A rash of videos showing security forces assaulting Kashmiri youth flooded social media on Friday, after internet services were restored in the valley following the Srinagar parliamentary by-poll.

The videos and comments were being carried on Twitter and Facebook.

Several hundreds of comments were posted in response to a video showing paramilitary forces being beaten by Kashmiri youth that went viral on social media on Wednesday.

The video, whose authenticity could not be verified, also provoked a controversial comment from cricketer Gautam Gambhir who said that for every slap on jawans, 100 jihadis should be killed.

Among the three "new counter-videos" that were doing the rounds on Friday were of a youth tied to the front of an army jeep, as a shield to prevent stone-pelters. The alleged incident happened in Beerwah, in Budgam, which saw rampant violence related to the April 9 by-poll, that left eight civilians dead in firing by security forces. The army said it was trying to verify the authenticity of the video.

In the video an army personnel can be heard warning onlookers, "Those who pelt stones will meet the same fate."

The video had evoked widespread condemnation. Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, tweeting his shock, said: "This young man was TIED to the front of an army jeep to make sure no stones were thrown at the jeep? This is just so shocking!" 

In another video, a group of youth can be seen pelting stones on security forces at a polling booth in Beerwah. The video footage, shot by one of the polling staff, shows one of the youth suddenly falling to the ground — apparently after being shot by security personnel.

Another video has emerged showing security personnel shoving and beating a shirtless youth. Again, the authenticity of the two videos could not be verified.

Commenting on the last video, National Conference spokesperson Junaid Azim Mattu, said "Another side of restraint, debate in Kashmir. We should be outraged over this as well? No? Because Hypocrisy.

"Cricketer Gautam Gambhir's tweet on Thursday that "Whoever wants Azadi LEAVE NOW! Kashmir is ours", also triggered a Twitter storm with the hashtag kashmirbelongs2us.

Shrimoyee, a lawyer and a Human Rights activist, while sharing one of the video posts on Friday questioned the "selective outrage" on social media, hinting at the tweets of Gambhir.

"Boy kicks CRPF Jawan: outrage, genocidal threats, investigations, punishment. CRPF Jawan shoots boy in head *Crickets*," she tweeted.

Veteran journalist Rajdeep Sardesai, condemning the tying up of a youth to an army jeep, asked: "Will any cricket/film hero condemn this like we do when an army man is pushed and heckled?"

International Human Rights activist and Chairperson of Association of Parents of Disappeared Persons (APDP) Khurram Parvez compared the Indian army's act of tying the youth with that of the Israeli army's actions in Palestine.

"Palestine or Kashmir, the military tactics of using the human shields reveal how Israel and India, while dealing with hostile population increasingly don't care about pretence of legitimacy. Since 1989 the phenomenon of using human shields in Kashmir continues unabated," Parvez said on his Facebook page.

An independent journalist based in Kashmir, Sheikh Saaliq, termed the video as an act of "terrorism".

"If Indians don't start asking, questioning their Army over this then I don't know when they will. This is terrorism," Saaliq tweeted.

Separatists had called for a boycott of the Srinagar-Budgam by-poll, which saw 7 per cent polling on April 9, and a mere 2 per cent in the re-poll ordered in 38 stations on Thursday, despite massive security presence.

Union Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi on Friday said the Centre is "actively considering" a plan to resume — after 22 years — the use of the Arabian Sea route to ferry Haj pilgrims to Saudi Arabia and consultations with the Shipping Ministry are already on.

He said the "revolutionary and pilgrim-friendly decision" of sea travel will cut down travel expenses by nearly half compared with air fares. The use of the sea route between Mumbai and Jeddah for Haj was discontinued in 1995.

"A high-level committee, formed by the government to frame the Haj Policy 2018 as per the Supreme Court's 2012 order, is exploring the issue for sending pilgrims via the sea route to Jeddah in Saudi Arabia," the Minister of State for Minority Affairs said at a training programme at the Haj House here.

The committee will soon submit its report to the government.

At present, Haj pilgrims travel by air from 21 points across the country.

The minister said another advantage was that ships nowadays are modern and well equipped to ferry 4,000 to 5,000 persons at one go. 

"They can cover the 2,300-odd nautical miles between Mumbai and Jeddah in just two-three days. Earlier, ships used to take 12 to 15 days to cover this distance," he said.

He said the new Haj policy is aimed at making the entire pilgrimage process easier and transparent. Facilities for pilgrims will be the focus of the new policy.

In 2016, as many as 99,903 pilgrims went to Jeddah for Haj through the Haj Committee of India, besides nearly 36,000 persons who went through private tour operators. 

In 2017, a total of 1,70,025 persons will go for Haj from India, including 1,25,025 through the Haj Committee and 45,000 others through private operators. 

This year, he said, 129,196 applications were received online.

The Ministry of Minority Affairs along with other agencies has started preparations for the biggest annual pilgrimage very early in coordination with various agencies, he added. The aim is to provide world class facilities to Haj pilgrims. 

With an increase of 34,005 in India's annual Haj quota by host country Saudi Arabia, announced last year, all Indian states will benefit for this year's pilgrimage, Naqvi said.

"The decision was taken during the signing of a bilateral annual Haj agreement between the two countries at Jeddah on January 11. It is the biggest increase in the Haj quota for India after many years," the minister said.

More than 500 trainers from different states are participating in the three-day training programme that deals with various dos and don'ts to be adhered to during the pilgrimage. They are enlightened about transport, accommodation and laws in Saudi Arabia, among other things.

Officials from the Haj Committee of India, Saudi Arabia Consulate, BrihanMumbai Municipal Corporation, Saudi Airlines, Air India, customs and immigration departments and doctors are involved in the endeavour. 

These trainers will further train prospective pilgrims at different camps across the country. 

A hat-trick by Samuel Badree (4/9) and Virat Kohli’s knock of 62 runs went in vain as Royal Challengers Bangalore lost a nail-biting IPL 2017 match to Mumbai Indians on Friday.

West Indies’ batsman Kieron Pollard scored impressive 70 runs off 47 balls to help Mumbai register a four-wicket win at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.

Chasing a small target of 143 runs, Mumbai started miserably as they lost four of their batsmen for just seven runs inside first three overs.

However, Kieron Pollard brought the match close after scoring a 70-run knock at a strike rate of 148.93.

At lower middle-order, Pollard put 93-run partnership stand with Krunal Pandya (37*) for the sixth-wicket.

Hardik Pandya scored swift nine runs that include a winning six as well.

Earlier, Badree led havoc on struggling Mumbai as he claimed four wickets in the shape of Parthiv Patel (3), Rohit Sharma (0), Mitchell McClenaghan (0) and Nitish Rana (11) in his four-over illustrious spell.

Fast bowler Stuart Binny dismissed Jos Buttler for two runs to help Badree, taking the grip of the match early.

Spinner Yuzvendra Chahal took the much valued wicket of Pollard, though it couldn’t help him team much as the West Indian had already given MI a boost.

In RCB’s innings, captain Kohli was the lone warrior as he scored 62 runs to put 142 runs on scoreboard for the loss of five wickets.

The 28-year-old batsman hit five boundaries and two sixes in his 37-ball knock to lift the Bengaluru crowd off their feet.

Explosive batsmen Chris Gayle and AB de Villiers failed to shoulder responsibility as they managed to hit just 22 runs and 19 runs respectively.

In the middle-order, Kedar Jadhav was run out for nine runs, while Mandeep Singh went back to pavilion for a duck.

New Zealand pacer Mitchell McClenaghan led Mumbai’s pace attack as he claimed two wickets in the shape of Kohli and Mandeep.

McClenaghan trapped the big fish – Kohli with a good length delivery that was lofted by the Indian batsman at deep extra cover, where Jos Buttler made no mistake.

Hardik took the scalp of Gayle, earning the breakthrough for Mumbai in the 10th over.

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Excited to bring the love story of a same sex couple on the web medium, director Nupur Asthana says she couldn't turn it into a film as she was afraid that the project will get stuck at the censor board.

Nupur's debut web series Romil and Jugal is a take on William Shakespeare's tragedy Romeo and Juliet.

“It was a film script initially when it was written by writer Anu Menon two-three years ago. It will make a wonderful film but will it ever pass through the censor board? No. So, making a film on it would not be a feasible option at this point and even television channels would not be open to show it,” Nupur told.

“I think digital is the best format today for a story like this, it is the right medium,” she says.

The Bewakoofiyan director feels the love story of two boys is relevant today as the society is changing and people have no qualms in talking about their sexuality.

“It was the right time to explore this subject as web series,” she adds.

The subject marks Nupur's first attempt in exploring the topic of homosexuality.

“Direction was a challenge as I had to put two boys in this Romeo-Juliet classic love story. I don't want the LGBT community to abuse me. I have tried to be real and subtle.”

The Ekta Kapoor produced web show is an emotional love story of two small town boys.

“My attempt is to make people forget that it's a love story between two boys and rather show it as a love story between two human beings. Love is universal, it doesn't know gender… nature has made you certain way. We hope this subject gets acceptance,” Nupur says.

Manraj Singh plays the character of Jugal, while Romil's role is essayed by Rajeev Siddhartha.

The web series also stars Suchitra Pillai, Manini Mishra (De), Mandira Bedi, Vritika Ramnani, and Divina in pivotal roles.

“I found Jugal in 10 days or so but for Romil I had to do multiple auditions. There were quite a few actors who did not want to play the role of a gay. To find a good actor who wouldn't mind getting intimate on screen with another man was a bit tough. We took three to four months to get the cast on board,” director says.

The web series will stream on Alt Balaji app from April 16.

 Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif on Friday called the recent US missile attack against Syria unacceptable, media reports said.

Before travelling to Moscow for talks with his Russian and Syrian counterparts, Zarif criticised Washington's unilateral move and reiterated his call for an impartial international investigation into the attack, Efe news reported.

Washington's bombing of the Syrian Shayrat Airbase on April 6 came in retaliation for the chemical attack allegedly launched by Syrian President Bashar al-Assad against Idlib province's town of Khan Sheikhoun.

Iran, Russia and Syria deny that the authorities in Damascus were behind the attack, in which more than 80 people were killed and hundreds injured.

The head of Iranian diplomacy has in recent days talked to many of his counterparts in a bid to persuade them of the need to open an impartial investigation.

Later on Friday, Zarif is set to meet with his Russian and Syrian counterparts, Sergey Lavrov and Walid al-Muallem, with whom he will also hold bilateral meetings.

The central issue of the talks will be discussing measures to prevent the undermining of political settlement efforts in Syria in the context of the US strike, the Russian foreign ministry said.
 

Actor Dolph Lundgren will reportedly appear in the film Aquaman.

The 59-year-old action actor may star in the fantasy film and portray King Nereus, who is the leader of the aquatic world Xebel, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

The film, which is a Warner Bros adaptation of the DC Comic, will be directed by James Wan.

The star cast also includes Amber Heard, Nicole Kidman, Willem Dafoe, along with actor Jason Momoa, who appears in the titular role.

Meanwhile, Lundgren has also teamed up with Jean-Claude Van Damme for a new action flick Black Water.

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday advised his BJP's West Bengal unit not to pay attention to the "false propaganda" by the Left Front and the Congress about any "secret understanding" between his party and the state's ruling Trinamool Congress.

According to Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) national Secretary Rahul Sinha, the veteran leader dismissed the allegations as part of the state opposition's "political strategy".

"He told us not to be bothered about these false propaganda by state left parties and Congress as this is a mere attempt to defame our party. These allegations are a part of out opposition's political strategy," said Sinha, briefing newspersons about the closed door meeting of state office bearers conducted by Rajnath Singh.

"Rajnathji told us to put these allegations aside and work hard to establish ourselves as the prime opposition of Trinamool Congress in the state," he said.

Congratulating the state BJP unit for their recent success, Rajnath Singh reportedly said the party activists throughout the nation are excited about BJP's progress in Bengal.

"Rajnathji said that the BJP activists and supporters all over the country are proud and excited about the way the party is progressing in West Bengal. The people of the nation are looking up to BJP's achievements in the state," Sinha said.

The state BJP leader claimed that there were detailed discussions about the state government's atrocities and attacks on the BJP activists in Bengal.

"We have informed him how the state government is misusing its police and lodging false cases against the BJP leaders to stop the party from flourishing. The issues of cow smuggling and constant infiltration through the India-Bangladesh border were also discussed at length," he said.

An Indian registered dhow ‘Al-Kausar’ which was hijacked off the island of Socotra on 1 April and taken to the port of Hobyo, on the eastern coast of Somalia was taken over by the Indian Navy. The 10 crew members who were captured and held by pirates were released on 11 and 12  April after negotiations.

The Indian Navy redeployed its ship, operating in the Gulf of Aden for Anti-Piracy Patrol, to the east coast of Somalia to monitor the ongoing situation and remain on standby for any other contingency operations.

In the interim, negotiations commenced between the owner and the hijackers for the safe release of the vessel, its cargo and crew. All inter-government agencies maintained a close watch and effective coordination during the progress of negotiations, according to a Navy release.

Somalian Security Forces also provided support and assistance during this operation with armed guards being positioned on the dhow off Hobyo harbour as well as search parties undertaking operations to locate the remaining crew ashore.

The Indian Navy formally accepted the Dhow ‘Al-Kausar’ from the Mayor of Hobyo, Somalia, on 13 April and the Indian Navy ship, deployed for this operation took over the dhow and escorted it into international waters and onward towards its next destination. The ship conducted a medical checkup for all the crew members and provided necessary supplies for the onward journey, prior to resuming anti-piracy patrol operations.

Baahubali stars Prabhas and Rana Daggubati visited Chandigarh University to celebrate the festival of Baisakhi on Friday.

During the college visit, Prabhas and Rana engaged in some Baisakhi special activities along with the students. They got into some fun game of fist fight as well.

Prabhas said in a statement: "Celebrating the festival of Baisakhi in Chandigarh has been a joyous experience for us. It was interesting to interact with young minds at the university and soak in the vibe of the festival in the city."

It is the first city visit of the team for the promotion of their forthcoming film Baahubali 2: The Conclusion.

Produced by ARKA entertainment and directed by S.S. Rajamouli, the movie also stars Tamannaah Bhatia, Anushka Shetty and Sathyaraj. 

The film is slated to release on April 28.

In the context of West Indian mystery spinner Sunil Narine creating a flutter by opening the batting for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) against Kings XI Punjab, Tom Moody, head coach of Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) said in T20 cricket one needs to be prepared for the unexpected.

"I don't consider it a surprise," Moody told reporters on the eve of their match against KKR at the Eden Gardens here on Saturday.

"In T20 cricket you need to be alert in a way that anything is possible. Whether a spinner opens the bowling or a spinner opens the batting. And at the end of the day, most cricketers are pretty adaptable and versatile now."

Moody, who is director cricket for Big Bash League side Melbourne Renegades for whom Narine has opened the batting thrice this January, further said: "They can play many roles in the side. As a side you need to be prepared for the unexpected. One of the key tactics is to catch your opponent by surprise even if you steal an over from the game whether it be with the bat or the ball, it gives you a big advantage."

The West Indian southpaw hit a whirlwind 18-ball 37 to take the match away from Kings XI Punjab, chasing 171 for victory.

Moody said the fact that Saturday's match will be a day game should help their cause after losing to Mumbai Indians in their previous encounter due to the dew factor.

"We were unfortunate to cope with the dew in Mumbai," the 51-year-old former Australian all-rounder said. 

"That's certainly not an excuse for our result. There is no doubt that at the toss of the coin there is significant advantage."

"If you're batting second with the dew, and it's quite unfortunate at this time of the year to have so much dew in Mumbai but it is what it is. You just got to deal with it. We were prepared for challenging conditions. The afternoon game is a bonus and it's not so hot as it can be here in Kolkata," he added. 

Asked about skipper David Warner and whether the Aussie opener has toned down in recent years, Moody said: "There is no doubt that he has matured as a cricketer both on and off the field. 

"That happens to all cricketers. They all take time to evolve as cricketers and young men. David is a high quality cricketer."

"He has shown over the last couple of years that he is a high quality captain as well. The franchise and players as well as the support staff are happy to have him. Strategically he is switched on and reads the game very well. He has got a good relationship with the players."

Afghanistan's 18-year-old leg-spinner Rashid Khan has done well for the defending champions in the last three matches. Moody said he along with Afghanistan's Mohammad Nabi, who also plays for SRH, are match winners.

"It's wonderful for Afghanistan cricket that there are two players playing in the IPL. We are fortunate enough to have both of the players. They have shown over the years that they are a very competitive outfit and they have match winners. Nabi and Rashid are those players and we had identified that during the auction," he said.
 

Five persons were arrested on Friday in Kashmir's Budgam district for heckling a paramilitary trooper on Sunday during the by-poll for Srinagar parliamentary seat.

"Based on video and other evidence, five persons have been detained for questioning in connection with the heckling of a CRPF jawan in Chadoora of Budgam district," police said.

A video had gone viral showing some youth kicking a CRPF trooper on April 9 after the polling process ended in the constituency.

Senior officers of the CRPF had said the exemplary restraint shown by the trooper was testimony to the fact that the CRPF had been discharging its duties in Kashmir with restraint and under extremely difficult conditions.

In another development, state police chief SP Vaid confirmed that an FIR has been lodged against a paramilitary trooper who is seen in a video shooting directly at the head of a stone pelter during protests in Budgam on April 9.

Eight civilians were killed in bloody clashes between the security forces and protestors on April 9.

Of these, seven protestors were killed in Budgam and one in Ganderbal district.

It's all about style ideas that help find high-quality images for real life fashion experience.

Yes, Google has stepped up to enhance user experience. It has introduced a new feature "Style Ideas" in Image Search on mobile web and in Google app for Android.

One can use "Style ideas" to search for high-quality images that show how someone will look while wearing the item in real life..

"Users will also see an expanded carousel for 'similar items' while searching for apparel products," the company said in a statement.

The feature was launched on Friday.

Actress Neetu Chandra's next production The Suspect, a short film in Maithili, is set to release on May 5.

Neetu tweeted on Friday: "Our next production! By Nitin (brother), Neera Chandra (mother). Proud to present The Suspect – Champaran Talkies's first short film! May 5."

The moving poster of The Suspect was unveiled on Thursday.

"The Suspect" tells the story of Abdul Rahim Ansari, resident of Mirzapur. It shows how an innocent young Muslim man gets framed and is declared a terrorist within 24 hours of his arrival in Mumbai.

Champaran Talkies is a Mumbai and Patna based film production house. Since its inception in 2008, Champaran Talkies has made several documentaries and feature films with actors like Ashish Vidyarthi and Pankaj Jha. The banner's 2015 film Mithila Makhaan was honoured with a National Film Award. 

It is a huge crowd. Hordes of people, looking at the same direction, look shocked and awestruck. It's the scene in the beginning of the Baahubali 2 trailer, and it's making wave on social media. 

The still has has drawn hysterical reactions from people all over. Many have taken to Twitter to express their views. Some of the tweets tickle the funny bone.

Ever since the release of Baahubali:The Beginning in 2015, the Baahubali fever sure has gripped the social media for years.

Recently, Baahubali being used as a metaphor by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his campaigning for UP elections create big buzz. 

The trailer of Baahubali: The Conclusion was released recently and it crossed 85 million views on YouTube so far, making it the most viewed Indian trailer ever!

Directed by SS Rajamouli, the films stars Prabhas in the titular role in addition to Rana Daggubati, Tamannaah Bhatia, Anushka Shetty and Satyaraj in pivotal roles. 

The film is slated to release on 28 April 2017.

Actress Angelina Jolie is set to become the owner of the historic Cecil B DeMille's estate worth almost $25 million.

The 6 bedroom, 10 bath pad was in the market for $25 million, and Jolie paid close to the asked price, reports tmz.com.

The home, considered one of the best in Los Angeles, was built in 1913. The famed director lived there until his death in 1959. 

Her neighbours will include Ellen Pompeo, Casey Affleck, Natalie Portman, Lauren Graham, Will.I.Am and David Fincher. 

Initially, Lydia Hearst paid $13 million for the property and Jolie's purchase is nearly double.

In a bid to encourage cashless transactions, more than 10 thousand bank accounts were opened in the city during the 100-day long "Digi Dhan Mela" organised by the Chandigarh Administration.

Disclosing this on the culmination of Digi dhan melas, deputy commissioner Ajit Balaji Joshi said more than 20,000 people from across the city participated in the programmme to encourage cashless transactions.

To make the City Beautiful cashless city, several departments have gone  100 per cent cashless enabled. Some of these departments are education department, excise and taxation department, food and supplies department, Municipal Corporation, Chandigarh, sampark centers and labour department. 

Addressing the gathering, Governor of Punjab and Administrator of Chandigarh, VP Singh Badnore said Prime Minister Narender Modi's concept of Digital India has not only brought a massive change within the country but has also alleviated the image of India at the highest level on the International sphere. 

He said this will help ensure financial inclusion where every Indian, irrespective of socio-economic status, is empowered with necessary digital tools to participate in the new age economy. Ends

Over one dozen train services from Dehradun will remain affected due to platform construction works. Commuters will have to board 16 trains from Haridwar, which presently starts their journey from Dehradun.

The construction will start from 18 April to conclude on 23 May. For over one month the discomfort will prevail for the passengers.

The construction work of platform number three of the Dehradun railway station was pending since a long.

Even this time the revamp work was delayed due to non availability of construction material- as the Uttarakhand High Court had put a ban on sand mining in the hill state on 28 March this year.

The ban resulted in big scarcity of sand and other construction material in the state.

The price of the available stock shot up to force construction agency to temporary suspend their project.

The Supreme Court put a stay on the High Court judgement, to allow mining again in Uttarakhand.

The situation has started turning normal, with adequate stock of construction material now available in the market. 

Divisional Railway Manager (Moradabad) Pramod Kumar said, “Other train services will operate as normal. Only services of 16 train will start and conclude their journey from Haridwar.”

Most the terminated service are weekly trains. With the arrival of summer the tourism season starts in Uttarakhand.

Pilgrims visit Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri and Yamunoti and other take a break in Mussoorie and Nainital. The affected train service is all set to hassle the tourists.

Had the mining ban not hit the construction work, the railways would have completed the project by early next month.

The affected service will become normal only after third week in May.