#MeToo Bundelkhand: Three stories of women at work in the hinterland show dark lining below social, economic change

What does the workplace look like for these women who are resetting centuries of gender, class and caste oppression? Can they speak truth to power as we hear women in other places speaking? Or is silence a small price for the slow-moving liberties that they have gained? What shape can #MeToo take here?

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2BWkNxE

On New Year's Eve, take this quiz to know how cultures around the world will ring in 2019

The new year also brings lots of new resolutions and a revival of traditions that have been passed on through generations. Some are unique to families, others to regions and cultures. Take this quiz to know how the New Year's Eve is being celebrated globally, and who will be the first to welcome the year 2019.

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2R4Fhi3

Year-ender quiz: From SC fighting for gender equality to Kim Jong-un meeting world leaders, test your knowledge of events in 2018

From SC fighting for gender equality to Kim Jong-un meeting world leaders, take this special year-ender quiz to test your knowledge of events in 2018

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2BORdKe

Firstpost Editor's Picks: Sajjan Kumar surrenders, BSP puts pressure on Congress, Sheikh Hasina wins Bangladesh election; today's must-read stories

India-US relations have been on a high right since the Nuclear Deal and were taken to the level of a developing strategic partnership by the Modi-Obama combine.

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2R1rPvm

Jammu and Kashmir saw more killings of jihadists, but also more local recruits in 2018; new year to bring new challenges

As the new year arrives, new challenges are in store for the security forces in Jammu and Kashmir, including the conduct of the general elections.

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2BSHTVE

Slow progress mars Mizoram-Myanmar Kaladan project as India misses deadline for road third time in a row

The multi-crore Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project envisioned as a key component of the Act East Policy has missed the deadline for the third consecutive time in Mizoram

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2QYNLac

1984 Anti-Sikh riots: Sajjan Kumar taken to Delhi's Mandoli jail; former Congress leader had surrendered in Karkadooma Court

Former Congress leader Sajjan Kumar, sentenced to life imprisonment for his role in 1984 anti-Sikh riots, was brought to Mandoli jail after he surrendered before the Karkardooma court on Monday.

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2BV1yo3

MHA declares entire Nagaland 'disturbed' for six more months under AFSPA as killings, loot and extortion rise

The entire state of Nagaland has been declared "disturbed area" for six more months, till June-end, under the controversial AFSPA, which empowers security forces to conduct operations anywhere and arrest anyone without any prior notice.

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2R5JX79

Lake Manawa State Park

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The post Lake Manawa State Park appeared first on Outdoor Photographer.

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Photo Of The Day By Kris Walkowski

Cop killings in UP: Yogi Adityanath's macho posturing does little to address crisis of confidence in law and order machinery

As an administrator, Adityanath likes to portray a 'tough guy' image, promoting police encounters and declaring that "human rights are for common man, not criminals and terrorists". It is the language of vigilantes, not the elected chief minister of a state.

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2Row9nv

The Wire's external committee suspends probe into sexual harassment allegations against Vinod Dua

Vinod Dua was accused of sexual harassment by Nishtha Jain in a Facebook post on October 17, 2018 in what has come to be recognised as the second wave of the #MeToo movement in India

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2F1lDwI

Bangladesh elections: Sheikh Hasina's return to power means less worries for India; New Delhi can focus more on western border

Daughter of Bangladesh's first president Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Sunday's win has consolidated Sheikh Hasina's decade-long rule in the country where she is credited with boosting economic and promoting development

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2EY7Few

1984 riots convict Sajjan Kumar surrenders before Karkardooma court in Delhi; former Congress MP to serve life term in Tihar Jail

Former Congress MP Sajjan Kumar, convicted in the 1984 anti-Sikh riots case, surrendered before the Karkardooma court on Monday. The 73-year-old was awarded a life sentence by the Delhi High Court and a fine of Rs 5 lakh on 17 December. He will be lodged in the Tihar Jail in Delhi.

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2F1lzwY

New Year flushed with promise world over, but Kashmir stares at another period of gloom amid gunfights and clashes

The first week of 2018 began with a gunfight between Kashmiri militants and security forces, and the last week also witnessed killings in the same pattern. Both gunfights and deaths were followed by clashes between security forces and protesters.

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2RnRmy9

From putting China ties on even keel to getting crucial US waivers, Modi govt managed geopolitics with flair in 2018

Going by the extreme concerns over how low the India-China relations reached over Doklam in 2017, the energy shown in retrieving the relationship without embarrassment was a major achievement.

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2GKufcU

Meghalaya mine tragedy: Multi-agency rescue efforts resume to track trapped miners after divers fail to reach bottom of pit

Navy divers on Monday successfully entered the inundated rat hole coal mine at East Jaintia Hills in Meghalaya, where 15 miners have been trapped since 13 December. A 15-member diving team of the navy from Vishakhapatnam had arrived at Meghalaya on Saturday to help with the rescue operations.

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2RnRopL

Human rights groups claim Bulandshahr violence was attempt to 'instill fear' among Muslims, demand SC-monitored probe

The Bulandshahr violence that claimed the lives of a policeman and a 20-year-old man was a "targeted attempt" to "instill fear" in the Muslim community, an umbrella organisation of human rights bodies claimed on Sunday and demanded a Supreme Court-monitored probe into it.

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2GPzQ1D

Make The Mutiny Bountiful

There are many rules and guidelines that relate to art. They correspond to composition, light, depth of field, color harmony, sharpness and so much more. They’re written and applied for good reason. The rule of thirds should be applied to create a successful composition. Mid-day light doesn’t work that well for a grand scenic, so it should be avoided. Always freeze motion when you capture action, etc. There are many rules that govern us and if they’re broken, a penalty has to be paid. The beauty of art is that rules can constantly be challenged to test their credibility. So throw caution to the wind, dust off your Break the Rules sneakers, be a rebel and make the mutiny bountiful. Test the waters to find an exception where breaking the rule nets you a fantastic image.

In regard to photography, “rules” and “guidelines” are used interchangeably. If you’re a very regimented person, this is a relief. A guideline infers a suggested path while a rule connotes a dictated path. So exhale, let down your guard and run through the trees while whistling a tune and think of a guideline to which you adhere and see if you can create a successful photo where you deliberately defy its inference.

You Need A Long Lens For Wildlife: Photographing wildlife is my passion. My 80-400mm lens is my workhorse as it offers versatility, it’s tack sharp and not too heavy. But sometimes it’s a bit too long! "A bit to long," you gasp? Yes, there are times when I want to show the animal in its environment and I don’t always reach for the long prime or my workhorse. For small subjects and headshots, long lenses are essential to get in close, but for the environmental portrait, larger subjects or images where the entire sky is on fire and you want to include it in the frame, reach for the shorter lens. The image of the elephants above was made with my 70-200mm at 70mm, ƒ/9.

If You Want To Be Professional, You Have To Use Manual Exposure: Manual exposure certainly has its place, but 95 percent of my captures are made using aperture priority. If I’m photographing a white bird that flies in front of a blue sky, then dark foliage, then a deep shadow background and then bright green foliage, I use manual because I want to keep the exposure on the bird constant. Exposure compensation isn't practical in this scenario. But for the large percentage of other captures, aperture priority, combined with exposure compensation, works well. I pose this thought. If person A professes manual is the ONLY way to go and person B uses a different exposure mode BUT each of their histograms are identical, what makes one mode better than the other? The bottom line is, don’t get caught up in feeling “put down” because you’re supposed to use one over the other. If what you use works, then it’s CORRECT for you.

Scenics Have to Be Horizontal: Rather than adhere to a rule or guideline, let the scene dictate the orientation of your camera. Conventionally, scenics are synonymous with a horizontal format but when exhausting all possibilities, test its vertical validity. It often necessitates a change in focal length to expand or contract what the camera sees, so experiment. Rotate the camera and zoom in or zoom out. You’ll often be pleasantly surprised that a vertical works just as well, if not better, than the horizontal.

ALWAYS Show the Eyes: Years ago, one of my Tips of the Week referenced one of my favorite expressions: The Eyes Are The Gateway To The Soul. In it, I wrote about the importance of expression in the eyes. If they don’t express emotion, the connection with the viewer is weak. While this holds true, I thought about that particular Tip when I clicked the shutter of the accompanying image of the lion cub. It’s the closed eyes that emphatically tell the story of contentment in this image. I broke one of my own guidelines. Make the Mutiny Bountiful!

Visit www.russburdenphotography.com for information about his nature photography tours and safari to Tanzania.

The post Make The Mutiny Bountiful appeared first on Outdoor Photographer.

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Indian Army foils attack by Pakistan BAT at forward posts along LoC, kills two 'soldiers' of neighbour's team

Army foiled a major BAT attempt to strike a forward post along the Line of Control in Naugam Sector in the early hours of Sunday, an Army spokesperson said

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2R26K3S

Daily Bulletin: Triple talaq bill to be tabled in RS today; rescue ops in Meghalaya mine to continue with hi-tech equipment; day's top stories

Triple talaq bill to be tabled in the Rajya Sabha even as Opposition has said it will not allow passage; rescue operations for Meghalaya miners continue with hi-tech equipment; day's top stories

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2BSgFyo

Sudhir Bhargava is the new Chief Information Commissioner; IPS officer was High Commissioner of India in UK

The government has appointed Sudhir Bhargava as new Chief Information Commissioner (CIC) along with four new Information Commissioners in the Central Information Commission which had been functioning with just three of them as against a sanctioned strength of 11, including the Chief Information Commissioner.

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2QWOGrG

RSS scrambles for new strategy in Hindu-dominated Jammu and Buddhist-dominated Ladakh as BJP loses valuable vote bank

In Jammu, the BJP had assured to end the perceived hegemony of Muslim-dominated Kashmir, scrapping of Article 370, and deportation of Rohingyas settled in Jammu and seen as a security threat by locals. With all these promises remaining just on papers, Hindus in Jammu have now lost faith in the party.

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2BNT9md

Caught in the cycle of debt and death, India's farmers drove home the severity of the agrarian crisis in 2018

Farmer's protests and their demands are no longer subdued - they deserve serious engagement and attention and cannot be restricted to election promises of loan waivers or sops.

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2QXCuHg

Bulandshahr violence: Murdered police inspector's son questions BJP MLA's claim that cop shot himself; calls incident a 'conspiracy'

Elder son of police inspector Subodh Kumar Singh, who was among the two people killed in the Bulandshahr violence, Shrey Singh on Sunday questioned a BJP MLA's claim that his father had shot himself.

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2BM7f7u

19-year-old man from Tamil Nadu, who unknowingly donated HIV-positive blood to pregnant woman in Sattur, commits suicide

The 19-year-old recently found out that he was HIV positive during a routine medical examination part of a visa application process. He immediately informed authorities about recently having donated blood, which was then traced to the Sattur hospital where a 24-year-old pregnant woman from Tamil Nadu's Virudhunagar district was transfused the blood.

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2QZhO1B

1984 riots case convict Sajjan Kumar expected to surrender today; petitioner HS Phoolka advises victims to steer clear of court premises

The Delhi High Court on 17 December overturned the acquittal granted to Sajjan Kumar in 2013 in a 1984 anti-Sikh riots case and convicted and sentenced him to life imprisonment along with a fine of Rs 5 lakh.

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2BSuDAB

Four rifles go missing from Jammu and Kashmir former Congress legislator's house; police issue alert in Srinagar

The weapons of Congress leader and Member of Legislative Council in Jammu and Kashmir Muzaffar Parray's PSOs went missing from the guard room at his house.

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2R0lMH9

UP govt asks Purvanchal University V-C to explain statement telling students to 'murder' people they get into fights with

Purvanchal University VC Raja Ram Yadav purportedly told students not to come crying if they get into a fight, rather beat up the person or maybe kill.

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2BSTTGP

Narendra Modi renames three Andaman and Nicobar islands, Ross Island now Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Dweep

Narendra Modi on Sunday announced renaming of three islands of Andaman and Nicobar on the occasion of 75th anniversary of tricolour hoisting by Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose.

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2QXVrd5

Firstpost Editor's Picks: Bullet train controversy, Ghazipur violence, heightened security in Bhima Koregaon; today's must read stories

The Maharashtra government has suspended an information officer for allegedly providing "incorrect information" under the Right to Information Act.

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2BSTDrl

Maoists kill one person, torch 10 vehicles in Bihar's Aurangabad; deceased was uncle of state MLC

According to a senior police official, the Maoists fired several rounds and set 10 vehicles on fire in Bihar's Aurangabad district.

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2QXClDI

Photo Of The Day By Jody Partin

Meghalaya mine tragedy: Multi-agency rescue operation begins with sophisticated diving equipment, machinery

The multi-agency operation to rescue the 15 miners trapped in a 370-foot-deep rat-hole coal mine was all set to resume on Sunday, officials said.

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2SmWBv8

Similipal tiger reserve in Odisha's Mayurbhanj lost 75 tigers in 12 years, says state's wildlife society

The Wildlife Society of Odisha (WSO) claimed that Similipal had 101 tigers in 2006 but now the population has gone down to 28 due to a spike in poaching cases.

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2ET7z7E

Despite similar histories, India lags behind Japan, South Korea in growth due to idea of nationalism focussing on religious minorities

How much of India's nationalism is focused on refining our culture? To answer that, ask yourself how often our nationalist party talks about Indian music, literature, architecture and art, and what is done to use it to improve our lives.

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2EVWkwj

Narendra Modi remembers freedom fighters in Port Blair, will pay tribute to Subash Chandra Bose at Marina Park

Narendra Modi arrived in Port Blair on 29 December to hold various engagements, including the renaming of three islands. Ross Island, Neil Island and Havelock Island will be renamed as Netaji Subash Chandra Bose Island, Shaheed Dweep and Swaraj Dweep, respectively to mark the 75th year of freedom fighter Subhash Chandra Bose hoisting the national flag at Port Blair.

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2EVcKnE

Ghazipur violence: 11 arrested after constable's death in stone pelting; Congress calls it 'Adityanath's jungle rule'

The Congress on Saturday slammed the Uttar Pradesh government over the death of a police constable in Ghazipur in stone pelting by a mob, alleging that in Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's "jungle rule" neither the people were safe, nor the police.

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2EXaIEf

Mann ki Baat: Narendra Modi lauds Ayushman Bharat scheme, claims electricity reached 'each and every' village in 2018

Prime Minister Narendra Modi while addressing 2018's last edition of Mann Ki Baat on Sunday urged the countrymen to work towards the development of India and take the society forward.

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2EVn7YA

Cold wave grips parts of India: Delhi continues to freeze; Nagpur gets colder than Shimla; Pune records coldest morning in 18 years

According to reports, the northwest, central and eastern parts of the country are likely to continue facing the cold wave on Sunday. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted that the chill in the air is expected to continue for the next two days.

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2rXf3yU

Maharashtra doctor seeks removal of 'virginity test' from medical syllabus; claims 'no scientific basis' in report to MCI

A Maharashtra-based forensic medicine professor has submitted a report to the Medical Council of India (MCI) seeking removal of the "virginity test" from the medical curriculum, claiming it had no scientific basis.

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2LFdVZT

Centre has wrecked CBI and ED, Narendra Modi govt guilty of malicious propaganda, says Congress leader Anand Sharma

Congress leader Anand Sharma said that investigation agencies like the CBI and ED should act as per the law and alleged that no prosecution is taking place and no evidence is being produced in the AgustaWestland case.

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2s2UNM8

Ghazipur violence: 11 of 32 named in FIR arrested after constable's death in stone pelting; Congress calls it 'Adityanath's jungle rule'

The Congress on Saturday slammed the Uttar Pradesh government over the death of a police constable in Ghazipur in stone pelting by a mob, alleging that in Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's "jungle rule" neither the people were safe, nor the police.

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2LEkADE

Bulandshahr violence: Uttar Pradesh Police arrest main accused in cow slaughter case, seize licensed revolver

The development comes a day after BJP legislator Devendra Singh Lodhi stirred controversy by claiming that cop Subodh Kumar killed in Bulandshahr violence had "shot himself after he became hopeless."

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2rZyCGM

Examining the evidence for 'Aryan' migrations into India: The story of our ancestors and where we came from

The 'Aryans,' it is now clear, migrated to India once upon a time. Just like everyone else. And there is nothing special or frightening about this fact.

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2SmSPBW

After Firstpost report on bullet train project, Maharashtra govt suspends officer who responded to RTI query

The response to the RTI query had revealed that the committee formed to study the bullet train project had not met even once before clearing the project.

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2rYECj4

Jayalalithaa death probe: Commission of Inquiry counsel alleges serious issues in ex-CM's treatment at Apollo Hospital

In former chief minister Jayalalithaa's death probe, a petition has been filed before a Commission of Inquiry by its counsel, raising serious medical issues regarding her treatment at the Apollo Hospital.

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2LGxG3c

'I was also an accidental prime minister,' says former PM HD Deve Gowda amid political row on biographical film

HD Deve Gowda served as prime minister from 1 June, 1996 to 21 April, 1997 with the help of regional parties and Congress. Later, when Congress withdrew support, Gowda had to step down.

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2VcQN9v

With Bhima Koregaon gearing up to host lakhs of Dalits, police tighten security, monitor 'provocative' social media posts

After the violence at Bhima Koregaon last year, Dalit groups from across Maharashtra are likely to throng the destination this time to make a statement, and the police have their work cut out for them.

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2Qb7RIY

Kartarpur Corridor: Pakistan sends 14 recommendations to India to aid visa-free travel; list includes issuing 500 permits per day

The recommendations call for Indian pilgrims to be given free entry through the Kartarpur corridor, and that facilitation centres and security check-posts to be set up on both sides of the border. The pilgrims will be allowed in groups of a minimum of 15 people and Pakistan shall issue special permits to them.

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2Vj26Nt

Bengaluru woman claims husband gave her triple talaq over WhatsApp from US; Maneka Gandhi takes up case on 'absolute priority'

WCD minister Maneka Gandhi has taken note of the case after a woman in Bengaluru was allegedly given triple talaq by her US-based husband through a text and voice message.

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2Qb8sdG

Delhi shelter home inmates abused by staff with chilli powder in private parts, says DCW; 4 female employees arrested

An FIR was registered and four women employees of the Delhi shelter home - a welfare officer, an in-charge and two house mothers - were arrested. They have been sent to judicial custody and an investigation is underway, the police said.

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2VggHJj

Survivor of Meghalaya mine tragedy says 'no way trapped miners will still be alive' even as NDRF, navy divers gear up for rescue efforts

As operation to rescue 15 trapped miners continue at the 370-foot-deep illegal coal mine in East Jaintia Hills district, a survivor of the 13 December accident said on Saturday that there is no way the trapped miners will come out alive.

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2Qb8qm4

'The truth can no longer be suppressed': Congress, BJP spar over ED's statement in court on AgustaWestland case

On a day the Enforcement Directorate (ED) told a court that AgustaWestland case accused Christian Michel had made a reference to "Mrs Gandhi", the Congress on Saturday claimed that the government is using the probe agencies to malign the Gandhi family while the BJP said the "truth is coming out".

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2Vq6day

Meghalaya mine tragedy: Rescue operation continues; NDRF, navy divers begin efforts at dawn on Sunday

Divers from the Navy and the NDRF went inside the flooded Meghalaya mine on Saturday to conduct a recce and measure the level of accumulated water as part of the rescue operation of the 15 trapped miners.

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2Qb8pP2

Daily Bulletin: Congress, BJP trade barbs over AgustaWestland case; Bangladesh votes today; India win 3rd Test; day's top stories

Today's top stories: The Congress and BJP trade bards over Christian Michel's reported "Mrs Gandhi" revelation in the AgustaWestland case; India win the third Test against Australia; NASA's New Horizon sends one final ping before its New Year's Day fly-by of Ultima Thule; and more.

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2VggFBb

Girls in Delhi shelter home allegedly abused by its staff; four women employees arrested

Four women employees of a shelter home in Delhi, where girls were allegedly abused by its staff, were arrested on Saturday.

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2CF2zlv

Bars, pubs in Mumbai can remain open till 5 am on 1 January with prior police permission, says official

Hotels, bars and pubs in Mumbai can remain open till 5 am on 1 January for New Year celebrations with prior permission from local police stations.

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2TgaTh6

Youngsters carrying Islamic State flags forcibly enter Jamia Masjid in Srinagar, shout slogans and create ruckus

A group of youngsters, carrying Islamic State flags, forcibly entered the historic Jamia Masjid in Srinagar.

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2CEJosn

AgustaWestland case: Christian Michel names 'Mrs Gandhi'; alleged middleman sent to 7-day ED custody

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Friday told Delhi's Patiala Court that the prime accused in the AgustaWestland VVIP Chopper case, Christian Michel, has named "Mrs Gandhi" while being interrogated, but the context of his statement was not clear.

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2TcC5NU

Uttar Pradesh Police constable killed in stone-pelting by protesters in Ghazipur; agitators were prevented from going to Modi's rally

Uttar Pradesh Police constable Suresh Vats (48) was hit on the head by a stone when he went to end the traffic jam.

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2CFw6fa

Islamic State flags in Srinagar reflect disillusionment that is popularising radical alternatives in Kashmir

The waving of Islamic State flags and the chanting of IS slogan from the pulpit of the Jamia mosque in Srinagar after Friday prayers is a chilling reminder.

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2Thy3Ue

Firstpost Editor's Picks: AgustaWestland case, row over The Accidental Prime Minister, Pulwama encounter; today's must-read stories

The ED on Friday told Delhi's Patiala court that the prime accused in the AgustaWestland VVIP chopper case, Christian Michel, has named "Mrs Gandhi".

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2CERe4W

AgustaWestland case: Govt using agencies to put pressure on Christian Michel to name a family, says Congress

Congress accused the BJP-led government of using its agencies to put pressure on alleged middleman Christian Michel, arrested in the AgustaWestland VVIP chopper case, to name a particular family.

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2Tinbpb

Photo Of The Day By Les Zeppelin Baran

World War-II-era bomb unearthed at dock in Kolkata during dredging operations; navy officer says it poses no risk

The area was cordoned off following the discovery of the bomb on Friday and the police, Navy and the Army duly informed, said Kolkata Port Trust (KoPT) Chairman Vinit Kumar.

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2AnNp2H

Three AAP workers arrested for allegedly circulating fake news about Haryana chief minister; party cries foul

Three Aam Aadmi Party leaders were arrested for allegedly circulating "fake news" on social media attributed to Haryana chief minister Manohar Lal Khattar.

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2So7cWE

Bogibeel Bridge opened: Residents of northern Assam hopeful for future, but fear environmental degradation, demographic changes

What used to be a three-hour journey across the Brahmaputra in the past is now just a 7-minute sauntering drive, after the inauguration of the Bogibeel bridge.

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2Q6Zmig

Mid-air collision of 3 international flights averted in Delhi; aviation authorities to summon pilots for probe

The collisions between the three flights - Dutch carrier KLM, Taiwan's Eva Air, and US-based National Airlines were averted on 23 December following multiple auto-generated warnings by the Air Traffic Control (ATC). The three foreign airlines were flying almost at the same level which is a clear violation of mandatory separation.

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2VeEPMs

Indian Army rescues over 1,500 tourists stranded in Sikkim due to heavy snowfall; travellers to be transferred to Gangtok

The tourists were returning from Sikkim's Nathu La and Tsomgo (Changu) Lake on Friday evening when snowfall in the region blocked roads, leaving over 300 to 400 civil vehicles stranded at various points on Jawahar Lal Nehru Road, East Sikkim District Magistrate Kapil Meena said.

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2Q6ZgHq

Meghalaya miners' rescue: Indian Navy, Air Force join operation but wait for pumps continue

The Coal India Limited official also pointed out the possibility of water entering the mine from other shafts nearby which have been abandoned.

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2VfcplA

Lava-type eruption creates panic in Tripura's Jalifa village; scientists say low chance of actual active volcano in region

In the recent incident from a few days ago, the local villagers of Jalifa were scared to find lava erupting from the lower portion of the electric pole on the roadside and reported the matter to the fire extinguishing team and local police.

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2QbDwKy

Freedom is not a shiny object, and other thoughts for Naseeruddin Shah's detractors

Naseeruddin Shah's detractors should know that by telling someone they should be happy with whatever freedom they have been granted, they are implying that they weren't supposed to be free in the first place

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2ViXZ42

Narendra Modi's foreign trips cost over Rs 2,021 cr since 2014; Manmohan Singh spent Rs 1,346 cr during UPA II

An expenditure of over Rs 2,021 crore was incurred on chartered flights, maintenance of aircraft and hotline facilities during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visits to foreign countries since June 2014, according to the government.

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2Q9Gejw

Security forces kill 4 Jaish-e-Muhammad militants in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama; civilians protest near encounter site

Acting on specific information about the presence of militants in Hanjan area of Pulwama in south Kashmir, security forces launched a cordon and search operation, a police official said. He said as the forces were conducting searches, the hiding militants fired upon them.

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2Vju9vZ

Fire at under construction building near Mumbai's Kamala Mills doused, no casualties reported

The incident comes exactly one year after a similar fire broke out in the Kamala Mills compound, and killed 14. The massive fire of 29 December, 2017 broke out at the two pubs in the Kamala Mills compound.

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2Q9V61E

Haryana: 7 killed, 4 injured as SUV crashes into truck at Ambala-Chandigarh national highway due to heavy fog on

Seven people were killed and five were injured when a vehicle rammed into two SUVs due to heavy fog on the Ambala-Chandigarh national highway on Saturday, police said.

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2VjYsCG

Explosion at Jammu bust stand, no casualties reported; Police suspect blast caused by grenade lobbed from moving vehicle

A low-intensity explosion rocked the main bus stand in Jammu district, with the police suspecting that a grenade was lobbed to target the police station building in the vicinity, police officials said Saturday.

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2QdfE9y

Fire at under construction building near Mumbai's Kamala Mills exactly one year after blaze that killed 14; 4 fire tenders at the spot

The incident comes exactly one year after a similar fire broke out in the Kamala Mills compound, and killed 14. The massive fire of 29 December, 2017 broke out at the two pubs in the Kamala Mills compound.

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2GKRSCj

Assistance before sowing season, compensating low crop prices, loan waivers amid Modi govt's plan to help farmers ahead of 2019 polls

Modi is desperate to claw back support among India's 263 million farmers and their many millions of dependents after his Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) lost power earlier this month to the opposition Congress in three big heartland states.

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2RnIqIZ

16 days after Meghalaya accident, 3 helmets recovered from rat-hole mine; navy joins rescue ops but pumps still hours away

On sixteenth day of rescue operations for 15 Meghalaya miners trapped inside a flooded rat-hole mine, three helmets have been recovered even as hope of saving the men, trapped in a tunnel-like space under 70 feet of water since 13 December, becomes bleak.

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2GKRS5h

CBI had 'premeditated script' to implicate politicians in Sohrabuddin encounter case, agency's probe 'politically motivated', says court

Special CBI Judge SJ Sharma made the remarks in a 350-pages judgement on 21 December, while acquitting all the 22 accused in the Sohrabuddin case. The court acquitted the accused due to insufficient evidence and expressed sorrow over the loss of "three lives."

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2RhEh9B

Turkey investigating TV anchor Fatih Portakal for 'openly inciting others to commit a crime' weeks after President Erdogan lambasted journalist

The prosecutor's office said it was investigating Turkey's Fox Haber channel's Fatih Portakal for "openly inciting others to commit a crime" after the journalist speculated whether Turks could protest like those in the Yellow Vest movement in France, Hurriyet and Milliyet dailies said.

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2GLjk2I

Jammu and Kashmir's chief electoral officer meets Governor Satya Pal Malik; briefs him on voter education initiatives

Jammu and Kashmir chief electoral officer Shailendra Kumar apprised the governor about the steps taken to educate the public about the use of EVM-VVPAT (voter-verifiable paper audit trail) and progress achieved till date in the special summary revision of electoral rolls, the spokesperson said.

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2RqpadO

Bomb kills three Vietnamese tourists, local tour guide near pyramids of Giza; Egyptian PM says 'no country can guarantee 100% safety'

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2GVc3NE

Daily Bulletin: Anupam Kher against showing Gandhis The Accidental Prime Minister, IAF, navy join rescue efforts in Meghalaya mine; day's top stories

Today's top stories: IAF, Navy join efforts to rescue trapped Meghalaya miners; Trump advisor heads to Turkey, Israel after Syria pullout; Anupam Kher against special screening of The Accidental Prime Minister; and more.

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2RjWV0t

Jayalalithaa death: Apollo Hospital pinpoints errors in recording medical terms, seeks examination of records by probe panel

The Apollo Hospital has demanded constitution of a medical board comprising doctors and medical professionals to examine the medical records of late former Tamil Nadu chief minister Jayalalithaa

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2GMkpHH

Makers of The Accidental Prime Minister complicit in BJP's design to disparage Singh, demonise Gandhis

Given the BJP's record of stalling the release of films it considers inimical to its interest, The Accidental Prime Minister becomes an eloquent example of essentially illiberal forces exploiting the liberal ethos to spin propaganda

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2RjL4Qa

Ahead of Bhima Koregaon battle anniversary, police prohibit Milind Ekbote, Kabir Kala Manch leaders from visiting memorial

According to the Pune Police, provocative speeches at the conclave, said to have been funded by Maoists, triggered violence at Bhima Koregaon.

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2GJIb6R

Meghalaya mine tragedy: Hope for survival of trapped miners rises as team of Indian Navy divers leaves for rescue operation

Hopes of evacuating 15 workers trapped in a flooded coal mine for over two weeks were raised on Friday with the impending arrival a diving team of the Navy along with specialised equipment, including high-pressure pumps.

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2RffqDp

Bulandshahr violence: Man who 'shot' inspector Subodh Kumar Singh sent to 14-day judicial custody

A court on Friday sent to 14-day judicial custody the man who allegedly shot dead a police inspector during mob violence in Uttar Pradesh's Bulandshahr district earlier in December. Prashant Nat, who was arrested Thursday from Sikandrabad, was produced in the court of the additional chief judicial magistrate.

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2GMkoDD

India announces Rs 4,500-crore assistance to Bhutan as Narendra Modi holds wide-ranging talks with Lotay Tshering

In his media statement, Modi said he has assured the Bhutanese prime minister that India, as a "trusted friend", will continue to play an important role in Bhutan's overall development.

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2RpaU56

Meghalaya mine tragedy: Navy sends divers, IAF airlifts pumps as efforts hasten to rescue miners fortnight after incident

The Indian Navy and Indian Air Force joined rescue operation on Friday as authorities face criticism over their lackadaisical attitude towards rescuing the trapped miners in Meghalaya

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2GKGUg4

Unnao rape case: NHRC issues notice to UP govt on reports of state agencies harassing, threatening survivor

NHRC has sent a notice to the Uttar Pradesh government following reports of its agencies allegedly harassing and threatening the Unnao rape victim

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2Rk9UPM

Surat police arrests Hardik Patel's aide Alpesh Kathiria for 'misbehaving' with traffic cops; PAAS convener released on bail

Patidar leader Alpesh Kathiria, a close aide of Hardik Patel, was arrested by the Surat city police Friday on the charges of rioting and misbehaving with traffic police. He was later released on bail

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2GJiFij

Air Traffic Control averts mid-air collision of three foreign airlines near Delhi; AAIB launches probe

In a rare incident, three planes of three foreign airlines, carrying hundreds of passengers, came perilously close in the Delhi flight information region and collisions were averted after multiple auto-generated warnings and intervention from ATC, an official said on Friday.

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2RoeWL0

Firstpost Editor's Picks: Virat Kohli's war, Opposition's obstructionism, Meghalaya miners; today's must-read stories

Virat Kohli needs to ensure his bowlers stay fit and fresh for the forthcoming Sydney Test and beyond.

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2GJiEuL

Bhima-Koregaon violence: Ahead of first anniversary of clashes, Pune Police on alert to prevent untoward incidents

Violence had marred the bicentenary celebration of the battle of Bhima-Koregaon and its repercussions had haunted Maharashtra for the next few months.

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2RpaTOA

Bhima-Koregaon violence: Year after incident, victim's mother says 'no justice' until all culprits are caught

A year after the gruesome killing of her elder son Rahul Phatangade in the violence near Bhima Koregaon war memorial in Pune district, his mother is yet to come to terms with the loss

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2GNGENd

Botched blood transfusion: Medical team visits Sivakasi hospital to probe medical negligence days after woman contracts HIV

Days after a pregnant woman contracted HIV after allegedly being transfused contaminated blood supplied by a blood bank here, a five-member medical team from Chennai visited the Sivakasi government hospital Friday for conducting a probe into the medical negligence

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2RtyaPH

Photo Of The Day By Donna Passero

Prime Minister Narendra Modi to launch series of infrastructure projects in Andaman and Nicobar Islands on Sunday

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will launch several of infrastructure projects in Andaman and Nicobar Islands on Sunday.

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2BIh6eF

Triple talaq bill will find support in Rajya Sabha, it's not about 'political opposition', says Ravi Shankar Prasad

The government expressed hope on Friday that the triple talaq bill, which criminalises the practice of instant divorce by Muslim men, will find support in the Rajya Sabha, whose approval is necessary for the bill to become law.

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2QYDta7

Days after ban on religious activities at Noida park, only few turn up for namaz, find parts of ground waterlogged

Days after a Noida park was declared out of bounds for religious activities, only a dozen people turned up there for the Friday namaz but found parts of the ground waterlogged

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2BIw7gr

Trapped miners in Meghalaya: As wheels of bureaucracy slowly turn, it's time to ask who gave their lives such a low priority

Fifteen days have passed since the miners were trapped in a mine in Meghalaya and everyone is still horsing around. At this late stage, there is no data to indicate the condition of the miners let alone have a blueprint of how to reach them.

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2QSn9Yu

Alienated and radicalised, Jammu and Kashmir youths who grew up under shadow of violence find conflict pervades daily life

Tragically, for decades India has allowed itself to be represented in Kashmir by the barrel of a gun

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2BLio8B

IS-inspired module busted: NIA says it has 'firm evidence' to nail suspects, claims recovered bombs 'potent terror weapons'

The NIA on Friday presented a point-by-point rebuttal to the political furore over the raids done by the investigative agency in Delhi and Uttar Pradesh on Wednesday.

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2GJrdWs

Odisha fire services team leaves for Meghalaya to help rescue miners trapped in rat-hole coal mine for 15 days

The miners are trapped in a 370-foot-deep illegal coal mine in the Ksan area of Lumthari village in Meghalaya since 13 December

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2QTKau8

Plight of trapped miners in Meghalaya raises important question: Just how low will mining elite stoop to make a profit?

Only by a strange twist of fate will the miners - trapped in the flooded mine at Ksan in Meghalaya's East Jaintia Hills for over two weeks - survive the catastrophe

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2RnMfhi

Reuters photographer Cathal McNaughton denied entry to India; MHA says foreign journalists violating Indian law liable to be punished

The action against Cathal McNaughton, chief photographer at the news agency's Delhi office who was recently sent back from the airport in New Delhi after his arrival from an overseas trip, is not permanent and can be reviewed after six months or a year.

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2GTI9t8

Parliament updates: Kashmir governor told us no party is ready to form govt, hence President Rule, says Rajnath Singh in Lok Sabha

Parliament LIVE updates: Following All India Trinamool Congress leader Derek O'Brien's prediction on Twitter that the Rajya Sabha will be disrupted, MPs entered the Well and began sloganeering. Chairman Venkaiah Naidu adjourned the House for the day shortly after the ruckus began. O'Brien tweeted a response to the development, and called it "so predictable."

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2RqfobA

Fire breaks out at ISRO centre in Ahmedabad; five fire tenders rushed to spot, no casualties reported so far

A fire broke out inside the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) in Ahmedabad on Friday. Five fire tenders at the spot, no details of casualties have been reported so far.

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2GIOEPv

'Don't want people to see ugly scenes,' Venkaiah Naidu adjourns Rajya Sabha amid din; LS discusses President's Rule in J&K

As the third week of the Winter Session of the Parliament came to an end, the Upper House did not transact much business. As had been the case during the entire session thus far, Rajya Sabha was once again disrupted by protests over the Cauvery issue, and was adjourned.

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2ERHGpD

Triple talaq bill: Opposition's obstructionism erodes credibility of crippled parliamentary system

As the NDA government passed the triple talaq bill in Lok Sabha on Thursday amid Opposition walkout, one is struck by the predictable monotony of our political discourse that is caught in a time warp and seems destined to play out in a never-ending loop.

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2EP2Bce

Parliament updates: Disruptions in Rajya Sabha 'so predictable', says TMC; Lok Sabha resumes amid Opposition ruckus

Parliament LIVE updates: Following All India Trinamool Congress leader Derek O'Brien's prediction on Twitter that the Rajya Sabha will be disrupted, MPs entered the Well and began sloganeering. Chairman Venkaiah Naidu adjourned the House for the day shortly after the ruckus began. O'Brien tweeted a response to the development, and called it "so predictable."

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2ERHI0J

'These onions could become bombs and explode': Shiv Sena attacks Maharashtra govt over falling prices of crop, farmers distress

The Sena, in an editorial in party mouthpiece 'Saamana', pointed out that onion farmers in Aurangabad's Vaijapur Agricultural Produce Marketing Committee (APMC) were getting as little as 20 paise per kilogram for their produce. "These onions could become bombs and explode," the Sena editorial warned.

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2ET9RUf

Railways to grant 40% fare concession to transgender senior citizens from 1 January onwards

The concession for a person of the third gender, aged 60 years or above, will be available from New Year's Day, said Central Railway spokesperson Sunil Udasi.

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2EWO2nM

In rural UP sterilisation camps for women are functioning under dire conditions

As the state and central government push to address issues of population growth and family planning by incentivising the sterilisation of women, there fails to be an equal provision of safe medical services.

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2ERFzkW

'Allow Mumbai hotels, pubs to be open all night on New Year's Eve': Aditya Thackeray revives five year old proposal for 31 December

Shiv Sena youth wing chief Aditya Thackeray on Thursday has demanded that major cities in Maharashtra should allow hotels and entertainment establishments to remain open "24X7" on the coming New Year's eve.

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2EWO27g

NHRC sends notices to Tamil Nadu health minister, state govt over pregnant woman contracting HIV after blood transfusion

The NHRC on Thursday sent notices to the Centre and the Tamil Nadu in connection with a 24-year-old pregnant woman contracting HIV allegedly after being transfused contaminated blood supplied by a blood bank which failed to conduct proper screening for the virus.

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2EOmUq2

Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath suspends three members of secretariat staff after sting exposes graft, SIT to probe case

As per Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's direction, the matter will be probed by a Special Investigation Team (SIT) and it will submit its report within 10 days after taking statements of all parties in the case

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2ETo04M

NDRF rubbishes 'foul odour' theory in Meghalaya, says it's from stagnant water not decomposed bodies

The NDRF team, which has been engaged in rescue operation at an illegal coal mine in Ksan area of East Jaintia Hills in Meghalaya for over two weeks now, have denied media reports which claimed that NDRF had "indicated" that the 15 trapped miners may be already dead

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2EP2z46

One militant killed in ongoing encounter in Awantipora area of Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama

Security forces launched a cordon and search operation in Banderpora area of Awantipora in the south Kashmir district Friday morning following specific information about the presence of militants there, a police official said.

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2GJAoWQ

Did the Aryans migrate to India? Lineage of first Indians may be 'imported', but it has endured over time

The 'Aryans,' it is now clear, migrated to India once upon a time. Just like everyone else. And there is nothing special or frightening about this fact.

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2RnYieo

Bulandshahr violence: UP Police arrests Delhi driver who 'shot' Subodh Kumar Singh; overall 29 arrested so far

The arrest of Prashant Nat in connection with the killing of Inspector Subodh Kumar Singh in Bulandshahr takes the total number of arrested people to 29.

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2GW5VVN

Rights activists urge Rajya Sabha to withdraw and redraft triple talaq bill, call legislation 'arbitrary and excessive'

Arguing that there was "no rationale to criminalise the practice of talaq-e-biddat", they said that if the triple talaq bill was passed, Muslim men will be incarcerated violating their rights of conjugality and would also lead to unwanted separation of the couple, against the wishes of the wife.

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2Rkuwr4

Karnataka ACB conducts raids in 17 locations, 5 govt officials under scanner in connection withdisproportionate assetscases

The Anti Corruption Bureau (ACB) in Karnataka is conducting raids at 17 locations corresponding to five government officials on Friday in connection withdisproportionate assetscases.

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2GJRkfU

Haryana farmers to get 44,000 pending tube-well connections in next six months; Khattar pushes for solar energy

Khattar encouraged farmers in Haryana to adopt micro-irrigation and said that farmers would be given solar energy unit and they would utilise the energy generated during the daytime, and incentive amounting to Rs 1 per unit would be given to farmers for maintenance purpose

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2RdAmdZ

Indian firm develops chip to curb call drops, enable TV broadcast on mobile

Electronic chipsets of Saankhya Labs are also being manufactured at Samsung facility in South Korea.

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2GS3aEW

Daily Bulletin: Fire in Mumbai high-rise kills 5; day after clearing triple talaq bill, Parliament to reconvene at 11am; day's top stories

Today's top stories: Five killed as fire breaks out in Mumbai high-rise; Apple could start assembling its premium iPhones models in India; Police claim arrest of prime accused in Bulandshahr violence; and more.

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2RjvJ1X

15 days on, Meghalaya miners stuck in rat-hole coal mine: Conflicting claims on when state sought Coal India's help sparks row

The fate of 15 miners trapped inside an illegal coal mine in Meghalaya's East Jaintia Hills district is still unknown.

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2GK6sdf

Madhya Pradesh portfolio allocation: Shivraj Singh Chouhan says delay in newly-formed Congress govt 'matter of concern'

Talking to reporters at his residence, Chouhan said, "I extended my wishes to the new government, but it is a matter of concern the way formation of cabinet was delayed and now portfolio distribution is being delayed."

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2RhXlVg

Situation tense in Shimla's Rohru after severed head of calf found; mob ransacks minority community's shops

A mob ransacked shops in Rohru market in Shimla district after the discovery of a severed cattle head on Thursday, police said.

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2GJAqxW

Five dead, several injured as fire breaks out in residential highrise in Mumbai's Chembur; rescue ops underway

Five people, including four women, were killed while several others including a fireman were injured after a major fire broke out in a 16-storey residential building in Chembur on Thursday evening.

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2RjqvTO

India's fastest train, Train 18 to begin operations from January 2019, claim reports; likely to run from Delhi to Varanasi

Train 18, India's fastest train, will begin operations in January 2019 at a curtailed speed of 130 kmph, sources said Thursday. Train 18, which is set to replace the Shatabdi series, has the potential to run between 160 kmph to 200 kmph. At trials, it breached the 180-kmph mark.

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2GTmelQ

Bailable warrant issued against BJP leader Sambit Patra for poll code violation in Madhya Pradesh

A court in Bhopal on Thursday issued a bailable warrant against BJP national spokesperson Sambit Patra, accused in a case of violation of the model code of conduct in Madhya Pradesh.

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2Q7ofKD

LS clears triple talaq bill: Congress walks out, Owaisi cries hypocrisy as BJP speaks of 'justice' for Muslim women

Almost exactly a year ago, similar scenes were witnessed in the Lok Sabha as the Lower House debated an earlier version of the triple talaq bill.

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2RrIWWF

NIA arrests in Jafrabad: Callous handling of crimes in minority-dominated areas adds to victimisation, alienation

There are many Jafrabad-like neighbourhoods in urban India, and callous handling of incidents like Wednesday's NIA raids in North East Delhi could push them further away from the mainstream

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2GJo3lk

'Hope to have same working relations with Centre as Delhi govt has with Nitin Gadkari,' says Arvind Kejriwal

Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Thursday said that Union minister Nitin Gadkari has showered more love on the Delhi government than maybe on his own partymen, and hoped the AAP dispensation would have the same working relations with the Centre that it shared with the BJP leader.

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2RfXzw0

India constantly in touch with Beijing over Chinese activity in Brahmaputra river, water resources minister tells Parliament

India has consistently conveyed its concerns over the Brahmaputra river to China and urged the country to ensure that interests of downstream states are not harmed by any activities in the upstream areas, the government informed the Lok Sabha Thursday.

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2GW5V8f

Lok Sabha passes triple talaq bill with amendments even as Opposition stages walkout; NCW welcomes move

The Lok Sabha on Thursday passed the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill, 2018, commonly known as the triple talaq bill even as some of the Opposition staged a walkout.

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2RfXAA4

Kolkata metro fire: 16 passengers fall ill after smoke fills coaches; services temporarily suspended, hundreds stranded

At least 16 passengers were taken ill after smoke was detected inside an air-conditioned coach of the Kolkata Metro Thursday

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2GGzqut

National Commission for Women welcomes passage of triple talaq bill in Lok Sabha

The National Commission for Women on Thursday welcomed the passage of the triple talaq bill in Lok Sabha.

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2LBkhcI

Lok Sabha passes bill criminalising instant triple talaq: Stern test in Rajya Sabha and other hurdles for proposed legislation

While the triple talaq bill was passed by 245 votes in favour and 11 against it in the Lok Sabha, it faces a sterner test in the Rajya Sabha.

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2s0Rk0U

Firstpost Editor's Picks: Cheteshwar Pujara in Australia, MHA snooping order, Bangladesh election; today's must-read articles

From Cheteshwar Pujara firmly stamping his authority as a batsman within another ton in Australia, to how furore over MHA snooping order ignores telephone taping, to how religious fundamentalism seems set to impact Bangladesh Election 2018, here are Thursday's top stories

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2LGMu1W

Photo Of The Day By Bob Larson

Aditya Thackeray asks Maharashtra CM to allow hotels, entertainment hubs to remain open all night on 31 Dec

Shiv Sena youth wing chief Aditya Thackeray has demanded that major cities in Maharashtra should allow hotels and entertainment establishments to remain open all night on 31 December

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2AjRDZ1

Rajiv Gandhi Bharat Ratna row: Attempts to create communal rift in Punjab will be handled with iron hand, says Amarinder Singh

Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh on Thursday stressed that his government will not tolerate any attempt to create a rift between communities and will deal with an iron hand if anyone tries to disturb the state's secular fabric

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2Sm0NLB

1984 anti-Sikh riots case: Sajjan Kumar to surrender on 31 Dec; lawyer says options running out as SC on vacation till 2 Jan

Sajjan Kumar's lawyer said options are running out for him as the Supreme Court is not likely to grant hearing to his appeal during the vacation.

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2AlpQaC

Blanket ban on commercial surrogacy eliminates aspect of privacy; unfair to couples who marry late, homosexuals

There is no doubt that this $1-billion industry needs to be regulated, but banning commercial surrogacy entirely might not be the way.

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2SkIV3K

Arun Jaitley lauds NIA for busting Islamic State module, defends MHA order on surveillance of computers

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley Thursday lauded the NIA for busting an alleged Islamic State terror plot and defended a recent government order authorising investigative agencies to monitor any computer

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2AfNnda

Furore over MHA notification on electronic surveillance sidesteps more rampant misuse of telephone tapping

The MHA notification authorising central agencies to intercept any information generated, transmitted, received in any computer kicked up a furore.

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2AjFWBQ

Madras HC takes suo motu cognisance of woman contracting HIV after transfusion in Tamil Nadu, seeks report by 3 January

On 3 December, a woman visited the Sattur government hospital for antenatal checks where she was advised blood transfusion as she was anaemic. Four days after the procedure, it came to light that the blood transfused was HIV positive and was negligently labelled safe by the hospital's lab technicians

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2SsaMiM

Parliament LIVE updates: 'Congress buckled under pressure from fanatics, didn't allow law against triple talaq', says Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi

Parliament LIVE updates: Congress buckled under the pressure of fanatics, didn't let a law be made against triple talaq, said BJP MP Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi. He said that just like the sati pratha, triple talaq should be banned.

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2AidcsV

Assam NRC: Centre grants six-month extension till 30 June to update list of legal citizens in state

In a notification, the Registrar General of India said the decision has been taken as the exercise to enumerate citizens in the NRC, a list of Assam's residents, could not be completed within the specified date of 31 December, 2018

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2SsaEQk

Disgruntled Gujarat Congress leaders meet at Arjun Modhwadia's house, express dissatisfaction about party's state leadership

The meeting followed the opposition party's loss in Jasdan Assembly by-election. Speaking to the media later, many of those who attended the meeting hit out at state Congress chief Amit Chavda without naming him.

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2Ahxvqm

Narendra Modi in Himachal Pradesh: PM accuses Congress of misleading farmers over loan waivers

His criticism of the Opposition over loan waivers comes days after Congress chief Rahul Gandhi said his party will not let Modi rest till the Centre writes off farm loans across the country.

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2SsaCrG

Health minister gives approval to Delhi Health Bill, likely to be presented in AAP cabinet in January

The bill, once implemented, will help regulate clinical establishments and pathological laboratories and in the national capital. "The minister has given approval to the Bill, which will be presented in the cabinet in January. Once the bill is implemented, it will help regulate clinical establishments in Delhi," the official said.

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2AjFWlk

Mumbai hospital fire: ESIC to pay Rs 10 lakh compensation to 2 victims' families; those injured in blaze yet to receive payments

The parents of an infant girl who died four days after the fire in Mumbai's ESIC hospital had alleged that they were paid less compensation. Sanjay Kumar Sinha, additional commissioner, ESIC, said Thursday that the balance amount would be paid by Friday.

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2SlPbbB

15 trains delayed by three hours in Delhi due to dense fog; cold wave to prevail in north India for next three days

The list of delayed trains included Varanasi-Delhi Kashi Vishwanath Express, Malda -Delhi Frakka Express, Howrah-New Delhi Poorva Express, Gaya-New Delhi Mahabodhi Express, Bhagalpur -Anand Vihar Vikramshila among others.

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2AhyTJV

Government has prepared revival plan for Air India, will build a competitive and profitable airline group, says Jayant Sinha

Various initiatives to turnaround Air India, which is staying afloat on a bailout package extended by the previous government, including monetisation of real estate assets are progressing

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2SmLdiZ

Karnataka MPs protest inside Parliament complex, demand construction of Mekedattu Dam on Cauvery river

To counter the protest by Tamil Nadu's AIADMK and the DMK, MPs from Karnataka, including from the Congress and the BJP, came together and demonstrated in front of the Mahatma Gandhi statue inside the Parliament complex.

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2VbgXcB

School in Andhra Pradesh's Chittoor makes latecomers stand naked outside school building; Twitter outrages as video goes viral

A private school in Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh on Thursday punished students who came late by making them stand naked outside the school building. A complaint was registered against the school management, and education authorities have begun investigating the incident.

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2Q581Sb

Nearly a year after Kamala Mills fire, BMC finds gross illegalities, violations in compound premises

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), in its ongoing inspection of the Kamala Mills Compound premises, has found gross illegalities, including rampant floor space index (FSI) misuse, and amalgamation and alterations of balconies without permission in many units.

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2VeYhIT

35 students, on way to attend Narendra Modi's 'Jan Abhar' rally in Dharamshala, injured in bus accident in Himachal Pradesh's Kangra

The injured students have been shifted to a hospital. No casualties have been reported so far.

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2Q1Lupn

Two Navy personnel killed after helicopter hangar door collapses at Southern Naval Command base in Kochi

Two soldiers were killed after a door of a helicopter hangar collapsed at the Southern Naval Base in Kochi on Thursday, a defence spokesperson confirmed.

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2Vb28GS

Tamil Nadu woman given HIV-infected blood was dissuaded by Sivakasi officials from filing FIR: 'They should've given me poison instead'

Preliminary inquiries revealed that donor is a 21-year-old from Sivakasi who donated blood on 30 Nov. According to a relative of the donor, they had no knowledge of his HIV status at that time and he had come along with a female relative who needed a blood transfusion.

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2Q63z5G

2018 saw most religion-based hate crimes, deaths in decade: Adityanath's UP saw most such clashes, followed by Bihar

With 93 attacks as of 26 December, the year 2018 saw the most hate crimes motivated by religious bias in India in a decade. In 2018, 30 people were killed - the highest number since 2009 - and at least 305 were injured in such attacks.

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2Vd2Rre

Parliament LIVE updates: 'Feel sorry you won't honour your own commitment', LS Speaker tells Kharge amid Oppn din; adjourns House till 12 pm

Parliament LIVE updates: Amid uproar in the Lower House, Sumitra Mahajan reminded Kharge of his previous statement in the House, when he assured that the Congress MPs will behave in Lok Sabha on Thursday, if the debate on triple talaq bill was rescheduled to that day.

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2RmUV7y

Remembering Mirza Ghalib, Delhi's beloved Urdu and Persian poet, on his 221st birth anniversary

Ghalib was born in Kala Mahal at Agra on 27 December, 1797 and hailed from a Central Asian family of Aibak Turks who would traditionally serve as soldiers.

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2GHEZIW

Winter weather report: Cold wave continues in Jammu and Kashmir, Uttarakhand; Delhi to record temperature drop after 28 Dec

As winter is settling into India, all the states are facing their own version of the cold wave. While Jammu and Kashmir has been recording sub-zero temperatures, Tamil Nadu is likely to experience moderately cooler weather in the evenings.

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2RbVhOz

BPSC 64th Combined (Preliminary) Competitive Exam 2018: Answer key for general studies paper released at bpsc.bih.nic.in

The General Studies answer keys for the 64th Combined (Preliminary) Competitive Examination was released by The Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) on its official website, bpsc.bih.nic.in.

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2GGyw0V

NIA arrests Kerala youth Habeeb Rahman in two-year-old case where 14 accused from Kasaragod district joined Islamic State

The National Investigation Agency on Wednesday arrested a 25-year-old man who was absconding in connection with a case of Islamic State (IS)-inspired youths from Kerala joining the West Asia-based terror group, officials said.

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2RhEMjJ

Kashmiri student goes missing from PG in Greater Noida; police say youth may have left on his own

A 23-year-old BBA student, who hails from Jammu and Kashmir, has gone missing from his rented accommodation in Greater Noida, police said Wednesday.

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2GGyupP

#MeToo, increased workplace participation and other ways in which 2018 was an empowering year for women

As women fight back and claim their space, as well as participate in movements like #MeToo, it seems that empowerment has come to stay in India

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2RkeLAp

FIR lodged against Unnao gang-rape survivor, family members for falsely claiming she was a minor

A first information report (FIR) has been filed against the Unnao rape survivor, her mother and uncle in the Unnao rape case against a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) legislator Kuldeep Singh Sengar.

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2GKiVxp

Daily Bulletin: Parliament resumes after Christmas break; Indian-American named FedEx Express CEO; Trump visits Iraq; day's top stories

Today's top stories: Donald Trump pays surprise visit to Iraq; Lok Sabha to take up triple talaq bill today; India vs Australia, 3rd Test at the MCG, Day 2 underway; and more.

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2RmUUR2

Cauvery water row: Centre to call meeting of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu chief ministers to discuss Mekedatu dam issue

The Centre has decided to call a meeting of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu chief ministers soon to discuss the proposed Mekedatu dam on the Cauvery river, an issue which led to stalling of Parliament proceedings last week

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2GHoFrV

Students, shopkeepers: Arrested members of Islamic State-inspired outfit busted by NIA hail from middle class families

The National Investigation Agency on Wednesday arrested 10 suspected members of a newly set up Islamic State-inspired terror outfit in New Delhi.

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2RbVgdt

After banning namaaz in Noida parks, authorities halt 'unauthorised' Bhagwat Katha programme

A Hindu religious event scheduled to be held on government land in Greater Noida was stopped on Wednesday after authorities found it lacked requisite permission, officials said, days after the police asked some private firms here to stop their Muslim employees from offering namaaz at a public park.

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2GRCofw

Tamil Nadu, Puducherry remember victims of 2004 Tsunami; kin pay tribute on 14th anniversary of natural disaster

Floral tributes, prayers and silent processions in the affected districts of Tamil Nadu like Chennai, Cuddalore and Nagapattinam marked the remembrance.

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2Ro9fgo

Six policemen in Uttar Pradesh booked on charges of allegedly killing Dalit youth in their custody

Six policemen, including an inspector and a sub-inspector, were booked on charges of "killing" a Dalit youth in their custody in Amroha district, said a senior official.

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2GGyu9j

'I will break your head': AIUDF's Badruddin Ajmal abuses journalist, threatens to hit him; scribe registers FIR against lawmaker

AIUDF chief Badruddin Ajmal on Wednesday verbally abused a journalist who questioned him on next year's general elections and even threatened to break his head, while his supporters forced the scribe to apologise publicly.

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2RpUdGZ

India releases two Pakistani nationals, including 21-year-old who crossed over in 2017 to meet Shah Rukh Khan

India sent home two Pakistani nationals, including a 21-year-old who said he had crossed over in 2017 to meet Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2GQmCSu

Pakistan PM teaching India how to deal with minorities is like demon preaching Vedas: Ram Madhav

Ram Madhav said on Wednesday that Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan teaching India on how to deal with minorities is like a "demon preaching the Vedas".

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2RkMn10

Conrad Sangma hits back at Rahul Gandhi, says Meghalaya govt making 'all efforts' to rescue trapped miners

Sangma-led NPP's ally in the state, the BJP, also said the Meghalaya government is doing its best under the chief minister's leadership to bring the victims out of the rat-hole mine in East Jaintia Hills district.

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2GGFXFt

NIA anti-terror raids: Islamic State might be dead abroad, but hate politics is fuelling its resurrection in India

In interrogations by the NIA, half the suspects said communalism - ranging from riots to compulsory yoga practice - led them to join the Islamic State. Barely half of them cited the global Islamist project that underpins the Islamic State

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2Ro9eZS

Chhattisgarh government reshuffles 16 IPS officers; second shake-up by Congress regime in four days

In another major administrative reshuffle in four days, the newly-elected Congress government in Chhattisgarh has assigned new postings to 16 Indian Police Service (IPS) officers, including superintendents of police of 11 districts.

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2GIFQJp

Centre directs all airports to make public announcements in local language first, then in Hindi and English

The Civil Aviation Ministry has also sent out a communication to private airport operators regarding public announcements to be made in the local language

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2GKiUJR

Photo Of The Day By Sayan Ghosh

BJP leader in Uttar Pradesh assaults differently-abled man for raising slogans in favour of SP, later denies charges

Mohammad Miya, a BJP leader in Uttar Pradesh, has assaulted a specially-abled man on camera for allegedly raising slogans in favour of SP.

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2BHdiu1

FIR filed against 7 suspects in JD(S) worker's killing in Mandya; no arrest yet, says Karnataka Police

Seven people have been booked for the killing of a JD(S) worker, that has erupted into a big political row after Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy's call to "shoot" the killers "mercilessly"

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2QRPD4H

Compensation of Rs 8 lakh to be given to infant victim of Mumbai fire, says BJP MP; hospital denies payout

The toll in the ESIC Mumbai hospital fire rose to 11 with the baby dying in the neonatal intensive care unit of the Holy Spirit Hospital

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2BFNVc5

Sikh protesters deface Rajiv Chowk signboard in Connaught Place, demand it be renamed after Bhagat Singh

A group of Sikh protestors on Wednesday defaced Rajiv Chowk signboard here in Connaught Place area while raising slogans against former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2QUWJ8r

Ram Madhav says BJP open to other options if Supreme Court doesn't fast-track Ayodhya title dispute case

The apex court is scheduled to take up next week the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid case along with public interest litigation questioning delay in the adjudication of the matter.

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2BKxwDw

Watch how Apollo Hospitals is empowering doctors with #MicrosoftAI

Apollo Hospitals was the winner in the category 'Transforming Products with AI'.

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2QUWGth

Recent arrest of IS-JK trio seeking desi kattas shows illegal arms manufacturers pose growing threat to internal security

India is increasingly facing internal security threats from the illegal arms manufacturers because the inflow of weapons to neighbouring Bangladesh and Myanmar have come down considerably after the border security was beefed up

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2BFNUVz

NTA to release UGC NET 2018 question paper and answer sheet on ntanet.ac.in; here's how to download

The National Testing Body that organises the National Eligibility Test, also known as UGC NET or NTA-UGC-NET, will soon release the answer key for the test to determine eligibility for college and university level lecturership. The candidates who have appeared in the examination can get it through the official website, nta.ac.in by logging in using their credentials.

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2CAtAGX

Kolhapur violence: Police, ATS join hands to probe attack on churchgoers during Sunday Mass in Kowad village

At least 12 people were injured when they were attacked by a group of people during the prayer meet at the residence of Bhimsen Chavan in Kolhapur. About 40 people had joined the mass congregation for prayer

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2T60R2a

The ICC is not enough: Lessons from #MeToo on the limitations of sexual harassment law

An issue as complex and nuanced as workplace sexual harassment warrants judicial discretion. If the significant gains from this wave of #MeToo conversations do not translate into actual structural change, then we risk relegating the hard work put into this movement to a limited, one-off success

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2A9BWng

Reasons for Aarey Colony fire doubtful, says Mumbai fire dept: Report finds 29 instances of such blazes since 2007

On 3 December, a massive fire broke out at an open plot of land in Mumbai's Aarey Colony, near the Sanjay Gandhi National Park - the largest green lung in the metropolis. With the fire department now having submitted its report into the incident, questions linger over whether there was foul play in the incident.

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2T9kl5Z

India releases jailed Pakistani nationals Abdullah and Mohammed Imran Qureshi Warsi across Attari-Wagah border

Abdullah was detained from Attari in 2017 while Warsi spent 10 years in Bhopal jail on charges of forgery and spying after coming to India in 2004.

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2CyQQoF

Yogi Adityanath directs Uttar Pradesh officials to make 'immediate arrangements' for proper care of stray cows

In a meeting with senior officials, Adityanath told them to set up a committee to consider measures for providing better shelter facilities for stray cows and directed chief secretary Anup Chanda Pandey to present recommendations in this regard in a week.

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2T9xBYc

Tamil Nadu: Pregnant woman contracts HIV after blood transfusion; one dismissed, two suspended over incident

The Tamil Nadu government said it was making all efforts to prevent the impact of the HIV virus on the woman, and stocks in all blood banks would be reviewed to ensure that such incidents did not recur.

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2Czw60c

Mehbooba Mufti in 2018: Fallout of Burhan Wani death and 'thoughtless' BJP alliance damaged PDP prospects in Kashmir

Disintegration of Mehbooba Mufti and her party PDP began in the summer of 2018 after BJP pulled the rug from beneath the so-called Kashmir-centric coalition government. Analysts argued that Mehbooba lacked her father's skills to take everyone along.

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2TdSGRu

NIA arrests five, detains four after raids at 16 locations in UP and Delhi; presence of new Islamic State-linked group suspected

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) is conducting raids at at least 16 locations across Uttar Pradesh and New Delhi in collaboration with the UP Anti-terrorist Squad.

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2EOtRsf

Noida district magistrate retracts namaaz diktat after backlash, says 'cos not liable for religious beliefs of employees'

After the Noida police on Tuesday issued a notice to companies telling them to keep their employees from praying namaz in public parks, the district administration got into a damage control mode and said on Wednesday that companies will not be held liable if their employees offer prayers at public parks in the city.

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2EKBFKE

Donald Trump's reduction of US troops in Afghanistan and their eventual withdrawal will hurt India's security

US president Donald Trump on 21 December indicated his intent to reduce 7,000 US troops in Afghanistan alongside the total withdrawal of all 2,000 servicemen from Syria

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2EOtMEX

West Bengal govt to fight obesity in children through yoga lessons, check health parameters at school

Besides imparting theoretical knowledge, the curriculum would also highlight the practical aspect of tackling obesity such as the necessity of physical activity, regular measurement of certain parameters and eating healthy food

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2QQywAk

#MeToo in India: Suhel Seth's talk at CEO forum cancelled amidst sexual harassment allegations

Suhel Seth has been accused of sexual misconduct by multiple women over the course of the last two months

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2ENIwTx

Waqf board stops illegal sale of land in Hyderabad's Manikonda, chairman calls for inquiry into issuance of NOC

The land in Manikonda is part of a total of 1680 acres of the dargah of Hazrat Hussain Shah Vali, who supervised the construction of the historic Hussainsagar lake. The water body is also named after the saint-engineer of the Qutub Shahi period.

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2ERwQjD

Delhi parents complain to police about 18-year-old son who fled with car, over Rs 13 lakh in cash

In the complaint, the Delhi boy's parents said they feared that their "cunning" and "good for nothing" son might use the car and the money for illegal activities, the police said

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2AeKTfa

Rajasthan transfers 68 IAS officers: Secretary to CM Ajitabh Sharma will also overlook renewable energy corporation

Various officers who were given postings in the previous IAS officer reshuffle that took place in Rajasthan last week, were given additional charge of departments or were transferred again.

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2SscjVG

Sacked Gujarat IPS officer Sanjiv Bhatt's wife says husband's bail plea 'shamelessly convoluted to appease certain political personalities'

Former Gujarat police officer Sanjiv Bhatt's wife, in a Facebook post, has alleged that her husband "has been maliciously penalised under the faade of blatant and shameless judicial delays", and been kept in the jail for over 112 days now.

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2AfCOqi

Severe pollution in Delhi forces residents to celebrate Christmas indoors; air quality remains at 'severe to emergency' levels

On Christmas Day, the air quality index of Delhi averaged 420, slightly better than 449-450 the previous two days, which was the worst this year.

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2SkPmnr

Youth Akali Dal leader held for vandalising Rajiv Gandhi's statue in Ludhiana; Congress workers defile SAD posters

A Youth Akali Dal leader was arrested for allegedly vandalising the statue of former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi in Ludhiana on Tuesday.

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2AeZFme

Despite Atal Bihari Vajpayee's efforts, Pakistan continues to fund terror, says Venkaiah Naidu

Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu said Tuesday that though former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee took a lot of initiatives to have a "proper friendship" with Pakistan, the latter has continued with its "old disease" of funding terror.

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2SlVwnx

Madras HC quashes criminal cases against 400 members of Popular Front of India for staging 'unlawful' protests

The Jharkhand government had banned the Popular Front of India in the state on 22 February last year on the charge of spreading anarchy, after which PFI staged countrywide protests.

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2AfCMPc

From Donald Trump risking blowing Christmas magic for a child to Pope urging peace, here's how the world celebrated birth of Christ

Pope Francis called for peace and "fraternity" and Queen Elizabeth II warned against "tribalism", as many millions across the world celebrated Christmas on Tuesday, and US President Donald Trump caused a festive furore by asking a child whether he still believed in Santa Claus.

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2Sr1V0N

17-year-old girl, feared dead in 2013 Kedarnath deluge, returns; family says it is 'nothing short of a miracle'

Chanchal had gone to Kedarnath on a pilgrimage with her parents when the tragedy struck, sweeping away her father, while her mother returned home after some time. Chanchal, then 12, was feared dead but some good samaritans handed her over to an orphanage in Jammu.

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2AfvtHB

Giriraj Singh stokes controversy by pitching for population control law for all religions, says revoke voting rights of violators

Union minister Giriraj Singh Noida Tuesday advocated for a law to control the population in the country, noting that it was becoming an impediment for development and social harmony.

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2SkyxsX

In latest jibe against India, Imran Khan says 'Naya Pakistan' will ensure equal treatment of minorities, 'unlike what's happening in India'

This is the second time in a week that Imran Khan has tried to compare the treatment of minorities in Pakistan and India.

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2Agf31n

Bengali poet Nirendranath Chakraborty dies at 94 of cardiac arrest; eminent writers note 'sense of void' in his demise

Born in 1924 at Faridpur in undivided Bengal, Nirendranath Chakraborty was a dominant figure in the modern Bengali literary field. His first book of poems Nil Nirjone was published in 1954 when he was 30 years old.

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2SkytJJ

Daily Bulletin: Day-long bank strike today; Congress to revisit Mandsaur farmers' protest case; day's top stories

Today's top stories: Bank strike to affect services at state-owned lenders; toll in the Indonesia tsunami rises to 429, with 154 still missing; KC Venugopal meets senior leaders amid growing dissent among Karnataka Congress MLAs; and more.

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2Aei1Uo

Bogibeel Bridge bolsters defence on China border: Structure can bear weight of 60-tonne battle tanks, serve as runway for fighter jets

The Bogibeel Bridge, near the city of Dibrugarh in Assam, will enable the military to speed up the dispatch of forces to neighbouring Arunachal Pradesh, which borders China.

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2SkytcH

BJP leader Laxmi Chawla asks Narendra Modi, Piyush Goyal to let go of bullet train, focus on improving existing fleet of railways

In the videos, Chawla is seen asking the Railway minister Piyush Goyal and Prime Minister Narendra Modi to let go of the dream of a bullet train and rather improve the condition of the present fleet of general trains available with the railways, which she claims are lacking in basic amenities.

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2AiuExB

Vedanta says it will set up new steel plant in Jharkhand's Bokaro; mill to cost around $4 billion

In March, Vedanta was declared as the successful resolution applicant for ESL under the corporate insolvency resolution process.

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2Skyqxx

PIL filed in Supreme Court challenging laws regularising entry of persecuted communities on basis of religion

A public interest litigation (PIL) has been filed in the Supreme Court, seeking direction to strike down the Passport (Entry into India) Amendment Rules, 2015, which regularise the entry and stay of immigrants in India

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2AeZGGO

Yogi Adityanath government to install 25-feet-tall Atal Bihari Vajpayee statue at Uttar Pradesh secretariat

Adityanath made the announcement at a ceremony held to celebrate Vajpayee's 94th birth anniversary.

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2SkypcX

Huawei to offer EMUI 9 open beta update available for 9 more Huawei, Honor phones

The EMUI 9 is expected to sport navigation features mirroring that of the Android 9 Pie.

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2AhFN1x

Fearing black flag protests, BJP and Congress impose unofficial ban on dark clothes at rallies; even undergarments not spared

Uttar Pradesh BJP spokesperson Rakesh Tripathi said the party has given no such instructions

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2SfJJH8

Firstpost Editor's Picks: Assam before Bogibeel Bridge, KCR's third front dreams, Delhi pollution levels; today's must-read stories

While many parties have accused KCR of working in tacit understanding with the BJP to defeat Congress, it will be impossible for Stalin or Mamata to be associated with a grouping that has BJP in it.

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2Afvtr5

Parliamentary panel slams Delhi Police, MHA for delay in commissioning CCTVs in high security areas

A Parliamentary panel has pulled up the Delhi Police and the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) for delay in commissioning of CCTV surveillance system in high security areas in the national capital

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2Skym0L

Photo Of The Day By Dawn Wilson

CBI begins probe in anti-Sterlite protests that killed 13; agency requests documents from police, interviews revenue department officials

The CBI on Tuesday initiated a probe in the anti-Sterlite clashes between demonstrators and police that led 13 people dead and over 40 injured in Tamil Nadu's Thoothukudi in May.

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2EP2Sfp

Blaze in Nepal's Kalikot district guts 39 houses, displaces 285, including 111 children; several firefighters injured during rescue

Nearly 50 houses in a village were gutted by a massive fire that broke out in western Nepal's Kalikot district, displacing as many as 285 people, including 111 children, police said.

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2ERuKQG

As Delhi pollution levels hit 'severe' on Christmas eve, green activists argue for decentralised governance

While the central and Delhi governments continue to fail to come together to resolve the air pollution problem, they slay Delhi's spirits one festival at a time.

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2EIuLpk

'Ensure no namaaz in parks or face consequences': Noida Police issues notice to companies in IT hub

Noida Police on Tuesday issued a notice to companies asking them to ensure that their employees don't offer namaz in public parks, demanding adherence to the restrictions.

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2SkZm0b

High time to act against illegal breeders of pedigreed dogs, make pet shops sell dogs and cats only from shelters

Illegal breeders are breeding lakhs of pedigreed dogs who are unhealthy, inbred and found in every pet shop, writes Union Minister Maneka Gandhi.

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2AeVcj6

UPSC exams: Govt rubbishes reports on revision of age criteria, says no such proposal under consideration

The Centre on Tuesday rubbished media reports which suggested that the age criteria for appearing in civil service examinations was being changed. The government insisted that there was no decision on altering the age criteria.

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2SiHNO1

AAP government withdraws order raising parking charges at areas under south, east and north Delhi municipal corporations

Delhi Transport Minister Kailash Gahlot on Monday asked the Transport Department to withdraw its previous order regarding the increase in parking charges in South, East, and North Delhi Municipal Corporations.

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2AhCveP

Wall collapses after cylinder blast in Maharashtra's Thane; 55-year-old woman killed, four injured

The cylinder exploded around 9.30 am in a single storey house in Panchpakhadi area following which one of its walls collapsed on an adjacent house, Thane civic body's regional disaster management cell chief Santosh Kadam said.

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2SiHMcV

Narendra Modi inaugurates Bogibeel Bridge in Assam: Railroad project likely to play crucial role along India-China border

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated India's longest rail-cum-road 4.94 kilometre-long Boghibeel bridge on Tuesday. The Bogibeel Bridge, which was a part of the Assam Accord and sanctioned in 1997-1998, is likely to play a crucial role in defence movement along the India-China border in Arunachal Pradesh.

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2AeHRaG

Cold wave intensifies accross Kashmir as mercury slips below freezing point; water bodies, supply lines turn ice

Srinagar - the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir - which recorded the coldest night in 11 years on Monday at minus 6.8C, experienced some respite as the mercury settled over a degree higher at minus 5.5C last night, a Met department official said.

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2Sjs8y9

India should adopt 'clear-cut roadmap' on Kashmir, says ex-DGP; warns of implications in Valley of US' Afghan withdrawal

Asserting that India should adopt a "clear-cut roadmap" to tackle the Kashmir issue, former DGP of Jammu and Kashmir K Rajendra Kumar has said the US pulling out troops from Afghanistan will have implications in the Valley and terrorist outfits may feel emboldened.

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2AeGnxh

India, Pakistan can go 'arch-rivals' Ethiopia-Eritrea way to usher in peace, turn decades of 'enmity' into friendship

With no pressure to take their cues from their perennially feuding governments, Indians and Pakistanis get along just fine at a personal level the moment their paths cross outside South Asia.

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2SiOMXq

Modi govt has become a 'peeping tom', IT rules amendments 'reminiscent of eerie dictatorships', says Congress

he Congress Monday accused the Modi government of "violating" the privacy of individuals and converting India into a "nanny state" in the wake of reports of the Centre's proposal to amend the Information Technology Act.

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2Sq2rMx

Cold wave makes Delhi air quality 'severe' for fourth straight day; city facing worst pollution crisis since Diwali

The overall PM 2.5 level (fine particulate matter in the air with a diameter of less than 2.5 micrometre) was recorded at 271 and the PM 10 level at 422 here, the CPCB said

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2Ahw1N1

Accused in Muzaffarnagar riots case found dead under mysterious circumstances; family alleges murder

An accused in the 2013 Muzaffarnagar riots case was found dead in Sikheda village. The body of Sodan Singh was found hanging from a noose near a tubewell on Sunday.

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2SmqHiy

Statue politics takes off in Punjab's Ludhiana: Youth Akali workers deface Rajiv Gandhi bust, Congress workers clean it with milk

Staging a protest over the 1984 anto-Sikh riots, some workers of the youth wing of Akali Dal defaced a statue of Rajiv Gandhi in Punjab's Ludhiana district, <em>News18</em> reported.

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2AfJvsF

Group of 'right-wing activists' likely behind attack on Church goers during Sunday Mass in Kolhapur's Kowad village

According to police, many were caught unawares during the congregational prayer and attacked with hockey sticks, bricks and cleavers. The prayer was being held at a rented room at Kowad

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2SlJeez

Ravi Shankar Prasad urges SC to fast-track hearing in Ayodhya title suit, gives example of Sabarimala verdict

Union Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad has appealed to the Supreme Court to fast-track the hearing in the Ayodhya title suit, stressing if it could happen in the Sabarimala issue, it can be done to resolve this long-pending matter as well.

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2AeNXaU

Memoirs of ferry rides: Brahmaputra and a trip down memory lane to Assam's Sonari ghat before the Bogibeel Bridge

The Bogibeel Bridge will, indeed, create history, but it won't wipe away the memories of all those like me who traversed across the banks on boats.

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2Sq2rfv

Atal Bihari Vajpayee birth anniversary: Narendra Modi, President Ram Nath Kovind pay tributes to former PM

President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid floral tributes to late Atal Bihari Vajpayee on his 94th birth anniversary at the Rashtriya Smriti Sthal in New Delhi on Tuesday

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2AgKDw0

Uttar Pradesh govt asks NCR districts to ensure EPCA orders on pollution are implemented; violators may face arrest, hefty fines

The UP govt asked districts in western part of the state adjoining Delhi to strictly adhere to a three-day ban on industrial and construction activities imposed by EPCA

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2SiqFYL

Women-centric reforms needed for financial inclusion; gender-neutral schemes don't work amid societal bars

Financial inclusion is important because women specifically score disproportionately low on ordinary functions like savings and borrowings due to reasons such as gender violence, limited mobility, not being allowed to work, etc.

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2Ae3eJ8

HD Kumaraswamy clarifies 'kill mercilessly' statement, says it was emotional response to JD(S) loyalist's murder, not a CM's order

Karnataka chief minister HD Kumaraswamy explained his "kill mercilessly" comment after facing flak. Reportedly, he said that he had not made the statement "a chief minister", but "due to anger".

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2Sfi7BP

This Christmas, St Thomas Cathedral, a church that grew up with Mumbai, marks its 300th anniversary

The first place of public worship for the followers of the Anglican Church came up on Christmas day, 300 years ago, in the form of St Thomas' Church.

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2EM5Q4Z

Departures at Delhi airport resume after two-hour delay due to low visibility conditions on Christmas Day

All departures at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport resumed on Tuesday morning after a two-hour delay due to the fog conditions and congestion. They resumed at 9.16 am after they were stopped at 7.15 am.

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2EMkGb0

Delhi pollution: BJP demands all-party meeting to find solution, accuses Arvind Kejriwal of only discussing 'private' issues

With Delhi's air quality remaining in the 'severe' category for the last three days, Delhi BJP chief Manoj Tiwari on Monday demanded Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal call an all-party meeting to find a solution to the recurring crisis.

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2EQkJDa

Daily Bulletin: Narendra Modi to inaugurate India's longest rail-road bridge in Assam, KCR vouches for federal front; top stories for today

After meeting Mamata, K Chandrasekhar Rao to camp in Delhi to push for federal front, Delhi air quality improves slightly amid ban on industrial work, Bethlehem boasts largest Christmas in years; top stories for today

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2EHhFZc

Andaman's Ross, Neil and Havelock islands to be renamed after Netaji Subash Chandra Bose on 75th anniversary of his visit

The Centre has decided to rename three islands of Andaman. According to reports, the three islands - Ross, Neil and Havelock - will be renamed Netaji Subash Chandra Bose island, Shaheed dweep, and Swaraj dweep, respectively.

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2EOcXJZ

'Friends of BJP' from US suburbs set to blitz India with calls, in election drive; supporters likely to make 500,000 calls next year

US-based BJP supporters said they back Modi because they believe he is ushering in policies that will turn India, already the world's fastest-growing large economy, into a powerhouse.

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2EMkFUu

Bogibeel Bridge: Narendra Modi to gift nation 4.6-km marvel and country's longest rail-road bridge over Brahmaputra today

Located just over 20 kilometre from the Assam-Arunachal Pradesh border, the Bogibeel bridge will connect Dibrugarh in Assam to Pasighat in Arunachal Pradesh. It has three lane roads on top and a double line rail below

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2EM5Im1

Atal Bihari Vajpayee's 94th birth anniversary: 'Bhishma Pitamah' of politics was known for zeal for reforms, moderate outlook

When he sat in the Opposition for many years, Vajpayee was called the "right man in the wrong party". However, during his premiership, he began to be called "Vikas Purush".

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2EL8qHq

Delhi pollution: EPCA shuts industries, bans construction activities for 3 days as national capital's air quality remains 'severe'

The Supreme Court-appointed Environment Pollution Control Authority (EPCA) on Monday imposed a three-day ban on industrial activities in pollution hotspots and construction work across Delhi-NCR in view of the national capital's 'severe' air quality.

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2EM5FGR

Former Union minister Jai Narayan Prasad Nishad passes away at 88; Nitish Kumar condoles his death

Late Captain Nishad had won Lok Sabha seat from Muzaffarpur both on Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and Janata Dal United JD(U) tickets.

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2EOt0XN

Devendra Fadnavis-led panel cleared Bullet train project without meeting even once, reveals RTI

An RTI query has revealed that the subcommittee led by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, which was set up to conduct a feasibility study of the Bullet train project has not held a single meeting to date, let alone conducting an in-depth study

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2ENjqVQ

Chhattisgarh govt to return over 1,700 hectares of land to Bastar tribals; proposal to be presented during first state cabinet meet

Keeping with the poll promise, the newly formed Congress government in Chhattisgarh announced Monday that it will return more than 1,700 hectares of land to tribals and farmers in Bastar, which was acquired by the previous Raman Singh government for the now-shelved Lohandiguda steel plant in the district

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2EOsZmH

Newborn found in train toilet in Punjab's Amritsar succumbs to injuries; railway authorities inspecting CCTV footage to nab accused

Amritsar Police said that the baby was found strangled and dumped, along with a rope tied around his neck, in a toilet of an air-conditioned coach of the Howrah Express on Saturday.

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2ENNKPU

Firstpost Editor's Picks: Swami Gopal Das' disappearance, NDA sealing deal with Paswan; today's must-read articles

Firstpost Editor's Picks: Swami Gopal Das disappearance, NDA sealing deal with Paswan, spike in militant deaths in Kashmir; today's must-read articles

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2EOsWHx

Bhima Koregaon violence 'deep-rooted conspiracy', says Bombay HC, dismisses Anand Teltumbde's plea seeking quashing of FIR

Teltumbde had claimed that he was being falsely implicated in Bhima Koregaon case. In his plea, the activist denied all the charges against him even as the police opposed.

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2EKPVE9

Supreme Court to hear Ayodhya title dispute on 4 Jan, matter listed before three-judge bench headed by CJI Ranjan Gogoi

The Supreme Court said on Monday that it will take up a batch of petitions in the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid title dispute case for hearing on 4 January. The matter is listed before a bench comprising Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi and Justice SK Kaul.

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2EOsTLR

Ram Temple-Babri Mosque dispute: Centre wants daily hearing of case to resolve matter at earliest, says Prakash Javadekar

The Supreme Court had adjourned the hearing of the Ram temple-Babri Mosque title suit till January, 2019. However, pressure is being mounted on the Centre to initiate construction of the temple in Ayodhya.

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2EM5yep

Madhya Pradesh farm loan waiver: Experts, social researchers sceptical of move, stress on need for better markets, financial support

In Madhya Pradesh, many farmers and agricultural experts believe that the farm loan waiver announced by Kamal Nath will not achieve its desired result.

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2EIWdTK

Biren Singh defends arrest of journalist in Manipur, says cannot tolerate humiliation of 'national heroes' like Narendra Modi

The Manipur chief minister's remarks came in the context of journalist Kishorechandra Wangkhemcha who was arrested under the National Security Act in November for allegedly making derogatory comments against him.

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2EM5wDj

PETA India backs Centre's proposal to ban animals in circuses, submits petition signed by over 8,000 people

The central government recently proposed prohibition on the use of animals for performances, exhibition at any circus or mobile entertainment facilities

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2EOsOYz

Photo Of The Day By Douglas Croft

Meghalaya mine mishap: Operation to rescue trapped miners temporarily suspended, will resume once more powerful pumps are available

About 20 miners on 13 December entered the quarry owned by Krip Chullet. After reaching the bottom of the pit, they entered horizontal manholes, often termed as 'rat-holes', as each just about fits one person. Five persons were able to climb out of the flooded mine, leaving the others behind.

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2LAKVlK

Delhi air pollution: CPCB-led task force recommends closure of industries at hotspots, bar on construction till Wednesday

Delhi's air quality remained in the 'severe' level for the third consecutive day on Monday as wind speed and other meteorological factors remained "highly unfavourable" for dispersion of pollutants.

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2AcYXpA

Asus Zenfone 4 with Snapdragon 660 Soc gets listed on Geekbench with Android 9 Pie

The Asus Zenfone 4 was benchmarked on the 19 of December 2018 with Android 9 Pie.

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2Sgaf36

Transgender Persons Bill 2018: Half-hearted legislation does more harm than good, creates rights that can't be enforced

It has been four years since the passing of the landmark judgement of the Supreme Court, wherein the court granted recognition and certain rights and protection to the transgender community in India.

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2AcYW50

Citizenship Amendment Bill: BJP dumps indigenes in Assam in a bid to make Hindu Bengali refugees citizens for poll gains

The BJP feels it would be able to make electoral inroads by pandering to a major section of the Bengali voters by invoking sentiments of Bengali linguistic nationalism especially in respect of those Hindu 'refugees' likely to enter India from Bangladesh.

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2RdRYWP

Seven killed, several injured after 50 vehicles pile-up on Haryana's Rohtak-Rewari highway due to dense fog

Seven people were killed and several injured in a road accident as 50 vehicles piled-up due to dense fog on a busy flyover on the Rohtak-Rewari highway between Delhi and Haryana on Monday morning.

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2GQaocz

Tuticorin protests: Madras HC restrains NGT order allowing Sterlite plant to reopen, asks Tamil Nadu govt to decide on filing appeal

In a setback to Sterlite, the Madras High Court on Friday ordered status quo as existed before the National Green Tribunal set aside a Tamil Nadu government order for the closure of the company's copper plant in Tuticorin.

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2Rh9tWn

Pollution level in Delhi remains 'severe' for third straight day; CPCB-led task force orders authorities to intensify ground action

Pollution in Delhi remained in the 'severe' level for the third consecutive day as wind speed and other meteorological factors remained "highly unfavourable" for dispersion of pollutants on Monday, according to authorities.

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2GQakJR

Tesla slashes prices on its Model 3 electric car in China by upto 7.6 percent

Tesla cut prices on its Model S and Model X after China's finance ministry.

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2RgvtRb

Militant killings in Jammu and Kashmir this year rose 70%; a steady network of informers allowed spike

Since June, hardly a week has gone by in Jammu and Kashmir without a militant casualty. Till 23 December, at least 247 militants were killed, nearly all of them too poorly trained to understand the intricacies of guerrilla warfare.

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2GET7D3

Ganga pollution protest: Bizarre disappearance of Swami Gopal Das from Dehradun hospital puts doubt on govt's intent

On learning of her son's disappearance, Gopal Das' distraught 60-year-old mother Shakuntalawent on a fast unto death at Triveni ghats in Rishikesh from 13 December.

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2EIGogA

Anti-Sterlite protests: 12 of 13 demonstrators were shot in head or chest, says autopsy report; at least six were shot from behind

Twelve of the 13 protesters killed when police opened fire on a demonstration against the Sterlite copper smelter in Tamil Nadu in May were hit by bullets in the head or chest, and half of those were shot from behind, autopsy reports show.

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2RdG13y

Man held in connection with Meghalaya mine mishap admit he's owner of quarry, two mine managers still absconding

Fifteen miners were trapped in the "rat-hole" mine on 13 December after water from nearby Lytein river gushed into it. All efforts to trace the labourers have turned futile as the water level in the mine showed no signs of receding in the past 11 days.

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2GyNk1A

Sabarimala standoff: Two women brought back to Pampa camp amid protests; duo was within a kilometre of Sannidhanam

Two women in their mid-forties started trekking to Sabarimala early on Monday morning despite strong protest from devotees.

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2RdG0ww

Environmental Portraits

The word portrait conjures up visions of a face of an animal, a frame-filling full body shot or another up close and personal recording of the species. Typically, the goal is to reveal character aspects, an adorable expression or to show off the regal features of a majestic coat or colorful feathers. Ideally, the background will be out of focus so the subject stands out with no distractions. A long lens and wide-open aperture are often used to accomplish this effect.

I absolutely make it a goal to make the above kinds of photos, but if I solely concentrate on them, there’s an entire category of photos I deprive myself of capturing. I wind up limiting my portfolio for the sake of adding a single type of image to my files. From an economic standpoint, this isn't wise. If you’re lucky enough to go on a safari to the Serengeti, a frame-filling image of a zebra would be high on your list. They have character, the lines on their faces are intriguing and close up patterns of their hide can make great abstract photos. But what do those shots tell the viewer about where the zebra lives, what their habitat is like, what it may consume for sustenance and what other species live in its surroundings?

The simple answer to the above questions can be found in making environmental portraits. Obviously, as the words describe, the idea is to depict the subject in its surroundings so it becomes more of a scenic with the inclusion of the animal. Use a semi-wide or short telephoto to show the subject in its domain. The focus becomes more of a storytelling photograph. By standing back or switching to a wider lens, you include more terrain in the scene and portray much more information about the animal than a close-up portrait can reveal.  There is another huge benefit to using a semi-wide or short telephoto. In that you won’t be infringing upon the animal’s proximity, it will feel more at ease and act more naturally.  This can lead to capturing intriguing behavior that may otherwise not be displayed.

The strategy I use that results in better environmental portraits is to find a great scene in which the animal resides and wait for it to walk or fly into a strategic location. In essence, I make the scenic a priority and hope the subject goes where I will it. Study the light that hits the land and take into consideration how the light will fall on the animal when it becomes part of the scene. Early and late light works well as does backlight if it creates a silhouette or glow around the subject. Patience often comes into play as does frustration if the animal doesn’t cooperate. But when everything comes together, you’ll thank yourself for your persistence. Don’t overcomplicate the scene—keep it simple so the animal, although smaller in the frame, becomes an integral component. Even though it will be small, the goal is to get the viewer’s eye to immediately see it when viewing the image.

Wide angles inherently provide more depth of field, so it’s not always critical to use a small aperture. This is a plus if the subject is in motion. You don’t want to create a beautiful image and have it ruined because the animal’s locomotion turned it into a blur. Selective focus can work, but I find deeper depth of field provides better results. Experiment and try both versions and decide which works better when you edit down your files. Give the environmental portrait some attention the next time you’re in the field. Hopefully, it will lead to a sale or two for you.

Visit www.russburdenphotography.com for information about his nature photography tours and safari to Tanzania.

The post Environmental Portraits appeared first on Outdoor Photographer.

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One killed, 34 ITBP personnel injured as bus falls into gorge along Jammu-Srinagar National Highway

The vehicle was part of a Jammu-bound convoy and the accident occurred near Khuni Nallah in Ramban district around 8.45 am, a police officer said. Trees prevented the bus from falling further down in the gorge, the officer said.

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2PUiiRj

Shimla man booked for making 'derogatory' remarks against Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Vadra in Facebook post

A local resident has been booked for making derogatory remarks against Congress president Rahul Gandhi and his sister Priyanka Vadra on Facebook, the police said on Saturday.

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2V60pmh

US military says order to withdraw American troops from Syria signed; Donald Trump, Recep Erdogan agree to coordinate pullout

The order to withdraw American troops from Syria has been signed, the US military said Sunday, after President Donald Trump and his Turkish counterpart agreed to prevent a power vacuum in the wake of the controversial move.

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2PX58CZ

Indonesia 'volcano tsunami': 281 people dead, more than 1,000 injured; officials say number of 'victims' expected to rise

The toll from a volcano-triggered tsunami in Indonesia has risen to 281, with more than 1,000 people injured, the national disaster agency said on Monday, as the desperate search for survivors ramped up. "The number of victims and extent of damage will continue to rise," said agency spokesman Sutopo Purwo Nugroho.

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2V6xv5B

Daily Bulletin: KCR likely to meet Mamata Banerjee; Indonesia toll rises to 281; Modi to unveil projects in Odisha; day's top stories

Daily bulletin: Indonesia tsunami toll rises to 281 even as at least 1,000 people are left injured; KCR to meet Mamata Banerjee today; Narendra Modi will unveil projects worth Rs 15,000 in Odisha today; day's top stories

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2Q01GYf

Chhattisgarh Police arrests 'Maoist operative' who worked as NGRI official; recover detonators, Naxal documents from him

In a major breakthrough in unravelling the overground network of Naxals in urban areas, the Chhattisgarh Police on Sunday arrested a senior technical officer at the Hyderabad-based National Geophysical Research Institute (NGRI), who they said is working as a Maoist operative and allegedly supplying various materials to ultras.

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2V7Npg0

CBSE Board Exam 2019: Class 10, Class 12 datesheets released; check timetable at cbse.nic.in

The dates for class 10th and 12th board exams were announced by The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) on Sunday on its official website, cbse.nic.in.

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2PZyoJd

Prakash Javadekar dismisses Naseeruddin Shah's comment on Bulandshahr violence, says it reflects 'insecure mentality'

Naseeruddin Shah's comments on Bulandshahr incident surfaced in a video on social media. He said, "I feel anxious for my children because tomorrow if a mob surrounds them and asks, 'Are you a Hindu or a Muslim' they will have no answer."

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2V60lD3

Firstpost Editor's Picks: Sabarimala row, Opposition's 2019 prospects, 'volcano-tsunami' in Indonesia; today's must-read articles

A "human wall" erected by devotees and right-wing Hindu activists at Sabarimala has once again foiled the government's effort to facilitate the entry of women in the temple.

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2PZbHFg

Satya Pal Malik's 'rotten potatoes' remark reeks of hypocricy: J&K governor must examine his own privileges before mocking others

Last week, Satya Pal Malik said that many politicians and bureaucrats in Jammu and Kashmir have become wealthy and are not "sensitive towards society."

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2V60iXT

Ten people, including eight children, killed in Gujarat's Dang district after bus falls into 200-feet gorge

All the students, who were in the age group of 10-16 years, are residents of Amroli area in Gujarat's Surat. They were returning after visiting the Sabri dam in Dang.

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2PY2nRZ

Asaduddin Owaisi mocks Imran Khan's comment on minority rights in India, says he should 'learn from us about inclusive politics'

Asaduddin Owaisi asked Imran Khan to borrow some leaves of wisdom from India, specifically about "inclusive politics and minority rights".

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2V60hTP

Arunachal Pradesh: 4.0 magnitude earthquake hits Changlang district; no reports of casualty or loss of property so far

According to the IMD, the epicentre of the quake in Arunachal Prdaesh was located at a latitude of 27.2 degree north and longitude of 95.8 degrees east and occurred at a depth of 10 km.

from Latest News India on Firstpost http://bit.ly/2PW0PYI