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Mumbai: CID probe ordered in Faiz Usmani's death

2011-07-17T22:36:00.001+05:30

Mumbai: Faiz Usmani, the brother of Ahmedabad blast suspect Afzal Usmani, died after being questioned by the Mumbai Crime Branch late Saturday night. The provisional post mortem report says that he died of a heart attack. A CID probe has been ordered into the death, after Usmani's family members alleged he died of police torture.
"I want justice. Strict action should be taken and the guilty should be punished," said Faiz' wife, Zubeida Usmani.
Angry family members crowded outside Sion Hospital, protesting the death of Faiz. It is reported that he fell ill during the questioning and was admitted to the hospital. He allegedly died of brain haemorrhage later in the night.
Faiz Usmani's son said, "We found out that he was vomiting, so the police admitted him to the hospital and left. They didn't tell us anything about what happened."
Faiz' family say that he was healthy when he left the house and are questioning the way the police treated him.
"I don't know what kind of questioning the police conducted that my husband fell so ill. When he left the house he was completely healthy and had no health problems," said Zubeida.
While Usmani's family claims he was in perfect health when the police picked him up for questioning, initial medical reports show he was suffering from hypertension and high blood pressure. The Mumbai police insists he was not tortured.
Nisar Tamboli, Mumbai Police Spokesperson, said, "There was no case of torture. Let me make it clear - Faiz was not detained by us. He came to the police station on his own, started feeling giddy and suffocated, reported it to the policemen around who took him to the hospital."
A state CID probe has been ordered into the death. Faiz was questioned as part of a citywide combing operation by Mumbai police after Wednesday's serial blasts.
Sources in the investigating team indicate that their probe will not be affected by Faiz Usmani's death. But, as a plethora of investigative agencies come under severe pressure to come up with answers in the Mumbai serial blasts case, this death has only complicated matters by throwing up more questions.

Climate change a major challenge to India''s agriculture, says PM

2011-07-17T22:35:00.003+05:30

New Delhi, July 16 (ANI): The Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, on Saturday said that climate change has emerged as a major challenge to India''s agriculture.

Addressing the 83rd foundation day of Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) here, Dr. Singh said: "The immediate problems that our farmers face relate to intra-seasonal variability of rainfall, extreme events and unseasonal rains. These aberrations cause heavy losses to our crops every year. There is therefore an urgent necessity for us to speed up our efforts to evolve climate-resilient crop varieties, cropping patterns and management practices."

He further said he is happy that the ICAR is implementing a major scheme, the National Initiative on Climate Resilient Agriculture and has set up the state-of-the-art National Institute on Abiotic Stress Management.

"The National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture, which is one of the eight Missions under our National Action Plan on Climate Change also seeks to devise appropriate adaptation and mitigation strategies for ensuring food security, enhancing livelihood opportunities and contributing to economic stability at the national level," a PIB release quoted Dr. Singh, as saying.

Emphasizing that our government, in the last seven years has taken several new initiatives in the agricultural sector, Dr. Singh said: " Many of these initiatives have shown encouraging results. But we need to build upon this achievement in the Twelfth Five-Year Plan."

"The Twelfth Plan must ensure further progress in areas of achievement and also remove the deficiencies in areas where our achievements have fallen short of expectations or objective potential of our economy," he added.

Urging scientists, technologists, and extension experts to share their experiences and personal assessments of these new initiatives, Dr. Singh said: " I urged them to share their experiences with the Planning Commission and the Ministry of Agriculture so that the Twelfth Five-Year Plan can tackle the many new challenges that have emerged in the last few years." (ANI)

PM calls for second green revolution to achieve self-sufficiency in food

2011-07-17T22:35:00.001+05:30

New Delhi, July 16 (ANI): The Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, on Saturday emphasised that the country needs a second green revolution to further accelerate agricultural growth and achieve self-sufficiency in food.

Addressing the 83rd foundation day of Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) here, Dr. Singh said: "We clearly need a second green revolution that is more broad-based, more inclusive and more sustainable; we need to produce more without depleting our natural resources any further, and we look towards our agricultural scientists for ushering this green revolution."

"We all look back proudly to our green revolution, which helped us overcome food shortages and banish the specter of starvation, or living from ship to mouth. But, today we find that the regions of the country which witnessed the green revolution are suffering from problems of environmental degradation," a PIB release quoted Dr. Singh, as saying.

"In many other regions of the country, particularly in eastern India, yields continue to be much lower than what is attainable. More generally, it should concern us that productivity in Indian agriculture has plateaued over the years," he added.

Emphasising that India currently spends about 0.6 per cent of its agricultural GDP on agricultural research and development, Dr. Singh said: "This needs to be enhanced at least 2 to 3 times by 2020, since a substantial portion of our agricultural growth would come through the application of new technologies and new knowledge to production processes."

"But spending more on research is not enough unless this improves the quality of human resources in all areas of agriculture," he added.

The Prime Minister further said the total demand for foodgrains of the country is projected to touch 281 MT by 2020-21.

"The inclusive strategies of development that we are pursuing should further increase the incomes of the poorer sections of our society. This will further increase demand for foodgrains but also fruits, vegetables and animal products. The total demand for foodgrains is projected to touch 280 million tonnes by the year 2020-21," he said

"Meeting this demand will necessitate a growth rate of nearly 2 per cent per annum in foodgrain production," he added. (ANI)

7 UG IN MANIPUR JOIN HANDS TO ENERGISE LIBERATION MOVEMENT

2011-07-15T12:42:00.003+05:30

In a move to energise the liberation movement for Manipur, United Front of the armed organisations operating in Manipur, seven militant organisations have joined hands under one roof. In a move to give a boost to the liberation movement in Manipur, seven prominent underground organisations have decided to join hands 'to regain the lost sovereignty of Manipur. A joint email statement of these underground groups said, leaders of KCP, KYKL, UNLF, RPF, PREPAK, PREPAK (PRO) and UPPK had a very high level conclave where it had formed a 'co-ordinating committee' of the seven organizations and elected RPF president Irengbam Chaoren as the committees convenor.According to the statement, India has been ceaselessly exerting its maximum effort in imposing its grip in the region and hence the need to fight together against the former has become a matter of necessity. It said the co-ordination committee will work out modalities for the seven underground organisations of Manipur to work together. The statement further said that the coming together of these militant groups was the result of the general public pressure who have been asking the outfits to fight under the same roof. Finally, the statement said that unity is courage. Unity is strength and appealed to the people for supporting the liberation movement. The signatories of the joint statement include N.Oken, general secretary of KYKL, Irengbam Chaoren (president of RPF), L. Paliba (chairman of PREPAK-PRO), Lanngamba Luwang (chairman of UPPK), N Nongdrenkhomba (chairman of PREPAK), Kh Pambei (Acting chairman of UNLF), Ksh Laba Meitei (president of KCP). The statement covers four slogan-“Unity is Strength”, “Unity is courage”, “Let the Freedom Movement Comes to Light” and “People of the Land stand victorious”

COMBATING HIV IN MANIPUR

2011-07-15T12:42:00.001+05:30

With the objective of amplifying the voices of people living with HIV/AIDS in Manipur, a round table conference organized by the World Vision along with victims of HIV/AIDS was held on Wednesday at Imphal. The HIV/AIDS victims charged the government of of neglecting the welfare of people living with HIV/AIDS in Manipur. Manipur, which has the highest prevalence rate of HIV/AIDS in India has more than 40,000 people living with HIV/AIDS. They face the constant problems of frequent stock out of ART, non-availability of proper testing and treatment facilities, lack of support for women and children affected with HIV/AIDS, lack of means to tackle co-infection of Hepatitis C with HIV/AIDS and so on. With the objective of highlighting the apathy from the government, a round table conference organized by the World Vision along with PLHIV of Manipur was held on Wednesday in which grievances of the PLHIVs in Manipur were highlighted. One of the urgent issue that was highlighted was the lack of interest shown by the Central and Manipur government shown towards children and women living with HIV/AIDS in Manipur. At the conference, the long pending of the HIV and AIDS Bill was also criticized while urging for its immediate passing in the Indian Parliament. At the conference held to amplify the voices of PLHIV, various problems faced by PLHIV were highlighted. While highlighting the immense hardships faced by PLHIV in Manipur, the conference called for appropriate steps from the government on the frequent stock out of ART medicine in various ART administering centre in Manipur while urging for the immediate removal of 2nd Line ART treatment eligibility procedure from Control of State AIDS Clinical Expert Panel. It may be mentioned that Manipur is experiencing a rapid rise in PLHIVs from poorer section of society dying from Hepatitis C which is mainly due to the absence of testing facilities and non providence of cheaper treatment facilities. Another major concerned is the administration of lethal drugs like Stavudine and Tenofovir by the state run ART centres in Manipur despite the WHO banning the concerned drugs a long time back.

MANIPUR AGRI MINISTER CLARIFIES ON FERTILIZER SCARCITY

2011-07-15T12:41:00.003+05:30

In the wake of recent allegations of the Manipur government of inducing shortage and price rise of fertilizers by farmers, the Agriculture Minister has clarified its stand. The minister attributed this scarcity to the unavailability of Manipur’s quota of fertilizer due to failure of the Namrup fertilizer plant. Due to the non-availability of subsidized fertilizers and sky high prices of fertilizers in the market, farmers in Manipur are going through immense difficulties in sowing paddy despite favorable rainfall and timing. It has been alleged that the current difficulties by farmers are a creation of the Manipur government along with their dealers who are selling off subsidized fertilizers to unauthorized agents who are selling fertilizers at very high price to the farmers. On Wednesday, the Agriculture Minister of Manipur has clarified that the prevailing fertilizer crisis was not created by the state government or its dealers but it is an outcome of the breakdown of Namrup fertilizer plant in Assam where Manipur government gets the major chunk of its allotted fertilizer. Speaking to NeTV, Agriculture Minister, Ph Parijat also informed that the government has already taken steps to check the prevailing price rise within the next 4 days while assuring that dealer and agents will be dealt according to law if found selling fertilizer at high price. According to the agriculture Minister, every necessary step are being taken by the state government to check the scarcity of fertilizers and its price while assuring fertilizers will be made available to farmers at the earliest. Ph Parijat further informed that the Union Government has sent extra fertilizers in the wake of shortage of fertilizer which will be reaching Manipur within the next 2 days.At the moment, farmers in Manipur are buying a bag of urea at a rate of Rs 1400 onwards which is normally sold within Rs 520 per bag. The distribution of subsidized fertilizers to the farmers has long been stopped for which the dealers have claimed supply shortage while the market is flooded with fertilizer, however, at a very high price.

TURA CIVIL POLLS POSTPONED

2011-07-15T12:41:00.001+05:30

After days of uncertainty and fear of a major law and order breakdown in the three districts of Garo Hills following opposition to the proposed civic polls, the Meghalaya Government has halted the entire election process calling for a “reschedule” of the polls while a visibly elated Joint Action Committee of Garo NGOs has withdrawn their weeklong stir that was suppose to begin from Friday morning onwards.
Under pressure from student and social organizations who had announced a week-long shutdown, Meghalaya government today deferred the municipal elections, slated for next month. This is the third time in a year that the government has been forced to defer the municipal elections which were to be the first civic polls since Meghalaya attained statehood. The protesting organizations contend that the election to municipalities will lead to erosion of powers of the traditional bodies like the tribal village chiefs. Urban Affairs Minister Ampareen Lyngdoh on Wednesday held a series of meetings at Tura with elected representatives, political parties, the protesting organizations before reviewing the law and order scenario in the three districts of Garo hills with senior officials of the administration. After the meetings, the government decided to defer the election apprehending law and order problems due to the protests. The Urban Minister was accompanied by her colleague, Home Minister H D R Lyngdoh, and C&RD Minister Saleng A Sangma. Prior to the decision to halt the scheduled elections, the ministerial delegation held a series of meetings with the deputy commissioners and superintendents of police from the three districts of Garo Hills to ascertain the ground situation. It was only after the delegation was briefed on the impending problems in the run up to the polls that the government felt it necessary to ‘reschedule’ the elections to the four municipalities. The organisations included the Garo Students Union, All India Garo Union, Federation of Khasi and Jaintia, Garo People and other like-minded NGOs. The Joint Action Committee, a conglomerate of social and student organizations, had called for a seven-day shutdown in the three districts of Garo hills from July 15. The government had earlier notified the polls to the Baghmara Municipal Board and Williamnagar Municipal Board in Garo hills for August 6 and 15 respectively. The Gauhati High Court had directed the state government to hold the municipal elections in the state before September. The state government had earlier made two attempts to hold the first ever civic polls in the state in the four municipalities of Garo hills but had to abandon its plans after the election authorities were compelled to postpone the polls twice in two months since September last year in the wake of large scale violent protests. Ever since statehood in 1972, Meghalaya has never conducted civic polls and nominated administrator of the State Government governs the Municipality Boards.

FACEBOOK TO LURE YOUNGSTERS AHEAD OF MANIPUR POLLS

2011-07-11T21:25:00.005+05:30

In an attempt to reach out to young voters in Manipur prior to the upcoming Manipur Assembly election scheduled in February next, the Chief Electoral Officer of Manipur has opened a facebook account to entertain enquiries and complains from voters in Manipur. The opening of the facebook account was a part of the mass campaign of the election office to reach out to voters and educate them about the electoral process. As part of the mass campaign adopted by the Election department of Manipur to encourage more electorates’ participation, the Chief Electoral Officer of Manipur has opened a facebook account. The facebook account under the user ID Ceo was opened by the Chief Electoral Officer of Manipur at a simple function on Monday held at the CEO office in Imphal. Opening the facebook account at, the Chief Electoral Officer of Manipur, PC Lawmkunga informed that the facebook account will be used as an interactive forum with young voters and educate them of the electoral process by putting up easy to learn materials on enrolment in photo electoral rolls, electors photo identity card, use of EVMs. Monday’s facebook account opening is said to a part of an endeavor from the election department of Manipur called Systematic Voters Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP) which is aimed at inducing more voters’ participation and to educate voters about electoral process. Apart from social networking, the Election department will also be launching a call centre for addressing and redressing voter’s queries and grievances. On the otherhand, SVEEP which consist of a series of programs including, public rally, seminars and panel discussions will soon be implemented in various parts of Manipur in view of boosting voters’ cast in the upcoming February 2012 Assembly poll.

7TH ANNIVERSARY OF MANORAMA DEVI OBSERVED IN MANIPUR

2011-07-11T21:25:00.003+05:30

With a view to highlight the horrors of the AFSPA, the 7th Death Anniversary of Thangjam Manorama Devi was held on Monday which also demanded the complete repeal of the Armed Forces Special Power act from Manipur and other parts of India. Thangjam Manorama Devi, who was raped and killed by a troop of 17th Assam Rifles on 11 July 2004, was remembered at her 7th Death Anniversary function organized by Thangjam Manorama Memorial Trust alongwith the Apunba Lup, held on Monday. At the function held at Bamongampu under Imphal West district of Manipur, the atrocities and crimes committed by the security forces under the Armed Forces Special Power Act, 1958 were highlighted and condemned. While strongly condemning the GOI for imposing the draconian AFSPA in Manipur despite recommendation from the Jeevan Reddy Commission for the repeal of AFSPA, the Manorama Memorial Trusts has demanded the complete repeal of AFSPA from Manipur and elsewhere in India. As part of the function, a floral tribute was paid to Thangjam Manorama Devi by those who attended including Manorama’s family members. Speaking to NETV, Manorama’s mother said only the complete removal of AFSPA from Manipur will do justice for the brutal murder of her daughter. It may be mentioned that Thangjam Manorama Devi who was an alleged PLA cadre was picked up from her resident at Bamongampu under Imphal east district on the night of 10 July, 2004 by troop of 17 Assam Rifles, the next morning her death body which was badly mutilated was recovered. The incident caused a mass public outcry and intense agitations demanding justice for the raping and killing Manorama Devi by security personnel. Later, a judicial inquiry commission to the killing of Manorama headed by retd Supreme Court Judge, Jeevan Reddy recommended that AFSPA be removed from Manipur but no response came from both the GOI and Government of Manipur.

CM TARUN GOGOI TABLES RS. 1542.17 CR DEFICIT BUDGET

2011-07-11T21:25:00.001+05:30

Assam chief minister Tarun Gogoi, who also holds the finance portfolio, today presented a populist Budget with several new schemes and tax proposals. As he announced earlier, the chief minister waived off a tax of Rs 14 on LPG cylinders to give the much needed respite to the common men. His Rs 1542.71 cr deficit Budget also proposed to hike taxes on tobacco and alcohol products. Keeping the Congress manifesto promises, Gogoi made several new announcements for welfare of the people. In keeping with his pre-election promises, Assam chief minister Tarun Gogoi on Monday presented a populist budget with no new tax proposals on essential items. Gogoi presented the Budget soon after the Question Hour on the first day of the 10-day Budget session. Presenting the Rs 1542.71 crore deficit budget for the next 8 months, Gogoi spoke about the improvement of the state’s financial position. He announced a slew of new schemes for the welfare of various communities. In his Budget, the chief minister, who also holds the finance portfolio, announced to set up Assam Employment Generation Corporation to facilitate self-employment of educated unemployed and a Skill Development Initiative Society to assist vocational training providers and new it is in all uncovered blocks. His budget also has a proposal to set up an Assam State Civil Supplies Corporation. Gogoi said that the government will replace APL/BPL cards by bio-metric ration cards. The govt also has a proposal for Reticulated LPG gas bank in all multistoried apartments in Guwahati. On the internal security, he said that 12 new police stations and 10 Out Posts will be opened in the next year besides opening a Counter-insurgency Jungle Warfare school, 15 Fire stations and one regional forensic laboratory. The Budget also proposes to install CCTVs in jails. It also proposes to formulate a State Litigation Policy. For the welfare of the Scheduled Caste people, an SC Devp Council will be set up while a separate directorate for OBC will also be created. The CM also announced a special package for the Barak Valley. Bringing good news for those seeking to open a career in teaching, the Budge announced to recruit 40,000 teachers on both regular and contractual basis. However, the govt said that no further provincialisation of schools would be done. It also made it clear that Plus 2 will be delinked from colleges from next academic year. There are also proposals for opening of 12 new Govt colleges, 21 new polytechnics and upgrading the Cotton College to a non-affiliated University. For the Sportspersons, there are good news. The scholarship for young players has been enhanced while a State Youth Development Council will be set up. The Govt also announced to give preference to NCC and Scout&Guide cadets in govt jobs. Under the 13th Planning Commission, Rs 5 crore has been sanctioned for Majuli Sattra preservation. The CM announced to set up a State central library in Guwahati. The artist and literary pension have also been increased. Ion the health sector, the Budget proposed to create an Assam Arogya Nidhi with 6 cr Corpus fund for poor patients. Beside, it proposed Rs 22 cr for upgrading Kamrup Civil to super speciality hospital and opening of a special care home for HIV children and a new Medical College at Nagaon in PPP mode. The Budget also announced a new AYUSH directorate, an Assam Medical Development Corporation to streamline construction, maintenance, procurement and distribution activities and upgrading MMC hospital to Associate Hospital of Srimanta Sankardeva University, Gogoi, who hasd given women and child welfare top priority in his last term, continued to do so in the Budget too. He announced to open a Women Entrepreneur Development Council for empowering women, opening Women’s Club in each block, Women Development authority to monitor and guide women empowerment programmes, Child Development Council and state commission for children, and a new programme Sabala for empowering adolescent girls. He also announced to hike the salary of anganwadi workers. A Senior Citizens Council was also announced. To boost the agriculture sector, he announced a Farmers Council and an Agricultural Commission to advise govt on appropriate technology and other technical issues. He announced Land Reclamation Project to be launched at Dibrugarh, Sibsagar and Guwahati. As he announced two days ago, the CM also proposed a Water Commission to advise govt on management of water resources. He announced Bypasses in Silchar, Tinsukia, Chabua, Makum and N Lakhimpur and an alternate route to Silchar from Guwahati. Mentioning about the power crisis, he said that presently, the state has only 800 MW against a peak hour demand of 1100 MW. He hoped that with the commissioning of some new projects, the scenario will improve soon. Gogoi said that the state would get 208 MW from Lower Subansiri Hydel Project once it is commissioned. To meet the power shortage, he announced to start construction of Lowr Kopilii Hydel Project. In the industry sector, he announced to open Tea Park, Jute Park, Banan park, Textile Park, Food Processing farm, Pharmaceutical Hub, Agri Hub, Agri processing zone and chemical zone. To expedite the Gas Cracker Project, the govt also proposes to release Rs 20 crore to it. The chief minister also has proposals for science and technology sector too. He announced to open a Science and Technology University in the state and a Science City in Guwahati. On the transport sector, he announced that CNG taxis will start operation in Guwahati soon. He also announced to construct Assam Bhawans at Bangalore, Kolkata, Vellore and Chennai while renovate and expand the existing Assam Bhawans at Shillong, Delhi and Mumbai. Meanwhile, to counter the negative publicity by the private TV channels, the government proposed to launch a state-run Cable/Satelite TV channel and Community Radio besides opening a Mass Communication and Printing Institute. In order to face and emergency situation during natural disasters, an Earthquake Risk Mitigation Centre under NIDM will also be opened in the state. Under fire for its land policy, the government announced to set up a Rehabilitation authority for rehabilitation of erosion-hit families also setting up a Land bank for preservation of future use of govt land. The government made several tax proposals in the budget. The most important was the proposal to waive off Rs 14 cess on LPG cylinders. The step was taken to provide relief to the common people aftr the recent hike of LPG cylinder price by Rs 50. The Budget also announced to increase the rate of VAT on tobacco and tobacco products and alcohol products. The number of new proposals decreased compared to the previous budgets as a means to reduce the deficit amount.

Pakistan has to change its mindset on Kashmir

2011-06-18T17:49:00.001+05:30

London, June 18 (ANI): When we in the Kashmir National Party said in 1990s that Pakistani policies were damaging the Kashmir dispute; we were called ''anti Pakistan'', ''anti Kashmiri movement'' and supporting India on Kashmir.

But when Nawaz Sharif, two times Prime Minister of Pakistan and currently tallest and most sincere leader of Pakistan in a seminar organized to mourn the death of Syed Saleem Shahzad on June 10 said the same thing, that Pakistani institutions have caused more damage to the Kashmir dispute than anyone else; he is considered as a statesman with a great vision.

Nawaz Sharif further said, "There is no sacred cow in the country and none should try to become a sacred cow as (we) won''t allow such an attempt".

When he said that, no one accused him of being anti Pakistan or supporting India on Kashmir. While we were discussing on the topic of Nawaz Sharif''s statement and his criticism of army and the ISI, one friend said: He is a son of Punjab, how could anyone call him a ''traitor''? Only people of Sind, Balochistan, Frontier, Bengal and Kashmir could be honoured with the ''title'' of being a ''Traitor''.

When we said militancy was started and managed by Pakistan (although it was people of Jammu and Kashmir who suffered on both sides of the divide with varying degrees), some Pakistanis and their Kashmiri agents yelled that it was ''indigenous movement''. They used extremely vulgar words against us and accused us for being anti movement and pro India.

Over the years many top Pakistani officials and famous journalists have acknowledged that the militancy was initiated and managed by Pakistani secret agencies. Most recent in this series of admissions was made by a retired Pakistani General and a former Home Minister during Benazir Bhutto government Mohindin Haider.

In a live ARY TV show ''Do Tok'' on June 12, 2011, General Moindin Haider acknowledged that it was a policy of Pakistan to send in militants in Kashmir to bring India to the negotiation table.

He said just like they created Mukti Bahini in East Pakistan, we started militancy in Kashmir as it was cheap way to engage 700,000 army of India instead of having an open war.

No one will call him a ''traitor'' or criticise him because he is a Pakistani and a former General - a class of people above the law in Pakistan. All the foot soldiers of the Pakistani establishment are also tight lipped on this; and some shamelessly still claim that the Kashmiri struggle is indigenous. I have said this before and I will say it again:

The people who suffer are indigenous, the property that is destroyed is indigenous, people who are uprooted are indigenous, business that is lost is indigenous, hatred and extremism that has been promoted affects indigenous people; but training to kill and destroy is Pakistani, bombs are Pakistani, guns are Pakistani and money spent for this mission to engage the Indian army is also Pakistani.

We said to members of the Pakistani establishment that, for God''s sake, don''t bring jihadi warriors from other countries as that will change fundamental character of the Kashmiri struggle. We further said these jihadi warriors are alien to our struggle and our culture, and are creating problems for us and tomorrow they will create problems for Pakistan as well. We were called anti Islam, anti jihad, anti movement and pro India.

Now nearly all sensible people, commentators, writers and scholars in Pakistan are demanding that these jihadi warriors created by Pakistani agencies to advance their strategic interests must be crushed, as they have become a serious threat to Pakistani interests and state of Pakistan.

Pakistani establishment have made big blunders and have seriously damaged the Kashmir cause, and anyone who criticise them is accused of being anti Pakistan; even a leader like Benazir Bhutto was considered as a ''security risk''.

All military preparations, all weapons purchased and bulk of the budget is spent on defence, which we cannot afford. For defence we deprived our children of food, medicine and good education; but what is the outcome? Failure in 1965 war, which we started to liberate Kashmir. Instead of invasion of Kashmir we had to struggle to save cities like Lahore and Sialkot.''

In 1965 war Pakistani advance was so rapid that they crossed River Tavi and could have captured a large area of Jammu and Kashmir before India could have managed a counter attack. But all of sudden General Akhtar Hussain Malik, who was in charge of this attack, was replaced with General Yayah Khan; and with that Pakistani advance also stopped.

The Indian counter offensive came five days after this. To date no one knows why
This change was made. One view is that thinkers in the army establishment might have said - ''Fools if we take over Kashmir then what will you do'' - Meaning if the Kashmir dispute is resolved then there will be no justification For the large army and a big budget, and all other benefits attached with all this.

Pakistani establishment must acknowledge that Kashmir does not belong to India or Pakistan. It is not a religious issue. It is not a territorial dispute. Kashmir dispute concerns people of Jammu and Kashmir''s unconditional right of self-determination. Pakistan must not promote the Kashmir dispute as a Muslim issue or a religious dispute, as it will give
rise to extremism and divide people of Jammu and Kashmir on religious lines.

Pakistan is in deep crises and situation is getting worse with time. Pakistan cannot get out of these crises by diverting attention to other issues. They have to look at the root cause of their problems and try to address those problems by rooting out corruption, nepotism, regionalism, extremism and by exterminating ''jihadi forces'' who have given bad name to our religion and have also landed Pakistan in this quandary.

As for Kashmir, it is best you leave us alone, at least, until you have resolved issues, which have endangered stability and future of Pakistan. We Kashmiris do not want to be part of India or Pakistan; and attempts to capture Kashmir must be stopped as it will endanger peace and stability of the entire region (ANI)

Writer is Head Diplomatic Committee of Kashmir National Party, political analyst and author of many books and booklets.

Explosive found inside Guwahati-Kolkata Kanchanjengha Express

2011-06-17T14:55:00.001+05:30

Guwahati, June 17 (ANI): Railway Police in Assam averted a major disaster this morning when its personnel recovered a suspected Improvised Explosive Device (IED) during a routine checkup from the Guwahati-Kolkata Kanchanjengha Express.

According to reports, the explosive device was recovered from an air bag from seat number 22 of S5 coach at around 5.30 a.m.

The bomb squad was called in immediately and they defused the explosive device.

According to the police, it could have been a major blast, as the total amount of explosive device is 8 kg.

All the passengers inside the train are safe with no injury being reported. (ANI)

Mizo man jailed for MMSing ex-girlfriend’s nude photos

2011-06-14T17:29:00.001+05:30

Mizoram police arrested one Lalbiakzuala in state capital Aizawl on last Friday for MMS-ing his former girlfriend’s nude photos. The man is a resident of Venghlui locality. Lalbiakzuala is learnt to have taken the pictures of his ex-girlfriend at Reiek, a tourist spot 12 km from Aizawl, with his mobile phone camera in 2008. The relationship between the two soured a few months ago.
Earlier this month, the girl came to know that Lakbiakzuala was spreading her nude pictures and lodged an FIR. "We took a few days to zero in on her ex-boyfriend," said a police officer from Aizawl.

A survey by the Mizoram police in 2010 had revealed there were some 70 locally made sex videos circulating in and outside the state. More than 60% people involved in the videos confessed they indulged in sex on camera voluntarily.

The Synod Social Front, an organ of the Mizoram Presbyterian Church has been combating “social sins” – pre-marital and experimental sex, specifically – that they blamed on excessive and unethical use of cell phones.

MEGHALAYA GOVT SEEKS MORE FORCES IN GARO HILLS

2011-06-11T17:42:00.003+05:30

Concerned over the growing activities of militant groups in the state, Meghalaya government has asked for five additional battalions of paramilitary forces to neutralize the outfits. Meghalaya Chief Minister Dr. Mukul sangma expressed over the groups from across the borders operating in Meghalaya. The resent militant ambush at the police patrol at east Garo hills where three cops were killed has made the Government of Meghalaya rethink on the security aspect of the state. Meghalaya Home Minister HDR Lyngdoh said the state has asked for five ITBP battalions and the request has been made to the Ministry of Home Affairs. He said combing operations were continuing in the Garo hills where the activities of militant groups were in spate. Asserting that there is a need to take serious and bold steps to curb the growing activities of the militants, the Home Minister claimed that the situation was still in its control. Backing his force, the Home Minister said it is difficult for the forces to operate given the topography in the remote areas of Garo hills.The Home Minister will be visiting all the three districts of Garo hills to access the law and order situation and boost the morale of the police personnel serving there. Chief Minister Mukul Sangma also assured that steps were being taken to ensure that the elements are neutralized. Admitting that there was a deficiency of manpower in the state, he hoped that the Centre would sanction the additional forces soon. The Chief Minister also asserted that there was a need to address the root cause of the militancy problem so that no more new outfits are born. The Chief Minister added that the issues of backwardness, unemployment etc in the rural areas need to be addressed to resolve the issue. Three police men were killed and two others injured, one of them critically when Garo National Liberation Army militants ambushed a security team, fired at them before taking away their weapons last Saturday in East Garo Hills. Later on ULFA’s hand was also revealed in GNLA ambush in Garo Hills. This has created suspicion on the activity of ULFA on Garo soil. The GNLA is the most active militant group in Meghalaya at present and has been blamed for rampant extortion in the Garo hills belt. The outfit, claiming to be fighting for an independent Garoland, had also carried out a number of kidnappings over the last few months and slapped extortion demands on traders and government officials, besides killing policemen and labourers.

MYANMAR NATIONALS HAPPY OVER SHIJA HOSPITALS INITIATIVE

2011-06-11T17:42:00.001+05:30

In a positive response to the recent announcement of Shija hospital’s Smile Train leg Mission Myanmar, Myanmarese nationals visited the Shija Hospital authority in Moreh at a screening camp for cleft palate surgery. Mission Myanmar, the Smile Train Cleft Surgery campaign for Myanmar which will commence from June 12 got a boost on Wednesday when several Myanmarese showed up for screening at the screening camp established by the Shija Hospital and Research Institute at Manipur’s border town of Moreh. Speaking at the one-day long screening session for free cleft palate surgery, the Managing Director of Shija Hospital Dr Ksh Palin while expressing satisfaction over the response stated that Mission Myanmar will be a new ground breaking project which will enhance ties with Myanmar and also help in promoting Manipur’s potential for medical tourism. Earlier, at a screening camp for cleft surgery at the organized by the SHRI in association with the 31st Assam Rifles, many persons with cleft lip visited the camp for screening from which 4 persons were selected for free cleft surgery to be conducted at the Shija hospital in Imphal. According to Shija official, 1972 people have been given free palate surgery by the S.H.R.I under the highly successful Smile Train project and around 1000 persons with cleft lip are expected to benefit the surgery.

Mumbai scribe shot dead by 4 unidentified men

2011-06-11T17:40:00.001+05:30

Mumbai: A journalist working with Mid Day was shot dead on Saturday by four unidentified men. J Dey covered the underworld for Mid Day and was admitted to Mumbai's Hiranandani hospital where he succumbed to the injuries.
The Senior journalist and Investigations Editor was shot at on Saturday afternoon outside Spectra Building near DMart at Powai. He sustained five bullet wounds. Police say there are eight entry-exit wounds on his body.
He was rushed to Powai's Hiranandani Hospital where he was declared dead on admission.
Preliminary information from the police reveals that four unidentified men riding two motorcycles shot at him.
Joint Commissioner (Crime) Himanshu Roy said he would be able to issue a statement to the media once he reached the scene of crime.
Dey was covering underworld and crime for a long time and he was a special investigations editor.
Dey also wrote a book called 'Zero Dial' on the underworld. Dey covered the underworld in the turbulent 80s and 90s.
Mumbai's Commissioner of Police Arup Patnaik said, "I was noot aware of what he was working on at this time. he was a very good crime reporter. He was a very good resource person."
He also wrote countless articles on organised crime. Sources say Dey got no specific threat to life in the last few days.
Joint Police Commissioner (Law & Order) Rajnish Seth said Dey was shot dead in Hiranandani area of Powai. According to police, four persons riding on two bikes fired at Dey on Saturday afternoon.
Mumbai PWD minister Chaggan Bhujbal Maharashtra said, "I knew him for long and was a friend for 15 years. He wrote for many newspapers. I don't know why he was shot dead. Maybe some reporting of his had hurt some mafia. We have a lost an important reporter in the State."
Dey stayed in Ghatkopar and is survived by wife Shobha.
Information and Broadcasting Minister Ambika Soni said, "I condemn the attack and no civilised society will accept intolerance of freedom of press. Hope police apprehends the guilty soon."

Gogoi may take back land given to Ramdev

2011-06-11T14:31:00.001+05:30

The Congress chief minister of Assam, Tarun Gogoi, has said he might take back the land given to yoga guru Baba Ramdev for his ayurvedic brand Patanjali. Ramdev had once approached him for land, he said. “I remember allotting him a plot, but I am not sure if he got it or not. If the land is not being used for the purpose it was given, it will be taken back,” Gogoi said, addressing the media on Friday.He, however, said the action was part of a policy meant to regularise land utilisation and would apply to all allotments made to firms, trusts, individuals and NGOs. Gogoi also came down heavily on Ramdev and social activist Anna Hazare for “playing politics”.

“They are not the only ones concerned about corruption,” he said, pointing out that Assam was the first state to implement the Right to Information Act.

He was also critical about Ramdev’s jibe at the Congress on the issue of black money in the run-up to the assembly elections earlier this year.

“If somebody does yoga, it is fine. But he should not get into politics,” Gogoi said.

No intention to quit Lokpal panel, says Hazare team

2011-06-07T18:40:00.005+05:30

New Delhi, Jun 7 (PTI) A day after boycotting the meeting of Lokpal bill drafting committee, Anna Hazare-led team today made it clear that they had no intention to quit the joint panel and hit out at HRD Minister Kapil Sibal for attacking them.

Activist Arvind Kejriwal said civil society members will attend the next meeting and contended that if they leave the ten-member committee, it will have "no credibility" as it will only remain a government panel with five ministers.

"Kapil Sibal has said that whether we come or not, they will go ahead (with the drafting of the Lokpal Bill). Why did that question arise? We had written to (Finance Minister) Pranab Mukherjee that we will not be attending today's (June 6) meeting.

"We also said that Anna Hazare will not be available on June 10 and so that the meeting on that be postponed.

No difference with Anna Hazare: Yoga guru Ramdev

2011-06-07T18:40:00.003+05:30

Haridwar, Jun 7 (PTI) Yoga guru Baba Ramdev today dismissed suggestions of a rift with the Anna Hazare-led team and said he has asked his supporters to join the day-long fast by the social activist and his aides in New Delhi tomorrow.

"We are with them (Anna Hazare-led group). There is no difference between Anna and me," Ramdev told reporters here.

He was responding to suggestions that there was a rift between him and the Anna Hazare-led team.

"Thousands of our activists will go to Delhi to participate in the Anna movement (scheduled for tomorrow). We do not have any hope with this government. It (government) has stifled the Lokpal Bill movement," he said.

Hazare and other civil society members of the Lok Pal drafting committee will sit on a day-long fast to protest the crackdown on Ramdev's fast against corruption at Ramlila Maidan on Saturday night.

Permission denied for Anna Hazare fast at Jantar Mantar

2011-06-07T18:40:00.001+05:30

New Delhi, June 7 (ANI): Delhi police today denied permission to Anna Hazare to hold his one-day fast at Jantar Mantar on Wednesday to protest against the government action on yoga guru Baba Ramdev.

Hazare had earlier said that he would defy prohibitory orders if police deny permission for the protest, saying it was the right of public to raise voice against injustice.

Shanti Bhushan, co-chair of joint drafting committee on Lokpal had said they would sit on fast from 10 am to 7 pm on Wednesday at Jantar Mantar to protest the police action.

"The incident in Ramlila Maidan on Saturday was a blot on democracy. We will protest it. It is the right of public to protest and will sit there even if we do not have police permission," he said.

Delhi Police had issued prohibitory orders for a week in a bid to pre-empt any protest by Ramdev supporters. (ANI)

Team Anna to hold protest at Rajghat tomorrow

2011-06-07T18:39:00.001+05:30

New Delhi, June 7 (ANI): Hours after the Delhi Police denied permission to Gandhian Anna Hazare to hold his one-day fast at Jantar Mantar on Wednesday, the civil society activists appeared to be firm on their demand, saying they will now hold the fast at Rajghat to protest against the government action on yoga guru Baba Ramdev.

Asserting that they will go ahead with a "very peaceful" protest, RTI crusader Arvind Kejriwal, a key figure in Hazare''s campaign against corruption, said: "No one can stop Anna Hazare from protesting tomorrow. We will hold fast at Rajghat tomorrow."

"Anna has never provoked anyone. He never had a violent history. Now he says, he wants to assemble peacefully, what is the need of Section 144. If police tries to stop us we will not resist, but just offer ourselves for being arrested," he added.

Alleging that government has arbitrarily imposed Section 144, Kejriwal further said there have been Supreme Court orders stating that the section should not be misused.

Former Supreme Court Judge N. Santosh Hegde commenting on the matter said: "This government is misusing police power and suppressing people''s rights. The actions of the government against Baba Ramdev show they are scared of him."

Meanwhile, Baba Ramdev also extended his full support to Hazare, saying all his supporters will join the Gandhian in his fast scheduled tomorrow.

"The denial of permission shows the government''s intent. My supporters will be part of Anna''s fast scheduled tomorrow," said Ramdev.

According to reports, Delhi Police Commissioner B. K Gupta is meeting Union Home Minister P. Chidambaram over the issue and a decision may be taken of allowing the fast to take place at a different place and not at Jantar Mantar.

Hazare had earlier said that he would defy prohibitory orders if police deny permission for the protest, saying it was the right of public to raise voice against injustice.

Delhi Police had issued prohibitory orders for a week in a bid to pre-empt any protest by Ramdev supporters. (ANI)

Ramdev resumes fast against corruption in Haridwar

2011-06-06T15:10:00.001+05:30

Haridwar, June 6 (ANI): Yoga guru Baba Ramdev on Monday resumed his agitation against corruption in his ashram in Haridwar after he was denied permission to enter Uttar Pradesh to continue his protest.

Baba Ramdev sat on ''satygraha'' along with his supporters and disciples at ''yagyashala'' of his Patanjali Yogpeeth late last night.

The yoga guru, who was bundled out of New Delhi after police crackdown, tried to resume his satyagrah in Noida on Sunday but was not allowed to enter Uttar Pradesh.

He was stopped on the border of Muzaffarnagar district at Bhuraheri police check post where the administrative officials asked him to return to Uttarakhand.

Later, he returned to Patanjali Yogpeeth last night and began his fast.

"No one should violate law and so I am not going to Delhi. I was not allowed to reach Noida to continue the protest. Now it will happen in Haridwar from Monday," he told a press conference on Sunday.

He had also said that the government can stop him from entering Delhi for not more than 15 to 30 days and he will come again to the national capital.

On Congress leader Digvijay Singh''s attack on him, Ramdev said he would not comment on statements of "irresponsible" people.

Ramdev, who was evicted from Delhi''s Ramlila ground along with thousands of his supporters in a midnight drama on Saturday night, was flown by a special plane to Dehradun from New Delhi''s Palam Airport.

The talks between the Central Government and Ramdev crashed with both sides citing betrayal.

The cabinet ministers, who were making all attempts to persuade Ramdev to give up his fast said that he had promised he would end his fast last evening. A letter was produced in this regard.

Ramdev, however, said the government was lying, and added that the letter had been conditional upon the government agreeing to his list of demands.

Ramdev started his indefinite ''fast-unto-death'' stir on Saturday to demand several radical reforms in the prevailing political system, including a death penalty for corrupt officials. (ANI)

Baba Ramdev begins fast against corruption

2011-06-04T13:10:00.001+05:30

New Delhi, June 4 (ANI): Yoga guru Baba Ramdev launched his indefinite fast against corruption and black money on Saturday morning after the government failed to persuade him to call off his protest.

The yoga guru began the protest along with thousands of his followers at the Ramlila maidan here as he was joined by Swami Sadhavi Ritambhara and other religious leaders from the Sikh, Jain and Muslim communities.

Before launching the fast, Ramdev held a yoga and ''bhajan'' session during which he told the gathering that the protest was intended to save the country from corruption and ensure that the poor get a good life.

A large number of security personnel, including women from Rapid Action Force, were deployed at the protest site to ensure no untoward incident takes place. A manual frisking is also being carried out at the entrance.

Yesterday, four hours of negotiation at a five-star hotel in Delhi did not give the government the out it was desperately seeking.

Baba Ramdev, who met with Union Human Resource and Development (HRD) Minister Kapil Sibal at the Claridges Hotel, demanded that those involved in corruption cases should be tried in fast-track courts and should get death sentence if found guilty.

Ramdev said: "Our courts have a backlog of 3.5 crore cases and corruption and black money cases are being heard by the same courts. We should have separate courts to deal with corruption cases and exemplary punishment should be meted to the culprits. They should be given death sentence. They should be hanged to death."

Terming people accused of corruption as traitors, Ramdev said that India could once again become a superpower if the Government tackles the problem on war footing.

"If the entire black money is brought back to the country, then poverty will be abolished. Indian currency will be stronger than the dollar and pound. India was once the leader in every sphere of the world," he added.

Expressing his heartfelt thanks to his supporters, who have come to participate in his satyagraha, Ramdev said: "The crusade against corruption has reached a decisive stage and the government cannot just sit idle on these matters." (ANI)

Talks with Gorkhaland leaders on June 6: Mamata

2011-05-31T20:59:00.003+05:30

Kolkata, May 31 (ANI): West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has said a meeting of political leaders concerned with Darjeeling Hills would be held on June 6 to resolve the demand for creation of separate hill state.

"A meeting will be held on June 6 between the government officials and concerned political leaders. Once that meeting is held, we will decide when the political process could be started," said Mamata Banerjee.

Meanwhile, Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) President Bimal Gurung said that the decision taken in favour of Gorkha people augurs well for the Darjeeling Hills.

"This is a good news for all of us. The hard work, which we have done, has been recognised finally. We have shared our feelings with madam (Mamata Banerjee). So the decision will be taken only after this official meeting, which is going to take place on June 6," said Gurung.
.
"I hope everything will go well in near future. We will wait for the decision," he added.

The Gorkha population in West Bengal is estimated to be around a million. Reportedly, the demand for Gorkhaland had been made prior to the India''s independence in 1947.

A renewed demand for a separate Gorkhaland region, which would include Darjeeling and some contiguous areas of Jalpaiguri District, has created fresh turmoil over the past few months.

At the fifth round of tripartite talks in New Delhi, the GJM had agreed to the constitution of an interim council by 2011 prior to the creation of a separate state.

The Gorkha population in West Bengal is estimated to be around a million. (ANI)

No recognition to pvt schools where govt schools exist

2011-05-31T20:59:00.001+05:30

Jammu, May 31 (PTI) Jammu and Kashmir government will not give recognition to any private educational institution in areas where government schools are already functioning.

"The state government will strictly adhere to the policy of not recognising any private educational institution in areas where government schools are already functioning in the state," Education Minister Peerzada Mohammad Sayeed said here today.

He was addressing a meeting of education department officers to discuss the targets set for the current financial year.

Sayeed said the literacy rate in the Jammu region has increased from 55.5 per cent in 2001 to 68.74 in 2011 with female literacy registering 15 per cent increase - from 43 per cent to 58.1 per cent.

Similarly, the male literacy rate has increased from 66.6 per cent to 78

362 cadets pass out of National Defence Academy in Pune

2011-05-31T20:26:00.001+05:30

Khadakvasala (Pune, Maharashtra), May 31 (ANI): The Passing Out Parade (POP) of the 120th course of the National Defence Academy (NDA) took place at Khadakvasla, on the outskirts of Pune, on Tuesday.

Admiral Nirmal Verma, Chief of Naval Staff, took the salute and reviewed the parade that was watched the parents and guardians of the cadets as well as top brass of the defence units based in and around Pune and other civil dignitaries.

A total of 362 cadets, including 21 from friendly foreign countries, passed out in the 120th course.

A breathtaking fly past by the Jaguar and Sukhoi-30 aircraft of Indian Air Force lent added thrill and zest to the POP. Helicopters of the Saras aerobatic squadron of the Indian Air Force were also on show.

The NDA trains teenaged youngsters who have passed the Higher Secondary examination, who in fact are chosen after a strenuous test of both the brawn and brain.

These cadets undergo three-years training at NDA and during the final phase, they opt for the particular wing of the defence services - Army, Navy or Air Force for further training at the respective academies where they are attested as commissioned officers.

Nikhil Prabhune, a topper of 120th course was awarded the President''s gold medal and in an informal chat with the mediapersons, he related candidly about his aspirations to become an aviator in the Indian Navy.

He was all praise for the syllabus prescribed for the ab-initio trainee cadets that moulds them from raw civilian youngsters into tough individuals in body and spirit, a must for every combatant personnel of the defence forces.

"We are also trained to be officers in the Indian Navy. Extensive training in sports, co-curricular activities, adventure sports activities and public speaking is also imparted to us at the academy," said Cadet Nikhil Jayant Prabhune, winner of the President''s gold medal.

He also credited all this to his earlier alma mater, the Rashtriya Indian Military College (RIMC), a public school in Dehradun in India''s northern state of Uttarakhand, reckoned to be the perfect grooming institution for the NDA aspirants.

Cadets Shashank Singh and Kishore Kunal were presented the silver and bronze medals respectively.

Among the 21 cadets from foreign countries, one was from Bhutan, three were from Kazakhstan, four each were from Afghanistan and Maldives and nine were from Tajikistan.

The NDA has a proud record of a large number of officers and also has the distinction of training gentlemen cadets from many friendly foreign countries.

After West Point in the USA, the NDA is the second largest military training complex in the world. (ANI)

Congress distances itself from Maran over telecom scam

2011-05-31T20:25:00.003+05:30

New Delhi, May 31 (ANI): Congress spokesman Manish Tiwari on Tuesday sought to distance the party from Union Textile Minister Dayanidhi Maran''s alleged involvement in the multi-billion dollar 2G spectrum scam.

Refusing to respond to the tehelka magazine''s charge that in 2006, Maran had distributed 2G spectrum licenses to operators in a selective manner as telecom minister, Tiwari said that it was Maran''s responsibility to provide an explanation.

"If there are certain questions which have been asked of the textiles minister, Mr Dayanidhi Maran, obviously he would be in the best position to explain them. However, I think it would be appropriate to point out, that there is a joint parliamentary committee, which has been constituted specifically to go into issues connected to the telecom sector from 1998 to 2009," said Tiwari.

Maran has filed a suit against Tehelka in which he says that the magazine''s report is fictitious and ablatant lie that can only be settled in court.

Tehelka has said that it is yet to receive Maran''s legal notice, and charged the minister with launching a vindictive campaign against the magazine.

The telecom corruption scandal, which may have cost the Indian exchequer around 39.57 billion dollars in potential revenue, is the biggest of the several graft cases to emerge in the second term of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

According to probe officials, millions of dollars were paid in bribes to ensure favors for certain firms in 2007/08, when India issued 122 new licenses to offer mobile phone services in the world''s fastest growing telecoms market.

Meanwhile, Tiwari also asserted that the Congress did not wish to speculate on the anti-corruption agitation call given by India''s Yoga Guru Baba Ramdev.

"The Congress has nothing to say on Baba Ramdev," said Tiwari.

Ramdev would go on a fast against corruption from June 04 in New Delhi despite the Centre''s efforts to pacify him over his demand for action on black money.

Demanding the declaration of black money as national treasure, Ramdev has insisted on confirmation of United Nations Convention Against Corruption treaty in the Parliament, which would pave the way to bring back the Rs 400 crore or 4 billion of black money to India.

Ramdev claims that more than 10 million supporters will participate in the movement across the country. (ANI)

HAJO BRIDGE DILAPIDATED

2011-05-31T20:25:00.001+05:30

A wooden bridge in dilapidated condition finally proved to be sole reason for the death of nearly 30 people. A bus carrying a marriage party fell off the bridge near Hajo in Kamrup district of Assam, leading to the tragedy. The death of the groom has left the bride dumb founded with her dream of a conjugal life in a shambles. A dilapidated wooden bridge linking Hajo with Nalbari has sounded the death knell for marriage party that was traveling in a ill-fated bus to the bride’s residence on Monday night. The tragedy has confirmed the worst fears of the local people who have for long been demanding replacement of the old wooden bridge with a RCC one. The thirty odd passengers who died in the accident also includes the groom. The locals have raised a finger at the PWD for turning a blind eye on the dilapidated wooden bridge along the busy Hajo-Nalbari road. For long years the people have been demanding that an RCC bridge be constructed and also the Hajo Nalbari road be widened. However, the highups in the PWD continued to turn a deaf ear to all the prayers made by the locals, who allege that the road has become a gold mine for a section of PWD officials and contractors. The writing was loud and clear on the wall for long that a tragedy of this nature might occur. Unfortunately, the PWD did not bother.Here are rows of dead bodies of innocent people who lost their lives in the tragic mishap. Will the PWD own the responsibility for their death? Can the PWD bring back to life the groom who dreamt of a colourful married life? Will the government make any one answerable for the tragic event?

PM appeals to Ramdev to call off his fast

2011-05-31T20:23:00.001+05:30

New Delhi: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has appealed to yoga guru Baba Ramdev to call off his proposed indefinite fast against corruption, which will start on Saturday.
"We hope Baba Ramdev will not take recourse to agitation. We will make another effort to persuade him not to undertake it," Singh said.
Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee has also been trying to convince Ramdev to abandon the fast, briefing him on steps being taken to recover black money stashed abroad.

The yoga guru, meanwhile, has said that he wants the Prime Minister and higher judiciary to be kept out of the Lokpal purview, taking a line contradictory to Anna Hazare's group
"All people holding constitutional posts should come under the Lokpal. The inclusion of the Prime Minister and the Chief Justice of India is a tricky question. If questions are raised on the integrity of a person sitting at the head of a democracy, then how will democracy survive. And if you doubt the head of the judicial system, then how can you assume that the Lokayukta will be more honest," Ramdev said.

Tirupati: Gold plating of richest temple shelved

2011-05-10T19:15:00.001+05:30

New Delhi: Tirumala Tirupati Devesthanam (TTD) on Tuesday told the Supreme Court that it has shelved the controversial decision on gold plating of the sanctum sanctorum of the shrine of Lord Venkateswara at Tirupati, the world's richest temple.

The decision to reconsider the move was taken in deference to the sentiments expressed by thousands of devotees and the Andhra Pradesh High Court's judgement quashing the earlier resolution passed by the TTD for the gold plating exercise, the board told the apex court.

The TTD said it had no powers to carry out the exercise of drilling thousands of holes in the inner recess adorning the deities in view of the restrictions imposed by Section 2(a) of the Ancient Monuments and Archeolgoical Sites and

Remains Act, 1958.

By a resolution dated September 20, 2008, the TTD decided to carry out gold plating of the temple's sanctum sanctorum, which was fiercely opposed by several devotees on the ground that it was not only against scriptural tenets but posed a grave threat to the 11th century shrine.

A bench of justices G S Singhvi and A K Ganguly, which recorded the undertaking made by counsel Sridhar Potaraju, directed the Board not to take any decision on gold plating without prior permission of the apex court.

Magnitude 7.1 earthquake hits South Pacific

2011-05-10T18:53:00.001+05:30

Paris: Geological monitoring services say a magnitude 7.1 earthquake had hit in the South Pacific off the French territory of New Caledonia on Tuesday.
No injuries or damage were immediately reported. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre says there was no threat of a widespread tsunami based on historical earthquake and tsunami data.
The US Geological Service and the European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre said the quake hit at 14:25 IST on Tuesday, some 26.5 km beneath the ocean.

The epicentre was about 149 km off Ile Tadine in New Caledonia's Loyalty Islands chain, and more than 1,600 km from Brisbane, Australia.

Cop arrested for raping airline employee

2011-05-10T18:44:00.001+05:30

Mumbai: A sub-inspector, posted in naxal-affected Gadchiroli district of Maharashtra, has been arrested for allegedly raping an airline employee, married to an Australian, here and later extorting money from her, police

said on Tuesday.

The accused Manoj Londe surrendered before police in Mumbai after he came to know about the FIR being registered against him by the 21-year-old woman, Additional Police Commissioner (Central Region) Vineet Agarwal said.

The sub-inspector was booked by Vinoba Bhave police in central Mumbai on the charges of rape and extortion, following a complaint filed by the victim on the intervening night of Saturday and Sunday.

According to the FIR, Londe threatened the woman of posting some of her video clips taken in compromising positions on Internet, police said.

"The accused was produced in a local court in Kurla which remanded him in police custody till May 14," Agarwal said.

According to sources, Londe's mobile phone has been seized and police were questioning him as to where he had hidden the video clips of the victim.

Though the case was registered in Vinoba Bhave police station, the investigating officer in the case is Lata Donde, senior inspector at Shahu Nagar police station.

Defending his decision to hand over the investigation to Donde, the ACP said "Donde is a woman inspector and I think she can do the investigation in this particular case very well."

Meanwhile, the sources said ACP has taken serious note of the incident and wanted no loophole in the investigation.

"A lady officer can freely talk to the victim and also accordingly interrogate the accused. The victim would not have talked freely with a male officer," sources said.

Police said the victim was an Indian national married to an Australian. She first met Londe, who is also married, about two-and-a-half years ago in Vinoba Bhave police station where he was posted then. The duo subsequently became friends and started having an affair that continued for over two years.

The woman claimed Londe later started demanding money from her and also threatened of releasing the MMS clips on Internet if she did not shell out money as and when needed by him, said Agarwal.

After the threats, the victim started avoiding him.

Even after he was transferred to Gadchiroli district over a year ago, he continued to blackmail her and forced her to have physical relationship, police said.

The victim claimed last week, Londe came to Mumbai and beat her up.

Osama’s killing a victorious milestone against terrorism: Krishna

2011-05-02T18:59:00.001+05:30

New Delhi, May 2 (ANI): External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna on Monday said the killing of Al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden is a historic development and victorious milestone in the global war against the forces of terrorism

In a statement, Krishna said: “US President Obama has just announced that his government has conducted a successful operation that has resulted in the death of Osama bin Laden deep inside Pakistan. This operation brings to closure an almost decade-long search for the head of the Al Qaeda.”

“Over the years, thousands of innocent lives of men, women and children have been tragically lost at the hands of terrorist groups. The world must not let down its united effort to overcome terrorism and eliminate the safe havens and sanctuaries that have been provided to terrorists in our own neighbourhood. The struggle must continue unabated,” he added.

Earlier today, the United States Government informed that Osama Bin Laden had been killed by security forces somewhere "deep inside Pakistan."

Osama, 54, who created and funded the al Qaeda terror network, was accused of being behind a number of atrocities, including the attacks on New York and Washington on 11 September 2001.

He was suspected of playing large roles in the 1998 bombings of two US Embassies in Africa and the attack on the USS Cole in the Yemeni port of Aden in October 2000. (ANI)

Al Qaida leader Osama Bin Laden killed, Obama says justice done

2011-05-02T18:58:00.001+05:30

The world's most wanted man, Osama bin Laden is dead, US President Barack Obama has confirmed. Osama was killed in a firefight in Pakistan. In a dramatic, late-night White House speech, Obama revealed that he had been briefed last August on a possible lead to Osama’s whereabouts and he authorised an operation last week to bring the al Qaeda chief “to justice”. The President also said that Osama’s body was in US custody.

The mastermind of the worst terrorist attacks on American soil is dead, U.S. President Barack Obama announced late Sunday night, almost 10 years after the attacks that killed about 3,000 people. Osama bin Laden -- the founder and leader of al Qaeda -- was killed by U.S. forces Sunday in a mansion in Abbottabad, north of the Pakistani capital of Islamabad, along with other family members, a senior U.S. official told CNN. In an address to the nation Sunday night, Obama called bin Laden's death the most significant achievement to date in our the USA’s effort to defeat al Qaeda.

Obama said he had been briefed last August on a possible lead to Bin Laden's whereabouts. After being confirmed about the location of the dreaded Al Qaida leader, a team of US forces undertook the operation in Abbottabad on Sunday evening. After a firefight Bin Laden was killed and his body taken by US forces

In his speech, Obama reiterated that the United States is not at war with Islam. Footage that aired on GEO TV on Monday showed fire and smoke spewing from the compound where bin Laden was killed. Half a world away, the scene outside the White House was of pure jubilation. Hundreds reveled through the night, chanting "USA! USA!" Others chanted "Hey, hey, hey, goodbye!" in reference to the demise of bin Laden. Many also spontaneously sang the national anthem. The news also brought some relief to family members of those killed on 9/11. Bin Laden eluded capture for years, once reportedly slipping out of a training camp in Afghanistan just hours before a barrage of U.S. cruise missiles destroyed it. He had been implicated in a series of deadly, high-profile attacks that had grown in their intensity and success during the 1990s. They included a deadly firefight with U.S. soldiers in Somalia in October 1993, the bombings of two U.S. embassies in East Africa that killed 224 in August 1998, and an attack on the USS Cole that killed 17 sailors in October 2000. U.S. diplomatic facilities around the world were placed on high alert following the announcement of bin Laden's death and the U.S. State Department issued a worldwide caution for Americans.

IAF detects 'chopper-like object' in Bhutan

2011-05-02T18:55:00.003+05:30

Shillong: Images taken by two Su30 aircraft have detected 'an aircraft-like something' in an area in Bhutan on which aerial search is focusing to locate the helicopter carrying Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Dorjee Khandu and four others which went missing on Saturday.

"Su30s with recee pods have managed to pick up something which has been given for assessment. What they have found is something like an aircraft," Eastern Air Command Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief Air Marshal KK Nohwar said on Monday.

The helicopters are searching with the inputs, he said."The helicopters have made attempts to go to certain areas in Bhutan. Whenever the weather is clearing, the helicopters are being pressed into service," Nohwar said.

He said inputs also came from ISRO on three possible sites.

"Information coming from villagers say they have heard or saw something and are being collated with other inputs and based on that search is being conducted," he said.

Stating that the weather has been hindering the aerial search, the Air Marshal said aircraft are on stand-by in Guwahati, Tawang and Tezpur for search operations.

Asked about the possibility of sabotage, Nohwar said "I don t think so. Let's not jump the gun and talk about all these things."

On the possible reasons of a likely crash, Nohwar said "it is too early to say about the reason. But weather could be one of the causes."

The Pawan Hans chopper, he said, was a brand new one and was only four months old.

"We are concerned about what has happened. From the time we got the information, we have launched our helicopters. The army has also launched a massive operation on the ground," he said.

Asked why Su30s were brought from Bareilly when two squadrons were stationed in Tezpur and Chabua in Assam, Nohwar said the Sukhois in the Northeast lacked mapping equipment.

The four-seater single-engine Pawan Hans helicopter went missing on Saturday 20 minutes after takeoff from Tawang at 9:56 am.

Besides Khandu, the others on board were pilots Captain JS Babbar and Captain TS Mamik, Khandu's security officer Yeshi Choddak and a lady Yeshi Lhamu, sister of Tawang MLA Tsewang Dhondup.

The chopper was to land at Itanagar at about 11:30 am.

The Guwahati air traffic control had reportedly received the last radio communication from it when it was flying near Sela Pass 20 minutes after takeoff.

Largest-ever 3D map of distant universe created

2011-05-02T18:55:00.001+05:30

Washington: Planetary scientists claim to have created the largest-ever three-dimensional map of the distant universe, using the light of the brightest objects in the cosmos.

Since this distant light took eons to reach Earth, the map is essentially a window back in time, providing an unprecedented view of what the universe looked like 11 billion years ago, say the scientists.

In fact, they made the map using light from 14,000 quasars -- supermassive black holes at the centers of galaxies billions of light years away -- with the third Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS-III). The map is the first major result from the Baryon Oscillation Spectroscopic Survey (BOSS), SDSS-III's largest

survey, whose principal investigator is David Schlegel of the US Department of Energy's Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory.

The huge new map was presented at the April meeting of the American Physical Society in Anaheim, CA, by An e Slosar of Brookhaven National Laboratory. "Quasars are the brightest objects in the universe, which we use as convenient backlights to illuminate the intervening hydrogen gas that fills the universe between us and them," Slosar said.

"We can see their shadows, and the details in their shadows" -- specifically, the absorption features in their spectra known as the Lyman-alpha forest -- "allowing us to see how the gas is clumped along our line of sight.

"The amazing thing is that this allows us to see the universe so very far away, where measuring positions of individual galaxies in large numbers is impractical," he said.

ARUNACHAL CM REMAINS TRACELESS

2011-05-01T19:29:00.001+05:30

The ISRO has released the pictures taken by its two satellites from over the Tawnag region of Arunachal Pradesh. we are showing you the exclusive visuals of these photographs. We have seen that because of thick cloud, nothing much was visible. Clouds are clearly visible in these images. The ISRO spokesman told NETV that they have not been able to gather much from these pictures.Both the ISRO and the Indian Air Force are analyzing pictures taken over the Tawang-Itanagar helicopter router as the chopper carrying Arunachal chief minister Dorjee Khandu is still traceless more than 24 hours after it went missing. The ISRO used its satellites to map the area while two Sukhoi planes from Bareilly air base in UP made sorties over the heliciopter route and took pictures of the entire area. A Mi17 chopper of the Indian Air Force which went looking for the missing helicopter made two sorties before bad weather forced it to return today. The helicopter from Tawang searched the Bhutan areas besides the Tawang-Itanagar route. Four Cheetah helicopters and two MI 17 choppers ate on stand-by at Tezpur and Guwahati, but could not take off because of the weather. 30 columns of the Indian Army comprising 2,400 personnel from Tawang and Tenga were searching on the ground for the missing helicopter on the Indo-Bhutan border. Six ITBP teams with 25 personnel each also joined the ground search operations. Meanwhile, the state-owned Pawan Hans has defended itself by saying that the helicopter was four-months old and in perfect condition technically. In a statement, Pawan Hans said VIPs had used the chopper previously without experiencing any problem. The defence of the chopper came as Chief Minister Khandu's adviser Kiren Rijiju said there was need to take a strong view on the maintenance capabilities of Pawan Hans. Though some Arunachal Pradesh Government officials have said the chopper has made an emergency landing in Bhutan, the Bhutanese Government has said that no such emergency landing has been made. External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna has reportedly spoken to his Bhutanese counterpart Lyonpo Ugyen Tshering and requested him to provide assistance in the search and rescue effort. The Indian Space Research Organisation deployed two satellites to search for the missing chopper. The search operation is being conducted under the supervision of the commander of the Army 4 Corps. Bhutanese forces are moving to the east of their country to meet up with their Indian counterparts and join in the search operation. Over one thousand villagers living along the Arunachal Pradesh-Bhutan border fanned out early on Sunday morning to search for the missing helicopter. The missing Pawan Hans AS350 B-3 helicopter that took off from Tawang at 9.50 a.m. on Saturday lost communication with the ground after it flew past the Sela Pass along the Chinese border about 20 to 25 minutes later. The helicopter was scheduled to land in Itanagar at 11.30 a.m. on Saturday. The state government has also set up a crisis management cell with Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Yeshi Tsering, Civil Aviation Commissioner Hage Khoda, Home Secretary A K Srivastav, Inspector General of Police S.B.K. Singh, Deputy Inspector General Police Robin Hibu, Deputy Inspector General of Police Anil Shukla, City Deputy Commissioner Pawan Kumar Sain and Superintendent of Police Apang Tamut as its members. Apart from Khandu, the people on board included crew members Captain J S Babbar and Captain KS Malick, Khandu"s security officer Yeshi Choddak and Yeshi Lamu, sister of Tawang legislator Tsewang Dhondup. The missing helicopter, AS350 B-3, is a single-engine chopper. In case of an engine failure, there are very slim chances of the helicopter making a safe landing.

Two Sukhoi jets, 30 other aircraft searching for missing Arunachal CM

2011-05-01T19:28:00.003+05:30

New Delhi/Itanagar/Bareilly, May 1 (ANI): Two Sukhoi aircraft and about 30 other Indian Air Force (IAF) aircraft have been deployed to search for missing Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Dorjee Khandu.

The Sukhoi jets took off from the Indian Air Force base in Bareilly this morning, a private television channel reported. The IAF has completed two sorties of the area, and has begun a third sortie.

Though some Arunachal Pradesh Government officials have said the chopper has made an emergency landing in Bhutan, the Bhutanese Government has said that no such emergency landing has been made.

External Affairs Minister S.M.Krishna has reportedly spoken to his Bhutanese counterpart Lyonpo Ugyen Tshering and requested him to provide assistance in the search and rescue effort.

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has also deployed two satellites to search for the missing chopper.

ISRO sources said they would be in a position to give some details late on Sunday afternoon after reviewing the satellite pictures after noon. The two ISRO satellites will be deployed between 10.30 a.m. and noon.

The search operation is being conducted under the supervision of the commander of the Army 4 Corp. About 30 army columns, besides paramilitaries are conducting the search operations on the Indian side. The Indian Air Force is backing them.

Bhutanese forces are moving to the east of their country to meet up with their Indian counterparts and join in the search operation.

Over one thousand villagers living along the Arunachal Pradesh-Bhutan border fanned out early on Sunday morning to search for the missing helicopter.

Two Central Government ministers – V. Narayanswamy and Mukul Wasnik have been asked by the UPA Government to reach Itanagar to monitor the situation.

When reports last came in, the two ministers had reached Guwahati, but were unable to proceed to Itanagar because of inclement weather.

Two MI-17 helicopters have also been deployed for the search operations. Only one of the two has been able to reach Itanagar.

The missing Pawan Hans AS350 B-3 helicopter that took off from Tawang at 9.50 a.m. on Saturday lost communication with the ground after it flew past the Sela Pass along the Chinese border about 20 to 25 minutes later. The helicopter was scheduled to land in Itanagar at 11.30 a.m. on Saturday.

Khandu''s spokesperson Jambey Tsering said: "The second day search operation has begun. The chief minister is still untraceable. Weather conditions have been deteriorating at various locations, but the search operation began early in the morning itself."

The state government has also set up a crisis management cell with Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Yeshi Tsering, Civil Aviation Commissioner Hage Khoda, Home Secretary A K Srivastav, Inspector General of Police S.B.K. Singh, Deputy Inspector General Police (West) Robin Hibu, Deputy Inspector General of Police (Intelligence) Anil Shukla, City Deputy Commissioner Pawan Kumar Sain and Superintendent of Police Apang Tamut as its members.

The committee will be monitoring the situation under the overall guidance and supervision of Chief Secretary Tabam Bam.

On Saturday, several media reports quoted Arunachal Pradesh Governor General (retired) J J Singh and Chief Secretary Bam as saying that the helicopter had landed safely somewhere in eastern Bhutan adjoining Tawang district and that the same helicopter was flying back to Guwahati with the chief minister on board.

Bhutan, however, later denied that any Indian helicopter had landed in its territory, but said a search operation was launched following request from New Delhi.

Apart from Khandu, the people on board included crew members Captain J S Babbar and Captain KS Malick, Khandu''s security officer Yeshi Choddak and Yeshi Lamu, sister of Tawang legislator Tsewang Dhondup.

The missing helicopter, AS350 B-3, is a single-engine chopper. In case of an engine failure, there are very slim chances of the helicopter making a safe landing. (ANI)

ISRO deploys satellites to search for missing Arunachal Pradesh CM

2011-05-01T19:28:00.001+05:30

Bangalore/Itanagar, May 1 (ANI): The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has deployed two satellites to search for the missing chopper of Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Dorjee Khandu.

ISRO sources said that they would be in a position to give some details late on Sunday afternoon after reviewing the satellite pictures after noon. The two ISRO satellites will be deployed between 10.30 a.m. and noon.

Meanwhile, the search operation is being conducted under the supervision of the commander of the Army 4 Corp. About 30 army columns, besides paramilitaries are conducting the search operations on the Indian side. They are being backed by the Indian Air Force, which has already conducted two sorties in the area where the missing chopper is said to have gone down.

Bhutanese forces are moving to the east of the country to meet up with their Indian counterparts and join in the search operation.

Over one thousand villagers living along the Arunachal Pradesh-Bhutan border fanned out early on Sunday morning in search of a missing helicopter carrying Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Dorjee Khandu and four other people.

Simultaneously, two Central Government ministers – V. Narayanswamy and Mukul Wasnik have been asked by the UPA Government to reach Itanagar to monitor the situation. When reports last came in, the two ministers had reached Guwahati, but were unable to proceed to Itanagar because of inclement weather.

Two MI-17 helicopters have also been deployed for the search operations. Only one of the two has been able to reach Itanagar.

The Indian Army and paramilitary troops have also been called in to help in the search and possible rescue effort. The Indian Government has made a request to neighbouring Bhutan to deploy Bhutanese troops in the search operation on its side of the Indo-Bhutan border.

Teams of the Indian Air Force (IAF) have resumed search operations this morning to locate the missing Pawan Hans AS350 B-3 helicopter that took off from Tawang at 9.50 a.m. on Saturday.

The copter lost communication with the ground after it flew past the Sela Pass along the Chinese border about 20 to 25 minutes later. The helicopter was scheduled to land in Itanagar at 11.30 a.m. on Saturday.

Khandu''''s spokesperson Jambey Tsering said: "The second day search operation has begun. The chief minister is still untraceable. Weather conditions have been deteriorating at various locations, but the search operation began early in the morning itself."

The committee will be monitoring the situation under the overall guidance and supervision of Chief Secretary Tabam Bam.

Bhutan, however, later denied that any Indian helicopter had landed in its territory, but said a search operation was launched following request from New Delhi.

Apart from Khandu, the people on board included crew members Captain J S Babbar and Captain KS Malick, Khandu''''s security officer Yeshi Choddak and Yeshi Lamu, sister of Tawang legislator Tsewang Dhondup.

The missing helicopter, AS350 B-3, is a single-engine chopper. In case of an engine failure, there are very slim chances of the helicopter making a safe landing. (ANI)

Bad weather hampers search for Arunachal CM

2011-05-01T19:09:00.001+05:30

New Delhi: Massive search operations to find missing Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Dorjee Khandu began at 5:30 am on Sunday with the SSB and ITBP personnel joining the Army in the massive search operation.However, bad weather hampered the search operation as helicopters could not take off for the search operation. Six helicopters were stranded, four of which were in Tejpur.Pawan Hans suspended commercial operations in North East on Sunday so that these helicopters were available for search and rescue and the DGCA reviews the current situation.Dorjee Khandu's son and MLA Jambey Tashi Khandu said, "Arunachal Chief Minister has been untraceable and due to the bad weather conditions the search operations have been halted."

Dorjee Khandu's spokesperson Jambey Tsering said, "The second day search operation has begun. The Arunachal Pradesh CM is still untraceable. Weather conditions have been deteriorating at various locations, but the search operation began early in the morning itself."

Two MI-17s and two Sukhoi 30s scanning the area. Their data will be analysed for further clues. Since the area is close to Bhutan, teams from Bhutan's army are also searching at the seven border districts.

Khandu's chopper has been untraceable since Saturday morning. The last contact with the Pawan Hans helicopter was made 20 minutes after its take off at 9:56 am on Saturday. The contact was abruptly cut off and since then there has been no trace.

The chopper was carrying the Chief Minister, a police officer, a woman official and two captains.

On Saturday, there was confusion over whether Khandu's chopper has been found or not.

Chief Minister's office said that Khandu's helicopter had to make an emergency landing due to technical snag near Tawang but inside Bhutanese territory and the CM was safe. However, later the Bhutan government said that they have no information of any chopper landing in Bhutan.

Khandu had taken off from Tawang at 9:56 am and was to land at Itanagar at 11:30 am by the chartered Pawan Hans helicopter.

56-year-old Khandu, who had served in the intelligence wing of the Indian Army, was sworn on April 9, 2007 as the fifth chief minister of the state, replacing Gegong Apang.

On April 19, a Pawan Hans helicopter crashed in the mountains of Tawang, bordering Tibet, killing all 17 people on board. The helicopter crashed not far away from the helipad and the DGCA had found that proper fire-fighting facilities could have saved lives.

In the other incident, an army helicopter crashed near Gangtok killing four occupants on board.

Baba's death: Bangalore airport security tightened

2011-04-24T17:48:00.001+05:30

Bangalore: Security has been stepped up at the airport here as several dignitaries are expected to land on their way to Puttaparthi to pay their last respects to spiritual leader Sathya Sai Baba, who passed away on Sunday morning.

Bangalore airport will become the hub as it is the nearest, 150 km, to Puttaparthi in neighbouring Andhra Pradesh.

"We have stepped up security at the airport as many dignitaries will be landing here to proceed to Puttaparthi," Bangalore Police Commissioner Shankar Bidari told reporters here.

He also said additional security measures have been taken at the Baba's Whitefield ashram (complex) on Bangalore's outskirts and at various 'Sai mandirs' (temples) in the city where his followers would gather.

Police have been put on alert throughout the state as the Baba had many followers across Karnataka, Director General of Police ST Ramesh told reporters.

Syrian forces raid homes, Assad opposition mounts

2011-04-24T17:46:00.001+05:30

Amman: Secret police raided homes near Damascus overnight, rights campaigners said on Sunday, as popular opposition to Syria's authoritarian President Bashar al-Assad increased following bloody attacks on pro-democracy protesters.

Security forces and gunmen loyal to Assad have killed at least 112 people over the last two days. They fired at protesters demanding political freedoms and an end to corruption on Friday and on mass funerals for victims a day later.

The attacks were the bloodiest, and the demonstrations the biggest, since protests erupted in the southern city of Deraa near the border with Jordan over five weeks ago.

Security operatives in plain clothes wielding assault rifles broke into homes in the suburb of Harasta just after midnight on Sunday, arresting activists in the area, known as the Ghouta, or the old garden district of the capital.

Assad lifted an emergency law on Thursday, in place since his Baath Party seized power 48 years ago, in a bid to appease protesters and ease international criticism. Opponents say the crackdown that followed shows the move was hollow.

"Bashar al-Assad, you traitor, you coward. Take your soldiers to the Golan," protesters chanted on Saturday, chiding Assad for turning his forces on his own people instead of recapturing the Golan Heights, where the frontier with Israel has been quiet since a 1974 ceasefire.

Assad assumed power when his father died in 2000 after ruling Syria for 30 years. The hostile chants reflect a steady hardening of the demands of protesters who first called for greater freedoms but now seek his overthrow.

International condemnation of Assad has also intensified. Western criticism was initially muted because of lingering hopes that Assad might implement genuine reform and because revolution in Syria could reshape the political map in the Middle East.

Assad has strengthened his father Hafez al-Assad's anti-Israel alliance with Iran and supported militant groups Hezbollah and Hamas. He also re-established Syrian influence in Lebanon and has held indirect peace talks with Israel.

"I deplore the increasing violence in Syria, and am appalled by the killing of demonstrators by Syrian security forces," British Foreign Secretary William Hague said on Sunday, advising all British nationals to leave Syria.

US President Barack Obama urged Assad on Friday to stop the "outrageous use of violence to quell protests". Syrian authorities, who blame the violence on armed groups, dismissed Obama's comments.

Arrests near Damascus

The National Organisation for Human Rights in Syria said prominent rights activist Daniel Saud, a resident of the Mediterranean city of Banias, was also arrested on Saturday.

The weekend protests stretched from the port city of Latakia to Homs, Hama, Damascus, its suburbs and southern towns. The death toll rose to around 350, with scores of missing since the demonstrations broke out on March 18, rights campaigners said.

Assad has ejected most foreign media from the country during his crackdown on protesters, so independent reports of the violence are difficult to verify.

Demonstrators have been using the Internet to get out pictures of the violence, many of which have been explicit.

One video posted on Internet site YouTube showed a crowd marching on Friday near Abbasside square in Damascus, purportedly on Friday, chanting "the people want the overthrow of the regime", before the sound of gunfire was heard.

Demonstrators raised their hands to show that they were unarmed. The fire intensified. One youth fell, with blood spurting from his head and back. His comrades lifted him but dropped his body when the sound of bullets resumed.

In Abada village, 10 kilometres from Damascus, rights campaigners said security forces were preventing people injured in Friday's protests from reaching hospital. A cleric in contact with the town of Nawa near Deraa said residents told him security forces had fired indiscriminately.

In a move unthinkable in Syria just five weeks ago, two Deraa lawmakers in Syria's rubberstamp parliament resigned on Saturday to protest against the killings of protesters.

Air hostesses strip for Playboy to save airline

2011-04-13T15:37:00.001+05:30

A noble cause?
Six former flight attendants posed for the cover of the April 2011's Mexican edition of Playboy magazine after heavily indebted Mexicana suspended all flights in August 2010. Mexicana was one of Mexico's two major airlines and left thousands of ground workers, pilots and flight attendants with no jobs. REUTERS/Carlos Jasso

Former Mexicana Airlines flight attendant Ofelia Fernandez poses for photographers while signing a poster of the cover of the April 2011's Mexican edition of Playboy magazine during a news conference in Mexico City April 11, 2011. REUTERS/Carlos Jasso

Six former Mexicana Airlines flight attendants pose for photographers while holding the April 2011's Mexican edition of Playboy magazine during a news conference in Mexico City April 11, 2011. The women posed for Playboy after heavily indebted Mexicana suspended all flights in August 2010. Mexicana was one of Mexico's two major airlines and left thousands of ground workers, pilots and flight attendants with no jobs. REUTERS/Carlos Jasso

Former air hostesses of Mexicana Airlines pose during a news conference before taking part in a private session for Playboy magazine in Mexico City February 7, 2011. REUTERS/Henry Romero

Six former air hostesses of Mexicana Airlines pose during a news conference before taking part in a private session for Playboy magazine in Mexico City February 7, 2011. REUTERS/Henry Romero

Mizoram gender ratio perhaps best in country:Min

2011-04-06T16:52:00.001+05:30

Aizawl, Apr 6 (PTI) Mizoram has a gender ratio of 975 females to every 1000 males, perhaps the best sex ratio in the country, State Home Minister R Lalzirliana said today.

Mizoram has a population of 10,91,014 comprising 5,52,339 males and 5,38,675 females, he said, while releasing the Provisional Census Report 2011 for the state.

Decadal growth rate of the state's population was 22.78 per cent against the decadal rate of the country which stood at 17.64 per cent and density of population was 52 persons per sq km as against 42 persons per sq km in the 2001 Census.

Literacy percentage of Mizoram increased by 2.78 per cent compared to 2001 Census but Lakshadweep became the second most literate state, the position held by the state since 2001 and Mizoram now stood at the third position, the report said.

Auto graveyard born from Japan tsunami wreckage

2011-03-26T15:43:00.001+05:30

Miyako: The destruction wrought by the tsunami that slammed Japan two weeks ago has given rise to graveyards for machinery pulled from the wreckage.

Cars mangled by the massive wall of water that destroyed into Japan's northeast coast are being removed by construction equipment, placed on trucks and laid to rest by the thousands on flood plains once covered with water.

The cars, many of which are marked with spray paint to indicate if bodies needed to be removed from inside, are laid in neat rows with license plates easily visible for license owners or family members hoping to find lost vehicles.

"I parked near the office, saw the tsunami from my window and after the water withdrew, my car was nowhere to be seen," said Motohiro Yamazaki, who was looking for his Suzuki among hundreds of wrecked cars at auto graveyards in the tsunami-devastated city of Miyako.

Workers are slowly clearing paths through the destruction with bulldozers, leveling land after fire fighters have checked and made sure there are no bodies buried in the debris.

The city of Sendai has used parks and baseball fields as dumping grounds for electronics removed from the debris.

Residents trickle into an open field of destroyed vehicles in Miyako to take off license plates and remove registration forms, which will make it easier for them to cut through red tape with insurance companies and the government to declare their cars dead.

"I left my drivers license, work license and health insurance card in the car. I can't go to the hospital without that."

Two weeks after the tsunami, electricity has been turned on again to many areas on higher ground near the devastation, mobile phones service is slowly being restored and goods have finally appeared on once empty store shelves.

Yamazaki's car, however, was nowhere to be found.

"I guess it's somewhere in the Pacific Ocean."

ULFA calls strike against PM's Assam visit

2011-03-26T15:20:00.001+05:30

Guwahati: The Paresh Baruah faction of ULFA has called a 12-hour Assam bandh on Monday to protest the visit of Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh to campaign in Assam for the Assembly polls. The Prime Minister has "failed" to keep his written promise to discuss all the core issues for political solution of the Assam-India conflict, the outfit said in an e-mail to the media. Accusing Singh of "being the Prime Minister after acquiring his Assam residency documents without following rules", the ULFA alleged, "under his leadership a new conspiracy has been hatched to divide Assam and make the Assamese community extinct". "Singh has divided the ULFA to destroy the organisation," also asserted the e-mail signed by ULFA central publicity wing convener Arunudoy Dehotia. The underground group also threatened to call such strikes even when other central ministers or leaders from any political parties come here as "colonial India has sown the seed of divisiveness among the indigenous people of Assam and the North-East region to continue its domination here". "Till the rights of the indigenous people here are established, such bandh calls will continue," the ULFA warned.

Swedish supercar Koenigsegg coming to India

2011-03-26T13:20:00.001+05:30

Koenigsegg is partnering with Gurgaon-based InterGlobe Enterprises for their India launch, say reports. The launch is expected to be on March 29, 2011. Koenigsegg's high-end cars carry a price tag of Rs 9.6-10 crore. The latest Koenisegg model, Agera R, was launched at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show. The Koenigsegg Agera was awarded the Hypercar of the Year by BBC Top Gear. The Koenigsegg CCXR was chosen by Forbes as one of the ten most beautiful cars in history. The first car from the Koenigsegg stable was the Koenigsegg CC.

Govt funds non-existent schools in Assam

2011-03-26T09:08:00.003+05:30

Guwahati: The election campaign in Assam is gathering momentum with politicians battling more for votes and less for issues. But education seems far from their agenda.

Government schools in Assam are in shambles. And an RTI filed by a student has revealed shocking revelations.

The BR Ambedkar School in Guwahati, which has apparently received Rs 4,01,450 for its 217 students - actually does not exist.

There is money trickling in for schools which exist only on paper and not in reality. For example, one such school is the Dr BR Ambedkar school in Lachitpur. You can see the list of students and the money that has been procured in their name. But go around Lachitpur and you will find no trace of this school.

The Mangal Chandi Hindi LP School is another example. The headmaster says that funds for the dalits were instead going to a school - which had ceased to exist since 1991. In 2009-10, this non-existent school received Rs 2,94,150.

Headmaster NP Singh said, "This school does not exist, I don't know who these children are. This signature is also fake and this headmaster doesn't exist."

When we confronted the Department of Welfare for SCs and STs, which sanctions these funds, they blame it on shortage of manpower, but promise to investigate.

None of the senior officials we tried to contact were available for comment. All saying they were busy with election preparations. They may not speak to us, but they definitely owe an explanation to the people of Assam, especially the children, who's future is under threat.

India offers a helping hand to quake-hit Myanmar

2011-03-26T09:08:00.001+05:30

New Delhi: India on Friday expressed readiness to assist Myanmar in whatever way it can in the relief efforts following a strong earthquake there in which at least 75 people have been killed so far.

"We are saddened to learn about the loss of lives and damage to property in the recent earthquake in Myanmar. India has conveyed its deep condolences to the Government of Myanmar and expressed readiness to assist them in whatever way we can in their relief efforts," Ministry of External Affairs said in a release here.

India is in close touch with the Government of Myanmar in this connection, it said.

At least 75 people were killed and over 110 injured so far when a strong earthquake struck Myanmar, officials said, with fears that the toll would rise as news filtered through from remote areas still cut off.

Jats to end stir, Hooda to set quota commission

2011-03-26T09:07:00.001+05:30

New Delhi: The Jat protestors are planning to withdraw their three-week-long protest after talks with Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda. An official confirmation is likely to take place on Saturday afternoon.

The Jats have been demanding reservation in government jobs under OBC quota. The meeting with Hooda has resulted in the setting up of the 'Haryana Backward Classes Commission' within a month.

The Jat agitation had paralysed rail traffic in many parts of northern India.

They have now agreed to lift all blockades, especially after the Supreme Court directed the Haryana and UP governments to immediately control the situation.

The Commission would consider the demand of communities of Roar, Jat, Jat Sikh, Tyagi, Bishnoi would come under the ambit of the Backward Classes.

The decision to withdraw the agitation comes a day after the Punjab and Haryana High Court directed the Haryana government to immediately get the rail tracks cleared of protesters to restore normal movement of trains.

The high court had also directed all the groups spearheading the Jat agitation to exclude the blockades of trains from their agitational programmes with immediate effect.

Also, the Supreme Court on Thursday asked Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan governments to ensure that supply of essential commodities including water to the national capital was not disrupted in the wake of threats by Jats agitating for quota in central jobs.

Mysterious disease kills 5 in Mizoram

2011-03-26T09:06:00.001+05:30

A mystery disease has killed five persons in a remote tribal village in southern Mizoram. A forum for the tribe has rapped local authorities for delayed response to the epidemic-like crisis. Officials in southern Mizoram's Lunglei district confirmed the death of five persons at village Thanzamasora during the past fortnight. They suspect the cause of the disease to be acute respiratory infections including pneumonia, but are not very sure.

Thanzamasora is a Chakma tribal dominated village.

Underlining the seriousness of the issue, the Mizoram Chakma Development Forum (MCDF) on Friday sought Lunglei deputy commissioner M Zohmingthangi's intervention. It also asked the medical officers concerned to provide immediate medical facilities to prevent the epidemic from spreading.

"Apart from the five who died many others are sick but there is total lack of healthcare services. A medical team distributed some medicines but this is not enough. Worst, the superstitious villagers believe that deaths are due to black magic cast upon them. At least 13 families have already fled the village and more families are likely to flee if the situation is not brought under control immediately," said MCDF president Hemanta Larma.

He added, "Although the situation is taking a serious proportion, there is delayed response from the authorities. There seems to be some problem as Thanzamasora village is under the administrative control of Lunglei district but healthcare services falls under the chief medical officer of adjoining Lawngtlai district."

Manmohan Singh to watch Mohali match, invites Pak President, PM to join

2011-03-26T09:05:00.001+05:30

New Delhi, Mar 25 (ANI): The Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, who will be watching the World Cup Cricket semifinal match between India and Pakistan on March 30, has invited President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani to visit Mohali to join him and the millions of cricket fans of the subcontinent to watch the match.

"I propose to be at Mohali to watch the World Cup semi-final match between India and Pakistan to be held on 30th March. There is huge excitement over the match and we are all looking forward to a great game of cricket that will be a victory for sport. It gives me great pleasure to invite you to visit Mohali and join me and the millions of fans from our two countries to watch the match," said Dr. Singh in his letter to President Zardari.

Dr. Singh in his letter to Prime Minister Gilani said: "I propose to be at Mohali to watch the World Cup semi-final match between India and Pakistan to be held on 30th March. There is huge excitement over the match and we are all looking forward to a great game of cricket that will be a victory for sport.

"It gives me great pleasure to invite you and your gracious wife to visit Mohali and join me, my wife and the millions of fans from our two countries to watch the match," he added.

India is all set to encounter archrivals Pakistan in the semi-final stage at Mohali on March 30 following their five wickets victory against Australia in Thursday''s quarterfinal in Ahmedabad. (ANI)

Jat community continues stir, rail affected

2011-03-25T15:04:00.003+05:30

Hisar, Mar 25 (PTI) Notwithstanding the Punjab and Haryana High Court order directing Jats not to disrupt movement of trains, activists of All India Jat Aarakshan Sangharsh Samiti today continued to squat on various rail tracks in Haryana.The ongoing three-week-long stir by Jats has badly affected rail traffic in northern India, forcing the Northern Railways to cancel several trains, divert routes of some others.Train services on 14 mainlines in Haryana, including Mumbai-Delhi-Rewari, Bhiwani-Delhi-Rohtak, Delhi-Ludhiana-Jind, Narwana-Kurukshetra, Rohtak-Panipat, Rewari-Loharu, Loharu-Jaipur, Hisar-Jaipur, Bhiwani-Hisar, Hisar-Bathinda, and Delhi-Jind-Ludhiana continue to remain disrupted due to the blockade of rail tracks by the Jat activists.Jat protestors have been demanding inclusion of their community in the OBC list so as to avail the benefit of reservation in government jobs.

UDF in Kerala promises Re 1 a kg rice to BPLs

2011-03-25T15:04:00.001+05:30

Kochi, Mar 25 (PTI) Congress-led UDF in Kerala has promised 36 lakh jobs, Re one a kg rice for BPL families, farm loans at three per cent interest and free bi-cycles to class X students in its manifesto for the April 13 Assembly elections, released today after ironing out differences with two of its partners over seat allocations.The manifesto promised to provide 25 kg of rice at Re one to Below Poverty Line families and at Rs two per kg to other ration card holders.The grievances of the Communist Marxist Party (CMP) led by former minister M V Raghavan and Socialist Janata (Democratic) of M P Veerendra Kumar have been "amicably" sorted out, front leaders told reporters here.CMP would be contesting in Nenmara, Kunnamkulam and Dharmadam seats after it surrendered Nattika, offered earlier.

AI to start Chennai-Paris flight from March 27

2011-03-25T15:00:00.001+05:30

Chennai: National air carrier Air India on Thursday said it would introduce a new hub and flight connecting Chennai and Paris from March 27.

The new service, operated on an Airbus A320, would depart from Anna International Terminal in Chennai at 8:45 am and arrive in Delhi in the forenoon.

It would leave Delhi at 1:10 pm and reach Paris at 06:50 pm (local time), Air India said in a statement.

The flight to Paris would be operated on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday, it said.

"Passengers from Chennai (bound for Paris) can now complete their immigration formalities at Chennai Airport itself," the statement added.

The service also offers convenient connection from Delhi to passengers bound for Frankfurt and London, it said.

The company said its flights to Paris, Frankfurt and London are operated with Boeing 777 aircrafts "offering comfort and luxury".

Connections are also available for passengers from these cities in the return direction on arrival at Delhi to reach Chennai, the statement added.

MAJOR SETBACK FOR NAGA RECONCILIATION

2011-03-25T14:57:00.001+05:30

In a major development which could jeopardize Naga reconciliation move, the NSCN-K has announced its decision to shy away from the highest level meeting of FNR until the NSCN-IM withdraws hostilities against the outfit.

GPRN/NSCN chairman SS Khaplang has reiterated that they will not participate in the Highest Level meeting proposed by the Forum for Naga Reconciliation until and unless the NSCN-IM withdraws their forces and cease their intrusion into Eastern Nagaland for territorial expansion. He was addressing the 31st Republic Day of the outfit. The speech of the chairman was read out by NPAC Convenor Azheto Chophy at the 31st Republic Day celebration at Camp Khehoi which was attended by all rank and file of the group along with NGOs and members of the public. Stating that it makes no sense in having a courtesy meeting, Khaplang also sought ‘thorough explanation to all recent terrorisms in the NSCN’s administered Tesari Region, UT-1, Lotha Region, Yimchunger Region, Khiamniungan Region, Thengnung Region, Konyak Region, Pangmi Region and elsewhere.’ On the occasion, the GPRN/NSCN also appreciated the Herculean task of the FNR, the Quakers, North American Baptist Peace Fellowship, Jimmy Carter and others for shouldering the uphill task to restore peace and reconciliation among the Nagas. Ato Kilonser of GPRN-NSCN, N Kitovi Zhimomi in his presidential address said the ongoing territorial expansion in the eastern part of Nagaland by NSCN-IM has rendered the proposed Highest Level Meeting a complete waste of time. Accusing rival NSCN/GPRN Chairman Th Muivah of sabotaging the reconciliation process, Kitovi said Miuvah had, in the presence of FNR members, ruled out ‘inclusiveness of all Naga inhibited areas’ as a condition for the ongoing Naga political talks with the GoI. He maintained that by ruling out the inclusive aspect in the talks, Muivah had excluded himself from the Naga political process.

Kitovi further insisted that the GPRN-NSCN does not in any way oppose the ongoing talks between rival NSCN-GPRN and GoI. Azheto Chopy, NPAC Convener was the chief guest of the day.

Bomb explosion during President's visit to Manipur

2011-03-12T18:39:00.001+05:30

A powerful bomb explosion took place near the Raj Bhavan in Imphal, where President Pratibha Patil is staying, officials said on Friday. The bomb, allegedly planted by militants, went off at 11pm on Thursday night at Ananda Singh Academy, about 2 km from Raj Bhavan, where the President was staying, they said No casualty was, however, reported in the blast.

Patil is on a two-day visit to Manipur.

Police and central forces are conducting round the clock patrolling and forces were deployed at all vulnerable points.

President will on Friday lay the foundation stone of an Information Technology Park at Mantripukhri near here, officials said.

Patil would also meet representatives of some social organisations before leaving for Delhi at 11 AM, the sources said.

Meanwhile, normal life was paralysed in the city following the 40-hour strike called by Manipur People's Liberation Front (MPLF) to boycott the President's visit.

The MPLF, formed by three major insurgent organisations of the United National Liberation Front, Revolutionary People's Front and People's Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak has been fighting for an 'independent Manipur'.

Main accused arrested in Radhika Tanwar murder case

2011-03-12T18:37:00.001+05:30

New Delhi, Mar 12 (PTI) The main accused in the murder of Radhika Tanwar has been arrested from Mumbai, four days after she was killed in broad daylight on her way to college.

A team of Delhi Police officials arrested 25-year-old Ram Singh alias Vijay in connection with the killing of the girl outside Ramlal Anand college in Shantiniketan area of south Delhi's Dhaula Kuan.

The murder of the 20-year-old second-year degree student had triggered protests in Delhi.

Investigators had zeroed in on Singh, who introduced himself as Vijay in Delhi, after investigators detained his two friends -- Tabrez and Ashraf -- from UP's Sitapur. The duo allegedly harboured and helped him flee the capital on March 10, two days after Radhika was shot dead.'

Veena Malik not to seek asylum in India over Taliban threat

2011-03-12T18:33:00.001+05:30

Islamabad, Mar 12(ANI): Pakistani artiste Veena Malik, who has reportedly been threatened by the Taliban, has said she will not seek asylum in India.

Malik, who is currently in India appearing on television shows for the ICC World Cup 2011, said she had received a letter from the Taliban a few days back via a media house in Pakistan.

She had spoken to representatives of the media house, who confirmed its legitimacy, she added.

Malik said the letter has been sent from a Ahmed Masood of the Taliban, The Express Tribune reports.

The letter threatened to give Malik ‘exemplary punishment for her work in India’, and also threatened her family, said the Pakistani actress, adding that she would hold the government responsible if anything happened to them.

Malik, who became a household name in India following her stint on reality TV show Bigg Boss, said she will not seek asylum in India.

She will return to Pakistan as running away is not an option, she added.

Malik also said that Indian authorities had provided her with security, and that she was getting in touch with Pakistani authorities to inform them of the situation. (ANI)

Bihar 1st state to make officials' assets public

2011-03-10T19:14:00.001+05:30

Patna: Bihar has become the first in the country to make assets of government employees public by uploading the details of 80,000 officials on the government website, a step in line with Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's anti-corruption initiatives.

Ten days after majority of the 450,000 government officials, including Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS) and Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) officers in the state, submitted their assets' details to the state government as per an official directive, they were uploaded on the government official website late on Wednesday.

"As of now, details of the assets of nearly 80,000 government officials are available online, it is first of its kind in the country," Deepak Kumar, principal secretary of general administration department, told IANS.

He said it will take a month's time to upload details of all the officials.

According to him, asset details of 190 IAS officers, 169 IPS officers, 29 Indian Forest officers, 2,800 BPSC officers and 350 Bihar Police Service officers are online.

"It is part of (Chief Minister) Nitish Kumar's initiatives to weed out corruption," an official in the chief minister's office said.

Soon after assuming office following a historic poll verdict last November, Nitish Kumar had announced that corruption will not be tolerated in the state.

Setting an example, the chief minister and his Cabinet colleagues had declared their assets on December 31, 2010. The details are posted on the state government's official website.

The state government in its circular earlier this year warned officials that their salaries would be withheld if they fail to furnish the details of their assets within the stipulated time frame.

Bihar is also working to confiscate the properties of corrupt officials and turn them into primary schools.

Moreover, the state cabinet Tuesday approved introduction of the much-publicised Right to Service Bill to check rampant corruption and red-tapism in Bihar.

The move is seen as Nitish Kumar's commitment to hasten the service delivery system like issuance of caste certificate to ration card holders, police verification report for passport and new electricity connection to new ration card holder within a stipulated time.

The proposed act is likely to come into effect by April this year, officials said.

Nitish Kumar said the motive behind the legislation was to help people in getting work done within a given timeframe.

During the election campaign last year, Nitish Kumar had promised voters that the corrupt will be sent to jail and their property seized if he gets to rule for five more years.

Tight security measures in Imphal before President's arrival

2011-03-10T19:10:00.001+05:30

Security and police forces were today deployed at all strategic and vulnerable points in Manipur capital complex here before the arrival of President Pratibha Patil, official sources said. She is expected to arrive here late afternoon from Kohima. Sources said extra precautionary measures were taken in view of the boycott of President's visit by Manipur People's Liberation Front (MPLF), formed by three major insurgent organisations of United People's Liberation Front, Revolutionary People's Front and People's Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak.

Patil would lay the foundation stones of some institutions tomorrow before leaving for Delhi. Sources said round-the-clock patrolling of security forces was on in view of the general strike called by the MPLF which has been fighting for what it called an 'independent Manipur' for decades and called for a general strike today saying president's visit would not bring 'anything good'.

Assam CM, Ulfa chief's communities, seek ST status

2011-03-10T04:39:00.001+05:30

Guwahati ruled Assam for 600 years before the British took over in 1830s. They have been reigning since 1947 too, heading both democratically elected and underground governments. Still Ahoms are demanding Scheduled Tribe (ST) status. Assam chief minister Tarun Gogoi and United Liberation Front of Asom (Ulfa) chairman Arabinda Rajkhowa are from Ahom community. Ethnic cousins Mataks, the community of Ulfa commander-in-chief Paresh Barua is not far behind.

Seven ethnic groups are seeking ST status, including Morans, Koch-Rajbongshis, Chutiyas, Karbi (Plains) and 'Tea Tribe'.

The six million Koch-Rajbongshis were a ruling community too. "The political parties promise us ST status before the elections .... We won't rest until we get what we deserve," said All Koch-Rajbongshi Students' Union president Biswajit Ray.

The four million Ahoms, dominate eastern Assam, are wealthier and politically potent. But Ahom student leader Moyur Borgohain disagrees. "We should be incorporated in the list of ST (Plains)," he said, adding that the constitutional safeguard was necessary against illegal Bangladeshi migrants.

The 'Tea Tribe' has been the most vocal and violent in its demand. Comprising 87 groups, such as Santhals, Kols, Bhils, their association with the tea industry gave them a 'tribal' identity.

At seven million they hold the key to at least 25 of the 126 seats. "All parties depend on us to be in power. How long can they ignore our demand?" said Adivasi leader Justin Lakra.

Ex-women prisoners allege being abused in Jail

2011-03-09T18:20:00.001+05:30

Madurai: Three former women prisoners have alleged that they were subjected to verbal and physical abuse including sexual assault, beatings, threats and intimidation by authorities.

The women, now out of prisons, spoke to reporters at a meeting organised by Campaign for Custodial Justice and Abolition of Torture, an NGO.

The women said their life behind the bars in Nilakottai and Tiruchi was horrible and there was violation of human rights and denial of adequate rights in prisons.

They alleged that detainees were often abused verbally and physically by jail authorities. Many in the prison were deprived of food, sleep, and medical care and they had no proper access to family members or to free legal counsel.

They said that some guards also demanded payment for food or better facilities.

Office bearers of the NGO said they would file a case shortly to implement a 2007 Madras High Court order to prison officials and government on the facilities to be provided in jails.

Personal motive behind Radhika killing: Police

2011-03-09T18:18:00.001+05:30

New Delhi: The Delhi Police on Wednesday said that there was personal motive behind the murder of second-year Bachelor of Arts (BA) student of Delhi University's Ram Lal Anand College Radhika Tanwar.

"Property was not the motive of the crime, it was some personal reason. We have tried reaching out to her friends, classmates, family to know more about what happened," said DCP (South Delhi) HGS Dhaliwal.

The police also claimed that the assailant knew about her movement completely - knew what time she leaves her residence, takes the bus, gets dropped at Satya Niketan bus stop. And the foot over bridge has been carefully selected to murder Radhika.

"It's almost certain that she was observed by the assailant," said Dhaliwal in a press conference.

Informing that Radhika's friend who accompanied her everyday didn't accompany her on Tuesday, Dhaliwal said, "It can be a case of obsession".

Radhika was shot by a 315 bore pistol and medical aid was not provided to Radhika soon after the shoot happened, he claimed.

"Duty constable reached within no time, he tried to stop many rickshaws which didn't stop and then he had to force one rickshaw to carry Radhika to the hospital," he said.

The police have constituted different teams, which worked in different areas of Delhi in Radhika Tanwar murder case, informed Dhaliwal.

Emphasising that there was no intention of loot in the case, Dhaliwal said, "She was shot from a close range and he knew her movement".

"College students stand on the ramp she was standing at, it's generally crowded at this time," he informed.

"There were too many witnesses of the murder but everyone denied seeing anything. It's unfortunate that witnesses did not cooperate with us," he said.

The police had received two different kinds of calls when the incident happened. "The description given to us is approximate, we have not come across anyone who has seen this incident happening," said Dhaliwal.

But Dhaliwal acknowledged that the family of Radhika Tanwar has cooperated with the police completely. "Family and friends are in a better mental state today to cooperate with us," he said.

There was somebody from the vicinity who saw an individual running away from the spot.

The police have made a portrait with the help of information given to them from different people. "We have a vague idea about this person who followed Radhika yesterday," Dhaliwal said.

"We request people to come forward and share with us any information on Radhika case," appealed Dhaliwal.

Mary kom

2011-03-03T04:01:00.001+05:30

There was a time when Mary Kom, 27, didn’t know whether boxing was a risk worth taking, or if she’d ever make it in the big bad world outside Manipur. The doubts have cleared since, with Mary having bagged almost every national and international boxing medal. But she still remembers the woman who gave

her the strength to go on. It was in 1999 that I first saw Laila All. When I watched her boxing match with April Fowler on TV, I had been thinking about boxing. I’d been told that my physique was appropriate for the After watching Laila, I decided give it a shot. I had been a great fan of her father, Mohammed All, but Laila was my star.

“Coming from a small village, I faced a lot of opposition from parents and relatives", My father felt that boxing was a very harsh sport and I’d get cuts and bruises on my face, spoiling my chances of finding a good husband. I was surprised to find out that Laila had faced similar resistance from her father too. She was a boxing legend’s daughter, brought up in the US, and yet she faced opposition. And here I was, in a small village, trying to get into a sport that was not even remotely popular in my country.

“I decided to wear my dad down. I promised him that one day I’d make him proud, but he needed to trust my decision. I enrolled myself for training under Coach Ibomacha. Once I started winning, my parents came around. They were finally convinced.

“Laila may have gotten some negative press, but her strong personality still inspires me’

Assam tops NREGA complaints in NE

2011-03-03T02:30:00.001+05:30

Assam has topped the list of complaints related to implementation of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) in the north east. The list covers all complaints that the ministry of rural development received till 31 March 2010. According to the ministry, Assam has 30 complaints, followed by Manipur with seven, Nagaland with five, Tripura with two and Mizoram and Sikkim with one each. All complaints have been forwarded to the states concerned for appropriate action.

"MGNREGA is a demand based legislation. Funds are released to the states and union terrotiries based on the labour demand arising at the field level," said minister of state for rural development Pradeep Jain Aditya.

The north east comprising eight states, Jain said, was provided Rs 1882.30 crore under the MGNREGA during the 2010-11 fiscal. Assam was the largest beneficiary with Rs 532.71 crore, followed by Nagaland with Rs 392.47 crore and Tripura with Rs 303.07 crore.

Manipur received Rs 236.32 crore, Mizoram Rs 187.54 crore, Meghalaya Rs 163.07 crore, Sikkim Rs 37.72 crore and Arunachal Pradesh got Rs 29.40 crore during the current fiscal.

Libya update: Opp forces close to Tripoli

2011-02-28T18:42:00.001+05:30

Cairo/Washington: Opposition forces on Monday stormed close to the Libyan capital Tripoli for a final showdown with militia still loyal to beleaguered strong-man Muammar Gaddafi, as US and its European allies readied plans for a possible imposition of a 'no-fly zone' over the embattled country.

Three areas close to the east of the capital fell to the opposition forces advancing from Az-Zawiyah, just 50 kms west of the capital, Al-Jazeera channel reported.

Quoting its correspondent moving with the opposition forces, the channel

said heavily armed Gaddafi's forces were manning check-posts between Az-Zawiyah

and Tripoli.

It said there were also reports of Gaddafi loyalists demonstrating in small towns on the periphery of the capital. "Gaddafi was reported to be holed up in the heavily fortified Bab al-Aziziya area of the capital with his mercenaries militia men ringing

him," the channel said.

It claimed that Gaddafi loyalists were also venturing to launch probing attacks

outside the capital and said that at the moment "the capital was still in his control".

As Gaddafi and opposition forces seemed to be locking into a final battle, US and its European allies appeared to be stiffening their attitude to fast paced developments in Libya.

Obama administration officials were in talks with European and other allied

governments for a possible imposition of 'no-fly zone' over Libya to prevent further killings of civilians by troops loyal to Gaddafi, New York Times reported.

US officials are also discussing whether the American military could move to

disrupt communications to prevent Col Gaddafi from broadcasting in Libya.

The paper also said Washington was also pondering to set up 'safe corridors' leading from Libya into neighbouring Tunisia and Egypt to assist the refugees, whose numbers are multiplying. UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon was scheduled to meet US President Barrack Obama in White House to discuss the deteriorating situation in Libya.

France on Monday declared it would send "massive" aid to opposition held

territories in Libya and did not rule out supporting the NATO enforcement of a no-fly zone.

The French Prime Minister Francois Fillon said the country's air force plane would start leaving for Benghazi to start a massive humanitarian and relief operations.

The French announcement followed as British and German military planes flew clandestinely into the Libyan desert rescuing hundreds of civilians stranded in the country.

The dramatic rescue by planes came after a secret commando raid by Britain's famed SAS which plucked 150 oil workers from multiple locations from the remote Libyan desert, 'The Sunday Telegraph' reported.

The paper quoting unnamed Whitehall officials said the secret military mission into the strife torn country signalled the readiness of western nations to disregard Libya's territorial integrity when it comes to the safety of its citizens.

Three British Royal Air force C130 Hercules Aircraft swooped into the eastern Libyan desert to pluck out 150 stranded civilians and flew them to safety to Malta on Sunday the British Defence Secretary Liam Fox said in a statement.

Telegraph said, one of the RAF Hercules transport aircraft suffered minor damages from small arms fire.

In a similar defiant action, Germany said its air force transport planes had evacuated 132 people from the Libyan desert during a secret military mission on Saturday.

Union Budget 2011 spares the axe

2011-02-28T18:29:00.001+05:30

By R Jagannathan, Editor-in-chief, Web 18 business portals

The Union Budget for 2011-12 presented by Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee to Parliament on Monday is widely seen as taxpayer- and market-friendly. While it provides tax relief to individual taxpayers and corporate assessees, it has also sought to avoid any across-the-board increases in excise and service taxes – as was widely expected following suggestions from the Prime Minister's Economic Advisory Council. The Council had said recently that the time was ripe to withdraw the fiscal stimulus of 2008-10.

But the Finance Minister apparently disagrees. He said: "In my last Budget, I had started rolling back the fiscal stimulus implemented over 2008-09 and 2009-10 to mitigate the impact of the global financial crisis on the economic slowdown in India. In the course of the year, I have moved further on that path. I believe that a part of the current recovery must be stored away to build future resilience. Indeed, a counter-cyclical fiscal policy is our best insurance against external shocks and localised domestic factors."

So, Mukherjee is obviously not sure that growth will remain robust if he tightens the screws just now. The main highlights of his budget proposals are the scattering of relieves here and there, with the big sting being left for later.

The following are the main budget proposals, and their possible impact.

* The surcharge on corporate tax on domestic companies will be cut from 7.5 per cent to 5 per cent. However, the Minimum Alternate Tax goes up to 18.5 per cent from 18 per cent to keep the effective level of taxation for MAT companies the same. Companies will welcome the relief.

* Individual taxpayers get a higher basic deduction of Rs 1.8 lakh; every taxpayers get minor relief of Rs 2,000. It's a minor drop in the bucket given the ravages of inflation.

* Senior citizens get a bonanza. Apart from an increase in the exemption limit to Rs 2.5 lakh, the entitlement age for senior citizens is now 60, not 65. A new class of super senior citizens aged above 80 gets an even higher IT exemption limit of Rs 5 lakh. For a young country, Pranab, 76, is obviously rooting for senior citizens.

* Service tax stays at the same level as before at 10 per cent, but several new services have been brought within its ambit. Among them: hotels with tariffs above Rs 1,000 (5 per cent service tax), restaurants with bar and A/C (3 per cent), hospitals with more than 25 beds and with A/C (5 per cent), and air travel (Rs 50 more for domestic, Rs 250 for international). Business class air travel will attract a full 10 per cent service tax. Hotels, five-star restaurants and airlines will scream.

* The base excise rate stays at 10 per cent, but exemptions on some 130 items are being withdrawn. A basic rate of 1 per cent is being levied. Another 240 items that are still exempt will be attracting tax when the goods and services tax is introduced next year. One can expect inflation to get a nudge up.

* Inflation, reforms and black money generation got some mention, but nothing substantive. The amnesty scheme for bringing back black money was missing in the budget. The government is obviously not keen to be seen as reactive to public criticism of corruption.

* Subsidies on fertiliser, kerosene and cooking gas (LPG) will be cash-based by March, 2012. No measures on fuel deregulation were, however, announced. The urea subsidy will soon become nutrient-based. Good in intent, a lot will depend on political will. One can expect the Left to be critical of the proposal.

* The public sector disinvestment target has been upped to Rs 40,000 crore in 2011-12; the current fiscal's target was reduced to 22,144 crore due to higher realisations from other sources. But it could be because of the government's inability to reform oil prices. While Indian Oil was forced to review its further public offer due to losses, ONGC's plans appear to have been delayed. A lot will depend on how the market fares after the budget.

* Foreign institutional and non-institutional investors get more options for investment. While the total ceiling on debt is raised to US$40 billion, individual investors who are KYC (know-your-customer) complaint can invest in Indian mutual funds. This could indirectly give a fillip to market sentiment. Positive for market sentiment, but don't expect a flood of foreign funds to come into equity.

* Many sops for infrastructure have been announced. While Rs 30,000 crore worth of tax-free bonds will be on offer next year, the Rs 20,000 additional tax deduction available for investing in infra bonds will be retained for another year. Nothing earth-shattering in all this.

* Small sops have been offered to housing, especially low-cost housing. The 1 per cent interest rebate will be applicable for loans upto Rs 15 lakh on houses costing upto Rs 25 lakh. Loans upto Rs 25 lakh will qualify as priority sector loans (against Rs 20 lakh now). One cannot expect any major fillip to housing with this. Realty is already beyond reach in most metros even for the middle class.

Overall, the Centre's direct tax relieves will cost Pranab Mukherjee Rs 11,500 crore, while his indirect tax levies will bring in Rs 11,300 crore. The fiscal deficit will be contained at 4.6 per cent next year against 5.1 per cent this year, with the 2013-14 target being 3.5 per cent.

Ban on exports of tea leaves to impact tea industry in Darjeeling

2011-02-27T19:32:00.003+05:30

Darjeeling/Siliguri, Feb 27 (ANI): The announcement of a ban on the exports of tea leaves by the regional Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) in West Bengal will hit the world famous tea industry of Darjeeling.The town of Darjeeling is known to produce the world''s best blend of tea.Tea producers and exporters said that the proposed ban would severely affect the industry and their livelihood."The loss would be in crores and the loss would be around ten million rupees or so. In a year there is about eight million kilograms tea produced and two million kilograms are produced in the first flush itself," said Manoj Tripathi, a tea producer.Many tea producers here are of the view that the rich history and tradition of producing tea is already facing problems and the future of the industry looks grim if such a situation continues.Locals in the region, who work as labourers in the tea gardens, depend on tea production for their livelihood and say that this would be a huge blow to their only source of income.The first flush season during the month of March has a rich aroma and is a preferred one for most people, as two million kilograms are exported every year during this period."Actually, the motive and intention of Gorkha Janmukti Morcha is to resist and collect revenue from tea, but on the contrary the burden it will automatically comes upon the tea industry because you see if tea industry is not benefited then how the workers will be benefit," said Prabir Seal, a tea exporter in Siliguri.The tea producers here said that banning tea exports would present a poor impression on the foreign buyers who visit the region to purchase the product in bulk.Over 40,000 tonnes of tea is exported worldwide every year, while the annual production is estimated at 10,000 million tonnes including local consumption.Producers and exporters also say that the ban would give the tea industry in Nepal a huge boost.A renewed demand for a separate Gorkhaland region, which would include Darjeeling and some contiguous areas of Jalpaiguri District, has created fresh turmoil over the past few months.At the fifth round of tripartite talks in New Delhi, the GJM had agreed to the constitution of an interim council by 2011 prior to the creation of a separate state.The Gorkha population in West Bengal estimated to be around a million has been demanding a separate state. (ANI)

Rebel army formed in bid to oust Gaddafi

2011-02-27T19:32:00.001+05:30

Tripoli, Feb 27 (ANI): Army leaders in eastern Libya who are opposing the Colonel Muammar Gaddafi regime are reportedly preparing to dispatch a rebel force to Tripoli to support the uprising there.The Telegraph quoted Brigadier General Ahmed Gatrani as saying that a small force comprising army defectors and rebels has already reached the outskirts of Tripoli. "We are trying to organize people who will sacrifice their lives to free Tripoli from the dictator. Entering Tripoli is not easy. Anyone trying will be shot," Gatrani, who heads the military committee now in charge of the army in Benghazi, said.Gaddafi''s son, Saif al-Islam, had earlier warned on Saturday that "the signs of civil war and foreign interference have started.''''However, there is no indication as of now that any of the rebel groups have reached Tripoli or participated in the fighting in areas where protesters are confronting heavily armed Gaddafi loyalists with sticks and stones, the paper said.Meanwhile, the United Nations Security Council has agreed to impose scores of sanctions against Libya, including an arms embargo, and freezing of the assets of Colonel Gaddafi and his relatives.The resolution, passed on Saturday evening by a 15-member council, voted unanimously to freeze the assets of Gaddafi, his four sons and one daughter, and also impose travel bans on his whole family, and ten other associates. (ANI)

Railway Budget 2011: where is the money?

2011-02-26T13:32:00.005+05:30

New Delhi: Union Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee said, "Its been a tough year... But because of 6th Pay Commission there has been a problem." This is an easy excuse for the bad state of Indian Railways. The fact is Railways is losing money.

Railways lost Rs 1500 crore because of disruption of train movements due to various agitations. Another Rs 2500 crore is lost due to ban on export of iron ore.

This meant that Railways missed the freight target by 20 million tonnes. Revenues are shrinking but working expenses are going up. Expenses went up by over Rs 2000 crore and stood at Rs 67,000 crore.

Their operating ratio was at 92.1 per cent, which meant that Indian Railways is increasingly an inefficient transporter.

But the ministry says the 6th Pay Commission is the villain. Railway experts beg to differ.

Railway Board Chairman Vivek Sahai said, "Railways performance stabilised after 5th Pay Commission. Fifth commission affect felt later 1999-2001 but we stabilised. We have surplus over expenditure. Pension fund Rs 15000 crore more than budget of several states."

If the finances are so bad they why make new announcements. Experts say a populist politician in the Rail Ministry is a bad idea.

Another populist budget, new trains new schemes but where will the money come from to implement these. Mamata Banerjee could well be out of the ministry in a next few months leaving behind financial managers to manage the numbers.

Recruitment drive at Tihar Jail for inmates

2011-02-26T13:32:00.003+05:30

New Delhi: A job interview in progress but not at a job fair but at Tihar Jail in Delhi.

A 29-year-old graduate and pharmaceutical company manager was sent to jail three years ago on charges of kidnapping and murder. Siddharth Jailtey, father of a four-year-old then took up a masters course in Public Administration from Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) while in jail.

He is now due for release within six months. And on Friday, he was given an appointment letter by Agrawal Movers and Packers as a marketing executive.

Tihar Inmate Siddharth Jaitley said, "When I landed in jail I was in trauma and depression and everything was ruined for me. But, now due to this campus interview there is a ray of hope that whenever I get out I can earn my livelihood easily."

Gaurav Sharma, who has an engineering degree is hopeful he too will get lucky. He has applied for technical positions at some of the 15 companies who came to Tihar Jail to recruit under-trials and convicts who are due to be released within a year.

Jail authorities here tell us that this initiative is the first of its kind in the country and they are planning to make this an annual affair.

DG Prison, Tihar Jail, Neeraj Kumar said, "For the first time we are vouching to the corporate houses for the integrity and the good conduct of these people."

All the 15 companies that came to look for potential managers and executives at Asia's largest prison say these prisoners deserve a second chance.

Oriental Bank of Commerce official GK Agrawal said, "If given a chance, I feel they will do better than people who are not criminals because they have to prove themselves and with this mentality they can do wonders."

For people like Siddharth and Gaurav who were wondering how they would support their families once they were released, this has given them them the hope of taking a fresh shot at life.

How to get your Unique Identification Number?

2011-02-26T13:32:00.001+05:30

New Delhi: The new Unique Identification (UID) number could bring an end to all your ID proof problems. Six hundred million people are expected to get a unique ID number over the next two years. CNN-IBN tells you how to obtain a UID number.

First step for getting a UID number is a fingerprint scan of all the fingers. Next, you need to gaze into an optical device which records the unique iris patterns in the eye. Then, it's time for a mug-shot with a normal web camera. Finally, the officials take down your name, age, address and ask for proofs to back those details up.

You can chose among several options for proof of address. “Any one of telephone bill, electricity bill, voter ID card, bank statement, a pass book, passport et al can be used proof of address,” informed Manoj Banerjee, Vice President, Delhi Integrated Multi Modal Transit System.

“If you have ink stains on your fingers, we'll request you to wipe them off. If you wear contacts or spectacles, you'll have to take them off. For cataract patients getting an iris scan could be a problem but we have a way to work around that,” said Ashish Chatterjee, Sr Manager, Delhi Integrated Multi Modal Transit System.

Even though the entire process is completed in just 10 minutes, it takes around 45 days to receive the UID number. And it comes in the old fashioned way – in a letter delivered by the postman.

Starting mid March, kiosks will be set up in schools, community halls and ration shops in Delhi, where people can register themselves for getting UIDs. Getting a UID number is not compulsory as yet, but in a few years government offices and banks could ask for it before offering services.

Arrested NALCO chief faces hearing today

2011-02-26T13:31:00.001+05:30

New Delhi: AK Srivastava, the chairman-cum-managing director (CMD) of National Aluminium Company Ltd (NALCO), and his wife who were arrested by the CBI for allegedly accepting bribe will be produced before a special court on Saturday.

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) arrested Srivastava, his wife Chandni Srivastava, along with two accomplices, Bhushan Lal Bajaj and Anita Bajaj, for accepting bribe.

"All the four will be produced before the CBI special court today (Saturday) at Patiala House," a senior CBI official said.

The CBI arrested Srivastava when his wife was accepting an illegal gratification of three gold bricks, each weighing one kg, of 24 carat gold. His wife was accepting the bribe from the wife of a middleman who was brokering a deal between the CMD and a Madhya Pradesh-based private company, the CBI said in a statement on Friday night.

At the time of the CBI raid, Srivastava's wife, accompanied by the wife of the middleman, had just deposited the three gold bricks in a bank locker of the Bank of Maharashtra in the national capital.

The bank locker was in the name of the wife of the middleman. It was being operated by Srivastava's wife "as benami".

A search of the locker revealed seven more gold bricks of 1 kg each, golden ornaments weighing 188 grams and Indian currency of Rs 9.5 lakh. A search of Srivastava's wife led to the recovery of Rs 5 lakh from her handbag and the key of another locker in the name of the wife of the middleman.

A recycled aircraft?

2011-02-26T13:21:00.001+05:30

A Chinese automobile mechanic has designed an aircraft that weights about 130 kg and is made of recycled materials including three motorbike engines and plastic cloth. It costs about 2600 yuan ($ 395).

Ding Shilu, an automobile mechanic, drives his self-made aircraft after a test-flight on a street in Shenyang, Liaoning province February 25, 2011.

Ding Shilu, an automobile mechanic, carries out a test-flight for his self-made aircraft at a frozen reservoir in Shenyang, Liaoning province February 25, 2011.

Jamia Millia conferred with minority status

2011-02-22T16:42:00.001+05:30

New Delhi: The National Commission for Minority Educational Institutions (NCMEI) on Tuesday observed that the Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) is a minority education institution founded by the Muslims for the benefit of community.

"We hold that the Jamia Millia Islamia is a minority education institution," said the three-member bench of the NCMEI in its judgment in the case relating to the status of the university.

The bench was headed by Justice MSA Siddiqi. Its other two members were Mohinder Singh and Cyriac Thomas.

"We have no hesitation in holding that the Jamia was founded by the Muslims for the benefit of Muslims and it never lost its character as a Muslim education institution," it said.

Mobile number portability? What's that?

2011-02-22T16:41:00.001+05:30

New Delhi: It was viewed as a tool to empower the consumer. But now chinks are showing up in the armour of the much-hyped Mobile Number Portability (MNP) scheme. Customers who have applied to shift to a different network complain they are facing huge problems. Most of them have alleged that their existing service provider is not allowing them to make the switch. Saket Dokania who is using an Airtel connection had applied to shift to Reliance. But 20 days later he is still trying. "I applied for MNP on January 30 and also bought a new SIM of Reliance. I also submitted my documents. After that I got a call from Airtel customer care about the reasons for changing the operator. I made it clear that my connection is proving to be costly.

They offered to reduce the call rates as well as SMS charges for me. I rejected the offer and said that I will switch to Reliance. After that it's been 20 days but there has been no communication from their side. I have made around 50 calls to customer care but all in vain. In retaliation they have added a poor quality hello tune on my number and have also deducted my balance," said Saket. Some complain that operators are not allowing them to make the switch, while others are unhappy with the delays. A customer said he was facing problems during the change-over period which stretched to more than a week. To switch over to another operator, a user has to send an SMS to 1900. On doing this the present operator will reply with a unique porting code which is valid for 15 days. The consumer has to use this code and the application form for the company to which he/she wants to shift. Within a week the recipient operator will take over the service. Similar is the experience of Sharad Natani, contractor and resident of Sarita Vihar area. "I wanted to shift to Idea as I find their GPRS service good. So on January 28 I bought an Idea SIM and submitted all the documents. I even got my unique porting number which is valid only for 15 days. That has expired now. I have been calling customer care for shifting to the new network but they are not letting me go. MNP war has shown the true colours of telecom giants. Finally I have applied again and have got a new unique porting number. I hope my number gets shifted now," he said. Amidst this open war, none of the companies is taking responsibility for the distress to consumers but they expressed the view that the new MNP advertisements are playing an important role in attracting fresh customers. According to GSM lobby COAI Director-General Rajan Mathews, technical glitches were bound to crop up in the first few weeks, especially considering the scale of the project. The Department of Telecom (DoT) has claimed that the entire process of switching operators will take a maximum of seven days and subscribers may face disruption of services for about two hours during that period. Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) is monitoring the whole MNP process and attending to complaints. It has warned service providers against deliberate delays and complaints regarding regulations. Who's calling? The advent of MNP has also added to the problem of unwanted telemarketing calls for clients. If you are getting calls from a customer care executive asking about your mobile network then the possibility is quite high that the call is not from your existing service provider but from a rival company which is trying to get your feedback and convince you to shift to its network. Vasundhara enclave resident Harsh Vardhan Singh who is using an Idea connection for last five years was taken aback when he got a call from a rival network. "I received a call from a mobile number and it seemed like a call from my home service provider. The caller asked me about my experiences and if I was facing any problems. Later the caller revealed that he was calling from a rival company and was offering a better tariff plan with promise of better service," he said.

ORISSA HOSTAGE CRISIS

2011-02-22T16:35:00.003+05:30

Stepping up efforts for the release of a district collector and an engineer kidnapped by Maoists on Feb 16, the Orissa government on Monday resumed talks with the three mediators chosen by the guerrillas. State Home Secretary UN Behera and Panchayati Raj Secretary SN Tripathy began the second round of talks with the negotiators Dandapani Mohanty and academicians G Haragopal and R Someswar Rao in the state guest house. The talks which began on Sunday and went on for several hours remained inconclusive. The district collector of Malkangiri, R Vineel Krishna, and junior engineer Pabitra Mohan Majhi, were abducted by Maoists Feb 16 evening. The release may take some more time as a key rebel ideologue is still behind bars, a mediator said on Monday hours before the start of the second round discussion. G Haragopal said the talks with Maoists may linger because Ganti Prasadam, a Maoist ideologue, has not been released yet. According to sources, state police secured a prison transfer warrant from a court and have already brought Prasadam from a jail in Andhra Pradesh Saturday night. The issues being discussed include human rights violations, displacements by various development projects and tribals languishing in different jails on minor charges or sometimes even without any charge. The Maoists, in a letter to the government, listed their demands for the safe release of the hostages. These included halting of anti-Maoist operations by security forces, release of all political prisoners, the scrapping of accords with MNCs and compensation for the families of Maoist sympathisers killed in police custody.

GADDAFI’S SON WARNS OF CIVIL WAR

2011-02-22T16:35:00.001+05:30

Anti-regime protests spread closer to the Libyan capital today and new fighting erupted in the flashpoint city of Benghazi, as Human Rights Watch said it feared a catastrophe with more than 170 people dead in an iron-fisted crackdown. Libyan security forces clashed with anti-regime protesters in the Mediterranean city of Misrata. Demonstrators took to the streets there to support residents of second city Benghazi, 1,000 kilometres east of Tripoli, who have endured the brunt of a crackdown in eastern Libya. The security forces, backed by "African mercenaries," had shot into the crowds "without discrimination. In London, Human Rights Watch said at least 173 people had died since Tuesday. In eastern Libya, Islamist gunmen stormed a military depot and the nearby port of Derna on Wednesday and Friday and seized weapons and vehicles after killing four soldiers. Britain has deplored what it branded a "horrifying" crackdown, and US President Barack Obama has condemned the use of violence against peaceful protesters in Libya, Bahrain and Yemen. France called the government response "unacceptable" and "totally disproportionate," and people in London and Cairo protested against Muammar Gaddafi who has ruled the oil-rich North African country for four decades. In the face of outside criticism, Libya warned Europe it would stop cooperating in the fight against illegal immigration if the European Union does not stop encouraging pro-democracy protests. Meanwhile, the son of Libya's strongman Muammar Gaddafi warned on Monday the country would be destroyed by civil war if protests end his father's rule, in a speech broadcast as bursts of gunfire broke out in Tripoli. The turbulence gripping the Arab world following the revolutions in Egypt and Tunisia also spread to Morocco, where thousands rallied for change across the country. Gaddafi, 68, who renounced terrorism and declared in 2003 that he was giving up the pursuit of weapons of mass destruction to try to improve ties with the West, has made no public comment since the deadly protests erupted. The growing turmoil in Libya came as protesters set up more tents in the main square in Bahrain's capital, increasing the pressure on the Bahraini royal family to offer some real reforms.

Birdflu outbreak in Agartala due to virulent H5 strain

2011-02-21T15:04:00.001+05:30

The birdflu outbreak in Agartala in Tripura has been confirmed to be the highly virulent H5 strain which if transmitted to humans can be deadly. The samples from Government Duck Farm, RK Nagar, Agartala, were sent to High Security Animal Disease Laboratory (HSADL), Bhopal and a government laboratory in Kolkata for testing. The tests confirmed that the samples are positive for H5 strain of Avian Influenza, a senior Health Ministry official said.

According to experts, the H5 strain of bird flu is a highly virulent one and people's immune systems do not yet have any ability to recognise it, leaving humans extremely vulnerable to it.

Luckily, H5N1 is not adapted to human hosts and does not have the genes that would allow it to be passed easily from person to person. But evolution may change that.

The H5 and N1 represent forms of viral proteins that human bodies use to recognise and attack the virus. Some flu strains, such as H1N1, are relatively common in humans and many people's immune systems can recognise and attack these strains.

At least 3,000 poultry, including chickens and ducks, have been culled in Tripura to control further spread of birdflu from a government duck farm in Agartala.

The administration has also banned sale of any poultry in and around R K Nagar farm, six kms from the capital town.

Avian Influenza was first reported from Kamalpur, a sub-division in Dhalai district bordering Moulavi Bazar district of neighbouring Bangladesh in April 2008.

The Centre has stepped in to combat the problem and directed the state to cull the entire poultry within a radius of three km of the focus of infection.

The state government has been asked to furnish a daily report on the control and containment operations to the Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries in the Ministry of Agriculture.

The Centre has advised the state to ban movement of poultry and its products in the infected area, close poultry and egg markets and shops within a radius of 10 kms from the infected site, ban movement of farm personnel, restrict access to wild and stray birds and restrict access to the infected premises.

On compensation for loss of poultry on account of culling and destruction of birds, the Union government has told the state that it would be shared between the two on a 50:50 basis.

J&K IPS officer forced to retire for fudging DoB

2011-02-19T14:27:00.001+05:30

Jammu: An IPS officer has been forcefully retired by the Jammu and Kashmir government for allegedly fudging his date of birth, officials said here on Saturday.

The state government forcefully retired IG Security Farooq Ahmed on Friday after a panel, probing cases of senior police officers involved in fudging of birth certificates, has found that he had tampered with his date of birth to extend his services in the department, a senior official said.

Some more officers are under the scanner of the probe committee, set up by the state government, and they will also face the same action if found guilty, he said.

Farooq, a Kashmir Police Service (KPS) officer who was promoted to IPS cadre, had submitted a new DoB certificate to the department in which his date of birth was November 1951.

But the probe panel found that in the original certificate, his date of birth was February, 1949.

As per the guidelines, Farooq should had retired in February 1999 but he was still continuing in the office.

Farooq has served in various posts including IGP Kashmir, DIG Jammu, IG Security and IG CID.

ADG Gopal Reddy, currently serving as ADG Civil Defence, has now been made IG Security.

Budget 2011: time to tackle black money

2011-02-18T16:59:00.003+05:30

Mumbai: Budget 2011 may be a great time for the government to re-energise the tax settlement commission. Tax experts say that facilitating greater disclosures may help the government to fight against black money stashed abroad.

Exchange of information agreements seem to be a hot favourite for the Indian government, which is fighting against undisclosed money stashed abroad.

However, tax experts are a little skeptical about how effective these will be bringing in to the light money that has already been hidden.

Tax Markets Leader, Ernst & Young, Sudhir Kapadia, feels that the tax information exchange pacts is more likely will not require other countries to disclose information prospectively. "Going forward it will be very unusual for the other country to demand information from another country." said Kapadia.

Reviewing agreements with tax havens is not enough, they say. Nor is an outright amnesty scheme the best option. They point to the need to coax voluntary disclosures by reviewing existing domestic tax policy and mechanisms.

Tax lawyer HP Ranina said, "Currently, the law says that if you have tax evaded income, the penalty can go upto 300 per cent of the tax evaded. So one way to do it would be to reduce the penalty, considerably, make it attractive for people to make a disclosure and of course give them immunity from prosecution."

Tax experts add that developed nations have already used such schemes to good effect.

"Countries like the United States, the United Kingdom and a few others as well have specifically targeted since the last two years, disclosure of offshore accounts held by their residents and citizens," Kapadia states.

This demand for alternative provisions gathers weight, given the fact that the settlement commission has not been effective in tackling tax evasion. And, Budget 2011 may be an ideal platform for the Finance Minister to push the envelope.

Lalgarh massacre: HC hands over case to CBI

2011-02-18T16:59:00.001+05:30

New Delhi: Calcutta High Court on Friday instructed the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to submit the investigation report in the Lalgarh's Netai village massacre case within fifteen days.

The Netai village massacre which took place on January 7, 2011 had claimed at least nine lives and had left many others injured. The massacre was allegedly carried out by CPI(M) cadres in Lalgarh. Crime Investigation Department (CID) was investigating the case and had announced rewards on the six accused who have been absconding in the case.

The Calcutta High Court also pulled up Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee's government for insufficient progress in the Netai killing probe.The Court expressed disappointment that despite sufficient evidence, the CID failed to identify the Lalgarh CPI(M) local committee members, who were responsible for the carnage and that CPI(M) cadres were running two camps in Netai and Bikrar in Lalgarh.

Two suspects, Abani Singh and Ashwani Chalak, have been arrested in the case. The Calcutta High Court had pointed out that CID has failed to gather information about the other suspects in this case despite arrests and confession of Singh and Chalak. The court also told CID that the camps were being run by party orders and the department had failed to gather information on the source of arms, ammunitions and funds of the camp.

Earlier, the state government had submitted a report before the High Court stating that that out of the six accused in the case, five may have fled the state.

IAS abduction: CM asks more time from Maoists

2011-02-18T16:58:00.001+05:30

Bhubaneswar: Orissa Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Friday appealed to the Maoists not to harm the Malkangiri district collector and an engineer they are holding captive and urged them to extend their deadline that lapses in the evening.

"We are in the process of trying to establish contact. My appeal to the concerned persons is the deadline of this evening be extended," Patnaik told reporters.

He also appealed to the abductors to not harm collector R Vineel Krishna and junior engineer Pabitra Mohan Majhi, who were kidnapped Wednesday evening.

For the release of the hostages, the rebels, in a fresh wish list circulated through a section of the media, are demanding a halt to the anti-Maoist Operation Green Hunt, the release of all political prisoners, scrapping of pacts with MNCs and compensation for the families of Maoist sympathisers killed in police custody.

Their 48-hour deadline lapses on Friday evening.

Kidnapping industry in Manipur

2011-02-18T16:57:00.001+05:30

The people in Manipur continue to suffer, as there is no end to the abductions for ransom by militants. On January 21, Khwairakpam Ibobi Singh, Senior Divisional Sales Manager of Indian Oil Corporation was abducted between Chingmeirong and Khonghampat area near Imphal when he was returning from the Chingmeirong oil depot.

The People’s Support Group, which is reportedly behind the abduction, has demanded a ransom of Rs 1 crore from Indian Oil Corporation for Singh’s safe release. “We kept trying his number after he went missing till someone took the call and confirmed that he had been abducted and was with them. They did not give proper information but demanded Rs 1 crore as ransom,” said Bijayanti Devi, the wife of the abducted official.

In another incident, the cadres belonging to the Karbi People’s Liberation Front abducted two drivers and handymen of LPG bullet tankers for a ransom. The outfit has demanded Rs 50 lakh for their safe release. The two drivers and handymen were abducted between Golaghat and Garampani in Assam.

“My husband is the only one who earns money for my family. Now I can’t even support my children. I am waiting for him to come back. But till now I don’t have any information about him,” said Boramani Devi, the wife of the abducted driver Arun. “I am worried about my son. We earn very little and these militants have done this to us. I want to request the concerned authorities to have pity on me. I want my son back safely,” added Sanahanbi Devi, the mother of abducted handyman.

The incident has provoked anger amongst other drivers, who staged a sit in protest outside the All Manipur Road Transport Drivers and Motor Workers’ Union’s office at Mantripukhri. The road transport association has already petitioned the Governments of Manipur and Assam for securing the release of the abducted drivers and their wish to ply trucks on NH-53 instead of NH-39. “We are scared to ply vehicles on NH-39 as militant groups attack us,” said Dilip Singh, Secretary, and Driver’s Union

Manipur’s insurgents sow loans, reap support

2011-02-18T16:36:00.001+05:30

Intelligence sources have revealed that Manipur’s insurgent outfits are investing heavily in traditional micro-financing schemes. United National Liberation Front, the leading insurgent group in Manipur, has been on a loan-giving spree for the last five years. A substantial part of the banned outfit’s annual budget, prepared by professional accountants, goes towards the financing of micro-credit schemes, sources said.

Arrested UNLF chairman RK Meghen’s interrogation and documents recovered from him put the banned outfit’s budget at around Rs 58 crore.

As part of the scheme, R4,000-10,000 is loaned to unemployed local youth, who pay back R1 a day as interest. The loan is used to set up business enterprises such as shops or agricultural operations. As this provides the youth with gainful employment, their support and goodwill is utilised for protests and logistical help. The number of youth who have availed of this scheme has been pegged at about 3,000.

“With lack of governance, a certain vacuum exists which is being filled in by insurgents. For insurgents, it is a win-win situation. They invest their money and also earn goodwill. The only loser is the government space,” said Prof Amar Yumnan from Manipur University.

The unique traditional banking system called ‘marup’ is the dominant money-lending system in Manipur where banking penetration is very poor.

“It is an open secret here. Insurgent outfits operate such schemes under a no-profit-no-loss system as it also helps them build a support base,” said a Manipuri local.

The micro-finance scheme was also conceived as a vital instrument for Operation Interface, devised by the outfit to involve sympathizers and intellectuals in raising the demand for a plebiscite.

A part of UNLF's budget goes to the payment of salaries. A UNLF cadre takes home a salary of about R4,000 every month. A substantial part goes into the buying of arms. Just across the border from Moreh is Tamuh, a small town in Myanmar, where arms and ammunition that are sold almost openly come quite cheap.

BJP scores 3 on 3, trinamool wins in manipur

2011-02-18T16:34:00.001+05:30

The BJP has won all the three seats it contested in the just held by elections, the results for which were announced on Thursday. BJP leader and Jharkhand chief minister Arjun Munda won the Kharwan assembly poll by 17,366 votes against his closest rival, Krishna Gagrai of the Jharkhand Vikas Morcha (Prajantarik), which was supported by the Congress. A Lok Sabha member from the Jamshedpur constituency, Munda will vacate the seat soon.

“It’s a victory of the masses,” the visibly relieved chief minister said.

The allies in the Jharkhand government, the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha and the BJP, have 18 seats each in the 81 member assembly.

In Madhya Pradesh, the BJP wrested the Kukshi and Sonkutch assembly seats in Madhya Pradesh from the Congress.

This takes the BJP’s tally in the 231 member assembly to 146, and that of the Congress slips to 66.

In Kukshi, the BJP’s Mukam Singh Kirade won by 16,116 votes over his closest rival, Nisha Singhar of the Congress.

In Sonkutch, the BJP's Rajendra Verma trounced Congress's Arjun Verma by 18,953 votes.

In Manipur, a Trinamool Congress candidate was elected for the first time in the history of the state. The party's candidate, K Sarat, defeated his nearest rival and Congress contender, S Ranjan, by a margin of 655 votes in the by election to the Konthoujam assembly constituency in Manipur’s Imphal West district. Sarat got 9,592 votes and Ranjan 8,937.

The Congress, which is in power in the state, now has just 30 seats in the 60 member house. It is, however, supported by the CPI and the Nationalist Congress Party.

NASA discovers more planets outside solar system

2011-02-04T10:34:00.001+05:30

New Delhi: NASA has found out more planets are two thousand light years away. We won't get there in our lifetimes. They're much larger than Earth, but need just a few days or months to complete an orbit. Which means they're closer to their star than Mercury is to our sun.

Planetary Scientist, Kepler Science Jack Lissauer says, "This is the most compact system of planets discovered by any technique, anywhere."

Kepler, NASA's space based telescope launched just two years ago has found more than one thousand two hundred planets outside our solar system so far.

The stars around us have a huge number of planets and candidates to look at. If we find that planets like earth are common, it very likely means that life is common around these stars.

A European team found a planet last year that is just twenty years away. It could support life. But it is unlikely that an intelligent alien is trying to contact us. After years of listening to radio signals, scientists haven't got a single message.

A zap to brain brings out the genius in you!

2011-02-03T21:24:00.001+05:30

London: Ever wished you could have thought more laterally to solve a problem? Well, you will now be able to do so by using a new mind-boosting technology -- zapping your brain with mild electricity.

Researchers at the University of Sydney in Australia have shown that a blast of gentle electrical current to the brain helps one discard preconceptions and think outside the box.

Donning such a "thinking cap", the scientists said, could help us solve infuriating problems from balancing budgets at work to cracking the final crossword clue, the Daily Mail reported.

For their study, the researchers recruited 60 university students happy to have a gentle electrical current passed through their brain in the name of science.

The young men and women were shown a series sums in which the numbers were replaced by Roman numerals made out of matchsticks. Each sum contained a mistake that could be corrected by moving just one matchstick.

After solving numerous problems containing the same sort of error, a weak current was passed through a region -- called the anterior temporal lobe -- which lies just in front of the ears.

The students were then given another set of matchstick problems to solve, this time with a different type of error.

Those who were zapped on the right side of the head did three times as well at solving the problems as the others, the researchers reported in the journal Plops ONE.

This is likely because the electricity boosted the activity of brain cells key to insight. In addition, the activity of the cells on the left side of the brain that we usually use to quickly process the familiar may have been

inhibited, the researchers said.

Professor Allan Synder said: "Our perceptions, memory, and decisions are based on filtered information. We view the world top down though concepts or mental templates which are built up from our past experience.

"These concepts are crucially important to our survival. They enable us to make rapid predictions about what is most likely, based on only partial information.

"But, this strategy leaves us susceptible to certain kinds of perceptual and cognitive errors -- from visual illusions to false memories and prejudice -- and it makes us inclined to connect the dots in ways that are familiar, rather

than to explore novel interpretations.

"Our findings are consistent with the theory that inhibition to the left anterior temporal lobe can lead to a cognitive style that is less influenced by mental templates and that the right anterior temporal lobe may be associated

with insight or novel meaning."

The technique, known as transcranial direct current stimulation (TDCS), could help with problems as varied as dyscalculia, or number blindness, stroke-related visual damage and compulsive gambling, the researchers said.

However, they warned that there is also potential to abuse it to zap people s brainpower.

Are you a criminal? Mumbai school asks parents

2011-02-02T18:36:00.001+05:30

Mumbai: Do you have a PC at home? Are you the carrier of a life threatening disease? How big is your house? What car do you drive? Do you have your tax returns in place? And most importantly, do you have a criminal record? Before you dismiss these questions with a curt 'none of your business', know that answers to these snoopy, unrelated queries, or their variants, will determine if your child gets admission in a school.

And pushing the odd into the outlandish is Maneckji Cooper High School in Juhu, which just upped the ante. It is asking parents of prospective students to get a character certificate from Mumbai police, presumably so everybody can rest assured that children of hardened criminals are not running amok in the school.

The requirements put forth by schools, generally, for admissions have obviously struck as unnecessary and extraordinary, other than being plain weird, to parents.

Jayant Jain, president of the All India Federation of Parent Teacher Associations (PTA), said, "Many schools in the city have come up with such requests.

A school in south Mumbai recently asked a parent if they have a personal computer at home; another school in western suburbs had inquired of the size of the parents' flat, and even the type of vehicle they own, before allowing admission to their kid in kindergarten."

Jain continued, "Some schools have asked for even Income Tax returns, and a medical certificate of the parents and the child to ensure that they are not suffering from any life threatening diseases."

"We learn about such bizarre requests when distressed parents complain to us. Unfortunately, parents fear that writing to the education department against a school may mar the chances of their child's admission," said Jain.

Why the weirdness

Jain said that no government department or minister directly regulates kindergarten schools, they exploit the liberty, and in the process, harass the parents.

"The Right to Education act has clearly mentioned that no child can be screened while admission. Then screening parents seems far-fetched.

A child's admission cannot be decided on their parents' background. We get such complaints from parents several times, but they fear to approach department to lose admission in any other school," said Jain.

Maneckji's admission form states, "Parents should obtain a certificate from the Mumbai police confirming that there has never been and currently no criminal investigation, proceeding, conviction against the parents and a guardians, whose child is applying for admission."

The admission process in Maneckji Cooper School started last month. And parents were called for interviews. Said a parent applying there, "This is unfair. What if there are false allegations against a parent, should an innocent child suffer? Besides, it almost takes a month to get a certificate."

Officials speak

Pandurang Patil, deputy education officer, BMC, and head of city private schools, said, "It is totally unfair that the school is asking character certificate from the parents.

Since there is not any department that controls them they are doing anything they wish. But if complained to government of such practices they can take action on them.

Today itself, the government asked me for data on the number of legal pre-primary schools in the city. I am sure they are coming up with some solution."

Who's got the time?

Since Maneckji listed the new criterion, the Special Branch of the city police has been busier than usual.

According to police officials, everyday around 20 parents come asking for the character certificate, piling on to the heap of paper work the officials have to deal with daily.

Madhukar Gavit, additional commissioner of police, Special Branch, said, "This is the first time that parents have approached us for a character certificate for the admission of their child. Since it is our job, we have to provide them with one."

Maneckji asked for several other documents from parents for admission, like birth certificate, pan card, ration, recommendations from at least two known people, and so on.

The other side

An official from Maneckji Cooper High School said, "The character certificate is just for a routine check and nothing else. It is not mandatory. Parents can also submit it after getting the admission as it takes time to get the certificate."

Not just Mumbai

MiD Day had earlier reported ('Will you go veg for your child's admission', January 5) that Mahavir Model School in north Delhi has made it a criterion for parents to be austerely vegetarian and also keep away from cigarettes and alcohol. The same report mentioned another school in Mumbai Central had asked for a qualification certificate from parents for their child's admission in lower KG.

Raja arrest: what the CBI did for five months

2011-02-02T18:31:00.001+05:30

New Delhi: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Wednesday arrested former telecoms minister Andimuthu Raja over an alleged telecoms scam linked to awarding mobile licences, in a move that could weaken the coalition government.

Raja's arrest comes months after the country’s apex court issued a notice on his alleged involvement in the 2G mobile spectrum scam and the opposition shut down parliament, demanding a joint inquiry into a government auditor's report that India potentially lost crores of rupees in revenue when ineligible firms were given lucrative telecoms licences cheaply in 2008.

A timeline of events leading up to the arrest of A Raja

September 13, 2010: Supreme Court issues notice to then Telecom Minister A Raja and the Centre on alleged irregularities in allocation of the 2G spectrum and asks for response on a petition seeking the court to monitor an investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) into irregularities in sale of licenses.

The bench also issues notices to the CBI, Enforcement Directorate and Income Tax Department on the petition filed by the Centre for Public Interest Litigation (CPIL), an NGO, and others. The petitioners challenge the May 25 decision of the Delhi High Court dismissing its plea to monitor the CBI probe into the alleged role of the Union Communications Minister in the sale of 2G spectrum licences in 2008.

October 28, 2010: Raja refuses to resign from the Cabinet. Raja says he will not resign over the spectrum controversy as he followed his predecessors and decisions were taken in consultation with the Prime Minister and the approval of the Solicitor-General.

November 12, 2010: Opposition presses government to sack Raja. The

Opposition parties, led by the Bharatiya Janata Party, demand the resignation of Raja, and say the "scam" should be investigated by a joint parliamentary committee. Raja, who belongs to the DMK party, an ally of the governing Congress party, says there is "no question" of his resigning.

November 13, 2010: CNN-IBN exposes CAG report on 2G scam. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had asked Telecom Minister A Raja to auction the 2G spectrum but the minister chose to ignore his advice. Raja has been claiming that the Prime Minister gave the go ahead to him. But documents with CNN-IBN nail another of Raja's lies. Three letters all exchanged on November 2, 2007 between the Prime Minister and Telecom Minister show just how concerned Singh was with Raja's actions.

November 13, 2010: Raja says former Telecom Secretary D S Mathur was part and parcel of all decisions on 2G spectrum allocation over which he is facing the heat from the opposition demanding his resignation. Mathur has claimed that he had recommended to Raja that spectrum be given through auction so that there can be transparency. Raja says suggestions on likely availability of spectrum were also useful in arriving at the cut-off date of September 25, 2007 for allocation of the airwaves. He does not, however, specify who made the suggestions.

Opposition stalls Parliament asking for a JPC probe in 2G scam

November 14, 2010: A Raja resigns from the Union Cabinet. Facing Opposition onslaught and after days of defiance, Raja finally submits his resignation to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh over the 2G spectrum scandal. The 57-year-old lawyer-politician, who got the coveted portfolio after the exit of Dayanidhi Maran in 2007 and retained it after the May, 2009 elections, drove to Prime Minister's residence to hand in his resignation.

November 16, 2010: The CAG report on 2G spectrum scam tabled in Parliament even as the opposition continues to demand a Joint Parliamentary Committee to probe the accusations against former Telecom Minister A Raja. Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha is adjourned soon after the report is tabled. CAG report will be taken up by Public Accounts Committee headed by MM Joshi, which has members from other parties too.

December 2, 2010: Supreme Court comes down heavily on Raja for 'bypassing' and even 'overruling' Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's advice to defer the allocation of 2G spectrum by a few days. Apex court takes strong exception to the tone and tenor of Raja's letter to the prime minister, saying it amounted to showing 'disrespect' to the highest authority in the country.

December 7, 2010: CBI raids Raja and his aides. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) finds what it says were "incriminating documents" in raids on homes and offices of the former telecoms minister in connection with the country's biggest corruption scandal.

CBI agents search 14 locations across Delhi and Tamil Nadu. The Supreme Court criticises the CBI for not questioning Raja in its year-long investigation despite him being at the centre of the inquiry.

December 24, 25, 2010: CBI questions A Raja for eight hours at the CBI headquarters in Delhi in connection to the 2G spectrum scam. After the questioning was over, Raja said he cooperated fully with the CBI. The CBI is looking for the money trail of 2G funds and linking the evidence to companies owned by Raja and friends.

January 31, 2011: The CBI questions A Raja for the third time in connection with the funding and allegedly showing favours to some telecom companies in granting 2G spectrum between October 2007 and 2008. Raja is called to CBI office and quizzed for nearly nine hours.

The DMK MP is asked about his conversations with corporate lobbiyst Niira Radia and the reasons of advancing the cut-off date of allocation of the spectrum in 2007. Raja is confronted with some documents recovered by the agency.

February 2, 2011: CBI arrests Raja in 2G spectrum scam case. CBI also nabs his personal secretary RK Chandolia and former telecom secretary Siddharth Behuria. Raja is arrested under sections 120B, 13(2), 13(1D) of Prevention of Corruption Act on the charges of criminal misconduct, violation of policies and favouring some specific companies during the grant of 2G spectrum licences.

Chinese agents offered missiles to NE rebels

2011-02-02T18:22:00.001+05:30

Rebels in northeast were offered the purchase of surface to air missiles (SAMs) by agents - Indian intelligence believe - who had been working on behalf of the Chinese intelligence agencies. According to sources, the negotiations for the deal took place in Chengdu, the capital city of Sichuan province of China, in December 2009. The agents had reportedly asked for $1 million for the missiles that included a package to train the rebels in the technical know-how for using them.

According to intelligence sources, Thabal, a top functionary of the United National Liberation Front of Manipur, had gone to Chengdu to procure arms and ammunition for his outfit and few other groups. During the negotiations an offer to sell the SAMs was put on the table. However, the deal fell through as the rebel groups could not arrange for the money.

This is the first time that intelligence agencies have got a confirmed report about a concrete offer from Chinese arms agents.

The intelligence agencies got evidence of Chinese involvement in the northeast after the arrest of Anthony Shimray, considered to be chief arms procurer for the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (Isaac-Muivah).

He was arrested in October this year after a coordinated intelligence operation. Currently, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) is investigating the Shimray case.

Shimray, 50, had flown into Kathmandu in September this year. After reaching Kathmandu, he had crossed over to India through Nepal-Bihar border. Indian intelligence operatives, who had been trailing him, arrested him in Patna.

During his interrogation, NIA sleuths came across evidence that Shimray had deposited around $ 1.2 million in a Bangkok bank as advance payment for grenades, assault rifles and rocket launchers, which he was buying from a Chinese company fronting for their intelligence agencies.

It was also found that he had been in regular touch with Chinese intelligence operatives.

Pak, China and Iran not invited to Indian air show starting February 9

2011-02-02T18:20:00.001+05:30

New Delhi, Feb 2(ANI): India has not invited Pakistan, China or Iran to South Asia’s biggest air show- Aero India 2011- which will witness participation of more than 60 countries in Bangalore next week.

Among the countries participating in the airshow are Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, Brazil, Germany, Greece, France, Israel, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Mongolia, Malaysia, Nigeria, Poland, Russia, Singapore, Sweden, Sri Lanka, UK, US, Uzbekistan and Vietnam.

Secretary Defence Production R K Singh said: "The list of invitees is drawn up in consultation with the Ministry of External Affairs ( MEA).''''

"China was invited in previous Aero-India editions but they did not come...so they probably were not invited this time....We go by the advise of MEA. Our relations with China are improving and we have no serious problems with Iran,'''' he added.

Pakistan and India, who have fought three wars since their independence from the British in 1947, have no military-to-military contacts.

Trade links in recent years have improved between India and China, who fought in 1962 but strategic ties are frosty as territorial disputes remain unresolved despite several rounds of negotiations.

The Defence Production Secretary did not comment on New Delhi’s decision to block Iran from the event.

Aero India 2011, which begins on February 9, has also invited a delegation from war-torn Afghanistan as part of India’s national policy to build better ties with the country.

“We have good cooperation with Afghanistan and so we are delighted it is sending a delegation to the airshow. We want such cooperation to grow,” Singh said.

About 350 official and trade delegations from 30 countries- including Australia, Britain, France, Germany, Russia, Germany and the United States- will participate in the five-day event. (ANI)

AGP MEET ON FRIDAY TO DECIDE CANDIDATURE

2011-01-28T15:25:00.001+05:30

Asom Gana Parishad leadership is facing an uphill task to avoid any dissidence within the party over the allotment to election tickets. The party’s election committee will meet on Friday to finalise the first list of candidates. Just ahead of preparing the first list of its candidates for the next assembly polls, the AGP think tank has found itself in a difficult situation while selecting the candidates. The election committee will declare the first list in the first week of next month. The Election committee of AGP will meet in Guwahati on Friday. However, the party is trying to sort out all differences among its ticket seekers over selection of candidates. The party top brass recently held meeting with the heads of all district committees and discussed about the matter. There are many constituencies where more than one contenders have applied forc tickets. These constituencies are Patharkuchi, Sipajhar, Dhokuakhana, Lakhimpur etc. The party is facing problems in selecting a consensus candidate in these constituencies. Apart from the election committee, the steering committee will also meet on Friday. Meanwhile, the party is organizing a mammoth rally at Khanapara on Saturday to boost the moral of the party workers.The selection of consensus candidates for those constituencies having more than one contender has become a major challenge for the party, already battered y dissidence and infighting

MANIPUR TRUCKERS NOT TO USE NH-39 AGAIN

2011-01-28T15:24:00.001+05:30

In a significant development for crisis-hit Manipur, the state’s freight truck and oil tanker drivers, who are responsible for bringing essential items to Manipur have decided not to use national highway 39 again. This decision was arrived at in an emergency meeting of the inter-state Drivers held in the backdrop of the recent abduction and harassment faced by the driver community. In an emergency meeting held at the office of the All Manipur Road Transport Dirvers’ & Motor Workers’ Union, Freight truck drivers and Oil Tanker drivers have unanimously decided to abandon the shorter and more convenient national highway 39 that connects Manipur with Assam via Nagaland. Instead of using the NH 39, the drivers resolved to use the longer national highway 53 to bring essential commodities from Manipur. This joint decision of the inter-state drivers was arrived at, in view of the frequent harassment and life threatening incidents that drivers travelling along the NH 39 had to face.This is not the first time that freight and oil tank drivers had decided to abandon the use of the national highway 39. The Manipur State Govt had requisitioned the freight trucks and oil tankers and had compelled the drivers to use the dread national highway. The grievance of the drivers is that Govt of Manipur as well as all the other concerned authorities have always turned blind eye to their plight. The truckers had suspended operation last week after Karbi militants kidnapped two tanker drivers and a handyman from Deopani of Karbi Anglong while they were on way to Manipur. Demanding their release, all oil tankers had started ceasework strike forcing the government to intervene. The two drivers and the handyman had spent 8 days in captivity under the custody of a Karbi militant outfit. The militants demanded Rs 50 lakh from the owner of the tanker. It is not known whether the extortion has been paid and how much if at all it was paid.

Church attacks: Panel's clean chit to BJP & Sangh

2011-01-28T15:23:00.001+05:30

Bangalore, Jan 28 (PTI) The Justice Somasekhara Commission of Inquiry into a series of attacks on churches in parts of Karnataka in 2008 has given a "clean chit" to the ruling BJP and Sangh Parivar outfits.

"There is no basis to the apprehension of Christian petitioners that politicians, BJP, mainstream Sangh Parivar and state government directly or indirectly are involved in the attacks", the one-man commission said in its final report submitted to the Government today.

According to the report submitted to Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa, circulation of derogatory literature with "insulting attitude" against Hindus and issues of conversion were the main reasons behind the attacks.

The churches were attacked in the districts of Mangalore, Udupi, Chikamagalur, Kolar, Chikkaballapur, Bellary and Davangere during September 2008.

Nepalese President on 10-day visit to India

2011-01-27T18:08:00.001+05:30

New Delhi, Jan 27 (PTI) Nepalese President Ram Baran Yadav will arrive in Kolkata today on a 10-day private-cum- official visit to India to strengthen bilateral ties.During his visit, which comes a week after the trip of Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao's to that country, the Nepalese President will hold talks with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and discuss a host of issues of mutual concern."The visit will provide an opportunity to exchange views and hold discussions on issues of mutual interest and concern in keeping with the tradition of regular high-level exchange of visits between the two countries," an External Affairs Ministry statement said here.Yadav is scheduled to be the chief guest at the 177th anniversary of Kolkata Medical University. He had obtained his MBBS degree from there.After Kolkata, he is due to offer prayers at the famous Lord Balaji Temple in Tirupati in Andhra Pradesh.

Supreme Court asks Govt. to disclose real faces behind black money

2011-01-27T18:07:00.001+05:30

New Delhi, Jan 27 (ANI): Talking tough on the black money issue, the Supreme Court on Thursday asked the Government of India what action it had taken against individuals and firms having foreign accounts. The apex court also issued notice to the Central Government, Home Ministry, Central Vigilance Commissioner (CVC), Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT), Enforcement Directorate (ED) and demanded the Government to file an additional affidavit over the issue. Hearing a plea against black money being stashed away in foreign banks, the apex court expressing dissatisfaction demanded answers from the Government. "What is that you have done to know once you came to know about the source of money... is it from the arms dealing, drug peddling... these are very serious issues," the apex court asked. "We are not talking about unknown names, these names are known to you now, so what have you done with that, we want to know what action is being taken... these people are in the country and amenable to our law. We want to know what action is being taken," the court added. The Supreme Court had earlier on January 19 pulled up the government for its handling of black money planted by industrialists and others in foreign bank accounts. "It is a pure and simple theft of the national money. We are talking about mind-boggling crime. We are not on the niceties of various treaties," an apex-court bench comprising Justices B Sudershan Reddy and S S Nijjar had said. (ANI)

Govt won't read your office mail on BlackBerry

2011-01-27T17:12:00.001+05:30

New Delhi: BlackBerry maker Research In Motion (RIM) on Thursday said providing solution to access its enterprise mail service is "not possible" and asserted that the issue was not unique to them and has to be dealt at an industry level.

"There is no possibility of us providing any kind of a solution. There is no solution, there are no keys to be handed... It's not possible to do so because the keys of the service are in possession of the corporate enterprises," RIM

Vice-President (Industry, Government and University Relations) Robert E Crow told reporters here.

Indian security agencies have been demanding access to all BlackBerry services as part of efforts to fight militancy and security threats over the internet and through telephone communications.

"Certainly my perception is that there is a broader recognition and appreciation that this is not an issue unique to BlackBerry. BlackBerry represents a very small fraction of the total population of VPN (virtual private networks) in India. There may be more than a million VPNs in India with

high security architecture," he said.

RIM encrypts emails as they travel between a BlackBerry device and its BlackBerry Enterprise Server (BES).

The Canadian firm has maintained that since RIM does not have any "master key", and therefore cannot provide access to information encrypted through BES.

Earlier this week, RIM had said that it has delivered the technology to monitor contents on its messenger service (BBM) and had asked the government to issue a directive to the operators to connect to its new automated service.

This new service, to be made available before January 31, will automatically render lawfully intercepted BlackBerry Messenger messages in a format readable by Indian agencies.

"We are confident that it (the new service) meets the requirements," Crow said.

BlackBerry has over a million subscribers in India, which is one of the fastest growing markets globally in terms of new subscriber additions.

Crow, who has been leading RIM's discussions with the Indian government, said he will meet officials again over the course of his current visit.

"Apart from the current issue, we would also talk about supporting the developer community in India and Canada, apart from deployment of a new standard -- evolved EDGE," Crow said.

Evolved EDGE is an extension of the existing GSM mobile telephony standard, which theoretically offers speeds of up to one Mbps with small upgrades to existing 2G infrastructure.

"Operators can use evolved EDGE to offer broadband speeds of upto 1 Mbps with slight tweaking of their existing 2G infrastructure. Telcos globally and in India are trialing this new standard," Crow but declined to comment on the Indian operators testing the new technology.

Arunachal in China on ministry site

2011-01-27T17:11:00.001+05:30

Google maps showing Arunachal Pradesh in China were used in an environment impact assessment (EIA) report an Indian PSU produced for a mega private sector dam. The report - including the map - was hosted on the official website of the Union environment ministry and stayed there for more than a month until an NGO in Arunachal filed a police complaint on December 5. The ministry has not approved the project yet.

The blunder, allegedly in a hurry to clear a contentious 2,700-megawatt dam awarded to Jaypee Arunachal Power Limited (JAPL), surfaced around the time New Delhi and Beijing were at odds over Beijing issuing stapled visas to J&K residents and claiming Arunachal as its territory.

JAPL, a subsidiary of the Jaypee Group, last year entrusted the downstream impact assessment study for its Lower Siang Hydro Electric Project to Water and Power Consultant Services (Wapcos), a PSU under the Union water resources ministry.

The Wapcos report was put on the website to elicit public response, as is the practice.

"The environment ministry subsequently trashed the EIA, but New Delhi has to treat the Google map issue as more than a fiasco. It is treason of the highest order, besides being an insult to the people of our state," said Vijay Taram, spokesperson for the NGO Forum for Siang Dialogue (FSD) that filed the police complaint.

An environment ministry official, who did not want to be named, said such errors by consultants have become frequent and corrective measures are being taken.

"We have asked consultants to take accreditation from a government body," the official said.

The FSD has shot off letters to the President, Prime Minister and relevant Union ministries apart from local authorities seeking punitive action against those responsible.

Locals have also sought scrapping of the dam, which is expected to displace at least 5,000 tribals.

"We are looking into the pros and cons of the issue," said East Siang deputy commissioner Onit Panyang