Akhilesh Yadav directs officials to make UP 'mandis' world class

LUCKNOW: Uttar Pradesh chief minister Akhilesh Yadav on Saturday directed officials to chart out a project to improve facilities at state's 'mandis' and make them world class.

Akhilesh, who is also the chairman of Mandi Parishad, asked the officials to identify the areas which needed to be improved for making "radical changes" in the 'mandis' (a whole sale market where farmers sell their vegetables, food grains and other products).

The chief minister asked for setting up modern 'apna bazars' at 31 places, where, besides the availability of agricultural inputs, arrangements for folk culture, recreation and hand loom products should also be made for the benefit of farmers and their families.

The chief minister said that if required Public Private Partnership (PPP) model for running these 'apna bazars' should be considered.

Akhilesh, who was presiding over a meeting of Uttar Pradesh Rajya Krishi Utpadan Mandi Parishad, asked for equipping the 'mandis' with solid waste management, rain water harvesting and solar energy besides planting trees in the open land of mandis.

For those growing betel leaves in Bundelkhand area of the state, he directed for providing free transport facility to help them get better remunerative price for their product.

The chief minister said that it has been decided that under the Mandi Parishad run personal accident assistance scheme, an assistance of Rs 50,000 in the event of death should be enhanced to Rs 2 lakhs.

08.20 | 0 komentar | Read More

BSF man kills wife on suspicion of affair before hanging self

AHMEDABAD: A BSF jawan murdered his wife on suspicion of having an extramarital affair before hanging himself in a well at Bhandara village in the district, police said on Saturday.

Ramesh Damor (28), posted in Jammu and Kashmir, had come to his native place on leave on June 18.

Ramesh suspected that his wife Ila was having an extramarital affair and stabbed her to death using a sharp-edged weapon last night before killing himself, police said.

"After murdering his wife, Ramesh hanged himself with a rope in the well," Santrampur police station sub-inspector V K Jadhav said.

The dead bodies were sent for postmortem to Santrampur government hospital.

08.20 | 0 komentar | Read More

Telecom firms come to Uttarakhand flood victims' aid

NEW DELHI: To help people stranded in Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Western Uttar Pradesh, some telecom service providers have begun allowing free hotline services, extending credit limits of customers and setting up helpline centres.

Airtel has made hotline service 55100 Emergency Alerts free for 30 days for all its subscribers who are stuck in these three states. Every alert will automatically include the location information.

"The 55100 service will be given free of charge for 30 days and may be extended if the situation on the ground does not improve," Sunjyiev Mahajan, Chairman, TBM Technologies Pvt Ltd, the company behind 55100 Emergency Alerts said.

All that a subscriber needs to do is dial 55100 and follow the instructions. The service works on every handset and does not need any smartphone, internet, data, GPS and GPRS. It even works with zero balance in the subscriber's mobile phone account.

Vodafone India has set up 19 help desks at locations, which have been severely affected by using its distributors and service points so that affected people can reach out to the world outside.

"Two helpline centers have also been set up at the Jolly Grant and Sahasdhara Helipads. Free phone service is being provided to the affected people, who are brought to these helipads after evacuation," the company said in a statement.

Vodafone is also providing talk-time credit to affected customers who are unable to top up credit due to the non-availability of recharge facilities in impacted locations.

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Uttarakhand floods: 13 bodies recovered in UP rivers

LUCKNOW: As many as 13 unidentified dead bodies were found floating in rivers in different parts of the state during the past 24 hours. All the rivers originate in Uttarakhand. A few come to Uttar Pradesh (UP) via Nepal. Authorities suspected that some of the highly decomposed bodies are of those who were washed away in massive floods in Uttarakhand . Bodies have been sent for post mortem. Their DNA samples will be collected before cremation for identification at later stage.

While two bodies each were recovered from Ganga and Khoh rivers flowing in Nagla and Najibabad areas respectively in Bijor district. Three bodies, including one of a women, were found in Kali Nadi river Narauna area of Bulandshahr district. Three bodies were recovered from Sharda river in Pilibhit. Similarly, three bodies, including one of women, were found floating in Sharda river in Lakhimpur district. According to police, barring three bodies recovered in Lakhimpur Kheri, the rest 10 might be of those drowned upstream in Uttarakhand and bodies came floating down the river to UP.

Officers said that possibility of 10 bodies floating down to UP from Uttarakhand is higher because they are in highly decomposed condition. Also, they pointed out, in a similar manner, 40 bodies were recovered from Ganga river in Haridwar, Uttarakhand on Friday. These 40 bodies were of the people who were washed away in the upper reaches, they claimed. However, the three bodies found in Lakhimpur are not as decomposed as the 10 found in other places. "We think the three bodies could be of those who drowned in Lakhimpur Kheri," officials said.

If three bodies found in Lakhmipur Kheri are included, the total death toll due to floods and rain related incidents in the past seven days in UP climbs up to 44. Both the Uttarakhand and UP are reeling under floods since June 16. As many as 23 districts in UP are facing floods. Most rivers are flooded because of heavy rains in the upper reaches in neighbouring Uttarakhand and Nepal. The condition is bad in 15 districts. The floods have affected over five lakh population in around 600 villages in the state. According to control room at the UP police head quarters in Lucknow, rescue teams of provincial arms constabulary has shifted over 30,000 people to safe places.

08.20 | 0 komentar | Read More

In violent crimes, UP tops list: National Crime Research Bureau

LUCKNOW: The annual report of National Crime Research Bureau (NCRB) has revealed that Uttar Pradesh tops the list of states in terms of murders. Also, UP has earned the credit for maximum number of kidnappings, dowry related deaths and robberies in the year 2012.

Not only this, but UP has for the third consecutive year retained its top position in violent crimes. The state reported a total of 33,824 incidents in 2012. This included 4,966 murders, 8,878 kidnappings, 3,159 robberies, 2,244 dowry deaths along with other major crimes, according to NCRB. In 2010, UP accorded 27,225 cases of violent crimes followed by 32,987 in 2011.

NCRB data revealed that it is not specific age group which is committing crimes. Rather, people from all age groups are indulging in it. In 2012 alone, 10.7% of the total crimes were committed by people of above 50 years. Those between 18-30 years committed 46% crime. As high as 15% of the total offenders were women.

Social activists say that present situation of increasing crime is worrisome. "There is no stringent punishment for the criminals. As a result, they walk freely with head high on the streets," said an activist.

08.20 | 0 komentar | Read More

5.2 magnitude earthquake rattles Italy

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08.20 | 0 komentar | Read More

Britain shut down UFO desk in 2009 after finding no threat, files reveal

LONDON: Britain's defence ministry shut down its UFO unit four years ago after concluding that extra-terrestrials likely did not exist, and in any case did not pose a threat, previously secret files released on Friday showed.

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) closed its hotline in 2009 despite a trebling of reported sightings of Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs) that year, many of them near national landmarks.

In a briefing for then defence minister Bob Ainsworth, civil servant Carl Mantell said the UFO desk was using up increasing amounts of staff time but had "no valuable defence output".

He wrote in a memo that in more than 50 years, "no UFO sighting reported to (MoD) has ever revealed anything to suggest an extra-terrestrial presence or military threat to the UK".

It added: "The level of resources diverted to this task is increasing in response to a recent upsurge in reported sightings, diverting staff from more valuable defence-related activities."

The National Archives files reveal details of sightings recorded in the two years before the UFO desk was disbanded, including those around the Houses of Parliament and Stonehenge.

Between 2000 to 2007, the MoD received an average of 150 reports a year, but 520 sightings were recorded in the 11 months to November 2009, according to a briefing in the files.

Officials said one possible reason for the surge could have been the trend for releasing Chinese lanterns, which appear like floating lights in the sky.

Many sightings were made in the summer months by people out walking their dogs, having barbecues and, in one case, relaxing in a hot tub.

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Xi calls for removing 'bad elements' from Chinese military

BEIJING: Winning or losing public support is an issue that concerns the survival of the ruling Communist Party, President Xi Jinping has said, seeking to eliminate 'bad elements' such as formalism, bureaucracy, hedonism and extravagance from China's powerful military.

Xi, also the general secretary of the CPC Central Committee and Chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC), has instructed the PLA to implement a "mass line" campaign as part of efforts to build a strong military with enhanced combat capabilities and war preparedness.

The campaign should target serious problems reported by officers and soldiers and result in the formation of a long-term mechanism to guarantee the building of a strong military, President Xi Jinping has instructed.

Called the "mass line", the campaign refers to a guideline under which the CPC is required to "prioritise the interests of the people and persist in exercising power for them", state-run Xinhua news agency reported today.

Xi said on Tuesday that bad elements such as formalism, bureaucracy, hedonism and extravagance should be firmly opposed, adding that that winning or losing public support is an issue that concerns the CPC's survival.

CPC has monopolised political power since 1949 when the People's Republic was founded.

Xi's instructions were echoed by Fan Changlong, vice chairman of the CMC, at a PLA conference held here on Friday, who said that the campaign should focus on enhancing the PLA's combat capabilities and war preparedness.

Fan called for creating specific regulations concerning official receptions, the management of military vehicles, use of personnel and resources management.

Another CMC's vice chairman Xu Qiliang said the military must maintain firm beliefs and be absolutely loyal, pure and reliable.

The military should always follow the CPC's instructions and serve the people, he said at the conference.

Meanwhile, China's military said it will also survey all the construction projects and real estate holdings of the world's largest army with over 2.3 million personnel to bring about accountability, forced to shun luxury banquets and wasteful expenditure.

Zhao vowed to shift the army's construction work to being more scientific and to optimise resources, the PLA Daily, the official organ of the military quoted Zhao Keshi, head of the General Logistics Department of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) as saying.

Zhao called for comprehensive examinations of all construction projects and real estate holdings, and for the creation of standard systems for project examinations and approvals, land transfers, housing rentals and accountability, state run Xinhua reported.

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Torrential rain claims 36 lives in Kerala

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Torrential rains across Kerala since the onset of monsoon have claimed 36 lives, chief minister Oommen Chandy said on Friday.

Speaking to reporters after holding a video conference with district collectors to review the flood situation, he said the government would request the Centre to release additional quota of rice to give free rations to those affected.

He said 72 relief camps have been opened. Free ration, food articles and Rs 2,000 will be given to those in camps.

Free ration for two weeks would be given to tribal families, fisherfolk along coastal areas and coir workers, he said.

Fully damaged houses and unsafe houses certified by an engineer will be given Rs 1 lakh. Owners of partially damaged houses will be given a maximum of Rs 30,000, he said.

Collectors have been instructed to document details of rain-affected areas using new technology.

Meanwhile, parts of the state experienced a respite from rain on Friday.

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Rain claims 28 lives in UP, 600 villages affected

LUCKNOW: At least 28 people have so far lost their lives in rain-related incidents in Uttar Pradesh whereas a population of 5 lakh in some 600 villages of the state has been affected because of it.

A maximum of 15 people have lost their lives in Saharanpur, 5 in Sitapur, 3 each in Lakhimpur and Muzaffarnagar and one each in Balrampur and Bahraich.

According to relief commissioner's office statement here, following incessant rains and release of water in the barrages, large areas of Lakhimpur Kheri, Bahraich, Muzaffarngar, Bijnore, Amroha, Pilibhit, Sitapur, Meerut, Balrampur, Shamli, Saharanpur, Aligarh, Shahjahanpur and Rampur have been affected.

Lakhimpur Kheri is the worst hit where a population of over one lakh belonging to 127 villages has been affected.

Meanwhile, 95 villages in Muzaffarnagar, 52 in Bijnore, 63 in Amroha, 71 in Meerut, 37 in Pilibhit, 17 in Sitapur, 66 in Bahraich, 12 in Shamli, 5 in Aligarh and 50 in Saharanpur have been affected by flood waters which have also submerged thousands of hectares of agricultural land.

Huge number of Army personnel and PAC has been pressed into service for relief and rescue operations in the affected areas and thousands have been shifted to safer places.

After release of 6 lakh cusec water at Narora on Thursday, Bulandshahr, Farrukhabad, Kannauj, Kanpur, Rae Bareli, Allahabad, Mirzapur, Varanasi, Ghazipur and Ballia on the banks of Ganga have been affected.

Besides this, cities like Muzaffarnagar, Bagpat, Shamli, Mathura, Agra, Etawah, Auraiya, Jalaun, Hamirpur and Allahabad on the banks of Yamuma have been affected due to release of 8 lakhs cusec water in Hathnikund barrage on June 17 , the statement said.

According to Met office forecast, weather had been mainly dry over the state and is expected to remain dry in the next 24 hours.

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Shatrughan Sinha to donate Rs 50 lakh for Uttarakhand rain victims

PATNA: Actor-politician ShatrughanSinha on Thursday volunteered to donate Rs 50 lakh for the rehabilitation of flood-affected people of Uttarakhand and appealed other parliamentarians to come forward with the monetary assistance.

"I wish to donate Rs 50 lakh from my fund for expediting relief and rehabilitation of victims in Uttarakhand and appeal to other parliamentarians to come forward with monetary assistance at this hour of crisis," Sinha, Lok Sabha member from Patna Saheb in Bihar, told PTI over phone from Mumbai.

The actor-turned BJP leader said that the disaster in Uttarakhand should be declared as national calamity considering the magnitude of destruction, rain and floods have caused there.

"Though announcement of Rs 1000 crore by the PM is a good decision but it appears to be too small considering magnitude of the destruction," Sinha, who served as Union minister in the Atal Bihari Vajpayee government, said.

"I love Uttarakhand and have visited many times as I did number of film shootings, hence my heart goes out for the victims of the natural calamity there and wish to contribute in the rehabilitation work by providing monetary assistance from his fund," he said.

Sinha said his whole family including actress daughter Sonakshi Sinha condole deaths in the state and wish speedy recovery of wounded.

08.21 | 0 komentar | Read More

Three-day state mourning declared in Uttarakhand

DEHRADUN: The Uttarakhand government on Thursday declared a three-day state mourning in view of the calamity triggered by incessant rains in the state.

"Massive damages have been caused to life and property by the flash floods and landslides brought by torrential rains in their wake.A three-day state mourning from June 20-22 has been declared in view of the tragedy," secretary, administration, SS Negi said.

The tricolour will fly at half-mast on government buildings and institutions during the period.

No inaugural or ceremonial functions will be held across the state during the period, he said.

Meanwhile, the Disaster Mitigation and Management Centre on Thursday reopened many roads blocked by landslides including Joshimath-Karnaprayag, Rishikesh-Uttarakshi, Dharasu-Chamba, Gochar,Rudraparayag-Shrinagar-Rishikesh, Pauri-Kotdwar, Guptkashi-Mayali-Tibtiya-Tehri, Uttarkashi-Chinyalisaur, Karnaparayag-Ranikhet-Kathgodam, Dharasu-Badkot- Damra-Dehradun.

Other roads which have been reopened are Mayali-Tiwara-Rudraprayag, Chainyalisaur-Subakholi -Mussoorie, Ghansali-Tipri-Devprayag, Ghansali- Tipri- New Tehri, Tehri-Chamba-Mussorie, Chamba-Rishikesh and Tuni-Chakrata -Sahiya-Kalsi-Dehradun.

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Italian ambassador hopes marine case will be fast, fair

NEW DELHI: Italy today said the trial against its two marines, who allegedly killed Indian fishermen off Kerala coast last year, will be fast and fair and India will honour its commitment given to Rome.

"India has given commitment that the case will be fast and fair and I am confident that they will honour the commitment given to Italy that the case will be fast and fair," Italy's Ambassador to India Daniele Mancini told here. Mancini, who met Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde, however, refused to say anything when asked whether Italy was satisfied with the progress of the case.

"I do not want to get into that," he said. Asked how the two marines, Massimiliano Latorre and Salvatore Girone, were doing, the envoy said, "They are in the Embassy compound. They are fine". The two marines were on board an Italian vessel 'Enrica Lexie' when they had allegedly shot dead two Indian fishermen off the Kerala coast on February 15, 2012. Italy had maintained that since the incident had taken place in international water, Indian courts have no jurisdiction to conduct the trial.

However, the Supreme Court had ruled that the incident took place at a distance of about 20.5 nautical miles from the coastline of Kerala and, therefore, it occurred not within the territorial waters of the coastline of Kerala state, but within the Contiguous Zone. The apex court had shifted the case to the national capital saying the Kerala Police has no jurisdiction over the case and backed the government's decision to hand over the case to NIA.

08.21 | 0 komentar | Read More

Rajya Sabha polls: Kanimozhi, Elangovan to fight it out for sixth seat

CHENNAI: Ruling AIADMK's arch rival DMK and main opposition party in the state Assembly DMDK are finally set to fight it out to bag the sixth seat in the June 27 biennial elections for the Rajya Sabha from Tamil Nadu.

On the last day for withdrawal of nominations, seven candidates -- AIADMK's K R Arjunan, V Maithreyan, T Rathnavel, R Lakshmanan, CPI's D Raja, DMK's Kanimozhi and DMDK's A R Elangovan -- remained in the fray after Thangamuthu (AIADMK) withdrew from the contest in favour of the CPI nominee. With the winning chances for AIADMK's four candidates being virtually confirmed, given the number of MLAs (151) the ruling party has in the Assembly, party chief Jayalalithaa's decision to back CPI's Raja gave him an edge over others for the fifth seat. CPI(M) and All India Forward Bloc have declared their support to Raja.

DMK's sitting MP Kanimozhi, bidding for a second term and DMDK's Elangovan, who is aspiring to make his debut to the Upper House, are locked in a fierce battle of the ballot for the sixth seat. DMK patriarch M Karunanidhi has been working to ensure his daughter's victory by seeking support of other parties, especially from Congress, which has five members in the Assembly.

DMK has succeeded in getting support of Manidhaneya Makkal Katchi (MMK) and Pudhiya Thamizhagam (PT), which have two MLAs each in the Assembly, whereas DMDK has received any word of assurance from any party. Interestingly, DMDK has also sought the support of Congress, which has not declared its stand so far. The three member PMK would announce its decision after its executive council meeting tomorrow.

Following is the party position in the assembly: AIADMK 151, DMDK 29, DMK 23, CPM 10, CPI 8, CONG 5, PMK 3, MMK 2, Puthiya Thamilagam 2, All India Forward Bloc 1.

08.21 | 0 komentar | Read More

Karnataka donates Rs 5 crore to flood-hit Uttarakhand

BANGALORE: Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah on Thursday announced a contribution of Rs five crore to the Uttarakhand government to provide relief to the flood affected victims in the state.

"It is our duty to help the pilgrims and people of Uttarakhand on humanitarian basis and hence my government has decided to donate Rs five crore..." Siddaramaiah said.

Siddaramaiah, in a statement here, also said the government would spend Rs 50 lakh to bring back the stranded pilgrims belonging to the state from Uttarakhand.

He said as many as 1,200 pilgrims out of 67,000 stranded in Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri and Yamonotri are natives of Karnataka. "We are making all efforts to bring them back to safety," he added.

Siddaramaiah said the government has opened a relief centre at Rishikesh and affected people have been provided free food, medicines and water. "Staying facilities also have been set up in the camp," he added.

The state has also dispatched a team of doctors to attend to the medical needs of the affected people, he said.

The government would shift the affected pilgrims from Rishikesh relief camp to Delhi, from where they would be transported free of cost to Bangalore, Siddaramaiah said.

Karnataka Infrastructure Minister Santosh Lad has also been sent to overlook relief work being carried out to save pilgrims from the state, Siddaramaiah said.

The government has also opened a calamity management centre at Dehra Dun, he added.

08.21 | 0 komentar | Read More

7 school children, autorickshaw driver killed in accident in Tamil Nadu

PUDUKOTTAI: Seven school children were crushed to death when an autorickshaw, doubling up as a goods carrier, in which they were travelling, was hit by a private bus in Pudukottai district in central Tamil Nadu at 9.30am on Wednesday. The autorickshaw driver too was killed in the violent collision, police confirmed. Three other students, who suffered serious injuries, have been admitted in the Thanjavur medical college-cum-hospital. Twelve students, between the age group of 12 and 15, were crammed into the autorickshaw when the accident occurred.

The students from Kaikurichi were on their way to Vallathirakottai government higher secondary school, some 20 km from Pudukottai when the gruesome accident occurred. The condition of the three children, who were injured, is said to be critical, according to doctors. Three of the students, who were killed, belong to a family.

Officials said the students had to travel in the goods carrier autorickshaw as there were not enough public transport facilities in the area. Officials said the private autorickshaws did not follow norms prescribed for the school buses and the students hitched on to it in an attempt to reach the school in time. It is common for such vehicles in the area to cram in as many as 12 to 15 students. Such accidents are common in rural Tamil Nadu.

08.20 | 0 komentar | Read More

Madhya Pradesh announces Rs 5 crore aid to Uttarakhand

BHOPAL: Madhya Pradesh chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has announced an assistance of Rs five crore to the monsoon-ravaged Uttarakhand state where heavy rains and landslides have created havoc.

Chouhan made this announcement on Tuesday after receiving reports of major damage in the hill state, famous for the shrines of Badrinath, Kedarnath, Yamunotri and Gangotri, official sources said.

The chief minister also set up a cell in the CM Secretariat to provide help to the stranded pilgrims. Under Secretary, Neeraj Vashishta has been appointed as its coordinator, they added.

Chouhan's secretary, Hariranjan Rao will work in coordination with the State's Resident Commissioner in New Delhi, Shailendra Singh for relief measures, sources said.

Besides, the state disaster management body has also started an Emergency Control Room headed by District Commandant, Santosh Jat (Mob No. 09926769808 and Landline No 0755-2556422) for providing relief to the stranded persons.

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Rajya Sabha polls: MMK's two MLAs to support Kanimozhi

CHENNAI: Manidhaneya Makkal Katchi, which has two members in Tamil Nadu Assembly, on Wednesday extended its support to DMK candidate Kanimozhi in the June 27 biennial elections to the Rajya Sabha from Tamil Nadu.

"We met DMK chief M Karunanidhi and extended our support in the RS polls," MMK leader M H Jawahirullah said.

MMK has two members -- Jawahirullah (Ramanathapuram) and Aslam Basha (Ambur) in the Assembly. DMK, which has 23 members in the Assembly, is set to contest the sixth seat with principal opposition DMDK's candidate A R Elangovan. DMDK has 29 members, including seven dissidents and has sought the support of Congress, which has five members in the Assembly.

The last day for withdrawal of nominations for the polls to six Rajya Sabha seats is June 20. The ruling AIADMK is already assured of four seats with its strength of 151 members in the 234-member Assembly. Chief Minister Jayalalithaa had agreed to withdraw the candidature of her party's K Thangamuthu, who was nominated for the fifth seat, in favour of CPI's D Raja and he is expected to gain the required 34 votes for victory.

Following is the party position in the assembly: AIADMK 151, DMDK 29, DMK 23, CPM 10, CPI 8, CONG 5, PMK 3, MMK 2, Puthiya Thamilagam 2, All India Forward Bloc 1.

08.20 | 0 komentar | Read More

CBI registers 13th FIR in coal blocks allocation scam

NEW DELHI: CBI has registered a fresh case in connection with its coal blocks allocation probe against a Delhi-based steel company and carried out searches at its premises in the National Capital Region.

CBI sources said a case has been lodged against Rathi Steel and Power Limited, its director Udit Rathi and unknown others for alleged cheating and misrepresentation of facts while applying for a coal block.

The sources said the company earlier known as Rathi Udyog Limited was allocated Kesla North coal block in Korba, Chhattisgarh for its sponge iron plant on August 5, 2008.

They said the company has allegedly misrepresented facts while applying for the coal block.

This is the 13th FIR in connection with the coal blocks allocation scam probe.

Soon after registering the FIR, CBI teams carried out searches at various residential and official premises of the company in Delhi and Ghaziabad.

CBI is probing alleged irregularities in the allocation of 192 coal blocks which were made between 1993 to 2011. The agency has registered three preliminary enquiries in this connection-- related to allocation between 2006-09, allocation between 1993 to 2004 and allocations given to joint ventures.

So far, the agency has registered FIRs arising out of its preliminary enquiry covering allocation between 2006-09.

08.20 | 0 komentar | Read More

Karnataka sends team to Uttarakhand to ensure its people's safety

BANGALORE: Karnataka government has sent a three-member team to Uttarakhand to ensure safety of people from the state stranded there due to floods. "We are in constant touch with the Centre and Uttarakhand government to get information on safety of our people stranded in Uttarakhand," chief minister Siddaramaiah told reporters.

Flash floods in Uttarakhand have claimed over a hundred lives and left thousands of pilgrims for Himalayan shrines stranded. The government has also set up helplines to get information on Kannadigas going on pilgrimage and their whereabouts, Siddaramaiah said. Former minister Shobha Karandlaje is among scores of people from Karnataka stranded in Uttarakhand. She, however, is safe, according her family sources.

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India moves closer to hosting a Pakistani panel in connection with 26\11 probe

NEW DELHI: Moving closer to host a Pakistani judicial commission, which will cross-examine four witnesses in the 2611 Mumbai terror attack case, New Delhi has sent copies of the Bombay high court order in this regard and statements of the witnesses, to Islamabad.
"Pakistan will produce these documents before its anti-terror court in Rawalpindi and decide on the date of visit of its judicial commission", said a senior home ministry official.

He said Islamabad was likely to take a decision on this soon, as there had been no issue pending before it or India, in this regard. "Since the Bombay high court has already given its approval, we don't expect any obstacle from Pakistani court now," he added.
The agreement on the second visit of the panel was finalized on December 25 last year in Islamabad, following several rounds of discussions on complex technical and legal issues between a four-member visiting Indian delegation and Pakistani officials.

During its visit, the Indian team secured assurance from Pakistani authorities that the findings of the second judicial commission would not be summarily rejected by the anti-terrorism court that is conducting the trial of the seven Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorists including the outfit's operational commander Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi.

The panel had visited Mumbai for the first time in March last year. But, it was not allowed to cross-examine the witnesses. It had then, just recorded the statement, and, returned. Its findings were subsequently rejected by the anti-terrorism court in Rawalpindi, as the panel's members were not allowed to cross-examine the Indian witnesses.

The witnesses are metropolitan magistrate RV Sawant Waghule, who recorded the confessional statement of LeT terrorist Ajmal Kasab, investigating officer Ramesh Mahale and two doctors from the state-run hospitals who had conducted autopsies of nine terrorists.

The cross-examination of the four witnesses is required to take the ongoing 26/11 case in a Rawalpindi court to its logical conclusion.

After the judicial panel visits India and cross-examines the four witnesses, Islamabad will be expected to reciprocate by granting an Indian judicial commission's access to Pakistani suspects, when it visits the country at a later stage.

The trial of the Pakistani suspects has made little or no headway for months due to various technical and legal issues. The Lahore high court has barred the anti-terrorism court from using Kasab's confession, while defence lawyers have contended that existing Pakistani laws do not allow witnesses in another country to depose via video conferencing.

08.21 | 0 komentar | Read More

PIL filed in SC on US surveillance of internet data

NEW DELHI: The issue of the US National Security Agency monitoring internet data of India today reached the Supreme Court with a PIL filed seeking its direction to the Centre to initiate action against internet companies for sharing information with foreign authority in "breach" of contract and violation of right to privacy.

The PIL, filed by a former dean of law faculty of Delhi University Professor S N Singh, alleged such largescale spying by the USA authorities is detrimental to national security and urged the apex court to intervene in the matter.

"As per reports, US-based nine internet companies, operating in India through agreements signed with Indian users, shared 6.3 billion information/data with National Security Agency of USA without express consent of the Indian users. Such largescale spying by the USA authorities besides being against the privacy norms is also detrimental to national security," the petition, filed through advocate Virag Gupta, said.

Singh submitted it is a breach of national security as government's official communication has come under the US surveillance as the services of private internet companies are being used by them and he also referred that after the Mumbai terror attack the Prime Minister's Office issued a statement from a Hotmail address of Microsoft Corp.

"Petition filed in Public Interest seeking a direction to Centre to take urgent steps to safeguard the government's sensitive internet communications which is 'Record' as per provisions of Public Records Act and it's secrecy to be maintained as per Official Secrets Act but same is being kept outside India in US servers, which is unlawfully intruded by USA Intelligence Agencies through US-based internet companies under secret surveillance program called PRISM," he said.

He submitted the government and its officials be restrained from using US-based internet companies for official communication and all such companies, which are doing business in India, must establish their servers here so that they can be regulated as per Indian Laws.

08.21 | 0 komentar | Read More

Over 1,000 complaints pending against 28 companies for over 2 months

NEW DELHI: Over 1,000 investor complaints have been pending against 28 listed companies, including ONGC, Coal India, ITC, Sterlite Industries and Zylog Systems, for more than two months, according to the regulator Sebi.

According to the Sebi's Online Complaints Redress System (SCORES) data, a total of 28 listed companies had ten or more complaints pending against them for a period of more than 60 days, as on May 31, 2013.

At the end of fiscal 2012-13, there were collectively 911 complaints pending against 23 companies.

Of the total 1,035 investor complaints pending against 28 companies at May-end, the maximum number of complaints (193) were pending against Vatsa Corporations. The company had 191 complaints registered against it as on March 31, 2013.

There were 154 investor grievances against Malanpur Steel, 145 against Acropetal Technologies and 111 against state-run giant ONGC.

Zylog Systems (46), Coal India (28) Sterlite Industries (21) and ITC Ltd (11) are among other firms against which investor compalints were pending.

A total of 115 complaints were pending for over two months against three merchant banks, two mutual funds and one registrar to an issue/share transfer agent (Karvy Computershare Private Ltd).

The merchant bankers included Enam Securities (27), Citigroup Global Markets (13) and Kotak Mahindra Capital (12).

Besides, Reliance Mutual Fund and UTI Mutual Fund had 33 and 13 investor complaints respectively pending against them.

Sebi online complaint redressal system, SCORES, lists all entities functioning in the capital market, including listed companies, stock exchanges, merchant bankers and mutual funds.

The list includes those entities against which more than ten complaints are pending for more than 60 days. Sebi has excluded entities against which enforcement action has been initiated by it for non-redressal of investor complaints.

On April 17, this year, Sebi had directed stock exchanges and listed companies to redress investor complaints within a month of receiving them. The regulator has said that failure to adhere to these directions would attract penal action.

SCORES which was launched by the regulator in June 2011 provides a centralised database of all complaints, online movement of complaints to the concerned listed companies, online upload of Action Taken Reports (ATRs) by the concerned companies. It also helps investors view, track and follow up the actions taken on their grievance.

The shift to the online redressal system has significantly helped reduce the processing time of complaints. PTI SSMOver 1,000 complaints pending against 28 cos for over 2 months

New Delhi, Jun 18 (PTI) Over 1,000 investor complaints have been pending against 28 listed companies, including ONGC, Coal India, ITC, Sterlite Industries and Zylog Systems, for more than two months, according to the regulator Sebi.

According to the Sebi's Online Complaints Redress System (SCORES) data, a total of 28 listed companies had ten or more complaints pending against them for a period of more than 60 days, as on May 31, 2013.

At the end of fiscal 2012-13, there were collectively 911 complaints pending against 23 companies.

Of the total 1,035 investor complaints pending against 28 companies at May-end, the maximum number of complaints (193) were pending against Vatsa Corporations. The company had 191 complaints registered against it as on March 31, 2013.

There were 154 investor grievances against Malanpur Steel, 145 against Acropetal Technologies and 111 against state-run giant ONGC.

Zylog Systems (46), Coal India (28) Sterlite Industries (21) and ITC Ltd (11) are among other firms against which investor complaints were pending.

A total of 115 complaints were pending for over two months against three merchant banks, two mutual funds and one registrar to an issue/share transfer agent (Karvy Computershare Private Ltd).

The merchant bankers included Enam Securities (27), Citigroup Global Markets (13) and Kotak Mahindra Capital (12).

Besides, Reliance Mutual Fund and UTI Mutual Fund had 33 and 13 investor complaints respectively pending against them.

Sebi online complaint redressal system, SCORES, lists all entities functioning in the capital market, including listed companies, stock exchanges, merchant bankers and mutual funds.

The list includes those entities against which more than ten complaints are pending for more than 60 days. Sebi has excluded entities against which enforcement action has been initiated by it for non-redressal of investor complaints.

On April 17, this year, Sebi had directed stock exchanges and listed companies to redress investor complaints within a month of receiving them. The regulator has said that failure to adhere to these directions would attract penal action.

SCORES which was launched by the regulator in June 2011 provides a centralised database of all complaints, online movement of complaints to the concerned listed companies, online upload of Action Taken Reports (ATRs) by the concerned companies. It also helps investors view, track and follow up the actions taken on their grievance.

The shift to the online redressal system has significantly helped reduce the processing time of complaints.

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G8 calls for Syria peace conference as soon as possible

ENNISKILLEN, United Kingdom: G8 leaders on Tuesday strongly endorsed calls for peace talks to be held in Geneva on the Syria conflict "as soon as possible".

At the end of a summit in Northern Ireland, the leaders also called for an agreement on a Syrian transitional government "formed by mutual consent", noting that military forces and security services needed to be preserved or restored.

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Sun reporter, prison officer charged in British bribery probe

LONDON: The chief foreign correspondent for Rupert Murdoch's top-selling British tabloid The Sun has been charged for allegedly paying public officials for information, prosecutors said.

Journalist Nick Parker faces three counts of conspiracy to commit misconduct in public office relating to alleged payments to a prison officer and a police officer between 2007 and 2009.

The prison officer, Lee Brockhouse, also faces two related charges of misconduct and conspiracy to commit misconduct, said Gregor McGill, a senior lawyer with the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS).

The allegations state that between April 2007 and October 2009, The Sun paid £1,750 (2,000 euros, $2,700) to Brockhouse for information about the movement of prisoners, prison procedures and methods used by prisoners to smuggle items into jail.

Brockhouse, who worked at Swaleside prison in Kent, east of London, is also accused of providing similar information to the rival People newspaper for £900.

Parker also faces two charges of conspiring with an unnamed police officer to commit misconduct in public office in March-April 2009 and December 2009.

The CPS said it had decided not to charge another journalist arrested over related allegations.

An internal message to staff at News International, Murdoch's British newspaper division, confirmed proceedings had been dropped against John Sturgis, the deputy news editor of The Sun.

News International chief executive Mike Darcey said in the message that he was disappointed at the charges brought against Parker and said he would be given legal support.

The police investigation into alleged bribery of public officials, dubbed Operation Elveden, was launched following the phone-hacking scandal at Murdoch's News of the World tabloid.

The weekly was shut down in July 2011 after it emerged it had illegally accessed the mobile phone voice mails of hundreds of high-profile figures, including a missing teenager who was later found murdered.

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