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Wed, 12 July 2017
Big B sends legal notice to Kumar Vishwas over Harivansh Rai's poem video
Timeline Refresh
23:46 Par panel to submit demonetisation report in Monsoon Session
The Parliamentary panel on finance will present its report on demonetisation in the upcoming Monsoon Session and RBI Governor will not be called again on the note ban issue, the committee's chairman M Veerappa Moily said today.
During the more than three-hour long meeting of the Standing Committee on Finance here today, RBI Governor Urjit Patel took a lot of questions but many members said the central bank chief did not provide any "specific number" on the amount of money that came back to the system post demonetisation.
"We had a lengthy discussion (on demonetisation and various other issues) today... The panel will not be calling RBI Governor again on the issue of demonetisation," Moily told PTI.
The panel would submit its report on demonetisation during the Monsoon Session of Parliament starting on July 17, Moily said. The session is to conclude on August 11.
Patel appeared before the panel for the second time today after cancellation of old Rs 500 and 1,000 currency notes on November 8 -- a government decision which had attracted a lot of criticism from the Opposition.
In January too, the RBI governor had appeared before the committee and had told the members that he would submit a statement on the amount of money that came back into the system after demonetisation.
Along with Patel, RBI Deputy Governor S S Mundra was also present at the meeting today.
With Patel not providing any particular figure, saying that counting of the notes was still in progress, many panel members expressed dissatisfaction with the RBI chief's replies.
After the meeting, a senior member said the governor did not provide any figure but gave details on remonetisation.
23:27 Big B sends legal notice to Kumar Vishwas over Harivansh Rai's poem video
Amitabh Bachchan has sent a legal notice to Aam Aadmi Party leader Kumar Vishwas for using a poem by the megastar's late father, poet Harivansh Rai Bachchan, in a video, and asked him to give an account of the revenue generated from it.
Bachchan said the video, in which Vishwas is seen singing the poem, was a "copyright infringement" and should be removed from the popular video-sharing site, YouTube, within 24 hours.
"Sending earned Rs 32 as demanded. Pranam??," Vishwas tweeted in reply to Bachchan's tweets on this.
In a statement, the Aam Aadmi Party member said he had received the notice, which called for the removal of the video and asked him to account for the revenue generated through it.
"The video will be removed," Vishwas said.
The video -- with Bachchan's poem Need ka Nirmaan Phir Phir -- is part of his programme 'Tarpan', in which the AAP- leader-cum-poet pays tribute to noted Hindi poets.
"This is a copyright infringement..! legal will take care of this," Bachchan tweeted yesterday, posting the tribute video.
To this Vishwas replied, "Rcvd appreciation frm all poet's family but Notice frm you Sir. Deleting the tribute video to Babuji. Sending earned Rs 32 as demanded. Pranam??"
An associate of Vishwas said Rs 32 was the revenue generated from advertisements on YouTube.
Vishwas added that he had received appreciation from the families of other poets whose works had figured in the tribute series.
23:19 Trump FBI nominee says Russia probe not a 'witch hunt'
The nominee to head the US Federal Bureau of Investigation today rejected President Donald Trump's characterization of the probe into Russia's meddling in the US elections as a "witch hunt."
Christopher Wray, Trump's pick to lead the FBI after firing director James Comey, gave his support to independent prosecutor Robert Mueller, the former FBI chief now in charge of the politically explosive probe.
"I do not consider director Mueller to be on a witch hunt," Wray told a Senate hearing, hours after Trump, in a tweet, called the investigation "the greatest Witch Hunt in political history."
23:11 Hyd drug racket: Tollywood actors, directors get notices
The sleuths probing a high-end drug smuggling racket today 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," a senior Excise official told PTI.
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 today 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).
21:58 Strongly condemn cowardly terror attack on Amarnath yatra pilgrims: US
The Trump administration today strongly condemned the "cowardly" terror attack on Amarnath pilgrims in Kashmir and vowed that the United States and India will together continue to fight terror threats in "every part of
the world".
Seven Amarnath pilgrims were killed and 19 others injured in the terrorist attack in south Kashmir's Anantnag district on Monday night.
"The United States and India will continue to fight together against terrorist threats in every part of the world," White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer said in a statement issued two days after the attack.
The United States "strongly condemns the cowardly terrorist attack" on religious pilgrims in the state of Jammu and Kashmir on July 10, he said.
"We extend condolences to the victims' families and the people of India. An attack on religious freedom is an attack on the most fundamental right of liberty," Spicer said.
Earlier, State Department Spokesperson Heather Nauert had expressed concern over the terror attack.
"We consider it to have been a terrorist attack in the state of Jammu and Kashmir in which seven religious pilgrims were killed. That's of great concern to us," she told reporters at a news conference.
"These were civilians, they were killed as they were exercising their right to worship and that is, in large part, what makes this so reprehensible. That is a great concern to us and our thoughts and prayers go out to those people and to their families as well. Our prayers are with the victims and those who were affected," she said.
Several US lawmakers also condemned the dastardly act.
21:56 7.28 cr got self-employed: Shah's answer to 'jobless growth' critics
"Economic pundits" may be criticising the Modi government for a "jobless growth", but India cannot tackle unemployment only with jobs, BJP president Amit Shah has said, noting that 7.28 crore people have become
self-employed under the Centre's Mudra loan scheme in three years.
"Economic pundits talk about a jobless growth and try to tear out the few hair that I have on my head by asking where the jobs are?" Shah said, tongue firmly in cheek.
He was speaking at the launch of a coffee table book, 'The Making of a Legend', on Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi today. The function was attended by RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat and several Union ministers and BJP leaders.
A country with a population of 125 crore cannot deal with the problem of unemployment by only creating jobs and the Modi government has provided self-employment to 7.28 crore youths, he said.
Highlighting Modi's schemes aimed at the poor strata of society, a segment he has been assiduously cultivating, Shah said that the government's biggest success was that it had provided opportunities to "the last man in the queue" to lift himself out of poverty.
The government ensured that every household had a bank account and had built over 4.38 crore toilets to give dignity to poor women who were otherwise forced to defecate in open, he said.
Taking a swipe at previous governments, Shah said many prime ministers who spoke about development and the poor had come and gone but it was left to Modi to build toilets, open bank accounts and provide the poor other basic facilities.
20:57 7.28 cr got self-employed: Shah's answer to 'jobless growth' critics
"Economic pundits" may be criticising the Modi government for a "jobless growth", but India cannot tackle unemployment only with jobs, BJP president Amit Shah has said, noting that 7.28 crore people have become
self-employed under the Centre's Mudra loan scheme in three years.
"Economic pundits talk about a jobless growth and try to tear out the few hair that I have on my head by asking where the jobs are?" Shah said, tongue firmly in cheek.
He was speaking at the launch of a coffee table book, 'The Making of a Legend', on Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi today. The function was attended by RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat and several Union ministers and BJP leaders.
A country with a population of 125 crore cannot deal with the problem of unemployment by only creating jobs and the Modi government has provided self-employment to 7.28 crore youths, he said.
Highlighting Modi's schemes aimed at the poor strata of society, a segment he has been assiduously cultivating, Shah said that the government's biggest success was that it had provided opportunities to "the last man in the queue" to lift himself out of poverty.
The government ensured that every household had a bank account and had built over 4.38 crore toilets to give dignity to poor women who were otherwise forced to defecate in open, he said.
Taking a swipe at previous governments, Shah said many prime ministers who spoke about development and the poor had come and gone but it was left to Modi to build toilets, open bank accounts and provide the poor other basic facilities.
20:52 Fringe outfit seeks ban on Bigg Boss Tamil
A Hindu outfit today filed a police complaint seeking a ban on reality show 'Bigg Boss' in a Tamil TV channel, hosted by actor Kamal Haasan, alleging that it denigrated Tamil culture.
The complaint by Hindu Makkal Katchi sought legal action against Haasan and the actors participating in the show that is being telecast on Vijay TV since June 24.
It alleged that the "Invocation to Tamil mother (Tamil Thaai Vazhthu)" was ridiculed in the show which has offended seven crore Tamil people.
The participants in the show allegedly conversed in an obscene fashion and sported revealing outfits, the party alleged.
The complaint sought legal action against the show's host and 14 other actors.
HMK representatives told reporters that the city police has acknowledged getting their complaint.
20:00 China, Pak mum on Amarnath attack amid world outrage
Denouncement of the Amarnath terror attack by the international community continued to come in but India's two major neighbours, China and Pakistan, have not commented on it.
The Portuguese government condemned the attack and expressed its support for the authorities and solidarity with the Indian people, while the Spanish President in a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi said India can count on Spain in the fight against terrorism.
The US, the UK, France, Germany, Russia, Norway, Canada, Iran apart from The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) countries-- Afghanistan, Bangladesh. Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal-- are among those which have already condemned the attack.
China and Pakistan, a SAARC-member nation, are only two immediate neighbours of India which have not commented on the the attack in which seven Amarnath pilgrims were killed and 19 injured when their bus came under heavy gunfire from terrorists in south Kashmir's Anantnag district on Monday night.
Meanwhile, security forces have launched a massive hunt to track down a Pakistani national Abu Ismail, a Lashkar-e- Taiba (LeT) commander, who has emerged as the mastermind of the deadly attack on Amarnath pilgrims.
19:11 Enforce security plans vigorously in J&K: Govt to security forces
Security agencies engaged in anti-militancy operations in Jammu and Kashmir have been told by the Centre to implement security plans with full vigour.
The directive from the central government came in the wake of the killing of seven Amarnath pilgrims in a terror attack on Monday.
Security agencies were told to implement the security plans vigorously, a home ministry official said, indicating that the anti-militancy operations will be intensified.
Two central ministers - Jitendra Singh and Hansraj Ahir, Army Chief General Bipin Rawat, and Central Reserve Police Force Director General of Police R R Bhatnagar have visited the Kashmir Valley in the last two days.
The instructions have been given to all forces engaged in anti-militancy operations, the official said.
Highest level of alert has already been sounded across Jammu and Kashmir while Amarnath pilgrims will be provided enhanced security along the two pilgrimage routes.
Home Minister Rajnath Singh yesterday reviewed the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir and ordered enhanced security for the Amarnath Yatra following the terror attack on devotees.
The home minister took stock of the prevailing situation in Kashmir Valley, particularly on the routes to the shrine located in the Himalayas at an altitude of 12,756 feet, during an hour-long meeting.
18:48 Amarnath attack response shows no one can kill Kashmiriyat: CM
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti today said the response of the people of the valley to the Amarnath terror attack proves that no one can kill Kashmiriyat.
"The attack on Amarnath pilgrims was an attack on our brotherhood and Kashmiriyat. It has been condemned unequivocally by people from all shades of opinion in Kashmir," Mehbooba said.
She said the way everyone condemned the attack and protested against it proves that "as much someone might try but they cannot kill Kashmiriyat".
Mehbooba said she is short of words to describe the attack on the innocent pilgrims who had come to fulfill their religious obligations.
"After many years everyone in Kashmir is on the same page on something. We all believe this is not what Kashmir stands for," she said.
Mehbooba said the aim of the attackers was to fuel communal riots in the country and pit people against each other. "I salute the people of the country for being patient."
Seven Amarnath pilgrims were killed and 21 injured in the attack on Monday evening.
18:11
Industrial output growth drops to 1.7 per cent in May from 8 per cent in the same month last year.
18:11
Retail inflation hits new low of 1.54 per cent in June, down from 2.18 per cent in May.
18:08 2 jawans martyred in Pak firing at LoC
Two jawans were martyred after Pakistan Army resorted to unprovoked firing along the Line of Control in Keran sector in north Kashmir's Kupwara district on Wednesday.
The incident comes a day after security forces cornered three Hizbul Mujahideen terrorists in central Kashmir's Budgam district.
All three terrorists were killed on Wednesday in a long drawn out gun fight with security personnel.
On Wednesday, Pakistan Army had violated the ceasefire in Poonch district, targeting villages and forward posts along the LoC with mortars and small arms fire.
There have been 23 incidents of ceasefire violation, one BAT attack and two infiltration bids by Pakistan in June in which four people, including three jawans, were killed and 12 injured.
17:58 Make Nitish Kumar Congress president: Ramchandra Guha
The "terminal decline" of the Congress party can only be revived by a leadership change, says historian and biographer Ramchandra Guha, who suggests that the party's top job be handed over to Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar.
Stressing that it was his "fantasy", Guha said if there was a "friendly take-over" of the party by the JD-U leader, it would be a match made in heaven.
"For the Congress is a party without a leader and Nitish is a leader without a party," Guha said at the launch of the 10th anniversary edition of his book 'India After Gandhi'.
Nitish Kumar, he held, was a "genuine" leader.
"Like Modi, he has no family burden, but, unlike Modi, he is not a megalomaniac. He is not sectarian and focuses on gender, which is rare among Indian politicians. So there are things about Nitish that were appealing, and are appealing," he said.
But, he said, unless the president of the Congress bestowed the post on Nitish, there "is no future for him, or for Sonia Gandhi in Indian politics".
The 131-year old party, the columnist-author believed, could not be a major political player anymore, and could at best move from its present 44 seats in the Lok Sabha to 100.
"Now, if they have a new leader or leadership tomorrow, things could change. Two years is a long time in politics," he added, referring to the 2019 parliamentary polls.
He said the decline of the Congress was also "worrying", because a single party system was not "good" for democracy.
"Single party governance made even the great democrat Jawahar Lal Nehru arrogant; it made the instinctively authoritarian Indira Gandhi even more authoritarian. So what will this do to Narendra Modi and Amit Shah is something that I have started thinking about," the author -- known for critiquing both the Left and the Right -- said.
India had failed to emulate the stable two-party model of western democracies, Guha said, adding that the importance of two-party rivalry in states should not be undermined.
"The three states in India which have performed well over the past 70 years, according to economic and social indicators, are Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Himachal Pradesh. And all have a relatively stable two-party system," he said.
States where a single party ruled for long years -- he cited the case of Bengal under the Left and BJP-led Gujarat -- were a "disaster".
"The states that have a stable two-party system do the best because the Congress keeps a check on the Communists in Kerala, the BJP on the Congress in Himachal," he said.
The book, a revised edition of his 2007 volume published by Pan Macmillan India, has new chapters on gender, caste and the rise of the gay movement in India, among others.
17:34 Pak's BFF China willing to play 'constructive role' over Kashmir
China said today that it was willing to play a "constructive role" in improving relations between India and Pakistan, especially after the increased hostility along the LoC, saying the situation in Kashmir has attracted "international" attention.
Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said India and Pakistan are important South Asian countries but the "situation in Kashmir has attracted the attention of the international community."
India has maintained that the Kashmir issue is a bilateral matter with Pakistan, and that there is no scope for a third party mediation.
The Chinese comments aimed at getting involved in Indo- Pak tensions come at a time the armies of India and China are locked in a standoff in Doklam area in the Sikkim section.
Expressing concern over the tension between India and Pakistan, Geng said "the conflict occurred near the Line of Control of Kashmir. This will not only harm the peace and stability of the two countries but also the peace and tranquillity of the region."
"We hope the relevant sides can do more things that are conducive for peace and stability in the region and avoiding escalating the tensions and China is willing to play constructive role in improving relations between India and Pakistan," he told reporters.
The comments also come two days after a Chinese analyst wrote in the state-run Global Times that a "third country's" Army could enter Kashmir at Pakistan's request, using the "logic" the Indian Army used to stop the Chinese military from constructing the road in Doklam area.
Geng's comments were in reply to a question on the tension between India and Pakistan, Organisation of Islamic Cooperation expressing concern over the situation in Kashmir, and whether China can play role to defuse the hostility between the two countries.
According to Pakistan Foreign Ministry, the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers, who met in Abidjan, Republic of Cote d'Ivoire, passed a resolution on Kashmir. Indian security forces have been carrying out combing operations in parts of Kashmir to clear the areas of militants supported by Pakistan who launch attacks against them.
On Monday evening, militants targeted a bus carrying Amarnath pilgrims and killed seven of them, including six women, in Kashmir's Anantnag district. Lashkar-e-Taiba commander and Pakistani national Abu Ismail has emerged as the mastermind of the audacious attack.
Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said India and Pakistan are important South Asian countries but the "situation in Kashmir has attracted the attention of the international community."
India has maintained that the Kashmir issue is a bilateral matter with Pakistan, and that there is no scope for a third party mediation.
The Chinese comments aimed at getting involved in Indo- Pak tensions come at a time the armies of India and China are locked in a standoff in Doklam area in the Sikkim section.
Expressing concern over the tension between India and Pakistan, Geng said "the conflict occurred near the Line of Control of Kashmir. This will not only harm the peace and stability of the two countries but also the peace and tranquillity of the region."
"We hope the relevant sides can do more things that are conducive for peace and stability in the region and avoiding escalating the tensions and China is willing to play constructive role in improving relations between India and Pakistan," he told reporters.
The comments also come two days after a Chinese analyst wrote in the state-run Global Times that a "third country's" Army could enter Kashmir at Pakistan's request, using the "logic" the Indian Army used to stop the Chinese military from constructing the road in Doklam area.
Geng's comments were in reply to a question on the tension between India and Pakistan, Organisation of Islamic Cooperation expressing concern over the situation in Kashmir, and whether China can play role to defuse the hostility between the two countries.
According to Pakistan Foreign Ministry, the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers, who met in Abidjan, Republic of Cote d'Ivoire, passed a resolution on Kashmir. Indian security forces have been carrying out combing operations in parts of Kashmir to clear the areas of militants supported by Pakistan who launch attacks against them.
On Monday evening, militants targeted a bus carrying Amarnath pilgrims and killed seven of them, including six women, in Kashmir's Anantnag district. Lashkar-e-Taiba commander and Pakistani national Abu Ismail has emerged as the mastermind of the audacious attack.
16:51 India skipper Mithali Raj sets ODI world record
India skipper Mithali Raj sets a world record by becoming the highest run-getter in women's ODI cricket. She scored 6002 runs in 164 innings to beat Charlotte Edwards' record.
Raj, 34, is often dubbed as the Sachin Tendulkar of women's cricket.
The right-handed batswoman has been a prolific run-scorer and averages a whopping 51.37. She is still the youngest to slam a ton on her debut and youngest ever ODI centurion.
Raj, 34, is often dubbed as the Sachin Tendulkar of women's cricket.
The right-handed batswoman has been a prolific run-scorer and averages a whopping 51.37. She is still the youngest to slam a ton on her debut and youngest ever ODI centurion.
16:36
Just in: Two army jawans martyred in terror attack in Kupwara's Keran sector in North Kashmir. Details awaited.
16:23 Amarnath terror attack was an attack on brotherhood: Mehbooba
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti on Wednesday said that the Amarnath terror attack was an attack on their brotherhood and it has been "unequivocally condemned".
"The Amarnath terror attack has been unequivocally condemned. It was an attack on our brotherhood. After many years everyone in Kashmir is on the same page on something. We all believe this is not what Kashmir stands for," Mehbooba told ANI.
Earlier in the day, Minister of State (MoS) in the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) Jitendra Singh and Union Minister of State for Home Hansraj Ahir briefed the media about the security arrangements in Jammu and Kashmir post the Amarnath Yatra terror attack.
As many as seven people were killed and fifteen others injured after a group of terrorists opened fire on a bus carrying 17 pilgrims from Baltal to Mir Bazar around 8.20 p.m. on Monday night.
Meanwhile, three Hizbul Mujahideen terrorists were killed by security forces near Budgam district in Jammu and Kashmir yesterday night.
Based on inputs of presence of some terrorists in a specific house, an operation was launched by troops of the Rashtriya Rifles, Special Operation Group (SOG) of the Jammu and Kashmir Police and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) in Radbug village of Budgam.The troops recovered one self-loading rifle along with three magazines and one pistol with one magazine.
Two terrorists have been identified as Javed, a resident of Churpur and Aabid, a resident of Badgam. The identity of the third one is yet to be ascertained.
"The Amarnath terror attack has been unequivocally condemned. It was an attack on our brotherhood. After many years everyone in Kashmir is on the same page on something. We all believe this is not what Kashmir stands for," Mehbooba told ANI.
Earlier in the day, Minister of State (MoS) in the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) Jitendra Singh and Union Minister of State for Home Hansraj Ahir briefed the media about the security arrangements in Jammu and Kashmir post the Amarnath Yatra terror attack.
As many as seven people were killed and fifteen others injured after a group of terrorists opened fire on a bus carrying 17 pilgrims from Baltal to Mir Bazar around 8.20 p.m. on Monday night.
Meanwhile, three Hizbul Mujahideen terrorists were killed by security forces near Budgam district in Jammu and Kashmir yesterday night.
Based on inputs of presence of some terrorists in a specific house, an operation was launched by troops of the Rashtriya Rifles, Special Operation Group (SOG) of the Jammu and Kashmir Police and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) in Radbug village of Budgam.The troops recovered one self-loading rifle along with three magazines and one pistol with one magazine.
Two terrorists have been identified as Javed, a resident of Churpur and Aabid, a resident of Badgam. The identity of the third one is yet to be ascertained.
15:50
News18: Trillion-tonne iceberg breaks off in Antarctica: scientists.
15:37 OPS faction submits evidence against Puducherry MLAs
The O Panneerselvam faction of the AIADMK submitted a memorandum to President Pranab Mukherjee seeking the disqualification of nine Puducherry MLAs on the Office of Profit issue. MLA Om Sakthi Segar presented 75 pages of evidence against the MLAs. Segar, a two-time AIADMK MLA, had contested against V Narayanaswamy in the Assembly polls and lost.
The nine MLAs whose disqualifications are being sought are K Lakshminarayanan, RKR Anantaraman, R Siva, A Geetha, T Jayamoorthy, MNR Balan, E Thhepanjan, N Vijayaveny and N Dhanavelu.
They hold the positions of chairmanship of several Public sector undertakings of Puducherry, which are in contravention of the Office of Profit.
Segar went to meet Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh at his residence, followed by meetings with Chief Election Commissioner Anchal Kumar Jyoti and handed over copies of the pages containing the evidence.
The nine MLAs whose disqualifications are being sought are K Lakshminarayanan, RKR Anantaraman, R Siva, A Geetha, T Jayamoorthy, MNR Balan, E Thhepanjan, N Vijayaveny and N Dhanavelu.
They hold the positions of chairmanship of several Public sector undertakings of Puducherry, which are in contravention of the Office of Profit.
Segar went to meet Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh at his residence, followed by meetings with Chief Election Commissioner Anchal Kumar Jyoti and handed over copies of the pages containing the evidence.
15:06 Won't talk about myself when there is crisis of terror in India: Gandhi
Former West Bengal Governor Gopalkrishna Gandhi on Wednesday said he is
"grateful" to the 18 opposition parties which unanimously picked him as
the vice-presidential candidate and added that he is a "citizen
candidate" who is worried about the future of the country.
Talking to ANI, Gandhi said he doesn't feel like talking about himself as the country suffers from a "mini crisis" of sorts.
"I want to say that I don't like to talk about myself. It is a time where there is mini crisis in India - crisis of terror, there is fear, there is an agrarian crisis in the country. So I really don't feel like talking about myself. I am grateful to the members of the 18 parties who have unanimously and without any differences of opinion asked me to be the candidate for the vice-president election. I feel honoured that they are thinking of me in this context," he said.
Emphasising on having faith in the institution of democracy, Gandhi said that terrorism and agragarian crisis are emerging as major problems for the country.
He further asserted that he see himself as a "citizen candidate," who does not belong to any political party.
"I see myself as a citizen candidate, I am an independent citizen and a very ordinary person. I am not a politician. I am a citizen candidate who is worried about the future of the country as a collective entity in this critical time, but who has faith in the institution of democracy, judiciary, and independent media," he added.
"And I would like to say to the Parliamentarians, who form the electoral college should choose the Vice-President in a view to make the Rajya Sabha a true instrument as it was in the times passed and it has been over the years - a true instrument for voicing the views and the feeling of the states of India which is called the council of the states and that is what I see the role of the Vice-President as the chairman of the Rajya Sabha to be," he added.
The Opposition earlier named Gandhi as its candidate for the post of next Vice-President of India.
The decision to name Gandhi was taken at a meeting of the joint Opposition held at New Delhi on Tuesday.
Image: Gopalkrishna Gandhi seen here with former West Bengal CM Buddhadeb Bhattacharya.
Talking to ANI, Gandhi said he doesn't feel like talking about himself as the country suffers from a "mini crisis" of sorts.
"I want to say that I don't like to talk about myself. It is a time where there is mini crisis in India - crisis of terror, there is fear, there is an agrarian crisis in the country. So I really don't feel like talking about myself. I am grateful to the members of the 18 parties who have unanimously and without any differences of opinion asked me to be the candidate for the vice-president election. I feel honoured that they are thinking of me in this context," he said.
Emphasising on having faith in the institution of democracy, Gandhi said that terrorism and agragarian crisis are emerging as major problems for the country.
He further asserted that he see himself as a "citizen candidate," who does not belong to any political party.
"I see myself as a citizen candidate, I am an independent citizen and a very ordinary person. I am not a politician. I am a citizen candidate who is worried about the future of the country as a collective entity in this critical time, but who has faith in the institution of democracy, judiciary, and independent media," he added.
"And I would like to say to the Parliamentarians, who form the electoral college should choose the Vice-President in a view to make the Rajya Sabha a true instrument as it was in the times passed and it has been over the years - a true instrument for voicing the views and the feeling of the states of India which is called the council of the states and that is what I see the role of the Vice-President as the chairman of the Rajya Sabha to be," he added.
The Opposition earlier named Gandhi as its candidate for the post of next Vice-President of India.
The decision to name Gandhi was taken at a meeting of the joint Opposition held at New Delhi on Tuesday.
Image: Gopalkrishna Gandhi seen here with former West Bengal CM Buddhadeb Bhattacharya.
14:56 Rs 131 crore lost in Manipur flood
Manipur suffered a loss of around Rs 131 crore in the floods since cyclone Mora hit the state in late May, a senior officer said today.
"The state lost nearly Rs 131 crore because of loss of property and other damage done by floods and related incidents like landslides," Principal Secretary (Relief and Disaster Management) MH Khan told PTI.
The flood crisis and landslides started with cyclone Mora that made landfall on May 29 and, under its influence, came heavy rains that lasted for almost 10 days, he said. This was later followed by torrential rains and storms lasting for 10 more days in mid-June and the situation worsened when incessant rains began on June 29.
These caused severe damage to property, agricultural land, road transportation sector and others, he said adding that a memorandum has been sent to the Centre asking for assistance.
All the districts of the state has been affected by the floods and Chief Minister N Biren Singh had termed it as a "state calamity". The administration set up 76 relief camps to help 30,000 off flood affected people, Khan said.
Image: A 2015 picture of a flood relief camp in Manipur.
"The state lost nearly Rs 131 crore because of loss of property and other damage done by floods and related incidents like landslides," Principal Secretary (Relief and Disaster Management) MH Khan told PTI.
The flood crisis and landslides started with cyclone Mora that made landfall on May 29 and, under its influence, came heavy rains that lasted for almost 10 days, he said. This was later followed by torrential rains and storms lasting for 10 more days in mid-June and the situation worsened when incessant rains began on June 29.
These caused severe damage to property, agricultural land, road transportation sector and others, he said adding that a memorandum has been sent to the Centre asking for assistance.
All the districts of the state has been affected by the floods and Chief Minister N Biren Singh had termed it as a "state calamity". The administration set up 76 relief camps to help 30,000 off flood affected people, Khan said.
Image: A 2015 picture of a flood relief camp in Manipur.
14:22 Thousands at terrorist's funeral, day after Kashmir unites against Amarnath attack
The funeral of one of the three Hizbul Mujahideen terrorists, killed by security forces near Budgam district in Jammu and Kashmir last night, took place this morning.
Rediff.com's Umar Ganie reports that despite heavy rain, there were at least 10,000 people at the funeral of Aaqib Gul, a resident of Gooripora,. The funeral which which began at 7:30 am ended at around 10:30 am.
There was heavy police and paramilitary bandobast in the Haiderpora area near Srinagar airport where the funeral took place.
A senior police official said Aaqib used to be a shopkeeper, but joined the terrorist group Hizbul Mujahideen recently. A pistol and a rifle were recovered from him.
The funerals of Javaid Ahmad Shiekh and Sajid Ahmad Gilkar, the other two terrorists, both residents of the old city will be held later in the day as there is curfew in the area.
A senior police official said Sajid had 22 FIRs against him and had been arrested on Eid recently, but released shortly after. An ISIS flag was recovered from him.
At Aaqib's funeral, mourners shouted aazadi and pro-Pakistan slogans and waved Pakistani flags.
As a precautionary measure mobile internet services in Srinagar have been suspended.
Based on inputs of the presence of some terrorists in a specific house, an operation was launched by troops of Rashtriya Rifles, Special Operation Group of Jammu and Kashmir Police and Central Reserve Police Force in Radbug village of Budgam.
The joint operation was launched at around 6:00 p.m. yesterday and at about 8.30 p.m. contact was established with terrorists.
The security forces also recovered arms and ammunition and war like stores.
This came a day after militants attacked a bus carrying Amarnath Yatra pilgrims in Jammu and Kashmir's Anantnag district.
At lease seven people were killed and 19 sustained injuries in the attack.
Image: Thousands gathered at Hizbul Mujahideen terrorist Aaqib Gul's funeral this morning. Pic: Umar Ganie
Rediff.com's Umar Ganie reports that despite heavy rain, there were at least 10,000 people at the funeral of Aaqib Gul, a resident of Gooripora,. The funeral which which began at 7:30 am ended at around 10:30 am.
There was heavy police and paramilitary bandobast in the Haiderpora area near Srinagar airport where the funeral took place.
A senior police official said Aaqib used to be a shopkeeper, but joined the terrorist group Hizbul Mujahideen recently. A pistol and a rifle were recovered from him.
The funerals of Javaid Ahmad Shiekh and Sajid Ahmad Gilkar, the other two terrorists, both residents of the old city will be held later in the day as there is curfew in the area.
A senior police official said Sajid had 22 FIRs against him and had been arrested on Eid recently, but released shortly after. An ISIS flag was recovered from him.
At Aaqib's funeral, mourners shouted aazadi and pro-Pakistan slogans and waved Pakistani flags.
As a precautionary measure mobile internet services in Srinagar have been suspended.
Based on inputs of the presence of some terrorists in a specific house, an operation was launched by troops of Rashtriya Rifles, Special Operation Group of Jammu and Kashmir Police and Central Reserve Police Force in Radbug village of Budgam.
The joint operation was launched at around 6:00 p.m. yesterday and at about 8.30 p.m. contact was established with terrorists.
The security forces also recovered arms and ammunition and war like stores.
This came a day after militants attacked a bus carrying Amarnath Yatra pilgrims in Jammu and Kashmir's Anantnag district.
At lease seven people were killed and 19 sustained injuries in the attack.
Image: Thousands gathered at Hizbul Mujahideen terrorist Aaqib Gul's funeral this morning. Pic: Umar Ganie
12:54 2004 graft case vendetta politics, humare mooch bhi nahi aayi thi: Tejashwi
A day after Bihar's ruling Janata Dal United put pressure on Deputy Chief Minister Tejashwi Yadav to step down, the state's deputy chief minister, has finally spoken up.
Speaking to ANI, Tejashwi said, "The FIR against me is political vendetta. It's a conspiracy by Amit Shah and PM Modi.
"From day one, they have tried to break our alliance. They are bringing up cases of 2004 against me. I was 13 to 14 years old that time. How could a kid do all this?
"2004 mein to humaare mooch bhi nahi aayi thi, 13-14 saal ka baccha kaise ye sab kar sakta hai?
"The alliance is strong and will not break. The BJP will get a fitting reply."
The RJD has been adamant that Tejashwi will not resign.
The CBI registered a corruption case against Lalu Yadav, his wife Rabri Devi, son Tejashwi Yadav; former Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation Managing Director P.K. Goyal; and the wife of Lalu's confidante Prem Chand Gupta, Sujata on allegations of awarding the tender for development, maintenance and operation of hotels in Ranchi and Puri in 2006
JD(U) leader Ajay Alok told ANI, "We are in a mahagathbandhan, but to maintain the coalition, the responsibility falls on everyone. Hence, he needs to come out clean on the FIR filed by the CBI. We cannot sit silently and the JDU will cannot comprise its principles. We will take our decision accordingly."
Speaking to ANI, Tejashwi said, "The FIR against me is political vendetta. It's a conspiracy by Amit Shah and PM Modi.
"From day one, they have tried to break our alliance. They are bringing up cases of 2004 against me. I was 13 to 14 years old that time. How could a kid do all this?
"2004 mein to humaare mooch bhi nahi aayi thi, 13-14 saal ka baccha kaise ye sab kar sakta hai?
"The alliance is strong and will not break. The BJP will get a fitting reply."
The RJD has been adamant that Tejashwi will not resign.
The CBI registered a corruption case against Lalu Yadav, his wife Rabri Devi, son Tejashwi Yadav; former Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation Managing Director P.K. Goyal; and the wife of Lalu's confidante Prem Chand Gupta, Sujata on allegations of awarding the tender for development, maintenance and operation of hotels in Ranchi and Puri in 2006
JD(U) leader Ajay Alok told ANI, "We are in a mahagathbandhan, but to maintain the coalition, the responsibility falls on everyone. Hence, he needs to come out clean on the FIR filed by the CBI. We cannot sit silently and the JDU will cannot comprise its principles. We will take our decision accordingly."
12:39 Tejashwi answerable to people, needs to come clean: JD(U)
Asserting that Lalu Prasad's son and Deputy Chief Minister Tejashwi
Yadav needs to come clean with regards to a corruption case filed by
the Central Bureau of Investigation, the Janata Dal (United) on
Wednesday said that the party wouldn't compromise with its principles
and a decision would be taken accordingly.
"We are in a mahagathbandhan, but to maintain the coalition, the responsibility falls on everyone. Hence, he needs to come out clean on the FIR filed by the CBI. We cannot sit silently and the JDU will cannot comprise its principles. We will take our decision accordingly," JD(U) leader Ajay Alok told ANI.
The 'mahagathbandhan' of the Rashtriya Janata Dal and the JD(U) is going through rough waters after the CBI filed corruption charges against Tejashwi Yadav in hotel tender case. There has been an increasing demand over his resignation.
In lieu of this, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar had called the national and state lawmakers of his party for a meeting in Patna on Tuesday.
After the meeting, sources said that the party decided to give more time to Tejashwi Yadav.
The RJD supremo, however, refuted the allegations against him and called it a political conspiracy hatched by the BJP.
"We are in a mahagathbandhan, but to maintain the coalition, the responsibility falls on everyone. Hence, he needs to come out clean on the FIR filed by the CBI. We cannot sit silently and the JDU will cannot comprise its principles. We will take our decision accordingly," JD(U) leader Ajay Alok told ANI.
The 'mahagathbandhan' of the Rashtriya Janata Dal and the JD(U) is going through rough waters after the CBI filed corruption charges against Tejashwi Yadav in hotel tender case. There has been an increasing demand over his resignation.
In lieu of this, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar had called the national and state lawmakers of his party for a meeting in Patna on Tuesday.
After the meeting, sources said that the party decided to give more time to Tejashwi Yadav.
The RJD supremo, however, refuted the allegations against him and called it a political conspiracy hatched by the BJP.
12:20 Amarnath attack: Manhunt in south Kashmir for Lashkar mastermind
Security forces have launched a massive hunt to track down Lashkar-e-Tayiba commander and Pakistani national Abu Ismail, who has emerged as the mastermind of the deadly attack on Amarnath pilgrims.
Proactive operations have been launched, mainly in south Kashmir, to track down Ismail as investigations including communication intercepts have pointed to his involvement in the attack on Amarnath pilgrims, a senior police official said.
Seven Amarnath pilgrims, including six women, were killed and 19 injured when terrorists attacked a bus in Kashmir's Anantnag district on Monday evening.
The official said the attack in Anantnag appears to be a reprisal for killing of several Lashkar militants including Bashir Lashkari in an encounter with security forces earlier this month.
"The terrorists are frustrated at the back-to-back losses suffered by them during counter-insurgency operations over the past month or so and have now resorted to attacking civilians and tourists," he said.
According to the official, Ismail has been active in Kashmir for several years and had moved base to south Kashmir more than a year ago.
The Anantnag attack on Amarnath pilgrims came the same day when police announced arrest of a module of LeT including a Hindu terrorist hailing from Muzaffaranagar area of Uttar Pradesh. Lashkar has not only distanced itself from the attack on Amarnath pilgrims but also condemned the attack.
LeT spokesman Abdullah Ghaznavi, while condemning the attack on pilgrims, has said, "It is against Islamic teachings". "The attack on the pilgrims is highly reprehensible act. Islam does not allow violence against any faith," he said.
Image: Family members of an Amarnath pilgrim, killed in the Anantnag terror attack, mourn his death during his funeral in Dahanu, Maharashtra, on Tuesday. PTI Photo
Proactive operations have been launched, mainly in south Kashmir, to track down Ismail as investigations including communication intercepts have pointed to his involvement in the attack on Amarnath pilgrims, a senior police official said.
Seven Amarnath pilgrims, including six women, were killed and 19 injured when terrorists attacked a bus in Kashmir's Anantnag district on Monday evening.
The official said the attack in Anantnag appears to be a reprisal for killing of several Lashkar militants including Bashir Lashkari in an encounter with security forces earlier this month.
"The terrorists are frustrated at the back-to-back losses suffered by them during counter-insurgency operations over the past month or so and have now resorted to attacking civilians and tourists," he said.
According to the official, Ismail has been active in Kashmir for several years and had moved base to south Kashmir more than a year ago.
The Anantnag attack on Amarnath pilgrims came the same day when police announced arrest of a module of LeT including a Hindu terrorist hailing from Muzaffaranagar area of Uttar Pradesh. Lashkar has not only distanced itself from the attack on Amarnath pilgrims but also condemned the attack.
LeT spokesman Abdullah Ghaznavi, while condemning the attack on pilgrims, has said, "It is against Islamic teachings". "The attack on the pilgrims is highly reprehensible act. Islam does not allow violence against any faith," he said.
Image: Family members of an Amarnath pilgrim, killed in the Anantnag terror attack, mourn his death during his funeral in Dahanu, Maharashtra, on Tuesday. PTI Photo
12:00 Neta's daughter thrashes classmates who complained against her
Former Bahujan Samajwadi Party (BSP) MLA Yaqub Qureshi's daughter
(in black in the image alongside) allegedly thrashed four girls of Class VIII in Uttar Pradesh's Meerut on
Wednesday.
Describing the incident, the principal of Meerut Public School told ANI, "Two class-VIII girls didn't attend classes; their relatives came to school and beat up the girls who complained about them. A case has been registered against them."
The Superintendent of Police, Meerut said that the students were terrified after the incident.
"We are examining CCTV footage. Parents of other students have also raised concerns," he added.
Qureshi's daughter was accompanied by two women and 10 armed men.
-- ANI
Describing the incident, the principal of Meerut Public School told ANI, "Two class-VIII girls didn't attend classes; their relatives came to school and beat up the girls who complained about them. A case has been registered against them."
The Superintendent of Police, Meerut said that the students were terrified after the incident.
"We are examining CCTV footage. Parents of other students have also raised concerns," he added.
Qureshi's daughter was accompanied by two women and 10 armed men.
-- ANI
11:55 China's Nobel-winning dissident suffers multi-organ failure
Chinese dissident and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Liu Xiaobo, who has terminal liver cancer, suffered multi-organ failure on Tuesday, the local medical team treating him said.
The hospital in the north of the country where Liu, 61, was admitted said in a statement that he had been suffering from a stomach infection, peritonitis, organ dysfunction and septic shock, a critical condition that can lead to death, IANS, quoting Efe news, reported.
The dissident was receiving treatment for infection and support for organ function, and doctors were making all efforts to save his life, the hospital said.
The update on Liu's health came amid criticism from the international community, after American and German doctors were allowed to visit him over the weekend. They contradicted the Chinese version, saying the Nobel laureate could be taken abroad for treatment.
The German Embassy in Beijing complained on Monday that authorities recorded the meeting between the doctors and Liu without the consent of the German side and later leaked some carefully selected parts of it to the Chinese media.
Official newspaper Global Times used one of these videos to argue in an editorial piece that "foreign forces were using the Liu case to meet political ends and that China would not yield to international pressure".
Friends and supporters of the Nobel Peace laureate continued to urge Beijing to allow Liu and his wife Liu Xia to seek medical aid in another country.
The hospital in the north of the country where Liu, 61, was admitted said in a statement that he had been suffering from a stomach infection, peritonitis, organ dysfunction and septic shock, a critical condition that can lead to death, IANS, quoting Efe news, reported.
The dissident was receiving treatment for infection and support for organ function, and doctors were making all efforts to save his life, the hospital said.
The update on Liu's health came amid criticism from the international community, after American and German doctors were allowed to visit him over the weekend. They contradicted the Chinese version, saying the Nobel laureate could be taken abroad for treatment.
The German Embassy in Beijing complained on Monday that authorities recorded the meeting between the doctors and Liu without the consent of the German side and later leaked some carefully selected parts of it to the Chinese media.
Official newspaper Global Times used one of these videos to argue in an editorial piece that "foreign forces were using the Liu case to meet political ends and that China would not yield to international pressure".
Friends and supporters of the Nobel Peace laureate continued to urge Beijing to allow Liu and his wife Liu Xia to seek medical aid in another country.
11:41 News updates
J&K: MoS PMO Dr Jitendra Singh and MoS Home Hansraj Ahir visited Amarnath Yatra pilgrims' camp at Pantha Chowk in Srinagar.
Bihar: CM Nitish Kumar holds Cabinet meeting, deputy CM Tejashwi Yadav in attendance.
Bihar: CM Nitish Kumar holds Cabinet meeting, deputy CM Tejashwi Yadav in attendance.
11:15 5-judge Constitution Bench to hear Aadhaar pleas on Jul 18-19
The Supreme Court today said that its five-judge Constitution Bench will sit on July 18 and 19 to hear matters relating to Aadhaar, including the aspect of right to privacy.
Attorney General K K Venugopal and senior advocate Shyam Divan, appearing for petitioners who have challenged government's move to make Aadhaar mandatory for various public welfare schemes, jointly mentioned the matter before the bench and requested that there should be an early hearing by the Constitution Bench in the matter.
Attorney General K K Venugopal and senior advocate Shyam Divan, appearing for petitioners who have challenged government's move to make Aadhaar mandatory for various public welfare schemes, jointly mentioned the matter before the bench and requested that there should be an early hearing by the Constitution Bench in the matter.
11:12 Rajiv Rao moves on from Ogilvy
Just two days after Ogilvy India announced the appointment of Sonal Dabral as Vice Chairman and Group Chief Creative Officer, the agency has announced that its National Creaative Director Rajiv Rao has decided to move on. Rao will continue as Ogilvy India's National Creative Leader till Dabral takes over and a smooth transition is complete. Read more
11:06 Amartya cannot say 'cow'
The Argumentative Indian, a documentary on Amartya Sen by economist Suman Ghosh, will not release in Calcutta this weekend because the filmmaker has refused to follow the Central Board of Film Certification's diktat of beeping out the certain words spoken by the Nobel laureate. Read the full report here.
11:00 Pilgrims are not scared, security forces made huge contribution: MHA
MoS PMO Dr Jitendra Singh and MoS Home Hansraj Ahir brief the media in Srinagar in the aftermath of the attack on Amarnath yatris. Highlights of the press conference...
-- We are here on behalf of PM to express our solidarity.
-- Even after the attack, Amarnath Yatris are unfazed and enthusiastic. Pilgrims are not scared. Yatra will continue.
- Govt and state govt are serious about the incidents that are happening.
-- We met Governor NN Vohra and CM Mehbooba Mufti of J&K.
-- The CM has handled the situation well, all injured have been sent to their respective homes.
-- Govt helping victims financially.
-- Satisfied with police efforts.
-- Security forces have made huge contribution.
-- We are working to improve security.
-- Emotions of the whole nation attached with Jammu and Kashmir.
- Congratulate the people of J&K for the kind of resilience they have shown in the last 25 years.
- PM is personally monitoring the Jammu and Kashmir situation.
-- We are here on behalf of PM to express our solidarity.
-- Even after the attack, Amarnath Yatris are unfazed and enthusiastic. Pilgrims are not scared. Yatra will continue.
- Govt and state govt are serious about the incidents that are happening.
-- We met Governor NN Vohra and CM Mehbooba Mufti of J&K.
-- The CM has handled the situation well, all injured have been sent to their respective homes.
-- Govt helping victims financially.
-- Satisfied with police efforts.
-- Security forces have made huge contribution.
-- We are working to improve security.
-- Emotions of the whole nation attached with Jammu and Kashmir.
- Congratulate the people of J&K for the kind of resilience they have shown in the last 25 years.
- PM is personally monitoring the Jammu and Kashmir situation.
10:36 Nitish nod for Gopalkrishna Gandhi after Rahul calls him
Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi has spoken to Bihar CM Nitish Kumar seeking his support for the Opposition's Vice Presidential candidate Gopalkrishna Gandhi, reports ANI.
Reports say that the Bihar CM has assured Rahul of JD-U's support to Gandhi and told the Congress leader that Gandhi was his first preference as Presidential candidate.
Gopalkrishna Gandhi also spoke to Nitish Kumar.
This comes as a relief to the Opposition as Nitish's JD-U announced support for NDA Presidential candidate Ram Nath Kovind and not the Opposition candidate Meira Kumar.
Reports say that the JD-U was miffed with the Congress, its alliance partner in Bihar, after senior party leader leader Ghulam Nabi Azad attacked Nitish Kumar for breaking ranks with the Opposition and supporting Kovind for the July 17 presidential poll.
Reports say that the Bihar CM has assured Rahul of JD-U's support to Gandhi and told the Congress leader that Gandhi was his first preference as Presidential candidate.
Gopalkrishna Gandhi also spoke to Nitish Kumar.
This comes as a relief to the Opposition as Nitish's JD-U announced support for NDA Presidential candidate Ram Nath Kovind and not the Opposition candidate Meira Kumar.
Reports say that the JD-U was miffed with the Congress, its alliance partner in Bihar, after senior party leader leader Ghulam Nabi Azad attacked Nitish Kumar for breaking ranks with the Opposition and supporting Kovind for the July 17 presidential poll.
10:19 Anantnag attack: BJP says Rahul's comments immature
The BJP on Wedensday lashed out at Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi's 'lack of maturity' over his attempts to politicise the Anantnag terror attack that killed seven pilgrims.
"While the whole country is united at this dark hour, there are some discordant voices like Rahul Gandhi's. Right now, we need to go after the enemy, not place blame and politicise the matter. This is something that people who are not mature don't understand," BJP leader RK Singh told ANI.
"Whatever corrective action is necessary, it will be taken in due course of time," he added.
In a series of tweets condemning the attack on the Amarnath Yatra pilgrims, Rahul had called upon Prime Minister Narendra Modi to take responsibility for the same, adding that the attack was the result of a 'grave and unacceptable security lapse'.
The incident occurred at 8.20 p.m. on Monday when the bus, carrying 17 pilgrims from Baltal to Mir Bazar, became victim to the terrorist attack. As many as seven people were killed and 15 others injured.
"While the whole country is united at this dark hour, there are some discordant voices like Rahul Gandhi's. Right now, we need to go after the enemy, not place blame and politicise the matter. This is something that people who are not mature don't understand," BJP leader RK Singh told ANI.
"Whatever corrective action is necessary, it will be taken in due course of time," he added.
In a series of tweets condemning the attack on the Amarnath Yatra pilgrims, Rahul had called upon Prime Minister Narendra Modi to take responsibility for the same, adding that the attack was the result of a 'grave and unacceptable security lapse'.
The incident occurred at 8.20 p.m. on Monday when the bus, carrying 17 pilgrims from Baltal to Mir Bazar, became victim to the terrorist attack. As many as seven people were killed and 15 others injured.
10:04 Kaziranga rhinos stuck in rising floodwaters
Large parts of Kaziranga National Park in Assam have been inundated due to incessant rain. More than 50 per cent of the area has been submerged with elephants, rhinos and deer migrating to the upper reaches of the park at Karbi Hills. However, as this image shows, many animals were caught in the floodwaters with little chances of escape. In fact, ANI reports that the flood level is expected to rise.
M Das, Assistant Conservator, Kaziranga National Park said many animals were dead, with some killed by speeding vehicles on the National Highway 37, which passes through the Park.
Forest guards have started patrolling the area in boats for fear that poachers would seize the opportunity and cull the stranded animals.
Till now, the flood has inundated more than 20 districts of the state. The death toll in the current floods rose to 32 after seven more people were killed on Monday. The Brahmaputra continued to flow above the red mark throughout the state for the fourth consecutive day. -- Agencies
M Das, Assistant Conservator, Kaziranga National Park said many animals were dead, with some killed by speeding vehicles on the National Highway 37, which passes through the Park.
Forest guards have started patrolling the area in boats for fear that poachers would seize the opportunity and cull the stranded animals.
Till now, the flood has inundated more than 20 districts of the state. The death toll in the current floods rose to 32 after seven more people were killed on Monday. The Brahmaputra continued to flow above the red mark throughout the state for the fourth consecutive day. -- Agencies
09:43 The hideout of the Hizbul Mujahideen terrorists
The house where the three Hizbul Mujahideen terrorists were killed by security forces near Budgam district in Jammu and Kashmir.
Based on inputs of the presence of some terrorists in a specific house, an operation was launched by troops of Rashtriya Rifles, Special Operation Group of Jammu and Kashmir Police and Central Reserve Police Force in Radbug village of Budgam. -- ANI
Based on inputs of the presence of some terrorists in a specific house, an operation was launched by troops of Rashtriya Rifles, Special Operation Group of Jammu and Kashmir Police and Central Reserve Police Force in Radbug village of Budgam. -- ANI
09:34 Nautankibaaj Nitish doing drama on Tejaswi's resignation: BJP
The BJP on Wednesday slammed Nitish Kumar for giving a four-day deadline to Deputy Chief Minister Tejaswi Yadav to prove his innocence in the corruption case and said the Bihar Chief Minister was 'doing drama' to keep himself safe.
"Nitish-ji is Nautankibaaz (drama king). He is playing politics very smartly. He has given time to RJD just to keep himself safe. Everything is clear after the CBI raid and FIR. Nitish is playing a gimmick and the people of Bihar know this game. He should not do this drama," BJP leader Gopla Narayan Singh told ANI.
Echoing the same, BJP leader Ashwani Chaubey said Nitish is trying to give clean chit to Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief Lalu Prasad Yadav and his family.
"This is laughable. They are doing drama and nothing else. The people are trying to give clean chit to Lalu Prasad and his family. Lalu has defamed Bihar and politics. There is no place for such corrupt politicians. Nitish should oust such corrupt leaders. They are trying to deceive the people by doing this drama," he told ANI.
Nitish Kumar-led Janata Dal (United) yesterday gave four days to RJD to decide on the resignation of Tejaswi Yadav, who has been facing allegations of corruption in connection with a land-for-hotels case.The JD (U), however, did not ask for the resignation of Tejaswi and asked him to "come out with facts in public against the accusations" within four days.
Chairing a crucial meeting of JD(U) legislators, ex- legislators, office bearers and district chiefs, Nitish Kumar was quoted as saying that his party knows how to follow "gatbandhan dharma" (coalition dharma) and also making "political sacrifices"."Party knows how to follow gatbandhan dharma...JD(U) has a record of facing political challenges by making political sacrifices," JD(U) spokesman Neeraj Kumar told reporters while briefing about the meeting.
The RJD, however, ruled out the resignation of Tejaswi and said his work as Deputy Chief Minister was being appreciated by the people.
"Nitish-ji is Nautankibaaz (drama king). He is playing politics very smartly. He has given time to RJD just to keep himself safe. Everything is clear after the CBI raid and FIR. Nitish is playing a gimmick and the people of Bihar know this game. He should not do this drama," BJP leader Gopla Narayan Singh told ANI.
Echoing the same, BJP leader Ashwani Chaubey said Nitish is trying to give clean chit to Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief Lalu Prasad Yadav and his family.
"This is laughable. They are doing drama and nothing else. The people are trying to give clean chit to Lalu Prasad and his family. Lalu has defamed Bihar and politics. There is no place for such corrupt politicians. Nitish should oust such corrupt leaders. They are trying to deceive the people by doing this drama," he told ANI.
Nitish Kumar-led Janata Dal (United) yesterday gave four days to RJD to decide on the resignation of Tejaswi Yadav, who has been facing allegations of corruption in connection with a land-for-hotels case.The JD (U), however, did not ask for the resignation of Tejaswi and asked him to "come out with facts in public against the accusations" within four days.
Chairing a crucial meeting of JD(U) legislators, ex- legislators, office bearers and district chiefs, Nitish Kumar was quoted as saying that his party knows how to follow "gatbandhan dharma" (coalition dharma) and also making "political sacrifices"."Party knows how to follow gatbandhan dharma...JD(U) has a record of facing political challenges by making political sacrifices," JD(U) spokesman Neeraj Kumar told reporters while briefing about the meeting.
The RJD, however, ruled out the resignation of Tejaswi and said his work as Deputy Chief Minister was being appreciated by the people.
09:22 Kashmir stares at a new and demanding demon
A new demon has unveiled intent in the Valley and it should frighten
Kashmiris most. It's recklessly provocative, and it could be snaring a
populace to aftermaths not entirely of its conceiving. It is blood-fed
and it will beget blood.
Swift and unequivocal condemnation and distancing from yesterday's terror assault on Amarnath yatris at Khannabal is a sign Kashmiris might have heard the alarm. The flag they've raised to flay the attack is a standard of disapproval and a sense of shame. Read more here.
09:15 Send gau rakshaks to fight terrorists: Uddhav to BJP
In a dig at the BJP over the terror attack on Amarnath pilgrims, Shiv Sena president Uddhav Thackeray today asked the senior ally of his party to send 'gau rakshaks' to fight terrorists in the Valley.
Seven Amarnath pilgrims, including six women, were killed and 19 injured when terrorists attacked a bus in Kashmir's Anantnag district last evening. While five of the deceased hailed from neighbouring Gujarat, two were from Maharashtra.
"They (the BJP) used to say that do not bring sports, culture etc. in political issues. Today, religion and politics came together in the form of the terror attack. Should we understand that none of those terrorists would have been alive today if they had cow meat in their bags and not weapons?
"The issue of 'gau rakshaks' is raging today. Why don't you send these vigilantes to fight terrorists?" Thackeray asked while addressing representatives of various Ganesh mandals for the upcoming festival in Mumbai.
Thackeray, whose party shares an uneasy relationship with the BJP, further said, "If the BJP government can talk to separatists in the Kashmir Valley to resolve their issues, they can certainly talk with those wishing to celebrate the Ganesh festival amidst fanfare."
Seven Amarnath pilgrims, including six women, were killed and 19 injured when terrorists attacked a bus in Kashmir's Anantnag district last evening. While five of the deceased hailed from neighbouring Gujarat, two were from Maharashtra.
"They (the BJP) used to say that do not bring sports, culture etc. in political issues. Today, religion and politics came together in the form of the terror attack. Should we understand that none of those terrorists would have been alive today if they had cow meat in their bags and not weapons?
"The issue of 'gau rakshaks' is raging today. Why don't you send these vigilantes to fight terrorists?" Thackeray asked while addressing representatives of various Ganesh mandals for the upcoming festival in Mumbai.
Thackeray, whose party shares an uneasy relationship with the BJP, further said, "If the BJP government can talk to separatists in the Kashmir Valley to resolve their issues, they can certainly talk with those wishing to celebrate the Ganesh festival amidst fanfare."
08:51 Largest batch of pilgrims leaves for Amarnath amid high security
Largest batch of Amarnath Yatra pilgrims left Jammu for Pahalgam and Baltal amid high security on Wednesday morning.
This came two days after terror attack on pilgrims, killing seven of them in Anantnag district of Jammu and Kashmir.
Meanwhile, defence experts on Wednesday said the terror attack on Amarnath Yatra pilgrims took place due to intelligence failure and security lapse.
"There was intelligence failure and security lapse and terrorist had all the inputs on the movements of this vehicle. The sad thing is, after carrying out the attack, they successfully fled from that place," defence expert P K Sehgal told ANI.
He further said the perpetrator would be taken to task and dealt with in next couple of days.
Condemning the attack, defence expert Rahul Jalali said, "The attack was truly a blot on Kashmiri's face. However, there is ray of hope as locals have protested against the attack."
The Jammu and Kashmir Cabinet under the leadership of Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti granted ex gratia of Rs 6 lakh to the next of kin killed in the attack.
Apart from this, Rs 2 lakh will be given to the grievously injured and Rs 1 lakh to the one who sustained minor injury.
Separately, Governor N N Vohra, Chairman of Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board has announced relief of Rs 5 lakh to the next of kin of those killed in the incident, Rs 1.5 lakh with grievous injuries and Rs 75,000 minor injuries pilgrims. -- ANI
IMAGE: Security personnel frisk the yatris and the locals before they head towards the holy cave shrine following the attack on Amarnath pilgrims, at Nuwun base Camp in South Kashmir. Photograph: S Irfan/PTI Photo
This came two days after terror attack on pilgrims, killing seven of them in Anantnag district of Jammu and Kashmir.
Meanwhile, defence experts on Wednesday said the terror attack on Amarnath Yatra pilgrims took place due to intelligence failure and security lapse.
"There was intelligence failure and security lapse and terrorist had all the inputs on the movements of this vehicle. The sad thing is, after carrying out the attack, they successfully fled from that place," defence expert P K Sehgal told ANI.
He further said the perpetrator would be taken to task and dealt with in next couple of days.
Condemning the attack, defence expert Rahul Jalali said, "The attack was truly a blot on Kashmiri's face. However, there is ray of hope as locals have protested against the attack."
The Jammu and Kashmir Cabinet under the leadership of Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti granted ex gratia of Rs 6 lakh to the next of kin killed in the attack.
Apart from this, Rs 2 lakh will be given to the grievously injured and Rs 1 lakh to the one who sustained minor injury.
Separately, Governor N N Vohra, Chairman of Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board has announced relief of Rs 5 lakh to the next of kin of those killed in the incident, Rs 1.5 lakh with grievous injuries and Rs 75,000 minor injuries pilgrims. -- ANI
IMAGE: Security personnel frisk the yatris and the locals before they head towards the holy cave shrine following the attack on Amarnath pilgrims, at Nuwun base Camp in South Kashmir. Photograph: S Irfan/PTI Photo
08:31 Amarnath terror attack reprehensible: US
The terror attack that killed seven Amarnath pilgrims in Kashmir is reprehensible, the Trump Administration has said as several lawmakers joined in to condemn the dastardly act.
"We consider it to have been a terrorist attack in the state of Jammu and Kashmir in which seven religious pilgrims were killed. That's of great concern to us," State Department spokesperson Heather Nauert told reporters at a news conference.
"These were civilians, they were killed as they were exercising their right to worship and that is, in large part, what makes this so reprehensible. That is a great concern to us and our thoughts and prayers go out to those people and to their families as well. Our prayers are with the victims and those who were affected," she said.
Meanwhile several US lawmakers condemned the terrorist attack.
"My thoughts and prayers to all of the Amarnath Yatra terror attack victims and their families. The attack is reprehensible and must be condemned," said Congressman Will Hurd.
"The terrorist attack on Amarnath Pilgrims is outrageous," said Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee.
'Religion is a fundamental right and human right #AmarnathYatra #ReligiousFreedom,' she tweeted.
Congressman John Ratcliffe in his tweet, sent his prayers to the families of those killed in the 'horrific terrorist' attack.
Congressman Jim Costa said he is 'deeply saddened at the cowardly attack' on innocent Amarnath Yatra pilgrims.
"My thoughts and prayers are with you," he said.
'The terrorist attack on AmarnathYatra is reprehensible and must be condemned,' tweeted Congressman Ted Poe.
'Our hearts go out to the victims of the terrorist attack on #AmarnathYatra. We must stand united against these deplorable acts of terror,' said Congressman John Culberson.
Hindus and pilgrims of every religion should be able to visit their holy places without fear of attacks by terrorists, said Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard. -- PTI
"We consider it to have been a terrorist attack in the state of Jammu and Kashmir in which seven religious pilgrims were killed. That's of great concern to us," State Department spokesperson Heather Nauert told reporters at a news conference.
"These were civilians, they were killed as they were exercising their right to worship and that is, in large part, what makes this so reprehensible. That is a great concern to us and our thoughts and prayers go out to those people and to their families as well. Our prayers are with the victims and those who were affected," she said.
Meanwhile several US lawmakers condemned the terrorist attack.
"My thoughts and prayers to all of the Amarnath Yatra terror attack victims and their families. The attack is reprehensible and must be condemned," said Congressman Will Hurd.
"The terrorist attack on Amarnath Pilgrims is outrageous," said Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee.
'Religion is a fundamental right and human right #AmarnathYatra #ReligiousFreedom,' she tweeted.
Congressman John Ratcliffe in his tweet, sent his prayers to the families of those killed in the 'horrific terrorist' attack.
Congressman Jim Costa said he is 'deeply saddened at the cowardly attack' on innocent Amarnath Yatra pilgrims.
"My thoughts and prayers are with you," he said.
'The terrorist attack on AmarnathYatra is reprehensible and must be condemned,' tweeted Congressman Ted Poe.
'Our hearts go out to the victims of the terrorist attack on #AmarnathYatra. We must stand united against these deplorable acts of terror,' said Congressman John Culberson.
Hindus and pilgrims of every religion should be able to visit their holy places without fear of attacks by terrorists, said Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard. -- PTI
08:11 3 Hizbul terrorists killed in Budgam encounter
Three Hizbul Mujahideen terrorists were killed by security forces near Budgam district in Jammu and Kashmir late on Tuesday night.
Based on inputs of presence of some terrorists in a specific house, an operation was launched by troops of Rashtriya Rifles, Special Operation Group of Jammu and Kashmir Police and Central Reserve Police Force in Radbug village of Budgam.
The joint operation was launched at around 6 pm yesterday and at about 8.30 pm contact was established with terrorists.
The security forces also recovered arms and ammunition and war like stores.
This came a day after terrorists attacked a bus carrying Amarnath Yatra pilgrims in Jammu and Kashmir's Anantnag district. -- ANI
Image for representation only.
Based on inputs of presence of some terrorists in a specific house, an operation was launched by troops of Rashtriya Rifles, Special Operation Group of Jammu and Kashmir Police and Central Reserve Police Force in Radbug village of Budgam.
The joint operation was launched at around 6 pm yesterday and at about 8.30 pm contact was established with terrorists.
The security forces also recovered arms and ammunition and war like stores.
This came a day after terrorists attacked a bus carrying Amarnath Yatra pilgrims in Jammu and Kashmir's Anantnag district. -- ANI
Image for representation only.
01:05 IB raises red flag over allowing 100% FDI in domestic airlines
The Intelligence Bureau has raised serious concerns over the government's proposal to allow 100 per cent foreign direct investment in local airlines citing security issues, a source said.
Concerns were raised during a meeting chaired by Home Secretary Rajiv Mehrishi which was attended by senior officials from the civil aviation ministry and the IB. The meeting, held last month, was convened to discuss issues related to proposed amendments to the Aircraft Rules, 1937.
To a query about the concerns raised by the IB, Civil Aviation Minister Ashok Gajapathi Raju said nothing has come to his notice.
If anything comes and concerns are raised, then they have to be looked into, he told television channel CNBC-TV18 in an interview.
He also said the Cabinet decision on allowing 100 per cent FDI in airlines holds.
The amendments to the Aircraft Rules are required to operationalise the framework for allowing foreign non-airline players to own up to 100 per cent stake in domestic carriers. While the liberalised FDI policy was announced last year, it can be implemented only after putting in place the relevant rules.
According to the source, who is not authorised to speak to the media, the IB is of the view that foreign players should not be allowed to have 100 per cent stake in domestic airlines as aviation is a "highly sensitive sector".
During the meeting, the IB also submitted that even developed countries like the US and Canada have permitted foreign entities to have only up to 25 per cent stake in their respective domestic carriers.
Another concern raised was on the grounds that many airports having commercial operations are with the defence establishment. Allowing foreign players to fully own domestic carriers might pose threat to national security, especially during the times of conflict, the source said.
00:45 UN chief Guterres condemns Amarnath terror attack
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned the terror attack that killed seven Amarnath pilgrims in Kashmir, his spokesperson said, asserting that he was closely looking at the situation.
Seven Amarnath pilgrims, most of them women, were killed and 19 others injured in the terrorist attack in south Kashmir's Anantnag district on Monday night.
The bus, bearing Gujarat registration number, was on its way from Baltal to Jammu when the attack took place.
"The deaths of civilians... is to be condemned in any situation," Guterres' spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said at the daily press briefing here in response to a question by PTI about the Secretary-General's comments on the attack.
When asked about his response on the fact that the attack was reportedly masterminded by a Pakistan-based militant leader, Dujarric said he would only comment on the deaths of civilians.
"We are obviously looking more closer to exactly what happened," he added.
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