Jagan's fast divides Congress again in public

Hyderabad:  Congress MLAs and MLCs loyal to former party MP YS Jagan Mohan Reddy today undertook a 'padayatra' from Indira Park in Hyderabad in support of the fast being held by him for the last six days on the tuition fees reimbursement issue.

"We have undertaken the 'padayatra' in protest against the Andhra Pradesh government's insensitive attitude on the demand for release of funds for the tuition fees reimbursement and Jagan's fast," Konda Surekha, a die-hard loyalist of Jagan, told reporters at the Assembly.

The Jagan supporters found fault with the state government for not holding talks or sending a representative to meet Jagan though his week-long fast entered the sixth day and he needed medical attention.

The government deputed ministers or other representatives when opposition leaders like Chandrababu Naidu and state BJP president G Kishan Reddy went on hunger strikes but it has a "revengeful" attitude towards Jagan, they alleged.The MLAs, loyal to Jagan, have been expressing their protest in the Assembly on the fees reimbursement issue for the last few days by holding placards. About 20 MLAs, loyal to the former MP, have been calling on him during the last six days of his fast.

Meanwhile, policemen requested Jagan to call off his fast and take medical treatment as per doctors' advice but he declined to do so.

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Posted in: INDIA news,NDTV

Technical institutes to reserve 5% seats: Sibal

New Delhi:  From now, technical institutes approved by AICTE have to reserve up to five per cent of their seats for students from economically backward sections of the society.

"Till now, tuition fee waiver scheme operated by AICTE allowed providing up to 10 per cent supernumerary seats that are given to students of economically backward category. It was the discretion on the part of the institution to apply for such a scheme. Now these seats are made mandatory for every institute up to five per cent," HRD Minister Kapil Sibal said.

Unveiling the revised AICTE norms, he said the technical institutes can from now on increase the intake capacity per programme from 40 to 60 seats.

Opening up the doors to the corporate sector, he said companies can also set up technical institutes provided they set up entities registered as a non-profit entity under section 25 of the Company's Act to run such institutes.
No joint venture will, however, apply to this, he said, adding the scheme would only be allowed in 241 districts where at present no AICTE approved institute exist.

"If corporate sector wants to offer AICTE programmes, they can do so after setting up a section 25 company without a joint venture, and thereafter seek approval from AICTE for the programmes," he said.

At present, only trusts and cooperative societies are allowed to run technical institutes.

Further, corporates can set up campuses through PPP or through build-operate-transfer mode under agreement with public sector.

Further relaxing norms, he said in rural sector, only 10 acre will be required to set up an engineering institute while in urban sector only 2.5 acre.

He said the measures are aimed at easing the pressure on the education sector and providing relief to the students in matters of admission.

"These are all incentives given for expansion of the education sector because the demand is huge and supply is less and the problems of fees etc. So when the sector expands and meets demands, the pressure on the system will be much less. It will be easier for students," he said.

Significantly, Sibal also said that as per the new AICTE norms, stand alone PG programme can be offered by institutes as against the existing norm where PG courses are allowed in campuses where under graduate programme exist.

He said B.Sc students can seek lateral entry to a second year degree programme provided they have passed Mathematics at XII or at B.Sc level besides engineering graphics and engineering mechanics along with second year subjects.
 

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Posted in: INDIA news,National News,NDTV

Technical institutes to reserve 5% seats: Sibal

New Delhi:  From now, technical institutes approved by AICTE have to reserve up to five per cent of their seats for students from economically backward sections of the society.

"Till now, tuition fee waiver scheme operated by AICTE allowed providing up to 10 per cent supernumerary seats that are given to students of economically backward category. It was the discretion on the part of the institution to apply for such a scheme. Now these seats are made mandatory for every institute up to five per cent," HRD Minister Kapil Sibal said.

Unveiling the revised AICTE norms, he said the technical institutes can from now on increase the intake capacity per programme from 40 to 60 seats.

Opening up the doors to the corporate sector, he said companies can also set up technical institutes provided they set up entities registered as a non-profit entity under section 25 of the Company's Act to run such institutes.
No joint venture will, however, apply to this, he said, adding the scheme would only be allowed in 241 districts where at present no AICTE approved institute exist.

"If corporate sector wants to offer AICTE programmes, they can do so after setting up a section 25 company without a joint venture, and thereafter seek approval from AICTE for the programmes," he said.

At present, only trusts and cooperative societies are allowed to run technical institutes.

Further, corporates can set up campuses through PPP or through build-operate-transfer mode under agreement with public sector.

Further relaxing norms, he said in rural sector, only 10 acre will be required to set up an engineering institute while in urban sector only 2.5 acre.

He said the measures are aimed at easing the pressure on the education sector and providing relief to the students in matters of admission.

"These are all incentives given for expansion of the education sector because the demand is huge and supply is less and the problems of fees etc. So when the sector expands and meets demands, the pressure on the system will be much less. It will be easier for students," he said.

Significantly, Sibal also said that as per the new AICTE norms, stand alone PG programme can be offered by institutes as against the existing norm where PG courses are allowed in campuses where under graduate programme exist.

He said B.Sc students can seek lateral entry to a second year degree programme provided they have passed Mathematics at XII or at B.Sc level besides engineering graphics and engineering mechanics along with second year subjects.
 

Read more »

Posted in: INDIA news,National News,NDTV

Catch: Jai Ho Rahman's magical 127 Hours

 

He never fails to disarm with his matter of fact manner. AR Rahman has a Golden Globe nomination, is possibly well on his way to another Oscar and knows it too.

But when he talks about scoring the music for Danny Boyle's 127 Hours, there are no flighty explanations of how creative highs were reached in moments of otherworldliness. Rahman talks about working close to the director's vision and being guided in the right direction.

I write this with R.I.P from the film playing along and at this point I do not think I have heard anything in recent times quite as magnificent. Danny Boyle sure seems to do a great job of guiding Rahman in the right direction though unlike the shy, self-effacing magician, I'd like to credit much of it to sheer genius.

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Posted in: A.R.RAHMAN,NDTV

IAF helicopter crashes in Jammu, all safe

Jammu:  An Indian Air Force (IAF) helicopter crashed in Jammu on Tuesday morning. The crew and eight people on board are, however, said to be safe.

The Mi-26 crashed at the Jammu Air Force Station just above the runway after it had attained a height of 100 meters. The helicopter was on Indian Railways duty carrying material for track building.

More details are awaited.

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Posted in: National News,NDTV

IAF helicopter crashes in Jammu, all safe

Jammu:  An Indian Air Force (IAF) helicopter crashed in Jammu on Tuesday morning. The crew and eight people on board are, however, said to be safe.

The Mi-26 crashed at the Jammu Air Force Station just above the runway after it had attained a height of 100 meters. The helicopter was on Indian Railways duty carrying material for track building.

More details are awaited.

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Posted in: National News,NDTV

Varanasi blast: At least 7 injured at Sheetla Ghaat

Varanasi:  At least 7 people have been injured in a blast on the ghats of Varanasi. Police say at least 4 people - including a foreigner - suffered serious injuries. The police has not confirmed reports of people dying in the incident.

The explosion took place at Sheetla Ghaat where the daily aarti or prayers are offered. The explosion  reportedly took place just as the aarti finished.

Eyewitness reports suggest the blast took place around 6:25 pm. There were at least 5000 people at the ghats to watch the aarti, which begins at 5:40 pm everyday.

Initial reports suggest a blast radius of 150 metres, and a major tragedy was averted because the blast occurred some distance away from  where the aarti was taking place.

A railing broke during the stampede that followed injuring another 15-20 people.

The police has been put on high-alert in all towns and cities of Uttar Pradesh. Top police officials met in the state capital, Lucknow.

Briefing the media, Additional Director General of Police Brij Lal said the top police officials and the bomb disposal squad are at the spot. The police say its too early to confirm who or what caused the blast. Prima facie evidence suggests that the explosives were kept on the steps of the ghaat.
 

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Posted in: INDIA news,National News,NDTV,SPECIAL NEWS

Varanasi blast: At least 7 injured at Sheetla Ghaat

Varanasi:  At least 7 people have been injured in a blast on the ghats of Varanasi. Police say at least 4 people - including a foreigner - suffered serious injuries. The police has not confirmed reports of people dying in the incident.

The explosion took place at Sheetla Ghaat where the daily aarti or prayers are offered. The explosion  reportedly took place just as the aarti finished.

Eyewitness reports suggest the blast took place around 6:25 pm. There were at least 5000 people at the ghats to watch the aarti, which begins at 5:40 pm everyday.

Initial reports suggest a blast radius of 150 metres, and a major tragedy was averted because the blast occurred some distance away from  where the aarti was taking place.

A railing broke during the stampede that followed injuring another 15-20 people.

The police has been put on high-alert in all towns and cities of Uttar Pradesh. Top police officials met in the state capital, Lucknow.

Briefing the media, Additional Director General of Police Brij Lal said the top police officials and the bomb disposal squad are at the spot. The police say its too early to confirm who or what caused the blast. Prima facie evidence suggests that the explosives were kept on the steps of the ghaat.
 

Read more »

Posted in: INDIA news,National News,NDTV,SPECIAL NEWS

2G spectrum scam: Ratan Tata to move Supreme Court on Radia tapes

New Delhi:  Ratan Tata, the Chairman of the Tata Group of companies, will move the Supreme Court on Monday against the publication of intercepts of his conversations with Public Relations (PR) representative Nira Radia, who handles the corporate communication for the Tata Group.

The phone transcripts are part of the evidence in the 2G spectrum scam and have been made public. The scam is believed to be India's largest-ever swindle worth Rs. 1.76 lakh crore, according to the government's auditor.

Tata's petition in the Supreme Court is likely to state the following:

Phone transcripts of conversations between Radia and her public relations clients including the Tatas should be used only for investigations.
Phones can be tapped but information should not be made public.

The publication of these transcripts has affected his right to privacy.

Speaking to Shekhar Gupta on NDTV's Walk the Talk programme, Ratan Tata had recently said that the government agencies have special powers to invade people's privacy, but with that special power, come special responsibilities.

He also asserted that the Tata Group never subverted any policy through Radia. "Never once have we done something to exploit a policy issue, never once we used her (Radia) to make payments or to seek favours," he said, adding that the government should take over the tapes and restrain the media from indulging in character assassination.

Speaking on the show, Tata also said that the leaked tapes that have Radia and others discussing 2G spectrum are taking away attention - he describes them as "a smokescreen" from the real issue. Tata was one of Radia's clients. She is now part of the investigation into the 2G controversy.

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Posted in: DNA India,National News,NDTV

2G spectrum scam: Ratan Tata to move Supreme Court on Radia tapes

New Delhi:  Ratan Tata, the Chairman of the Tata Group of companies, will move the Supreme Court on Monday against the publication of intercepts of his conversations with Public Relations (PR) representative Nira Radia, who handles the corporate communication for the Tata Group.

The phone transcripts are part of the evidence in the 2G spectrum scam and have been made public. The scam is believed to be India's largest-ever swindle worth Rs. 1.76 lakh crore, according to the government's auditor.

Tata's petition in the Supreme Court is likely to state the following:

Phone transcripts of conversations between Radia and her public relations clients including the Tatas should be used only for investigations.
Phones can be tapped but information should not be made public.

The publication of these transcripts has affected his right to privacy.

Speaking to Shekhar Gupta on NDTV's Walk the Talk programme, Ratan Tata had recently said that the government agencies have special powers to invade people's privacy, but with that special power, come special responsibilities.

He also asserted that the Tata Group never subverted any policy through Radia. "Never once have we done something to exploit a policy issue, never once we used her (Radia) to make payments or to seek favours," he said, adding that the government should take over the tapes and restrain the media from indulging in character assassination.

Speaking on the show, Tata also said that the leaked tapes that have Radia and others discussing 2G spectrum are taking away attention - he describes them as "a smokescreen" from the real issue. Tata was one of Radia's clients. She is now part of the investigation into the 2G controversy.

Read more »

Posted in: DNA India,National News,NDTV

Kashmir interlocutors to submit initial assessment report to Chidambaram today

New Delhi:  After completing their first visit to Jammu and Kashmir, the interlocutors appointed by the Centre will meet Union Home Minister P Chidambaram on Tuesday morning and give him an initial assessment report.

As part of their brief to listen to different shades of opinion, the interlocutors met different groups including jailed stone throwers and militants.

Meanwhile, ahead of his meeting with the interlocutors, Chidambaram on Monday asked them to refrain from giving a "ball-by-ball commentary" about the progress made in their dialogue.

"I think...interlocutors should not give a ball-by-ball commentary about their dialogue. This is interlocution. This is not a cricket match," he told reporters when asked about interlocutor Dileep Padgaonkar claiming that a terrorist had promised to present to him a peace plan for the Valley.
The interlocutors on Kashmir have come under criticism for making controversial statements.

Dileep Padgaonkar and another interlocutor Radha Kumar had recently stirred a controversy by stating that Pakistan should be involved in finding a lasting solution to the Kashmir issue.

On criticism from BJP about remarks made by the interlocutors, he said if the party wants the dialogue process to succeed, it "should show restraint and not make these completely baseless allegations. They should give the dialogue process a chance to succeed."

The Home Minister said the interlocutors have, to some extent, changed the discourse in the state. "I sincerely hope that the people in the state will give peace a chance and give dialogue a chance," he added.

Noting that the situation in the Valley was gradually getting back to normal, Chidambaram however added that it is "too early" to say that everything is normal there."

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Posted in: INDIA news,Jammu Kashmir,National News,NDTV

Kashmir interlocutors to submit initial assessment report to Chidambaram today

New Delhi:  After completing their first visit to Jammu and Kashmir, the interlocutors appointed by the Centre will meet Union Home Minister P Chidambaram on Tuesday morning and give him an initial assessment report.

As part of their brief to listen to different shades of opinion, the interlocutors met different groups including jailed stone throwers and militants.

Meanwhile, ahead of his meeting with the interlocutors, Chidambaram on Monday asked them to refrain from giving a "ball-by-ball commentary" about the progress made in their dialogue.

"I think...interlocutors should not give a ball-by-ball commentary about their dialogue. This is interlocution. This is not a cricket match," he told reporters when asked about interlocutor Dileep Padgaonkar claiming that a terrorist had promised to present to him a peace plan for the Valley.
The interlocutors on Kashmir have come under criticism for making controversial statements.

Dileep Padgaonkar and another interlocutor Radha Kumar had recently stirred a controversy by stating that Pakistan should be involved in finding a lasting solution to the Kashmir issue.

On criticism from BJP about remarks made by the interlocutors, he said if the party wants the dialogue process to succeed, it "should show restraint and not make these completely baseless allegations. They should give the dialogue process a chance to succeed."

The Home Minister said the interlocutors have, to some extent, changed the discourse in the state. "I sincerely hope that the people in the state will give peace a chance and give dialogue a chance," he added.

Noting that the situation in the Valley was gradually getting back to normal, Chidambaram however added that it is "too early" to say that everything is normal there."

Read more »

Posted in: INDIA news,Jammu Kashmir,National News,NDTV

Stay out of Gujarat: Supreme Court to Amit Shah

Ahmedabad:  The Supreme Court has directed Amit Shah to stay away from the state from Sunday morning till further orders.

When Amit Shah's lawyer opposed the court's direction for him to stay away from Gujarat the court said, "It is in your interest if you stay away from Gujarat".

The apex court issued notices to Amit Shah and Gujarat government on why his bail should not be cancelled. This order came after the CBI filed a petition in the Supreme Court seeking cancellation of the bail granted by the Gujarat High Court to Amit Shah and sought an urgent hearing. 

The apex investigating agency argued that Amit Shah may tamper with evidence while on bail.

"I want to say only this much that the CBI had filed a petition because of its strong apprehensions that the accused, Amit Shah, can wield lot of influence and can tamper with evidence. So we filed the petition last night, although all the documents were not available. They had yet to arrive from Ahmedabad," senior lawyer KTS Tulsi, who appeared for CBI in the High Court, accompanied CBI officials when the petition was filed, said.

The petition was filed in the Deputy Registrar's office around 10.30 pm on Friday night after the top brass of the premier investigating agency decided to move the Supreme court for cancelling the bail.

"The petition was filed at the residence of the Registrar of the Supreme Court and the Registrar was requested to obtain necessary orders for constitution of the Bench. The Bench was eventually constituted today and the hearing took place at 5 pm. In the course of hearing, the judges enquired as to whether Mr. Amit Shah is still in custody or has he been released. We informed the court that according to our information Mr. Amit Shah was released from jail around 10.15-10.30 pm last night, which is clearly contrary to the Prison Manual and the Prison Rules. We also expressed our strong apprehension that the lives of various witnesses may be put at risk," Tulsi added.

The Court will be on a brief Diwali recess from Monday. The Deputy Registrar is the court's Vacation officer.

It is likely that the petition may come up before the Vacation bench of the Supreme Court on Saturday.

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Posted in: INDIA news,National News,NDTV

Stay out of Gujarat: Supreme Court to Amit Shah

Ahmedabad:  The Supreme Court has directed Amit Shah to stay away from the state from Sunday morning till further orders.

When Amit Shah's lawyer opposed the court's direction for him to stay away from Gujarat the court said, "It is in your interest if you stay away from Gujarat".

The apex court issued notices to Amit Shah and Gujarat government on why his bail should not be cancelled. This order came after the CBI filed a petition in the Supreme Court seeking cancellation of the bail granted by the Gujarat High Court to Amit Shah and sought an urgent hearing. 

The apex investigating agency argued that Amit Shah may tamper with evidence while on bail.

"I want to say only this much that the CBI had filed a petition because of its strong apprehensions that the accused, Amit Shah, can wield lot of influence and can tamper with evidence. So we filed the petition last night, although all the documents were not available. They had yet to arrive from Ahmedabad," senior lawyer KTS Tulsi, who appeared for CBI in the High Court, accompanied CBI officials when the petition was filed, said.

The petition was filed in the Deputy Registrar's office around 10.30 pm on Friday night after the top brass of the premier investigating agency decided to move the Supreme court for cancelling the bail.

"The petition was filed at the residence of the Registrar of the Supreme Court and the Registrar was requested to obtain necessary orders for constitution of the Bench. The Bench was eventually constituted today and the hearing took place at 5 pm. In the course of hearing, the judges enquired as to whether Mr. Amit Shah is still in custody or has he been released. We informed the court that according to our information Mr. Amit Shah was released from jail around 10.15-10.30 pm last night, which is clearly contrary to the Prison Manual and the Prison Rules. We also expressed our strong apprehension that the lives of various witnesses may be put at risk," Tulsi added.

The Court will be on a brief Diwali recess from Monday. The Deputy Registrar is the court's Vacation officer.

It is likely that the petition may come up before the Vacation bench of the Supreme Court on Saturday.

Read more »

Posted in: INDIA news,National News,NDTV

CWG broadcast scam: SIS Live denies charges

New Delhi:  The broadcast rights deal for the Commonwealth Games, worth Rs. 246 crore, is being thoroughly investigated. After allegations of favouritism and wrongdoing were leveled against SIS Live, a UK-based company that won the broadcasting rights, the company has denied all charges.

SIS Live said it never earned excessive profits or paid sub-contractors anything less than the market rates.

In an official statement the company said:

SIS Live has paid all service tax due in accordance with the regulations; the last payment being made in October, the next payment is due in January 2011.

SIS Live has kept proper accounts and copies of bills. These are administered by our central service centre in the UK, and operated online from India. Since the I-T Department visit to our project office in Delhi on October 5, we have provided all the documents requested - over 2,500 - within the agreed timescale.

At no time were any SIS Live offices 'raided' or any of its bank accounts 'frozen'.

Currently, much more than 20 per cent of the contract value is outstanding, as was expected at this stage under the contract terms.

David Meynell, the Managing Director of SIS Live said "SIS Live was part of the team which worked tirelessly during the run up to the Games, under incredibly difficult conditions and circumstances, to ensure all the venues were broadcast-ready in time."

"Any suggestion that SIS Live has earned excessive profits and/or paid any sub-contractors anything less than market rates is entirely erroneous. Indeed, the enormous challenges presented and overcome by SIS Live in delivering world class coverage of the XIX CWG in Delhi 2010 have contributed to ensuring that any profit made from this event is extremely modest," Meynell added.

He also said that "We are very proud of the coverage which we have produced and have been delighted by the feedback received from broadcasters around the world. To now see these reports of unqualified accusations is deeply upsetting, particularly for all the staff who worked so hard to cover the event. All are completely groundless and some, frankly, outrageous."

Read more at: http://www.ndtv.com/article/india/cwg-broadcast-scam-sis-live-denies-charges-61758?cp

Read more at: http://www.ndtv.com/article/india/cwg-broadcast-scam-sis-live-denies-charges-61758?cp

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Posted in: NDTV

CWG broadcast scam: SIS Live denies charges

New Delhi:  The broadcast rights deal for the Commonwealth Games, worth Rs. 246 crore, is being thoroughly investigated. After allegations of favouritism and wrongdoing were leveled against SIS Live, a UK-based company that won the broadcasting rights, the company has denied all charges.

SIS Live said it never earned excessive profits or paid sub-contractors anything less than the market rates.

In an official statement the company said:

SIS Live has paid all service tax due in accordance with the regulations; the last payment being made in October, the next payment is due in January 2011.

SIS Live has kept proper accounts and copies of bills. These are administered by our central service centre in the UK, and operated online from India. Since the I-T Department visit to our project office in Delhi on October 5, we have provided all the documents requested - over 2,500 - within the agreed timescale.

At no time were any SIS Live offices 'raided' or any of its bank accounts 'frozen'.

Currently, much more than 20 per cent of the contract value is outstanding, as was expected at this stage under the contract terms.

David Meynell, the Managing Director of SIS Live said "SIS Live was part of the team which worked tirelessly during the run up to the Games, under incredibly difficult conditions and circumstances, to ensure all the venues were broadcast-ready in time."

"Any suggestion that SIS Live has earned excessive profits and/or paid any sub-contractors anything less than market rates is entirely erroneous. Indeed, the enormous challenges presented and overcome by SIS Live in delivering world class coverage of the XIX CWG in Delhi 2010 have contributed to ensuring that any profit made from this event is extremely modest," Meynell added.

He also said that "We are very proud of the coverage which we have produced and have been delighted by the feedback received from broadcasters around the world. To now see these reports of unqualified accusations is deeply upsetting, particularly for all the staff who worked so hard to cover the event. All are completely groundless and some, frankly, outrageous."

Read more at: http://www.ndtv.com/article/india/cwg-broadcast-scam-sis-live-denies-charges-61758?cp

Read more at: http://www.ndtv.com/article/india/cwg-broadcast-scam-sis-live-denies-charges-61758?cp

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Posted in: NDTV

Passengers can use cellphones right after plane lands

New Delhi:  Flight pursers will no longer bother you if you want to make a call from your cellphone soon after your plane lands, thanks to a new procedure to be adopted by airlines across the country from Friday.
  
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has amended the Aircraft Rules to provide for the use of cellular phones by passengers even before the aircraft comes to a halt.
   
Under the amended Aircraft Rules, passengers would be allowed to use mobile phones shortly after an aircraft lands, leaves the active runway, enters the taxiway and if there are no other runways or intersections for it to cross.
   
However, this procedure would not be allowed in cases of low visibility conditions, like fog, at the airport, an official spokesperson said.

Instead of barring people from using their mobiles till the aircraft has come to a halt and its doors are opened, the air hostess would now make the following announcement after getting clearance from the pilot-in-command: "Passengers are advised that the use of mobile phones after landing is now allowed. Aircraft has left the active runway and has slowed down. Passengers may use their mobile phones now."
   
The pilot-in-command would give clearance for such an announcement to be made on the plane's intercom when visual or clear flight conditions exist and "when the Pilot-in-Command is comfortable," as per the fresh procedure.
   
The airlines have been asked to adopt the new procedure latest by October 22.
   
So far, the use of mobiles was allowed only after the aircraft has come to a complete halt and boarding gates opened. This was done to ensure that mobile signals do not disturb the communication between the cockpit and the air traffic control.
   
Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel had last month said that the Aircraft Rules were being amended for this purpose.

Read more at: http://www.ndtv.com/article/india/passengers-can-use-cellphones-right-after-plane-lands-60613?cp

Read more at: http://www.ndtv.com/article/india/passengers-can-use-cellphones-right-after-plane-lands-60613?cp

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Posted in: NDTV

Passengers can use cellphones right after plane lands

New Delhi:  Flight pursers will no longer bother you if you want to make a call from your cellphone soon after your plane lands, thanks to a new procedure to be adopted by airlines across the country from Friday.
  
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has amended the Aircraft Rules to provide for the use of cellular phones by passengers even before the aircraft comes to a halt.
   
Under the amended Aircraft Rules, passengers would be allowed to use mobile phones shortly after an aircraft lands, leaves the active runway, enters the taxiway and if there are no other runways or intersections for it to cross.
   
However, this procedure would not be allowed in cases of low visibility conditions, like fog, at the airport, an official spokesperson said.

Instead of barring people from using their mobiles till the aircraft has come to a halt and its doors are opened, the air hostess would now make the following announcement after getting clearance from the pilot-in-command: "Passengers are advised that the use of mobile phones after landing is now allowed. Aircraft has left the active runway and has slowed down. Passengers may use their mobile phones now."
   
The pilot-in-command would give clearance for such an announcement to be made on the plane's intercom when visual or clear flight conditions exist and "when the Pilot-in-Command is comfortable," as per the fresh procedure.
   
The airlines have been asked to adopt the new procedure latest by October 22.
   
So far, the use of mobiles was allowed only after the aircraft has come to a complete halt and boarding gates opened. This was done to ensure that mobile signals do not disturb the communication between the cockpit and the air traffic control.
   
Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel had last month said that the Aircraft Rules were being amended for this purpose.

Read more at: http://www.ndtv.com/article/india/passengers-can-use-cellphones-right-after-plane-lands-60613?cp

Read more at: http://www.ndtv.com/article/india/passengers-can-use-cellphones-right-after-plane-lands-60613?cp

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Posted in: NDTV

Priyadarshini Mattoo case: A timeline

New Delhi:  Following is the chronology of the events in the case of rape and murder of 23-year-old law student Priyadarshini Mattoo.

January 23, 1996: 23-year-old Priyadarshini Mattoo, a law student, allegedly raped and killed by Santosh Singh. At the time, both were law students. Delhi Police registers FIR.

January 25, 1996: Case handed over to the CBI. Agency registers case. 

April 11, 1996: CBI files chargesheet in the case against Santosh Singh.

August 11, 1997: Trial starts in the court of Additional Solicitor General S C Mittal.

January 3, 1998: Prosecution evidence closes. Fifty witnesses examined by the court. No Defence witness.

April 18, 1998: Arguments closed in the case but was marred by a controversy of allegations of money changing hands ahead of judgement. Case transferred to trial court.

December 3, 1999: Trial court delivers judgement, Santosh Singh acquitted.

February 29, 2000: CBI appeals in Delhi High Court.

October 17, 2006: High Court convicts Santosh Singh for raping and killing Priyadarshini Mattoo. The court accepts the evidence against Santosh that he was stalking Priyadarshini. He was seen outside her house on the day of murder, that is, January 23, 1996.

October 30, 2006: Santosh Singh given the death sentence by Delhi High Court. Santosh later filed a plea in the Supreme Court challenging the death sentence awarded to him.

October 6, 2010: Supreme Court commutes Santosh Singh's death penalty to life term.

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Posted in: INDIA news,National News,NDTV

Priyadarshini Mattoo case: A timeline

New Delhi:  Following is the chronology of the events in the case of rape and murder of 23-year-old law student Priyadarshini Mattoo.

January 23, 1996: 23-year-old Priyadarshini Mattoo, a law student, allegedly raped and killed by Santosh Singh. At the time, both were law students. Delhi Police registers FIR.

January 25, 1996: Case handed over to the CBI. Agency registers case. 

April 11, 1996: CBI files chargesheet in the case against Santosh Singh.

August 11, 1997: Trial starts in the court of Additional Solicitor General S C Mittal.

January 3, 1998: Prosecution evidence closes. Fifty witnesses examined by the court. No Defence witness.

April 18, 1998: Arguments closed in the case but was marred by a controversy of allegations of money changing hands ahead of judgement. Case transferred to trial court.

December 3, 1999: Trial court delivers judgement, Santosh Singh acquitted.

February 29, 2000: CBI appeals in Delhi High Court.

October 17, 2006: High Court convicts Santosh Singh for raping and killing Priyadarshini Mattoo. The court accepts the evidence against Santosh that he was stalking Priyadarshini. He was seen outside her house on the day of murder, that is, January 23, 1996.

October 30, 2006: Santosh Singh given the death sentence by Delhi High Court. Santosh later filed a plea in the Supreme Court challenging the death sentence awarded to him.

October 6, 2010: Supreme Court commutes Santosh Singh's death penalty to life term.

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