Nasheman News : Karnataka Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy on Friday consoled the family of Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) trooper H. Guru who hailed from the state and was among those killed in a suicide attack in Jammu and Kashmir.
“I spoke to martyred CRPF soldier H. Guru’s family over the phone and consoled them. Their grief is heart-wrenching. We are with them. I have instructed officials to speed up the process of compensation,” Kumaraswamy tweeted.
Guru, 33, was from Gudigere village in Mandya district, about 100 km from here. He was attached to the 82nd Battalion posted in Srinagar.
Archives for 2019
J&K terror attack: Two more CRPF troopers die, toll touches 45
Srinagar, Feb 15 (IANS) The toll from Thursday’s terror attack on a Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) convoy in Jammu and Kashmir rose to 45 as two more troopers succumbed to their injuries, officials said on Friday.
Besides, 38 others were wounded in the worst-ever terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir.
The attack took place around 3.15 p.m. on Thursday when a ‘Fidayeen’ bomber belonging to the Jaish-e-Muhammad (JeM) terror outfit rammed an explosive-laden SUV into a bus carrying CRPF troopers in Lethpora area of Pulwama district on the Srinagar-Jammu Highway, officials said.
“None among the 44 CRPF men travelling in the bus that took the full impact of the suicide bombing survived,” a CRPF official said.
“An injured person in another bus has also succumbed taking the death toll to 45,” he added.
The official said the injured (38) CRPF men are being treated in the Army base hospital in Badamibagh cantonment area of Srinagar.
The CRPF convoy of 78 vehicles was coming from Jammu to Srinagar. The convoy carried 2,547 CRPF personnel.
The attack happened even as an intelligence input had warned of its the possibility 48 hours earlier.
The audacious attack, the worst-ever since armed insurgency started in the state in 1989, was carried out by the JeM.
The intelligence input had said: “Chatter inputs reveal that JeM outfit has hinted to carry out IED attacks along the routes of security forces across Jammu and Kashmir. A video uploaded by the outfit has also been shared with all concerned. It is as such suggested that security forces need to be put on alert to thwart any such attempt by terrorists.”
Informed sources said the intelligence input was shared with all security forces in Jammu and Kashmir.
The video that was uploaded along with the threat message showed a truck carrying troops in Somalia blown up in a powerful improvised explosive device (IED) blast. In the message, the JeM had warned of a similar type of blast.
A video released by the JeM after the attack identified the suicide bomber as Adil Ahmad Dar alias Waqas Commando, belonging to Kakapora town of Pulwama district.
Police sources said the bomber rammed his explosive-laden SUV into the CRPF bus and is believed to have been killed in the explosion.
There is, however, no official confirmation about the bomber’s death .
Senior police and CRPF officials reached the spot immediately for post blast analysis.
The explosion was so massive that its sound was heard 10 km away.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi was briefed by National Security Advisor (NSA), Ajit Doval about the incident on Thursday.
Modi would chair a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) at 9.15 a.m. in Delhi on Friday.
Home Minister Rajnath Singh, accompanied by Union Home Secretary and other senior officers of the ministry, is likely to arrive here on Friday.
A 12-member team of national Investigation agency (NIA) and another team of t he national security guards (NSG) are also expected to arrive here to assist the police in the investigation of the terror strike.
Hassan MLA Pritham kills his close friend
The launch of Operation Audio in the midst of the confusion over whether the first audio release case should be handed over to the SIT or the House Committee or a judicial inquiry into the matter, has created political tragedy. After the audio release, the attack on BJP’s MLA Pritam Gowda’s residence was being held in the backdrop of the ruling and opposition parties. All the dissatisfied MLAs who stopped at the tip of the state government at the same time attended the House and CM HD Kumaraswamy was relieved.
In the meanwhile, the ruling and opposition leaders called on Speaker Ramesh Kumar’s decision to make a decision on the first audio release case was unsuccessful and the SIT investigation was confirmed. Though assembly elections began at 12 noon, the BJP MLAs had to postpone the protest. The move was postponed to Thursday after the BJP legislators intensified protests in connection with the assault on Pritham Gowda residence.
Speaking on the talk of Yeddyurappa, former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda and former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah have been briefly mentioned in the audio of the operative lotus relationship with Guru Mittal MLA Naganagowda’s son Saran Gowda.
The BJP government is likely to form a coalition government in a conversation between Yeddyurappa, Shivanagowda Nayak, Sharanugowda and Pranangoda. The son of Gurimitalkal MLA has been given the ambassador of the minister and Rs 10 to Rs 20 crore. The laughter debate has taken place.
The postponement of the audio release of the audio and the attack on BJP’s MLA, Priyankauda, was proposed in both Houses on Wednesday. The House was postponed to Thursday due to a riot-racket in the House. Even after noon in the Vidhan Sabha, the BJP members protested and demanded a discussion. This led to a turmoil and an impediment.
Four unconfirmed lawmakers and two independents of the Congress attended the assembly session on Wednesday. Ramesh Jarakiholi, Mahesh Kumatalli, B. Nagendra, Dr. Umesh Jadhav, and R Shankar and Nagesh Harbor. JDS legislator Narayan Gowda also attended the House.
The 4 MLAs are still in the mysterious
dissatisfaction of MLAs and the KPCC president Dinesh Gundurao is still in the mysterious circumstances. It is learned that Umesh Jadhav and Ramesh Jarkihoyi resigns are likely to resign after the Assembly session ends on Wednesday to escape the motion of the MLAs against the party’s anti-party activities. Meanwhile, Independent MLA Nagesh who met Siddaramaiah on Wednesday evening said he would continue to support the government.
Speaker Ramesh Kumar’s negotiations with Speaker Ramesh Kumar failed to
make a
consensus on the meeting of the Chairman of the House on the issue of a failed Operation audio case .
Opposition Leader Yeddyurappa, who attended a meeting held in the Speaker’s office,
requested the BJP members not to appoint a SIT, a judicial inquiry or a House Committee.
Did. However, Siddaramaiah, Dr G Parameshwar, has been accused of holding SIT. Speaker Ramesh Kumar has suggested that someone should allow you to relax and make a smooth move, CM Kumaraswamy has said in favor of the Speaker’s suggestion and expressed his willingness to form the House Committee. However, Siddaramaiah’s speech was shortened by the speaker. The stand was given 10 minutes to review. The speaker concluded the meeting because no one had left the seat for the second time.
A BJP activist was injured and hospitalized at this time.
Hundreds of activists gathered at Pritham Gowda’s residence in Vidyanagar, Hassan, on Monday afternoon, demanding an apology. While the police were trying to convince him, one of the JDS activists flung a stone into the MLA’s house. The stone hit the right eye of the BJP activist Rahul. The wounded Rahul was taken to Hassan Medical College Hospital. Doctors have shown that the doctor has been treated and luckily not exposed to the eye.
The BJP, which has tied up with the newly-fledged Audit
audio court in lieu of SIT, had to take charge of a House Committee or a judicial probe into the matter.
Speaking to reporters, BJP state president and BJP opposition leader BS Yeddyurappa went on a fast haul with several MLAs. Pritham Gowda went to the residence and filled his family with the family. Meanwhile, on Thursday, the attack on legislator’s residence in both the Houses has made the strategy a key issue. Besides, BJP leaders and activists across the state have decided to protest.
Agencies
Former PM Deve Gowda recalls the time he met Narendra Modi
Former prime minister H D Deve Gowda said in Lok Sabha Wednesday that he had offered his resignation as a member to Prime Minister Narendra Modi after the BJP’s win in 2014 as he had said that he would quit if Modi gets more than 276 seats in the elections.
Modi, however, asked him to continue as he was one of the more senior members of the House, he said in his speech during the last sitting of the 16th Lok Sabha which saw leaders of different parties including the Prime Minister sharing their experiences and views.The JD(S) leader also referred to the Congress’ return to power in 2004 and said its then president Sonia Gandhi was unable to become the prime minister, to which Gandhi, who sat near him, quickly replied that “I didn’t want to”.
Deve Gowda then corrected himself, saying this was not her desire.
Referring to the 2014 polls, he said, “In the elections there is some exchange of words. If you (Modi) get more than 276 seats, I am going to resign. This is what I said.” When the BJP ended up winning 282 seats, he went to see Modi to offer his resignation, Deve Gowda said.
“He (Modi) told me that don’t take it seriously. You are one of the experienced politicians, you must not resign. I met him three-four times. I have no grouse against anybody,” he said while Modi was sitting in the House.
Agencies
Robert Vadra grilled second time in Jaipur
Nasheman News : Businessman Robert Vadra deposed before the Enforcement Directorate (ED) here for the second consecutive day on Wednesday in connection with a money laundering case involving Bikaner land deal cases.
He appeared at the ED office around 10.40 a.m and was interrogated until around 8.30 pm, after which he left for Delhi.
A total of four ED officials grilled Congress President Rahul Gandhi’s brother-in-law, said an agency official.
However, his mother Maureen, who was interrogated on Tuesday, was not questioned on Wednesday. She was interrogated for nearly two hours and had to face around 10 questions.
They were questioned for over eight hours on Tuesday under various sections of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act.
According to an ED source, on Tuesday, Vadra was given a set of questions about how he knew Mahesh Nagar, an authorised representative of Skylight Hospitality LLP, owned by Robert Vadra and his 75-year-old mother.
Nagar is the person who links Vadra’s company with Ashok Kumar, who was named in the chargesheet filed by the Rajasthan Police in the case.
In December 2017, the ED had arrested Ashok Kumar, a close associate of Nagar, and another person, Jaiprakash Bagarwa. The ED had searched the premises of both Kumar and Nagar in April 2017.
According to ED officials, Nagar was the authorised representative in four cases of land purchase in Bikaner.
Kumar, the agency alleged, had purchased land in the same area, using the “power of attorney” of others.
The source disclosed that Vadra was also asked about the business and transactions of his company. He was also questioned about how much lands he bought, and whether he took loans to buy the land in Bikaner.
The ED officials also asked Vadra if he knew about the involvement of Kumar in the case and when Nagar informed him about the forgery of documents to buy those lands.
The ED has been probing the alleged irregularities in the purchase of land in Kolayat area of the border town of Bikaner in Rajasthan, which was meant for those displaced due to Army’s field firing range.
According to the ED officials, Skylight Hospitality had purchased 69.55 hectares of land for Rs 72 lakh and then sold it to Allegeny Finlease for Rs 5.15 crore, thus making a profit of Rs 4.43 crore.
The agency registered a criminal case under the Money Laundering Act in 2015, taking cognizance of the case filed by the Rajasthan Police after forgery allegations.
The agency had earlier issued notices to Skylight Hospitality but had not mentioned Robert Vadra’s name or any company linked to him in its FIR.
According to the ED, during investigation it had surfaced that Allegeny Finlease as a company was “not involved” in any “real business activities” and many of its shareholders were found to be dummy or non-existent.
The government had cancelled the mutation (transfer of land) of 374.44 hectares of land after allotments were found to have been allegedly made in the names of “illegal private persons”.
Revenue officials had said in the complaint that government land in 34 villages of Bikaner, which was meant to be used for expanding the Army’s firing range, was “grabbed” by the land mafia by preparing “forged and fabricated documents” in connivance with government officials.
The ED suspects that a huge amount of money was laundered in this case by people buying land at cheaper rates through forged documents.
Woman lodged a sexual harassment case by 11 colleagues
In her complaint, the woman stated that she was sexually and mentally harassed since May 2018 and her complaints to the HR department and the CEO of Standard Chartered Bank had not prompted any action over the issue.
A business development executive working with Standard Chartered Bank in its Koramangala branch in Bengaluru has lodged a sexual harassment complaint against 11 persons including the manager.
In her complaint, the woman stated that she was sexually and mentally harassed since May 2018 and her complaints to the HR department and the CEO of the company had not prompted any action over the issue. She has been working in the same branch for the past nine years but claimed that it was only for the past eight months that she was facing harassment from her co-workers.
All 11 employees of the bank facing allegations have been booked by police under sections 354 A (sexual harassment), 504 (intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of peace) and 506 (criminal intimidation).
She stated in her complaint that she was touched inappropriately on several occasions by the men in her office.
The 11 employees named also includes women, who she claimed had gossiped and passed lewd comments about her. “My pleas and complaints to the heads concerned, including the HR and the CEO, went unanswered. I have been forced to work during holidays. Often, the manager forces me to stay back late while other colleagues leave. Men insult me by passing lewd comments. Now, the accused are forcing me to withdraw my complaint with the HR and CEO and are threatening to get me sacked if I don’t,” she said as per media.
In November 2018, a law intern was found dead in Bengaluru after filing a sexual harassment complaint with the police just days before she was found dead. Over the past six months, several cases of sexual harassment have come to light in the city, including in banks and in public sector jobs.
‘Favourites’ India peaking at the right time before World Cup: Laxman
Nasheman News : Putting India and England as favourites to win the forthcoming ICC World Cup, batting great V.V.S. Laxman on Wednesday said Virat Kohli and Co. are peaking at the right time after their historic ODI series triumphs in Australia and New Zealand.
“It’s all about peaking at the right time which is so important. The World Cup is a long format so every player should be at his best physically and mentally if India has to win the World Cup. They start as favourites. For me, India and England start as favourites,” Laxman told reporters on the sidelines of Bengal’s Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 tournament preparations here.
The 44-year old is a batting consultant of the Bengal team as a part of Cricket Association of Bengal’s Vision 2020 programme.
The World Cup kicks off in England from May 30 with India taking on South Africa in their opening game on June 5 in Southampton.
The Indian team edged Australia 2-1 in the three-match series and then went on to thump New Zealand by a healthy margin of 4-1 in the 50-over format.
India will now take on Australia at home in five ODIs and two T20s starting February 24.
“I think brilliant. The way they played, I would like to congratulate the entire team,” Laxman said.
“The way they played right from the Australia series to the New Zealand series… and it’s not only one or two players who have put their hand up. Everyone has contributed. So it’s great to see bowling and batting departments contribute,” he added.
Talking about the Bengal team which failed to make the final at home last season after finishing third in the Super League Group B of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, Laxman said: “The preparation has been really good. We had a lot of match simulation. In T20 cricket, better than nets is match simulation. It has been a very realistic practice. We played a couple of games too.”
The 2011 champions Bengal open their domestic T20 campaign against Mizoram in their group D fixture at the Barabati Stadium in Cuttack on February 21.
Laxman was part of a three-day camp which took place at the Eden Gardens and concluded at the Jadavpur University Campus ground here on Wednesday.
Laxman, who has been with the team led by Manoj Tiwary since 2014, said he was disappointed with Bengal failing to qualify for the knock-out stages of the Ranji Trophy, adding the team has the potential to win the tournament.
“I am disappointed that they did not qualify but the potential of the side is to go on and win the Ranji Trophy,” he said.
Laxman also backed Bengal coach and former India opener Arun Lal, saying his presence in the dressing room will make the players mentally strong.
“Arun has always been someone who is mentally tough and he will inspire the team. He is a great asset to the team.”
Laxman also hoped that the BCCI look into playing U-23 CK Nayudu Trophy final in neutral venues with the summit clash game this time between Punjab and Bengal ending in just two days. Punjab edged past Bengal by one wicket to clinch the title.
“That is something that the BCCI has to work out. The wicket could have been better. It was spinner friendly. You want U-23 finals to go the distance as it gives an opportunity for the youngsters to showcase their talent. But youngsters should also know how to play in different conditions,” he concluded.
Modi government has made Governors BJP General Secretaries: Stalin
Nasheman News : DMK President M.K. Stalin on Thursday said the Modi government was converting Governors as BJP General Secretaries and extended his support to Puducherry Chief Minister V. Narayanasamy who is protesting outside Lt Governor Kiran Bedi’s residence.
In a tweet, Stalin said: “Lt Governor being the reason for the abnormal political situation in Puducherry is unconstitutional.
“This is an example of the BJP government converting Governors as their party General Secretaries. Once again, the question about the need for the Governor post arises.”
The protest by Narayanasamy and his five ministers outside Bedi’s official residence entered a second day on Thursday.
Narayanasamy began his protest on Wednesday, wearing a black shirt and black dhoti. He was protesting against Bedi for not permitting implementation of his government’s welfare schemes.
He was joined by his ministerial colleagues and DMK MLAs.
Narayanasamy accused Bedi, a former police officer, of interfering in the day-to-day activities of the Puducherry government.
US public debt at record high above $22 trillion
Nasheman News : America’s public debt has reached a record high of more than $22 trillion, according to data released by the US Treasury Department.
The amount of the debt as of February 11 was quoted in a daily statement by the department on Tuesday.
“The national debt has now eclipsed $22 trillion, as we added $1 trillion in debt over just the last 11 months,” said Michael A. Peterson, CEO of the Peter G. Peterson Foundation, a non-partisan organisation dedicated to addressing America’s long-term fiscal challenges.
The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) in January estimated that federal budget deficit was about $900 billion in 2019 and exceeds $1 trillion each year beginning in 2022.
Because of persistently large deficits, the public debt is projected to grow steadily, reaching 93 per cent of US gross domestic product (GDP) in 2029 and about 150 per cent of the US GDP in 2049, according to the CBO.
Former Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan has warned that the rising public debt in the US could lead to the next economic recession.
Analysts said the Trump administration’s $1.5-trillion tax cut and increased government spending have fueled the rapid increase in budget deficits and public debt.
“Reaching this unfortunate milestone so rapidly is the latest sign that our fiscal situation is not only unsustainable, but accelerating,” Xinhua quoted Peterson as saying.
“As we borrow trillion after trillion, interest costs will weigh on our economy and make it harder to fund important investments for our future,” Peterson said.
“We already pay an average of $1 billion every day in interest on the debt, and will spend a staggering $7 trillion in interest costs over the next decade,” he said, adding “we must put our fiscal house in order and begin to manage our national debt”.
NASA declares end of Opportunity rover’s mission on Mars
Nasheman News : NASA has announced the end of its Opportunity rover’s mission, 15 years after its arrival on Mars.
The announcement was made on Wednesday at a press conference at the agency’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California, following NASA’s last attempt to communicate with the rover on Tuesday night which got no response, Xinhua reported.
The rover last communicated with Earth on June 10, 2018, as a planet-wide dust storm blanketed the solar-powered rover’s location on Mars. It has not been heard from for eight months since then.
Opportunity likely experienced a low-power fault, a mission clock fault and an up-loss timer fault, according to the mission team.
Team members have tried to rouse the rover ever since, and radiated more than a thousand commands to restore contact. However, no signal was heard from again.
“Saying goodbye is hard, but it comes the time,” said John Callas, project manager for Opportunity.
“It is because of trailblazing missions such as Opportunity that there will come a day when our brave astronauts walk on the surface of Mars,” said NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine.
“When that day arrives, some portion of that first footprint will be owned by the men and women of Opportunity, and a little rover that defied the odds and did so much in the name of exploration,” he said.
The golf-cart-sized rover far exceeded its planned 90-day mission lifetimes. It has worked for nearly 15 years and travelled over 45 km by the time it reached its most appropriate final resting spot on Mars — Perseverance Valley.
Opportunity landed on Mars on January 24, 2004. First among the mission’s scientific goals was to search for and characterise a wide range of rocks and soils for clues to past water activity on Mars.
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