Breaking News Online

Advani slams Govt over leakage of Liberhan Report to Media

2009-11-23T11:27:00.003+05:30

New Delhi: Breaking News! The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has reacted sharply to the leakage of Justice Liberhan Commission report to a newspaper. Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha LK Advani expressed shock and surprise over the leakage and demanded the report to be tabled in the Parliament immediately. "I reiterate my commitment for building a Ram Temple in Ayodhya", said Advani.

The Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha witnessed uproarious scenes, as BJP MPs shouted slogans against the government and demanded the report to be made public. Both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha were adjourned till 12 PM.

Union Home Minister P Chidambaram responded to Advani's comments in the Lok Sabha and assured the house that the Liberhan Commission report and ATR will be tabled in the Parliament during the current winter session, but the BJP MPs opposed to it, saying they want the report to be tabled today.

Chidambaram also clarified the report is safe with the Home Ministry and nobody from the Ministry leaked the report to Media.

Earlier, a leading newspaper carried some parts of Liberhan Commission report, saying the commission has indicted Atal Bihari Vajpayee, LK Advani, Murli Manohar Joshi and Uma Bharti for the demolition of Babri Mosque on December 6, 1992.

The latest development may reunite the disintegrated BJP leaders and cadres, as Atal Bihari Vajpayee's name in the report has come as a shock and surprise for all, even to the people outside BJP.

BJP spokesperson Rajiv Pratap Rudy accused the Congress of trying to divert the country's attention from other real issues such as price rise, farmers' problems and Madhu Koda's scam. "It was a selective leakage", he said.

Liberhan Commission indicts Atal, Advani and Joshi !

2009-11-23T09:45:00.004+05:30

New Delhi: Breaking News! According to newspaper reports, the Justice Liberhan Commission has indicted former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha LK Advani and former BJP President Murli Manohar Joshi for the demolition of Babri Masjid on December 6, 1992. Justice Manmohan Singh Liberhan also concluded that it was a meticulously planned event.

Although the Liberhan Commission is yet to be tabled in the Parliament, the newspaper claimed to have access to the documents and said that in addition to the above leaders, the report also indicted Uma Bharti and other VHP leaders.

The Liberhan Commission analysed the entire sequence of events with the facts and circumstances and said that it was obvious that the top BJP leaders were aware of the plan leading to the demolition of Babri Mosque.

The Liberhan Commission report reportedly criticised many Muslim leaders from the Babri Masjid Action Committee and the All India Babri Masjid Action Committee.

While it indicted the then Kalyan Singh government in Uttar Pradesh for not seeking central intervention, the report gave a clean chit to Narasimha Rao government at the Centre. It is not clear who leaked the report to the press and why.

Swine Flu Death Toll rises to 553 in India

2009-11-23T00:10:00.002+05:30

New Delhi: Breaking News! At least 10 died of Swine Flu across the country, taking the death toll to 553. Four deaths were reported from Maharashtra, while three deaths reported from Rahjasthan. Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Gujarat reported one Swine Flu death each. Maharashtra has accounted for 219 Swine Flu deaths - the highest in the country.

After Maharashtra, Karnataka is on second spot with 120 Swine Flu deaths, followed by Andhra Pradesh (50), Gujarat (46) and Rajasthan (33).

127 new cases of Swine Flu were reported in the country, taking the total number of affected people to 16,328. Delhi reported 40 new cases, while Rajasthan and Haryana reported 24 and 23 cases respectively.

Police and Students clash in JNU, Several injured

2009-11-23T00:05:00.003+05:30

New Delhi: Breaking News! Several students and police personnel were injured during the clashes inside the JNU Campus on Sunday night. The police resorted to lathicharge and lobbed teargas shells to disperse the violent students. The tension began, when the police arrested four outsider youths for allegedly misbehaving with girls.

The four outsiders came inside the JNU campus at 3:30 PM. They were found drinking in their Hyundai Accent car. When they misbehaved with the girl students and passed lewd remarks, one of the girls reported the matter to the JNU Security and they called the police.

According to some eye-witnesses, one of four accused claimed to be the son of a police officer and even threatened the security guard with a gun. They all were in a drunken state.

Over 500 JNU students gathered around the police van, when the police was trying to take the accused to the police station. They demanded apology from the accused, and became violent when police did not allow the youths to come out of the vehicle. The police did not even reveal the identity of the accused, even if the students demanded so.

Bollywood Heartthrob Shilpa Shetty marries Raj Kundra

2009-11-22T22:18:00.003+05:30

Mumbai: Breaking News! Bollywood Actress Shilpa Shetty finally got married to London-based businessman Raj Kundra in a grand ceremony in Khandala today. The wedding took place at business tycoon Kiran Bawa's villa. A selected number of friends and close friends of Shilpa Shetty and Raj Kundra were present at the wedding.

The wedding was a private ceremony, with only Sunny Deol, Suneil Shetty, Jackky Bhagnani and Vasu Bhagnani represented the Bollywood. Shilpa Shetty wore a burgundy and red saree, designed by Tarun Tahiliani. Raj Kundra was dressed in a maroon and gold sherwani designed by Shantanu and Nikhil.

Shilpa and Raj's wedding held as per the rituals of the Mangalorean style. The Mehndi and Sangeet were held as per the Punjabi tradition, while the wedding was held as per the South Indian tradition. Shilpa and Raj will host a grand reception in Mumbai on November 24.

5 killed, 25 injured, as 3 Blasts rock Nalbari in Assam

2009-11-22T11:18:00.006+05:30

Guwahati: Breaking News! At least three powerful blasts rocked Nalbari district in Assam this morning. The blasts occurred at 10:15 AM. At least 5 people were killed and 25 others injured due to the blasts. Two blasts were triggered in front of Sadar Police Station and the third blast occurred in a market.

The explosives were reportedly planted on a bicycle. The United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) is suspected to be behind the blasts. The security forces have cordoned off the area. The injured are being rushed to the hospitals.

Nalbari district is about 70 km west of Assam's main city of Guwahati. The nature of the blasts is immediately not known. Further details are awaited.

Former Odisha CM JB Patnaik appointed as Governor of Assam

2009-11-22T00:02:00.000+05:30

New Delhi: Breaking News! Senior Congress leader and former Odisha Chief Minister JB Patnaik has been appointed as the Governor of Assam. JB or Janaki Ballabh Patnaik will succeed Syed Sibtey Razi, whose term will come to an end on December 9, 2009. The appointment was announced by the Rashtrapati Bhavan.

Dr. D.Y. Patil has been appointed as the Governor of Tripura. He will replace Dr. Kamla, who has been transferred to Gujarat.

The 82-year-old JB Patnaik dominated Odisha politics for over two decades. He was the Chief Minister of the state for three times. He was a former journalist and a well known writer in Odisha.

Mr. JB Patnaik, earned bad reputation as a corrupt politician, but no charges against him could be proved till date. He has many detractors within his own party. He was the Leader of Opposition in the last Assembly. People in Odisha believe that JB Patnaik's departure may help Congress improve its public image in the state.

Silkina Kaur out of Lux Perfect Bride, as Rajbeer saves Gurpreet

2009-11-21T23:27:00.003+05:30

Mumbai: Breaking News! In a shocking, but expected development, 23-year-old Silkina Kaur, who had entered 'Lux Perfect Bride' just a week ago, was eliminated from the show tonight. Silkina, a HR Consultant, had shown interest in Yashdeep, but he failed to take decision in this short period.

Hitesh's mom Sudesh Rani Chauhan wanted to eliminate Gurpreet Kaur, as she failed to impress any Kunwar and did not find herself going with either Yashdeep or Vivek. However, Rajveer, who was eliminated by Gurpreet a few weeks ago, saved her and Sudesh Rani had to choose Silkina for elimination.

Meanwhile, Priyanka Sharma was chosen the 'Lux Bride of the Week". She will eliminate a Kunwar from the show next week. While it is widely expected that Priyanka will eliminate either Vivek or Yashdeep, she may even want to end Sudesh Rani's dominance in the house and eliminate Hitesh from the show.

Media is not God, says Shiv Sena Chief Bal Thackeray

2009-11-21T21:24:00.002+05:30

Mumbai: Breaking News! Shiv Sena supremo Bal Thackeray defended the attack on IBN-Lokmat office in Mumbai by his Shiv Sainiks, saying media is not god and it cannot malign someone just for the sake of writing. He also accused the media of blowing the Sachin episode out of proportion by twisting his comments.

Bal Thackeray accused the media of false and biased reporting and justified the attacks as a spontaneous reaction of Marathi anger. He also said that a section of the media is being influenced by corrupt politicians and other influential people.

2 Pakistanis arrested in Italy for links with 26/11 Attacks

2009-11-21T18:30:00.004+05:30

New Delhi: Breaking News! According to latest reports, two people of Pakistani origin were arrested in Italy for their alleged links with 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks. The father-son duo were identified as Mohammad Yaqub Janjua (60) and Aamer Yaqub Janjua (31). They were arrested following leads from Indian and US investigators.

The two Pakistani people ran a money transfer agency. They were picked up by the police from Brescia in northern Italy. They are accused of transferring US$ 229 to activate an Internet phone account that was used by the attackers and their accomplices during the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks.

IBN-Lokmat Attack: 17 Shiv Sainiks sent to Police Custody

2009-11-21T18:20:00.002+05:30

Mumbai: Breaking News! A local court in Mumbai, has sent all 17 Shiv Sainiks to two-day judicial custody for attacking the IBN-Lokmat office in Mumbai yesterday. The arrested people will remain in police custody till November 23. They were produced before the Vikhroli Metropolitan Magistrate today.

The hooligans have been booked under various sections of the IPC, which included attempt to murder, outraging the modesty of women and assault on media persons. The police will interrogate them to reach the mastermind behind this attack.

It is believed that Shiv Sena MP and Saamna Editor Sanjay Raut's brother Sunil Raut was behind the attack on IBN office. He is still absconding.

Airtel slashes Roaming Rate by 60% to 60 paise Per Minute

2009-11-21T18:12:00.002+05:30

New Delhi: Breaking News! In a significant step to woo its customers, the Bharti Airtel has come up with a new tariff plan, which will slash the roaming rate by 60 percent. The new plan will enable the customers to call at 60 paise per minute within the network and 80 paise per minute outside the network.

The Airtel customers will have to pay Rs 98 to avail the lower roaming tariffs. Reliance is already offering a lower roaming rate of 50 paise per minute on all networks. Other service providers such as BSNL, Idea and Vodafone are expected to come up with similar roaming plans to beat the competition.

SC Panel slams Reddy Brothers from Bellary for doing Illegal Mining

2009-11-21T13:23:00.002+05:30

Hyderabad: Breaking News! The Reddy brothers from Bellary, who created a political storm in Karnataka earlier this month, are in a tight spot now. The Supreme Court has said that their companies are involved in illegal mining in the area on Andhra Pradesh-Karnataka border. The report was given by the apex court's Central Empowered Committee (CEC).

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister K Rosaiah has already said that he will ask for a CBI probe to expose the Reddy brothers. According to the SC panel, Karnataka Tourism Minister G Janardhan Reddy's company, Obulapuram Mining Company (OMC) was carrying out illegal mining of iron ore.

The SC panel also slammed the previous Andhra Pradesh government for allowing Reddy brothers to do illegal mining. The Bellary brothers, who created huge trouble for Karnataka CM BS Yeddyurappa, are said to have good relations with late YSR's son, YS Jaganmohan Reddy, which was denied by the later.

ICA asks Government to ban Mobile Phones with IMEI Numbers

2009-11-21T13:12:00.002+05:30

New Delhi: Breaking News! The Indian Cellular Association (ICA) has asked the Government to impose a ban on all devices having a cloned IMEI Numbers. It will make things difficult for the Chinese mobile phones that do not have IMEI numbers. The government has already made it clear that the mobile phones without an IMEI number, won't be allowed to remain functional after November 30.

The 15-digit IMEI number is a legal requirement for all GSM mobiles. But some unbranded China mobiles are available in Indian market without IMEI Numbers. Even in some cases it comes with a cloned IMEI of other cell.

ICA president Pankaj Mahindroo warned about the threats from such handsets. According to him, these sets are dangerous for our national security. These mobiles are cheap in the gray market, as compared to imported cell phones.

Senior Cops wanted NSG to be removed from 26/11 Operation, says Hasan Gafoor

2009-11-21T13:00:00.004+05:30

Mumbai: Breaking News! In a sensational revelation, which has caused embarrassment to the Mumbai police, former Mumbai police commissioner Hasan Gafoor said that some senior cops wanted the NSG Commandos to be withdrawn from the 26/11 operations, saying they were taking a lot of time. The officers reportedly wanted the police to take over.

Gafoor praised the NSG and said he did not agree to the suggestions made by some cops and wanted the NSG Commandos to continue with their operation. Hasan Gafoor, who is currently the Director General of Police (housing), said that the demand was made between the meeting of senior police officers and then Deputy CM RR Patil on November 28.

Meanwhile, the senior police officers in Mumbai have slammed Gafoor for his "irresponsible" remarks and decided to take legal action against him. The Inspector general of the Konkan Range, Parambir Singh has accused Gafoor of making malicious & defamatory statements.

Maoists say SORRY for Jharkhand Train Attack

2009-11-21T12:53:00.002+05:30

Ranchi: Breaking News! Under fire for the heinous attack on a passenger train Jharkhand-Odisha border on Thursday, a senior Maoist leader apologised for the incident and said that some overzealous new recruits carried out the attack. At least two people were killed and over 50 were injured, when the Naxals triggered blasts to derail the Tata-Bilaspur passenger train in Ghagra.

Samarji, secretary, Bihar-Jharkhand-Orissa regional committee of CPI (Maoists), was at pain to explain why Naxals killed innocent people, whom they always considered as their friends and brethren.

The Naxal movement has taken a severe beating and the Maoists were exposed before the public after the unprecedented attack on a passenger train. Even if they assure that there won't be a repeat of any such incident in future, the common people won't believe them any more.

Two Tribal Activists died of Police Firing in Narayanpatna, Odisha

2009-11-21T12:44:00.004+05:30

Bhubaneswar: Breaking News! The Narayanpatna town in Odisha is on the boil again, as two tribal activists of the Chasi Mulia Adivasi Sangha, a Maoist-backed outfit, were killed in police firing yesterday. The situation is tense in the area. Additional police forces were deployed to tackle the situation.

Over 300 tribal activists, who have occupied hundreds of acres of farmland belonging to non-tribals, attacked the police station, forcing the police to retaliate. They were allegedly trying to loot the weapons from the police armoury.

Prohibitory orders have been clamped in the area. Situation is tense, but under control. The district administration has been put on a high alert, fearing a backlash from the Maoists in response to the killing of two tribal activists.

Congress MPs seek lifting of ban on Mohammad Azharuddin

2009-11-21T12:12:00.002+05:30

New Delhi: Breaking News! A group of Congress MPs, including BCCI's Finance Committee Chairman Rajiv Shukla, Jitin Prasad and Raj Babbar met Union Minister and ICC Vice-President Sharad Pawar to seek the lifting of life ban on former Indian captain Mohammad Azharuddin, who is now a MP from Moradabad.

Mohammad Azharuddin is facing a life ban for his alleged involvement in match-fixing. The scandal had rocked the Indian cricket in 2000. Other cricketers such as Ajay Jadeja and Manoj Prabhakar were handed over a five-year ban, while Ajay Sharma was banned for life.

Rajiv Shukla also spoke to BCCI President Shashank Manohar in this regard. The BCCI's Annual General Meeting may take a final decision on this issue.

India to be the 3rd Largest Economy after China and USA by 2050

2009-11-21T12:01:00.002+05:30

New Delhi: Breaking News! According to a US based internationally recognized foreign policy think tank, India will be the third largest economy after China and USA by 2050. An article titled, "The G-20 in 2050" by Uri Dadush and Bannett Stancil said that China, USA and India will emerge as the world’s three largest economies by 2050.

The experts claim that out of G-20 countries, India is predicted to grow more rapidly. But its current modest size would be an obstacle to be the world’s largest economy. The G-20’s GDP is expected to grow at an average annual rate of 3.6 percent.

India’s average annual GDP growth rate is predicted to be 6.19 % during the period of 2009-2050. Germany, The UK, France and Italy will be in fourth to seventh spots respectively in the world economy, the report said.

Six more die of Swine Flu, India Toll goes up to 543

2009-11-21T09:40:00.003+05:30

New Delhi: Breaking News! Six more people died of A H1N1, taking the Swine Flu death toll in the country to 543. Three deaths were reported from Haryana, while two died in Rajasthan. One death was reported from Maharashtra. Maharashtra has now accounted for 216 Swine Flu deaths - highest in the country. Karnataka has reported 119 deaths so far.

In addition, 157 fresh cases of Swine Flu were reported across the country, taking the number of affected people to 16,201. Delhi reported 45 new cases, followed by Rajasthan (38), HAryana (20), Maharashtra (19), Uttar Pradesh (16) and Tamil Nadu (11).

Vinod Kambli out of Bigg Boss 3

2009-11-20T22:38:00.002+05:30

Mumbai: Breaking News! Cricketer Vinod Kambli, who had entered the Bigg Boss house on November 6, was evicted from the show today. Kambli was one of the six people nominated by the housemates this week. Pravesh, Bakhtiyaar, Aditi, Rohit and Claudia were saved by the public voting, but Vinod Kambli became a scapegoat of the "dirty" game inside the Bigg Boss house.

It was expected that Rohit Verma will be out of Bigg Boss 3, as his game plan was exposed before the public. However, it did not happen. Rohit, Vindu and Kamal are the lifeline of Bigg Boss 3 and the organisers want them to carry on with their game till the end.

Pay Rs 19 and change your Mobile Operator, retaining the Old Number

2009-11-20T21:51:00.001+05:30

New Delhi: Breaking News! The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has fixed Rs 19 as the portability fee for the users, who want to change their mobile service providers, while keeping the numbers unchanged. The TRAI made it clear that the subscribers won't be charged more than that.

The TRAI has fixed the deadline of December 31, 2009 for the Mobile Operators to get ready with their networks for porting of numbers in Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu.

Shiv Sena owns up attacks on IBN-Lokmat Office in Mumbai

2009-11-20T19:23:00.003+05:30

Mumbai: Breaking News! The Shiv Sena has owned up the attacks on IBN-Lokmat and IBN7 office in Mumbai and Pune this afternoon. Saamna Editor Sanjay Raut said that it was a spontaneous reaction of Shiv Sainiks, as they could not tolerate the constant writing against Bal Thackeray by IBN-Lokmat, a leading Marathi daily.

The immediate provocation for the attacks on IBN-Lokmat office was attributed to the recent controversy surrounding Bal Thackeray's criticism of Sachin Tendulkar for his "Indian First, Marathi Later" remarks.

IBN Lokmat was the first to raise the issue and criticise Thackeray for his outburst against the cricket legend. The Shiv Sainiks even manhandled IBN Lokmat Editor Nikhil Wagle.

According to Mumbai Police, at least seven Shiv Sainiks were arrested and 20 others have been identified from the CCTV footage. Maharashtra CM Ashok Chavan promised strong action against the guilty and asked the media to boycott Shiv Sena.

HK Dua and Dr. Ashok Ganguly nominated to Rajya Sabha

2009-11-20T19:02:00.005+05:30

New Delhi: Breaking News! President Dr. Pratibha Patil nominated Senior Journalist HK Dua and former Chairman of the Hindustan Lever Limited Dr. Ashok Sekhar Ganguly to the Rajya Sabha. They will replace Film Actor Hema Malini and Journalist Chandan Mitra, whose term has come to an end.

HK Dua has over 15 years of fearless journalism career with several leading national dailies in India. He worked with Hindustan Times, The Indian Express and The Times of India. He also served as the Media Advisor to former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

HK Dua was India’s Ambassador to Denmark and now working as the Editor of The Tribune. He took the oath in Rajya Sabha today. Other eminent personalities Lyricist and Poet Javed Akhtar, Prof CNR Rao and former ISRO Chairman G Madhavan Nair are also being nominated to Rajya Sabha.

Ashok Ganguly was a former Chairman of the Hindustan Lever Limited. He is also in the panel of Prime Minister’s Council for Trade and Industry.

Gambhir, Sachin hit Centuries, Ahmedabad Test ends in Draw

2009-11-20T17:04:00.004+05:30

Ahmedabad: Breaking News! The first cricket test match between India and Sri Lanka ended in a tame draw, after Indian batsmen lived up to the expectations and played it safe. Gautam Gambhir and Sachin Tendulkar batted superbly and prevented any miracle in the dead game. Gambhir hit his seventh test century, while Tendulkar hit his 43rd test century.

Sachin Tendulkar, who completed 20 years of cricket career on November 15, also completed 30,000 runs in international cricket today. Sachin his 43rd test century. He has also hit 45 ODI centuries so far.

Gautam Gambhir's seventh century was his sixth century in the last eight test matches. He scored 114, while Sachin remained unbeaten on 100. India were 412/4 in the second innings, when the match was declared as a draw. Laxman remained not out on 51.

There was nothing for the bowlers on the Motera wicket, and Sri Lankan bowlers, including Muralitharan struggled throughout the day. Rangana Herath took 2 wickets, while Muttiah Muralitharan failed to take even a single wicket. Mahela Jayawardene, who scored 275, was declared 'Man of the Match'.

The match turned out to be a batsman's paradise and bowlers were left dejected and stranded. The BCCI must not encourage such dead pitches for the test matches. Or else, the future of test matches will be in danger.