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Tarun Khanna

26 Apr 2017,Wednesday

Won't tolerate such incidents: CM Raje on Alwar lynching

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/vasundhara-raje-pehlu-khan-alwar-lynching-rajasthan/1/938020.html

Over three weeks after Pehlu Khan (55) was lynched by cow vigilantes in Rajasthan's Alwar, CM Vasundhara Raje on Tuesday said such incidents won't be tolerated and the culprits won't be spared. "Investigation is on and some people have been arrested," she added. On Sunday, 23 ex-bureaucrats had written a letter to Raje demanding justice in the case.

Almost a month after the murder and lynching of 55-year-old Pehlu Khan, Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje has broken her prolonged silence on the heinous act.Raje said that police has arrested some people and that her government will not tolerate these of kind of incidents in Rajasthan.Raje's response comes a day after about 23 former IAS officer's wrote an open letter to her condemning the incident and demanding justice for Pehlu Khan."We are very disturbed by the lynching and murder of Pehlu Khan in Alwar. We are also dismayed by the acts of omission and commission by the government following the incident, including the delay and marked reluctance in arresting all those guilty of the act," the letter read.Khan was beaten to death on April 1 in Alwar district of Rajasthan by cow vigilantes. Khan and four others were attacked while they were going towards Haryana after purchasing cattle from Rajasthan's Ramgarh. Khan was attacked by gau rakshaks who branded him as a cattle struggler.The shocking incident was caught on camera. Khan who was rushed to a hospital succumbed to his injuries on April 3.The incident had triggered a debate across the political spectrum, with many criticising Raje for not condemning the incident and her government's reluctance in punishing the perpetrators.Also Read:

Chhavi Tyagi

30 Apr 2017,Sunday

Violators of law will not be spared: Adityanath

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/yogi-adityanath-uttar-pradesh-cm-gau-rakshaks-anti-romeo-squad/1/941842.html

Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath on Sunday said, "We will not compromise with law and order and those who violate law won't be spared." He further said, "I am committed to fulfil the dreams of our people to make UP the best-ruled state in the country." He also warned gau rakshaks (cow vigilantes) and anti-Romeo squad against violating the law.

On his second visit to Gorakhpur after assuming charge as Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister, Yogi Adityanath warned law-breakers of strict action if they took law into their hands. In an oblique warning to members of "gau-rakshaks" brigade and "anti-Romeo squad", the chief minister said that he will not compromise with law and order at any cost."I am committed to fulfill the dreams of our people to make Uttar Pradesh the best ruled state in the country. We will not compromise with law and order and those who violate law won't be spared", warned Yogi Adityanath.'MEDIA SHOULD PLAY A POSITIVE ROLE'Adityanath, who was addressing a gathering at the swearing-in ceremony of new office bearers of Gorakhpur Press Club announced that he will establish rule of law in the state.He also appealed the media to play a positive role in this. Talking about his month-old government's achievements, he said that Uttar Pradesh will be getting 24 hours of electricity and potholes free roads soon.He also assured that no farmer in his state will be compelled to commit suicide.NEW SUGAR FACTORIES"We are sensitive to farmer issues hence we waived farmer loans in our first cabinet meeting", said the UP chief minister.He announced that in order to stop migration from the state and create more employment opportunities, his government will be opening five new sugar factories and restarting other such factories which were shut down.Also read: Quit Uttar Pradesh if you can't respect the law, warns CM Yogi Adityanath

Sonu Kumari

22 Jul 2017,Saturday

North Delhi to replace over 50% streetlights with LEDs

http://www.hindustantimes.com/delhi-news/north-delhi-to-get-1-15-lakh-led-streetlights-from-next-week/story-Q9O44utYusJYoZvt15kekM.html?utm_source=inshorts&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=fullarticle

North Delhi Municipal Corporation will reportedly start replacing 1.15 lakh out of 2.05 lakh existing streetlights with LED lights from next week onwards. Authorities said that the work will start from Narela and Rohini zones. Apart from checking the problem of dark spots, the project is also expected to save around 65% energy and ?50 crore of the corporation annually.

From next week onwards, the North Delhi Municipal Corporation will start replacing 1.15 lakh conventional streetlights with light emitting diode (LED). Official say there are 2.05 lakh streetlights, semi-mast and high-mast lights installed at roads and parks under the North corporation. Out of this, the contract has been awarded for 1.15 lakhs light fixtures in two bigger zones ? Rohini and Narela ? in phase I.For installation and execution, the civic body has appointed consortium of Havells India Ltd. and Tata Power Delhi Distribution Ltd . It plans to finish work in nine months time.For rest of the 90,000 lighting fixtures, tendering has been done and as soon as the project receives approval from the standing committee, work will start in the remaining four zones ? city, Civil Lines, Sadar Paharganj and Karol Bagh, said the official. North civic body commissioner, Praveen Gupta said, ?The task for changing streetlights with LEDs was taken up by the south Corporation last year and we have learnt a lot from their experience. We have decided to do the work in two phases to avoid mess and assigned the task to the companies who have attained expertise in this field,? he said. At present, the civic agency is spending R 125 crore on these streetlights annually. But after implementation of project it will save R 50 crores, annually.

Vaibhav Gupta

20 Dec 2016,Tuesday

Glass ceiling falls off for 74th time at Chennai Airport

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/chennai-airport-glass-ceiling-accident-nhrc/1/839040.html

A glass ceiling near Entry Gate 4 at the Chennai Airport fell off for the 74th time this year, according to reports. Notably, the National Human Rights Commission had in April issued notices to the Ministry of Civil Aviation in this regard. The Civil Aviation Ministry has reportedly investigated the airport and asked the authorities to take corrective steps.

In what can be considered another blot on Chennai Airport , a glass ceiling fell off today for the 74th time this year.

Rini Sinha

29 May 2017,Monday

Kapil's show gets extension after Dus Ka Dum delayed: Report

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/kapil-sharmas-show-gets-a-fresh-lease-of-life-thanks-to-salman-khan-lifetv/1/965443.html

According to reports, The Kapil Sharma Show has got an extension of two months after Salman Khan's show 'Dus Ka Dum' has been postponed to January 2018. Sources say the TRPs of Kapil's show have improved recently. Earlier, it was reported that Kapil was given a month to improve the show's TRP, after cast members including Sunil Grover stopped shooting.

Sony TV is in a crisis of sorts after its flagship show The Kapil Sharma Show witnessed a huge drop in TRPs, after four of its cast members quit following a mid-air tiff with host Kapil. Within a few months, the ratings more than halved.This week, however, was comparatively good for this once-popular show, as it registered an increase of 1 million impressions, according to BARC India's latest data. The show got 4.1 million impressions for the week--May 13-19. Last week, it could only get 3.4 million impressions. However, there is still a long way to go.Also read: When Kapil Sharma decided to keep quiet on a plane

Vani Vivek

28 Mar 2017,Tuesday

Flipkart fined ?15,000 for selling faulty charger worth ?259

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/technology/story/flipkart-to-pay-rs-15000-fine-for-selling-faulty-mobile-charger/1/913818.html

Flipkart has reportedly been directed by a consumer forum to pay a Hyderabad resident ?15,000 for selling him a faulty mobile charger worth ?259 that damaged his phone. The man claims the charger burnt the wires of his phone within 10 minutes of charging. Flipkart contended that it's a mediator between users and sellers, and not responsible for product quality.

The e-commerce platform Flipkart will have to pay Rs 15000 fine to a Hyderabad resident for selling him a faulty mobile charger that damaged his phone.According to a TOI report, Dr Ahmed AQ Irfani, bough a mobile phone charger worth Rs 259 from Flipkart during January 2016.  Irfani claims that within 10 minutes of charging, the  wires of the phone got burnt and the device was damaged completely. "When I complained to Flipkart, they offered to replace the faulty charger, but declined to compensate for the damage caused to my phone. They suggested that the device could have been damaged because of the surge in power," Irfani told  TOI. He also stated that the charger's description read that it could withstand between 100 volts and 240 volts.Also Read: OnePlus took a long time to launch a black OnePlus 3T for a reasonInitially Flipkart refused to pay the compensation stating that the device may have damaged due to a short circuit caused by power fluctuations. It also stated that it is only a mediator between user and seller and is therefore, nowhere responsible for products quality.

Daisy Mowke

15 Jan 2017,Sunday

Himachal temple unveils 1,600 kg butter idol

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/goddess-brajeshwari-devi-himachal-temple-1-600-kg-butter-idol/1/857271.html

An idol of Goddess Brajeshwari Devi made of 1,600 kilogram of clarified butter was unveiled at the Brajeshwari Devi temple in Himachal Pradesh on Sunday morning. The butter idol would be removed on January 20 and its 'prasad' would be distributed among the devotees. The idol is installed every year to mark the festival of Makar Sankranti.

One of the busiest shrines in north India, the Brajeshwari Devi temple sees a majority of pilgrims from Punjab, Haryana, Uttarakhand, Delhi and Uttar Pradesh.Preparations started on Saturday morning for the installation of the idol of Goddess Brajeshwari Devi made of 1,600 kg of clarified butter, in the famous Brajeshwari Devi temple in Himachal Pradesh, officials said.The idol, being prepared by using 'desi ghee' after purification with holy water 101 times by temple priests, will be open for the public early Sunday morning, temple official Pawan Badyal told IANS.He said the butter idol would be removed from the 'pindi' or iconography of the goddess on January 20 and its 'prasada' or edible food would be distributed among the devotees.It is believed the idol butter cures chronic skin ailments and pain in the joints.

Chhavi Tyagi

01 Aug 2017,Tuesday

Over 21 lakh Indians applied for H-1B visa in 11 yrs: Report

http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/more-than-21-lakh-indians-applied-for-h-1b-visa-in-over-a-decade-report/story-QsjY4H6wiR7eJUTla4F7EL.html?utm_source=inshorts&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=fullarticle

More than 21 lakh Indian technology professionals have applied for H-1B work visas in the last 11 years, an official report of the US Citizenship and Immigration Services said. The majority of those who applied for the visa were holding master's or bachelor's degree and their average salary over the last 11 years has been $92,317.

More than 21 lakh Indian technology professionals have applied for H-1B work visas in the last 11 years, an official report has said.The report of the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has also refuted the impression that those who applied for the visa were not highly qualified.On an average, their salary over the last 11 years has been $92,317 and an overwhelming majority of them are masters or bachelor?s degree holder.According to the report since 2007 till June this year, the USCIS received 3.4 million (34 lakh) H-1B visas applications, of which people from India accounted for 21 lakh. During the same period, the US issued H-1B visas to 26 lakh people, the USCIS said in its report, which however does not give countrywide breakdown.In terms of number of H-1B applications between 2007 and 2017, India is followed by a distant China with 296,313 H-1B applications, Philippines (85,918), South Korea (77,359), and Canada (68,228).The report said majority (23 lakh) of the beneficiary of H-1B visas were in the age group of 25-34, and 20 lakh came from the computer related occupation category. Computer was followed by architecture, engineering, and surveying (318,670), education (244,000), administrative specialisations (245,000), and medicine and health (185,000).Sometimes people post their retirement age have been given H-1B visas. In all these 11 years, more than 2,000 foreign nationals of more than 65 years of age received H-1B visas. This year alone so far 122 H-1B visas have been allocated to those above 65 years.The report said custom computer programming services industry received the maximum number of 999, 901 H-1B visas in these years. It was followed by computer systems design services (287,000) and college universities and professional schools (229,00).Contrary to the general perception, the average salary of H-1B visas have increased significantly since 2007 when it was $68,159. In 2017, the average salary of H-1B visas holder foreign guest worker is $92,317.The USCIS?s report was first reported by Breitbart news.?The USCIS date shows that between 2007 and 2017, the H- 1B visa, which imports foreign workers to take American jobs, the programme has grown exponentially. The vast majority of visa-holders are from India,? Breitbart said, adding that roughly 70 to 80% of the foreign workers imported every year are from India.The Trump administration is currently reviewing the H-1B visa policy.

Abhishek Bansal

25 Feb 2017,Saturday

India will now be scared to prepare turning pitches: Ganguly

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/sourav-ganguly-india-vs-australia-virat-kohli-steve-okeefe/1/891413.html

Former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly on Saturday called for more sporting pitches to be prepared for the remaining three matches of the ongoing Test series. "If Australia's spinners keep bowling so accurately, India will be scared of preparing turning pitches," said Ganguly. "India's best chance would be to play on good pitches," added the former cricketer.

Former India captain Sourav Ganguly on Saturday called for more sporting pitches to be prepared for the remaining three Test matches of the Border-Gavaskar series. India were completely decimated by Australia in the first Test in Pune on a dry and deteriorating surface in Pune. (India suffer first three-day Test defeat since April 2008)CLICK HERE TO WATCH VIDEOAustralia bowled out India for 105 and 107 in both innings respectively with left-arm spinner Steve O'Keefe finishing the match with figures of 12 for 70 while Nathan Lyon picked up five wickets. Indian batsmen were clueless against the Aussie spin attack, especially on the third day. (Surprised with the way Australia won: Michael Clarke to India Today)Lauding the accuracy of O'Keefe and Lyon, Ganguly said India would now be scared to prepare turning pitches going ahead in the series. (Steve Smith ecstatic after Australia's first Test win in India after 4502 days)"The difference between the earlier teams and this Australian team touring here was the accuracy by Steve O'Keefe and Nathan Lyon. If Australia's spinners keep bowling so accurately, India will be scared of preparing turning pitches," Ganguly told India Today in an exclusive interview. (Virat Kohli furious after 'worst batting performance in the last two years')Ganguly also said that India would be surprised the way Australian spinners bowled in this match."India must have been surprised with the way Australia's spinners bowled. It's not the first time India prepared turners. They believed their own spinners were more accurate than the Aussie spinners. The way the two Australian spinners bowled will make India think for the rest of the series," he added.

Arshiya Chopra

20 Jul 2017,Thursday

Doctor abducted by Ola driver, rescued after shootout in UP

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/delhi-doctor-kidnapping-meerut-encounter-ola-cab/1/1006409.html?utm_source=inshorts&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=fullarticle

A doctor, allegedly abducted on July 6 from Delhi by an Ola cab driver, was rescued on Wednesday from Meerut after a shootout between a joint team of Delhi Police and UP Special Task Force and the kidnappers. Reportedly, three men helped the driver in the kidnapping and demanded ?5 crore as ransom from Ola instead of the doctor's family.

Nearly 200 cops, 13 days and a couple of encounters, this story of kidnapping of a Delhi-based doctor and his dramatic rescue is nothing less than a Bollywood crime thriller.Srikanth Goud, who originally hails from Hyderabad, was travelling home in a Ola cab on July 6 night when he was kidnapped. HERE'S WHAT HAPPENED: ALSO READ:Delhi: Man kills woman for argument with bar dancer girlfriend, arrestedDelhi: Girl, 15, kidnapped, raped and sold for Rs 70,000

Tarun Khanna

18 Apr 2017,Tuesday

Army jawan killed in accidental firing from his own rifle

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/army-jawan-poonch-accidental-firing-jammu-and-kashmir/1/931551.html

An Indian Army jawan has been killed in accidental firing from his own rifle in Poonch area of Jammu and Kashmir. Meanwhile, PRO Defence Lieutenant Colonel Manish Mehta has denied reports that the jawan was killed during ceasefire violation. As many as eight Pakistani Army soldiers were killed as India retaliated to ceasefire violation along LoC in Rajouri on Monday.

An Army jawan has been killed in accidental firing in Poonch area of Jammu and Kashmir.The jawan was killed in firing from his own rifle. The incident took place in Mendhar area of Poonch.

Pragya Swastik

22 Mar 2017,Wednesday

Waitlisted passengers can now take next alternative train

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/travel-in-rajdhani-shatbadi-at-mail-express-fare-from-april-1/1/909451.html

Starting from April 1, Railways will let waitlisted passengers travel in the next alternative train going towards the same destination the ticket is booked for. Passengers will be allowed to take Rajdhani or Shatabdi trains even if they booked a ticket for other mail or express trains. No extra charge or difference in the fare will be collected by Railways.

Starting April 1, passengers will be able to avail the opportunity of travelling in Rajdhani or Shatabdi trains even if they had booked tickets in other mail/express trains for the same destinations. Railways is launching a new scheme from April as part of which wait-listed passengers can get confirmed accommodation in the next alternative train if they opt for the same while booking their tickets. As per the scheme, there will be no extra charges taken from passengers or any refund provided for the difference of fare. Known as Vikalp, the alternative train accommodation scheme aims to utilise vacant berths in many premier trains including Rajdhani, Shatabdi, Duronto and other special service such as Suvidha trains in all major routes. Railways has to forego about Rs 7,500 crore in a year in refund to customers for cancellation of tickets for various reasons. MOVEPASSENGER-FRIENDLY: RAILWAY OFFICIAL Describing the scheme as a "passenger-friendly" move to provide confirmed accommodation to wait-listed passengers in alternative trains, a senior Railway Ministry official said, "We aim to achieve the twin objectives of providing confirmed accommodation to wait-listed passengers and ensure optimal utilisation of available accommodation by this scheme." After the introduction of flexi-fare system in premier trains, some berths are going vacant while at the same time many passengers could not be accommodated in other Mail/Express trains due to the huge demand. "In any case, these berths are running vacant. So whatever we can save in refund is going to be a neat save for us. No additional cost is involved to railways so anything we save will be earnings for railways," the official added. Currently, railways is running the scheme on six routes including Delhi-Lucknow, Delhi-Jammu and Delhi-Mumbai sectors since November 1 on a pilot basis. SYSTEM AVAILABLE FOR ONLINE TICKETINGThe system is available for online ticketing now but it will be extended to over-the-counter sale also as the required software is being readied for the purpose. As per the scheme, wait-listed passengers of a train would be given the option of getting a confirmed accommodation in the next train running on the route. While there is a huge demand for train berths in certain sectors round the year, some routes witness increased rush during festive seasons. If a passenger opts for the Vikalp scheme while booking tickets, he will get an SMS alert on his/her mobile phone about getting the confirmed accommodation in the alternative train. The name of the passenger who has been provided accommodation in the alternative train will not figure in the wait-listed charts of their original train, the official said, adding that a separate list of passengers transferred in the alternative train will be pasted along with the confirmed and wait-list charts.(WITH INPUTS FROM PTI)

Krishna Veera Vanamali

04 Jul 2017,Tuesday

Show price changes after GST via stickers till Sep 30: Govt

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/reflect-price-revision-post-gst-via-stickers-till-sep-30-govt/1/994039.html

The government has allowed the use of stickers with revised rates for pre-packaged items, along with the printed MRP till September 30. The clarification came as several businesses were left with unsold stock as they carried pre-GST rates. However, the printed MRP will have to include the GST rate and no stickers would be allowed after September 30.

New Delhi, Jul 4 (PTI) Clearing the air on unsold stocks of goods post GST implementation, the government today allowed use of stickers with revised rates, alongside the printed MRP for pre-packaged items, for three months to reflect changes in selling price. The clarification from the government came as several businesses were left with huge unsold inventories before the GST kicked in from July 1. The unsold items had an MRP which included all taxes of pre-GST era but with the implementation of new regime, some of the final retail prices have undergone changes because of increase or decrease in tax incidences. The old maximum retail price (MRP) will have to be necessarily displayed on the unsold inventories and the new rates can be reflected by way of pastable stickers alongside, Consumer Affairs Secretary Avinash Srivastava told reporters here. On items where the price has to be increased for unsold stocks, the manufacturer or packer or importer will have to give at least two advertisements in two or more newspapers informing people about the change. However, after September 30, the printed MRP on pre- packaged commodity will have to necessary include the GST rate and no add-on stickers would be allowed. "The central government hereby, permits the manufacturer or packer or importer of pre-packaged commodities to declare the changed retail sale price (MRP) for three months from July 1-September 30. Declaration of the changed MRP shall be made by way of stamping or putting sticker or online printing," a government notification said. The difference between the retail sale price originally printed on the package and the revised price "shall not, in any case, be higher than the extent of increase in tax" or in the case of imposition of fresh tax on account of the implementation of the GST, it said

Aarushi Maheshwari

12 Jan 2017,Thursday

Passenger dies after falling ill on SpiceJet flight

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/woman-on-mumbai-varanasi-flight-falls-ill-onboard-dies-later/1/855157.html

A 24-year-old woman died after falling ill on a SpiceJet flight from Mumbai to Varanasi on Wednesday, the police said. The deceased had complained of ill health during the flight before collapsing, and her husband has alleged that the crew failed to provide medical assistance. SpiceJet has denied the allegations, claiming that she was attended to by a doctor onboard.

family alleges negligence Varanasi, Jan 11 (PTI) A 24 year-old woman travelling in a SpiceJet plane from Mumbai to Varanasi died today after she fell ill onboard, with her husband alleging negligence on the part of the flight attendants. Sangeeta, a resident of Shivpur area in Varanasi, boarded the plane from Mumbai this morning along with her husband Rajesh and their daughter, Phoolpur SHO Brijesh Mishra said. The airline said the woman had complained of breathlessness onboard and given medical attention. As soon the plane landed at the Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport here, the woman was rushed to a hospital in an ambulance, where doctors declared her brought dead, the SHO said. Mishra, however, said that it is still not clear whether the woman died onboard or while being taken to hospital in the ambulance. Whereas, Rajesh, who works at a glass manufacturing unit in Mumbai, alleged that the flight attendant did not extend immediate medical help and she could not put on the mask during the journey. He also claimed that she felt unwell an hour after the plane took off from Mumbai and soon collapsed. He has filed a complaint alleging negligence on the part of flight, saying the attendants did not extend necessary medical help at the time of emergency. A SpiceJet spokesperson said, "A passenger travelling on board SG 704 from Mumbai to Varanasi complained of breathlessness. The passenger was attended to by a doctor onboard and assisted by SpiceJet cabin crew. She was provided all necessary medical assistance. The Captain informed ATC and requested for medical assistance on landing".

Daisy Mowke

15 Jul 2017,Saturday

NCW chief demands apology from Haasan for naming victim

http://www.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/kamal-haasan-names-sexual-assault-victim-ncw-chief-demands-apology/story-KwBNGkeqDG0fW1IfiedwZM.html?utm_source=inshorts&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=fullarticle

National Commission for Women (NCW) chairperson Lalitha Kumaramangalam has demanded an apology from actor Kamal Haasan for publicly naming the victim in the Malayalam actress abduction case. Kumaramangalam said the actor's statement revealed the ?patriarchal mindset" among "VIPs, big guys...whether they are in politics or not in politics". "It also shows lack of humility in him," she added.

National Commission for Women (NCW) chairperson Lalitha Kumaramangalam has demanded an apology from actor Kamal Haasan for publicly identifying the Malayalam actor who was abducted and sexually assaulted in a moving car in Kerala.Kamal Haasan during the launch of Tamil version of reality show- 'Bigg Boss', at a press conference in Chennai. (PTI) ?We are taking suo motu cognisance of the matter and sending him a letter asking him to apologise or retract his statement,? Kumaramangalam said.The actor, speaking to the media on Wednesday, had named the actress while answering a question on the security of women in the film industry. ?Why is it the safety of women in the film industry alone? A female?s presence in the crowd is important to me and I will not let anything happen to her. It?s our duty to see if you are safe. It is not just about actresses. We are not supporting her (mentions the name), because she is an actress,? he said.When it was pointed out that sexual assault victims should not be identified, he said, ?It doesn?t matter if I have used the name. You have put out her name everywhere. Do not hide the name as there is nothing wrong with it. If you want to call her Draupadi, call her Draupadi. Don?t call her ?a female?.?Haasan was addressing the media regarding a complaint raised by a fringe Hindu Group over the ongoing Tamil reality TV show, Bigg Boss, which he hosts.Kumaramangalam said the actor?s statement revealed the ?patriarchal mindset? among ?VIPs, big guys...whether they are in politics or not in politics?. ?It also shows lack of humility in him and that?s what we are going to say (in the letter). It is very arrogant to say that somebody else has said it so I will say it too,? she said, adding that the letter would be sent soon.Haasan, is ?undoubtedly a brilliant actor, but that doesn?t give him the right to say something ?so insensitive?, said Kumaramangalam.To name minor victims and victims of sexual assault or printing or using their name which makes their identity known is prohibited by the law. Section 228 A of the Indian Penal Code bans the disclosure of the identity of victims of certain offences, including sexual assault, barring specified circumstances.Violation of this can be punished with a fine or imprisonment which may extend to two years. ?He (Kamal Haasan) can?t be booked by us but someone else like the victim herself or fans can lodge a protest. The police can do it on their own also. When someone like him who has billions of fans says something like this, it sets a bad precedent,? said Kumaramangalam.The NCW chief also said all that the actor had to do was apologise.?If he has made a mistake it won?t make him small to say that ?I am sorry?. In fact, he doesn?t even need to use the word ?sorry? -- he could just say, ?I didn?t mean to say it?. People of his stature should have the common sense and humility to understand the sensitivity of such situations,? she said.Kumaramangalam, who conceded that she felt ?strongly? about public figures being ?insensitive?, had issued a notice to actor Salman Khan for ?trivialising rape? in a press meet in Mumbai last July.Haasan?s reference was to an actress of Malayalam films who was abducted and raped in February this year. The popular Malayalam actress, who has worked in Tamil and Telugu films, was abducted and allegedly molested inside her car for two hours by the accused, who had forced their way into the vehicle on February 17 and later escaped in a busy area Follow @htshowbiz for more

Niharika Prabhakar

14 Jul 2017,Friday

BMC notice to NGO for report on malnutrition in schools

http://www.hindustantimes.com/mumbai-news/bmc-issues-notice-to-mumbai-ngo-for-misrepresenting-facts-on-malnutrition-in-civic-schools/story-SIP2FtjyQdcwTcd5jMnXbM.html?utm_source=inshorts&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=fullarticle

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has issued a notice to NGO Praja Foundation for 'misrepresenting' data in a report stating that a third of the children in BMC schools are malnourished. Officials accused the NGO of not factoring in changes in the screening process for malnourishment. The civic body demanded a public apology and threatened legal action against the NGO.

The deputy municipal commissioner of the civic body has issued a notice to NGO Praja Foundation for mis-representing facts in their data on malnutrition in BMC schools. Calling NGO Praja?s report a farce to malign the public body, the deputy commissioner has demanded a public apology or threatened the NGO with legal action.Praja Foundation had, earlier this year, revealed that despite an extensive mid-day meal programme, a third of the children in schools run by India?s richest municipal corporation in the country?s richest city are malnourished. The report that quotes the corporations own data, obtained through a right-to-information request, pointed out that malnutrition has increased more than four times in Mumbai, from eight per cent in 2013-14 to 34 per cent in 2015-16.?It seems like while preparing this report you have ignored the procedural change involved in screening for malnutrition, which was based on age and weight of the child till 2013-2014, whereas in 2014-15 and 2015-16, screening for malnutrition was based on height and weight. Accordingly, comparison of 8% in 2013-14, 26% in 2014-15 and 34% in 2015-16 is not appropriate,? said Milin Sawant, DMC (education) in the letter.Officials further said that the data was used by the NGO conveniently without bringing the fact of procedural change in screening in public domain.?It appears from the language used in your foreword, that the aim of the whole exercise was to malign a public body. This has completely shaken the credibility and robustness of your report and your organisation,? the officials said.Nitai Mehta, Founder and Managing Trustee of the Praja Foundation, in the foreword of the report had written, ?We cannot compare Mumbai to Shanghai if many wards in the city have malnutrition rates worse than sub-saharan Africa.?The letter further mentions that NGO Praja foundation should issue a public explanation or public apology, and if not, be ready to face legal action.

Sumedha Sehra

23 Jul 2017,Sunday

Kovind likely to visit Ladakh Army posts on 1st trip as Prez

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/ram-nath-kovind-maiden-visit-as-president-ladakh-jammu-and-kashmir/1/1008630.html?utm_source=inshorts&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=fullarticle

India's President-elect Ram Nath Kovind, who will take the oath of the office on Tuesday, is likely to head to the Army posts in Ladakh on his maiden trip as President. According to an Army official, the process for his visit has been initiated and the approval is expected soon. Notably, the President is the commander-in-chief of the armed forces.

President elect Ram Nath Kovind's maiden visit after he takes over the coveted post on July 25 is likely to be the high altitude Army positions in Jammu and Kashmir's Ladakh.Kovind, who would be the 14th President of the country, is also the Supreme Commander of the armed forces."We have initiated the process and hope to get the nod soon," an Army source said.The Ladakh region also assumes significant strategic importance as it shares boundary with India's both adversaries- China in the east and Pakistan in the west.Former Bihar Governor Kovind won the presidential election with a comfortable margin against Opposition nominee Meira Kumar. After final round of counting, Kovind got 2,930 votes with a value of 702,044 out of a total of 10,69,358.

Prashanti Moktan

13 Jul 2017,Thursday

Telugu actors issued notice to explain link with drug dealer

http://www.hindustantimes.com/regional-movies/top-telugu-actors-directors-get-notices-for-alleged-links-with-drug-peddlers/story-oViqtrJJDaOfCdvcivaCDK.htmlhttp://www.hindustantimes.com/regional-movies/top-telugu-actors-directors-get-notices-for-alleged-links-with-drug-peddlers/story-oViqtrJJDaOfCdvcivaCDK.html?utm_source=inshorts&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=fullarticle

The Telangana Prohibition and Excise Department has issued notices to Telugu actors and directors asking them to appear before it next week to explain their alleged links to an accused in a drug racket selling high-end narcotics. "Some of the names came out during interrogation of the arrested accused...There were also some evidence against a few others," said an official.

The sleuths probing a high-end drug smuggling racket on Wednesday issued notices to some Tollywood personalities seeking their explanation of their alleged links with the arrested narcotics peddlers.The Telangana Prohibition and Excise Department issued notices to some Tollywood actors, directors and producers under section 67 of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act asking them to appear before it next week to explain their alleged links with the arrested accused.?We are not revealing their names ... they have been asked to appear before the SIT,? said a senior Excise official.When asked about the grounds on which the notices were issued, the official said, ?Some of the names came out during interrogation of the arrested accused and there were also some evidence against a few others.?After busting the racket selling high-end narcotics like LSD and MDMA, the department has arrested 12 persons till Wednesday since July 2. The latest ones to be arrested in the case were an aerospace engineer who earlier worked for NASA and a businessman.Five of those arrested are B Tech graduates who held good positions in various MNCs.The officials had stumbled upon the Tollywood angle earlier during the investigation when they found that the clientele of the gang comprised nearly 1,000 customers, including students of city-based schools and colleges, a film producer, senior officials of MNCs and employees of IT firms in Cyberabad.The racket hinged around peddling of narcotics like LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide) and MDMA (methylenedioxy-methamphetamine).The department had earlier seized 800 ?squares? of LSD, each costing Rs 3,000, and 35 grams of MDMA worth Rs 1.4 lakh.LSD, sold in tablets or in liquid form, is known to be one of the most potent ?mood-changing? chemicals, while MDMA, commonly known as ?molly? or ?ecstasy?, is used primarily as a recreational or party drug.The two-member SIT was constituted on July 3.In view of the probe revealing disturbing facts on use of drugs by students, the department had sent advisories to 26 schools and 27 colleges asking their respective managements to sensitise teachers and students against the malady of drug abuse.?First we concentrated on student users and now focus is on other users,? the official added. Follow @htshowbiz for more

Deepali Aggarwal

20 Apr 2017,Thursday

Panama Papers: Pak SC orders probe against PM Nawaz Sharif

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/nawaz-sahrif-pakistan-supreme-court-panama-papers-leak-maryam-sharif/1/933568.html

The Supreme Court of Pakistan on Thursday ordered the creation of a Joint Investigation Team to investigate charges against Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and his family members in the Panama Papers case. The Panama Papers had revealed that Sharif's daughter and two sons owned offshore holding companies and used them to buy properties in London.

Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif will have to appear before a Joint Investigation Team (JIT) which will probe his family's involvement in corruption as claimed in the Panama Papers leak, the country's Supreme Court today. The commission has 60 days to submit its report to the top court. The Supreme Court verdict was split 3-2 as two judges wanted the Pakistan PM to be disqualified while facing trial. Three other members of the 5-judge bench were in the favour of further probe in the matter. The JIT will include officials from National Accountability Bureau (NAB), Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan, Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and Military Intelligence, the Supreme Court bench said. The JIT will be headed by a director-general level FIA officer. Praise & glory be to Allah alone. Shukrana & mubariks ?? pic.twitter.com/yM92bIJJocThe Supreme Court had agreed to hear the case against Nawaz Sharif and family following country-wide protests by cricketer-turned-politician Imran Khan's party - Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf or PTI last year. Panama Papers revealed that the Sharif's children owned offshore companies dealing in millions of dollars in property transactions.The case against Sharif stems from documents leaked from the Panama-based Mossack Fonseca law firm, which appeared to show that his daughter and two sons owned offshore holding companies and used them to buy properties in London.The Panama Papers were published last year by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ). ALSO READ:Panama Papers reveal global nexus of corruption

Aarushi Maheshwari

29 Jun 2017,Thursday

Pope Francis' top aide charged with sexual abuse

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/vatican-george-pell-child-sex-offences-australia/1/989801.html

Pope Francis' chief financial adviser and third-highest Vatican official Cardinal George Pell was charged with multiple sexual assault offences on Thursday. He is the highest-ranking Vatican official to be charged in the church's long-running sexual abuse scandal. Pell, accused of touching two boys inappropriately in a pool in the 1970s, has denied the allegations and vowed to "clear his name."

Australian police charged a top Vatican cardinal on Thursday with multiple counts of historical sexual assault offenses, a stunning decision certain to rock the highest levels of the Holy See.Cardinal George Pell, Pope Francis' chief financial adviser and Australia's most senior Catholic, is the highest-ranking Vatican official to ever be charged in the church's long-running sexual abuse scandal. Pell said he would return to Australia to fight the charges.Victoria state Police Deputy Commissioner Shane Patton said police have summonsed Pell to appear in an Australian court to face multiple charges of "historical sexual assault offenses," meaning offenses that generally occurred some time ago. Patton said there are multiple complainants against Pell, but gave no other details on the allegations against the cardinal. Pell was ordered to appear in Melbourne Magistrates Court on July 18.The Catholic Archdiocese of Sydney issued a statement on behalf of Pell, saying the 76-year-old cardinal "strenuously denied all allegations" and would return to Australia to clear his name."He said he is looking forward to his day in court and will defend the charges vigorously," the statement said.Patton told reporters in Melbourne that none of the allegations against Pell had been tested in any court, adding: "Cardinal Pell, like any other defendant, has a right to due process."The charges are a new and serious blow to Pope Francis, who has already suffered several credibility setbacks in his promised "zero tolerance" policy about sex abuse.For years, Pell has faced allegations that he mishandled cases of clergy abuse when he was archbishop of Melbourne and, later, Sydney. His actions as archbishop came under intense scrutiny in recent years by a government-authorized investigation into how the Catholic Church and other institutions have responded to the sexual abuse of children. Australia's Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse - the nation's highest form of inquiry - has found shocking levels of abuse in Australia's Catholic Church, revealing earlier this year that 7 percent of Catholic priests were accused of sexually abusing children over the past several decades.Last year, Pell acknowledged during his testimony to the commission that the Catholic Church had made "enormous mistakes" in allowing thousands of children to be raped and molested by priests over centuries. He conceded that he, too, had erred by often believing the priests over victims who alleged abuse. And he vowed to help end a rash of suicides that has plagued church abuse victims in his Australian hometown of Ballarat.But more recently, Pell himself became the focus of a clergy sex abuse investigation, with Victoria detectives flying to the Vatican last year to interview the cardinal. It is unclear what allegations the charges announced Thursday relate to, but two men, now in their 40s, have said that Pell touched them inappropriately at a swimming pool in the late 1970s, when Pell was a senior priest in Melbourne.'PELL WILL RETURN TO AUSTRALIA'Australia has no extradition treaty with the Vatican. But in the statement from the Sydney Archdiocese, Pell said he would return to Australia "as soon as possible," following advice and approval by his doctors. Last year, Pell declined to return to Australia to testify for the third time before the Royal Commission, saying he was too ill to fly. He instead testified via video conference from Rome.The charges put Pope Francis in a thorny position. In 2014, Francis won cautious praise from victims' advocacy groups when he created a commission of outside experts to advise him and the broader church about "best practices" to fight abuse and protect children.But the commission has since lost much of its credibility after its two members who were survivors of abuse left. Francis also scrapped the commission's signature proposal - a tribunal section to hear cases of bishops who covered up for abuse - after Vatican officials objected.In addition, Francis drew heated criticism for his 2015 appointment of a Chilean bishop accused by victims of helping cover up for Chile's most notorious pedophile. The pope was later caught on videotape labeling the parishioners who opposed the nomination of being "leftists" and "stupid."When Francis was asked last year about the accusations against Pell, he said he wanted to wait for Australian justice to take its course before judging. "It's true, there is a doubt," he told reporters en route home from Poland. "We have to wait for justice and not first make a mediatic judgment - a judgment of gossip - because that won't help.""Once justice has spoken, I will speak," he said.Francis appointed Pell in 2014 to a five-year term to head the Vatican's new economy secretariat, giving him broad rein to control all economic, administrative, personnel and procurement functions of the Holy See. The mandate has since been restricted to performing more of an oversight role.It remains to be seen how the pope will respond to the developments.Given Francis' credibility is on the line, any decision to keep Pell on as prefect while facing charges would reflect poorly on Francis, given he remains one of the pope's top advisers.At the same time, the Vatican has a history of shielding its own: When Cardinal Bernard Law resigned in disgrace in 2002 over his cover-up of abuse in Boston, victims expressed outrage that St. John Paul II gave him a plum position as archpriest of a Rome basilica.The transfer spared Law what would likely have been years of litigation and testimony in U.S. courts as victims sued the archdioceses for their abuse, though Law himself was never criminally charged with wrongdoing.In the 1980s, the Vatican refused to cooperate with Italian investigators when one of its officials, Archbishop Paul C. Marcinkus, was indicted over a banking scandal. The Vatican successfully cited his diplomatic immunity.

Aarushi Maheshwari

31 Jan 2017,Tuesday

Delhi develops green patches around railway stations

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/indian-railways-green-patches/1/870494.html

The Delhi Division of Indian Railways is developing green patches around railway stations in the capital. An initiative under the Swachh Bharat Mission, the vacant area near railway tracks is also being covered with shrubs and flowers. Delhi Divisional Railway Manager Arun Arora said that the initiative has been inspired by the South Beijing railway station in China.

The heaps of garbage, unpleasant sight of open defecation and the 'lewd' graffiti on the walls as trains move slowly onto the Delhi region will be a thing of past now. Taking a cue from the 'green' South Beijing railway station, the Delhi Division of Indian Railway has begun developing green patches surrounding railway stations in Delhi.The vacant rail land and the railway yards too will be covered with ornamental plants and shrubs to give it a pleasant look.Also read: #BudgetAajTak: Indian Railways working on Mission Zero Accident, says Manoj SinhaAccording to railway officials, encroachment on railway land is the biggest hurdle in keeping the railway lines clean. A senior official said development of green patches in Delhi began sometime ago but it failed due to large scale encroachment. The plan is a major initiative under the flagship 'Swachh Bharat Mission'. The contract has been placed and work has started at New Delhi station, which is expected to show results by end of April 2017, an official said.THE TWO PHASE PLANTo begin with, railway yards at New Delhi, Old Delhi and Hazrat Nizamuddin stations will be taken up. The plan is being developed in two phases. Many special drives were launched in last one year to clean up the garbage spread along the tracks approaching Delhi, but they failed to yield desired result."We managed to maintain cleanliness in some parts while those located close to big Jhhugi clusters remained filthy. Garbage was found to be accumulated again after a few days of the drive in areas near slums," Arora said.

Rini Sinha

14 Jul 2017,Friday

Jism earned more than Zakhm, Tamanna, Dushman, Sur: Pooja

http://www.hindustantimes.com/brunch/my-commercial-film-jism-did-more-movies-than-zakhm-tamanna-dushman-and-sur-combined-pooja-bhatt/story-oTjvGDXIddm1Owq1fz4HCM.html?utm_source=inshorts&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=fullarticle

Actress-filmmaker Pooja Bhatt revealed that her 2003 production 'Jism' earned more money at the box-office as compared to films 'Zakhm', 'Tamanna', 'Dushman' and 'Sur' combined. She said, "I'm not interested in making movies that only 10 people will watch and will get critical appreciation at some festival." Pooja added she's a commercial filmmaker and wants people to watch her films.

During her recent interview with HTBrunch, Pooja Bhatt revealed that after making sensitive movies like Zakhm and Tamanna, she ventured into adult content with Jism because those kind of movies have a mass appeal.?My first production was Tamanna. The age that Alia is today, I had made a film on female infanticide. It won a National Award. But the audience hardly came to watch the film in the theatres. Then I made Zakhm, again a sensitive movie based on my father?s real life story, was a box office disaster. Not a single person went to watch it in the theatres. It is not that it didn?t have star value. It had names like Ajay Devgn, Nagarjuna, Pooja Bhatt and Mahesh Bhatt. But that failed to get the audience to buy the tickets. Then I made Jism. The business of Jism is more than the collective business off Zakhm, Tamanna, Dushman, Sur all put together.?India pretends concerns, but watches something else. It is people who made Jism run to packed houses. Just as if a magazine is not getting readers, you need to tweak it to suite their taste, eventually, with movies it?s about business and people will only put money in something that will yield profit,? she says.And she has taken her lessons from one of the best in the business, her father, Mahesh Bhatt. ?My father always says that there are two kinds of cinema. One that you make to jolt the audience and the other is the kind you make to soothe the jolted. Eighty per cent of India lives below the poverty line and they want escapism. And there is the elite intellectual audience who goes to the cinemas in the fine saris and gold and they want to see the other side - the darker side that has poverty and diseases. So it depends on who you choose to cater to.?Pooja is of the opinion that neither of the two is inferior as each fulfils the need of one set of audience. ?To me, a Dabangg is as relevant as a Masaan. I loved both films, each appealed to a different sensibility in me. I am a commercial filmmaker and I make no bones about that. At the end of the day I want people to watch my films. I am not interested in making movies that only 10 people will watch and will get critical appreciation at some festival.?Also, Jism is a film she stands by. ?It was the first true adult film of our times. For a change, it was about a strong woman talking about her sexual needs . Unlike the sex comedies today, it had no double entendre, no bad jokes, nothing. It was a movie made by adults, for adults. When sex is regarded as a bad word, the society starts to rot from inside. ?The definition of a b***h nowadays is that you know your mind and are unafraid to state it,? says Pooja. ?By that logic, I am certainly a b***h. For I certainly know what I want. More than that, I know what I don?t want. And so did my heroine in Jism.? Follow @ananya1281 on TwitterFrom HT Brunch, July 13, 2017Follow us on twitter.com/HTBrunchConnect with us on facebook.com/hindustantimesbrunch

Aarushi Maheshwari

20 Mar 2017,Monday

Completion of Delhi-Meerut expressway delayed again

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/delhi-meerut-expressway-construction-slow-completion-delayed/1/907960.html

The completion of the Delhi-Meerut expressway has been further postponed to March 2018, an official has said. The official added that 15% of the construction work in segment one has been finished but the bidding process for the second construction package has not been completed yet. The Delhi-Meerut Expressway will reduce travel time from two hours to around 45 minutes.

With the slow progress of Delhi-Meerut expressway construction, the completion date of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's prestigious project has been further pushed back to March, 2018.National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) has divided the 90 km stretch starting from Nizamuddin bridge in the outer ring road in New Delhi to Meerut bypass into three zones. With just one year left for completing the project, the highway authority is not yet done with the bidding process for the second construction package covering 30 km.According to a top official in NHAI, there are four bidders for the construction the expressway but the final allotment for the construction is not decided yet.The delay in completion of the bidding process for the package II led to delay in construction. The official however, said that the construction of package I and two has been initiated."We have completed 15% of the construction work in segment one starting from Nizamuddin bridge along the NH 24 towards Dasna in Ghaziabad and preliminary construction of the package III started recently," the official said.The project is also aimed at expediting the improvement of infrastructure in Uttar Pradesh and in reducing the time and cost of travel, particularly for heavy traffic, plying between 'Delhi-Meerut' Uttar Pradesh Border to Dasna section on National Highway-24.The Delhi-Meerut Expressway would be an access controlled highway and 31 traffic signals have been removed from the stretch. At present, commuters spend a minimum of two hours on road With the completion of this expressway, commuters will be able to reach their destination within 45 minutes to one hour of time.

Dishant Sharma

02 Jan 2017,Monday

Anurag Thakur's sacking a victory for cricket: Justice Lodha

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/bcci-vs-lodha-panel-anurag-thakur-ajay-shirke-sacked/1/847526.html

Justice RM Lodha, who chaired the Supreme Court-appointed Lodha Panel, has hailed the apex court's decision of sacking BCCI President Anurag Thakur and Secretary Ajay Shirke as a victory for cricket. "Administrators will come and go and I am sure the game will flourish," Lodha said after calling the court's decision a logical consequence.

Justice RM Lodha today hailed the landmark order delivered by the Supreme Court which axed BCCI president Anurag Thakur and secretary Ajay Shirke from their posts. (How BCCI lost control of cricket in India: A timeline)The two top BCCI officials were defiant and did not implement the Lodha reforms despite a clear order by the apex court. (BCCI boss Anurag Thakur sacked. Will Sourav Ganguly take over?)The Lodha panel had been appointed on January 15 in the aftermath of the IPL spot-fixing scandal in 2013. There was consequently immense pressure on the board to implement the reforms. Lodha, speaking to India Today, said he was happy and reiterated that there could have been no middle path in the implementation of the reforms after the Supreme Court had delivered an order. (Anurag Thakur's removal was a logical consequence: Justice RM Lodha)Lodha, said once the July 2016 order was passed, his committee started proceeding in earnest. He said had BCCI implemented the order, this day would not have come.  "One should understand that the order of the highest court has to be implemented. Had they implemented the order of the Supreme Court, this day would not have come," Lodha told India Today. "Unfortunately the BCCI did not implement the order. This is the first step by the Supreme Court in ensuring that its July 2016 order be implemented."Lodha also said that his report was about structural changes and it had nothing to do with individuals. "People come and they go."  "It's a victory for the game of cricket. Administrators will come and go and I am sure the game will flourish," Lodha said.Lodha said the Indian board was bound to follow the Supreme Court order as early as July. "This was logical consequence. The BCCI was bound to follow Supreme Court order in July," he said. #WATCH: Victory for cricket, administrators come & go but ultimately its for the game's benefit says Justice Lodha on Thakur/Shirke removal pic.twitter.com/mmic3v09zxMeanwhile, former India captain Bishan Singh Bedi said the Supreme Court's historic order was great news for Indian sport."We all welcome the move. Even the cricket following public should now know what kind of darkness they were in. We are grateful to the Supreme Court and Chief Justice of India Thakur for showing us the light. "There is no room for debate now. This is great news for Indian sport and cricket in particular," he told the press. Meanwhile, the Supreme Court made it clear that defiant heads of state associations who did not agree to implement the Lodha reforms would also be removed.

Aarushi Maheshwari

19 Jan 2017,Thursday

Gurugram condo association identifies 'dog poop thrower'

http://www.hindustantimes.com/delhi/gurgaon-condo-association-corners-dog-poop-thrower/story-fuKKi5iLJ6vxmTXLTz1V0N.html?home-gurgaon

The residents' association of the Belvedere Tower Condominium in Gurugram has identified the person allegedly flinging dog faeces from an apartment in Tower A. The accused was identified after the association questioned the 15 dog owners living in the tower. Earlier, a notice requesting residents to come forward with information about the "disgusting act" had emerged.

Residents of an upscale condominium in DLF Phase-2 have identified the alleged ?poop thrower? bringing an end to the ?faeces problem? ailing the residential complex. The association members of the residential complex, have identified the person who allegedly threw excreta down from an apartment in Tower-A. They have, however, refused to divulge the identity of the person or the details on how they zeroed in on the person.Read more: Posh Gurgaon apartment complex has a dog poo problemThe residents association had pasted a notice asking people to come forward and share ?any information that may be help in identifying the culprit?. The notice pasted in the association?s office stated that the incidence of throwing poop from Tower-A started again on January 13 after stopping for two days. The notice was removed on Tuesday when the matter appeared in the media.The residents association found 15 dog owners living in 222 apartments. After talking to the 15, residents were able to identify the ?poop thrower?. However, all 15 were requested to ensure that their pet?s excreta is properly disposed of and not strewn recklessly.A resident seeking anonymity said that the apartment from where the excreta was being thrown has been identified and the owner ?counseled?. The association members said the issue has been resolved. But they are maintaining an extra vigil during the early morning hours when the excreta is generally thrown.The pet owners in the area are largely under scanner as instances of dog poop being thrown from the different towers have been happening regularly. This time it has happened in Tower-A, the earlier same problem had occurred from Tower-B but was ignored, a resident said.The condominium has CCTV cameras but they are only for the lobby and walkways not for the higher floors, said residents, who requested anonymity.?A list of pet owners was prepared and immediately after the complaint, we found out that there were 15 of them. It was difficult for us to find out who was the culprit as the incident was taking place early morning when most of the residents were asleep,? said an officials from the maintenance agency.Read more: Airlines to pay fine if planes drop human waste during flightThe residents spoke to the dog owners and requested the latter to not indulge in acts that can lead to a tussle between the residents.?It spoils ones mood to see roads littered with poop during morning walks. Educated people are living here and how can someone even think of doing something so shameful,? said a resident on condition of anonymity.Surinder Sahni, former secretary of the resident welfare association, said, ?This is not a serious problem. It keeps happening on and off in the condominium. There is a new domestic help who is not educated, they throw it from their balconies thinking the cleaners will clean it. The notice was issued to ensure the residents take care of their pet?s excreta.?

Aarushi Maheshwari

09 Jun 2017,Friday

Jet Airways pilot body meets over 'obscene' WhatsApp scandal

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/jet-pilots-body-nag-to-hold-emergency-meeting-tomorrow/1/972433.html

Jet Airways pilots' body National Aviator's Guild reportedly held an emergency meeting on Wednesday to chalk out an "action plan" after Delhi Police questioned pilots for allegedly sharing "obscene" WhatsApp messages about DGCA officials. An NAG member claimed DGCA did not inform the pilots of the issue beforehand while Delhi Police did not conduct a "preliminary inquiry" before questioning them.

Mumbai, Jun 6 (PTI) Jet Airways domestic pilots body NAG will convene a meeting tomorrow to chart out an "action plan" following the questioning of some of its members by the Delhi Police over alleged posting of obscene messages on a WhatsApp group. The National Aviators Guild (NAG), which claims representation of around 1,000 of the Jet Airways 1,500 pilots, would also coordinate with the two pilot unions of government-run Air India -- ICPA and IPG -- over the issue, a Guild member said today. Sources at the Guild said the emergency meeting would be held at Chennai tomorrow to chalk out its action plan following todays development. "This is unprecedented as our members (pilots) were called by the DGCA for a meeting for some other issue and they had no idea that this was for some thing," the Guild member said. In a rare move, aviation watchdog DGCA has filed a police complaint against 34 pilots of Jet Airways, IndiGo, SpiceJet and GoAir for allegedly posting "obscene" messages on a WhatsApp group against its officials. Acting on the complaint, Delhi Police today questioned 13 pilots, including those of Jet Airways. The member also said the pilots were questioned by the police even without any "preliminary inquiry" into the alleged complaint or a prior information to them about the complaint. The Guild has taken up the issue with the airline management and it is waiting for its "response" as well, he added.

Pragya Swastik

29 Mar 2017,Wednesday

RBI exempts banks from working on April 1

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/rbi-exempts-banks-from-opening-on-apr-1-on-annual-closing/1/915439.html

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on Wednesday exempted banks dealing in government businesses from remaining open on April 1 in view of the annual closing business. This reverses RBI's earlier order where it asked the banks to mandatorily remain open on all days from March 25 to April 1, including Saturday, Sunday and all holidays.

Mumbai, Mar 29 (PTI) Reversing its earlier order, the Reserve Bank today said the bank branches dealing in government businesses need not remain open on April 1 in view of the annual closing business. In its earlier directive on March 24, the RBI had asked all authorised banks to be open on all days from March 25 to April 1, including Saturday, Sunday and all holidays, to facilitate the governments receipts and payments. The departments concerned of RBI were also to remain open on these days. In its revised instructions issued today, RBI said, "On reconsideration, it has been decided that these branches need not be opened on April 1, 2017." In a letter to the Indian Banks Association, unions AIBEA and AIBOA today said the RBI issued the directive "very late, causing huge resentment" among bank employees. "The RBI is fully aware that March 25 and 26 would be weekly holidays for the banks. But very late on 24th evening, the RBI had flashed their instructions through the press and electronic media," said a joint letter written by them. Banks remain closed on April 1 every year for their annual closing of accounts. "In this connection, it has been represented that opening of bank branches on April 1, 2017, may disrupt annual closing, especially in view of merger of some banks taking effect from that date," RBI added further.

Aarushi Maheshwari

03 Aug 2017,Thursday

Maruti spare parts trigger bomb scare at Delhi airport

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/maruti-spare-parts-trigger-bomb-scare-at-delhi-airport/1/1016915.html?utm_source=inshorts&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=fullarticle

Bomb squads and canine teams were rushed to check a package recovered in the cargo hold area of Delhi airport on Wednesday. Officials later declared the area safe, adding, "the suspect item was nothing but some spare parts of company Maruti." Its X-ray image had raised suspicion among airport staff.

New Delhi, Aug 2 (PTI) Bomb squads and canine teams were today rushed in to check a suspect object that was recovered at the cargo hold area of the IGI airport here, later declared safe after it was found that the consignment only contained some auto spare parts. CISF Director General O P Singh said the "suspect item has been declared safe and there is nothing to worry about". At 7.15 am, an X-ray image of a consignment of Maruti spare parts raised suspicion among the staff of the domestic cargo terminal, according to sources in the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS). The terminal staff immediately alerted the CISF, who along with a team of BCAS and a bomb detection and disposal squad rushed to the spot.

Chhavi Tyagi

03 Jul 2017,Monday

Cow vigilantes attack drivers transporting cattle in Assam

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/cow-vigilante-guwahati-narendra-modi/1/992991.html

A group of cow vigilantes stopped three vehicles transporting cows and beat up the drivers on the outskirts of Guwahati in Assam, accusing them of cattle smuggling. As per reports, the attackers claimed that they belong to Hindu Yuva Chhatra Parishad. The incident comes after PM Narendra Modi said, "Killing people in the name of 'gau bhakti' is not acceptable."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's stern warning to self-proclaimed cow vigilantes seems to have fallen on deaf ears as a group of men attacked a truck drivers transporting cows in Guwahati. The incident took place on Sunday (July 2). According to reports, a group of cow vigilantes stopped three vehicles transporting cows and beat up the drivers on the outskirts of Guwahati. The incident took place near Sonapur some 30 km from capital Guwahati. The vehicles were coming from Tinsukia in Upper Assam when the members of the Hindu Yuva Chhatra Parishad's unit stopped them  and asked the drivers to step out. The men then brutally thrashed the drivers accusing them of cow smuggling.A Hindu Yuva Chhatra Parishad leader Bikash Bordoloi said, "These people smuggle cattle across the border to Bangladesh. They transport them in miserable conditions. We caught them red handed yesterday. In one vehicle they pack 40 - 50 cattles where there is space for only ten animals. We found some of the animals had their limbs fractured. But police remain blind to their plight and take bribe from these traders. We confiscated the vehicle and reported it to police but cops came two hours late." Meanwhile, Assam Police Director General Mukesh Sahay assured that a probe was being conducted into Sunday's incident and the perpetrators won't be spared. However, the DGP also admitted that it was not possible for the police to prove adequate security to all cattle traders across the state and will be dealt with case to case basis. 'NOT ACCEPTABLE' Prime Minister Narendra Modi had last week said that killing of people in the name of cow protection is not acceptable. PM Modi's remarks came amid a spurt of attacks by cow vigilantes and a wave of protests.Delivering a speech to mark the centenary of the Sabarmati ashram in Ahmedabad and 150th birth anniversary of Shrimad Rajchandraji, a guru to Mahatma Gandhi, Modi said unleashing violence against others went against the ideals of the Father of the Nation."Killing people in the name of 'gau bhakti' is not acceptable. This is not something Mahatma Gandhi would approve," he said."Let's all work together. Let's create the India of Mahatma Gandhi's dreams. Let's create an India our freedom fighters would be proud of," the prime minister said."No person in this nation has the right to take the law in his or her own hands," he said.The Prime Minister's remarks came against the backdrop of growing incidents of cow vigilantism. A Muslim youth was last week killed on board a Mathura-bound train by people who taunted his family and repeatedly called them "anti-nationals" and "beef eaters"."Violence never has and never will solve any problem. As a society, there is no place for violence," Modi said.Last week, thousands of people across the country took to the streets in a citizens' protest named 'Not in My Name' against the recent incidents of mob killings.(With inputs from Indrajit Kundu) ALSO READ:When PM Narendra Modi ripped into self-styled cow vigilantesInstead of admonishing cow vigilantes, it's time PM Modi acted against them

Sanira Mediratta

01 May 2017,Monday

Baahubali 2 ranks third at US box office in opening weekend

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/baahubali-2-the-conclusion-tom-hanks-the-circle-emma-watson/1/942774.html

'Baahubali 2: The Conclusion' has ranked third at the US box office in its opening weekend, with earnings of $10.13 million (approximately ?65 crore). It beat Hollywood film 'The Circle', starring Tom Hanks and Emma Watson, which earned $9.32 million (about ?59.8 crore). Meanwhile, 'The Fate of the Furious' topped the box office collections for the weekend.n

In an amazing turn of events, Baahubali 2: The Conclusion, which released worldwide on April 28, has beaten the Hollywood film The Circle at the US box office and mind you, this is no simple feat.The Circle stars two-time Academy Award-winning actor and global superstar Tom Hanks and Harry Potter star and heartthrob for billions, Emma Watson. Based on the novel of the same name, The Circle is a techno-thriller and was one of the most awaited films of the year.However, according to latest box-office figures, Baahubali 2 has given a beating to the Tom Hanks-starrer at the US box office. While Baahubali 2: The Conclusion has earned $ 10.13 million (Rs 65 crore) in its first weekend, The Circle has earned $ 9.32 million (Rs 59.8 crore).This makes Baahubali 2: The Conclusion, directed by SS Rajamouli, the highest grossing Indian film ever in American soil. Not just the US, back home, Baahubali 2: The Conclusion is also breaking records. So far, the Hindi version of the film has earned the title for the highest-grossing film in the first weekend in India, beating Sultan and Dangal.Starring Prabhas, Rana Daggubati, Anushka Shetty, Tamannaah, Sathyaraj and Ramya Krishnan, Baahubali 2: The Conclusion is a fantasy epic that is a sequel to the 2015 blockbuster Baahubali: The Beginning. Baahubali 2 is expected to earn a whole lot more and time will tell if it can beat PK and become the world's highest grossing Indian film of all time.

Abhishek Bansal

10 Apr 2017,Monday

Pakistan arrests 18 Indian fishermen off Gujarat coast

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/pakistan-marines-capture-18-indian-fishermen-off-gujarat-coast/1/924487.html

The Pakistan Maritime Security Agency (PMSA) has arrested 18 Indian fishermen and seized three boats near the International Maritime Border Line off the Gujarat coast, an official said on Sunday. This is the first such incident in April while 231 Indian fishermen were arrested and 40 boats seized by Pakistan authorities in March, the official added.

The Pakistan Maritime Security Agency (PMSA) has apprehended 18 Indian fishermen and seized three boats off the Gujarat coast, an official said today. Three fishing boats from Porbandar, Okha and Mangrol were seized and 18 fishermen sailing on them captured by PMSA late last night from near the International Maritime Border Line (IMBL), National Fishworkers Forum (NFF) Secretary Manish Lodhari told PTI. The captured boats had set sail from the coastal town of Porbandar a few days ago, Lodhari said. This is the first such incident in April, Lodhari said, adding that in March alone, 231 Indian fishermen were arrested by Pakistan authorities and 40 boats seized. On March 26, PMSA had apprehended over 100 Indian fishermen and seized 19 boats near IMBL. Last month, the Indian Coast Guard had captured nine Pakistani fishermen along with a fishing boat found sailing in Indian waters. ALSO READ | Pakistan arrests over 100 Indian fishermen off Gujarat coast, seizes 19 boats

Saloni Tandon

18 Jul 2017,Tuesday

Ladies golf body slammed after ban on deep necklines, minis

https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2017/jul/17/lpga-accused-of-slut-shaming-over-new-womens-golf-dress-code?utm_source=inshorts&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=fullarticle

The Ladies Professional Golf Association has been criticised by former players for enforcing a dress code that bans plunging necklines, short skirts that reveal the "bottom area", leggings, among other attire. The LPGA said the new code was in place so that "players present themselves in a professional manner to reflect a positive image for the game."

The Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) has come in for stiff criticism after it introduced a new dress code that forbids female golfers from sporting plunging necklines, leggings or revealing skirts on the course.Initial reactions were overwhelmingly negative, with Teen Vogue accusing the governing body?s policy of ?slut-shaming? female players. The progressive and influential youth magazine also said the code sets players and women in general ?way back?. As of 17 July, the LPGA will crack down on athletic wear following a 2 July email to all players from LPGA player president Vicki Goetze-Ackerman, which detailed an extensive list of clothing that will no longer be allowed on course and at pro-am parties on the tour.Any transgression of the new code, as revealed in a report by Golf Digest, will result in a $1,000 fine for the first offence, with fines doubling for each subsequent breach. Items in the new code were expressed in the following dot points in Goetze-Ackerman?s email:Explaining the new code, Heather Daly-Donofrio, the LPGA tour?s communications and tour operations officer, told Golf Digest: ?The dress code requires players to present themselves in a professional manner to reflect a positive image for the game.? "Skirt, skort & shorts MUST be long enough to not see your bottom area" My Sunday school teacher, Sister Margaret, writing #LPGA dress code??While we typically evaluate our policies at the end of the year, based on input from our players, we recently made some minor adjustments to the policy to address some changing fashion trends. The specifics of the policy have been shared directly with the members.?Former European men?s tour player Matt Blackey was sceptical of the new regulations, tweeting ?I?m not sure a stricter dress code will help golf?s appeal,? while golf writer Robert Lusetich tweeted that his former Sunday school teacher must have been writing the code.

Shubhodeep Datta

07 Jan 2017,Saturday

Sailors stranded in UAE seek help from Swaraj over Twitter

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/sushma-swaraj-assures-help-40-indian-sailors-stranded-in-leaking-ships-uae/1/850915.html

As many as 41 Indian sailors, who are stranded in four merchant ships in UAE, have sought help from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj over Twitter. According to reports, two out of their four ships are leaking and the passports of the sailors have also been seized by the owner who was untraceable.

Over 40 Indian sailors are stranded in UAE's Ajman anchorage and have sought help from External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj.Tweeting to Sushma Swaraj and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the sailors and their families shared their plight and asked them to save their lives. Apparently, two out of the four ships are leaking and the passports of the sailors have been seized by the owner who remains untraceable, reported Indian Express. Also read: Norway child case: Aryan's Indian mother formally seeks help from Sushma Swaraj@SushmaSwaraj mam our ship have holes and to much water coming in!Comp not taking responsibility please help us we want to go back home! pic.twitter.com/DyieErOMXO@MumbaiMirror respected sir My hubby along with 40 sailors stranded in ajman anchorage uae without pay from 15 months Pls helpThe sailors have also tweeted to International organisations like Sailors' Society and Seafarers UK.Many sailors tweeted that they have run out of diesel and few of them have not been paid for almost 15 months. They had been surviving on dal and rice and even their owner has not been taking their plea seriously. Also read: Sushma Swaraj tweets to respond to ISIS-abducted Indian priest's video appealThe owner  reportedly asked them to call "only when the ship begins sinking or someone dies." The Indian embassy in Riyadh has directed the sailors to approach the Consulate General of India in Dubai.

Aarushi Maheshwari

13 Mar 2017,Monday

Mother-of-two gang-raped by 5 men in Delhi

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/rape-mother-of-two-gang-raped-by-five-men-accused-claims-they-brought-her-for-paid-sex/1/903091.html

A 28-year-old mother-of-two jumped off a first-floor Delhi apartment on Sunday after she was allegedly abducted and gang-raped by five men, said the police. The police have arrested the accused, who claimed she was into prostitution and had fixed a "deal" with them. Police officers said, "she has changed her statement twice," and that a medical examination has confirmed rape.

A mother-of-two jumped off a first-floor apartment in east Delhi on Sunday and called up the police to say she was abducted and gang-raped by five men.Cops have arrested the accused, who claim they brought the woman home for "paid sex" during a Holi party. All the men are in their twenties. Three of them work in a Noida-based BPO, while another is an engineer employed with a top IT services firm. The fifth accused was allegedly known to the woman.Officers MAIL TODAY spoke to said they are trying it ascertain if it was a "deal gone wrong" but, citing last year's Bollywood courtroom drama Pink, emphasised the importance of consent and that "no means no"."Allegedly to save herself after being gang-raped by five men, a 28-year-old divorcee and mother-of-two leapt from the first floor of a rented accommodation in east Delhi's Pandav Nagar on Sunday morning," an officer said.The definition of rape is not restricted to cases where violence is used, or where a man jumps out of the bushes and drags a woman at knifepoint down an alleyway and sexually assaults her, experts say. If one person does not consent to sexual activity and the other doesn't reasonably believe there is consent, then it is an offence.The woman reported the matter to police at around 5.30 am. "Since then, she has changed her statement twice and is unable to narrate the exact sequence of events," a senior officer said. "We are investigating the case from all angles and all five accused have been sent to judicial custody."In her statement, the woman told police that one of the suspects picked her up in his car at around 11 pm on Saturday on the pretext of dropping her to her residence in Munirka. But he brought her to a friend's house in Pandav Nagar where five of them raped her, taking turns.She said she jumped off the balcony to get away and received injuries. She was taken to east Delhi's Lal Bahadur Shastri Hospital and discharged after treatment. A medical examination confirmed rape. Officers said both the victim and accused had consumed alcohol."When cops interrogated all the accused, they claimed they knew the woman was into prostitution. On Saturday night, they called her to their house in Pandav Nagar to have paid sex for Rs 5,000 during a house party. Once the deal was fixed, one of them - who already knew her - went to pick her. But there was a dispute over money and she jumped off the building and called police," an officer close to the investigation said.Cops say the woman is unemployed and lives with her two children. Investigators are now scanning her call records and trying to gather CCTV footage.

Daisy Mowke

13 Jul 2017,Thursday

Shia LaBeouf apologises for insulting cops who arrested him

http://www.hindustantimes.com/hollywood/read-shia-labeouf-s-twitter-apology-for-racist-tirade-public-intoxication-it-is-a-new-low/story-wlSRMuhDZnGRecOYtEuavN.html?utm_source=inshorts&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=fullarticle

'Transformers' actor Shia LaBeouf has apologised on Twitter for hurling insults at policemen who arrested him on charges of disorderly conduct and public intoxication on Saturday. The apology comes after videos of the actor verbally abusing policemen were posted online. He had accused police of being racist and also threatened them by saying he has several "millionaire lawyers".

Shia LaBeouf apologised Wednesday for a racist tirade against Georgia police officers and jailors who arrested him Saturday for public drunkenness.The actor wrote in a statement posted on Twitter Wednesday that he has been publicly struggling with addiction for ?far too long.? He called his behaviour a new low and attributed it in part to his complete disrespect for authority.The statement, which was confirmed as legitimate by LaBeouf?s publicist, asked for forgiveness and said the actor was taking steps to get sober. He did not elaborate.LaBeouf?s apology came hours after celebrity website TMZ posted video taken while the actor was being booked when he accused police of being racist and told a black officer he was going to hell. The actor made several other profane remarks before being released on $7,000 bond.The videos were not immediately available Wednesday from the Chatham County Sheriff?s Office.The Transformers actor was arrested in a hotel lobby at 4 a.m. Saturday by the Savannah Police Department and released. He was also accused of disorderly conduct and obstruction.?I am deeply ashamed of my behaviour and make no excuses for it,? LaBeouf wrote on Twitter.pic.twitter.com/OoUpBpr9vg? Shia LaBeouf (@thecampaignbook) July 12, 2017?My outright disrespect for authority is problematic to say the least, and completely destructive to say the worst,? LaBeouf, 31, wrote. ?It is a new low. A low I hope is bottom. I have been struggling with addiction publicly for far too long, and I am actively taking steps toward securing my sobriety and hope I can be forgiven for my mistakes.?LaBeouf is in the Savannah area filming his new movie, The Peanut Butter Falcon, which also stars Dakota Johnson.Follow @htshowbiz for more

Tarun Khanna

20 Feb 2017,Monday

Putting Hafiz on Pak's terror list 1st step to justice: MEA

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/hafiz-saeed-terror-list-pakistan-vikas-swarup/1/886927.html

The Ministry of External Affairs on Monday said that putting Lashkar-e-Taiba chief Hafiz Saeed on Pakistan's terror list was the first logical step towards bringing him to justice. "Hafiz Saeed is an international terrorist, the mastermind of Mumbai terrorist attack and responsible for unleashing wave of terrorism against Pakistan's neighbours through LeT/ JuD and their affiliates," MEA stated.

After having been cautious first over Lashkar-e-Taiba chief Hafiz Saeed's house arrest, the Ministry of External Affairs today said that putting him on terror list by Pakistan was the first logical step towards bringing "the international terrorist to justice".

Yash Kumar

24 Dec 2016,Saturday

Pakistan to release 439 Indian fishermen: Report

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/pakistan-indian-fishermen-release-india/1/841272.html

Pakistan will be releasing 439 Indian fishermen and will send them back to India in two batches, a Pakistani peace activists group said on Friday. It added that discussions must be held to release the fishing boats as they are the only source of fishermen's livelihood. This comes amid a complete halt in bilateral talks between India and Pakistan.

Dishant Sharma

28 Jun 2017,Wednesday

Kerala's traditional boat racing to have IPL-like league

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/kerala-snake-boat-races-ipl-makeover/1/988493.html

Kerala's traditional snake boat racing, which is held during Onam, is set to become an IPL-like league-based sport with the inaugural edition of the Kerala Boat Race League scheduled to start in August this year. The league, comprising nine races, will feature snake boats, which are usually 100-foot long and require around a hundred rowers to ride.

Move over Indian Premiere League, for Kerala's famous snake boat race is on its way to get the makeover of a league sport. The state government has given all permissions necessary for a revamped Kerala Boat Race League (KBL) to take place this season. So far, however, only snake boats, which are known as "vallam kali", have been allowed to be a part of the league. Other traditional boat races will take place outside the league."Only snake boats will be allowed to participate in the KBL. The competitions of small boats will be held as usual. We hope that from next year, KBL will get many more sponsors," A TOI report quotes Finance minister T M Thomas Isaac."The nine snake boats, which come in the last leg of NTBR, will qualify for the other eight competitions in the league. The snake boats, which score highest points in the competitions, will be declared as the champion in the league," the report quotes K K Shaju, an expert committee member.WHERE DID THE IDEA COME FROM?The KBL, comprising of nine races, is scheduled to kick-start sometime in August and last till October.Reports have it that the NTBR was the first to propose the idea of having a Indian Premier League-style version of Kerala's traditional boat races.THE HISTORYThe snake boat gets its name from the shape of its front end, which is bents upward like a snake serpent about to strike (use your imagination to picture it).For a race, a snake boat, usually 100-foot long, accommodates and needs around a hundred rowers to ride. The legendary Nehru Trophy Boat Race gets its name from the time when late Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru was invited to watch a local boat race during his visit to Kerala in 1952.

Rini Sinha

16 Jun 2017,Friday

Why would she want that: Saif on Sara acting in films

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/saif-ali-khan-sara-ali-khan-bollywood-debut-kedarnath/1/980075.html

Saif Ali Khan, speaking on daughter Sara's decision to act in films after graduating from Columbia University, said, "Why would she want that for herself? Look at where she studied." He further said that he's not looking down on acting, but it's not the most stable profession. "This is not the life, any parent would want for children," added Saif.

Sara Ali Khan is the new star kid on the block to begin her journey in Bollywood. After months of speculation, she has bagged her first big screen project opposite Sushant Singh Rajput. While her mom Amrita Singh is busy chalking out a Bollywood career for her daughter, dad Saif Ali Khan is not too impressed with her career choice.Saif, who has been ruling Bollywood over two decades now, is apprehensive about Sara joining Bollywood. The  46-year-old actor in an interview to DNA said that he wants a more stable profession for his daughter.He told the daily, "Why would she want that for herself? Look at where she studied. After having done that, why wouldn't she want to live and work in New York, rather than do this? I am not looking down on acting, it's just it is not the most stable profession. And everyone lives in constant fear. And there is no guarantee that despite doing your best, you will succeed. This is not the life, any parent would want for their children."Though Saif is a little skeptical, he revealed that Sara always wanted to be an actor.  "I remember years ago we'd gone for a stage show abroad and while I was on the stage with Salman and other actors, Sara was standing behind the stage curtain and looking at us. I knew then that she wanted this for herself. Being on stage and people shouting her name," he added.However, the actor said that he was not involved in selecting Sara's first Bollywood project. "I am there if she needs to ask or talk to me about anything. I know what she is doing and we talk about films just like we do about everything else," said the Phantom actor.Sara will be seen in Abhishek Kapoor's Kedarnath. The film is set to go on floors by this year end.

Sumedha Sehra

23 Jul 2017,Sunday

Don't carry obscene clips: Govt to Indians going to Saudi

http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/no-obscene-clip-in-phone-no-black-magic-govt-tells-saudi-job-seekers/story-UHsfhagaQfcXd8qw4YdI1L.html?utm_source=inshorts&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=fullarticle

The government has issued a list of dos and don?ts for people going to Saudi Arabia for jobs, asking them not to have any obscene clips on phone and anything related to black magic. It also advises not to have information on Saudi laws that are punishable with jail time and text related to any religion other than Islam.

Delete any obscene content from your phone and laptop, and ensure that nothing you carry gives the impression that you indulge in black magic.These are among a list of dos and don?ts announced by the government for people heading to Saudi Arabia for jobs.Saudi Arabia is home to the largest number of Indians going abroad, with around 30 lakh people emigrating for jobs.?Do not carry items prohibited/forbidden in Saudi Arabia. Do not store any prohibited/obscene material on your phone/laptop etc,? said the advisory, which includes information on how people can get accustomed to local customs and laws that are often punishable with jail time if flouted.Sorcery and witchcraft are banned in the kingdom and punishable with severe penalties, including death. Accordingly, the advisory says, do not carry any ?taweez? (amulets) or black thread that could be construed as part of black magic rituals.?Narcotic drugs, food items containing pork, poppy seeds, khat leaves, pan masala, and text related to any religion other than Islam? figure on the list of items the government wants people to avoid.?The revised and updated pre-departure instructions are aimed at ensuring Indian nationals are familiar with their job contracts, local laws and what they need to do should they face a problem,? said an Indian official.Indians have been warned about Recruitment Agents (RAs), who could dupe them in a number of ways such as by not handing over their contracts or inflating their fees.According to new guidelines, RAs cannot take a service charge of more than Rs 20,000.The Saudi law warrants that employers bear expenses such as visa fee and air tickets for foreign employees. They have been told to ensure the employment makes a mention of these details in both Arabic and English before a person leaves India.The labour ministry of Saudi Arabia now gives free phone SIM card to all foreign employees. The government has advised Indian workers heading to Saudi Arabia to carry a mobile phone ? ?preferably an inexpensive smart phone.?Indians have been advised ?not to return to the kingdom on any kind of visa including employment, Haj and Umrah visas if any criminal case is pending against you?.

Ankur Vyas

10 Apr 2017,Monday

PM Modi takes metro ride with Aussie PM Malcolm Turnbull

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/narendra-modi-malcolm-turnbull-metro-selfie-akshardham/1/925255.html

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday accompanied his visiting Australian counterpart Malcolm Turnbull on a metro ride in New Delhi. The two Prime Ministers boarded the metro at the Mandi House station and headed towards the Akshardham Temple. "With @narendramodi on the Delhi Metro Blue Line - 212 kms & 159 stations since 2002," Turnbull tweeted.

Visiting Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull today accompanied Prime Minister Narendra Modi on a metro ride in the national capital. The two heads of state arrived at the Mandi House metro station today afternoon and, after greeting the people at the station, proceeded to a board a Metro to the Akshardham Temple. Chants of 'Modi, Modi' were heard at the metro station when the two leaders reached Mandi House, news agency ANI reported.PM Modi tweeted a photo of the two leaders taking a selfie, saying, "On board the Delhi Metro with PM @TurnbullMalcolm. We are heading to the Akshardham Temple", while Turnbull posted the duo's selfie.With @narendramodi on the Delhi Metro Blue Line - 212 kms & 159 stations since 2002 pic.twitter.com/O4Zr2695SgAt the Akshardam Temple, Turnbull and Modi were greeted with garlands and were taken on a tour of the iconic Hindu mandir complex. The two leaders first toured the temple on foot and then in a golf cart.  PM Narendra Modi and Australian PM Malcolm Turnbull at Delhi's Akshardham Temple pic.twitter.com/94lgIWRLLTPM Narendra Modi and Australian PM Malcolm Turnbull at Akshardham Temple in Delhi pic.twitter.com/VMtwEdh0rpEarlier in the day, Modi and Turnbull held a bilateral meet earlier in the day, inking six Memorandum of Understandings (MoUs) including one aimed at strengthening counter-terrorism cooperation.

Aarushi Maheshwari

10 Jan 2017,Tuesday

David and Victoria Beckham to move into ?36 crore mansion

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/david-victoria-beckham-buy-five-million-euros-country-mansion/1/853581.html

Former footballer David Beckham and his wife Victoria are set to move into their new country mansion worth ?5 million (over ?36 crore) in England, according to reports. The couple will move into the nine-bedroom mansion and leave their current home in Holland Park. Their new mansion features a triple garage, two large courtyards and an apple orchard.

London, Jan 10 (PTI) Former football star David Beckham and his wife Victoria are reportedly moving to their new country mansion worth five million euros in Cotswolds.

Rini Sinha

21 Apr 2017,Friday

Raveena Tandon's 'Maatr' hits the theatres

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/maatr-movie-review-raveena-tandon/1/934455.html

Raveena Tandon's 'Maatr' which released on Friday, "is successful...in how it approaches rape as it doesn't trivialise the subject," wrote Hindustan Times. "Maatr a drama with too many blows but little depth," said India Today. TOI wrote, "Raveena's sincere as the victim who sullies her hands to get justice." It was rated 3/5 (TOI), 2/5 (HT) 1.5/5 (India Today).

Director: Ashtar Sayed Cast: Raveena Tandon, Madhur Mittal, Divya Jagdale, Anurag Arora, Rushad RanaRating: (1.5/5) Not Without My Daughter, Taken, The Brave One are just some of the Hollywood thrillers that come to mind when sitting through Maatr, a revenge drama, in which a traumatised mother takes the law into her own hands and tracks down the killers. But writer Michael Pellico throws in Indian references to in the Mahabharata and the brutal gangrape which is reminiscent of the Nirbhaya case. For all its grittiness, Maatr is barely able to skim the surface of a woman's paranoia unlike Pink, another drama about sexual assault which is set in the capital.Raveena Tandon plays Vidya, a teacher, who witnesses her bright daughter's brutal rape and subsequent demise. She is a bruised, battered victim herself but the makers pretty much sideline Vidya's trauma to focus on her grief. Here too one of the perpetrators is a man with influence, in this case it's the bratty son (Madhur Mittal of Slumdog Millionaire) of the Chief Minister. This is one of the earlier signs that in Maatr playing out extremities is more important than allowing moments of reflection and empathy. When justice is out of her reach ("it's not like filter coffee that you get it instantly"), Vidya with a little help of Facebook, Google Maps, email, drugs and a gun plots the death of the seven accused. While some are well-executed, most are a bit sudden and haphazard. The latter makes the film occasionally germane and at times improbable. Tandon does well as the more amateurish Liam Neeson but one wishes for more context to her character instead of just a well-coiffed, vengeful, death magnet of a mother. Little time is devoted to her doomed marriage with an inconsiderate husband who blames her poor navigation skills for the tragedy. As the sole witness of the murder and survivor she is also surprisingly given too much free reign to execute her plan. Another minor sexual assault victim is included to heighten the anger, but in Maatr this seems more a lazy plot convenience. As the clock approaches the hour mark, Sayed raises the violence quotient adding kicks and punches to the action but the blows don't quite have the emotional impact. Maatr despite the gravity of the theme is a subpar drama. The film would have been more effective if the mawkish, flashback-heavy songs were skipped. Maatr is a missed opportunity to make a powerful statement against India's poor track record in dispensing justice and tackling violence against women. Revenge is a dish best served cold; in Maatr it's crass and oddly flat too.

Daisy Mowke

19 Mar 2017,Sunday

Amitabh, SRK attend Aishwarya's father's funeral

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/aishwarya-rai-bachchan-father-krishnaraj-rai-funeral-held/1/907422.html

Bollywood celebrities including Amitabh Bachchan and Shah Rukh Khan attended the funeral of actress Aishwarya Rai Bachchan's father Krishnaraj Rai. He passed away on Saturday in Mumbai's Lilavati hospital. Other actors like Kunal Kapoor and Sonali Bendre, veteran actors Simi Garewal and Randhir Kapoor and filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali were also spotted at the funeral.

Actor Aishwarya Rai Bachchan's father Krishnaraj Rai died Saturday evening in Mumbai after a brief battle with illness. His funeral was held Saturday night at the city's Vile Parle Seva Sansthan Shamshan Bhoomi, where a host of actors, including Aishwarya's husband Abhishek Bachchan and father-in-law Amitabh Bachchan, offered prayers. Other Bollywood celebrities who paid their last respects included actors Shah Rukh Khan and Kunal Kapoor and film makers Sanjay Leela Bhansali and Ashutosh Gowarikar. Krishnaraj Rai was admitted to Bandra's Lilavati hospital last month. Lt Gen V Ravishankar, who treated him at the facility, told news agency IANS that Rai had lymphoma. "Mr Rai passed away around 4 pm in Lilavati hospital ICU," Ravishankar told IANS. A Mangalorean, Krishnaraj is survived by wife Vrinda, son Aditya and daughter Aishwarya.(With agency inputs)

Daisy Mowke

23 Feb 2017,Thursday

You cannot copyright a character: 'Rangoon' makers

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/rangoon-legal-battle-kangana-ranaut-fearless-nadia-copyright-infringement/1/889128.html

Responding to a petition claiming that Kangana Ranaut's character in 'Rangoon' is based on Australian stunt actor Mary Evans, popularly known as 'Fearless Nadia', the makers have said that one cannot copyright a character in India. "It's like calling Hema Malini the 'dream girl'... Now one cannot have a copyright over dream girl," said an advocate.

Justice KR Shriram will be convening his court at 10 am on Thursday so that he can finish hearing the arguments with regards to the release of film Rangoon, and probably pass an order. The court is hearing a petition filed by Wadia Movietone Pvt Ltd which has dragged Rangoon makers to court over an uncanny resemblance between Kangana Ranaut's character, Julia, and Fearless Nadia, the pre-independence era Australian actress Mary Evans. Evans had taken up the screen name of Nadia, and had acted in many films like Hunterwali. Wadia lawyers Navroz Seervai and Priyanka Khimani had told the court that there were 19 similarities between their 1935  movie, Hunterwali, featuring Fearless Nadia, and Rangoon's trailer.On Monday, the court had asked both the parties to consider settling the issue, but none was ready to bow down. Senior advocate Virendra Tuljapurkar cited various judgements of Indian courts to show that copyright law does not cover a character. "You cannot copyright a character. Under American laws it can be, but they are redundant in India as a copyright over a character does not exist."Tuljapurkar also said that the character of Fearless Nadia was developed by Homi Wadia and his brother who wrote, directed and produced the films. "It was later that a company was formed which took over the films. But in their own petition they say that they are still in the process of looking for the scripts and screenplays. So they themselves do not have the copyright. Do they have documents showing title, assignment that the author has given it to them?"Senior advocate Ravi Kadam, on behalf of Viacom 18 Motion Pictures, told the court that no film had the character of Fearless Nadia. The actress used to be called fearless as she used to do daring stunts herself. Moreover, Evans was one of the few actresses who started working in films when not many women dared to do so and that's why she was nicknamed Fearless Nadia. "It's like calling Hema Malini, the dream girl. The actor has played many characters but she is known as dream girl. Now one cannot have a copyright over dream girl," said Kadam. He added that the film is set at the time of pre-independence era. "No claim can be made around historical facts. Fearless Nadia is a historic figure," argued Kadam. He said the film is about a dancer Julia who is in love with the director played by Saif Ali Khan. She later goes to Burma where she meets a soldier played by Shahid Kapoor, who is working for the Indian National Army and is on a secret mission.Kadam accepted that the Rangoon makers were in talks with the Wadias for copyright on Fearless Nadia between 2006 and 2015. Emails showing the conversations between the two parties were perused by the petitioners. "However when they said that the copyright is already been given to someone else it was not pursued any further," said Kadam.

Pragya Swastik

29 Dec 2016,Thursday

Snapdeal to home-deliver Reliance Jio SIMs

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/technology/story/snapdeal-to-deliver-reliance-jio-sim-to-your-doorstep/1/845052.html

Snapdeal will begin home delivery of Reliance Jio SIMs at select locations, the company has said in an e-mail sent to a set of customers. The e-mail recipients can enter details like time and when and where they want their SIM to be delivered. A Jio executive will visit the house of the customers to deliver and activate the SIM.

If you still don't have a Reliance Jio SIM, now is a good time to get one for two reasons, you will get free 4G internet till March 31 and that you can get the Jio SIM delivered to your doorstep. Snapdeal has sent out an email to select customers saying that it will now home-deliver Jio SIM cards. Those who received the email can enter details and time when and where they want the SIM to be delivered.The mailer says that Snapdeal will choose their premium customers for this Jio home delivery service. "You are eligible to get a Reliance Jio SIM along with Jio Happy New Year Offer, delivered and activated at your home without any cost, provided you have a local valid Aadhar Card," reads the mailer.The customer will need to have a 4G-enabled phone and a local Aadhaar card at the time of delivery. The eKYC verification will be done at that time only.While this sounds like a good deal, we don't know how Snapdeal is going to decide who is a premium customer and who is not. So you can consider yourself in luck if you have received an email.Also read: Jio Welcome Offer vs Happy New Year Offer: Here is what changed after Dec 3

Parmeet Kaur

27 Jul 2017,Thursday

Lalu's daughter paid ?5,000 for Delhi bungalow: I-T Dept

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/lalu-yadav-income-tax-chanda-yadav-new-friends-colony-delhi-bungalow-shell-company-ab-exports/1/1011607.html?utm_source=inshorts&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=fullarticle

RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav's daughter, Chanda Yadav paid ?5,000 for a bungalow in Delhi's New Friends Colony, an investigation by the Income Tax (IT) Department revealed. The probe further revealed that the bungalow which is co-owned by her siblings Tejaswi and Ragini was acquired via a shell company and the source of company's funding was found to be bogus.

Rashtriya Janata Dal Chief Lalu Prasad Yadav's daughter Chanda Yadav paid a paltry sum of Rs 5,000 to become one of the owners of a posh bungalow in Delhi's elite New Friends Colony. Her brother Tejaswi and Ragini were the other two owners.An investigation by the Income Tax department into the alleged benami transactions of Lalu's children for buying properties in Delhi has revealed that AB Exports, the firm that purchased the bungalow for Rs 5 crore, was a shell company. This company in turn received funds from other five shell companies operating from Mumbai. The funds were used to buy the bungalow in its name (name of AB Exports). Later, the company was taken over by Lalu's relatives through share transfer.Also read | ED to seize Lalu Prasad's daughter Misa Bharti's Delhi farmhouse

Ayushi Ahluwalia

28 Jun 2017,Wednesday

World Bank clears $250 mn loan to train Indian job seekers

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/world-bank-clears-$250-mn-loan-to-train-indias-job-seekers/1/987591.html

The World Bank has cleared a $250-million (over ?1,610 crore) loan for making Indians more employable through re-skilling, under the government's Skill India mission. The programme is targetted at people between 15-59 years of age who are underemployed and unemployed. It also mandates the provision of entrepreneurship opportunities to women and to increase their exposure to skill training.

New Delhi, Jun 26 (PTI) The World Bank has cleared a USD 250-million loan for making Indian youth more employable through reskilling, in a move that is seen to aid the Skill India mission. The multi-lateral lender is keen to support the Indian government in its efforts to better equip the young workforce with employable skills. It said the support will help the youth contribute to Indias economic growth and prosperity. "The USD 250-million Skill India Mission Operation (SIMO), approved by the World Bank board of executive directors, will increase the market relevance of short-term skill development programmes (3-12 months or up to 600 hours) at the national and state level," the Bank said in a release. Under the programme, adults in 15-59 years of age, underemployed or unemployed, will get the skill training. It will also include the 1.2 crore youngsters in the age group of 15-29 years who are entering the labour market every year. The programme has a mandate to provide placement and entrepreneurship opportunities to women and increase their exposure to skill training. The Washington-headquartered World Banks SIMO is a six- year programme in support of the Indian governments National Policy for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (2017-23). SIMO will be implemented through the National Skill Development Mission and will specifically target labour market entrants. According to an official skill gap analysis, India will require an additional 109 million skilled workers in 24 key sectors by 2022. "This programme will support the governments vision of investing in the human capital of Indias youth, enable greater off-farm employment and increase womens participation in the labour market," World Bank Country Director to India Junaid Ahmad said.

Ankush Verma

08 Jan 2017,Sunday

5 killed as Kolkata-bound train rams into car in Bangladesh

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/several-dead-after-kolkata-bound-train-rams-into-car-in-bangladesh/1/852366.html

Five people, including four from a family, were killed when the Kolkata-bound Maitree Express rammed into a car at a level crossing in Gazipur, Bangladesh on Sunday. The train which runs between India and Bangladesh reportedly dragged the car for around 200 metres. Railway officials admitted that the level crossing was unmanned and it did not have a boom barrier.

Chhavi Tyagi

21 Jun 2017,Wednesday

Rajiv Gandhi's killer jailed since 1991 seeks mercy killing

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/rajiv-gandhis-killer-robert-pious-mercy-killing-tamil-nadu-government/1/984125.html

Robert Pious, one of the convicts in the Rajiv Gandhi assassination case, has written to the Tamil Nadu government seeking mercy killing. "I've been in prison for more than 27 years now...I can understand the intention of the government and as none of my family members have come to see me, I don't find anymore purpose in life," he said.

Robert Pious, one of the convicts in the Rajiv Gandhi assassination case, has written to the Tamil Nadu government seeking mercy killing. He said he has been in prison for over 27 years and has lost any purpose in life."I've been in prison for more than 27 years now...I can understand the intention of the government and as none of my family member have come to see me, I don't find anymore purpose in life," Pious said in his letter.He said even one of the judges who pronounced him guilty in 1999 had said he is innocent but yet in the prison."Hence I'm never going to be released from prison, I request to 'mercy kill' me," Robert Pious wrote from Puzhal Central Prison in Chennai seeking euthanasia."In 2014, then Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu J Jayalalithaa had attempted to get us released but now I understand that the government would want me to spend the rest of my life in prison. This is not just affecting me but my family as well. I request you to grant me permission for mercy killing," Robert Pious said in his letter.WHO IS ROBERT PIOUSHe is a Sri Lankan Tamil who was alleged to be a part of LTTE commando team. Robert Pious had confessed before police that he was one of key planners in the assassination. Robert Pious is one of the seven persons who were found guilty of involvement in the assassination of the former prime minister on 21 May 1991 during an election rally at Sriperumbudur. The Supreme Court has already dismissed the pleas of the Tamil Nadu government and one convict seeking review of its judgement in the Rajiv Gandhi assassination case in which was ruled that the Centre has "primacy" over states' right to grant remission.The Tamil Nadu government had on July 28 last year moved the apex court seeking review of its judgement in the Rajiv Gandhi assassination case.The petition had sought review of the apex court's verdict given in December 2015, virtually overturning the state government's clemency decision.A five-judge bench had in 2015 said that the state governments must secure "concurrence" of the Union government before freeing convicts in certain cases.REQUESTS OF OTHER CONVICTSOne of the seven convicts, Nalini had even staged a hunger strike seeking her transfer from Vellore prison to Puzhal Central Prison near Chennai. After Nalini's request, another convict Perarivalan's mother filed a plea seeking his transfer to Puzhal stating that he needs treatment at the Chennai government hospital.Perarivalan had even attempted to define his request for release based on Sanjay Dutt's release from prison in the Arms Act case. Nalini, on the other hand, had filed a plea with the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC). -With inputs from Pramod MadhavAlso read:Rajiv Gandhi: The fateful night of May 21, 1991 in Madras and New Delhi 

Abhishek Bansal

06 Feb 2017,Monday

Pietersen tweets "BringBackKP" after Cook's resignation

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/kevin-pietersen-alastair-cook-england-captaincy/1/875974.html

Soon after the announcement of Alastair Cook's resignation as England Test captain, Kevin Pietersen asked for his return to the national side, tweeting, "#BringBackKP". Pietersen, who last played a Test against Australia in Sydney back in January 2014, was ousted from the team due to differences with the team management, including the former captain Andrew Strauss and coach Andy Flower.

Former England batsman and captain Kevin Pietersen known for his flamboyant style on and off the field responded to Alastair Cook's resignation in a humorous way by tweeting - #BringBackKPCook stepped down as England's Test captain after 59 matches in charge. The 32-year-old had taken over from Andrew Strauss and since became England's most successful captain in the traditional format. (Also read: Alastair Cook steps down as England Test captain after 4-0 defeat vs India)He led England to 24 victories but also oversaw 22 defeats during his tenure from 2010-2016. In all likelihood, Joe Root is like to take over as Test captain.A change in leadership was imminent after England went down 4-0 to India in the five-Test series.Pietersen, who last played a Test against Australia in Sydney back in January 2014 has always been vocal about making a comeback for England in international cricket. The mercurial batsman quit limited-overs cricket in 2012 saying he wants to let the younger generation come through but he stressed on the fact that he will keep on playing Test cricket. However, after a decent start to the South Africa tour the same year, he fell apart with then captain Andrew Strauss and coach Andy Flower. Following that he was dropped from the Test squad.He made a comeback in 2013 against New Zealand. However, a knee injury forced him to miss the return series in May. After that Pietersen played the 2013-14 Ashes, where England were whitewashed. He finished with 294 runs but he again fell out with the coach and team management and was dropped again. Since then KP has not represented England in any of the formats.He has been playing T20 Leagues around the world and has been working hard in county cricket for Surrey, still harbouring a dream return to international cricket. He has performed decently in his last outing where he represented Melbourne Stars in the Big Bash League in Australia and scored 268 runs from eight games.

Parmeet Kaur

21 Jul 2017,Friday

CAG slams govt over poor execution of crop insurance schemes

http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/cag-criticises-govts-for-poor-implementation-of-crop-insurance-schemes/story-B1tpvdjmGwjBUlsWMsOeQL.html?utm_source=inshorts&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=fullarticle

The Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) on Friday slammed the government over poor implementation of crop insurance schemes from 2011-16, including the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana. The CAG pointed out that delays by states in releasing compensation to affected farmers defeated "the objective of providing timely financial assistance", although the Centre released its share on time.

The Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) on Friday slammed the government for poor implementation of crop insurance schemes in 2011-16, saying the funds were released to private insurers without verification.Both the central and state government had incurred an expenditure of Rs 32,606.65 crore towards payment of premium subsidy and claim liabilities in the said period. This amount was channelised via state-owned Agriculture Insurance Company (AIC) to private companies, it said in its latest report.The CAG report examined the crop insurance schemes -- NAIS, MNAIS and Weather Based Crop Insurance Scheme (WBCIS) implemented during 2011-12 through 2015-16. These schemes, however, now have been replaced with new Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojan (PMFBY) from 2016 kharif season.?During 2011-16, AIC had released Rs 36,222.79 crore as premium subsidy to 10 private insurance companies without compliance with any of the guidelines...,? the auditor said in the report placed before Parliament.It added that the AIC failed to exercise due diligence by verification of claims by private insurance companies before releasing the funds to them. It also failed to take re- insurance cover on behalf of both central and state governments.The government auditor also found out that though the central government released its share on time, there were instances of delay by state governments.?Such delays impacted the release of insurance compensation to affected farmers, defeating the fundamental purpose of the schemes to provide timely financial assistance to the farming community,? it observed.According to the CAG report, claims amounting Rs 7,010 crore (under NAIS), Rs 332.45 crore (MNAIS) and Rs 999.28 crore (WBCIS) were pending as on August 2016 due to non- receipt of premium share of state governments, litigations, verification of claims by states, reconciliation and booking errors, among others.The other finding was that during 2011-16, five out of the nine selected states took more than prescribed 45 days with delays of up to 1,069 days in processing claims, it said.The auditor also found out that there were delays in issue of notifications, receipt of declarations from banks within cut-off dates, receipt of yield data from states and processing of claims and irregularities in disbursement of claims by banks to farmers? accounts.Even monitoring of the schemes was ?very poor? as implementing agencies did not do it effectively, the CAG noted.?Even though huge funds under the schemes were provided to private companies, there was no provision for audit by the CAG to ensure proper utilisation of funds...,? it said.There was also lack of awareness as 67% farmers surveyed during the audit were not aware of the schemes. There was no proper grievance redressal system and monitoring mechanism for speedy settlement of farmers? complaints at the central or state government level, it added.

Dishant Sharma

03 May 2017,Wednesday

Withdrawal from ICC CT not in India's best interests: CoA

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/icc-champions-trophy-bcci-coa-state-associations/1/944266.html

The Supreme Court-appointed Committee of Administrators has said to the state associations that the Indian cricket team's withdrawal from the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy is not in the best interests of Indian cricket. CoA head Vinod Rai on Tuesday had said that BCCI officials are not mandated to take any decision on India's Champions Trophy participation without the CoA's approval.

BCCI treasurer Anirudh Chaudhry has asked full members of the board to issue a letter to Amitabh Chaudhry stating that the Indian board has approved the decision to send a notice to the IBC/ICC to cure the breach as per the terms of the Members Participation Agreement immediately. (BCCI treasurer Anirudh Chaudhary tries to create unanimity among members on Champions Trophy boycott threat)A faction in the BCCI had over teleconference contemplated pulling out of the Champions Trophy of which India are title defenders.The decision, Anirudh, said in his letter to the full members, was taken during a conference call which was organised through the BCCI office "rather than the other channel for obvious reasons." (No Champions Trophy decision without COA's permission: Vinod Rai to BCCI)COA head Vinod Rai on Tuesday made it clear that BCCI office-bearers are not mandated to take any decision on India's Champions Trophy participation without the COA's approval. Rai's comments came amid continuing speculation on India's Champions Trophy participation after the BCCI was outvoted on its opposition to a revamped revenue and governance model of the ICC."Yes, we have issued an instruction that any decision regarding the ICC Revenue Model should only be taken at the Special General Meeting (SGM). But the BCCI units have been told that they cannot issue any legal notice to the ICC with regards to Champions Trophy pull-out without our prior approval," Rai told PTI.The COA was forced to issue a diktat after it was learnt that around 10 loyalists of former BCCI president N Srinivasan engaged in a teleconference where the options of pulling out and taking legal action against the global body were discussed. (BCCI misses deadline for naming squad)India Today has now learnt that the CoA has written to the state associations telling them that pulling out of the Champions Trophy was not in the best interests of Indian cricket and that it will move Supreme Court if any drastic steps are taken at the BCCI SGM scheduled on May 7. (BCCI isolated at International Cricket Council: Sources to India Today)Here's the CoA letter to the states:1.We have been informed that a Special General Meeting of the BCCI has been convened on May 7, 2017 ("SGM") to conduct the following business:"To apprise the General Body of the BCCI on the discussions held with representatives of other Member Boards of the ICC and on the decisions taken at the ICC Meetings held on the 24th of April, 2017 and the 26th of April, 2017 and to take all necessary decisions pursuant thereto."2.We are addressing this communication to you with the intention of putting all relevant factors and issues in their proper perspective when you discuss and take necessary decisions at the SGM. You are all aware that a certain financial model was proposed in 2014 and accepted by the other cricket boards and the same was meant to commence in 2015/2016. However, soon after the said financial model had been accepted, there were discordant voices that emanated from other cricket boards (which have been noted by the General Body of the BCCI in February 2016) and the ICC decided to set up a working group to re-visit the said financial model.3.One of the members of the Committee of Administrators (Mr. Vikram Limaye) had attended the ICC Board meeting in February 2017 on behalf of the BCCI pursuant to the order dated January 30, 2017 passed by the Hon'ble Supreme Court. The ICC Board meeting in February 2017 was within a week of the Committee of Administrators being appointed. At the said meeting, Mr. Limaye had proposed that instead of there being any voting on the revised ICC governance structure and revised financial model, the same should be taken up during the meetings to be held in April 2017 since there wasn't sufficient time for BCCI to study the proposals and formulate its position. Also, the proposals presented had stated that there was no scientific basis for the revised financial model that was being proposed. However, on the insistence of a majority of the ICC Board, a vote was taken on the approval of the revised ICC governance structure and revised financial model. The same were approved 'in-principle' (with only Mr. Limaye and the representative from Sri Lanka Cricket voting against whilst the representative from Zimbabwe Cricket abstained), subject to the right of ICC members to raise any issues they have on the proposals in advance of the meetings to be held in April 2017.4.In order to ensure that the BCCI's stand in relation to the revised ICC governance structure and revised financial model was placed on record with the ICC sufficiently in advance of the meetings to be held in April 2017, we instructed the CEO to address a detailed communication dated March 19, 2017 to the ICC (in response to an email addressed by the ICC to Mr. Limaye) setting out our preliminary observations on the revised ICC governance structure and revised financial model (See Annexure 1). We understand that this communication has already been brought to your attention during the Special General Meeting held on April 18, 2017. We would like to highlight that the said communication specifically draws the attention of the ICC to the Members Participation Agreement dated 12th October 2014 entered into between the BCCI and IBC (a subsidiary of ICC) ("MPA") and states that the revised ICC governance structure and revised financial model will, if adopted, entitle BCCI to exercise certain rights under the MPA and also to avail remedies under applicable law.5.In order to ascertain the rights and remedies that may be available to BCCI under and in relation to the MPA and otherwise in the event the revised ICC governance structure and revised financial model are adopted, the Committee of Administrators had also asked the CEO to obtain necessary legal opinion(s) from appropriate foreign lawyers on the matter. We have been informed that this legal opinion has already been shared with the existing office bearers of the BCCI and we expect that they will appropriately brief you on the same.6.In the meantime, after the ICC Board Meeting held in February 2017, other cricket boards as well as the ICC were desirous of engaging in discussions and their representatives approached the Committee of Administrators for this purpose, since there were no functioning office bearers until the clarification issued by the Hon'ble Supreme Court on March 24, 2017. During the said discussions, we made it clear to the ICC and other cricket boards that Mr. Limaye had only been asked to attend the meetings to be held in February 2017 and he may not necessarily be asked to attend the meetings to be held in April 2017. Accordingly, the discussions between the ICC, other cricket boards and us were limited to ascertaining their respective positions and scope for negotiation. No commitment whatsoever has been made by us on behalf of the BCCI either to the ICC or to any other cricket board.7.During the course of the said discussions, the ICC and other cricket boards clearly communicated to us that the events that transpired in 2014 had led to an immense trust deficit between them and the BCCI and there was a need for trust-building in order to work together going forward. They acknowledged the fact that BCCI contributes much more to the ICC than other cricket boards and also recognized that BCCI should therefore get its due share under the revised financial model and were prepared to negotiate an amount that would be acceptable to BCCI and other cricket boards. At the same time, they made it clear that the share that was envisaged under the financial model that was put in place in 2014 was too high and not acceptable to them. They believed that a fair share could be something in between what was proposed in 2014 and the new financial model and could be negotiated between BCCI, other cricket boards and the ICC without the need for a vote. Our discussions indicated that the ICC Chairman and other cricket boards were keen to find an acceptable middle ground to resolving this matter in a collaborative/ non-confrontational framework.8.After the order dated April 17, 2017 passed by the Hon'ble Supreme Court appointing Mr. Amitabh Choudhary as BCCI's representative to the ICC, we had invited the existing office bearers for a meeting on April 21, 2017 so that we could update them on the above developments prior to the ICC meetings. Whilst the Acting President and the Hon. Treasurer expressed their inability to attend the said meeting, the Acting Secretary did meet with us on April 21, 2017 and we briefed him on our prior discussions with the ICC and other cricket boards so that he would be aware of their respective views/ positions.9.We believe that the outcome of the ICC Board Meetings held in Dubai during the last week of April 2017 could have been avoided if the resolutions passed during the Special General Meeting held on April 18, 2017 had authorized the Acting Secretary to arrive at a negotiated outcome (within certain parameters akin to those set out during an earlier Special General Meeting held on February 19, 2016) instead of directing him to either seek deferment of a vote and, if that was not agreed to by the ICC and other cricket boards, vote against the revised ICC governance structure and revised financial model. In fact, we had communicated our apprehension regarding the lack of flexibility available to the Acting Secretary to negotiate when we met him on April 21, 2017.10.The decision regarding what amount/ share and changes to the ICC governance structure the BCCI should finally agree to in the course of negotiations with the ICC and other cricket boards is certainly one that needs to be taken by the General Body of the BCCI as it has long term implications. However, since we have had the benefit of independently interacting with the ICC and other cricket boards as mentioned above, we consider it our duty to communicate our views on the matter to you prior to the SGM:(a) It is extremely unlikely that the ICC and other cricket boards will agree to the amount/ share envisaged under the financial model that was put in place in 2014.(b) The ICC and other cricket boards will certainly agree to an amount/ share that is higher than what is envisaged under the revised financial model.(c) It is in the interests of Indian cricket for the BCCI to continue negotiations with the ICC and other cricket boards to arrive at an amount/ share that is somewhere between that envisaged under the financial model that was put in place in 2014 and that which is envisaged under the revised financial model. An audio recording of the Special General Meeting of the Members of BCCI held on February 19, 2016 reveals that there was a recognition that the BCCI should work in a collaborative framework with ICC and negotiate a lower amount that is acceptable to all. BCCI should continue to adopt this approach in its negotiations with ICC. Specific details of the maximum reduction in the amount/ share that the then President and Secretary of the BCCI were authorized to negotiate and agree were verbally agreed although the same does not find mention in the minutes of the said Special General Meeting.(d) It is not in the interests of Indian cricket for the BCCI to take any drastic step/ measure which may result in breakdown of negotiations between the BCCI, ICC and other cricket boards, especially since there is sufficient time between now and the ICC Conference to be held in June 2017 for a negotiated outcome to be arrived at.11.We are aware that apart from the revised ICC financial model, issues relating to the revised ICC governance structure are also important for the BCCI. This is evident from the fact that a majority of the preliminary observations contained in the detailed communication dated March 19, 2017 addressed by the CEO to the ICC under our instructions (See Annexure 1) are in relation to the revised ICC governance structure viz. scheduling of bilateral tours, membership issues, powers of the ICC Chairman, voting issues, composition of committees, etc. We believe that the way to address these issues is also through negotiation with the ICC and other cricket boards and there is sufficient time between now and the ICC Conference to be held in June 2017 for a negotiated outcome to be arrived at. However, a negotiated outcome may be jeopardized if the BCCI takes any drastic step/ measure at this stage which will only precipitate matters.

Dishant Sharma

20 Jul 2017,Thursday

India's top-ranked shot putter Manpreet suspended for doping

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/shot-put-manpreet-kaur-asian-championship-gold-dope-test-fail/1/1006520.html?utm_source=inshorts&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=fullarticle

Following her failed dope test, India's top-ranked female shot putter Manpreet Kaur has been suspended by the Athletics Federation and is set to lose her gold medal which she won at the 22nd Asian Athletics Championships. Kaur will also miss next month's World Championships for which she had qualified for by winning the Asian Athletics Championships gold medal.

Top Indian shot putter Manpreet Kaur will miss next month's World Athletics Championships in London after she tested positive for banned substances for the second time in a couple of days, the AFI said today.Manpreet's urine sample 'A' collected during the first leg of the Asian Grand Prix at Jinhua (China) on April 24 has also been found to have stimulant dimethylbutylamine in it.This stimulant dimethylbutylamine was the same one which was found in her urine sample 'A' taken during the Federation Cup National Championships at Patiala, which came to light yesterday."She (Manpreet) has tested positive again for a steroid and the stimulant (dimethylbutylamine). She has been handed provisional suspension by the AFI. She will now be dropped from World Championships team," Athletics Federation of India (AFI) president Adille Sumariwalla told PTI.The IAAF World Championships will be hosted by London from August 5 to 13.

Chhavi Tyagi

06 May 2017,Saturday

Anyone can make mistakes: Nirbhaya gangrape convict's sister

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/nirbhaya-gangrape-supreme-court-december-16-2012-death-penalty/1/947037.html

After the Supreme Court upheld death penalty to four Nirbhaya gangrape convicts, one convict's sister said that anyone can make mistakes and should be given a second chance. Claiming that it is not always the boy's fault, she added that the girls too provoke guys. She further said that despite having a tainted image, she still loves her brother Pawan.

In a one bedroom set in the narrow lanes of Ravi Das Camp in RK Puram, that has a small kitchen and an LED TV fixed on the distempered wall, lives the family of Pawan Gupta - one of the four convicts, who will be hanged till death in the Nirbhaya gang rape case.His parents were at the court while his younger sister (name withheld), who has taken class 10 examination, stayed back at home. She was sitting right in front of the television when the news broke on the Supreme Court's verdict.In a high-tone, she told Mail Today that every one commits crime in India and anyone can do a mistake. And at least, he should be given a second chance to rectify it. "But the court has not given a second chance to my brother," she said.When asked about the brutality of the crime committed by his brother in 2012, she said: "Ladki hassi toh fassi" adding that it is not always the boy's fault. The girls too provoke them. "Even I wear jeans and other western clothes. If a guy stares at me or passes any comment, I simply look down and walk away. But, if I start enjoying it then the boy will think that I am giving him a signal," she said defending his brother's act."After the arrest of Pawan, my family has shattered. We have sent the youngest brother, who is 8-year-old, to an undisclosed location, so that he does not have to face regular harassment from locals and peer groups. We have already lost one of our sisters, who was 16-year-old when she died due to mental trauma, she was undergoing after the incident."I haven't met my brother since February 2016, when he came back to attend the last rites of my sister. Whenever my parents go to Tihar jail to meet him, they don't take me along saying that there are bad people in the jail," she added."I have lost all my school friends because of the tainted image but I still love my brother," she said in a choked voice. Mail Today also visited the houses of Ram Singh, Mukesh and Vinay Sharma in the JJ Cluster but all of them were found locked.Meanwhile, the residents of Ravi Das Camp had given mixed reactions on the judgment. Some said it's a right decision while others second the accused saying that they all are neighbours and they have a soft corner for them.

Deepali Aggarwal

01 Aug 2017,Tuesday

Pak Opp'n calls for real democracy post Sharif's dismissal

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/jul/30/imran-khan-calls-for-real-democracy-in-pakistan-following-sharif-dismissal?utm_source=inshorts&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=fullarticle

Pakistan's Opposition leader Imran Khan has called for a future of "real democracy" in the country, following the dismissal of Nawaz Sharif as the Prime Minister by the country's Supreme Court. "This is not a democracy but monarchy. And that is why Pakistan has been left behind developed nations," Khan who led a campaign to oust Sharif said.

Pakistan?s opposition leader, Imran Khan, has called for a future of ?real democracy? in the country, following the dismissal of Nawaz Sharif as prime minister over corruption charges.?We are thankful to the judiciary because with their judgment, they brought us a new hope,? Khan told a gathering of thousands of supporters on Sunday.The rally in Islamabad was a triumphant celebration for the heartthrob-cricketer-turned-populist-politician, who, since last year, has led a campaign to oust Sharif.Friday?s ruling by Pakistan?s highest court disrupted what had otherwise looked like a smooth path to next year?s election for Sharif?s PML-N party.Former oil minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi will most likely be approved as interim prime minister on Tuesday, at a special session in the 342-member parliament, where the ruling PML-N party holds a strong majority.Abbasi will hold the position for less than two months, until Shahbaz Sharif, younger brother of the ousted prime minister, is confirmed in parliament and can take over.Thousands of supporters from Khan?s Pakistan Tehreek-e Insaf (PTI) party congregated at Islamabad?s parade ground on Sunday for what had been termed a ?thanksgiving day?, the latest of Khan?s signature rallies that have helped him drum up popular support.In front of flag-flying party cadres dressed in the red and green colours of PTI, among towers of loudspeakers blasting music, Khan likened Pakistan?s rulers to ?mafia who safeguard personal interests at any cost?.?When we decided to move against Nawaz in the Panama case, everyone said it was a mistake because in the past, the powerful and mighty ones have been protected. But today I salute the court for giving hope to people for a new Pakistan,? he said.Since his political ascension in 2011, after 15 years in politics, Khan has drawn support particularly from educated urbanites disillusioned with their political elites.?Imran Khan is fighting hard to let people know their political rights and their role in society. He has been a true example,? said Syed Ishfaq, face painted red and green, who had travelled to the capital from Peshawar to participate in the celebration. Last year, Khan received a timely boost with the leak of the so-called Panama Papers, giving credence to his attacks against the political establishment, whom he has called ?the coalition of the corrupt?.After the leak, Khan filed a constitutional petition to have the supreme court investigate the purchase of high-end London property through offshore companies in the name of Sharif?s children, then minors.He organised street protests and demanded a ?lockdown? of Islamabad until the country?s highest court ordered an inquiry into the PM.Sharif, though, was not dismissed for actual corruption but for being deemed dishonest, according to the constitution?s article 62, over unreported income of about £2,000 from a Dubai-based company owned by his son. Sharif claims he never received the salary.However, he has not completely dodged a corruption verdict. In its ruling, the supreme court ordered a criminal investigation by an accountability court into the Sharif family based on materials from the Panama Papers.The ouster of Sharif has highlighted the decades-long fractious relationship between the now ex-prime minister and the military. There has been speculation that the court, with its verdict, simply did the military?s bidding, and that Khan was a handy tool for the generals to cut down a prime minister with whom they have feuded for decades. Khan?s supporters dismissed that idea.?If Imran Khan was really a puppet of the military, he would have become prime minister,? said Ishfaq, referring to a claim by Khan that former army chief Pervez Musharraf offered him the position.Friday?s court decision sparked hope among demonstrators that the country?s corrupt leaders can be held accountable. However, the appointment of Nawaz?s younger brother as new prime minister does little to accommodate equally forceful complaints that the Sharif family holds a dynastic grip on power. ?This is is not a democracy but monarchy. It is not a meritocracy. And that is why Pakistan has been left behind developed nations,? Khan said from the stage.Razmat Khan, a supporter, agreed: ?Shahbaz is the same as Nawaz. They just want to keep power in the family.?Supporters of Sharif point out that during his tenure, the economy has grown and security has improved markedly. According to the government, growth reached 5.28% last year. The number of civilians killed in terrorist attacks has dropped from about 3,000 in 2013, when Sharif came into office, to 612 in 2016.?I would give a bit of credit to Nawaz Sharif,? said Ishfaq. ?But it is the law enforcement agencies that have brought peace.?Yet, the improvements are tenuous. Violence has recently resurged in a string of attacks by the Pakistan Taliban and Islamic State, which constitutes a moderate but growing threat in Pakistan. Economic growth is held up by a swelling account deficit, and an overvalued currency is hampering exports. Growth has also not seeped down to the lower classes who make up the majority of the nation of more than 200 million people.?Thousands are jobless. There is no unemployment plan, and no economic policy except securing kickbacks,? said Sheraz Hassan, who drove his three children on a motorbike to the gathering.Many of the celebrating Khan supporters hoped that Pakistan had turned a page. ?The prime minister of Pakistan has been brought to justice,? said Ishfaq. ?That is very rare.?

Akshita Jain

12 Jan 2017,Thursday

Bengaluru man arrested for asking girls to hug him

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/bengaluru-harassment-unsafe-girls-hug-me-marry-me/1/855533.html

A 22-year-old man has been arrested in Bengaluru for harassing girls and asking them to hug him, according to reports. This comes after a girl filed a police complaint against him for accosting her and asking her to hug him. The accused had earlier harassed a school girl in a similar manner.

Close on the heels of the mass molestation that shocked Bengaluru on New Year's eve, a 22-year-old was arrested for allegedly harassing girls and asking them to "hug" him.The accused, who works at a construction site, is believed to be a drug addict too.A 12th grade dropout, accused Manikantha accosted a college-going student on Tuesday morning near a swimming pool in Sadashivanagar.He allegedly asked her to hug him and also marry him. The girl fled the spot and later filed a complaint with the local police.ALSO READ: Women sugar, molesters ants: 10 Abu Azmi shockers on Bengaluru nightmareManikantha had earlier allegedly harassed a schoolgirl in a similar manner. The girl was on her way back from school when Manikantha accosted her. She raised an alarm and passers-by caught him, but he somehow managed to escape.While fleeing the spot, he left behind his bike. The police used the bike's registration number to trace him. They also checked the CCTV footage at the spot to identify the accused.The Vyalikaval Police finally arrested him and booked him under the stringent Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and under Section 354 of the IPC. Manikantha has been remanded in judicial custody.ALSO READ:

Sonu Kumari

29 Jul 2017,Saturday

Maharashtra bans integrated coaching from next academic year

http://www.hindustantimes.com/mumbai-news/integrated-coaching-banned-in-maharashtra-from-next-academic-year/story-JYngDEVXJhO0L2dXjWM3FM.html?utm_source=inshorts&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=fullarticle

Maharashtra government on Friday announced that integrated coaching will not be allowed in the state from the next academic year. It will be compulsory to attend college lectures and attendance will be marked through bio-metric system, reports said. Notably, integrated coaching is an arrangement between colleges and coaching centres, in which students don't need to attend college lectures.

The state school education minister Vinod Tawde on Friday announced that the government will not allow integrated coaching to continue from the next academic year to stop commercialisation of education. Students will also be asked not to take admissions for integrated courses. While saying that attending lectures at colleges will be made mandatory from next year and bio-metric system will be used to keep a check, Tawde said the state will not take responsibility for those who still opt for integrated coaching. In integrated coaching, colleges enter into an arrangement with private coaching centres, in which students don?t have to bother attending college lectures.  The issue was raised by the BJP legislator Ashish Deshmukh, who expressed concerns over its misuse.  Replying to the debate, Tawde said, ?Students who secure 96% marks take admissions for integrated coaching. They are charged lakhs. The coaching classes mark their attendance for the college too and based on that they get admission in class 12. But now this commercialisation of education will be stopped.? ?From the next academic year, students taking admissions for integrated coaching will have to be present at colleges for lectures. Colleges will be asked to mark the attendance through bio-metric system,? he added. Tawde said the government will not allow students to appear for class 12 examinations who have taken admission for integrated coaching and remain absent at their respective colleges. "Parents and students must take note of this. The government will not take responsibility of students who will take admission at such colleges,? said the education minister.He also said that changes will be made to the science syllabus of Class 11 and 12 to get them at par with Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) and help students who want to appear for National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) and Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) examinations. The difference in the syllabus has been affecting the prospects of Maharashtra students. 

Chhavi Tyagi

11 Apr 2017,Tuesday

HC reduces sentence saying man wanted to burn, not kill wife

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/bombay-high-court-man-burns-wife/1/924947.html

Reducing a man's life sentence to 10 years imprisonment in a case wherein he had set his wife on fire, the Bombay High Court said that "he only wanted to inflict burns and not kill her". The court also took note of the man's attempts to save his wife by throwing water on her and rushing her to a hospital.

Bombay High Court has reduced the life sentence of a man who set his wife on fire, saying he only wanted to burn her and not kill her.According to an Indian Express report, Justice VK Tahilramani noted in his judgement that the man convicted for killing his wife, "only wanted to inflict burns and not kill her but unfortunately the situation slipped out of control to a fatal extent."The court also took note of the man's attempts to save his wife, after he set on fire -- by throwing water on her and rushing her to a hospital -- to pass the judgement reducing his sentence to 10 years. Justice Tahilramani also referred to a similar Supreme Court order to support his judgement. The charges against him were also brought down to culpable homicide not amounting to murder."After the wife caught fire, the accused extinguished the fire and took his wife to the hospital. This conduct cannot be seen divorced from the totality of the circumstances," said Justice Tahilramani."It was obvious that the accused realised his folly and was filled with remorse, therefore, he extinguished the fire and took his wife to the hospital. In view of the evidence on record, we are inclined to think that all that the appellant thought of was to inflict burns and not to kill her but unfortunately the situation slipped out of control to a fatal extent," Justice Tahilramani noted.The order has left people fuming.poor man -- he wanted to only burn his wife. not kill her. oops galti ho gaya, says bombay HC sigh https://t.co/H0Ze9bsInfGreat. That's comforting. #IGiveUppic.twitter.com/Gq0Zc66eev

Dishant Sharma

17 Feb 2017,Friday

BCCI will be back where they belong very soon: Shastri

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/bcci-icc-ravi-shastri/1/884902.html

Former Indian cricket team director Ravi Shastri said that a few nations' cricket boards are making a big mistake by trying to take advantage of the current mess that the BCCI is in. "My warning to such people is, beware...This state of flux will not last for long. BCCI will be back where they belong very very soon," Shastri said.

A few nations are making a big mistake by trying to take advantage of the current mess that Indian Cricket Board is in, warned former captain Ravi Shastri, who also advised the BCCI to demand every penny it deserves from the ICC for being the biggest revenue generator.Shastri, who served as Team Director of the Indian team before Anil Kumble took over, warned certain cricket boards that this "institution is here to stay.""My warning to such people is: beware... This state of flux will not last for long. BCCI will be back where they belong very very soon. And that is why it is important that the BCCI stresses on the issues at hand," Shastri told Cricbuzz in an interview without taking any names.His apparent reference is it to England, New Zealand, Pakistan and South Africa.BCCI is undergoing sweeping changes due to Supreme Committee appointed Lodha Committee's recommendations, resulting in removal of president Anurag Thakur and others.'INDIA DESERVE EVERY PENNY'Shastri also backed BCCI to demand a large chunk of revenue from the ICC since without India, it will be extremely difficult to raise such profits."I was very pleased that the committee that went to Dubai for the ICC meeting really took up the issue with the ICC board. [Vikram] Limaye, Anirudh [Chaudhry] and Amitabh [Choudhary] - I'm glad they made the BCCI's reservations very clear. In my mind, India deserve every penny that they get from ICC tournaments, simply because they are the Pied Pipers of world cricket," he stressed. (Thakur tenders apology to Supreme Court over perjury charges)"Something like 80% of revenues for these tournaments come from India. Then to say that India is the bully, because they are asking for extra share, is the biggest load of bullshit I've heard. I say this because the BCCI is not asking for 80%, they're asking for a much lower percentage. They have every right to. You take India out of the equation, I'd like to see what kind of revenue will be left."

Rini Sinha

17 Jul 2017,Monday

Dangal's Dhaakad video was a gift for Aamir: Chinese fan

http://www.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/aamir-khan-in-china-here-s-the-story-behind-the-dhaakad-video-by-his-chinese-fans/story-I3vZD8cGG2u0RPFc0ujlgL.html?utm_source=inshorts&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=fullarticle

Wenjing Zhang, member of Aamir Khan's fan club in China has said that the 'Dhaakad' video made by them was a gift for the actor. "We chose the song Dhaakad, because Aamir has sung it, and he's really cool in the movie, too," added Zhang. She further said that the Chinese were moved by the family ties depicted in Dangal.

If the roaring success of Aamir Khan?s Dangal in China ? the film has made more than Rs 1,000 crore in that country ? wasn?t proof enough of how much the Chinese love the Bollywood star and his latest film, here is some more proof: a video made by Aamir?s Chinese fan club based on the hit song Dhaakad from Dangal.The video, uploaded by Aamir Khan FC?China, hit the Internet on July 5 and crossed 2,50,000 views within days of being uploaded. The video shows various groups of superfans from across China dancing to Dhaakad. So, what inspired this fan video? We chatted with Wenjing Zhang aka Viki from the fan club, who explained that it was made as a gift for Aamir Khan for his great movie and unmatched acting prowess in it. ?Aamirji?s PK?(2014) grossed over 100 crore [rupees] in China, so we were expecting Dangal to at least earn double. But then, the movie made 1,300 crore here, which was a complete surprise. We were really excited as fans and decided to make something as a gift or a memento for him. And, that is how we came up with the idea of a video,? says Viki.Chinese fan Wenjing Zhang aka Viki with her idol, actor Aamir Khan.The Chinese were moved by the film?s family ties. A lot of Chinese kids are pushed by their parents to learn things that they don?t really like when they are small, but when they grow up, they realise that the parents were right in doing so. I guess, many people could relate to that feeling, too ? Wenjing Zhang aka VikiShe further explained that it was the social position of the girls in the movie and the portrayal of family bonds that made the movie so relatable for viewers in China.?The Chinese were moved by the film?s family ties. A lot of Chinese kids are pushed by their parents to learn things that they don?t really like when they are small, but when they grow up, they realise that the parents were right in doing so. I guess, many people could relate to that feeling, too,? says Viki. ?We chose the song Dhaakad, because Aamirji has sung it (the actor has made his own video version, which is not seen in the film), and he is really cool in the movie, too.? The fan video required quite a lot of teamwork. Viki says, ?Five teams from Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, Guangzhou, and Xi?an shot individual videos, which were later compiled into one by me. The teams from Beijing, Shanghai, and Chengdu had even met Aamir sir, when he had come for promotions,? she adds.What really went into the making of the video, you ask? Viki says that none of the team members are actually dancers. They simply planned the video within a week?s time, shot it in two days and then compiled it all together. ?We chose moves like Aamirji and a few that would give the feel of the movie (like imitating some of the scenes where two wrestlers face each other). The video was shot at major landmarks such as Guangzhou Circle (a round building), Temple of Heaven in Beijing, Shanghai World Expo, National Museum of China, and Great Wild Goose Pagoda in Xi?an. The pagoda in Xi?an was also chosen because it has a connection with India, too,? she says.The Great Wild Goose Pagoda in Xi?an, one of the places where the fan video was shot.Meeting Aamir Khan himself during the promotional tour was a dream come true for Viki. She says that she felt really lucky to have met the star in person and found him to be a great human being. Viki, along with her team, also decided to translate Satyamev Jayate (a show hosted by Aamir Khan) and even got his approval for it. ?We love his show and wanted to share his thoughts with more people. We told him about our plan to translate it for the Chinese people and he actually took out time to reply to us. He wanted us to finish it and to do a good job with it. I want him to know that we have now completed the translation and there is no mistake in it. His Chinese fans love it,? she says. Watch the original video here:Follow @htshowbiz for more.

Tarun Khanna

15 Mar 2017,Wednesday

Tamil Nadu may become like Punjab due to tobacco access: HC

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/tn-may-become-another-punjab-due-to-easy-tobacco-access-hc/1/904094.html

The Madras High Court on Tuesday said that due to easy availability of tobacco in Tamil Nadu, the state may become another Punjab. The court also asked the concerned authorities to take preventive measures to check the problem. The court further directed to furnish details of the raids conducted by the authorities each month and results of such raids periodically.

Chennai, Mar 14 (PTI): Alarmed that "Tamil Nadu may become another Punjab one day" due to easy availability of tobacco products to young students, the Madras High Court today asked authorities to conduct preventive raids to check the malady. "If this situation is allowed to continue, one day Tamil Nadu might become another Punjab," observed Justice N Kirubakaran while passing orders on a plea detailing the malady of the shopkeepers selling tobacco products to students and people smoking in public places. On petitioner T C Sharaths plea, the bench also directed the officials of Union health ministry, the states Health and Welfare Department, the director general of Tamil Nadu police and Chennai police commissioner to form squads to conduct surprise raids at shops within 100 yards of the educational institutions. The bench asked the authorities to seize tobacco products as per Section 14 of the Cigarettes and other Tobacco Products (Prohibition of Advertisement and Regulation of Trade and Commerce, Production, Supply and Distribution Act, 2003).

Arshiya Chopra

06 Jul 2017,Thursday

DU to include GST in curriculum of commerce programmes

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/gst-in-curriculum-of-commerce-programmes-delhi-university/1/995322.html

To help students comprehend the newly introduced Goods and Services Tax (GST), Delhi University's academic council approved the inclusion of GST in the curriculum of commerce programmes. The "one nation one tax" section will be taught from this academic session to students in programmes such as B Com (Hons), B Com (Prog) and BA (Prog).

Students in Delhi University will now have to wraps their heads around the historic goods and services tax (GST) that has flustered many across the country since its unveiling on July 1. GST, hailed as the country's biggest tax reform since Independence, replaced a thicket of federal and state levies while transforming Asia's third-largest economy into a single market. In a meeting this week, the varsity's academic council approved the inclusion of GST in the curriculum of commerce programmes such as B Com (Hons), B Com (Prog) and BA (Prog).It has also recommended this to the university's executive council.The move aims to help commerce students comprehend the newly introduced tax reform. The "one nation one tax" section will be taught from this academic session as the council wants changes in the course contents of B Com (Hons) in accordance with recent developments on GST.TOP COLLEGES IN AGREEMENTThe attempt has also brought the top colleges in agreement. "So far, goods and services tax was not included in the curriculum. Going by the status quo, it is important that students understand the tax well. We are awaiting a formal notification from the university and will include it in the curriculum for this academic year," said Reena Chadha, professor at Shri Ram College of Commerce. The university is the first in line to include the tax in the curriculum as Rajesh Jha, professor at Rajdhani College and an academic council member, pointed out that the executive is most likely to sanction the inclusion.Experts say GST should help widen the country's tiny tax base, free up internal trade, make it easier to do business and reduce the clout middlemen wield at state borders. Governments had been trying to introduce the reform for at least 10 years, but had failed to get the support of Parliament. The tax will be taught to students in B Com (Hons) in third and fifth semesters while B Com (Prog) students of fifth and sixth semester will have a paper on GST and Customs law. If approved by the executive council, it will also be taught to BA (Prog) students in the third and fourth semester. In a meeting concluded last week, the academic council accepted the recommendations made by the faculty of commerce and business.WHAT THE STUDENTS WILL BE TAUGHTStudents will be taught the constitutional framework of indirect taxes before GST, which include taxation powers of union and state governments, the concept of VAT, rationale and structure of GST, GST council, GST network, state compensation mechanism and registration, etc. The curriculum is also expected to include levy and collection of GST, which will cover taxable events like supply of goods and services, places of supply like within state, interstate, import and export, time of supply, valuation rules, taxability of reimbursement of expenses, and exemption from GST."Tax has now been simplified for our country with GST. Revenue generated from GST will be generated in a manner that will benefit India. Economists are already expecting the tax revenue to reach 2 trillion from 1 billion so students should be apprised with the times they will have to work in," said Dr Bhibhu Pratap Sahu, an assistant professor at Sri Guru Teg Bahadur Khalsa College.Students will be taught shortcomings of pre-GST indirect taxes.Also Read:Foreign languages remain hot favourite among DU aspirants

Prashanti Moktan

14 Feb 2017,Tuesday

Amy Jackson's phone hacked, personal photos leaked online

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/2-0-amy-jackson-pictures-leaked-phone-hacked/1/882441.html

Actress Amy Jackson's phone was hacked and personal pictures were leaked online. It was reportedly hacked at a mobile store in Mumbai, where she halted for her connecting flight from London to Chennai. "I was shocked when this happened... I will register a complaint with cyber crime cell in London and ensure the hackers are taken to task," said Amy.

Amy Jackson, who returned to Chennai from London, was at a mobile store in Mumbai. Reportedly, Amy Jackson's phone was hacked and personal pictures of the actor was leaked on the internet. She was in Mumbai to catch the connecting flight to Chennai. It is believed that her phone was hacked at the mobile store.Speaking about the incident, Amy was quoted by mid-day as saying, "I was shocked when this happened. This isn't a trivial matter and has to be taken up seriously. I will register a complaint with the cyber crime cell in London and ensure the hackers are taken to task. Cyber safety is the need of the hour."Amy, who was in Kerala to perform at the Vanitha Film Awards, said that she is set to rejoin the shoot of superstar Rajinikanth's upcoming sci-fi thriller 2.0.Thanks Kerala! Next stop Chennai for Robot 2.0 shoot ð??¬Directed by Shankar, the film is made on a lavish budget of Rs 400 crore. Reports suggest that 90 per cent of the shoot is done.Also starring Akshay Kumar, Sudhanshu Pandey and Adil Hussain, 2.0 is slated to release on Diwali.

Chhavi Tyagi

13 Jul 2017,Thursday

Delhi airport staff fails to detect 'bomb' in security drill

http://www.hindustantimes.com/delhi-news/bomb-in-bag-goes-undetected-at-delhi-airport-during-drill-cisf-under-scanner/story-WCtOIwZUkhQVQL1dUQfdhL.html?utm_source=inshorts&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=fullarticle

The CISF officials at the Delhi airport failed to detect 'explosives' during a security drill conducted by the Bureau for Civil Aviation Security. Further, security checks conducted on hand baggage for an Air India flight to Jammu also failed to detect the explosive. The CISF said that they take action against the staff who fail to perform their duty.

A bag with a ?bomb? has gone undetected through Delhi airport security checks. Luckily, it was only part of a drill to check arrangements at the airport ? a test that the CISF personnel flunked. The Bureau for Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) conducted dummy checks at Delhi, Pune and few other airports over the past three months. In a drill conducted in April, CISF officials failed in the security drill. Parts of an improvised explosive device were put in a hand bag without a detonator, and civil aviation officials made an easy entry to the Delhi airport with it. Security checks conducted on hand baggage for an Air India flight to Jammu also failed to detect the explosive.It was only then that the CISF, which is responsible for airport security, was informed that it had failed the test. The CISF checks only hand baggage of passengers with the help of scanners after check-in.?To ensure that security at airports is at its best and personnel are well aware, we keep conducting dummy checks to know the level of alertness. In April, a drill was conducted where components of improvised explosive device were kept in a bag by a BCAS official. The CISF missed it,? said a civil aviation official.?We have prepared a report listing incidents where CISF failed to notice components of IED in the bag. We keep wires, some explosives and some other parts in bags,? the official said.The CISF said they take action against the staff who fail to perform their duty, and give them security training so that they can identify suspicious objects during scanning.Read: Ex-employee entered Delhi airport thrice with fake ID?card, helped gold smugglers?Though, we take action against our staff, the BCAS conduct dummy checks by keeping random items related with making a bomb. Sometimes, it is without a detonator, making it all the more difficult to detect. In some cases, we have even suspended the staff,? a CISF official said.For better concentration, the CISF personnel also rotate baggage screener every hour.?We have an in-built software through which we throw random images of bomb, knives and other prohibited items and if our staff fail to detect it, we take action against them. This also helps us keep them alert,? the official added.

Mansha Mahajan

14 Apr 2017,Friday

Bank data of 1 cr Indians was up for sale for 20 paise each

http://www.hindustantimes.com/delhi/man-nabbed-with-personal-bank-details-of-1-crore-indians-sold-data-to-fake-call-centres/story-8gFvcuD5VQwhK6Kvw09r8O.html

Delhi Police has busted a module that sold information including bank account details and card details of over 1 crore people. Police have arrested an accused in the case, who allegedly sold this data at about 20 paisa per individual. The data was sold to fake call centres, which would use it to obtain victims' one-time passwords to steal money.

Delhi Police on Thursday said they had arrested a man who they claimed was in possession of the personal bank details of nearly 1 crore Indians.The accused, identified as 33-year-old Puran Gupta, would allegedly sell this data to fake call centres whose employees would in turn use it to call the targeted victims and obtain their one-time passwords (OTPs). Since the fake call centres already had other details related to the credit or debit cards, courtesy Gupta, the OTPs would help them in stealing money.Gupta was arrested from Ganesh Nagar on Monday after the southeast Delhi police began probing a complaint in which a senior citizen from Greater Kailash was duped of Rs 1.46 lakh by a caller who posed as a representative of Citibank and tricked him into revealing his OTP.?Much of the money stolen was transferred to e-wallets and online ewallets such as PayU, Paytm, Olacabs, Mobikwik and Vodafone Bill Pay,? said Romil Baaniya, DCP (southeast). Since the victim was quick to approach the police, the investigators immediately shot off letters to some of these firms. ?Our prompt action led to these firms returning almost Rs 72,000 of the duped amount,? said Baaniya. The police had earlier this month also arrested the owner of a fake call centre, Ashish Kumar Jha, who also used to trick senior citizens and duped their money. When questioned how he had obtained the victim?s credit card details and contact number, he named Gupta.That opened a can of worms. Once Gupta was arrested, a search of his laptop and emails revealed that he was in possession of the personal banking data of nearly one crore Indians. He had stored the data in different folders to meet the exact requirement of his clients.Some of these classifications were based on the age groups, monthly incomes and credit card limits, police said. ?The fake call centres found women and elderly people easy targets,? explained Baaniya as the reason for classification of the data.Apart from the credit and debit card details, Gupta was also found to be in possession of personal data of Delhi University students, lawyers, stock brokers, people interested in night life and those owning cars. He allegedly sold these data for as little as 10 paise per data.But the hot property was the credit and debit card details of people. Police are probing if employees of some banks helped him procure the data. ?He was buying the credit and debit card data for 40 paise per customer. Apart from the card numbers, expiry dates and CVVs, he was able to procure all details filled in the application forms by customers,? said another investigator.A former data entry operator, Gupta, had created a firm that appeared to be involved in data collection, data entry, data market research and online promotion. But he got his firm registered on JustDial which helped him offer the credit/debit card details to fake call centre operators who would call him for data, said the DCP.

Tanya Dhingra

02 Aug 2017,Wednesday

Swara talks about unequal pay for actresses in Bollywood

http://www.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/swara-bhaskar-female-actors-have-to-fight-for-what-they-want/story-ulOL8jlMasnxvoE2BwZlvJ.html?utm_source=inshorts&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=fullarticle

Actress Swara Bhasker, while addressing pay disparity in Bollywood, has said that if as an actress, she works for as many days as an actor, then she should also expect an equal amount of pay. Swara added, "If you see in Hollywood, women are taking up this whole question of equality... so why can't Bollywood take its cue from them?"

Whether it is nepotism, feminism or sexism, actor Swara Bhaskar has never held back from expressing her views on sensitive subjects. While most actors in Bollywood are acquainted with the prevalence of pay disparity in Bollywood, very few actually muster the courage to come out and talk about it. Swara, however, has been quite vocal in this regard. Rooting for ?equal pay for equal work?, Swara says, ?I am not saying that if I, being a female actor, work for 10 days, I should expect the pay that an actor gets for 100 days of work. But definitely, if I am working for 100 days, then I am expected to get an equal amount of pay as my male counterpart.? All set for screening of #AnaarkaliOfAarah as part of #jagranfilmfestival2017 in #varanasi in @poshpride palazzo sari, with @aaree_accessories tassel earrings, @amrapalijewels ring.. styled by @rupacj at 7am ???? with thanks @dipublicrelations HMU: @saritastyling29 #sareewithswag #desiisthebest #fusion #indianwear #fashion #iloverupa ????????? A post shared by Swara Bhasker (@reallyswara) on Jul 22, 2017 at 10:04am PDT And it?s not just the question of money that Swara feels needs to be addressed. The actor, who has worked in films such as Tanu Weds Manu, Raanjhanaa, Prem Ratan Dhan Payo and Anaarkali of Aarah, asserts that even the roles being offered to female actors need to be at par with men.Although Swara agrees that things are slowly changing, she adds that there will be more progress only when female actors start being a little more assertive. In Hollywood, women are taking up this whole question of equality and I think that?s fantastic, so why can?t Bollywood take its cue from them??One thing is for sure that nobody is going to put that on a plate for you. [Female actors] really have to fight for what we want. If you see in Hollywood, women are taking up this whole question of equality and I think that?s fantastic, so why can?t Bollywood take its cue from them?? says the actor, stating that no movement gains momentum unless people fight for it.?Nobody gave black people civil rights in the ?50s on a platter; they suffered for a very long time. The same thing goes for the dalits too, so it holds true for women in films too,? says Swara.On the work front, Swara will next be seen in Veerey Di Wedding, also starring Sonam Kapoor and Kareena Kapoor Khan.Follow @htshowbiz for more

Tarun Khanna

12 Dec 2016,Monday

Kejriwal pulls up his health min over ventilators shortage

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/delhi-cm-raps-health-min-over-ventilator-shortage-at-hospitals/1/832443.html

Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal on Sunday pulled up state's Health Minister Satyendar Jain over the shortage of ventilators at state-run hospitals. Ambu-bags (manual hand-held devices which support breathing) are being used to resuscitate patients due to an "acute shortage" of ventilators at hospitals, reports have claimed. "Satinder, this is unacceptable (sic)," he tweeted.

New Delhi, Dec 11 (PTI) Following reports about shortage of ventilators in Delhi government-run hospitals, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal today pulled up Health Minister Satyendar Jain who in turn sought to shift the blame onto Lt Governor Najeeb Jung, accusing the Health Secretary appointed by him of not reaching the hospital to deal with a case of medical negligence citing unavailability of car. A peeved Kejriwal reacted on Twitter following media reports claiming Ambu-bags (manual hand-held devices which support breathing) being used to resuscitate patients due to an "acute shortage" of ventilators at hospitals. "Satinder, this is unacceptable (sic)," he tweeted. Later, Jain wrote on twitter that, "There is a death in LNH due to negligence.I requested Sec health to reach Hospital with me. He refused to come saying unavailability of car". According to sources in the Delhi governments Health Department, Jain had received an information about a patient, having died yesterday in Lok Nayak Jai Prakash Narayan Hospital as he was allegedly unable to get ventilator support, and was going to the hospital to check the ground reality. He had also called the Health Secretary to come with him but the secretary refused saying his car was not available, they said. Jain blamed the LG saying that he has appointed the "most incompetent" IAS officer as the health secretary. "Shameful. LG has appointed the most incompetent, useless n insensitive IAS officer as health secy," Jain tweeted.

Ayushi Ahluwalia

26 Jul 2017,Wednesday

Amit Shah to contest Rajya Sabha elections from Gujarat

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/amit-shah-smriti-irani-rajya-sabha-elections-gujarat/1/1011712.html?utm_source=inshorts&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=fullarticle

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) President Amit Shah, and Information and Broadcasting Minister Smriti Irani will contest the Rajya Sabha elections from Gujarat, the party announced on Wednesday. Shah is currently an MLA in Gujarat, while Smriti Irani has been re-nominated to the Rajya Sabha. This is reportedly aimed at strengthening BJP's presence in the Rajya Sabha.

In a late evening development, the BJP stung everyone by making a surprise announcement. The party after its parliamentary board meeting announced that party president, Amit Shah has been nominated to contest the Rajya Sabha elections from Gujarat.This announcement comes at a time when, of the total 11 Rajya Sabha members from the state, the term of three of them - Smriti Irani and Dilipbhai Pandya (both BJP) and Congress' Ahmed Patel - is coming to an end on August 18.The BJP now has also decided to field Smriti Irani from Gujarat for the August 8 elections to the Upper House of Parliament.SHAH-MODI DUO A HIT COMBINATION?52-year-old Shah, is also an MLA from Gujarat's Naranpura constituency. The Shah-Modi duo have been known in unbreakable since their alliance in Gujarat state politics, followed by the subsequent move to Delhi in 2014 after the BJP's landslide victory in the General elections under Prime Minister Modi's leadership.This latest development was unanticipated, and is drawing much curiosity around the possibility of Shah entering the Union government, with his candidature for the Rajya Sabha polls.Also read | Amit Shah's Jaipur visit galvanises BJP's Rajasthan unit

Niharika Prabhakar

14 Jul 2017,Friday

Cannot relax noise rules during Ganpati festival: Bombay HC

http://www.hindustantimes.com/mumbai-news/you-can-t-relax-any-noise-rules-during-ganpati-bombay-hc-maharashtra-state/story-cpdQib7N4q5va0vBASts5I.html?utm_source=inshorts&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=fullarticle

The Bombay High Court on Thursday cautioned the state government against demands to relax noise pollution rules during the Ganpati festival and Navratri. The state government was told that they cannot go against the High Court judgment which does not allow loudspeakers or other sound amplifiers in a silence zone at any hour of the day.

The Bombay high court on Thursday cautioned the state government against any relaxation in noise pollution rules during festivities like Ganpati and Navratri.A division bench of justice Abhay Oka and justice Vibha Kankanwadi said the state government cannot take ?any adverse decision? ? decision going against the judgment of the high court that says no loudspeaker or other sound amplifier can be used in a silence zone at any hour of the day.The court was hearing a bunch of public interest litigations filed by activists Dr. Yashwant Oke, Sumera Abdulali of Aawaz Foundation and Thane-based activist Dr. Mahesh Bedekar complaining about frequent violations of the Noise Pollution Rules, 2000, especially during public celebrations of religious festivals and the inaction of authorities even if complaints were lodged.The comment came after Abdulali?s counsel, advocate Rohaan Cama, said the state government?s move to seek rule relaxation was completely contrary to the law laid down by the high court and confirmed by the Supreme Court.He also highlighted the need to take strict action against unnecessary honking and urged the court to order the state to undertake special drives to curb the menace.Responding to the plea, advocate general Ashutosh Kumbhakoni said the road transport department and the traffic police will conduct workshops for taxi drivers, including drivers of Ola and Uber cabs, and autorickshaw drivers.Cama also said the need to issue appropriate directions to curb noise from construction sites. In this regard, the court directed the state to issue directions to all planning authorities across the state to incorporate the conditions ? of adhering to provisions of the Noise Pollution Rules, 2000 ? while granting permissions.The court also directed the state to seek a report from NEERI describing the process and procedure to carry out noise mapping in 27 cities across Maharashtra, which include urban areas within the Mumbai Metropolitan Region and Nagpur.Read more:Maharashtra government wants noise norms to be relaxed during Ganpati

Prashanti Moktan

30 Jun 2017,Friday

Security of jail inmates needs to be looked into: Bombay HC

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/jail-security-jail-inmates-manjula-shetyes-death-bombay-high-court/1/991149.html

Bombay High Court on Friday stated that after the death of Manjula Shetye, a female convict at Mumbai's Byculla jail, the issue of security of inmates has become important and it needs to be looked into. The statement was in response to a petition by a convict in Yerwada Central Jail who complained of inhuman treatment of his fellow inmates.

Hearing a petition filed by a Yerwada jail inmate about the inhuman condition there, a division bench of Justice R M Savant and Justice Sadhna Jadhav of Bombay High Court today said, "After the death of Manjula Shetye, the issue of security of inmates has become important and it needs to be looked into." The 41-year-old petitioner Balu alias Shivaji Tukaram Choudhary was arrested by police in 2014 for the murder of a gangster Parshuram. Since then, Balu has been in Yerwada Central Jail and has been complaining about the inhuman condition there.

Daisy Mowke

18 Mar 2017,Saturday

Song penned by Dutt in jail to be used in his film: Reports

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/sanjay-dutt-jail-torbaaz-song-bhoomi/1/906938.html

According to reports, a song penned by actor Sanjay Dutt while he was in prison will be used in his upcoming film 'Torbaaz'. "[The song] is about a father-daughter relationship. It's...relevant to our film as Sanju's character loses his child," the film's producer was quoted as saying. Dutt will be playing an army officer in the Girish Malik-directorial 'Torbaaz'.

Jail has made Sanjay Dutt a changed man, and as it turns out, a poet as well.While the Munna Bhai actor was in Yerwada jail, he penned a number of poems, one of which called O Meri Aangan Ki Chidiya Hai Tu will be used in his upcoming film Torbaaz.Sanjay Dutt is playing an army officer in Torbaaz, directed by Girish Malik. The film set in Afghanistan is an action thriller and revolves around the phenomenon of young children being indoctrinated to think that there is glory awaiting in afterlife after killing for virtuous reasons. This is the first time an Indian film will deal with the theme of child soldiers.According to a report in Mumbai Mirror, the producer of Torbaaz got emotional when he heard the song O Meri Aangan Ki Chidiya Hai Tu at Sanjay Dutt's residence."Girish and I had gone to meet Sanju in Agra where he is filming Bhoomi. He hummed a few songs he had penned when he was in prison. He has a scratch version recorded and I was touched by one particular song. O Meri Aangan Ki Chidiya Hai Tu is about a father-daughter relationship. It's beautifully written and is relevant to our film as Sanju's character loses his child. I got very emotional when I heard it and told him we would like to use it in Torbaaz. He readily agreed," Torbaaz producer Rahul Mittra was quoted as saying.In fact, while he was in jail, Sanjay Dutt wrote songs across genres including some romantic numbers and qawwalis.Sanjay Dutt has previously lent his voice to a number of songs throughout his career. Some of the most popular ones are Aye Shivani from Khoobsurat, the title track of Chal Mere Bhai and Samjho Ho Hi Gaya from Lage Raho Munna Bhai.

Saloni Tandon

24 Jun 2017,Saturday

Modi to be 1st international leader to dine in WH with Trump

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/modi-to-be-first-world-leader-to-have-wh-dinner-with-trump/1/986282.html

PM Narendra Modi will become the first foreign dignitary to have dinner at the White House with US President Donald Trump. Modi, who will arrive in Washington tonight on a three-day visit, will have a working dinner with Trump on Monday, after a one-on-one interaction followed by bilateral meetings. Modi is on a three-nation tour to USA, Portugal and Netherlands.

By Lalit K Jha                Washington, Jun 24 (PTI) Seeking to "roll out a red- carpet welcome" to the Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, US President Donald Trump would host him for a working dinner at the White House on Monday, the first of its kind under this administration. "The White House is very interested in making this a special visit. Were really seeking to roll out the red carpet. In fact, the two (leaders) will have dinner, a working dinner at the White House. This will be the first dinner for a foreign dignitary at the White House under this administration. So, we think thats very significant," a senior administration official told reporters at the White House on the eve of Modis arrival. Modi arrives in the US Capitol tonight on a three-day visit during which he would have a meeting with Trump at the White House. Beginning Monday afternoon, the two leaders would spend several hours together in various settings including one-o- one, delegation level, a reception and conclude with a working dinner. "Theyll start off with a one-on-one meeting. Theyll go from the one-on-one meeting to the bilateral meetings. That will last for about an hour. Then they will each give press statements," the official, said clarifying that it would not be a press conference. "Theyll move from the press statements to a cocktail reception. And that will be followed by the working dinner. So its a long interaction, lots of time for the two leaders to get to know each other, to interact on the critical issues that face our two countries," the official said. During the meetings, the American side would be represented by top leaders including the Vice President Mike Pence, the National Security Advisor, Lt. Gen. H R McMaster, and the Secretary of State, Rex Tillerson, Defense Secretary James Mattis, the Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross, and the Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin. The Modi trip, the official said is an opportunity to strengthen the US-India strategic partnership, which Trump very much views as a critical partnership in promoting stability and security in the Asia Pacific region and globally. "We anticipate that their discussions will be broad- ranging, hitting on a variety of regional and global issues that would seek to advance our common priorities, including fighting terrorism, promoting economic growth and prosperity," the official added. Noting that the US is very much interested in facilitating Indias defence modernisation, and helping to enhance its role as a leader in the Asia Pacific, the official said the Trump Administration believes that a strong India is good for the US. "Now, of course, weve seen rapid growth in the defence and security partnership over the last few years, and President Trump very much wants to build on that momentum. And last years designation of India as a major defence partner was extremely important, and I think well see a concrete expression of this important designation during this visit," said the senior White House official. The Trump Administration, the official said, believes that defence trade strengthens both the countries security, it reinforces the strategic partnership, and it allows their armed forces to cooperate more closely and improve their interaction with one another. Observing that this defence trade has supported thousands of American jobs, the official said since 2008, India has signed over USD 15 billion in defence contracts with the US. Counter-terrorism would be another major area of discussion. "The US and India are both committed to combating all forms of terrorism and strengthening their cooperation in areas like terrorist screening, intelligence and information sharing, terrorists use of the Internet, and, of course, terrorist designations," the official said. "I think we can expect to see some new initiatives on counter terrorism cooperation," the official said. Among other things, Modi and Trump will also be discussing global cooperation and things like burden-sharing. Mentioning that India has committed more than USD3 billion in development aid to Afghanistan, the official said the US views Indias role in Afghanistan as very positive in helping to stabilise the country and promote democracy there. Noting that India has also adopted UN sanctions against North Korea in April, the official said India joins the US in sending a very strong message to the North Korean regime. "This visit will provide an opportunity for both countries to restate their commitment to common principles in the strategically vital important region of the Indo-Pacific. This includes freedom of navigation and overflight," the official asserted. In the trade and investment area, India and the US are committed to "expanding and balancing" their trade relationship, the official said. "Right now, two-way trade in goods and services totals over USD 114 billion. Now, there are challenges in the trading sphere, and both sides look to increase their market access," the official added. Observing that the US is looking for things like stronger intellectual property protections, reductions in tariffs, the official said this visit offers an opportunity to advance that trade dialogue and look for opportunities that will enhance prosperity and create jobs for both countries. Energy partnership is one aspect of the economic relationship that has not been highlighted as much in the past, the official said, adding that this would be an important part of the trip. Indian energy companies have signed over USD 32 billion in long-term contracts for the export of US-produced liquefied natural gas, including from Louisiana and Maryland, he said. The visit will also demonstrate the strong people-to- people ties, the White House official said. Today, nearly four million Indian Americans are in the United States, and more than 166,000 Indian students are studying in the US, contributing USD 5 billion in economic activity and supporting an estimated 64,000 American jobs, the official said. Modis visit to the US ? the first under the Trump Administration -- offers an opportunity for relationship- building, the official said.

Rini Sinha

27 Jul 2017,Thursday

Angelina reveals she developed facial disorder Bell's palsy

http://www.hindustantimes.com/hollywood/angelina-jolie-reveals-she-has-bell-s-palsy-here-s-what-that-means/story-1k7umIfIYG9xna2sbldGFI.html?utm_source=inshorts&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=fullarticle

Actress Angelina Jolie revealed that she developed Bell's palsy last year, a type of facial paralysis resulting in facial nerve damage which caused one side of her face to droop. She added, "Sometimes women in families put themselves last...until it manifests...in their health." Angelina further said she feels more of a woman after taking charge of her life and health.nn

In a sprawling interview in the latest Vanity Fair, Angelina Jolie spoke about her life post split from husband Brad Pitt. But she also revealed that in the last year, she was diagnosed with hypertension and developed Bell?s Palsy when nerve damage caused one side of her face to droop.?Sometimes women in families put themselves last,? she said, ?until it manifests itself in their own health.?Previously, Jolie had undergone a double mastectomy in 2013, and in 2015, had her ovaries and fallopian tube removed, which sent her into menopause.According to WebMD, ?Bell?s palsy is a condition in which the muscles on one side of your face become weak or paralyzed. It affects only one side of the face at a time, causing it to droop or become stiff on that side. It?s caused by some kind of trauma to the seventh cranial nerve. This is also called the facial nerve. Bell?s palsy can happen to anyone. But it seems to occur more often in people who have diabetes or are recovering from viral infections.?Asked about still being considered a sex symbol, she said, ?I can?t tell if it?s menopause or if it?s just been the year I?ve had. I actually feel more of a woman because I feel like I?m being smart about my choices, and I?m putting my family first, and I?m in charge of my life and my health. I think that?s what makes a woman complete.?She has had a ?difficult? year, following her highly-publicised divorce from Brad Pitt, which was followed immediately by an equally public battle over the custody of their six children.Jolie abruptly filed for divorce in September 2016, following an altercation aboard a private jet.Follow @htshowbiz for more

Chhavi Tyagi

16 Jan 2017,Monday

Rahul Gandhi shows his torn kurta to crowd at rally

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/rahul-gandhi-torn-pocket-uttarakhand-assembly-election/1/858566.html

Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi on Monday showed his torn kurta that he was wearing to the crowd at a rally in poll-bound Uttarakhand. "I am doing politics for the poor. PM Narendra Modi's photo appears with the super rich," Rahul said. "See, I wear torn kurta. You'll never find Modiji wearing a torn kurta," Gandhi added.

The campaigning for Assembly elections in five states has started to gain momentum and Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi seems to have taken the lead at the moment. Rahul was in Uttarakhand today where he addressed a rally in Rishikesh.The Congress leader continued his attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and even targeted the RSS, BJP's ideological mentor, during his speech. But what received a huge response from the crowd was his 'torn pocket' antics.MUST READ: From India Today magazine - Modi's new challenger: Rahul GandhiWhile slamming the Modi government over demonetisation, Rahul Gandhi stopped his speech mid-way and decided to show the torn pocket of his white kurta to the crowd. He walked towards the mic again, and said,"Mera kurta phata hua hai...lekin Modiji ka kurta kabhi phata hua nahi milta. Bade paisewalon ke saath unki photo milegi (See, I wear torn kurta. You'll never find Modiji wearing a torn kurta. He can only be spotted with the rich and powerful of the world.) "I am doing politics for the poor. Modiji's photo appears with the super rich," Rahul said.ON DEMONETISATION Taking on the Modi government over the November 8 decision of banning Rs 500, 1000 notes from circulation, Rahul Gandhi the prime minister has murdered an autonomous institution like Reserve Bank of India (RBI) with demonetisation. "The Congress party made strengthened RBI so that there is a body which is not under government's pressure as it takes economic decisions. The soul of this institution was murdered by Modiji with just one move," he said. MODI SHOULD DO TAPASYAMocking Modi over his much reported yoga expertise, the Congress scion advised the prime minister to do a little 'tapasya'. "The BJP divides people but the Congress works for the unity of the society. Modiji thodi tapasya kijiye, thoda yoga kijiye...The world should see that our PM does yoga for which he is the brand ambassador," Rahul Gandhi said. ON RSSRahul Gandhi said the BJP's ideological mentor had not hoisted the national flag at their headquarters for 52 years after India's independence in 1947."For 52 years after the independence, the RSS did not have a tricolour at their headquarters in Nagpur. They used to salute the saffron flag, not the national flag," Rahul said in Rishikesh.In 2002, the right-wing organisation had hoisted the national flag at Smruti Bhawan, which houses the memorials of the first two RSS chiefs, founder Dr Keshav Baliram Hedgewar and Guru Golwalkar.

Aarushi Maheshwari

06 Jun 2017,Tuesday

TN woman stages dharna at lover's wedding, groom marries her

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/wedding-tamil-nadu-villupuram/1/971204.html

A 21-year-old girl from Tamil Nadu tried to stop a wedding in Vikravandi, insisting the groom, Gopalakrishnan, had promised to marry her. The girl, Archana, staged a dharna at the ceremony when his family asked her to leave. After the police got involved, Gopalakrishnan confessed to dating Archana and agreed to marry her, leaving his fiancée at the altar.

It takes guts to interrupt a wedding. But when the groom has been in love with you for the past six years, and he promised to have his happily-ever-after moment with you, it probably makes it just a bit easier.That's exactly why 21-year-old Archana tried to stop a wedding ceremony in Vikravandi in Tamil Nadu's Villupuram district, and insisted that the groom - Gopalakrishnan - tie the knot with her instead, a report in the Tamil daily Thina Thanthi said.When Gopalakrishnan's family asked her to leave, she staged a dharna protest right there at the venue, the report added.It's already sounds like a script ripped out from a Kollywood screenwriter's notebook, but there's more.The Vikravandi police got involved, and Gopalakrishnan confessed to being in a relationship with Archana and agreed to marry her, the report said.Archana certainly got what she wanted, but spare a thought for the poor woman who was left at the altar so theatrically!As for Gopalakrishnan, all he seems to have suffered was a few hours of embarrassment. But some grooms in Bihar, who're kidnapped and forced to get married at gunpoint, aren't quite so lucky. ALSO READ|  Revolver Rani: Woman kidnaps groom from his wedding venue, was furious over betrayal

Ankur Vyas

04 May 2017,Thursday

1,500 AIIMS doctors to learn taekwondo for safety at work

http://www.hindustantimes.com/delhi/delhi-sick-of-violence-by-kin-of-patients-1500-aiims-doctors-to-learn-taekwondo/story-MGGo29ttrNBnu6JttG8XIM.html

Amid rising cases of violence against doctors, nearly 1,500 resident doctors from New Delhi's AIIMS have decided to learn taekwondo to help defend themselves on duty. Earlier, over 3,000 doctors in Maharashtra had gone on strike for five days over the increasing incidents of violence against doctors. AIIMS doctors had also worn helmets to work in solidarity with their colleagues.

Rising violence against doctors has prompted nearly 1,500 resident doctors from All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) to learn taekwondo so that they are able to defend themselves on duty. In March, after three incidents of violence were reported in three days, more than 3,000 resident doctors, working in the emergency, out-patient departments and wards, went on strike for five days in Maharashtra. ?We had supported our counterparts in Mumbai by wearing helmets to work in March. This is because we are genuinely concerned about our safety. Keeping the same in mind, we had requested the AIIMS administration to organise self-defence classes for us. They granted us permission to conduct taekwondo classes in AIIMS gymkhana club,? said Dr Vijay Gurjar, president of the resident doctors? association.The doctors, in batches of 100, will train at the gymkhana club between 7-8 pm every day from May 15. The basic course will be for 6 months and the black belt course for 30 months.According to a report in the Lancet journal, while 75% doctors in tertiary care hospitals face physical or verbal violence at work at least once in lifetime, over 40% of them faced it in 2016.The problem is multifactoral. Overcrowding in public health facilities forcing doctors to spend less time with patients, corruption and over-charging for services (in which the referring doctor gets a cut) leading to the breakdown in the doctor-patient trust are some of the reasons recognised by the study.?Doctors are forced to spend less time listening to the patients or their caregivers. The concept of shared decision making is almost absent. The average conversation between a doctor and a patient might last just a few seconds,? said Dr Vijay Nath Mishra, neurology professor, Sir Sunderlal Hospital, Varanasi. VIOLENCE REGISTRYThe IMA will launch a registry where doctors can report any incidence of violence along with evidence such as videos, photos, CCTV footage, and newspaper clippings. The doctors? body will then conduct an investigation and do a root cause analysis.?This will help us in understanding why violence is happening, predict when the violence might happen and look at measures to prevent such incidences,? said Dr Dr KK Agarwal, president of the Indian Medical Association (IMA).WHAT PATIENTS WANT?Confrontations happen because of the anger caused by non-fulfilment of desire. Hence, we need to understand what the patients really want,? said Dr Aggarwal.A survey done by the IMA found that 90% of the patients wanted doctors acknowledge and address them, 92% wanted doctors to listen, 89% wanted the doctors to explain what the illness is and keep them informed throughout. Around 75% of the people also wanted their doctors to review ? ask them if they understood and, if not, help them understand. 40% of the respondents also wanted the doctors to thank them. ?The patients said that they always thank the doctors, but they wanted that the doctor thank them in return as they gave them an opportunity to treat their relative. We called the study ALERT ? Acknowledge, Listen, Explain, Review and Thank,? said Dr Aggarwal.

Aarushi Maheshwari

02 Mar 2017,Thursday

Schools reopen in Kashmir after 8 months

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/kashmir-schools-reopen-burhan-wani-encounter-winter-vacations/1/893996.html

Schools in Kashmir reopened on Wednesday after a break of about eight months due to unrest in the Valley following the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani and subsequent winter break. The government had ordered their closure after over 20 schools were torched by assailants during the unrest. Meanwhile, some schools in snow-covered areas will reopen on March 13.

All schools in Kashmir reopened today after an on and off break for eight months, due to the unrest the Valley found itself in after Burhan Wani's encounter. Schools had to be shut, following protests by locals and clashes with security forces in retaliation to Hizbul commander's killing on July 8.Midway the protests, over 19 schools were torched by assailants, after which a complete clampdown was ordered by the state government.

Sumedha Sehra

01 Jun 2017,Thursday

Bihar class 12 topper missing after results, scam suspected

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/bihar-boards-topper-scam-student-missing-after-results/1/967944.html

The Bihar Board class 12 Humanities topper Ganesh Kumar is untraceable since the results were declared on Tuesday. According to a report, his birth year in the admission form is 1993, making him 24 years old. The form mentions only his permanent address, 250 kilometres away from school. Moreover, he secured 65/70 in Music practical and 18/30 in theory.

The results of the class 12 Bihar Board has once again stirred controversy as Humanities topper Ganesh Kumar is untraceable since the examination results were declared on Tuesday.A resident of Saraiya, Giridih in Jharkhand, Ganesh Kumar was a student of Ram Nandan Singh Jagdeep Narayan college in Samastipur, 250 kms from Giridih. Kumar went underground soon after the results were declared, triggering suspicion over him securing the top spot in the Bihar Board examination.India Today, on Wednesday, reached Samastipur and while investigating, managed to get the admission form of Ganesh, which he had submitted in the college while taking admission in 2015. A look at the admission forms raises several questions regarding Ganesh Kumar: "I am surprised that he has topped the Arts stream of the Bihar Board," said Jawahar Prasad, founder secretary of the college.India Today is also in possession of the intermediate marksheet of Ganesh Kumar, which is also raising questions. He secured 65 out of 70 in music (practical) and 18 out of 30 in theory. He also secured 92 marks out of 100 in Hindi.When India Today contacted Ganesh's family in Giridih, her sister Mukta said that he had left home almost four years back and did not go home all these years."He left home four years back and during this time he never came to Giridih," said Mukta.It is notable that India Today, last year, unearthed the toppers scam and exposed how students became fake toppers after shelling out huge amount of money. This year, the Bihar School Examination Board claimed to have conducted the examination in a strict manner. This lead to the result with 64 per cent students having failed the examination. However, Ganesh being untraceable ever since has once again brought the Board results under scanner.ALSO READ|  Bihar topper scam mastermind Bachcha Rai's conditional bail scrapped, to remain in jail

Daisy Mowke

18 Jul 2017,Tuesday

Harry Potter actor Daniel helps tourist attacked by robbers

http://www.hindustantimes.com/hollywood/daniel-radcliffe-rushes-to-the-aid-of-tourist-slashed-in-the-face-after-robbery/story-bOjzKeOHMa4iE4imG4jPhL.html?utm_source=inshorts&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=fullarticle

'Harry Potter' actor Daniel Radcliffe helped a tourist who was attacked by two men on bikes in London. The victim was walking when the men stole his bag and left him with an injury. "He was a really nice bloke, a lot of stars wouldn't have stopped to help," said a former policeman who tried to intervene during the robbery.

Harry Potter star Daniel Radcliffe rushed to the aid of a man attacked by two men on mopeds in London.The victim, a tourist, was walking down London?s fashionable King?s Road, when two men on a moped stole his bag and left him with a facial injury, reported the Evening Standard.A former policeman tried to intervene and managed to scare off the robbers by ?shunting? his car against their moped. When he returned to the scene of the crime, he noticed Daniel Radcliffe consoling the victim.?It was a bit of the surreal moment, I said ?you?re Daniel Radcliffe? and he replied ?I am?,? the ex-counter terror unit officer said.?He was a really nice bloke, a lot of stars wouldn?t have stopped to help,? he continued. ?The victim was very, very shaken up.?The Evening Standard reached out to Radcliffe?s spokespeople, who confirmed he was present at the incident, but refused to comment further.Follow @htshowbiz for more

Abhishek Bansal

22 Jan 2017,Sunday

Fan sells mother's jewellery to meet Virat Kohli

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/virat-kohli-die-hard-fan-nikash-kanhar/1/863868.html

Virat Kohli's fan Nikash Kanhar, who hails from Kandhamal district in Odisha, sold off his mother's jewellery to finance his travels and meet the cricketer. The 33-year old private bus conductor has met Kohli four times, the last being at the second ODI in Cuttack. "Kohli asks me about myself whenever he sees me," said Nikash.

You all know Sudhir Gautam who paints his body in the India tri-colour and wears Sachin Tendulkar's name on his chest. You have heard about Mahendra Singh Dhoni's crazy fan Ram Babu. Now meet Nikash Kanhar, a Virat Kohli die-hard fan.Hailing from Kandhamal district in central Odisha, the 33-year old private bus conductor has met his idol Kohli four times, the last being at the second ODI in Cuttack. (Also read: Virat Kohli, Yuvraj Singh grateful to fans for energy and support)On Sunday during India's third and final ODI against England at the Eden Gardens here, Nikash was seen with the Indian flag in hand and donning a 'Virat' Team India jersey in the stands waving the Indian tri-colour relentlessly."I watch matches at Visakhapatnam, Cuttack, Ranchi, Kolkata and sometimes in Punjab," Nikash told IANS on the eve of the tie.Like Sudhir and Ram, Nikash has also renounced a lot for the love of the game and his hero Kohli, one of the world's finest batsmen at the moment."I do not have the finances to travel across India but I want to watch every game our country plays. I have shunned the daily household chores and my responsibilities for this and my favourite Virat Kohli.

Rini Kapoor

20 Dec 2016,Tuesday

First chikungunya vaccine made from harmless virus

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/safe-potent-chikungunya-vaccine-developed/1/838848.html

In a first, US-based scientists claim to have developed a vaccine for chikungunya fever from an insect-specific virus that does not affect people. Scientists used an Eilat virus clone to design a hybrid virus-based vaccine, which is structurally identical to the natural chikungunya virus. The hybrid virus can replicate in mosquitoes, but not in mammals.

Houston, Dec 20 (PTI) Scientists have developed the first vaccine for chikungunya fever made from an insect-specific virus that does not have any effect on people, making it safe and effective. The newly developed vaccine quickly produces a strong immune defence and completely protects mice and nonhuman primates from disease when exposed to the chikungunya virus, researchers said. "This vaccine offers efficient, safe and affordable protection against chikungunya and builds the foundation for using viruses that only infect insects to develop vaccines against other insect-borne diseases," said Scott Weaver, professor at The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston (UTMB) in the US. Chikungunya is a mosquito-borne virus that causes a disease characterised by fever and severe joint pain, often in hands and feet, and may include headache, muscle pain, joint swelling, or rash. Some patients will feel better within a week but many develop longer-term joint pain that can last up to years. Death is rare but can occur, researchers said. Traditionally, vaccine development involves trade-offs between how quickly the vaccine works and safety. Live-attenuated vaccines that are made from weakened versions of a live pathogen typically offer rapid and durable immunity but reduced safety. On the other hand, the inability of inactivated vaccines to replicate enhances safety at the expense of effectiveness, often requiring several doses and boosters to work properly. There may be a risk of disease with both of these vaccine types, either from incomplete inactivation of the virus or from incomplete or unstable weakening of the live virus that is only recognised when rare vulnerable individuals develop disease. To overcome these trade-offs, the researchers used the Eilat virus as a vaccine platform since it only infects insects and has no impact on people. The UTMB researchers used an Eilat virus clone to design a hybrid virus-based vaccine containing chikungunya structural proteins. The Eilat/Chikungunya vaccine was found to be structurally identical to natural chikungunya virus. The difference is that although the hybrid virus replicates very well in mosquito cells, it cannot replicate in mammals.

Tarun Khanna

26 Feb 2017,Sunday

EC directs UP govt to cover 'Samajwadi' word on ambulances

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/ec-directs-up-govt-to-cover-samajwadi-word-written-on/1/891501.html

Following the directions of the Election Commission, the UP government has covered the word 'Samajwadi' written on 1,488 ambulances under its Samajwadi Swasthya Seva initiative. The Samajwadi Swasthya Sewa, the free-of-cost and round-the-clock emergency ambulance service, was launched in the state by Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav. The ambulance aims to reach the patient within 20 minutes.

ambulances Lucknow, Feb 25 (PTI) The Uttar Pradesh government has covered the word "Samajwadi" written on 1,488 ambulances under its Samajwadi Swasthya Seva initiative as per the directive of the Election Commission. Additional Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) P K Pandey said a decision in this regard was taken following a complaint.

Abhishek Bansal

21 Mar 2017,Tuesday

Gopal Ansal surrenders in Uphaar fire tragedy case

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/uphaar-case-gopal-ansal-surrenders-in-tihar-jail/1/908677.html

Real estate baron Gopal Ansal on Monday surrendered before Tihar jail authorities to face one-year jail term in the 1997 Uphaar fire tragedy case. This comes after the Supreme Court rejected his plea seeking more time to surrender. Notably, 59 persons had died in Uphaar Cinema in Delhi during the screening of Hindi movie 'Border' on June 13, 1997.

New Delhi, Mar 20 (PTI) Gopal Ansal surrendered today before Tihar jail authorities to undergo one-year jail term in the 1997 Uphaar fire tragedy case after the Supreme Court refused to grant him more time. A bench comprising Chief Justice J S Khehar and Justices D Y Chandrachud and S K Kaul rejected the plea moved by the real estate baron seeking more time to surrender on the ground that he has moved a mercy plea before the President, and had asked him to surrender by this evening. "Ansal surrendered around 5-5.30 PM. He is currently lodged in the hospital at Jail No. 3 as he complained of some health issues," said a jail official. The bench said, "Sorry, we cant," when senior advocate Ram Jethmalani mentioned the matter and sought more time, telling the court that they have already approached the President with their mercy plea. The apex court also rejected the plea from the senior advocate seeking a direction for speedy disposal of his mercy plea, pending before the President, saying that it cannot interfere in it as it is an exclusive jurisdiction of the President. The apex court, on March 9, had dismissed Ansals petition for parity with his elder brother Sushil Ansal, who was awarded jail term already undergone by him considering his "age-related complications", and directed him to surrender by today to serve the prison term. 69-year-old Gopal Ansal was in jail earlier for around four-and-a-half-month in connection with the case relating to the June 13, 1997 fire tragedy in which 59 persons had died in Uphaar cinema during the screening of Hindi movie Border. Over 100 people were injured in the subsequent stampede. A bench headed by Justice Gogoi, in a 2:1 majority verdict on February 9, had granted relief to 76-year-old Sushil Ansal considering age-related complications by awarding him the jail term already undergone and had asked Gopal to surrender in four weeks to serve the remaining jail term. Gopal had thereafter approached the apex court seeking modification of its order on the grounds of parity, saying he was 69-year-old and would suffer irreparable damage to his health if sent to prison.

Anmol Sharma

05 Jan 2017,Thursday

It is phenomenal to see Virat Kohli play: Google CEO Pichai

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/technology/story/journey-from-c-grade-in-iit-to-c-suite-in-google-10-things-sundar-pichai-said-in-kharagpur/1/850106.html

Google CEO Sundar Pichai, while interacting with IIT Kharagpur students, expressed his love for cricket and heaped praise on Virat Kohli. "I love cricket. It has been phenomenal to see Virat Kohli play. He has performed great in all forms of cricket," said Pichai. Notably, Pichai had earlier said that he wanted to be a cricketer in his childhood.

Google CEO Sundar Pichai is in India. And just the way he did it last time when he was here in December 2015, he is again meeting young students. In his earlier trip Pichai interacted with students at Delhi University. But this time he chose to visit his alma mater IIT- Kharagpur.As expected, during his conversations with engineering students at the IIT, from where Pichai graduated in 1993, the Google boss was very candid. He talked about his time at the IIT, including how once he got C grade in one paper and discussed the mantras of success. He also talked about what he loves and what he doesn't, giving a glimpse into not just his usual business day at the Google office but also into his more personal space. Here are 10 bits that stand out from his interaction with the engineering students.1- While at IIT-Kharagpur, Pichai was among the more brilliant students. But once he also got C grade in one paper, he told students, emphasising that grades aren't everything.2- Pichai loves Bollywood. "Deepika Padukone, you can call, is my favorite Indian actress right now. Back in college there were many."3- And he totally loves cricket. "I love cricket. It has been phenomenal to see Virat Kohli play. He has performed great in all forms of cricket, be it 50 overs, test or T20."5. Pichai believes India should allow its students to take more risks. "Education system in India is made in such a way that students have to follow set rules. I think it is more important to try different things, take more risks and students should follow their passions more."Also read: In India, there won't be any driverless cars: Google CEO Sundar Pichai 6. He met his wife in IIT. "I met my wife Anjali at IIT Kharagpur, so whenever I asked a friend to call her, they would shout loudly Anjali, Sundar is here for you," he said.8. Pichai told engineering students that others skills are important too. "It is important to develop other skills during a course like engineering. Writing is an important skill to learn.

Tarun Khanna

17 Mar 2017,Friday

Indrani to oppose son Mikhail's claim on Sheena's property

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/indrani-opposed-to-mekhail-getting-sheenas-share-of-property/1/906020.html

Key accused in the Sheena Bora murder case, Indrani Mukerjea, on Thursday told a CBI court that she would oppose her son Mikhail's claim on Sheena's share of ancestral property. Indrani's mother, who died in 2015, had in her will left a piece of land, a two-storied house and two other structures in Guwahati for Sheena and her brother Mikhail.

Mumbai, Mar 16 (PTI) Indrani Mukerjea, accused in the Sheena Bora murder case, today told the special CBI court here that she would oppose her estranged son Mekhails claim on Sheenas share of ancestral property. Mekhail Bora has moved the Guwahati district court, seeking probate (verification by court) of the will of his grandmother, Indrani told the court in Mumbai today. The Guwahati court directed that if Indrani, who is lodged in a prison here, had any objections she should submit them in person or through a lawyer. Indrani, who was present before the special court here, told the judge that she planned to object to Mekhails claim on Sheenas share of grandmothers property. Her (Indranis) mother had nowhere said that in the event of Sheenas death her share will go to Mekhail, Indrani said.

Chhavi Tyagi

09 Dec 2016,Friday

For God's sake, do your job: Prez on Parliament disruption

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/parliament-disruption-president-pranab-mukherjee-defence-estate-day-lecture-demonetisation/1/829962.html

President Pranab Mukherjee on Thursday slammed the politicians for disrupting the Winter Session of the Parliament, saying, "For God's sake, do your job. You are meant to transact business in Parliament." Terming the practice of repeated adjournment 'totally unacceptable', Mukherjee added that people send their representatives to Parliament to work for the country and not to agitate.

Expressing strong displeasure over the continued logjam in Parliament, President Pranab Mukherjee today said the disruption is "totally unacceptable". "For God's sake, do your job. You are meant to transact business in Parliament," Mukherjee said while delivering the Defence Estate Day Lecture 2016 on 'Reforms for a stronger Democracy' in New Delhi.Also read | Demonetisation: AAP urges President Pranab Mukherjee to launch Supreme Court probeThe President said people send their representatives to Parliament to work for the country and not to agitate. He expressed concern that disruption of parliamentary work has become a "practice".PARLIAMENTARY FREEDOM NOT FOR DISRUPTIONS"Parliamentary freedom should not be misused by causing disruptions," he said."Dharnas can be organised anywhere else," he said, asking all concerned to debate and discuss issues of public importance in the House.Pitching for the passage of the Women's Reservation Bill in Lok Sabha, he said, "The Bill is pending for a long time in Parliament and the representation of women is abysmally low. It is totally unacceptable."

Shubhodeep Datta

15 Jan 2017,Sunday

Jawans complaining on social media could be punished: Rawat

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/jawans-taking-to-social-media-could-be-punished-army-chief/1/857862.html

Army Chief General Bipin Rawat on Sunday said that the jawans who take to social media to express their complaints could be punished as their act lowers the morale of those guarding the frontiers of the country. This comes after a BSF jawan had posted a video on social media alleging the poor quality of food served to the soldiers.

New Delhi, Jan 15 (PTI) Army Chief Gen Bipin Rawat today said jawans who take to social media to express their complaints could be punished as their act lowers the morale of those guarding the frontiers of the country. He also said that despite Pakistans continuous engagement in proxy war against India, "we want to restore peace on the Line of Control". "But we will not hesitate from giving a fitting reply in case of any ceasefire violation," he asserted. The Army Chief was addressing the Army Day celebrations here, where he awarded gallantry medals to soldiers who showed extraordinary courage while performing duty. "If any jawan has any grievance, he has been provided with the proper forum to resolve his issue and maintain a balance. If you are not satisfied with the action, then you can contact me directly," Gen Rawat said. "Aapne jo karwai ki hai aap iske liye apradhjanak hain, aur saza ke haqdaar ho sakte hain (You are violating rules by your act and you could be punished for that)," he said, referring to instances of jawans taking to social media to air their grievances.

Rini Kapoor

20 Dec 2016,Tuesday

Delhi man dies after being shot in celebratory firing

http://www.hindustantimes.com/delhi/delhi-man-dies-after-being-shot-in-celebratory-firing/story-JXmc5UMKJcGLjFHZ6ZFHPJ.html

A 50-year-old man died after he allegedly received a bullet injury in celebratory firing during a wedding function in west Delhi's Nangloi area, according to police. The victim was reportedly working as a waiter at the venue when he was hit by a bullet fired from an illegal pistol. The accused, identified as Dharmender, fled the spot after the firing.nn

A 50-year-old man succumbed to a bullet injury that he allegedly received in celebratory firing during a wedding function in west Delhi?s Nangloi area, police said on Monday.Mohammad Yusuf, who was working as a waiter at the venue, was hit in the neck when the accused, identified as Dharmender, fired from his illegal pistol, eyewitnesses told police. Police said the incident took place at around 11.30pm on December 7 during the ring ceremony celebrations at a community centre in Nangloi. A police team rushed to the spot after guests called the control room after the firing. The team took Yusuf to Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital. Yusuf, a resident of Budaun district in Uttar Pradesh, remained critical at the hospital and stopped responding to treatment. He died on December 15.Dharmender, who fled the spot after the firing, was arrested on December 8 from Najafgarh. Police recovered the pistol that he used to fire the shots and three cartridges from his possession. Preliminary investigations suggest that Dharmender intentionally fired at Yusuf after he had a scuffle with him over some service issue. However, the matter for the time being after the intervention of guests at the venue. Police said that the 32-year-old is a repeat offender and was arrested earlier in 2009 in an attempt to murder case during a similar celebratory firing. They said Dharmender deals in property in the area and doesn?t have any stable business. A case of murder and illegal arms act has been registered against Dharmender at Nangloi police station, police said.Earlier this month, a 25-year-old pregnant dancer was shot dead by a drunk guest while performing at a wedding function in Punjab?s Bathinda. She had allegedly refused to dance with the man. A 10-year-old boy was also allegedly killed in celebratory firing during a wedding function in Gorakhpur. In another incident last month, a woman was killed and three others seriously injured when a self-styled god woman Sadhvi Deva Thakur and her private security guards went on a celebratory shooting spree at a wedding in Haryana?s Karnal.

Chhavi Tyagi

06 Feb 2017,Monday

Jayalalithaa died of multiple organ failure: Doctor

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/jayalalithaa-death-aiadmk-tamil-nadu-chief-minister-conspiracy/1/875816.html

Over two months after the death of former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalithaa, British doctor Richard Beale who had treated her said that she had diabetes and died of multiple organ failure. Stating that "Jaya recovered only to sink quickly", Beale added, "It's not normal practice to take photos and publish private details. It is an intrusion into her privacy."

Over two months after the death of former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa, the London specialist who treated her, Dr Richard Beale, addressed a press conference today in Chennai. Beale was accompanied by Balaji, a government doctor, Babu Abraham, a critical care consultant for Apollo Hospitals and Sudha Seshaiyyan, who performed embalming on Jayalalithaa's body.Putting an to end to rumours suggesting an unnatural death, Dr Beale said that the former chief minister suffered from acute diabetes and died of respiratory failure.He said that it was complication and not conspiracy that kept them from revealing details about the CM's health. The doctor said that an infection led to organ failure.When asked about why no pictures of Amma were released, the doctor said that they did not allow release of information about patients who are critical. "It is not normal practice to take photos and publish private details. It is an intrusion into her privacy," he said."Jaya recovered only to sink quickly," he added. The doctor said that they ensured the best treatment for Amma.HERE ARE THE HIGHLIGHTS: Also read:How did Jayalalithaa die? Tamil actor Gautami Tadimalla writes to PM Modi for answers

Aarushi Maheshwari

05 Jan 2017,Thursday

Violent passenger tied to seat on IndiGo flight

http://www.hindustantimes.com/delhi/unruly-man-flies-from-dubai-to-delhi-tied-to-seat-for-his-mid-air-ruckus/story-iDbs7vyRXj0Q0NsGadwsUM.html

IndiGo cabin crew were forced to tie a reportedly unruly passenger to his seat on a flight from Dubai to Delhi on Tuesday, as he turned violent. The passenger, who had started shouting and pushing fellow fliers, was later handed over to the police. Notably, passengers can be restrained if their behaviour poses a risk to others and the aircraft.

An unruly passenger flew all the way from Dubai to New Delhi tied to his seat as the crew aboard an Indigo flight, 6E-024, had to take the drastic step for his fellow passenger?s safety soon after take-off on Tuesday evening.Sources said the man turned violent ? started shouting, pushed passengers and ran along the aisle ? when the plane took off from Dubai.After the flight landed at 10:40 pm in New Delhi on Tuesday, he was escorted out with the help of Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) personnel, who guard the airport. He was handed over to police later.?He was not following safety instructions,? said a Delhi Police officer.The reason behind his behaviour was not clear, whether he was mentally disturbed, or was under the influence of narcotics or alcohol. A medical examination has been conducted, the police officer said. ?Action will be taken after we receive the medical report. We will contact his family to know his medical history.?Sources said he had to be overpowered and tethered to his seat after all efforts to pacify him failed.A passenger can be restrained and isolated ? as part of the crew?s standard operating procedure ? if his behaviour poses a risk to fellow passengers and the aircraft.?At IndiGo such unruly behaviour is not acceptable,? said a spokesperson of Indigo, a private airline.In-flight bad conduct is happening more often these days and situations sometimes fly out of hand, despite the crew?s training to tackle such mid-air nuisance.A day before the IndiGo incident, an Air India airhostess filed a complaint against a flier from Muscat.?Passengers are rude and sometimes turn violent over minor things. We ask our staff to keep calm but there are guidelines to tie down a passenger if the situation goes out of hand,? an airline official said.

Shubhodeep Datta

10 Mar 2017,Friday

Uttar Pradesh once had a CM for just 48 hours

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/up-election-result-poll-performance-bjp-mayawati-akhilesh/1/901478.html

Erstwhile Congress leader Jagdambika Pal, who is currently a BJP MP, once served as the Uttar Pradesh CM for barely 48 hours from February 21 to February 23, 1998. This happened amid the Ayodhya crisis and reservation issue in the state during 1989-2007. The state saw as many as 10 CMs and three phases of President's Rule during this period.

BSP chief Mayawati holds the distinction of being the first Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh who completed her full term. Before 2012 Uttar Pradesh Assembly election, no Chief Minister had completed his/her full term in office in Uttar Pradesh.The first Uttar Pradesh Assembly election was held in 1951-52, when the Congress won 388 seats. READ| UP Assembly election 2017: Exit polls predict massive BJP win. Who could be the CM?1952-1967: 5 CHIEF MINISTERSThe first Assembly was unique in the sense that the total number of seats was 346 with 83 constituencies having two representatives- called double-member seats those days.Govind Ballabh Pant was sworn in as the Chief Minister. But, in less than three years, Pant was incorporated into the Union cabinet. Sampurnand became the next CM. He continued in office for over five years but interrupted by Assembly election in 1957.The Congress kept changing Chief Ministers. In all Uttar Pradesh saw five CMs in 15 years including the first woman Chief Minister in Sucheta Kriplani.1967: FIRST NON-CONGRESS CMA series of change in Chief Minister's Office in Uttar Pradesh saw Congress tally plummet to 199 falling short of majority in the 425-seat Assembly for the first time. An alliance was stitched among Bharatiya Kranti Dal of Jat leader Charan Singh, Jana Sangh, CPI(M), Republican Party of India, Swatantra Party and Praja Socialist Party. As many as 22 Independents MLAs extended support to the alliance, which put Charan Singh on the chair of Chief Minister. Charan Singh government lasted less than one year and the Assembly was dissolved after one year of President's Rule.ALSO WATCH:1970-77: PERIOD OF UNCERTAINTYFresh election was called in 1969. The Congress still remained short of majority by 2 seats. It won 211 in 425-seat Assembly. Charan Singh's BKD won 98 and Jana Sangh secured 49 seats.In next eight years, Uttar Pradesh saw four stints of President's Rule and six Chief Ministers including Charan Singh, who stayed in the office for little over nine months.1977-80: JANATA EXPERIMENTRiding on anti-Indira Gandhi wave, Janata Party swept the parliamentary polls held after national emergency was withdrawn in 1977. Janata Party won thunderous majority in the Lok Sabha. It responded by dissolving all the state Assemblies where Congress had majority.Fresh election was held in Uttar Pradesh. The Janata Party won 352 of 425 Assembly seats in Uttar Pradesh but infighting set in the party over the choice of CM candidate with Chandra Shekhar and Charan Singh factions shooting down names proposed by either camps.READ| AajTak exit poll results: Why Akhilesh, Rahul failed in Uttar PradeshFinally Ram Naresh Yadav was made the CM. Janata Party had to find another candidate in Banarasi Das in less than two years. Janata experiment, anyway, failed in three years. Elections were held in 1980 for the Lok Sabha. Indira Gandhi stormed back to power. It was now her turn to dismiss Janata Party governments in states.1980-88: CONGRESS CULTURE OF REPLACING CMsAssembly election was held in 1980 and the Congress won 309 of 425 seats. Raja of Manda Vishwanath Pratap Singh was made the Chief Minister. But, the Congress reverted to its practice of replacing Chief Ministers.The eight years gave six CMs to Uttar Pradesh before VP Singh revolted against the Congress leadership in the wake of Bofors scandal. 1989-2007: MANDAL, AYODHYA AND A CM OF 48 HOURSWhen elections were held in 1989 VP Singh's Janata Dal emerged as the single largest party and formed the government with the outside help from the BJP.Mulayam Singh Yadav, who had been a minister in Janata government in Uttar Pradesh, was sworn in as the Chief Minister. Soon, Mandal and Ayodhya took centrestage in Uttar Pradesh's politics in general and elections in particular. Caste lines became sharper. OBCs, Dalits and Muslims were identified as en bloc voting communities.READ| Uttar Pradesh exit poll results: How Modi-powered BJP bettered its strike rate as election progressedIn 1993, the political alliance of Dalit-OBC was formed as BSP's Mayawati and SP's Mulayam Singh Yadav joined hands against the upper caste dominance in Uttar Pradesh. The tie-up did not last long and in 1995 Mayawati became the first Dalit Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh with support from the BJP.The period was full of instability witnessing 10 Chief Ministers and three President's Rule. One of the Chief Ministers, Jagdambika Pal of the Congress (he is now a BJP MP in the Lok Sabha) lasted only 48 hours.2007: PATH-BREAKING ELECTIONThe Uttar Pradesh Assembly election of 2007 proved to be a path-breaking election as it elected a government and a Chief Minister, who completed her tenure for the first time in Uttar Pradesh.In 2012, Mayawati became the first CM to go to the polls after completing her full-term. But, the people of Uttar Pradesh, having not seen such a thing in the past, voted her out.

Deepali Aggarwal

27 Jun 2017,Tuesday

Narendra Modi world's most important PM: Israeli newspaper

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/modi-worlds-most-important-pm-israeli-daily/1/988488.html

One of Israel's leading newspapers described Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi as "the most important PM of the world" ahead of his visit to the country. Israelis had huge expectations from US President Donald Trump's visit, but "he didn't say much", the newspaper said. It added that Modi, the leader of 1.25 billion people, deserves a lot of attention.

By Harinder Mishra Jerusalem, Jun 27 (PTI) "Wake up: the most important PM of the world is coming", is how Prime Minister Narendra Modis forthcoming visit to Israel, the first by an Indian premier, is described in an article in one of the leading Israeli business daily. Business daily The Marker in a feature story in its Hebrew edition discussing Indo-Israel ties says that Israelis had set up huge expectations from US President Donald Trumps visit to the Jewish state but "he didnt say much" while Modi, a leader of 1.25 billion people enjoying massive popularity and representing one of the fastest growing economies of the world deserves a lot of attention. Other local newspapers and news portals have also given a lot of attention to the much-publicised three day trip of Modi with The Jerusalem Post even creating a separate link, "Modis Visit", where it has put up stories related to India. Most of the local commentators have emphasised on Modi "skipping Ramallah" and it being a standalone visit focussing only on Indias ties with Israel. "Unlike most world leaders, however, Modi, who governs the worlds largest democracy and second largest nation, apparently is refusing to visit Ramallah during his Israel trip, and will not schedule meetings with Palestinian Authority (PA) chief Mahmoud Abbas or other PA leaders", Arutz Sheva said in a report. Modi met Abbas during the PA leaders trip to India in May, and senior Indian officials have visited Abbas at his Ramallah residence during their trips to Israel, it added. India related activities in Israel have also attracted far more attention in view of Modis visit than ever before. International Yoga Day celebrations in Israel saw massive coverage by the Israeli media with some commentators talking about the "soft diplomatic power it arms New Delhi with". Israels Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hailed his Indian counterparts visit to Israel last Sunday during his opening remarks at the weekly cabinet meeting as a "very significant step" in strengthening bilateral relations that are on a "constant upswing". "Next week, the Indian Prime Minister, my friend, Narendra Modi will arrive in Israel. This is a historic visit to Israel. In the 70 years of the countrys existence, no Indian Prime Minister has ever visited and this is further expression of the state of Israels military, economic and diplomatic strength," Netanyahu stressed. "This is a very significant step in strengthening relations between the two countries," he added. India is a huge country with over 1.25 billion people and is one of the worlds largest, growing economies. Ties between Israel and India are on a "constant upswing", the Israeli Premier said. Modis three day visit starting July 4 is aimed at commemorating 25 years of establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries. The Indian prime minister is scheduled to have dinner with Netanyahu following his arrival to Israel on July 4. He would be meeting the Israeli Premier again for discussions the following day. Modi would also call upon Israels President Reuven Rivlin on July 5 and the leader of opposition, Isaac Herzog. Around 4,000 people of Indian origin would be attending an address by Modi in the evening of July 5 in Tel Aviv. The Israeli cabinet on Sunday approved major decisions to deepen Indo-Israel ties. Among the measures proposed include the establishment of a USD 40 million joint fund to encourage Israeli and Indian business cooperation, agreements permitting and extending incentives to Bollywood filmmakers looking to shoot in Israel, efforts to promote growth in tourism, and a joint government project in the fields of water and agriculture. Netanyahu and Modi have already met twice on foreign soil on the sidelines of UN-related events and are said to be constantly in touch with each other over the phone. The defence ties between India and Israel have often drawn worldwide attention and acquired strategic dimensions.

Ayushi Ahluwalia

19 Jul 2017,Wednesday

Tejashwi owned 13 benami assets after growing moustache: BJP

http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/tejashwi-cannot-defend-26-properties-to-his-name-at-age-26-says-bjp-leader-sushil-modi/story-U7p96bUfo6V6PMySmjB6SL.html?utm_source=inshorts&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=fullarticle

BJP leader Sushil Modi on Tuesday said that he had proof that Bihar Deputy CM Tejashwi Yadav had acquired at least 13 benami properties after growing a 'moustache and beard'. This comes after Yadav had earlier denied corruption charges against him claiming that he didn't even have a 'moustache' when the alleged land-for-hotels deals took place in 2005.

PATNAAt 26, Bihar deputy chief minister Tejashwi Prasad Yadav owns as many property as his age ? all hidden from public gaze.That?s what senior BJP leader Sushil Kumar Modi claimed on Tuesday with ?documented proof?, even as the JD(U) and the RJD attempted a political compromise after taking the Grand Alliance to the edge of a political precipice over CBI charges against the deputy CM, said to be a prime beneficiary of a hotel for land deal going back to the days when his father and RJD chief was railway minister.Post the CBI FIR, which involves Tejashwi, 26, directly to the ownership of a mall on the outskirts of Patna ? said to be a sweetener ?paid? by the hotel owners to Lalu Prasad for awarding rights to two railway hotels ? the fresh allegations came as a counter to the compromise that the RJD dictated by directing Tejashwi to meet chief minister and explain his stand. The JD(U) had demanded that Tejashwi come clean, or resign even as the RJD had maintained that he had ?done no wrong? and ?he would not?.However, the fresh BJP charges, earlier in the day, added to the worries and may have prompted the RJD?s climbdown to some extent.Modi, who has been going hammer and tongs at Lalu & family for over a hundred days, claimed on Tuesday, that Tejashwi became the owner of 13 immovable assets while he was still a minor, and 13 properties when he was a full grown adult.?I have proof that while the first 13 properties were transferred in his name when he was not yet 13, the rest came when had already grown a ?moustache and beard?, which makes him culpable,? Modi said.Modi?s refernce to the ?moustache and beard? was an answer to Tejashwi, who had tried to stave off media queries last week on the issue of the JD(U)?s call for his resignation, saying, ?Can a boy who was yet to sport a moustache be involved in a scam??Handing over a list of the assets acquired by the deputy CM to the media, Modi dared Tejashwi to make it public as to how he came to be owner of the properties, while he was not into any known business. Contesting the assertion by Tejashwi that BJP was implicating him for his recent troubles, Modi said Tejashwi was fully adult (23 years old), when he became the owner of Delight Marketing Private Ltd (DMPL) with its assets.?Not only that, Tejashwi Prasad Yadav was deputy chief minister of Bihar when he signed an agreement on May 5, 2016 with a private company to develop a mall on three acres of land owned by the DMPL at Patna?s Saguna Mor,? he added. ?In fact, Tejashwi became the owner of shell companies like DMPL, AB Exports and AK Infosystem through which he acquired properties in Patna and Delhi, while he was an adult and had attained the age of 23,? said Modi, while talking to mediapersons on the sidelines of his ? Janata Durbar? here on Tuesday. The BJP leader said, of the 26 properties Tejashwi owned, 13 were acquired through shell companies, while the rest he got through registration. ?Even if he was a minor, he could have said no to the gifts (immoveable properties), which were given to him,? said Modi, who had worked as deputy chief minister in the NDA government led by chief minister Nitish Kumar. Modi said of the 26 properties, the income-tax department has declared 13 assets as ?benami? and attached them provisionally. ?The CBI has lodged an FIR against Tejashwi and seven others under various sections of the IPC and Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988,? he said, adding that the case must not be taken lightly as the central agency files an FIR only after ascertaining that the complaints were prima facie true. He hoped that in view of the serious nature of offences committed by his deputy, CM Nitish Kumar would definitely seek resignation from him or expel him from his cabinet. ?The chief minister has set a benchmark on the issue of corruption and he, it is hoped, would not compromise with his principles,? Modi said, adding, ?I also appeal to the deputy CM to resign before he is expelled from the cabinet.? He reiterated that owing to the political impasse caused by Tejashwi?s refusal to resign, Bihar?s governance has been hard hit and the situation would further worsen if the deadlock continues. When asked why the Narendra Modi government was not taking action against the cases of benami property elsewhere in the country, the senior opposition leader said the central government had already identified 400 benami assets across the nations and initiated action against the owners.  ==============================================BLURBsModi, who has been going hammer and tongs at Lalu & family for over a hundred days, claimed on Tuesday, that Tejashwi became the owner of 13 immovable assets while he was still a minor, and 13 properties when he was a full grown adultThe fresh BJP charges, earlier in the day, added to the worries and may have prompted the RJD?s climbdown to some extent

Saloni Tandon

19 Mar 2017,Sunday

Australian fans dislike Kohli as much as Jardine: Dean Jones

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/virat-kohli-douglas-jardine-dean-jones-india-vs-australia-ranchi-test/1/907339.html

Former Australian batsman Dean Jones has said Aussie fans dislike Virat Kohli as much as ex-England captain Douglas Jardine, who started the Bodyline series in 1932-33. "Kohli is now Australia's No. 1 enemy or the 'head of the snake', as Nathan Lyon put it...If Kohli gets under your skin...offer the cheeky smile that Sir Donald Bradman offered Jardine," said Jones.

Virat Kohli is the "head of the snake". This is how Australia spinner Nathan Lyon described the India captain in the second Test in Bengaluru. Kohli's aggressive nature on the field has earned him admiration in the cricketing world but Australians also hate him.Former Australia batsman Dean Jones in his column for The Sydney Morning Herald explained how "Kohli is almost as disliked as English captain Douglas Jardine".The second Test of the series became a hot topic when the captains of both teams Virat Kohli and Steve Smith traded blows at each other. Kohli almost called Australians "cheats" when Smith, to everyone's surprise, tried to take help with DRS from his team's dressing room after he was trapped leg before by Umesh Yadav. Kohli warned the Aussies for "crossing the line" then two boards jumped in and backed their captains before International Cricket Council put an end to the controversy by not pressing charges against either of the players."Kohli is now Australia's No. 1 enemy or the "head of the snake", as Nathan Lyon has put it. The Australian boys are quite prepared to take it up to him and this series has been compulsive viewing. This is what Test match cricket is about. It's the same when we play England for the Ashes or when India meet Pakistan," Jones wrote in his column. (Ranchi Test: Kohli bats at usual No.4 but falls cheaply again)"Test cricket is at its best when there is an edge to it. With the extra interest from fans and the media in a big series such as this, the contest seems to have become personal, very personal," he added.Jones further praised Kohli for his work ethics but said the Indian cricket's poster boy "loves getting into hot spots on the field"."I am an unabashed Kohli fan. I commentate all around the world and I love watching this kid bat and lead his team. He is such an interesting character. Away from the cricket, he is quite a humble kid. Always polite, and always asking questions on how he is batting and what I am up to. He just loves the game and the challenges that go with it." (Maxwell mocks Kohli's injury)'VILLAINOUS AS JARDINE'"Kohli believes in hard work and that he can do anything on a cricket field. He loves getting into hot spots on the field to make sure he is in his opponents' face. Kohli is the only captain I know who pumps up the crowd, asking them for their support. He knows the importance of the Indian fans' input and how it can help his team's performance. He doesn't just want 11 Indian players in the Australian faces, he demands the same from the 30,000-strong Indian crowds. Make this ground the most hostile environment the Australians will experience. It's no different to what the MCG crowds have given to opposition teams.""So why don't  Australian fans like him? I feel he is almost as disliked as villainous English captain Douglas Jardine, who started the Bodyline series in 1932-33. Is this what needs to happen for Australia and India to build up their rivalry? If so, I have no problem with it. I love the aggression that's being produced in the media and from the fans. Even the respective CEOs from each country have offered their 10 cents' worth. It's game on," he wrote.WATCH SPORTS WRAPJones also tipped Australian cricketers, who are part of the Test series in India, how to tackle Kohli's "in-your-face attitude".

Shubhodeep Datta

11 Mar 2017,Saturday

India Today calls BJP victory in Uttarakhand polls

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

India Today has called for a Bharatiya Janata Party victory in Uttarakhand, with a lead in 54 of the 70 Assembly seats counted. The incumbent Congress party was leading only in 10 seats while the Bahujan Samaj Party led in a seat. Current Chief Minister Harish Rawat was also leading from the Haridwar rural seat, reports said.

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

Niharika Prabhakar

29 Jul 2017,Saturday

Mumbai colleges may reserve seats for those who live nearby

http://www.hindustantimes.com/mumbai-news/mumbai-colleges-may-reserve-seats-for-students-who-live-nearby/story-jwiPVsdseT8fiXPYWzaduI.html?utm_source=inshorts&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=fullarticle

The Maharashtra government is reportedly considering reserving seats in colleges for students who live nearby. This comes after several legislators complained that junior college students are forced to travel longer distances despite having many colleges near their homes. Education Minister Vinod Tawde said the department will hold a meeting of all stakeholders to discuss the issue.

After demands by legislators, the state government is considering reserving seats in colleges for students who live close to them.Saying that junior college students were forced to travel longer distances despite having many colleges near their homes, legislators from all parties on Thursday demanded that a few seats be reserved in colleges for students living in the vicinity. The state education department said it will hold a meeting with elected representatives and stakeholders to consider admitting students in colleges near their homes and request the Bombay high court to amend the existing rules.Legislators said since online admissions were based on the marks student secure, students from Colaba and Fort are made to travel as far as Borivli or Ghatkopar and students in Ghatkopar get admission in Goregaon colleges. Colaba?s BJP MLA Raj Purohit said it was unfair for students living in south Mumbai, which has the most colleges, as they are forced to travel to suburban colleges because of their marks. Congress? Aslam Shaikh and Shiv Sena?s Sunil Prabhu supported Purohit and said a certain amount of seats should be reserved for students living nearby. Education minister Vinod Tawde said the department would convene a meeting of all stakeholders and legislators to discuss the issue. ?Admission norms are based on merit and the marks obtained by students. The procedure we follow has been approved by the Bombay high court. We are positive about changing the norms to allow students to bag seats in colleges near them,? he said. BJP?s Sunil Deshmukh, however, opposed the demand and said admissions should be granted based on merit and that would be unjust for high-scorers as they could be denied admission to good colleges. While updating legislators about this year?s junior college admissions, Tawde said, ?About 2.68 lakh students in Mumbai have sought admissions in FYJC and the government has made arrangements for 15,000 more seats. The students faced difficulties after the website crashed. About 10,000 students changed their minds after filing the forms and figuring in the first list. This too inconvenienced other students.? He added, ?When we conducted a survey to study the reasons behind students? such decisions, we found that students were in two minds about admissions owing to the absence of counselling.?

Saloni Tandon

06 Jun 2017,Tuesday

Man digs up national highway saying Lord Shiva asked him to

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/telangana-man-digs-up-national-highway-claims-lord-shiva-asked-him-to/1/971736.html

A man dug up a national highway in Jangaon district, Telangana, saying Lord Shiva appeared in his dream and told him he would find a "Shiva ling" there. The man was joined by villagers who conducted special prayers and dug 20 feet deep on a stretch of the Warangal-Hyderabad highway. The police have booked the accused for damaging public property.

India, out of all countries, has seen what blind faith can do. Be it for movie stars, politicians or a certain animal in the name of which Indian citizens kill fellow Indian citizens. But credulity peaks when it comes to religion and religious beliefs.The Telangana man who dug up a national highway hoping to find Shiva ling is the latest example for devout belief in religion.  The incident happened near Pembarthy village in Jangaon district of Telangana after a self-proclaimed godman -- Lakhan Manoj -- informed the villagers that Lord Shiva appeared in his dream, asked him to build a gigantic Shiva temple for him at a certain location and said that a Shiva ling is hiding underneath.Adding insult to injury, hundreds of villagers who believed the lunatic gathered and dug up the national highway to have a 'darshan' of Lord Shiva's ling.Special prayers were conducted before unearthing of the national highway began. Curious villagers also joined the 30-year-old fellow at Warangal-Hyderabad highway and started digging in the middle of the road with the help of JCBs and shovels. The local Sarpanch of the village and Jangaon municipal vice-chairman also joined the crowd believing Manoj's prophecy."Manoj is an ardent devotee of Lord Shiva and has been getting this dream since three years. He asked us to help him dig up the spot and construct the temple. He used to conduct prayers at this location every Monday. As Manoj swooned in excitement at this spot we believed him," the Sarpanch told The Hindu.

Mansha Mahajan

06 Jul 2017,Thursday

Paintings from ?200 cr collection go missing at Air India HQ

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/air-india-paintings-missing-mf-husain-jatin-das-headquarters-mumbai/1/995224.html

An unknown number of paintings from a ?200 crore collection, including works of artists like MF Husain and Jatin Das, have gone missing from Air India headquarters in Mumbai. Union Minister Jayant Sinha said the government was looking into allegations of the paintings going missing. The airline reportedly wanted to open a public museum where the paintings would be showcased.

An unknown number of paintings from a Rs 200 crore collection featuring renowned artists like MF Husain and Jatin Das, have gone missing from the Air India headquarters in Mumbai.  The matter came to light after famous painter Jatin Das was contacted for a painting that he had made for Air India, for verification prior to sale. The Jatin Das creation, has been traced, a source said.The discovery, a serious setback to the Narendra Modi administration's in-principle yes to disinvesting the carrier, was made after a government ministry began assessment work in view of the privatisation of Air India.Air India faces a Rs 52,000 crore debt, and has assets valued at Rs 6,000 crore in addition to its fleet of airplanes worth Rs 20,000 crore.When contacted by India Today, Air India CMD Ashwini Lohani said he didn't want to comment. The airline's management has ordered a probe, sources said.A PUBLIC MUSEUM WAS IN THE WORKSTop sources confirmed that in 2011, Air India CMD constituted a committee of curators and artists to catalogue paintings and artefacts in the carrier's collection. Cataloging work began in the same year. The collection was stored in a hall in the Air India headquarters, and the idea was to open a public museum on the ground floor.According to sources, the missing paintings are perhaps the tip of the iceberg, and the status of other Air India assets needs to be verified. The ongoing evaluation is expected to bring out shocking details of the paintings that are missing. Air India officials however, refused to comment on the matter. "I will not like to comment on this right now," said CMD Ashwini Lohani.Paintings by the biggest names of Indian art including Arpana Caur, Anjolie Ela Menon, B Prabha, KA Ara, MF Husain and V S Gaitonde were part of the collection.ALSO READIs endgame near for the disaster called Air India?Air India Delhi bound flight takes off with faulty ACs, leaves flyers gasping for oxygen

Chhavi Tyagi

08 Jun 2017,Thursday

Rahul pushes cop as he tries to enter violence-hit Mandsaur

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/madhya-pradesh-farmers-protest-rahul-gandhi-mandsaur/1/973600.html

Congress Vice-President Rahul Gandhi on Thursday pushed a policeman as he was trying to enter violence-hit Mandsaur in Madhya Pradesh where five farmers were killed in police firing on Tuesday. Gandhi further stormed out of his jeep, rode pillion on a bike to dodge the cops, and angrily said, "Aap kaise mujhe rok sakte ho? (How can you stop me?)"

A furious Rahul Gandhi stormed out of his jeep, pushed a policeman as he tried to stop him and other Congress leaders from entering Madhya Pradesh today. He was later arrested at Neemuch border. Despite the local administration denying the Congress vice-president permission to visit violence-hit Mandsaur, where five farmers were killed in police firing on Tuesday, Rahul Gandhi rode pillion on a bike to dodge the cops. "Aap kaise rok sakte ho (How can you stop me)," an angry Rahul Gandhi was seen lashing out at a policeman as he tried to stop his vehicle at the Rajasthan-Madhya Pradesh border."Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh governments are doing their best to prevent me from entering Madhya Pradesh and meeting the families of the farmers killed in Mandsaur," Rahul Gandhi tweeted moments after the incident."What law of the land says that it is illegal to stand in solidarity with farmers who were killed simply for demanding what is their right?" he added.INDIA TODAY MAGAZINE SPECIAL: No country for farmers - In rush towards development, Indian farmers fall through the cracksRahul Gandhi left Delhi for Udaipur on a chartered flight in the morning. From Udaipur, the Congress leader took the road to Madhya Pradesh. Gandhiis accompanied by PCC Rajasthan chief Sachin Pilot and other party leaders, including Digvijaya Singh, Girija Vyas, Kamalnath.Five persons were killed on Tuesday as the farmers' agitation turned violent in Mandsaur, prompting the authorities to clamp curfew in the trouble-hit area.Mandsaur has been on the boil since the farmers' agitation in the district turned violent.Farmers in western Madhya Pradesh are protesting since June 1 over various demands.ALSO READ:Tinderbox Mandsaur: Will loan waivers help plight of angry farmers in Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra?Madhya Pradesh farmers protest: How Mandsaur is a repeat of Multai 19 years later