Sachin rested, Yuvi recalled for ODI tri-series

Mumbai: Sachin Tendulkar and Gautam Gambhir have been rested from the 15-membered squad for the forthcoming one-day tri-series against Sri Lanka and New Zealand, the National Selection Committee announced on Saturday.

While Sachin incurred a groin injury during his marathon knock of 200 during the second Test against Sri Lanka, Gambhir has been left out due to his knee injury.

Yuvraj Singh, however, found his way back into the ODI squad after being dropped from the Asia Cup.

Tamil Nadu off-spinner R Ashwin and Jharkhand batsman Saurabh Tiwary, two promising youngsters who have done well in the domestic circuit, have been retained in the squad to be led by Mahendra Singh Dhoni.

The tri-series, which has host Sri Lanka and New Zealand as the two other teams, will be held in Dambulla from August 10 to 25.

Meanwhile, after missing the Test series due to shoulder injury, pacer Zaheer Khan has been omitted from the ODI tri-series as well as he couldn’t recover on time. In the absence of Zaheer, veteran speedster Ashish Nehra will lead the pace attack which also has Ishant Sharma, Abhimanyu Mithun and Praveen Kumar.

Ishant and Mithun, who were not in the Asia Cup squad, have been included this time around probably because they have already acclimatised to the Sri Lankan conditions as they are in the Test squad.

Harbhajan Singh will too give a miss to the series, as R Ashwin and Pragyan Ojha will take care of the spin department.

Kerala paceman S Sreesanth, who is recuperating from a knee injury, has not been picked in the squad, announced by BCCI Secretary N Srinivasan after a meeting of the selection committee here.

There were no major surprises with the selectors more or less retaining the nucleus of the squad that won the Asia Cup in Sri Lanka in June.

“Ashok Dinda and Manish Pandey will replace R Ashwin and Sourav Tiwary in the Indian team participating in the Emerging Players tournament in Australia,” Srinivasan said in a statement.

The batting will largely depend on the fireworks of Virender Sehwag while there are a number of young talents like Rohit Sharma, Suresh Raina and Virat Kohli who have already established themselves in the national team.

In the absence of Gambhir, Tamil Nadu wicket-keeper batsman Dinesh Karthik is likely to open the innings with Sehwag.

Ravindra Jadeja is the lone all-rounder in the squad although there are a number of batsmen who are known to be part time bowlers.

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Posted in: SPORTS

Sachin rested, Yuvi recalled for ODI tri-series

Mumbai: Sachin Tendulkar and Gautam Gambhir have been rested from the 15-membered squad for the forthcoming one-day tri-series against Sri Lanka and New Zealand, the National Selection Committee announced on Saturday.

While Sachin incurred a groin injury during his marathon knock of 200 during the second Test against Sri Lanka, Gambhir has been left out due to his knee injury.

Yuvraj Singh, however, found his way back into the ODI squad after being dropped from the Asia Cup.

Tamil Nadu off-spinner R Ashwin and Jharkhand batsman Saurabh Tiwary, two promising youngsters who have done well in the domestic circuit, have been retained in the squad to be led by Mahendra Singh Dhoni.

The tri-series, which has host Sri Lanka and New Zealand as the two other teams, will be held in Dambulla from August 10 to 25.

Meanwhile, after missing the Test series due to shoulder injury, pacer Zaheer Khan has been omitted from the ODI tri-series as well as he couldn’t recover on time. In the absence of Zaheer, veteran speedster Ashish Nehra will lead the pace attack which also has Ishant Sharma, Abhimanyu Mithun and Praveen Kumar.

Ishant and Mithun, who were not in the Asia Cup squad, have been included this time around probably because they have already acclimatised to the Sri Lankan conditions as they are in the Test squad.

Harbhajan Singh will too give a miss to the series, as R Ashwin and Pragyan Ojha will take care of the spin department.

Kerala paceman S Sreesanth, who is recuperating from a knee injury, has not been picked in the squad, announced by BCCI Secretary N Srinivasan after a meeting of the selection committee here.

There were no major surprises with the selectors more or less retaining the nucleus of the squad that won the Asia Cup in Sri Lanka in June.

“Ashok Dinda and Manish Pandey will replace R Ashwin and Sourav Tiwary in the Indian team participating in the Emerging Players tournament in Australia,” Srinivasan said in a statement.

The batting will largely depend on the fireworks of Virender Sehwag while there are a number of young talents like Rohit Sharma, Suresh Raina and Virat Kohli who have already established themselves in the national team.

In the absence of Gambhir, Tamil Nadu wicket-keeper batsman Dinesh Karthik is likely to open the innings with Sehwag.

Ravindra Jadeja is the lone all-rounder in the squad although there are a number of batsmen who are known to be part time bowlers.

Read more »

Posted in: SPORTS

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'Rahul said he'd commit suicide if I didn't call him'

In the lastest twist to the Rahul Mahajan-Dimpy domestic violence saga, actress and Rahul's ex says she fears he will harm himself or her

A day after Rahul Mahajan's wife Dimpy walked out on him, and promptly walked back, former girlfriend Payal Rohatgi says he's been threatening her as well.

The starlet who was dating Mahajan when they were both participants on reality show Bigg Boss 2, says he called her on Friday. "Rahul has been calling on my landline since yesterday. He told my maid he'd commit suicide if I didn't talk to him. He told her, 'Didi ko bolo phone karegi nahin toh main suicide karunga."



Suicide threat
That Mahajan has been calling her for the past couple of months is known, but the suicide threat has made the actress doubly tense. She said, "I live alone in Mumbai.

My brother isn't here with me. I'm afraid Rahul might send someone to kill me. After the suicide calls on Friday, my maid stayed over at home, so I wouldn't be alone. But for how long? She has her own family to look after too."

Rohatgi's mother who is in Ahmedabad is upset with the situation and has been calling several times a day to check on her daughter. "This is the last thing I need right now. I just want to focus on my work, not on a relationship that is dead and buried," adds Rohatgi.

Rahul Mahajan and wife Dimpy

Once a friend
The actress has known Mahajan since she moved to Mumbai. "That's when I got to know Rahul and his Dad (the late Pramod Mahajan). Back then I thought Rahul was very sweet. We used to party in the same group. When he divorced his first wife, I happened to be single and things just took off for us. However, I soon realised that his lifestyle didn't suit mine," she reveals.

On Bigg Boss 2, Mahajan was also seen openly flirting with co-contestant Monica Bedi. "I cried my eyes off on camera because he was right there in front of the world with Monica Bedi. And now he's chasing me again. It's irritating," she says.

I'm no home-breaker
Earlier this year, Mahajan was featured in the second season of reality show Swayamwar -- Rahul Dulhaniya Le Jaayenge, in which he met and married Dimpy Ganguly from Kolkata. Rohatgi, who had earlier said that Mahajan offered her Rs 1 crore to participate in the show, claims he got back in touch with her two months after his marriage. "He would call and ask me to meet him. He said 'I'm having problems with my wife. Come back in my life. But I don't want to be a home-breaker.'"

He ruined my relationship
The actress adds that her recent relationship has been ruined because of Mahajan's behaviour. "There was someone I was seeing but everything's messed up now because I'm in the news for all the wrong reasons. Why drag me into it? The problem is in his head. He needs a doctor."

She's also scared for her security. "I need my mother with me. I had to approach my building secretary and request him not to let anyone come up to my place. I don't want to be a part of this mess."

Read more »

Posted in: National News

'Rahul said he'd commit suicide if I didn't call him'

In the lastest twist to the Rahul Mahajan-Dimpy domestic violence saga, actress and Rahul's ex says she fears he will harm himself or her

A day after Rahul Mahajan's wife Dimpy walked out on him, and promptly walked back, former girlfriend Payal Rohatgi says he's been threatening her as well.

The starlet who was dating Mahajan when they were both participants on reality show Bigg Boss 2, says he called her on Friday. "Rahul has been calling on my landline since yesterday. He told my maid he'd commit suicide if I didn't talk to him. He told her, 'Didi ko bolo phone karegi nahin toh main suicide karunga."



Suicide threat
That Mahajan has been calling her for the past couple of months is known, but the suicide threat has made the actress doubly tense. She said, "I live alone in Mumbai.

My brother isn't here with me. I'm afraid Rahul might send someone to kill me. After the suicide calls on Friday, my maid stayed over at home, so I wouldn't be alone. But for how long? She has her own family to look after too."

Rohatgi's mother who is in Ahmedabad is upset with the situation and has been calling several times a day to check on her daughter. "This is the last thing I need right now. I just want to focus on my work, not on a relationship that is dead and buried," adds Rohatgi.

Rahul Mahajan and wife Dimpy

Once a friend
The actress has known Mahajan since she moved to Mumbai. "That's when I got to know Rahul and his Dad (the late Pramod Mahajan). Back then I thought Rahul was very sweet. We used to party in the same group. When he divorced his first wife, I happened to be single and things just took off for us. However, I soon realised that his lifestyle didn't suit mine," she reveals.

On Bigg Boss 2, Mahajan was also seen openly flirting with co-contestant Monica Bedi. "I cried my eyes off on camera because he was right there in front of the world with Monica Bedi. And now he's chasing me again. It's irritating," she says.

I'm no home-breaker
Earlier this year, Mahajan was featured in the second season of reality show Swayamwar -- Rahul Dulhaniya Le Jaayenge, in which he met and married Dimpy Ganguly from Kolkata. Rohatgi, who had earlier said that Mahajan offered her Rs 1 crore to participate in the show, claims he got back in touch with her two months after his marriage. "He would call and ask me to meet him. He said 'I'm having problems with my wife. Come back in my life. But I don't want to be a home-breaker.'"

He ruined my relationship
The actress adds that her recent relationship has been ruined because of Mahajan's behaviour. "There was someone I was seeing but everything's messed up now because I'm in the news for all the wrong reasons. Why drag me into it? The problem is in his head. He needs a doctor."

She's also scared for her security. "I need my mother with me. I had to approach my building secretary and request him not to let anyone come up to my place. I don't want to be a part of this mess."

Read more »

Posted in: National News

Indian High Commission slams Kalmadi's claim

New Delhi: Indian Olympic Association President and Chairman of the Commonwealth Games Organising Committee Suresh Kalmadi is now on a sticky wicket as the Indian High Commission in Britain has refuted his claim that money was paid to a company recommended by them.

The Indian High Commission has denied his claim that it had recommended AM Cars and AM Films UK Ltd, which were used for organising a Commonwealth Games function. Kalmadi had said that the little known company was hired on the recommendation of the High Commission alone.

"AM cars and vans that we appointed for transport was recommended by the Indian High Commission," Kalmadi said on Saturday.

Moreover, the High Commission officials say they never gave a formal recommendation.

"A M Films is not on the panel of companies recommended by the High Commission usually. A M Films was reportedly given over £ 4.50 lakh by the Organising Committee without following any proper tendering procedure and there was no paper work. We have to scrutinise the email that Kalmadi is holding as proof of the High Commission's recommendation," said the High Commission.

Speaking to CNN-IBN, Kalmadi had on Saturday claimed that the organisers acted according to the High Commission's advice.

"The Organising Committee sent a letter to Vikran Ratan, who's the first secretary of the protocol and administration. He is the person responsible for these matters and his junior officer has replied on his behalf. It is very clear the High Commission has paid to the company recommended by them. We have gone by the High Commission advice," Kalmadi said.

Kalmadi has also denied all allegations of financial irregularities in the organisation of the Commonwealth Games 2010 in New Delhi. "I have been deeply pained by the baseless allegations of corruption in the CWG," said Kalmadi on Saturday.

Read more »

Posted in: IBN live

Indian High Commission slams Kalmadi's claim

New Delhi: Indian Olympic Association President and Chairman of the Commonwealth Games Organising Committee Suresh Kalmadi is now on a sticky wicket as the Indian High Commission in Britain has refuted his claim that money was paid to a company recommended by them.

The Indian High Commission has denied his claim that it had recommended AM Cars and AM Films UK Ltd, which were used for organising a Commonwealth Games function. Kalmadi had said that the little known company was hired on the recommendation of the High Commission alone.

"AM cars and vans that we appointed for transport was recommended by the Indian High Commission," Kalmadi said on Saturday.

Moreover, the High Commission officials say they never gave a formal recommendation.

"A M Films is not on the panel of companies recommended by the High Commission usually. A M Films was reportedly given over £ 4.50 lakh by the Organising Committee without following any proper tendering procedure and there was no paper work. We have to scrutinise the email that Kalmadi is holding as proof of the High Commission's recommendation," said the High Commission.

Speaking to CNN-IBN, Kalmadi had on Saturday claimed that the organisers acted according to the High Commission's advice.

"The Organising Committee sent a letter to Vikran Ratan, who's the first secretary of the protocol and administration. He is the person responsible for these matters and his junior officer has replied on his behalf. It is very clear the High Commission has paid to the company recommended by them. We have gone by the High Commission advice," Kalmadi said.

Kalmadi has also denied all allegations of financial irregularities in the organisation of the Commonwealth Games 2010 in New Delhi. "I have been deeply pained by the baseless allegations of corruption in the CWG," said Kalmadi on Saturday.

Read more »

Posted in: IBN live

Afghan women fear the loss of modest gains

MAHMUD-E RAQI (Afghanistan): Women's precarious rights in Afghanistan have begun seeping away. Girls' schools are closing; working women are threatened; advocates are attacked; and terrified families are increasingly confining their daughters to home.
For women, instability, as much as the Taliban militants themselves, is the enemy. Women are casualties of the fighting, not only in the already conservative and embattled Pashtun south and east but also in districts in the north and centre of the country where other armed groups have sprung up.

As Afghan and Western governments explore reconciliation with the Taliban, women fear that the peace they long for may come at the price of rights that have improved since the Taliban government was overthrown in 2001.
“Women do not want war, but none of them want the Taliban of 1996 again; no one wants to be imprisoned in the yards of their houses,” said Rahima Zarifi, the Women's Ministry representative from the northern Baghlan province.
Interviews around the country with at least two dozen female members of Parliament, government officials, activists, teachers and young girls suggest a nuanced reality — fighting constricts women's freedoms nearly as much as a Taliban government, and conservative traditions already limit women's rights in many places.
Range of fears
Women, however, express a range of fears about a Taliban return, from political to domestic — that they will be shut out of negotiations about any deals with the insurgents and that the Taliban's return would drive up bride prices, making it more profitable for a family to force girls into marriage earlier.
In Baghlan province, in northern Afghanistan, the situation for women has steadily worsened over the past year. Zarifi, the Women's Ministry representative, has endured assassination attempts and demonstrations against her work. Three months ago, a female member of the provincial council was paralyzed in an attack, and a woman was stabbed to death in the daytime in the middle of the provincial capital earlier in July.
By contrast, most of Kapisa province, which lies northeast of Kabul, is peaceful. There is a mediation program in the capital to help women and girls when they face domestic violence. In the predominantly ethnically Tajik north there are large, lively schools for girls, where families even allow those who are married to complete high school.
Women's advocates are concerned that they are increasingly being shut out of political decisions. At an international conference in Kabul on July 20, which was meant to showcase the country's plans for the future, President Hamid Karzai said nothing about how women's rights might be protected in negotiations.
“A red line”
Although U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton has also pledged that she will not desert Afghan women and that any deal with the Taliban that traded peace for women's rights was “a red line,” women remain wary.
“Right now it's a big challenge for women to go to school and work, but at least according to our Constitution and laws they have the right to do so,” said Nargis Nehan (31), an Afghan women's advocate.
“If the Taliban come back, by law women will be restricted and not allowed to leave their homes,” she said, adding, “Maybe not everywhere, but in those districts where they are in power.” — New York Times News Service

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Posted in: International

Afghan women fear the loss of modest gains

MAHMUD-E RAQI (Afghanistan): Women's precarious rights in Afghanistan have begun seeping away. Girls' schools are closing; working women are threatened; advocates are attacked; and terrified families are increasingly confining their daughters to home.
For women, instability, as much as the Taliban militants themselves, is the enemy. Women are casualties of the fighting, not only in the already conservative and embattled Pashtun south and east but also in districts in the north and centre of the country where other armed groups have sprung up.

As Afghan and Western governments explore reconciliation with the Taliban, women fear that the peace they long for may come at the price of rights that have improved since the Taliban government was overthrown in 2001.
“Women do not want war, but none of them want the Taliban of 1996 again; no one wants to be imprisoned in the yards of their houses,” said Rahima Zarifi, the Women's Ministry representative from the northern Baghlan province.
Interviews around the country with at least two dozen female members of Parliament, government officials, activists, teachers and young girls suggest a nuanced reality — fighting constricts women's freedoms nearly as much as a Taliban government, and conservative traditions already limit women's rights in many places.
Range of fears
Women, however, express a range of fears about a Taliban return, from political to domestic — that they will be shut out of negotiations about any deals with the insurgents and that the Taliban's return would drive up bride prices, making it more profitable for a family to force girls into marriage earlier.
In Baghlan province, in northern Afghanistan, the situation for women has steadily worsened over the past year. Zarifi, the Women's Ministry representative, has endured assassination attempts and demonstrations against her work. Three months ago, a female member of the provincial council was paralyzed in an attack, and a woman was stabbed to death in the daytime in the middle of the provincial capital earlier in July.
By contrast, most of Kapisa province, which lies northeast of Kabul, is peaceful. There is a mediation program in the capital to help women and girls when they face domestic violence. In the predominantly ethnically Tajik north there are large, lively schools for girls, where families even allow those who are married to complete high school.
Women's advocates are concerned that they are increasingly being shut out of political decisions. At an international conference in Kabul on July 20, which was meant to showcase the country's plans for the future, President Hamid Karzai said nothing about how women's rights might be protected in negotiations.
“A red line”
Although U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton has also pledged that she will not desert Afghan women and that any deal with the Taliban that traded peace for women's rights was “a red line,” women remain wary.
“Right now it's a big challenge for women to go to school and work, but at least according to our Constitution and laws they have the right to do so,” said Nargis Nehan (31), an Afghan women's advocate.
“If the Taliban come back, by law women will be restricted and not allowed to leave their homes,” she said, adding, “Maybe not everywhere, but in those districts where they are in power.” — New York Times News Service

Read more »

Posted in: International

Fire broke out in timber factory; none injured

Kanpur, Jul 31 (PTI) A fire broke out today in a timber godown destroying plywood worth lakhs of rupees in Jhakarkati area, police said today. The fire broke out in Omkarnath and Sons Timber Factory and Godown in the wee hours this morning, a police spokesman said.

It took more than four hours by a dozen fire brigades to douse the flames, he said. No one was, however, injured in the incident.

The reason behind the fire is not known yet, he said.
Shillong, July 31 (PTI) Meghalaya Governor R S Mooshahary today expressed concern over the rising crime against women in the tribal matrilineal Khasi community of Meghalaya, where women are held in high esteem. Mooshahary said statistics revealed a rising trend of rape cases and molestations against women in the state and the problem had become a matter of concern to the authorities.

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Posted in: National News

Fire broke out in timber factory; none injured

Kanpur, Jul 31 (PTI) A fire broke out today in a timber godown destroying plywood worth lakhs of rupees in Jhakarkati area, police said today. The fire broke out in Omkarnath and Sons Timber Factory and Godown in the wee hours this morning, a police spokesman said.

It took more than four hours by a dozen fire brigades to douse the flames, he said. No one was, however, injured in the incident.

The reason behind the fire is not known yet, he said.
Shillong, July 31 (PTI) Meghalaya Governor R S Mooshahary today expressed concern over the rising crime against women in the tribal matrilineal Khasi community of Meghalaya, where women are held in high esteem. Mooshahary said statistics revealed a rising trend of rape cases and molestations against women in the state and the problem had become a matter of concern to the authorities.

Read more »

Posted in: National News

Gold recovers on global cues

New Delhi, July 31 (PTI) Gold recovered by Rs 95 to Rs 18,145 per ten grams in the bullion market today on emergence of buying by stockists and retail customers and a sharp rally in prices overseas. Silver also spurted by Rs 450 to Rs 28,900 per kg on increased off take by industrial units and coins makers.

Gold in global markets, which normally set the price trend on domestic markets, recorded a sharp rise of 14.90 dollar to 1,181.40 dollar an ounce in New York last evening. Gold of 99.99 purity and 99.5 purity recovered by Rs 95 each to Rs 18,145 and Rs 18,045 per ten grams respectively.

They had lost Rs 35 each in the previous session. Sovereign remained steady at Rs 14,500 per piece of eight gram in restricted buying.

In line with a general rising trend, silver ready spurted by Rs 450 to Rs 28,900 per kg and weekly-based delivery by Rs 435 to Rs 28,660 per kg. Meanwhile, silver coins continued to be asked around the previous level of Rs 34,100 for buying and Rs 34,200 for selling of 100 pieces.

Read more »

Posted in: National News

Curfew clamped in all major towns of Kashmir,protests continue

Srinagar, July 31 (PTI) Curfew was today clamped in all major towns of Kashmir Valley, including Srinagar, as protestors torched a railway station and clashed with security forces, who opened fire leaving one person dead and over 25 others injured, including several policemen. Angry protestors clashed with police at various places in the Valley and burnt the Special operations Camp in Pattan in North Kashmir besides attempting to ransack the Jammu and Kashmir Armed Police''s Batallion headquarter at Naidkhai in Sumbhal.

Police officials said a big group of stone pelters attacked the Batallion headquarters leaving SP Bandipore Sheikh Junaid injured besides several other policemen. While containing the unruly mob, one protestor died, a police spokesman said, adding one of the injured was stated to be in a critical condition.

Though police had earlier said that a teenager was killed in the firing by security forces in Pattan, they later clarified that she was in a serious condition and was being operated upon in SKIMS hospital at Soura. Police opened fire at various places to quell protestors which left at least 16 people injured.

In the wake of the protests that started yesterday leaving four persons dead, authorities imposed indefinite curfew in major towns of the Kashmir Valley, including Srinagar, Pulwama, Anantnag, Kulgam, Baramulla, Bandipora, Sopore, Ganderbal and Budgam. Police and para-military forces also staged a march in the entire Srinagar city and requested people to remain indoors and not to defy the curfew.

Five persons were injured when security forces fired at protestors, who went on a rampage and attacked a CRPF patrol which was enforcing curfew in Kreeri in Pattan, police said. The security forces made several attempts to disperse the crowd but it turned more violent and tried to snatch the rifles of the CRPF jawans, they said, adding security forces then opened fire to quell the mob.

In Amargarh in Sopore, five persons were injured when protestors set afire a railway station. The protestors included the kin of those who were killed in clashes with security forces in the area yesterday.

Violence also broke out in Pampore, 16 kms from here, where locals attacked policemen. There was no report of any casualty in the incident A police spokesman said this morning that two of the 70 people, who were injured during protests yesterday succumbed to injuries at a hospital.

The deceased have been identified as Mohammed Rafiq and 30-year-old Mohammed Siddiqui of Baramulla district. Police and paramilitary forces have been deployed in all sensitive areas and the residents have been asked not to step out.

Read more »

Posted in: National News

Gold recovers on global cues

New Delhi, July 31 (PTI) Gold recovered by Rs 95 to Rs 18,145 per ten grams in the bullion market today on emergence of buying by stockists and retail customers and a sharp rally in prices overseas. Silver also spurted by Rs 450 to Rs 28,900 per kg on increased off take by industrial units and coins makers.

Gold in global markets, which normally set the price trend on domestic markets, recorded a sharp rise of 14.90 dollar to 1,181.40 dollar an ounce in New York last evening. Gold of 99.99 purity and 99.5 purity recovered by Rs 95 each to Rs 18,145 and Rs 18,045 per ten grams respectively.

They had lost Rs 35 each in the previous session. Sovereign remained steady at Rs 14,500 per piece of eight gram in restricted buying.

In line with a general rising trend, silver ready spurted by Rs 450 to Rs 28,900 per kg and weekly-based delivery by Rs 435 to Rs 28,660 per kg. Meanwhile, silver coins continued to be asked around the previous level of Rs 34,100 for buying and Rs 34,200 for selling of 100 pieces.

Read more »

Posted in: National News

Curfew clamped in all major towns of Kashmir,protests continue

Srinagar, July 31 (PTI) Curfew was today clamped in all major towns of Kashmir Valley, including Srinagar, as protestors torched a railway station and clashed with security forces, who opened fire leaving one person dead and over 25 others injured, including several policemen. Angry protestors clashed with police at various places in the Valley and burnt the Special operations Camp in Pattan in North Kashmir besides attempting to ransack the Jammu and Kashmir Armed Police''s Batallion headquarter at Naidkhai in Sumbhal.

Police officials said a big group of stone pelters attacked the Batallion headquarters leaving SP Bandipore Sheikh Junaid injured besides several other policemen. While containing the unruly mob, one protestor died, a police spokesman said, adding one of the injured was stated to be in a critical condition.

Though police had earlier said that a teenager was killed in the firing by security forces in Pattan, they later clarified that she was in a serious condition and was being operated upon in SKIMS hospital at Soura. Police opened fire at various places to quell protestors which left at least 16 people injured.

In the wake of the protests that started yesterday leaving four persons dead, authorities imposed indefinite curfew in major towns of the Kashmir Valley, including Srinagar, Pulwama, Anantnag, Kulgam, Baramulla, Bandipora, Sopore, Ganderbal and Budgam. Police and para-military forces also staged a march in the entire Srinagar city and requested people to remain indoors and not to defy the curfew.

Five persons were injured when security forces fired at protestors, who went on a rampage and attacked a CRPF patrol which was enforcing curfew in Kreeri in Pattan, police said. The security forces made several attempts to disperse the crowd but it turned more violent and tried to snatch the rifles of the CRPF jawans, they said, adding security forces then opened fire to quell the mob.

In Amargarh in Sopore, five persons were injured when protestors set afire a railway station. The protestors included the kin of those who were killed in clashes with security forces in the area yesterday.

Violence also broke out in Pampore, 16 kms from here, where locals attacked policemen. There was no report of any casualty in the incident A police spokesman said this morning that two of the 70 people, who were injured during protests yesterday succumbed to injuries at a hospital.

The deceased have been identified as Mohammed Rafiq and 30-year-old Mohammed Siddiqui of Baramulla district. Police and paramilitary forces have been deployed in all sensitive areas and the residents have been asked not to step out.

Read more »

Posted in: National News

Nun identifies one person during identification parade

Cuttack, Jul 31 (PTI) The Catholic nun, who was allegedly raped during the communal riots in Orissa''s Kandhamal district in 2008, today identified one person during an identification parade at the Choudwar jail here, officials said today. The nun was able to identify one person who was among the mob which attacked the Baliguda church in the district on August 25, 2008, they said, adding Thomas Chellan, a priest, who was present when the nun was raped, identified three persons.

This is the third time the nun took part in the parade. She had identified two persons at the first parade and seven in the second held in January and June 2009 respectively.

The test identification parade was supervised by Cuttack Sadar Sub-Divisional Judicial Magistrate (SDJM). The riots occurred in Kandhamal district in the aftermath of the killing of VHP leader Laxmanananda Saraswati at the Jalespata Ashram on August 23, 2008.

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Posted in: National News

Nun identifies one person during identification parade

Cuttack, Jul 31 (PTI) The Catholic nun, who was allegedly raped during the communal riots in Orissa''s Kandhamal district in 2008, today identified one person during an identification parade at the Choudwar jail here, officials said today. The nun was able to identify one person who was among the mob which attacked the Baliguda church in the district on August 25, 2008, they said, adding Thomas Chellan, a priest, who was present when the nun was raped, identified three persons.

This is the third time the nun took part in the parade. She had identified two persons at the first parade and seven in the second held in January and June 2009 respectively.

The test identification parade was supervised by Cuttack Sadar Sub-Divisional Judicial Magistrate (SDJM). The riots occurred in Kandhamal district in the aftermath of the killing of VHP leader Laxmanananda Saraswati at the Jalespata Ashram on August 23, 2008.

Read more »

Posted in: National News

Three crore pending cases? Patil wants review

New Delhi, July 31 (IANS) President Pratibha Patil Saturday called for a review of figures that put the number of pending cases before Indian courts at a staggering 3 crore. She also stressed on innovative ways to clear the backlog.

Patil's call came in response to Chief Justice S.H. Kapadia's contention that more than 50 percent of the cases counted as 'arrears' were in fact filed only a year back. He said such cases could be described as 'pending' but not as 'arrears'.

Delivering her inaugural address at the two-day all-India seminar on judicial reforms, Patil asked the legal fraternity to look for innovative ways to clear the backlog. She said a litigant had only one life but litigation transcended generations.

The seminar was organised by the Confederation of Indian Bar.

Patil said archival laws that hamper the administration of justice should be either scrapped or suitably amended.

She said 'judicial accountability and judicial independence' co-exist.

Chief Justice Kapadia called for legislative, judicial and bar reforms. He said judicial reforms alone would not work. He said: 'You can't have a chariot running on one wheel.'

He lamented that ever since the government took away powers under Section 24 of the Criminal Procedure Code that mandated consultation with the chief justices of the high courts before the appointment of public prosecutors, the quality of government pleaders had gone down.

'Why the power was taken away I don't want to comment,' he said.

Read more »

Posted in: National News

Three crore pending cases? Patil wants review

New Delhi, July 31 (IANS) President Pratibha Patil Saturday called for a review of figures that put the number of pending cases before Indian courts at a staggering 3 crore. She also stressed on innovative ways to clear the backlog.

Patil's call came in response to Chief Justice S.H. Kapadia's contention that more than 50 percent of the cases counted as 'arrears' were in fact filed only a year back. He said such cases could be described as 'pending' but not as 'arrears'.

Delivering her inaugural address at the two-day all-India seminar on judicial reforms, Patil asked the legal fraternity to look for innovative ways to clear the backlog. She said a litigant had only one life but litigation transcended generations.

The seminar was organised by the Confederation of Indian Bar.

Patil said archival laws that hamper the administration of justice should be either scrapped or suitably amended.

She said 'judicial accountability and judicial independence' co-exist.

Chief Justice Kapadia called for legislative, judicial and bar reforms. He said judicial reforms alone would not work. He said: 'You can't have a chariot running on one wheel.'

He lamented that ever since the government took away powers under Section 24 of the Criminal Procedure Code that mandated consultation with the chief justices of the high courts before the appointment of public prosecutors, the quality of government pleaders had gone down.

'Why the power was taken away I don't want to comment,' he said.

Read more »

Posted in: National News

Rape accused gets acquitted; case registered against victim

Muzaffarnagar, Jul 31 (PTI) A local court acquitted four persons in an attempt to rape case and issued notices to the girl and her father to appear before it on August 26 for giving false evidence. Additional District Judge P C Shrivastava acquitted four persons Gopal, his father Roop Ram, brother Yashpal and mother Anguri due to lack of evidence.

The court has also issued notices to Urmila and her father Bhanwar Singh for giving false evidence in the rape case. According to the prosecution, the girl had charged her tutor Gopal and his family members with an attempt to rape and forcible confinement at Bahari village in the district on April 10, 2008.

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Posted in: CRIME

Rape accused gets acquitted; case registered against victim

Muzaffarnagar, Jul 31 (PTI) A local court acquitted four persons in an attempt to rape case and issued notices to the girl and her father to appear before it on August 26 for giving false evidence. Additional District Judge P C Shrivastava acquitted four persons Gopal, his father Roop Ram, brother Yashpal and mother Anguri due to lack of evidence.

The court has also issued notices to Urmila and her father Bhanwar Singh for giving false evidence in the rape case. According to the prosecution, the girl had charged her tutor Gopal and his family members with an attempt to rape and forcible confinement at Bahari village in the district on April 10, 2008.

Read more »

Posted in: CRIME

National highway closed till August 8 for Kawad Yatra

Muzaffarnagar/Ghaziabad, Jul 31 (PTI) In a measure to ensure a smooth ''Kawad Yatra'', the Delhi-Haridwar national highway has been closed from today keeping in mind the huge rush during the event, officials said here. The highway to Haridwar via Mohan Nagar, Ghaziabad and Modinagar has been closed for eight days due to the rush of devotees.

Pilgrims have been allowed to pass via Ganga Canal road, they said. "The highway has been closed to prevent any untoward incidents," Muzaffarnagar District Magistrate Santish Kumar said.

The traffic from Delhi to Dehradun, Rishikesh, Haridwar and Roorki has been diverted to alternative routes from today. "All the traffic going to Meerut from Delhi will be diverted from National Highway 24 via Lal Kua, Pilakhuwa Hapur, Babugarh, Garhmukteshwar and Kithore," Ghaziabad Senior Superintendent Police Raghubir Lal said.

"All the vehicles going to Haridwar from Delhi will come to Meerut via this route and will proceed via Bijnore and Najibabad. Heavy vehicles will not be allowed to ply on closed road from this evening," he added.

The highway has been closed till August 8. The security has also been tightened along the route.

CCTV cameras have been installed and policemen in kawad dress have also been deployed along the route. Meanwhile, officials said that they will keep be a strict watch on temples and roads, inside and outside the city area of the districts.

All eduational institutions along the Kawad yatra route will remain closed till August 8. Kawad pilgrims or Lord Shiva devotees who call themselves ''kanwariyas'' gather at Haridwar to take a dip and carry water to offer it to Lord Shiva on August 8.

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Posted in: National News

National highway closed till August 8 for Kawad Yatra

Muzaffarnagar/Ghaziabad, Jul 31 (PTI) In a measure to ensure a smooth ''Kawad Yatra'', the Delhi-Haridwar national highway has been closed from today keeping in mind the huge rush during the event, officials said here. The highway to Haridwar via Mohan Nagar, Ghaziabad and Modinagar has been closed for eight days due to the rush of devotees.

Pilgrims have been allowed to pass via Ganga Canal road, they said. "The highway has been closed to prevent any untoward incidents," Muzaffarnagar District Magistrate Santish Kumar said.

The traffic from Delhi to Dehradun, Rishikesh, Haridwar and Roorki has been diverted to alternative routes from today. "All the traffic going to Meerut from Delhi will be diverted from National Highway 24 via Lal Kua, Pilakhuwa Hapur, Babugarh, Garhmukteshwar and Kithore," Ghaziabad Senior Superintendent Police Raghubir Lal said.

"All the vehicles going to Haridwar from Delhi will come to Meerut via this route and will proceed via Bijnore and Najibabad. Heavy vehicles will not be allowed to ply on closed road from this evening," he added.

The highway has been closed till August 8. The security has also been tightened along the route.

CCTV cameras have been installed and policemen in kawad dress have also been deployed along the route. Meanwhile, officials said that they will keep be a strict watch on temples and roads, inside and outside the city area of the districts.

All eduational institutions along the Kawad yatra route will remain closed till August 8. Kawad pilgrims or Lord Shiva devotees who call themselves ''kanwariyas'' gather at Haridwar to take a dip and carry water to offer it to Lord Shiva on August 8.

Read more »

Posted in: National News

Munda accuses UPA of using CBI as political instrument

Jamshedpur, July 31 (PTI) Accusing the Centre of using the CBI as its political instrument, BJP leader Arjun Munda today said the agency was bent on "harassing" the Narendra Modi government in the Sohrabuddin fake encounter case. "It is really ridiculous that the investigative agency, which was bent on harassing the Gujarat government, headed by Narendra Modi, at the behest of the UPA, has filed 30,000 pages of chargesheet in connection with the Sohrabuddin case whereas it had filed only one page chargesheet even though over 30,000 people were killed in the Bhogal gas leak," BJP National General Secretary and MP told reporters.

The former Jharkhand Chief Minister alleged that the then Union Government had also misused CBI for protecting the Union Carbide Chief, Warren Anderson. Referring to the alleged fake encounter case of 2005, Munda said several cases were pending against Sohrabuddin in states including Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh.

Besides, the police had recovered 10,000 live cartridges and about 25 AK-47 rifles from Madhya Pradesh following his disclosures. The Centre was deliberately targeting the Gujarat government with regard to the case but BJP would not tolerate misuse of any government agencies for political benefits, Munda warned.

BJP will take out ''Nyay Yatra'' to protest "wrong economic polices" as well as misuse of government agencies in the country from August 8 to 14, he said. On the price rise issue, the BJP leader alleged that speculation and manipulation were the sole causes behind increasing prices.

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Posted in: National News

Munda accuses UPA of using CBI as political instrument

Jamshedpur, July 31 (PTI) Accusing the Centre of using the CBI as its political instrument, BJP leader Arjun Munda today said the agency was bent on "harassing" the Narendra Modi government in the Sohrabuddin fake encounter case. "It is really ridiculous that the investigative agency, which was bent on harassing the Gujarat government, headed by Narendra Modi, at the behest of the UPA, has filed 30,000 pages of chargesheet in connection with the Sohrabuddin case whereas it had filed only one page chargesheet even though over 30,000 people were killed in the Bhogal gas leak," BJP National General Secretary and MP told reporters.

The former Jharkhand Chief Minister alleged that the then Union Government had also misused CBI for protecting the Union Carbide Chief, Warren Anderson. Referring to the alleged fake encounter case of 2005, Munda said several cases were pending against Sohrabuddin in states including Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh.

Besides, the police had recovered 10,000 live cartridges and about 25 AK-47 rifles from Madhya Pradesh following his disclosures. The Centre was deliberately targeting the Gujarat government with regard to the case but BJP would not tolerate misuse of any government agencies for political benefits, Munda warned.

BJP will take out ''Nyay Yatra'' to protest "wrong economic polices" as well as misuse of government agencies in the country from August 8 to 14, he said. On the price rise issue, the BJP leader alleged that speculation and manipulation were the sole causes behind increasing prices.

Read more »

Posted in: National News

Maoist menace will be contained in three years: PC

New Delhi, July 31 (ANI): Home Minister P Chidambaram on Friday said that the government aims to substantially contain the Maoist menace in the country within three years. Answering a question about Maoist threat in the country, Chidambaram said change of heart among the leftist rebels has to come through, as there is no place for armed rebellion in a parliamentary democracy.

Speaking about the volatile situation in parts of Kashmir, Chidambaram said the government of India has no reservation in talking to various elements in Kashmir to resolve the situation.

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Posted in: National News

Maoist menace will be contained in three years: PC

New Delhi, July 31 (ANI): Home Minister P Chidambaram on Friday said that the government aims to substantially contain the Maoist menace in the country within three years. Answering a question about Maoist threat in the country, Chidambaram said change of heart among the leftist rebels has to come through, as there is no place for armed rebellion in a parliamentary democracy.

Speaking about the volatile situation in parts of Kashmir, Chidambaram said the government of India has no reservation in talking to various elements in Kashmir to resolve the situation.

Read more »

Posted in: National News

Govts must exercise restraint in approaching courts: President

New Delhi, Jul 31 (PTI) Governments being the biggest litigants should exercise restraint in approaching courts in order to decongest the system and reduce overall pendency of cases, President Pratibha Patil said today. "Government agencies being one of the biggest litigants must exercise restraint from routinely instituting litigation and clogging the system," she said while inaugurating a seminar on judicial reforms here.

Calling for efforts to ensure speedy delivery of justice, Patil stressed on the need to re-look into the archaic laws to make them in tune with the present requirements, saying "making the language of law simple can prevent unnecessary litigation". She said there was a need to analayse challenges, particularly the infrastructural requirements for a quick justice delivery system and for reducing the mounting cases.

"We must take stock of the challenges and structural weaknesses which beset our legal system impeding equitable access to prompt and quality justice. Judicial reforms occupy a salient place in government''s agenda," the President said.

She also voiced concern over the "explosion of litigation" saying that current figures reveal that the arrears in High Courts exceed 40 lakh cases, while in the Subordinate Courts, it surpasses 270 lakh. "Now as the Chief Justice of India has talked about the difference between arrears and pendency in cases, I think we will have to review these figures," she said.

Earlier, CJI S H Kapadia had made distinction between the arrears and pendency of cases and said the calculation has to be reviewed as there are flaws in it. The President said the archaic laws, if needed, should altogether be scrapped.

"There cannot be better governance without better laws and there cannot be better laws if antiquated ones remain. Archaic laws and outdated administrative regulations must be scrutinized and if necessary scrapped or amended.

Making the language of law simple can prevent unnecessary litigation," Patil said. She appealed for making the court procedures simple and straight for speedy justice.

"We must re-engineer and simplify court procedures, which otherwise tend to make litigation unduly slow and protracted. Frequent demands and liberal grant of adjournments, filing of multiple suits and similar tactics make judicial productivity sluggish.

Timely pronouncement of judgements and quick execution of decrees would be beneficial," Patil said. She expressed concern over the disproportionate ratio of population and judicial officers which was coming in way of timely disposal of cases.

Read more »

Posted in: National News

CJI attacks Govt on appointment of Public Prosecutors

New Delhi, Jul 31 (PTI) Chief Justice of Indian S H Kapadia today virtually attacked the government for withdrawing the consultation process in the appointment of public prosecutors who play a key role in the criminal justice delivery system. Justice Kapadia who shared concern on the issue of administration of criminal justice system said judicial reforms can take place only if it is coupled with reforms in the legislations and Bar.

Quoting Section 24 of the CrPC, the CJI said the provision mandated the Government to consult the High Court and the Sessions Court for appointment of public prosecutors, but over the years the process has been given a go bye. "We should make use of modern technology.

We need to amend the rules and bring about these changes, because I personally believe please do not rely or attack only us for judicial reforms. We need the Bar reforms.

We equally need Legislative reforms. "Of course, I would like to ask one question why under Section 24 of CrPC that earlier Public Prosecutors were appointed in consultation with High Courts? Why all Public Prosecutors were very good? Why we do not have those type of Public Prosecutors today? Why is the power taken away?" he posed.

The Chief Justice made the observations in his presidential address at the All India Seminar on Judicial Reforms, which was inaugurated by the President Pratibha Patil. He appealed to senior advocates to come forward and contribute for reforms in the judiciary and complained that this was not taking place in India as has been the practice in European countries.

The CJI also said a special team of statistical officers would be involved in segregating cases on three fronts by classifying them as "sticky cases", "subverted cases" and "process problem." Elaborating, he said that sticky case are those which consume considerable time, while subverted cases would be identified as those in which the one of the parties try to delay and in the last category the delay occurs due processing of service like the notice and summons, which account for 50 per cent of the problem.

Read more »

Posted in: National News

Govts must exercise restraint in approaching courts: President

New Delhi, Jul 31 (PTI) Governments being the biggest litigants should exercise restraint in approaching courts in order to decongest the system and reduce overall pendency of cases, President Pratibha Patil said today. "Government agencies being one of the biggest litigants must exercise restraint from routinely instituting litigation and clogging the system," she said while inaugurating a seminar on judicial reforms here.

Calling for efforts to ensure speedy delivery of justice, Patil stressed on the need to re-look into the archaic laws to make them in tune with the present requirements, saying "making the language of law simple can prevent unnecessary litigation". She said there was a need to analayse challenges, particularly the infrastructural requirements for a quick justice delivery system and for reducing the mounting cases.

"We must take stock of the challenges and structural weaknesses which beset our legal system impeding equitable access to prompt and quality justice. Judicial reforms occupy a salient place in government''s agenda," the President said.

She also voiced concern over the "explosion of litigation" saying that current figures reveal that the arrears in High Courts exceed 40 lakh cases, while in the Subordinate Courts, it surpasses 270 lakh. "Now as the Chief Justice of India has talked about the difference between arrears and pendency in cases, I think we will have to review these figures," she said.

Earlier, CJI S H Kapadia had made distinction between the arrears and pendency of cases and said the calculation has to be reviewed as there are flaws in it. The President said the archaic laws, if needed, should altogether be scrapped.

"There cannot be better governance without better laws and there cannot be better laws if antiquated ones remain. Archaic laws and outdated administrative regulations must be scrutinized and if necessary scrapped or amended.

Making the language of law simple can prevent unnecessary litigation," Patil said. She appealed for making the court procedures simple and straight for speedy justice.

"We must re-engineer and simplify court procedures, which otherwise tend to make litigation unduly slow and protracted. Frequent demands and liberal grant of adjournments, filing of multiple suits and similar tactics make judicial productivity sluggish.

Timely pronouncement of judgements and quick execution of decrees would be beneficial," Patil said. She expressed concern over the disproportionate ratio of population and judicial officers which was coming in way of timely disposal of cases.

Read more »

Posted in: National News

CJI attacks Govt on appointment of Public Prosecutors

New Delhi, Jul 31 (PTI) Chief Justice of Indian S H Kapadia today virtually attacked the government for withdrawing the consultation process in the appointment of public prosecutors who play a key role in the criminal justice delivery system. Justice Kapadia who shared concern on the issue of administration of criminal justice system said judicial reforms can take place only if it is coupled with reforms in the legislations and Bar.

Quoting Section 24 of the CrPC, the CJI said the provision mandated the Government to consult the High Court and the Sessions Court for appointment of public prosecutors, but over the years the process has been given a go bye. "We should make use of modern technology.

We need to amend the rules and bring about these changes, because I personally believe please do not rely or attack only us for judicial reforms. We need the Bar reforms.

We equally need Legislative reforms. "Of course, I would like to ask one question why under Section 24 of CrPC that earlier Public Prosecutors were appointed in consultation with High Courts? Why all Public Prosecutors were very good? Why we do not have those type of Public Prosecutors today? Why is the power taken away?" he posed.

The Chief Justice made the observations in his presidential address at the All India Seminar on Judicial Reforms, which was inaugurated by the President Pratibha Patil. He appealed to senior advocates to come forward and contribute for reforms in the judiciary and complained that this was not taking place in India as has been the practice in European countries.

The CJI also said a special team of statistical officers would be involved in segregating cases on three fronts by classifying them as "sticky cases", "subverted cases" and "process problem." Elaborating, he said that sticky case are those which consume considerable time, while subverted cases would be identified as those in which the one of the parties try to delay and in the last category the delay occurs due processing of service like the notice and summons, which account for 50 per cent of the problem.

Read more »

Posted in: National News

Passengers harassed as AI flight delays departure

Thiruvananthapuram, Jul 31 (PTI) A Doha-bound Air India flight''s departure here has been inordinately delayed due to "operational reasons" causing harassment to 160 passengers. Several passengers who are migrant workers said it was for them important to reach workplaces in time.

"Majority of passengers booked for the flight were migrant workers in the Gulf. They might even lose the job if they fail to get to their workplace in time", one of the passengers said.

The flight which was to have taken off at 8.45 pm last night was delayed is expected to take off this afternoon, airline officials said, adding the stranded passengers were accommodated in hotels. Some of the passengers complained that they were caught unawares by the delay and the airline officials did not give them any convincing reason for it or specify the exact time when the flight would take off.

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Posted in: SPECIAL NEWS

MDMK will continue to have ''top'' as symbol: Vaiko

Chennai, Jul 31 (PTI) The MDMK today said it would continue to have ''top'' as its symbol for the next six years despite the Election Commission derecognising it as regional party in Tamil Nadu. The EC''s order on the allocation of symbol had clearly stated that a derecognised party would be given the same symbol it had contested for the next six years, party chief Vaiko said here in a statement.

Though the party would not get time allotted for election broadcasts and telecasts, it would have its ''top'' symbol till July 29, 2016, he said. The EC had provided this security to the derecognised parties, he said, claiming MDMK would get back its recognition as a regional party after next year''s Assembly elections.

The rules regarding recognition of parties had clearly stated that a party, which had six per cent of votes along with two MLAs could be recognised as a regional party. The EC had not accepted the party''s contention that the it had got 5.98 per cent of popular votes in last Assembly elections and that the percentage should be considered as six per cent, he said, adding even during presidential polls, the constitution clearly states that fractions above point five per cent should be considered as one per cent.

The EC had yesterday announced that the MDMK had lost the status of regional party in Tamil Nadu and the PMK in the Union territory of Puducherry as they got less votes than prescribed for qualification as regional parties.

Read more »

Posted in: National News

Passengers harassed as AI flight delays departure

Thiruvananthapuram, Jul 31 (PTI) A Doha-bound Air India flight''s departure here has been inordinately delayed due to "operational reasons" causing harassment to 160 passengers. Several passengers who are migrant workers said it was for them important to reach workplaces in time.

"Majority of passengers booked for the flight were migrant workers in the Gulf. They might even lose the job if they fail to get to their workplace in time", one of the passengers said.

The flight which was to have taken off at 8.45 pm last night was delayed is expected to take off this afternoon, airline officials said, adding the stranded passengers were accommodated in hotels. Some of the passengers complained that they were caught unawares by the delay and the airline officials did not give them any convincing reason for it or specify the exact time when the flight would take off.

Read more »

Posted in: SPECIAL NEWS

MDMK will continue to have ''top'' as symbol: Vaiko

Chennai, Jul 31 (PTI) The MDMK today said it would continue to have ''top'' as its symbol for the next six years despite the Election Commission derecognising it as regional party in Tamil Nadu. The EC''s order on the allocation of symbol had clearly stated that a derecognised party would be given the same symbol it had contested for the next six years, party chief Vaiko said here in a statement.

Though the party would not get time allotted for election broadcasts and telecasts, it would have its ''top'' symbol till July 29, 2016, he said. The EC had provided this security to the derecognised parties, he said, claiming MDMK would get back its recognition as a regional party after next year''s Assembly elections.

The rules regarding recognition of parties had clearly stated that a party, which had six per cent of votes along with two MLAs could be recognised as a regional party. The EC had not accepted the party''s contention that the it had got 5.98 per cent of popular votes in last Assembly elections and that the percentage should be considered as six per cent, he said, adding even during presidential polls, the constitution clearly states that fractions above point five per cent should be considered as one per cent.

The EC had yesterday announced that the MDMK had lost the status of regional party in Tamil Nadu and the PMK in the Union territory of Puducherry as they got less votes than prescribed for qualification as regional parties.

Read more »

Posted in: National News

22-year old student ends life in Osmania varsity campus

Hyderabad, Jul 31 (PTI) A 22-year-old engineering student allegedly committed suicide in the Osmania University campus here, in support for the formation of separate Telangana state, police said today. East Zone DCP M C Ladda told PTI that the charred body of P Eshan Reddy was found near the varsity library this morning and it looks like the youth immolated himself last night.

The cause of the death will be known only after the post-mortem. A bag was also found near Reddy''s body containing a suicide note and an empty bottle, police official said.

Reddy, who recently completed his BTech from a city college in Ibrahimpattnam, said in the suicide note purportedly written by him, that he was sacrificing his life after his wish that all the 12 legislators, who resigned demanding formation of separate Telangana get re-elected defeating Congress leaders, was fulfilled. "I prayed that if APCC President D Srinivas and other Congress leaders are defeated in the elections, I would sacrifice my life and now I am fulfilling the wish," the note said.

Eshan, who hailed from Medak district, named nine leaders of Congress and TDP in the suicide note and wanted them to be boycotted from the region. It also said that Eshan did not want an autopsy to be conducted on his body.

He wanted his body be taken in a procession from the Arts College located on the campus towards Gun park (Martyr''s Memorial) near the Assembly. As tension mounted in the varsity area, with students and pro-Telangna supporters gathering near the scene, police sealed the campus and were diverting traffic on the route.

Another police officer said the situation was normal as of now, and they would first conduct Eshan''s autopsy. Eshan is the fourth student to allegedly end his life for the cause of separate Telangana at the Osmania University campus even as pro-Telangana leaders claimed many other students committed suicide in different Telangana districts, ever since protests for formation of separate state began in November last year.

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Posted in: CRIME

22-year old student ends life in Osmania varsity campus

Hyderabad, Jul 31 (PTI) A 22-year-old engineering student allegedly committed suicide in the Osmania University campus here, in support for the formation of separate Telangana state, police said today. East Zone DCP M C Ladda told PTI that the charred body of P Eshan Reddy was found near the varsity library this morning and it looks like the youth immolated himself last night.

The cause of the death will be known only after the post-mortem. A bag was also found near Reddy''s body containing a suicide note and an empty bottle, police official said.

Reddy, who recently completed his BTech from a city college in Ibrahimpattnam, said in the suicide note purportedly written by him, that he was sacrificing his life after his wish that all the 12 legislators, who resigned demanding formation of separate Telangana get re-elected defeating Congress leaders, was fulfilled. "I prayed that if APCC President D Srinivas and other Congress leaders are defeated in the elections, I would sacrifice my life and now I am fulfilling the wish," the note said.

Eshan, who hailed from Medak district, named nine leaders of Congress and TDP in the suicide note and wanted them to be boycotted from the region. It also said that Eshan did not want an autopsy to be conducted on his body.

He wanted his body be taken in a procession from the Arts College located on the campus towards Gun park (Martyr''s Memorial) near the Assembly. As tension mounted in the varsity area, with students and pro-Telangna supporters gathering near the scene, police sealed the campus and were diverting traffic on the route.

Another police officer said the situation was normal as of now, and they would first conduct Eshan''s autopsy. Eshan is the fourth student to allegedly end his life for the cause of separate Telangana at the Osmania University campus even as pro-Telangana leaders claimed many other students committed suicide in different Telangana districts, ever since protests for formation of separate state began in November last year.

Read more »

Posted in: CRIME

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4 killed in firing, Srinagar under curfew

Breaking more than a week-long lull, four persons were killed in firing by securitymen as protests erupted again in the Valley today after firing in the Natipora neighbourhood of Srinagar left two youths wounded. There were reports of clashes between security forces and protesters at more than 26 places.

Curfew was imposed in Srinagar but hundreds took to the streets late at night after calls for protests were made from loudspeakers in mosques.

Two persons were killed when CRPF and police opened fire at protesters in Amargarh near Sopore. At least 45 people were injured. Earlier, the CRPF opened fire in Chanpora in Srinagar, leaving five youths injured.

There was firing in Pattan too and two more were killed. Pattan Block Medical Officer Dr Javid Ahmad said a 16-year-old had died. “He had a bullet injury in the chest and died at the Pattan sub-district hospital,” he said. “We have referred 20 injured to different hospitals.” The teenager who died was identified as Rafiq Ahmad. Late this evening, 21-year-old Nazir Ahmad Mir of Sheeri Baramulla, working at a bakery in Pattan, too died of injuries.

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Posted in: CRIME

4 killed in firing, Srinagar under curfew

Breaking more than a week-long lull, four persons were killed in firing by securitymen as protests erupted again in the Valley today after firing in the Natipora neighbourhood of Srinagar left two youths wounded. There were reports of clashes between security forces and protesters at more than 26 places.

Curfew was imposed in Srinagar but hundreds took to the streets late at night after calls for protests were made from loudspeakers in mosques.

Two persons were killed when CRPF and police opened fire at protesters in Amargarh near Sopore. At least 45 people were injured. Earlier, the CRPF opened fire in Chanpora in Srinagar, leaving five youths injured.

There was firing in Pattan too and two more were killed. Pattan Block Medical Officer Dr Javid Ahmad said a 16-year-old had died. “He had a bullet injury in the chest and died at the Pattan sub-district hospital,” he said. “We have referred 20 injured to different hospitals.” The teenager who died was identified as Rafiq Ahmad. Late this evening, 21-year-old Nazir Ahmad Mir of Sheeri Baramulla, working at a bakery in Pattan, too died of injuries.

Read more »

Posted in: CRIME

Corruption scandal hits 2010 Games, organisers deny charges

New Delhi: Only two months before India's big sporting moment, the Commonwealth Games (CWG) have been hit hard by a huge corruption scandal and some tough questions from Cabinet Secretary K M Chandrasekhar, who wants an explanation on delays, costs and corruption.

From UK comes a letter written by Deputy High Commissioner of India in London, Rajesh N Prasad, to the Sports Ministry about allegations of corruption made by the UK government, which says that 25,000 pounds sent from the CWG in India to a company, AM films, in UK, is unaccounted for.

The UK government raised a red flag after it followed the money trail from the CWG accounts in India to AM Films. The UK tax office then wrote to the Indian High Commission on June. The UK Government has launched an investigation into the matter.

Sources have told NDTV that the Cabinet Secretary on Saturday cancelled a prescheduled visit to the Commonwealth Games Organizing Committee allegedly because of Central Vigilance Commission findings on corruption within the committee. The Cabinet Secretary was supposed to review Games preparations and deadlines.

ORGANISING COMMITTEE DENIES CHARGES

The Secretary General of the Commonwealth Games Organising Committee, Lalit Bhanot has denied all charges. He says," No improper payments made to any UK firm and all money was paid after RBI's clearence." (Watch)

Bhanot says the matter may have arisen after the Organising Commitee asked the UK govt to return about 67,000 pounds as value added tax (VAT). He admitted that the services of some London-based company were taken to organise the Queen's Baton relay in London.

In a press release, the Organising Committe further said that the accounts were settled before the Organising Committee Commonwealth Games 2010 Delhi left London. The allegation that Organising Committee Commonwealth Games 2010 Delhi makes payments of 25,000 pounds every month to AM Films UK Ltd is baseless and incorrect.

This even as an assessment report prepared by the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) back home says large-scale procedural violations, including corruption, have been noticed in 16 CWG projects worth about Rs 2,000 crore. The CVC has asked the CBI to register a corruption case.

And sources say Cabinet Secretary K M Chandrasekhar has written to the CWG Organising Committee expressing concern at delays and plans. KM Chandrashekhar would make an on-the spot assessments of CWG sites and Organising Committee chairman Suresh Kalmadi would be asked for an explanation, the sources said.

But Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit said earlier in the day that the Commonwealth Games were on track and that there was no need to panic.

"The work is going on and I will take care of it as Chief Minister. There is no need to panic. I believe these will be the best ever Games. The way we are going, we will be able to save money rather than overspend," she said. (Watch: No need to panic, says Sheila Dikshit)

She, however, refused to comment on the CVC Report saying accountability would be fixed only after the Games were conducted successfully.

CVC REPORT ON CORRUPTION

The CVC report has asked the CBI to register a corruption case against certain MCD officials in connection with irregularities in a tender issued for a Commonwealth Games project worth several crores. There are reports that the Central Vigilance Commission has asked the CBI to probe certain transactions of the Games.

Official sources said a letter of complaint has been sent to the CBI asking for a probe into alleged criminal conspiracy by unknown MCD officials while granting work for upgradation of street lighting in the national capital.

They said the contractor who had got the job after quoting the lowest amount for the project was later allegedly allowed to change the figures to earn more profit.

However, the exact amount of profits made by the contractor could not be ascertained but officials believe it may run up to Rs 20 crore.

The CVC has found serious discrepancies like award of works at higher rates to bidders, poor quality of construction and grant of work to ineligible agencies in different Games-related construction works being carried out by various departments in the capital.

As per the assessment report prepared by the CVC's Chief Technical Examination Wing, large-scale procedural violations, including corruption, have been noticed in 16 projects.

The cost of the projects has been estimated to be about Rs 2,000 crore.

Six of them are being done by Public Works Department (PWD), three by Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), two each by Central Public Works Department (CPWD), Delhi Development Authority (DDA), New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) and one by RITES, a Government of India Enterprise, the report said.

The CTE Wing has made the assessment of construction projects following complaint of alleged corruption in them.

The CVC has asked Chief Vigilance Officers to re-examine all the tenders and procurement process related to the projects.

According to the report, "Almost all the organisations executing works for Commonwealth Games have considered inadmissible factors to jack-up the reasonable price to justify award of work at quoted rates citing urgent or emergent circumstances. Despite higher rates, poor site management and delays and quality compromises have been observed."

Read more at: http://www.ndtv.com/article/india/corruption-scandal-hits-2010-games-organisers-deny-charges-40991?cp

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Corruption scandal hits 2010 Games, organisers deny charges

New Delhi: Only two months before India's big sporting moment, the Commonwealth Games (CWG) have been hit hard by a huge corruption scandal and some tough questions from Cabinet Secretary K M Chandrasekhar, who wants an explanation on delays, costs and corruption.

From UK comes a letter written by Deputy High Commissioner of India in London, Rajesh N Prasad, to the Sports Ministry about allegations of corruption made by the UK government, which says that 25,000 pounds sent from the CWG in India to a company, AM films, in UK, is unaccounted for.

The UK government raised a red flag after it followed the money trail from the CWG accounts in India to AM Films. The UK tax office then wrote to the Indian High Commission on June. The UK Government has launched an investigation into the matter.

Sources have told NDTV that the Cabinet Secretary on Saturday cancelled a prescheduled visit to the Commonwealth Games Organizing Committee allegedly because of Central Vigilance Commission findings on corruption within the committee. The Cabinet Secretary was supposed to review Games preparations and deadlines.

ORGANISING COMMITTEE DENIES CHARGES

The Secretary General of the Commonwealth Games Organising Committee, Lalit Bhanot has denied all charges. He says," No improper payments made to any UK firm and all money was paid after RBI's clearence." (Watch)

Bhanot says the matter may have arisen after the Organising Commitee asked the UK govt to return about 67,000 pounds as value added tax (VAT). He admitted that the services of some London-based company were taken to organise the Queen's Baton relay in London.

In a press release, the Organising Committe further said that the accounts were settled before the Organising Committee Commonwealth Games 2010 Delhi left London. The allegation that Organising Committee Commonwealth Games 2010 Delhi makes payments of 25,000 pounds every month to AM Films UK Ltd is baseless and incorrect.

This even as an assessment report prepared by the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) back home says large-scale procedural violations, including corruption, have been noticed in 16 CWG projects worth about Rs 2,000 crore. The CVC has asked the CBI to register a corruption case.

And sources say Cabinet Secretary K M Chandrasekhar has written to the CWG Organising Committee expressing concern at delays and plans. KM Chandrashekhar would make an on-the spot assessments of CWG sites and Organising Committee chairman Suresh Kalmadi would be asked for an explanation, the sources said.

But Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit said earlier in the day that the Commonwealth Games were on track and that there was no need to panic.

"The work is going on and I will take care of it as Chief Minister. There is no need to panic. I believe these will be the best ever Games. The way we are going, we will be able to save money rather than overspend," she said. (Watch: No need to panic, says Sheila Dikshit)

She, however, refused to comment on the CVC Report saying accountability would be fixed only after the Games were conducted successfully.

CVC REPORT ON CORRUPTION

The CVC report has asked the CBI to register a corruption case against certain MCD officials in connection with irregularities in a tender issued for a Commonwealth Games project worth several crores. There are reports that the Central Vigilance Commission has asked the CBI to probe certain transactions of the Games.

Official sources said a letter of complaint has been sent to the CBI asking for a probe into alleged criminal conspiracy by unknown MCD officials while granting work for upgradation of street lighting in the national capital.

They said the contractor who had got the job after quoting the lowest amount for the project was later allegedly allowed to change the figures to earn more profit.

However, the exact amount of profits made by the contractor could not be ascertained but officials believe it may run up to Rs 20 crore.

The CVC has found serious discrepancies like award of works at higher rates to bidders, poor quality of construction and grant of work to ineligible agencies in different Games-related construction works being carried out by various departments in the capital.

As per the assessment report prepared by the CVC's Chief Technical Examination Wing, large-scale procedural violations, including corruption, have been noticed in 16 projects.

The cost of the projects has been estimated to be about Rs 2,000 crore.

Six of them are being done by Public Works Department (PWD), three by Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), two each by Central Public Works Department (CPWD), Delhi Development Authority (DDA), New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) and one by RITES, a Government of India Enterprise, the report said.

The CTE Wing has made the assessment of construction projects following complaint of alleged corruption in them.

The CVC has asked Chief Vigilance Officers to re-examine all the tenders and procurement process related to the projects.

According to the report, "Almost all the organisations executing works for Commonwealth Games have considered inadmissible factors to jack-up the reasonable price to justify award of work at quoted rates citing urgent or emergent circumstances. Despite higher rates, poor site management and delays and quality compromises have been observed."

Read more at: http://www.ndtv.com/article/india/corruption-scandal-hits-2010-games-organisers-deny-charges-40991?cp

Read more at: http://www.ndtv.com/article/india/corruption-scandal-hits-2010-games-organisers-deny-charges-40991?cp

Read more »

Posted in: SPORTS