Politics

Varanasi students prepare a kilometre-long complaint letter for PM Modi

Varanasi, Jan 15 (ANI): A group of students have initiated a campaign to prepare a kilometre-long letter for Prime Minister Narendra Modi, listing the grievances of the people from holy city of Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh. This letter aims to brief Modi about the problems faced by the people of his constituency and also offer solutions to some of the problems raised. So far the letter is 350 to 400 metres long and almost 900 complaints have been mentioned in it by the residents of Varanasi. An organiser, Kushant Srivastav said that the students are visiting various places in the city to get people to pen down their issues. A student, Abhishek Kumar said he wrote about the need for bringing in a law to tackle the problem of eve-teasing in the city.

Jan 15, 2015

I really want to expose AAP, says Shazia Ilmi

New Delhi, Jan 15 (ANI): Former AAP leader Shazia Ilmi on Thursday slamming Aam Aadmi Party said that she wants to expose AAP and will do whatever she can expose the party. Speaking on the reports of her joining BJP, Ilmi said that she will let everyone know about her plans of joining BJP or not after some time.

Jan 15, 2015

Two militants killed in ongoing encounter in Kashmir

Shopian, Jan 15 (ANI): Two militants have reportedly been killed on Thursday by Indian security forces in Shopian district of Jammu and Kashmir. Following a tip-off, army carried out search operations in the region for militant hide-outs in the early hours. While the search operation was on, militants opened fire on the security personnel and a gun battle ensued. The encounter is underway. This is the second gun battle between militants and security forces in the state in a span of two days. A similar encounter had broken out in Sopore town on Wednesday. It is yet to be confirmed as to which outfit these militants belong to.

Jan 15, 2015

AAP reaffirms allegations on Satish Upadhyay over power discoms

New Delhi, Jan 15 (ANI): Reaffirming its allegations against Bharatiya Janata Party's Delhi chief Satish Upadhyay over power discoms, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Thursday said that it has enough evidence to prove the same. Earlier on Wednesday, Upadhyay had threatened to sue Kejriwal over power discom allegations. Kejriwal has alleged that the former's companies had supplied electric meters to Anil Ambani-group controlled power utility BSES and that the party was soft on discoms indulging in corruption.

Jan 15, 2015

US court dismisses lawsuit against PM Narendra Modi in Gujarat Riots case

New Delhi, Jan 15 (ANI): A US Federal Court has dismissed a lawsuit against Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in connection with the 2002 riots in Gujarat. The court upheld the US government's contention that Modi was entitled to immunity as a sitting head of foreign government. The summons against Prime Minister Modi were issued by the US Federal Court for the Southern District of New York last year in September, following a lawsuit filed by the New York based American Justice Center, a non-profit human rights organisation. More than 1,000 people, mostly Muslims, were killed in the religious riots. The riots were sparked by a fire on a train at Godhra in Gujarat that killed 59 Hindu pilgrims.

Jan 15, 2015

Finance Minister welcomes RBI rate cut as inflation drops

New Delhi, Jan 15 (ANI): The finance ministry welcomed an inter-meeting rate cut by the RBI on Thursday, and termed it as a positive development for the government's efforts to achieve economic growth without stoking inflation. Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said that the rate cut would lead to more in the hands of consumer and greater spending. The RBI surprised markets with a 25 basis point cut in interest rates on Thursday and signalled it could do more, amid signs of slowing inflation.

Jan 15, 2015

Tourists rejoice as Dharamsala receives fresh snow

Dharamsala, Jan 15 (ANI): India's northern hill station of Dharamsala turned into a picturesque panorama after receiving fresh spell of snowfall on Wednesday. Tourists and residents were rejoiced to see the snowfall after a long wait. Both, tourists and residents were seen enjoying in the snow with their loved ones. While some clicked photographs, many others danced and played in the snow. Roads in the hill town remained closed for some time due to snowfall. Meanwhile, hoteliers and local shopkeepers cheered as the hill town is likely to attract more tourists after this fresh spell of snow. He added that the locals were warming themselves up with bonfires and other traditional means. The temperature in Dharamsala has dropped to six degree Celsius due to snowfall and light rainfall. Further dip in the temperatures is expected by night.

Jan 15, 2015

Market Expert welcomes slash in repo rate by 25 basis points to 7.75 percent

Mumbai, Jan 15 (ANI): The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) surprised markets with a 25 basis point cut in interest rates on Thursday and signalled it could do more, amid signs of slowing inflation and what it said was a government commitment to contain the fiscal deficit. Stock Market Expert Sunil Saha termed it as a pleasant surprise and added that long term outlook for inflation looks quite rosy.

Jan 15, 2015

Chinese Civilians to Patrol North Korea Border

Civilians from neighbouring households in the border villages have formed their own border security groups

Jan 15, 2015

Indian Army prepared for any incident that may unfold, situation at LoC calm: Lt Gen KH Singh

Jammu, Jan 15 (ANI): General Officer Commanding (GOC), 16 Corps, Lt Gen KH Singh on Thursday said that Indian Army is prepared for any incident that may unfold. Singh said that the counter infiltration posture is firmly in place and that infiltration bid will be eliminated if any attempt is made. Lt General Singh also added that there are inputs that terrorists might try to attack soft targets including schools and civilian areas ahead of US President Barack Obama's visit later in January. He assured that the situation in the LoC, south of Pir Panjali is by and large peaceful at least for last 2 months.

Jan 15, 2015

Huge cache of arms and ammunition seized in Kashmir

Poonch, Jan 15 (ANI): In a joint operation with Special Operations Group (SOG), local police in Jammu and Kashmir seized a huge cache of arms and ammunition from Surankote town. The security personnel carried out the operation based on consistent inputs received over a period of three to four days. They recovered several magazines of bullets, grenades, binoculars etc. Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO), Surankote, Ajay Sharma said that the tip-off also informed the security forces about suspected militant movement in the region. The operation was halted mid-way due to poor weather conditions. The security forces are likely to restart their search once the weather clears up as more arms and ammunition are believed to be hidden. Sharma added that the recovery of ammunition in such large numbers indicated that attempts were being made to revive militancy in the region.

Jan 15, 2015

Devotees throng banks of River Ganges to take holy dip to mark harvest festival

Varanasi/ Allahabad/ Chennai/ Guwahati, Jan 15 (ANI): Thousands of Hindu devotees on Thursday thronged to the banks of holy River Ganges to take a holy dip to mark harvest festival, 'Makar Sankranti'. The festival marks the arrival of spring. People from different parts of India came to Allahabad and Varanasi cities in Uttar Pradesh to take a dip in the River Ganges. The pilgrims camp by the riverside and in the evening they decorate the entire riverbank with earthen oil lamps. Security is tightened at the river banks to avoid any untoward incident. The festival marks the beginning of New Year and the holy bath absolves the devotees of all sins committed so far. People queued up before priests to perform the rituals and offer prayers. Meanwhile, people in Chennai too celebrated the harvest festival in the form of 'Pongal'.

Jan 15, 2015

Service Chiefs pay tribute at Amar Jawan Jyoti on Army Day

New Delhi, Jan 15 (ANI): The nation on Thursday is celebrating the Army Day. All three service chiefs participated in the celebration. Army Chief General Dalbir Singh Suhag, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Robin K Dhowan and Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha paid tributes at the Amar Jawan Jyoti at India Gate this morning. The chiefs also lay floral wreath at the Amar Jawan Jyoti remembering the martyred soldiers and thereafter signed the record book at the India Gate. This was followed by Army Parade amidst intense fog. The service chiefs saluted the army during the parade. Army Day is observed on January 15 every year. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also greeted the Indian Army on the occasion. Modi tweeted saying, "On Army Day I salute the indomitable courage and valour of our Army. We are extremely proud of their dedication and determination."

Jan 15, 2015

Sakshi Maharaj raises question over dead bodies found floating in River Ganges

Unnao, Jan 15 (ANI): BJP leader Sakshi Maharaj raised question over unidentified bodies found around a bank of River Ganges. Nearly 50 bodies were found in revered River Ganges in Uttar Pradesh on Tuesday. Dogs, crows and vultures dug into bodies as they had reached the bank due to low water level, posing major environment challenges in the areas under Unnao district. Maharaj visited the site where bodies were buried after they were recovered from the river bank. He said this matter should be investigated thoroughly to unearth the truth.

Jan 15, 2015

US Judge Dismisses Case against Modi in 2002 Gujarat Riots

A human rights group had filed a lawsuit against PM Narendra Modi in connection with the 2002 Gujarat riots.

Jan 15, 2015