Senior Bihar BJP leader Sushil Kumar Modi on Tuesday demanded a thorough probe by CBI or by any other independent agency into the Bihar Staff Selection Commission's (BSSC) paper leak scam.

Modi said "We demand a CBI probe or a probe by any independent agency as SIT may not be able to carry out fair probe into the paper leak scam which has strong political connections and root."

"When Vyapam scam can be investigated by the CBI, then why can't the BSSC paper leak scam be investigated by the CBI," the former deputy chief minister told reporters on the sidelines of his weekly Janata darbar here.

Chief Minister Nitish Kumar had on Monday rejected demand for CBI probe into BSSSC paper leak scam saying that "investigation into the matter is being conducted by the Police and there is no need to heed to the demands of anybody whose sole intent is to get publicity through such utterance."

Bihar government had on February 8 last cancelled BSSC exam held to fill up the posts of clerks in state government in the wake of paper leak.

The chief minister had announced the cancellation of BSSC examination on the basis of preliminary report of Director General of Police P K Thakur and recommendation of Chief Secretary Anjani Kumar Singh.

The cancellation had come in the wake of reports of paper leak before the examination on February 5.

The senior BJP leader also suggested the state government to suspend internet service during the examination period to ensure free and fair examination in the state. This is being done by some states, he added.

Stating that he has full faith in the ability and honesty of Patna Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Manu Maharaj, the former Modi asked as "whether SIT headed by Maharaj will be able to interrogate senior officials like Chief Secretary and Home Department's Principal Secretary in paper leak scam or whether he will be able to probe into the political connections of those arrested by the SIT."

SIT may not be able to carry out a fair probe into the matter or expose the nexus of politicians who exerted pressure on Parmeshwar Ram to help certain persons in the appointment, he alleged.

On media being debarred from going to the exam centres of Intermediate examination which began today amid tight security, Modi also demanded the government to lift the ban on media coverage from the exam centre.

Senior Bihar BJP leader Sushil Kumar Modi on Tuesday demanded a thorough probe by CBI or by any other independent agency into the Bihar Staff Selection Commission's (BSSC) paper leak scam.

Modi said "We demand a CBI probe or a probe by any independent agency as SIT may not be able to carry out fair probe into the paper leak scam which has strong political connections and root."

"When Vyapam scam can be investigated by the CBI, then why can't the BSSC paper leak scam be investigated by the CBI," the former deputy chief minister told reporters on the sidelines of his weekly Janata darbar here.

Chief Minister Nitish Kumar had on Monday rejected demand for CBI probe into BSSSC paper leak scam saying that "investigation into the matter is being conducted by the Police and there is no need to heed to the demands of anybody whose sole intent is to get publicity through such utterance."

Bihar government had on February 8 last cancelled BSSC exam held to fill up the posts of clerks in state government in the wake of paper leak.

The chief minister had announced the cancellation of BSSC examination on the basis of preliminary report of Director General of Police P K Thakur and recommendation of Chief Secretary Anjani Kumar Singh.

The cancellation had come in the wake of reports of paper leak before the examination on February 5.

The senior BJP leader also suggested the state government to suspend internet service during the examination period to ensure free and fair examination in the state. This is being done by some states, he added.

Stating that he has full faith in the ability and honesty of Patna Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Manu Maharaj, the former Modi asked as "whether SIT headed by Maharaj will be able to interrogate senior officials like Chief Secretary and Home Department's Principal Secretary in paper leak scam or whether he will be able to probe into the political connections of those arrested by the SIT."

SIT may not be able to carry out a fair probe into the matter or expose the nexus of politicians who exerted pressure on Parmeshwar Ram to help certain persons in the appointment, he alleged.

On media being debarred from going to the exam centres of Intermediate examination which began today amid tight security, Modi also demanded the government to lift the ban on media coverage from the exam centre.

The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) has released the official notification for the joint CSIR-UGC NET 2017 on the website csirhrdg.res.in and the exam will tentatively be held on June 8.

The examination is held to select candidates for Junior Research Fellowships (JRF) NET and for appointment of lecturers (NET) in certain subject areas under the Faculty of Science and Technology, a notification from the CSIR stated.

Interested candidates must have Master of Science (MSc) or equivalent degree, Integrated BS-MS/BS, four years Bachelor of Engineering (BE), Bachelor of Technology (BTech), B-Pharma degrees or MBBS from a recognised university or institute with at least 55 per cent marks.

For JR, the maximum age limit is 28 years and for LS (NET), there is no upper age limit.

Two separate merit lists — one comprising the candidates qualifying for Junior Research Fellowship (JRF-NET), and the second comprising candidates qualifying the Eligibility Test for Lectureship (NET) will be prepared. Successful candidates of written examination will have to appear for the interview round.

The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) has released the official notification for the joint CSIR-UGC NET 2017 on the website csirhrdg.res.in and the exam will tentatively be held on June 8.

The examination is held to select candidates for Junior Research Fellowships (JRF) NET and for appointment of lecturers (NET) in certain subject areas under the Faculty of Science and Technology, a notification from the CSIR stated.

Interested candidates must have Master of Science (MSc) or equivalent degree, Integrated BS-MS/BS, four years Bachelor of Engineering (BE), Bachelor of Technology (BTech), B-Pharma degrees or MBBS from a recognised university or institute with at least 55 per cent marks.

For JR, the maximum age limit is 28 years and for LS (NET), there is no upper age limit.

Two separate merit lists — one comprising the candidates qualifying for Junior Research Fellowship (JRF-NET), and the second comprising candidates qualifying the Eligibility Test for Lectureship (NET) will be prepared. Successful candidates of written examination will have to appear for the interview round.

Chief Minister O Panneerselvam on Tuesday made a fervent appeal to those in Sasikala's camp to go by their "conscience" in taking forward the government that was led by 'Amma' (Jayalalithaa).

Panneerselvam's appeal came within hours of the Supreme Court upholding the conviction of AIADMK General Secretary V K Sasikala in a disproportionate assets case trashing her hopes of becoming the chief minister of Tamil Nadu.

"Due to a few incidents, there had been a small impediment in continuance of her government. To remove this temporary impediment and to take forward the good governance of Amma, it is our duty to take steps according to our conscience," Panneerselvam said.

"This is our duty and way of showing our gratitude to her (Jayalalithaa)," he said.

Panneerselvam said the party had won last year's Assembly elections due to Amma's welfare schemes and people want those to continue, for which "all of our support is essential."

"I therefore request the ministers and MLAs to factor in the present circumstances and decide what kind of decision will ensure the party's unity and continuance of the government, and act accordingly," he said in a statement.

"Further, let us also put behind certain unsavoury incidents that had happened between us and there shall be no hesitation in ensuring everybody's due importance," the chief minister said.

Rivals were waiting for the party to split and if this is allowed "the souls of (AIADMK founder) M G Ramachandran and Jayalalithaa will not forgive us," he said and invited all ministers and MLAs to work together and take forward the legacy of MGR and Jayalalithaa and "keep up their pride".

Later in the day, he and 19 other senior leaders were expelled from the party's primary membership by Sasikala. Her loyalist Edappady K Palaniswami was elected the Legislature Party Leader.

Chief Minister O Panneerselvam on Tuesday made a fervent appeal to those in Sasikala's camp to go by their "conscience" in taking forward the government that was led by 'Amma' (Jayalalithaa).

Panneerselvam's appeal came within hours of the Supreme Court upholding the conviction of AIADMK General Secretary V K Sasikala in a disproportionate assets case trashing her hopes of becoming the chief minister of Tamil Nadu.

"Due to a few incidents, there had been a small impediment in continuance of her government. To remove this temporary impediment and to take forward the good governance of Amma, it is our duty to take steps according to our conscience," Panneerselvam said.

"This is our duty and way of showing our gratitude to her (Jayalalithaa)," he said.

Panneerselvam said the party had won last year's Assembly elections due to Amma's welfare schemes and people want those to continue, for which "all of our support is essential."

"I therefore request the ministers and MLAs to factor in the present circumstances and decide what kind of decision will ensure the party's unity and continuance of the government, and act accordingly," he said in a statement.

"Further, let us also put behind certain unsavoury incidents that had happened between us and there shall be no hesitation in ensuring everybody's due importance," the chief minister said.

Rivals were waiting for the party to split and if this is allowed "the souls of (AIADMK founder) M G Ramachandran and Jayalalithaa will not forgive us," he said and invited all ministers and MLAs to work together and take forward the legacy of MGR and Jayalalithaa and "keep up their pride".

Later in the day, he and 19 other senior leaders were expelled from the party's primary membership by Sasikala. Her loyalist Edappady K Palaniswami was elected the Legislature Party Leader.

The Supreme Court on Tuesday clarified that the audience need not stand when the National Anthem is played as a part of the storyline of a film, newsreel or documentary.

A bench of Justices Dipak Misra and R Banumathi made this clear after one of the petitioners said that the apex court should clarify if people are expected to stand when the National Anthem is played in a film, newsreel or documentary.

"It is clarified that when the National Anthem is played as part of the storyline of a film, newsreel or a documentary the audience need not stand," the bench said.

The bench, which said the issue raised by petitioners needs to be debated, has fixed the matter for further hearing on April 18.

The apex court had on November 30 last year ordered cinema halls across the nation to mandatorily play the National Anthem before screening of a movie and the audience must stand and show respect.

This order had come on the PIL filed by one Shyam Narayan Chouksey seeking directions that National Anthem should be played in cinema halls across the country before a film begins and proper norms and protocol be fixed regarding its playing and singing at official functions and programmes where those holding constitutional office are present.

The apex court, while passing a slew of directions, had also observed that "time has come when citizens must realise they live in a nation and are duty-bound to show respect to National Anthem which is a symbol of constitutional patriotism and inherent national quality."

It had said that "love and respect for the motherland is reflected when one shows respect to the National Anthem as well as to the National Flag".

The court had barred printing of the anthem or part of it on any object and displaying it in such a manner at places which may be "disgraceful to its status and tantamount to disrespect". It had also barred playing or displaying an "abridged version" of the anthem.

Various other petitioners have also approached the apex court, which has tagged them with and the bench has tagged with the main petition.

The Supreme Court on Tuesday clarified that the audience need not stand when the National Anthem is played as a part of the storyline of a film, newsreel or documentary.

A bench of Justices Dipak Misra and R Banumathi made this clear after one of the petitioners said that the apex court should clarify if people are expected to stand when the National Anthem is played in a film, newsreel or documentary.

"It is clarified that when the National Anthem is played as part of the storyline of a film, newsreel or a documentary the audience need not stand," the bench said.

The bench, which said the issue raised by petitioners needs to be debated, has fixed the matter for further hearing on April 18.

The apex court had on November 30 last year ordered cinema halls across the nation to mandatorily play the National Anthem before screening of a movie and the audience must stand and show respect.

This order had come on the PIL filed by one Shyam Narayan Chouksey seeking directions that National Anthem should be played in cinema halls across the country before a film begins and proper norms and protocol be fixed regarding its playing and singing at official functions and programmes where those holding constitutional office are present.

The apex court, while passing a slew of directions, had also observed that "time has come when citizens must realise they live in a nation and are duty-bound to show respect to National Anthem which is a symbol of constitutional patriotism and inherent national quality."

It had said that "love and respect for the motherland is reflected when one shows respect to the National Anthem as well as to the National Flag".

The court had barred printing of the anthem or part of it on any object and displaying it in such a manner at places which may be "disgraceful to its status and tantamount to disrespect". It had also barred playing or displaying an "abridged version" of the anthem.

Various other petitioners have also approached the apex court, which has tagged them with and the bench has tagged with the main petition.

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Tuesday appealed to Chief Electoral Officer Punjab to completely restrict any sort of activity within the premises where Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) are stored in the state.

AAP state convener Gurpreet Singh Waraich, legal cell convener Himmat Singh Shergill and dialogue committee chairman Kanwar Sandhu in a joint statement said that after the incident of Patiala where District Returning Officer (DRO) allowed to shift old EVMs lying in same complex where assembly poll EVMs are stored, the possibility of sabotage can’t be ruled out.

They said that even though the Election Commission has clarified that EVMs removed by district officials were those used in the Municipal Corporation elections, it was an unusual and suspected action. The AAP leaders said that district authorities had no business to enter the complex till the time election process is not completed.

AAP leader said that about 15,000 AAP volunteers were monitoring the EVMs and would stand guard to any attempt by ruling SAD-BJP alliance to alter the process. They said that Akali Dal leaders were frustrated over imminent defeat and they can go to any extent to sabotage the EVMs. They urged the EC not to allow any official to go beyond first circle of security.

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Tuesday appealed to Chief Electoral Officer Punjab to completely restrict any sort of activity within the premises where Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) are stored in the state.

AAP state convener Gurpreet Singh Waraich, legal cell convener Himmat Singh Shergill and dialogue committee chairman Kanwar Sandhu in a joint statement said that after the incident of Patiala where District Returning Officer (DRO) allowed to shift old EVMs lying in same complex where assembly poll EVMs are stored, the possibility of sabotage can’t be ruled out.

They said that even though the Election Commission has clarified that EVMs removed by district officials were those used in the Municipal Corporation elections, it was an unusual and suspected action. The AAP leaders said that district authorities had no business to enter the complex till the time election process is not completed.

AAP leader said that about 15,000 AAP volunteers were monitoring the EVMs and would stand guard to any attempt by ruling SAD-BJP alliance to alter the process. They said that Akali Dal leaders were frustrated over imminent defeat and they can go to any extent to sabotage the EVMs. They urged the EC not to allow any official to go beyond first circle of security.

Singer-actress Selena Gomez has unveiled the single cover for her collaboration with Norwegian DJ Kygo.

"It ain't me" marks the first release from Kygo since Cloud nine last year, read a statement. 

The song, to be released on Thursday, will also mark Gomez's step back into the spotlight. 

While the singer is making new music, she is also busy as executive producer of the Netflix series 13 Reasons Why", an adaptation of the best-selling young adult novel
 

Singer-actress Selena Gomez has unveiled the single cover for her collaboration with Norwegian DJ Kygo.

"It ain't me" marks the first release from Kygo since Cloud nine last year, read a statement. 

The song, to be released on Thursday, will also mark Gomez's step back into the spotlight. 

While the singer is making new music, she is also busy as executive producer of the Netflix series 13 Reasons Why", an adaptation of the best-selling young adult novel
 

Islamabad has expressed disappointment at certain remarks made recently during deliberations in the US Senate about the presence of terrorists in Pakistan.

Some lawmakers and Commander of US forces in Afghanistan General John Nicholson said at last week's Congressional hearing that the Afghan Taliban and the Haqqani Network still have safe haven in Pakistan.

Nicholson had also pushed the Donald Trump administration to conduct a "holistic review" of relationship with Pakistan.

Pakistan's Foreign Ministry on Monday said it was upset at the allegations of terrorist centres on Pakistani soil.

"We are disappointed with some of the assertions and insinuations made in recent discussions about terrorist safe havens in Pakistan that we feel are not in sync with the current situation on the ground," Foreign Ministry spokesman Nafees Zakaria said in response to the discussions in the US on Afghanistan and Pakistan-US relations.

Zakaria, in a statement, said the discussions spoke of multiplicity of factors and singling out Pakistan and pinning the entire blame on the country for the situation in Afghanistan was "neither fair nor accurate".

He said Pakistan has been successful in eliminating the command and control structure of terrorist outfits operating across the Pakistan-Afghan border.

"Terrorist groups attacking Pakistan have safe havens in Afghanistan. The recent elimination of terrorists in Afghanistan involved in a number of heinous acts of terror in Pakistan clearly demonstrates the existence of safe havens in Afghanistan for elements attacking Pakistan," he said.

The spokesman said the nexus between Islamic State militant group and Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan is a source of deep concern for Islamabad.

"We need to prevent the emergence of new and more virulent entities committed to spreading chaos and insecurity in the region. This calls for closer cooperation based on confidence and trust. Pointing fingers and throwing blame at others would be unhelpful and counter-productive," he said.

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) on Tuesday directed the CBI to probe alleged irregularities in the cleaning up of river Ganga by the Uttar Pradesh Jal Nigam.

The tribunal found that a Sewage Treatment Plant on Garh drain in Garh Mukteshwar was being constructed without any field work, inspection or analysing the effluents and discharge.

After finding that the money spent and preparation done to construct STPs over Garh and Brij Ghat drain was "dubious", the tribunal directed CBI to launch an inquiry against the UP Jal Nigam General Manager.

Grilling the UP Jal Nigam officials over pollution in Ganga river, NGT Chairman Swatanter Kumar said showing laxity on cleaning Ganga was "shameful".

"You sit and keep wasting public money. How shameless can you be. Ganga is not cleaned because of officers like you," Kumar said, reprimanding the officers.

Bangladesh is setting up a World Trade Centre at Chittagong port, which will help strengthen trade ties with India, a Bangladeshi minister has said.

Bangladesh's State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shahriar Alam, said: "Trade remains the fundamental basis of India-Bangladesh relations and the establishment of a World Trade Centre in Chittagong will help strengthen our trade cooperation."

He said that Bangladesh considers the Northeastern states of India as a potential market, particularly in the sector of FMCGs. He was speaking at an interactive meeting held at the World Trade Centre here on Monday.

Urging the WTC Mumbai to work together with WTC Chittagong, Alam said that two Special Economic Zones (SEZ) in the north-west of Bangladesh bordering India were dedicated to Indian businesses.

The presence of the Indian private sector in Bangladesh is growing and in recent years Reliance has been actively involved in the LNG sector, Adani is setting up a coal-based power plant and Tata is expanding its manufacturing operations in the country, he said. Godrej too is present in Bangladesh, Alam said, according to an official release.

He said another important area of cooperation is in Blue Economy where spatial planning integrates conservation, sustainable use of living resources, oil and mineral wealth extraction, bio-prospecting, sustainable energy production and marine transport.

Alam said that both countries have signed a Memorandum of Understanding in the area of coastal shipping and added that there was great potential for cooperation in the fishing sector.

Vijay Kalantri, Vice Chairman, World Trade Centre Mumbai and President, All India Association of Industries said the trade between the two countries had grown by more than 17 per cent in the last five years.

"India's exports to Bangladesh in 2015-16 (July-June) were $5,453 million and imports from Bangladesh were $690 million," Kalantri said.

China plans to launch its first cargo spacecraft to transport supplies to its future space station in April, the media reported on Tuesday.

The Tianzhou-1 will be able to transport six tonnes, which exceeds the capacity of current Chinese spacecraft that can carry a maximum of three astronauts and 300 kg of material, Efe reported.

The module will arrive next week at the Wenchang Satellite Launch Centre, located in Hainan, where it will be assembled and tested, according to the China Manned Space Agency that oversees manned space missions.

The Tianzhou-1 will be launched aboard the Long March-7 Y2 carrier rocket, which China tested successfully recently to transport modules of the space station.

The Tianzhou-1 has a take-off weight of around 13 tonnes and can remain in orbit for three months, during which it will dock at the Tiangong-2 space lab to refuel and conduct research.

Two astronauts have already spent 33 days in the Tiangong-2 space lab, located 393 km from the Earth's surface, the country's longest manned space mission yet.

Tianzhou-1 has been designed to carry large quantities of food, water, oxygen and support materials for resident astronauts when China's permanent space station becomes fully operational.

China is expected to send the central module of the orbital space station in 2018 and hopes to have an 80-tonne preliminary structure in place by 2020 and the station completed and operational by 2022 before the International Space Station retires in 2024. 

Actor Varun Dhawan who is gearing up for the release of Badrinath Ki Dulhania, says the forthcoming film is close to his heart.

"Badrinath Ki Dulhania is going to be my first release of this year, so this one is really close to my heart," said Varun, who was spotted at the dubbing and recording studio, Sunny Super Sound here.

The actor, who will be seen essaying the role of Badrinath in Shashank Khaitan's directorial, says he is happy with the response he's getting for the film.

"We have really worked hard on the film. Please watch the film, it is releasing on March 10 just before the Holi festival. Let's hope the audience will enjoy the festive season with my film," added Varun.

The actor will be seen sharing screen space with actress Alia Bhatt in the film.

This will be the third time the duo will be seen together. Varun and Alia made their acting debut in 2012 with filmmaker Karan Johar's Student Of The Year and in 2014 the two were seen in Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania. 

Badrinath Ki Dulhania, which is the second film in the Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania franchise, is produced by Karan Johar.