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India is a country on the go; at any given moment in time, there is much happening in the fields of politics and governance, of finance, of development; there is constant churning in society, considerable activity in sports and in the arts... It's almost too much to keep track of. And hence, this effort: a real-time, constantly updated look at the events that matter.
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CALLING READERS: So hey, on this live blog, we curate in real time the goings on in the world around us. Come be a part of the project: If you see an interesting story, send us the link to indiaeditors@yahoo.in and we'll publish it in this space. Got an interesting photo to share? Same email link applies. Got suggestions on how we can improve this further? Ditto.9:48 pm: Ganguly was nervous: Geoff Marsh
Pune Warriors coach Geoff Marsh said Sourav Ganguly was very nervous ahead of today match against the Deccan Chargers. This was Ganguly's first match in this season's IPL. "It's his passion for the game that has got him down there and it was good to see him do well. He really batted well and held things together at the top," said Marsh. More here
9:44 pm: Osama's son missing in Pakistan since US raid: Report
One of Osama bin Laden's sons went missing after the raid by US commandos on the al Qaeda leader's hideout in Pakistan's Abbottabad town, a media report said.
The son has not been identified, but Pakistani investigators agreed that it appeared someone was missing from the sprawling compound, it said.
9:36 pm: Dawood Ibrahim is not in Pakistan: Malik
Pakistani Interior Minister Rehman Malik has denied that Dawood Ibrahim was living in Pakistan and said that just 'by marrying a lady in Pakistan does not give a certificate that he is in the country'.
'I think marrying a lady in Pakistan does not give a certificate that Dawood Ibrahim is in Pakistan. But if you have any information we will be happy to have a look into it,' Malik said in an exclusive interview with CNN-IBN's deputy foreign editor Suhasini Haidar.Details here
9:02 pm: Raja spends his 48th b'day in Tihar jail and court
It was in a 12x15 feet cell in Tihar jail that former Telecom Minister A Raja started his 48th birthday today, far removed from the day-long celebrations that marks such occasions in the past.
In prison for 83 days, Raja, arrested in connection with the 2G scam, began the day with some breathing exercises at 5 AM in his Jail No.1.Here's how he spent the day
8:41 pm: SC to pronounce verdict on Amar Singh tapping case
The Supreme Court will pronounce its verdict on the issue of lifting the stay on publishing and telecasting the tapped conversations of former Samajwadi Party leader Amar Singh with top political leaders and Bollywood stars.
8:25 pm: SC to pronounce order tomorrow in Bhopal Gas case
The Supreme Court will pronounce its order tomorrow on CBI''s plea for prosecuting Bhopal gas tragedy case accused, who have escaped with lighter punishment of two years jail term, under the stringent penal provision attracting maximum ten years of imprisonment.More details here
8:17 pm: Australia, Lanka to submit 2018 CWG bids tomorrow
Australia and Sri Lanka will submit their official bids for the 2018 Commonwealth Games during the Commonwealth Games Federation executive board meeting in Kuala Lumpur tomorrow. The CGF's General Assembly will meet in St Kitts and Nevis in November to decide the host city. 2014 CWG will be held in London.
7:35 pm: IPS officer Sanjeev Bhatt has sought access to records of the State Control Room for the period between February 27, 2002 and September 17, 2002 from the state DGP by addressing a letter to him.
Bhatt, who alleged Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi of complicity in 2002 communal riots in his affidavit filed before the Supreme Court, said since he has to depose before the Nanavati Commission on May 16, he would require access to the documents in order to make a meaningful deposition. More
7:22 pm: With over 2.38 crore cases pending in various courts across the country, the government plans to launch a six-month-long campaign in association with the judiciary this year to bring down the pendency to three years from the current 15 years.
According to latest figures available with the government, a total of over 2.38 crore cases are pending in High Courts and subordinate courts till 2009. More
7:09 pm: In the wake of ongoing agitation over the acquisition of farmers'' land in Greater Noida and Agra, farmers in Mahrauli village of the district have refused to part with their property.
Farmers under leadership of Jitender Nagar held a panchayat in Mahrauli and went on door to door campaign to mobilise support and asked them to get back the acquired land.
"Land acquisition law needs to be scrapped soon and Parliament must act for the reform in the law," said Nagar. Read on
6:50 pm: BCCI steps in to put the lid on pitch controversy
Stung by Rajasthan Royals captain Shane Warne's scathing attack on changing the pitch for their home match, the BCCI sought to put the lid on the controversy, saying selecting the playing surface was the prerogative of the curator and the teams have no choice on the matter.
A last-minute chance of track at the Sawai Man Singh stadium in Jaipur for Rajasthan Royals match against Chennai Super Kings triggered off a controversy with a livid Warne slamming the decision as "ridiculous" and saying that host teams have the right to extract the best out of home conditions. Read on
6:35 pm: Chief Election Commissioner S Y Quraishi congratulated the people of West Bengal, political parties and all those involved in the polling process for a ensuring free, fair and peaceful elections. More
6:22 pm: The Trinamool Congress-led alliance will oust -- with a big margin -- the Left Front which has ruled West Bengal for 34 continuous years, a Headlines Today-ORG post-poll survey predicted.
6:00 pm: 2G scam: A Delhi court allowed DMK MP Kanimozhi's plea for exemption from personal appearance for two days in connection with the 2G spectrum scam case.
5:23 pm: Upping the ante against Corruption, BJP's youth wing has launched anti-corruption drive in Madhya Pradesh.
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5:10 pm: Days after the death of the world's most wanted militant, Osama Bin Laden, US Ambassador to India Timothy J. Roemer, informed reporters on Tuesday that Washington has asked Islamabad to do more.
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4:53 pm: Vijender Singh in semifinals of Arafura Games
Ace pugilist Vijender Singh assured himself of at least a bronze medal in his very first international competition in the light heavy weight (81kg) category by advancing to the semifinals of the Arafura Games in Darwin, Australia. Read on
4:40 pm: Samajwadi Party expelled two leaders for indulging into anti-party activities and indiscipline, a party spokesman said.
4:24 pm: Another example of our double standards and moral policing - Now our courts are now issuing notices to the Australian Embassy - Why? Because a fashion designer of Australian origin has dared to showcase her bikini collection with Indian deities printed on them.
Designer and model Lisa Burke presented the swimsuit as part of the latest collection of her Lisa Blue label at Australian Fashion Week last Thursday.
So where did the problem arise? The trouble started when a model wearing a swimsuit of goddess Lakshmi printed on its front and rear walked down the ramp and this apparently did not go well with Hindu nationalists as they took to the streets burning the Australian flag in protest as they deem this as a act of disrespect to Hindu sentimentalism.
As a result of this act of fanaticism and vandalism (at which we seem to get better and better as there is a deep rooted believe in us that hooliganism is the best way to make our fanciful demands legit), the Lucknow bench of the Allahabad high court has issued notices to union external affairs ministry, Australian Embassy, Press Council of India and an editor of a national Hindi daily in connection with the photographs of models wearing swimsuits with graffiti of Hindu goddesses, published in newspaper on May 6. The photographs were of Lisa Burke's swimsuit collection displayed during the Australian Faishon Week. Times of India has the story
Photos from Lisa Burke's swimsuit collection
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4:12 pm: Rashtriya Lok Dal chief Ajit Singh, whose party has considerable influence in western Uttar Pradesh where a farmers' agitation is currently on, met Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and sought enhanced compensation for farmers whose land was acquired by the government.
'I apprised the concerns of farmers to the prime minister. We are concerned about the plight of the farmers and want the repression to end. An honourable solution should be found,' Ajit Singh said.
4:00 pm: Former India captain Sourav Ganguly finally made his much-anticipated return in IPL, for the Pune Warriors as they take on Deccan Chargers in Hyderabad. Follow the match here
3:51 pm: Reports say Microsoft is close to buying internet telephony network Skype in an $8.5 billion deal. Buying the loss-making but popular Skype would underline Microsoft's need to gain new customers and platforms for its software as smartphones and tablets explode in popularity. More
3:46 pm: A magnitude 7.1 earthquake struck 83 miles south-west off the Pacific island of Vanuatu, USGS monitoring said.
3:40 pm: 2G case: Court allows exemption plea of Karim Morani
A special Central Bureau of Investigation court allowed Cineyug Film's Karim Morani, accused in the 2G spectrum case, exemption from personal appearance in court. Judge O.P. Saini said: 'Accused Morani's exemption plea from personal appearance is allowed. However, he will have to appear before the court on May 12.' On May 6, Morani had got exemption as he was admitted to Mumbai's Lilavati Hospital. Read on
3: 29 pm: Binayak Sen to receive South Korean award
Human rights activist Binayak Sen had sought and received permission from the court to visit South Korea to receive ''Gwangju Prize for Human Rights'', the country's highest civilian award for civil and democratic rights activists of Asia. More here
3:00 pm: Polling ends in Bengal, 83 per cent votes cast in phase six
At least 83.48 per cent voting was recorded in 14 constituencies that went to the polls in the sixth and the last round of the West Bengal assembly elections, an Election Commission official said.
'The percentage is likely to increase as people are in queues at several booths,' the official said. The polling started at 7 a.m. and ended at 3 pm. More on this story
2.50 pm: Joshi accuses UPA govt of trying to divide PAC on party lines
UPA government is trying to make the PAC a 'puppet' in its hands and divide it on party lines when the mandate of the panel is to be bipartisan, Murli Manohar Joshi, chairperson of the parliamentary committee that examined the 2G spectrum scam, said.
"It is shocking that four ministers were sitting in the Parliament office of the Congress and sending chits and giving directions to their members in the PAC to do this or do that. In a way they are making PAC a captive committee," Joshi told reporters. He maintained that the PAC is not supposed to work on party lines.
2.35 pm: 70% votes cast in last phase of WB elections
Seventy per cent votes were polled till 1 PM in the sixth and last phase of Assembly elections in West Bengal in 14 Maoist-hit constituencies spread over three districts amid tight security arrangements.
"While the overall voting in the 14 seats was 70 per cent, Midnapore and Bankura districts recorded an identical 71.70 per cent, whereas in Purulia it was 65.30 per cent," Election officials said. "So far the elections have been peaceful," the officials said. More
2.20 pm: No double standards when dealing with 9/11 and 26/11: US envoyUS Ambassador to India Timothy J Roemer asserted that America was not adopting double standards while dealing with 26/11 and 9/11, and said that both the countries have come closer since the attack. "I respectfully and strongly disagree with you," Roemer told reporters at the Gandhi Ashram here while answering a query on whether the US was adopting double standards on the issue.
"From 9/11 where we lost 3000 people, about 42 Indians, to 26/11 where scores of Indians were slaughtered by terrorists, including six Americans who died on that day, America and India especially over the past two years have come together to share intelligence, in unprecedented ways," Roemer, who is on a day''s visit to the city, said. Here is the full story
2.00 pm: The Osama party is over; it's time to get real
The killing of Osama Bin Laden is clearly emerging as the biggest story of the decade . The media everywhere is on overdrive. By now the Indian public knows everything about Osama's personality, lifestyle, wives, family and beard. Here is the full story
1.45 pm: Former Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Dorjee Khandu cremated
Thousands of people bid a tearful adieu to former Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Dorjee Khandu whose mortal remains were consigned to flames, 10 days after his death in a chopper crash. Over 7000 people gathered at the cremation ground at Shebdung near his native village in Tawang district this morning to pay their last respect to their ''Laughing Buddha'', as he was fondly called. The last rites were performed as per Monpa traditions along with state honours. More
1.30 pm: Govt to move bill to amend Land Acquisition Act: PM to RLD
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh assured a delegation of Rashtriya Lok Dal leaders that Government will move the crucial bill to amend the Land Acquisition Act in the coming session of Parliament, its leader Ajit Singh said. After a half-an-hour long meeting with the Prime Minister, the RLD chief said that he apprised the former about the violence over land acquisition in Noida and reminded him about his commitment to pass the bill. More
1.15 pm: TN readies for day of reckoning
After a month-long anxious wait, political parties in Tamil Nadu are set to face the day of reckoning when counting of votes will be taken up on Friday for the April 13 Assembly polls that saw a tightly fought contest between the fronts led by the DMK and AIADMK. The Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) will be opened on May 13 that would unseal the fate of the leaders including Chief Minister and DMK patriarch M Karunanidhi and his bitter political foe AIADMK chief J Jayalalithaa and their candidates who are keeping their fingers crossed with no palpable wave seen in the elections.
As many as 75.21 per cent of the voters in the state had exercised their franchise for 234 Assembly seats. More*
1.00 pm: West Bengal polls: 50 percent votes cast in first five hours
Around fifty per cent polling was recorded in the first five hours of voting in 14 Maoist-hit constituencies spread over West Midnapore, Bankura and Purulia districts.
The voting, which started at 7 a.m. will continue till 3 p.m. An electorate of over 26.57 lakh voters will decide the fate of 97 candidates.
Prominent candidates whose fate would be decided in this phase include, CPI (M)'s Susanta Ghosh, the controversial minister in Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee's government contesting from Garbeta and his main rival Hema Chowbey of the Congress.
12.40 pm: Land acquisition stir: Situation tense but under controlThe situation was tense but under control in parts of western UP hit by farmers' unrest over land acquisition as police released sketches of 24 trouble-makers who incited violence in Agra and maintained a strict vigil.
The BJP has, meanwhile, called for a bandh in Greater Noida and Noida to protest police action on farmers. BJP workers were seen visiting markets and requesting shopkeepers to down their shutters in the two areas.
12.15 pm: HC asks Tiwari to give his blood sample for DNA test on June 1
The Delhi High Court asked veteran Congress leader N D Tiwari to appear before it on June 1 and give his blood samples for DNA test to ascertain a 31-year-old man''s claim that he is his biological son. "Let all the persons concerned (Tiwari, Rohit Shekhar and his mother Ujjwala Sharma) appear in person on June 1 (in the court''s dispensary) to give their blood samples for the requisite DNA test," Joint Registrar Deepak Garg said. More
11.50 am: US and China spar on rights, soften tone on economy
US officials criticized China for its crackdown against dissidents but the economic powers agreed on the need to work together to boost global growth at the start of two days of talks. The meetings covering economic and diplomatic issues come as the world's two largest economies grapple with a range of policy disputes -- from human rights to the value of the yuan -- that threaten cooperation on global economic matters. Here is the full story
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11.35 am: WB Assembly polls: 25 per cent votes cast in first two hours
Twenty-five per cent polling was recorded in the first two hours of voting in 14 Maoist-hit constituencies spread over three districts of West Bengal that went to polls in the sixth and last phase today. "So far the elections here have been incident free and 25 per cent polling was recorded till 9:AM," a senior election official said here.
In West Midnapore, the polling percentage was 26 per cent, 25 per cent in Bankura 25 and in Purulia 22 per cent, the official said.
11.15 am: India prepared to tackle militants crossing over from Pak: Pallam Raju
Minister of State for Defence M M Pallam Raju, who is on a three-day visit to Jammu and Kashmir, has said India is fully prepared to fight militants trying to infiltrate into the country.
Speaking to mediapersons here, Raju said: "Government wants to carry forward the dialogue process and stable relationship between India and Pakistan. Whatever the militants are doing they have their own way, but our country is fully prepared to contain and eliminate them."10.50 am: India court urges death penalty for honor killing
India's top court is recommending the death penalty for those found guilty of committing "honor killings," calling it a barbaric and feudal practice.While there are no official figures, an independent study said each year in India around 900 people are killed for defying their families, mostly young people who fall in love or marry against the wishes of their elders. More
10.35 am: Pakistan may give US access to Bin Laden's wives
Pakistan now appears ready to allow the United States to interview the wives of Osama bin Laden who were with him at the compound where he was killed last week, a US official said. Here is the full stroy
10.15 am: NATO strikes target Gaddafi compound
A number of blasts were heard from apparent NATO missile strikes targeting Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi's compound and other sites in Tripoli on Tuesday, witnesses said. More
10.00 am: Hundreds of Libyan refugees feared dead after ship sinks off Libya
Hundreds of Libyan refugees are feared dead after an overcrowded ship carrying some 600 people trying to flee Libya sank just outside of the port of Tripoli, world media reported Monday.
The unrest in the country, which began in mid-February, has already claimed thousands of lives, with Muammar Gaddafi's troops maintaining their combat capabilities despite NATO air strikes against them. More
9.40 am: Osama bin Laden mission agreed in secret 10 years ago by US and Pakistan
<span class="yui-editorial-embed"/>The US and Pakistan struck a secret deal almost a decade ago permitting a US operation against Osama bin Laden on Pakistani soil similar to last week's raid that killed the al-Qaida leader.
The deal was struck between the military leader General Pervez Musharraf and President George Bush after Bin Laden escaped US forces in the mountains of Tora Bora in late 2001, according to serving and retired Pakistani and US officials. The Guardian has full story
9.15 am: Barack Obama under pressure to slash Pakistan aid
The Obama administration is facing a clash with Congress where pressure is building to slash the huge aid budget to Pakistan as punishment for Osama bin Laden's presence in the country.
Members of Congress are lining up to question continued spending on Pakistan, the third highest recipient of US aid and threatening retaliation. Here is the full story
8.50 am: Pakistan PM rejects accusations over bin Laden
Pakistan Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani rejected allegations on Monday that the killing of Osama bin Laden near Islamabad by U.S. forces showed Pakistani incompetence or complicity in hiding the al Qaeda leader.
Opposition politicians have stepped up their criticism of Pakistan's leaders over the killing of bin Laden in a raid by U.S. special forces in a northern Pakistani town on May 2. Here is the full story
8.45 am: Polling begins for last phase of Bengal Assembly elections
Polling began today amidst tight security for the sixth and final phase of the West Bengal Assembly elections, covering 14 seats in the Maoist-affected Jangalmahal area spread over West Midnapore, Bankura and Purulia districts.
During this phase, 26,57,436 voters will elect their representatives from 97 candidates. While West Midnapore district has the highest number of seven seats, Purulia has four and Bankura three.
8.40 am: CIA won't withdraw ISI chief in Pakistan - officials
The Central Intelligence Agency has no intention of bringing home its chief operative in Pakistan despite an apparent attempt by the Pakistani media to unmask his identity, U.S. officials said on Monday.
While the Pakistani media reports apparently were inaccurate, U.S. officials said they believe the leak was a calculated attempt to divert attention from American demands for explanations of how Osama bin Laden could have hidden for years near Pakistan's principal military academy. Here is the full story
8.30 am: Dawood Ibrahim lives in Pak: Chidambaram
Asserting that underworld don Dawood Ibrahim is living in Karachi, Chidambaram said Pakistan must own up to terrorists and fugitives like him and others who are in their soil.
"I think we must continue to mobilise international opinion against all the terrorist and those who have fled the law and those who are sheltering in Pakistan, both terrorist and fugitives. Pakistan must own up to them...own up who is in Pakistan soil," Home Minister P Chidambaram said. More
8.20 am: Congress seeks judicial probe into Greater Noida violence
The Congress sought a judicial probe into the violence involving farmers in Uttar Pradesh and said the amended Land Acquisition Bill should be passed by the parliament at the earliest.
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'Whatever be the reason and motive, the way the chief minister has tried to start a new tradition of development by use of sticks and guns will have far reaching impact,' Tewari said, referring to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati.
8.10 am: Asaram Bapu asked to appear before panel on ashram deaths
An inquiry commission, probing the mysterious death in 2008 of two boys studying in Asaram Bapu's Ahmedabad ashram, Monday set June 6 as the deadline for the spiritual leader and his son Narayan Sai to appear before it. Here is the full story*
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CALLING READERS: So hey, on this live blog, we curate in real time the goings on in the world around us. Come be a part of the project: If you see an interesting story, send us the link to indiaeditors@yahoo.in and we'll publish it in this space. Got an interesting photo to share? Same email link applies. Got suggestions on how we can improve this further? Ditto.9:48 pm: Ganguly was nervous: Geoff Marsh
Pune Warriors coach Geoff Marsh said Sourav Ganguly was very nervous ahead of today match against the Deccan Chargers. This was Ganguly's first match in this season's IPL. "It's his passion for the game that has got him down there and it was good to see him do well. He really batted well and held things together at the top," said Marsh. More here
9:44 pm: Osama's son missing in Pakistan since US raid: Report
One of Osama bin Laden's sons went missing after the raid by US commandos on the al Qaeda leader's hideout in Pakistan's Abbottabad town, a media report said.
The son has not been identified, but Pakistani investigators agreed that it appeared someone was missing from the sprawling compound, it said.
9:36 pm: Dawood Ibrahim is not in Pakistan: Malik
Pakistani Interior Minister Rehman Malik has denied that Dawood Ibrahim was living in Pakistan and said that just 'by marrying a lady in Pakistan does not give a certificate that he is in the country'.
'I think marrying a lady in Pakistan does not give a certificate that Dawood Ibrahim is in Pakistan. But if you have any information we will be happy to have a look into it,' Malik said in an exclusive interview with CNN-IBN's deputy foreign editor Suhasini Haidar.Details here
9:02 pm: Raja spends his 48th b'day in Tihar jail and court
It was in a 12x15 feet cell in Tihar jail that former Telecom Minister A Raja started his 48th birthday today, far removed from the day-long celebrations that marks such occasions in the past.
In prison for 83 days, Raja, arrested in connection with the 2G scam, began the day with some breathing exercises at 5 AM in his Jail No.1.Here's how he spent the day
8:41 pm: SC to pronounce verdict on Amar Singh tapping case
The Supreme Court will pronounce its verdict on the issue of lifting the stay on publishing and telecasting the tapped conversations of former Samajwadi Party leader Amar Singh with top political leaders and Bollywood stars.
8:25 pm: SC to pronounce order tomorrow in Bhopal Gas case
The Supreme Court will pronounce its order tomorrow on CBI''s plea for prosecuting Bhopal gas tragedy case accused, who have escaped with lighter punishment of two years jail term, under the stringent penal provision attracting maximum ten years of imprisonment.More details here
8:17 pm: Australia, Lanka to submit 2018 CWG bids tomorrow
Australia and Sri Lanka will submit their official bids for the 2018 Commonwealth Games during the Commonwealth Games Federation executive board meeting in Kuala Lumpur tomorrow. The CGF's General Assembly will meet in St Kitts and Nevis in November to decide the host city. 2014 CWG will be held in London.
7:35 pm: IPS officer Sanjeev Bhatt has sought access to records of the State Control Room for the period between February 27, 2002 and September 17, 2002 from the state DGP by addressing a letter to him.
Bhatt, who alleged Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi of complicity in 2002 communal riots in his affidavit filed before the Supreme Court, said since he has to depose before the Nanavati Commission on May 16, he would require access to the documents in order to make a meaningful deposition. More
7:22 pm: With over 2.38 crore cases pending in various courts across the country, the government plans to launch a six-month-long campaign in association with the judiciary this year to bring down the pendency to three years from the current 15 years.
According to latest figures available with the government, a total of over 2.38 crore cases are pending in High Courts and subordinate courts till 2009. More
7:09 pm: In the wake of ongoing agitation over the acquisition of farmers'' land in Greater Noida and Agra, farmers in Mahrauli village of the district have refused to part with their property.
Farmers under leadership of Jitender Nagar held a panchayat in Mahrauli and went on door to door campaign to mobilise support and asked them to get back the acquired land.
"Land acquisition law needs to be scrapped soon and Parliament must act for the reform in the law," said Nagar. Read on
6:50 pm: BCCI steps in to put the lid on pitch controversy
Stung by Rajasthan Royals captain Shane Warne's scathing attack on changing the pitch for their home match, the BCCI sought to put the lid on the controversy, saying selecting the playing surface was the prerogative of the curator and the teams have no choice on the matter.
A last-minute chance of track at the Sawai Man Singh stadium in Jaipur for Rajasthan Royals match against Chennai Super Kings triggered off a controversy with a livid Warne slamming the decision as "ridiculous" and saying that host teams have the right to extract the best out of home conditions. Read on
6:35 pm: Chief Election Commissioner S Y Quraishi congratulated the people of West Bengal, political parties and all those involved in the polling process for a ensuring free, fair and peaceful elections. More
6:22 pm: The Trinamool Congress-led alliance will oust -- with a big margin -- the Left Front which has ruled West Bengal for 34 continuous years, a Headlines Today-ORG post-poll survey predicted.
6:00 pm: 2G scam: A Delhi court allowed DMK MP Kanimozhi's plea for exemption from personal appearance for two days in connection with the 2G spectrum scam case.
5:23 pm: Upping the ante against Corruption, BJP's youth wing has launched anti-corruption drive in Madhya Pradesh.
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5:10 pm: Days after the death of the world's most wanted militant, Osama Bin Laden, US Ambassador to India Timothy J. Roemer, informed reporters on Tuesday that Washington has asked Islamabad to do more.
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4:53 pm: Vijender Singh in semifinals of Arafura Games
Ace pugilist Vijender Singh assured himself of at least a bronze medal in his very first international competition in the light heavy weight (81kg) category by advancing to the semifinals of the Arafura Games in Darwin, Australia. Read on
4:40 pm: Samajwadi Party expelled two leaders for indulging into anti-party activities and indiscipline, a party spokesman said.
4:24 pm: Another example of our double standards and moral policing - Now our courts are now issuing notices to the Australian Embassy - Why? Because a fashion designer of Australian origin has dared to showcase her bikini collection with Indian deities printed on them.
Designer and model Lisa Burke presented the swimsuit as part of the latest collection of her Lisa Blue label at Australian Fashion Week last Thursday.
So where did the problem arise? The trouble started when a model wearing a swimsuit of goddess Lakshmi printed on its front and rear walked down the ramp and this apparently did not go well with Hindu nationalists as they took to the streets burning the Australian flag in protest as they deem this as a act of disrespect to Hindu sentimentalism.
As a result of this act of fanaticism and vandalism (at which we seem to get better and better as there is a deep rooted believe in us that hooliganism is the best way to make our fanciful demands legit), the Lucknow bench of the Allahabad high court has issued notices to union external affairs ministry, Australian Embassy, Press Council of India and an editor of a national Hindi daily in connection with the photographs of models wearing swimsuits with graffiti of Hindu goddesses, published in newspaper on May 6. The photographs were of Lisa Burke's swimsuit collection displayed during the Australian Faishon Week. Times of India has the story
Photos from Lisa Burke's swimsuit collection
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4:12 pm: Rashtriya Lok Dal chief Ajit Singh, whose party has considerable influence in western Uttar Pradesh where a farmers' agitation is currently on, met Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and sought enhanced compensation for farmers whose land was acquired by the government.
'I apprised the concerns of farmers to the prime minister. We are concerned about the plight of the farmers and want the repression to end. An honourable solution should be found,' Ajit Singh said.
4:00 pm: Former India captain Sourav Ganguly finally made his much-anticipated return in IPL, for the Pune Warriors as they take on Deccan Chargers in Hyderabad. Follow the match here
3:51 pm: Reports say Microsoft is close to buying internet telephony network Skype in an $8.5 billion deal. Buying the loss-making but popular Skype would underline Microsoft's need to gain new customers and platforms for its software as smartphones and tablets explode in popularity. More
3:46 pm: A magnitude 7.1 earthquake struck 83 miles south-west off the Pacific island of Vanuatu, USGS monitoring said.
3:40 pm: 2G case: Court allows exemption plea of Karim Morani
A special Central Bureau of Investigation court allowed Cineyug Film's Karim Morani, accused in the 2G spectrum case, exemption from personal appearance in court. Judge O.P. Saini said: 'Accused Morani's exemption plea from personal appearance is allowed. However, he will have to appear before the court on May 12.' On May 6, Morani had got exemption as he was admitted to Mumbai's Lilavati Hospital. Read on
3: 29 pm: Binayak Sen to receive South Korean award
Human rights activist Binayak Sen had sought and received permission from the court to visit South Korea to receive ''Gwangju Prize for Human Rights'', the country's highest civilian award for civil and democratic rights activists of Asia. More here
3:00 pm: Polling ends in Bengal, 83 per cent votes cast in phase six
At least 83.48 per cent voting was recorded in 14 constituencies that went to the polls in the sixth and the last round of the West Bengal assembly elections, an Election Commission official said.
'The percentage is likely to increase as people are in queues at several booths,' the official said. The polling started at 7 a.m. and ended at 3 pm. More on this story
2.50 pm: Joshi accuses UPA govt of trying to divide PAC on party lines
UPA government is trying to make the PAC a 'puppet' in its hands and divide it on party lines when the mandate of the panel is to be bipartisan, Murli Manohar Joshi, chairperson of the parliamentary committee that examined the 2G spectrum scam, said.
"It is shocking that four ministers were sitting in the Parliament office of the Congress and sending chits and giving directions to their members in the PAC to do this or do that. In a way they are making PAC a captive committee," Joshi told reporters. He maintained that the PAC is not supposed to work on party lines.
2.35 pm: 70% votes cast in last phase of WB elections
Seventy per cent votes were polled till 1 PM in the sixth and last phase of Assembly elections in West Bengal in 14 Maoist-hit constituencies spread over three districts amid tight security arrangements.
"While the overall voting in the 14 seats was 70 per cent, Midnapore and Bankura districts recorded an identical 71.70 per cent, whereas in Purulia it was 65.30 per cent," Election officials said. "So far the elections have been peaceful," the officials said. More
2.20 pm: No double standards when dealing with 9/11 and 26/11: US envoyUS Ambassador to India Timothy J Roemer asserted that America was not adopting double standards while dealing with 26/11 and 9/11, and said that both the countries have come closer since the attack. "I respectfully and strongly disagree with you," Roemer told reporters at the Gandhi Ashram here while answering a query on whether the US was adopting double standards on the issue.
"From 9/11 where we lost 3000 people, about 42 Indians, to 26/11 where scores of Indians were slaughtered by terrorists, including six Americans who died on that day, America and India especially over the past two years have come together to share intelligence, in unprecedented ways," Roemer, who is on a day''s visit to the city, said. Here is the full story
2.00 pm: The Osama party is over; it's time to get real
The killing of Osama Bin Laden is clearly emerging as the biggest story of the decade . The media everywhere is on overdrive. By now the Indian public knows everything about Osama's personality, lifestyle, wives, family and beard. Here is the full story
1.45 pm: Former Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Dorjee Khandu cremated
Thousands of people bid a tearful adieu to former Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Dorjee Khandu whose mortal remains were consigned to flames, 10 days after his death in a chopper crash. Over 7000 people gathered at the cremation ground at Shebdung near his native village in Tawang district this morning to pay their last respect to their ''Laughing Buddha'', as he was fondly called. The last rites were performed as per Monpa traditions along with state honours. More
1.30 pm: Govt to move bill to amend Land Acquisition Act: PM to RLD
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh assured a delegation of Rashtriya Lok Dal leaders that Government will move the crucial bill to amend the Land Acquisition Act in the coming session of Parliament, its leader Ajit Singh said. After a half-an-hour long meeting with the Prime Minister, the RLD chief said that he apprised the former about the violence over land acquisition in Noida and reminded him about his commitment to pass the bill. More
1.15 pm: TN readies for day of reckoning
After a month-long anxious wait, political parties in Tamil Nadu are set to face the day of reckoning when counting of votes will be taken up on Friday for the April 13 Assembly polls that saw a tightly fought contest between the fronts led by the DMK and AIADMK. The Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) will be opened on May 13 that would unseal the fate of the leaders including Chief Minister and DMK patriarch M Karunanidhi and his bitter political foe AIADMK chief J Jayalalithaa and their candidates who are keeping their fingers crossed with no palpable wave seen in the elections.
As many as 75.21 per cent of the voters in the state had exercised their franchise for 234 Assembly seats. More*
1.00 pm: West Bengal polls: 50 percent votes cast in first five hours
Around fifty per cent polling was recorded in the first five hours of voting in 14 Maoist-hit constituencies spread over West Midnapore, Bankura and Purulia districts.
The voting, which started at 7 a.m. will continue till 3 p.m. An electorate of over 26.57 lakh voters will decide the fate of 97 candidates.
Prominent candidates whose fate would be decided in this phase include, CPI (M)'s Susanta Ghosh, the controversial minister in Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee's government contesting from Garbeta and his main rival Hema Chowbey of the Congress.
12.40 pm: Land acquisition stir: Situation tense but under controlThe situation was tense but under control in parts of western UP hit by farmers' unrest over land acquisition as police released sketches of 24 trouble-makers who incited violence in Agra and maintained a strict vigil.
The BJP has, meanwhile, called for a bandh in Greater Noida and Noida to protest police action on farmers. BJP workers were seen visiting markets and requesting shopkeepers to down their shutters in the two areas.
12.15 pm: HC asks Tiwari to give his blood sample for DNA test on June 1
The Delhi High Court asked veteran Congress leader N D Tiwari to appear before it on June 1 and give his blood samples for DNA test to ascertain a 31-year-old man''s claim that he is his biological son. "Let all the persons concerned (Tiwari, Rohit Shekhar and his mother Ujjwala Sharma) appear in person on June 1 (in the court''s dispensary) to give their blood samples for the requisite DNA test," Joint Registrar Deepak Garg said. More
11.50 am: US and China spar on rights, soften tone on economy
US officials criticized China for its crackdown against dissidents but the economic powers agreed on the need to work together to boost global growth at the start of two days of talks. The meetings covering economic and diplomatic issues come as the world's two largest economies grapple with a range of policy disputes -- from human rights to the value of the yuan -- that threaten cooperation on global economic matters. Here is the full story
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11.35 am: WB Assembly polls: 25 per cent votes cast in first two hours
Twenty-five per cent polling was recorded in the first two hours of voting in 14 Maoist-hit constituencies spread over three districts of West Bengal that went to polls in the sixth and last phase today. "So far the elections here have been incident free and 25 per cent polling was recorded till 9:AM," a senior election official said here.
In West Midnapore, the polling percentage was 26 per cent, 25 per cent in Bankura 25 and in Purulia 22 per cent, the official said.
11.15 am: India prepared to tackle militants crossing over from Pak: Pallam Raju
Minister of State for Defence M M Pallam Raju, who is on a three-day visit to Jammu and Kashmir, has said India is fully prepared to fight militants trying to infiltrate into the country.
Speaking to mediapersons here, Raju said: "Government wants to carry forward the dialogue process and stable relationship between India and Pakistan. Whatever the militants are doing they have their own way, but our country is fully prepared to contain and eliminate them."10.50 am: India court urges death penalty for honor killing
India's top court is recommending the death penalty for those found guilty of committing "honor killings," calling it a barbaric and feudal practice.While there are no official figures, an independent study said each year in India around 900 people are killed for defying their families, mostly young people who fall in love or marry against the wishes of their elders. More
10.35 am: Pakistan may give US access to Bin Laden's wives
Pakistan now appears ready to allow the United States to interview the wives of Osama bin Laden who were with him at the compound where he was killed last week, a US official said. Here is the full stroy
10.15 am: NATO strikes target Gaddafi compound
A number of blasts were heard from apparent NATO missile strikes targeting Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi's compound and other sites in Tripoli on Tuesday, witnesses said. More
10.00 am: Hundreds of Libyan refugees feared dead after ship sinks off Libya
Hundreds of Libyan refugees are feared dead after an overcrowded ship carrying some 600 people trying to flee Libya sank just outside of the port of Tripoli, world media reported Monday.
The unrest in the country, which began in mid-February, has already claimed thousands of lives, with Muammar Gaddafi's troops maintaining their combat capabilities despite NATO air strikes against them. More
9.40 am: Osama bin Laden mission agreed in secret 10 years ago by US and Pakistan
<span class="yui-editorial-embed"/>The US and Pakistan struck a secret deal almost a decade ago permitting a US operation against Osama bin Laden on Pakistani soil similar to last week's raid that killed the al-Qaida leader.
The deal was struck between the military leader General Pervez Musharraf and President George Bush after Bin Laden escaped US forces in the mountains of Tora Bora in late 2001, according to serving and retired Pakistani and US officials. The Guardian has full story
9.15 am: Barack Obama under pressure to slash Pakistan aid
The Obama administration is facing a clash with Congress where pressure is building to slash the huge aid budget to Pakistan as punishment for Osama bin Laden's presence in the country.
Members of Congress are lining up to question continued spending on Pakistan, the third highest recipient of US aid and threatening retaliation. Here is the full story
8.50 am: Pakistan PM rejects accusations over bin Laden
Pakistan Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani rejected allegations on Monday that the killing of Osama bin Laden near Islamabad by U.S. forces showed Pakistani incompetence or complicity in hiding the al Qaeda leader.
Opposition politicians have stepped up their criticism of Pakistan's leaders over the killing of bin Laden in a raid by U.S. special forces in a northern Pakistani town on May 2. Here is the full story
8.45 am: Polling begins for last phase of Bengal Assembly elections
Polling began today amidst tight security for the sixth and final phase of the West Bengal Assembly elections, covering 14 seats in the Maoist-affected Jangalmahal area spread over West Midnapore, Bankura and Purulia districts.
During this phase, 26,57,436 voters will elect their representatives from 97 candidates. While West Midnapore district has the highest number of seven seats, Purulia has four and Bankura three.
8.40 am: CIA won't withdraw ISI chief in Pakistan - officials
The Central Intelligence Agency has no intention of bringing home its chief operative in Pakistan despite an apparent attempt by the Pakistani media to unmask his identity, U.S. officials said on Monday.
While the Pakistani media reports apparently were inaccurate, U.S. officials said they believe the leak was a calculated attempt to divert attention from American demands for explanations of how Osama bin Laden could have hidden for years near Pakistan's principal military academy. Here is the full story
8.30 am: Dawood Ibrahim lives in Pak: Chidambaram
Asserting that underworld don Dawood Ibrahim is living in Karachi, Chidambaram said Pakistan must own up to terrorists and fugitives like him and others who are in their soil.
"I think we must continue to mobilise international opinion against all the terrorist and those who have fled the law and those who are sheltering in Pakistan, both terrorist and fugitives. Pakistan must own up to them...own up who is in Pakistan soil," Home Minister P Chidambaram said. More
8.20 am: Congress seeks judicial probe into Greater Noida violence
The Congress sought a judicial probe into the violence involving farmers in Uttar Pradesh and said the amended Land Acquisition Bill should be passed by the parliament at the earliest.
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'Whatever be the reason and motive, the way the chief minister has tried to start a new tradition of development by use of sticks and guns will have far reaching impact,' Tewari said, referring to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati.
8.10 am: Asaram Bapu asked to appear before panel on ashram deaths
An inquiry commission, probing the mysterious death in 2008 of two boys studying in Asaram Bapu's Ahmedabad ashram, Monday set June 6 as the deadline for the spiritual leader and his son Narayan Sai to appear before it. Here is the full story*
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