalmuri diplomacy, I had broached the topic of encroachment and with the intervention of TMC leaders it was resolved. "The encroachers will be relocated in a new building in the area," he said.

Rini Sinha

21 Apr 2017,Friday

Kapil's a great comedian, he makes entire India laugh: Sunil

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/you-wont-believe-what-sunil-grover-has-just-said-about-kapil-sharma-lifetv/1/934792.html

At a recent event, comedian Sunil Grover said that Kapil Sharma is a great comedian who makes entire India laugh. This comes after Kapil shouted at Sunil on a flight in March and reportedly threw a shoe at him. While Kapil apologised on Twitter, Sunil has stopped shooting for 'The Kapil Sharma Show' following the incident.nn

Sunil Grover's exit from The Kapil Sharma Show has now become an old news. Comedians to Bollywood stars have urged them to reconcile and bury the hatchet. Sunil seems to have moved on from there and is now concentrating on his live shows.After having a full house attendance in a live gig in Delhi, he recently performed in Dubai and got a great response from the audiences there. When Sunil was asked his views about Kapil Sharma by Gulf News, he described Kapil as "a great comedian who makes the whole nation (India) laugh."

Chhavi Tyagi

09 Jan 2017,Monday

Doubt if all are happy with national anthem verdict: Owaisi

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/india-today-south-conclave-asaduddin-owaisi-palanivel-thiagarajan-rajeev-gowda/1/852926.html

All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) Chief Asaduddin Owaisi has said that he does not know how many people are happy with the Supreme Court's order on playing the national anthem at movie theatres. Further, talking about beef ban, Owaisi said, "I would love to eat it, if its halal... to hell with them (state and central government)."

Speaking at the India Today Conclave South 2017, Asaduddin Owaisi said he did not know how many people were happy with the Supreme Court order on playing the National Anthem at movie theatres.The MP from Hyderabad commented on a range of issues, including the beef ban. Owaisi, president of All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM), said, "(Would) love to eat it, if its halal... to hell with them (state/central government)".On the issue of radicalisation of Muslim youths, Owaisi said it is a matter of concern but added that radicalisation in any community should be a concern.ISLAM IS A WAY OF LIFE TOOTalking about the idea of a secular India, Owaisi said, "Largely Hindus are secular but they got carried away by a man who speaks very well. And, this is because Congress could not stop BJP from coming to power."ALSO READ | After Supreme Court's ruling, BJP slams Asaduddin Owaisi, asks for probe into his speechOwaisi said if Supreme Court can identity Hindutva as a way of life, then Islam and Christianity are also way of life for many.  Owaisi was speaking at the session 'Region, Religion, Identity: Keeping India First' and was joined on stage by Palanivel Thiagarajan, DMK MLA, and M V Rajeev Gowda, Congress MP in Rajya Sabha.PAYING PRICE FOR COALITIONThe Congress MP, when asked about the Congress losing ground in South India, said his party is paying the price for being a coalition partner in Tamil Nadu, adding that decision to create Telangana backfired.ALSO READ | Owaisi's poll promise: Will get Muslims 21 per cent of BMC budgetAsked about how Congress defines nationalism, Rajeev Gowda said his party practices inclusive nationalism unlike the "bogus nationalism paraded" by the ruling government which "hides behind soldiers".

Chhavi Tyagi

24 Apr 2017,Monday

BJP leader calls Mamata 'Babur' for renaming Centre's scheme

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/mamata-banerjee-renames-central-government-schemes-in-west-bengal/1/936959.html

For changing the names of the Central government schemes, BJP leader Chandra Kumar Bose compared West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee to Mughal Emperor Babur who demolished Ram Temple in Ayodhya and built Babri Masjid. "I think it's very foolish of Mamata to...give a name at the state level for the same scheme which the Centre has actually adopted," Bose added.

The Didi vs Modi battle has gone a notch higher with the Mamata Banerjee government changing the names of the Central government schemes in West Bengal. The Trinamool Congress has been a vocal critic of the BJP government at the Centre, and has lashed out at the Centre for its decision to demonetise high-value currency in November last year.The Mamata Banerjee government wants to drop the 'Pradhan Mantri' from the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) and instead wants to call it 'Banglar Gramin Sadak Yojana'.Similarly, the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Grameen is now 'Banglar Griha Prakalpa'.Prime Minister Narendra Modi's pet project of Swachh Bharat Mission (Gramin) will be known in West Bengal as 'Mission Nirmal Bangla'. Hitting out at the Mamata government for renaming schemes, BJP leader Chandra Kumar Bose compared the West Bengal chief minister to Babur who "demolished a temple in Ayodhya and built Babri Masjid".STATE IS BEARING THE COST TOOThe reason for renaming schemes: The Mamata Banerjee government said that the state has to now bear 40 per cent of the total cost of implementing the schemes as against 10 per cent previously. According to the West Bengal government, if the state has to pay more than 40 per cent of the total cost then why should the Central government get the credit, especially when the state is providing the machinery and agency for the implementation of the scheme.   P Ulagnathan, district magistrate of Cooch Behar confirmed that he has received the orders and said he would "implement" them.  Pushpita Roy Dakua, who is the sabhadipati of Cooch Behar zila parishad, said the work on changing the names of schemes on boards and banners is on at war-footing. "The names of the schemes have been changed on boards. The state government too is providing money for the schemes and therefore the schemes cannot only have the stamp of the Central government," she said.  OLD WINE IN A NEW BOTTLEReacting to the Mamata Banerjee government's decision, CPI (M) leader Fuad Halim said it was similar to repackaging old wine in a new bottle. "All these Central government programmes have failed miserably in impacting and changing the lives of the common people in the country," he said.Senior Congress leader Omprakash Mishra said that both the Central and state government, including the one in West Bengal, have been renaming projects as well as policies. He called the trend "unethical".BJP leader Chandra Kumar Bose while comparing Mamata Banerjee to Babur said, "Babur demolished the temple in Ayodhya and built Babri Masjid. Similarly, Mamata Banerjee is demolishing and changing the names of central schemes"."I think it is very foolish of Mamata Banerjee to change names and give a name at the state level for the same scheme which the Centre has actually adopted," the BJP leader said, adding that his party would "expose her (Mamata) bluff in the next election".ALSO READ:At NITI Aayog meet, PM Narendra Modi presents New India vision, Kejriwal, Mamata not interested

Arshiya Chopra

11 Jul 2017,Tuesday

UP Police to get in new, polite anti-Romeo squads

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/uttar-pradesh-anti-romeo-squad-2-0-avatar/1/999131.html

The anti-Romeo squad in Uttar Pradesh, which drew criticism for moral policing in the name of women safety, is coming back with a polite, observant and trained set of personnel. The state's DGP said the squad was being trained to distinguish a molester from a friend, adding there would be no more 'murga punishments', shaving of heads, blackening of faces.

The controversial anti-Romeo squads, which drew widespread criticism for moral policing and harassing young couples in the name of women safety, will soon be back to patrol Uttar Pradesh streets. However, the state police chief claims, the new teams will comprise a polite, observant and trained set of personnel who will act as a deterrent only to eve-teasers and stalkers.A pre-poll promise of the Bharatiya Janata Party, the drive was aimed at punishing molesters and harassers in public places. However, vigilante groups took over the exercise, often targeting young couples and handing out embarrassing punishments."Earlier, these squads were not trained. They were often over-enthusiastic and took foolish actions like chasing young people and grilling them," said state DGP Sulkhan Singh in an exclusive interview to Mail Today. "This brought bad name to a well-meaning exercise."According to Singh, the new teams underwent a curriculum designed by the Women Power Line, a unit for prevention and detection of crime against women, with three areas of focus: behavioural, legal and practical."They only have to be vigilant and observant about situations and see if a man or a group of men are harassing women. They are being taught that. Training is over in 30 of the 75 districts," said the IPS officer who was DG (training) before being elevated by chief minister Yogi Adityanath.'NO MURGA PUNISHMENTS' The top cop assured that there will be no more arrests, shaving of heads, blackening of faces or murga punishments (a stress position of holding ears) or chasing of couples at public parks, college campuses, railway stations and shopping malls in the name of curbing eve-teasing or protecting women.Singh said the squad will also be asked to use body cameras to protect themselves from charges of human rights violations or other wild allegations. These teams will not be given the power to investigate but only detain the stalkers, rowdy elements and issue warnings after "careful observation of a situation".The curriculum also conducted sensitisation classes of policemen where they were taught to how to behave with young couples and spot a suspicious character."The squad is being given training in distinguishing a molester from a friend through keen observation and by being vigilant. Earlier these squads were trained only as a police officer. They will see a group of boys and they will go and threaten them... a girl and boy will be walking together and they will question them. These things should not happen," the DGP said.Supporting the need for such a squad, Singh said it was necessary to prevent teasing, molestation or harassment of women at public place and instill a sense of security among people.The Allahabad high court in March had upheld Yogi Adityanath government's move to set up these squads but cautioned that the police must act only as per law and not "outside its purview". The move invited criticism from several quarters following allegations that the police were invading private space of citizens. The opposition even sought Central intervention into what they alleged "violation of the Constitution" by allowing anti-Romeo squads to "ridicule democracy and the freedom of youngsters".'IMPARTIAL POLICE'Singh said the biggest achievement of the Yogi government on the law and order front was its "impartial policing". "Now people can say that similar action is being taken in similar cases and there is no distinction on the basis of his or her political affiliation or status. Whoever breaks the law will be dealt with an iron fist," the DGP said.Without naming any party or organisation, Singh said the police are not hesitating to take strong action against the "newly emboldened constituents for their over-enthusiasm" and cited strict action against cow vigilantes and the dealing of Saharanpur riots.Contrary to the view of opposition parties who referred to several incidents of rape, caste violence and 'gau rakshaks' as worsening law and order situation in the state, Singh said the situation had "in fact improved"."After stern action was taken against cow vigilantes who indulged in violence in the name of cow protection, such incidents are no longer taking place in UP now," the DGP said.Regarding the Saharanpur riots, where Thakurs and Dalits were locked in violent clashes and tension persisted for weeks, Singh said: "Some people tried to create a volatile situation but police took prompt action. Now Saharanpur is quiet. We will deal each case according to its merit without yielding to any political or social affiliation. There are people who tried to escalate the situation by committing crimes. They could not."The DGP said he would not like to join issues with politicians and kept his role to policing alone. "There are two aspects to policing-crime and public order. Public order is the order in public places. Incidents of mobs having a field day, rioting, damaging public property etc. have come down drastically. If anyone indulges in it, strict action will be taken."On the transfer of Shreshta Thakur, a woman police officer of Bulandshahar who stood up against local BJP leaders and sent five of them to jail for creating obstacles in discharging government duties, the DGP said it was a routine transfer along with many others. "There was no pressure at all from the government side. I only saw the criticism in social media. Nobody called me and questioned the transfer."ALSO READ | Anti-Romeo squad 'catches' tutor, student exchanging notes in the most dramatic way possible

Abhishek Bansal

10 Mar 2017,Friday

Mohalla clinic report showing blood sugar at 9500 goes viral

http://www.hindustantimes.com/delhi/blood-sugar-at-9500-mohalla-clinic-diabetes-report-goes-viral-delhi-govt-calls-it-fake/story-N1moYAYxG8DoaULTBtQZWJ.html

A six-month-old medical report from a mohalla clinic in Delhi showing an abnormally high blood sugar level of 9,481.7 mg/dl for a patient, has gone viral on social media. The AAP government has however dismissed the report as "forged", saying such messages are being spread to discredit the system. The normal level is usually less than 140 mg/dl, post meals.

A six-month-old medical report from a mohalla clinic in Delhi showing an abnormally high blood sugar level of 9,481.7 mg/dl for a patient, has gone viral on social media.The normal level is usually less than 140 mg/dl, post meals.The AAP government, which runs the clinics, has however dismissed the report as ?forged?, saying such messages are being spread to discredit the mohalla clinic system.The HbA1c test result, which measures the average blood glucose level over a period of time, shows the glucose levels of the patient are 332%, whereas a healthy person should have below 6%.This report resurfaced on Twitter on Friday, days after Delhi?s vigilance team started investigation into mohalla clinic doctors, calling patients for unnecessary follow-ups.Twitterati went berserk with comments, blaming doctors and the labs for botched tests and treatment.?OMG!!! This is shocking. (Arvind)?Kejriwal ji PM ki degree ko chodo, zara mohalla clinics ke doctors ke bhi degree check karo (Kejriwal, forget the PM?s degree, check the degrees of the doctors of mohalla clinics),? read a tweet from the account of Pune-based Dr Majboor Gulati.Delhi government?s health department officials, however, said that the report is most likely a fake one as there have been cases of forging reports in the past.?I have not seen the report. However, a similar report had been doing the rounds on social media last year and we found that it had been forged using stationery from the labs,? an official said, adding that labs have been asked to be careful about their stationery.Noting that the mohalla clinic system, which provides consultation, medicine and tests, has benefitted several people, the official said these messages are being spread to discredit the system.He also said that even if such a report a came from their labs, there is a doctor to check it. ?And, the doctor would never treat based on such a test report they would resend the samples.?Last year, BJP MLA Vijender Gupta had questioned the quality of healthcare provided at mohalla clinics, citing the example of a pregnant woman who was diagnosed with thalassemia at one clinic and the report was allegedly incorrect according to a private lab.?A D-10 haemoglobin electrophoresis by Bio-Rad, the accepted golden standard test, was performed for the woman and she was found to be carrying thalassemia trait,? an official had informed HT.Carrying the trait does not mean that a person is suffering from thalassemia, but, if the husband also carries the gene, there are 25% chances that the baby suffers from the genetic blood defect, the official explained.

Tarun Khanna

23 Jan 2017,Monday

Jat community to vote against BJP in polls: Report

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/cheated-by-haryana-govtjat-community-to-protest-again-from-january-29/1/864074.html

The Jat community in Haryana and UP has reportedly decided to resume its agitation for reservation from January 29 and said it would vote against BJP in the polls. Notably, several western UP districts like Saharanpur, Shamli, Muzaffarnagar, Bulandshahr, Meerut, Bagpat have a large population of Jats. "The BJP government in Haryana cheated us last time,? said a Jat leader.

As political temperature soars in Uttar Pradesh ahead of the Assembly Polls, the Jat bodies in Haryana and western UP have decided to resume their agitation for reservation from January 29. The Jat leaders blaming the respective governments for not fulfiling their demands have said they would vote against the BJP in the polls. They have also blamed the Manohar Lal Khattar government in Haryana for not fulfiling what it had promised during the agitation in February 2016.Several districts in western UP like Saharanpur, Shamli, Mujjafarnagar, Bullandshahar, Meerut, Bagpat etc, have a large population of Jats and polarisation of these votes will be crucial for the election results. Polling in these districts is scheduled in first and second phase.BJP is already feeling the heat over demonetisation and if Jat community would go against the party, it will badly hit political equations for BJP. Hindu Jats and Muslims have significant numbers in these districts and they have the capability to turn election results in favour of particular party. SP, BSP and especially Ajit Singh's RLD are keeping close watch over the development in Haryana. Ajit Singh is a strong Jat leader from the region.The Jats of Haryana have also been garnering support from 250 Jat dominant villages of Delhi. The community leaders of Delhi organised a meeting at Nangloi's Sir Chotu Ram Dharamshala in which representatives of all 250 villages unanimously decided support the agitation for getting Other Backward Class (OBC) status.Also read | Jat reservation: SC quashes Centre's review plea"The BJP government in Haryana cheated us last time. They made false promises and convinced us to end agitation. It has been nearly one year but the promises remain unfulfilled.

Vani Vivek

11 Jan 2017,Wednesday

World Bank cuts India's growth forecast to 7% post note ban

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/jan/11/world-bank-india-growth-forecast-7-percent-rupee-recall?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter

The World Bank on Wednesday decelerated India's GDP growth forecast for FY 2016-17 to 7% from its previous estimate of 7.6% due to demonetisation. "The challenges encountered in phasing out large currency notes and replacing them with new ones may pose risks to the pace of other economic reforms (eg Goods and Services Tax, labour, and land reforms)," it said.

The World Bank has downgraded the Indian economy?s growth forecast as sharp falls in the country?s automobile and real estate sales flagged the short-term impact of recalling India?s two most-used bank notes. The Washington-based financial institution predicted India?s economy would grow by a ?still robust? 7% in the fiscal year to March 2017 ? a 0.6% drop from its earlier forecast but still the fastest rate of any major economy in the world.It attributes the fall to November?s decision to recall all 1,000 and 500 rupee currency bills from circulation, a surprise demonetisation move intended to weed out untaxed wealth, hasten the digitisation of India?s economy and disrupt terrorist and other criminal networks. ?Continued tailwinds from low oil prices and solid agricultural output [were] partly offset by challenges associated with the withdrawal of a large volume of currency in circulation and subsequent replacement with new notes,? the World Bank said on Wednesday.Demonetisation has suffocated the vast informal economy, which employs up to 80% of Indians, but the World Bank said the impact of the policy was likely to be short term. ?India is expected to regain its momentum, with growth rising to 7.6% in fiscal year 2018-19 and strengthening to 7.8% in fiscal year 2019-20,? the bank said.Automobile industry data also released on Wednesday showed the largest fall in sales in 16 years. Nearly 300,000 fewer vehicle were purchased last month than in December 2015, a drop of 19%, according to the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers.Sales of two-wheelers ? which require less paperwork to buy and are more popular in rural areas, so are more likely to be bought in cash ? fell by 22%, the steepest rate since Siam began collecting data in 1997.Property sales also came to a complete standstill, according to a report by property consultants Knight Frank India. Sales fell by 44% across eight major Indian cities between October and December 2016, compared with the same period in 2015, the report said.Delhi was particularly badly hit, with sales in the capital slumping by more than 50%, and 73% fewer new residential developments being launched than in the last quarter of 2015. ?The effect of demonetisation on all segments of the real estate sector across all markets has been fairly brutal to say the least,? said Shishir Baijal, the chairman of Knight Frank India.Speaking at the Vibrant Gujarat summit on Wednesday, the Indian finance minister, Arun Jaitley, continued to defend demonetisation, linking the policy to the goods and services tax the government is aiming to introduce in April. ?The combination of a more digitised economy with a more efficient tax system ... will make our economy look much cleaner and bigger,? he said.Jaitley said the rupee recall was ?a major step toward integration of [the] informal economy with the more formal economy?. He said: ?This itself is going to increase the transactions which are covered within the banking system, transactions which may lead to higher [tax] revenue in the future.?

Sumedha Sehra

28 Jun 2017,Wednesday

Ambulance stopped to let former PM's car pass in Karnataka

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/deve-gowda-convoy-ambulance-stopped/1/988852.html

An ambulance was stopped to let former PM Deve Gowda's car pass in Karnataka's Chikkaballapur on Tuesday. The ambulance, rushing an accident victim to a hospital, was initially given clearance, but later stopped near Gowda's car. "I am not a person to have any privileges...I am only a small politician. I did not see the ambulance at all", Gowda said.

An ambulance was today stopped to let the convoy of the former prime minister Deve Gowda to pass in Chikkaballapur district in Karnataka.

Chhavi Tyagi

28 Feb 2017,Tuesday

Leftists celebrate when our jawans die: Kiren Rijiju

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/ramjas-college-gurmehar-kaur-kiren-rijiju-delhi-university/1/893245.html

Union minister Kiren Rijiju has reacted to Kargil martyr's daughter Gurmehar Kaur issue, saying that her father's soul must be weeping seeing his daughter being misguided by the leftists who celebrate when our jawans die. "During the war between India and China they (left) supported China; they mislead the youth and it is not right," he added.

Union minister Kiren Rijiju has accused Left parties of misleading people amid the raging controversy over Delhi University student Gurmehar Kaur's social media posts . Kaur, daughter of Captain Mandeep Singh who was martyred in a terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir in 1999, is at the centre of a huge row which erupted after her posts on social media against the violence which took place at DU's Ramjas College last week."She(Gurmehar Kaur) is a young girl, creating controversy over her isn't right. It is about leftists who celebrate when our jawans die," Rijiju said. "During war between India and China they (left) supported China; they mislead the youth and it is not right,"  the Minister of State for Home Affairs added. "She is a martyr's daughter. His soul must be weeping that his daughter is being misguided by those who celebrate on the bodies of martyrs," Rijiju said.Rijiju's remarks were in response to Kaur's video in which she is seen holding a placard which read," Pakistan didn't kill my father, war did." Kaur had actually posted the video in May last year advocating India-Pakistan peace and it was reposted after February 22 violence in Ramjas College as part of protest against BJP-backed Akhil Bhartiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP). The student organisation was blamed behind the violence in which students, teachers and journalists were beaten up. PROTEST MARCH AT RAMJASMeanwhile, hundreds of students and teachers of Delhi University, JNU and Jamia hit the streets with a call to "save" the varsities from the "onslaught" of ABVP and "curbing" of dissent. However, Gurmehar Kaur opted out of the protest march. Her mother said she has left Delhi. The students held posters with messages like "Your nationalism is not above our democracy".The protesters, mainly comprising students of left forums like AISA, shouted slogans "ABVP Go Back" and "Azaadi" as the march made its way through the roads of North Campus towards the Arts Faculty building.The gates of the colleges falling on the route of the march, which began from the gates of Khalsa College, were shut."We are marching to reclaim the space to debate and discuss. It is about the freedom to coexist, yet disagree," a student said.There was heavy police deployment to prevent a rerun of the clashes that were witnessed between ABVP and AISA last week following cancellation of an event at Ramjas College after activists of the RSS-backed students' wing objected to the invitation to JNU student leaders Umar Khalid and Shehla Rashid.(With inputs from PTI)WATCH: DU protest: As students march against Ramjas violence, ABVP turns defensiveALSO READ:

Sanira Mediratta

10 Jan 2017,Tuesday

Smoking likely to kill 80 lakh people a year by 2030: WHO

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/smoking-costs-68-lakh-crore-kill-80-lakh-people-year/1/853724.html

Smoking will kill one third more people by 2030 than it does now, according to a study by the World Health Organization and the US National Cancer Institute. Additionally, the number of tobacco-related deaths is projected to increase from 60 lakh annually to 80 lakh. Smoking costs the global economy more than $1 trillion a year, the study added.

Smoking costs the global economy more than $1 trillion a year, and will kill one third more people by 2030 than it does now, according to a study by the World Health Organization and the US National Cancer Institute published on Tuesday.That cost far outweighs global revenues from tobacco taxes, which the WHO estimated at about $269 billion (Rs 18 lakh crore approximately) in 2013-2014."The number of tobacco-related deaths is projected to increase from about 6 million deaths annually to about 8 million annually by 2030, with more than 80 per cent of these occurring in LMICs (low-and middle-income countries)," the study said.Around 80 per cent of smokers live in such countries, and although smoking prevalence was falling among the global population, the total number of smokers worldwide is rising, it said.Health experts say tobacco use is the single biggest preventable cause of death globally."It is responsible for likely over $1 trillion in health care costs and lost productivity each year," said the study, peer-reviewed by more than 70 scientific experts.

Akshita Jain

30 Jan 2017,Monday

Delhi Police uses new software to predict crime hotspots

http://www.hindustantimes.com/delhi/delhi-police-is-using-precrime-data-analysis-to-send-its-men-to-likely-trouble-spots/story-hZcCRyWMVoNSsRhnBNgOHI.html

The Delhi Police is using a new software, which accesses real-time data from its helpline and helps identify crime hotspots. Police can then deploy enough policemen at these places. "In a mega city, we believe a lot of crimes are predictable and can be curbed," said an official. The software will replace manual data gathering, which happens every 15 days.

It is afternoon. Mandeep Singh Randhawa has just arrived at his office, flanked by two junior officers. Around a dozen men and women wait patiently in a room next to his cabin. A few certificates of merit adorn the walls.?Please give me a few minutes,? Randhwa, deputy commissioner of police (Central Delhi), tells the visitors and moves straight to his seat and reaches out for the desktop. As he moves the mouse, the monitor, which is on the sleep mode, comes alive with a colourful geospatial map of the area under his control. He zooms in on a micro-scale section of the area, which has crime hots pots marked in red. Randhawa applies a few filters on the new crime-mapping software, and examines the calls made to the police control room about street crimes such as snatching, robbery and vehicle thefts in his territorial district. Pausing for a few moments, he reaches for his wireless handset and connects all ACPs and SHOs of his district one by one.?Deploy two bike patrolling teams on either side of Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg in the press area. There were two snatching and robbery calls between 7 pm and 1 pm last night from the stretch. I don?t want a rerun of the crimes tonight,? he sternly tells the SHO of the IP Estate police station over the wireless set before scrolling through the application again.The DCP has identified the crime hot spot and possibility of any repeat of the crime in the area through a new software called CMAPS (Crime Mapping Analytics and Predictive System). The web-based software accesses real-time data from Delhi Police?s Dial 100 helpline and, using ISRO?s satellite imageries, spatially locates the calls and visualises them as cluster maps to identify crime hot spots.The software?s statistical models and algorithms help the police understand where the next crime is likely to occur. This concept called ?predictive policing? marks a paradigm shift in policing in the national Capital spread across 1,483 square kilometers and divided into 13 police districts, each headed by a DCP. Police get over 27,000 calls on Dial 100 every day on an average. ?We are not predicting the future, what we are predicting is where and when a crime is likely to happen based on scientific and objective analysis of data. And this will determine where our next observations are going to be,? says Sanjay Beniwal, special commissioner of police (operations) sitting in his ninth-floor office at the police headquarters, which gives a panoramic view of the city. ?In a mega city, we believe a lot of crimes are predictable and can be curbed,? he says.CMAPS, which updates the data every three minutes, replaces Delhi Police?s mechanical crime mapping ?which involves manually gathering data at an interval of 15 days. The new software, Beniwal explains, allows the information generated though Dial100 to be plotted on the geospatial map of Delhi, enabling the police to pinpoint exact locations and spatial distribution of the crime. ?We can study the pattern of calls coming from a particular location. Suppose if there are too many robbery calls coming from a location which has a bar nearby, we can match those calls with past crimes in the area and understand if that bar is in any way responsible for these robberies, and whether another crime is likely to occur there,? he says. Many cities such as Los Angeles and Kent in the US, and Berlin in Germany are using predictive policing techniques to prevent crime. In fact, the idea of crime forecasting took shape in 1931 when two Chicago criminologists, Clifford R Shaw and Henry D McKay, conducted a research, exploring the persistence of juvenile crime in some neighbourhoods of the city. They came up with the social disorganisation theory, which states that location matters when it comes to predicting illegal activity.DCP MS Randhawa coordinates police deployment in the Capital on the basis of Crime Mapping Analytics and Predictive System from his office in New Delhi. (Arun Sharma/HT PHOTO) That is when scientists began experimenting with data technologies, including statistical and geospatial analysis, to determine prevalence of crime. The researchers have been using everything from basic regression analysis to cutting-edge mathematical models to predict when and where the next crime is likely to occur. But until recently, the limits of computing power and storage prevented them from using large data sets. What softwares such as CMAPS have done is allow larger data collection, and process it in a much more sophisticated mathematical way ? a significant improvement over just manual hotspot mapping, which Delhi Police have been doing so far.But statistical model-based predictive policing has raised concerns in the West that it might create prejudices against particular communities or areas and how much power should be accorded to computer algorithms.?Any statistical model can be flawed, but we hope it will be too dynamic to hold any area guilty of a crime for long,? says Beniwal. ?The web-based software will soon be available on mobile and even a beat constable will have maps showing locations where crime is likely to occur,? says an officer. ?It is all about using science to curb crime,? says Beniwal.WHAT IS PREDICTIVE POLICINGPredictive policing is the application of data analytical techniques to identify likely targets for police intervention and prevent crimes by making statistical predictions. A crime forecasting software involves statistical models and algorithmsHow it works 1 Predective policing starts with collecting large amounts of data on past crime and co-relating them with present crimes. CMAPS, Delhi police?s crime mapping and predictive software is integrated with Delhi Police?s new software and allows the information getting generated though Dial100 to be plotted on geo- spatial map of Delhi2 Analyze Data: Software looks for patterns and correlations in past crime data3 Predictive Maps: Algorithm predicts where and when a crime is likely to happen in future4 Increased surveillance: Based on the possibility of the crime, police add or redeploys resources during certain period to prevent crime

Shubhodeep Datta

08 Mar 2017,Wednesday

Kansas Governor writes to Modi over violence against Indians

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/kansas-gov-writes-to-modi-regrets-violence-against-indians/1/899794.html

Kansas Governor Sam Brownback has written a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressing "profound regret" over violence against Indian nationals in the state. Further, Brownback added that acts of hate and intolerance have no place in his state. Earlier, Srinivas Kuchibhotla was killed while another Indian, Alok Madasani, was injured in a shooting at a bar in Kansas.

From Lalit K Jha Washington, Mar 8 (PTI) Kansas Governor San Brownback has written a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressing "profound regret" at the terrible act of violence against the Indian nationals last month and said that acts of hate and intolerance have no place in his state. Srinivas Kuchibhotla, 32, was killed and Alok Madasani, another Indian of the same age, injured in a shooting by navy veteran Adam Purinton, who yelled "terrorist" and "get out of my country" before opening fire on them in Kansas last month. The Kansas incident and the two hate crime incidents against Indians and Indian-Americans since then has sent shock waves among the large Indian community in the US. "As Governor of the State of Kansas, I would like to express my deep sadness and profound regret at the terrible act of violence committed against Srinu Kuchibhotla and Alok Madasani. The people of Kansas share in my shock and horror. Words cannot express the sorrow that we feel for Srinus wife, Sunayana, and his family in Hyderabad," Brownback wrote. "In the time since Srinus death, we have reflected on his life, and the words I have heard most often to describe him are that he was courageous, and that he loved his family, and that he respected elders. We strive to live in Srinu?s example of courage and love and respect," he wrote in the letter dated March 3, a copy of which has been seen by PTI. Brownback wrote that Kansans have been awed by Sunayanas grace and determination. Her indomitable spirit has moved the entire community and they pray for her comfort and peace in this time of grief. Telling the Prime Minister that open arms of friendship are the very hallmarks of being a Kansan, the Governor said Srinu embodied the essence of what it means to be a Kansan. "His friends describe him as charming, caring and loving. He brought with him his immense talents and education and passion. His story is similar to the thousands of Indian diaspora who have called Kansas home over generations," he wrote. "They have enjoyed tremendous success through their ingenuity, hard work, and determination. Our state has thrived because of their contributions," Brownback wrote, adding that he would like to personally welcome Indians to his state. "Before they moved here, Sunayana said: Kansas was (the) instant choice. We are humbled that this was the case. I would like to personally welcome Indians to Kansas, and assure them that Kansas is a welcoming, hospitable place," he said.

Ankush Verma

26 Jan 2017,Thursday

N Korean elite turning against Kim Jong-un, says defector

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/jan/25/north-korean-elite-turning-against-kim-jong-un-defector-thae-yong-ho?CMP=Share_AndroidApp_Slack

North Korea's former deputy ambassador to London, Thae Yong-ho, who defected to South Korea last year has said that the country's elite are turning against Kim Jong-un. "When Kim Jong-un first came to power, I was hopeful that he would make reasonable and rational decisions...but I soon fell into despair watching him purging officials for no proper reasons," he added.

North Korea?s elite is outwardly expressing its discontent towards Kim Jong-un and his government as more outside information trickles into the isolated nation, the country?s former deputy ambassador to London has said. Thae Yong-ho defected to South Korea in August last year and since December has been speaking to media and appearing on television to discuss his defection and his life as a North Korean envoy. ?When Kim Jong-un first came to power, I was hopeful that he would make reasonable and rational decisions to save North Korea from poverty, but I soon fell into despair watching him purging officials for no proper reasons,? Thae said during his first news conference with foreign media on Wednesday.?Low-level dissent or criticism of the regime, until recently unthinkable, is becoming more frequent,? said Thae, who spoke in fluent, British-accented English. ?We have to spray gasoline on North Korea, and let the North Korean people set fire to it.? Thae, 54, has said publicly that dissatisfaction with Kim prompted him to flee his post. Two university-age sons and his wife defected with him.North and South Korea are technically still at war as their 1950-53 conflict ended in a truce, not a peace treaty. The north, which is subject to UN sanctions over its nuclear and missile programmes, regularly threatens to destroy the south and its main ally, the US. Thae is the most senior official to have fled North Korea and entered public life in the south since the 1997 defection of Hwang Jang-yop, the brains behind the North?s governing ideology, Juche, which combines Marxism and extreme nationalism. The modern North Korean system had ?nothing to do with true communism?, Thae said, adding that the elite had watched with unease as countries such as Cambodia, Vietnam and the former Soviet Union embraced economic and social reforms. Thae has said more North Korean diplomats are waiting in Europe to defect to South Korea. North Korea still outwardly professes to maintain a Soviet-style command economy, but for years a thriving network of informal markets and person-to-person trading has become the main source of food and money for ordinary people. Fully embracing these reforms would end Kim Jong-un?s rule, Thae said. Asked if Kim?s brother, Kim Jong-chol, could run the country, Thae was sceptical. ?Kim Jong-chol has no interest in politics. He is only interested in music,? Thae said. ?He?s only interested in Eric Clapton. If he was a normal man, I?m sure he?d be a very good professional guitarist.?

Daisy Mowke

22 Jul 2017,Saturday

Beyoncé's wax idol modified after fans say it's 'too white'

http://www.hindustantimes.com/music/beyonce-s-wax-figure-gets-a-touch-up-after-angry-fans-say-it-s-too-white/story-nEFaXaRZaCUMg8w5S8zY7L.html?utm_source=inshorts&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=fullarticle

Singer Beyoncé's wax statue at Madame Tussauds, New York has been modified after fans of the singer said it was 'too white'. Earlier, it appeared to be thinner and lighter-skinned than the singer is in real life. Madame Tussauds said in a statement that the statue was back on display after adjustments to "the styling and lighting of her figure".

A wax figure of Beyonce at Madame Tussauds in New York has been given a makeover after fans of the megastar said the figure was too white.The wax Beyonce sported wavy blond hair and appeared to be thinner and lighter-skinned than the ?Lemonade? singer in real life.They FINALLY have Beyonce's wax figure back at my job omfg!!!!!????? pic.twitter.com/7IReyfcueH? Jae (@JaeJeter) July 12, 2017Fans complained on Twitter that the figure looked more like Lindsay Lohan or Shakira than Beyonce.The New York Times reported that the figure was off the floor Thursday.Madame Tussauds said in a statement Friday that the wax Beyonce was back on display after adjustments to ?the styling and lighting of her figure.?Beyonce?s wax figure before and after changes. (Twitter) A spokeswoman for the museum declined to specify what changes were made.A wax figure of Beyonce at Madame Tussauds in New York has been given a makeover after fans of the megastar said the figure was too white. (AP) A representative for Beyonce did not return an email seeking comment.Follow @htshowbiz for more

Ankur Vyas

01 Mar 2017,Wednesday

BJP office attacked in Manipur, party blames Congress

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/manipur-bjp-office-imphal-congress/1/894337.html

The BJP office in Manipur's Imphal was attacked by unknown people on Wednesday who broke the furniture and left the office in a bad condition. The party alleged that the miscreants, who were also shouting anti-BJP slogans, belonged to the Congress. BJP said it will take up the matter in the public instead of just reporting it to the police.

The BJP office in Manipur's Imphal was ransacked by some miscreants, who allegedly belong to the Congress. Although there were not many people in the office at the time of the attack as most of the workers were out in the city for organising and coordinating rallies. The attackers broke the furniture and left entire office in an extremely bad condition. The attackers were allegedly shouting slogans against the BJP.The party said that it will take up the matter in the public also instead of just reporting the incident to the police.BJP party leaders said that the Congress is seeing the writing on the wall, and is hence behaving in such desperate ways. The party also said that these acts will not reduce the will of the BJP and its supporters but will will instead make it stronger.The Congress has stayed away from commenting on the issue so far.Also read: Manipur election: UNC vows to fight against Congress, declares support for BJP ally Naga People's Front

Prashanti Moktan

06 Jul 2017,Thursday

TN theatres to open from Friday as strike gets called off

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/tamil-nadu-theatres-strike-friday/1/995637.html

The indefinite strike of movie theatres called by Tamil Nadu Theatre Owners and Distributors Association was withdrawn today and theatres are set to open from Friday. The association's President Abirami Ramanathan said that a committee comprising TN government and the association's representatives has been formed to sort out the issue of 30% additional tax being levied over and above GST.

Bringing good news for cinema goers in Tamil Nadu, theatres owners and distributors have called off strike.The move comes after the state government said they will form the committee to decide on municipal tax.The theatre owners and distributors in Tamil Nadu were demanding withdrawal of 30 per cent local body tax on movie tickets.About 1100 theatres were shut in the state since Monday."We are withdrawing our strike. From tomorrow theaters will be open," Abhirami Ramanathan, Tamil Nadu Theatre Owners and Distributors Association.The news comes has brought cheers for everyone as new films are traditionally released on Friday, considered auspicious in the film fraternity.Film producer Venkat Shuba said, "They have agreed to look into our demands. We have withdrawn the strike. Around five movies released last Friday are still waiting for an opening. We will continue with those movies. We will not take new releases this Friday".He said the ticket prices for now will not have the extra 30 percent after GST. The committee will comprise members from the film industry and state government.The relief came after a lot of pressure from the film industry and Opposition.The issue was raked up in the Assembly today by DMK working president M K Stalin. He said, "Top stars like Kamal and Rajini have spoken about it. Film industry is not happy about the 30 per cent municipal tax. I urge the state government to exempt the local tax for the ticket prices. They already have a tax of between 18 per cent to 28 per cent. Kerala and West Bengal have waived off the tax. Hence I request the Tamil Nadu government to waive off the municipal tax."Replying to him, Tamil Nadu Municipal Administration Minister S P Velumani said, "We are holding talks with the film industry. Soon there will be a solution. But the local body tax is not a dual tax".The superstar had requested the state government to waive off the tax keeping in mind the livelihoods of many in the industry. Kamal Haasan replied to Rajinikanth saying, "The film industry has estimated a loss of Rs 40 crores in the four days at the rate of Rs 4 crore which was incurred per day. The loss is for producer, distributors, theatre owners and canteen owners".Also read:Tamil Nadu: 1100 theatres to go on strike from tomorrow against GSTTamil Nadu cinema: All you need to know about the confusion over GST

Chhavi Tyagi

30 Apr 2017,Sunday

Women, kids can use hotel toilets for free in South Delhi

http://www.hindustantimes.com/delhi/women-kids-to-get-free-access-to-washrooms-in-south-delhi-restaurants-from-tomorrow/story-XHXV3M1OtIUCdfLMZkwTuJ.html

Women and children will be allowed to use toilet facilities at hotels and restaurants, including five-stars, in South Delhi for free from May 1. "Security concerns, coupled with the fact that some restaurants and bars don't allow single males, made us keep men out of the scheme for now," National Restaurants Association head Riaz Amlani said.

Starting Monday, women and children will no longer have to go looking for public washrooms to relieve themselves after a long day of shopping at South Delhi markets. Simply walking into the nearest restaurant and conveying their need to the staff will make posh toilets accessible to them completely free of cost.South Delhi Municipal Corporation (SDMC) commissioner Puneet Kumar Goel said that hotels, restaurants and eateries in the area will open their toilets to public use from May 1. However, men have been kept of out of the scheme due to privacy issues cited by various hotel associations. The move would allow women and children to access washrooms even in five-star hotels of South Delhi, Goel said, adding that the decision was taken on a suggestion from lieutenant governor Anil Baijal.?We want the hotels and restaurants to take this directive in the right spirit. The facility will be reviewed on the basis of feedback provided by the catering establishments,? said SDMC additional commissioner (health) Meeta Singh.National Restaurants Association head Riaz Amlani said women and children find it hardest to locate proper washrooms for use. ?Security concerns, coupled with the fact that some restaurants and bars don?t allow single males, made us keep men out for now,? Amlani said.A senior SDMC official said hotel associations were also apprehensive of allowing men because they are more likely to enter drunk. It would not be good for business if such people have to cross paying customers to reach washrooms located at the rear of the establishment, he added.

Saloni Tandon

13 Jun 2017,Tuesday

Man assaulted for stopping couple from kissing in public

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/mumbai-parel-man-assaulted-for-stopping-couple-from-kissing-in-public/1/977503.html

A 24-year-old man suffered serious injuries after being beaten up for stopping a couple from kissing in public in Mumbai recently. According to police, the man was playing cricket near a college in Parel when he saw the couple kissing and asked them to stop the "obscene act". The boy then returned with his friends and thrashed the man.

A 24-year-old man suffered serious injuries after he tried to stop a couple from kissing in public in Mumbai. The Kalachowki Police have registered an FIR in this connection. According to police officials, the incident took place near a famous college in Parel. The youth, Ganesh Shahne, saw the couple kissing while he was playing cricket with his friends. He walked up to the couple and asked them to stop the 'obscene act'.  The couple left the spot. However, a few minutes later, the boy returned with his friends and thrashed Ganesh. A police officer said, "Shahane received serious injuries on his head and abdomen. He is in the ICU at KEM hospital."The attackers fled on bikes. However, one of the accused was caught as his bike skidded near the college. He was caught by the public who beat him and later, handed over to the police. Also Read:Hyderabad: Couple wanted luxurious life, goes on robbing spree, busted

Vani Vivek

17 Feb 2017,Friday

Snapdeal to merge with Paytm's e-commerce site: Reports

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/technology/story/snapdeal-and-paytm-are-talking-merger-report/1/885241.html

E-commerce platform Snapdeal is reportedly in talks to merge with Paytm's e-commerce website, called Paytm Mall. According to the report, the deal was initiated by the companies' common investor, China's Alibaba. Japan's SoftBank is also expected to be a major beneficiary of the possible merger, as it reported a loss of ?2,300 crore mainly from its Indian investments including Snapdeal.

Paytm and Snapdeal are reportedly holding early talks to explore a merger between the Snapdeal and Paytm's e-commerce site that it calls Paytm Mall. The merger has been reportedly discussed as an all-stock deal.According to a report in the Economic Times, the talks were initiated by Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba. However after a while the talks were put on hold, though are chances that they would resume once the consent of all stakeholders has been taken.   "Snapdeal and Paytm have held talks to merge and this deal is driven by Alibaba," noted the ET report, citing an unnamed source.Also Read: Apple to invest $1 billion in SoftBank tech fundIf the deal finalises, the two biggest beneficiaries will be Alibaba, which holds 40 per cent stake in Paytm and around 3 per cent in Snapdeal, and Japan's Softbank, a major investor in Snapdeal. Softbank recently lost nearly $350 million on investments in Snapdeal and Ola.The deal can prove to be a boon for Snapdeal which is seemingly going through tough times and has slipped to third position in the Indian e-commerce market. The company is seeing a tough fight with rivals like Flipkart and Amazon. Reportedly, the company lost nearly Rs 2,960 crore in the  financial year ending March 31, 2016.