500 & 1000 notes are Banned In India

Rs 500, Rs 1,000 notes banned: Rahul Gandhi's jibe against PM Modi is unmindful of public opinion

PM Narendra Modi on Tuesday announced scrapping of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes. The surprise move triggered panic reactions. Stay with us for live updates

The Indian PM announced 12 AM of Aug 9 2016 will banned of Rs. 500 & 1000 note.

Because The Money Laundry Is The Big issue IN India

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The Congress vice-president is deeply agitated. He thinks that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has not acted in national interest. It's not a crackdown against corruption, black money, benami property or terror financing chain, but it is a move by a whimsical Prime Minister who is bent on harassing ordinary citizens of his country.

Rahul took the onus on himself to make Congress' official position on the subject. In a series of tweets, he blasted Modi: "Once again Mr Modi shows how little he cares about ordinary people of this country - farmers, small shopkeepers, housewives - all thrown into utter chaos". In another tweet, he said, "While the real culprits sit tight on their black money stashed away abroad or in bullion/real estate. Well done Mr Modi. Yet another tweet said, "One Q for the PM: How is replacing 1000 rs notes with 2000 rs notes going to make black money hoarding a lot harder?"

Rahul is completely unmindful of the fact that the public has hailed this move — a closely-guarded secret till he made it public — the swiftness of which nobody could have ever imagined in the wildest of dreams. Either Rahul Gandhi has not heard PM Modi's address to nation and the subsequent briefings made by RBI Governor, Finance Secretary and other top officials or if he heard and understood it then one gets an impression, which is not healthy for him, that he is taking side of loaders and hoarders of black money and fake currency

Yes, there would be short term problems for citizens spread across all class from a lowly daily wager to a high ranking executive, from petty trader to a big businessman, but then after a while these challenges before them are surmountable, if the money is legitimately earned. But to say that this amounts to harassment of common men and allows the real culprits to have a free run is a reflection on the top Congress leader's wisdom and understanding.

Even his present and potential allies, like JD(U) and SP are not on his side. The Congress vice-president also seems to be caring little for most common social wisdom that politics is about public perception. By making his stand public, he has not done any service to himself and the party Indian National Congress, he and his mother heads.

He, however, could be right in one broad sense — "all thrown into utter chaos". One potential area where this supposed chaos would reflect most would be in coming elections in Uttar Pradesh, Uttrakhand, Punjab and later in Goa.

It is well known that the cost of elections keeps on rising to new high and new methods of pumping ill-gotten money in elections is devised in each. Neither the funding of political parties, nor is the financing and expenses of the electoral process transparent. The loads of cash stocked by political parties and individual candidates through non-transparent or illegitimate means are used freely. The Election Commission and its observers are always at wits to figure out its spread.

With Modi's announcement to abruptly discontinue existing notes of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000, the huge underground cash pile with parties and candidates have become waste papers. This effectively means that in the coming elections and thereafter, at least for next few years elections will be cheaper — no more transportation of cash in gunny bags, no more transportation of cash in ambulances, something which had sprouted first in 2008 Karnataka elections, no more transportation of cash in VIP and VVIP cars and choppers or in fruit and grain trucks. The Election Commission officials will be pleased to be relaxed a bit. Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said "if elections become cheaper with this decision it's a good beginning."

Besides who wins and who loses, the coming UP elections will throw another curios aspect — how to fight elections with less money or without black money. New innovative methods will have to be found and the political parties — BJP, Congress, SP, BSP, Akali — and other challenges lay there. Those who cannot innovate on campaigning style will potentially face losers' prospects.

Jaitley also responded to Congress' charge that ordinary people would feel harassed. Minor inconveniences could be there but the government was taking measures to minimise those. He argued that it is "rare that government takes a decision that honest persons would feel that it pays to be honest and dishonest persons to worry. This decision will force the way people spend and keep their money."

Kamal Haasan & Gautami

In a development that is bound to shock their many fans, actress Gautami Tadimalla confirmed that she has separated from her partner, superstar Kamal Haasan, ending their relationship of 13 years.

The TOI and IBT reports stated that Gautami put up a post titled "Life and Decisions" in which she shared the reasons for her separation from Kamal Haasan.

"It is heartbreaking for me to have to say today that Mr Haasan and I are no longer together. After almost 13 years together, it has been one of the most devastating decisions that I have ever had to make in my life. It is never easy for anyone in a committed relationship to realise that their paths have irreversibly diverged and that the only choices in front of them are to either compromise with their dreams for life or to accept the truth of their solitude and move ahead. It has taken me a very long time, a couple of years at the very least, to accept this heartbreaking truth and come to this decision," Gautami wrote in her blog post.

Gautami said that she seeking neither sympathy nor assigning blame, in going public about the end of her relationship.

"I have understood through my life that change is inevitable and human nature will define that change for each individual. Not all of these changes might be what we expect or anticipate but that does not, in any way, negate the very real impact of these diverging priorities in a relationship. This decision to set forth on my own at this stage in my life is perhaps one of the most difficult decisions any woman will ever have to make but it is a necessary one for me. For I am a mother first and foremost and I have a responsibility to my child to be the best mother that I can be. And to do that, it is essential that I am at peace within myself," she wrote.

Gautami also alluded to how her relationship with Kamal Haasan started, back in 2005. The star had just divorced his second wife Sarika at the time.

"It is no secret that I have always been a fan of Mr Haasan's since before I came to the film industry and I continue to admire and cheer on his monumental talent and achievements. I have stood by him through all his challenges and they have been precious moments for me. I have also learned a great deal from working with him as costume designer on his films and I'm proud that I was able to do justice to his creative vision in those films. Along with all of his accomplishments to date, I know that there is much more to come from him for his audience and I look forward to applauding those successes," Gautami said.

She added: "I would like to say that I am sharing this monumental happening in my life because I have always lived my life in your midst, with dignity and grace to the best of my ability at all times, and all of you have been a part of my life's journey in so many ways. I have received so much of love and support from you through the past 29 years and I would like to thank you for the many ways in which you kept me going through the darkest and most painful times in my life."

Recently, Gautami was in the news when reports emerged of an argument between her and Kamal Haasan's daughter Shruti on the sets of Sabaash Naidu. The comedy, being simultaneously made in three languages, features Kamal and Shruti, while Gautami was in charge of the styling. Shruti and Gautami apparently didn't agree on the 'look' the latter had come up with. Shruti's spokesperson issued a statement denying any disagreement had taken place.

An industry source had commented on Shruti's relationship with Gautami at the time: "Shruti and Gautami have always shared a good equation. Shruti and her dad share a very lovely and open relationship thanks to which Shruti has been very welcoming of Gautami into their little family. Gautami was present in Chennai for Shruti's birthday bash as well and their comfortable chemistry was there for all to see."

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syria chlorine attack

Syria: Four Dead In Suspected Chlorine Gas Attack in Aleppo

Medics save clothes of victims to be tested as they try to prove chemical weapons are being used.

At least four people have died after a suspected chlorine gas attack on the besieged Syrian city of Aleppo.

The gas is believed to have been dropped alongside barrel bombs on the Zubdiya neighbourhood, which is in the rebel-held part of the city.

Hamza Khatib, manager of Al Quds hospital, told Reuters that he had recorded four deaths and 55 injuries

Mr Khatib said he was saving pieces of patients' clothing and pieces of the bombs as evidence.

A Syrian rescue worker said a mother and her two children were among the dead.

A video was posted online by the Aleppo Media Centre, an opposition news portal, which showed a child and adults wearing breathing apparatus.

Two men reported a strong smell of gas and said they saw barrel bombs before people began to suffer breathing and eye problems.

The British-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that barrel bombs had struck the neighbourhood, but made no mention of chlorine gas.

Both sides deny using chemical weapons but United Nations investigators say that sarin gas was used in Eastern Ghouta three years ago.

This killed an estimated 1,429 people, including at least 426 children.

In late 2015, mustard gas was used in the conflict, confirmed by the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons.

It is not clear in either case which side was to blame.

Aleppo, Syria's most populous city before the war, is the subject of a bitter fight between rebel forces and those under the command of Syrian President Bashar al Assad.

Last week, rebels broke through a month-long government siege in the city's east, where an estimated 250,000 are living.

Fierce fighting continues, however, meaning a safe corridor for civilians and aid has not yet been established.

A three-hour daily ceasefire announced by Russia to allow humanitarian and aid deliveries, was due to come into force on Thursday morning, although activists say fighting has persisted.

United Nations emergency relief co-ordinator Stephen O'Brien had said he was willing to consider the Russian plan, but warned the pause needed to last at least 48 hours because the main supply route into the city, cut off by government forces last month, is so damaged only smaller trucks can be used.

He said: "When we're offered three hours then you have to ask what could be achieved in that three hours - is it to meet the need, or would it only just meet a very small part of the need?

"To meet that capacity of need you need two (road) lanes and you need to have about 48 hours to get sufficient trucks in."

Putin Create New National Guards

Russian President Vladimir Putin has announced the creation of a new National Guard, which he said would fight terrorism and organised crime.

The force will be formed of interior ministry troops and led by Mr Putin's former bodyguard, Viktor Zolotov, who will report directly to the president.

Mr Putin's spokesman said the force could be used to maintain public order.

But Dmitry Peskov denied its creation was linked to elections in September. Some critics say Mr Putin fears unrest.

Mr Putin made the announcement during a meeting with key security officials at the Kremlin. "The decisions have been taken, we are creating a new federal body of executive power," he said.

He also announced that Russia's drug control agency and federal migration service would become part of the interior ministry's remit.

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Why now?

The creation of a National Guard has been talked about for years. Mr Peskov said he "could not explain" the timing but denied it had anything to do with upcoming elections or any mistrust of other law-enforcement agencies.

But there are suggestions that President Putin is concerned about possible unrest in the run-up to parliamentary elections in September.

Liberal Yabloko party leader Emilia Slabunova said it was an "attempt by the authorities to protect themselves from protests" while independent military analyst Alexander Golts said Russian authorities were concerned by "colour revolutions" in neighbouring countries such as Ukraine and Georgia.

Who's in favour and who's against?

Pro-Kremlin officials have welcomed the change, but opposition figures and commentators fear a further strengthening of security structures.

Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov said the new force would "enhance units' operational capability". The head of the State Duma's defence and anti-corruption committee, Irina Yarovaya, said it was "an absolutely timely, adequate and systemic answer to modern challenges and threats".

But Communist MP Vladimir Rodin said the reshuffle was "a dangerous path" and influential cultural figure Marat Gelman called it a "step towards a police state".

What happens next?

The National Guard looks set to become a powerful force. Its proposed powers include the right to shoot or use force without warning and enter private premises while on duty when there is a threat to the lives of civilians or National Guard personnel.

Some unconfirmed reports suggest it could number up to 400,000 people and havetanks, heavy artillery and attack helicopters. What is not clear is how the new force will work with the interior ministry and other security agencies.

Analysis by BBC Monitoring

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As commander-in-chief of the National Guard, Mr Zolotov has been given a seat on Russia's Security Council. This means he will report directly to President Putin, bypassing the interior minister.

Mr Putin warned in February that Russia's "foes abroad" were preparing to interfere with the 18 September election, and told the country's security services that such attempts must be thwarted.

Moscow has long accused the West of trying to influence Russian elections through encouraging mass protests - a claim denied by US and European officials.

Thousands of protestors took to the streets in Moscow and other cities after the 2011 parliamentary elections amid allegations of ballot-rigging and electoral fraud. Dozens of opposition figures were arrested and jailed.

Rise of Viktor Zolotov

Little is known about 62-year-old Viktor Zolotov. He tends to stay out of the media spotlight and usually refrains from making political statements. But most commentators agree that his appointment is the outcome of his close relationship and his loyalty to the Russian president.

Born into a working-class family, Mr Zolotov started his career as a locksmith at a car plant, later joining the KGB. He spent 20 years as a guard with the Soviet security agency.

In 1994, he became bodyguard for then St Petersburg Mayor Anatoly Sobchak and deputy mayor Vladimir Putin. That was when he apparently developed a close relationship with the future president, even becoming his judo sparring partner.

When Mr Putin was appointed prime minister in 1999, Mr Zolotov was made head of his security entourage. He held the post until 2013, when he was transferred to the interior ministry and put in charge of interior troops in 2014.

President Vladimir Putin has ordered that a National Guard be created in Russia under the auspices of the Ministry of Internal Affairs. The guard will fight terrorism and organized crime.

“We have made a decision to create a new federal executive body within the Ministry of Internal Affairs, namely the National Guard," the president said Tuesday.

The National Guard "will be fighting terrorism, organized crime, all in close cooperation with the Ministry of Internal Affairs. They will also continue to perform the functions which are currently carried out by riot police units, SWAT, etc.,” he added.

The National Guard will be formed out of existing Interior Ministry troops.

“We thought about how to improve [the work of law enforcement] in all areas, including those related to fighting terrorism, to organized crime and illicit drug trafficking,” Putin said.

The statement came as Putin met Interior Minister Viktor Kolokoltsev, head of the Federal Drug Control Service Viktor Ivanov, and the commander of the interior troops of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, Viktor Zolotov.

Viktor Zolotov, ex-commander of the Internal Troops and former head of the President's personal security service, has been appointed as the leader of the new structure, with orders to report directly to the president, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told journalists on Tuesday.

He also drew attention to the fact that Zolotov “has grand experience in [the work of] special forces. This is a very good basis for managing a body such as the National Guard.”

The National Guard will not perform field investigation activities, but they will be involved in fighting terrorism within the country, he added.  It is not yet clear, however, whether these troops will be taking part in counter-terrorism operations abroad, according to the spokesman.

Peskov said that the National Guard will work to protect public safety and order along with the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

Peskov added that the changes in the structure of internal troops do not mean a loss of confidence in them, stressing that the move is aimed at improving their combat capabilities and increasing their effectiveness.

The creation of the new department will require improving the existing legal regulatory framework, as well as setting up ties with other agencies dealing with state security, especially the National Anti-Terrorism Committee, for coordination, he added.

No increase in staffing will be needed, according to Peskov. Moreover, “a combination of merging the Federal Drug Control Service and the Federal Migration Service with the Ministry of Internal Affairs, and the allocation of internal troops into the National Guard will optimize the entire structure,” he explained. 

Legislators welcome National Guard

State Duma representatives have welcomed the President’s decision. Michael Starshinov, head of the inter-factional group on the interaction of civil society with law enforcement and intelligence agencies, considers the creation of the National Guard the State’s response to the current challenges.

“I can only support the president's decision, because it corresponds with the logic of reforming the judicial system in general and the Ministry of Interior in particular. This step, of course, is also a response to modern challenges and threats, primarily from the international terrorism” Starshinov told reporters.

The deputy chairman of the Duma committee on security and corruption control, Andrey Lugovoy,  expressed his hope for positive changes from the creation of the new structure. “The fact that the internal forces will obtain new duties – fighting against organized crime and terrorism – I would expect that the effect of this will be positive,” Lugovoy said.

Franz Klintsevich, first Deputy Chairman of the Federation Council Committee on Defense and Security, noted the National Guard will not have to answer to a long hierarchy of superiors, which will make decision-making easier and faster. “[The National Guard will] possess the maximum resources to fight terrorism, including the best forces from the Interior Ministry troops – the people, as they say, proven in combat. It will be endowed with ample powers laid down by federal law [and] will be able to make decisions quickly, without wasting time on all sorts of coordination.”

State Duma deputy from the party 'Spravedlivaya Rossiya' Tatyana Moskalkova also welcomed the news, predicting great improvement to the effectiveness of internal troops.

“The task of combating crime involves the use of specific tools, which are owned by internal troops. [Internal troops] use this special knowledge and special tools to deal with the most dangerous criminal manifestations, such as terrorism, hostage taking, hijacking and riots. The forming of the National Guard is a step toward strengthening the structure [of security forces] and finding new solutions to these security problems,” she said.