Enter Tejas, first made-in-India combat jet

Bangalore:  Twenty seven years after it was first conceived, Tejas has been declared fit for use.

This is India's first fighter jet to be built largely at home. The actual work on this Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) began exactly a decade ago.  Rs. 14, 500 crore have been spent on developing the Tejas; obstacles included skepticism at home and foreign countries that refused to share technology. That's what makes the Tejas so special for the DRDO's Aeronautical Development Agency.

Defence Minister A K Antony handed over the Initial Operational Clearance certificate to Air Chief Marshal P V Naik at the HAL airport in Bangalore.

For the immediate future, the Indian Air Force plans to use 20 Tejas planes, with the number escalating to 200 over the next decade, if the plane proves itself.
"We want to strengthen armed forces by giving modern equipment at the earliest," said the Defence Minister.

India has become the eighth country in the world to design, develop and fly its own combat aircraft. Apart from that euphoria, Tejas is not close to becoming India's frontline fighter aircraft - its engine continues to be imported and so is its radar.

Some Tejas highlights:

• Culmination of decades of work by Indian Defence Scientists and technicians.
• Tejas will initially form one squadron (20 aircraft) in the IAF.
• Conceived and launched in 1983 with a meagre funding of Rs. 560 crore
• Tejas'  engine, radar, some navigation technologies and some display systems are imported. But officials at the ADA asserted ahead of the launch that the design, development, testing, certification and mastery of the system engineering is completely Indian.
• Officials say in another five years, Tejas will be completely indigenous and the higher variant will be ready by 2014.

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Posted in: SPECIAL NEWS

Swami Aseemanand: A bomb for a bomb

New Delhi, Jan 7: The saffron terror has showed its nasty face again and the proof is out in the open. The main accused in the Samjhauta blast case, Swami Aseemanand has been vindicated. Aseemanand has reportedly confessed to the crime that led to the death of 68 people with the majority being Pakistanis.

The confession was made to the CBI and confirmed that Hindu terrorists were behind the blast. In an irresponsible statement that reveals the dark side of terror the Swami has been quoted as saying, "I told everyone that bomb must be responded with a bomb."

Swami Aseemanand has made the statement under section 164 before a magistrate that will be considered as key evidence. He also revealed the part played by RSS leader Indresh Kumar, Pragya Singh and Sunil Joshi in carrying out the terror attacks.

The NIA is currently investigating the case. This revelation has ruled out the involvement of Pakistani forces or Islamic terror outfits in the deadly blasts.

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Posted in: SPECIAL NEWS

2G scam: No loss to the country, says Sibal

The government on Friday rejected the estimates of the Comptroller and Auditor General on the losses of  Rs 1.76 lakh crore (Rs 1.76 trillion) on account of allocation of 2G spectrum to telecom operators saying it "had no basis and was utterly erroneous".
Asserting that there were actually no losses to the exchequer, Sibal said "CAG has done injustice to itself and the Opposition is doing injustice to aam aadmi."
"We are extremely pained at methodology adopted by CAG for arriving at 2G spectrum (allocation loss) figures that have no basis," Telecom Minister Kapil Sibal told reporters in New Delhi.

Read more »

Posted in: CRIME

2G scam: No loss to the country, says Sibal

The government on Friday rejected the estimates of the Comptroller and Auditor General on the losses of  Rs 1.76 lakh crore (Rs 1.76 trillion) on account of allocation of 2G spectrum to telecom operators saying it "had no basis and was utterly erroneous".
Asserting that there were actually no losses to the exchequer, Sibal said "CAG has done injustice to itself and the Opposition is doing injustice to aam aadmi."
"We are extremely pained at methodology adopted by CAG for arriving at 2G spectrum (allocation loss) figures that have no basis," Telecom Minister Kapil Sibal told reporters in New Delhi.

Read more »

Posted in: CRIME

Punjab Advocate Gen’s mother-in-law murdered

Chandigarh: In a shocking case, the mother-in-law of Punjab's acting Advocate General Rupinder Khosla was Thursday found murdered in her bungalow in a busy residential area here.

According to police, the lady Ajinder Kaur Mann was living alone in Sector 21.

Although, police have begun investigations into the shocking murder, it suspects that the victim had been sexually assaulted before she was murdered.


Police have come to this conclusion since some of the victim’s garments had been removed.

The family came to know about the murder when Mann did not answer telephone calls for the last two days.

No arrest has been made in the case so far and more details are awaited.

Read more »

Posted in: SPECIAL NEWS

Punjab Advocate Gen’s mother-in-law murdered

Chandigarh: In a shocking case, the mother-in-law of Punjab's acting Advocate General Rupinder Khosla was Thursday found murdered in her bungalow in a busy residential area here.

According to police, the lady Ajinder Kaur Mann was living alone in Sector 21.

Although, police have begun investigations into the shocking murder, it suspects that the victim had been sexually assaulted before she was murdered.


Police have come to this conclusion since some of the victim’s garments had been removed.

The family came to know about the murder when Mann did not answer telephone calls for the last two days.

No arrest has been made in the case so far and more details are awaited.

Read more »

Posted in: SPECIAL NEWS

Srikrishna panel favours united Andhra option

While terming the demand for a separate state of Telangana as only the “second best option’’, Justice Srikrishna Committee report on the situation in Andhra Pradesh has favoured the united Andhra option for continuing the development momentum of the three regions of the State. The panel found the united Andhra to be the “most workable’’ option in the given circumstances and in the best interest of the social and economic welfare of the people.

“In this option it is proposed to keep the State united and provide Constitutional / Statutory measures to address the core socio-economic concerns about the development of the Telangana region,’’ the report that was made public on Thursday, a week after it was submitted to Union Home Minister P. Chidambaram, said.

Panel offers six options

The report, running into 461 pages, lists six options — (i) Maintaining status quo, (ii) Bifurcation of the State into Seemandhra and Telangana with Hyderabad as a Union Territory and the two States developing their own capitals in due course, (iii) Bifurcation of State into Rayala-Telangana and coastal Andhra regions with Hyderabad being an integral part of Rayala-Telangana, (iv) Bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh into Seemandhra and Telangana with enlarged Hyderabad Metropolis as a separate Union Territory, (v) Bifurcation of the State into Telangana and Seemandhra as per existing boundaries with Hyderabad as the capital of Telangana and Seemandhra to have a new capital (vi) Keeping the State united by simultaneously providing certain definite Constitutional/Statutory measures for socio-economic development and political empowerment of Telangana region and creation of a statutorily empowered Telangana Regional Council.

It found the fifth option to be the “second best option’’ with a rider that separation “is recommended only in case it is unavoidable and if this decision can be reached amicable amongst all the three regions.’’ While considering the option of bifurcation of the State into Telangana and Seemandhra as per existing boundaries, the Committee felt that the continuing demand for a separate Telangana has some merit and “is not entirely unjustified.’’ In case this option is exercised, the apprehensions of the coastal Andhra and the Rayalaseema people and others who are settled in Hyderabad and other districts of Telangana with regard to their investments, properties, livelihood and employment would need to be absolutely addressed.

“Considering all aspects, the Committee felt that while creation of separate Telangana would satisfy a large majority of people from the region, it will also throw up several other serious problems. Therefore, after taking into account of the pros and cons the Committee did not think it to be most preferred, but the second best option,’’ the report said.

Maintaining status quo as the least favoured option, it also found the second and third options to be “not practicable.’’ The Committee felt that the fourth option of bifurcating Andhra Pradesh into Seemandhra and Telangana with enlarged Hyderabad metropolis as a separate Union Territory was likely to receive stiff opposition from Telangana protagonists and it may be difficult to reach a political consensus in making this solution acceptable to all.

Balance tilting in favour of united A.P

Narrowing down on the sixth option of keeping the State united, the panel said that it could be done through the establishment of a statutory and empowered Telangana Regional Council with adequate transfer of funds, functions and functionaries. “The Regional Council would provide a legislative consultative mechanism for the subjects to be dealt with by the Council,’’ it said.

The Committee felt that with firm political and administrative management, it should be possible to convey conviction to the people about keeping the State united as this option would be in the best interest of all and would provide satisfaction to the maximum number of people in the State. “It would also take care of the uncertainty over the future of Hyderabad as a bustling educational, industrial and IT hub/destination,’’ it observed.

Dwelling further on the sixth option, it said that for management of water and irrigation resources on an equitable basis, a technical body – Water Management Board – and an Irrigation Project Development Corporation in expanded role have been recommended. This course of action should meet all the issues raised by Telangana people satisfactorily, it said.

Flagging socio-economic development and good governance as being the core issue, the Committee, keeping the national perspective in mind, was of the considered view that “this option stands out as the best way forward.’’

The five-member Committee, headed by former Supreme Court judge Justice B. N. Srikrishna, was appointed on February 3 last year. It examined in detail the issues pertaining to current demand for a separate State of Telangana as well as the demand for maintaining the present status quo of keeping the State united.

The panel examined all aspects of the situation as well as keeping in view the local, regional and the national perspectives, it gave six possible options. Parameters such as regional, economic and equity analysis, education and health, water resources, irrigation and power development, public employment issues were examined by the Committee.

It also looked into issues relating to Hyderabad metropolis and sociological and cultural issues. In the past 11 months, it consulted organisations of civil society such as industry, trade, trade unions, farmers’, women’s and students’ organisations and consulted all sections of the people, especially the political parties.

Read more »

Posted in: TELENGANA

Srikrishna panel favours united Andhra option

While terming the demand for a separate state of Telangana as only the “second best option’’, Justice Srikrishna Committee report on the situation in Andhra Pradesh has favoured the united Andhra option for continuing the development momentum of the three regions of the State. The panel found the united Andhra to be the “most workable’’ option in the given circumstances and in the best interest of the social and economic welfare of the people.

“In this option it is proposed to keep the State united and provide Constitutional / Statutory measures to address the core socio-economic concerns about the development of the Telangana region,’’ the report that was made public on Thursday, a week after it was submitted to Union Home Minister P. Chidambaram, said.

Panel offers six options

The report, running into 461 pages, lists six options — (i) Maintaining status quo, (ii) Bifurcation of the State into Seemandhra and Telangana with Hyderabad as a Union Territory and the two States developing their own capitals in due course, (iii) Bifurcation of State into Rayala-Telangana and coastal Andhra regions with Hyderabad being an integral part of Rayala-Telangana, (iv) Bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh into Seemandhra and Telangana with enlarged Hyderabad Metropolis as a separate Union Territory, (v) Bifurcation of the State into Telangana and Seemandhra as per existing boundaries with Hyderabad as the capital of Telangana and Seemandhra to have a new capital (vi) Keeping the State united by simultaneously providing certain definite Constitutional/Statutory measures for socio-economic development and political empowerment of Telangana region and creation of a statutorily empowered Telangana Regional Council.

It found the fifth option to be the “second best option’’ with a rider that separation “is recommended only in case it is unavoidable and if this decision can be reached amicable amongst all the three regions.’’ While considering the option of bifurcation of the State into Telangana and Seemandhra as per existing boundaries, the Committee felt that the continuing demand for a separate Telangana has some merit and “is not entirely unjustified.’’ In case this option is exercised, the apprehensions of the coastal Andhra and the Rayalaseema people and others who are settled in Hyderabad and other districts of Telangana with regard to their investments, properties, livelihood and employment would need to be absolutely addressed.

“Considering all aspects, the Committee felt that while creation of separate Telangana would satisfy a large majority of people from the region, it will also throw up several other serious problems. Therefore, after taking into account of the pros and cons the Committee did not think it to be most preferred, but the second best option,’’ the report said.

Maintaining status quo as the least favoured option, it also found the second and third options to be “not practicable.’’ The Committee felt that the fourth option of bifurcating Andhra Pradesh into Seemandhra and Telangana with enlarged Hyderabad metropolis as a separate Union Territory was likely to receive stiff opposition from Telangana protagonists and it may be difficult to reach a political consensus in making this solution acceptable to all.

Balance tilting in favour of united A.P

Narrowing down on the sixth option of keeping the State united, the panel said that it could be done through the establishment of a statutory and empowered Telangana Regional Council with adequate transfer of funds, functions and functionaries. “The Regional Council would provide a legislative consultative mechanism for the subjects to be dealt with by the Council,’’ it said.

The Committee felt that with firm political and administrative management, it should be possible to convey conviction to the people about keeping the State united as this option would be in the best interest of all and would provide satisfaction to the maximum number of people in the State. “It would also take care of the uncertainty over the future of Hyderabad as a bustling educational, industrial and IT hub/destination,’’ it observed.

Dwelling further on the sixth option, it said that for management of water and irrigation resources on an equitable basis, a technical body – Water Management Board – and an Irrigation Project Development Corporation in expanded role have been recommended. This course of action should meet all the issues raised by Telangana people satisfactorily, it said.

Flagging socio-economic development and good governance as being the core issue, the Committee, keeping the national perspective in mind, was of the considered view that “this option stands out as the best way forward.’’

The five-member Committee, headed by former Supreme Court judge Justice B. N. Srikrishna, was appointed on February 3 last year. It examined in detail the issues pertaining to current demand for a separate State of Telangana as well as the demand for maintaining the present status quo of keeping the State united.

The panel examined all aspects of the situation as well as keeping in view the local, regional and the national perspectives, it gave six possible options. Parameters such as regional, economic and equity analysis, education and health, water resources, irrigation and power development, public employment issues were examined by the Committee.

It also looked into issues relating to Hyderabad metropolis and sociological and cultural issues. In the past 11 months, it consulted organisations of civil society such as industry, trade, trade unions, farmers’, women’s and students’ organisations and consulted all sections of the people, especially the political parties.

Read more »

Posted in: TELENGANA

Governor of Pakistan's Punjab gunned down

The outspoken Governor of Pakistan's Punjab province, Salman Taseer, was gunned down, allegedly by one of his own security guards, here on Tuesday afternoon.

The guard, who surrendered to the police soon after, is said to have been upset with Taseer for his support to a Christian woman charged with blasphemy.

The police said assailant Malik Mumtaz Husain Qadri from the elite force of the Punjab Police, shot Taseer several times from close range as the Governor was getting into his car on a side lane of Kohsar Market, which is a favourite with foreigners based here.

The Governor was rushed to a nearby polyclinic, but eyewitnesses said he was already dead. Doctors said he suffered nine bullet wounds. His body was later removed to the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences as the polyclinic did not have a morgue.

As condemnation poured in from across the political spectrum and civil society, the government declared a three-day mourning. The Pakistan People's Party (PPP), to which Taseer belonged, has called for a fortnight-long mourning, with its spokesperson Fauzia Wahab underscoring the point that yet another party stalwart had made the ultimate sacrifice.

Taseer angered the ‘religious' right wing after he visited Aasia Bibi — who was sentenced to death by a sessions court in November last for allegedly committing blasphemy — in the Sheikhupura jail. He also forwarded her mercy petition to President Asif Ali Zardari and stuck to his guns despite threats from hardliners.

An avid user of Twitter, Taseer tweeted on Thursday — the day before the shutter-down strike called by the ‘religious' right wing against any amendment to the blasphemy laws — that: “I was under huge pressure to cow down before rightist pressure on blasphemy. Refused. Even if I'm the last man standing.”

Soon after the assassination, a high-level investigation team, comprising members from the Inter Services Intelligence, the Federal Investigation Agency and the Intelligence Bureau, was set up to oversee the probe.

Interior Minister Rehman Malik said the team would examine whether the assailant — who is based in Rawalpindi and was assigned to Taseer a couple of times in the past when the Governor was on a visit to Islamabad — had acted on his own or under any instruction.

Read more »

Posted in: International

Governor of Pakistan's Punjab gunned down

The outspoken Governor of Pakistan's Punjab province, Salman Taseer, was gunned down, allegedly by one of his own security guards, here on Tuesday afternoon.

The guard, who surrendered to the police soon after, is said to have been upset with Taseer for his support to a Christian woman charged with blasphemy.

The police said assailant Malik Mumtaz Husain Qadri from the elite force of the Punjab Police, shot Taseer several times from close range as the Governor was getting into his car on a side lane of Kohsar Market, which is a favourite with foreigners based here.

The Governor was rushed to a nearby polyclinic, but eyewitnesses said he was already dead. Doctors said he suffered nine bullet wounds. His body was later removed to the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences as the polyclinic did not have a morgue.

As condemnation poured in from across the political spectrum and civil society, the government declared a three-day mourning. The Pakistan People's Party (PPP), to which Taseer belonged, has called for a fortnight-long mourning, with its spokesperson Fauzia Wahab underscoring the point that yet another party stalwart had made the ultimate sacrifice.

Taseer angered the ‘religious' right wing after he visited Aasia Bibi — who was sentenced to death by a sessions court in November last for allegedly committing blasphemy — in the Sheikhupura jail. He also forwarded her mercy petition to President Asif Ali Zardari and stuck to his guns despite threats from hardliners.

An avid user of Twitter, Taseer tweeted on Thursday — the day before the shutter-down strike called by the ‘religious' right wing against any amendment to the blasphemy laws — that: “I was under huge pressure to cow down before rightist pressure on blasphemy. Refused. Even if I'm the last man standing.”

Soon after the assassination, a high-level investigation team, comprising members from the Inter Services Intelligence, the Federal Investigation Agency and the Intelligence Bureau, was set up to oversee the probe.

Interior Minister Rehman Malik said the team would examine whether the assailant — who is based in Rawalpindi and was assigned to Taseer a couple of times in the past when the Governor was on a visit to Islamabad — had acted on his own or under any instruction.

Read more »

Posted in: International

Telangana report leans towards united Andhra

The Justice BN Srikrishna Committee report on the issue for a separate state of Telangana leans towards united Andhra Pradesh. The report, which was released by the Centre in New Delhi on Thursday, says that status quo be maintained for the sake of internal security and economic well being.
Listing six options, the Srikrishna Committee says that out of the chief minister and deputy chief minister of Andhra Pradesh, one of them should be from Telangana."For reasons of internal security and economic development this is a good option," the Committee reports. Supporting its recommendation for a united Andhra Pradesh, the Committee says that it found no reason to believe that the development of any region was ignored by the state government.

Key points of the Telangana report which lists six options:
1) Maintain status quo. Out of the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister one of them should be from Telangana. The committee says that for reasons of internal security and economic development maintaining status quo is a good option. The Commmittee also sayd that it found no reason to believe that the development of any region was ignored by the government.
2) Bifurcation into Seemandhra and Telangana with Hyderabad as an union territory. Both regions to have own capital in due course.
3) Bifurcation into Rayaltelangana and coastal Andhra with Hyderabad going with Rayaltelangana.
4) Bifurcation into Telangana and Seemandhra with an enlarged Hyderabad to become an union territory. The geographical links and continuity for enlarged hyderabad to have links with coastal Andhra.
5) Bifurcation of Seemandhra and Telangana as per existing boundary with Hyderabad becoming the capital of Telangana. Seemandhra to have its own separate capital.
6) United state providing certain constitutional measures for socio-economic and political development and formation of Telanagana Regional Council.

Read more »

Posted in: TELENGANA

Telangana report leans towards united Andhra

The Justice BN Srikrishna Committee report on the issue for a separate state of Telangana leans towards united Andhra Pradesh. The report, which was released by the Centre in New Delhi on Thursday, says that status quo be maintained for the sake of internal security and economic well being.
Listing six options, the Srikrishna Committee says that out of the chief minister and deputy chief minister of Andhra Pradesh, one of them should be from Telangana."For reasons of internal security and economic development this is a good option," the Committee reports. Supporting its recommendation for a united Andhra Pradesh, the Committee says that it found no reason to believe that the development of any region was ignored by the state government.

Key points of the Telangana report which lists six options:
1) Maintain status quo. Out of the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister one of them should be from Telangana. The committee says that for reasons of internal security and economic development maintaining status quo is a good option. The Commmittee also sayd that it found no reason to believe that the development of any region was ignored by the government.
2) Bifurcation into Seemandhra and Telangana with Hyderabad as an union territory. Both regions to have own capital in due course.
3) Bifurcation into Rayaltelangana and coastal Andhra with Hyderabad going with Rayaltelangana.
4) Bifurcation into Telangana and Seemandhra with an enlarged Hyderabad to become an union territory. The geographical links and continuity for enlarged hyderabad to have links with coastal Andhra.
5) Bifurcation of Seemandhra and Telangana as per existing boundary with Hyderabad becoming the capital of Telangana. Seemandhra to have its own separate capital.
6) United state providing certain constitutional measures for socio-economic and political development and formation of Telanagana Regional Council.

Read more »

Posted in: TELENGANA

Government to introduce Ordinance against corruption

New Delhi:  In a bid to fend off Opposition attack over several scams, the government has decided to bring out an Ordinance to put in place a mechanism to deal with corruption involving public personalities, including the Prime Minister.
   
The government wants to bring the Ordinance before January 25 so that it could become part of the President's Address to the Nation, sources said, adding it could be done even as early as Thursday when Cabinet meets.
    
The Ordinance will "draw heavily" from the Lokpal Bill that is being vetted by the Law Ministry and provides for filing of complaints of allegations of corruption against the Prime Minister, Ministers and MPs with the Lokpal, the sources said.
    
According to the Bill, the Lokpal shall consist of a Chairperson who is or has been a Chief Justice or a judge of the Supreme Court. It will also have two members who have either been the judges of the Supreme Court or the Chief Justices of the High Courts.
The government move comes at a time when it is under severe attack from the Opposition over various major scams like that involving 2G spectrum allocation and CWG. The decision to bring the Ordinance is in pursuance to Congress President Sonia Gandhi's assertion at the All India Congress Committee (AICC) plenary last month that corruption will taken "head-on" without showing any tolerance to it.
     
The issue was discussed at the Congress Core Group meeting at Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's residence on December 31 last.
     
The meeting discussed a note prepared by the Prime Minister's office in the light of Gandhi's five-point action plan to fight corruption suggested in her address to the Congress plenary.
     
Gandhi's plan included among other things institution of a new system of fast-tracking of all cases that concern corruption by public servants including politicians and to bring closure to such cases in a well-defined time-frame.
     
In his address to the Plenary, the Prime Minister referred to Gandhi's five-point action plan and said the government would pay careful attention to the agenda set out by Gandhi.
     
The draft Lokpal bill also provides that complaints against ministers and MPs should be routed through either the Lok Sabha Speaker or the Rajya Sabha Chairman and be heard only if they are referred by the presiding officers to it.
    
The Lokpal can also enquire into act or conduct of any person other than a public functionary if it is necessary for the purpose of inquiry into any allegation of corruption.

Read more »

Posted in: SPECIAL NEWS

Government to introduce Ordinance against corruption

New Delhi:  In a bid to fend off Opposition attack over several scams, the government has decided to bring out an Ordinance to put in place a mechanism to deal with corruption involving public personalities, including the Prime Minister.
   
The government wants to bring the Ordinance before January 25 so that it could become part of the President's Address to the Nation, sources said, adding it could be done even as early as Thursday when Cabinet meets.
    
The Ordinance will "draw heavily" from the Lokpal Bill that is being vetted by the Law Ministry and provides for filing of complaints of allegations of corruption against the Prime Minister, Ministers and MPs with the Lokpal, the sources said.
    
According to the Bill, the Lokpal shall consist of a Chairperson who is or has been a Chief Justice or a judge of the Supreme Court. It will also have two members who have either been the judges of the Supreme Court or the Chief Justices of the High Courts.
The government move comes at a time when it is under severe attack from the Opposition over various major scams like that involving 2G spectrum allocation and CWG. The decision to bring the Ordinance is in pursuance to Congress President Sonia Gandhi's assertion at the All India Congress Committee (AICC) plenary last month that corruption will taken "head-on" without showing any tolerance to it.
     
The issue was discussed at the Congress Core Group meeting at Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's residence on December 31 last.
     
The meeting discussed a note prepared by the Prime Minister's office in the light of Gandhi's five-point action plan to fight corruption suggested in her address to the Congress plenary.
     
Gandhi's plan included among other things institution of a new system of fast-tracking of all cases that concern corruption by public servants including politicians and to bring closure to such cases in a well-defined time-frame.
     
In his address to the Plenary, the Prime Minister referred to Gandhi's five-point action plan and said the government would pay careful attention to the agenda set out by Gandhi.
     
The draft Lokpal bill also provides that complaints against ministers and MPs should be routed through either the Lok Sabha Speaker or the Rajya Sabha Chairman and be heard only if they are referred by the presiding officers to it.
    
The Lokpal can also enquire into act or conduct of any person other than a public functionary if it is necessary for the purpose of inquiry into any allegation of corruption.

Read more »

Posted in: SPECIAL NEWS

Jagan to seek re-election from Kadapa Lok Sabha seat

Y S Jaganmohan Reddy, who has revolted against the Congress leadership, intends to seek re-election from Kadapa Lok Sabha seat and says he is not keen on destabilising the Congress Government in Andhra Pradesh.

The son of late Chief Minister Y S Rajasekhara Reddy says he has fast-tracked the process to register and launch his new political party before the by-elections for Kadapa and Pulivendula assembly constituencies are announced.

Both seats were vacated by him and his mother Vijayalaxmi after they quit Congress on November 29 last year alleging ?humiliation? by the party high command.

Mr. Jagan claimed that he has no intention to destabilise the Nallari Kiran Kumar Reddy Government in Andhra Pradesh as he is preparing to face the Assembly elections in 2014.

?I will seek re-election from Kadapa Lok Sabha seat,? he told PTI in an interview.

He was asked about his future plans and whether he intends to contest from Pulivendula Assembly seat, which his father had represented when he was the Chief Minister.

?I don?t want to be in the State assembly right now. If I am there, they (Congress) will say I am there to destabilise the Government. I don?t want that. My focus in on 2014,? he said.

?I alone cannot do anything in the Assembly. I am waiting for 2014. That is my goal,? he said.

After Mr. Jagan quit Congress, there was intense speculation that he would contest from Pulivendula.

He also dismissed suggestions that he plans to dislodge the Congress Government in the State by luring MLAs, saying, ?If I had to, I would have done it in 2009 when 150 MLAs supported me (for the Chief Ministership).?

?Why would I do that now? My focus now is on 2014,? he said.

Asked why he intends to go to Lok Sabha again, he said ?it makes more sense to seek a larger mandate from 10 lakh people to enter Lok Sabha rather than seeking the mandate of 2 lakh people.

?Lok Sabha is a larger mandate. But, my focus would be State politics and I will be on the move visiting people across Andhra Pradesh,? Mr. Jagan, whose 48-hour fast to highlight farmers? plight saw the participation of 20 Congress MLAs, said.

Asked about the plans to launch his political party, he said the process to register the outfit has already started and the Election Commission will be approached soon in this regard.

?I have quit Congress. The next step is to launch a party of my own. That will be done. The process has already started and it will be completed in sometime,? he said.

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Posted in: JAGAN,YSR

Jagan to seek re-election from Kadapa Lok Sabha seat

Y S Jaganmohan Reddy, who has revolted against the Congress leadership, intends to seek re-election from Kadapa Lok Sabha seat and says he is not keen on destabilising the Congress Government in Andhra Pradesh.

The son of late Chief Minister Y S Rajasekhara Reddy says he has fast-tracked the process to register and launch his new political party before the by-elections for Kadapa and Pulivendula assembly constituencies are announced.

Both seats were vacated by him and his mother Vijayalaxmi after they quit Congress on November 29 last year alleging ?humiliation? by the party high command.

Mr. Jagan claimed that he has no intention to destabilise the Nallari Kiran Kumar Reddy Government in Andhra Pradesh as he is preparing to face the Assembly elections in 2014.

?I will seek re-election from Kadapa Lok Sabha seat,? he told PTI in an interview.

He was asked about his future plans and whether he intends to contest from Pulivendula Assembly seat, which his father had represented when he was the Chief Minister.

?I don?t want to be in the State assembly right now. If I am there, they (Congress) will say I am there to destabilise the Government. I don?t want that. My focus in on 2014,? he said.

?I alone cannot do anything in the Assembly. I am waiting for 2014. That is my goal,? he said.

After Mr. Jagan quit Congress, there was intense speculation that he would contest from Pulivendula.

He also dismissed suggestions that he plans to dislodge the Congress Government in the State by luring MLAs, saying, ?If I had to, I would have done it in 2009 when 150 MLAs supported me (for the Chief Ministership).?

?Why would I do that now? My focus now is on 2014,? he said.

Asked why he intends to go to Lok Sabha again, he said ?it makes more sense to seek a larger mandate from 10 lakh people to enter Lok Sabha rather than seeking the mandate of 2 lakh people.

?Lok Sabha is a larger mandate. But, my focus would be State politics and I will be on the move visiting people across Andhra Pradesh,? Mr. Jagan, whose 48-hour fast to highlight farmers? plight saw the participation of 20 Congress MLAs, said.

Asked about the plans to launch his political party, he said the process to register the outfit has already started and the Election Commission will be approached soon in this regard.

?I have quit Congress. The next step is to launch a party of my own. That will be done. The process has already started and it will be completed in sometime,? he said.

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Posted in: JAGAN,YSR

Gangster-politician Suri shot in Hyderabad, dies

Gangster-politician Suryanarayana Reddy alias Maddelachervu Suri, a key accused in former Andhra Pradesh minister and Telugu Desam Party (TDP) leader Paritala Ravi's murder, died in a hospital after being shot at by unidentified assailants shot him in Hyderabad on Monday. The shooting took place at Road No.13 in the posh Jubilee Hills area on Monday evening, police said.
Suri, a Congress leader involved in several criminal cases in the faction-ridden Anantapur district, was taken to Apollo Hospital, where his condition is stated to be critical.
Also an accused in the 1997 Jubliee Hills bomb blast case, he was released from jail a year ago.
Paritala Ravi, a former minister and leader of the state's main opposition TDP, was gunned down in Anantapur town Jan 24, 2005, allegedly by the followers of Suri.
The factional rivalry between the families of Ravi and Suri recently hit the national headlines following the release of "Rakta Charitra", a multilingual film by Ram Gopal Varma.
The movie starring Vivek Oberoi, Surya and Shatrughan Sinha in key roles, triggered a row with peace activists and NGOs opposing it on the grounds that it could lead to a fresh spell of violence.
Suri had earlier made an attempt to kill Ravi in 1997 at the Jubilee Hills in Hyderabad. Though Ravi escaped unhurt, 25 people were killed and many injured in the bomb blast.
Anantapur district is part of the backward Rayalaseema region, notorious for factional killings. Factions backed by political parties have been engaged in bloody battles for decades for supremacy in villages, especially in Anantapur district.
The faction members are notorious for the merciless manner in which they eliminate their rivals. More than 500 people have been killed in the factional violence over the past 15 years.

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Posted in: SPECIAL NEWS

Gangster-politician Suri shot in Hyderabad, dies

Gangster-politician Suryanarayana Reddy alias Maddelachervu Suri, a key accused in former Andhra Pradesh minister and Telugu Desam Party (TDP) leader Paritala Ravi's murder, died in a hospital after being shot at by unidentified assailants shot him in Hyderabad on Monday. The shooting took place at Road No.13 in the posh Jubilee Hills area on Monday evening, police said.
Suri, a Congress leader involved in several criminal cases in the faction-ridden Anantapur district, was taken to Apollo Hospital, where his condition is stated to be critical.
Also an accused in the 1997 Jubliee Hills bomb blast case, he was released from jail a year ago.
Paritala Ravi, a former minister and leader of the state's main opposition TDP, was gunned down in Anantapur town Jan 24, 2005, allegedly by the followers of Suri.
The factional rivalry between the families of Ravi and Suri recently hit the national headlines following the release of "Rakta Charitra", a multilingual film by Ram Gopal Varma.
The movie starring Vivek Oberoi, Surya and Shatrughan Sinha in key roles, triggered a row with peace activists and NGOs opposing it on the grounds that it could lead to a fresh spell of violence.
Suri had earlier made an attempt to kill Ravi in 1997 at the Jubilee Hills in Hyderabad. Though Ravi escaped unhurt, 25 people were killed and many injured in the bomb blast.
Anantapur district is part of the backward Rayalaseema region, notorious for factional killings. Factions backed by political parties have been engaged in bloody battles for decades for supremacy in villages, especially in Anantapur district.
The faction members are notorious for the merciless manner in which they eliminate their rivals. More than 500 people have been killed in the factional violence over the past 15 years.

Read more »

Posted in: SPECIAL NEWS

'Tendulkar defied the advancing years'

Chappell described Sehwag as the most dangerous batsman in the world right now.
"A dashing opener who can win a game in the opening session of a Test. The most dangerous batsman in world cricket," he said.
Chappell lavished praise on Tendulkar, saying the 37-year-old, who recently became the first batsman to notch up 50 Test hundreds, seems to be getting better with age.
"Unlike Ponting, Tendulkar defied the advancing years and enjoyed a tremendous resurgence. He even rediscovered the art of dominating bowlers," Chappell said.
Explaining the reasons for picking Dhoni and Zaheer, Chappell said both have been consistent in their respective roles. "Dhoni has batted consistently, scoring runs when India need them and doing an adequate job with the gloves. He's a calm leader with some flair," Chappell said.
"Zaheer is a left-armer who has developed into a dangerous bowler with both the new and old ball. He performs well against good opposition," he added.

Image: Sachin Tendulkar

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Posted in: CricketNext,SPORTS

'Tendulkar defied the advancing years'

Chappell described Sehwag as the most dangerous batsman in the world right now.
"A dashing opener who can win a game in the opening session of a Test. The most dangerous batsman in world cricket," he said.
Chappell lavished praise on Tendulkar, saying the 37-year-old, who recently became the first batsman to notch up 50 Test hundreds, seems to be getting better with age.
"Unlike Ponting, Tendulkar defied the advancing years and enjoyed a tremendous resurgence. He even rediscovered the art of dominating bowlers," Chappell said.
Explaining the reasons for picking Dhoni and Zaheer, Chappell said both have been consistent in their respective roles. "Dhoni has batted consistently, scoring runs when India need them and doing an adequate job with the gloves. He's a calm leader with some flair," Chappell said.
"Zaheer is a left-armer who has developed into a dangerous bowler with both the new and old ball. He performs well against good opposition," he added.

Image: Sachin Tendulkar

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Posted in: CricketNext,SPORTS

'It's been a slippery dip for Australia'

Batting icon Sachin Tendulkar and skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni were among the four Indian cricketers who found a place in former Australia captain Ian Chappell's '2010 World XI', which did not feature a single Aussie.
Dashing opener Virender Sehwag and pace spearhead Zaheer Khan were the other two Indians in the XI, which features five South Africans.
"Four years ago the Australian cricket team was cock-a-hoop. They'd regained the Ashes and had accentuated their superiority by smashing England at the MCG on the way to an eventual 5-0 series victory. Now the team is in tatters and it's best illustrated by a comparison of World XIs chosen at the end of the calendar year," Chappell wrote in his column for 'The Daily Telegraph'.
"In 2006, Australia had six players in the XI, with Brett Lee 12th man. In the 2010 side, no Australian made the XI and Shane Watson is the 12th man," he pointed out.
"It's been a slippery dip for Australia since the retirement of bowlers Shane Warne and Glenn McGrath. The ride gathered pace when Adam Gilchrist and Matthew Hayden called it a day. They have now hit the sand pit because of the struggles of the one player who kept the brake on the downhill ride, Ricky Ponting," he further explained.

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Posted in: CricketNext,SPORTS

'It's been a slippery dip for Australia'

Batting icon Sachin Tendulkar and skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni were among the four Indian cricketers who found a place in former Australia captain Ian Chappell's '2010 World XI', which did not feature a single Aussie.
Dashing opener Virender Sehwag and pace spearhead Zaheer Khan were the other two Indians in the XI, which features five South Africans.
"Four years ago the Australian cricket team was cock-a-hoop. They'd regained the Ashes and had accentuated their superiority by smashing England at the MCG on the way to an eventual 5-0 series victory. Now the team is in tatters and it's best illustrated by a comparison of World XIs chosen at the end of the calendar year," Chappell wrote in his column for 'The Daily Telegraph'.
"In 2006, Australia had six players in the XI, with Brett Lee 12th man. In the 2010 side, no Australian made the XI and Shane Watson is the 12th man," he pointed out.
"It's been a slippery dip for Australia since the retirement of bowlers Shane Warne and Glenn McGrath. The ride gathered pace when Adam Gilchrist and Matthew Hayden called it a day. They have now hit the sand pit because of the struggles of the one player who kept the brake on the downhill ride, Ricky Ponting," he further explained.

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Posted in: CricketNext,SPORTS

Citibank fraud: Puri and family had 18 bank a/cs

After two days of investigations in the multi-crore financial fraud at Citibank, the Gurgaon police have found that the main accused, Shivraj Puri, who was working as the relationship manager, had opened 18 bank accounts in his and his family members' name.

Police said they had managed to get all the documents related to the transactions of the 18 accounts and were studying them before taking any actions against Puri's family members.

"Most of the family members are very old and Shivraj Puri was the one who was handling their bank accounts, so we can't say what was their extent of involvement in the fraud," Gurgaon Police Commissioner S S Deswal said.

Deswal further said the cops had not yet found any evidence to suggest that some other members of Citibank had helped Puri in the fraud in any way.

"The investigations are still on. If we find that there was help provided to him by any member of the bank, we will take action," he added.

According to the FIR filed by Citibank against Puri, he had duped high-networth clients of the company of more than Rs 300 crore.

The police had earlier said Citibank had come to know of the fraud almost a month ago, but it conducted thorough internal investigations before informing the police about the case.

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Posted in: Moneycontrol

Citibank fraud: Puri and family had 18 bank a/cs

After two days of investigations in the multi-crore financial fraud at Citibank, the Gurgaon police have found that the main accused, Shivraj Puri, who was working as the relationship manager, had opened 18 bank accounts in his and his family members' name.

Police said they had managed to get all the documents related to the transactions of the 18 accounts and were studying them before taking any actions against Puri's family members.

"Most of the family members are very old and Shivraj Puri was the one who was handling their bank accounts, so we can't say what was their extent of involvement in the fraud," Gurgaon Police Commissioner S S Deswal said.

Deswal further said the cops had not yet found any evidence to suggest that some other members of Citibank had helped Puri in the fraud in any way.

"The investigations are still on. If we find that there was help provided to him by any member of the bank, we will take action," he added.

According to the FIR filed by Citibank against Puri, he had duped high-networth clients of the company of more than Rs 300 crore.

The police had earlier said Citibank had come to know of the fraud almost a month ago, but it conducted thorough internal investigations before informing the police about the case.

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Posted in: Moneycontrol

Aarushi case: Court registers CBI's closure report

The CBI special court in Ghaziabad registered on Monday the investigating agency's closure report in the sensational murder case of teenager Aarushi Talwar.
Hearing the case, Special Judicial Magistrate (CBI) Preeti Singh gave time to the investigating officer to submit the annexures to the closure report.
The court is now expected to decide whether the case should be re-investigated.
The teenager’s father Rajesh Talwar, named as the prime suspect, has said he will challenge the agency’s findings. “We are now going to move the court. I have to talk to my lawyers and we hope the court gives us justice,” Rajesh said when asked about the closure report.
The report was filed on December 29 after two-and-a-half years of investigation.
Rajesh and his wife Nupur, both dentists, have lashed out at the CBI for making “false and baseless” allegations against them. 
“By this closure report all I can say is that the CBI has condemned us for life. They have put all kinds of false allegations upon us without any evidence. This has been completely shocking for us,” Nupur said.
“A completely unscientific investigation has taken place. It is very upsetting and disappointing. I don’t know where justice for my child has gone,” she said.
In its closure report, the CBI gave a clean chit to three domestic helps — Krishna, Raj Kumar and Vijay Mandal — who were picked up as suspects.
Fourteen-year-old Aarushi was found murdered, with her throat slit, at the Talwar’s residence in Noida on the morning of May 16, 2008. The body of Hemraj, the Talwars’ help, was found on the terrace the next day.

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Posted in: National News

Aarushi case: Court registers CBI's closure report

The CBI special court in Ghaziabad registered on Monday the investigating agency's closure report in the sensational murder case of teenager Aarushi Talwar.
Hearing the case, Special Judicial Magistrate (CBI) Preeti Singh gave time to the investigating officer to submit the annexures to the closure report.
The court is now expected to decide whether the case should be re-investigated.
The teenager’s father Rajesh Talwar, named as the prime suspect, has said he will challenge the agency’s findings. “We are now going to move the court. I have to talk to my lawyers and we hope the court gives us justice,” Rajesh said when asked about the closure report.
The report was filed on December 29 after two-and-a-half years of investigation.
Rajesh and his wife Nupur, both dentists, have lashed out at the CBI for making “false and baseless” allegations against them. 
“By this closure report all I can say is that the CBI has condemned us for life. They have put all kinds of false allegations upon us without any evidence. This has been completely shocking for us,” Nupur said.
“A completely unscientific investigation has taken place. It is very upsetting and disappointing. I don’t know where justice for my child has gone,” she said.
In its closure report, the CBI gave a clean chit to three domestic helps — Krishna, Raj Kumar and Vijay Mandal — who were picked up as suspects.
Fourteen-year-old Aarushi was found murdered, with her throat slit, at the Talwar’s residence in Noida on the morning of May 16, 2008. The body of Hemraj, the Talwars’ help, was found on the terrace the next day.

Read more »

Posted in: National News

ULFA chief Rajkhowa released for peace talk

Guwahati, Jan 1: To facilitate the peace talk between Assam government and ULFA cadres, United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) chief Arabinda Rajkhowa was freed from jail on Friday, Dec 31."We are ready for talks with the Government. There are no ideological differences within the ULFA," stated Rajkhowa, who was detained one year back from Dhaka."I hope that the people are not affected by any decision that we take. We aim for the welfare of the people. Today, we declare that we are ready to take the talks forward," he added.

A special TADA court released Arabinda Rajkhowa after the Assam government did not oppose his bail application and Rajkhowa was granted bail on Thursday, Dec 30.

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Posted in: INDIA news,National News

ULFA chief Rajkhowa released for peace talk

Guwahati, Jan 1: To facilitate the peace talk between Assam government and ULFA cadres, United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) chief Arabinda Rajkhowa was freed from jail on Friday, Dec 31."We are ready for talks with the Government. There are no ideological differences within the ULFA," stated Rajkhowa, who was detained one year back from Dhaka."I hope that the people are not affected by any decision that we take. We aim for the welfare of the people. Today, we declare that we are ready to take the talks forward," he added.

A special TADA court released Arabinda Rajkhowa after the Assam government did not oppose his bail application and Rajkhowa was granted bail on Thursday, Dec 30.

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Posted in: INDIA news,National News