US, Philippines vow freedom of navigation amid Asia sea rows

WASHINGTON: The United States and the Philippines have vowed to maintain freedom of navigation in a Southeast Asia increasingly beset by maritime territorial rows, the two military allies said.

The military chiefs of the two countries made the pledge in the United States on Thursday as their governments held talks on expanding the American military presence in the Philippines, a joint statement said.

"We share a common interest in maintaining freedom of navigation, unimpeded lawful commerce, and transit of people and goods across the seas," said Philippine military chief General Emmanuel Bautista and General Martin Dempsey, chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff.

"We resolve to... strengthen the Southeast Asia security environment in a manner that protects the interests of all who value unimpeded commerce transiting through the maritime domain, while deterring those who would restrict it or act in a manner that might place it at risk."

The Philippines has been looking to the United States for military and political support as part of efforts to protect its claims to South China Sea waters from an increasingly assertive China.

Both generals called for a "rules-based approach in resolving competing claims in maritime areas by peaceful means -- within the framework of international law".

Though the statement did not mention China, the Philippines has accused Beijing of endangering Asian peace and maritime commerce through its claims over most of the South China Sea, including areas close to the coast of the Philippines.

While the United States has insisted it does not take sides in the dispute, it has been seeking to rebuild its military footprint in the Philippines, a military ally since 1951, as part of President Barack Obama's strategic "pivot" to Asia.

"We expect a robust, balanced and responsive security partnership... (through) mutually beneficial bilateral military training, exercises and operations, provided by an increased rotational and temporary presence of US military forces operating from Armed Forces of the Philippines-controlled facilities," the statement said.

The allies held talks in Manila on August 14 to draw up rules for temporary deployments of more US forces and military assets in the Philippines.

The negotiations are scheduled to resume in Washington before the end of the month.

The Philippines had hosted tens of thousands of US soldiers at two bases near Manila, but they were forced to leave in 1992 after the Philippine Senate voted to end their lease contracts amid strong anti-American sentiment.

A new agreement in 1999 allowed US troops to return to the Philippines for joint military exercises every year.

US special forces have also been rotating through the southern Philippines since 2002 to help local soldiers who are fighting Islamic militants.

08.20 | 0 komentar | Read More

Woman police constable gang-raped in Jharkhand's Latehar district

LATEHAR, JHARKHAND: A woman police constable was allegedly gang-raped by a gang of dacoits on National Highway 75 near Jagaldaga in Latehar district, police said on Saturday.

As per the FIR filed by her on Friday, she was gang-raped by dacoits when she was going to Garhwa from Ranchi by a car in the early hours of August 22, Superintendent of Police Michael S Raj said.

The rape victim, a widow, is a constable with the Latehar district police. The dacoits also looted passengers of different vehicles between midnight and 2am, police said.

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JNU student detained by Maharashtra police for Maoist links

GADCHIROLI: Gadchiroli police in Maharashtra have detained three persons including a student of the prestigious Jawaharlal Nehru University in Delhi for alleged links with Naxalites, sources said, but officials refused to either deny or confirm the development.

Sources said the three were detained in Aheri, in south of the Gadchiroli district. The district, which borders on Chhattisgarh, has a considerable Maoist presence.

Superintendent of police Mohd Suvez Haque said if there was anything, a press release would be issued. But he did not categorically deny the reports of arrest or detainment.

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Incorrect details on reservation form will make rail ticket invalid

LUCKNOW: It's time to be alert as incorrect personal details on the railway reservation form can put you to inconvenience. In the forthcoming festival season, railways will treat all the tickets, which have incorrect details of the passengers on the reservation form, as invalid.

Sufficient number of staff will be deployed to check the validity of the details provided by passengers in reservation forms. The details will be checked with the telephone/mobile numbers as mentioned in the reservation form for purchasing reservation ticket.

In case the details of the passengers as given in the reservation form are found incorrect during the course of checking, the ticket will be treated as invalid.

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Pakistan repatriates 362 Indian prisoners via Attari border

ATTARI: In a possible bid to improve relations with India, Pakistan's Nawaz Sharif government on Saturday repatriated 362 Indian prisoners including 8 children (all fishermen) from Attari land border after the completion of their jail sentences.

As earlier reported to Indian authorities, a total of 365 Indian prisoners were to be repatriated by Pakistan according to fishermen who arrived here.

The name of 17-year-old prisoner from UP Manjo Kumar was deleted at the last moment by Pakistan government and one prisoner Raju had died in jail due to illness. There was confusion about the arrival of one more prisoner.

Executive magistrate PPS Goraya, who received the prisoners, informed that as against earlier information of the arrival of 365 Indian prisoners from Pakistan, a total of 362 have arrived. Elated to return to his country, Shabbir, a fisherman from Gurjrat told TOI that he had spent 9 months in jail for committing no crime. "We were arrested by a Pakistani speed boat while we were in our own territory. This is injustice. Both governments should find a solution to it," he said. About his experience in a Pakistani jail, he said the prisoners were not provided with proper medication in case of illness but were given two tablets thrice a day for any kind of illness. "Itching, skin diseases are common in jail but for their treatment, medicine is same as that of any other illness," he complained.

Another released prisoner who didn't want to give his name informed that Indian prisoner Raju had died in jail a couple of weeks ago. "He was sick but was given the same two tablets thrice a day; no special treatment was given to him," he alleged. Remembering the innocent face of Manoj Kumar, 17, resident of Uttar Pardesh, Hanif, a young boy of 16 from Gujrat said, "He was so happy to go back to home, but as he was told that his name has been deleted from the list he started crying and embraced me and asked me to somehow inform his family in India about his well-being." He said children like him went to sea to learn the tricks of the trade but were caught for no crime of theirs.

Another young boy, Parmi said, "He (Manoj) must be crying in jail but I can't help him."

Hazikar who was sentenced for 10 days only said he had been able to come back from Pakistan only after 4 months. "Verification process takes all this time. I have lost my business, two of my boats have been seized by Pakistan, I don't know what I will do now."

All the prisoners will stay overnight in Amritsar before heading for their homes on Sunday.

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Kurien threatens to suspend protesting TDP MPs for a day

NEW DELHI: Upset over frequent disruptions caused by two TDP MPs, Rajya Sabha deputy chairman PJ Kurien on Friday threatened to suspend them for a day "for holding the House to ransom" but could not do so as members of AIADMK and TMC opposed it.

Kurien issued the warning at around 2.30pm when coal minister Shriprakash Jaiswal was to give clarifications on the missing files of the coal block allocation.

The two MPs YS Chaudhary and CM Ramesh, were in the well and chanting slogans against the decision to form Telangana.

Kurien pleaded with them to allow the House to function but the members were unrelenting.

Amid din, Kurien threatened to take action under Rule 255 under which "the chairman may direct any member whose conduct is in his opinion grossly disorderly to withdraw immediately from the Council and any member so ordered to withdraw shall do so forthwith and shall absent himself during the remainder of the day's meeting."

During zero hour also, Kurien had said, "I can throw you out also. Do you want me to do that?"

Opposition members V Maitreyan (AIADMK) and Derek O'Brien (TMC) opposed any action against them prompting to chair to say, "You want clarification on the coal issue and the Prime Minister is here. You want the discussion but do not want me to take any action against them. This is double standards."

With his repeated threats and appeals failing to yield any result, he said, "the chair is helpless." He then adjourned the House for 30 minutes.

When the House reassembled, Kurien said he was "pained and hurt" as the chair wanted the House to function.

He said the Prime Minister, despite difficulties, was present in the House to intervene as per the demands by some members for him to intervene on the missing coal block allocation files.

"There are two members who are holding the House to ransom. Now, those who wanted this debate to happen are not supporting the chair in taking action against them. This is my agony. If the majority wants action under rule 255, the House can run otherwise I have no way other than to adjourn the House," the deputy chairman said.

With his efforts not yielding any result, he adjourned the House till Monday.

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Paternity row: Delhi HC closes ND Tiwari's right to lead evidence

NEW DELHI: Veteran Congress leader ND Tiwari was on Friday barred by the Delhi high court from leading any evidence in the paternity suit filed by a youth seeking to declare him as his biological father.

Justice Vipin Sanghi considered a report of a local commissioner that the Congress leader has failed to file his evidence by way of an affidavit in the paternity case despite opportunities granted to him.

"The right of defendant No.1 (Tiwari) to lead evidence has been closed. Put up the case on September 18 for further proceedings," the court said.

S M Chopra, a former additional district judge, was appointed as a local commissioner by the high court for recording evidence on day-to-day basis in the case.

He has filed a report to the judge that 88-year-old Tiwari neither filed his evidence within the stipulated time nor appeared before him for cross-examination on August 21.

Considering the report of the local commissioner, the high court decided to close the right of Tiwari to lead evidence in favour of his claim that he did not father 32-year-old Rohit Shekhar.

The local commissioner had on July 1 granted four weeks time to Tiwari for filing his evidence and listed the matter on August 21 for personal appearance before him.

However, on August 21, the counsel for Tiwari sought more time besides seeking holding of his cross-examination at a place other than the high court complex.

Earlier, the local commissioner had concluded the examination of Rohit and his mother Ujjawala Sharma and asked Tiwari to file his evidence by way of an affidavit.

The leader has so far refused to settle the lawsuit out of court through mediation saying there is a possibility that the medical evidence is not 100 per cent accurate.

The high court had on July 27 last year read out the DNA report in the case according to which Tiwari was shown as Shekhar's biological father.

Tiwari had given blood sample for the DNA test on May 29 last year at his residence in Dehradun following the apex court's order in the case, after repeatedly contesting against undergoing the test on various grounds.

Tiwari's pleas had been objected to by Rohit who had filed the paternity suit in 2008, claiming that the veteran Congress leader is his biological father. Tiwari had refuted his claim.

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Food bill to be taken up in Lok Sabha on Monday: Kamal Nath

NEW DELHI: Food Security Bill, which could not be taken up despite being listed in Lok Sabha'a agenda since Monday, will not be part of business tomorrow as members want to go out of station.

Parliamentary affairs minister Kamal Nath on Friday said Lok Sabha will function on Saturday but Food Security Bill will be taken up for discussion and passing only on Monday.

However, there will be no sitting of Rajya Sabha on Saturday.

Parliament has witnessed disruptions blocking passage of the bill. According to Parliament sources, moves are afoot to extend the monsoon session till September 4.

Talking to reporters outside Parliament, the minister said the bill will not be taken up in Lok Sabha as most of the leaders, who want to speak on the key legislation, will be away on Saturday.

"The House will function tomorrow (Saturday). But a large of members and leaders have expressed that they are going to be away ... Many members and leaders want to speak on the Food Security Bill," he said.

"So they have requested to the Speaker that the Food Security Bill should not be taken up tomorrow, but on Monday. So the Bill will be taken up on Monday," he said.

The minister said the Speaker will fix a date for the debate on the missing coal files in Lok Sabha.

Asked about the extention of the session beyond August 30 when it is scheduled to end, the minister said cabinet committee on parliamentary affairs will meet soon to decide on the issue.

On the protest of some of the suspended Seemandhra MPs in the House, Kamal Nath said, "What happens in the precincts of the House has to be decided by the Speaker."

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Kurien threatens to suspend protesting TDP MPs for a day

NEW DELHI: Upset over frequent disruptions caused by two TDP MPs, Rajya Sabha deputy chairman PJ Kurien on Friday threatened to suspend them for a day "for holding the House to ransom" but could not do so as members of AIADMK and TMC opposed it.

Kurien issued the warning at around 2.30pm when coal minister Shriprakash Jaiswal was to give clarifications on the missing files of the coal block allocation.

The two MPs YS Chaudhary and CM Ramesh, were in the well and chanting slogans against the decision to form Telangana.

Kurien pleaded with them to allow the House to function but the members were unrelenting.

Amid din, Kurien threatened to take action under Rule 255 under which "the chairman may direct any member whose conduct is in his opinion grossly disorderly to withdraw immediately from the Council and any member so ordered to withdraw shall do so forthwith and shall absent himself during the remainder of the day's meeting."

During zero hour also, Kurien had said, "I can throw you out also. Do you want me to do that?"

Opposition members V Maitreyan (AIADMK) and Derek O'Brien (TMC) opposed any action against them prompting to chair to say, "You want clarification on the coal issue and the Prime Minister is here. You want the discussion but do not want me to take any action against them. This is double standards."

With his repeated threats and appeals failing to yield any result, he said, "the chair is helpless." He then adjourned the House for 30 minutes.

When the House reassembled, Kurien said he was "pained and hurt" as the chair wanted the House to function.

He said the Prime Minister, despite difficulties, was present in the House to intervene as per the demands by some members for him to intervene on the missing coal block allocation files.

"There are two members who are holding the House to ransom. Now, those who wanted this debate to happen are not supporting the chair in taking action against them. This is my agony. If the majority wants action under rule 255, the House can run otherwise I have no way other than to adjourn the House," the deputy chairman said.

With his efforts not yielding any result, he adjourned the House till Monday.

08.20 | 0 komentar | Read More

Pro and anti-GM crop groups slug out the controversial issue in power corridors

NEW DELHI: Days after testing their strength on Delhi's streets, both anti and pro-GM crop groups sought to slug out the issue in the Capital's power corridors on Friday.

Though politicians gave both the groups a patient hearing, the fate of genetically engineered crops lies with the Supreme Court which is set to resume hearing on a public interest litigation on this controversial matter. The pro-GM crop group comprising representatives of the Consortium of Indian Farmers Association ( CIFA) and other organizations from nine states met the agriculture minister Sharad Pawar and pitched for allowing use of biotechnology in farm sectors to increase food-grains productivity in the country.

They also resolved to meet the Prime Minister Manmohan Singh next month and mobilize support of as many parliamentarians as possible in favour of their demand so that farmers can reap the benefit of modern science in agriculture. The anti-GM crop groups including Coalition for GM Free India and Greenpeace, on the other hand, submitted signed petitions of over four lakh activists to T Subbarami Reddy - chairman of the parliamentary standing committee on science & technology and environment & forests - asking him to recommend the government to withdraw the controversial Biotechnology Regulatory Authority of India (BRAI) Bill.

Both groups presented their views on pros and cons of use and non-use of genetically modified crops in India. The anti-GM crop groups believe that the BRAI Bill is meant to facilitate entry of genetically engineered food-grains in India through a single window clearance. They said the Bill was, in fact, an attempt to circumvent public opposition to GM crops in the country.

The supporters of GM crop, however, want this legislation to see light of the day at the earliest as they think it would provide them right to choose and freedom to farm, specifically when there is no scientific evidence of any adverse affect of such food on human health and environment.

After meeting the agriculture minister, the CIFA's secretary general P Chengal Reddy said the group having support of lakhs of farmers from across the country would like the government to put the biotechnology regulatory authority under the ministry of agriculture so that it can work for the farmers' interest in promoting sustainable farm practices.

Reddy said, "Farmers confronts with several farm productivity challenges like labour costs, insects, weeds, diseases and unpredictable weather. Biotechnology or GM crop can offer them several solutions. We need biotechnology and the right to choose. We have full faith that the Supreme Court will do what is right for farmers who need technologies to increase productivity".

The pro-GM groups were also very critical to the recommendations of a five-member Technical Expert Committee (TEC) which has called for a halt on genetically modified crop filed trials in the country till the regulatory issues are addressed. In fact, the environment ministry is also in favour of the Committee whose views saw a sharp division within the scientific community.

Terming the TEC's recommendations as prejudiced, Reddy said the committee had, in fact, considered information from only those sources that supported its point of view. "We will expose them before the Supreme Court", he said. A group of scientists, meanwhile, appealed to the apex court to reject the recommendations of the committee. They argued that the committee's suggestion was against the established mainstream science on GM crops' safety and utility.

"India needs science, which can be converted into technology that benefits the farmers and consumers. The recommendations of the TEC demoralize thousands of public sector scientists and students of agricultural biotechnology. If the TEC report is implemented, all research will be put into cold storage denying farmers and the nation the benefits of modern science and technology. Let science innovate. Let Indian scientists research freely. And let farmers choose," said Desh Pal Verma of the department of molecular genetics, Ohio State University.

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TDP MP Harikrishna resigns from RS over bifurcation issue

NEW DELHI: TDP MP and son of NT Rama Rao, N Harikrishna on Thursday resigned from Rajya Sabha in protest against the decision to bifurcate Andhra Pradesh.

Harikrishna, 57, said he met Rajya Sabha chairman M Hamid Ansari on Thursday morning and submitted his resignation.

Deputy chairman PJ Kurien informed the House that the chairman has accepted his resignation.

Talking to PTI, Harikrishna alleged that the decision to bifurcate the state was taken to reap political benefits in favour of Congress in the coming Lok Sabha elections.

"By this decision, they (Congress) killed the Telugu spirit. They did it to make Rahul Gandhi next Prime Minister after the Lok Sabha polls," he said.

Striking an emotive note, Harikrishna, son of former Andhra Pradesh chief minister NT Rama Rao, recalled the steps taken by his late father to keep the state united.

"My father stood firmly for the cause of united Andhra Pradesh. Now it is shattered. My conscience would not allow me to continue (as Rajya Sabha MP)," he said.

The TDP leader, who had announced his resignation few days back, had alleged that the Congress leadership announced the division without resolving the crucial issues like water sharing.

08.21 | 0 komentar | Read More

Fiji releases new constitution ahead of 2014 vote

FIJI: Fiji's military regime on Thursday unveiled a new constitution to serve as a blueprint for 2014 elections, the first polls to be held in the pacific nation since the government seized power in a coup seven years ago.

The document "will underpin the first genuine democracy in Fijian history" and enshrine the principle of one person one vote, the government said.

Fiji's military ruler, Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama, has repeatedly said such voting rights are needed to ease long-standing tensions between indigenous Fijians and the island nation's sizeable Indian minority.

Indians make up just under 40 per cent of the 900,000-strong population.

The document, the fourth since Fiji gained independence from Britain in 1970, will replace the constitution adopted in 1997 and torn up by Bainimarama in 2009.

"It will be the supreme law of the country and pave the way for elections on September 30, 2014, conducted for the first time on the basis of equal votes of equal value," the government said in a statement.

The new constitution, which makes provision for a 50-member parliament and elections every four years, also enshrines principles such as a secular state, freedom of speech and an impartial judiciary.

A draft version of the document, prepared by Kenyan academic Yash Ghai, had called for the military to remain apolitical but Bainimarama scrapped it earlier this year and ordered government lawyers to rewrite the constitution.

The new version does not contain any clauses barring Fiji's military from politics, a key factor in the four coups the country has endured since the 1980s.

The military's role is "to ensure at all times the security, defence and well-being of Fiji and all Fijians", says the constitution.

The current regime, which rules by decree, also abandoned plans to hold an assembly of church, political and civil society groups to review the document before it was finalised, leading to allegations it was silencing dissenting voices in the nation-building process.

Australia-based Pacific historian Brij Lal said the public had not been given any say in the latest constitution.

"There really has been no public consultation on the content and character of this document," he told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.

"They're introducing major changes here that will change the political culture of Fiji and there's been no public input into it."

While Bainimarama has pledged to hold elections in September next year, a similar vow to hold a poll in 2009 was never honoured, resulting in Fiji being suspended from the Commonwealth and the Pacific Islands Forum.

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Will like to challenge Sushma Swaraj from Vidisha in 2014, Digvijaya says

BHOPAL: Congress general secretary Digvijaya Singh on Thursday said he would like to contest next LokSabha election from Vidisha seat in Madhya Pradesh, currently represented by leader of opposition SushmaSwaraj.

In an informal talk with reporters, the former chief minister said he had no plans to contest from Rajgarh, which is his hometown, as it has already been represented by Congress member.

To a query whether he will contest from Bellary in Karnataka if Sushma Swaraj enters the fray from there in 2014 polls, Digvijaya replied in negative.

Digvijaya clarified that though he was prepared to contest from Vidisha, nothing has been formalised yet and names of other constituencies are also doing round.

Swaraj had won the 2009 election to the 15th Lok Sabha from Vidisha by the margin of over 4,00,000 votes.

Digvijaya also said that current Bhopal MP and former chief minister Kailash Joshi would not contest next year's general elections.

08.21 | 0 komentar | Read More

20 killed in rain-related incidents in MP, 12 in one district

BHOPAL: Nearly 20 people including a dozen in one district, were killed in separate rain-related accidents reported from across Madhya Pradesh on Thursday.

Road and railway was disrupted in the rain-hit areas. Schools, hospitals and offices also remained closed in the many affected areas due to torrential rains and resulting floods.

In one of the incidents, 12 persons were killed after their houses collapsed in Narsinghpur district. Bodies of 8 persons including five children and two women were recovered by the police team.

Narsingpur superintendent of police (SP) Manish Kaporia the incident took place at the outskirts of Gadarwra area, after huge debris slumped over their houses from a small hillock. "Rescue works are being carried out by police and administration," he said.

In another incident, two persons were killed and several injured after a wall of a 110-year-old building named 'Nepal Palace' collapsed in Civil Lines area at Sagar Sagar district in the morning.

Separately, man and his son died on the spot after a tree collapsed on their house in Damoh district while two others were reportedly washed away in Madnla district. More such cases are being reported from Shivpuri, Jabalpur, Dindori, Gwalior, Morena, Hosangabad and other places.

08.21 | 0 komentar | Read More

Vishwa Hindu Parishad wants cops suspended, warns of stir

AHMEDABAD: The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) has warned the state government that if they do not suspend the police personals who lathichargedVHP workers outside the police commissioner office on Tuesday, it would launch an agitation. Addressing a press conference called by priests and mahants, Akhilesh Das Mahraj said if anything goes wrong during the protest, the state government would be responsible.

He further alleged that the action taken on VHP members was an attempt made by chief minister NarendraModi to show his secular face. He demanded that the arrested persons should be immediately released and stern action should be taken against the cops.

Nine VHP members were arrested by Gujarat University police early on Tuesday for vandalizing the art gallery near Ahmedabad Ni Gufa, which was hosting Pakistani artists' exhibition.

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Film director Cheran's daughter reunites with family after HC order

CHENNAI: All is well that ends well. It was curtains on the emotional drama involving film director Cheran's daughter and her boyfriend Chandru, with the high court permitting her to reunite with her parents.

Presented in court amid tight security on Wednesday, Dhamini said she wanted to go with her parents. The HC gave its nod, rejecting a new petition by her boyfriend's mother, who objected it saying the girl was under pressure.

"It is not just my victory. This is a victory for every parent and every woman," said an emotional Cheran, before prostrating on the HC campus, thanking the judiciary and the media.

On Wednesday, Dhamini was brought to the HC premises by the Velankanni school principal with whom she was sent by the high court two weeks ago. When called by the bench comprising of Justice V Dhanapalan and Justice CT Selvam, the girl made a categorical statement that she wanted to go with her parents. On hearing this, R Sankarasubbu, counsel for Eswari Ammal, mother of Dhamini's boyfriend Chandru, said the girl was under pressure and hence she required psychological counselling.

The bench rejected the petition and said since Dhamini was a major she was at liberty to go with the family of her choice.

Later, Cheran prostrated on the high court campus and thanked the judiciary and the media for support and understanding. "High court has dismissed the case against my daughter. She has now realised her mistake, and her decision was taken in clear conscience. I thank the judiciary, media and the hundreds of people who sent emails supporting me," he said.

In her petition, Chandru's mother said that during her two-week stay at the school principal's home, Cheran and several film personalities met Dhamini and brainwashed her. She wanted the circumstances behind the girl's change of stance to be probed.

08.21 | 0 komentar | Read More

Mamata can't wipe out Gorkhaland aspirations: Gorkha Janmukti Morcha

KOLKATA: The Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) on Wednesday accused West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee of going on a rampant arrest spree but asserted the crackdown cannot wipe out people's aspirations for a separate Gorkhaland state.

"The demand for Gorkhaland is an aspiration of Gorkhas and other hill communities. Instead of respecting this sentiment, the chief minister (Banerjee) has talked of being rough and tough and going on a rampant arrest spree," GJM supremo Bimal Gurung said.

After the GJM intensified its separatist movement by clamping an indefinite shutdown in the Darjeeling hills, the Banerjee regime has been arresting key Morcha leaders along with hundreds of supporters and activists to crack down on the movement. Central security forces have also been deployed in the region.

Gurung said arrests of GJM leaders were in violation of the 2011 tripartite agreement between the GJM and the central and state governments giving birth to the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA) - the autonomous hill development council.

"By not withdrawing pending cases against Morcha leaders, the government has violated the agreement. Every clause of the GTA says 'with the approval of the government' which proves that GTA is not autonomous," said Gurung.

Claiming that over 600 persons have been arrested so far which is "unprecedented", Gurung said: "Is this the respect the chief minister is showing to the hill people for peacefully voicing their aspirations?"

"People are willingly going to jail, but how many people can they arrest? It will be wrong for Banerjee to think that the aspirations of the hill people will be wiped out by merely arresting Morcha activists.

"The demand will only get stronger just as it has gone from strength to strength for more than 100 years. This is not a development issue but an identity issue that the chief minister must understand," said Gurung.

Gurung also welcomed Governor M.K. Narayanan's "announcement that he was ready to mediate".

08.21 | 0 komentar | Read More

In five years, UP could digitize only 2.84% of its waqf properties

LUCKNOW: Though computer education is fast becoming common in madarsas, there's resistance to computerization in the state sunni waqf board. This reflects in UP scoring lowly on the Waqf Records Computerization Project. Status data, as on July 31, 2013, shows that the state got only 2.84% of its records digitized in five years. This happens when the project could benefit UP the most for it is home to a maximum of 1.23 lakh waqf properties.

Initiated by ministry of minority affairs (MMA) in 2009 after recommendations from a joint parliamentary committee on waqf, the scheme aimed to streamline record keeping and introduce transparency through a single, web-based centralized application so that problems of encroachment and misuse of waqf properties could be checked.

National Informatics Centre, a stake holder for the programme besides union and state government, developed the software for the project. The scheme is to be implemented in three phases. Success of 'computerization of waqf data at state level' was important to roll out the subsequent parts. GIS mapping of wakf properties and taking computerization to peripheral activities of the boards were the highlights of the second and third phases.

Talking about the specific problems in UP, joint secretary, MMA Rakesh Mohan said, "There is lack of support from the state because they tend to feel that they can handle it on their own. At the ground level, there is resistance to technology and computerization. And finally, the size of the target demands a more dedicated effort from the state."

He admitted that UP's poor show reflected on the national picture too. UP has over 41% of the total number of waqf properties in the country. "The state must understand that computerization of records would allow Wakf Boards to monitor their properties in a better way. The data base would also help in preventing encroachments and fighting legal cases with the encroachers. They can also take stock of incomes generated through the properties and put it to better use like sponsoring education, opening skill development centers, generating employment and so on," said Mohan.

When asked to comment on what steps are being taken by the ministry to speed up the process, he said, "In the last week of June, the ministry organized a meeting of chairpersons from the state boards and sensitized them about how would they benefit from the digitalization. A similar session is being arranged for secretaries of the department too." Additionally, said Mohan, the ministry is planning to allocate funds and provide manpower according to the burden of waqf properties in the state. UP would surely benefit from this.

08.21 | 0 komentar | Read More

Malaysia bus crash: 20 dead, toll expected to rise

KUALA LUMPUR: At least 20 people are confirmed dead and the toll was expected to climb after a bus plunged into a deep Malaysian ravine on Wednesday in one of the country's worst-ever road accidents.

Police said the bus was carrying 49 passengers when it tumbled down a steep 70-metre (200-foot) slope in the Genting Highlands, which is famed for a flashy gambling and entertainment resort about an hour's drive from the capital Kuala Lumpur.

"We have 20 confirmed dead," a local fire department official, M Mahendran, told AFP by phone.

But a top national fire official was quoted by Malaysian media as saying that observations by rescuers indicated up to 32 may have died.

Reports said most of the passengers were Malaysians, but staff at Hospital Kuala Lumpur said the injured brought in from the crash included a Thai man and a Bangladeshi man.

Local hospitals said several of the injured arrived in critical condition.

Lines of rescuers clinging to an orange rope for support were seen pulling injured victims out of the bus, which was lying on its side in thick vegetation.

Amateur photos posted on the Internet also showed damage to the road's concrete embankment, suggesting the bus had smashed through the barrier.

Police said the bus was part of a regular line that ferries visitors between the capital and the hill resort.

The resort, whose bright lights can be seen from the city at night, is operated by Malaysian gaming firm Genting, one of the country's largest companies.

Genting Highlands includes the country's sole casino and attracts more than 20 million visitors per year.

It is currently undergoing a reportedly three billion ringgit ($900 million) refurbishment that includes a Twentieth Century Fox theme park set to open in 2016.

The road leading up the Genting Highlands is notoriously steep and winding.

Two Indian tourists died and 22 other people were hurt when their bus overturned in the area last year.

The country's deadliest road transport tragedy was a bus accident in 2010 in the Cameron Highlands, another hill resort area.

That accident killed 27.

Muslim-majority Malaysia has banned gambling but allows non-Muslims to bet at the casino in the Genting Highlands, as well as on horse-racing and private lotteries.

08.21 | 0 komentar | Read More

Poor turnout in Mandya bypoll, farmers curse the imposing of unwanted elections

MANDYA: Bypoll for the Mandya Lok Sabha seat necessitated by the resignation of sitting JDS member N Cheluvarayasamy after his election to the assembly passed off peacefully with about 55 per cent of the 16 lakh voters exercising their franchise.

Barring trivial incidents of alleged violation of election code of conduct, no untoward incident or violence was witnessed in this fiercely fought battle between Congress and JDS. Congress had fielded film actress Ramya whereas JDS has fielded C Puttaraju a hardcore lieutenant of HD Deve Gowda.

In the morning there was a fracas at a booth in Chinakurali village, the native place of the JDS candidate when Puttaraju's wife who went to exercise her franchise attempted to paste vermilion and turmeric powder besides placing flowers on the ballot box. Congress agents at the booth objected this offering of pooja a ritual performed by her in every election and the officials persuaded her not to carry out the pooja of ballot box. But the quarrel erupted once again when his wife slyly sprinkled the vermilion and turmeric powder on the ballot box.

The election officials who arrived on the spot had issued a notice to the presiding officer of the booth for their alleged negligence.

While SM Krishna and Ambarish exercised their franchise at Somanhalli and Doddarasankere, their native villages, JDS candidate CS Puttaraju cast his vote at Chinakurli. Ramya who had no vote registered in Mandya constituency started her constituency trip on Wednesday morning after breakfast at Mysore MP AH Vishwanath's house in KR Nagar town which is part of Mandya Lok Sabha constituency and ended at Maddur after going through booths in Mandya town.

Though started on a dull note in all eight assembly segments, it picked up in the afternoon. People of Gundapura village boycotted the poll, protesting against district administration for its failure to address their drinking water problem. In Bendaravadi village, voters refused to take part in poll process, demanding the arrest of culprits who had desecrated the Ambedkar statute. However, senior officers including DC BN Krishnaiah and SP G Borase pacified them to vote.

There were technical snags in EVMs at Alagud, Honnapur and Belagola villages which were got rectified immediately.

Poor pool turnout is attributed to the farmers' preoccupation with the paddy planting exercise which is in progress in full swing in the district. At many villages, farmers cursed the sitting MP for imposing the elections.

08.21 | 0 komentar | Read More

Egypt's Muslim Brotherhood names interim head after arrest of supreme guide

CAIRO: Muslim Brotherhood has named an interim leader to head the group after its supreme guide was arrested on Tuesday, the website of its political party said.

"Mahmoud Ezzat, deputy leader of the Muslim Brotherhood, will assume the role of supreme guide of the group on a temporary basis after the security forces of the bloody military coup arrested supreme guide Mohamed Badie," the Freedom and Justice Party website said.

Badie was arrested as the army-installed government cracks down on the Brotherhood, from which ousted President Mohamed Morsi hails.

Dozens of its leaders and members have been rounded up, including Morsi, who has been detained at a secret location since he was pushed from office on July 3 after massive demonstrations against his rule.

He faces allegations related to his 2011 escape from prison as well as new accusations that he incited the death and torture of protesters in December 2012.

08.21 | 0 komentar | Read More

Online RTI application for all central ministries to become a reality from tomorrow

NEW DELHI: Filing online RTI applications in all Central ministries and departments through a common web-based platform will become a reality from Wednesday. At present, this facility is available only for 40 ministries, departments and commissions.

The government will now extend this facility to all central institutions — including ministries, departments and commissions — which are covered under the Right to Information Act, 2005.

"The minister of state for personnel, V Narayanasamy, will formally launch this facility here on Wednesday," said an official.

The government had launched an exclusive portal - https://rtionline.gov.in - for this purpose early this year, initiating this facility only for the questions asked from the ministry of personnel. This facility was subsequently extended to other ministries — including home, health, external affairs and agriculture — president secretariat, Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) and Vice-President Office.

"The portal will now be open to entertain questions under the RTI Act for all the remaining ministries from August 21. The entire website is prepared in such a way that the system would provide online reply to all RTI applications," said the official.

This portal, developed by NIC, is a facility for Indian citizens to file online RTI applications and first appeals and also to make online payment of RTI fees.

A department of personnel and training (DoPT) note said, "The prescribed fees can be paid through internet banking of State Bank of India and its associate banks as well as by credit or debit cards of Visa or Master, through the payment gateway of SBI linked to this site".

The RTI Act mandates timely response (within 30 days) to citizens' requests for government information. Information seeker has to pay a fee of Rs.10 for getting information.

Giving details of the guidelines for information seeker, the department said that the text of the application that can be uploaded at the prescribed column (on the website) was limited to 500 words only. "In case, an application contains more than 500 words, then it can be uploaded as an attachment," it said.

In case additional fee is required, covering the cost for providing information, the CPIO will intimate the applicant about the same through the portal. The first appeals filed through the website will also reach electronically to the 'nodal officer' of the DoPT who would transmit the appeals to the concerned First Appellate Authority (FAA).

"Though optional, the mobile number can be provided by the applicant/appellant in order to receive SMS alerts. On submission of an application, a unique registration number will be issued, which may be referred by the applicant for any future reference," said the department's guidelines.

Under the existing guidelines, no RTI fee is required to be paid by any citizen who is below poverty line as per RTI Rules, 2012. However, the applicant must attach a copy of the certificate issued by the appropriate government in this regard, along with the application.

08.21 | 0 komentar | Read More

Now, all Central ministries to accept online RTI pleas from today

NEW DELHI: Filing online RTI applications in all central ministries and departments through a common web-based platform will become a reality from Wednesday. At present, this facility is available only for 40 ministries, departments and commissions.

Now, the government will extend this facility to all central institutions, including ministries, departments and commissions, which are covered under the Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005.

"The minister of state for personnel, V Narayanasamy, will formally launch this facility here on Wednesday", said an official.

The government had launched an exclusive portal, https://rtionline.gov.in, for this purpose earlier this year, initiating this facility only for the questions asked from the ministry of personnel. This facility was subsequently extended to other ministries, including home, health, external affairs and agriculture, President Secretariat, Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) and Vice-President's Office.

"The portal will now be open to entertain questions under the RTI Act for all the remaining ministries from August 21. The entire website is prepared in such a way that the system would provide online reply to all RTI applications," said the official.

This portal — developed by NIC — is a facility for Indian citizens to file online RTI applications and first appeals and also to make online payment of RTI fees.

A department of personnel and training (DoPT) note said, "The prescribed fees can be paid through Internet banking of State Bank of India and its associate banks as well as by credit or debit cards of Visa or Master, through the payment gateway of SBI linked to this site".

The RTI Act mandates timely response (within 30 days) to citizens' requests for government information. An information-seeker has to pay a fee of Rs 10 for getting the information.

Giving details of the guidelines for information-seeker, the department said that the text of the application that can be uploaded at the prescribed column (on the website) was limited to 500 words only. "In case, an application exceeds more than 500 words, then it can be uploaded as an attachment," it said.

If additional fee is required, covering the cost for providing information, the CPIO will intimate the applicant about the same through the portal. The first appeals filed through the website will also reach electronically to the nodal officer of the DoPT who would transmit the appeals to the First Appellate Authority (FAA).

"Though optional, the mobile number can be provided by the applicant/appellant in order to receive SMS alerts. On submission of an application, a unique registration number will be issued, which may be referred by the applicant for any future reference," said the department's guidelines.

Under the existing guidelines, no RTI fee is required to be paid by any citizen who is below poverty line as per RTI Rules, 2012.

08.21 | 0 komentar | Read More

Next round of Bhutan-China border talks to be held on Thursday

THIMPHU: Bhutan and China will hold their next round of boundary talks here on August 22, it was announced on Tuesday.

The eight-member Chinese delegation led by vice foreign minister Liu Zhenrin will arrive here on Wednesday for the 21st round of boundary talks between the two countries, a foreign ministry statement said.

The Bhutanese side will be led by foreign minister Rinzin Dorje.

The 20th round of boundary talks was held in Thimphu in August 2012.

The two countries, which have not established diplomatic relations, conducted the border talks last year with Bhutan expressing its wish to work with China to solve the boundary issue as soon as possible.

Despite the absence of diplomatic ties, the two countries have maintained political contacts, economic cooperation and people-to-people exchanges over the past several years.

During the intervening period, the fifth Expert Group meeting was held in the Tibetan capital of Lhasa on October 18 last year.

The Boundary negotiations between the Bhutanese government and the government of the People's Republic of China are guided by the four principles agreed to in the 1988 and the 1998 Agreement on the Maintenance of Peace and Tranquility in the Bhutan-China border areas.

China shares a contiguous border of 470 kilometres with Bhutan and its territorial disputes with the country have been a source of potential conflict.

08.21 | 0 komentar | Read More

Rain lashes Kolkata, heavy showers predicted for tomorrow

KOLKATA: Heavy rain lashed the city inundating several low-lying areas and affecting normal life, even as the weatherman predicted heavy to very heavy rains in Gangetic West Bengal till Wednesday.

"Heavy to very heavy rains will occur at isolated places in Gangetic West Bengal till tomorrow noon," regional met director G C Debnath said here today.

Though the weather may temporarily improve in the metropolis and adjoining areas tomorrow afternoon, it is likely to continue to remain bad for the next two days in south Bengal, Debnath said.

A well-marked low pressure concentrated into a depression over Gangetic West Bengal and adjoining northwest Bay of Bengal, north Odisha and Jharkhand and lay centred at about 150 kms southeast of Jamshedpur and 150 kms south-southwest of Bankura, according to the MeT department. The system would move gradually in a west northwestward direction and weaken into a well-marked low pressure area during the next two days.

The metropolis experienced 91.6 mm rainfall since Monday till this noon, met sources said. While several low lying areas in different parts of the city and adjoining areas were inundated, water receded fast in the main thoroughfares, reducing the woes of people going outdoors. Many schools and colleges remained closed owing to the incessant rains that continued since yesterday and a good percentage of office-goers also decided to remain indoors.

Public vehicles were lesser in number on the streets due to the inclement weather. There was, however, no mishap related to the heavy downpour, city police sources said.

08.21 | 0 komentar | Read More

December 16 gang-rape case: Verdict involving juvenile deferred till August 31

NEW DELHI: The judgement in the December 16 gang-rape case involving a minor was on Monday again deferred till August 31 by the Juvenile Justice Board (JJB).

The JJB, presided over by Principal Magistrate Geetanjali Goel, postponed the verdict on the ground that the Supreme Court is to pronounce its order on maintainability of a PIL seeking fresh interpretation of the term 'juvenile' in the statute.

The police, after attending Monday's proceedings, told the media outside the JJB that the verdict has been deferred till August 31 as the apex court has reserved its order on the maintainability of the PIL.

This is the fourth time that the pronouncement of verdict has been deferred by the board since July 11.

The Supreme Court had on August 14 reserved it order on the maintainability of a PIL filed by former MP Subramanian Swamy for a fresh interpretation of the term 'juvenile'.

Referring to a provision of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, Swamy has said it was "badly" drafted and needs to be revisited as it was in violation of the United Nations Convention for the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) and Beijing Rules on the issue.

He has said the "mental and intellectual maturity" of minor offenders be considered instead of the age limit of 18 years while fixing their culpability.

Swamy had also cited the alleged role of the juvenile in the December 16 gang rape case.

The juvenile was one of six persons who had allegedly gang-raped a 23-year-old girl in a moving bus. The victim died in a Singapore hospital on December 29.

Of the other five accused, four -- Mukesh, Pawan Gupta, Vinay Sharma and Akshay Thakur -- are facing trial before a fast track court. Proceedings against key accused Ram Singh abated after his death on March 11 when he was found hanging in his cell in Tihar Jail.

The inquiry against the juvenile in the gangrape and robbery case had concluded on July 5 and the board had reserved its judgement for July 11.

Since then, the board's verdict has been deferred four times, once on July 11, then on July 25, August 5 and today (August 19).

The police has in its chargesheet said the juvenile was the most brutal of all the accused.

However, during the inquiry before the JJB, the juvenile claimed he was innocent.

A native of Uttar Pradesh, the minor had moved to Delhi at the age of 11. He has been convicted for robbing a carpenter, Ramadhar, with the adult co-accused by luring him into the same bus in which the girl was gangraped and assaulted.

He has been held guilty under section 395 (dacoity), 342 (wrongful confinement) and 412 (dishonestly receiving property stolen in the commission of a dacoity) of the IPC.

The carpenter had identified the juvenile as one of the accused on board the bus.

The minor, however, was acquitted under section 365 (kidnapping or abducting with intent secretly and wrongfully to confine person) and 394 (voluntarily causing hurt in committing robbery) of the IPC.

08.20 | 0 komentar | Read More

It is vote security bill for Congress: Murli Manohar Joshi on Food Security Bill

JAIPUR: Describing the UPA government's ambitious legislation on food as "vote security bill", BJP leader Murli Manohar Joshi on Monday said it is "more of laws" and will not fill bellies of poor.

The bill does not match the food requirement of any individual as prescribed in the international standards, "it was more of laws that would not fill up bellies of even poor," Joshi told reporters here.

"As per the international norms, every adult should be provided 14 kg foodgrain while minor should get 7 kg.

"While UPA government's Food Security Bill will provide just 5 kg food," Joshi said. Who will provide "pulse and cooking oil", he asked.

"There should be sufficient and nutritious food for every one who needs it," Joshi said, adding Chhattisgarh government was providing complete food to needy at Rs 5 only.

The BJP leader was here to attend a function, celebrating Eid, Teej and Rakshabandhan festivals, organised by Muslim Rashtriya Manch.

Centre should have studied the Chattisgarh model of food security before introducing the bill in Parliament, he said.

The UPA government should concentrate on increasing agriculture production, specially of foodgrains, to meet the growing demand of huge population, Joshi said.

"Centre was reducing investment in agriculture, and, as a result agro-industries are facing crisis with shrinking job employment," he said.

Quoting a report, Joshi said,"About 2,137 farmers are quitting agriculture farming every day in the country and the day will not be far when India will have to import foodgrains."

"Thus, it is a vote security bill of the UPA government," he categorically said.

Referring to the remarks by some Congress leaders about Narendra Modi, in which he was referred to as frog and cockroach, Joshi said, "It is most unfortunate that the party posts are occupied by functionaries who are not political leaders. Hence, they have no moral authority, patience, tolerance, control on language".

08.20 | 0 komentar | Read More

Vijay Gopalan appointed AirAsia India CFO

The author has posted comments on this articleAnshul Dhamija, TNN | Aug 19, 2013, 06.40PM IST

BANGALORE: AirAsia on Monday announced the appointment of Vijay Gopalan as the chief financial officer for AirAsia India.

Gopalan is a chartered accountant with over a decade's experience from Chennai and holds an advanced diploma in marketing and sales from the National Institute of Sales. Prior to AirAsia, he has worked with Compass Group India as well as Ernst & Young, and in the United States and the United Kingdom with experiences in various industries including oil and gas, as and hospitality.

"I'm sure AirAsia India will benefit from his skills and valued experiences," said Mittu Chandilya, CEO, AirAsia India.

Vijay is also a keen academician. He was a guest faculty at the Loyola Institute of Business Administration and the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India. Apart from his regular financial roles, Gopalan has acted in a Tamil film and performed at music shows.

Vijay Gopalan said, "I am very excited about being part of the team that is going to change the aviation landscape in India and make flight travel affordable to everyone maintaining the highest levels of security and service experience, true to our motto - Now everyone can Fly." Now, AirAsia, through its operations based in Thailand and Malaysia, connect Chennai, Bangalore, Thiruchirapalli (Trichy), Kochi and Kolkata.

08.20 | 0 komentar | Read More

Rolls-Royce launches four-seater coupe Wraith at Rs 4.6 crore

According to the company, the new vehicle is the most powerful Rolls-Royce motor cars ever made.

The author has posted comments on this articleIANS | Aug 19, 2013, 07.14PM IST

NEW DELHI: Super luxury vehicle manufacturer Rolls-Royce on Monday launched its four-seater coupe Wraith in India with a starting price of Rs 4.6 crore.

"Today we are proud to reveal the most dynamic and powerful Rolls-Royce ever built," said Herfried Hasenoehrl, general manager for emerging markets-Asia, Rolls-Royce Motor.

"Rolls-Royce has enjoyed a great and lengthy history in India, and we're happy to greet our customers here with this exceptional new model."

The luxury four-seater coupe is powered by a twin-turbo V12 engine coupled with a eight-speed automatic ZF transmission. The engine is powerful enough to generate 624 brake horse power and 800Nm of torque and can attain 0-100km speed in 4.6 seconds.

According to the company, the new vehicle is the most powerful Rolls-Royce motor cars ever made.

The coupe also features a wide rear track, shorter wheelbase and lower roof height seated on 21-inch five-spoke part-polished wheels which feature self-righting RR monogram.

Other features of the luxury vehicle includes mechanical and electrical technologies like head-up display, adaptive headlights, keyless boot opening, camera system, voice activation commands and route assistance.

According to the legendary British automotive manufacturer, India remains one of its best performing markets in Asia and that company expects sales momentum to continue in the country as there are a growing number of ultra-rich individuals in the untapped market South Asian market.

"We have seen an exceptional last year when we sold 3,575 vehicles (globally). This year we are confident of surpassing certain targets that the company has set. India continues to be one of the strongest markets and we expect the sales momentum to continue even this year," Hasenoehrl told IANS.

The 108-year-old carmaker, which returned to India in 2005, has been witnessing strong growth since 2010 and has plans of expanding its reach from the current base of three dealerships in Delhi, Mumbai and Hyderabad. The company plans to have two more dealerships at Chandigarh and Ahmedabad.

Till March, 2013 the company had sold 250 cars in India since 2005, while the annual sales in China are over 1,000. India China has 22 dealers while India has just three with the third one opening only last week in Hyderabad.

During 1907 and 1947, of the 3600 Rolls-Royce cars sold globally, India accounted for more than 1,000.

08.20 | 0 komentar | Read More

Govt introduces electronic postal order to help NRIs seek information under RTI Act

CHENNAI: The government has introduced an electronic postal order to help non-resident Indians seek information under the Right to Information (RTI) Act.

Diplomatic sources at the Indian embassy in Riyadh told TOI over telephone on Monday that the department of personnel and department of posts had recently launched a service called e-IPO (Electronic Indian Postal Order) to allow the NRIs to purchase an Indian postal order electronically by paying the fee online at http://www.epostoffice.gov.in.

"This facility has been provided for Indian citizens abroad to enable them to purchase a postal order electronically to seek information under the RTI Act, 2005," sources said.

The user needs to register at the website. He or she must select the ministry or department from where he or she desires to seek the information under the RTI Act. The e-IPO so generated can be used to seek information from that ministry or department only.

A printout of the e-IPO is required to be attached with the RTI application. If the RTI application is being filed electronically, the e-IPO should be attached.

There are more than 2.8 million Indians living in Saudi Arabia. It is the largest expatriate community in the Kingdom. Nearly two million of the estimated six million Indians holding skilled and unskilled jobs in the Gulf are from Kerala.

08.20 | 0 komentar | Read More

Heavy to very heavy rainfall likely in Odisha in next two days: Met

BHUBANESWAR: Heavy to very heavy rains accompanied by high velocity surface wind is likely to lash some parts of Odisha in the next two days under the influence of a low pressure area formed over Bay of Bengal.

The low pressure has formed over north Bay of Bengal and adjoining Gangetic West Bengal and Bangladesh coasts this morning, the meteorological centre here said.

Under its impact, rain and thundershower would occur at most places over Odisha, it said adding heavy to very heavy rainfall may occur at one or two places in the state during next 48 hours.

Surface wind speed reaching 40 to 50 kmph may prevail along and off Odisha Coast, the met office said.

Fishermen are advised not to venture into sea as sea condition would be rough.

08.20 | 0 komentar | Read More

Thousands march in Rabat in support of Egypt Islamists

RABAT: Around 10,000 people took part in a demonstration in the Moroccan capital on Sunday in support of Islamists in Egypt locked in a deadly showdown with security forces.

The crowd carried banners condemning the police operations that have cost hundreds of lives among demonstrators demanding the reinstatement of Egypt's army-ousted Islamist president Mohamed Morsi and posters showing the dead in makeshift morgues in Cairo.

"Soldiers should be carrying out their duty of protecting the nation's territory instead of killing their own people," said Driss Leghroudi, a 33-year-old academic.

"History is repeating itself. It happened in Algeria in 1992 (with its civil war) ... It's Saudi Arabia which is behind it" in Egypt, he charged, as the crowd chanted for the expulsion of the Egyptian ambassador to Morocco.

Morocco initially adopted a neutral stand after last month's toppling of Morsi but the authorities in Rabat have since expressed alarm over the carnage resulting from a security crackdown to remove Morsi's supporters from the streets.

More than 750 people have been killed in violence across Egypt since Wednesday, official figures show.

08.20 | 0 komentar | Read More

I could have ordered CBI probe against Deve Gowda: SM Krishna

BANGALORE: With just 48-hours left for the bypolls for Mandya and Bangalore Rural LokSabha segments, the Congress launched multi-pronged attack on the JD(S) and its leaders.

Canvassing for Congress candidate D K Suresh chief minister Siddaramaiah, former external affairs minister SM Krishna and Union minister M Veerappa Moily and K H Muniyappa shared dais in Rajarajeshwarinagar on Sunday.

Reacting to Gowda's statement that he was tortured by Krishna as CM, the former external affairs minister said if he really wanted to target Gowda, his administration would have ordered CBI probe into the alleged scam in the Upper Krishna Project (UKP). "The file on UKP scam that took place when Gowda was CM was before me. The House committee had strongly recommended for CBI probe. Had I wanted to torture Gowda, I could have ordered CBI probe into the allegations, but I declined," Krishna said.

Referring to JD(S) supremo H D Deve Gowda's statement that Congress did not make Union railway minister Mallikarjun M Kharge, a dalit as chief minister, Siddaramaiah retorted saying that former Prime minister could have made D Manjunath, a dalit as CM instead of his son H D Kumaraswamy in 2006. "Senior leader of JD(S) C Narayanaswamy could have been fielded as candidate in Bangalore rural, but Anitha was fielded as Gowda wanted to have family control on the constituency," the CM attacked.

Maintaining that outcome of the bypoll will not be a referendum on the Siddaramaiah led government, KPCC chief G Parmeshwara in Mysore sought to know from Gowda whether the JD(S) will be a part of third front or BJP led NDA?"Gowda's secular credentials stands exposed today with his party seeking the support of BJP in the by-polls," he said.

08.20 | 0 komentar | Read More

Press Council of India begins probe into Azam Khan 'whipping' remark on bureaucracy

LUCKNOW: The Press Council of India has started probe into senior UP minister and Samajwadi Party leader Azam Khan's 'whipping remark on bureaucracy'.

Khan had allegedly said in a meeting at SP office in Lucknow on January 30, 2013, that the officers understand only the 'language of whipping'. However, after the statement was reported in the media, Khan described media reports as baseless and claimed that his statement was twisted to tarnish his image and that of the SP government. Later, Lucknow-based social activist Nutan Thakur had brought the matter to the notice of the PCI. She had requested PCI chairperson Markandey Katju to conduct a detailed probe to bring the truth because Khan's denial raised question over the credibility of media. The PCI has now issued notices to newspapers to provide facts related to the statement.

08.20 | 0 komentar | Read More

About 30 prisoners escape from Indonesian jail: Officials

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08.20 | 0 komentar | Read More