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Bihar to go dry from 1 April 2016, Nitish Kumar says November 26, 2015 17:47

The Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has announced that Bihar will go dry from 1 April 2016. The announcement was a part of his pledge at an official function in Patna, to mark Prohibition Day.According to him, the liquor is being consumed by the poorest of the poor, hitting their families badly along with the education of their children. Moreover, increasing consumption of liquor stands as major cause of domestic violence, against women.“Women are suffering more than anyone else due to increasing liquor consumption,” CM said.As per the information from an official at CM’s office, the decision was taken by Nitish Kumar following a high-level meeting with officials here. He declared in July that he would impose the ban, if he retains power in the assembly polls.Abdul Jalil Mastan, Excise and Prohibition Minister of Bihar, earlier said that steps to impose a liquor ban would be soon taken by the state government. On Wednesday, Sushil Kumar Modi, Bharatiya Janata Party leader, vowed to support liquor ban. It is likely that the decision would derail the financial health of the government.The excise department’s revenue collection registered an over ten times jump, from Rs.319 crore in 2005-06 to Rs.3,650 crore in 2014-15.-Sumana

Terrorists attack in J&K army camp, 1 dead, 4 injured November 25, 2015 13:45

Wednesday morning, militants attacked an Army camp in Tangdhar sector near to the Line of Control (LoC) with small arms and under barrel grenade launchers, in which a jawan was killed and four others were injured.An army official said, "There was a stand off fire from Kalsuri Ridge (in Tangdhar sector) towards an army camp this morning." According to him, before militants opened fire, there was brief loll. This triggered off a gunbattle. It was going on till last reports came. He added that the militants looked like having heavy arms, as they used small fire arms and UBGLs to carry out the attack. "So far there are no casualties reported," the officer added.Tangdhar sector, which is close to the LoC in Kupwara district, was used in the past as an infiltration route. There is no clear idea on whether the militants belonged to infiltrating group. "That is a matter of investigation. We can comment on it only after the operation is over," he added.Meanwhile, police said that security forces in Poonch district of J&K busted a militant hideout on Tuesday night. Many arms as well as ammunition were recovered.A senior police official told IANS that, “Troops of 39 Rashtriya Rifles (RR) and special operations group (SOG) of state police on Tuesday night busted a militant hideout in Dungi Cheed forest area near Mangnar village in Poonch district. One AK-47 rifle with 113 rounds, Pika ammunition, two IEDs, one Chinese grenade, Pakistani SIM cards and currency notes were recovered from the busted hideout.”-Sumana

SC rejects to hear petition on Rahul’s alleged British Citizenship November 24, 2015 18:43

The Supreme Court (SC) has rejected to allow an urgent hearing on petition on Rahul Gandhi’s alleged British citizenship. The petition was seeking its direction to the Central Bureau of Investigation to file a case against the Congress Vice President in the citizenship row. Rahul has allegedly declared himself a British national.Earlier, BJP leader Subramanian Swamy had alleged that Mr Gandhi has declared his British Nationality before the UK company law authorities in connection with the incorporation of a firm, in 2005.Also read: Subramanian : Rahul Gandhi declared British nationality in 2005 Swamy wrote a letter to Modi that said, "Gandhi has given his date of birth correctly but has declared himself to be of British nationality with a UK address. The Congress leader has prima facie, committed an unconstitutional act and therefore be liable to be stripped of his citizenship and membership of the Lok Sabha". As a response, Rahul had dared PM to act on them. "They are using their chamchas to throw dirt at me. I challenge the Prime Minister... show your 56-inch chest and use all the agencies available with the government to probe me for six months. And lock me up if I am found guilty," Rahul said.-Sumana

Indian tricolor flag seen upside down at Modi-Abe meet November 21, 2015 15:29

In an unfortunate sight, Indian tricolor flag was seen upside down at Modi-Abe meet. Requesting anonymity, official sources told PTI, “It was an inadvertent mistake in the rush of things. It was unfortunate." Indian national flag was hoisted upside down and was seen in videos and photos where PM Modi shake hands with Shinzo Abe, his Japanese countserpart, just before bilateral talks on the sidelines of the ASEAN Summit. The upside down national flag looked in the background of PM Modi and Mr. Abe’s customary handshake at the Summit. The flag was hoisted next to that of Japan. Both the leaders met for the second bilateral on the sidelines of 13th ASEAN-India Summit in Kuala Lumpur, during which the flag is seen with the saffron at the bottom and green at top.Mr. Modi reached Kuala Lumpur for a three-day Malaysia visit. During the trip, he would attend two high-profile meetings at East Asia Summits and the ASEAN-India, and would even address the Indian diaspora on Sunday.-Sumana

Assailants attack Radisson hotel in Mali, seize 170 hostages November 20, 2015 17:32

Friday morning, Radisson hotel in Mali was attacked by men armed with guns and seized 170 hostages. Men shouting “God is great” and throwing grenades stormed into the Radisson Blu Hotel. The citizens were asked by the US Embassy in Mali to shelter in place amid reports about “ongoing active shooter operation” at the hotel in Bamako. French embassies and the US Embassy have asked their citizens to take shelter where ever they are.According to Reuters reports, Turkish official revealed that three of the staff members of the Turkish airlines escaped from the hotel. French Le Monde Afrique quoted Malian security ministry as saying that a minimum three hostages are dead in the attack. Gunmen were reportedly moving floor by floor. According to the Radisson Blu Hotel’s parent company in Mali's capital hostages were taken by assailants in a brazen assault involving grenades.In 2012, a military coup occurred, after which, the northern Mali came into the control of Islamic extremists. This prompted military intervention led by French in early 2013. Hence, the extremists from northern towns and cities were forced. However, North remained insecure and militant attacks were extended to South in 2015. Earlier in March 2015, a masked gunmen has stop up at a restaurant in Bamako, which is located in Mali’s south and killed five. -Sumana

Maharashtra CM approves proposal to reduce drinking age from 25 to 21 November 20, 2015 13:55

Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Devendra Fadnavis, has approved a report that recommends reduction of drinking age to 21 from 25. The consultancy firm Accenture prepared the report. It foresees a separate Single Window Authority (SWA), headed by a bureaucrat of the principal secretary rank. This resembles Singapore’s highly successful Online Business Licensing System (OBLS). This means, the famous night life of Mumbai is gearing up for a big boost. This lately had been under curfew because of growing police vigilantism as well as licensing authorities.Principal Secretary to the CM, Praveen Pardeshi, told The Hindu, “The Chief Minister has in-principle approved this report by Accenture, and after only a few minor changes, we would soon be rolling out a policy on the basis of this.”Other recommendations in the 86-page report include:• 24x7 opening hours • abolition of permit rooms besides permits for drinking • single stroke joint grant of operational and construction permits• Cutting down the permissions from 142 to just 20The issue is being debated among stakeholders and political parties. Most agree that archaic laws are not to be done away with. Fears of resident associations are that it will give the hotel owners guise to get away with gross violations.Forecasts of the reportThe report forecasts 100% increase of tourist expenditure in Mumbai as well as a drastic jump in the average length of stay (ALOS), upon implementation. At present, the ALOS is taken two days for domestic and four days for foreign tourists reaching Mumbai. The average tourist expenditure in a day is Rs 6,718 for foreigners, while Rs 3,141 for Indians.-Sumana

French PM warns over chemical or biological weapons November 19, 2015 17:58

French Prime Minister Manuel Valls warned over attack using " chemical or biological weapons ", in speech on debate on the extension of a state of emergency, with lawmakers.Valls said, "We must not rule anything out. There is also the risk from chemical or biological weapons.""More than ever, it's time for Europe to adopt the text... to guarantee the traceability of movements, including within the union. It's a condition of our collective security," he said. Investigation across Europe spreads into the Islamic State group claimed attacks. Valls also called for the adoption measures to the European Union (EU) to share airline passenger information. Meanwhile, French police are being allowed to carry weapons even when they are off duty, as per the directives issued by police commanders. The note seen by AFP says, they can use guns in case of any terror attack, but should wear police armband to avoid confusions.Last week in Paris terror attacks, at least 129 people were killed in shootings and suicide bombings. The shooting and bombs targeted bars and restaurants, a concert hall and the Stade de France national stadium.-Sumana

Flames engulf car in Bengaluru, none hurt November 18, 2015 16:37

Bizarre sight of flames was engulfing a car amid a busy traffic signal near Trinity junction, Bengaluru, which stopped the track of the vehicles at the busy circle. No one was hurt in the incident, while a passenger along with the cab driver had a narrow escape as the vehicle was catching fire. There was an interruption in the traffic for some time.According to the police, the cab was on the way to M.G. Road from Devarachikkanahalli. The driver Adi Narayana had switched off his engine at the signal and the passenger got off. Thick smoke fuming out of the engine was observed when the driver tried to switch on the engine. Soon, he got out to check under the hood and the car began to get engulfed in flames. A caretaker of Trinity Church named Suresh, who rushed to the spot, said, “I thought someone might have been inside the car. But luckily there was none.”A senior police officer said, “We have asked experts from the Forensic Science Lab to inspect the vehicle and give us a report.”According to preliminary inquiries, sparks from the engine might have resulted in the blaze. In the police statement, the driver said several documents like his driving license as well as vehicle documents were all destroyed in the blaze. The estimated total loss is around Rs 1 lakh.-Sumana

Paris anti-terror operation kills two, including women in suicide bomb November 18, 2015 15:51

Early on Wednesday, November 18, 2015, the Paris suburb of Saint-Denis shook with gunfire and explosions, which was the part of Paris anti-terror operation. In the operation, two were dead including a woman who blew up herself with a suicide bomb.In the operation that targeted the Belgian jihadist Abdelhamid Abaaoud, four police officers have been injured. Abaaoud is believed to be the mastermind behind the Friday's attacks.Also read: Abdelhamid Abaaoud 'identified as mastermind' behind Paris attacks A building in which a Belgian Islamist militant was suspected to be holed up was surrounded by the French police. The firing killed two assailants, including a woman who used a suicide bomb to detonate herself, said the source close to the case. However, the police operation is being continued for two other suspects.The police raid filled the streets of Saint-Denis with police and soldiers, heavily armed. Their target was Islamic State militant Abdelhamid Abaaoud, who was initially believed as the man behind the Paris attacks from Syria, according to sources from police and justice.According to a judicial source, initially, police was hunting for other suspects in the street but later believed that he was also there in the building. At around 4.30 a.m. (9 a.m. IST), the shooting began and the RAID Unit police special forces are still taking part in fire exchange even after three hours, said witnesses.-Sumana

Bomb threats cause diversion of two Air France flights? November 18, 2015 11:47

The Federal Aviation Administration has said that security issues have made them to divert two Air France flights en route to Paris from the US. The passengers along with the crew were removed safely.A spokesman said that an Airbus A-380, which was departed from Los Angeles were landed safely in Salt Lake City. From here the passengers as well as the crew were being taken off and escorted into the terminal.Another flight was diverted to Halifax International Airport in Nova Scotia, which left Dulles International Airport outside Washington. This is again because of a security concern that is not specified. The FAA said that the crew and passengers had disembarked.Peter Spurway, spokesman of Halifax airport, said that at 10:15 p.m. eastern time, the Air France Boeing 777 jet was diverted to Halifax and is now sitting at the end of the main runway at the airport. He referred to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police saying that, "It's an RCMP matter. The passengers are being deplaned at this point and being transferred to a secure area of the terminal building because they're international passengers."CNN has cited a US Government official and reported that that Flight 65 that began in Los Angeles after a call came from ground about the bomb threat.The FBI’s Salt Lake City division, Special Agent Todd Palmer told the network that, "Several law enforcement agencies are working in concert, following established protocol, to determine the nature of the threats which caused the aircraft to divert." Since previous week’s Paris attacks, security officials were on high alert. The attacks that were claimed by Islamic State militants killed a total of 129 people.-Sumana

Rajnath Singh says, India alert to threat form ISIS November 17, 2015 17:41

Home Minister Rajnath Singh said that India is alert to Islamic State (ISIS) threat. This comes just a day after a warning from his ministry on the possible terror attack in India. Earlier on Friday, nearly 130 people were killed in the terror attack in Paris.Rajnath told reporters in New Delhi that, "ISIS is not a threat for any particular country, but for the entire world. India is alert about ISIS."According to the Indian security establishment, nearly 20 Indians are fighting for ISIS currently in Iraq-Syria. They comprise two youths from Kalyan, a person from Telangana, a Kashmiri based in Australia, one from Karnataka, a Singapore-based Indian, and an Oman-based Indian.The home ministry issued an advisory on Monday that said, "Though the ISIS has not been able to establish any significant presence in India, its success in radicalizing some youth, attracting certain sections of the local population or the Indian diaspora to physically participate in its activities or the possibility of piggy-backing on terrorist groups operating in India have opened up the possibility of ISIS-sponsored terrorist action on Indian territory."The advisory said, "Available inputs about ISIS activities should be immediately reviewed to identify plans, targets areas vulnerable to attack by ISIS and appropriate action is taken to neutralise potential threat if any," It was decided by the government to review security at the embassies besides other offices belonging to the governments of US, UK, France, Germany, Australia, Turkey, Russia and Israel.Also read: PM Modi Says To Starve Funds Of terrorists -Sumana

Chittoor Mayor Katari Anuradha, Katari Mohan murdered November 17, 2015 17:19

An unsuspecting gang of three persons made an attack with pistols and knives on Chittoor Mayor Katari Anuradha and Katari Mohan, her husband and a senior TDP leader, at the Mayor chamber's office and the council hall that was adjoining. {youtube}61XJViyGLy4|620|400|1{/youtube} As per the preliminary information, Mayor Anuradha was in her chamber at the time of the attack and her husband was in the adjoining room. It was then that the gang rushed into the chamber disobeying the municipal staff, who asked them to wait. The gang attacked the couple with knives and shot using pistols, soon after which they escaped. The couple who were left in the pool of blood was rushed to Chittor General Hospital by the municipal officials and TDP leaders. Mayor Anuradha died on the spot due to severe bullet injuries and knife injuries on the head. Katari Mohan was moved to Christian Medical College Hospital at Vellore. He battled with deteriorating condition for three hours and surrendered to injuries.As per the reports, fire was opened by the attackers at the couple prior to stabbing them. So as to prevent any untoward incident, armed forces have been deployed at vulnerable points in the town.Katani Mohan is the prime accused in the case of attempt to murder on CK Jayachandra Reddy alias CK Babu, former Chittoor MLA. Ten years back, the attack was escaped by CK Babu, while two of his gunmen lost lives. Mohan tried unsucessfully for the TDP MLA ticket. He could make his wife Katari Anuradha the Mayor. The party was led by him to a majority with 36 corporators out of 50.The suspension is that the three-remembered gang barged into the mayor chamber and four more waited outside to help in the easy escape after the attack. Two of the three members who barged in wore burkhas. All of them are believed to be from Karnataka.-Sumana