Donald Trump calls for 'extreme vetting' of immigrants to US

the candidate outlined his plans to combat Islamic extremism, including a new screening test for arrivals to the US.
Applicants will be tested to determine if they share Western liberal values like LGBT and religious tolerance.
Democratic rival Hillary Clinton poured scorn on his plan, labelling it a "cynical ploy".
"This so-called 'policy' cannot be taken seriously," said her spokesman.
"How can Trump put this forward with a straight face when he opposes marriage equality and selected as his running mate the man [Mike Pence] who signed an anti-LGBT law in Indiana?"
Trump's screening plan: How will it work?
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Trump v Clinton on foreign policy
Under Mr Trump's plan, citizens from countries with a history of terror will be banned but it is not clear which nations.
In the speech, he did not lay out his own military strategy for defeating the so-called Islamic State.


But he did repeat his claim he was opposed to the Iraq War before it began, which fact-checkers say is untrue.
And he said that the oil in Iraq should have been seized by the US government to prevent it from becoming the property of IS.
In his speech, Mr Trump promised to:
Ban immigration from countries where terrorism is widespread and vetting is poor
Make alliances with all countries fighting against terrorism
Introduce an ideology test for new immigrants arriving to the US
Keep Guantanamo Bay prison open
Establish a presidential commission to investigate Islamic terror
Work with Nato, despite previously calling it "obsolete"
The billionaire initially proposed a blanket ban on all Muslims but has changed it to one that is based on an unspecified list of countries that export terror.
The latest proposal includes creating an ideological test for immigrants entering the country, with questions addressing how each applicant views American values such as religious freedom, gender equality and gay rights.
"Those who do not believe in our Constitution, or who support bigotry and hatred, will not be admitted for immigration into the country," he said.


Analysis: Jonathan Marcus, BBC Defence and Diplomatic Correspondent
It was a speech organised largely around one theme - the threat from radical Islam. So paradoxically, it was in this sense firmly within the existing US foreign policy mainstream.
This mainstream has elevated the threat from groups like so-called Islamic State and al-Qaeda into a phenomenon that requires nothing short of a "war against terror" in response.
The title of Mr Trump's speech referred to "the Age of Terror" no less.
As for other major "threats" to America's position in the world - a rising China, a more belligerent Russia, America's own failing economic competitiveness, or the cohesion of its own society - there was no mention.
Mr Trump was clear. His America would defeat "radical Islamic terrorism". And he repeated his assertion that the rise of self-styled Islamic State (Isis as he called it) was a direct result of the policy decisions made by President Barack Obama and his one-time Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.



Mr Trump said that the test will not only expose terrorist sympathisers, but also will "screen out any who have hostile attitudes towards our country or its principles".
He heavily criticised his rival Hillary Clinton, saying that she lacks the "mental and physical stamina" to defeat IS.


And he attacked her plan to increase the rate of Syrian refugees arrivals, which he claimed would cost $400bn (£315bn).
Mr Trump is still facing a backlash for repeatedly describing Mr Obama and his Democratic rival for the White House, Hillary Clinton, as "founders" of Islamic State.
Vice President Joe Biden speaking at a campaign event with Hillary Clinton said that Mr Trump's claim that Mr Obama and Mrs Clinton had "founded" IS proved his views to be "dangerous" and "un-American", and that it had made US soldiers in Iraq less safe already.
Recent polls show him significantly trailing Hillary Clinton in key battleground states.

Nice Attack: Islamic terror, wilful denial and rise of right-wing forces

When a terrorist attack takes place — and most are targeted against unarmed civilians in virtually every sphere of public life — the initial reaction of shock and horror is quickly replaced by anger. Grief needs a catharsis. In absence of the terrorists who have perpetrated the crime, the anger turns towards the political leaders whose job it is to provide security.

The blood has not yet been wiped off the streets of Nice that France has turned against President Francois Hollande. TV channels covering the Thursday night tragedy, showed how unmitigated anger poured out against a President largely seen as effete, ineffective and incapable of preventing waves and waves of terror attacks on French soil.

The attack in Nice was as gruesome a terror strike as any. Latest reports indicate that 84 people were killed when a large white truck, said to be driven by a French-Tunisian citizen, ploughed into a large crowd, who gathered at the beachfront Promenade des Anglais in southern city of Nice for a fireworks display on Bastille Day. Local French media reported that the driver shouted "Allahu Akbar" before taking out his gun and firing several times at the crowd before he was subsequently neutralised.

Bastille Day commemorates the Storming of the Bastille on 14 July, 1789, an important event in the French Revolution. It is marked with a military parade down Paris' most famous boulevard, a presidential address to the nation and a vast fireworks display. Founding values of French Republic, equality, liberty and fraternity, are glorified.

The significance of the day and the fact that a large number of citizens had gathered for celebration — made it a lucrative target. In one fell blow, two purposes were achieved. One, a huge number of people were killed ensuring widespread outrage and non-stop media coverage — aspects which serve as fuel for glorification of terror and draws more and more perpetrators. Two, a symbolic, cruel blow was dealt to the French ideal of syncretism, the bedrock on which the multicultural republic stands.

Source: http://www.firstpost.com

Glorification of terrorists makes it clear where Pakistan’s sympathies lie: India

Glorification of terrorists makes it clear where Pakistan’s sympathies lie: India



India Friday hit back at Pakistan for describing slain Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani as martyr and announcing its plans to observe July 19 as black day to express solidarity with people of Kashmir.

MEA Spokesperson Vikas Swarup, in a press release, said that India is dismayed at the continued attempts by Pakistan to interfere in our internal matters. He reiterated that Pakistan or any other external party has no locus standi on the Kashmir issue.

“Continued glorification of terrorists belonging to proscribed terrorist organisations makes it amply clear where Pakistan’s sympathies continue to lie,” Swarup said.

Accusing Pakistan of seeking to derive political mileage out of Kashmir unrest, Swarup said India unequivocally rejects the decision taken by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s cabinet today.

Sharif today chaired a cabinet meeting, where he declared Wani as martyr.

“Pakistan would continue to extend moral, political and diplomatic support for Kashmiris in their just struggle for right to self-determination,” Sharif said.

The prime minister directed all the relevant departments to highlight the Kashmir issue at international fora.

Source: http://indianexpress.com

Pakistan covets territory of others, uses terror as state policy towards that misguided end: India at UN

Syed Akbaruddin, India's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, on Wednesday strongly hit back at Pakistan for raising the issues of alleged human rights violations in Kashmir and killing of Hizbul Mujahideen terrorist Burhan Wani during a debate on human rights.

Responding strongly to the remarks made by Pakistan's envoy Maleeha Lodhi during a high-level thematic debate titled 'UN@70 Human Rights at the center of the global agenda', Akbaruddin accused Islamabad of attempting to misuse the UN platform.

“The attempt came from Pakistan; a country that covets the territory of others; a country that uses terrorism as state policy towards that misguided end; a country that extols the virtues of terrorists and that provides sanctuary to UN-designated terrorists; and a country that masquerades its efforts as support for human rights and self determination,” the Indian envoy to the UN said in a hard-hitting statement.

He was responding to Lodhi who apart from raising the Kashmir issue had also mentioned the "extra-judicial" killing of Wani, whom she described as a "Kashmiri leader", by Indian forces.

Akbaruddin said it was Pakistan which had failed to convince the international community on its human rights track record.

“Pakistan is the same country whose track record has failed to convince the international community to gain membership of the Human Rights Council in this very Session of the UNGA,” he told the 193-member United Nations General Assembly.

“The international community has long seen through such designs. Cynical attempts, like the one this morning therefore, find no resonance in this forum or elsewhere in the United Nations,” he added.

Reiterating India's commitment to upholding the rule of law and protecting human rights, the Indian envoy said, “As a diverse, pluralistic and tolerant society, India’s commitment to the rule of law, democracy and human rights is enshrined in its founding principles.”

“We remain strongly committed to the promotion and protection of all human rights for all through pursuit of dialogue and cooperation,” he added.

Source: http://zeenews.india.com

Police release new photo of suspect in Infosys techie Swathi’s murder

The Chennai police released on Thursday a photograph of the main suspect in the murder of Infosys employee Swathi Santhanagopalakrishnan, who was hacked to death at a railway station on way to work last week.

Though officials have rounded up 20 people, they have yet to make a breakthrough despite releasing CCTV images of the suspect earlier. The Madras high court has asked police to solve the case by Thursday.

A police spokesperson said the suspect -- the new photo showed a man wearing a checkered shirt and carrying a backpack -- did not speak to the 24-year-old Swathi before attacking her at Nungambakkam railway station.

“The fact that he did not speak to her does not rule out that he was known to her,” an official said, adding the murder weapon --- a sickle --- was sent for forensic tests. Officials said the image was sent to a lab in Hyderabad for enhancement.

An eyewitness told a Tamil news channel that Swathi did not make a sound when the man attacked her.

Swathi was employed with Infosys’ branch at Mahindra World City at Singaperumalkoil, around 60km from Chennai. Her murder has triggered outrage in the civil society and among political parties.

After the high court’s intervention, the state government transferred the investigation from the Government Railway Police to the city police on Monday.

Her father has said the people at the crowded station remained mute spectators even as Swathi was attacked.

SOurce: http://www.hindustantimes.com

China pulls up chief negotiator for limited global support for anti-India position at NSG

The Chinese leadership has pulled up Wang Qun, its lead negotiator and Director General of the Arms Control Division at the Foreign Ministry, for failing to drum up significant global support for China's position in Seoul which blocked India's entry into the NSG .

Highly placed Western and Chinese sources said that Wang Qun had told Beijing that at least one third of the NSG nations would endorse China's position. However, the position was totally in the reverse, with as many as 44 nations backing India and China only having the support of four nations.

Beijing now fears that the fallout of the NSG outcome could have an impact on a crucial verdict expected soon from the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague in a case brought by the Philippines concerning China's territorial reclamation activities in the South China Sea .

As things stand, Beijing's stance flies in the face of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) of which it is a signatory. China's big fear now is India could use the same ploy that Beijing used in Seoul at the NSG plenary and back The Hague Court's decision which is likely to go against China.

Highly-placed sources said that the global support for India's position at the NSG could well be leveraged by New Delhi to back the enforcement of The Hague Judgment - a scenario which could isolate China and could even trigger its exit from UNCLOS.

Informed sources said the focus now shifts from the NSG to the Permanent Court of Arbitration at The Hague where a judgment is expected, which when enforced, could force China to give up land in favour of the Philippines.

China has launched a worldwide propaganda campaign enlisting academics, legal experts, diplomats and foreign governments stating that such legal proceedings are invalid. But this position of China's is contrary to the rules laid out by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) of which China is a signatory. China claims that it has the support of 60 nations who believe that arbitration at The Hague is illegal.

China's worry now is that post its inability to generate global support for its anti-India position on NSG at Seoul, its position at the Permanent Court of Arbitration at The Hague could meet the same fate, and this time, it could have to pay a very heavy price.

High-level sources said that Seoul's outcome has "shocked China". The government thought that its emerging superpower status would guarantee the support of at least 15 nations against India.

Western sources said China is "very sensitive"to possibilities of being isolated, and the developments and outcome at Seoul "came quite close to isolation".


China is paranoid about what might happen once the Permanent Court of Arbitration gives a verdict against Beijing and in favour of Philippines.


Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com

Woman Infosys Employee Hacked To Death At Chennai Railway Station

Infosys techie Swathi S took a train to her workplace from the Nungambakkam railway station in Chennai every morning.

On Friday, the 24-year-old bled to death on the platform as commuters who watched a man attack her with a sickle left by the next train.

One of her shocked friends said: "When I heard the news, I thought it can't be her. But when I saw her photo in an article on Facebook, I realized it was her. She used to take this train every morning."

The police say Swathi had been stalked for months by a man near her workplace, 60 km from Chennai.

At around 6.45 am, witnesses saw a young man approaching her while she was waiting for her train. The two were seen having a heated argument and then the man suddenly pulled out a sickle from his bag and lunged at her. Struck in her neck and face, Swathi collapsed.

Source: http://www.ndtv.com/

Live: As UK chooses to leave EU, calls for referendums surface

Britain has voted to leave the European Union to take greater control of its economy and its borders, shattering the stability of the continental unity forged after World War II.

The decision launches what will be years of negotiations over trade, business and political links with the E.U., which will shrink to a 27-nation bloc.

Official results released early Friday show the ‘Leave’ side prevailed 52 per cent to 48 per cent in Thursday’s vote, which had a turnout of 72 per cent.



 The U.K. is the first major country to decide to leave the bloc, which evolved from the ashes of the war as the region’s leaders sought to build links and avert future hostility.

Financial authorities around the world have warned that a British exit will reverberate through a delicate global economy.

Live updates (time in IST):

4:55 p.m.: Slovenia’s prime minister says Britain’s exit from the European Union will eventually help consolidate the bloc.

Miro Cerar said that the British vote to leave the EU will cause “a short period of relative uncertainty of international markets.”

Cerar added that after that it will lead to “further consolidation of the EU and encouragement to its renewal.”

“It is time to refocus seriously on our common future, in particular on those concrete elements to the benefit of our citizens which bond us and make us stronger,” Cerar says.

4:53 p.m.: Dutch Foreign Minister Bert Koenders said that “what we have to do here is not business as usual, but look at the real concerns of citizens.”

Mr. Koenders warned of two short-term dangers — “those who want to take Europe apart, and the others saying we have to all at once go to even more Brussels, even more integration.”

4:50 p.m.: Austria’s chancellor says Britain’s decision to leave the EU shows the necessity for reforms, particularly in boosting European economies, stemming unemployment and improving working conditions.

Christian Kern says the EU needs “a reform process with a clear direction” that will be supported by citizens of member countries.

Rising disenchantment with the EU in Austria contributed to the strong showing last month of a euroskeptic populist candidate who came within a few percentage points of winning presidential elections.

4:45 pm: Scottish leader Nicola Sturgeon says a new Scottish referendum on independence is “highly likely” because of Britain’s vote to leave the European Union.

4:15 p.m: No need for haste on pulling Britain out of EU: Leave campaign leader Boris Johnson

4:00 p.m.: German Chancellor Merkel voices “great regret” at British decision to leave EU

Ms. Merkel says Europe shouldn’t draw “quick and simple conclusions” that would create further division.

3:50 p.m: Presumptive Republican nominee Donald Trump, visiting Scotland the day after the United Kingdom voted to leave the European Union, hailed the move, saying voters “took back their country.”

3:45 p.m.: Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico says the EU will have to react quickly to Britain’s decision to leave.

Fico, whose country is taking over the rotating EU presidency in July, says the bloc’s key policies have to change.

In a Friday statement Fico says- “Huge numbers of people in the EU reject the EU’s immigration policy, there’s big disappointment with the economic policy.”

3:30 p.m.: The European Central Bank says it is “closely monitoring financial markets” in the wake of the British vote to leave the European Union.

The chief monetary authority for the 19 countries that use the euro currency says that it “stands ready” to provide additional credit to financial institutions if they need it to do business.

It also said it was staying in close contact with other central banks.

1.32 p.m.: European Parliament calls special session on Tuesday.

1.31 p.m.: Bank of England chief Mark Carney says bank can provide liquidity in foreign currency if needed.

1.14 p.m.: The British government has a "democratic imperative” to call a referendum on whether Northern Ireland should leave the United Kingdom and unite with the Irish Republic, the Province's Irish nationalist Deputy First Minister says.

“The British government now has no democratic mandate to represent the views of the North in any future negotiations with the European Union and I do believe that there is a democratic imperative for a 'border poll' to be held,” Sinn Fein's Martin McGuinness told national Irish broadcaster RTE.

“We are now in unchartered waters, nobody really knows what is going to happen. The implications for all of us on the island of Ireland are absolutely massive. This could have very profound implications for our economy

1.06 p.m.: Matteo Salvini, Italy's most prominent far-right politician, also hails the Brexit vote as an example his country should follow. "Cheers to the bravery of free citizens," the leader of the anti-immigration, anti-E.U. Northern League wrote on Twitter. "Heart, head and pride beat lies, threats and blackmail. THANKS UK, now it is our turn #Brexit".

12.55 p.m.: “The cabinet will meet on Monday, the governor of the Bank of England is making a statement about the steps it is taking.”

12.54 p.m.: “There is no need for a precise timetable today, but we should aim to have a new prime minister in place by the start of Conservative conference in October,” Mr. Cameron says choking back tears.

12.54 p.m.: “I will do everything I can as prime minister to steady the ship in coming months, but I do not think it would be right for me to captain that ship.”

12.53 p.m.: “This is not a decision I've taken lightly but I do believe it is in the national interest to have a period of stability and then the new leadership required,” he said.

12.53 p.m.: Cameron announces resignation.

12.52 p.m.: I fought this campaign with head, heart and soul, says Cameron.

12.51 p.m.: We must prepare for full negoatiations with E.U. with the involvement the Scottish, Weslsh and Irish, says Cameron.

12.50 p.m.: David Cameron says, “We trust the people with big decisions.”

12:40 p.m: Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn says British Prime Minister David Cameron must move urgently to stabilize the pound, which was trading around $1.3706 Friday morning after plummeting to a 31—year low.

Mr. Corbyn also says Britain’s main opposition party will oppose any emergency budget or expansion of Britain’s austerity program resulting from the Thursday vote to leave the European Union.

The Bank of England says it’s ready to take “all necessary steps” to help keep Britain stable after voters chose to leave the 28—nation bloc.

Mr. Corbyn says British manufacturing depends on trade with the EU and called for careful steps to preserve British trade. He and other senior Labour figures had urged voters to remain in the EU.

12:35 p.m: "Today on behalf of the 27 leaders, I can say that we are determined to keep our unity as 27," says European Union president Donald Tusk.

12:26 p.m.: Dutch parliamentary party leader Geert Weilders calls for Netherlands to hold referendum on its EU membership

12.07 p.m.: UKIP leader Nigel Farage says the European Union is dying after Britain votes to leave.

12.01 p.m.: U.K. Opposition Leader Jeremy Corbyn says Britons feel very angry at way marginalised by successive governments

11.55 a.m.: U.K. Electoral Commission declares Britain has voted to leave European Union.

11.45 a.m.: Official results show the ‘Leave’ won by 12,69, 501 votes (52 per cent).

11.40 a.m.: RBI watching all markets, including currencies, and will provide liquidity wherever necessary: RBI Governor Raghuram Rajan on Brexit impact.

11.40 a.m.: Top European Union officials are hunkering down in Brussels trying to work out what to do next after the shock decision by British voters to leave the bloc.

European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker is hosting talks on Friday with the leaders of the European Council and Parliament, along with Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte, whose country holds the E.U.’s rotating presidency.

The four will try to agree on a European position on the vote, which could see a member country leave the bloc for the first time ever, ahead of a summit of E.U. leaders in Brussels starting on Tuesday.

Parliamentary leaders were meeting separately, and European commissioners the E.U.’s executive body could hold separate talks later.

11.30 a.m.: French far-right leader Marine Le Pen says there should be a similar referendum about E.U. membership in France after Britons voted to leave the 28-nation bloc.

“A victory for Freedom,” Ms. Le Pen tweeted. “We now need the same referendum in France and in EU nations.”

11.20 a.m.: India well prepared to deal with short and medium-term consequences of Brexit, says Finance Minister Arun Jaitley.

“Aim will be to smoothen volatility and minimise Brexit impact on the economy in the short-term, the FM says.

11.05 a.m.: Now that voters have chosen exit, will more referendums follow suit? Social media averse on this:

10.56 a.m.: Tally by the BBC shows Britain has voted to leave the 28-nation European Union.

10.40 p.m.: Germany's Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier says he regrets Britain's decision to leave the E.U., calls it a "sad day for Europe".

"The early morning news from #GreatBritain are truly sobering. It looks like a sad day for #Europe +the #UnitedKingdom," Mr. Steinmeier tweeted.

10:36 a.m.: Voters in Wales and the English shires have backed Britan’s exit in large numbers.

10:35 a.m.: London and Scotland voted strongly to stay in the EU but the remain vote has been undermined by poor results in the north of England.

10.30 a.m.: Dutch anti-immigration leader Geert Wilders has called for a referendum on the Netherlands' membership in the European Union after Britain voted to leave the 28-member bloc.

“We want be in charge of our own country, our own money, our own borders, and our own immigration policy,” he said in a statement.

Source: http://www.thehindu.com

International Yoga Day 2016: PM Modi, ministers participate with thousands across India

Underscoring yoga’s message of promoting harmony, U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon on Tuesday asked citizens across nations to commit to unity regardless of ethnicity, faith, gender and sexual orientation.

“On this International Day of Yoga, I urge everyone to embrace healthier choices and lifestyles and to commit to unity with our fellow human beings, regardless of ethnicity, faith, age, gender identity or sexual orientation. Let us celebrate this Day — and every day — as members of one human family sharing one common, precious home,” Mr. Ban said in his message for 2nd International Day of Yoga which is being commemorated across the world on Tuesday.

Mr. Ban called for equality among humans irrespective of their nationalities and sexual orientation assumes significance in the wake of the tragic shooting last week in Orlando in which 49 people were killed and over 50 injured when 29-year old Omar Mateen opened fire in a popular gay nightclub.

The U.N. Chief’s message for yoga day was read out by veteran Indian diplomat and currently his Special Advisor on Myanmar Vijay Nambiar during a special panel discussion organised here by India’s Permanent Mission to the U.N. on the eve of yoga day.

Mr. Ban said that the ancient physical, mental and spiritual practice of Yoga originated in India and is now practised in various forms around the world.

“Yoga balances body and soul, physical health and mental well-being. It promotes harmony among people, and between ourselves and the natural world,” he said, adding that the United Nations General Assembly had proclaimed June 21 as the International Day of Yoga in recognition of its “universal appeal”.

He noted the second observance of the International Day of Yoga highlights the important role healthy living plays in the realisation of the Sustainable Development Goals, adopted last year by all 193 United Nations member states.

Mr. Ban highlighted that as an exercise, yoga has multiple benefits and can help cultivate healthier lifestyles in current times when physical inactivity is linked with a number of non-communicable diseases, such as cancer, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.

“Practising yoga can also help raise awareness of our role as consumers of the planet’s resources and as individuals with a duty to respect and live in peace with our neighbours. All these elements are essential to building a sustainable future of dignity and opportunity for all,” he said.

Meanwhile, renowned spiritual leader and Isha Foundation founder Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev said that yoga is India’s gift to the world.

“We must understand that yoga is not an Indian (thing).

If you want to call yoga Indian, then you must call gravity European,” the Sadhguru said at a panel discussion organised here on Monday by India’s Permanent Mission to the U.N..

The Sadhguru said even though the idea of commemorating an international yoga day was mooted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, it was “almost like the world was waiting for it” when 177 nations supported the U.N. resolution proclaiming June 21 as International Day of Yoga.

“Yes, yoga originated from India and as Indians we are proud of it but it does not belong to India,” he said, during the panel discussion ‘Conversation with Yoga Masters’ that also featured Tao Porchon-Lynch, 97-year-old Yoga Master and activist.

“The very fact that the U.N. has declared it as international yoga day means India has gifted it (Yoga) to the world. It does not belong to India anymore,” the Sadhguru said to an audience that included senior U.N. officials, ambassadors and other dignitaries from various countries.

Underlining that yoga is becoming a world-wide phenomenon, he said the science of yoga is not just about health and fitness but it is the “ultimate solution for every aspect of human existence.”

He predicted that over the next 30-50 years, there will be a big movement towards scientific process for inner well- being.

In a conversation with well-known author and activist Max Kennedy, son of American politician Robert F Kennedy, the Sadhguru said his focus over the years has been to remove all the “frills of culture” that yoga has acquired through the millennia.

Diplomats from Nepal, Bangladesh, Liechtenstein and World Health Organisation also spoke about the importance of yoga and shared personal experiences of how the ancient practice has enriched their lives.

President of General Assembly Morgens Lykketoft is the Chief Guest at the event, which will also be attended by Under Secretary General for Communications and Public Information Cristina Gallach.

The celebration will be led by the Sadhguru and include simple Yoga practice and a musical incantation on Yoga. Special Yogic meals will be served.

India, US To Ink Cyber Framework Accord

Ushering in a new era of collaboration in the cybersphere, India and the US will sign a framework for the bilateral cyber relationship between the two countries within the next two months.

The announcement in this regard was made in a joint statement after the White House meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Barack Obama.

During the meeting the two leaders emphasized that cyberspace enables economic growth and development, and reaffirmed their commitment to an open, interoperable, secure, and reliable Internet, underpinned by the multi stakeholder model of Internet governance.

"They committed to deepen cooperation on cybersecurity and welcomed the understanding reached to finalize the Framework for the US-India Cyber Relationship in the near term," the joint statement said.

A fact sheet issued by the White House said the framework would be signed within 60 days.

During the meeting PM Modi and President Obama committed to enhance cyber collaboration on critical infrastructure, cybercrime, and malicious cyber activity by state and non-state actors, capacity building, and cybersecurity research and development, and to continue discussions on all aspects of trade in technology and related services, including market access.

They have committed to continue dialogue and engagement in Internet governance fora, including in ICANN, IGF and other venues, and to support active participation by all stakeholders of the two countries in these fora.

President Obama and PM Modi committed to promote stability in cyberspace based on the applicability of international law including the United Nations Charter, the promotion of voluntary norms of responsible state behaviour during peacetime, and the development and implementation of practical confidence building measures between states.

According to the White House fact sheet, cooperation on cyber issues is a key component of the bilateral relationship between India and the United States.

The two countries have a strategic cyber relationship that reflects their shared values, common vision, and shared principles for cyberspace.

Both sides recognize the value of enhancing and further institutionalizing their broad-based cooperation on cyber issues, and in that respect, intend to complete a framework based on the following shared principles and intended forms of cooperation, it said.

The fact sheet said the two countries committed to voluntary norms under which a state should not conduct or knowingly support online activity that intentionally damages critical infrastructure or otherwise impairs the use of critical infrastructure to provide services to the public.

"A state should not conduct or knowingly support activity intended to prevent national Computer Security Incident Response Teams (CSIRTs) from responding to cyber incidents.

States should also not use CSIRTs to enable online activity that is intended to do harm," the fact sheet said.

Source: http://www.ndtv.com

'Proud To Be Modi Chamcha,' Says Censor Chief Pahlaj Nihalani

No apology, no resignation, said Censor Board chief Pahlaj Nihalani today, as he fielded multiple attacks for having alleged that the Aam Aadmi Party funded Anurag Kashyap's film Udta Punjab.

Mr Nihalani said he cannot substantiate his allegation but, "I won't apolgise, I said what I heard."

Top filmmakers today said they stand with Mr Kashyap, who says that the Censor Board has ordered the removal of all references to Punjab and elections, imposing 89 cuts in his film, which deals with drug abuse in Punjab. They described Mr Nihalani's allegation as an "insult to the entire industry" and have demanded not just an apology from him, but also his resignation, alleging a "conspiracy" to stall the film.

AAP too has strongly supported the team of Udta Punjab, and party chief Arvind Kejriwal tweeted, "Pahlaj Nihlani's statement makes it amply clear that he has stopped the film on the BJP's instructions." Theparty has linked the board's action with elections due in Punjab by early next year. In their campaign, AAP and the Congress have attacked the Akali Dal-BJP government in Punjab over the drug menace.

Mr Nihalani has denied any political influence in the censor board's decision on Udta saying, "The Centre never interferes with the censor board, there was no political influence."

But he did say, "Yes, I am a chamcha of Narendra Modi as Anurag Kashyap said. I am proud to be, a Modi Chamcha (acolyte). Should I be a chamcha of the Italian Prime Minister instead?"

The Censor Board chief has also denied that he has asked the makers of the film to edit out "Punjab" from the film's name, though he would not say what cuts he has ordered. He stands by them though saying, "only if one sees the entire film can one understand why 'Punjab' was deleted."

Congress runs in my blood but this isn't the party I knew: Satyavrat Chaturvedi

Satyavrat Chaturvedi is a Member of Parliament (MP) and a seasoned Congress leader who has risen from the ranks. He was first elected for the Madhya Pradesh Legislative Assembly way back in 1980 and since then, on several occasions, he has been elected as MLA, MP to both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha, and has held several important positions in the party.

He is one of the most articulate voices in Congress and is known for his original thoughts. He comes from a family of freedom fighters and thinks that Congress is in his blood. In a candid chat with Sanjay Singh of Firstpost, he eloquently spoke of what ails the present day Congress, what is the way forward, and the way he perceives the leadership of Sonia and Rahul Gandhi.

FP: The pictures out in your office is of the Congress’ who’s who. There is much talk of an old guard versus new guard conflict in Congress. If an organisational change is done accordingly, giving primacy of position to young guards, most leaders seen in those pictures will become history. Do you agree?
Chaturvedi: It never happens that way. In any party, there is always a mix of youthful energy and elderly experience. That combination is always needed. The old guard vs new guard debate is nothing new, this is not happening for the first time. This debate happened even during the times of Jawaharlal Nehru, Indiraji, Rajivji, and it so happened that both the groups had been adequately represented in the leadership. This trend will continue in the future as well.

Source: http://www.firstpost.com

Mathura violence: DM, SSP transferred; SC to hear plea demanding CBI probe tomorrow

Lucknow: The Uttar Pradesh government on Monday transferred the District Magistrate and the Senior Superintendent of Police of Mathura four days after a deadly clash left 29 people dead and several others injured.

UP Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav's office confirmed the development through a tweet on its official Twitter handle.

District Magistrate and SSP of Mathura have been transferred. New incumbents will join soon, it said.

The development came days after violence had erupted in Mathura on June 2 during an operation to evict members of a religious group 'Azad Bharat Vidhik Vaicharik Kranti Satyagrahi' from government land.

The deadly clash between police and a cult group claimed at least 29 lives and left hundreds other injured.

Meanwhile, the Congress party today called on the Akhilesh Yadav led-Uttar Pradesh Government to form a special team under the supervision of the High Court and run a fair trial in the recent Mathura violence, saying the CBI does not need to intervene right now as it will only delay the investigation.

Congress Leader Pramod Tiwari told ANI that the Samajwadi Party led state government should ask for a CBI probe only if they are not satisfied with the investigation of the special team.

"I believe the Mathura incident is a heart wrenching and painful episode where two of our vigorous soldiers have been killed. There should be a fair investigation .the culprits must be punished," he said.

"A special team can be formed in Uttar Pradesh itself. And I believe it will be much better if this is coordinated under the supervision of the High Court," he added.

Taking potshots at Chief Minister Akhikesh Yadav and his family, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh had said on Sunday that the Centre was ready for a CBI probe into the matter provided the Uttar Pradesh Government demands the same in writing.

The Home Minister said it seems there is something hidden in the entire episode.

BJP president Amit Shah on Saturday asked Samajwadi Party chief Mulayam Singh Yadav to demand the resignation of his younger brother and state PWD Minister Shivpal Yadav, squarely holding him responsible for the Mathura violence.

It also came to light that Uttar Pradesh government had disregarded 40 intelligence reports indicating presence of a large number of licensed and unlicensed firearms inside Jawahar Bagh – the site of the deadly clash.

Source: http://zeenews.india.com

No objection in making driver approver in Sheena murder case: CBI to court

The CBI told a special court in Mumbai that it does not have any objection in making key accused Indrani Mukerjea’s former driver Shyamvar Rai an approver in the sensational Sheena Bora murder case.

“We have filed our reply and have said that we don’t have any objection in making Rai an approver provided that he reveals all the truth in connection with the case,” said a CBI official.

Special CBI prosecutor Kavita Patil, on May 17, had sought more time to file its reply on the desire expressed by Rai to turn approver in the case. Special Judge HS Majahan had then adjourned the case until June 6.

Earlier, on May 11, Rai sought to turn approver, saying he wants to “disclose all truths” as he had taken part in Sheena’s killing by strangulation and was present at the time of the murder in 2012.

Recording his statement before a special CBI court then, Rai said he was under “no pressure, threat or coercion” to reveal the facts in the case and was “repentant” about his act.

The development came after Rai wrote a two-page letter to the court last month seeking pardon in the case while stating that he wants to tell all.

Rai was the first accused to be arrested in the case in August 2015.

The killing came to light after Rai was picked up in connection with an arms case and later spilled the beans.

Rai last year had recorded his confessional statement before the magistrate under the provisions of section 164, which unlike the police statement, is admissible in the trial.

Indrani, her former husband Sanjeev Khanna and Rai allegedly strangled Sheena (24), Indrani’s daughter from an earlier relationship, inside a car in April 2012. Her body was found in a forest in Raigad. The crime, which came to light in August last year, is allegedly linked to certain financial dealings.

The trio were arrested in August last year while Indrani’s husband and former media baron Peter Mukerjea was arrested in November. According to CBI, Peter was part of the murder conspiracy.

While Peter (59) and Khanna are lodged in Arthur Road prison, Indrani (43) is in Byculla womens’ jail.

Source: http://www.hindustantimes.com

Dadri lynchying: Mohammad Akhlaq's village put on high alert

The administration and police in Greater Noida in Uttar Pradesh has been put in a state of high alert as a 'panchayat' has been called on Monday afternoon in Bisahada village, an official said.

This is the village where a Muslim named Mohammad Akhlaq was lynched on 28 September last year on the charge that he and his family consumed cow's meat.

A government forensic lab in Mathura said in its report released last week that the meat in question was of "cow or its progeny".
Family of Mohammad Akhlaq. Getty images

Family of Mohammad Akhlaq. Getty images

The report has revived the controversy over the legal and moral issues surrounding the lynching.

An official, however, informed IANS that the accused would be produced before a fast-track court on Monday where charges would be fixed on them. A juvenile has already been granted bail by the high court.

The jawans of the Uttar Pradesh Provincial Armed Constabulary have been patrolling the village since Sunday evening.

Security has been increased following announcement by some Hindu frontal organisations — Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), Rashtrawadi Pratap Sena, Goraksha Dal and Hindu Yuva Vahini — that they will participate in the panchayat, said officials.

Residents of Bishada village, including the kin of the accused in the September 2015 Akhlaq lynching case, on Sunday, met the Gautam Budh Nagar SSP to press their demand for registration of an FIR against Akhlaq's family after a forensic report stated that the meat found in his house was that of "cow or its progeny".

Source: http://www.firstpost.com

Live: Sensex closes 66 points lower, Nifty holds 8,200 ahead of RBI policy

Indian shares decline as investors have paused a day before the central bank’s decision on policy rates and with a number of global risk events scheduled for later this month, including a US Federal Reserve meeting and the “Brexit” referendum.

The S&P BSE Sensex closes 0.24%, or 65.58 points, lower at 26,777.45, while the Nifty closes 0.24%, or 19.75 points, lower at 8,201.05 points.

3:05pm: Indian shares are trading lower as investors have paused a day before the central bank’s decision on policy rates and with a number of global risk events scheduled for later this month, including a US Federal Reserve meeting and the “Brexit” referendum.

The S&P BSE Sensex is trading 0.33%, or 89.80 points, lower at 26,753.23, while the Nifty 50 is down 0.34%, or 28.10 points, at 8,192.70.

2:00pm: BSE Sensex is now trading lower by 24.60 points, or 0.09%, to 26,818.43, while the Nifty falls 7.80 points, or 0.09%, to 8,213.00.

1:50pm: Thyrocare Technologies Ltd falls 3% to Rs.611. The Maharashtra Association of Resident Doctors (MARD) has alleged that Thyrocare, which is one of the leading diagsnostic centres in Mumbai, is involved in encouraging cut practice among doctors. The association has written a letter to the Maharashtra Medical Council (MMC) asking it to look into the matter and take action.

1:30pm: UB Group stocks jump on the back of higher volumes. United Breweries Holdings Ltd jumps 12% to Rs.22.50, McDowell Holdings Ltd rises 17% to Rs.27.40

1:10pm: Sugar stocks are trading higher. Shree Renuka Sugars Ltd rises 2.3%, EID Parry India Ltd rises 2.4%, Bajaj Hindusthan Sugar Ltd rises 3.6%, Balrampur Chini Mills Ltd rises 3.1%, Dhampur Sugar Mills Ltd 2.6%, Triveni Engineering and Industries Ltd 3.1%, Sakthi Sugars Ltd rises 5.8% and Mawana Sugars Ltd 10%.

Source: http://www.livemint.com

Sushil Kumar vs Narsingh Yadav: No winners, only survivors in HC battle

The court battle is finally over. Unless Sushil Kumar decides to appeal in the Supreme Court, Narsingh Yadav will be India's sole 74-kg wrestling representative at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games.

The biggest mistake Sushil and his camp made, however, was initiating the legal process in the first place. A dharna at Jantar Mantar, yards away from the offices of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), would have been a better choice. I am sure that, with hindsight, Sushil and his supporters would also be thinking on these lines.
Narsingh Yadav (right) will go to Rio at the expense of Sushil Kumar (left)

Narsingh Yadav (right) will go to Rio at the expense of Sushil Kumar (left)

Besides being a top-class athlete, Sushil, as his name literally suggests, is a gentleman. He must have thought this through 10 times before going to the Delhi High Court. But then, his father-in-law Satpal, a former wrestler himself, may have pressured him to do so. Raj Singh was another one. A disgruntled vice-president of WFI, Raj Singh had filed an affidavit in court demanding a trial.

Had he sat on a dharna at Jantar Mantar, or for that matter, any other place, Sushil would have garnered a lot of support from political leaders as well. Once the matter went to court, no one came out openly in his support. It is no secret that Sushil has a massive following in political circles, even among the ruling party's leaders. But no one uttered a word in his support once the HC started hearing the case.

Narsingh has already lost a lot of precious time — both mentally and physically. Now that the legal battle is over, he can concentrate on training. He will now be under tremendous pressure to perform. After all the drama, he will be the one Indian participant from whom the entire country would expect an Olympic medal. And he knows it well. He will be seen as the one who kept out Sushil Kumar, a two-time Olympic medal winner. Having done so, if he fails to deliver, everyone will hit out  at him, especially his detractors from Sushil Kumar's camp. Sushil knows what it takes to be an Olympic medal winner. But others would not spare him so easily.

Source: http://www.firstpost.com/

Modi-Obama friendship 'unlikely', says New York Times as PM flies to US

As US President Barack Obama gets ready to host Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the White House for the second time in as many years, a New York Times report describes the bond between the two as an "unlikely friendship".

"There are few relationships between Obama and another world leader more unlikely than the one he has with Modi," The New York Times said ahead of what will be the seventh meeting between Modi and the US president.

COMMON CAUSE

The report said the two largest democracies in the world have "compelling reasons" to find common cause. For example, the US is encouraging India's rise as a regional giant for Obama's so-called "pivot to Asia" policy and counter China's global economic and military superpower ambitions.

For India, the US bond, according to the Times, is needed to "accelerate its economy with an injection of investment from American companies". But the relationship between Modi and Obama is still "unlikely".

The Times said Obama has made the protection of minorities a central pillar of his life because he believes that "criticism and dissent are core tenets of democracy".

"But Modi, by contrast, spent much of his life rising through the ranks of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, a right-wing paramilitary organisation that campaigns forcefully for India's Hindu majority," it said, recalling the Gujarat religious riots that saw some 1,000 people, most of them Muslims, killed in 2002 when Modi was the chief minister of the western Indian state.

Source: http://indiatoday.intoday.in

What is stopping Aishwarya Rai Bachchan from wearing 'a white shirt and jeans' at Cannes?

It has been 15 years at Cannes for Aishwarya Rai Bachchan. And almost every outing, and outfit, has made news — good, bad and ugly.

This year, it was her purple pout that created a stir.

Starting with a gold cape dress, she followed it with a red number designed by Naeem Khan. During the premiere of Sarabjit, Aishwarya took her Rami Kadi ensemble to an edgier level by sporting a lavender lip. 16 May was indeed a busy day for Twitter, what with assembly polls and Aishwarya's choice of lipstick.

The former beauty queen describes fashion as "art". Which it is. In its purest self, it's an expression of individualism and creativity. But fashion on the red carpet isn't art; it's business. The Guardian writes that Cannes' screenings are by invitation and the official dress code is explained to guests: men should show up in black tie-black shoes, and women in elegant dresses with smart footwear.

Perhaps, that's what stopping Aishwarya. And other celebrities. That the fact that they might represent a brand (Aishwarya is the brand ambassador for L'oreal Paris). Or they might represent various jewellery businesses and fashion designers, who will have the satisfaction of seeing their creations on the red carpet. Aishwarya, this Cannes season, sported looks by four different designers.

How much is the red carpet business worth? A report by The Cut estimates that a red carpet day rate for a celebrity stylist is anywhere between $1,500 and $10,000. It details in neat mathematics, a breakdown of Charlize Theron's 2012 Golden Globes outfit. Another report, by New York Magazine, details the appearance fee for different celebrities. While Business Insider confirmed that jewellery designers, shoe designers and even tampon companies pay the celebrities who endorse their products. It is all about the money.

Source: www.firstpost.com

Saudi Arabia denounces Iran over decision to not send Hajj pilgrims this year

Saudi Arabia has denounced Iran over its decision not to send its pilgrims to the annual Hajj and has also criticised Tehran's demand regarding right to organise demonstrations during the Hajj and to have privileges.

Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir said this in a joint press briefing with his British counterpart Philip Hammond in Jeddah yesterday.

He termed the Tehran's demand as unacceptable as it would cause chaos during the annual event.

Jubeir said, Saudi Arabia annually signs a hajj memorandum of understanding with more than 70 countries to guarantee the security and safety of pilgrims.

However, Iran this year refused to sign the memorandum.

Earlier, Iran's Haj and Pilgrimage Organisation announced that the country's pilgrims would not attend pilgrimage.

Iran has blamed regional rival Saudi Arabia for sabotage and failing to guarantee the safety of its pilgrims. Relations between the two countries plummeted after hundreds of Iranians died in a crush during last year's Hajj.

Earlier, Iran had boycotted the Hajj for three years after 402 pilgrims, mostly Iranians, died in clashes with Saudi security forces in an anti-US and anti-Israel rally in Mecca in 1987.

Source: http://zeenews.india.com