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Live: Pak FM won't join OIC meet over India invite

It is for the first time that India has been invited to an Organisation of Islamic Cooperation meeting as guest of honour. Stay with TOI for all updates

Abhi's parents get standing ovation on flight

In photos and videos shared by passengers on social media platforms, the couple, who came to Delhi on their way to Amritsar to bring their son home, can be seen acknowledging the clapping, cheers and thank yous with nods of their heads.

Live: IAF pilot Abhinandan coming home

Indian pilot Abhinandan, captured by Pakistan after his plane crashed on the other side of LoC while on a mission to chase back intruding planes, will be handed over to India at the Wagah border. Catch all live updates here

Sushma Swaraj at OIC meet: Why it's important

Sushma Swaraj arrived in Abu Dhabi to attend the inaugural session of the Organisation of Islamic Corporation meeting in Abu Dhabi where she was invited as a "guest of honour". OIC is a gathering of 47 Muslim-majority countries and is the second largest inter-governmental organisation in the world after the UN. This is the first time that India has been invited.

US laws bar use of F-16 jets in ‘offensive role’

Pakistan tried very hard to deny it used F-16s for the air intrusion, or that one of them was shot down, because it obtained the fighters from the US from the mid-1980s onwards under the guise of the global fight against terrorism. US laws, in fact, bar use of the fighters in an “offensive role” against a country.

The Indian Air Force on Thursday said there was enough evidence to conclusively say that MiG 21 scrambled by India had shot down Pakistan's F-16 fighter jet that had intruded into Indian air space.

Happy Abhinandan will return tomorrow: IAF

Varthaman's MiG 21 was shot and he bailed out after bringing down two Pakistani F-16 fighters during a dogfight to repel a Pakistani attack on Wednesday morning, he said. He has been in Pakistan since then. Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan announced in Parliament on Thursday that Varthaman would be released on Friday as a "peace gesture".

PM Modi chairs high-level meeting on security

Officials sources said the meeting was attended by chiefs of the three Services, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, finance minister Arun Jaitley, external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj, home minister Rajnath Singh and defence minister Nirmala Sitharaman. Several other senior officials also attended the meeting held at the Prime Minister's residence here.

'Pilot project happened, real one has to be done'

Speaking at an award ceremony for scientists, he said, "You spend your life in laboratories. You have a tradition of first doing a pilot project. It is later scaled up. So recently a pilot project happened", as the audience burst into applause. Modi continued, "Now the real one has to be done. Earlier one was a practice. And the real is to actually give a standing ovation to today's award winners. We will will give a standing ovation."

IAF pilot to be released tomorrow: Imran Khan

Under immense pressure from all quarters, Pakistan on Thursday announced that it will release IAF pilot Abhinandan Varthaman tomorrow. Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan made this announcement in his address to the joint session of parliament.

India cancels Samjhauta Express ops on its end

Hope he returns home safe: Father of IAF pilot

Air Marshal (retd) S Varthaman said in a statement his son talked (in purported videos circulating on social media) like a "true soldier" despite being in captivity and that he was praying he would not get tortured in the neighbouring country and return home "safe and sound".

Risk of India-Pak war may hang on IAF pilot fate

The full political fallout of the exchanges remains unclear, but it's evident that the capture of a pilot "complicates matters and will heighten tensions," said Sandeep Shastri, a political scientist and Pro Vice-Chancellor at Jain University in Bangalore. Neither country can afford a full-blown conflict, yet neither leader can afford to look weak, he added.

Indian satellites can map 87% land area of Pak

Trump hopeful India-Pak crisis will be resolved

Speaking at a news conference in Vietnam after a second summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, Trump said he had some "reasonably decent" news from India and Pakistan. He did not elaborate.

India will fight, live, work and win as one: PM

It is necessary to ensure that nothing is done to dent the morale of the security forces, PM Narendra Modi said, a day after Pakistani fighter jets violated Indian air space in response to Indian forces targeting a JeM terror camp in its territory. Modi said India will fight, live, work and win as one and nobody can create hurdles in its march towards development.

How the air powers of India, Pakistan match up

India’s airstrike deep inside Pakistan and Pakistani jets’ foray into India has put the focus on the air prowess of the two neighbours following tensions over the Pulwama terror attack.

Live: Pakistan suspends Samjhauta Express services

Border tensions between India and Pakistan have escalated after the Balakot strike by IAF. Each side has lost an aircraft, and an Indian pilot is now in Pakistan custody after his plane was shot down. Stay here for all live updates.

France, US & UK ask UNSC to ban JeM chief

Live: France, US & UK ask UNSC to ban JeM chief

Jaish into real estate, trading to fund terror acts

Govt unmoved by Imran Khan's speech, face-off could escalate

IAF, PAF lose a jet each; pilot in Pakistan custody

‘Non-military’ raid: How India and Pakistan differ

Bloodied & grilled, IAF pilot stays calm, collected

Airfields told to tank up 6 days before IAF strikes

Pak using China’s weakness to ensure support

India unites for safe return of IAF pilot

Jaitley urges oppn to introspect; Cong hits back

Union minister Arun Jaitley on Wednesday appealed to the opposition parties to "let the country speak in one voice" and said their "ill-advised statement against the government was being used by Pakistan to bolster its case."

Pulwama attack: India gives Pak proof of JeM role

India on Wednesday handed over to Pakistan a dossier with specific details of Jaish-e-Mohammed's complicity in the Pulwama terror attack. In the dossier, India also provided details of the presence of JeM terror camps and its leadership in Pakistan.

Full text: MEA on demarche issued to Pakistan

'Pulwama attack result of Pak cover to JeM'

The Pulwama terror attack is the direct result of the "impunity and cover" provided to the Jaish-e-Mohammed terror group by Pakistan, external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj said on Wednesday as she forcefully raised the terror strike with her Chinese counterpart Wang Yi here.

Live: India issues strong demarche to Pak, demands safe return of pilot

Pakistan used its Air Force to target military installations in India in response to Indian counter-terrorism operations but their attempts were foiled successfully, though one Indian pilot is "missing in action", external affairs ministry has said. Stay with TOI for latest updates

Oppn parties express concern over nat'l security

Twenty-one opposition parties Wednesday expressed anguish over what they alleged was "blatant politicisation" of the sacrifices of armed forces and urged the government to take nations into confidence on all measures to protect India's sovereignty, unity and integrity.

Full text: India on Pak's airspace violation

Pak PM Imran offers talks to defuse tensions

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Wednesday offered to defuse tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbours and resolve the issues through talks even as he claimed that two Indian MIGs crossed the Line of Control and they were shot down.

Pak F-16 shot down in J&K's Rajouri sector

The aircraft was brought down in Jhangar area of Jammu and Kashmir's Rajouri sector, officials in the Army said.

India-Pak tension: AI reroutes west-bound flights

Air India has decided to reroute its west-bound flights from Delhi. The airline has a number of flights to Europe from Delhi in the afternoon that fly over Pakistan and then enter Afghanistan on their western journey.

Pak violates India air space: What we know so far

Indian Air Force jet crashes in J&K's Budgam

Five airports closed for civilian flights: Officials

The move to close the five airports comes amid escalation of tension between India and Pakistan after IAF carried out strikes on terror bases in Pakistan. Airports at Chandigarh and Amritsar were among those closed, according to airline officials.

Pak PM calls meet of top nuclear body

The National Command Authority controls policy formulation, exercises, deployment, research and development, employment and operational command and control of the country's nuclear arsenals.

US backs India, asks Pak to forget military response, shut terror camps

The US statement, by its very wording, tone, and sequence, acknowledged India’s right to conduct the punitive strikes against terrorist camps. Although the statement eventually encouraged both India and Pakistan to exercise restraint, it put the onus on Islamabad to do so by abjuring military response against India and instead directing meaningful action against terrorist groups.

Live: Sushma raises Pulwama attack with China

At least 325 terrorists and 25 trainers were at the Balakot camp, the biggest operated by the Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed, when the Indian forces carried out an air strike early on Tuesday. Stay with TOI for latest updates:

Why Beijing is giving Pak the cold shoulder now

Air strike deep inside Pak, first since 1971 war

Delhi, Mumbai, 5 other cities put on 'highest alert'

IAF air strike in Pak: Mirages took off from Gwalior to retain surprise

Fighter jets, mid-air refuellers and early-warning aircraft from at least five airbases closely coordinated to unleash the "strike package" on the Balakot terror facility. The aim was to blow six targets within the facility to smithereens in two waves of firing.

Year-long course on guns, IEDs, maps & religion

JeM’s terror camp in Balakot subjected its cadres to rigorous motivational drill to become ‘fidayeen’ and eventually trained them for eight months to a year for suicide bombing. As per documents exclusively accessed by TOI, the selected cadre at Balakot started off with a 15-day training in religious education.

IAF air strike: Pak govt calls it ‘grave aggression’

World opinion tilted towards India over Pak terror

Except for the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), of which Pakistan is a founding member, there has been no outright condemnation of the Indian strike from any country, including China.

15 years ago US took note of JeM's major terror training camp in Balakot

A January 31, 2004 document, signed by Major General Geoffery Miller of the US Army says a Pakistani national received training in Balakot in Pakistan, a location known to house a "training camp that offers both basic and advanced terrorist training on explosives and artillery".

How IAF flummoxed Pak to bomb Jaish camps

The Indian Air Force operation to bomb and destroy Jaish-e-Mohammed's (JeM) biggest training camp in Balakot in Pakistan's restive Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province was planned with such perfection that it left Pakistan flummoxed.

Pak Army confirms Indian jets dropped '4 bombs'

Pakistan Army confirmed that Indian fighter jets dropped "four bombs" during an operation on Tuesday but downplayed its significance, saying the Indian attack was repulsed and while going back the aircraft "jettisoned their payload." Army spokesman Major General Asif Ghafoor also said Pakistan will "surprise" India with its response that will be in all domains.

Why IAF used Mirage 2000 to hit Jaish camps

India currently has around three squadrons of Mirage 2000 fighter jets manufactured by French aerospace major Dassault Aviation. The squadrons are based in Gwalior. The government sources said the Mirage 2000 multi-role aircraft was chosen for the strike for its capability to hit targets with "pin-point" accuracy.

IAF strikes: China ditches Pak, advocates peace

Balakot terror camp: All you need to know

The Balakot-based Jaish-e-Mohammad terror camp destroyed by the Indian Air Force was located on the bank of the Kunhar river in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan and was also used by the Hizbul Mujahideen terror group. It was one of the largest camps of JeM that is said to have five-star facilities like a swimming pool, cooks and cleaners.

Why Balakot camp in Pak was sitting duck target

Target of IAF hit was involved in Kandahar hijack

Azhar Yusuf, brother-in-law of Jaish-e-Mohammad chief Masood Azhar and the target of the Indian air strikes on Tuesday, was involved in the 1999 hijack of Indian Airlines plane IC-814 and was on Interpol lookout notice since 2000.

Four reasons why this IAF action is different

Tuesday's strike marks a paradigm shift in India’s response to Pak given that it is for the first time in recent times that India struck deep inside Pak territory, earlier, the focus would be mostly along the LoC. This is the first time IAF crossed the LoC to hit terror training camps in Pak. The last time such an attack took place was during the 1971 war.

Live: Many terrorists killed in IAF strike on JeM camp at Balakot in Pak

12 days after the deadly Pulwama attack, Indian Air Force early Tuesday carried out air strike on the biggest Jaish-e-Mohammed training camp at Balakot inside Pakistan, killing a large number of terrorists. Stay with TOI for latest updates

Why IAF targeted Jaish's Balakot terror camp

Full text: India on IAF strike at biggest JeM camp

IAF jets bomb terror camps across LoC

"12 Mirage 2000 jets took part in the operation that dropped 1000 Kg bombs on terror camps across LoC (Line of Control), completely destroying them," IAF sources said. The air strike was carried around 3:30 am, the sources said. The IAF jets pounded terror camps Balakot, Muzaffarabad and Chakoti.

IAF crosses LoC for the first time since 1971 war

Even if this is the other Balakot which falls in Poonch sector along the LoC, it is the first time that IAF jets have crossed the LoC since the 1971 war. During the 1999 Kargil war, the IAF, while bombing terror outposts took care not to cross the LoC. Also, with the 2016 surgical strikes, the Modi government is the first to make such surgical strikes public. Previous governments too have retaliated but preferred to keep them under wraps from the larger public.

Indian air strikes in Pak: What we know so far

CCS meets after IAF air strikes in Pakistan

Live: 'IAF jets crossed LoC, dropped 1,000kg bombs on terror camps'

Sources have claimed that Indian Air Force jets have crossed the LoC and struck terror camps in Pakistan. Stay with TOI for latest updates

Indian Air Force jets crossed LoC, claims Pakistan

1.6cr first-timers among 90cr voters for LS polls

As many as 89.9 crore electors, including 1.6 crore new voters aged 18-19 years, are registered to vote in the upcoming general election, though this number is likely to go up since additions to the electoral rolls can be made till the last day of filing of nomination.

USCIS sought more info in 60% of H-1B cases

Working to boost intel, morale among troops is high: CRPF chief

Vadra: Will join politics after cases dismissed

PM-Kisan sop amid polls won't breach code: Govt

ICC will clear India's security doubts, but won't discuss 'boycott' request

The International Cricket Council (ICC) will clear India's "doubts" about security at the upcoming World Cup but the world body is unlikely to even discuss a possible boycott of Pakistan when its Chief Executives Committee (CEC) meets on Wednesday.

Vehicle used in Pulwama terror attack identified, owner absconding

The NIA on Monday said the owner of the vehicle used in the Pulwama attack has been identified as Sajjad Bhat, who has joined Jaish-e-Mohammed. Piecing together the remnants of the vehicle used by the suicide bomber, NIA investigators- with the support of forensic and automobile experts- identified the vehicle used for the blast as a Maruti Eeco.

Mehbooba issues 'flag threat' over Article 35A

At War Memorial opening, PM slams past govts for putting 'family first'

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday inaugurated the National War Memorial and slammed the previous governments for delaying the project to honour India's bravehearts. Slamming the previous Congress-led UPA government, PM Modi said, "For some people it is family first and not India first.

Trump calls on Opec to 'relax,' says oil prices high

On Monday, oil prices edged up amid political uncertainty and sanctions and involuntary curbs on several producers but could face pressure from continued anxiety over the global economy and record US exports.

It was difficult track even for Dhoni: Maxwell

"MS (Dhoni) is obviously a world-class finisher and even he was finding it hard to hit the middle of the bat. So, I think it was right of him to try and farm the strike. He hit a six in the last over and I think that showed how difficult it was," Glenn Maxwell said.

Parl panel asks Twitter to engage more with EC

A parliamentary panel on Monday asked Twitter to address issues in real-time and engage more with the Election Commission ahead of elections and also summoned officials of Facebook, WhatsApp and Instagram on March 6. The Twitter officials were told that there should not be any "international interference" in the Lok Sabha polls.

India likely to get normal monsoon rains: Skymet

Monsoon rains in India are expected to be normal in 2019, the country's only private weather forecasting agency said on Monday, raising prospects of higher farm and economic growth in the $2 trillion economy. There is a more than 50 per cent chance that India will get normal rainfall, Jatin Singh, chief executive officer at Skymet, said.

Why business people are comparing China's future to Venezuela

After landing, Chen, a former judge and lawyer, shared on social media a 28-page article explaining himself. “Why I Left China,” read the headline, “An Entrepreneur’s Farewell Admonition.”

I couldn’t be CM because I’m a Dalit: K'taka dy CM

At a time the coalition government faces trouble over dissatisfaction from the Congress, over conceding the CM’s post to JD(S) leader and chief minister HD Kumaraswamy, Parameshwara’s statement adds more fuel to fire ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.

Kashmiri youths: ‘We were in touch with Pulwama attack mastermind’

Investigators also claim to have obtained voice messages from the cellphone of one of the two youths—Shahnawaz Teli of Kulgam and Abdul Aqib Mallick of Pulwama—in which he is heard talking about some “bada kaam” (something big) and “samaan” (goods).

Stone pelting case: Plea in SC for security forces

The plea sought formulation of a policy to curb human rights violations of security force personnel, who are being attacked by mobs while performing duties. The plea was filed by 19-year-old Preeti Kedar Gokhale and 20-year-old Kajal Mishra.

Will start working on it: Vadra on joining politics

Our bus was 3rd, we were enraged: CRPF women

Complete winners' list from 91st Academy Awards

The 91st Academy Awards took place at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, Los Angeles in the US.

Film on 'Pad Man' bags Oscar at Academy Awards

'Period. End of Sentence', an India set film on the taboos around menstruation and featuring the real 'Pad Man', has bagged the Oscar in the Documentary Short Subject category. Other nominees included 'Black Sheep', 'End Game', 'Lifeboat' and 'A Night At The Garden'.

Oscars live updates: 91st Academy Awards 2019

The complete live coverage of the 91st Academy Awards 2019. Stay tuned for Live Updates, Photos and News from the 61st Academy Awards 2019 at Times of India.

Give peace a chance: Imran Khan to PM Modi

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Sunday asked his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi to "give peace a chance" and assured him that he "stands by" his words and will "immediately act" if New Delhi provides Islamabad with "actionable intelligence" on the Pulwama attack.

I'll be back: Modi in last Mann Ki Baat of term

Prime Minister Narendra Modi signed off on the last episode of his monthly radio programme 'Mann Ki Baat' before the Lok Sabha elections, expressing confidence that he would be back to renew the programme in May and looked forward to several years of conversations with the public.

To outwit China at UN, India & France to look beyond Masood Azhar

To give teeth to the diplomatic offensive against the Pakistan-based terror group, India and France are also giving a “cautious” consideration to several other options including bringing similar proposals against Masood Azhar’s brother Abdul Rauf Asghar, an accused in the Pathankot attack, and some other individuals associated with JeM.

Isro’s PSLV-C45 to release payloads in 3 orbits

For the first time in the country’s space history, Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) is going to launch a PSLV mission in March where it will release payloads in three different orbits. On January 24, PSLV C44 rocket had carried a student satellite ‘Kalamsat’ that was attached to PS-4, which students are nowadays using for doing space experiments.

Did Pulwama attacker hide IED in stone quarry?

GST rate for houses under construction cut to 5%

Kisan scheme: Not a one-off measure, says PM

The income support for farmers announced in the Budget is not a one-off measure ahead of elections and opposition-ruled states that delayed providing lists of beneficiaries eligible for transfer of Rs 6,000 a year will risk incurring curse of farmers, PM Narendra Modi said here on Sunday.

1st T20I: Australia pip India by three wickets in a last-ball thriller

A profligate Umesh Yadav undid all the good work done by Jasprit Bumrah as Australia edged out India by three wickets in a last-ball thriller in the first T20 International on Sunday.

'Man who attempted plane hijack killed in army op'

Bangladesh commandos on Sunday killed an armed man, who allegedly made a foiled bid to hijack a Dubai-bound flight of Biman Airlines carrying 148 passengers, the army said. The flight, en route Dubai from Dhaka via Chattogram, made an emergency landing at the Shah Amanat International Airport in the coastal city of Chattogram following the hijack bid.

Afghanistan opens new export route to India through Iran's Chabahar port

23 trucks carrying 57 tonnes of dried fruits, textiles, carpets and mineral products were dispatched from western Afghan city of Zaranj to Iran's Chabahar port, to be shipped to Mumbai. Earlier, India had sent 1.1 million tonnes of wheat & 2,000 tonnes of lentils to Afghanistan through Chabahar port, that both countries developed jointly with Iran.

Bangladesh forces storm plane, arrest 'gunman' to foil hijack attempt

All 142 passengers on board a Dubai-bound Bangladesh Biman plane are safe after Bangladeshi security forces foiled a hijack attempt by a lone suspect on Sunday, a senior air force official said. Security forces stormed the plane and arrested a 25-year-old man for attempting to hijack flight BG147. "It seems he is psychologically deranged," an official said.

10 companies of ITBP dispatched to Arunachal

As many as 1,000 paramilitary troops have been dispatched to Arunachal Pradesh as widespread violence erupted in the state over the recommendation to grant permanent resident certificates (PRC) to 6 communities. At least 2 persons died as protests that broke out on Saturday after government's announcement.

No PRC for 6 communities in Arunachal: Rijiju

In separate tweets, Rijiju said the Arunachal Pradesh government has passed an order to not accept the recommendations of the Joint High-Powered Committee to grant PRC to six communities living in Namsai and Changlang districts. Rijiju accused the Congress of "instigating" people of the state to protest against the move to grant permanent resident certificates to six communities.

Relief for home buyers: GST rate for houses under construction reduced to 5%

In a huge relief to home buyers, the GST council on Sunday decided to reduce the tax rate on under construction flats to 5 per cent. The council also decided to reduce the GST rate for affordable housing from 8 per cent to 1 per cent. The new tax rates will come into effect from April 1, 2019.

Live 1st T20I: Australia opt to bowl against India

Check live cricket score, scorecard and ball by ball commentary of 1st T20 match between India and Australia on Times of India

Protesters set on fire Arunachal Dy CM's house

Encounter breaks out in J&K's Kulgam

Shooting WC: Saurabh wins 10m air pistol gold

A 16-year-old shooter from India once again made each of his seven other challengers feel old on Sunday by winning a World Cup gold in his first senior ISSF final; the world record in a men's 10m air pistol final and the Olympic quota place that came along for Saurabh Chaudhary was the icing on the cake.

PM launches kisan scheme, over 1 crore farmers get 1st instalment

Launching the scheme from Uttar Pradesh's Gorakhpur, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the first instalment of money has been deposited in accounts of 1.01 crore farmers and those who didn't get it on Sunday will get it in due course. "This is your money and no one will be able to take it from you," he told the farmers.

Need to isolate Pak in world cricket: CoA chief

Committee of Administrators chief Vinod Rai on Sunday said the sporting community "needs to ostracise Pakistan" for fomenting terror activities just like South African was banned from international cricket due to the country's policy on apartheid.

Laila, Cody and Roger unearthed 26 IEDs in a decade before Pulwama

Live: Modi launches PM Kisan scheme

Over 1 crore farmers to get Rs 2,000 each in 1st tranche with the launch of PM-KISAN scheme. Stay with TOI for live updates

PM to disburse Rs 25k cr to farmers: Key points

PM Modi's Mann Ki Baat address: Highlights

Airoli hijack call: Airlines told to frisk flyers at boarding gates

The call prompted the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security to call for enhanced surveillance in and around airports and operational areas; deployment of quick reaction teams and intensive perimeter patrolling besides manning of all vehicle entry gates with strong armed support. The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) has also intensified profiling of passengers to screen any suspicious traveller. Dog squads and explosive trace detectors are being deployed at sensitive airports.

Ordinance to scrap Art 35A? Centre’s urgent actions leave Srinagar abuzz

PM Modi tears into UPA’s ‘A,B,C mentality’

'Delhi at epicentre of global groundwater crisis'

New research has shown that the largest groundwater depletion in the world is happening in northern India. Delhi is the epicentre of this fast-developing crisis, and it’s getting worse by the day. Scientists say that groundwater is being pumped out 70% faster than what the Central Groundwater Board of India estimated earlier.

Govt may review its stand on Article 35A

Our fight is against terror, not Kashmiris: PM

In a 1st, India invited to OIC meet as ‘guest of honour’

4 days after Surya Kiran air crash, fire guts 300 cars at Aero India

The fire itself was well away from the actual venue of the show, thus not compromising overall safety. All available fire fighting services, Rapid Action Force and NDRF teams were immediately mobilised.

In a 1st, India invited as 'guest of honour' at Islamic Nations' Conclave

In a significant move, India has been invited to the inaugural plenary of the foreign ministers' conclave of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, a powerful grouping of Muslim majority nations. External affairs minister Sushma Swaraj will be the 'guest of honour'. Sources said it was for the first time, India has been invited to an OIC meeting as guest of honour.

Sachin wants 2 points, I want World Cup: Ganguly

While former skipper Sourav Ganguly felt that India should not have any sporting ties with Pakistan after the Pulwama terror attack, his former India teammate Sachin Tendulkar is against giving away two points to Pakistan by not playing them in the Cup.

We will respect govt's decision: Kohli on India-Pak World Cup game

"Our stand is simple. We stick by what the nation wants to do and what the BCCI decides to do and that is basically our opinion," Virat Kohli said on the eve of India's opening T20 International against Australia. There have been calls to boycott the June 16 World Cup face-off against Pakistan at the Old Trafford in the aftermath of the Pulwama attack.

150 arrested in crackdown on separatists in J&K

The Jamaat-e-Islami has in the past been touted to be the parent political party of the Hizbul Mujahdeen, but the organisation has always maintained that it is a socio-religious group.

Our fight is against terrorists and not Kashmiris: PM Modi

Govt doesn't want to accept 'job crisis': Rahul

Airports on high alert after hijack threat

The telephonic threat was made to Air India’s airport operation control centre on Saturday about an Indian Airlines flight being hijacked to Pakistan. While security at airports had been enhanced after the Pulwama attack, Saturday’s threat saw the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) issuing a list of dos for all airport and airline operators.

100 cars gutted in fire near venue of Aero India show in Bengaluru

A massive fire broke out and spread across a parking lot near Gate number 5 of Yelahanka Air Force Station—which is hosting Aero India show—that has burnt around 100 parked cars, informed Karnataka Fire Department. Flying display at the event was suspended for the morning following the fire.

India now an engine for global growth: PM Modi

Vineet Jain lauds PM's landmark schemes

PM Modi sees India as $10-trillion economy with countless startups

Centre moves 100 paramilitary companies in J&K

India, Oz look to put final touches to WC plans

Cementing spots in their World Cup squad will top the agenda for Indians and Australians alike when their limited-over series starts with the first Twenty20 in Visakhapatnam on Sunday.

Live: PM Modi speaking at Economic Times Global Business Summit 2019

The fifth edition of Global Business Summit is hosting business leaders and technology entrepreneurs from some of the most talked about and disruptive companies across the globe. Stay with TOI for all live updates

JKLF chief Yasin Malik detained in J&K

JKLF chief Yasin Malik was detained Friday night amid indications of a wider crackdown on separatists in Jammu and Kashmir, officials said. Police and paramilitary forces have been put on high alert but there was no confirmation about any more detentions. Earlier this week, the security cover of 18 separatist leaders, including Yasin Malik, was withdrawn.

ET GBS can be Davos of East: Vineet Jain

Win for India at UNSC: China forced to fall in line

Pak attacks on informers hit human intel in J&K

Trump calls India-Pak standoff 'very dangerous'

Railways to study 10 more bullet train corridors

This isn’t 1-week battle, need decisive win: Jaitley

The country is “extremely angry” over the terror attack in Pulwama and the government will use all instruments to tackle a rogue state like Pakistan, finance minister Arun Jaitley said. "Pakistan is riding a tiger and the tiger never spares its own riders… This is not a one-week battle, it has to be undertaken on various fronts...,” Jaitley said.

Anxious wait for 90k Indians as US to take final call on H-1B visa changes

The White House has received the proposed changes in the existing regulations to end the work authorisation for spouses of holders of H-1B visas. The move that would impact over 90,000 spouses of H-1B visa holders, an overwhelming number of whom are Indians, was sent to the White House Office of management for Budget on Wednesday, officials said.

Pak govt takes control of Jaish headquarters

Pakistan won't get a drop of water if it exports terror: Nitin Gadkari

Reiterating his warning to choke Pakistan's water supply, Union minister Nitin Gadkari on Friday said the neighbouring country won't get "even a single drop of water" from India if it continues to export terror. He said India was planning to build projects on three rivers flowing into Pakistan to use its share of water.

Pak govt takes control of Jaish headquarters

The Pakistan government on Friday took over the administrative control of the headquarters of Jaish-e-Muhammad, the terror outfit which claimed responsibility for the Pulwama suicide attack that killed 40 CRPF personnel in Jammu and Kashmir. The Islamic seminaries in the campus has a faculty of 70 teachers and currently 600 students were studying in it.

Why UNSC statement on Pulwama was delayed

SC to hear Rafale review pleas on Feb 26

End ties with nations where terror emanates, BCCI writes to ICC

The Supreme Court-appointed CoA has written to the ICC raising BCCI's concerns about the attacks on CRPF soldiers in Pulwama on February 14 and asking the other cricket-playing nations to sever ties with countries from which terrorism emanates.

Would hate giving two points to Pak: Tendulkar

Cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar on Friday said he would 'hate' to see India concede two points to Pakistan by not playing them in the upcoming World Cup as such a move would only help the arch-rivals in the mega-event.

This bank is gaining from US sanctions on Iran

Kolkata-based UCO Bank expects its privileged status processing refiners’ payments for Iranian oil shipments to add more than Rs 800 crore ($110 million) to annual earnings, according to chief executive officer Atul Kumar Goel. Indian refiners are required to deposit any money destined for Iran without interest with UCO Bank during periods when US sanctions are in force.

China opposed mention of terror, delayed UNSC Pulwama statement

The United Nations Security Council's statement on the Pulwama attack was delayed by nearly one week due to China's opposition to mentioning of terrorism, according to official sources.

No decision on India-Pak WC match yet: Vinod Rai

The Committee of Administrators (CoA) running Indian cricket on Friday decided against taking any stand on the World Cup clash against Pakistan but said it would individually urge ICC members to "sever ties with any nation that is a terrorist hub".

Pulwama attack: Pak to stay on FATF 'grey list'

Terror financing watchdog FATF has decided to keep Pakistan on the "grey list" till October. This, after India made a strong push to ensure that Islamabad is not taken off the list, in the light of the Pulwama terror attack. Pakistan has until October 2019 to either comply with the 27 demands made by FATF members or it could be blacklisted.

J&K govt moves SC for transfer of 7 Pakistani terrorists to Tihar jail

A bench of Justices L N Rao and M R Shah sought a response from Centre and the Delhi government on the plea. Jammu and Kashmir government's standing counsel Shoaib Alam said terrorists belonging to various organisations need to be shifted out of Jammu jail as they were involved in the indoctrination of local prisoners.

UP ATS arrest two alleged JeM terrorists

Those arrested were-Shahnawaz Teli and Aquib Ahmad Malik. Teli hails from Kulgam in Kashmir and was residing in Saharanpur in the guise of a student, while, Malik was also a native of Pulwama district in Kashmir and was residing in Saharanpur. The ATS have also recovered two .32 bore pistols, and 30 live cartridges form the possession of the duo.

PM asks global community to act against terror

In the aftermath of the Pulwama terror attack that killed 40 CRPF jawans in J&K, PM Modi said that the time has come for the global community to "unite and act" to completely eradicate terror networks and their financing of supply channels.

SC directs 11 states to take action against assault on Kashmiris

SC has sought a response from Maharashtra, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, J&K, Haryana, Meghalaya, West Bengal, Chhattisgarh, Delhi and Uttrakhand, from where incidents of threat and violence against Kashmiris were reported. CJI Gogoi also directed police officers, who were earlier appointed as nodal officers would be now responsible to deal with such cases.

PM Modi receives Seoul Peace Prize for 2018

While conferring the award on Modi, the award committee recognised his contribution to the growth of Indian and global economies, crediting 'Modinomics' for reducing social and economic disparity between the rich and the poor.

Lookout circular issued against Chanda Kochhar

Highly placed sources said that a lookout circular (LoC) has been issued against Chanda Kochhar, accused of conniving with her husband Deepak Kochhar and Videocon MD Venugopal Dhoot in cheating the private sector bank while disbursing six loans worth Rs 1,875 crore to Videocon group companies between June 2009 and October 2011.

No visa for Pak shooters: IOC urges India isolation

Bringing an unfortunate end to the controversy surrounding participation of Pakistan athletes for the ISSF World Cup here, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) on Friday revoked the Olympic qualification status (two quota places) for the Men's 25m Rapid Fire pistol event due to non-issuance of visa to the three-member Pakistani contingent.

Should India play Pak in WC? CoA to decide today

The Supreme Court-appointed Committee of Administrators (CoA) — who on Thursday got a new colleague in Lt General (retd) Ravindra Thodge, former Master General Ordnance (MGO) of the Indian Army — will meet in New Delhi on Friday to take a call on whether India should play Pakistan in the 2019 ICC World Cup.

Pulwama, not temple, now No 1 poll issue of RSS

SC rejects title claims of ‘tribals, forest dwellers’

The Supreme Court has asked 16 states to implement their own orders rejecting 11.8 lakh claims over forest land by Scheduled Tribes and other traditional forest dwellers (OTFDs) that were found baseless, and passed eviction orders to free lakhs of hectares of forest land.

EPFO to offer 8.65%, its 1st hike in 4 years

Pak moves into war mode, gets logistics ready

Pakistan has begun planning its war logistics on its frontiers amid fears of retaliation from India after the Pulwama terror strike, even as JeM chief Masood Azhar asked the Imran Khan regime not to make any concessions under pressure from India. Pakistan army has written to Jilani Hospital to arrange and plan for medical support in view of the possibility of a war.

UNSC condemns 'heinous, cowardly' Pulwama terror attack, names Jaish

India to put on hold Pak’s Track II proposal

Govt OKs air travel for paramilitary jawans in J&K

Will stop flow of India's share of river water to Pakistan: Nitin Gadkari

"Under the leadership of Hon'ble PM Narendra Modi, our government has decided to stop our share of water which used to flow to Pakistan. We will divert water from Eastern rivers and supply it to our people in Jammu and Kashmir and Punjab," Union minister of water resources Nitin Gadkari said in a tweet. The move comes after the Pulwama terror attack.

Lt Gen D S Hooda to head Cong security panel

D S Hooda, a former Northern Army commander and the main architect of the 2016 surgical strikes on terror launch pads in PoK, will head a Congress task force on national security.

Pak bans Hafiz Saeed-led JuD, its charity wing FIF

'Who is finishing party': Mulayam slams son Akhilesh's pact with BSP

SP founder Mulayam Singh Yadav on Thursday expressed his displeasure over the alliance forged Akhilesh Singh Yadav with BSP. This comes barely a week after the SP founder had created a flutter in the political circles when he heaped praises on Prime Minister Narendra Modi while speaking at the concluding session of Parliament on February 13.

Live updates: PM Modi's address in Seoul

PM Modi is on a two-day visit to South Korea where he will have bilateral and business engagements. He will also unveil a bust of Mahatma Gandhi and accept the Seoul Peace Prize conferred upon him. Stay here for all live updates

EPFO hikes interest on PF deposits for 2018-19

The Central Board of Trustees (CBT) headed by the labour minister is the top decision making body of the EPFO which finalises rate of interest on PF deposits for a financial year.

What breeding terror and going nuclear has done to Pakistan

Air travel for all paramilitary jawans in J&K

SC displeased over 'sparring' between Rai, Edulji

"We have heard in newspaper reports that some sparring is going on between CoA members...tell them not to go public with their differences," the bench said, adding that it was partly aware of the issues concerning BCCI.

India lose by not playing Pak in WC: Gavaskar

"Who wins if India decide against playing Pakistan in the World Cup? And I am not even talking about the semis and the finals," said Gavaskar and added that India has so far beaten Pak every time in a World Cup, "we are actually conceding two points when by beating Pakistan, we could make sure that they don't advance in the competition," he said.

No way BCCI can block Pakistan from WC: Official

The Pulwama terror attack, that claimed the lives of over 40 CRPF personnel, has escalated the diplomatic tensions between India and Pakistan, the reverberations of which are also being felt in the sporting arena.

#TimesPoll: Jobs to be biggest election issue

#TimesPoll: 31% say Rahul more popular now

The #TimesMegaPoll asked respondents whether Rahul Gandhi was a more popular leader today compared to 2014. Around 31.15% said Rahul had indeed become more popular since the last Lok Sabha polls. However, 63% felt there was no change in the Congress president’s popularity in the last five years while 6% were undecided.

BCCI may ask ICC to ban Pakistan from World Cup

TOI understands that COA chairman Vinod Rai will take a call on Thursday, after thorough legal consultations, on whether or not the ICC needs to be communicated. "In the light of the recent terrorist attack in Kashmir, the Board is of the view that the ICC should ban Pakistan from participating," a BCCI letter said.

No one better than Djokovic at his best: Agassi

As TOI Guest Sports Editor, Andre Agassi predicted that Novak Djokovic will surpass Roger Federer's Slam tally of 20. In India to support an inclusive literacy product, Agassi opened up on a range of topics.

JeM planning even bigger strike, warn intel inputs

Emboldened by its success in the Pulwama suicide bombing, Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) plans to carry out another fidayeen attack of a much bigger magnitude, intelligence intercepts of conversations on February 16-17 between JeM leadership in Pakistan and its terrorists in Kashmir have revealed.

Info leak? IT cell seizes computers of NHAI staff

‘Sunny Leone’ tops Bihar junior engineer exam

#TimesMegaPoll: 83% say Modi-led govt most likely outcome after polls

Saudi prince vows ‘all cooperation’ against terror

SC to begin hearing Ayodhya case on Feb 26

'Jadhav sentence based on extracted confession, should be annulled'

Govt withdraws security of 18 Hurriyat leaders

In a major step, the government of Jammu & Kashmir today downgraded and withdrew the security of 18 Hurriyat leaders in the state. It was felt that providing security to these separatist leaders is a wastage of scarce state resources which could be better utilised. Now, over 1,000 police personnel and over 100 vehicles are freed to do regular police work.

LS poll: Cong, DMK sign seat-sharing agreement

The DMK and the Congress on Wednesday signed seat-sharing agreement for the coming Lok Sabha elections. As TOI has already reported, the Congress will contest in nine seats in Tamil Nadu and one seat in the Union territory of Puducherry.

At ICJ, India objects to Pak's abusive language

No scandal in Rafale deal, says Dassault CEO

India a victim of terrorism 'sheltered, supported' from across border: PM

In a veiled attack on Pakistan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said India was a victim of terrorism "sheltered and supported" from across the border, as he demanded that all nations reject the use of terrorism against others, dismantle the terror infrastructure and stop its financing.

SC to hear Ram temple case on February 26

The Supreme Court Wednesday decided to hear on February 26 the politically sensitive Ayodhya's Ram-Janmabhoomi Babri Masjid land dispute matter. Besides CJI and Justice Bobde, members of the bench are Justices D Y Chandrachud, Ashok Bhushan and S A Nazeer.

US asks Pakistan, China to deny safe havens and support to terrorists

The US formulation about denying safe havens and support to terrorists expressed through the State Department was addressed to "all countries", but it was clearly directed at Islamabad and Beijing since Pakistan is host to UN-designated terrorists and China has repeatedly aided Pakistan to avoid global censure on this matter using its veto.

Terror a common concern with India: Saudi Prince

Speaking at a joint press conference with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi, the crown prince said Saudi Arabia was ready for political cooperation with India. "On the issue of extremism and terrorism, which is a common concern, we want to tell India that we will cooperate in every way, including intelligence sharing," the crown prince said.

Lockheed Martin unveils new multi-role fighter jet F-21 for India

Saudi prince looks for 'good things' from India trip

Prince Salman predicted "good things" will come out of talks with President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi as he started a landmark visit to India Wednesday. "Today we want to be sure this relationship is maintained and improved for the sake of both countries," the crown prince said after full ceremonial welcome in New Delhi.

Pulwama: Maruti Suzuki engineers at ground zero to help probe

NIA is also taking help of Maruti Suzuki engineers to identify the owners of the Eeco van used in the blast. A metal plate having some numbers on it was found from the blast site. The engineers, who travelled to Srinagar on Monday, are now ascertaining the vehicle’s year of manufacturing, the showroom it was supplied to and the person who bought it.

Clear dues or face jail: SC to Anil Ambani

The top court stated that Ambani and other two directors have to pay Rs 453 crore to Ericsson India within 4 weeks and if they fail to pay the amount, three months' jail term will follow. The court also imposed a fine of Rs 1 crore each on them and if the amount is not deposited within a month, then 1-month jail will be awarded.

Saudi Crown Prince in India: All you need to know

MX Player offers premium shows for free

Times Top10: Why India chose 112 as its helpline

Why more countries are welcoming Indian visitors

The Indian passport has steadily strengthened over the past five years, jumping 10 ranks from 77 in 2015, to 67 in 2019. This year, while Indian tourists still need visas to enter 134 countries in the world, industry voices say more and more countries are opening up to Indian tourists, cognisant of their ability to spend as well as to return home.

Pulwama terror attack a 'horrible situation': Trump

"I have watched. I have got a lot of reports on it. We will have comment (on it) at an appropriate time. It would be wonderful if they (India and Pakistan) get along," Trump said in response to a question. 40 CRPF personnel were killed when a JeM terrorist rammed an explosive-laden car into a vehicle carrying them in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama.

‘Forces took losses to avoid civilian casualties’

Our commanders leading anti-terrorist ops from the front: Army

"Brigadier Harbir Singh, who is among the injured, was on leave at home. When he realised at midnight that the operation has started, he cut short his leave voluntarily and rejoined," said General Officer Commanding of Army's 15 Corps Lt Gen K J S Dhillon. He said the Army officers will continue to lead from the front during operations in future as well.

Review of Jadhav conviction not enough: India

India's case at the ICJ for immediate release of Kulbhushan Jadhav, and not limited relief, is likely to hinge on the extent to which its counsel can convince the Court about the dubious nature of Pakistan's military justice system. The ICJ only asking Pakistan military court to reconsider its decision will be far from any desired outcome for India.

PM Modi receives Saudi Crown Prince at airport

Centre hikes DA by 3%, move to benefit 1.1cr employees, pensioners

The Union Cabinet on Tuesday increased the dearness allowance by 3 per cent effective from January 1, 2019. The move will benefit 1.1 crore central government employees and pensioners.

Live updates: PM receives Saudi Crown Prince

Saudi crown prince Mohammad bin Salman has arrived in New Delhi on Tuesday on his maiden visit to the country. Stay with TOI for latest updates

Pak PM Imran's offer of probe lame excuse: India

France to move proposal at UN to ban JeM chief

Philippe Etienne, diplomatic adviser to French president, Emmanuel Macron, telephoned Ajit Doval on Tuesday afternoon to convey Paris’s decision. “We understand that it might get blocked yet again by one country. But we feel it’s important to take the step to proscribe this terror leader,” said French diplomatic sources.

'Pak nerve centre of terrorism': India rejects Imran's claims on Pulwama attack

India has reacted strongly to Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan's demand for "actionable intelligence" over Pulwama terror attack and called Islamabad "the nerve centre of terrorism."

LS poll: BJP announces alliance with AIADMK, to contest 5 seats in TN

The BJP and the AIADMK have announced to contest the Lok Sabha elections in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry together. The BJP will contest five seats in alliance with the AIADMK, PMK and other parties.

ICJ refuses Pak's request to adjourn Jadhav case

The four-day hearing in the Jadhav case opened on Monday at the ICJ headquarters in The Hague.Pakistan, which is presenting its case today, asked the judge to adjourn the case, citing the illness of its ad-hoc judge, Tassaduq Hussain Jillani,who suffered a cardiac attack ahead of the hearing. But the world court declined Pak's plea and asked it to continue argument.

IPL 2019: CSK to face RCB in opening clash

Defending champions Chennai Super Kings will take on Royal Challengers Bangalore in the first match on March 23 in Chennai as IPL released the schedule of the first two weeks (17 matches) on Tuesday.

Pak PM Imran seeks actionable intelligence over Pulwama attack

PM Imran Khan said allegations against his country are without any evidence and that carrying any such terror attack was not in Pakistan's interest when it is moving towards stability. Khan further added, "If they take any action against Pakistan, India should not think that Pakistan won't retaliate. We will retaliate."

IPL 2019: CSK to face RCB in opening clash

Defending champions Chennai Super Kings will take on Royal Challengers Bangalore in the first match on March 23 in Chennai as IPL released the schedule of the first two weeks (17 matches) on Tuesday.

2 Surya Kiran jets crash during practice in Bengaluru, one pilot dead

Live: Pak PM addresses media on Pulwama attack

The Army, CRPF and police- in a joint briefing on the Pulwama encounter- issued a stern warning and said that whoever picks up guns in Kashmir will be killed. Stay here latest updates

Relief for startups: Angel tax norms relaxed

A notification regarding simplifying the process for startups to get exemptions on investments under section 56(2)(viib) of Income Tax Act, 1961, will be issued shortly, the official said.

Anyone who picks up gun in Valley will be eliminated: Army

Rising call: India should not play Pakistan at WC

The Cricket Club of India (CCI), among the country's oldest clubs, and India star Harbhajan Singh also joined calls for the national team to stay away from the June 16 match in Britain, as Indians accused Pakistan of not doing enough to stop militants from operating on its soil.

Pulwama probe: Military grade RDX used points to Pakistan

Forensic experts have concluded that the suicide bomber had used high intensity 'military grade' explosives (RDX) which terrorists procure from Pakistani defence forces. Experts said although RDX is a "very stable" explosive and the one used in the car bomb may have been brought to India months back, but it was assembled within a range of 5-7 km of the blast site.

'21-member Jaish squad entered Kashmir in Dec'

Pulwama mastermind among 3 JeM men killed

Security forces in Kashmir eliminated three Jaish-e-Muhammed terrorists, including IED expert Abdul Rashid Gazi, the suspected mastermind of the attack on CRPF convoy last week. However, they also lost five of their own men, including a 34-year-old Army Major.

Pak using Jadhav's case for propaganda: India

"Pakistan's story is solely based on rhetoric and not facts," said counsel Harish Salve, arguing India's case. He demanded India be provided consular access and said Jadhav's continued detention be declared unlawful. Pakistan "knowingly, brazenly and willingly" violated international law, said Salve.

Terrorists using remote motorcycle keys to trigger IEDs in J&K: Report

The commonly used anti-theft remote alarms or keys used in motorcycles and vehicles are being increasingly used by terrorists to trigger IEDs in Jammu and Kashmir, a possibility suspected in the recent Pulwama attack on a CRPF convoy that killed 40 personnel, a latest report has revealed .

Pulwama: 3 JeM terrorists, Major among 9 killed

Three Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorists, including 'Kamran', who was suspected to be linked to the February 14 terror attack on CRPF convoy, were killed in a fierce 16-hour encounter, in which an Army Major and four security forces personnel lost their lives in south Kashmir on Monday.

Saudi position on J&K, terror has evolved: India

Ahead of Saudi Arabia crown prince Mohammed bin Salman’s arrival in India, the government said on Monday that the Kingdom's position on not just terrorism but also J&K dispute had evolved to India’s advantage. Salman, who is travelling East for the first time since taking over as the crown prince, will arrive in India on Tuesday on a two-day visit.

Venezuelan oil finds home in India amid US snub

While flows to the US came to a halt, India became the No. 1 buyer of Venezuelan crude in the first half of February, with imports jumping 66 per cent to 620,000 barrels a day. Refiners Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL) and Nayara Energy Ltd, which is backed by Rosneft Oil Co PJSC, are driving the boost.

Lok Sabha polls: BJP to contest on 25, Shiv Sena 23 seats in Maharashtra

Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis said that for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, the BJP will fight 25 while the Shiv Sena will contest 23 seats in Maharashtra. "Assembly seats will be equally shared between the two parties after accommodating other political parties who are allied with us," Fadnavis said.

RBI to pay Rs 28k cr to govt as interim dividend

The central bank in a statement said, "Based on a limited audit review and after applying the extant economic capital framework, the board decided to transfer an interim surplus of Rs 28,000 crore to the central government for the half-year ended December 31, 2018."

'Just one slap from Army man rattled Jaish chief Masood Azhar'

The dreaded architect of some of the most gruesome terror attacks in India, Maulana Masood Azhar, was an "easy man" to handle in custody and he got shaken up on the first "slap" from an Army jawan prompting him to blurt out details of his movements, says a former police officer who interrogated him after his arrest in 1994.

Jadhav hearing: India exposes Pak military courts

India's plea at the International Court of Justice came as the top UN court began a four-day public hearing in the case of Jadhav, 48, who was sentenced to death by a Pakistani military court on charges of espionage. Ex-solicitor general Harish Salve, who represented India, said that a foreign detainee has the right to life, the right to a fair trial and an impartial judiciary.

India asks ICJ to declare Jadhav trial unlawful, says Pak misusing court

J&K encounter: Major was married a year ago

A native of Dehradun, Uttarakhand, Major Dhondiyal married 27-year-old Nikita Kaul in April 2018. He is now survived by his grandmother, mother, and three sisters, besides his wife, official sources said. On Monday, he sustained gunshot wounds in his neck and abdomen during the encounter with Jaish-e-Mohammad terrorists, whom he and his team had cordoned off around 12.30 am in village Pingalan of Pulwama district. He was among the four Army personnel martyred in the encounter.

Pulwama attack: Time for talks over, PM says

Without naming Pakistan, Modi, after holding delegation-level talks with Argentine President Mauricio Macri, said the world should unite to take concrete action against terrorism and those who support it.

Deaf & mute Kashmiris getting trained in terrorism

The man communicating in sign language seems to be from either Kashmir or Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (POK). The video clip seems to have been shot sometime between 2016 and 2018.

ICJ hearing live: Jadhav sentenced in farcical trial, India says

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) begins the oral proceedings in the Kulbhushan Jadhav case at The Hague. Stay with TOI for live updates

Pulwama avenged: Mastermind was an IED expert

In a big breakthrough, security forces gunned down top Jaish-e-Mohammed commander Abdul Rasheed Ghazi alias Kamran, in a 12-hour-long encounter with multiple JeM terrorists in Pulwama area. Ghazi is a Pakistani national and the brain behind the Pulwama attack.

Pak high commissioner recalled for consultations

Pulwama encounter live updates: 2 Jaish terrorists killed

Four Army personnel were martyred in an encounter with terrorists in Pinglan area of Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district. Stay with TOI for the latest developments.

SC refuses to allow reopening of Sterlite plant

The SC dismissed NGT’s directions allowing the operation of the Vedanta Group' Sterlite copper smelting plant, saying that the tribunal has no jurisdiction to pass such an order. The NGT had on December 15 directed the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) to pass a fresh order allowing renewal of consent for the operation of the plant within three weeks.

Five Army personnel martyred in encounter with terrorists in Pulwama

Five Army personnel, including a Major, were martyred on Monday in an encounter with terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district. A joint team of army's 55 RR, CRPF and SOG cordoned off the area in the early morning hours on Monday following credible inputs about the presence of some terrorists.

PSBs, govt fund to own 51% in restructured Jet

Restructured Jet Airways will effectively be 51% government fund and PSU banks-owned. SBI-led lenders will convert Rs 600 crore loan into equity at Re 1, which will take their stake to 32%. National Investment and Infrastructure Fund (NIIF), an investor-owned fund manager anchored by the government of India, will pick up 19.5% and invest Rs 1,400 crore.

Kashmiri students outside J&K face backlash

Kashmiri students studying outside their state are feeling the fallout of last Thursday's attack. Violence, or the threat of it, has forced many of them to leave the towns in which they were studying. But, in cities like Mohali, Hyderabad, Kolkata and Dehradun, there was sympathy, and help, from local populations.

ICJ public hearings in Jadhav case from today

While India will argue first on February 18, Pakistan will get its chance to make submissions on February 19. Then India will reply on February 20 while Islamabad will make its closing submissions on February 21. It is expected that the ICJ's decision may be delivered by the summer of 2019.

Won't allow 'another Kashmir' in Assam: Shah

Amit Shah said only BJP could ensure the country's security and added that it would not allow "demographic shifts" to alter national identity. "Be it Kashmir or the north-east, our government is determined to uproot terrorism because at the Centre, we have the Narendra Modi government, not a Congress government ... Modi has all the answers to all such acts of cowardice," he added.

Pulwama bomber moved from Qaida proxy to JeM

Sources said the suicide bomber Aadil was initially a member of Kashmir-based Zakir Musa-led Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind, which claims to be affiliated to Al Qaida. The outfit, which came into being in July 2017, is now almost defunct with most of its members killed by security forces. He was already "fully radicalised" when he joined Jaish.

Bomber, handlers used peer-to-peer service?

Intelligence agencies suspect that Jaish handlers of the Pulwama bomber had been using a peer-to-peer software service - YSMS - or a similar mobile application to correspond with him till December 2018. The YSMS uses an ultra high radio frequency model to send encrypted text messages.

Iran, Afghanistan too call out Pak on terrorism

Afghanistan officially complained to UNSC against Pakistan's recent engagements with the Taliban, as a "violation of the national sovereignty of Afghanistan". Iran, irate over a terror strike by a Pakistan-based Sunni group against its soldiers has vowed vengeance on Pakistan. Sources said the Saudi crown prince's decision to shorten his visit to Pakistan was a signal of displeasure.

CRPF DG: Will add new features to convoy movement to and from J&K

'Pulwama attack not handiwork of single man'

The terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district which killed 40 CRPF jawans, was not the handiwork of a single man but a group, former Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) chief Vikram Sood said on Sunday. Asked about India's possible response, Sood said, "It is not a boxing match ... punch for punch won't do."

Didn't deny air transit facility for CRPF: Govt

Movement of paramilitary convoys by road will continue in J&K as it is "necessary", the home ministry said on Sunday. In the wake of reports suggesting that the government had rejected a proposal to ferry CRPF from Jammu-Srinagar sector by air, the MHA said it has significantly enhanced air courier services in all sectors to cut travel time of troops.

'Fire raging in you is within me too': PM Modi on Pulwama terror attack

PM Modi on Sunday asserted that he shared the grief with the people of the nation in the wake of the terrorist attack in Pulwama. "To the people who have gathered here, I would like to say the fire that is raging in your hearts, is in my heart too," Modi said in Bihar, evoking a thunderous response from the crowds.

Brain behind Pulwama terror attack still in Kashmir Valley?

Latest intelligence inputs suggest that Ghazi alias Rasheed Afghani may have had a narrow escape during an encounter which took place days before the Thursday's terror attack in Pulwama. A local militant was killed in the encounter. Ghazi, who is an Afghan war veteran and an IED specialist, is learnt to have trained who drove the explosive-laden SUV into the CRPF convoy.

CRPF issues advisory against fake pics of martyrs

"It has been noticed that on social media some miscreants are trying to circulate fake pictures of body parts of our martyrs to invoke hatred while we stand united. Please don't circulate/share/like such photos or posts," said the CRPF statement. The paramilitary force had advised people to report such content at webpro@crpf.gov.in

Pak patronising terrorism in J&K, says Rajnath

At least 40 CRPF personnel were killed on Thursday in one of the deadliest terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir when a Jaish suicide bomber rammed a vehicle carrying over 100 kg of explosives into their bus in Pulwama. Stay with TOI for the latest developments.

J&K administration withdraws security cover of 5 separatist leaders

Besides the Mirwaiz, the security cover for Shabir Shah, Abdul Gani Lone, Bilal Lone and Hashim Qureshi has been withdrawn said the Jammu and Kashmir administration. However, there is no mention of pro-Pakistan separatist Syed Ali Shah Geelani in the order.All security, vehicles and any other facility provided to the separatists will stand withdrawn by Sunday evening.

Pulwama attack: Bomber came in from bylane

Security forces investigating the terror attack that killed 40 CRPF men in Pulwama have revealed that the suicide bomber Aadil Dar came out from a by lane at Latoo mode of Awantipora on the National Highway and smashed into the fifth bus of the convoy as it was taking a turn at 3.15PM on Thursday.

Azhar gave nod for Pulwama attack from Army base hospital in Pakistan

Jaish-e-Mohammad chief Masood Azhar ordered the suicide bombing on the CRPF convoy in Pulwama from the Rawalpindi Army base hospital where he is being treated for a terminal illness for the last four months. Few days back, Azhar released an audio message in a feeble voice asking to avenge the death of his nephew Usman, who was killed by security forces in October last year in Tral.

Pakistan shifts terrorists from LoC launch pads

Fearing surgical strikes, Pakistan has relocated terrorists at launch pads along the Line of Control to army camps that are usually in close proximity to such facilities. Though there is tension on both sides, there is no artillery movement or any other deployment along the frontiers, top intelligence sources in Kashmir said.

Post-Pulwama, US offers intel support to India

The US government’s support goes beyond endorsing India’s right to self-defence or retaliatory action, and extends to assistance at diplomatic and intelligence cooperation in the Pulwama terror case. The US has promised to work with India in removing obstacles in getting Jaish chief Maulana Masood Azhar sanctioned as a global terrorist by the UNSC.

Pulwama attack: China weighing options on Masood Azhar issue

China appeared to be reviewing its stance on the issue of declaring Masood Azhar — head of Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) — a global terrorist, after the uproar in India over the Pulwama killings.

Piyush Goyal slams Rahul over 'Make in India' barb

Union minister of railways Piyush Goyal on Saturday slammed Congress president Rahul Gandhi for his "Make in India" barb on India's first semi-high speed train Vande Bharat Express.

Pulwama attack: Customs duty on all goods from Pak hiked to 200%

India on Saturday hiked the customs duty to 200 per cent on all goods imported from Pakistan, following revocation of the 'most-favoured nation' status in the aftermath of the Pulwama terror attack.

India prepares dossier to get Pak blacklisted

A dossier, nailing the culpability of Pakistan in the terror attack in Pulwama, will be given to the FATF, an international terror financing watchdog, to expose the neighbouring country's links with terrorism and seeking its blacklisting, officials said on Saturday.

'IAF showcasing ability to hit hard with precision'

India mourns its martyrs: Thousands pay tributes to Pulwama bravehearts

As political parties on Saturday put up a united face and underlined India's determination to fight terrorism following the Pulwama terror attack, thousands of people lined the roads and many more marched with the tricolour across the country to pay their last respects to the martyrs. Tens of thousands of people paid their last respects to the martyrs.

Army officer martyred in IED blast in J&K's Rajouri

An Army officer was martyred and a soldier suffered injuries in an improvised explosive device (IED) explosion along the Line of Control (LoC) in Rajouri district of Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday, officials said. The IED was apparently planted by "enemy forces within Indian territory" in Naushera sector.

Those who target our jawans won't be spared: PM

Continuing his tough talk in the wake of the ghastly strike that claimed the lives of 40 CRPF jawans Thursday, PM Modi said this is a "new India" which will not tolerate those who provide guns and bombs to target security personnel. He said anger over the horrific assault in Jammu and Kashmir is palpable in the country and all eyes are moist.

We must look after martyrs' families: Vijender

At a time when every Indian wants the perpetrators to be punished, Olympic medal-winning boxer Vijender Singh has also urged his fellow citizens to look after the families of the martyrs. Singh, employed as an officer in the Haryana Police, has donated one-month's salary to help for the martyrs' families, while condemning the ghastly terror attack.

Pakistan has now become the second name for terror, says PM

PM Modi slammed Pakistan over the Pulwama terror strike that claimed the lives of 40 CRPF personnel and urged people to have patience and faith in the security forces who have been given a free hand to punish the perpetrators. At a public function, where he launched a number of projects, Modi said Pakistan has become a synonym for terrorism.

National C'ship: Saina beats Sindhu to win title

Catch all the live updates from the women's singles final of the National Badminton Championships as defending champion Saina Nehwal faces a big test against PV Sindhu.

Sidhu sacked from The Kapil Sharma Show

Former cricketer Navjot Singh Sidhu’s recent pro Pakistan remarks after the Pulwama attack received a lot of flak and all across different social media platforms are demanding his removal from The Kapil Sharma Show.

Thousands gather to pay tribute to jawans martyred in Pulwama attack

40 CRPF personnel were martyred in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district. India held Pakistan directly responsible for the worst-ever terrorist attack in J&K. The government has said that terrorists will pay heavy price for attack. Stay with TOI for all the latest developments

Muzaffarpur case: CBI probe against Nitish Kumar

A court here has directed the CBI to conduct an inquiry against Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar and two senior bureaucrats in connection with the Muzaffarpur shelter home sex scandal.

'We stand united in fight against terrorism'

New threat in J&K: Homegrown suicide bomber & vehicle-borne IEDs

As per a line of thought in Islam that emerged West Asia, suicide committed in furtherance of jihad is not ‘haraam’ as the suicide attacker is a soldier of Islam,” he said. “This ideology later spread to Syria, followed by Afghanistan and Pakistan. However, if the same ideology gains ground among Kashmiris, it is a matter of concern," said a former J&K DGP.

Cognizant to settle TN graft case in US with $28m

Cognizant said in a statement that it had resolved all disputes with US regulators pertaining to violations of Foreign Corrupt Practices Act as its top management allegedly facilitating bribes to government officials.

Slain jawan’s wife heard blast over phone

We support India's right to self-defense: US NSA

Bolton telephoned Doval Friday morning to express his condolences for the terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir and offered the US' full support to India in confronting terrorism. "I told Ajit Doval today that we support India's right to self-defense. I have spoken to him twice, including this morning... and expressed the US' condolences over the terrorist attack,” he told PTI.

TN: BJP, AIADMK strike 15-25 seat sharing deal

A source privy to a three-hour meeting chief minister Edappadi K Palaniswami and deputy chief minister O Panneerselvam had with Union finance minister Piyush Goyal told TOI that BJP may get eight seats, leaving four for PMK and three for DMDK. From its 25 seats, AIADMK has to accommodate G K Vaasan’s TMC, N Rangaswamy’s NRC and K Krishnaswamy’s PT.

Response to Pulwama attack: Experts favour precision air strikes

The military options, short of going to war, could range from 'shallow' ground-based attacks and occupation of some heights along the LoC to restricted but precision air strikes against 'non-state targets' in PoK, senior military officers said. There is growing agreement in the security establishment that carefully-calibrated airborne strikes are among the most viable and effective options to teach a lesson to Pakistan.

Why car bombs are worrying our forces

Bomb disposal squad engineers say that even if spotted, the bomb can be activated in many ways, giving little time to security personnel to stop the explosion. “The bomb, which is usually placed on the rear seat or the boot, can be triggered by opening the driver’s side door or starting or switching off the engine. It can also be detonated by slowing down or stepping on the accelerator,” an official said.

Review security of those funded by Pak: Rajnath

Pak made mistake, will pay: PM on Pulwama

The Modi government has directed the armed forces to start preparing to avenge the killing of 40 CRPF personnel by ISI-controlled terrorist outfit Jaish-e-Muhammed. The political clearance for a military response was given by the PM-led Cabinet committee on security. Sources said the CCS meeting factored in the possibility of an armed confrontation.

A new kind of threat: CRPF DG on Pulwama attack

India to hold talks with US for UNSC ban on Jaish chief Masood Azhar

After China blocked a US backed proposal in 2017 to designate Azhar a global terrorist by the UN Security Council, the US has been wary of bringing another such proposal until the time it is assured of support from China. The US is aware that another resolution, in the face of unrelenting Chinese opposition, can at best be an exercise in occupying the moral high ground.

Pulwama attack: 80kg high-grade RDX used; 7 detained by J&K cops

Jammu and Kashmir Police have detained seven people from Pulwama district of South Kashmir in connection with the deadly terror attack that left 40 CRPF personnel dead near Awantipora, officials said on Friday.

PM Modi pays tribute to martyred CRPF personnel

Protests across country against Pulwama attack

White House bluntly tells Pak to end terrorism

The Trump White House on Friday bluntly asked Islamabad to “end immediately the support and safe haven provided to all terrorist groups operating on its soil” following the Pulwama attack, going much beyond a more cautious state department approach towards Islamabad.

India launches diplomatic drive to isolate Pak after Pulwama attack

A day after the deadly terrorist attack in J&K's Pulwama, the Indian government on Friday launched a diplomatic drive to isolate Pakistan and expose its role in promoting terrorism.

18 players shortlisted: MSK Prasad on WC plans

National selection committee chairman MSK Prasad on Friday said that 18 cricketers have been shortlisted for the upcoming ODI World Cup and the BCCI is in talks with their respective IPL franchises to manage their workload ahead of the mega-event in England.

Rajnath: Some elements in J&K have ISI links, review their security cover

In a veiled reference to separatists and hardline Hurriyat Conference leaders, Union home minister Rajnath Singh on Friday said the security cover given to people getting funds from Pakistan and its snooping agency ISI should be reviewed.

Forces will get free hand to deal with terror: PM

India vs Aus: Virat Kohli, Jasprit Bumrah return

The selectors on Friday announced the 15-man squad for the upcoming limited over series against Australia. Virat Kohli, who was rested for the final two ODIs and the T20I series against New Zealand returned for the two-match T20I and five-match ODI series scheduled to commence from February 24.

Forces can choose time, place for future action against terrorists: PM

Without naming Pakistan, PM Modi said that the attack was an outcome of the neighbouring country's desperation as it is in a bad shape and has been forced to go to different countries with a "begging bowl" to meet even its daily expenses. "Security forces have been given permission to make decisions about the timing, place and nature of their response...," he said.

Rajnath helps carry coffin of slain CRPF jawan

Home minister Rajnath Singh on Friday helped carry the coffin of a slain CRPF jawan after he laid a wreath on the mortal remains of the troops, who were killed in a terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir, officials said. Shortly after arriving from Delhi, the home minister attended a solemn function here where the remains of 40 CRPF personnel were kept in coffins, draped with tricolour.

Won't forgive, will avenge Pulwama attack: CRPF

In the first tweet since the terrorist attack in Pulwama, CRPF, laying its emotion bare, did not hide the pain cast by the brutal attack on its personnel. "WE WILL NOT FORGET, WE WILL NOT FORGIVE: We salute our martyrs of Pulwama attack and stand with the families of our martyr brothers. This heinous attack will be avenged," said the CRPF.

Won't forget, won't forgive, Pulwama attack will be avenged, says CRPF

38 CRPF personnel were martyred in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district. India held Pakistan directly responsible for the worst-ever terrorist attack in J&K. The government has said that terrorists will pay heavy price for attack. Stay with TOI for all the latest developments

China says no to list Masood as global terrorist

Oppn stands with security forces, govt: Rahul

"This is a terrible attack, this type of violence is disgusting. Terrorism tries to divide the nation, we can't be divided by any power. The entire opposition is with security forces and the government," Rahul Gandhi said.

Live updates: We stand by the govt, says Rahul

Pulwama: Terrorists will pay heavy price, says PM

In a hard-hitting speech, Modi said the "blood of the people is boiling" and forces behind the act of terrorism will be definitely be punished. "..Our neighbouring country, which has been isolated internationally, thinks such terror attacks can destabilise us, but their plans will not materialise," Modi said at a function to flag off the Vande Bharat Express.

MFN status to Pakistan revoked: What it means

This is one of the deadliest terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir when a suicide bomber rammed a vehicle carrying over 100 kg of explosives into their bus in Pulwama district.

Surgical strike 2.0? PM’s tough talk sparks buzz

Condemning the Pulwama attack, PM Modi on Thursday declared the "sacrifices of jawans will not go in vain".

Pulwama attack 'matter of grave concern': Pak

Attack by Pak-backed JeM will be avenged: HM

Rajnath Singh will be visiting Srinagar Friday to take stock of the situation in the wake of the Pulwama attack. The home ministry is also closely monitoring the situation in Jammu and Kashmir, which is currently under the President's rule. The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi may meet on Friday to take stock of the situation in Jammu and Kashmir.

Pulwama: 37 CRPF men killed in suicide car attack, govt blames Pak

Though Adil alias Waqas Commando, a local from Gundi Bagh in Pulwama, was the lone occupant of the SUV rigged with explosives, he had the cover of JeM jihadis who opened fire on the CRPF men who were in three other buses to stop them from coming to the help of their fellow troopers.

Pulwama: Allowing civilian vehicles proved costly

CRPF was moving 2,547 jawans/officers in two convoys moving close to each other from Jammu to South Kashmir in 78 vehicles.

Afghan war veteran behind Pulwama attack?

Intelligence agencies suspect top JeM commander Abdul Rasheed Ghazi, an Afghan war veteran and 'IED specialist', to be the prime organiser of Thursday's attack and believe the strike may have been in the works since December. An intelligence input suggested Ghazi had been sent to the Valley in mid-December to avenge the killings of Jaish commanders Talha and Usman, nephews of Masood Azhar.

Pulwama suicide bomber was inspired by Taliban

Adil Ahmed Dar from Pulwama, was inspired to become a suicide bomber after the Taliban claimed victory since the US announced the withdrawal of its forces from Afghanistan. Minutes after the attack, Telegram channels were abuzz with two videos and a picture of a youth who claimed responsibility. The videos presented Adil's 'martyrdom' message and seemed to have been shot in advance by Jaish.

India hits out at Pak, seeks UN ban on Masood Azhar

"The terror attack was perpetrated by JeM, a Pakistan-based and supported terrorist organisation proscribed by the UN and other countries. This terror group is led by the international terrorist Masood Azhar, who has been given full freedom by the govt of Pakistan to operate and expand his terror infrastructure in the territories under the control of Pakistan," MEA said.

Ministry sets up panel to review sports awards

In a bid to create a more transparent atmosphere for awarding sports and cash awards to deserving athletes, the sports ministry on Thursday constituted a six-member committee to review the different award schemes.

Jaish terrorists attack CRPF convoy in J&K, kill at least 36 personnel

At least 36 CRPF personnel were martyred on Thursday after a Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorist rammed an explosive-laden vehicle into a bus carrying the jawans in Goripora area of Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district, news agency PTI said quoting officials. There were 78 vehicles in the convoy and one of the vehicles came under attack. There were 2,547 personnel in the convoy.

Sacrifice of soldiers won't go in vain, says PM

India, US hold talks to calm trade tensions

US commerce secretary Wilbur Ross addressed a US-India CEO Forum by video after his flight was cancelled and was due to similarly join the commercial dialogue later in the day with commerce minister Suresh Prabhu, the sources said.

Pulwama terror attack: Rajnath to visit Srinagar

In a major terrorist attack, 18 CRPF personnel were martyred in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district. Stay with TOI for all the latest developments

Pulwama terror attack: What we know so far

'Sacrifices of our brave personnel won't go in vain'

18 CRPF personnel martyred in IED explosion in J&K's Pulwama

3 Rafale aircraft land in Bengaluru for air show

Coming soon: Kalashnikovs made in Amethi

Sources said an inter-governmental agreement to manufacture the 7.62x39 mm caliber AK-203 guns, which are a derivative of the famous AK-47 rifle, is likely to be inked on February 15. In the run-up to the Lok Sabha polls, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is slated to inaugurate the project at Korwa on February 28.

SC verdict injustice to Delhi people: Kejriwal

"If a government can't even transfer its officers, how is it supposed to function? The party that has 67 seats doesn't have the rights but the party who won 3 seats has those rights. We cannot even transfer a security guard in our own government today. This is an injustice to Delhi people," said the Delhi CM expressing his disappointment on SC's split verdict.

Cong virtually ruled out alliance with AAP: Kejriwal

Asked whether the AAP was more eager for an alliance with the Congress, he said the BJP would benefit in a three-cornered contest, said the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal. Responding to a question on an alliance with the Congress, he said it has "more or less ruled out the alliance (with AAP)".

From a prized jewel to a fallen star: The collapse of RCom

While Anil always viewed the telecom business as the next frontier, after losing the lucrative oil and gas operations in the family settlement, heavy investments and stiff competition made it an uphill task with debts mounting by the day (nearly Rs 47,000 cr). Things worsened following Mukesh Ambani's re-entry into telecom under the Reliance Jio banner.

Mulayam's blessings for PM could hurt son most

Amidst the intrigue triggered by the wrestler-turned-politician, what will be watched with curiosity is the next move by BSP chief Mayawati and views of Muslim supporters of Samajwadi Party, who form the party’s core vote-bank.

Vijay Mallya again offers to settle bank dues

"The Prime Minister's last speech in Parliament was brought to my attention. He certainly is a very eloquent speaker. I noticed that he referred to an unnamed person who "ran away" with Rs 9,000 crores. Given the media narrative I can only infer that reference is to me," Mallya said in a tweet.

Rafale row: Who got a better offer? A comparison of UPA and NDA deals

To arrive at a comparative price, audit adopted the price escalation formula and used the industrial cost indices published by the French National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies. This was the Aligned Price, i.e., the price of 36 flyaway aircraft in 2016 if the prices were the same as the bid of 2007. This included going into the increase in cost of items used to make the aircraft and its weaponisation.

L-G vs AAP govt: Key points of SC verdict

Nasa announces demise of Opportunity rover

The robot has been missing since the US space agency lost contact during a dust storm in June last year and was declared officially dead Wednesday, ending one of the most fruitful missions in the history of space exploration. Unable to recharge its batteries, Opportunity left hundreds of messages from Earth unanswered over the months.

Picking Rafale was wrong in the first place, criticises CAG

The CAG indicted the very selection of Rafale in the original but never-finalised medium multi-role combat aircraft (MMRCA) project for 126 fighters under UPA, which in turn raises questions about why the NDA government went ahead with the Rs 59,000 crore direct acquisition of 36 of the French fighters.

Lok Sabha election: Anti-BJP parties to have pre-poll alliances

In a bid to increase popular confidence in the fledgling opposition alliance, satraps from the anti-BJP camp met late on Wednesday evening and decided to have pre-poll alliances and a common minimum programme. Rahul Gandhi and Arvind Kejriwal's presence on one platform is significant in the wake of speculation if Congress and AAP can forge an alliance to take on BJP in Delhi.

Rafale deal cheaper by 2.86%, not 9%: CAG

US warns nations against buying Venezuelan oil

America's tough-talking national security adviser John Bolton has warned countries, including India, against buying Venezuelan oil, saying nations and firms that support the embattled President Nicolas Maduro's "theft" will "not be forgotten".

PF funds may be at risk due to IL&FS exposure

Provident and pension fund trusts, which have collectively invested 'thousands of crores' in bonds of the IL&FS group, have filed intervening petitions in the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal over fears that they could lose their money as the bonds come under unsecured debt.

2019 polls: Oppn parties to work on CMP, announce pre-poll alliance

The opposition parties on Wednesday declared that they will announce a pre-poll alliance ahead of 2019 Lok Sabha elections and also resolved to hold talks for a common minimum programme. Congress president Rahul Gandhi said that opposition parties have agreed to start a conversation on creating a common minimum programme.

CAG's Rafale report: Highlights and reactions

Live: Mamata, Rahul, Kejriwal join oppn meet at Pawar's house

After a mega rally at Delhi's Jantar Mantar today, opposition leaders have gathered at Sharad Pawar's residence and are seeking to corner the Modi government on various issues. Stay with TOI for all the live updates:

US warns countries, including India, against buying Venezuelan oil

I backed myself to hit a six after not taking that single: Dinesh Karthik

"I genuinely believed that I could hit a six," Indian wicketkeeper-batsman Dinesh Karthik said as he reflected on refusing a single to non-striker Krunal Pandya in the series-deciding loss to New Zealand in the third T20 International.

PM takes dig at Rahul, pitches for majority govt

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday took potshots at Rahul Gandhi, saying the Congress president's claim of an "earthquake" if he speaks on Rafale jet deal fell flat.

Bhandari Assault: DDCA bans Anuj Dedha for life

Tainted cricketer Anuj Dedha, who had assaulted former India pacer and Delhi selector Amit Bhandari, was Wednesday banned for life by the state association.

Hope Modi becomes PM again, says Mulayam Singh Yadav

While making the valedictory speech on the last day of the 16th Lok Sabha before the 2019 general elections, Yadav said, “I wish pradhan mantriji becomes pradhan mantri once again.”

India taken seriously due to majority govt: PM

Rajasthan assembly passes Gujjar quota Bill

The Rajasthan assembly on Wednesday passed a bill giving a five per cent quota in government jobs and educational institutes to Gujjars and four other communities agitating for it.

Rafale: CAG raises concern on letter of comfort over sovereign guarantee

The CAG, in its report on the Rafale fighter jet deal with France, has highlighted the drawbacks of settling for a 'Letter of Comfort' rather than a sovereign guarantee by the French government. The report, tabled in Parliament on Wednesday, noted that the 2007 UPA deal included a 15 per cent bank guarantee against advance payments.

NDA Rafale deal 2.86% cheaper than UPA's: CAG

Rajasthan introduces 5% quota bill for Gujjars

Rajasthan government on Wednesday introduced a bill in the Assembly to give a 5 % quota in jobs and educational institutes to Gujjars and four other communities agitating for it. Gujjar leaders were yet to call off their protest, saying they are awaiting a “concrete proposal” from the government, indicating that they wanted the bill to be passed first.

NDA's Rafale deal 2.86% cheaper than UPA's: Key points of CAG report

Satyamev Jayate: Jaitley on CAG's Rafale report

PM's defence on pricing of Rafale demolished: Rahul

Stepping up his attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the Rafale issue, Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday cited a media report to claim that the PM's argument of better pricing and faster delivery of the jets to defend the deal has been "demolished". The government has in the past rejected all such allegations and claims against the deal.

Live: CAG report on Rafale tabled in Parliament

The government tables the CAG report on Rafale jet fighter deal on Wednesday, which has generated a massive political controversy. Stay with TOI for all the live updates:

27-yr-old to be 1st Indian female CEO of unicorn

Zilingo, a Southeast Asia-focused fashion e-commerce platform co-founded by 27-year-old Mumbai native Ankiti Bose, has reached near-unicorn status. The four-year-old startup was valued at about $970 million in its latest round, according to two sources. This would make Bose the first Indian female co-founder and CEO of a high-value startup.

Sibal defends and attacks Ambani on same day

Congress MP and senior lawyer Kapil Sibal attacked Anil Ambani on the same day he defended him in the court. "I was representing Reliance Communications against Ericsson and this has nothing to do with Rafale. This is a corporate fight and Anil Ambani is the MD. I have been appearing for them for 20 years," Sibal said.

Rs 23k cr deal to sell telecom assets to Mukesh failed: Anil Ambani to SC

About thirteen months after Anil Ambani announced, on his father Dhirubhai's 85th birthday, the sale of his debt-ridden Reliance Communications' telecom assets to elder brother Mukesh's Reliance Jio for an estimated Rs 23,000 crore, he told the Supreme Court on Tuesday that the deal has fallen through despite its best efforts.

SC makes CBI's Rao 'sit in a corner till court rises'

Supreme Court convicted former interim chief of CBI, M Nageswara Rao, for contempt of court and sentenced them to confinement till the rising of the court, besides imposing a fine of Rs 1 lakh each. Rao attracted the court's ire for shifting joint director AK Sharma out of CBI in disregard of the court order that he be retained as in-charge of probe into the Muzaffarpur rape cases.

Akhilesh Yadav flight ban sparks street fight

Ambani knew of jet deal before announcement: Rahul

Amid depleting squadrons, IAF looks to acquire 21 MiG-29s from Russia

Grappling with a free fall in the number of its fighter squadrons amid the ongoing political dogfight over the Rafale deal, the IAF is now looking to acquire 21 MiG-29 jets lying in an unassembled, mothballed condition with Russia since the later-1980s. The 21 MiG-29s will instead be assembled into fully-formed fighters of “MiG-29 upgrade” standards by Russia.

'Row over Bhupen's Bharat Ratna unnecessary'

Daylong 'detention': SC makes CBI's Rao sit in corner of court till 4pm

India inks deal with US firm for 72k assault rifles

Eye on China: India invites bids for 111 helicopters for Navy

Lockheed Martin, Airbus Helicopters and Bell Helicopters are among those expected to participate in the bidding, the ministry statement said, to replace the Navy's ageing Soviet-era helicopters. India has been trying to modernise its military to narrow the gap with China but defence expenditure has been largely stagnant, making for slow procurement

17 killed in Delhi hotel fire: 'It was a nightmare without end'

There were 53 people in the 45-room hotel, which had a canopy on the terrace housing a restaurant. Of the 17 bodies, five had been identified -- three from Kerala and two from Myanmar.

CCI probes charges that Google abused Android

The antitrust commission is looking into accusations that Alphabet Inc's unit Google abuses its popular Android mobile operating system to block its rivals, The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has for the past six months been reviewing a case similar to one Google faced in Europe that led to a fine of $5 billion by antitrust regulators last year.

Reliance Defence rejects Rahul's charges on MoU

"Purported email being referred by the Congress Party is regarding the discussion between Airbus and Reliance Defence regarding Civil & Defence Helicopter Programs under 'Make in India'," a Reliance Defence spokesperson said. Rahul accused PM Modi of "treason" and violating the Official Secrets Act by acting as Anil Ambani's "middleman" in the Rafale jet contract.

Priyanka gets cracking after political debut in UP

Selling many flats to buy one? You can get tax benefits, rules tribunal

In a landmark decision, the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) has held that a taxpayer can avail of tax benefits where long-term capital gains (LTCGs) arising on sale of more than one flat are invested or will be invested in one residential house in India, within the stipulated time.

IndiGo cancels 30 more flights due to pilot crunch

Shortage of pilots continued to hamper budget carrier IndiGos operations with the airline cancelling as many as 30 flights Tuesday from across stations and passengers allegedly being forced to buy last minute high fares for its flights, a source said.

Poll play: It’s raining money on poor in TN

With Lok Sabha elections just months away, money is raining on the poor in Tamil Nadu as the central and state governments have got down to institutionalised distribution of money directly to the voters. Competitive handouts started with the state disbursing Rs 1,000 per family as Pongal assistance last month.

'Sit in a corner till the court rises': SC punishes CBI's Nageswara Rao

The Supreme Court on Tuesday convicted former interim CBI director Nageswara Rao and the CBI legal advisor of contempt of court for transferring and relieving joint director CBI Arun Kumar Sharma when the top court had ordered that he should not be shifted out of Muzaffarpur shelter home case probe.

Modi acted as Anil Ambani's middleman: Rahul

Ambani's knowledge of a defence deal under preparation, which even the then defence minister had said he was not aware of, is in violation of the Official Secrets Act, Gandhi alleged, and said this "puts Modi in jail". Only Modi could have told Ambani about the deal in advance, he alleged. "This is treason. He (Modi) is doing what spies do," Gandhi said.

'Virat Kohli above peers, destined for greatness'

India captain Virat Kohli is well ahead of his contemporaries and destined for greatness, former Sri Lankan batting stalwart Kumar Sangakkara has said. Run-machine Kohli capped a memorable 2018 by becoming the first to win the International Cricket Council's cricketer, Test and one-day international (ODI) player of the year awards last month.

I have a lot more to show to this world: Pujara

During his visit to the TOI Mumbai office last Saturday, Cheteshwar Pujara displayed the same tranquility while fielding some tough questions-on his batting strike rate, being dropped from the Test XI against England and his yo-yo test results.

15 dead in fire tragedy in a hotel in Delhi's Karol Bagh

A massive fire broke out at Karol Bagh's Arpit Palace Hotel in which 15 persons were killed and several others got injured. Rescue operation is underway. The incident was reported from Arpit Hotel around 4.35am. In all, 22 fire tenders were sent to the spot and the fire was brought under control by 7.30am.

Times Top10: Who is a minority in India?

35 yrs on, Mumbai's original 'tower of corruption' finally bites the dust

Pratibha, Mumbai's original tower of corruption, is finally being razed to the ground 35 years after massive building violations were detected and exposed by then city collector Arun Bhatia. The skeleton of the building, located in the tony Pedder Road-Breach Candy area, has been standing as a mute testimony of the city's first major FSI (floor-space index) scandal.

Cash in system surges: Informal sector's back?

Afer Mamata, Andhra CM Naidu unites opposition

Rao apologises to SC for transferring CBI officer

Rafale: CAG reviewing offset deals separately

The CAG submitted its much-awaited defence report on the acquisition of Rs 59,000 crore Rafale fighter jets from France. The report, which is likely to be tabled in Parliament on Tuesday, is divided into two sections and comprises review of 11 deals signed by the Indian Air Force (IAF) in the past few years. The Rafale deal audit is part of the second section of the same report.

Amrapali's 5-star hotel goes unsold at auction; SC suspects 'cartelisation'

Modi will return as PM: Prashant Kishor

I-T unearths Rs 20,000-crore hawala, money laundering racket in Delhi

Poll: How do you rate Modi govt’s performance?

Priyanka roars into UP with mega roadshow

Congress to play on 'front foot' in UP: Rahul

During a roadshow that marked Priyanka Gandhi's first public event after being appointed as national general secretary with charge of eastern Uttar Pradesh, the Congress president Rahul Gandhi said he has asked her and Scindia - who has been made general secretary for western UP - to bring a government in the state that will ensure justice for all.

Train 18's Delhi-Varanasi AC chair car ticket to cost Rs 1,850

Anxiety looms as Sabarimala reopens on Tuesday

Several special rituals including 'kalabhabhishekam', 'sahasrakalasam' and 'laksharchana' would be performed during the five days at the shrine, the 'sanctum sanctorum' of which would be thrown open by chief priest Vasudevan Nampoothiri Tuesday evening.

Dinda struck on head, advised rest after CT scan

Bengal pace spearhead Ashok Dinda was hit on the forehead while attempting a sharp caught-and-bowled chance during Bengal's Twenty20 practice match at Eden Gardens on Monday.

How Priyanka could be different from Rahul

Priyanka on the other hand appears more open to change if the situation demands so. As per reports, Sonia Gandhi and Priyanka’s last-minute intervention had saved the Samajwadi Party-Congress alliance just before the 2017 assembly polls.

BSY audio clip row: Kumaraswamy forms SIT to 'bring out the truth'

Karnataka Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy on Monday announced a comprehensive SIT probe to "bring out the truth" after an audio clip he released showed state BJP chief B S Yeddyurappa in a purported conversation to lure a JD (S) MLA. Kumaraswamy said he was also "pained" at the charge against the speaker and accepted his suggestion to form an SIT.

Ex-India pacer Bhandari assaulted at U-23 trials

"We are trying to procure all details of the incident. As far as I have come to know, it is regarding one disgruntled player, who didn't make it to the probables list for the National U-23 tournament," Rajat Sharma said.

Isro gives IAF task to train 10 astronauts for Gaganyaan

Isro has finally tasked the Indian Air Force for selection and training of 10 crew members for the country’s first human spaceflight programme or Gaganyaan. The first two levels of training of the crew will happen at the IAF’s Institute of Aerospace Medicine (Bengaluru) and the final phase of training will be abroad, said Isro chairman K Sivan.

Live: Priyanka holds roadshow in Lucknow

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra is in Lucknow with brother and Congress chief Rahul Gandhi for her first roadshow. Catch all live updates here

PM 'opened door' for Anil Ambani: Rahul

Congress president Rahul Gandhi attacked Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday over a media report which claimed the government waived anti-corruption clauses in the Rafale deal, alleging he "opened the door" to allow Anil Ambani to "steal" Rs 30,000 crore from the Air Force.

How CBSE fails its students: 'Make sharing answer sheets mandatory'

'Rafale deal unravelling faster than govt thought'

The opposition party's attack on the government came after media reports claimed that the deal between India and France involved "major and unprecedented" concessions from Indian government, with critical provisions for anti-corruption penalties and making payments through an escrow account dropped days before signing of the inter-governmental agreement.

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra makes Twitter debut

Ahead of her first visit after being appointed as general secretary for eastern Uttar Pradesh, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra made her Twitter debut on Monday. The 'Blue-ticked' account has already garnered thousand of followers within few minutes but she has not tweeted anything yet.

Kerala woman rapes 9-year-old boy, booked

According to police, the incident came to light last week after the boy revealed it to a doctor of a local clinic. The doctor alerted Childline authorities, who recorded the statement of the boy and forwarded a complaint to the police.

Is Priyanka Gandhi Vadra the CM face for Congress in 2022 UP polls?

The presence of Priyanka Gandhi Vadra is likely to excite and charge up the moribund rank and file of the Congress. The mood is already upbeat as can be witnessed on Lucknow streets ahead of her roadshow. An array of top leaders, rarely visible in Lucknow, are in the city, ready to welcome her. Some sources say, she might be the party's CM face when the state goes to polls in 2022

All love Kohli because he speaks honestly: Warne

As Rajasthan Royals go about reinventing itself in its 10th year of IPL (having missed out two years), Shane Warne - their first captain who led RR to victory in the inaugural year of the IPL - is once again the face driving that change.

Naidu's fast for spl status to Andhra: Key points

PM: Why form an opposition alliance if Modi is a failure?

PM Modi on Sunday launched a stinging attack on the Congress, the DMK and other political rivals joining hands against the BJP, but spared mention of the AIADMK, keeping open the option of an alliance with Tamil Nadu's ruling party.

Grammy Awards 2019: Complete winners' list

Amid vivid and vibrant performances from Camila Cabello, Miley Cyrus, Katy Perry, Janelle Monáe, Post Malone, Shawn Mendes, host Alicia Keys brought in the 61st Grammy Awards at the Staples Center, Los Angeles. The evening saw artists like Childish Gambino, Lady Gaga, Kacey Musgraves and Brandi Carlile picked up multiple awards in the top categories.

Hooch toll rises to 116, Yogi smells 'conspiracy'

Even as Samajwadi Party (SP) and Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) blamed the ruling BJP in both states for the deaths, UP chief minister Yogi Adityanath said he smelt "a conspiracy" in which the SP may be involved. Adityanath warned of stern action against all those found involved in illicit liquor trade even if they were associated with any political party.

BJP's Mukul Roy, 3 others booked for TMC MLA's murder in Bengal

Senior BJP leader Mukul Roy was named in the FIR as one of the accused in Saturday's murder of Krishanganj Trinamool MLA Satyajit Biswas in Fulbari, opening a fresh front in the Trinamool-BJP war of words in Bengal. Roy, once the No. 2 person in Trinamool until he left the party in November 2017, is heading his party's election campaign strategy in Bengal.

RBI won't transfer past reserves for now

Mehrishi 'ineligible' to audit Rafale deal: Cong

Gujjar quota stir turns violent, 4 cops injured

The ongoing Gujjar agitation for reservation took a violent turn on its third day when protesters clashed with cops on Sunday, prompting the Rajasthan government to impose prohibitory orders in Dholpur, Karauli and Bharatpur districts. Four cops were injured in stone-pelting. As many as 26 trains were diverted and 12 others cancelled due to protests on tracks.

'Lightning quick' Dhoni shows love for Indian flag

In a moving gesture, Mahendra Singh Dhoni on Sunday showed how dear was the Indian flag to him after one of his countless fans trespassed on to the ground during the third T20 International against New Zealand.

Gujjar agitation singes Rajasthan, cops attacked

Amid no jobs chorus, Modi govt says 3.79L new central govt jobs created

Most of the recruitment was done by the Ministry of Railways, police forces and the direct and indirect tax departments. The budget documents give a sector wise break-up on how the jobs were added in central government establishments. It said Indian Railways will generate the highest number of jobs -- 98,999 by March 1, 2019 against its actual strength of 12,70,714 in March 2017.

Kolkata top cop, Ghosh face marathon CBI grilling

MS Dhoni shows his love for Indian flag

K'taka CM has become a 'punching bag', running a 'majboor' govt: PM

Shots fired, police vehicle torched as Gujjar quota stir turns violent in Raj

Unidentified miscreants fired 8-10 rounds in the air while the blockade on the Agra-Morena Highway was in place, (SP) Ajay Singh told.

PM invokes NTR's legacy, hits out at Andhra CM

PM Narendra Modi invoked the legacy of late Andhra Pradesh CM NT Rama Rao to question TDP's N Chandrababu Naidu 's move to align with the Congress. "The arrogance of the naamdar family in Delhi has always insulted big leaders in states. During that course of insult, NTR had decided to make the state Congress-mukt and therefore TDP came to existence," he said.

3rd T20I: NZ beat India by 4 runs, win series 2-1

India fell short by agonising four runs while chasing a stiff target of 213 runs to win the third T20I on Sunday in Hamilton. As a result, New Zealand won the three-match series 2-1. The Man-of-the-Series award went to Tim Seifert, while Colin Munro was declared the Man of the Match.

Naidu drags PM's wife name for remarks on son

Live: 4 cops hurt as Gujjar stir turns violent

Gujjar quota agitation turns violent in Rajasthan's Dholpur today after a clash breaks out between police and protesters at Dholpur Highway. Stay with TOI for all the live updates

BJP leader Mukul Roy booked for Trinamool MLA's killing in Bengal

Roy, a former TMC member of Parliament, joined the BJP last year after his relations soured with chief minister Mamata Banerjee. "As per our primary findings, it seems that the victim was fired from behind and the act was the result of a well-planned plot," a police officer said.

Naidu had back-stabbed NTR: PM Modi in Guntur

Modi lashed out at Naidu for aligning with the Congress, saying the former chief minister NT Ramarao (NTR) had launched the party to make Andhra Pradesh "Congress-mukth" after he was a victim of its 'arrogance.' Naidu was indeed a senior to him, but only in losing elections, switching alliances and ditching his father-in-law NT Rama Rao, Modi said at a public rally.

Dhoni 1st Indian to play 300 T20 format matches

Mahendra Singh Dhoni on Sunday added another feather to his illustrious cap during the third and final Twenty20 International against New Zealand at Seddon Park in Hamilton on Sunday. The former India captain became the first Indian cricketer to play 300 T20 format matches.

Hindi now 3rd official court language in Abu Dhabi

The Judicial Department on Saturday said it has extended the adoption of interactive forms of statement of claims filed before courts by including the Hindi language alongside Arabic & English in labour cases. The Indian community in UAE, numbering 2.6 million, constitutes 30% of the total population & is the largest expatriate community in the country.

We have made up our minds on the core World Cup team: MSK Prasad

Chief selector MSK Prasad talked to TOI about World Cup plans, importance of a rotation policy & the need to strike a perfect balance between youth & experience. "Like other teams, we have made up our minds with regard to core team that will figure in the World Cup. I'm sure the IPL will help (selected) players with their form ahead of World Cup," he said.

Live: Naidu had back-stabbed NTR, PM says

In a whirlwind tour, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit three states in the south, and address rallies at Guntur (Andhra Pradesh), Tiruppur (Tamil Nadu) and Hubballi (Karnataka). Stay here for live updates.

India vs NZ Live Score, 3rd T20I: Confident start by Kiwi openers

Check live cricket score, scorecard and ball by ball commentary of 3rd T20I match between India and New Zealand on Times of India.

BS Yeddyurappa admits meeting JD(S) MLA's son

Targeting another first, India eye T20 win in NZ

In a season of many firsts for the Indian cricket team, Rohit Sharma's men will be aiming to become first among the equals to win a T20 International series in New Zealand when the two sides clash in the last match in Hamilton Sunday.

Karnataka: Poaching exposes fissures in BJP

The repeated efforts by Yeddyurappa to topple the coalition government appear to have taken a toll on party legislators. Such has been his desperation to become chief minister, sources in the party said, that he has been alienating the experienced team in poaching MLAs

Rahul forced me out of Cong, claims Krishna

Striped big cat spotted in Gujarat after 27 years

The teacher, Mahesh Mahera, who spotted the tiger crossing a road into the wilderness of Boriya village in Lunawada taluka in Mahisagar district, also captured the big cat in his mobile phone. The pictures, clicked from inside his car on February 6, went viral roaring across mobile networks of the state forest department on Saturday, which has set up camera traps in the vicinity of Boriya village to get more evidence of the tiger's presence.

Trump's tough line on China brings Tokyo, Beijing closer

This year, Chinese President Xi Jinping is expected to visit Japan twice - for the G-20 summit in June and a second bilateral summit later this year. This comes after Japanese PM Shinzo Abe made his first trip to China in late 2018, easing an eight-year chill.

Rajeev Kumar grilled for 7 hrs, tough day ahead

Kolkata police commissioner Rajeev Kumar faced an interrogation that lasted 7 hours 15 minutes in two rounds at the CBI's Shillong office on Saturday. Things may turn more complicated for Kumar on Sunday, when he is to appear again for questioning, as CBI has also summoned former Trinamool MP Kunal Ghosh - a vocal Kumar critic - to the office at the same time.

Stalled Noida homes: PSBs ready to fund NBCC

Four major public sector banks have offered to infuse fresh funds to complete about half a dozen stalled housing projects in Noida and Greater Noida if state-run National Buildings Construction Corporation (NBCC) steps in. The government has asked NBCC to give a list of such projects and the amount required to complete each of them, sources in the banking sector said.

Parties shift stand, want VVPATs in 50% of EVMs

Urea may have turned hooch lethal; toll nears 100

Eye on China, India launches project to build Se La tunnel in Arunachal

Officials said it will take Border Roads Organization (BRO) around three years to complete the construction of the Se La (La means pass) tunnel project, the foundation stone for which was laid by PM Narendra Modi on Saturday, at a cost of Rs 687 crore.

Gujjar quota stir hits train movement: Key points

Gujjar leader Kirori Singh Bainsla and his supporters continued with their sit-in on the rail tracks in Rajasthan's Sawai Madhopur district for the second day on Saturday forcing authorities to cancel several trains. The protesters are demanding five per cent reservation to Gujjars, Raika-Rebari, Gadia Luhar, Banjara and Gadaria communities in government jobs and educational institutions. Currently, the five communities are getting one-per cent separate reservation under the most-backward category in addition to the Other Backward Class (OBC) quota. Here are the top developments:

Saradha scam: Rajeev Kumar grilled for over 8 hrs

Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar was grilled for over eight hours by three senior CBI officers on Saturday about his alleged role in the tampering of crucial evidence in the Saradha chit fund scam, according to officials.

Robert Vadra questioned for 8 hours on Day 3

Vadra arrived at the central probe agency's office at Jamnagar House in central Delhi at about 10.45am in his private vehicle and left around 8.15pm. He was given an hour-long break for lunch. This is the third consecutive day that the businessman appeared before the agency. It was not immediately clear if he has been asked to depose again.

Jaya death probe panel exceeding its brief: Apollo Hospitals to Madras HC

Apollo Hospitals has moved the Madras high court pleading for an interim stay on the proceedings of the Justice (retd) A Arumughaswamy commission relating to the medical treatment given to former Tamil Nadu chief minister J Jayalalithaa.

'Will retire from politics if audio clip is fake': HDK

Karnataka chief minister H D Kumaraswamy said he would retire from politics if it is proved that the audio clip released by him on BJP state unit president B S Yeddyurappa's alleged toppling game was fake. The CM alleged that Yeddyurappa had tried to lure a JD(S) MLA with bribe and other offers, rejecting claims that the video clip was 'fake' and a 'concocted story'.

Hooch death toll in UP, Uttarakhand rises to 70

It seems Olympics going on to deride me: PM Modi

Nun rape case: 'No move to oust fellow nuns'

Finally, the Catholic Church has responded to the plea of the fellow nuns of the survivor nun in the nun rape case and assured them that they will not be transferred from the convent in Kuravilangad as long as they are needed for the court case.

India hits back after China opposes PM Modi's visit to Arunachal

Condemning Prime Minister Modi's visit, China today asserted that it has never recognised the sensitive border state and the Indian leadership should refrain from any action that may "complicate the boundary question".

Citizenship bill will never harm Assam, NE: PM

Prime Minister Narendra Modi assured the people of Assam and the northeast that the citizenship bill will in no way cause harm to their interest."It is a national commitment to the people of the northeast that they will not be harmed in any way and citizenship will be only granted after due investigation and recommendation of the state governments," Modi said.

Twitter CEO, top officials decline to appear before parl panel: Sources

Fake varsity: With no money & GPS tracker on leg, Hyd girl stuck in US

Confined within the four walls of her paying guest accommodation in cold Sacramento (California), University of Farmington student Saritha (name changed) can barely wait for March 14. That’s when she is set to appear before a judge and, hopefully, be freed of the GPS tracker strapped around her ankle.

‘91% of urban migrants not registered to vote’

Maharashtra foiled Mehul Choksi’s plan to rob it of 27 acres

40 years on, hilsa will swim up to Allahabad again

Kolkata cops ‘visit’ firm linked to former CBI interim chief Rao’s wife

The move came a day before Kolkata Police commissioner Rajeev Kumar was scheduled to be questioned by a CBI team in Shillong. Rao was interim CBI director when a team from the central agency landed at Kumar’s Loudon Street residence last Sunday for a “special operation”, an action that sparked off an stand-off between the Centre and the West Bengal government.

Times Top 10: Does free money make people lazy?

Sindhu strikes it rich with deal worth Rs 50 cr

Sindhu is the only Indian shuttler to win an Olympic silver and World championships silver. After her Olympic feat, Sindhu had signed a landmark deal with Baseline Ventures, a sports management company, worth more than Rs 100 crore. As part of that management deal, this will be the 14th product to be endorsed by Sindhu.

Fresh Rafale row as Congress cites MoD ‘objection’ note

Congress president Rahul Gandhi took up a newspaper report about the then defence secretary G Mohan Kumar’s reservations in a note of November 2015 about the PMO conducting “parallel discussions” with France as it could weaken India’s negotiating position, to say that his “chowkidar chor hai” battle cry had been validated.

Mayawati has to pay back public money: SC

A bench of Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi and Justices Deepak Gupta and Sanjiv Khanna, while hearing a 2009 PIL filed against the state government and Mayawati, observed: “Madam Mayawati, reimburse to the exchequer public money you spent on the elephants. We are of the tentative view that you should pay the public money from your pocket.” The bench said it will adjudicate the issue and posted the case to April 2 for final hearing.

In U-turn, Pawar says he may contest LS polls

“All senior party leaders, including Vijaysinh Mohite-Patil who represents Madha in the Lok Sabha, urged me to contest the elections. The leaders said they obey my decisions and that I should now respect their decisions and contest the election. I will think over it and let them know,” Pawar told newspersons here after a party meeting attended by its state-level leaders.

Controversy over MoD's Rafale note: Top developments and reactions

The Modi government was on Friday rocked by a 2015 Defence Ministry note cited by a media report expressing strong objections to the "parallel" negotiations by the PMO in the Rafale deal. Defence minister Nirmala Sitharaman criticised the news report for raising issues "selectively".

Hooch tragedy claims 34 lives in UP, Uttarakhand

Thirty-four people died in two adjoining districts allegedly after drinking spurious liquor at a village in Uttarakhand's Haridwar district, officials said on Friday. Sixteen of the victims died in Uttarakhand's Balupur village itself.

SBI to lower rates for home loans up to 30L

SBI accounts for almost a third of home loans given by banks and any rate cut by it would prompt others to follow suit. SBI’s proposed home loan rate cut comes at a time when the Interim Budget has initiated measures to boost housing. The removal of tax on notional rent on a second house is expected to boost home sales in the outskirts of cities.

Green card Bill that favours Indian techies may get green signal

The bill will eliminate the per-country limit on employment-based permanent residency, currently set at seven per cent. Because current law limits employment-based green cards to 140,000 annually, no more than 9,800 people from any one country can get permanent US residency.

SBI cuts interest rate on home loans up to Rs 30L

Indians to gain: US lawmakers push for end to per-nation green card cap

A green card (officially known as a Permanent Resident Card) allows a person to live and work permanently in the United States. According to some recent studies, some categories of those Indian professionals face a wait of 151 years under the current system which imposes a country cap on people who get green cards.

Head of Rafale negotiating team slams selective use of MoD note

Air Marshal SBP Sinha headed the Rafale negotiations from the Indian side. Referred to the dissent note published by an English daily, he said, "It was very surprising for me to know that in the article printed today a note within MoD has been used to malign this procurement by concealing facts, the remarks of the defence minister are not there."

Def ministry note on Rafale deal: Who said what

Following the dissent note's publication, a flurry of activities took place after the media report based on it came into the public domain. While Congress prez held a press conference to highlight the matter, party leaders raised it in Parliament. Then def sec G Mohan Kumar was quoted saying that the MoD note was not about pricing but sovereign guarantees and general t&c.

Dhoni important for decision-making in WC: Yuvi

Dhoni's place in the side has been a subject of debate owing to his inconsistent form. "I think Mahi (Dhoni) has a great cricket brain. And as a wicket-keeper, you are in the best position to monitor the game and he has done that fantastically over the years. He has been a great captain. (He is) with the young players and guiding Virat (Kohli) all the time," Yuvraj said.

'Mamata sat on dharna for those who looted poor'

Addressing a well-attended BJP rally in North Bengal's Jalpaiguri district, Modi assailed Banerjee for the sit-in she staged against the attempted questioning of Kolkata police commissioner Rajeev Kumar by the CBI in the Saradha chit fund scam case. The state government has alleged that the Centre has been misusing the central agency to score political points.

2nd T20I: India beat New Zealand by 7 wickets, level series 1-1

The chase was set up by skipper Rohit Sharma (50 off 29 balls) in company of Shikhar Dhawan (30, 31 balls) with a 79-run stand after Krunal Pandya got three wickets to restrict the hosts to 158/8.

Def min vs PMO: Complete note in Rafale deal

The defence ministry note stated that such parallel discussions by the PMO had 'weakened the negotiating position of MoD and Indian Negotiating Team'. Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said in Lok Sabha that Parrikar had replied to that defence ministry note and asked the officials to 'remain calm'.

Life sentence for 7 in 2013 Muzaffarnagar riots

RBI's 'dream policy' for the govt: What it means

The RBI has lowered the repo rate (the rate at which it lends to banks) by 0.25% to 6.25% for the first time in 17 months because 'inflation projection is within range and RBI's mandate is also to ensure economic growth'. This was the first policy review for the former economic affairs secretary, Shaktikanta Das, who recently took over as RBI governor.

Taxmen dig up graveyard, unearth gold, diamond, cash in Tamil Nadu

Income tax officials who searched Saravana Stores 'brahmandamai' and realty firms Lotus Group and GSquare in Chennai and Coimbatore for more than a week had to dig up some graveyards to unearth unaccounted cash, documents, gold and diamonds, worth several hundred crores of rupees.

IND vs NZ: Daryl's dismissal turns controversial

In what was a somewhat bizarre incident, New Zealand batsman Daryl Mitchell had to go back to the dug out after the on-field umpire sent him back, despite HotSpot technology clearly showing an inside edge off his bat during the second T20I against India at the Eden Park in Auckland, New Zealand.

Maya may have to refund for her statues: SC