Impeachment motion against CJI Dipak Misra moved by Opposition: Top updates

Opposition parties, led by Congress, are meeting Vice-President M Venkaiah Naidu today to submit the motion for impeachment of CJI Dipak Misra. Read for latest updates related to the impeachment

The impeachment motion against Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra will be given a final shape on Friday at a meeting involving Opposition parties led by the Congress. After the meeting, the Opposition parties are likely to submit the motion to Vice-President M Venkaiah Naidu. Senior Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad has called the meeting, coming days after the party said the option of moving an impeachment motion against CJI Misra was still open. The Opposition parties meeting in Parliament to discuss the matter include the Congress, the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), the Left parties, the Samajwadi Party (SP), and the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), according to sources quoted by news agencies in their reports.

If the parties decide to move the impeachment motion, it would come just a day after a Bench headed by CJI Misra threw out all petitions demanding an independent probe into the death of special CBI judge Brijgopal Harkishan Loya, who was conducting a trial in the Sohrabuddin Sheikh fake encounter case – Amit Shah, now the president of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), was an accused in the case.

Ahead of taking such a step against the CJI, Congress leaders said that the issues raised by four Supreme Court judges had not been addressed yet by Misra. They have said the party was concerned about the independence of the judiciary and that people must protect the institution from "gross interferences by the government".

Here are the top 10 developments around the Congress and Opposition's move to bring in an impeachment motion against Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra:

1) Opposition parties to meet to firm up impeachment motion against CJI Misra: Opposition parties, led by the Congress, will on Friday meet to give a final shape to the proposed impeachment motion against Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra and are likely to submit it to Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu. Opposition leaders are set to meet Vice-President Naidu at 12 pm today, news agency ANI reported.

Speaking to news agencies, an Opposition leader said, "We will meet today to give final shape to the impeachment motion to be moved against the Chief Justice of India."

2) Congress, SP, BSP, others working on impeachment motion: The Opposition parties expected to attend the meeting to discuss the impeachment motion include the Congress, the Samajwadi Party, the Bahujan Samaj Party, the Rashtriya Janta Dal, the Communist Party of India, and the Nationalist Congress Party.

3) TMC, DMK no longer part of the possible impeachment motion: The Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), which were initially in favour of an impeachment motion against the CJI, are no longer part of the initiative, sources told news agencies.

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Naroda Patiya riot case: Gujarat HC acquits ex-BJP minister Maya Kodnani

The conviction of Bajrang Dal leader, Babu Bajrangi who had also moved the court challenging the previous ruling, was upheld

Gujarat High Court on Friday acquitted former Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) minister Maya Kodnani in the 2002 Naroda Patiya riot case in which 97 Muslims were killed following the Godhra riots.
Maya Kodnani was sentenced to 28 years of imprisonment.

However, the conviction of Bajrang Dal leader, Babu Bajrangi who had also moved the court challenging the previous ruling, was upheld. He was sentenced to life imprisonment till death.

A division bench of the court comprising justice Harsha Devani and justice A. S. Supehiya concluded the hearing and reserved the order in the case last August.

In 2012, a special court for Special Investigation Team (SIT) cases had sentenced 32 people to life imprisonment.

Apart from this, seven accused were given enhanced life imprisonment of 21 years and the remaining were given simple life imprisonment for 14 years.

All the convicts had appealed against their conviction in the High Court.

Around 58 people lost their lives when the S-6 coach of Sabarmati Express was allegedly torched at the Godhra Railway Station on February 27, 2002.

Following the incident, on February 28, the Vishwa Hindu Parishad and Bajrang Dal declared Gujarat Bandh. A total of 97 people were killed by rioters in Ahmedabad's Naroda Patiya area on this day.

Sikh woman on Pak pilgrimage converts to Islam, marries Lahore man: Reports

She has applied for an extension of visa, citing "threats of assassination" to her life in India, before Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Islamabad

A Sikh woman pilgrim from Punjab's Hoshiarpur district has reportedly converted to Islam and married a Lahore-based Pakistan national, reports reaching her family in Punjab have indicated.
Kiran Bala, daughter of Manohar Lal, wrote to the Pakistan Foreign Office that her visa should be extended as she married one Mohammad Azam, a resident of Lahore, during a ceremony held at Jamia Naeemia seminary in Lahore on April 16, The Express Tribune reported.

She went to Pakistan on her Indian passport with Pakistan visa valid till April 21.
Her old father-in-law, Tarsem Singh, alleged on Thursday that his daughter-in-law could have fallen into the hands of Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), and may have been forced to convert and remarry there.

Kiran's father-in-law, Tarsem Singh spoke to ANI and said, "My daughter-in-law called and said that she has converted to Islam and got re-married in Pakistan. I want to request the Prime Minister, CM of Punjab to take her out of this situation. I suspect she might have fallen into the hands of ISI."
As per Pakistani media reports, Kiran embraced Islam from Darul-Aloom Jamia Naeemia in Lahore on April 16 and later performed 'nikah' (marriage) with Muhammed Azam, a resident of Hanjarwal Multan Road in Lahore.

According to ANI, she also changed her name to Amna Bibi which she used to sign the letter addressed to the foreign ministry, the report said.

"Now in the given circumstances, the undersigned could not return back to India and the undersigned have received life threats of assassination, therefore, the undersigned intends to extend her visa," she wrote in the letter, published by the local media.

However, what is curious is that in her application for extension of the Pakistan visa, her name is typed as Amna Bibi while the signature has been done as Amina, IANS reported.

She has applied for an extension of visa, citing "threats of assassination" to her life in India, before Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Islamabad, a report in Daily Times said.

The News also posted pictures of the woman and her visa extension application on its website.
Around 1,700 Indian pilgrims had gone to Pakistan to visit Sikh shrines, including Panja Sahib Gurdwara near Lahore and Nankana Sahib -- the birth place of Sikhism founder Guru Nanak Dev, on the occasion of Baisakhi on April 13. | Readmore...

Mecca Masjid blast case judge's resignation rejected: Top 10 developments

Following the Mecca Masjid blast case verdict, Asaduddin Owaisi lashed out at the NIA over the acquittal of the five accused and assured to provide legal help to the family of the victims

The Andhra Pradesh and Telangana High Court on Thursday rejected the resignation tendered by special National Investigation Agency (NIA) judge Ravinder Reddy, who delivered the Mecca Masjid blast case verdict. Judge Reddy has been asked to attend to his duties immediately. The NIA court of Reddy had on Monday acquitted all the five Hindu activists accused in the decade-old bomb blast that killed nine worshippers at Hyderabad's historic Mecca Masjid. The accused included Nabakumar Sarkar alias Swamy Aseemanand. Within hours, Reddy, who ordered the acquittals, resigned, citing "personal reasons".

Meanwhile, All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) chief Asaduddin Owaisi lashed out at the NIA over the acquittal of the five accused in the Mecca blast case. Addressing a rally in Hyderabad, Owaisi said that the investigation agency had turned deaf and blind. Further, he assured to provide legal help to the family of the victims.

Accusing the Congress party of indulging in vote bank politics, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) President Amit Shah on Wednesday asked Rahul Gandhi to apologise to Hindus for labelling them as terrorists. "In pursuit of vote bank politics, the Congress popularised 'Hindu Terror' and tried to implicate some Hindu activists in the Meccas Masjid blast case in Hyderabad over a decade ago, though a NIA court acquitted them," said Shah at an event in Bengaluru.

While the politicians duked it out over the verdict, following the exoneration of the accused in the Mecca Masjid blast case, the family of one of the deceased demanded justice. Rehana Begum, the younger sister of deceased Saleem, said that her brother had died in the police firing that ensued after the blast took place and held those who planned and executed the blast responsible for his demise.
The blast, which took place on May 18, 2007, during Friday prayers at the Mecca Masjid of Hyderabad, killing nine people and leaving 58 injured, was allegedly carried out by a group of right-wing terrorists.

Here are the top 10 developments around the Mecca Masjid blast case verdict, the subsequent resignation of the judge who pronounced the verdict, and the rejection of the resignation:

1) Resignation of judge who delivered Mecca Masjid blast verdict rejected: The High Court of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana today rejected the resignation filed by special NIA judge Ravinder Reddy, who delivered the Mecca Masjid Blast verdict. According to sources, Reddy has been asked to attend to his duties immediately.
On Monday, a special NIA court at Nampally had acquitted all the five accused in the case due to lack of evidence. Hours after the verdict was pronounced, Reddy had tendered his resignation.

2) Owaisi calls NIA blind and deaf after the Mecca Masjid blast verdict: After the acquittal of the five accused in Mecca blast case, AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi lashed out at the NIA, saying that the investigative agency has turned deaf and blind. He assured the families of the victims that he would provide them help in appealing against the verdict. "If the family of any victim wants to appeal against the verdict, then I am ready to provide them legal help. People call NIA a caged parrot, but I will say that it is blind and deaf also," Owaisi said.

Click here to read → Mecca Masjid Blast case

SC rules out fresh probe in Sohrabuddin case judge Loya's death: 10 points

The Bench comprising Chief Justice Dipak Misra and judges A M Khanwilkar and D Y Chandrachud, which dismissed the pleas, said that attempts were made to scandalise the judiciary

The Supreme Court on Thursday dismissed a batch of pleas seeking an independent probe into the mysterious death of special Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) judge B H Loya, who was hearing the high-profile Sohrabuddin Sheikh fake encounter case involving Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Amit Shah. Loya had on December 1, 2014 died of cardiac arrest in Nagpur, where he had gone to attend the wedding of a colleague's daughter.

Further, the apex court said that the submissions of the petitioners prima facie amounted to criminal contempt of court but that it was not initiating contempt proceedings.
Attempts were made to scandalise the judiciary by levelling serious allegations against judges and judicial officers of the Bombay High Court, said a Bench comprising Chief Justice Dipak Misra and judges A M Khanwilkar and D Y Chandrachud. Further, dismissing the pleas for an independent probe, the Bench said there was no reason to doubt the statements of four judges on the circumstances leading to the death of judge Loya. The apex court said that the documents placed on record and their scrutiny established that the CBI judge's death was due to a natural cause.

The apex court had earlier asked the Maharashtra government to submit the post-mortem report of the CBI judge, who had died under suspicious circumstances in 2014, citing that the "matter was very serious". Maharashtra-based journalist B S Lone and activist Tehseen Poonavala had filed independent pleas seeking a fair probe into the death of Justice Loya.

The issue of Justice Loya's death had come under the spotlight in November last year after media reports quoting his sister fuelled suspicion about the circumstances surrounding his demise and its possible links with the Sohrabuddin Sheikh fake encounter case. However, Justice Loya's son had on January 14 said in Mumbai that his father had died of natural causes.

In the Sohrabuddin Sheikh fake encounter case, BJP President Amit Shah, Rajasthan Home Minister Gulabchand Kataria, Rajasthan-based businessman Vimal Patni, former Gujarat police chief P C Pande, Additional Director General of Police Geeta Johri and Gujarat police officers Abhay Chudasama and N K Amin, have already been discharged.

Here are the top 10 developments around the Supreme Court's verdict on pleas seeking an independent probe into CBI judge B H Loya's death:

1) SC dismisses pleas seeking fresh probe in judge Loya's death: The Supreme Court on Thursday ruled that there would be no independent probe into the death of special CBI judge B H Loya, who was hearing the high-profile Sohrabuddin Sheikh fake encounter case, and dismissed a batch of pleas seeking the same.
2) 'Attempt made to scandalise judiciary': The Bench comprising Chief Justice Dipak Misra and judges A M Khanwilkar and D Y Chandrachud, which dismissed the pleas, said that attempts were made to scandalise the judiciary by levelling serious allegations against judicial officers and judges of the Bombay High Court.
3) Documents show judge Loya died of natural causes, says SC: The Bench further said that there was no reason to doubt the statements of the four judges on the circumstances leading up to the death of judge Loya, adding that the documents placed on record and their scrutiny established that the special CBI judge's death was due to natural causes.
4) Frivolous litigation filed to settle political scores, says SC: The Supreme Court said that with these petitions it became clear that a real attempt and a frontal attack was being made on the independence of the judiciary. The apex court also said that a frivolous and motivated litigation had been filed to settle a political score. It also said that political battles should be fought in the "halls of democracy" and not inside court, reported Bar & Bench.
5) SC says petitioners in contempt of court but no action to be taken: The judgment made strong observations against the conduct and submissions of senior counsel Dushyant Dave, V Giri, and advocate Prashant Bhushan, reported Bar & Bench, adding that the Supreme Court stated the submissions of the petitioners prima facie amounted to criminal contempt of court. However, the court said that it was not initiating civil contempt against the petitioners for scandalising the judiciary.
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Filing income tax returns: Here's how to avoid being labelled a tax evader

The income-tax department on Wednesday warned salaried-class taxpayers against using illegal means while filing their returns, stating that violators would be prosecuted

Filing income-tax returns (ITRs)? Take note: Those who furnish incorrect information while filing ITRs will be reported to their employers and punished under the law, the Income Tax Department on Wednesday warned salaried-class taxpayers. The I-T department's Central Processing Centre (CPC), which receives and processes ITRs, in Bengaluru, has issued a "cautionary advisory" warning taxpayers that they should not "fall prey" to tax advisors or planners who help them prepare wrong claims to get tax benefits.

The I-T department's warning comes after its investigation wing in January unearthed a racket by employees of information technology companies based out of Bengaluru who werre allegedly helped by a tax advisor to get fraudulent tax refunds. Do you think this is a small matter? Think again. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) recently registered a criminal case to probe this nexus.
The latest ITR-1 form, largely used by the salaried class of taxpayers, has been activated on the official e-filing portal of the income-tax department.

Here are the top 10 things that you need to know before filing your income-tax returns:

1) Don't give wrong info in your ITRs: The Income Tax Department on Wednesday warned salaried-class taxpayers against using illegal means while filing their returns, stating that violators will be prosecuted and their employers will be intimated to take action against them.

2) No under-reporting of income or inflated claims: What 'illegal means' is the I-T department referring to? The warning refers to under-reporting of income or "inflating" of deductions.
Calling it a "cautionary advisory" on reports of tax evasion by under-reporting of income or inflating deductions or exemptions by salaried taxpayers, the I-T department said such attempts "aided and abetted by unscrupulous intermediaries have been noted with concern".

3) Wrong claims to be seen as tax evasion: What action will the I-T department take if it detects such wrong information in your ITR? The taxman has warned that wrong claims will be treated as cases of tax evasion. Such offences are punishable under various penal and prosecution provisions of the Income Tax Act, it said.

The one-page advisory added that if the department notices any fraudulent claims in the ITRs, such claims "may be punishable under provisions of the IT Act and this may also delay issuance of their refunds".

"Taxpayers, are, therefore strictly advised not to fall prey to false promises or mis-advice by unscrupulous intermediaries and submit wrong claims in their ITRs, which would be treated as cases of tax evasion," said the advisory.

4) This advisory applies to government employees as well: In case government or public sector undertaking employees make wrong claims and are caught, the I-T department will inform the vigilance division of their place of employment. Subsequently. the vigilance division will take action under conduct rules.

5) Extensive risk analysis system to catch wrongdoers: How will the taxman catch you if you file wrong information in your ITR? The advisory added that the I-T department possesses an "extensive risk analysis system". This is an automated system that has no human interface. It identifies persons who are non-compliant and aim to subvert the trust based-system "envisioned" while processing of ITRs at the CPC. "In all such cases of high risk, the department may examine and verify the details submitted by taxpayers in their ITR subsequent to the processing of returns," it said.

6) Tax advisors and planners can be punished, too: The I-T department also asked tax planners and advisors to "confine their advice to taxpayers within the four corners of the IT Act" and warned that the violators will be prosecuted and such instances will also be referred to enforcement agencies like the CBI and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) for criminal prosecution.

7) ITR-1 forms available now: The latest ITR-1 form that is largely used by the salaried-class of taxpayers is now available on the official e-filing portal of the Income Tax Department. The single ITR form, notified by the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) on April 5, has been put on its website, https://www.incometaxindiaefiling.gov.in, on Monday.

Click here to read → Filing Income tax returns

IPL 2018: KKR breach Rajasthan fortress at Jaipur, beat RR by 7 wickets

Rajasthan Royals lost their first match at Sawai Mansingh stadium after winning 9 matches here on the trot. Kolkata Knight Riders clinched their third win beating RR by 7 wickets

 Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) clinched their third win of IPL 2018, beating Rajasthan Royals by 7 wickets at Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur to reach the top of Vivo IPL points table. KKR captain Dinesh Karthik led from the front and scored a 23-ball 43. Robin Uthappa was good with the bat too as he scored 48 runs off 36 balls after Chris Lynn wicket in the first over. At no point, Rajasthan Royals' bowlers seemed to create any pressure on KKR batting line-up. With this, Rajasthan Royals' nine-match winning streak at Sawai Mansingh Stadium comes to an end.
After a bad start, Sunil Narine and Uthappa stabilised the Kolkata Knight Riders' innings. They both hit the ball well and rotated the strike regularly. Rajasthan Royals' bowlers failed to take wickets at regular intervals and create pressure on the KKR batsmen. Poor fielding added to the woes of Rajasthan Royals.

ALSO READ : IPL 2018 Points Table

While batting first, Rajasthan Royals made 160-8 in 20 overs. The innings turned out to be a roller coaster. While runs were coming at a decent pace, wickets kept falling as well. Ajinkya Rahane made 36 from 18. D Arcy Shorts finally found some form and made 44. Sunil Narine was very expensive, in fact, today's spell was his most expensive in IPL ever. He gave away 48 runs in 4 overs and went wicketless.

Earlier, Rajasthan Royals were invited to bat first by Kolkata Knight Riders. RR had a rather stable start. Runs came at decent pace wickets kept falling hence the run rate never crossed 8 at any point.

ALSO READ : IPL 2018 results & fixtures

Rahane played well but could not carry his innings for long. He was dismissed for 36. D Arcy Shorts was dismissed for a well made 44.

Kolkata Knight Riders innings update: Over by over

Kolkata Knight Riders Playing XI: Chris Lynn, Sunil Narine, Robin Uthappa, Nitish Rana, Dinesh Karthik(w/c), Andre Russell, Shubman Gill, Tom Curran, Piyush Chawla, Shivam Mavi, Kuldeep Yadav

Over 1: Sunil Narine to open with Chris Lynn. Krishnappa Gowtham to start for Rajasthan. One run. Bowled him. Chirs Lynn tries to go across the line, misses. clean bowled. Robin Uthappa joins Narine. Keeping it very tight. KKR 1-1.

Over 2: Dhawal Kulkarni is in. Miscommunication. Almost a run out. Four to Narine, over the keeper's head. Single. Another single to Uthappa. KKR 9-1.

Over 3: Gowtham continues, gets hit for four by Uthappa.In the air, falls short of Stokes. Narine tires to cut, straight to the fielder. Another dot. KKR 15-1

Over 4: Kulkarni to continue. Dot after dot. Here is a four. Another four to Narine, pierced through the in-field. Narine pulls, and gets a four. Three in a row. KKR 27-1

Over 6: Ben Laughing into the attack, missed the good line, hit for four. Single to Uthappa. Single to Narine. Quick single, good running between the wickets.Narine dispatches Laughlin for six. KKR: 53-1

Over 7: Shreyas Gopal is into the attack. Hit for six. KKR 62-1

Over 8: Ben Stokes comes in. Good ball. Single to Uthappa. Outside edge and four. Bad Luck. 68-1

Over 9: Narine is run out. Shreyas Gopal gets hit for six by Uthappa, he has found some form. Nitish Rana is the new man in.

Over 10: Stokes came to bowl, Rana took a single in the backward point region. Stokes to Uthappa, a miss field went for 4. Two consecutive single of the 3rd and 4th ball. The slower ball went gone wide. Stokes end the over with two single. KKR 87/2. | Readmore

Unnao rape case: BJP MLA Sengar's brother sent to police custody; updates

CBI remanded BJP MLA Sengar's brother Atul Sengar and four other accused to police custody for four days in Unnao rape case. Read the top ten updates in the Unnao rape case.

A Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) court on Tuesday remanded prime accused Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar's brother Atul Singh and four other associates to a four-day police custody in connection with the Unnao rape case.

The rape survivor’s family has alleged that BLP MLA Sengar’s brother Atul Singh Sengar, along with his companions, had also raped the girl and thrashed the victim’s father to death over his refusal to withdraw the FIR.

A CBI official said: “The court has sent five accused -- Atul Sengar, Bauaa, Vineet, Sonu and Shail -- to four days in police custody. The agency has brought all the detainees to the Lucknow branch for further interrogation.

On the strict directions of the Allahabad High Court, the CBI has lodged a fresh fourth FIR in which it has mentioned Shashi Singh’s son Shubham Singh and Awadesh Tiwari as accused in the case of alleged kidnapping and gangrape of the Unnao minor. The CBI has also slapped the sections related to Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POSCO) Act, 2012.

The CBI court also recorded the statement of the 18-year-old Unnao gang rape victim under tight security before the magistrate. The statement was recorded under section 164 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC).

Earlier, on April 15, Kuldeep Singh Sengar's woman aide Shashi Singh had also been taken into a four-day custody by police authorities. Shashi Singh had allegedly lured the victim to Sengar on the day of the crime.

Upset over the rising number of rape cases in the country, ace Indian boxer M C Mary Kom expressed her concern and discontent, saying the present situation had left her feeling “hurt and helpless”.

ALSO READ: Unnao rape case: CBI court records statement of victim under tight security

Here are the top 10 developments in the Unnao rape case involving BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar and aides:

1. CBI remands Kuldeep Singh Sengar’s brother to police custody: In a major development, five accused including the brother of BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar have been taken into the custody of Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in connection with Unnao rape case. The agency has brought all the detainees to the Lucknow branch for further interrogation.

According to the CBI officials, Bangarmau legislator's brother was detained by the Uttar Pradesh police on April 10 and his associates were arrested on April 9. Reportedly, all the five accused were already in the judicial custody of Uttar Pradesh police.

2. CBI registers fourth case: In another significant development, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has been ordered to lodge a fresh fourth case in Unnao rape case. Following the strict instructions of Allahabad High Court, the central investigating agency has booked Shashi Singh's son Shubham Singh and his aide Awadesh Tiwari under section 363 and 366 of the IPC. | Readmore...

Tamil Nadu college sex scandal: Governor won't resign; top 10 developments

Tamil Nadu Governor Banwarilal Purohit ruled out his resignation in the wake of a raging controversy over a sex scandal in a college in the state involving an assistant professor

Amid the raging Tamil Nadu Madurai Kamaraj University college sex scandal, Governor Banwarilal Purohit dismissed as "nonsense" and "baseless" an allegation that he was under the Union Home Ministry's scanner for sexual misconduct. Purohit categorically denied any association with the college professor arrested for suggesting her students extend sexual favours to university officials in exchange for academic and financial rewards. Further, Purohit ruled out his resignation over the matter. Meanwhile, as political parties demanded a CBI probe into the matter, the Tamil Nadu Police chief ordered the transfer of the case involving an alleged attempt at sexual trafficking of college students by a professor to the Crime Branch-Crime Investigation Department (CBCID).

The female professor who allegedly tried to coax her students into extending sexual favours to top officials of the university in Tamil Nadu has been arrested. On Monday, Governor Purohit and Madurai Kamaraj University Vice-Chancellor P P Chellathurai had ordered a high-level inquiry into the matter by the retired IAS officer R Santhanam. On Tuesday, Governor Purohit had appeared to keep the option of a CBI probe into the sex scandal open, saying he would decide on it once the report of the one-man committee headed by Santhanam was submitted.

Purohit's denial comes after a report in a daily in February this year claimed the Governor of a southern state was accused of sexual misconduct and that the Union home ministry was investigating the veracity of the allegation.

Purohit, who called an unusual press conference on Tuesday to promise a fair inquiry into the Tamil Nadu college sex scandal, was at the receiving end of reporters' questions about the arrested female teacher allegedly making repeated references to him and whether he would resign to stay away from the probe. He was also asked how the probe appointed by him would be fair.

An assistant professor in the Devanga Arts College in Aruppukottai in Virudhunagar district, Nirmala Devi has been arrested on the charge of suggesting to some girl students that they yield themselves to keep the "higher-ups" in the Madurai Kamaraj University happy. She is heard making the suggestion in an audio clip that went viral over social media.

Here are the top 10 developments around the Tamil Nadu Madurai Kamaraj University college sex scandal that has brought Governor Banwarilal Purohit into spotlight:

1) Governor Banwarilal Purohit dismisses allegations as 'nonsense': Amid the raging Madurai Kamaraj University sex scandal, Tamil Nadu Governor Banwarilal Purohit dismissed as "nonsense' and "baseless" allegations that he was the subject of a Union Home Ministry probe for sexual misconduct. "It is nonsense, baseless, totally baseless," he told reporters at the Raj Bhavan in Chennai. In a report in a daily in February this year, it was claimed that the Governor of a southern state was accused of sexual misconduct and that the veracity of the allegation was being looke into by the Home Ministry. Subsequently, the ministry had said that it was not aware of any such alleged sexual misconduct by any Governor.

2) Purohit assures guilty in Tamil Nadu sex scandal will be punished: Governor Purohit said strict action would be taken in the Tamil Nadu college sex scandal and asserted that the guilty would be punished. "The matter is very serious... it should not have happened and the guilty has to be punished (sic)," he said. The Raj Bhavan asserted that swift action was being taken in an unbiased manner to bring out the truth in the matter.

Click here to read → Tamilnadu Government Banwarilal Purohit

IPL 2018: Rohit's 94 helps Mumbai secure maiden win, Kohli's 92 in vain

This is the maiden win for Mumbai Indians in IPL 2018 after three losses. Royal Challengers Bangalore's captain Virat Kohli is the only man who looked to score runs for RCB.

Mumbai Indians managed to secure their first win of the Indian Premier League (IPL 2018) as they moved up to the 6th spot in Vivo IPL Points table. They defeated Royal Challengers Banglore (RCB) by 46 runs. Chasing a mammoth target of 214, Virat Kohli's heroics could not save the day for RCB as no other batsman came to his aide. Krunal Pandya scalped three wickets for Mumbai Indians. Earlier Rohit Sharma scored 94 runs to help MI post a total of 213. This is the maiden win for MI in IPL 2018 after three losses.

Earlier, after being reduced to 0-2 in the first over, Mumbai Indians had a remarkable recovery. Lewis and Rohit Sharma first built the innings and then lead the onslaught to take the team's score to 213-6 in 20 overs. Royal Challengers Banglore bowlers failed to capitalise on the launch pad provided by Umesh Yadav.

MI captain Rohit Sharma made 94 and missed a well deserved century. Evin Lewis made 65 runs.

Also Read  : IPL 2018 Points table

Royal Challengers Banglore innings update: Over by over

Over 1: Virat Kohli and Quinton De Kock will open for Royal Challengers Banglore. Jasprit Bhumra will start off for MI. Dot ball. Pushed to third man for a single, first runs on the board. Onto the pads of De Kock, missing leg. Wide ball. One run to De Kock, given as leg-by. Kohli defends. Straight drive for four. Kohli sending a message. RCB 7-0

Over 2: De Kock sweeps Krunal Pandya for four. Easy single. Kohli flicks off his pads, four runs. Dot. Punched by Kohli through covers for four. Dot ball. MI 20-0

Over 3: Mitchell McClenaghan into the attack. Easy single for De Kock. Gone through Kohli. Huge appeal. Turned down. Bouncer pulled for one. De Kock swings and misses. Driven but just for one. Classic Kohli with a classic cover drive for four. MI 27-0

Over 4: Mustafizur Rahman is into the attack. Kock hits him for four. Easy single for De Kock. Kohli defends. Quick single to Kohli. Rahman to De Kock, flat six, sheer power, Amazing! Good single to end the over. RCB 40-0

Over 5: Mitchell McClenaghan to continue, De Kock steps out and misses. clean bowled. A B de Villiers is on the crease with Kohli. Quick single to ABD. Kohli takes another single. McClenaghan strikes again, ABD caught in the deep for 1. RCB in trouble. Mandeep Singh comes in. Easy single. End of over. RCB 44-2

Over 6: Rahman continues, Lucky four for Kohli. Driven for single by Kohli. Beautiful shot by Mandeep, four runs. Ripper by Rahman. Flicked off the pads for single. That was in the air for a while. Same shot by Kohli. RCB 55-2

Over 7: Mayank Markande is into the attack. Single to Kohli and Mandeep. Decent over. Just four of it. RCB: 59-2

Over 8: Krunal Pandya comes to the attack. Chance of a run out. Not out. One run. Played fine by Kohli for one. Mandeep steps out, couldn't connect, just the one. Very good running. RCB 65-2

Over 9: Markande to continue. No run. Again a dot. Just the one. Pressure mounting on RCB. Mandeep steps out, misses the wide one, stumping missed. Powerful shot for one. Lofted shot for one. RCB 70-2

Over 10: Krunal continues, double. Single followed by Single. Mandeep falls into the trap this time, steps out to a wide ball, misses and gets stumped. Mandeep out for 16. Corey Anderson come in, plays a lofted shot on the first ball and is out, gone for 0. RCB 76-4.

Over 11: Washinton Sundar comes in. Hits a four. RCB 84-4

Also Read: IPL 2018 results and fixtures

Over 12: Krunal Pandya continues. Double to Sundar. Hits high in the air, Krunal is out for 7.
Sarfaraz Khan is the new man in. Full toss to Kohli, one run. Sarfaraz had no clue about that spinning beauty. RCB 87-5

Over 13: Bhumra is back, single taken. Hardik throws, ball awkwardly bounces off from the pitch and hits Ishan Kishan's face. He has a lump below his right eye, he looks in deep pain. He walked off the field. That was a nasty blow to his face. Aditya Tare will keep the wickets. Punched towards point for four. RCB 94-5

Over 14: Markande is back, Kohli hits a six! Quick double. Single to Kohli. Sarfaraz steps out, misses and stumped. Chris Woakes is in.

Over 15: Hardik Pandya is into the attack. Bouncer to Woakes. Single to Kohli, 50 for him. High full toss, Kohli takes a single, asking for a no ball. Woakes wanted a single, Kohli sends him back. RCB: 108-6 | Readmore...

Akshaya Tritiya 2018: Offers raining on gold, diamond; all you need to know

It's raining sales on gold and diamond. Here is a list of portals offering tempting discounts to mark Akshaya Tritiya 2018

Today is Akshaya Tritiya 2018, a day believed to bring good luck and success. It is believed that Akshaya Tritiya is good to initiate new beginnings and brings good fortune and luck. Most people start new businesses, buy land or jewellery, and invest in something on this day. All leading online portals – Flipkart, Amazon, Snapdeal, etc – are enticing consumers with some heavy discounts on gold, platinum and diamond jewellery and giving an opportunity for shopaholics to shop to their heart's content. Moreover, leading jewellers have lined up attractive offers for buyers.

In order to cash in on Akshaya Tritiya, leading jewellers have lined up attractive offers. Tanishq, for example, is offering up to 25 per cent off on making charges of gold and value of diamond jewellery, while Malabar Gold & Diamonds is offering gold coins and gift cards. PC Jeweller claims to be offering the lowest prices on gold coins this Akshaya Tritiya.

Banks like HDFC are offering up to 5 per cent cashback on jewellery purchase. However, while you are excited to grab your diamonds and gold, the government, has in a tweet advised customers to purchase only BIS-Hallmarked Jewellery, which is available in 14, 18 and 22 carats.

It's raining sales on gold and diamond. Business Standard lists portals offering tempting discount to mark Akshaya Tritiya 2018:

1. Akshaya Tritiya 2018 offers from Tanishq: Starting today, the Bengaluru-based jewellery brand will offer up to 25% off on making charges of gold and diamond jewellery. Tanishq tweeted,"Celebrate this Akshaya Tritiya with us, and avail of up to 25% off on making charges of gold jewellery and diamond jewellery value!"

The company is also offering a wide range of designs under its Mangalam jewellery collection starting from Rs 10,000. Customers can opt to upgrade their old jewellery by exchanging and getting 100% value on them.

2. Akshaya Tritiya 2018 offers from Malabar Gold and Diamonds: The company has online 'AKSHAYA TRITIYA' offers, under which customers can get free gold coin on every purchase of jewellery worth Rs 15,000. If the order value is Rs 30,000, or more, you get two gold coins. The company also is offering 5 per cent value of jewellery purchased as e-gift card against a minimum shopping of Rs 15,000. This e-gift card can be redeemed online at the time of next purchase.

ALSO READ: Invest in choker, statement neckpieces for Akshaya Tritiya

This offer is valid until April 25, 2018 on a single transaction done at www.malabargoldanddiamonds.com website only and not at any of retail showroom.

3. Akshaya Tritiya 2018 offers from Orra Jewellers: To celebrate Akshaya Tritiya, the company is offering 0 per cent making charges on gold bars and coins. The offer is valid till April 18. The company is providing a discount of 27 per cent on diamond jewellery. Besides, there is also a 50 per cent off on making charges of golden jewellery also available for customers.

4. Akshaya Tritiya 2018 offers from PC Chandra Jewellers: Anyone purchasing jewellery from here till April 22 will get gold coins. The offer is, however, not valid in Agartala.

5. Akshaya Tritiya 2018 offers from Om Jewellers: The company is offering a discount up to 51per cent on making of charges of jewellery of gold, platinum and uncut diamond. On IGI certified jewellery, the company is asking its customers 0% making charge.

Click here to read → Akshaya Tritiya

ATM crisis: Modi snatched our money, gave it to Nirav, says Rahul; updates

Several states are facing a cash shortage despite currency flows in the economy at the pre-demonetisation level

Severe cash crunch has been reported in several states of India – Karnataka, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Telangana, and automated teller machines (ATMs) in these regions are running dry. People are facing a huge monetary crisis, with a majority of ATMs running out of cash. In Bihar's Patna, several ATMs have gone 'out of service' causing inconvenience to the locals. Taking stock of the situation, Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Tuesday said the temporary shortage of currency caused by a sudden and unusual increase in some areas was being tackled.

"We have reviewed the currency situation in the country; there is more than adequate currency circulation and it is available with the banks... a temporary shortage caused by the sudden and unusual increase in some areas is being tackled," Jaitley said. Congress President Rahul Gandhi slammed PM Modi for the cash crunch, saying: "Modi has destroyed the banking system."
Rahul Gandhi said, "Nirav Modi fled with Rs 300 billion (Rs 30,000 crore) and Prime Minister didn't utter a word. We were forced to stand in queues as he snatched Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes from our pockets and put in Nirav Modi's pocket."

The Congress chief also took a dig at BJP-led Central government's slogan 'Achhe Din' and questioned as to when 'these goods days' were going to come. Not only Rahul Gandhi, terming the situation as "financial emergency", Trinamool Congress MP Derek O'Brien said: "PM Modi had said that everything will be fine in 50 days, but it has now been more than 1.5 years, and there is still a cash crunch."

Here are the top developments in the crisis caused by a sudden shortage of cash across several states and what the government is saying:

1. Life gets miserable for many Indians, especially traders: Despite the currency flow in the economy going back to the pre-demonetisation level, ATMs are going dry making life miserable for many residents, especially traders. Many are running from one ATM to another in search of currency notes.

ALSO READ: Demonetisation redux? ATMs again running dry across states amid cash crunch

Have reviewed the currency situation in the country. Over all there is more than adequate currency in circulation and also available with the Banks. The temporary shortage caused by ‘sudden and unusual increase’ in some areas is being tackled quickly.

Click here to read → ATM Crisis

Kathua rape: SC tells Mufti govt to protect victim's kin, lawyer; updates

In the Kathua rape case trial, which began on Monday, the court set April 28 as the next date of hearing

The Kathua rape and murder case trial, which began in Jammu and Kashmir on Monday, will see its next hearing on April 28. The eight people accused of raping and killing an eight-year-old girl on Monday pleaded not guilty and offered to undergo narco tests. As the trial in the case began, the district and sessions judge asked the state crime branch to give copies of the chargesheet to all the accused and fixed April 28 as the next date of hearing.

Of the eight people accused of the crime, one is a juvenile who is also under arrest. He has moved a bail application before a judicial magistrate which is yet to be heard.
The case relates to eight people allegedly holding an eight-year-old girl captive in a small village temple in the state's Kathua district for a week in January this year, sexually assaulting her, and then murdering her. The Kathua rape case trials began a day after protests were staged in various parts of the country by citizens outraged by the heinous crime.

After the Jammu Bar association and the Kathua Bar received a rap on the kuckles by the Supreme Court on April 13, as the apex court took a strong note of certain lawyers obstructing the judicial process in the case, the Kathua trial is expected to be conducted smoothly. However, the Supreme Court's actions in the matter and the Indian civil society's demand for justice in the Kathua case have not eased the challenges faced by the lawyer of the victim's family. The Kathua rape victim's lawyer Deepika Singh Rajawat on Sunday said that she feared for her life as she might get raped or murdered. She added that she had been called anti-Hindu and boycotted socially.

The charge sheets filed by the Jammu and Kashmir Police's crime branch state that the abduction, rape, and killing of the minor Bakerwal girl was part of a carefully planned strategy aimed at forcing the minority nomadic community out of the area.

A group of former civil servants on Sunday issued a strongly worded open letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, holding him responsible "more than anyone else" for the "terrifying state of affairs" in the country. The letter asked Modi to check India's "free fall into anarchy" by taking tough action against the alleged perpetrators of the Kathua and Unnao rape cases and the perpetrators of other hate crimes across the country. Two Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) ministers -- Chandra Prakash Ganga and Lal Singh -- have resigned following accusations of attending a rally in support of the alleged culprits of the crime.

What is narco-analysis test?
Narco-analysis, also known as the truth serum test, is a method to extract information from an accused when he/she is in a hypnotic state. The procedure is carried out under the guidance of doctors and after the permission of the accused, who is told beforehand how it will be carried out.
A sedative injection, known as Thiopentone is made by chemicals such as sodium pentothal or sodium amytal, to put a person in a hypnotic-like state. The subject’s imagination is neutralised by making him semi-conscious, a state where it is believed that it will become difficult for the subject to lie and his answers would be restricted to facts his subconscious mind is already aware of.

The entire process takes about one-three hours and the subject regains consciousness 15 minutes after the test is completed. A narco-analysis test can only be used as supportive evidence and cannot be produced as a standalone evidence in court. |Readmore...

Blast outside Indian consulate office in Nepal's Biratnagar; no casualties

The security around the blast site has been tightened since the incident

A minor bomb explosion took place outside an Indian consulate office in Nepal's Biratnagar damaging the wall of the premises, according to media reports on Tuesday. No injuries or casualties were reported as there were no officials present in the office at the time of the incident, according to the local media.

The bomb blast took place at around 8:20 pm and caused a hole in the compound wall. No one was in the office at the time of the incident, sources said.

Superintendent of Police Arun Kumar said the blast took place last night in an open space behind the building causing a minor damage to the wall. Police said they are investigating to find out on who caused the blast, Kathmandu Post reported.

The security around the blast site has been tightened since the incident.
Investigating officers suspect that cadres of a local political group may have caused the blast. The party had called a general strike in Biratnagar on Monday.

Meanwhile, security sources in New Delhi, citing inputs from Nepal, said a small explosion took place at Biratnagar at the Indian Embassy consulate office.

This is a temporary office which had been set up during floods in Nepal and north Bihar and continues to function since then.

Biratnagar is the industrial capital of Nepal and 6 km north of the border of Bihar.
Further details are awaited.|  Nepal Bomb Blast

Now, book 12 train tickets with just 1 IRCTC ID if it's Aadhaar-linked!

Indian Railways policy for booking tickets through irctc.co.in have changed. Know IRCTC rules for train ticket

Planning a vacation this summer? If you're excited about taking a train journey, you must know the new rules Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has introduced for booking railways tickets on its online portal. But, before that - link Aadhaar number with your IRCTC account. When IRCTC was launched in 2002, only 29 online tickets were booked on the first day. Today, more than 1.3 million online tickets are booked through IRCTC portal - www.irctc.co.in - the e-ticketing outlet of the national carrier. About 20 million people travel by Indian Railways every day.

Here are some exciting changes Indian Railways has introduced for rail passengers who link their IRCTC account with Aadhaar:
Now users are allowed to book up to 12 tickets in a month if users get themselves verified through their Aadhaar number along with at least one passenger also being verified through Aadhaar.
No Aadhaar Verification required for booking up to 6 tickets in a month, as earlier.

Steps to avail the facility of booking more than 6 tickets and up to 12 tickets in a month on IRCTC:
An IRCTC registered user is required to get himself Aadhaar verified using Aadhaar KYC option in My Profile.
User’s Aadhaar will be verified by sending an OTP on his mobile number linked with his Aadhaar number. On successful submission of OTP, the user will become Aadhaar verified.
At least One (1) passenger on the ticket being booked, beyond 6 tickets in a month, should also be Aadhaar verified.
Users are required to verify the probable passengers through their respective Aadhaar number and store the verified passengers in passenger master list. This should be done before starting the ticket booking process, beyond 6 tickets in a month.
User can add Aadhaar verified passenger from master list at the time of booking to book additional tickets up to 12 tickets in a month.

Step 1: Verify Aadhaar Number
1. Login using your IRCTC User ID and Password on www.irctc.co.in.
2. Click "Aadhaar KYC" link under "My Profile" menu.
3. Enter Your Aadhaar Number and Click on Send OTP button. OTP would be sent by Aadhaar System (UIDAI) on the mobile number registered with Aadhaar. Please keep your Aadhaar registered mobile number ready.
4. Enter the OTP and click on Verify button
5. Click on submit button to verify KYC details. After submission, your user is Aadhaar verified. |Readmore...

 

Mecca Masjid blast case: Aseemanand, others let off; top 10 developments

Swami Aseemanand, a former RSS member and Abhinav Bharat ideologue, was among those acquitted today by a special court in the 2007 Mecca Masjid blast case

A special National Investigation Agency(NIA) court in Hyderabad on Monday acquitted all the accused in the Mecca Masjid blast case. The Namapally Court's judgment came in the case regarding the 2007 Mecca Masjid blast, which claimed nine lives. The fourth additional metropolitan sessions-cum-special court for NIA cases had concluded the trial and last week posted the case for judgment on April 16. The Mecca Masjid attack was allegedly carried out by a group of right-wing terrorists 11 years ago on May 18, 2007.

The accused who were acquitted on Monday are Devendra Gupta, Lokesh Sharma, Swami Aseemanand, Bharat Mohanlal Rateshwar, and Rajendra Chowdhary. Aseemanand, reported to have been a member of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh at one point, is an ideologue of the extremist Right-wing Hindu organisation Abhinav Bharat.

The blast, which took place during Friday prayers at the Mecca Masjid, adjacent to the historic Charminar in the Old Hyderabad City, had left nine people dead and 58 injured.

Here are the top 10 developments around the Mecca Masjid blast case verdict:

1) All Mecca blast accused let off: All the accused in the Mecca Masjid blast case were acquitted by the Namapally Court on Monday.

2) 'No Hindu terror angle': Reacting to the acquittal of all the accused in the Mecca Masjid blast case, former Under Secretary Ministry of Home Affairs RVS Mani said, "I had expected it." Mani claimed that "all the pieces of evidence were engineered", adding that "there was no Hindu terror angle".

3) Lt Col Purohit declared hostile witness in Mecca Masjid blast case: Lt Col Prasad Purohit, an accused in the 2008 Malegaon blast case, on February 15, 2018, turned hostile while deposing in a Hyderabad court as a witness in the 2007 Mecca Masjid bomb blast case. Purohit had been listed as a witness by the CBI in the case related to the blast at the Mecca Masjid. The case was later taken over by the National Investigation Agency (NIA).

4) Aseemanand granted bail in Mecca Masjid blast case: A court on March 24, 2017, granted bail to Swami Aseemanand in the 2007 Mecca Masjid bomb blast case. The court had already granted bail to three others in the case.The court of Fourth Metropolitan Sessions Judge also granted bail to Bharat Mohanlal Rateshwar alias Bharat Bhai, a co-accused in the case. Special Judge Ravinder Reddy had granted bail to both Aseemanand and Rateshwar with the direction to produce two local sureties of Rs 50,000 each. Aseemanand had been directed by the judge to not leave Hyderabad without the court's permission and remain present for the trial when required.

5) Mecca Masjid blast case's brief chronology: The blast at the historic Mecca Masjid in Hyderabad on May 18, 2007, during Friday prayers had claimed nine lives and left 58 others injured. After initial investigation by local police, the case was transferred to the Central Bureau Of Investigation (CBI), which filed a charge sheet. Subsequently, the NIA took over the case from the CBI in 2011.

Click here to read → Mecca Masjid Blast case

IPL 2018: Dhoni's career-best fails to see CSK through; KXIP win by 4 runs

Kings XI Punjab won their second match at Mohali which helps them to move up the Vivo IPL points table. Chennai Super Kings tried to chase the mammoth target but failed to do so.

Kings XI Punjab defeated Chennai Super Kings by 4 runs in yet another nail-biter match in the Indian Premier League (IPL 2018). Chasing a mammoth total of 198, CSK kept losing wickets at regular intervals, but in the end captain Dhoni (79 runs off 44 balls) stood tall to make sure it did not become a one-sided match. However, CSK fell short by 4 runs. Earlier, Chris Gayle made a quick fire 63 for KXIP and was declared man of the match. After winning their 3rd match, Kings XI Punjab moved to the second spot in the VIVO IPL points table.

Also Read : IPL 2018 Results and Fixtures

Chennai Super Kings did not have the best of the starts as they would have liked chasing 198. Shane Watson played some shots before getting out for 11.

Earlier, put into bat first, Kings XI Punjab had a dream start as the comeback king Chris Gayle went hammer and tongs from ball one. Lokesh Rahul was not far behind, and he too hit some good shots. Chris Gayle scored 63 runs. Other batsmen did get starts but failed to convert them into big scores, Despite Tahir getting two wickets in two balls, KXIP was able to reach 197-7 in the 20 overs. Chennai Super Kings will need 198 to win when they come out to bat.

Chennai Super Kings innings update: Over by over

Over 1: Shane Watson and Murali Vijay open for CSK. Barinder Sran leads the attack for KXIP. Starts off with a wide. Dot ball. Wide again. Saved a four. End of over. CSK 9-0.

Over 2: Mohit Sharma into the attack. Lucky four for Watson. Cut, gone for four. Dot. Another Dot. Straight to the fielder at point. In the air, Watson is gone. Mohit Sharma strikes. Wason gone for 11. Ambati Raydu comes in.

Over 3: Sran continues,Cheeky single. Straight drive, gone for four. Singles coming easily. Huge six by Murali Vijay.

Over 4: Murali Vijay got dismissed trying to hit a six, but the ball went too high. He made 12 from 10.

Over 5: Sam Billings joined Ambati Raydu. Just five from the over, and a few dot balls as well. Tye is keeping it very tight.

Over 6: Mujeeb into the attack. Edge, just a single. Too wide from the leg stump, dispatched for four. Dot ball. Appeal. Not out. CSK 53-2.

Over 7: Five runs came from the over and a wicket. CSK: 58-3

Over 8: Yuvraj Singh bowled the over. Leaked 10 runs. CSK: 68-3

Over 9: Thirteen runs came from this Ashwin over. CSK: 81-3

Over 10: Mujeebur bowls a tight over, concedes four runs only. CSK: 85-3

Over 11: Nine runs came from the over. CSK: 94-3

Over 12: Mujeeb continues. Dhoni is struggling. Raydu hits hard but just for two. CSK: 101-3

Over 13: Ashwin keeping it really tight, won't mind singles. Just 6 runs came from the over.

Over 14: Sran is back. Short ball, Raydu dispatches it for maximum. Dt ball, Raydu did not read it
well. Miscommunication, direct hit, Raydu is gone. Run out for 49. Jadeja comes in.

Over 15: Ashwin to continue, Dhoni hits him for a six. Dot ball, precious at this time. CSK 122-4

Over 16: Sran to Dhoni, dot ball, Wide. Dhoni takes a single. Wide again. CSK searching for one huge over. Another dot ball. Pressure mounting. Risky double. CSK 131-4. Need 67 from 24. | Readmore...

Click here to read → IPL points table

Kathua rape trial today; Nirbhaya's mother says slow justice aiding rapists

The trials in the gruesome Kathua rape and murder case begin on Monday against the eight accused, including a juvenile against whom a separate charge sheet was filed

The Kathua rape and murder case trial will begin in Jammu and Kashmir on Monday, with the eight accused who allegedly held an eight-year-old girl captive in a small village temple in the state's Kathua district for a week in January this year and sexually assaulted her before murdering her, standing in the dock. The Kathua rape case trials begin a day after protests were staged in various parts of the country by citizens outraged by the heinous crime and the other incidents of rape in Unnao and Surat. Among other places, protests were held at Delhi's Parliament Street and at Carter Road in Mumbai's Bandra area. Meanwhile, the Kathua rape victim's father will move the Supreme Court today, seeking the transfer of the trial to Chandigarh from Kathua.

The accused in the Kathua case include a juvenile, against whom a separate charge sheet was filed. The juveline and the other accused will be facing separate trials. While seven of the accused perpetrators will be tried in the sessions court, the chief judicial magistrate of Kathua will hold the trial for the juvenile. The accused include four police officers and a retired government official.

After the Jammu Bar association and the Kathua Bar received a rap on the kuckles by the Supreme Court on April 13, as the apex court took a strong note of certain lawyers obstructing the judicial process in the case, the Kathua trial is expected to be conducted smoothly. However, the Supreme Court's actions in the matter and the Indian civil society's demand for justice in the Kathua case have not eased the challenges faced by the lawyer of the victim's family. The Kathua rape victim's lawyer Deepika Singh Rajawat on Sunday said that she feared for her life as she might get raped or murdered. She added that she had been called anti-Hindu and boycotted socially.

Also Read : Trials In Kathua Rape And Murder Case Begin Today Against 8 Accused

The charge sheets filed by the Jammu and Kashmir Police's crime branch state that the abduction, rape, and killing of the minor Bakerwal girl was part of a carefully planned strategy aimed at forcing the minority nomadic community out of the area.

Meanwhile, as the Kathua trial is set to begin, a group of former civil servants on Sunday issued a strongly worded open letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, holding him responsible "more than anyone else" for the "terrifying state of affairs" in the country. The letter asked Modi to check India's "free fall into anarchy" by taking tough action against the alleged perpetrators of the Kathua and Unnao rape cases and the perpetrators of other hate crimes across the country. Two Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) ministers -- Chandra Prakash Ganga and Lal Singh -- have resigned following accusations of attending a rally in support of the alleged culprits of the crime.

Here are the top 10 developments in the Kathua rape and murder case ahead of the trials that begin today:

1) Nirbhaya's mother blames delay in justice for Kathua, Unnao: Asha Devi, the mother of Nirbhaya, the 23-year-old victim of the brutal 2012 Delhi gangrape case, said that crimes like the Unnao and Kathua rape cases were taking place as the slow pace of judicial system was not instilling any fear in the minds of the culprits. The brutal 2012 Delhi gangrape case, often called the Nirbhaya case, had shaken the nation's conscience. However, little appears to have changed on the ground when it comes to preventing crimes against women and children in the country since then.
Nirbhaya's mother said, "I feel very sad that we have progressed a lot as a society but our daughters are still not safe today. I demand rapists should be hanged." Nirbhaya, who had been gangraped on a moving bus in the national capital on December 16, 2012, had succumbed in a Singapore hospital a fortnight later on December 29.

2) Kathua victim's father to move SC to shift trial outside Kathua: The Kathua rape victim's father will move the Supreme Court on Monday, seeking the transfer of the trial to Chandigarh from Kathua, reported the Times of India.
The grief-stricken family of the eight-year-old girl who was brutally raped and murdered in Jammu and Kashmir's Kathua district, had set off on their annual journey to the pasture lands deep in the hills of the state, with the hope that justice will be done in the case. The family, belonging to the Bakerwal community, quietly packed their bags, saddled their horses and set off on the arduous journey to the higher hills a few days ago, the police said.

3) Kathua rape case trial against eight accused begins today: The trials in the gruesome Kathua rape and murder case begin on Monday against the eight accused, including a juvenile against whom a separate charge sheet was filed. As mandated under the law, Kathua's chief judicial magistrate will be committing one of the charge sheets, which names seven people, to the sessions court for trial. However, the chief judicial magistrate will hold the juvenile's trial as it is the designated court under the juvenile act.

Sikh special public prosecutors appointed for Kathua rape case trial to ensure 'neutrality': Two special public prosecutors, both Sikhs, have been appointed by the Jammu and Kashmir government for the trial in the sensitive Kathua rape case. This move is being seen as an attempt to ensure "neutrality" in view of the Hindu-Muslim polarisation over the case.

Click here to read → Kathua rape case

IPL 2018: SRH's Deepak Hooda does a Houdini's Act to defeat MI by 1 wicket

Sunrisers Hyderabad will look to the depth and variety in its bowling attack to counter the might of Mumbai batting which have the likes of Rohit Sharma, Even Lewis, and Ishan Kishan

Sunrisers Hyderabad won their second match of IPL 2018 against Mumbai Indians by 1 wicket in a nail-biting encounter. Chasing a modest target of 148 in 20 overs, Shikhar Dhawan and Wridimann Saha gave Sunrisers Hyderabad a flying start as they crossed 50 run mark in the 6 overs of Powerplay. But Mumbai Indians Pulled it back by taking wickets at regular intervals. In the last two overs, Sunrisers Hyderabad needed 12 runs off 12 balls and Mustafizur Rahman gave only 1 run and took 2 wickets. Ben Cutting came to bowl the last over for Mumbai Indians, SRH's Deepak Hooda dispatched the first ball of the last ball for six as they needed 11 runs in last over. That brings the deficit down to 5 runs of 5 balls. Both Stanlake and Deepak Hooda held their nerve and brought the deficit down to 1 run of 1 ball. Stanlake hit a boundary over midwicket to seal the game for Sunrisers Hyderabad.

Here are over by over and Sunrisers Hyderabad, Mumbai Indians innings analysis, highlights

Sunrisers Hyderabad innings: Over by over

Pradeep Sangwan bowling first over. Shikhar Dhawan and Wriddhiman Saha are on the crease.

Over 1: Saha took one run of the first ball. Shikar hit the 2nd ball for 4. The third ball he took single. Dot, dot, and single of the last ball of the over. At the end of first over. SRH 7/0

Over 2: Bumarah came to bowl. First ball dot. Singles of 2nd, 3rd, 4th ball. Dhawan hit four of the 5th ball. Takes a cheeky single off the last ball. At the end of

Over 3: Sangwan bowling the third over. Dhawan hit the first ball for four, took a single off the second ball that is leg bye. Saha dropped off the third ball and ball gone for 4. Dot ball. Short ball, top edge goes for four. Last ball of the 3rd ball for no run

Over 4: Ben Cutting bowling, Dhawan takes single. Second ball for goes for 1 run. Third ball again a single. The 4th ball hit for four over the bowler’s head. Single of the fifth ball. Two runs of the last ball.

Over 5: Krunal into the attack. Easy pickings for SRH. Just four runs conceded. Tighter line and variation helped him. End of over: SRH 42-0

Over 6: Bhumra is back and Dhawan drives him through the covers for four. Dhawan takes two. Steps out, swings and misses. Off the pads, flicked off the leg side, four for Dhawan. Good shot. Inside edge misses the stumps, gone for four. End of over: 56-0

Over 7: Markande comes to the attack. Dhawan hits a four. Single, that was quick. Saha on strike misreads and his caught in front of the stump, appeal turned down, reviewed. He is given out. Saha goes for 22. Kane Williamson comes in. Takes a single. End of over: SRH 63-1

Over 8: Mustafizur Rahman comes to the attack. Easy single. Dhawan pulls and pulls for four. He is in good touch. Dot ball. That was a risky single. Had it hit the stump, Dhawan would have gone. Mumbai needs that kind of lucky dismissals. Kane edges one and gets a four. Huge huge appeal for caught behind, turned down, reviewed. There is the spike on the ultra edge! and he is out! Kane Williamson is out for 6. End of over: SRH 73-2

Over 9: Manish Pandey joins Dhawan. Markande continues. Dot ball. Cheeky single. No need for such risks. Dhawan sweeps in the air, and Bhumra takes it, a flurry of wickets. Dhawan goes for 45. Manish hits it for a four. Shakin joins him. End of over: SRH 81-3

Over 10: Six runs came off the over.

Click here to read → Sunrisers Hyderabad

Kathua, Unnao rape case: Rahul leads mid-night march, targets Modi; updates

Kathua case: 8-year-old girl was gang-raped and murdered in a Jammu temple. Rahul Gandhi led a midnight protest against Modi govt's silence over Unnao rape case and Kathua

Congress chief Rahul Gandhi led a midnight march to the India Gate here on Thursday to protest the Kathua and Unnao minor rape cases and said it's time for Prime Minister Narendra Modi to walk the talk on 'beti bachao' (save the girl child). "We are here against crimes being committed against women, against rapes, violence and murder and the government must act on this. This is a national issue and not a political one," Gandhi said at the march in the heart of the national capital. On the Modi government's 'Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao' initiative, Gandhi said it was the right slogan and the Prime Minister must start work on 'Beti Bachao'. The BJP was apparently caught unawares about the protest, with Congress workers from Delhi and neighbouring areas rushing to the venue on the call of their party leader. Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad said they were protesting to awaken the Modi government from its "slumber".

Here's what happened according to Kathua gang rape and murder chargesheet: 8-year-old Asifa Bano had been missing in Rasana village since January 10. On January 17, her mutilated body was found, bearing the marks of gang rape. This week, local lawyers tried to prevent the police from filing the charge sheet, and the Jammu High Court Bar Association called for a bandh on Wednesday demanding that the investigation be handed over to the Central Bureau of Investigation. The chargesheet lists as the main conspirator the caretaker of the temple in Rasana where Asifa was allegedly held. The girl was gang-raped repeatedly inside a village temple and kept sedated for hours before being killed by six men, including one who had been "invited" to come all the way from Meerut to "satisfy his lust", the police have told a court. The kidnapping, rape and killing of the girl of the Bakherwal community at the Rassana area of Kathua was part of a planned, chilling strategy to instill fear and drive the nomadic tribe out of the region, reveals the 15-page charge-sheet filed by the Jammu and Kashmir Police in the chief judicial magistrate's court.

Also Read : Unnao rape case: BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh in CBI custody, 10 updates

In the midst of the investigation, lawyers of the Jammu High Court Bar Association (JHBA) undertook protests, demanding a CBI probe into the matter.
Meanwhile, Modi and his party members on Thursday kept a day-long fast against the washout of the second part of Parliament's budget session due to disruptions.

Top 10 developments on Kathua gangrape, murder of 8-year-old girl, protests by Rahul Gandhi, celebrities and citizens:

1. Rahul Gandhi leads midnight protest at India Gate: Congress President Rahul Gandhi led a midnight protest by the party workers at India Gate here against the "slumber" of Narendra Modi government over the rape incidents in Jammu and Kashmir's Kathua and Uttar Pradesh's Unnao and to seek justice for the victims. The candle-light protest on Thursday midnight was called at a short notice and saw people converging at the India Gate in sizeable numbers to express their support. Congress leaders including Ahmed Patel, Ghulam Nabi Azad, Ambika Soni, Ashok Gehlot, Randeep Singh Surjewala and Sushmita Dev walked from the party headquarters at 24 Akbar Road to the India Gate along with hundreds of party workers holding candles.
Rahul Gandhi joined the protest around midnight. His sister Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and her husband Robert Vadra were also present, along with their daughter. He said there were repeated incidents of violence, rape and murder of women in the country.

2. What Rahul Gandhi said: He said there were repeated incidents of violence, rape and murder of women in the country. "We want the government to take action. Today, women are feeling insecure to move out of their houses. Somewhere a child, a woman is raped, killed and we want that the government should resolve this. The women of the country should feel safe," he said. Gandhi said it was a national issue and not a political issue. "This is an issue concerning women," he said, adding that people from all parties as well as the common man was at the India Gate. "I only want to say that the atrocities being committed against women, the government should do something about it."
He said Modi's slogan of "Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao" was a correct slogan. "We are saying that Narendra Modi should begin the task of protecting women of the country," he said.

3. Under Modi govt "Betis are under threat": A number of student and women organisations on Thursday protested at the Parliament Street against the Kathua and Unnao rape cases and questioned the silence of Modi. The protesters also alleged Prime Minister Narendra Modi of keeping silent on the issue. "Two gruesome incidents of rape have shocked the nation; not just for the horrific nature of the crime, but also for the ruling party, the BJP trying to shield the accused, with its sitting ministers even going on to support bandhs and rallies against arresting of the rape accused," All India Students Association state secretary Niraj Kumar said.

India's own GPS: Isro successfully launches IRNSS-1I navigation satellite

The rocket was launched from First Launch Pad of SDSC SHAR, Sriharikota

The Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) on Thursday successfully launched the IRNSS-1I navigation satellite aboard the PSLV-C41.

The rocket was launched from First Launch Pad (FLP) of SDSC SHAR, Sriharikota.
Isro Chairman K Sivan said: "I am extremely happy to announce that the PSLV has precisely injected the navigation satellite in the targetted orbit.”

Congratulating Team Isro for the successful launch, Prime minister Narendra Modi tweeted: "Congratulations to our scientists on the successful launch of navigation satellite IRNSS-1I by PSLV. This success will bring benefits of our space programme to the common man. Proud of team @isro!" | Today's Paper

After a flight lasting about 19 minutes, the vehicle achieved a Sub Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit with a perigee (nearest point to earth) of 281.5 km and an apogee (farthest point to earth) of 20,730 km inclined at an angle of 19.2 degree to the equator following which IRNSS-1I separated from PSLV.

After separation, the solar panels of IRNSS-1I were deployed automatically. Isro's Master Control Facility (MCF) at Hassan, Karnataka, took over the control of the satellite.

The navigation satellite IRNSS-1I is part of Indian satellite navigation system ‘Navigation with Indian Constellation’ (NavIC) in a copy-book style. NavIC, also known as Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS), is an independent regional navigation satellite system designed to provide position information in the Indian region and 1,500 km around the Indian mainland.

Simply put, NavIC (earlier the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System or IRNSS) is the Indian 'GPS'.
A number of ground facilities responsible for IRNSS satellite ranging and monitoring, generation and transmission of navigation parameters, satellite control, network timing, etc., have been established in many locations across the country as part of NavIC.

Till now, PSLV has successfully launched 52 Indian satellites and 237 customer satellites from abroad. The 1,425 kg satellite was carried into space by Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) rocket's 'XL' variant.

Sivan also said Isro was moving towards getting the rocket and satellite through the industry. Over the next eight months, Isro had planned nine launch missions, including the moon mission towards the end of the year, he added.

After 4 years, Orkut founder to launch 'Hello' social network app in India

With hello, the aim is to create positive, meaningful, authentic connections and sustained social engagement

A new social networking platform 'hello', set up by the founder of the once-popular Orkut, has announced its entry into the Indian market amid the controversy surrounding user data breach at Facebook.

hello has been set up by Orkut Buyukkokten, who was the founder of Orkut that once was a leading social networking site in India and Brazil. Interestingly, Orkut shut down its services in 2014, having lost its sheen to rivals like Facebook. | Today's Paper

"If you look at social media today, it has isolated people instead of bringing them closer. It has become more about broadcasting than sharing. We need a fresh start. Hello is built around interest-based communities where users with same interests can connect, leading to true connections," Buyukkokten said.

He added that with hello, the aim is to create positive, meaningful, authentic connections and sustained social engagement.

"We started in Brazil in July 2016... About 35,000 users were a part of our beta testing in the Indian market. Orkut was huge in India and I'm delighted to say hello to India once again," he said.
The hello app is available for download on App Store and Google Play.

Asked about the monetisation model, Buyukkokten said the company "does not have to sell user data to get revenues".

"When a user signs up, they are asked about five things that they are passionate about and then get recommendations that are non-intrusive. We also ensure that every advertiser has a profile on hello (for greater accountability)," he said adding that no user information is shared with third-party apps.

After India, the company would look at rolling out its service in its home market the US as well as in countries like France and Germany.

Social networking giant Facebook, which has over 20 crore users in India, had admitted that nearly 5.62 lakh people in the country were "potentially affected" by its global data breach involving Cambridge Analytica.

The data mining firm has been accused of harvesting personal information of over millions of Facebook users illegally to influence polls in several countries.

Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg has said his organisation was committed to ensuring integrity of elections across the world, including India, as he testified before the US Congress yesterday.

Facebook's data breach scandal had also sparked a furore in India, with IT Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad last month warning the firm of "stringent" action for any attempt to influence polls through data theft. He also threatened to summon Zuckerberg, if needed.

Unnao rape victim to CM Yogi: 'Want justice'; BJP MLA still free; updates

BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar, accused of raping an 18-year-old girl, is a four-term lawmaker from Bangarmau

The uproar over the death in custody of the father of an 18-year-old girl who alleged she had been raped by BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar saw the UP police arresting Atul Singh, the MLA’s brother. Taking suo motu cognisance of media reports on the mysterious death of a rape victim's father in police custody in Unnao, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) on Tuesday asked the Uttar Pradesh government to file a detailed report. The NHRC has said the allegations, if true, raise serious issues of violation of human rights of the victim's family.

The Commission has issued a notice to the state's Chief Secretary and Director General of Police, calling for a detailed report in the matter, including action taken against the delinquent police officials, who refused to register an FIR. It also expects from the DGP, an explanation for not communicating the custodial death to the Commission within 24 hours.

"All the reports, including health screening report of the deceased at the time of his admission in the jail and medical treatment provided by the jail authorities, are to be sent. They have been given four weeks to respond," the NHRC said.

Also Read: Unnao Rape: Adityanath Demands 1st SIT Report By Wednesday Evening; Updates

Earlier on Tuesday, the Uttar Pradesh Police set up a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to look into a girl's accusations that she had been gang-raped by BJP legislator Kuldeep Singh Sengar and others and the subsequent death of her father in police custody. The girl's father was being forced to withdraw the case against Sengar. Upon his refusal, he was picked up by police late on Sunday and was allegedly roughed up by Atul Singh and his aides while in custody. Taken to the hospital with 18 wounds and gashes, abdominal pain and vomiting, he died soon after.

Here are the top ten developments in the Unnao rape case and the custodial death of the victim's father:

1. BJP MLA and UP cops family-ties come in the way of justice: The brother of Unnao gangrape victim's father told Indian Express, "a police officer told them that they share family relations with BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar and they cannot work under pressure from the administration and government so, we should go to court."

2. Yogi Adityanath directs home department to ensure SIT probe: Yogi Adityanath on Tuesday directed the Home Department to ensure that Special Investigation Team (SIT) visits Unnao district tomorrow and give its first report by evening in connection with the custodial death of rape victim's father.

3. Girl who alleged rape has to hide: Stopped by the police when they tried to immolate themselves last Sunday near the Chief Minister’s residence in Lucknow to protest police inaction. According to media reports, the family turned to Unnao District Magistrate Ravi Kumar NG for help. Reports said that he had arranged for their stay at a government guest house. However, the victim on Wednesday alleged, "the DM has confined me to a hotel room, they are not even serving me water. I just want the culprit to be punished." She appealed to chief minister Yogi Adityanath to provide her justice.

Sangeeta Sengar, wife of accused MLA Kuldeep Sengar, met DGP OP Singh in Lucknow, says, 'I have come to plead for justice for my husband.'

Click here to read → unnao rape case

CWG 2018: Shreyasi wins gold, Om bronze; Mary Kom, Gaurav assured of silver

Mary Kom enters the final round of women's 48kg boxing, assuring India of at least a silver medal, if not gold

India continues to shine brightly on the seventh day of the 21st Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast Australia, with Shreyasi Singh clinching a gold medal in women's double-trap, Om Prakash Mitharval bagging a bronze medal in the 50m pistol finals, and M C Mary Kom and Gaurav Solanki assuring India medals in their respective boxing categories.

Shreyasi Singh shot a total of 96 in the final and then beat Australia's Emma Cox in a shoot-off. Kom qualified for the final round, and Gaurav Solanki convincingly beat his Papua New Guinea opponent Charles Keama to make it to the semifinals of the men’s 52kg boxing category. | Today's Paper

Meanwhile, ace shooter Heena Sidhu on Tuesday clinched a gold in the women's 25m pistol event, taking India's gold count to 11. Heena maintained her prowess throughout the game while other shooters — Chain Singh and Gagan Narang -- disappointed by finishing at fourth and seventh, respectively.

Para-lifter Sachin Chaudhary won a bronze for India in men's heavyweight category. With 21 medals, India finished at the third position in the medal tally.

Indian boxers showed phenomenal performance by assuring five more medals for the country after securing their places in the semi-finals. India qualified for semi-finals in both the men's and women's hockey events.

In badminton mixed doubles, Dipika Pallikal and Saurav Ghosal defeated Guyana and Pakistan to advance to the Round of 6.

Day 7 started with a glorious performance by Indian shooters. Jitu Rai and Om Prakash Mitharval entered the final round of men's 50m air pistol event. However, Jitu Rai was later eliminated from the men's 50m air pistol event. Earlier, Rai had bagged a gold in men's 10m air pistol event, while Om Mitharval had clinched a bronze in the same event.

Here are all the latest updates around India's performance and medals tally at the Commonwealth Games 2018 being held in Gold Coast, Australia.

1. Shreyasi Singh wins gold in women's double-trap shooting: Shreyasi Singh brought India its 12th gold at the 21st Commonwealth Games in the women's double-trap event. She defeated Australia's Emma Cox in the final round, with a total shot of 96 in the final.

2. Vikas Yadav enters semi-finals of men's 75kg boxing category
Vikas Krishan Yadav entered the semi-finals of men's 75kg boxing category. Vikas also registered a comfortable 5:0 victory over Benny Muziyo of Zambia in the last eight stage. Vikas assures a medal from the 21st Commonwealth Games 2018.

3. Mary Kom enters final: Indian boxer MC Mary Kom defeated Anusha Dilruksh to enter the final of women's 48 kg at the 21st Commonwealth Games. Her dominance was such, she carved out a unanimous 5:0 verdict against the veteran Sri Lankan fighter.

4. Gaurav Solanki assures silver: India's Gaurav Solanki convincingly beat his Papua New Guinea opponent Keama 5-0 in men's 52kg boxing category to enter the semifinal round. Solanki assured India at least a silver medal in the category -- the seventh assured boxing medal for India.

ALSO READ: CWG 2018: Heena Sidhu, a dentist, wins gold in women's 25 m pistol event

5. Om Prakash Mitharval bags bronze in 50m pistol event: Indian shooter Om Prakash clinched bronze medal 50m pistol event. This second medal of the Commonwealth Games 2018. However, the gold medallist of 25m air pistol event, Jitu Rai disappointed. Jitu Rai was the first one to be eliminated in 50m pistol men's final.

Om topped the standings at the end of the qualification stage with a score of 549 points. Jitu qualified at the sixth position with 542.

6. Five boxers assure five more medals for India: India at present is at the third position in the medal tally but all thanks to the Indian boxers, India's medal tally is going to increase. Five Indian boxers reached semi-finals and assured five more medals for India in 21st Commonwealth Games.

Manoj Kumar qualified for the semi-finals in the men's 69kg category, all set to bring his second Commonwealth medals. Amit Panghal, Mohammed Hussamuddin, Naman Tanwar and Satish Kumar joined Manoj Kumar by securing their places in the semi-finals of 49kg, 56kg, 91kg and +91 kg respectively.

"This is definitely going to be the biggest medal of my career so far. There is no doubt about that," said Amit Panghal after defeating Aqeel Ahmed of Scotland in a split 4-1 verdict.

Both Manoj and Hussamuddin will be up against English opponents in their semifinals bouts. While Manoj will face Pat McCormack, Hussamuddin will be up against Peter McGrail.

Click here to read → CWG 2018