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Deepali Aggarwal

03 Aug 2017,Thursday

Trump campaign was dysfunctional for any collusion: Kushner

http://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/jared-kushner-says-trump-campaign-was-too-dysfunctional-to-collude-with-russia/story-8VnUqogIPcLWhSDld1UGDI.html?utm_source=inshorts&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=fullarticle

US President Donald Trump's campaign could not have colluded with Russia because the team was too dysfunctional and disorganised to coordinate with a foreign government, the President's son-in-law and senior adviser Jared Kushner has claimed. Notably, Kushner had acknowledged four meetings with Russians during and after Trump's presidential bid and insisted that he had "nothing to hide".

President Donald Trump?s son-in-law says the Trump campaign couldn?t have colluded with Russia because the team was too dysfunctional and disorganised to coordinate with a foreign government.Jared Kushner, a senior adviser to the president, made the comment Monday during a closed-door session with congressional interns.A Democratic congressional aide says Kushner was responding to a question about Special Counsel Robert Mueller?s investigation into whether the Trump campaign colluded with Moscow.ForeignPolicy.com first reported Kushner?s remarks. The aide was knowledgeable of the meeting and confirmed the accuracy of the comments.Last week, Kushner met privately at the Capitol with members of the Senate and House intelligence committees.He acknowledged four meetings with Russians during and after Trump?s victorious White House bid and insisted that he had ?nothing to hide.?

Arshiya Chopra

10 Jul 2017,Monday

Lightning kills 19 in UP, Bihar; 26 killed in Assam floods

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/lightning-kills-19-in-up-bihar-1-more-dies-in-assam-floods/1/998164.html

At least 19 people were killed in different incidents of lightning strikes in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. The most severely hit was Bihar, where 16 people died and two were injured in seven districts due to the strikes. Meanwhile, the death toll in Assam rose to 26 after one more life was claimed by the floods.

At least 19 people were killed in separate incidents of lightning strike in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, while the flood situation in Assam deteriorated today as a fresh death took the toll to 26. In the national capital, however, it was a hot and humid day with the minimum and maximum temperatures settling above normal levels. The maximum temperature was recorded at 38.5 degrees Celsius, three notches above normal, while the minimum settled at 29.6 degrees Celsius, two degrees Celsius above normal. Humidity levels oscillated between 87 and 42 per cent. FLOOD IN ASSAM One more person lost his life in Karimganj district of Assam, taking the flood-related toll in the state to 26, while nearly five lakh people are hit across 15 districts. According to the Assam State Disaster Management Authority, 1,096 villages were inundated and nearly 41,200 hectares of crop area have been damaged in the floods. Currently, the Brahmaputra river is flowing above the danger mark at Nimatighat in Jorhat, Tezpur in Sonitpur, along with Dibrugarh, Goalpara and Dhubri towns. Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal and assured him of all central help. LIGHTENING STRIKES IN BIHAR In Bihar, at least 16 people died and two others got injured in lightning strikes in seven districts, where light rainfall occurred in some areas. One or two places in the northeast parts witnessed heavy rainfall. Five people died in Vaishali district, three each in Patna and Bhojpur, two in Saran and one each in Rohtas, Nalanda and Araria districts, an official said. Besides, two persons were injured in Bhojpur district. Patna recorded the highest rainfall of 48 mm, followed by 3 mm in Bhagalpur and 0.6 mm in Gaya. With several parts of Uttar Pradesh receiving heavy rains, water levels in major rivers have started rising with Ghaghra and Sharda flowing above the danger mark at some places. According to the Central Water Commission (CWC), Sharda river was flowing above the danger mark at Shardanagar, while the Ghagra was flowing above the danger mark at Elgin Bridge and Ayodhya. Other rivers which have been rising include Rapti, Kwano and Burhi Rapti. Heavy rains have lashed some parts of the state with Bhinga recording 75 mm, Ayodhya 55 mm, Bansi 41.4 mm, Palliakalan 23.8 mm rainfall. In Ballia district, at least three people were killed and four others injured in a lightning strike. RAJASTHAN RECEIVED RAIN Rajasthan received light to moderate rain in some parts, while Churu was recorded as the hottest place with a maximum of 42.2 degrees Celsius. Bharatpur, Jaipur, Udaipur, Kota and Ajmer divisions received rain while the mercury made an upward swing at most places since yesterday.

Anmol Sharma

14 Jul 2017,Friday

Misbah awarded life membership of Marylebone Cricket Club

http://www.hindustantimes.com/cricket/misbah-ul-haq-awarded-honorary-life-membership-by-marylebone-cricket-club/story-UlXsYFRja2loS0ifSwTWGK.html?utm_source=inshorts&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=fullarticle

Former Pakistan Test captain Misbah-ul-Haq has been awarded honorary life membership by the Lord's based-Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC). The 43-year-old, who led Pakistan in record 56 Tests, became the 22nd Pakistani cricketer to be awarded the membership. The last Pakistani to receive the honour was Ramiz Raja, who was given the membership in 2015.

Former Pakistan Test captain Misbah-ul-Haq was honoured with Honorary Life Membership by the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) for his services to the game.Misbah was presented with the membership at the Lord?s Cricket Ground during the rain-interrupted match between Afghanistan and the MCC XI earlier this week.The 43-year-old Misbah is the 22nd Pakistani to receive the honour and joins the likes of Mushtaq Mohammad, Zaheer Abbas, Imran Khan, Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis and Javed Miandad.The last Pakistani to receive the honour was Ramiz Raja, who was awarded membership in 2015.

Rini Sinha

24 Mar 2017,Friday

At one point, I felt dizzy when Mira was in labour: Shahid

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/shahid-kapoor-mira-rajput-daughter-misha-pregnancy/1/911738.html

Actor Shahid Kapoor has revealed that when his wife Mira Rajput was in labour, there was a point when he started feeling dizzy. He added, "Mira whacked me and said, 'Why are you getting dizzy? I'm doing all the work here." Shahid and Mira had their first child Misha in 2016, a year after getting married.

Shahid Kapoor's adorable gestures for wife Mira Rajput make all other husbands look bad. He pampered her throughout her pregnancy, even going shopping for her because she was unwell. Speaking at the India Today Woman Summit 2017, Shahid said that he had an empathetic pregnancy when Mira was carrying Misha."It's nice to say 'we' were pregnant, because it gives you a sense of participation and responsibility," he said, adding that even though it was his wife who was in labour, he felt it too. "When she was in labour, I held my breath. At one point, I got dizzy and she whacked me and said, 'Why are you getting dizzy? I'm doing all the work here,'" he revealed.It is widely known that Shahid and Mira fell in love when she got pregnant. He explained, "Relationships are about experiences that you share together; that's how you fall in love. For me and Mira, Misha was our first project together. We felt a sense of togetherness and companionship." And if he hadn't fallen in love? The actor admitted that it was a very real possibility, but he was lucky that it did not happen to him or he "would be sitting somewhere in depression."The Haider actor also talked about how he could never really give up on smoking, until Mira came along. "I made a promise to my wife, so I quit smoking. She said 'You can't touch the baby if you smoke' and that was that," Shahid said.

Aarushi Maheshwari

07 Dec 2016,Wednesday

KFC launches fried-chicken scented candles in New Zealand

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/kfc-launches-chicken-aroma-scented-candles/1/828433.html

KFC New Zealand has launched limited-edition candles that smell like KFC fried chicken. The fast food chain also launched a competition on social media, offering its winner a fried chicken-scented candle. Meanwhile, earlier this year, KFC launched an edible nail polish in two variants, namely 'Original' and 'Hot & Spicy,' in Hong Kong.

Just imagine entering your home and breathing in the sweet and savoury smell of your favourite KFC fried chicken every day. Sounds just like heaven, right? Well, if all you think about is chicken then this bizarre product has been created just for you. KFC New Zealand has just launched a limited edition of scented candles which are going to fill your home with the drool worthy aroma of chicken.  Here's an official tweet by KFC New Zealand launching their subtle 'bomb' on Instagram:What better way to light up your nights than with a limited edition KFC Scented Candle! Keen? To go in the draw to #win one just suggest another piece of KFC merchandise you'd like to see from us in the comments below! Winners drawn Monday! #KFCAdventCalendar

Sumedha Sehra

28 Apr 2017,Friday

Delhi cancels public holidays on birth, death anniversaries

http://www.hindustantimes.com/delhi/yogi-effect-delhi-govt-will-cancel-public-holidays-on-birth-death-anniversaries-of-eminent-people/story-nwVpBEZvIbevKLj7OQKukK.html

Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia tweeted on Friday that the birth and death anniversaries of eminent personalities will cease to be public holidays in the national capital. The move follows a similar decision taken by the UP government, wherein 15 public holidays celebrating famous people's births and deaths were cancelled. The list of cancelled holidays will be released later.

Days after the Uttar Pradesh government cancelled holidays celebrating the birthdays and death anniversaries of eminent personalities, Delhi deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia announced on Friday that Delhi too will follow suit.In a tweet, Sisodia lauded the step taken by the Yogi Adityanath government. ?The UP government has made a good start and we should always be ready to learn from such examples,? Sisodia tweeted. ?????? ????? ?? ?????????? ?? ???? ???? ??????? ???? ?? ???? ???? ????????? ???? ?????? ?? ???? ??? ????? ????? ???? ?? ??????? ??? ????1/3? Manish Sisodia (@msisodia) April 28, 2017He said he has directed the chief secretary to take necessary steps. Sisodia also tweeted that Delhi government is encouraged by the fact that its initiative of Mohalla Clinic and end of Red Beacon is getting support at the national level????? ?????? ????? ?? ?? ????? ??? ????? ??? ?? ??? ???? ???? ??????? ?? ????? ?? ??? ????? ????? ???? ?????? 2/3? Manish Sisodia (@msisodia) April 28, 2017The Uttar Pradesh government has cancelled 15 public holidays marking the birth or death anniversary of eminent personalities. Among the cancelled holidays are Milad un-Nabi, Chhat and Valmiki Jayanti.Uttar Pradesh has 42 public holidays of which at least 17 are related to the birth anniversaries of eminent personalities. Most of the holidays had been declared by the previous Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) and Samajwadi Party (SP) governmentsHowever, the Delhi government is yet to come out with the list of holidays which will be cancelled.

Sonu Kumari

17 Jul 2017,Monday

Nurse beats up doctor over pending salary in Maharashtra

http://www.hindustantimes.com/mumbai-news/govt-doctor-beaten-up-by-nurse-over-pending-salary-in-washim/story-gVsdCtUjGat7Co43hJknLK.html?utm_source=inshorts&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=fullarticle

A government doctor in Washim district of Maharashtra was allegedly beaten up by a 26-year-old nurse over pending salary. Having not received her salary for two months, the nurse had requested the doctor to look into the matter. She then beat him up on Thursday in a fit of anger with footwear first and then slapped him, police said.

A doctor working with a rural hospital at Manora in Washim district of Vidarbha region was allegedly beaten up by a nurse over pending salary.The 26-year-old nurse works on contractual basis with the hospital.The incident which took place at the hospital premises on July 13 was captured on the CCTV, said police.After the incident doctor Mahesh Rathod and the nurse both have filed complaints against each other in Manora Police Station, they said.Rathod, who was beaten up by the nurse in the ward, has filed a complaint against her for obstructing a government servant from performing his duty, police said.While the nurse in her complaint has alleged that the doctor caught her hand, they said.The nurse had not received her salary since last two months and had requested the doctor to look into the issue, police said.On the night of July 13, when Rathod was on round in the ward, the nurse in a fit of anger beat him up with her footwear first and then she slapped him in front of other staff, patients and their relatives, police said.?We have received cross complaints in this case, have not registered an offence as our probe still on,? the official said.

Daisy Mowke

16 Jul 2017,Sunday

Can I have my freedom of expression: Madhur to Rahul Gandhi

http://www.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/can-i-have-my-freedom-of-expression-madhur-bhandarkar-asks-rahul-gandhi/story-i8ZXc42suO4MQnf9eWS5HI.html?utm_source=inshorts&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=fullarticle

Madhur Bhandarkar, while tagging Congress Vice-President Rahul Gandhi's Twitter handle, asked if he can have his freedom of expression. Bhandarkar's tweet came after promotions for his upcoming film 'Indu Sarkar' were disrupted by Congress workers in Pune. The filmmaker had tweeted that he and his team were "stranded like hostages" in the room after Congress workers "barged in" the hotel.

Bollywood filmmaker Madhur Bhandarkar took to Twitter on Sunday and called upon Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi, seeking his intervention into the grand old party?s constant interference in the press conferences of his upcoming directorial venture - Indu Sarkar.Madhur Bhandarkar, Bappi Lahri along with actors Kirti Kulhari and Ishika Taneja during a song launch for Indu Sarkar. (PTI) ?Dear @OfficeOfRG after Pune I have 2 cancel today?s PressCon at Nagpur.Do you approve this hooliganism? Can I have my Freedom of Expression?? Bhandarkar tweeted on Sunday.Dear @OfficeOfRG after Pune I have 2 cancel today's PressCon at Nagpur.Do you approve this hooliganism? Can I have my Freedom of Expression? pic.twitter.com/y44DXiOOgp? Madhur Bhandarkar (@imbhandarkar) July 16, 2017His tweet came after a press conference in relation with the movie was cancelled in Nagpur over the protests by the Congress workers. ?In Nagpur today for #InduSarkar promotions. Looking for some gr8 media interactions in the heart of India.@iamkirtikulhari @InduSarkarMovie,? he had earlier tweeted. In Nagpur today for #InduSarkar promotions. Looking for some gr8 media interactions in the heart of India.@iamkirtikulhari @InduSarkarMovie? Madhur Bhandarkar (@imbhandarkar) July 16, 2017A day before, another press conference of Indu Sarkar at Pune was cancelled after few Congress workers took to protest against the movie. Thereafter, Bhandarkar took to Twitter to share the news, citing the team of the movie was left stranded ?like hostages in the hotel room?. ?Congress workers hv barged in the Hotel lobby & created ruckus,me & team are stranded like hostages in hotel room. #pune activity cancelled,? he tweeted.Congress workers hv barged in the Hotel lobby & created ruckus,me & team are stranded like hostages in hotel room. #pune activity cancelled. pic.twitter.com/6GHX1VHGD8? Madhur Bhandarkar (@imbhandarkar) July 15, 2017Its baffling to see self proclaimed custodians of #freedomOfExpression creating huge ruckus to prevent a legitimate release of #InduSarkar pic.twitter.com/orJVVJULdp? Madhur Bhandarkar (@imbhandarkar) July 15, 2017Earlier, Bhandarkar had censured the controversy surrounding his upcoming directorial venture and had asserted that the movie is not a documentary, but a work of fiction.?This is completely wrong, and controversy like this should not happen because I made a film as a filmmaker and I?m saying that 70 percent of film is fiction and 30 percent is reality. The reality is based on the books and the documentaries made on them. I don?t understand the demand that they (the Congress) want to watch the movie before its release. Let my film get censor board clearance and the moment it is released in the theaters, you can go and watch the film,? Bhandarkar said.Citing that he has been known for making movies, which are hard-hitting, real and topical, Bhandarkar has appealed other filmmakers and the public to side with him over the issue as this reeks of suppression of freedom of expression.?My movie is based on the story of a husband and a wife, who have contradictory opinion about the Emergency. It?s about the clash of points of view and the backdrop of the movie is the Emergency. My film is an emotional journey. I am concentrating on that thing and they are simply bullying a filmmaker by asking him to change something or the other,? he added.Indu Sarkar is based on a 21-month long period, from 1975 to 1977, when the then prime minister Indira Gandhi unilaterally had a state of emergency declared across the country. The trailer of the movie led the Congress party to ask the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) for a review before it comes under the scanner.In this regard, Congress leader Sanjay Nirupam wrote to CBFC chief Pahlaj Nihalani, expressing the grand old party?s wish to watch the movie before it is ?censored?. :The trailer of the film says it?s a film on Emergency and hence, we can see the likes of our beloved leaders like Indira Gandhi ji, Sanjay Gandhi ji and other senior leaders of the India National Congress. We, therefore, want to be certain that our leaders are not shown in bad light and hence, would like to see the film before it?s censored,? Nirupam mentioned, in a letter addressed to Nihalani.Furthermore, reiterating Nirupam?s request, Maharashtra Leader of Opposition (LoP) Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil wrote to state Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to intervene in the matter revolving around the controversial movie ? Indu Sarkar? based on the Emergency imposed by former prime minister Indira Gandhi.Patil expressed the Congress? apprehension that the movie might have distorted the historical facts which may hurt the sentiments of the Congressmen and the public at large and so the movie must be exhibited to the Congress first and then be released.Patil further said the Chief Minister should assure this so that law and order situation post the release of the movie is maintained.Few other political outfits have also expressed dismay over the movie, while some have taken to Twitter to threaten Bhandarkar against the movie?s release.Indu Sarkar is slated to release on July 28.Follow @htshowbiz for more

Dishant Sharma

31 Jul 2017,Monday

Indian shuttlers win men's singles, doubles gold in Lagos

http://www.hindustantimes.com/other-sports/c-rahul-yadav-manu-attri-b-sumeeth-reddy-clinch-titles-at-lagos-open-badminton/story-AAlbw104DSCbiZmWLHm6eJ.html?utm_source=inshorts&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=fullarticle

Indian shuttler C Rahul Yadav and the men's doubles pair of Manu Attri and B Sumeeth Reddy clinched the men's singles and men's doubles title respectively at Lagos International challenge in Nigeria. The 19-year-old Yadav defeated compatriot Karan Rajan Rajarajan 21-15, 21-13 in the men's singles final, while in the women's singles, India's Mugdha Agrey won the silver medal.

Indian shuttler C Rahul Yadav and men?s doubles pair of Manu Attri and B Sumeeth Reddy clinched the men?s singles and men?s doubles title respectively at Lagos International challenge in Nigeria.Fourth-seeded Rahul surpassed compatriot Karan Rajan Rajarajan 21-15 21-13 in the summit clash to lay claim to the title at the Molade Okoya-Thomas Hall of the Teslim Balogun Stadium on Saturday.The 19-year-old, who had won the Mauritius Open last year, stunned top-seed and World No. 55 Misha Zilberman in the semifinals.READ?|?PV Sindhu appointed as Deputy Collector in Andhra Pradesh governmentA shuttler from Gopi Chand Academy, Rahul had recently won the bronze medal in the Russain Open Grand Prix.In the doubles summit clash, top-seeds Manu and Sumeeth, who played at the Rio Olympics, defeated local pair of Godwin Olofua and Anouluwapo Juwon Opeyori 21-13 21-15.In women?s singles, India?s Mugdho Agrey finished as runners-up after losing 12-21 14-21 to Sri Lanka?s Thilini Pramodika Hendahewa in the finals.

Prashanti Moktan

05 Jul 2017,Wednesday

Don't know why I was against joining social media: Katrina

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/katrina-kaif-social-media-instagram-facebook-hot-photos/1/994585.html

Actress Katrina Kaif has said that she does not know why she was so against joining social media. "My mind was blocked completely, I wasn't even ready for a discussion. But now that I have come on it, I really like it. I really enjoy it," added Katrina. The 33-year-old actress made her debut on social media by joining Facebook.

After staying away from social media for so many years, Katrina Kaif gave into the temptation only a few months ago. She took her fans by surprise when she made her debut on Facebook, and later added another address - Instagram. Since then her fans cannot get enough of her gorgeous pictures. From film sets to her hot photoshoots to her mood swings, Katrina is giving a sneak-peek into her life, and we are not complaining. In an exclusive interview to India Today Television, the 33-year-old actor talked about her fear of not joining social media for so long. She said, "I don't know why I was so against joining the social media. My mind was blocked completely, I wasn't even ready for a discussion. But now that I have come on it, I really like it. I really enjoy it."However, the Dhoom 3 actor added that she should have joined social media a long time ago. "I really wish I had because I would have done much more. I would have had that much time to grow my base of people who interact with me. But so far, it has been fun for me. I have things to say, and then there are these abstract pictures and thoughts in my head. And I want to have an audience to share them with. It makes me feel not so alone," said Katrina. On the work front, she has three films in hand after Jagga Jasoos and that too starring all the three Khans. If Aanand L Rai's next has Shah Rukh, Thugs of Hindostan will see Aamir Khan and Tiger Zinda Hai will see Salman in the lead. Katrina feels happy to have good projects in her hand. "These moves are not thought out by me. After Jagga Jasoos, I had no film, and then everything kind of happened on its own," she added.

Aarushi Maheshwari

15 Jun 2017,Thursday

Man ate metal, blades during yoga, thought he'd be healthy

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/man-eats-metal-plates-blades-tubelights/1/979056.html

A 52-year-old man from Delhi ate two metal plates, six needles, several blades and tubelights while performing yoga in 2008, believing this would keep him healthy. The objects remained in Shailendra Singh's stomach for nine years before he visited a Delhi hospital with acute pain in his stomach three months ago. Singh has undergone a surgery and is recuperating.

The Shailendra Singh diet is not for everyone. Not even for Shailendra Singh, it would seem. The 52-year-old appears to have an eidetic memory about global politics and personalities. But he forgot a crucial fact from his own life: that he had gobbled up two metal plates, six needles, several blades and tubelights a few years ago.It all came back to him when he landed in Delhi's Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital with acute pain in his stomach about three months ago.Doctors who operated upon Singh were shocked by what they found inside him. The Ashok Vihar resident is now convalescing.Singh says he ate the items during yoga practice and believed that this would keep him healthy. The articles remained inside his stomach for nine years. Shailendra is a graduate, speaks fluent English and Hindi, and plays the harmonium. For a living, he works at a motor cycle spare parts shop."Shailendra was doing perfectly well in his life," his sister, Usha, told MAIL TODAY. "He is married and has a 20-year-old son, but his family has left him.""I was inspired by yoga, and if you perform yoga you can do anything," said Shailendra, revealing that he dreamt of joining the armed forces when he was young. "I was aware that these things could damage my intestines, but see, nothing has happened to me. Every person has a different style of performing yoga."FAMILY UNAWARE Usha said her brother is very active. He reads the newspaper every morning and performs yoga daily. "Even we were not aware that he had eaten metal plates, needles and tubelights. We would have never let him do such horrifying acts. We go to know only when my brother complained of stomach ache a few months. So we took him to RML hospital and ultrasound results showed these materials inside his stomach."Shailendra was also treated at RML's psychiatry ward. He played the harmonium there to keep himself and other inmates cheerful. However, doctors have discharged him now, recommending weekly checkups."Shailendra was here at RML for four months," said Dr RP Beniwal, senior psychiatrist at the hospital. "We treated him through antipsychotic therapy and medicines. He may have suffered the problem because of multiple factors: social, environmental, genetic and biological. Even the mosteducated person can face this problem. The condition is triggered by neuro-chemical substance imbalance inside the brain that can lead to 'schizoaffective disorder', which he suffered. But he has started improving with pharmacotherapy."

Parmeet Kaur

28 Jul 2017,Friday

Police get complaint about loud music from Ambani's Antilia

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/police-get-complaint-against-blaring-music-from-ambani-house/1/1011775.html?utm_source=inshorts&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=fullarticle

The Mumbai Police on Wednesday received a complaint about loud music being played at Reliance chief Mukesh Ambani's residence Antilia. The complaint posted by a user tagging Mumbai Police's Twitter handle read, "@CPMumbaiPolice music blaring from antilla,ambani house,altamount road.gamdevi pol stn area." The police reached the site but found no loud music being played there.

Mumbai, Jul 26 (PTI) City police early today received a complaint about loud music being played at Antilia building, the residence of Reliance chief Mukesh Ambani, an official said. After receiving the complaint, when policeman went to the site, but found no loud music being played, the official added.

Prashanti Moktan

25 Jul 2017,Tuesday

Police arrest man who robbed Karisma Kapoor's house

http://www.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/man-who-robbed-karisma-kapoor-s-house-among-17-others-arrested/story-WxUNNDOTu0A5HfeyDUithP.html?utm_source=inshorts&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=fullarticle

The local police in Khar, Mumbai has arrested a 35-year-old man who allegedly robbed actress Karisma Kapoor's residence. As per an official, during the interrogation, the police learnt that the man had managed to enter the house of the actress and steal a purse belonging to her maid. The accused also reportedly confessed to robbing 17 other houses.

Police have arrested a 35-year-old man who allegedly burgled 18 houses including that of Bollywood actor Karisma Kapoor in the past few months.Imtiaz Ansari, the accused, called owners of the house he planned to break into, offering them carpentry services, and after finding out when nobody would be home, committed burglary, police said.?We had received several complaints of burglary from Bandra and nearby areas,? said a police official.Asif Bhamla, President Bhamla Foundation, actors Neha Dupia and Karisma Kapoor during a program to celebrate world environment day organized by Bhamla Foundation and MCGM in Mumbai. (IANS) On a tip-off, police laid a trap and arrested Ansari yesterday, he said.He confessed to have broken into Karisma Kapoor?s house too, the officer said.Police have registered a case under IPC sections 378 (theft) and 445 (house-break). Further probe is on.Follow @htshowbiz for more

Ankur Vyas

02 Jan 2017,Monday

National Anthem allegedly insulted in J&K Assembly

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/national-anthem-jammu-and-kashmir-assembly-governor-nn-vohra/1/847578.html

The National Anthem was allegedly insulted in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly on Monday as the Opposition's protest continued even as it was being played. The Opposition was trying to disrupt Governor NN Vohra's address to the joint session of the Assembly. Vohra cut his address short and walked away during the National Anthem, BJP's Ravinder Raina said.

In the uproar today in Jammu and Kashmir Assembly following the Opposition's protest against the PDP-BJP government, the national anthem was allegedly insulted when the ruckus continued even as it was played.The protesting Opposition members, mainly from the National Conference and the Congress, created ruckus as they tried to disrupt Governor NN Vohra's address to the joint session of the bicameral legislature in Jammu.ALSO READ | How national anthem should be played in cinema halls: Home Ministry is out with an advisoryAs the Governor started his address, members of the Opposition parties stood up shouting slogans against the PDP-BJP government.The Governor rushed to the concluding part of his speech amid the din.

Tarun Khanna

30 Dec 2016,Friday

Modi reacts to Manmohan?s ?monumental mismanagement? remark

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/exclusive-pm-narendra-modi-newsmaker-of-the-year-first-since-demonetisation/1/845526.html

PM Narendra Modi on Thursday reacted to ex-PM Manmohan Singh's 'monumental mismanagement' remark, stating it came from a leader who was at the helm of India's economic journey for around 45 years. All this while large sections of our society have continued to live in poverty, he added. Singh had earlier called demonetisation "monumental mismanagement... organised loot and legalised plunder".

While the jury is still out on whether or not demonetisation was a gamechanger for India's economy, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has shrugged off all criticisms of his drive as it completed 50 turbulent days this week.READ FULL INDIA TODAY MAGAZINE INTERVIEW HERE Prime Minister Modi told India Today Group Editorial Director Raj Chengappa, "Black money has all been forced out into the open, whomsoever it may belong to-whether it is corrupt politicians, bureaucrats, businessmen or professionals. Counterfeit notes, which our intelligence agencies had reported to be available in high volumes with our enemies, have been instantly neutralised. The media has extensively reported on districts famous as counterfeiting hubs being badly hit. Similarly, cash held by terrorists, Maoists and other extremists has also been neutralised. There has been a crippling impact on dangerous and highly damaging illegal activities, such as human trafficking, and the narcotics trade as well."In an exclusive - and his first since November 8 when he announced the banning of Rs 500 and Rs 1000 notes - interview to India Today magazine, Modi said demonetisation has forced all "black money out into the open" and claimed the decision was taken "not for some short-term windfall gain, but for a long-term structural transformation"."You must understand that we took the decision on demonetisation not for some short-term windfall gain, but for a long-term structural transformation. Our objective clearly was to clean our economy and society of the menace of black money, purging the distrust, artificial pressures and other ills that came with it," he said.The full interview is published in this week's India Today magazine. On stands now. ALSO READ: Not elected to cut ribbon but act against black money: 10 takeaways from Modi's speech in Uttarakhand

Mansha Mahajan

12 Feb 2017,Sunday

Noida scam firm planned Australia tour for 150 distributors

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/online-trading-scam-company-had-planned-australia-tour-for/1/880743.html

An accused in the ?3,700 crore Noida trading scam has told the police that the company had planned an Australia tour for 150 distributors, which included sky-diving, reports said. The company's director said it was a promotional tour to motivate the distributors. Notably, the scam duped seven lakh people on the pretext of earning money by liking Facebook pages.

distributors Greater Noida, Feb 11 (PTI) An accused in the Rs 3700 crore online trading fraud case has told the police that his company had planned a tour of Australia for 150 distributors which also included sky-diving, officials said today. UPSTF ASP Triveni Singh said the Special Investigation Team had carried a search of Ablazes Ghaziabad office, and seized 32 CPUs, bank drafts worth Rs 7 crore from the premises. The search was carried out following a detailed interrogation of the accused. Documents of a villa at JP Greens, a commercial property in Greater Noida and 36 passports were also seized, Triveni said. The companys director Abhinav Mittal, who is one of the accused, told the team that these passports belonged to the diamond and gold distributors. The company has planned a 6 night and 7 day tour of Australia for 150 such distributors as a promotional tour to motivate them, starting from March 13 to 19, he said.

Arshiya Chopra

28 Jul 2017,Friday

Bangladesh, India to allow free passage for elephants

http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/soon-gates-on-border-to-allow-indian-elephants-to-visit-bangladesh-and-return/story-rDybL52QkciEgnbU8jCDVK.html?utm_source=inshorts&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=fullarticle

Officials of India and Bangladesh on Thursday agreed to construct gates along the border to allow free and safe passage for wild elephants. Officials have identified 12 points in Meghalaya and one in Assam along the border where fences would be pulled down to build gates. The initiative would also permit transboundary movement of elephant rescue teams.

Illegal migrants from Bangladesh entering India is a contentious issue between both neighbours. While New Delhi contends large-scale influx from across the border, Dhaka has denied these migrants are their citizens.There was no such difference though when officials of both nations agreed on Thursday to construct gates along the border to allow ?free and safe passage? for wild elephants.Setting up of the gates was one of the 18 points of action agreed between both countries at the 2nd Indo-Bangladesh dialogue on trans-boundary conservation of elephants held at Shillong.?Trans-border migration of animals is a natural process. But due to erection of border fences, there have been occasions when elephants have broken barriers to continue on their route. The gates will allow them safe passage,? India?s director general of forest Siddhanta Das told HT.Officials have identified 12 points in Meghalaya and one in Assam along the border, which are used by wild elephants to travel to Bangladesh, where the gates will be constructed.It is estimated nearly 20 pachyderms from India move to Bangladesh annually around winter and return later.?We will be tracking these animals and use the services of security and forest personnel on both sides of the border to ensure that the elephants don?t face any problems,? said Das.Construction of the gates, which would require cutting of border fencing between both countries at some points, is expected to be over before the 3rd round of the dialogue on the issue in Dhaka next year.Both countries also agreed to discourage and regulate construction of electric fences to protect crops in the areas which fall in the routes taken by the elephants to prevent deaths due to electrocution.Measures to prevent or bring down incidents of human-elephant conflict while the pachyderms crisscross between both countries, such as setting up warning systems and planting of trees to act as bio-fence, were also discussed.There are nearly 9,000 wild elephants in the northeast region, around 1800 of them in Meghalaya alone, and sometimes they venture to Bangladesh in search of food or mates.Last year, a wild elephant was swept away to Bangladesh by the flooded waters of Brahmaputra from Dhubri in Assam. The animal, named Banga Bahadur by people in Bangladesh, died after 50 days of efforts between two countries to bring it back.

Tanya Dhingra

27 Jul 2017,Thursday

I'll be co-producing Hollywood films very soon: Dhanush

http://www.hindustantimes.com/regional-movies/dhanush-keen-to-co-produce-hollywood-films-says-talks-are-on/story-JR3Moc5w7tJAvYGH8uhxDJ.html?utm_source=inshorts&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=fullarticle

Actor Dhanush has said that he'll be co-producing Hollywood films very soon and is already discussing a few scripts and collaborations. Dhanush added, "The world is shrinking and everyone is majorly interested in Indian films now...they are hiring Indian stars." He further said that the Indian song-and-dance format is liked by many and is also being adapted in foreign films.

Dhanush is juggling with multiple hats and projects. Busy promoting his forthcoming release Velaiilla Pattadhari (VIP 2) across the length and breadth of the country, he has also wrapped up work on his maiden Hollywood film The Extraordinary Journey of the Fakir. Talking about the experience of venturing into a new industry and language, Dhanush told Mumbai Mirror: ?I just finished one English film and I believe a script should convince me to take off from one industry to another and do complete justice to it. It should have meaning. I wanted to wait for something like Kundan (his character in Raanjhanaa) and Shamitabh.?The Extraordinary Journey Of The Fakir shoot wrapped@dhanushkraja heading #home & Big #VIP2Promotions will begin this week ? pic.twitter.com/JVRDMl8tXB? VIP Official (@VIPoffl) July 19, 2017Talking about his English film, directed by Ken Scott and based on the bestselling novel, he said, ?I play the lead character, Ajatashatru. He is a street magician. It?s his extraordinary journey as he ventures into the real world to figure it out. It?s told in a funny, entertaining way. The script has a lot of heart, humanity and so much to give to society. I have earlier said no to three-four English films but this film made me say ?yes?,? says Dhanush, whose VIP 2 is gearing up for release in August.Dhanush is a successful producer too. Does he plan to produce Hollywood films? ?I will be co-producing Hollywood films very soon. Talks are on. We are discussing a few scripts and collaborations but it?s at a very early stage right now,? he said, adding it?s a great time to be doing international films. ?The world is shrinking and everyone is majorly interested in Indian films now. They are watching our films, they are hiring Indian stars and they like our song-and-dance format. If you notice they are even adapting them in their films. It?s a very healthy change and I think it?s the best time for me to do something like this.?Follow @htshowbiz for more

Dishant Sharma

21 Jun 2017,Wednesday

India wants to host 2032 Olympics, 2030 Asiad: IOA head

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/2032-olympics-2030-asian-games-ioa-chief-n-ramachandran/1/983786.html

The Indian Olympic Association's (IOA) chief N Ramachandran has revealed that IOA has asked the government for permission to bid for the 2032 Olympics and 2030 Asian Games. Ramachandran said the IOA also wanted India to host the Asian Beach Games in 2020 alongside hosting 2020's Olympic Council of Asia General Assembly meeting and the International Olympic Committee's 2021 session.

India's Olympic Association has asked the government for permission to bid for the 2032 Olympics and 2030 Asian Games as part of a drive to put the country at the heart of the international sporting community, IOA president N. Ramachandran has told Reuters.Ramachandran said the IOA also wanted India to host the Asian Beach Games in 2020, the Olympic Council of Asia's general assembly that year, and the International Olympic Committee session in 2021.The aim, Ramachandran said, was to use the engagement as a catalyst for the growth of Olympic sports in India and to help improve the country's miserable standing in pretty much every sport apart from cricket.As the world's second-most populous nation after China, Ramachandran said it was time for India to follow its powerful neighbour in showcasing its burgeoning economic muscle through sport.Dismissing concerns about whether India can afford to stage such huge sporting spectacles, Ramachandran said the country was one of the few in the region that did have the means.It was up to the government to set the wheels in motion, he told Reuters in an interview."From my part, I am telling them if you bid, I will make sure you get it," he added.Ramachandran said he had spoken about India's prospects of hosting an Olympics with IOC President Thomas Bach, an indication of the early groundwork required for a serious bid."You cannot take a decision today and say, 'I want to host an Olympic Games tomorrow.' It is an eight-year process. So you have to start now," Ramachandran said."If you are looking at anything it's 2032. That will give you 10 years to improve the infrastructure and you will have a decision (to make) in the next four to six years."The Indian government had agreed to discuss the proposals in cabinet and revert back to the IOA, Ramachandran added.ECONOMIC POWERWinning the hosting rights for an Olympic Games is not the hot ticket it once was.Los Angeles and Paris are the only candidates left in the race for the 2024 Olympics after four other cities pulled out over cost concerns. The IOC will award both the 2024 and 2028 Summer Games at the same time and the expectation is that the two cities will host one each.For the 2022 Winter Games, four of six bidders pulled out citing high costs or lack of support, leaving Beijing to beat Almaty in the final vote.Ramachandran was confident India, which has Asia's third-largest economy, would be capable of meeting the costs."India is one of the emerging economies," he said. "Even assuming you spend $12 billion on an Olympic event, $6 billion will be given to you by the IOC."What is $6 billion over a period of eight years for a country which has the size of the economy which India has today?"Not many countries today wish to host the Olympics. China has already had everything possible that can be hosted."In terms of hosting experience, India has successfully staged several global cricket tournaments, and FIFA say they are satisfied with preparations for the Under-17 World Cup in October.But a question mark over the country's ability to host an international multi-sports event has hung over India since the 2010 Commonwealth Games, a $6 billion event billed as Delhi's answer to the Beijing Olympics.LEARNED FROM MISTAKESA series of embarrassments over leaking stadiums and filthy accommodation culminated in Games chief Suresh Kalmadi spending nine months in prison for inflating tenders worth millions of dollars.Ramachandran said there would be no repeat of those blunders."We have learnt from our mistakes. You see the South Asian Games (in 2016) that was hosted in Guwahati. Nobody said anything," he added."We should stick to what we know best - technical conduct of the Games. Even when we hosted the Commonwealth Games in India, (the IOC) praised the technical conduct of the event. And we also did very well in the medals tally."While the hosts finished second to Australia at the 2010 Commonwealth Games, to say that India has underperformed at the Olympics is an understatement.India has won just 28 medals since 1900, with Abhinav Bindra claiming the country's only individual gold medal in the men's 10 metre air rifle in Beijing.

Mansha Mahajan

14 Jun 2017,Wednesday

Detection of fake currency has risen 4,000% in 8 years

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/fake-currency-detection-in-banks-swell-to-max-in-8-yrs-report/1/978307.html

Instances of detecting counterfeit currency in India's banking channels have increased by over 4,000% in eight years, according to latest government data. The number of such reports increased from just 8,580 in 2007-08 to 3,53,837 in 2014-15. Further, data from 2010-11 to 2014-15 showed that majority of these reports were filed by private Indian banks.

By Neelabh Srivastava New Delhi, Jun 14 (PTI) Counterfeit currency detection instances in the countrys banking channels have seen an all time increase in the last eight years at over 3.53 lakh instances, according to a latest government report. All banks, either public sector, private and foreign banks in the country, are mandated to report such instances to the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) under anti-money laundering law provisions. "The number of counterfeit currency reports (CCRs) increased from a mere 8,580 in 2007-08 to 35,730 in 2008-09 and 3,53,837 in 2014-15," the report, accessed by PTI, said. However, the amount of fake currency detected has not been specified. CCR is defined as the usage of a forged or counterfeit currency note or bank note as genuine or where any forgery of a valuable security or a document has taken place during a cash transaction at a bank. As per the data complied since 2007-08, when the government first mandated the FIU to receive such reports under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) from banks, the year 2009-10 saw reportage of 1,27,781 CCR, in 2010-11 it was 2,51,448, in 2011-12 it was 3,27,382, in 2012-13 they were 3,62,371 and in 2013-14 a total of 3,01,804 such instances were reported. The data for 2010-11 to 2014-15 shows that the major chunk of these reports, at over 90 per cent, were filed by private Indian banks and a majority of them pertain to usage of fake Indian currency notes (FICN) and not any other valuable security as defined under the CCR terminology. "The private Indian banks contribute majority of CCRs. The compliance levels of the public sector banks continued to be low despite the matter having been taken up with the RBI," the report said. It added that during the "review" of public sector banks on this issue, the best practices of private Indian banks in detection and reporting of counterfeit currency notes were highlighted. A senior Finance Ministry official put the figures in perspective: "CCRs are meant to check the menace and extent of FICN entering the banking system which forms a very important part of the functioning of the economy. "While the figures of the eight years, since the regime of reportage of such incidents first began, have shown an increasing trend, it is good that the banks are increasingly able to detect them and report to the FIU," the official said. The FIU under the Union finance ministry, acts as the national agency to provide financial intelligence to law enforcement agencies for safeguarding the economy from abuses of money laundering, terrorist financing and other offences, further disseminates this data to investigative agencies to ascertain the source of the FICN and undertake legal action under criminal laws aimed to check money laundering and black money. The report, however, did not talk about the results after the CCRs were handed over to probe agencies like the National Investigation Agency (NIA), the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence and others. The report said the FIU, during 2014-15 also received a total of 58,646 suspicious transaction reports (STRs) from all types of banks, financial institutions like insurance companies, intermediaries like stock brokers and additional non-financial businesses and professions like casinos and private locker operators. The STRs in the latest data compiled year of 2014-15 were the second highest after 61,953 such reports were received by the FIU in 2013-14. A suspicious transaction, under PMLA, is defined as any transaction that either indicates that it has been made in circumstances of unusual or unjustified complexity or appears to have no economic rationale or bonafide purpose. The definition is also applicable to those transactions that give rise to a reasonable ground of suspicion that it may involve financing of the activities relating to terrorism. As per data, the maximum STRs are reported to the FIU by banks as compared to any other financial intermediary mandated to do so in the country. Acting on these STRs, the report said, "the CBDT (Income Tax Department) detected unaccounted income of Rs 4,471.65 crore while it seized assets worth Rs 65 crore, the Customs and Service Tax department detected tax evasion to the tune of Rs 21.59 crore and the Enforcement Directorate detected and seized proceeds of crime to the tune of Rs 25 crore during 2014-15." The agency also received over 3.4 lakh cross-border wire transfer reports (CBWTR) during the said time period.

Daisy Mowke

08 Jan 2017,Sunday

Beyoncé, Jay Z to perform at Obama's farewell party: Reports

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/barack-michelle-obama-final-party-guest-list-beyonce-jay-z-bradley-cooper-lifest/1/851674.html

According to reports, singers Beyoncé and her husband Jay Z will be performing at the farewell party of the Obamas. Usher, Bradley Cooper, Oprah Winfrey and Samuel L Jackson will also be reportedly present at the event. Chance the Rapper has already confirmed his presence through Twitter. There has been no official confirmation on the guest list yet.

It's time for the Obamas to bid farewell. Though the future might be uncertain, the First Family of the United States is ensuring that their goodbye is no less glorious than their tenure.In fact, this 'goodbye party' might outshine President-elect Donald Trump's inaugural party, which is due on January 19 this year.President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama are throwing their final gala night at the White House, to be attended by some of the top celebrity faces and faithful donors. While there is no official confirmation on the guest list, Quartz has revealed names of celebs who're likely to grace the spectacular event: Jay Z and Beyonce, Usher, Samuel L Jackson, Stevie Wonder, Paul McCartney, Bruce Springsteen, Eddie Vedder, David Letterman, JJ Abrams, Oprah Winfrey, George Lucas and Bradley Cooper. A lot of them were also present at Obama's inauguration party eight years ago.Also Read:Michelle Obama's latest Gucci dress makes a hidden political statementBesides, Chance the Rapper, one of Obama's favourites, has already confirmed his presence through Twitter.

Rini Sinha

25 Jun 2017,Sunday

Been working since I was 19, so break was torturous: Akshaye

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/akshaye-doesnt-mind-doing-small-roles-but-they-should-have-an/1/986935.html

Akshaye Khanna, while speaking about his break from films, said it was torturous as he has been working since the age of 19. He added that after he joined films post the sabbatical, he wanted to start with slightly smaller, but quality roles. Akshaye, who's known for films like 'Taal', 'Dil Chahta Hai', will be next seen in Sridevi's 'Mom'.nn

impact Mumbai, Jun 25 (PTI) Actor Akshaye Khanna, who has starred as a lead in several films, says he has consciously decided to take up smaller but effective roles in his second innings in Bollywood. Akshaye was recently seen as a baddie in Varun Dhawan- John Abraham starrer "Dishoom" and is now busy promoting his next film "Mom" that features Sridevi in the lead. "I decided, having taken an off of four years, I wanted to start off with slightly smaller roles to get into that zone. But I was sure I wont do it by compromising on the quality of work. The role could be small, but it should have an impact in the story," Akshaye told PTI. Akshaye, 42, who has been working since the age of 19, was away from the silver screen for four years due to personal reasons. The actor says he felt tortured while he was not doing films. "There was a reason why I took a sabbatical. I had some personal reasons which didnt allow me to work. But there has never been a point in my life where I wanted to take things slow, or I dont want to work. "Besides work (acting), there is nothing I know or can do. I have been working nonstop since I was 19 so not working is torturous. That phase has gone now." Even though he was away from films for a while but Akshaye refrains from calling the phase as his comeback. "I wont say its my comeback. There were some reasons because of which I couldnt work. Now, it doesnt matter what adjectives people give it. I am enjoying working now. "I am glad people enjoyed my role in Dishoom and my role in Mom is fantastic. In a way, both Nawazuddin Siddiqui (co-star) and I have extended cameos in the film. We may have had only 20 days of work but the impact (of our characters) is huge," says Akshaye, who is playing an investigative officer in the movie.

Mansha Mahajan

22 Jul 2017,Saturday

UK firm faces boycott on not cutting morning-after pill cost

https://www.theguardian.com/business/2017/jul/20/boots-faces-boycott-over-refusal-to-lower-cost-of-morning-after-pill?utm_source=inshorts&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=fullarticle

High street chemist Boots is facing criticism after refusing to reduce the cost of a morning-after pill. The British Pregnancy Advisory Service had asked retailers to offer a more affordable product. Boots said it would not lower the price as it did not want to be accused of "incentivising inappropriate use", which campaigners said was insulting and sexist.

There have been calls for a boycott of Boots after the chemist refused to lower the cost of the morning-after pill for fear it would encourage over-use. Rivals Tesco and Superdrug halved the price of the emergency contraceptive following a campaign from the British Pregnancy Advisory Service (BPAS), a leading provider of abortion care.The charity had written to retailers asking them to consider offering a more affordable product, after it was revealed that British women are forced to pay up to five times more than their European peers for the contraceptive.Boots, however, said it would not lower the price as it did not want to be accused of ?incentivising inappropriate use?. Campaigners said its statement was insulting and sexist. Around 4% of British women of reproductive age use emergency contraception in any given year. Boots charges £28.25 for Levonelle emergency contraceptive (the leading brand) and £26.75 for its own generic version. Tesco now charges £13.50 for Levonelle and Superdrug £13.49 for a generic version. In France, the tablet costs £5.50.A letter seen by the Guardian to BPAS from Marc Donovan, chief pharmacist of Boots UK, said it had considered the issue very carefully, but pointed out that it is already available for free in community pharmacies and NHS services.However, towards the end of the letter, Donovan wrote: ?In our experience the subject of emergency hormonal contraception polarises public opinion and we receive frequent contact from individuals who voice their disapproval of the fact that the company chooses to provide this service. ?We would not want to be accused of incentivising inappropriate use, and provoking complaints, by significantly reducing the price of this product.?BPAS said deliberately setting the price high to prevent women from using it regularly was both ?patronising and insulting?. Clare Murphy, director of external affairs at BPAS, said: ?There is no doubt about it: the high price of [emergency contraception] is an absolute barrier to women?s access to this product and puts women needlessly at risk of unwanted pregnancy.?Murphy wrote back to Donovan after Tesco and Superdrug reduced the price, asking him to reconsider Boots? position. ?He wrote back and said they weren?t changing their minds and the letter still stood,? she said. Sophie Walker, leader of the Women?s Equality Party, which has joined forces with BPAS to call for a boycott using the hashtag #justsaynon, said that the morning-after pill can be difficult to access for free on the NHS, with appointments at GP surgeries or family planning clinics hard to obtain at short notice.She said: ?Many women will need to buy these pills over the counter, and it is irresponsible and exploitative for retailers to charge over the odds for them ... Boots? approach to this concern is indicative of a society that prioritises profit over women?s health and wellbeing.?When asked for a comment, Boots released a statement that did not discuss the price, nor its reasons for justifying it being kept high, but instead said the sale of the pill was a ?professional healthcare service which, we believe, requires a professional healthcare consultation?.When asked if the reason for the higher price was due to the provision of consultations, Boots did not respond with a comment.

Radhika Chugh

16 Jul 2017,Sunday

Shiv Sena promises vote to NDA's Presidential pick Kovind

http://www.hindustantimes.com/mumbai-news/ram-nath-kovind-makes-poll-stop-in-mumbai-shiv-sena-promises-vote/story-kzoJORIESdb5l395J9s9MK.html?utm_source=inshorts&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=fullarticle

The Shiv Sena promised its vote to NDA's Presidential candidate Ram Nath Kovind after he addressed MPs and legislators from the BJP and its allies, at his recent campaign stop in Mumbai. Kovind reportedly called Sena Chief Uddhav Thackeray to thank him for his party's support. Notably, Maharashtra is the 25th state that Kovind has visited during his Presidential campaign.

The National Democratic Alliance?s (NDA) presidential candidate Ram Nath Kovind visited Mumbai on Saturday for a brief campaign stop, ahead of Monday?s election. Kovind spoke to MPs and legislators from the BJP and its allies in the state, including Shiv Sena, at Churchgate?s Garware Club. Sena MPs and ministers attended the function, ending speculation about the party top brass being miffed over Kovind not meeting Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray during this visit. Kovind skipped the customary visit to the Thackeray residence ? current President Pranab Mukherjee and his predecessor Pratibha Patil had done so to seek support ? but called Thackeray to thank him for his party?s support. Thackeray confirmed this at a press conference later. READ: Ram Nath Kovind may not meet Uddhav Thackeray during Mumbai visit on July 15Kovind was given a grand welcome at the Mumbai airport by CM Devendra Fadnavis and Union minister Nitin Gadkari. He was then driven to the Garware club for a BJP-organised ?meet the candidate? function. Ramdas Athawale (Republican Party of India), Mahadev Jankar (Rashtriya Samaj Paksha), industries minister Subhash Desai and union minister Anant Geete of the Sena were other leaders at the meet . Last month, BJP president Amit Shah met Thackeray seeking his support for the Presidential polls. ?Thackeray announced his support some time ago. Our MPs and legislators were at the function today. We will vote for the NDA candidate,?? said a Sena minister. ?This was a campaign stop and Maharashtra is the 25th state Kovind has visited,?? said BJP MLA Raj Purohit, who organised the event. While there were reports 40% of NDA?s public representatives missed the meet, Purohit said it was a full house.

Daisy Mowke

16 Feb 2017,Thursday

Indian designer showcases clothes made of wood pulp at NYFW

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/new-york-fashion-week-nyfw-premal-badiani-indian-designer-lifest/1/884087.html

India-born US-based designer Premal Badiani showcased her latest collection titled 'Root Cause', which is made from wood pulp, at the New York Fashion Week. She showcased her line in a virtual presentation. The collection aims to bring awareness about the human impact on the environment and to promote social responsibility by adopting sustainable fashion as a lifestyle choice.

India-born US-based designer Premal Badiani showcased her latest collection titled "Root Cause" at the New York Fashion Week and her inspiration was to "bring awareness of the human impact on the environment"."The inspiration behind this collection is to bring awareness of the human impact on the environment and to promote social responsibility by adopting sustainable fashion as a lifestyle choice," she said in a statement.Also read: Prabal Gurung's feminist NYFW collection misspelled an important word "The primary fabric used that is made from natural cellulosic fibers and produced from wood pulp, a natural renewable resource. This highlights the brand's philosophy of environmental awareness that believes caring about the planet is not a seasonal choice but needs to be done all year round. Through this collection, the brand wants to promote sustainable fashion in the luxury market," added Badiani.

Chhavi Tyagi

30 Jun 2017,Friday

China trying to enter our territory, we aren't: Jaitley

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/arun-jaitley-china-bhutan-defence-ministry-1962-war/1/990982.html

Defence Minister Arun Jaitley has said that China is trying to enter India's territory and added that India is not entering into any country's land. Further reacting to China asking India to withdraw troops from Bhutan border areas and recall the 1962 war, Jaitley said, "India of 2017 is different from India of 1962. Those were different situations."

Defence Minister Arun Jaitley today brushed aside China's warning about the ongoing face-off along Bhutan border.Asking India to withdraw troops from Bhutan border areas, China said that India should recall the 1962 war and learn a lesson.Responding to the remarks made by the Chinese foreign ministry, Arun Jaitley said, "India of 2017 is different from India of 1962. Those were different situations."Jaitley said China is trying to encroach on Bhutan's land. He said, "Statements issued by Bhutan make it clear that this is the land of Bhutan. It is located near India's land. There is an arrangement between India and Bhutan for giving protection in the border region."Jaitley further said that Bhutan has appropriately pointed out that China was trying to usurp its land. India is not entering into any other country's land what China is doing, Jaitley said.Earlier, Bhutan issued a demarche to China yesterday over the construction of a road towards its Army camp in Zomplri area of Doklam and asked Beijing to restore status quo by stopping the work immediately.The demarche by Bhutan comes at a time when there is an ongoing face-off between Indian and Chinese troops in the Doklam (also known as Donglang) area of the Sikkim sector.Doklam is a disputed territory and Bhutan has a written agreement with China that pending the final resolution of the boundary issue, peace and tranquillity should be maintained in the area. This came after China accused India of having a "hidden agenda" in the current military stand-off with it in the Sikkim sector where Beijing has a territorial dispute with Bhutan.MEA'S REBUTTALThe Ministry of External Affairs has issued a point-by-point rebuttal. Here's the full text."The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs made a statement on 26 June 2017 alleging that Indian border troops crossed the boundary line in the Sikkim sector of the China-India boundary and entered Chinese territory. This has been reiterated since then in other Chinese official briefings. 2.The facts of the matter are as follows:i. On 16 June, a PLA construction party entered the Doklam area and attempted to construct a road. It is our understanding that a Royal Bhutan Army patrol attempted to dissuade them from this unilateral activity.  The Ambassador of the Royal Government of Bhutan (RGOB) has publicly stated that it lodged a protest with the Chinese Government through their Embassy in New Delhi on 20 June.ii. Yesterday, the Foreign Ministry of Bhutan has also issued a statement underlining that the construction of the road inside Bhutanese territory is a direct violation of the 1988 and 1998 agreements between Bhutan and China and affects the process of demarcating the boundary between these two countries. They have urged a return to the status quo as before 16 June 2017.iii. In keeping with their tradition of maintaining close consultation on matters of mutual interest, RGOB and the Government of India have been in continuous contact through the unfolding of these developments. iv. In coordination with the RGOB, Indian personnel, who were present at general area Doka La, approached the Chinese construction party and urged them to desist from changing the status quo. These efforts continue.v. The matter has been under discussion between India and China at the diplomatic level in the Foreign Ministries since then, both in New Delhi and Beijing.  It was also the subject of a Border Personnel Meeting at Nathu La on 20 June. 3. India is deeply concerned at the recent Chinese actions and has conveyed to the Chinese Government that such construction would represent a significant change of status quo with serious security implications for India. 4. In this context, the Indian side has underlined that the two Governments had in 2012 reached agreement that the tri-junction boundary points between India, China and third countries will be finalized in consultation with the concerned countries.  Any attempt, therefore, to unilaterally determine tri-junction points is in violation of this understanding. 5. Where the boundary in the Sikkim sector is concerned, India and China had reached an understanding also in 2012 reconfirming their mutual agreement on the "basis of the alignment". Further discussions regarding finalization of the boundary have been taking place under the Special Representatives framework.6. It is essential that all parties concerned display utmost restraint and abide by their respective bilateral understandings not to change the status quo unilaterally. It is also important that the consensus reached between India and China through the Special Representatives process is scrupulously respected by both sides. 7. India has consistently taken a positive approach to the settlement of its own boundary with China, along with the associated issue of the tri-junctions. 8. India cherishes peace and tranquillity in the India-China border areas. It has not come easily. Both sides have worked hard to establish institutional framework to discuss all issues to ensure peace and tranquillity in the India-China border areas. India is committed to working with China to find peaceful resolution of all issues in the border areas through dialogue. ALSO READ | The last Sikkim stand-off: When India gave China a bloody nose in 1967

Pragya Swastik

27 Apr 2017,Thursday

Govt launches UDAN scheme for low cost regional flights

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/udan-scheme-modi-inaugurate-first-flight-shimla/1/938806.html

PM Narendra Modi on Thursday launched Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik (UDAN) scheme for regional flight connectivity by flagging off the inaugural flight from Shimla to Delhi. Under UDAN, government will connect small towns by air with 50% plane seats' fare capped at ?2,500 for a one-hour journey of 500 kilometres. UDAN will connect over 45 unserved and under-served airports.

After much wait, the first UDAN flight took off from Shimla today after being flagged off by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.The flight will be operated by Alliance Air, the regional arm of Air India. PM Narendra Modi handed over boarding passes to some of passengers travelling via the first UDAN flight at the Shimla airport.Tomorrow PM @narendramodi will flag off the first UDAN flight under the Regional Connectivity Scheme, on Shimla-Delhi sector.Air India yesterday opened bookings for the first launch flight from Shimla to Delhi with all inclusive fares starting at Rs2,036.THE GREAT 'UDAN'The UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik) scheme seeks to make flying more affordable for the common people, holding a plan to connect over 45 unserved and under-served airports.Under UDAN, 50 per cent of the seats on each flight would have a cap of Rs 2,500 per seat/hour. The government has also extended subsidy in the form of viability gap funding to the operators flying on these routes.The scheme was launched to "make air travel accessible to citizens in regionally important cities," and has been described as "a first-of-its-kind scheme globally to stimulate regional connectivity through a market-based mechanism." Report have it the first flight today will not be flying at full capacity on its 70-seater ATR airplane because of payload restrictions related to the short Shimla airfield.|| Read more ||Udan scheme: Now you can fly to these 43 cities, see the full list hereUDAN scheme to fly hour-long flights capped at Rs 2,500 to smaller cities

Aarushi Maheshwari

01 Aug 2017,Tuesday

Centuries-old statue unearthed at Angkor temple complex

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/aug/01/ancient-statue-unearthed-at-cambodias-angkor-temple-complex?utm_source=inshorts&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=fullarticle

Archaeologists on Saturday unearthed a two-metre high, centuries-old statue believed to have been the symbolic guardian of an ancient hospital at the Angkor temple complex in Cambodia. The statue is believed to date back to the late 12th to early 13th century. Angkor was the capital of the Khmer Empire, which dates from the 9th to the 15th centuries.

Archaeologists have unearthed a large, centuries-old statue that is believed to have once stood guard over an ancient hospital at Cambodia?s famed Angkor temple complex.The nearly two metre tall carving, which is thought to be from the late 12th to the early 13th century, was discovered during a dig on Saturday, said Long Kosal, a spokesman for Apsara Authority ? the state agency charged with managing the complex. The Angkor Archeological Park, a world heritage site, contains the remains of the different capitals of the Khmer Empire, dating from the 9th to the 15th centuries, and is Cambodia?s most popular tourist destination.At the height of its power the city and its hundreds of temples boasted more than a million inhabitants, making it one of the world?s most populous pre-industrial centres. Huge swathes of the park have been excavated over the decades, creating a walkable archaeological wonder that attracts more than two million visitors a year. But the complex remains a treasure trove for yet to be discovered finds. Cambodian archaeologists and experts from Singapore?s Institute of Southeast Asian Studies found the statue buried 40 centimeters under the ground during an excavation of an Angkor-era hospital built during the reign of King Jayavarman VII.The Apsara agency said the sandstone statue?s arms and legs had broken off but the carving on the body and head ?remain beautiful? despite the passage of time. They said the statue was likely to have been a symbolic guardian of the hospital. 

Prashanti Moktan

24 Apr 2017,Monday

Filmmaker K Viswanath named Dadasaheb Phalke Award winner

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/kasinadhuni-vishwanath-dadasaheb-phalke-award/1/936966.html

Filmmaker-actor K Viswanath (87) will be conferred the Dadasaheb Phalke Award for 2016, I&B Minister M Venkaiah Naidu announced on Monday. The award, which recognises outstanding contribution to the growth and development of Indian cinema, includes a Swarn Kamal and ?10 lakh cash prize. The five-time National Film Awards winner is known for films like Sankarabharanam.

Renowned filmmaker and actor Kasinathuni Viswanath is going to be conferred the Dadasaheb Phalke Award for the year 2016. I and B (Information and Broadcasting) Minister M Venkaiah Naidu today approved the recommendation of the Dadasaheb Phalke Award committee. The award is conferred by the Government of India for outstanding contribution to the growth and development of Indian cinema. The award consists of a Swarn Kamal (Golden Lotus), a cash prize of Rs 10 lakh and a shawl. The award shall be conferred by the President of India at a function on May 3 at Vigyan Bhawan.A presenter of classical and traditional art, music and dance, K Viswanath has been a guiding force in the Indian film industry. As a director he has made fifty films since 1965 known for their strong content, endearing narrative, honest handling and cultural authenticity. His films on a wide range of social and human issues had great appeal to the masses.K Viswanath was born in February 1930 at Gudivadain Andhra Pradesh. An ardent art lover, he made a series of films based on varied themes of art, music and dance. His films empathised with courage and frailty, aspirations and convictions, perseverance and distractions, social demands and individual struggle and at the core, believed in the goodness of the human spirit.His contributions have received recognition in the form of the Padmashri Award in 1992 by the Government of India for his contribution to filmmaking. He has also been awarded 5 National Awards, 20 Nandi Awards (awarded by the State Government of Andhra Pradesh), 10 Filmfare Awards including Lifetime Achievement Award. His National Award-winning film Swati Mutyam was India's official entry to the 59th Academy Awards in the Best Foreign Film category.The stories that Shri K Viswanath told through his films were seemingly simple. They provided an uncomplicated, direct and pleasant cinematic experience to the audience. At the same time, they lend themselves to a nuanced and layered interpretation leading many to watch them again and again and come back and discover a new hitherto unseen aspect or a have deeper understanding and realization.One of his most memorable films, Sirivennela was a sensitive story of a blind flutist and a mute painter who fall in love with each other over the love of music and their individual setbacks. It helped in changing the viewers' perception of disability, to a large extent.  The musical compositions of this film are still fresh and soothing to the ears.

Rini Sinha

13 May 2017,Saturday

Katrina to star with Baahubali actor Prabhas in film: Report

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/katrina-kaif-prabhas-saaho-thugs-of-hindostan-aamir-khan/1/952832.html

According to reports, actress Katrina Kaif will star opposite Baahubali actor Prabhas in the upcoming film 'Saaho'. However, there has been no official confirmation regarding the same. The thriller, to be directed by Sujeeth, will be made in Telugu, Tamil, Malyalam and Hindi. Actresses Deepika Padukone, Parineeti Chopra, Amy Jackson were reportedly also considered for the role.

Her last film, Baar Baar Dekho, did not set the cash registers ringing, but Katrina Kaif continues to be the top choice for filmmakers. Katrina has Jagga Jasoos with Ranbir Kapoor, Tiger Zinda Hai with Salman Khan and Thugs of Hindostan with Aamir Khan and Amitabh Bachchan in her kitty. And now, a report in Filmfare says she is part of Prabhas's next film Saaho as well.With Baahubali 2 breaking all box office records, Prabhas has become hot property, and the teaser of his next, Saaho, has received a tremendous response. The thriller, directed by Sujeeth, will be made in Telugu, Tamil, Malyalam and Hindi. Apparently, the makers were looking for a leading lady from Bollywood after Baahubali 2's stupendous success, and were in talks with Deepika Padukone, Parineeti Chopra and Amy Jackson.However, Katrina was signed on because it was felt that she was the best choice for the part, and her dates fit in with the film's schedule as well. It is being said that an official announcement will be made once Prabhas returns from his US holiday.

Saloni Tandon

18 Dec 2016,Sunday

Schumacher's family launches 'Keep Fighting' initiative

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/keep-fighting-michael-schumacher-formula-one/1/837354.html

Formula One driver Michael Schumacher's family has launched a new initiative, titled 'Keep Fighting', which will work towards inspiring those in difficult circumstances. The initiative will be managed by a team on behalf of Schumacher's family and work towards "spreading the belief that giving up is not an option". Schumacher has been recuperating after suffering a skiing accident in 2013.

Michael Schumacher's family have launched an initiative to help others inspired by the seven-times Formula One world champion's career and character to 'keep fighting' in the face of adversity."We would like to encourage others to never give up," the stricken German racer's wife Corinna said in a statement presenting the not-for-profit movement on Saturday.December 29 will be the anniversary of a 2013 skiing accident in which the former Ferrari driver suffered severe head injuries when he fell and hit his head on a rock in the French Alps. (Also read: Michael Schumacher's health remains private matter: Manager)Schumacher, the most successful F1 driver of all time with 91 wins, turns 48 in January. He has been treated at home in Switzerland since he was released from hospital in September 2014.His son Mick, who was with him at the time of his accident, is now embarking on his own career in motor racing and is working through the junior series.Few details about the champion's condition have been made public and manager Sabine Kehm said that silence would be maintained."Michaelâ??s health is not a public issue, and so we will continue to make no comment in that regard. This is also because we have to protect his intimate sphere," she said in a statement."Michael has always been very protective of his privacy, even during the most successful times of his career. He has always made sure there is a clear and distinct line between his public persona and his private one.

Sumedha Sehra

13 Jul 2017,Thursday

Mumbai woman posts video of man masturbating at her

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/mumbai-man-masturbated-sexual-harassment-viral-video/1/1000716.html?utm_source=inshorts&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=fullarticle

A Mumbai woman, who was allegedly laughed off by authorities for complaining about a man masturbating at her in a local train, has shared the incident's video. In the video, she captured the accused, Ashok Pradhan, masturbating while looking at her. The video also shows a constable, who came to the compartment with her, asking her to sit elsewhere.

A woman who had to catch an early morning train had a horrifying experience when a man was masturbating looking at her at Mumbai's CST railway station.  What's more shocking is that when she called a police posted at the railway station where the accused was present, he did nothing and asked the woman to sit somewhere else and left.The woman filmed the entire incident and posted it on social media on July 12. As the post went viral, the cops immediately acted on the post and within six hours they arrested the accused. "The offence took place on June 29. The complainant has made a video. We did not call woman to police station. Based on the video itself we filed an FIR and started investigating the case. We have recorded her statement. And within six hours nabbed the accused, the accused is identified as Ashok Pradhan (20) a resident of Mahul Gaon in Chembur," said a police officer. According to police, with the help of the viral video and some CCTV footage they zeroed in on the accused. Few people working at the CST station identified the accused and immediately he was traced. "The accused does odd jobs at railway station. In fact when our team reached to him, he did not even know that a case is registered against him for the offence," said another officer.   THE INCIDENT On June 29, the woman was leaving Nashik from CST railway station. She reached the station at around 5.45 am. When she boarded the Tapovan Express the lights were off and Pradhan who was sitting began unzipping his pants. The woman said that soon after seeing her, Pradhan began masturbating. Pradhan continued even after the woman's friend came and the lights were turned on. The woman said that she went to a constable at the railway station, however, he did not do anything. Shockingly the policeman said that Pradhan possibly had a reservation and asked the woman and her friend to sit elsewhere.  Following the incident, the woman even tweeted about it to Ministry of Railway but got no response. With no help in sight, the woman soon shared the ordeal and posted the video on social media. The video later went viral. The incident have raised several questions on the enforcement at railway stations. Sources from the police department said that they have initiated action against the policeman who ignored the woman's complaints. Also Read:

Shubhodeep Datta

15 Dec 2016,Thursday

Time spent by Delhiites on roads has doubled in 6 yrs: Study

http://www.hindustantimes.com/delhi/capital-chaos-delhi-s-traffic-has-slowed-down-and-doubled-time-spent-on-roads/story-ZTp1UviD50hOXvdZpGs8FN.html

The time spent by Delhiites on roads has doubled in the last six years and the speed of traffic during peak hours has been cut by half, a study has revealed. A person travelling a distance of 40 km by a private vehicle during peak hours spends an average of 3.43 hours on road, as against 1.36 hours in 2011.

The time spent by Delhiites on city roads has doubled in the last six years and the speed of traffic during peak hours has been cut by half, says a study by six top road design experts and engineers.Today, a person travelling a distance of 40 km by a private vehicle during peak hours spends an average of 3.43 hours on the road, as opposed to 1.36 hours in 2011. On the other hand, the average speed of a vehicle being driven during the evening peak hours ? between 5 pm and 7 pm ? has come down from 42 kmph to 20 kmph (without taking traffic signals and other stoppages into account).Experts say unless immediate steps are taken to unclog its roads, Delhi may find itself crawling at 5 kmph ? the average speed of a human walking ? in the next 10 years.Interactive | These maps show you how you are losing the race against Delhi?s trafficThe increase in Delhi?s vehicular population, which is forcing its road network to burst at the seams, has been squarely blamed for this phenomenon. The number of vehicles on city roads has grown from 74 lakhs to 89 lakhs in the last six years, a jump of almost 20%. A further two lakh vehicles enter the city from outside every day, adding to the congestion.The researchers, six Bhopal-based urban designers and road engineers hailing from premier institutes such as IIT Kharagpur, Delhi and BITS Pilani, will submit the study to the Delhi government next year. They will also provide suggestions on ways to improve urban infrastructure and encourage the use of public transport.The report has been sent to IIT Delhi for scrutiny by other transport experts.To arrive at these findings, the experts assessed the travel time and average speed of vehicles on five routes linking residential neighbourhoods with corporate hubs over the last six years. ?The idea was to focus on how the rise in number of vehicles was not only adding to pollution levels but also eating up travel time. To confirm our findings, we tracked the same routes over the last six years to see how the traffic has started dragging due to the addition of more vehicles,? said Prashant Raju, a road design expert from IIT Kharagpur.He said though the study is still in its primary stage, it exposes the manner in which people have exploited the city?s infrastructure. ?If something is not done soon, the traffic situation here will become similar to that of Dhaka ? where vehicles do not move any faster than 6 kmph during peak hours,? Raju cautioned.Other transport experts agreed that the national capital?s traffic situation was fast headed towards a point of no return. ?If you keep filling a jar that?s already filled to the brim, it will overflow. That?s precisely the state of Delhi roads. The focus should be on encouraging people to use public transport by making it comfortable and easily accessible,? said Dr S Velmurugan, senior principal scientist at Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-Central Road Research Institute.Delhi?s traffic has doubled in the last eight years, Velmurugan added.

Arshiya Chopra

31 Jul 2017,Monday

Petrol bomb hurled at RSS office in Kerala

http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/petrol-bomb-hurled-at-rss-office-stones-pelted-on-cpi-m-office-in-kerala/story-cO9xVHBnGAr8DqgYAHYuaI.html?utm_source=inshorts&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=fullarticle

A Kerala BJP unit has alleged that CPI(M) workers hurled a petrol bomb at an RSS office in the state, causing damage to the building. This was followed by CPI(M) blaming BJP-RSS activists for pelting stones at a committee office of CPI(M) trade union-wing CITU. Notably, the state has been witnessing unrest after an RSS worker was killed last week.

Stones were on Monday thrown at the district committee office of the CPI-M?s trade union wing CITU while a petrol bomb was hurled at the RSS district office in fresh incidents of violence in Kottayam.The BJP district unit alleged that CPI(M) workers hurled a petrol bomb at the RSS district office, causing extensive damage to the building situated at Thirunakkara in the town.They slammed the police for not taking steps to provide adequate security cover for RSS-BJP offices in the town.Window panes of the CITU office were damaged in the attack believed to be carried out by a gang of five men who reached there on three motorcycles at 2.30am, police said. They hurled stones at the office, police said.Condemning the incident, the CPI(M) Kottayam district secretary VN Vasavan alleged that BJP-RSS activists were behind the attack.He alleged that BJP-RSS workers destroyed publicity boards and hoardings of CPI(M) and its allied organisations during their dawn-to-dusk hartal in the town on Sunday.Eight RSS-BJP workers have been taken into custody in this connection, police said.The BJP had called for a dawn-to-dusk state-wide hartal on Sunday to protest the killing of RSS worker Rajesh near Thiruvanathapuram on Saturday.Kottayam district police chief N Ramachandran visited the offices targeted by the miscreants.Adequate police security has been provided to offices of CPI(M), CITU, RSS and the BJP following the incident, police said.The state had been witnessing a series of violent incidents allegedly involving BJP-RSS and CPI-M workers with the state capital Thiruvanathapuram rocked by incidents of attacks on houses of rival partymen in the past few days.

Deepali Aggarwal

19 Jul 2017,Wednesday

Somalia back online after three weeks of Internet blackout

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/jul/18/somalia-cut-off-from-internet-entire-country-three-weeks?utm_source=inshorts&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=fullarticle

Somalia's Internet has returned after an over three-week outage which reportedly cost the country's economy $10 million a day in business. The loss of internet service was attributed to a ship which cut an undersea cable connecting the country to global data networks. Hormuud Telecom, Somalia's largest telecom company, announced the restoration of service in a message to subscribers.

Somalia?s internet has returned after an outage of more than three weeks cost the Horn of Africa nation about $10m a day.Hormuud Telecom, the country?s largest telecom company, announced the restoration of service in a message to subscribers.The loss of internet service sparked anger across Somalia and affected the central and southern parts of the country including the capital, Mogadishu. The government called it a ?major disaster.?Officials and internet providers attributed the problem to a commercial ship that they said cut an undersea cable.Major companies reported millions of dollars in revenue losses. University studies were disrupted.The internet outage also complicated efforts to combat a nationwide drought that has half of the country?s 12 million people in need of assistance.Residents in the capital celebrated the return of service. ?This helps a lot,? Abdirashid Duale, the CEO of the largest international Somali remittance company, Dahabshiil, told The Associated Press. ?The internet outage has affected many of our customers.?The lack of internet service also stranded patients who were seeking medical attention abroad as they couldn?t access online paperwork.?The internet outage had my father stuck in Mogadishu. Now we can take him to India having received all medical paperwork via internet,? said Nur Hussein.Somalia is trying to emerge from a quarter-century of conflict. The fragile central government remains a target for the al-Qaida-linked al-Shabab extremist group, which often carries out deadly attacks in the capital.

Dishant Sharma

26 Feb 2017,Sunday

Manny Pacquiao and Amir Khan to fight on April 23

https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2017/feb/26/manny-pacquiao-and-amir-khan-agree-to-super-fight-in-april?CMP=twt_gu

Multiple-division world champion Philippines' Manny Pacquiao and Britain's Olympic silver medallist Amir Khan have agreed to fight in a bout, which is scheduled to be held on April 23. Khan is likely to drop to welterweight to fight Pacquiao for the World Boxing Organisation title. Pacquiao won the WBO welterweight title last November against American Jessie Vargas in Las Vegas.

Multiple world champion Manny Pacquiao has agreed to fight Britain?s Olympic silver medallist Amir Khan on 23 April, with both boxers on Sunday confirming their intentions to appear in a ?super fight?. The 38-year-old Pacquiao had said four days ago that he and Khan?s management were in discussions for the fight, despite an earlier announcement the Filipino?s next bout would be against Jeff Horn. Pacquiao, however, had said that Horn was one of many possible opponents. The Australian welterweight?s dream fight was slated for the same date in April with Brisbane a likely host, but the school teacher?s hopes have now been extinguished.?Negotiations between team Pacquiao and team Khan have come to terms for the April 23 bout as this is what the fans wanted,? Pacquiao tweeted. The 30-year-old Khan, who won silver as a lightweight at the Athens Olympics, has not fought since last May when he moved up two weight classes to fight middleweight Canelo Álvarez.The much bigger Mexican proved too powerful and the Briton was knocked out in the sixth round and he is likely to drop back to welterweight to fight Pacquiao, who holds the World Boxing Organisation title at the weight. ?My team and I have agreed terms with Manny Pacquiao and his team for a super fight,? Khan said on his Twitter page. Pacquiao won the WBO welterweight title last November against American Jessie Vargas in Las Vegas with an unanimous decision.A Horn-Pacquiao fight would have been one of the biggest in Australian boxing history, with the Queensland government backing the push for Suncorp Stadium to host.Horn had released a video on Sunday, cut with excerpts from Donald Trump speeches, calling on Pacquiao to make a fight happen in Brisbane, where he claimed the money on offer was ?real? and already in place. No venue for Pacquiao?s clash with Khan, a former sparring partner, has been announced.

Tarun Khanna

26 Feb 2017,Sunday

10,000 engineering colleges to get online complaint system

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/engg-colleges-to-have-online-complaints-redressal-mechanism/1/891629.html

The All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) has directed all the engineering colleges affiliated to it to urgently put in place an online mechanism for redressal of grievances. "An online monthly status report regarding the number of grievances received, disposed off and pending should be informed to AICTE," the directive has stated.

New Delhi, Feb 26 (PTI) Soon, the students and the faculty members of around 10,000 engineering colleges in the country will be able to register their complaints and grievances online. The All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), which regulates technical education in the country, has asked all the institutions, affiliated to it, "to urgently put in place an online mechanism, if not presently existing, for registering and disposing of grievances". According to a latest AICTE directive, the HRD Ministry has stressed the need to have a mechanism for online registration as well as disposal of the grievances not only of the students but also the faculty members and the other stakeholders. The effectiveness of the online grievance redressal system will be a factor at the time of granting of the annual approval to an institution by the AICTE. "Every institution should be able to receive and dispose off the grievances online," said the missive, signed by AICTE chief Anil Sahasrabudhe and addressed to the heads of all the AICTE-approved technical institutions. As per directive, each of these institutions will have to put up a notice board or flex board fixed near the office of the Head, giving details of the online grievance redressal mechanism like its URL, names, contact numbers and e-mail addresses of members of the Grievance committee etc.

Prashanti Moktan

05 Apr 2017,Wednesday

Farhan, Aditya get into a verbal spat over Shraddha: Report

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/farhan-akhtar-aditya-roy-kapur-fight-shraddha-kapoor/1/920790.html

As per reports, Farhan Akhtar and Aditya Roy Kapur got into a verbal spat as Farhan got upset over Aditya bonding with Shraddha Kapoor at a recent event. Shraddha is said to have gone to Farhan's residence to sort out the issue. While Farhan is reportedly dating Shraddha currently, Aditya is rumoured to be her ex-boyfriend.

Before rumours of Shraddha Kapoor's liaison with Farhan Akhtar, it was her alleged 'aashiqui' with Aditya Roy Kapur that was the talk of the town. Shraddha refuting the reports did not help much; the gossip mills kept churning out stories of her closeness with both her co-stars. Now, if a report in Deccan Chronicle is to be believed, Farhan got into an ugly spat with Aditya over his closeness with Shraddha.Reportedly, Shraddha and her onscreen 'jaanu' Aditya were bonding at the 30 years of Mahesh Bhatt's Vishesh Films celebration, which left Farhan fuming. A source is quoted as saying, "Farhan was pretty upset with Aditya and things took a wrong turn from there. As soon as Shraddha got a wind of it, she jumped in to control the damage. In fact, she is at Farhan's residence sorting out the issue as we speak."Shraddha was clicked outside Farhan's house on Tuesday evening.According to the report, Aditya's car was also spotted few steps ahead of Farhan's residence.

Vani Vivek

23 Jun 2017,Friday

Google Maps is not authenticated, says Indian government

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/technology/story/google-maps-are-not-authenticated-and-unrealiable-says-government-of-india/1/985629.html

Surveyor General of India Swarna Subba Rao on Thursday said that Google Maps is "not authenticated" by the government and unfit for high-end applications. Rao claimed that the service is widely used by consumers to find just "restaurants and parks", and the government doesn't rely on it. A new initiative by Survey of India makes its maps accessible to Indians.

India's mapping and survey organisation Survey of India (SoI) on Thursday said that Google Maps is "not authenticated" and "un-approved" by the government, and hence not fit for high-end applications.Speaking at a programme here, Surveyor General of India Swarna Subba Rao said the Google Maps is used by low-end applications with a confined accuracy, while the Survey of India maps are used for high-engineering applications."If you talk about the authentication, the Google Maps is not authenticated. It hasn't been produced by the government, so they aren't authenticated," Rao said at a programme on the occasion of 250th anniversary of the Survey of India.Also Read: Google Maps update brings real-time location sharing with friends, familyHe further said: "If you are using Google Maps to reach a restaurant or park, even if you reach 50 meters close to that place, you are happy. But when we have to put a new railway line or a make canals, that is where our topographic maps come in, when you require very accurate, engineering quality data."A senior Survey of India official told IANS, the government did not have control over the information that applications like Google Maps or Google Earth -- 3D geographical information systems -- put in the public domain."There should be some controls, but the fact is that government doesn't have any restrictions or control over the applications like Google Earth or Maps," he said.

Abhishek Bansal

18 Mar 2017,Saturday

Chain snatchers flee with IAS officer's gold chain in Ajmer

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/chain-snatchers-ias-officer-ajmer-gold-chain/1/907068.html

Snehlata Panwar, an IAS officer posted in Ajmer district in Rajasthan, became the victim of two chain snatchers on Saturday. "A boy came from behind and snapped at my neck. The moment I looked behind, he had fled away after breaking the chain," the officer said. The police is scanning through CCTV footage, according to reports.

It was Snehlata Panwar, an IAS officer, posted in Ajmer district, who became the victim when two chain snatchers on bike targeted her early this morning. One of the snatchers, who came from behind, pulled her gold chain. Thereafter, the duo fled from there. The police is scanning through CCTV footage which has visuals of the IAS officer and the men on bike.Also Read || Rajasthan: Leopard attack causes another death in Sariska Forest Reserve || "I was walking there. A boy came from behind and snapped at my neck. The moment I looked behind, he had fled away after breaking the chain. My chain was of around 1.5 tola (16 gm approximately). There was no police personnel present in the morning. We are watching the CCTV footage in a house," says Snehlata Panwar, Director, Ayurveda.Later, another attempt at chain snatching, suspected to be by the same duo, was made.

Tarun Khanna

28 Apr 2017,Friday

Kejriwal?s stand on surgical strikes was wrong: Vishwas

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/aam-aadmi-party-kumar-vishwas-arvind-kejriwal/1/940513.html

Senior AAP leader Kumar Vishwas, in an interview, has said party?s Convenor Arvind Kejriwal's stand on surgical strike was wrong and he shouldn't have attacked the Prime Minister. "Blaming EVMs isn't good. That can be a factor but we failed to reach out to the voters and volunteers," he said. Ticket distribution during Punjab election was wrongly done, he added.

It is a civil war that has broken out in the Aam Aadmi Party. The ominous signs were there since the loss in the Delhi municipal elections. AAP leaders Alka Lamba, Kapil Mishra and a few others differed with the official spokesperson's line of blaming the electronic voting machines for the electoral defeat.Now, AAP PAC member Kumar Vishwas has launched an offensive against the top leadership of the party. Kumar Vishwas has hit out at Delhi Chief Minister and AAP convener Arvind Kejriwal over a range of issues.Speaking to India Today, Kumar Vishwas questioned Arvind Kejriwal's defence of AAP's loss in Punjab, Rajouri Assembly by-poll in Delhi and the MCD elections.Kumar Vishwas said that the party needs 'radical reforms'. The question of change of leadership will also be discussed in the party, Vishwas told India Today.

Shubhodeep Datta

05 May 2017,Friday

Delhi HC allows use of WhatsApp in court proceedings

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/technology/story/delhi-high-court-allows-service-of-summons-via-whatsapp-email/1/946290.html

The Delhi High Court has allowed the use of the social media platform WhatsApp and email in judicial proceedings to issue summons. Recently, the Bombay High Court had served summons through WhatsApp. The court ruled this while hearing a case filed by Tata Sons alleging that unidentified email IDs were used to circulate 'defamatory allegations' against one of its officials.

The Delhi High Court has allowed the use of social network like WhatsApp and email in judicial proceedings. Justice Rajiv Sahai Endlaw has allowed the plaintiff to serve the summons on one of the defendants through WhatsApp, text message and email."The plaintiffs are permitted to serve the defendant... by text message as well as through WhatsApp as well as by email and to file affidavit of the service," the court said.The court was hearing a case filed by Tata Sons alleging that 35 unidentified email ids were being used since December, 2015 to circulate "unwarranted, defamatory and baseless allegations questioning the integrity and educational qualification" of one of its officials.Also Read: WhatsApp stopped working for hours while you were sleepingThree Internet service providers (ISPs) were also made parties to the suit.

Chhavi Tyagi

10 Mar 2017,Friday

Kejriwal is a cunning, ambitious fraud like Modi: Katju

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/markandey-katju-arvind-kejriwal-narendra-modi/1/901373.html

Slamming Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal and PM Narendra Modi, retired Supreme Court judge Markandey Katju said, "Kejriwal is a cunning ambitious fraud with nothing in his head, and no different from that fraud Modi." He further said, "Many people are still under illusions about him (Kejriwal), but the time will come when their eyes will be opened to the truth."

Launching a scathing attack on Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, retired Supreme Court judge Markandey Katju called him a "cunning ambitious fraud" and compared him with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, calling both the leaders frauds. "Kejriwal is a cunning ambitious fraud with nothing in his head, and no different from that fraud Modi. Many people are still under illusions about him, but the time will come when their eyes will be opened to the truth," Katju tweeted on Thursday.Kejriwal is a cunning ambitious fraud with nothing in his head, and no different from that fraud Modi. Many people are still under illusionsThat was not all. Katju also logged on to Facebook to rant more on issues like the Triple Talaq debate and the use of burqa by Muslim women. "I support abolition of oral talaq and burqa, and enactment of a uniform civil code, as I believe that will benefit Muslims. But Kejriwal will never do that, as he fears he will lose Muslim votes if he does so. He will rush to Dadri and do such other drama to get support of Muslims. But I do not want Muslim votes. I will raise my voice against any atrocity on Muslims, but I will condemn the stupid, feudal and outdated customs and practices of many Muslims, just as I will condemn stupid, feudal and outdated practices of many Hindus, e.g. caste system and looking down on dalits," Katju posted on Facebook. This is not the first time Katju, with a reputation for shooting his mouth off, has attacked Kejriwal.

Prashanti Moktan

26 May 2017,Friday

Pic shows SRK with son Aryan and Saif's daughter Sara

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/sara-ali-khan-aryan-khan-srk-karan-johar-birthday-bash-viral-photo/1/963536.html

A picture of actor Shah Rukh Khan with his son Aryan Khan and Saif Ali Khan's daughter Sara Ali Khan from Karan Johar's 45th birthday party has emerged online. Sara is reportedly set to make her acting debut in Bollywood under Johar's banner Dharma Productions. Earlier, there were also reports that Sara will make her Bollywood debut with Aryan.

This picture of Shah Rukh Khan's son Aryan Khan with Sara Ali Khan makes us want to see them on 70mm ASAP. When the entire B-Town was busy partying with birthday boy Karan Johar at his house, these star kids too had their share of fun. Sara, who is set to make her Bollywood debut under KJo's Dharma Productions, had the company of Aryan and Shah Rukh at the party. While Sara has often been spotted with other star kids, it is for the first time that a picture of her with Aryan has surfaced on social media. With SRK in the picture too, it seems King Khan managed to have broken the ice between Aryan and Sara.  And seeing Aryan and Sara in one frame has upped our expectations of them sharing the screen space some time in near future. Earlier there were rumours that Sara will make her Bollywood debut with Aryan. But that doesn't seem to be the case anymore. But with this new development, this might happen very soon.

Pragya Swastik

30 Dec 2016,Friday

Demonetisation based on 'Tu daal-daal, main paat-paat': PM

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/exclusive-pm-narendra-modi-newsmaker-of-the-year-first-since-demonetisation/1/845526.html

In his first interview since Demonetisation, PM Narendra Modi said that the move's strategy can be aptly summarised by the age-old saying of 'Tu daal-daal, main paat-paat' which means staying a step ahead of the enemy. "The decision of demonetisation, which reflects our Niti (policy), is unequivocally clear, unwavering and categorical," he added.

While the jury is still out on whether or not demonetisation was a gamechanger for India's economy, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has shrugged off all criticisms of his drive as it completed 50 turbulent days this week.READ FULL INDIA TODAY MAGAZINE INTERVIEW HERE Prime Minister Modi told India Today Group Editorial Director Raj Chengappa, "Black money has all been forced out into the open, whomsoever it may belong to-whether it is corrupt politicians, bureaucrats, businessmen or professionals. Counterfeit notes, which our intelligence agencies had reported to be available in high volumes with our enemies, have been instantly neutralised. The media has extensively reported on districts famous as counterfeiting hubs being badly hit. Similarly, cash held by terrorists, Maoists and other extremists has also been neutralised. There has been a crippling impact on dangerous and highly damaging illegal activities, such as human trafficking, and the narcotics trade as well."In an exclusive - and his first since November 8 when he announced the banning of Rs 500 and Rs 1000 notes - interview to India Today magazine, Modi said demonetisation has forced all "black money out into the open" and claimed the decision was taken "not for some short-term windfall gain, but for a long-term structural transformation"."You must understand that we took the decision on demonetisation not for some short-term windfall gain, but for a long-term structural transformation. Our objective clearly was to clean our economy and society of the menace of black money, purging the distrust, artificial pressures and other ills that came with it," he said.The full interview is published in this week's India Today magazine. On stands now. ALSO READ: Not elected to cut ribbon but act against black money: 10 takeaways from Modi's speech in Uttarakhand

Dishant Sharma

12 Feb 2017,Sunday

Ashwin thinks like a batsman while bowling: Pujara

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/ravichandran-ashwin-ravichandran-ashwin-india-vs-bangladesh/1/881138.html

Indian cricketer Cheteshwar Pujara feels that Ravichandran Ashwin "thinks like a batsman", which makes him such a dangerous bowler. "The kind of brain he has, he thinks as a batsman, what are his weaknesses and areas he needs to bowl. I think it's his experience that makes him one of the strike bowlers in this team," Pujara said.

India batsman Cheteshwar Pujara feels that what makes Ravichandran Ashwin such a cerebral bowler is the fact that he "thinks like a batsman" and is expected to play a key role with cracks in the pitch opening up and increase in the turn on offer. (SCORECARD)Ashwin, who completed a milestone of fastest 250 Test wickets, bowled much better in the second innings which Pujara attributed to a different role of a "restrictive bowler" that he essayed in the first innings of Bangladesh. (One-off Test: Bangladesh left with 7 wickets to survive after Ashwin, Jadeja strike)"Probably, he (Ashwin) is the toughest spinner when it comes to any opposition team. The teams now plan on how they are going to face Ashwin. I would like to congratulate him for reaching 250 wickets. The kind of brain he has, he thinks as a batsman, what are his weaknesses and areas he needs to bowl. I think it's his experience that makes him one of the strike bowlers in this team," Pujara said after stumps on day four of the one-off Test here. (Good to have 250 Test wickets record out of the way: Ravichandran Ashwin)In the first innings, Ashwin went for nearly 100 runs getting two wickets but Pujara said that he was given a restrictive role. (DAY 4 HIGHLIGHTS)"He (Ashwin) understands that there are situations where he has to bowl tightly. If you look at first innings, he tried his best. He bowled to a plan. There might be some occasions, he can't get wickets. But that's the best part about this Indian team. We bowl as a unit, we bowl in partnerships, most of the times. Ashwin is the one who takes wickets and Jadeja plays the role of a holding batsman. Sometimes Ashwin has to play the role of holding the batsman and he did that in the first innings."Pujara said that the wicket is now offering turn which they expected from third day onwards.

Radhika Chugh

24 Jul 2017,Monday

Ganesh mandals in Mumbai oppose Silence Zones

http://www.hindustantimes.com/mumbai-news/ganesh-mandals-in-mumbai-want-silence-zones-gone/story-s9nTwuiFL2qFUdk7utEVkO.html?utm_source=inshorts&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=fullarticle

Ganesh mandals across Mumbai have been demanding that noise norms in Silent Zones of the city should be relaxed for Ganeshotsav. Silent Zones are areas within 100 metres of hospitals, courts, educational or religious institutions where noise levels must not exceed 45 decibels. Notably, the state government has also asked for relaxation of Silence Zones norms ahead of the festival.

Demands from mandals to do away with silence zones are growing louder across the city. The Brihanmumbai Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Samanvay Samiti (BSGSS), the umbrella body of Ganesh mandals, has asked mandals to speak to MPs and MLAs in their constituencies to push the Centre to abolish silence zones, as an amendment to the noise rules. BSGSS? decision comes a day after HT reported the state asked the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change to remove the concept of silence zones from the Noise Pollution (Control and Regulation) Rules, 2000, ahead of this year?s festivals.Silence zones are areas within a 100m radius of hospitals, courts, educational or religious institutions where noise levels must not exceed 45 decibels (dB) and 40dB during the day and night. There are 1,537 silence zones in the city.BSGSS members told HT they welcomed the state government?s move and that they will ensure this year?s festivals don?t have as many restrictions as those in previous years. ?We are happy CM Fadnavis kept his promise to relax noise norms for Ganeshotsav. We are not against anti-noise campaigners; we just want to celebrate the festival with all the fervour it deserves,? said Naresh Dahibhavkar, president, BSGSS. ?These rules affect our daily aarti (prayers),? he said. Dahibhavkar said Ganesh mandals in the state were told to reach out MPs and MLAs as the Centre needs to be ?pressurised for the amendment to happen?. ?If the silence zone rule is not abolished, we will ask the state government to do away the zones through a notification, for the 10 days of the festival,? said Dahibhavkar. Noise rules have been blatantly violated in Mumbai over the years. Last year, noise levels during Ganpati reached 116.4 dB. In 2015, noise levels reached 123.7 dB (as loud as a thunderclap). The WHO has said long-term exposure to noise levels between 85db and 90db leads to hearing loss.Anti-noise campaigners were shocked with the state?s decision and the mandals? demand. ?The state, through its actions, is inciting mandals to cause grievous harm to citizens,? said Sumaira Abdulali, convener, Awaaz Foundation. ?Instead of encouraging mandals to obey the law, respect the health and rights of others, the state is leading them in harming patients, the elderly.?After the state?s decision, Yeshwant Oke, the activist who registered the first noise pollution case in Mumbai in the HC, started an online petition that has already got 350 signatures.

Pragya Swastik

03 May 2017,Wednesday

MakeMyTrip to raise ?2,115 crore via share sale

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/makemytrip-to-raise-$330-mn-via-share-sale/1/944356.html

Online travel firm MakeMyTrip on Wednesday said it will raise $330 million (over ?2,115 crore) through share sale to investors as well as to Nasdaq-listed Ctrip and Naspers arm MIH Internet. The closing of placement and the transactions with Ctrip and MIH is likely to happen on or around May 5 this year. In 2016, MakeMyTrip bought rival ibibo Group.

Daisy Mowke

19 May 2017,Friday

First look of Big B, Rishi Kapoor from upcoming film out

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/102-not-out-amitabh-bachchan-rishi-kapoor/1/957691.html

The first look of Amitabh Bachchan and Rishi Kapoor from the upcoming comedy film '102 Not Out' has been unveiled. Amitabh will be seen playing a 102-year-old man while Rishi will play his 75-year-old son in the film. It will revolve around Bachchan's character who is trying to break the record of being the oldest man alive in the world.

Amitabh Bachchan plays a 102-year-old man while Rishi Kapoor stars as his 75-year-old son in the upcoming comedy 102 Not Out. The first look of 102 Not Out hit the internet today and it looks pretty interesting.Based on the Gujarati play of the same name by writer Saumya Joshi, 102 Not Out revolves around Amitabh Bachchan's character who is trying to break the record of being the oldest man alive in the world, a record held in the film by a Chinese man.102 Not Out is directed by Umesh Shukla who previously directed the hit comedy Oh My God. AR Rahman is on music-composing duties.Amitabh Bachchan, of late, has played a series of old, eccentric men. Just last year, he played a grieving grandfather in Te3n and the year before, he played a cantankerous father with a gastric problem in Piku which earned him a National Film Award for Best Actor.

Gaurav Shroff

06 Jun 2017,Tuesday

What did ISRO launch on India's heaviest rocket GSLV MK-III?

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/gsat-19-gslv-mk-iii-communication-satellite-monster-rocket-launch/1/970676.html

ISRO launched India's heaviest and most powerful rocket GSLV MK-III on Monday, also carrying GSAT-19, the heaviest satellite launched by an Indian rocket. The 3,136-kg communications satellite is the first to be powered by indigenous Lithium-ion batteries and can be the first to provide "Internet services using a space-based platform". It will also help study space radiation effects on satellites.

India is all set to launch communication satellite GSAT-19 into space today using a monster rocket. The satellite launch vehicle--the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mark-III (GSLV Mk-III)--is the heaviest rocket till date. Its weight is equal to that of five fully-loaded Boeing Jumbo Jets or as much as 200 fully grown elephants. "All activities for our GSLV-Mark III launch tomorrow are going on in Sriharikota, expecting launch at 5:28 pm," said AS Kiran Kumar, chairman of Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on Sunday.The ISRO chairman called the launch an important event as it will help India put communication satellites into space from its own soil.The GSAT-19's successful launch will pave the way for the launch of GSAT-11--a heavier communication satellite--into the space in the near future.(Inputs from PTI)ALSO READ:From 3 satellites in one launch to 104: All you need to know about ISRO's historic PSLV rocket 

Chhavi Tyagi

24 Jan 2017,Tuesday

Will go to jail if buffalo race ban isn't lifted: K'taka MLA

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/kambala-protest-jallikattu-protest-bull-taming-sport-karnataka/1/865612.html

Demanding revocation of ban on Kambala buffalo race, Karnataka MLA Abhaya Chandra Jain said, "It's my duty to support kambala. For the sake of public, I'm ready to go to jail." He further said, "Kambala is our tulunadu culture, if Centre can give opportunity to Jallikattu, this is a question of our tulunadu and we are very particular about Kambala."

As the clamour for ban on jallikattu to be lifted increases, Karnataka too has joined the protest bandwagon demanding ban on kambala be revoked.Supporters of kambala which is a traditional sport played by people from coastal Karnataka have said that they are ready to go to jail to lift the ban on kambala.Many of the animal rights groups have compared kambala to jallikattu and that led to the Supreme Court banning both the bull-taming sports earlier.Also Read: After jallikattu, Mangaluru braces to protest against ban on buffalo racing event Kambala

Shubhodeep Datta

13 Dec 2016,Tuesday

SDMC to hire monkey catchers on contract for ?18k salary

http://www.hindustantimes.com/delhi/delhi-south-corporation-to-hire-monkey-catchers-on-contract/story-LvdIdDnsFxEWjDCey0nyDJ.html

The South Delhi Municipal Corporation (SDMC) is planning to hire monkey catchers on a contract basis for a monthly salary of ?18,000, a senior SDMC official has said. Currently, the civic agency has only one staff for the job and due to manpower shortage, only 15 monkeys were caught in last year, an official added.

Struggling to find people willing to work as monkey catchers, the South Delhi Municipal Corporation has decided to hire them on contract. At present, the civic agency has only one staff for catching and relocating hundreds of monkeys roaming in 104 wards. Due to manpower shortage, it could catch only 15 monkeys in the last one year, said an SDMC official. Now, the corporation proposes to pay them a regular salary, even if they don?t catch any monkey. So far, SDMC pays Rs1,200 for catching and relocation of one monkey.?We are waiting for the financial approval and possibly by next week we will start the tendering process for hiring monkey catchers at a monthly salary of ?18,000. That?s the last thing we can do to attract monkey catchers,? said a senior SDMC official. For the past three years, the corporation has written letters to the state governments asking for help in procuring services of monkey catchers. ?We wrote to different states corporations such as Haryana, UP, HP and Andhra Pradesh for providing monkey catchers but failed to get any reply,? said RBS Tyagi, director veterinary department, SDMC.According to him, there are multiple reasons responsible for existing shortage of workforce.?The monkeys are protected under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. They are looked after by the wildlife department after they?re relocated at the Asola Bhatti Mines Sanctuary. So ideally it should be the department?s responsibility to catch the monkeys,? said Tyagi.The SDMC claimed it shared the facts with the wildlife department and but didn?t get any reply. ?Except for Rajasthan, no other state corporations are catching monkeys,? said a senior SDMC official. SDMC will soon file an affidavit in the Delhi high court, asking that the responsibility of catching and relocating monkeys be shifted to the Delhi government?s wildlife department.Officials said that the monkeys that are relocated to the forest of Asola Bhatti mines are coming back to the residential areas in search of food. ?We have received complaints from neighbouring schools, dispensaries and residential areas about simians coming in groups to steal food from people?s houses and attack them. But we are helpless,? said a senior official. Besides, the animal lovers also add to the problem by filing police complaints against corporations and monkey catchers when the simians are caught in ones and twos, not troops.?Such an incident happened in Nizamuddin and our staff was harassed unnecessarily. In fact, it is a major reason why monkey catchers don?t want to work in Delhi,? said an official.

Aditi Verma

01 Aug 2017,Tuesday

Paytm to launch own messaging service: Reports

http://www.hindustantimes.com/tech/paytm-plans-to-launch-messaging-service-to-rival-whatsapp/story-GB6GKUskAYZndImrCjvnPJ.html?utm_source=inshorts&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=fullarticle

Digital payments startup Paytm is planning to launch its own messaging service by the end of August, according to reports. The chat platform, which will allow users to send videos, audios, pictures, and texts, will reportedly be embedded in Paytm's current app. The new service by SoftBank and Alibaba-backed Paytm is expected to rival WhatsApp.

Leading digital payments firm Paytm plans to launch a messaging service to rival Facebook Inc?s WhatsApp by the end of August, a source familiar with the matter said on Tuesday.SoftBank and Alibaba-backed Paytm is seeking to attract people in India to use the new messaging service embedded in its app, which many already use to buy everything from food to plane tickets.Paytm?s messaging service will allow users to send audio, video and pictures and texts, the source, who declined to be named, said.Paytm currently has more than 225 million users.Earlier this year, another home grown messaging platform Hike rolled out an in-app electronic payments service to cash in on rising digital transactions in India.E-payments in India surged after the country banned old high-value currency notes late last year. Firms like Paytm have since rapidly increased their market share. Digital payments in India would jump nearly 10 times to $500 billion by 2020, according to a 2016 report by Boston Consulting Group.WhatsApp itself has been looking at moving into digital payment services in India.The Wall Street Journal on Tuesday was first to report Paytm?s plan to launch a messaging service. Paytm did not respond to an email seeking comment while WhatsApp was not immediately reachable for comment.

Prashanti Moktan

08 Jun 2017,Thursday

Disha shares pics with rumoured boyfriend Tiger's sister

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/disha-patani-boyfriend-tiger-shroff-sister-krishna-photos/1/973569.html

Actress Disha Patani has shared pictures on Instagram with her rumoured boyfriend Tiger Shroff's sister Krishna. Disha captioned the photo series, "The Vella effect". She can be seen posing with Krishna using different filters, including ones that give them turbans, saris and even the head accessory that the film character Wonder Woman is seen wearing.

Reams of newsprint have been devoted to Tiger Shroff and Disha Patani's rumoured relationship, even though the two actors have vehemently denied such reports. Link-up rumours have not deterred them from hanging out with each other, though, and Disha is even bonding with Tiger's family.Disha took to Instagram to share photos of herself goofing around with Tiger's sister, Krishna Shroff, and captioned it, "The Vella effect." If the pictures are anything to go by, Disha is already a favourite of her rumoured boyfriend's family.The Vella effect @kishushroff ð???ð???ð???â?¤ï¸?ð??¯ð???ð??»ð???ð???ð???ð???ð???A post shared by disha patani (paatni) (@dishapatani) on Jun 5, 2017 at 6:17am PDTThe alleged couple first sparked rumours of being in a relationship when they appeared together in the music video of Befikra. Tiger and Disha's sizzling chemistry was loved by fans, and soon, they were linked together.On the work front, Tiger is gearing up for the release of Munna Michael, where he will play a young man from the streets who loves dancing and idolises the King of Pop and dancer par excellence, Michael Jackson. He has also signed the official Hindi remake of Rambo, where he will step into Sylvester Stallone's shoes. Tiger will also romance Disha in Baaghi 2.ALSO READ: Tiger Shroff annoyed with rumoured girlfriend Disha Patani's possessiveness?

Tanya Dhingra

21 Jul 2017,Friday

6 more songs are ready: RJ Malishka post row on pothole song

http://www.hindustantimes.com/mumbai-news/rj-malishka-hits-back-at-bmc-tweets-she-has-six-more-songs-ready/story-mcuWgeuvq4HohE08c7JOuJ.html?utm_source=inshorts&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=fullarticle

RJ Malishka, following the criticism by Yuva Sena leaders on her pothole song, tweeted that she has composed six more songs. The leaders wanted Mumbai's civic body BMC to file a ?500 crore defamation case against her for maligning the civic body's image. BMC also sent a notice to Malishka's mother over breeding of dengue mosquitoes at her Mumbai home.

Radio jockey Malishka Mendonsa, who is at the centre of a very public battle with the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) after featuring in a music video for an FM channel mocking the civic body?s ill-preparedness this monsoon, hit back in a rather cheeky way on Thursday. Malishka tweeted she is ready with six more songs. She further wrote, ?I am a rapper now. Also a breeder apparently.? The ?breeder? comment referred to the BMC sending a notice to the RJ?s mother on Wednesday for ?breeding dengue? at the Bandra flat, days after Malishka?s video went viral. The video, ?Mumbai, tula BMC var bharavsa nahi ka?? (Mumbai, don?t you trust BMC?) went viral on social media inviting the BMC and Sena?s ire. Malishka thanked Mumbaiites on Twitter for their support. She also received support from activists like Shailesh Gandhi. He tweeted, ?Support Malishka against BMC harassment for singing the truth. Upload your own videos.? Another activist from Bandra, Dolphy D?Souza, said there should be no punitive action against Malishka. He said, ?Instead of taking corrective measures, the BMC is shooting the messenger.? Hashtags like Mumbai with Malishka, I support RJ Malishka and Pothole rap continued to trend on the social-networking website.The Sambhaji brigade also expressed its support for the RJ along with Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Anjali Damania. Damania tweeted, ?Malishka every word you said comes from Mumbaikar?s heart. Thanks for having the spine to stand against Shiv Sena and BJP.? BMC officials, however, continued to say the notice was a part of a routine exercise. ?We have surveyed more than 60 lakh houses in the past six months. How will we know it was Malishka?s residence??said a civic official. Meanwhile, the radio channel released another video on Thursday stating Delhi and Mumbai face similar problems. The song ?Sonu, tula RJ var bharavsa nahi ka?? is similar to Malishka?s video released last week.

Chhavi Tyagi

13 Jul 2017,Thursday

Minister's car attacked, buildings damaged over Gorkhaland

http://www.hindustantimes.com/kolkata/gorkhaland-protesters-attack-minister-s-car-vandalise-buildings-award-wapsi-begins/story-iC2OuQ7UguYW1tUoRdUGHI.html?utm_source=inshorts&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=fullarticle

Pro-Gorkhaland protestors on Thursday attacked West Bengal Tourism Minister Gautam Deb's car as the agitation for a separate state entered its 29th day. Further, several government properties were vandalised in Darjeeling and the Minister claimed that the Centre was encouraging such incidents. However, the protestors denied involvement in cases of vandalism and demanded a CBI probe.

Protesters attacked the car of West Bengal tourism minister Gautam Deb near Mirik on Thursday, the 29th day of Gorkhaland bandh, forcing him to take shelter in army barracks.The incident happened at Panaghatta in the morning when he was returning from a function to celebrate the birth anniversary of Nepali poet, Bhanubhakta Acharya. In Darjeeling, a few recipients returned awards received from the state government to protest the government?s stand on Gorkhaland while on Wednesday night, agitators set afire government properties in the hills, including toy train station.Among those who returned the awards were Krishna Singh Moktan, former IG?(prison), who got Banga Ratna award in 2014, Nepali musician Karma Yonzen, who was awarded Sangeet Ratna in 2016, and educationist Prabhat Pradhan, recipient of Sikkha Ratna in 2015.Moktan told HT they were returning the awards to express solidarity with the Gorkhaland movement.Gorkhaland supporters have appealed to Gorkha recipients of state awards to return the same on Thursday, the birth anniversary of Bhanubhakta Acharya, on which GMCC is observing as Gorkha unity day.According to district police sources, protesters blocked a road using stones to stop Deb?s vehicle and escort car, following which they started throwing stones at the car while some rushed towards the car with khukris (traditional knife used by Gorkhas).?The minister?s security personnel somehow rescued him and he took shelter in a nearby army barrack,? said a district police official. The minister?s car as well as a police vehicle was damaged.?This is not a democratic movement. The Union government is encouraging such vandalism instead of reacting positively to state government?s plea for additional deployment of army personnel in the hills. But we are not scared,? Deb told the media.On Wednesday night, protesters continued to vandalise government properties in the hills, including the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA) information centre near Darjeeling?s Chowrasta, Darjeeling Himalayan railway station at Ghayabari, offices of Limbu and Tamang development boards in Kalimpong and the panchayat office near Mirik and revenue inspector?s office at Sukna.GJM leaders denied involvement of their activists in these acts of vandalism and demanded a CBI probe to find the real culprits.The Gorkhaland Movement Coordination Committee (GMCC) formed by 15 hill political parties and organisations on Tuesday has decided to intensify the movement.

Radhika Chugh

25 Jul 2017,Tuesday

Gurugram engineering student jumps to death from 11th floor

http://www.hindustantimes.com/gurgaon/gurgaon-engineering-student-jumps-to-death-from-11th-floor-of-uniworld-city-building/story-GKR5GY4UK2xRFnRcadcaUN.html?utm_source=inshorts&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=fullarticle

A 22-year-old engineering student allegedly committed suicide by jumping off the terrace of the 11-storey Uniworld City building in Gurugram on Friday evening. Police officials said they did not find a suicide note and added that his body was handed over to his family after post-mortem. Reports suggested that the victim suffered from depression.

A 22-year-old engineering student allegedly committed suicide by jumping off the 11th floor of Uniworld City building in Sector 30 at 5.10pm on Friday.The student, identified as Manuj Mehta, used to live with his parents on the third floor of the upscale society and was in the third semester of his engineering course at Northcap University, formerly known as ITM University, in Sector 23A.According to neighbours, Manuj suffered from depression and seemed disturbed for the last few days. However, the reason for his condition is not known yet. Police said he did not leave behind any suicide note.On Friday evening, the society?s guard heard a loud sound and rushed to the spot, where he found the body lying on the ground. He raised the alarm and others too reached to the spot.An officer from the Uniworld City administration said the guard informed their office. ?We called his parents and also informed the police regarding the incident. Everyone was scared and his mother was in a state of shock. It is a critical time for the family,? said a member of the administrative staff.Police said they rushed the victim to the hospital, where he was declared brought dead. His body was handed over to his kin at 11:30am on Saturday after a post-mortem examination, police added.Manuj lived in the society with his mother and stepfather, said a member of the society?s office.Read I Actor suicide in Gurgaon: Bidisha?s husband produced in court, taken on police remand for a dayDeputy commissioner of police (DCP) east, Deepak Saharan, said the incident is being probed from all angles. ?We have asked the victim?s biological father to join the investigation. It will help us get more information,? he said.According to the police, the investigation is being carried out under Section 174 of the Indian Penal Code.?We are investigating the matter and will also get more inputs from his mother and father. As per the initial investigation, it seems like a suicide,? said sub-inspector Narender Kumar of Sector 40 police station.

Sumedha Sehra

26 Jul 2017,Wednesday

RBI stops printing ?2,000 notes: Reports

http://www.hindustantimes.com/business-news/rbi-stops-printing-rs-2000-notes-focus-turns-to-new-rs-200-notes/story-kijiPYAtTj1i6hsFjhvWaK.html?utm_source=inshorts&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=fullarticle

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) had stopped printing the ?2,000 currency notes about five months ago and has started printing the smaller denomination ?200 notes, people familiar with the matter said. They also added that around a billion new ?200 notes are expected to be in circulation next month and, no more ?2,000 notes will be printed this fiscal.

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) stopped printing 2,000-rupee notes about five months ago, stepping up instead the production of smaller bills, including a new Rs 200, people familiar with the matter said on Tuesday.The central bank is also unlikely to print more 2000-rupee notes in the current financial year, they said on condition of anonymity.The government brought in the 2000-rupee note to quickly tide over a cash crunch from demonetisation, but fewer lower-value currency in circulation meant people struggled to change the big denomination bill.The RBI?s focus now on printing small bills is aimed at bridging that gap.About 3.7 billion 2,000-rupee notes amounting to Rs 7.4 trillion have been printed, said one of the people cited above. That more than compensates for the 6.3 billion 1,000-rupee bills withdrawn from November 8.?Most of the printing that?s being done, about 90% is only 500-rupee notes. Nearly 14 billion pieces of new 500-rupee notes have been printed so far,? one of the people cited above said.That is also close to the 15.7 billion of old 500-rupee notes (amounting to Rs7.85 trillion) withdrawn from circulation after November 8.Not all the new notes printed so far have been released into circulation by the central bank.RBI data shows that currency in circulation stood at Rs 15.22 trillion as on 14 July, eight months after demonetisation. This is about 86% of the Rs 17.7 trillion that was in circulation on November 4.Separately, the RBI?s Mysore press has also started printing the new 200-rupee bills, which are likely to come into circulation next month, according to a second person.?Initially, around a billion 200-rupee notes are expected to hit the market,? this person added.The central bank did not respond to an email seeking comment.The new batches of 500-rupee notes are expected to ease the shortage of 2,000-rupee notes in circulation that is being reported in certain parts of the country.?The cash crunch which existed till two months ago has now eased with RBI increasing supply of 500-rupee notes over the last 40 days,? said Neeraj Vyas, deputy managing director, State Bank of India (SBI).?But we have also seen a sharp drop in the supply of 2,000-rupee notes during this period.?A July 19 report from SBI?s economic research wing showed that cash on hand with banks is high at 5.4% of currency in circulation compared with 3.8% pre-demonetisation. This shows that there is excess cash lying in ATMs or bank branches, most of which could mostly be 2,000-rupee notes, concluded the report.?Although we haven?t seen any drop in supply of 2,000-rupee notes, we expect it to be moved out of ATMs once 200-rupee notes hit the market,? said Radha Rama Dorai, country head, ATM and allied services, at ATM service provider FIS.(Additional reporting by Mahua Venkatesh)

Abhishek Bansal

31 May 2017,Wednesday

Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose died in 1945 plane crash: Govt

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/netaji-subhash-chandra-bose-died-in-plane-crash-says-modi-government/1/967073.html

Responding to an RTI query on Subhash Chandra Bose, the Central government has said Netaji died in a plane crash in 1945. The Ministry of Home Affairs further clarified that man named Gumnamibaba or Bhagwanji, who was rumoured to be Bose reportedly living incognito in Uttar Pradesh till 1985, was not the nationalist leader himself.

In a reply to an RTI query on Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, the Narendra Modi government said that Netaji died in a plane crash. "After considering the reports of Shah Nawaz Committee, Justice G D Khosla Commission and Justice Mukherjee Commission of Enquiry, the government has come to the conclusion that Netaji died in the plane crash on 18.08.1945," the Ministry of Home Affairs replied. BOSE FAMILY NOT PLEASEDNetaji's family has hit out at the Narendra Modi government for the RTI reply. "This is highly irresponsible... How can the Centre give such a reply at a time when the matter is still pending," said Chandra Kumar Bose, Netaji's grand nephew and a BJP leader ."I am a Bose family member first and then a BJP leader... Our first priority is to solve the Netaji mystery," said Chandra Kumar Bose and demanded an apology from the Ministry of Home Affairs for "such an irresponsible act"."We demand an SIT be constituted which can study the declassified files and give a conclusive scientific report on what exactly happened to Netaji," he said. WHAT DID THE MHA SAY?The Right to Information (RTI) application was filed by one Sayak Sen in April wherein he asked if there was any information available with the government on Gumnamibaba or Bhagwanji who lived incognito in Uttar Pradesh till 1985 and was rumoured to be Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose. To this, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) replied: "Some information about Gumnami Baba and Bhagwanji is available in the Mukherjee Commission report on pg-114-122. This report is available at mha.nic.in. Mukherjee Commission had come to the conclusion that Gumnami Baba/Bhagwanji was not Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose".The RTI applicant also asked how many files on Netaji have been declassified by the ministry. The MHA said that it has declassified all the available (37) files relating to Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose.The RTI application asked if the government has any information regarding the whereabouts of Netaji post August 18, 1945. Replying to the query, the MHA said that after considering the reports of various commissions, the government has arrived at the conclusion that Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose died in a plane crash on August 18, 1945.ALSO READ:Exclusive: Seeking an end to Netaji mystery, Bose family goes on the offensive against Modi government

Yash Kumar

13 Dec 2016,Tuesday

Wonder Woman loses job as UN ambassador

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/dec/12/wonder-woman-un-ambassador-gender-equality?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other

DC Comics character Wonder Woman will be removed from her position as an honorary UN ambassador for women empowerment on Friday, following protests over her appointment two months ago. UN staff members protested over her "overtly sexualized image" and slammed the UN's inability to "find a real-life woman" who would champion the rights of women on issues of gender equality.

The UN has dropped the superhero Wonder Woman as an ambassador for empowering girls and women after a brief stint that drew widespread criticism.The campaign around the comic book character, who turned 75 this autumn, lasted for less than two months. Among its key aims were challenging female stereotypes and fighting discrimination and violence against women and girls.But the appointment prompted an angry backlash from some quarters. More than 44,000 people signed a petition that claimed to have been started by ?concerned United Nations staff members? which called on the UN secretary general, Ban Ki-moon, to appoint a non-fictional woman to the role.?It is alarming that the United Nations would consider using a character with an overtly sexualised image at a time when the headline news in United States and the world is the objectification of women and girls,? the petition?s authors wrote.Her scanty clothing ? ?a shimmery, thigh-baring bodysuit with an American flag motif and knee-high boots? ? meant that deploying her as a role model for the UN was culturally insensitive in many parts of the world, the petition added.Wonder Woman?s tenure as an honorary ambassador was launched on 21 October with an event that saw a silent protest by audience members who turned their backs on the panel, which included current and former Wonder Woman actors Gal Gadot and Lynda Carter.Others protested in the lobby, holding up signs that said ?I?m not a mascot? and ?Let?s get real?.Diane Nelson, president of DC Entertainment, the Warner Bros subsidiary behind Wonder Woman, told the event the campaign would feature various initiatives ?over the course of the next year?, suggesting that the partnership was envisaged to last into 2017.But now the UN has confirmed Wonder Woman?s time as an honorary ambassador will end this week. ?From the UN?s side, there was no plan for it to be much longer than this,? said Jeffrey Brez, the UN?s chief of NGO relations and advocacy.DC Entertainment had approached the UN to explore a joint project to mark the character?s 75th birthday, Brez said. The campaign aimed to harness Wonder Woman?s popularity to allow the UN to target new audiences with its messages on equality for women and girls.The angry response in some quarters prompted the UN to make celebrating the achievements of ?real-life Wonder Women? one of the campaign?s core goals.The collaboration had lasted longer than previous UN roles given to fictional characters, Brez added, pointing out that a character from the video game Angry Birds served as climate change ambassador for a single day in March.Other fictional characters to have been given honorary roles include Winnie the Pooh as honorary ambassador for friendship in 1997, and Tinkerbell as honorary ambassador for ?green? to promote environmental awareness in 2009.Warner Bros and DC Entertainment have been ?extremely pleased? with the partnership?s role in raising awareness of the empowerment of women and girls, a spokeswoman said.?Wonder Woman stands for peace, justice and equality, and for 75 years she has been a motivating force for many and will continue to be long after the conclusion of her UN honorary ambassadorship.?

Chhavi Tyagi

06 May 2017,Saturday

Muslim family donates its land for a temple in Bihar

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/muslim-family-donates-land-temple-bihar-communal-harmony/1/946711.html

A Muslim family in Bihar has reportedly donated its land, which it had purchased for ?12 lakh a few months ago for setting up a business, for the upgradation of a temple. "It is a gesture for communal harmony. We have decided to donate land for a good cause. All religions are the same," one of the family members said.

Bihar has been by and large free from any major communal trouble, barring a few reported cases of tension, in the last few years.Muslims form 16.5 per cent of Bihar's 105 million population. In the Seemanchal region, they account for nearly 67 per cent in Kishanganj, 37 per cent in Purnea, 43 per cent in Katihar and nearly 40 per cent in Araria.In times like these when hate crimes are surging, a Muslim family in Bihar donated their land for the upgradation of a temple in Bihar.The temple is in Bihar's Gopalganj district.MUSLIM FAMILY DONATES LAND FOR TEMPLETabarak Dewan and his son Manu Dewan who are residents of Ahirauli Dubauli Tola Takia under Gopalpur police station came forward and donated their land.THE LAND FOR THE TEMPLEThe land is near NH 28 which the Muslim family gave for the construction of the main gate of the historical temple at Bathanakuti in Bihar.The Muslim family purchased the land for Rs 12 lakh a few months ago for setting up a business.RENOVATION OF THE TEMPLE AT BATHANAKUTI"By donating their costly land, the Muslim family has helped us to beautify the historical temple at Bathanakuti, which is under renovation. If they had refused to donate their land, it would have been impossible to construct the main gate of the temple. Thanks to their gesture now the temple's main gate will be constructed on their donated land," Amrender Kumar alias Pappu Pandey, ruling JD-U legislator of Kuchaikot, said.According to JD-U legislator Pappu, another Muslim -- Aali Raza -- also donated land for the construction of the same historic temple. Aali Raza is a resident of Ramaina village in Kushinagar district in neighbouring Uttar Pradesh, termed it a symbol of communal harmony."We have been living here for decades and taking care of each other. It is a gesture for communal harmony. We have decided to donate land for a good cause. All religions are the same," Manu Dewan said.MUSLIMS HAVE HELPED BUILD HINDU TEMPLES MANY TIMESThe aforementioned case is not the first such case.Two years ago, in a demonstration of communal harmony, some Muslims in Bihar's east Champaran district donated land to help build a Hindu temple. The temple is the world's largest Hindu temple which will have the capacity to seat 20,000 people. "Muslims have not only donated land, they have also provided land at a nominal rate for construction of the world's largest Hindu temple. Without help of Muslims, it would have been difficult to realise this dream project," Acharya Kishore Kunal, secretary of the Patna-based cash-rich Mahavir Mandir Trust that is undertaking the ambitious project, said.

Tarun Khanna

15 Mar 2017,Wednesday

Nitish Kumar won't complete his tenure as CM: BJP

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/uttar-pradesh-bjp-nitish-kumar-demonetisation/1/904107.html

Senior BJP leader Sushil Modi has claimed that Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar will not complete his tenure as the grand alliance of JD(U) and RJD is divided after the BJP's landslide victory in Uttar Pradesh. His remark came after RJD leader Raghuvansh Prasad Singh criticised Nitish stating that by not contesting UP polls, JD(U) had silently supported the BJP.

With JDU-RJD on warpath post UP verdict, BJP says Nitish Kumar won't complete his tenure as Bihar chief minister. With the ruling JDU-RJD alliance in Bihar on warpath post the Uttar Pradesh election verdict, the BJP has predicted that Nitish Kumar won't be able to complete his full term as chief minister."The grand alliance is divided after the BJP's landslide victory in Uttar Pradesh and it looks impossible for Nitish Kumar to complete his term," said Sushil Modi, senior BJP leader.Interestingly, post the Uttar Pradesh election results, RJD leader Raghuvansh Prasad Singh has been going all out hitting out at Chief Minister Nitish Kumar for reasoning opposition of demonetisation as the cause of defeat of Congress-Samajwadi party alliance. On Tuesday, Singh once again made a blistering attack on Nitish claiming JDU by not contesting UP polls had silently supported the BJP."Nitish is responsible for the defeat of SP-Congress alliance in Uttar Pradesh," said the senior RJD functionary.

Deepali Aggarwal

25 May 2017,Thursday

Twitter erupts with jokes, memes after Trump-Pope first meet

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/pope-francis-meets-donald-trump-melania-trump-ivanka-vatican-rome-conjuring-memes/1/962681.html

After a picture of US President Donald Trump and Pope Francis's first meeting in Vatican surfaced online, Twitter erupted with memes and jokes pointing out the Pope's apparent unhappy expression. While one of the memes featured the two leaders along with paranormal characters from The Conjuring, The Shining, and The Omen, the others showed Trump in Pope's cassock.

When you are a world leader, and that too, the President of United States of America, avoiding being photographed is not an option. POTUS was recently in Rome to meet Pope Francis, someone who has criticised him in the past. Trump and Pope Francis had a history of public feuds which clearly reflected during their much awkward meeting at the Vatican.There was one particular photograph that went viral and triggered a Photoshop war on social media platforms.  This photo.Scary, eh? Trump bringing his whole family to see @Pontifex#Shining??#Omen??#Conjuring??#TheOrangeDevil??#KidVicious???? pic.twitter.com/8X8wFEUOmmpic.twitter.com/6MEXM7CQAXI photoshopped in the kid from THE OMEN and itâ??s so perfect itâ??s unnerving. pic.twitter.com/I3wGIrbvBWBut Dahling, this head covering look so much more chic when I meet the Pope....#melania#trump#popeLook at the Pope's face when he looks at Trump. pic.twitter.com/0wvBVesUdPWhen Pope met Donald Trump When Pope met Barack Obama pic.twitter.com/AEbOzS6SUHPresident Trump and his family (aka White House staff) pose with the Pope.Caption, pleaaase. pic.twitter.com/SeR0d8k45y

Saloni Tandon

30 Jul 2017,Sunday

US swimmer wins record 3 golds in 90 mins at world c'ships

https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2017/jul/29/caeleb-dressel-three-golds-worlds-katie-ledecky?utm_source=inshorts&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=fullarticle

USA's Caeleb Dressel won three gold medals within 90 minutes at the World Aquatics Championships on Saturday, to become the world's first swimmer to ace three events on a single night at a world meet. Dressel's medal haul comprised individual golds in 50-metre freestyle and 100-metre butterfly, besides a world record-breaking performance in the 4x100-metre mixed freestyle relay.

Caeleb Dressel knows the comparisons are coming.After pulling off an unprecedented Triple Crown at swimming?s world championships, it?s time to take on the legacy of Michael Phelps.The 20-year-old Dressel established himself as America?s newest star of the pool Saturday, becoming the first swimmer to win three gold medals on a single night at either the worlds or the Olympics.Not even Phelps managed such an audacious feat.Dressel won the 50m freestyle and the 100m butterfly before leading off a world-record performance in the 4x100-meter mixed freestyle relay.?The comparisons are probably inevitable,? Dressel said. ?But I?m not the same person as Michael.?Yet it was downright Phelps-like the way he pulled off a remarkable night of swimming at Duna Arena. Dressel raced three times over the course of about two hours ? and won every time. Not to mention, he had to find time to warm down and get to three medal ceremonies.?I think I only had to run twice,? Dressel said with a smile.The University of Florida student ? yep, he?s got an algebra exam coming up Monday that he?ll be taking online ? has won six golds medals in Budapest.That gives him a shot at moving into more rarified territory: Phelps is the only swimmer to win seven golds at a world championships, which he did at Melbourne in 2007 as a prelude to his record eight golds the following year at the Beijing Olympics.Dressel will be a virtual lock to win his seventh when he competes on the 4x100 medley relay Sunday, the final event of the championships.Again, those comparisons to Phelps.?It?s a tough question,? Dressel said. ?I don?t know if I welcome them. But I know they?re going to come. I don?t think it puts any pressure on me. I just want to keep doing my thing at this meet and for the future.?Phelps was certainly impressed and texted his congratulations shortly after the relay event. ?This kid is on fire!!? Phelps wrote on Instagram, including a picture of him celebrating with Dressel during a gold medal-winning relay they were both on last summer at the Rio Olympics. ?So damn fun to watch buddy!!!!?Dressel started the night with a furious dash from one end of the pool to the other, adding the 50 free world title to the 100 free he already had. He came back about a half-hour later to nearly break Phelps? world record in the 100 fly, posting a time of 49.86 that was just four-hundredths off the mark set in 2009 at the rubber suit-aided championships in Rome.The final relay was merely a coronation, the Americans romping to gold in 3 minutes, 19.60 seconds ? eclipsing by nearly 3 1/2 seconds the mark they set two years ago at worlds.?Man, that was a lot of fun,? Dressel said.He even managed to overshadow Katie Ledecky, who won her fifth gold medal of the meet by cruising to victory in the 800 free. Yet Budapest will be remembered as bit of a disappointment for the star of the 2016 Summer Games, who settled for silver in the 200 free and didn?t come close to breaking any of her personal bests.Ledecky won in 8:12.68, which was nearly eight seconds off her world record at Rio de Janeiro.?I?ve never walked away from a season completely satisfied, even last year,? she said. ?I can really take what I?ve learned and use it moving forward. It gets me really excited. If that was my bad year for the next four years, then the next couple years are going to be pretty exciting.?Sweden?s Sarah Sjostrom was another standout, bouncing back from a disappointing loss the previous night to win gold in the 50 fly and set a world record in the semifinals of 50 free. Her time of 23.67 broke the mark of 23.73, set in 2009 by Britta Steffen.In the women?s 200 backstroke, Emily Seebohm of Australia shrugged off the roaring Hungarian crowd to take gold over home-country favorite Katinka Hosszu.Sjostrom set her second world record of the meet, having already established a new standard in the 100 free while swimming the leadoff leg of the 4x100 free relay.But even the Swedish star took note of Dressel?s performance.?I don?t even know if he went to the Olympics last year,? she said. ?He took a really big step this year as we can see. It?s really impressive, really cool to see.?Indeed, Dressel has emerged as the breakout performer of these championships, with a bit of help from the relatively new mixed relays. Two of his golds came in events that feature men and women on the same team, races Phelps never competed in at worlds.?It?s crazy,? Dressel said. ?But I had mixed relays helping me out, so it?s a bit different.?Yet no less impressive.Dressel led off the mixed free relay with a blistering time of 47.22 for the first 100 ? even more remarkable given what he?d already been through ? and his three teammates ? Nathan Adrian, Mallory Comerford and Simone Manuel ? took it from there.?That last relay was a lot of fun,? Dressel said. ?I wanted to lead it off even though it meant less to get ready for it. It was such a blast.?The whole night was.?I haven?t had much time to think,? Dressel said, pondering the significance of it all. ?As physically demanding as it is, mentally it?s even more straining. So I have 24 hours until my next swim. I?ll give myself 30 minutes tonight to, I guess, let it sink in a bit, then it?s time to refocus for that relay tomorrow.?

Akshita Jain

31 Jan 2017,Tuesday

Water taxi services on Yamuna to begin by June

http://www.hindustantimes.com/delhi/delhi-to-haryana-in-45-min-as-centre-plans-water-taxis-on-yamuna-from-june/story-6zGTvrJXqNXwANb4nthv4M.html

The Centre's Yamuna Water Taxi Services, which would ferry tourists from Palla at Delhi-Haryana border to Wazirabad, may start operations by June this year. The aim is to promote tourism, reduce travel time between the two points from 3.5 hours to 45 minutes and keep burden off the roads. "Yamuna upstream... has the 'required depth' for navigation," said an official.

Delhi may join the elite club of cities with water taxi services by June end as the Centre?s Yamuna Water Taxi project to ferry tourists and public from Palla (Delhi-Haryana border) to Wazirabad is moving as per schedule.The service aims to promote tourism and reduce travel time between Wazirabad and Fatehpur Jat to 45 minutes. The distance between two points is nearly 20 kilomertres but due to poor public transport connectivity and heavy traffic movement on the stretch (it connects the national capital to Haryana) , it takes 3.5 hours to cover the distance. Initially, only three of the five boarding points will open. The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) has been appointed to implement the project and the process to procure vessels and develop infrastructure is already underway. The authority has moved a plea seeking environmental clearance from the National Green Tribunal (NGT).Amitabh Verma, chairman of IWAI, said as no permanent structure will be constructed, the authority hopes it will get a nod from the environment watchdog. ?Things are very much on the track. Tenders for dredging, three passenger vessels, and jetties have been floated. Hopefully, by the end of June, we will start the ferry service in the city,? he said.The decision came after a feasibility study was done to identify a suitable stretch of the river for navigation and development of water transport facilities. After this, Delhi water minister Kapil Mishra along with the officials of IWAI, irrigation and flood control department and Delhi Jal Board (DJB), conducted a site inspection in July 2016. Experts disapproveEnvironmentalists are not amused with the idea and said the river does not have enough water round the year to survive such activities on a large scale. Manoj Misra, convenor of the Yamuna Jiye Abhiyaan, said the water available on the stretch is meant to be used for drinking purposes and this arrangement should not be disturbed. ?This will affect the biodiversity along the river. If one wants to use small-hand rowing boats for leisure, it makes sense but water taxis will be useless,? he said.Environmentalist Vikram Soni, a professor at Centre for Theoretical Physics, Jamia Millia Islamia, said the plan does not seem feasible because the river does not have enough water except for the three months during monsoon. ?This will lead to destruction of the flood plain. They should not touch it but make efforts to save it for future generations,? he said.Authorities optimisticAfter the feasibility study, it was found that the stretch is suitable for the implementation of one of the priority projects of road transport and highways minister Nitin Gadkari. ?Yamuna upstream, which is almost 22 kms from Wazirabad to Palla, is less polluted and has the ?required depth? for navigation. The study said that water taxi and recreation activities are the most feasible and environmentally sustainable for this stretch. The initiative will help keep burden off the roads to some extent,? added Verma.If the plan is implemented successfully, the authorities are optimistic that it will pave the way for introduction of more water recreational activities or sports in Delhi and the Centre?s ambitious Delhi-Agra steamer service through Agra Canal project. ?Water sports are quite common and popular abroad. This will not only help boost tourism but also facilitate to rejuvenate the river by sensitising the youth about the importance of the river,? he said.

Aarushi Maheshwari

30 May 2017,Tuesday

Thailand named world's best destination for relaxation

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/lonely-planet-magazine-awards-2017-best-destinations-travel-lieftr/1/963684.html

Thailand was named the world's best destination for relaxation at the 6th Lonely Planet India Travel Awards in Mumbai. While Austria was named the best destination for romance, Spain was named the best destination for food and drink and Japan was named the best destination for culture. Further, Singapore was named the best family destination.

The tourism fraternity came together to celebrate yet another bonanza, with the 6th Lonely Planet India Travel Awards 2017 recognising their respective contributions to global travel.Deemed one of the leading magazines in the country, Lonely Planet India organised a star-studded event in Mumbai, attended by who's who from Bollywood, travel, hospitality and other corporate industries.After thorough research, Lonely Planet India awarded destinations across the world, in several categories, as per the experience they offer to tourists.Destinations in India won accolades for their immmense contribution to tourism. Karnataka (Best Destination for Culture), Maharashtra (Best Destination for Adventure), Madhya Pradesh (Best Destination for Wildlife), Himachal Pradesh (Best Destination for Family), Goa (Best Destination for Relaxation), Tamil Nadu (Best Destination for Value), Lucknow - Uttar Pradesh (Best Destination for Food & Drink), New Delhi (Best Destination for Shopping), Munnar - Kerala (Best Destination for Romance), Rajasthan (Best Destination for Indulgence) and Meghalaya (Best Emerging Destination) were among the awarded tourist hubs at a national level.

Rini Sinha

05 Feb 2017,Sunday

My father caught me making out with a boy in school: Sunny

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/sunny-leone-making-out-with-boyfriend-caught-father/1/875092.html

Actress Sunny Leone has revealed that her father once caught her making out with a boy in school. "I was sitting on his lap...and heard my Dad walking down the hallway, I was like, 'Oh my god, my dad just caught me making out with this boy,'" she added. Sunny called the drive back home with her father the worst.

Sunny Leone may be the hot 'baby doll' on screen, but in her interviews, she comes across as candid, charming and down-to-earth. In her recent interview with YouTuber Hanee Chavan, Sunny opens up on her childhood, first kiss and first heartbreak.ALSO SEE: Sunny Leone's bathtub pictures with Daniel Weber are too hot to handleSunny revealed that her first heartbreak happened when her family moved from Michigan to California, and she had to leave behind her high school boyfriend, who used to write her sweet love letters. It was a fairytale romance - they even kissed for the first time after watching Romeo and Juliet! And while she was smitten, her parents hated him. It is no surprise, because she went on to reveal that her father actually caught them making out.Sunny elaborates, "I was at school, and I lied that I had to do after-school stuff. I was at one end of the hallyway, sitting on his lap and we were making out, and I hear my dad walking down the hallway. And he goes, 'Gogu (her nickname)!' I was like, 'Oh my god, my dad just caught me making out with this boy.' It was the WORST, and the car ride home was even more horrible."

Sonu Kumari

20 Jul 2017,Thursday

Maharashtra government to buy chopper for VIPs

http://www.hindustantimes.com/mumbai-news/after-fadnavis-near-accident-maharashtra-government-to-spend-90-cr-on-chopper-for-vips/story-JRjyPWYMv9lNaGU5uzhFTI.html?utm_source=inshorts&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=fullarticle

The Maharashtra government is planning to invite global tenders for purchasing a chopper for the VIPs of the state. It comes after the CM had survived a chopper crash in May, following which, private agencies were suspended from flying VIPs of the state. A government official said that the chopper is likely to be a modern Sikorsky S76 or Bell.

The new helicopter that the state plans to buy for its VIPs is likely to cost nearly Rs90 crore and may take at least a year to be delivered. While procuring the chopper will take four months, the bidding process before and registration after it will lengthen the procedure, said an official.A committee headed by chief secretary Sumeet Mullick decided to speed up the process on Wednesday. Its decision comes two weeks after chief minister Devendra Fadnavis escaped a potential chopper accident while returning from Alibaug.During a meeting at Mantralaya, the committee endorsed a decision to suspend the chopper?s operations during the monsoon. It also decided to dispose of a grounded helicopter and fixed-wing aircraft as soon as possible.The state will appoint a pilot and co-pilot for its only aircraft in service ? a Cessna Citation 560 XLS ? for VIPs.?We will call for global tenders to buy a chopper. It is likely to be a modern make of Sikorki S76 or Bell. The state favours the advanced make of Sikorki S76, which was grounded after it crash-landed in Latur in May. Reports revealed that its sturdiness helped the pilot avoid further damage,? said an official. The state expects about Rs15 crore to be recovered from the Sikorki S76?s insurance cover. After a failed attempt to dispose of the Beechcraft Super King Air 350 and Eurocopter AS 365 Dauphin, the state has decided to relax norms to ensure their speedy disposal.

Sonu Kumari

15 Jul 2017,Saturday

Gangster makes threat call from jail, two arrested

http://www.hindustantimes.com/gurgaon/gangster-makes-threatening-call-from-inside-bhondsi-jail-in-gurgaon-cop-inmate-booked/story-aueMLhlpS9k5UCySkaYuqN.html?utm_source=inshorts&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=fullarticle

Gurugram police on Wednesday arrested a policeman and a jail convict for allegedly getting a gangster to make a threatening phone call on June 27 from Bhondsi jail. A police official said that the inmate sought help of the gangster to threaten his rival over a property dispute and a policeman was involved in making this happen.

Two persons, including a policeman, were arrested by the Gurgaon police for allegedly getting a gangster to make a ?threatening? phone call for mediating in a property dispute in Wazirabad village on Wednesday. Police said an inmate who was lodged in Bhondsi jail sought the help of gangster Manjeet Mahal to threaten the other group lead by Rakesh, which had claimed the plot on the upscale Golf Course Road. On June 27, the call was made by gangster on behalf of the inmate and ASI Raj Singh was involved in making this happen, a police official said. ?As the phone call was made from inside the jail, it is a very serious matter and two persons, including a policeman, have been booked. The matter will be investigated thoroughly to ensure that such threats are not made again,? said Sumit Kuhar, DCP, crime. Kuhar said the matter was brought to the notice of the police on Wednesday and action was taken immediately as the matter was serious. ?Mahal was taken on production warrant on Friday and if this matter had come to our notice then we could have questioned him earlier,? he added. Ironically, while Mahal was at the Crime Branch, Palam Vihar, four police officials were suspended for drinking liquor during the duty hours inside the office premises. As per the police, the matter pertains to a 500 square yard plot which is claimed by Rakesh, a resident of Jhund Sarai village and another man identified as Rajkumar. On June 8, there was a fight between both groups as a result of which the inmate was booked and sent to Bhondsi jail, where he got in touch with the Manjeet Mahal gang.On Surender?s behest, a phone call was made to Rakesh to leave the plot of land, else he should be ready to face ?the consequences?. However, as the phone call was made from jail, the police got active after getting the complaint and booked the inmate as well as ASI Raj Singh of the crime branch, and took him into custody for further questioning. The Gurgaon police had carried out a major search operation last month in Bhondsi jail and recovered over a dozen mobile phones from the inmates. In fact, a highly placed source said that as the jammers at the jail were inadequate, the inmates used ingenious methods to keep the phones, and use them intermittently to run their extortion and other rackets.

Aarushi Maheshwari

22 Jul 2017,Saturday

Couple fakes bad marriage to dupe husband's lover of ?3 lakh

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/fake-marriage-lover-bad-marriage-chattisgarh/1/1008209.html?utm_source=inshorts&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=fullarticle

A Chattisgarh woman was allegedly duped of ?3 lakh by her married lover and his wife. Her lover allegedly said he wanted to leave his "estranged" wife for her. She was asked to pay his wife ?6 lakh to marry him and managed to pay ?3 lakh before his wife told her to leave them alone as they were happy.

A woman who was attempting to free her lover from his "estranged" wife discovered that the couple had created an elaborate plot to dupe her.The victim, who wanted to marry the man, was asked to pay Rs 6 lakh to the wife as a pre-condition to proceed. After shelling out Rs 3 lakh, when she sought more time to arrange the rest, the couple asked her to let them live in peace.The police have registered an FIR against the duo for rape and criminal intimidation.WHAT HAPPENEDThe 29-year-old victim is based in Chattisgarh and runs an apparel store. She met accused Ajay Gupta through an online portal where she had posted her number to promote her business. They started talking and grew close.The woman, who had just entered into the apparel business, decided to come to Delhi for purchases on the suggestion of the accused. She alleged that Ajay had sex with her after putting sindoor (vermilion) on her forehead and told her that he will apply for court marriage.However, after returning to Chattisgarh she learnt that Ajay was married and had two kids. "Ajay told me that he was fed up with his marriage and wanted to marry me. I tried consoling him and said that he can take a decision and let me know. A while later, I received a call from his alleged estranged wife Uma Gupta who said that even she was fed up with her husband and had no problem with the two of us getting married," the victim told Mail Today.She was asked to pay Rs 6 lakh to the wife first, only after which the marriage could take place."I agreed to this condition. I thought it was my moral responsibility to compensate the woman as she had two kids to take care of. I was in touch with both of them. They used to send me voice notes on messaging apps where I could hear them screaming their hearts out at each other. I was convinced that the two did not want to live together," the woman said.The victim claims that she encashed all her investments and paid Uma on her visits to Delhi. "In the meanwhile, Ajay continued to meet me and maintain physical relations on the promise of marriage," she said.Things got ugly after she told the couple that she had run out of money and would need more time to arrange the cash. "I asked Ajay to come to meet my family and decide the date for marriage and in the meantime I would arrange the money," the woman said. "When he heard this, he started ignoring me. His wife called and pressurised me to arrange the cash if I wanted to marry Ajay."Speaking to Mail Today, the victim said that she had already decided to sell her store and give all the earnings to Uma because after the marriage there would have been no one to run it. "After a few days, I received a call from his wife who asked me to forget about my marriage with Ajay. She also asked me to leave them alone and said they were happy with each other," she said.

Ankur Vyas

19 Mar 2017,Sunday

Pakistan violates ceasefire along LoC in J&K

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/pakistan-violates-ceasefire-jammu-and-kashmir-poonch/1/907430.html

Pakistan Army on Sunday resorted to unprovoked ceasefire violations along the LoC in Balakote area of Poonch in Jammu and Kashmir. Two Pakistani posts, Peer Baba and Shalti, reportedly targetted two Indian posts along the LoC. Reports further claimed that Pakistan was using the ceasefire violation to provide cover fire to allow terrorists to infiltrate into India.

Pakistani Army today violated cease fire on Line of Control (LoC) in Balakote area of Poonch in Jammu.Sources said that Pakistani troops started medium machine gun fire on two Indian posts since 6.15 am. Two Pakistani posts, Peer Baba and Shalti were reportedly targeting two posts in forward areas on LoC. India has retaliated to the attack. Sources said that Pakistan is giving cover fire to the terrorists so that they can infiltrate from this side. "Unprovoked ceasefire violation by Pakistan Army in BG sector and Balakot sector from 0600 to 06:45 hours. They used 2-inch mortars, automatic weapons, while the Indian troops responded befittingly,"  said Lt Col Munish Mehta.No injuries to Indian troops reported.

Krishna Veera Vanamali

26 Jul 2017,Wednesday

Govt spent over ?9,000 crore towards issuing Aadhaar numbers

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/uidai-spends-rs-9055-cr-to-enrol-despatch-aadhaar-numbers/1/1011478.html?utm_source=inshorts&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=fullarticle

The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) spent ?9,055 crore over the last eight years towards issuing Aadhaar numbers. This includes an expenditure of nearly ?3,820 crore towards enrolment and ?1,171 crore towards logistics like printing and dispatching of Aadhaar letters. Notably, a total of about 116.09 crore Aadhaar numbers have been generated up to July 21, 2017.

New Delhi, Jul 26 (PTI) The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) spent more than Rs 9,000 crore over the last eight years towards issuing Aadhaar numbers, Parliament was informed today. "The total expenditure of the UIDAI since 2009-10 to 2017-18 (up to July 18, 2017) is Rs 9,055.73 crore," Minister of State for Electronics and IT P P Chaudhary said in a written reply to the Lok Sabha. This includes an expenditure of Rs 3,819.97 crore towards enrolment and Rs 1,171.45 crore towards logistics (printing and despatch of Aadhaar letters), he added. A total of about 116.09 crore Aadhaar numbers have been generated up to July 21, 2017, of which about 115.15 crore have been despatched. To a separate query, Chaudhary said Aadhaar seeding in the beneficiary database is an important component of direct benefit transfer (DBT) for better targeting of beneficiaries and ensuring such transfer in a transparent and efficient manner.

Tarun Khanna

13 May 2017,Saturday

Modi is illegal not the red beacon on my car: Kolkata Imam

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/red-beacon-row-kolkata-imam-barkati-defies-rules-muslims-rss-modi-bjp/1/952663.html

Reiterating that he will not remove the red beacon on his car, Kolkata's Tipu Sultan mosque's Imam Maulana Noor-ur Rahman Barkati has said, "Modi is illegal not the red beacon on my car". "No one has the guts to remove my red beacon. It's been with us for hundreds of years?Don't try disturbing Muslims in Bengal," he said.

Motor mouth Kolkata cleric Mualana Noor-ur Rehman Barkati continues to remain defiant despite three separate police complaints against him for defying the law and making derogatory comments. On Friday, the Imam of Kolkata's Tipu Sultan mosque reiterated that he will continue with a red beacon on his vehicle despite the central government ban on its use. When India Today questioned him on the illegal use of the beacon, an angry Barkati retorted asking, "Why are you so concerned about my red beacon?""No one has the guts to remove my red beacon. It's been with us for hundreds of years. It is the RSS which is illegal, Modi is illegal not the red light on my car. Don't try disturbing Muslims in Bengal," the controversial cleric told India Today. His response comes just a day after multiple police complaints were filed against him for illegally using the red beacon and making hate speeches. Complaints have been filed at Topsia and Gariahat police stations in Kolkata and Golabari station in Howrah district by various individuals."Earlier he had issued a fatwa against the prime minister. Even today he has said that there is nobody who can remove his red beacon. So we asked police to arrest him and there should be legal proceeding against him as per the law of the country," said Rajarshi Lahiri, one of complainants."His deliberate and intentional hate speeches were only ingredients for instigation of giving rise to communal tensions and disruption of communal harmony," states one of the complaints. However, the cleric remains undeterred by all the criticism. "What's my crime? Why will I be arrested? Just because I speak the truth? Does anyone has guts (to arrest me)...I'm not scared," he hit back.On Friday BJP Yuva Morcha supporters demonstrated in central Kolkata demanding Barkati's immediate arrest, accusing the cleric of making anti-India statements. Similar protest were held in Howrah with BJP supporters burning his effigy. "If this kind of treatment is being meted out to me, then think of what will happen to the Muslims across the country? They want to make India a Hindu rashtra! Either I will live in this country or the RSS," Barkati said.Also Read:FIR against Kolkata Shahi Imam Maulana Barkati for refusing to give up lal batti, says it is his 'right' How netas across India have found a way around PM Narendra Modi's VVIP red beacon banPunjab chief secretary found violating new rule of not using red beacon-fitted vehicle

Arshiya Chopra

25 Jul 2017,Tuesday

Swachh Bharat campaign uses Baahubali in promotional posters

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/swachch-bharat-baahubali-bhagat-singh-indian-railways/1/1010112.html?utm_source=inshorts&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=fullarticle

With majority of toilets built under Swachh Bharat Abhiyan lying unused, posters depicting characters like Baahubali making their contribution towards cleanliness have been put up to push the campaign at Indian Railways. Railways, with the help of a startup, has also put up hoardings appealing passengers to become like Bhagat Singh, among other national icons by keeping the country clean.

With estimated 60 per cent of toilets built under Swachh Bharat Mission lying unused, startups have come up to the rescue of the railway ministry with innovative communication module to induce behavioural changes in people. From national icons like Mahatma Gandhi, BR Ambedkar and Bhagat Singh to present-day heroes like Baahubali, the module uses these characters to urge people to stop littering and defecating in public.A pilot project has been launched by a behavioural intervention startup, Antyodaya Group at the New Delhi railway station which uses behavioural science to communicate the message. Posters and hoardings have been put up at the station appealing passengers to be like Gandhi, Ambedkar and Bhagat Singh by keeping the country clean.TOILET INFRASTRUCTURE"The Swachh Bharat Mission is mostly confined to create toilet infrastructure but little has been done to change the mindset of people towards using these facilities. As a result, the infrastructure largely remains unused. The startup is inspired by this behvioural pattern that needs to be changed," said Sourav Panda, the founder of the startup, adding, it uses applied and social psychology, behaviour economics and choice architecture to spread the message of cleanliness.Official sources said Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, touted as world's biggest cleanliness programme, with nearly eight per cent of the total budget reserved for the behavioural-change component, but over last three years, the focus has been on building toilet infrastructure without the proper understanding of how people's mindsets can be changed towards their usage.Sources said nearly 60 per cent of the total toilets built under the mission are not being used as also unused toilets are being converted into storage spaces and thus causing huge loss to the public.Seventy per cent of all diseases diagnosed are related to sanitation. If this goes on then India is facing a 2.2 trillion dollar expenditure on public healthcare because of lack of awareness about sanitation.

Abhishek Bansal

12 Feb 2017,Sunday

IAF to induct first indigenously developed 'eye in the sky'

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/drdo-iaf-airborne-early-warning-and-control-aircraft-cabs-bengaluru/1/880527.html

Indian Air Force will induct the country's first indigenous all-weather airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) system, also called the 'eye in the sky', on February 14, the first day of Aero India 2017. The system will have the capability to detect incoming fighters, cruise missiles and even drones from both Pakistan and China, according to reports.

This news couldn't have come at a better time than this. On February 14, the day Aero India 2017 begins, the IAF will be the proud owner of its very own indigenous all-weather airborne early warning and control system popularly known as the AEW&C. This aerial platform is meant to be a force multiplier that will guide the IAF's fighter aircraft during combat. It will have the capability to detect incoming fighters, cruise missiles and even drones from both Pakistan and China.For Dr. Christopher, Chairman, DRDO it will be a fine day indeed. He was earlier the Programme Director (airborne early warning and control system) and Director, Centre for Air-Borne Systems in the DRDO before being elevated to the topmost post. Speaking exclusively to India Today, he said that his association with the early warning system programme goes back to 1985 when it all started. He also had a narrow escape having flown on the same test aircraft as a flight engineer that crashed in January 1999. 'I flew on that same test aircraft, the previous sortie, the last but one sortie before it crashed,' he told India Today.The indigenous AEW&C system has been developed by Bengaluru based CABS and integrated onto a Brazilian built Embraer-145 aircraft. It is equipped with a 240-degree coverage radar and can detect, identify and classify threats in the surveillance area and also act as a Command and Control Centre to support Air Defence operations.Dr. CP Ramanarayanan, Director General - Aeronautical Systems (Aero) participated in the final trials of the AEW&C. 'I was onboard this flight in Jodhpur and it was so heartening to see all the functional performance requirements were met meticulously,' he says. According to him the users (IAF) observed that this was such a trial they have never undergone. So while the second AEW&C will be handed over to the IAF in a few months time, the third which was initially to be with CABS, will also be handed over to the IAF.LOTS OF CATCHING UP TO DOChina today has more than 20 AWACS and Pakistan has 8 AWACS, India on the other hand has just this one AEW&C and 3 Phalcon systems. To play catch up, in March 2016, the Defence Acquisition Council cleared the building of 2 AWACS-India.

Radhika Chugh

19 Jul 2017,Wednesday

Mayawati's resignation from RS may not be accepted: Reports

http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/mayawati-resigns-from-rajya-sabha-for-not-being-allowed-to-raise-issue-of-dalit-atrocities/story-ScX8GKjcxRgrVUGRLtDzWK.html?utm_source=inshorts&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=fullarticle

BSP chief Mayawati's resignation as Rajya Sabha MP may not be accepted since it does not follow the prescribed format, according to reports. Mayawati has cited not being allowed to speak about Dalit atrocities in the Rajya Sabha as the reason for her resignation. However, parliamentary procedure dictates that a parliamentarian cannot cite a motive or reason for resigning.

Bahujan Samaj Party chief Mayawati resigned from Parliament on Tuesday, hours after storming out of the Rajya Sabha over not being allowed time to complete her speech on alleged Dalit atrocities in Uttar Pradesh.The resignation of Mayawati, a Dalit leader and a former chief minister of Uttar Pradesh, may not be accepted since it does not follow a prescribed format, but her move could give her a political point by projecting herself as a champion of the Dalit cause. ?Jab satta paksh mujhe apni baat rakhne ka bhi samay nahi de raha hai toh mera isteefa dena hi theek hai (If the ruling party is not going to allow me to speak, then it?s better to resign),? ANI?quoted Mayawati as saying shortly after she submitted her letter of resignation to the Rajya Sabha secretary general Shamsher Shariff?s office at around 5pm. Read | What BSP chief Mayawati?s threat to quit Rajya Sabha meansThe Rajya Sabha session began at 11am, and shortly afterwards Mayawati began speaking on atrocities against Dalits after being given 3 minutes to raise the issue. As she went past the scheduled time, Rajya Sabha deputy chairman PJ Kurien stopped her and an angry Mayawati stormed out of the House threatening to resign. In her 3-page resignation letter, she detailed the morning?s incident as the reason for her decision, which technically is a breach of protocol. A parliamentarian cannot cite a motive or reason for quitting, parliamentary procedure dictates. If people in power, the Bharatiya Janata Party or the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) does not allow me to speak in the interest of marginalised communities, then I can no longer continue in this Parliament, she said in the letter written in Hindi.Minister of state for parliamentary affairs Mukthar Abbas Naqvi said Mayawati had insulted the chair by threatening to resign. ?She must apologise.?He said the government was prepared to raise all issues. Opposition leader Ghulam Nabi Azad supported Mayawati and took objection to Naqvi?s remarks. ?When Mayawati tried to talk, she was told we have got the mandate. We did not know the BJP has got the mandate to massacre minorities and Dalits,? Azad, a Congress leader, said amid interruptions by the treasury benches. If her resignation is accepted, the BSP as well as the Opposition will lose an MP while the BJP in UP will bag the seat. Rajya Sabha members are elected by MLAs of the state and in UP, the Yogi Adityanath-led BJP has a brute majority.The BSP chief?s term is going to end in April 2018. Given that her party has just 19 MLAs in the 403 member-strong assembly, the Dalit leader is unlikely to get any seat in the biennial polls in April. Her party has no member in the Lok Sabha, and observers say her focus on Dalit atrocities is part of a strategy for her to claw back political mileage.

Niharika Prabhakar

12 Jul 2017,Wednesday

US firm paid ?6 crore bribe for Indian highway contracts

http://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/us-firm-paid-1-18m-bribe-to-national-highway-authority-of-india-officials-to-get-contracts/story-4RKG9n1Xh3Bv8ZgY0sIaWK.html?utm_source=inshorts&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=fullarticle

The United States Justice Department has said that Boston-based construction firm CDM Smith allegedly paid more than ?6 crore as bribes from 2011 to 2015 to National Highway Authority of India officials for contracts. The investigation was closed by the Justice Department after the firm agreed to give up the money it earned as profits due to the bribes. nn

A Boston-based construction engineering firm allegedly paid USD 1.18 million bribe to officials of the National Highway Authority of India between 2011 and 2015 to bag contracts, the US Justice Department has said, prompting the Indian government to order a probe into the allegations.The Criminal Division of the Justice Department, in a letter dated June 21, said CDM Smith through its employees and agents, and those of its wholly-owned subsidiary in India (CDM India) paid approximately USD 1.18 million in bribes to government officials in India in exchange for highway construction supervision and design contracts and a water project contract resulting in approximately USD four million in net profits.Between 2011 and 2015, employees of CDM Smith?s division responsible for India operations and CDM India illegally paid bribes to NHAI officials in order to receive contracts from them, the Justice Department said in the letter to CDM Smith.?The bribes generally were two-four per cent of the contract price and paid through fraudulent subcontractors, who provided no actual services and understood that payments were meant to solely benefit the officials,? it said.In addition, CDM Smith?s division responsible for India and CDM India paid USD 25,000 to local officials in Goa in relation to a water project contract, the Justice Department said.?All senior management at CDM India (who also acted as employees and agents of CDM Smith and signed contracts on behalf of CDM Smith, including CDM India?s country manager) were aware of the bribes for CDM Smith and CDM India contracts, and approved or participated in the misconduct,? it said.Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari has taken a serious note of the allegations and asked the NHAI Chairman to hold an inquiry into the matter, a senior Ministry official said in New Delhi.The investigations into the bribery allegations by the Fraud Section of the Criminal Division of the Department of Justice has now been closed after CDM Smith agreed to disgorge USD 4 million, which the Boston-company earned as profit due to the bribery.The Justice Department said it has decided to close the investigation in this regard.The final fourth instalment of the disgorged money would be paid by CDM Smith by October 1, 2017.As per the agreement, CDM Smith agreed that it would not seek a tax deduction for the USD 4 million it was required to disgorge.?CDM Smith has a clear Code of Ethics and core values that drive our behaviour every day,? CDM Smith CEO Stephen J Hickox said in a statement.?Any breach of these values or improper business activities is counter to our culture and will not be tolerated,? Hickox said.Meahwhile, CDM Smith has also been sanctioned by the World Bank for failing to disclose a subcontract on a project in Vietnam.The company and its affiliates have been conditionally non-debarred for one and half years.?When executing a consulting contract financed by the Da Nang Priority Infrastructure Investment Project in the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, CDM Smith failed to disclose a sub-consulting agreement with a local Vietnamese company, and did not seek a contractually-required written approval of the agreement from the Project implementing agency,? the bank said.CDM Smith said it has expanded its Ethics and Compliance programme, including appointing its first Chief Compliance Officer, to ensure all employees fully understand their role in compliance, and has established channels for reporting any compliance-related concerns.?The employees associated with these improper business activities were separated from the company following the early findings of CDM Smith?s internal investigations,? the company said.

Ankush Verma

21 Feb 2017,Tuesday

Hater app projects image of pregnant Trump with Putin in US

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/donald-trump-putin-pregnant-love-hater-and-no-it-cannot-be-unseen/1/888324.html

An image of a pregnant US President Donald Trump being hugged by Russian President Vladimir Putin from behind was projected on buildings in New York along with #LoveThroughHate. The image was a part of an ad campaign by the dating app Hater. "We're just trying to make people laugh. Through humour, hate can turn into love," the app's representatives said.

The image of Russian President Vladimir Putin embracing the US President Donald Trump from behind was projected on some buildings in New York and neighbourhoods Williamsburg and Chelsea with hashtag #LoveThroughHate.More than being a part of an anti-Trump resistance which has lingered since he started campaigning for the US President post, this was a publicity stunt by a dating app.It wasn't entirely a politically driven move but an ad campaign by a dating app called Hater.Hater app matches potential dates based on the things people mutually hate. You can get yourself a date using Hater if both the persons hate a similar thing. Moreover, according to a Daily Dot report, more than 80 per cent of Hater's users say they hate Trump.

Chhavi Tyagi

03 Aug 2017,Thursday

60-yr-old lynched over rumours she was cutting people's hair

http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/60-year-old-woman-lynched-in-agra-after-rumours-she-was-chopping-people-s-hair/story-qTYizvFIivxjpflxIZbHhM.html?utm_source=inshorts&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=fullarticle

A 60-year old Dalit woman was allegedly lynched in Agra after villagers thought that she was behind the recent cases of chopping hair of sleeping women. The family members of the woman who left home around 4 am on Wednesday said, "She pleaded that she had lost her way but they took her as one responsible for chopping women hair."

A 60-year old Dalit woman was allegedly lynched in Agra after villagers thought she was out to cut the hair of sleeping women, the first reported fatality of what appears to be turning into a case of mass hysteria.Growing number of people, particularly in rural districts, of Haryana, Rajasthan, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh have reported mysterious instances of sleeping women being attacked and their hair chopped off short. Family members said Maan Devi left the home around 4am on Wednesday but lost her way, reaching a predominantly upper caste neighbourhood where people spotted her. ?She pleaded that she had lost her way but they took as one responsible for chopping women hair in Mutnai village and killed her,? said the victim?s daughter-in-law Kalpana Jatav.Local police first denied the death was connected to the ?ghost barber? panic. Deputy superintendent of police (DSP), Fatehabad, Dr Tej Veer Singh said a case was registered including charges relating to atrocities against Dalits, and teams were keeping a vigil in the area where the woman was killed. The police also appeared to deny that the woman was beaten to death. ?The post-mortem report of Maan Devi indicates she died of cardiac arrest and not due to beating,? Singh said. Devi?s son has named two suspects, both from the upper caste Baghel community, in his complaint where he also said that his mother?s body had been thrown back in their village. Till Thursday, neither was arrested.Agra and villages in districts nearby were the latest to report the hair-cutting mystery that seems to be spreading since first being recorded in parts of the National Capital Region last week. Officials said on Friday that more ?sightings? were reported from the region, and the state?s Inspector General issued an appeal for people to remain calm.Women in at least five states have reported waking up to the sound of scissors, spotting black cats, and seeing ghosts and shadows. Some claimed they found portions of their hair chopped off, and others reported falling unconscious with fear.Police have dismissed the allegations as rumours in several of these cases, and administration officials are now issuing alerts for local law enforcement to tackle fear mongering. FROM MONKEY MAN TO UFOsParts of India, particularly rural districts where superstitious beliefs are common, have often been at the centre of mass hysteria events. In the summer of 2001, people in Delhi said they had spotted a mysterious monkey-like creature that appeared in the night and attacked people. Large colonies of the capital were gripped by fear as more and more bizarre ?sightings? were recorded. Vigilante groups patrolled the streets with sticks for weeks, before officials and psychiatric experts said the panic was created by ?figments of people?s imagination? that was made worse by the media coverage at the time.A year later, people in Eastern Uttar Pradesh reported spotting a light-emitting flying object that would attack them at night and scratch their face. Many referred to it as the ?muhnochwa?, a Bhojpuri amalgam that loosely translates to ?face snatcher?. At the height of the panic, people went off streets after sundown. Scientists from IIT Kanpur were roped in to investigate the event, and the ruled out the existence of the creature. The closest explanation, they said, could have been sightings of ball lightening, a rare meteorological phenomenon. Years earlier, in 1995, a more innocuous mass delusion took place when people across the country reported seeing idols of the Hindu god Ganesha drinking milk.

Chhavi Tyagi

14 Jan 2017,Saturday

BSF jawan's wife demands CBI inquiry into food quality row

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/bsf-jawan-tej-bahadur-and-family-demand-cbi-intervention-in-investigation/1/857230.html

Sharmila, the wife of BSF jawan Tej Bahadur who had posted video alleging poor-quality food being served at border posts, has demanded a CBI inquiry into the matter. "We don't want an internal inquiry, CBI must inquire. Truth will be out only then," she said. This comes after the Ministry of Home Affairs report refuted Tej Bahadur's claims.

The wife of the BSF jawan Tej Bahadur, who posted a video on social media complaining about the quality of food the soldiers were being served, has demanded a CBI inquiry into the matter.She has termed the ongoing probe into the incident as farce.Sharmila Bahadur said that they did not want an internal inquiry and asserted a CBI probe. She said that the truth would be only out if CBI conducted a probe."We don't want an internal inquiry, CBI must inquire.Truth will be out only then," said Sharmila.Tej Bahadur made headlines after he posted several videos of bad food being served to the jawans in Jammu and Kashmir. The videos posted on January 8 raised several questions on the quality of amenities provided to the jawans guarding the nation on challenging terrains.Days after the video went viral, Sharmila shared an audio clip of Tej Bahadur where he alleged that there was a lack of amenities and  that he is being forced to tender an apology.He told that senior officials are involved in malpractice and that they were threatening and forcing him to apologise. In the audio clip he also said that no investigation was being carried out into the incident. Tej Bahadur claimed that he decided to speak out as there was no inquiry being done. He also said that he was being threatened.In a similar incident on Friday Army jawan  Lance Naik Yagya Pratap Singh released a video alleging harassment by superiors.Today, his wife Richa Singh claimed that Yagya even sat on a dharna and that his phone has been confiscated by the authorities following the incident.In the video, Yagya Pratap alleged harassment after he wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the problems faced by the soldiers.Yagya Pratap Singh said, instead of investigating the issue, his superiors began harassing him and also initiated an inquiry, which could potentially result in his court-martial.

Ankush Verma

08 Jun 2017,Thursday

Recorded every meeting with Trump as he may lie: Ex-FBI boss

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/live/2017/jun/08/james-comey-testimony-senate-hearing-trump-russia-fbi?page=with:block-593960dde4b0be3ed192441e#block-593960dde4b0be3ed192441e

Sacked FBI Director James Comey has revealed that he took notes of his conversations with President Donald Trump after their meetings as he thought Trump might lie about their discussions. Comey, who was leading an investigation into allegations of Russia's interference in the US presidential elections, also confirmed that Trump has never been under investigation.

3.38pm BST 15:38 Now Warner?s up. He begins by revisiting the ?smear? of Comey?s character following his firing. Warner is going to talk about Comey?s meeting with the president. He starts with the first meeting Comey described, in which Comey briefed the president on the Steele dossier.Why did Comey decide to document that discussion. What was it about that meeting?Comey replies:?A combination of things. The circumstances, the subject matter and the person I was interacting with.?Comey says he was alone with the president-elect discussing weighty matters.Then:I was honestly concerned that he might lie about the nature of our meeting, and so I thought it was important to document it.Updated at 3.53pm BST 3.36pm BST 15:36 Burr asks Comey whether he doubts that the congressional committee plus Bob Mueller can get to the bottom of the Russia affair.No doubt, Comey says. 3.35pm BST 15:35 Burr is back to Comey?s decision to talk about Clinton?s emails. He asks whether attorney general Loretta Lynch?s tarmac meeting with Bill Clinton influenced his decision.?That was the thing that capped it for me, that I had to do something separately,? Comey said.Comey says he was ?confused and concerned? that Lynch directed Comey to call the Clinton email affair not an investigation but a ?matter.? That was ?one of the bricks in the load? that convinced him to act unilaterally, he said. 3.33pm BST 15:33 Question: When did you first become aware of Russian cyberintrusion?A: There were a lot of them. Late summer 2015. ?There was a massive effort.?Comey says Russians targeted ?hundreds, I suppose it could be more than a thousand? entities in an attempt to crack the US election.He says in late 2015 or early 2016 he became aware that data had been exfiltrated.He says the FBI undertook an effort to notify victims of the ?massive spearfishing campaign.?Comey says the Obama administration was looking for ways to fight the cyberattack. This all happened out of the public view, of course, while Comey stepped forward to give multiple updates in the Clinton emails inquiry. 3.30pm BST 15:30 Burr is on to the so-called Steele dossier, an intelligence file on Trump produced by a former British intelligence officer. Comey is asked whether the FBI confirmed any criminal allegations in the dossier. He declines to comment in an open setting. 3.28pm BST 15:28 Comey says ?honestly no? he would not have acted differently in advising the public and Congress about the Clinton emails investigation. 3.28pm BST 15:28 Comey: In any complex investigation, when you start turning over rocks, sometimes you find things unrelated to the primary investigation that are criminal in nature. 3.27pm BST 15:27 Burr turns to Michael Flynn. He says Flynn had unreported contacts with the Russians.Was general Flynn at that time in serious legal jeopardy. Do you think the president was trying to obstruct justice or just give Flynn a way to save face??Obstruct justice? ? Burr?s phrase.Comey says it?s not for him to say whether what the president did amounts to obstruction. 3.26pm BST 15:26 Burr asked Comey whether the special counsel, Robert Mueller, reviewed his testimony.No.Comey says he has ?no doubt? that the Russian government was behind various intrusions in the election and attempts to tamper.Are you confident that no votes... were altered?Comey: ?I?m confident.?Did the president ask you to stop the Russia investigation?Not to my understanding, no. 3.24pm BST 15:24 In a poignant moment, Comey tells his former colleagues he is ?so sorry? he wasn?t able to say goodbye to them.Then he offers his testimonial:?The FBI is honest, the FBI is strong, and the FBI is and always will be independent.?

Chhavi Tyagi

05 Jun 2017,Monday

Mamata Banerjee plans to gift cows to farmers in West Bengal

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/mamata-banerjee-west-bengal-cow-farmers-tmc-trinamool-congress/1/968230.html

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has decided to gift cows to the poor farmers across the state, with the first batch of cattle to be given to North 24 Parganas and Hooghly districts. "This will not only ensure better living conditions for the cattle population, but will generate alternative employment opportunities for farmers," said an agriculture department officer.

In West Bengal, Mamata Banerjee is all set to commandeer the saffron monopoly over cows and their protection. Bent on proving that cows cannot be tethered to gaushalas of a particular political hue, the chief minister has decided to gift cows to poor farmers in her state.The objective, officials associated with the initiative say, is to help small and marginal farming families supplement their incomes by selling milk and using dung to produce eco-friendly fuel and manure for organic farming. "This will not only ensure better living conditions for the cattle population, but will generate alternative employment opportunities for farmers, especially in the unfortunate event of crop failure," said an agriculture department officer.Farmers in North 24 Parganas and Hooghly districts will receive the first batches of the gift cows. And going one better than the National Gokul Mission, where the Centre and state share the cost of the animals given to farmers, Mamata's government will fully fund the state's 'Godaan' scheme. That's not all. A most vocal critic of the Modi government proposal to introduce Aadhaar-like tags for cows, Mamata's government is now working on assigning UIDs (unique identification numbers) to the state's bovine population (this was apparently decided following a cow census in 2014).Paschimbanga go sampad bikash sangstha, a state body under the animal resources development department, has hired 5,174 praanimitras (friends of animals) to tag the cows. Some 1.38 million cows have already been assigned UIDs.

Sonu Kumari

30 Jul 2017,Sunday

Leopard attacks fifth victim in Mumbai's Aarey

http://www.hindustantimes.com/mumbai-news/leopard-attacks-5th-victim-at-mumbai-s-aarey-officials-to-trap-it/story-HhvdDAkRu90FUHbJ2z7trL.html?utm_source=inshorts&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=fullarticle

A leopard on Friday attacked and injured a twelve-year-old boy while he was coming back with his friends from Mumbai's Aarey pump house. This is the fifth incident of a leopard attack in the last five months. Authorities have reportedly set up two cages to trap the leopard and expect that it will be trapped within the next few days.

Twelve-year-old Aarey resident Aniket Dileep Page was attacked by a leopard near the Aarey pump house at Film City around 5.30pm on Friday. This is the fifth incident of a leopard attack at Aarey over the past five months. The forest department set up two cages on Thursday at two separate locations ? near Film City and at the Aarey helipad ? to trap the leopard. After Friday?s incident, another trap cage will be set up on Saturday morning.According to the forest department, Page, a resident of Maroshipada, was injured on the back of his neck and on his thighs. ?Page and five other teenagers were headed to the pump house to wash their clothes. On their way back, as his friends walked ahead, Page bent down to scratch his leg,? said Sameer Inamdar, forest officer, Mumbai range. ?Suddenly, the leopard leaped and got a hold of him. The other boys shouted loudly and this startled the leopard, which left Page and ran off.?READ: One leopard behind attacks on four children in Mumbai?s Aarey Colony? Experts think soPage was rushed to Hindu Hruday Samrat Balasaheb Thackeray Trauma Care Municipal Hospital at Jogeshwari. ?Doctors said he is out of danger. He got nine stitches and has been kept under observation till Saturday,? said Inamdar. The incident comes less than a week after two-year-old Vihaan Nilesh Garuda, the son a Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP) staffer Nilesh Garuda, was attacked and killed by the same leopard close to Film City. On May 29, a four-year-old boy, a resident of Royal Palms in Aarey Colony, Goregaon, was attacked by a leopard. On March 17, a three-year-old boy was attacked near Khadakpada.Forest department officials said even after increasing the patrolling in the area, the attacks were taking place. ?We have activated the two trap cages and expect the leopard should be trapped within the next few days. It?s roaming around the trap cage but refusing to enter it,? said Santosh Kank, range forest officer, Mumbai forest range. He added another trap cage will be installed near the pump house. ?We have understood its route and laid food at the trap cage to lure it,? said Kank, adding they had images of the animal after setting up 15 camera traps and studying its rosette pattern.

Tanya Dhingra

14 Jul 2017,Friday

Kishore's ancestral home won't be demolished: Collector

http://www.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/kishore-kumar-s-house-in-khandwa-won-t-be-demolished-says-collector/story-srwbIIC36lguTTlLzHft8O.html?utm_source=inshorts&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=fullarticle

Khandwa collector Abhishek Singh has stayed the demolition order against late actor-singer Kishore Kumar's ancestral house in Khandwa, Madhya Pradesh. Explaining his decision, Abhishek said, "A lot of sentiments of music lovers and locals are attached with this house." Khandwa Municipal Corporation issued a notice for the demolition of a dilapidated part of the house that could prove dangerous.

The Khandwa collector has stayed the demolition of the Ganguli House in Khandwa, the ancestral house of legendary singer Kishore Kumar and his brothers.The collector Abhishekh Singh talking to Hindustan Times said, ?A lot of sentiments of music lovers and locals are attached with this house, so I have stayed the demolition.?HT had carried a report on the proposed demolition on Thursday.A notice, announcing the demolition had been pasted at the two-storey house by the Khandwa municipal commissioner as ?The house is in a dilapidated condition and can fall down anytime, causing harm to people. It is not fit for habitation and should be vacated and within 24 hours.? An inside view of Kishore Kumar?s ancestral house in Khandwa. (HT photo)The collector said that the main problem the administration was facing in renovating the house was that they did not have ownership of the house, and till then there is not much we can do. ?We are trying to find who is the present and whether it is in single ownership or joint. We plan to talk to the owners and see what best can be done,? Singh said.The collector, however, underscored that the building was dangerous and could fall down anytime so no one would be allowed inside the house especially during the monsoon when the risk of structures collapsing is more.A view of Kishore Kumar?s ancestral house in Khandwa. (HT photo)While talking to HT over phone, Arjun Kumar who is Anoop Kumar?s son had said, ?I agree that the house is in bad shape but it can?t be a danger for anyone else. As it is the rainy season it?s not possible for us to renovate it. Without our permission they can?t demolish it.?Over the years, the Madhya Pradesh government has shown interest in converting the house into a museum.In October 2012, then culture minister Laxmikant Sharma said they wanted to convert it into a museum so that people can take inspiration from it. However, the project didn?t materialise. Follow @htshowbiz for more

Daisy Mowke

28 Dec 2016,Wednesday

Woman seeking divorce from husband who wears sari, makeup

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/bengaluru-woman-police-complaint-husband-sari-make-up-divorce/1/844280.html

A woman from Bengaluru, Karnataka has filed a police complaint as she was fed up of seeing her husband dressed up in sari and wearing makeup. The woman is also seeking divorce from her husband. The couple had an arranged marriage a year ago. "Our marriage was not consummated due to impotency and congenital defects," said the woman.

Bengaluru woman Anitha (name changed) from Indiranagar filed a police complaint as she was fed up seeing her husband dressed up in sari and wearing make up. The 29-year-old woman, who works in a software company, is also seeking divorce from her transvestite husband.''He loves wearing sari and using my make-up and accessories to dress up like a woman at night,'' Anitha told The Times of India. She also said, ''Our marriage was not consummated due to impotency and congenital defects. He behaves like a woman. He goes to work in the day and comes home and wears sari at night.''The couple had an arranged marriage one year ago.Saraswathi, senior councellor at Vanitha Sahayavani, a woman's helpline run by the city police, said, ''But from their first night itself, Naveen would act like a woman. He wanted to wear a sari that night.'' Anitha finally decided to seek divorce to put an end to her marriage after she realised that her husband was only interested in having "lesbian sex" with her.   

Mansha Mahajan

22 May 2017,Monday

Reliance Jio's Prime scheme is not driving demand: Report

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/jios-prime-scheme-not-driving-demand-pick-up-ubs/1/960141.html

Reliance Jio's low-price scheme Prime is not driving demand for its connections, while incumbents have gained, UBS Securities Asia said. "We are surprised to see lack of acceleration in March since Jio Prime offer was announced in the month," it added. Further, Airtel continues to hold a firm footing in the market with key operating metrics outperforming peers, it added.

New Delhi, May 22 (PTI) The monthly subscriber report released by telecom regulator Trai for March shows that Reliance Jios low price 4G mobile service scheme Prime is not driving demand for its connections, while incumbents have gained, UBS Securities Asia said. "March momentum favours incumbents, Jio Prime not driving demand pick-up. We are surprised to see lack of acceleration in March since Jio Prime offer was announced in the month. April was the first month of Jios paid services and would offer further insight into customer conversion and migration from incumbents to Jio," UBS said in its report. Jios Prime plan starts at Rs 309 per month under which consumer get 1 gigabyte of 4G mobile broadband services everyday along with unlimited calling to any network. According to subscriber report published by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India, the new entrant Reliance Jio, which is now the fourth largest telecom operator in the country, continued to drive growth in mobile telephony segment with net addition of over 5.83 million mobile customers. Its closest rival Bharti Airtels net subscriber addition was over 2.99 million customers in the reported month. Ideas net addition was over 2.09 million customers, which was closely followed by BSNL which added 2.07 million new customers. Vodafone added 1.83 million new connections in March. "As per the March subscriber data released by TRAI, Jio reported net adds of 5.8 million versus 12.2 million in February," the report said. UBS sees the shrinking incumbents gained in March with Vodafone recovers broadband subscribers in March, Airtel continues to expand broadband penetration with 22.1 per cent share from 20.9 per cent in February.

Niharika Prabhakar

26 Jul 2017,Wednesday

Will sue cop in Sasikala bribery row, threatens AIADMK

http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/sasikala-bribery-row-will-sue-roopa-if-she-does-not-withdraw-charges-says-aiadmk/story-J3IZ1TPd4BJd2dNQxwQezL.html?utm_source=inshorts&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=fullarticle

The ruling AIADMK party in Tamil Nadu on Monday said it would take legal action against Karnataka ex-DIG D Roopa if she did not withdraw her bribery charges against party chief VK Sasikala. The police officer had alleged that Sasikala was given special treatment and amenities in prison against rules. Notably, Sasikala was jailed in a disproportionate assets case.

Ruling AIADMK on Monday said it would take legal action against senior Karnataka police official D Roopa if she did not withdraw her charges that party general secretary VK Sasikala was provided special treatment in prison, contravening laws.AIADMK mouthpiece ?Namadhu Dr MGR? quoted the party?s Perambur MLA and district secretary P Vetrivel and party?s Karnataka state unit secretary VA Pugazhendi as saying that legal actions would be taken if Roopa did not take back her ?false charges.?As DIG (Prison) a few days ago, Roopa had alleged that Sasikala was provided amenities flouting prison rules. Though she was eased out of the prison department subsequently, she continues to stick to her stand.Sasikala is lodged at Parappana Agrahara central prison in Bengaluru ever since her conviction in February in the disproportionate assets case along with her two relatives VN Sudhakaran and Elavarasi, all serving a 4-year jail term.Extensively quoting the Karnataka Prison Manual, the AIADMK mouthpiece explained rules that permitted amenities for those sentenced to simple imprisonment and in respect of women prisoners.Convicts undergoing simple imprisonment are allowed to wear their own clothes and use their own mattress.With the permission of jail superintendent, the class-1 prisoners could also cook food for themselves inside the jail out of their money and may get help from other prisoners in this regard as well, the daily said. They are entitled to a table, a chair and a mirror.Similarly, they could buy fruits, biscuits from their own funds and get them from their friends and relatives too.Such prisoners could also get help from other prisoners in cleaning the cooking utensils with the permission of the jail superintendent, it said.They could also read books, magazines and newspapers from the prison library and may even buy them from outside if a particular magazine or book is not available in jail.Though she was entitled to such amenities, Sasikala did not even fully utilise them, the ruling party?s mouthpiece, which is perceived to have the backing of party deputy general secretary T T V Dhinakaran?s faction, said.?While this is the real status, former Karnataka Prison DIG Roopa is making allegations. There is not even an iota of truth in any of her charges and she has not released any evidence for the same,? the daily said, attributing it to the party functionaries. ?It is obvious that Chinnamma is fully following all prison rules and she was not provided any special treatment, flouting laws.?The Karnataka government had on July 17 shunted out Roopa who brought to light the alleged special treatment to Sasikala in the central prison in Bengaluru and dragged her senior into a bribery row over the matter.While shifting DIG (Prisons) D Roopa, the government also transferred DGP (Prisons) HN Sathyanarayana Rao after they sparred over a report on the charges in public.

Chhavi Tyagi

18 May 2017,Thursday

Kerala govt to distribute sanitary pads in all schools

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/kerala-sanitary-pads-schools-cm-pinarayi-vijayan-facebook-post/1/956763.html

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has announced that the government will distribute sanitary pads to girls in all the schools in the state. Making the announcement about launching the 'She Pad' scheme on Facebook, the CM said that the approximate expenditure for the implementation of the project will come to ?30 crore for five years.

In a revolutionary move, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has announced that the government will distribute sanitary pads to girls in all the schools in the state. In a Facebook post made last night, CM Pinarayi Vijayan said that the government will implement this under the 'She Pad' scheme. In the post, CM said that the approximate expenditure for the implementation will come to Rs 30 crore for five years. Here is a close translation of the post:"Genital hygeine is every woman's right. The Kerala government is all set to implement the 'She Pad' scheme wherein sanitary pads will be made available to girls in all the schools in Kerala. The system to dispose used pads without harming the environment will be set up as well. The total cost will be approximately Rs 30 crore for five years.

Niharika Prabhakar

14 Jul 2017,Friday

TN couple seeks police protection after inter-caste marriage

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/tamil-nadu-erode-gobichettipalayam-police-station-tirupur-ajit-gokila-dishonour-killing/1/1001584.html?utm_source=inshorts&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=fullarticle

An inter-caste couple in Tamil Nadu's Erode district sought police protection after marrying against the wishes of the woman's parents. The couple feared they would be killed if they went back to their hometown since they belong to different castes. The Kongu belt, from where the couple hails, is reportedly infamous for incidents of honour killing.

A couple walked into Gobichettipalayam police station in Tamil Nadu's Erode district today immediately after tying the knot in Coimbatore seeking protection for their life. This after the guy married a girl of higher caste, against her parents' wishes. Ajit Kumar from Avinashi town of Tirupur, who hails from the scheduled caste community, fell in love with Gokila, a Hindu caste girl. When Gokila's family learnt about their relationship, they disapproved of their relationship saying that Ajit was from a lower caste.   Gokila's family members allegedly warned her of grave consequences and also went to Ajit's residence to threaten him.AJIT KUMAR AND GOKILA ELOPED ON JULY 12Ajit and Gokila eloped on July 12 and got married at Marudhamalai in Coimbatore. Fearing that they could be killed if they went back to their hometown as they belong to different castes, they approached the Gobichettipalayam police station in Erode and urged the police to save their lives.

Parmeet Kaur

25 Jul 2017,Tuesday

Drug peddlers coat eatables with LSD to avoid detection

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/lsd-peddlers-eatables/1/1010111.html?utm_source=inshorts&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=fullarticle

Drug peddlers are coating biscuits and nut crackers with Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) drug to avoid being caught at airports, Task Force officials said. "These biscuits were detected and seized only because the peddlers were carrying another drug, which was detected in the scanning machine," an officer said. This was revealed after Task Force arrested nine people carrying LSD-laced biscuits.

Believe it or not, eatables laced with LSD are the emerging modus operandi followed by drug peddlers across the country, agencies dealing against narcotics claimed. Be it biscuits or nut crackers, drug peddlers are lacing them with LSD and selling them at higher price.The revelation came days after Task Force sleuths arrested nine people, including two Nigerians, in two separate cases at Masab Tank and Banjara Hills in Hyderabad. Along with 300 grams of cocaine, 42 grams of MDMA and three biscuits laced with LSD were recovered.According to sources, during interrogation, they told police that to save themselves from being caught at the airport, they started coating LSD on eatables such as biscuits and nut crackers. They further told police that this is not the first time they have laced eatables with LSD. "Most of the drugs, especially LSD, coming from Germany to India are being coated on eatables," they reportedly confessed.LSD LACED EATABLESThe officers said that earlier LSD-laced sugar cubes were seized, but this is the first time drugs in biscuits were found. "These biscuits were detected and seized only because the peddlers were carrying another drug as well, which was detected in the scanning machine," an officer involved in the investigation said.After recording the confessional statement, the inputs were shared with the narcotics department. Also, security agencies at the airports, including CISF, have been alerted about the new modus operandiSpeaking to Mail Today, a senior officer of the narcotics department said, "It is very difficult to identify adultered eatables and eatables laced with LSD. But officers scanning passengers' luggage at the airport have been asked to keep tight vigil on eatables in their bags. Not only this, but they have been advised to check biscuits or nut crackers if they are in small quantity."Sources also said peddlers - mostly from African countries - have been carrying small consignments which they hide between the clothes or in false cavities in their bags."They also carry nut cracker packets in their hand bags to avoid suspicion. They keep the seal open and tend to eat some of them to fool security officers. Those arrested hid the eatables laced with LSD in a small false cavity inside the packet to fool the officers," a source said, quoting one of the confessional statements.Meanwhile, preliminary interrogation and analysis of cell phone data of the peddlers revealed they might have sold drugs to more than 100 people in the last one and half years."Most buyers are young, especially college students," said an officer in the Task Force. In a separate case, West Zone Task Force arrested three people and seized 11 LSD bots and three cell phones. The accused are P Revanth, Irfan Najeeb Khan and Zain Khan.

Daisy Mowke

22 Jan 2017,Sunday

I want to play Guru Dutt onscreen: Shah Rukh Khan

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/shah-rukh-khan-raees-guru-dutt-sanjay-leela-bhansali-biopic/1/863537.html

Shah Rukh Khan has expressed his desire to play late actor-director Guru Dutt in a biopic. "I would love to essay Guru Dutt saab's life," he said. Guru Dutt is best known for films like 'Pyaasa' and 'Kaagaz Ke Phool'. Shah Rukh further said that he has no identity of his own and it is his work that defines him.

In a 25-year-long career, Shah Rukh Khan has never acted in a biopic.In a recent interview with Hindustan Times, when Shah Rukh was asked about what is happening with Sanjay Leela Bhansali's film on poet Sahir Ludhianvi which may or may not star the Raees actor, Shah Rukh said, "Iâ??d love to essay Guru Duttsaabâ??s life."Guru Dutt was a noted Indian actor and filmmaker best known for starring in and/or making classics like Pyaasa, Kaagaz Ke Phool and Saheb Bibi Aur Ghulam. Often, called "India's Orson Welles", Dutt was known for his brooding films with sumptuous music and cinematography.ALSO READ: Guru Dutt, the master of gloom and doomALSO READ: Shah Rukh meets cobbler fan, is gifted specially handcrafted shoes!ALSO WATCH: Shah Rukh opens up on box-office clash with KaabilHowever, his genius suffered because of the commercial failure of his films, irrespective of their artistic quality. In addition to this, his tumultuous relationship with wife Geeta Dutt and co-actor Waheeda Rehman, coupled with alcoholism, took a toll on his life.Shah Rukh Khan has earlier played an alcoholic in the 2002 film Devdas. Over the years, several filmmakers have tried to make a biopic of Guru Dutt. At one point, Anurag Kashyap and Aamir Khan were attached to a similar project.

Daisy Mowke

04 Apr 2017,Tuesday

I have made a career out of flop films: Manoj Bajpayee

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/ive-made-a-career-out-of-flop-films-manoj-bajpayee/1/920094.html

Actor Manoj Bajpayee has said that he is a living example of an actor making a career out of flop films. "Success does not teach you anything. Failures, rejections, they make you the man that you are," he added. Bajpayee further said that his "so-called flop films" have been appreciated the most.

Mumbai, Apr 4 (PTI) Actor Manoj Bajpayee says the credit for his success in the film industry goes to his "so called" flop movies. The actor says he has faced a lot a rejection and the failures have made him what he is. "Success doesnt teach you anything. Failures, rejections, they make you the man that you are. In my life, Ive mostly seen rejections and failures and flops. I am a living example of an actor making a career out of flops," Bajpayee told PTI. "You can count my hit films on your fingertips. But if you count the number of flops that I am proud of, they are several in numbers," he adds. The actor, best known for featuring in critically acclaimed films like "Satya", "Shool" and "Gangs of Wasseypur", says movies which do not work at the box office, are often the ones which have longer shelf life. "I am here because of those so called flop films as they were appreciated the most. They take me all around the world. Aligarh and Budhia Singh are still running in some pockets of the world."

Sumedha Sehra

30 Jun 2017,Friday

Pak bans 26/11 mastermind Hafiz Saeed's new terror front

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/hafiz-saeed-pakistan-tehreek-e-azad-jammu-kashmir/1/990758.html

Pakistan has put a ban on Tehreek-e-Azadi-Jammu & Kashmir (TAJK), the new terror outfit of the 26/11 Mumbai attack mastermind and Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD) chief Hafiz Saeed. Saeed's previous terror fronts Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and JuD were declared terrorist organisations by the US, after which he started running his activities under the TAJK banner. Pakistan had earlier put him on house arrest.

After placing Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD)'s Hafiz Saeed under house arrest on January 30, Pakistan has now banned his new terror front Tehreek-e-Azadi-Jammu & Kashmir (TAJK).JuD was declared a terrorist outfit by the US in 2014 and and was again put under the watch list on January 27. The Pakistan's National Counter Terrorism Authority (NACTA ) put TAJK on the list of proscribed organisations on June 8, forcing Saeed to run his activities under the TAJK banner. Hafiz Saeed had adopted the name JuD after its terror outfit, Laskar-e-Tayyiba (LeT) that basically perpetrates terror in India, was banned by Pakistan on 14 January 2002 under international pressure. However, it did not affect him. In December 2008, the UN Security Council, under its Resolution 1267, imposed sanctions on JuD and Hafiz Saeed for supporting Al Qaeda and Taliban. India had named Hafiz Saeed, LeT and JuD as the perpetrators of the series of terrorist attacks in Mumbai in November 2008. Since then there has been an unending drama of Hafiz Saeed being put under house arrest or detained cursorily before being set free even if the US declared a bounty of USD 10 million on his head in 2012. Things took a turn after Donald Trump was elected president in the United States. The US clearly told Pakistan to act against JuD after its name prominently figured in the report of the Asia Pacific Group on Money Laundering. If Pakistan failed to comply to this it would be put on the list of blacklisted countries in the International Cooperative Review Group (ICRG). That would make it necessary for Pakistan to put a formal request each time it went about transacting any business through any of the international financial institutions. Left with no other option, Pakistan had to put Hafiz Saeed under house arrest on January 30. Even if symbolic, it made a huge difference that we can see now with TAJK ban, as Donald Trump is completing six months in office. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Donald Trump in a joint statement, during Indian PM's US tour, labeled Pakistan a terror haven. Not to mention the US has designated Pakistan-based Hizbul Mujahideen chief Syed Salahuddin as a global terrorist. Pakistan, probably, was expecting all this to happen, and therefore would have decided to act on Hafiz Saeed's new terror front before it became another international rallying point against it.

Chhavi Tyagi

26 Jun 2017,Monday

Man loses arm fighting a crocodile to save dogs

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/bengalurus-startup-ceo-loses-arm-crocodile-attack-save-dogs/1/987602.html

A 26-year-old entered a restricted forest area of Karnataka's Thattekere Lake and lost his arm in an attack by a crocodile while trying to help his two dogs out of the lake. The incident happened when the IIT graduate, who is also a CEO of a startup, was out on a trekking expedition along with a friend and his dogs.

Forest has rules. Unsaid yet well known. You dare to break the rules of the forest, you pay for it.The Founder and CEO of Turtle Shell Technologies, a startup based out of Bengaluru -- Mudit Dandwate -- chose to enter a restricted area of Bengaluru's Thattekere Lake in Ramanagara district. The lake is at least 46 km from Bengaluru. The IIT graduate, 26, was attacked by a crocodile when he tried to help his two dogs out of the lake. Dandwate, originally from Nagpur, was out on a trekking expedition, along with a friend and two pet dogs. THE CROCODILE ATTACKDandwate's dogs, excited to see a water body, jumped into the lake. Mudit, worried about his dogs, jumped into the lake to help them out of the water but failed to notice the signboard that warned of the presence of crocodiles in the lake. As he was helping his dogs out, a crocodile attacked Mudit and tore off his left arm from below the elbow, the friend told the police. Mudit was operated on at Hosmat Hospital to where he was taken to after he was rushed to a local hospital for first aid, and is recovering.  TREATMENT The Times of India quoted Thomas Chandy, Chief of Orthopaedics, as saying, "A crocodile bite is powerful and has crushed the arm, just like in the case of any industrial accident. But crocodile bite is toxic as well. So we are currently performing medical procedure called debridement, where is hand is being cleaned several time to make sure there is no infection."A report on India.com said that the chances of Mudit regaining his arm are bleak and that the doctors said he would be given a prosthetic arm in another three months.

Aarushi Maheshwari

20 Jun 2017,Tuesday

Delhi on high alert over reports of possible terror attacks

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/delhi-high-alert-terror-attack-london-isis-jihadists-police/1/982792.html

The Delhi Police has put security agencies on high alert after receiving inputs of possible terror attacks in the city. Agencies have been directed to take appropriate security measures at metro stations, airports, railway stations, five-star hotels, religious places and embassies. The police said, "We have received inputs on June 10 that militants could target such places in large scale."

Following a series of terror attacks in London, Delhi Police have put all security agencies on high alert fearing possible terror attacks at certain strategic locations. Delhi Police issued an advisory to all security agencies across the country to take appropriate security measures at places such as crowded metro stations, airports, inter-state bus terminals, railway stations, five-star hotels, embassies of western countries, busy markets and religious places. "We have received inputs on June 10 that militants could target such places in large scale. Hence, an advisory has been issued on June 12 to alert security agencies such as Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), other para military forces and the intelligence wing of Delhi Police to be on their toes," said a senior official of Delhi police.

Arshiya Chopra

14 Jul 2017,Friday

GoI looking for math tutor: Rahul takes dig at RBI Guv

http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/govt-looking-for-math-tutor-rahul-chidambaram-poke-fun-at-rbi-counting-scrapped-notes/story-COaMjBOuQ2rNfzF3ThIKmM.html?utm_source=inshorts&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=fullarticle

Taking a dig at RBI Governor Urjit Patel on his comment that RBI is still counting demonetised notes, Congress Vice-President Rahul Gandhi tweeted that Government of India is looking for math tutor. Also, Congress' senior party leader P Chidambaram tweeted, "RBI buying note counting machines 8 months after demonetisation! Has RBI not heard of 'leasing'?"

Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi and senior party leader P Chidambaram on Thursday poked fun at RBI Governor Urjit Patel over his remarks that the scrapped notes deposited after the November 8 demonetisation were still being counted.?GOI (Government of India) looking for a math tutor. Please apply to PMO ASAP (as soon as possible) (smiley),? Rahul Gandhi posted on Twitter attaching a report by Firstpost.Chidambaram also took a dig at the Reserve Bank of India chief, asking if the central bank had not heard of ?leasing?.RBI buying note counting machines 8 months after demonetisation! Has RBI not heard of 'leasing'?? P. Chidambaram (@PChidambaram_IN) July 13, 2017Eight months after demonetisation was announced in November 2016, the RBI chief refused to give the total amount of junked notes deposited with various banks, saying they are still being counted.Patel is learnt to have told a meeting of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Finance that the process of counting scrapped notes was still on and the central bank has to verify fake notes for which specialised machines are being procured. While some machines have been procured, tenders have been floated to procure more, Patel was quoted by sources as having told the committee. Patel said the total money in circulation in the country now was Rs 15.4 lakh crore against Rs 17.7 lakh crore at the time of demonetisation, according to sources.Chidambaram also slammed the National Democratic Alliance?s Mudra scheme, under which the government claimed to have generated self-employment opportunities for more than seven crore youth. ?7.28 crore youth self-employed under MUDRA loan scheme -- that is title of mythological serial beginning today. Scriptwriters may apply,? Chidambaram posted on Twitter.

Mansha Mahajan

02 Feb 2017,Thursday

Jio controls 94% data traffic share in India: Credit Suisse

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/technology/story/reliance-jio-beats-airtel-voda-with-94-per-cent-data-traffic-share-in-india/1/873158.html

Mukesh Ambani-led Reliance Jio has acquired 94% of the data traffic share in India, according to financial services major Credit Suisse's report. However, Jio does not fare well when it comes to speed, while Airtel offers the best 4G speed. "We suspect Jio?s speeds are impacted by the high load on the network in the free offer period," it added.

After reports of Reliance Jio becoming the primary data connection on mobiles in India, a new survey report suggests that Jio has the highest data traffic share in India surpassing the telcos like Airtel and Vodafone. Also Read: Reliance Jio becomes the primary data connection on mobiles in India: Report According to a report by Credit Suisse, Jio has 94 per cent traffic share while Airtel, Vodafone and Idea contribute 2 per cent each to the traffic. A survey was conducted in 30 cities which revealed that Jio had better 4G coverage in 80 per cent of cities with atleast 30 per cent coverage presence in almost every city. Airtel, Vodafone and Idea had coverage in 10 to 30 per cent of the cities.

Dishant Sharma

25 Jul 2017,Tuesday

Peaty sets world record in 50m breaststroke at World C'ships

https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2017/jul/25/adam-peaty-sets-world-record-50-metres-breaststroke-swimming-world-championships-budapest?utm_source=inshorts&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=fullarticle

Britain's 22-year-old Adam Peaty broke his own world record for the 50m breaststroke to set a new one at the World Aquatics Championships on Tuesday. Peaty swam the 50m in 26.10 seconds, eclipsing the 26.42 seconds he produced at the 2015 World Aquatics Championships. Notably, Peaty also won Britain a gold in the 100 metres breaststroke.

Adam Peaty surprised even himself after improving his own 50 metres breaststroke world record by almost half a second in one day at the world championships in Budapest on Tuesday.The Olympic champion won 100m breaststroke gold on Monday?s second day and vowed there would be ?something special? over one length on Tuesday. But even the 22-year-old did not expect what happened ? a 0.47sec improvement on the world record of 26.42sec he set in winning the 50m title in Kazan, Russia in 2015.Peaty clocked 26.10 in the morning heat, 0.44 ahead of his nearest rival, and improved his mark to 25.95 in the evening semi-final, 0.73sec clear of the field.?I didn?t think I was going to do that,? said Peaty, who shook his head in disbelief after seeing his time. Peaty, though, knows what matters is the title , when he will likely also be part of the British 4x100m mixed medley relay team seeking to win successive golds after victory in 2015. He added: ?I enjoyed it tonight. Obviously it?s nothing without the gold that goes along with it.?I?m going to be focusing now, staying neutral and see what we get tomorrow.? Peaty?s advantage is a huge margin over two lengths of the pool, let alone one. But he is focused on himself, having learned from experience since 2014 and winning Commonwealth, European, world and Olympic titles.?This morning I wasn?t prepared to do a world record,? Peaty added.?It was just me easing through the stroke and touching the wall. Progressing to the semi-final. It was the same tonight. I was on such a massive high from this morning and it was so hard to ignore the fact that I did a world record and try to get myself emotionally ready. I thought I was going to go slower [in the semi-final] because I was a little bit less energetic.?Peaty has the five fastest times in history over 50m breaststroke, a non-Olympic event, and admitted a sub-26sec swim had not been on his radar, with his focus on what he calls Project 56 ? swimming beneath 57sec over 100m, since Rio. He said: ?This morning everyone was like Project 25 and I was like ?go on then?. I just dived in tonight and was like ?I feel good?. I wasn?t that far behind after the start, which was a bonus for me.?Peaty surfaces sooner than his rivals, but so he is so powerful that he surges through the water.Cameron van der Burgh of South Africa, Peaty?s predecessor as world champion in 2013, clocked 26.54 in the morning heat, but finished his semi-final in 26.74 as Brazil?s Felipe Lima beat him in 26.68. Peaty is likely to be kept in reserve in the morning heats of the mixed medley relay, with Ross Murdoch an able deputy, and, assuming they qualify, Britain will be confident of success with Peaty coming in for an event which is now on the Olympic programme.Duncan Scott and James Guy earlier missed out on adding to Britain?s medal collection, which included Ben Proud?s 50m butterfly gold on Monday.. Scott and Guy had to settle for fourth and fifth place, respectively, in the 200m freestyle as the Olympic champion Sun Yang of China won his second gold, after 400m victory on Sunday. The Britons? semi-final times would have been good enough for the podium. ?It?s very disappointing. I think I got a little bit carried away at the start of the race,? Guy said.Scott, who begins his 100m freestyle campaign on Wednesday, said: ?I?m proud of that swim. I don?t think I did anything wrong, just others stepped up and performed when they needed to.?Kathleen Dawson was eighth in the 100m backstroke won by Canada?s Kylie Masse in a world record time of 58.10. And Sarah Vasey was eighth in the 100m breaststroke as the Olympic champion Lilly King of the United States won in 1:04.13.

Aarushi Maheshwari

28 Jul 2017,Friday

US mandates explosive trace checks for all flights

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/ais-direct-us-flights-to-see-explosive-trace-device-checks/1/1012482.html?utm_source=inshorts&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=fullarticle

The US Transportation Security Administration has made it mandatory for foreign carriers to perform Explosive Trace Device checks for US-bound flights, MoS for Civil Aviation Jayant Sinha has said. He added that the Delhi and Mumbai Airports will get Explosive Trace Device checks for US-bound Air India flights. The checks will be for all portable gadgets larger than a smartphone.

Prashanti Moktan

28 Apr 2017,Friday

Sayani shares selfie with Ranbir, Katrina from film sets

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/ranbir-kapoor-katrina-kaif-selfie-jagga-jasoos/1/940544.html

A picture shared by Sayani Gupta on Instagram shows her with Ranbir Kapoor and Katrina Kaif from the sets of their upcoming film Jagga Jasoos. Sayani wrote alongside the picture, "To mark the debut of the goddess on Instagram.. here's a blurry memory (thanks to Ranbir) post wrap! @katrinakaif Welcome aboard!"

Ranbir Kapoor and Katrina Kaif clearly believe in the dharma of being friends after a break up.The two actors had been reportedly uncomfortable with each ever since they broke up. Their personal problems made way to the sets of Jagga Jasoos, thereby compounding already-existing production issues. The film's release date got postponed numerous times between 2014 and 2017 and currently, the film's release date is July 14 this year.However, Katrina Kaif said in a recent interview with Hindustan Times that 99 per cent of the stories regarding Jagga Jasoos are not true."At least a hundred stories about Jagga Jasoos must have come out, but probably 99% of them aren't true. As of now, I don't know the marketing plans of the producers or distributors of the film.Whenever they share that plan with me, and since it's my own film, I will be happy to do whatever they feel is good for it," Katrina was quoted by the newspaper.Meanwhile, just recently, both the exes Ranbir Kapoor and Katrina Kaif clicked a selfie on the sets of a television show. Although the film's promotions haven't begun yet, Ranbir and Katrina appearing together publicly and clicking a selfie has left us all perplexed.Here, have a look: