Idea Star Singer Season 5 -(2010-2011)
Idea Star Singer Season 5 (ISS Season 5) is a popular TV reality show from Asianet in Malayalam from Kerala.
Indian Premier League 2011 ( IPL 20-20)
GThe Indian Premier League (often abbreviated as IPL), is a Twenty20 cricket competition initiated by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and supervised by BCCI.
Friday, January 28, 2011
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Top NCP leader fined Rs.1.72 crore for illegal mining
Panaji : Nationalist Congress Party's (NCP) national secretary Jitendra Deshprabhu has been fined Rs.1.72 crore for illegal mining of iron ore in Goa, according to documents sourced from the state mining department.
Deshprabhu has claimed that while the land where illegal mining was being carried out was owned by him, he was not behind the mining operations.
Mining department documents, however, show that Deshprabhu, whose family was once appointed by the colonial Portuguese to collect revenue taxes, owns huge tracts of land in the Pernem sub district located 30 km from here, has extracted nearly 15,000 tonnes of iron ore and dumped it in his adjoining property in survey number 299/0 of the Korgao village panchayat.
'More than 50,000 tonnes has already been extracted if one assesses the depth and the extent of depth the pit has reached,' a site inspection report of the state mining department drafted by technical assistant Hector Fernandes states.
Based on Fernandes' report, Deshprabhu has been issued notices under section four of the mines and minerals development and regulation act 1957 in December last year.
Mining department officials also said the son of a senior cabinet minister had been contracted to extract the iron ore from the mining pit.
The mining department's action against the ruling top NCP official lends credence to opposition charges, that the Congress-led coalition government was promoting illegal mining and that several cabinet ministers were indulging in rampant illegal mining, which accounts for nearly 18 percent of the state's Rs.6,000 crore mining industry.
When asked to respond to allegations vis-a-vis illegal mining and the fine imposed on him by the state mining department, Deshprabhu said: 'That's preposterous. I own the land, but I am not carrying out any mining activity. I am not involved in any illegal mining at all. I have given the land to a contractor with a valid licence for quarrying. You should ask him.'
Adarsh: Maharashtra information commissioner's removal hastened
Adarsh: Maharashtra information commissioner's removal hastened Posted on: 18 Jan 2011Mumbai:The process to remove defiant State Information Commissioner Ramanand Tiwari got a fillip with Maharashtra Governor K. Sankaranarayanan Tuesday referring the matter to the Supreme Court, an official said.
The governor has referred the case to the apex court under Right to Information Act, Section 17(1), said an official who declined to be identified.
The governor has referred the case to the apex court under Right to Information Act, Section 17(1), said an official who declined to be identified.
'The next stage will be Tiwari's suspension, which could happen as soon as the governor's recommendation reaches the apex court,' the official explained. The suspension itself could take place in the next few days.
Tiwari, a former Indian Administrative Service officer, was asked to quit his post by the state government last month after his name came up for alleged involvement in the Adarsh Cooperative Housing Society scam.
Since Tiwari, who occupies a constitutional post, refused to resign claiming innocence in the case, the state cabinet initiated the process to remove him.
Among other things, he has been accused of withholding crucial information on the Adarsh society, in which many politicians and bureaucrats are members.
The scam has claimed the job of former chief minister Ashok Chavan after allegations surfaced of collusion between bureaucrats and politicians to corner flats in the society's 31-storey building constructed on a prime plot measuring nearly 6,500 sq m in the posh Colaba area of south Mumbai.
Sharapova, Dokic satisfied after shelving coaches
Melbourne : Coaches are being dealt like cards in the world of women's tennis, with Maria Sharapova and Australian Jelena Dokic just the latest to change. Both players have done well so far out of their personnel moves, reaching the second round of the Australian Open.
Three-time Grand Slam champion Sharapova tried to cushion the blow of what she hints could be a temporary split from longtime hitting partner and proto-coach Michael Joyce, saying the parting was to give the pair time to seek other input after things got stale between them on the practice court.
But Sharapova made sure she was covered, parting with Joyce only after signing up Swede Thomas Hogstedt as her new mentor.
'After a really long period of time, I think a few things become a routine,' said the Russian. 'From both of our perspectives it was really a good move to bring in a new voice, a fresh perspective into the team.
'Michael is like a brother to me, we talk all the time. Obviously it's different not having him at a tournament after so many years.'
'I've worked with Thomas since the middle of November, and it's been going really well. I'm happy so far, but you never know where things will take you. So far everything is great.'
Dokic was more direct about her split after less than a year with Dutchman Glenn Schaap in what looks to be a personality clash. 'Nothing special, no hard feelings,' said the Australian.
'There are certain people that suit you for your game and for your personality. He didn't suit the type of tennis that I wanted to play? Maybe he's good for somebody else, but I didn't feel that click, basically.'
'That's it, nothing else.'
Schwarzenegger returns to acting
Schwarzenegger returns to acting Posted on: 19 Jan 2011Actor-turned-politician Arnold Schwarzenegger is set to play a soldier in new movie 'With Wings of Eagles' on his return to acting.
The 'Terminator' star took a break from the big screen to concentrate on his political career - working as the governor of California from November 2003 to January 2011 - but is now looking over scripts for new movies.
'Currently I'm reading three scripts. One script, which I considered a long time ago before governor, is delighting me particularly. In it I would play an older soldier, who gets the order at the ending of the war to kill a bunch of kids. But he doesn't do it and gets them to safety at the risk of his life and it has all kind of adventure. This script is based on a true story,' contactmusic.com quoted him as saying.
The 63-year-old actor also revealed he is no longer able to do all the action roles that made him famous.
'In the future I have to adapt my roles to my age. Clint Eastwood also has done it in the same way. Extreme fighting or shooting is not possible anymore. I want to be more encouraged as an actor and I believe that I can manage this challenge. I am like a sponge, which is absorbing all the knowledge and always be willing to learn all new things,' he said.
Etihad Airways increases flights to Jeddah
Etihad Airways increases flights to Jeddah Posted on: 19 Jan 2011Abu Dhabi : Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, will expand its services to Jeddah in Saudi Arabia from Feb 1, increasing to 12 flights per week.
The increased flying programme is a result of the strong ties between the two countries and the growing demand for business and religious travel in the region.
The airline will operate an Airbus A320 aircraft between the two cities, with the capacity to carry 16 passengers in Pearl Business class and 120 guests in Coral Economy class.
James Hogan, Etihad Airways' Chief Executive Officer, said: 'Saudi Arabia is a cornerstone market for Etihad and Jeddah has always been an important strategic destination for the airline.'
Etihad Airways commenced operations to Jeddah in May 2006, with three frequencies per week, increasing to daily from April 2007 and now to 12 flights per week from February 2011. The airline also offers a non-stop, eight-flights-per-week service to the Saudi capital Riyadh.
One killed as car falls into gorge
One killed as car falls into gorge Posted on: 19 Jan 2011Adoor: One person was killed when his car fell into a gorge in Ezhamkulam near Adoor in Pathanamthitta district. The deceased is Kaladi Naduvamthottam Reji John, 40.
50 killed in Iraq suicide bombing
50 killed in Iraq suicide bombing Posted on: 18 Jan 2011Tikrit (Iraq): At least 50 people were killed in a suicide bombing Tuesday outside a police recruitment centre in the Iraqi city of Tikrit, security sources said.
A source said the bomber blew himself up outside the centre where hundreds of young people were lined up.
A source said the bomber blew himself up outside the centre where hundreds of young people were lined up.
Another 150 people were injured in the explosion.
Alsumaria News reported that ambulances were still carrying the injured to nearby hospitals for treatment and that all roads leading to the site of the attack were closed off.
Tikrit, where the explosion took place, is located about 170 km north of Baghdad
Haiti charges ex-leader Jean-Claude 'Baby Doc' Duvalier
Haiti's former leader Jean-Claude 'Baby Doc' Duvalier has been charged with corruption and embezzlement during his 1971-1986 rule, prosecutors say.
Mr Duvalier was allowed to go free after questioning, but a judge will decide whether his case goes to trial.
The ex-leader, who denies wrongdoing, made a surprise return to Haiti on Sunday after 24 years in exile.
He was regarded as a playboy during his time in office, when he used a brutal militia to control the country.
He said he had 'come to help' after last year's devastating earthquake.
Port-au-Prince's chief prosecutor Aristidas Auguste told Reuters that charges of corruption, theft, misappropriation of funds and other alleged crimes had been brought against him.
'Ongoing burden'
There have been growing calls for Mr Duvalier to be prosecuted for alleged torture and murder of thousands of people during his rule.
He is also thought to have embezzled millions of dollars from state coffers.
Mr Duvalier is staying in a hotel in the hills above the centre of the capital, Port-au-Prince.
Earlier on Tuesday he was visited by Haiti's chief prosecutor and a judge, who questioned him over claims he stole from the country's treasury.
He was led away from the hotel and taken to court.
Some onlookers are reported to have jeered as he left, while others cheered in a show of support.
US state department spokesman Philip Crowley described his return to Haiti as an addition to the country's 'ongoing burden'.
Mr Duvalier returned on the day Haiti was supposed to hold a second round of elections to choose a successor to outgoing President Rene Preval.
That vote has been postponed because of a dispute over which candidates should be on the ballot paper.
Provisional results from the first round on 28 November provoked violent demonstrations when they were announced, and most observers said there was widespread fraud and intimidation.
The UN secretary general's spokesperson said Mr Duvalier's return had come as a 'total surprise' to the organisation's mission in the country, as it had to many others.
Martin Nesirky said it was a source of concern to see him resurfacing at a critical time for the stability of the country.
Mr Duvalier was just 19 when he inherited the title of 'president-for-life' from his father, the notorious Francois 'Papa Doc' Duvalier, who had ruled Haiti since 1957.
Critics allege the younger Duvalier embezzled millions of dollars from the impoverished Caribbean nation, a charge he denies.
Like his father, he relied on a brutal private militia known as the Tontons Macoutes, which controlled Haiti through violence and intimidation.
Modern-day Haiti is struggling to recover from a massive earthquake one year ago that killed more than 250,000 people and left Port-au-Prince in ruins.
S M Krishna arrives in Australia
Melbourne : External Affairs Minister S M Krishna arrived here today on a three-day visit to attend the seventh round of the framework dialogue with his Australian counterpart Kevin Rudd.
Krishna is expected to meet Martin Ferguson, Minister for Tourism, Resources and Energy later in the day to discuss
Australian policy of not selling uranium to countries which have not signed the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.
He will also attend a dinner hosted by Australian government where several leading dignitaries, including newly
appointed Victorian Premier Ted Baillieu, are expected to arrive.
Krishna, who is visiting that country to attend the seventh round of the framework dialogue with his Australian
counterpart Kevin Rudd, is expected to discuss a host of bilateral, regional and global issues, including closer
collaboration on security issues in Asia and in multilateral economic groupings like G20.
Apart from discussing ways to further cooperation between the two countries in energy sector and business and
trade, Krishna is likely to raise the issue of security of Indians in that country which comprise half-a-million
population, the fourth largest immigrant community.
Krishna's visit is said to mark the concerted efforts that the two sides are making at the government-to-government
level to take bilateral relationship to the next level by encouraging high-level dialogue and engagement.
The minister is also likely to meet Prime Minister Julia Gillard.
Krishna would be leaving back on Friday. PTI
Hu Jintao arrives in US for state visit
Washington : The Chinese President Hu Jintao was accorded a red carpet welcome by the US after he arrived on a four-day state visit, even as lawmakers introduced a legislation against yuan manipulation.
The US Vice President Joe Biden was himself present at the Andrews Air Force Base to greet the Chinese President last
evening, reflecting the high priority the Obama Administration attaches to its relationship with China.
Chinese President Hu Jintao and Vice President Joe Biden stand for the national anthems of both countries during an arrival ceremony
'I look forward to having in-depth discussions with President (Barack) Obama on China-US relations and major
international and regional issues of shared interest,' Hu said in a statement after his arrival.
The Chinese leader said the purpose of his visit is to enhance mutual trust, promote friendship, deepen cooperation
and move forward the positive, cooperative and comprehensive Sino-US relationship for the 21st century.
While, the official welcome ceremony is scheduled at the White House this morning, within hours of his arrival, the
Chinese President with a small group of close aides drove down to the White House for a private dinner hosted by the US
President Barack Obama.
US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and National Security Advisor Tom Donilon were among the few attending the
private dinner hosted by Obama to which officials said it would set the tone for today's formal meeting at the Oval
Office and the one of the Cabinet-level meeting.
Today, Obama will host Hu to the state dinner at the White House -- the first for a Chinese leader in 13 years.
This would be Obama's third state dinner. The first one was that of the Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on November
24, 2009.Hours before his arrival, the White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs hoped that the state visit of the
Chinese President would advance the relationship between the two countries, which the Obama Administration has termed as
one of the most critical bilateral ties of the 21st century.
Iran, North Korea, economic relations in particular the alleged currency manipulation by China and human right situation are some of the issues that are expected to dominate the talks for next two days, after which Hu travels to Chicago.
'We have a relationship that yields substantial benefits. At the same time, we have some direct and difficult challenges. Most of those will be discussed tomorrow,' Gibbs said.
However, some of the contentious issues like human rights and Tibet are expected to come only during the talks at
the Oval office or the Cabinet level meeting at the White House and not to other meetings like the State Dinner, Gibbs
said.
At the same time groups of Senators came out in open against the alleged Chinese manipulation of its currency,
human rights violations and its support to regimes like that of North Korea and Burma.
Senators Charles Schumer, Debbie Stabenow and Bob Casey announced their decision to introduce a legislation that
'vigorously addresses' such alleged currency misalignments that unfairly and negatively impact US trade.
If passed, the legislation would provide less flexibility to the Treasury Department when it comes to citing countries for currency manipulation, they said. The proposed legislation will also impose stiff new penalties on designated countries, including duties on the countries' exports and a ban on any companies from those countries receiving US government contracts.
New York Senator Kirsten Gillibrand dispatched a letter to Obama asking him to press Hu on issues related to
cyber security and rare earth elements (REE). 'Cyber security and REEs greatly affect both the national and economic security of the United States, and I continue to be concerned about China's policies regarding these two strategic interests,' she stated in her letter. PTI
Apple posts record revenues, profit
Apple posts record revenues, profit Posted on: 19 Jan 2011San Francisco : Apple posted record revenue and profits Tuesday, a day after the company announced that its iconic founder and chief executive Steve Jobs was taking a medical leave of absence for unspecified health problems.
The health of the company however has never seemed brighter. Apple said it had record revenue of $26.74 billion in the fourth quarter, which encompasses the crucial holiday season, compared to $15.68 billion in revenue a year earlier. Profits jumped from $3.38 billion to $6 billion, Apple said.
The company sold 16.24 million iPhones in the quarter, representing 86 percent unit growth over the year-ago quarter. Apple sold 19.45 million iPods during the quarter, representing a seven percent unit decline from the year-ago quarter.
It also sold 7.33 million iPads during the quarter. Apple sold 4.13 million Macs during the quarter, a 23 percent unit increase over the year-ago quarter.
'We had a phenomenal holiday quarter with record Mac, iPhone and iPad sales,' said Jobsin a statement. 'We are firing on all cylinders and we've got some exciting things in the pipeline for this year including iPhone 4 on Verizon which customers can't wait to get their hands on.'
'We couldn't be happier with the performance of our business, generating $9.8 billion in cash flow from operations during the December quarter,' said Peter Oppenheimer, Apple's chief financial officer. 'Looking ahead to the second fiscal quarter of 2011, we expect revenue of about $22 billion.'
Omar Abdullah meets Chidambaram
Omar Abdullah meets Chidambaram Posted on: 19 Jan 2011New Delhi : Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah met union Home Minister P. Chidambaram in the capital Wednesday, days after the central government announced a 25 percent reduction in security forces in the troubled state.
Abdullah also raised the issue of Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) rally to Srinagar and national flag hoisting Jan 26 there, officials said.
The two leaders also discussed reports submitted by government-appointed interlocutors for initiation of the peace process in Jammu and Kashmir.
Home Secretary G.K. Pillai had Friday said the state would see a 25 percent reduction in security forces, especially from populated areas, and more bunkers would be lifted from Srinagar.
The central government had appointed the interlocutors - journalist Dileep Padgaonkar, academician Radha Kumar and economist M.M. Ansari - in the wake of street protests in Kashmir and police action in which over 100 protesters were killed in summer last year.
Bar Association demands detailed probe into charges on ex-CJI family
Bar Association demands detailed probe into charges on ex-CJI family Posted on: 19 Jan 2011Thiruvananthapuram : The Thiruvananthapuram Bar Association today demanded the Centre to order a detailed inquiry by investigating agencies like CBI, the Enforcement Directorate or Income Tax Department, into allegations against former Chief Justice of India K G Balakrishnan's family members.
A resolution passed by the Association also expressed deep concern and anguish over the alarming allegations of corruption against Justice Balakrishnan and his kith and kin.
''We request Justice Balakrishnan to demit the office of the Chairman of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), until the allegations levelled against him are cleared after due investigation,'' the resolution said.
They also extended their support to senior lawyers who were fighting against corruption in the Judiciary.
One CPI(M) worker hacked to death at Kallyasseri
Kannur : One CPI(M) worker was hacked to death and another seriously injured in an attack by unidentifed five member gang here tonight.
Atfirst, they hurled bombs to create panic to avoid the locals and then stabbed with lethal weapons at Kolathuvayal near Kallyassery, under Kannapuram police station.
Police said the deceased was idenitifed as P P Manoj (27).
According to police , Manoj and his friend Rajesh were sitting at the bus stop at Kolathuvayal, a five member gang came in a suv and hurled country bombs and later attacked with lethal weapons at 2030 hours. Manoj died on the spot while Rajesh was admitted at a private hospital here with injuries, police sources said.
Meanwhile, CPI(M) sources alleged that BJP/RSS persons were behind the attack. On January 13 night, a clash between CPI(M) and RSS took place at Kallyasseri, in which two RSS activists suffered stab injures.
--UNI
Lottery King won't be allowed to plunder state: V S Achuthanandan
Thiruvananthapuram, Jan 17 : In strong words, Kerala Chief Minister V S Achuthanandan today said Controversial Lottery king Santiago Martin will not be allowed to plunder the state as long as his government was in power.
He was reacting to questions on the controversial lottery issue, which was reported to have come up during the CPI(M) Poliburo meeting in Kolkata and that the Politburo had taken action against him for his move to seek a CBI probe into the lottery issue without the party's consent.
Addressing reporters here, he asked weather his party would stand against the decisions taken to suppress looters like Martin.
Asked further on the lottery issue, Mr Achuthanandan said ''Every one knows my stand regarding the issue. I do not want to create any further controversy.'' The government had done everything it could whether it was lottery issue, farmer issues, power issues and water issues.
This government had taken up every issue, he added.
Asked about reports that the Politburo had taken action against him for his move to seek a CBI probe into the lottery issue without the party's consent, Mr Achuthanadan said he was unaware of it.
''I do not think that any action has been taken. I am not aware if party General Secretary Prakash Karat had said about this,'' he said.
There were reports in a section of media that the Politburo had censured Mr Achuthanandan for writing to the Centre seeking a CBI probe into irregularities in the operation of lotteries from outside Kerala and siphoning off thousands of crores of rupees from the state.
He also noted that there was good coordination between the party and the government.
Pandit's Citigroup reports first profitable year
Washington : Citigroup Inc led by Indian American chief executive Vikram Pandit reported $10.6 billion earnings in 2010, marking the first profitable year since he took charge of the banking giant in December 2007.
The New York-based third-largest US bank reported its fourth straight quarterly profit, but its shares fell in pre-market trading as revenue fell far short of estimates.
With $1.31 billion earnings, less than analysts estimated, fourth-quarter net income was four cents a share, compared with a $7.58 billion loss, or 33 cents, in the same period in 2009.
Eight analysts had predicted in a Bloomberg survey that Citigroup would report a per-share profit of seven cents.
'I am very pleased that with our fourth consecutive profitable quarter, we earned $10.6 billion for the year,' said Pandit, 54, who nursed the ailing bank to health with a token annual salary of $1 after some $39 billion of losses over 2008 and 2009.
'Although the economic environment remains uncertain, our future path is clear: As America's global bank, we've built a foundation capable of producing sustained profitability and our next goal is to achieve responsible growth,' he said.
The US Treasury, which gave the bank a taxpayer-funded $45 billion bailout in 2008, also sold the last of its stake in the fourth quarter. Citigroup stock rose 43 percent during the year.
Citigroup recorded $6.9 billion in credit losses for the quarter, which is down 11 percent from the third quarter and marks its sixth straight decline.
The bank released $2.3 billion of previous loan loss reserves into earnings. All told, its loan loss provision was $4.8 billion - about $600 million below the Barclays target, CNNMoney said.
Alagiri says he has not offered to resign
Alagiri says he has not offered to resign Posted on: 19 Jan 2011Chennai : Union Minister for Chemicals and Fertilisers M K Alagiri today said that he had not offered to resign from the Union Cabinet or from the post of DMK's south zone secretary.
Talking to reporters at the Chennai airport before leaving for Delhi, Alagiri said the DMK Chief and his father M Karunanidhi had already replied on the reports of his threat to resign.
Alagiri said he was not in the habit of asking for party position but if he was given any post, he would definitely accept it and do his best for the party.
Asked whether any DMK nominee would be inducted in the proposed expansion and reshuffle of the union ministry, Alagiri shot back, 'Am I the Prime Minister to talk about cabinet berths for the DMK'.
He also made it clear that he had not demanded party action against former Telecom Minister A Raja for his alleged
role in the 2G spectrum allocation scam. PTI
Recalled diplomat to be probed as per Indian law, UK told
New Delhi : With Britain pressing for the waiving of diplomatic immunity for Anil Verma, who faces allegations of wife-beating, the Indian government Tuesday condemned domestic violence but made it clear that the charges will be probed and action will be taken under Indian law.
'Once the officer is back, the matter will be thoroughly investigated and action will be taken consequent upon the inquiry,' Vishnu Prakash, spokesperson of the ministry of external affairs (MEA), told reporters here.
'Action will be taken according to the law of the land. The laws of the land would take care of any act that needs to be taken care of consequent to the inquiry,' he said.
Verma, the third senior-most Indian diplomat and minister (economic) at the Indian High Commission in Britain, had reportedly sought immunity from prosecution after being questioned by the British police over claims that he assaulted his wife in December last year.
Verma's wife accused him of beating her and went into hiding with their five-year-old child, fearing for her safety. After moving out of Verma's official residence in London, she moved an application seeking permission to stay back in Britain on humanitarian grounds.
Stressing that India's external affairs ministry has taken 'a serious view' of the matter, Prakash said the issue 'has been looked into with all the seriousness it deserves'.
'The officer has been transferred. The family would be returning soon,' he said.
Prakash stressed that although domestic violence was unacceptable, the Indian high commission had encouraged both sides to 'sort out marital issues, which is the best way of doing it'.
'There is no question of condoning domestic violence. It is unacceptable,' he said when asked about the role of Deputy High Commissioner Rajesh Prasad, who according to a British newspaper, had threatened Verma's wife, Paromita, with deportation to India.
The spokesperson, however, made it clear that a probe into allegations against Verma will be done only under Indian law.
'We have a transparent judicial system. The matter will be dealt with under the laws of the land,' he said.
Informed sources said an internal report of the Indian High Commission from London sent to the external affairs ministry finds Verma guilty of domestic violence.
Last week, Britain asked India to waive Verma's diplomatic immunity, and said it 'does not tolerate envoys working in the UK breaking the law'.
'We can confirm that we have formally requested the waiver of diplomatic immunity for a diplomat posted at the Indian high commission in London,' a British Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) spokesperson said in London over the weekend.
'The Foreign Office does not tolerate diplomats working in the UK breaking the law,' the British spokesperson said in a strongly-worded statement.
British Foreign Office representatives met with staff of the Indian high commission in London to discuss the matter and to emphasise the serious nature of the allegations, the FCO said.
ISI takes Mullah Omar to hospital after heart attack
Washington : Pakistan spy agency ISI rushed Afghan Taliban leader, the one-eyed Mullah Omar, to hospital after he suffered a heart attack earlier this month. He was treated at a hospital in Karachi, said a report prepared by a private intelligence network.
The Washington Post reported that the elusive Taliban leader had a heart attack Jan 7 and was treated for several days in a Karachi hospital with the help of Pakistan's spy agency Inter Services Intelligence (ISI).
The intelligence network, which runs under the auspices of a private company The Eclipse Group, said its source was a physician in the Karachi hospital.
The physician said he saw Mullah Omar trying to recover from an operation to put a stent in his heart.
'While I was not personally in the operating theater,' the doctor reported as saying, 'my evaluation based on what I have heard and seeing the patient in the hospital is that Mullah Omar had a cardiac catheter complication resulting in either bleeding or a small cerebral vascular incident, or both.'
An US official from Kabul said: 'No one on this end has heard this.'
But he quickly added that 'it doesn't mean it's not true -- we just have no information to confirm or dispute these facts'.
Pakistan's ambassador to the US, Husain Haqqani, Tuesday said the report 'had no basis whatsoever'.
'Sometimes intelligence tips received by professionals turn out to be wrong. The story about Mullah Omar falls under that category. You might recall a similar story from 2001 about Osama bin Laden receiving dialysis treatment that turned out to be incorrect, and the fabrication of those who wanted to give Pakistan a bad name,' Haqqani was quoted as saying.
He went on to say that 'Pakistani intelligence, military and law enforcement personnel continue to hunt down wanted Al-Qaeda and Taliban figures and will apprehend anyone if and when we have hard intelligence, which is very different from speculation circulated by contractors'.
The Washington Post cited the intelligence network report as saying that Omar was 'rushed' to the hospital Jan 7 by the ISI.
The Eclipse report said: 'The ISI rushed him to a hospital in Karachi, where he was given heparin (an anticoagulant) and operated on.'
'After 3-4 days of post-operative care in the hospital, he was released to the ISI and ordered to take absolute bed rest when at home for at least several days.'
The physician cited in the report said: 'After the operation, there seemed to be some brain damage with Mullah Omar having slurred speech.'
'His post hospital course is consistent with this type of outcome.
'Three-four days in hospital is consistent with cardiac catheterization and or cardiac stent placement. Bed rest and aphasia (difficulty speaking) post-catheterisation could be from a bleeding complication.'
The Eclipse report cited a separate source in the Quetta Shura as saying that 'Mullah Omar is continuing to improve and his speech is clearing'.
The Quetta Shura is the Taliban governing council on Pakistan's border with Afghanistan.
It also said the ISI was keeping the Quetta shura 'informed' about Omar's recovery at 'an ISI 'guest house' in Karachi under ISI guard'.
IPL owners missed out on broader picture: Lara
New Delhi : Legendary West Indies batsman Brian Lara Tuesday said he was not overly disappointed at going unsold in the Indian Premier League (IPL) auction but said the team owners 'missed out' on the broader picture.
Lara, 41, had appeared at the IPL auction for the first time but surprisingly found no takers. Lara, who was here for a cricket clinic at Feroze Shah Kotla, said with his skills and knowledge he could have made a difference in an IPL side.
'I am not overly disappointed. I can understand the reservations of IPL owners and managers. But I feel they missed out on the broader picture. With my skills and knowledge about the game, I feel I could make a difference in a side. About 75 percent of players in IPL are youngsters and I would have liked to help,' Lara said.
'I put my name in the auction, so that I could continue my love affair with India. So may be next year. I will miss IPL but I certainly have a lot to do and I am very busy.'
Asked if he would have liked to become a mentor in any of the IPL side, Lara admitted he was looking for such a role.
'My idea was not only to play 18-19 matches but also make a difference in the dressing room and team meetings. I would have liked to mentor a successful side. I am still able to do so, may be not in IPL but with the Zimbabwe team. Hope something of that kind will come in the IPL next time,' said Lara, who is a batting consultant with the Zimbabwe team.
The way IPL has gone about auctioning the players has not gone well with many former players and Lara conceded that the auction was a bit 'strange'.
'I did not watch the IPL auction, my concern is to play. Well, American leagues have it but they have a draft system. It is not a great situation to be in, a player would not like it. It is a bit strange but IPL is happy with it, so it's ok.'
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Petition against former CJI returns for 'curing defect'
Petition against former CJI returns for 'curing defect' Posted on: 18 Jan 2011Thrissur : A petition seeking an nvestigation against former CJI K G Balakrishnan, his brother and son-in-law, alleging amassing wealth disproportionate to known sources of income was returned today by a special court here with a direction to 'cure defects.' Inquiry Commissioner and Special Judge (Vigilance) here, V Jayaram observed that the first respondent Balakrishnan would not come under the jurisdiction of the court and directed the petitioner to submit a fresh petition in two weeks, removing the name of the former CJI. The judge gave the direction while returning the petition filed by George Battukulam, State President of Malayalavedi, (Malayalam Forum) against Balakrishnan, his brother K G Bhaskaran and son-in-law P V Sreenijan.
Battukulam had in his complaint on January 5, sought an investigation into alleged amassing of wealth disproportionate to their known sources of income by the respondents, 'with the interference of Balakrishnan in his capacity as CJI'. The judge said the etitioner has not produced any documents, except newspaper clippings, as evidence to try and substantiate the allegation against the respondents Vattukulam submitted a fresh petition today itself, with the respondents being Bhaskaran, Sreenijan and M B Benny. Coming under the cloud of the allegations, Sreenijan had resigned from the Youth Congress membership, while Bhaskaran had relinquished the post of government pleader in the High Court. A Vigilance probe is on against Sreenijan.
Expecting positive steps from government on JPC: Nitin Gadkari
New Delhi:Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president Nitin Gadkari says he expects 'some positive steps' from the government to break the deadlock over a joint parliamentary committee (JPC) probe into the 2G spectrum allocation scandal and feels a a way out could be found if 'discussions are held in national interest'.
'We are expecting positive steps from the UPA,' Gadkari said in an exclusive interview to IANS.
'We are expecting positive steps from the UPA,' Gadkari said in an exclusive interview to IANS.
'It is my feeling. I think they would accept the demand for a JPC,' Gadkari said in the exhaustive interaction that covered a range of topics, including Kashmir, saffron terror and the party's man in Karnataka, Chief Minister B.S. Yeddyurappa.
He did not elaborate on what basis he was saying that. Asked if any feelers had come from the Congress, the BJP president said: 'In the wider interest of the country, they should decide about it.'
As the principal opposition, Gadkari told IANS during the interview at his 11th floor residence in an apartment complex in central New Delhi, the BJP also had 'some responsibility' to ensure that parliament did not get stalled indefinitely, leading to a legislative breakdown.
Asked if the BJP was ready for a mid-term poll if the political impasse became worse, Gadkari said: 'The decision needs to be taken then only. All I can say is that I expect that a way out will be found if discussions are held in the national interest.'
Gadkari, 54, who last month completed his first year as president of the BJP, said: 'It appeared they had accepted the demand in between. After solving their internal problems, they will accept the demand.'
The 2G spectrum scandal has caused a confrontation between the central government and the entire opposition, paralysing the entire winter session of parliament.
While the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA), the Left parties and other opposition parties have been pressing for a JPC probe, the government has rejected the demand saying that a probe by the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), headed by BJP leader Murli Manohar Joshi, was already under way as also investigations by other government agencies. At the Congress plenary here in December, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had offered to depose before the PAC.
Asked if differences between the BJP and the government had narrowed down, he remarked: 'The UPA and the Congress never made a sincere attempt to initiate a dialogue. They should adhere to norms of democracy.'
'I am not saying that there will be a compromise. The decision will have to be taken by the UPA,' he hastened to add.
According to the BJP president, neither the prime minister nor the UPA chairperson had tried to reach out to the opposition and, except for once over Kashmir, he has had no formal meeting with any of them in the past year.
Gadkari said 2010 would be remembered in the history of India as a 'year of corruption and scandals' by the UPA and its state governments. 'The way we remember 1947 as the year of independence and 1975 as the year of emergency,' he added by way of illustration.
Detailing the suspected scam in the Commonwealth Games, Gadkari said: 'They spent Rs.980 crore on (rebuilding the) Jawaharlal Nehru stadium when it should have been at the most Rs.80 crore.'
'They got the cloth from America, stitched it in Mexico; they got nuts and bolts from Switzerland and rope from Germany. The architect consultant was an Australian. For toilets, they got tiles from Australia and all this came by flight.
'Can a poor nation afford this?' he asked.
How could the BJP raise the issue of corruption when its own chief minister in Karnataka was facing allegations of involvement in a land scam?
There were no corruption charges against Yeddyurappa, Gadkari responded. 'He has not done anything more unusual than the previous Congress chief ministers by allotting land in their discretionary quota.'
'Denotifying the land allotted to Yeddyurappa's sons might be morally improper, but not illegal,' Gadkari insisted.
Asked whether the Kashmir Yatra by the BJP youth wing culminating in the hoisting of the national flag in Srinagar on Jan 26 would lead to unnecessary tension, Gadkari shot back: 'Why should the hoisting of the tricolour in our own country create unrest?'
Gadkari denied the charges of the Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh (RSS) being associated with what has been dubbed 'saffron terror'. He said those arrested had been expelled from the Sangh.
'The Sangh has no direct or indirect link with them.' Gadkari said. 'Terror has no colour. No case has been registered against the BJP or RSS activists.'
'The Abhinav Bharat (a Hindu radical outfit whose activists have been accused in several bombing cases) had even talked about killing Mohan Bhagwat (the RSS supremo). I have listened to these tapes. The Maharashtra government has said this in the state assembly. They had even called Indresh (Kumar, questioned by the CBI in connection with the Hyderabad Mecca Masjid blast in in 2007) an ISI agent.
The interview was held ahead of his five-day visit to China from Thursday - the first by a BJP president - at the invitation of the Communist Party of China (CPC). He said his visit was to see China's 'development and progress' and added that all problems between the two countries can be resolved through talks.
(George Joseph can be contacted on george.j@ians.in)
3, including a Malayalee nurse, die due to mysterious fever in Ahmedabad
3, including a Malayalee nurse, die due to mysterious fever in Ahmedabad Posted on: 19 Jan 2011Mumbai: Three persons, including a Malayalee nurse, died at a private hospital in Ahmedabad after being affected with a mysterious fever. Asha, 24, daughter of late Johnson and Omana from Pathanamthitta, who is a nurse at the Shalby hospital died on Tuesday. The other two are Amina Momin, who was admitted to this hospital with fever and a doctor who treated her.
Asha got infected from Amina who was admitted to the hospital on December 29 with acute fever. Doctors were not able to detect the kind of fever. Her husband Momin is under treatment in another hospital after being affected with the disease.
High fever, stomach pain and vomiting are its symptoms. At first doctors thought it to be Dengue fever as platelet counts in blood was declining. Death happens when the entire organ stops functioning.
The fever had created apprehensions among the hospital staff. Large number of Malayalee nurses are working here. The blood samples of the employees in the hospital had been sent for examinations. Experts from the National Institute of Virology in Pune have reached the hospital.
Omana and her family had been residing at Anand Nagar Society near Ahmedabad Prahlad Nagar Garden. Asha was about to leave for Canada. She has a brother Abhilash, an engineering student.
KC Venugopal to become Union Minister
KC Venugopal to become Union Minister Posted on: 19 Jan 2011Thiruvananthapuram: Congress leader K.C. Venugopal M.P is likely to be sworn in as Minister of State on Friday as part of the proposed Cabinet reshuffle to be carried out by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.
According to top Congress sources, Venugopal is likely to get Railways, which is at present being handled by E Ahamed as Minister of State. Ahamed will be shifted to External Affairs Ministry, where he was Minister of State in the first term of the UPA government.
Venugopal represents the Alappuzha Lok Sabha constituency. His appointment is being viewed as an attempt to appease the NSS leadership which was not happy with the induction of Shashi Tharoor as Minister of State. Tharoor, later, resigned as Minister of State for External Affairs following the Indian Premier League fiasco.
Congress leadership in the State considers railway development a key area for Kerala and would be pushing for this portfolio for Venugopal, according to KPCC sources
Post-stampede, divinity of Sabarimala light questioned
Thiruvananthapuram : With 102 lives lost in a stampede on the day the revered Makar Jyothi appears three times on the horizon soon after dusk above the famed Sabarimala temple, questions are now again being raised about the divinity of the light.
On Makar Sankranti, which is considered the most auspicious day in the two-month long festival season of the Sabarimala temple, more than a million devotees stay put in and around the temple waiting anxiously for the celestial light to appear.
On Makar Sankranti, which is considered the most auspicious day in the two-month long festival season of the Sabarimala temple, more than a million devotees stay put in and around the temple waiting anxiously for the celestial light to appear.
Kerala Yukthivadi Sangham (KYS), a rationalist organisation, has been leading a campaign for the past three decades against the 'cheating' by the state government and the Devasom Board, that looks after the temple affairs, and accusing them of making an artificial light appear on the horizon.
D. Sukumaran, an office bearer of the KYS, is leading a march to the Devasom Board office Tuesday, demanding to put an end to this.
'Since 1980, on numerous occasions we have come out with pictures of this artificial light being lit by employees of the Devasom and the Kerala State Electricity Board who are accompanied by the police,' said 58-year-old Sukumaran, a retired Kerala State Transport Corporation official.
In 1982, a day before the divine celestial light appeared, KYS created an artificial light to prove their point, he said.
'This was even reported by All India Radio, but was promptly denied by the Devasom,' Sukumaran said.
He added that in 1983 the KYS activists were badly beaten up by the police when they were at Ponnambalmedu, the area where the light is created with the help of burning camphor.
Believers consider the citing of the celestial light as an auspicious event and over the last few years there has been a huge influx of pilgrims from the southern states to witness the sight.
The Kerala Shastra Sahithya Parishad (KSSP), a pro-Communist Party of India-Marxist social science movement, Tuesday asked the state government to come clean on the celestial light.
'It is high time that the state government came out in the open to say if this celestial light is a man-made event because lakhs of devotees from neighbouring states are taken for a ride,' KSSP president K. Balakrishnan said.
'We have decided to get in touch with similar organisations in these neighbouring states to run an awareness campaign on this event because it is high time that this stops,' he added.
Kantaru Maheswararu, the supreme priest of the Sabarimala temple, created a controversy on the event in 2008.
He clarified in a letter that Makar Jyothi is a star that appears in the sky above the temple around dusk time on the first day of the month of Makaram, while Makar Villaku means a light which is lit as soon as the star appears in the sky.
His grandson Rahul Eashwar had remarked that the light is artificially created on top of a hill (Ponnambalamedu) away from the Sabarimala temple but he does not know who does that.
With the Kerala High Court demanding a detailed report on the stampede from the state government by Thursday, all eyes are on whether the court will ask the government to come clean on the celestial light.
The Sabarimala temple, located on a hill in the Western Ghat ranges at an altitude of 914 metres above the sea level and four km uphill from Pamba in Pathanamthitta district in central Kerala, is one of the most famous Hindu pilgrim centres in south India. The number of pilgrims visiting the shrine has been steadily going up every year.
Last week, a stampede occurred on Makar Sankranti day at Pulumedu, a forested area about 30 km from the temple, when pilgrims were returning after watching the celestial light.
--IANS
Powerful quake hits Pak, ripples felt in Delhi, Rajasthan
New Delhi : A powerful quake today struck southwestern Pakistan and its effect was felt in Delhi, Rajasthan and parts of western Uttar Pradesh and Haryana where people came out of their homes but there were no reports of
any damage or loss of life.
any damage or loss of life.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) said the epicentre of the 7.4 magnitude quake on the Richter scale was
located in a desert area of southwestern Pakistan bordering Iran and Afghanistan. The quake hit the region at 1:53 AM.
Besides Delhi, the tremors were also felt in Jaipur, Barmer, Jaisalmer and Ganganagar, parts of Haryana and western
UP.
Slight tremors were also felt in Kashmir, the Met office in Srinagar said.
Delhi Police, the city's Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) and the fire department said there were no reports of
any damage and loss of life due to the quake.
'It was a shallow earthquake which struck at a depth of 7.4 km,' an IMD official said.
A DDMA official said they have received a report that a person sustained injuries when he jumped off from his second
floor residence in Laxmi Nagar area after the quake. But he said he could not verify whether the man had jumped because of
the tremor.
'The man has been admitted to a nearby hospital and we are waiting for detailed reports,' said the official.
The epicentre of the quake was located at latitude 28.9 degrees north and longitude 64 degrees east, the IMD
said, categorising the earthquake as 'great'.
A US Geological Service report said the epicentre of the earthquake was located 45 km from Dalbandin in Southwest
Pakistan.
A 7.6 magnitude earthquake had devastated northern Pakistan and parts of Kashmir in October 2008, killing
thousands of people. PTI
Cabinet reshuffle Wednesday, new faces likely
New Delhi : In the first-ever reshuffle of the 19-month-old United Progressive Alliance (UPA)-II government scheduled for Wednesday, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh is likely to induct some new faces and send out some Congress ministers for party work.
The oaths of office and secrecy would be administered to the new ministers at 5 p.m. at the Rashtrapati Bhavan, official sources told IANS.
However, the official notification and invitation for the function is yet to be issued, the sources added.
Congress president Sonia Gandhi Tuesday met Prime Minister Manmohan Singh for nearly two hours to finalise the reshuffle of the union council of ministers.
While there were different versions in the political circles about the nature of the reshuffle, it was clear that the 'big four' in the cabinet - Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee, Defence Minister A.K. Antony, Home Minister P. Chidmabaram and External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna - will retain their portfolios.
The sources said that while DMK is likely to get a berth in place of former communications minister A. Raja, Trinamool Congress is also expected to get an additional ministership.
While Sharad Pawar's portfolios of agriculture and food, consumer affairs and public distribution are likely to be split, the party may be compensated either by elevation of Minister of State for Civil Aviation (Independent Charge) Praful Patel to the cabinet or allotment of another portfolio.
Minority Affairs Minister and former Uttar Pradesh Congress chief Salman Khurshid's elevation to cabinet rank appears almost certain as the party prepares to woo larger sections in the most populous state which goes to polls in 2012.
Khurshid may be given law portfolio with M. Veerappa Moily shifted to human resource development which is currently with Kapil Sibal, who also holds the communications and science and technology portfolio.
From West Bengal, which goes to polls in May, Trinamool Congress leader Sudip Bandyopadhyay is likely to be inducted.
From Kerala, K.C. Venugopal may find a place in the ministry. Venugopal is seen as a replacement from the Nair community for Shashi Tharoor, who had to resign last year in the wake of Kochi-Indian Premier League row.
From the DMK, the choice may be between former ministers T.R.Baalu or T.K.S. Elangovan.
From the agitation-hit Telangana region, former Andhra Pradesh Congress chief Keshava Rao may be inducted.
Among the other names doing the rounds are Congress spokespersons Manish Tewari and Jayanthi Natarajan, party's chief whip in Lok Sabha Paban Singh Ghatowar and former minister Suresh Pachouri.
If there is a major reshuffle, several ministers including Kantilal Bhuria, Virbhadra Singh, B.K. Handique and Vilasrao Deshmukh may be drafted for party work. Sports Minister M.S. Gill may also be shifted.
Wednesday's induction of new ministers will be followed by a reshuffle of portfolios.
The cabinet reshuffle will be followed by the constitution of a new Congress Working Committee which will include many of the ministers moved out.
Tribals showcase traditional handicrafts in Kochi
Kochi: Tribals of Kerala have recently showcased their traditional handicrafts and handlooms at a weeklong exhibition in Kochi.
Scores of people visited the exhibition and the manufacturers reaped good profits by selling their products.
'It is a great place to showcase our products. Apart from that, we can sell and explain directly to the customers about our products. On the economy part also, we get ready cash compared to the shops where it goes on a credit basis, or sometimes we have to run around for the payment,' said Jaya Kumari, a seller.
Jose Thachil, a visitor, said the medicines, herbal products and traditional healing methods of the tribals were very beneficial and effective.
'This is an wonderful thing to spread the culture and tradition of the Girivargas (the tribal community) and it is the good thing that all their knowledge about this medicine and also human life. We will be profiting very much from their original culture,' said Thachil.
The weapons used by the tribals, their household equipments, clothes, handicraft items, ornaments and dresses were the main attraction of the exhibition.
--ANI
Vizhinjam project gets environment clearance for first phase
Vizhinjam project gets environment clearance for first phase Posted on: 19 Jan 2011New Delhi: The Union Environment Ministry gave approval for the first phase of Vihzinjam container terminal project. The basic facilities development committee of the Union Environment Ministry, after inspecting the documents submitted by the port authorities gave the sanction. The port authorities also submitted the study reports by three consultancies too. Port minister V Surendran Pillai said that the project would get the sanction for all its phases soon.
PMA Salam ousted from INL
PMA Salam ousted from INL Posted on: 18 Jan 2011Kozhikode: INL national president Prof Muhammad Sulaiman informed that the party had ousted state secretary P M A Salam MLA from the primary level membership of the party for a period of five years. The action is based on the report by an investigation committee which stated that Salam acted against the constitution of the party.
The committee, including Ahmed Devarkovil and Dr AA Amin, recommended the action. The investigation committee is of the opinion that Salam encouraged party workers and members to leave INL and join IUML.
PMA Salam said he would not approve the decision of national president. Only few days are left to convene the national executive meet and the decision taken by the president is undemocratic and one-sided, he said.
He alleged that the president took the decision before the meet as he has no belief in national executive and is sure that he had lost his majority.
Adarsh: HC asks CBI to decide on FIR in two weeks
Mumbai: Pulling up the CBI for the tardy pace of its probe in the Adarsh Society scam, the Bombay High
Court today directed the investigating agency to expeditiously conclude the investigation and take a final decision on
registration of an FIR within two weeks.
Court today directed the investigating agency to expeditiously conclude the investigation and take a final decision on
registration of an FIR within two weeks.
The court also ordered issuing of summons to the regional Joint Director of CBI to appear before it when the
court next hears the case after two weeks.
'It has been more than two months since CBI has been conducting a preliminary inquiry into the case. Why have you
(CBI) not registered FIR as yet?' a division bench of justices B H Marlapalle and U D Salvi asked.
The court was hearing a petition filed by activist Simpreet Singh which said since both CBI and the state Anti
Corruption Bureau (ACB) were involved in the probe, it may create issues of jurisdiction 'which might hamper the probe'.
According to the petition, with three former chief ministers allegedly involved in the scam, the ACB may be under
pressure not to effectively probe the case and hence the entire investigation should be handed over to CBI.
'We fail to understand why there is a delay in lodging of FIR. Media reports have virtually carried CBI's draft FIR
and revealed all the accused's names,' Justice Marlapalle said.
Additional Solicitor General Darius Khambata, appearing for CBI, sought four weeks to finish the probe,
saying, 'It is a sensitive case involving big names. The agency does not want to take any hasty decision.'
The 31-storey Society in posh Colaba, south Mumbai, was allegedly built on a plot reserved for Kargil martyrs and
flats were alloted to kin of bureaucrats and politicians. The alleged irregularities surfaced a few months ago and the then
Chief Minister Ashok Chavan had to resign over the scam.PTI
Janasathabdi express via Kottayam from January 20
Janasathabdi express via Kottayam from January 20 Posted on: 18 Jan 2011Kozhikode: The Kozhikode -Thiruvananthapuram Janashatabdi Express via Kottayam will start service from January 20. The train which would begin its journey at 6.15 am from Kozhikode and reach Thiruvananthapuram by 1.45 pm. The train would start its return journey from Thiruvananthapuram at 2.20 p m and reach Kozhikode at 10 pm. The service would be for five days a week.
The special train on the inaugural day would be flagged off by union minister of state for Railways E Ahmed at Kozhikode railway station on Thursday. The train from Kozhikode to Thiruvananthapuram would not ply on Wednesdays and Saturdays and the train from Thiruvananthapuram to Kozhikode would not ply on Tuesdays and Fridays. There are seven stops for the train Tirur, Shoranur, Thrissur, Ernakulum Town (North), Kottayam, Kayamkulam and Kollam.
IOC fire under control in Navi Mumbai
IOC fire under control in Navi Mumbai Posted on: 18 Jan 2011Mumbai : A massive fire broke out in an oil storage depot of the public sector Indian Oil Corporation Limited in Navi Mumbai early Tuesday, police said.
The fire alert was received by the police around 2 a.m. from the security guard of the company in the Taloja-MIDC area of Navi Mumbai. So far, there are no reports of any casulties.
At least 25 fire tenders have rushed to the spot and are fighting the blaze, while reinforcemenrs are being summoned from neighbouring towns like Thane and Panvel.
Top police officials including Navi Mumbai police commissioner Javed Ahmed and others were at the site supervising the firefighting operations.
Govinda forgoes his fee for 'Naughty @ 40'
Govinda forgoes his fee for 'Naughty @ 40' Posted on: 18 Jan 2011New Delhi : Bollywood's funny man Govinda settled for only the signing amount and didn't take any more money for working in the long-delayed film 'Naughty@40'.
The actor wants the project to see the light of the day after being delayed for two years following an elongated shooting schedule in London and other production issues.
Govinda is said to have gone out of the way to ensure that the shooting of the film is completed and that the movie gets a theatrical release.
The film, which also stars Yuvika Chaudhry and Sayali Bhagat, is about a 40-year-old man (Govinda) who arrives from London to India to find a suitable match for himself.
Directed by Jagmohan Mundhra and produced by Anuj Sharma, it is expected to release in mid-February.
Dhoni defends Chawla's inclusion in World Cup squad
CAPE TOWN: Mahendra Singh Dhoni on Monday defended Piyush Chawla's inclusion in India's 15-man World Cup squad, saying the leg-spinner's presence provides variety to the attack.
Chawla has been a surprise inclusion in the squad, announced on Monday by the Kris Srikkanth-led selection committee in Chennai.
'It is good to have Piyush in the side as he provides that variety to the attack. He is one guy who can bat a bit. He has scored decent runs in Ranji and also while playing in County circuit. If we plan to play with five bowlers, then he can be a handy number seven or eight batsman,' Dhoni said on the eve of India's third ODI against South Africa.
Chawla has been picked despite not playing a one-dayer since July 2008, and Dhoni was aware of that.
'I would always say that playing in first class match or IPL match and playing in the international match is different. Piyush needs that international match practice,' the India skipper said.
Names like Rohit Sharma, S Sreesanth and Ishant Sharma missed out on selection but Dhoni said that the reserve players should be in a proper frame of mind during the tournament.
'If you are in the reserve and if any batter or bowler gets injured then you are going to come in. So it is important to be in a good frame of mind,' he said.
'Finally you can pick only 15 players. It is not like that you will not get chance. Have a look at the players out here. They were not featuring in the original list. At the end of the day you can pick only 15 players and somebody is going to miss out. So I would say that you should do well in whenever you get to play and then wait for your chance.'
Dhoni said India need to improve their fielding and focus more on bowling at the death.
'We have to improve in the fielding department. If we get one odd run out or take few outstanding catch, it can turn the course of the game. At the same time we have to put in lot of thoughts and work on bowling in the death overs. When we are going to play in the sub continent, bowling in the death becomes crucial,' he said.
In Sachin Tendulkar's absence, Virat Kohli, in all likelihood, will open with Murali Vijay, with Rohit Sharma coming in at number three in Tuesday's match, Dhoni said.
'We will be looking out for giving a few players an opportunity. Even otherwise we have lost quite a few players through injury. We have seven batsmen left here, so all of them will get exposure before the World Cup.'
About not playing with the best XI since almost a year, Dhoni said, 'It is a big blow that we are missing quite a few players from our main list. But this is not happening for the first time. In the last one year we have never played with our best 11. This has given opportunities to the youngsters.
'Some of them have grabbed them and are part of the World Cup squad. Here too, we have levelled the series and there are three more games to go. This is an opportunity for young players.'
The skipper said that India's thrilling win in the last match is history and it's going to be a fresh start on Tuesday.
'Whether we win the last game or lose, I always think that each match is a fresh start. I would like to think about the problems we are facing, and how we are going to resolve those issues. We are concentrating on what we are supposed to do. I think both the teams are pretty equal. Whoever gets good start will make an impact on the game.
On the the wicket and toss, he said, 'I think the ball does a bit under lights, so toss will be crucial. But honestly speaking, I don't know the exact scientific reason as why the ball does a bit under lights. It may be because of not having natural sunlight, or it could be because of sea breeze. 'Even spinners can play major role. If we win the toss and they have to bat second, then they might not be that affected. If we bat second, then facing their fast bowlers under lights will be a huge challenge. South African bowlers become a bit more effective if they are bowling under lights,' Dhoni said.
Asked about Parthiv Patel's selection for the current series, Dhoni said, 'It depends on the situation of the series. I would love to get rest from one match. But it depends on the situation.'
SAARC to get first woman secretary general
Dhaka : The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) is set to get its first woman secretary general - a 36-year-old Maldivian lawyer.
The SAARC Secretariat in Kathmandu has confirmed that former lawmaker of the Maldives, Fathimath Dhiyana Saeed, will be appointed SAARC secretary general March 1, The Daily Star said, quoting diplomatic sources.
Bangladesh foreign ministry sources said Maldives had recommended Fathimath Dhiyana for the post during the 16th SAARC summit in Thimphu, Bhutan, last April.
The present chief, Indian diplomat Sheel Kant Sharma, completes his three year term Feb 28.
Fathimath, 36, is also a former attorney general of the island nation.
The eight-nation regional forum rotates its secretary general among the member countries every three years. It is the Maldives' turn to lead the organisation.
The Maldives will host the 17th SAARC summit scheduled for Nov 10-11 in the South Province.
Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, the Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka are the members of SAARC founded in 1985 in Dhaka.
The regional bloc included its eighth member, Afghanistan, in 2007.
BSNL to provide Mobile Number Portability from Jan-end
BSNL to provide Mobile Number Portability from Jan-end Posted on: 18 Jan 2011Kozhikode: BSNL principal general manager said customers would be provided with Mobile Number Portability service from the end of January. He said arrangements have been made to make customers of other services switch to BSNL. Many attractive offers have been planned for them.
After providing allowance in Port ? In charge, they would be allowed to retain their old number free with BSNL SIM card. Apart from that they would also be provided talk time free up to Rs 100 and one month free usage of GPRS, internet of 5 GB would also be provided.
For all the post-paid port -in ?customers, apart from free activation, 50% rebate on specific schemes would be given. For more information, type MNP along with the present mobile number to 9447510500.
Sensex gains 152 pts in early trade
Sensex gains 152 pts in early trade Posted on: 18 Jan 2011Mumbai: The Bombay Stock Exchange benchmark Sensex rose by 152 points in early trade today on buying by
funds on impressive corporate earnings and firm global cues.
funds on impressive corporate earnings and firm global cues.
The 30-share index rose by 152.11 points to 19,034.36 points.
The broad-based National Stock Exchange Nifty index moved up by 58.35 points to 5,713.10 points.
Brokers said firming trend in global markets and better earnings announced by IT giant TCS last evening mainly
influenced the trading sentiment.
On global front, the Hong Kong's Hang Seng index was up 0.22 per cent, while the Japan's Nikkei traded lower by 0.40
per cent in the morning trade today. The US Dow Jones Industrial Average ended 0.47 per cent up yesterday. PTI
Tunisia forms national unity government amid unrest
Tunisian Prime Minister Mohammed Ghannouchi said the new government would work 'towards democracy'
Tunisia has formed a national unity government, the country's prime minister has announced, days after a popular revolt ousted the president.
The prime minister, foreign, interior and defence ministers are to retain their jobs, with several opposition figures joining the government.
PM Mohammed Ghannouchi pledged to allow greater political and media freedoms.
Later the government said 78 people had been killed in recent violence, the highest official figure so far.
Dozens of people were known to have died, but the government had previously announced lower figures than those alleged by human rights organisations.
Unveiling the new government, Mr Ghannouchi said all political parties would now be allowed to operate in Tunisia.
Political prisoners would be freed and the media would be permitted 'total freedom', he added.
'We have decided to free all the people imprisoned for their ideas, their beliefs or for having expressed dissenting opinions,' the AFP news agency reported him as saying.
The announcement of the new government included a pledge to abolish Tunisia's information ministry and to create a state where the media had 'total freedom'.
Separately, a French photographer was confirmed dead on Monday from injuries sustained when he was hit in the head by a tear gas canister.
Lucas Dolega, 32, worked for the EPA press agency. In a statement, France's foreign ministry said he was the victim of a 'deliberate homicide'.
'Calm and peace'
Unveiling his new administration, Mohammed Ghannouchi named three prominent opposition figures to key posts in the government.
Ahmed Ibrahim, leader of the opposition Ettajdid party, becomes minister of higher education, while Mustafa Ben Jaafar, of the Union of Freedom and Labour, is to serve as health minister.
Najib Chebbie, founder of the Progressive Democratic Party, was named as Tunisia's new development minister.
One other appointment remained unconfirmed: prominent blogger Slim Amamou, briefly arrested during the protests, tweeted that he had been appointed to a job in the ministry for youth and sport.
Unveiling the new government at a news conference, Mr Ghannouchi said he aimed to move on from the previous autocratic regime.
'We are committed to intensifying our efforts to re-establish calm and peace in the hearts of all Tunisians. Our priority is security, as well as political and economic reform,' he said.
The announcement came amid growing pressure from demonstrators for Tunisia to make a clean break with the policies of the former president, who was in office for 23 years.
Correspondents say there is some uncertainty over whether the inclusion of several veteran ministers in senior positions will be acceptable to those protesting on the streets.
One opposition figure, Ahmed Bouazzi, of the Progressive Democratic Party, said he believed the demonstrations would now be put on hold.
'It's not realistic to dissolve the ruling party,' he told the BBC, citing the example of the chaos that engulfed Iraq after Saddam Hussein's ruling Baath party was dissolved in 2003.
'We can go forward with this government, and can even go again into the streets if it is not working.'
But others were less convinced by the presence of several veterans of Mr Ben Ali's government in the new administration.
'It's as if Ben Ali's system is still there,' Mohamed Mishgri told Reuters news agency.
'It's for that reason that the demonstrations are continuing in Tunis. We want a new state with new people.'
Street anger
Unrest in Tunisia had grown over several weeks, with widespread protests over high unemployment and high food prices pitching demonstrators against Tunisia's police and military.
After dozens of deaths the protests eventually toppled Mr Ben Ali's government.
The month-long violence had also cost the country 1.6bn euros (?1.34bn, $2.1bn), he was reported as saying.
Earlier on Monday, police in Tunis used water cannon, tear gas and occasional gunshots to disperse several hundred demonstrators calling for the party of ousted President Ben Ali to relinquish power.
The country has been in a state of emergency since he fled to Saudi Arabia on Friday.
Monday's protesters shouted slogans against Mr Ben Ali's Constitutional Democratic Rally (RCD), says the BBC's Lyse Doucet in Tunis, as they made it clear they wanted the ruling party to have no place in the new government.
The atmosphere was mixed, adds our correspondent, with the sound of tear gas being fired and gunshots ringing out during occasional skirmishes, interspersed with scenes of celebration and a rendition of the national anthem.
Days of violence have cut off supplies to shops and petrol stations, causing shortages. Correspondents say many people just want life to get back to normal.
The demonstrations gained momentum in December after a 26-year-old unemployed man, Mohamed Bouazizi, set himself on fire in protest against a lack of jobs in the country. He died in early January.
Amid concerns the protests may spread across the region, a man set himself on fire outside the Egyptian parliament buildings in Cairo on Monday. He did so in protest against the government, says the BBC's Jon Leyne in Cairo.
There have also been several such incidents in Algeria which, like Egypt and Tunisia, has high unemployment and has been facing political unrest.
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
'Baby Doc' Duvalier returns to Haiti from exile
It is not immediately clear why Jean Claude Duvalier has returned to Haiti, where he is accused of massive corruption
Continue reading the main story
Continue reading the main story
The former president of Haiti, Jean-Claude Duvalier, has returned to the country, 25 years after he was overthrown by a popular revolt.
Mr Duvalier, 59 - also known as 'Baby Doc' - arrived on a flight from France, where he has been living in exile.
He said he had come back 'to help the people of Haiti' following last year's devastating earthquake.
His return comes at a time of political uncertainty over disputed presidential elections.
Wearing a dark suit and tie, Mr Duvalier was greeted by a small group of supporters when he stepped off an Air France flight at Port-au-Prince airport.
Jean-Claude Duvalier was just 19 when he inherited the title of 'president-for-life' from his father, the notorious Francois 'Papa Doc' Duvalier, who had ruled Haiti since 1957.
He is accused of massive corruption, repression and human rights abuses during his 1971-1986 rule.
Critics allege he embezzled millions of dollars from the impoverished Caribbean nation, a charge he denies.
Voodoo cult
Like his father, he relied on a brutal private militia known as the 'Tontons Macoutes,' which controlled Haiti through violence and intimidation.
'Papa Doc' reinforced his power with a fearsome personality cult based on Haiti's traditional voodoo religion, but 'Baby Doc' was regarded as more of a playboy.
In 1986 he was forced to flee into exile by a popular uprising, as well as diplomatic pressure from the US.
Since then, he has lived in France, although he was never granted formal political asylum.
In a radio interview in 2007, he asked the Haitian people for forgiveness for 'errors' made during his rule.
A small group of Duvalier loyalists have been campaigning to bring him home from exile.
His return to Haiti came on the day the country was supposed to hold the second round of elections to choose a successor to outgoing president Rene Preval.
But the vote has been postponed because of a dispute over which candidates should be on the ballot paper.
Provisional results of the 28 November first round provoked violent demonstrations when they were announced in December, and most observers said there was widespread fraud and intimidation.
Haiti is also struggling to recover from a the massive earthquake a year ago which killed more than 250,000 people and left the capital, Port-au-Prince, in ruins.
Kerala lottery scam being politicised: Karat
Kerala lottery scam being politicised: Karat Posted on: 17 Jan 2011Kolkata : The alleged scam in the sale of lottery tickets in Kerla was being used by the Congress and the opposition United Democratic Front (UDF) to score points against the ruling Marxists, Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) general secretary Prakash Karat said Sunday.
'As far as the lottery issue is concerned, Congress and UDF are trying to score points against us. The lottery is operating in Kerala from outside, other states,' said Karat while addressing media persons here.
'Our government has been making several requests to the central government to take action. But nothing much has happened so far. I don't understand how Bhutan government lottery can operate in Kerala. But I don't think that Congress and UDF can accuse our government of anything because they also faced the same problem during their tenure,' said Karat.
Kerala Chief Minister V. S.Achuthanandan had sought a central probe into the lottery scam, where agents of Bhutan and Sikkim lotteries allegedly siphoned off Rs.80,000 crore in the last four years by violating tax laws and diverting unclaimed prize money.
Maoists torch CPI(M) party office in West Bengal, bomb building
Maoists torch CPI(M) party office in West Bengal, bomb building Posted on: 17 Jan 2011Suspected Maoists torched a CPI(M) party office and bombed a building housing a self-helf group in West Midnapore district, police said on Monday. A group of suspected Maoists attacked a CPI(M) party office and set it ablaze at Dibibaksol under Jhargram police limit last night. Nobody was injured, police said.
The rebels also razed down a two-storeyed building by exploding a landmine at Khaerboni. A self-help group was operating from the building.
A search was on to track down the Maoists, police said.
Playback singer Swetha Mohan gets married
Playback singer Swetha Mohan gets married Posted on: 17 Jan 2011Well known South Indian playback singer Shwetha Mohan, who has lent her voice to various Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu and Kannada films, entered wedlock on Sunday.
At a simple ceremony here, she exchanged wedding vows with long time friend Ashwin.
At a simple ceremony here, she exchanged wedding vows with long time friend Ashwin.
Carnatic and playback singer Yesudas, veteran music director V Dakshinamurthy and Kerala culture affairs minister M A Baby were among those who attended the ceremony here.
Swetha is the daughter of renowned singer Sujata Mohan and Dr Mohan.
Kerala Mochana Yathra to resume from Perinthalmanna on Tuesday
Kerala Mochana Yathra to resume from Perinthalmanna on Tuesday Posted on: 17 Jan 2011Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala Mochana Yatra led by opposition leader Oommen Chandy would resume its journey from Perinthalmanna on Tuesday, said the organising committee convener MM Hassan. The yatra was postponed due to the Sabarimala tragedy. The procession, which was scheduled on January 17 from Vallikunnu to Malappuram, would now be held on January 30. The Yathra in Kozhikode which was scheduled on January 15 and 16 will now be held on February 5 and 6.
The yatra to begin from Malappuram on January 19 would conclude at Palakkad. From Palakkad it would start on January 20 and conclude at Thrissur and from Thrissur it would conclude at Paravoor on January 22. The yatra would tour Ernakulum on January 23 and 24. In Idukki the yatra would be on January 25.
In Kottayam, it would begin on January 27 and conclude at Vaikom on 28. On Jan 29, it would tour Alappuzha and in Pathanamthitta on Jan 31.
The concluding ceremony would be held on February 4 at Neyyattinkara. Defence minister A K Antony would be participating. Union minister Vayalar Ravi would inaugurate the conference to be held thereafter. The UDF leader would submit a charge sheet signed by one crore people to the Governor on February 7.
Nalco signs pact for Rs.400 crore titanium project
Nalco signs pact for Rs.400 crore titanium project Posted on: 16 Jan 2011Bhubaneswar: Two public sector companies, the National Aluminium Company Ltd (Nalco) and Indian Rare Earths Ltd (IREL), have signed a pact to set up a titanium plant at an estimated cost of Rs.400 crore in Orissa's Ganjam district, a senior Nalco official said Saturday.
Nalco's director (finance) B.L. Bagra said Nalco and IREL will have 49 and 51 percent stake respectively in the project planned at Chhatrapur, about 157 km from Bhubaneswar to make value-added products from beach sand minerals, which would subsequently be used for making titanium and allied products.
He said both the companies will establish a joint venture company soon. 'The new company will buy ilmenite, the basic raw materials from IREL at market price,' Bagra told IANS, adding that the construction of the plant should start in one year.
Titanium has a strategic importance for the country and is a key material used in space, aviation, nuclear, automobile, and paint industries, a statement said.
There being no production of the mineral in the country, the need is met by imports. On the other hand, beach sand - the basic raw material for production of titanium - is available in huge quantities with IREL and is exported without value-addition, it said.
The development of these value-added products will be an important step towards import substitute for the country, the statement added.
Lottery issue: PB to censure VS
Lottery issue: PB to censure VS Posted on: 17 Jan 2011New Delhi: The CPM politburo meeting convened in Kolkata on Sunday has decided to take action against Chief Minister V S Achuthanandan for his stand demanding a CBI probe into the inter-state lottery case without the consent of the party. The two-day meet had decided to censure VS which would not be a public one but will be delivered in the central committee in which Achuthanandan is also a member. The PB decision was based on the report of the party's state secretariat
The PB meeting pointed out that VS had sent intimation to the Centre demanding CBI probe into the lottery issue without the consent of the party. But at the same time, the PB did not agree with the demand of the state committee which asked for a severe action against Achuthanandan, including his suspension from the party. With the assembly election in the offing his ouster would affect the party, PB pointed out .
Achuthanandan had on December 26th appealed to the Centre for initiating a CBI probe into the inter-state lottery case. In a letter addressed to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Achuthanandan had sought permission for a CBI probe into the lottery case.
'Boardwalk Empire' named best TV series drama at Golden Globes
'Boardwalk Empire' named best TV series drama at Golden Globes Posted on: 17 Jan 2011Los Angeles : 'Boardwalk Empire', which chronicles the life and times of Nucky Thompson, the undisputed ruler of Atlantic City, won the best television series drama trophy Sunday at the 68th Annual Golden Globe Awards.
Chris Colfer walked away with the award for best performance by an actor in a supporting role in a series, mini-series or motion picture made for television for 'Glee'.
The best mini-series or motion picture made for television award was given to 'Carlos'.
Katey Sagal won the best performance by an actress in a television series (drama) for 'Sons of Anarchy'.
The award ceremony is taking place at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills.
Ahmadinejad's 33-year-old car gets $2 mn bid
Tehran : Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's 33-year-old car has received a $2 million bid after it was put on an online auction, a minister said Sunday.
'We have different suggestions from many countries and the last received bid was $2 million,' ISNA news agency quoted Minister of Welfare and Social Security Sadeq Mahsouli as saying.
The previous bid, said to have been from an Arab country was $1 million.
Ahmadinejad launched a website (www.ahmadinejad-car.com) late December to invite international bids for his 1977 Peugeot 504, the report said.
He aimed at funding the project to build 60,000 homes for the disabled and for needy women.
The website will accept bids for one month.
Terrific show by the bowlers: Dhoni
Johannesburg : India skipper Mahendra Singh lavished rich praise on his bowlers after their stunning show in the second one-day international against South Africa, which helped the team level the five-match series, here today.
'It's a big win for us, and a terrific show by the bowlers. Munaf (Patel) has been bowling really well in the last 10-15 one-dayers and besides that, Harbhajan's role too was crucial,' Dhoni said after India's one-run win at the New Wanderers Stadium here.
'When Harbhajan came on to bowl they decided not to take on his bowling and the lost the momentum there. So, his role
was very crucial,' Dhoni added.
Asked about Yuvraj Singh's innings, Dhoni said, 'Yuvraj is our main batsman in the middle order. It's important for him to get off to a good start and it's always a treat to watch him once he gets his eye in.'
Yuvraj top-scored for India with a fluent half century and was involved in a crucial 83-run partnership for the
fourth wicket with his skipper. But his dismissal triggered a collapse from which India could never recover.
'It was a very good wicket and I think we were 40-45 runs short. We wanted to take the powerplay just before Yuvraj got
out and then, when we took it, Raina got out. But the openers got off to a sound start,' Dhoni said.
'Three games to go, it makes it interesting. We are expecting some tough cricket,' he said.
Graeme Smith, who reached 6000 ODI runs today, lauded the Indian bowlers, especially Munaf, but felt some bad decisions
pushed his team on the backfoot.
'We've got to be honest and can't take the credit from India, they put up really good show. But there were a few of
bad decisions,' Smith said.
'Munaf bowled well, especially the slower one,' he added. Smith was also pleased with Lonwabo Tsotsobe's bowling.
He picked up his second successive four-wicket haul, today.
Despite dominating for a major part of the match, South Africa lost, and Smith felt things went wrong in the last 25
overs of their innings.
'We played well in the first 50 overs, batted well for the first 25 overs but the last 25 overs didn't go well.'
'We hope to improve and do things right in the next match, things we did wrong today,' Smith said.
Man of the Match, Munaf Patel, said he focused on bowling to a good line and length. 'Initially, I concentrated on line
and length, but used the slower balls later on,' Munaf said.
'I was thinking about my local crowd who are here, so I was under a bit of pressure, because they would otherwise come
to my hotel room,' Munaf joked when asked what was going through his ind when he was bowling those crucial overs. PTI
'The Social Network' bags Golden Globe for best film
'The Social Network' bags Golden Globe for best film Posted on: 17 Jan 2011Los Angeles : David Fincher's 'The Social Network' has won the Golden Globe for best motion picture - drama.
A drama about the founding of social networking website Facebook and its resulting lawsuits, it features an ensemble cast including Jesse Eisenberg, Andrew Garfield, Justin Timberlake, Brenda Song, Armie Hammer, Max Minghella, Rashida Jones, Joseph Mazzello and Rooney Mara.
A drama about the founding of social networking website Facebook and its resulting lawsuits, it features an ensemble cast including Jesse Eisenberg, Andrew Garfield, Justin Timberlake, Brenda Song, Armie Hammer, Max Minghella, Rashida Jones, Joseph Mazzello and Rooney Mara.
It has been adapted from from Ben Mezrich's 2009 non-fiction book 'The Accidental Billionaires'.
It beat competition from the likes of 'The King's Speech', 'Inception', 'Black Swan' and 'The Fighter' at the Golden Globe awards here Sunday.
`Pak Cyber army' hacks Kerala LSG department website
`Pak Cyber army' hacks Kerala LSG department website Posted on: 17 Jan 2011Thiruvananthapuram: A message in a social networking site posted by `Pakistan Cyber Army' had warned Kerala that it would attack all important government websites. The cyber army intensified its attack on Saturday by hacking some more websites, including local self governance department. Though IT security sections were able to control the hackers while it attempted to penetrate into more than 40 websites.
Earlier, a message had warned attack on New Year's eve. The state was able to prevent the same with the help of CERT-K (Computer Emergency Response Team) which was formed for the purpose. Then there was no move reported after that. Again on Saturday they attacked the website www.isg.kerala.gov.in. The site was re-established again on Monday.
The lower level websites of Pakistan government was hacked in the beginning of December. A hacker group in the name of `Indian Cyber Army' was behind this, it was reported. The Pakistan Cyber Army was formed as a counter attack system. The identity has not been traced. The internet security division was not able to find the source of the attack as they had hacked it with fake servers in Canada, Taiwan, Thailand and Pakistan.
26/11 terror attack case: HC reserves judgement
26/11 terror attack case: HC reserves judgement Posted on: 17 Jan 2011Mumbai : The Bombay High Court today reserved till February 7 the judgement on appeal filed by Pakistani terrorist Ajmal Kasab against the death sentence awarded to him for his role in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack.
A division bench of justices Ranjana Desai and R V More also reserved the verdict on the appeal filed by Maharashtra
government against the acquittal of LeT suspects Faheem Ansari and Sabauddin Ahmed in the 26/11 case. PTI
Six dead as plane crashes in Brazil
Rio de Janeiro : A small plane crashed in a mountainous region of central Brazil, killing all six people on board, officials said.
The plane went down Friday night for unknown reasons near Senador Canedo town in Goias state, just 16 km from the landing strip, firefighters said Saturday.
The aircraft, a single-engine Beech 22, exploded and burst into flames before crashing to the ground. It was flying from Brasilia to Goiania.
The region was being battered by heavy rains when the plane crashed into the side of a hill, they said.
Among the victims was a 12-year-old boy named Gabriel Marques Siqueira Campos, the grandson of Jose Wilson Siqueira Campos, governor of the neighbouring state of Tocantins.
Two of the boy's friends and their mother also perished in the crash, along with the pilot and co-pilot.
All six bodies have been found.
Bodies of 11 Ayyappa pilgrims reach Hyderabad
Hyderabad : The bodies of 11 out of 22 Ayyappa devotees from Andhra Pradesh killed in the stampede near Kerala's Sabarimala shrine were brought here Sunday and sent to their hometowns.
The bodies of three victims from Krishna district and two each from Nizamabad and Guntur districts and one each from Mahabubnagar, Nalgonda, Karimnagar and Prakasam districts were flown in by three different flights from Chennai.
State ministers Kasu Venkatakrishna Reddy, Shankar Rao, Jupalli Krishna Rao, D.K. Aruna and Parthasarthi and National Disaster Management Authority vice chairman M. Shashidhar Reddy were present at the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport to receive the bodies.
Relatives of some of the victims were seen crying as the bodies were brought out of the terminal building.
The bodies were then sent to the victims' home towns by ambulances. Ministers and senior officials were supervising the arrangements to dispatch the bodies.
The bodies of 11 other victims are likely to be brought by different flights by Sunday night
Meanwhile, Chief Minister N. Kiran Kumar Reddy has announced compensation of Rs.100,000 to the families of each of the victims. He directed officials to provide all necessary assistance for the treatment of the injured.
The stampede occurred Friday night when the pilgrims were returning after watching the celestial Makara Jyothi light, the most important event of the two-month pilgrimage, from a hillock some 30 km from the Sabarimala temple, dedicated to Lord Ayyappa, in Kerala's Pathanamthitta district.
Advani slams government on illegal wealth in foreign banks
Mumbai : Senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader L.K. Advani Sunday took on the Manmohan Singh-led central government over its inability to crack down on corruption, alleging it was doing little to bring back the ill-gotten money kept by Indians in foreign banks.
Addressing a 'Bhrashtachar Virodhi Mahasangram' (anti-corruption rally) organised here by the National Demorcratic Alliance (NDA) to protest against corruption and rising prices, Advani claimed that Rs.20.85 lakh crore of ill-gotten money was stashed away in foreign banks.
'I read a report by Global Financial Integrity (a research organisation) which claims that nearly Rs.20.85 lakh crore of Indian money is illicitly kept in foreign banks,' Advani said while addressing thousands of people in the audience.
Claiming that the government already knew about the money stashed away, Advani said that nothing was being done to crack down against the corrupt.
'The central government replying to a petition put in by eminent lawyer Ram Jethmalani had claimed difficulty before the Supreme Court in providing names of individuals who have money and accounts in Swiss and German banks,' he said.
Advani also said that a name of a former prime minister associated with the Congress had also cropped up as having an account in a foreign bank 'but there had been no rebuttal by the party on the allegation'.
'The issue of corruption, scams and rising inflation are all linked with getting this money back, which rightfully belongs to the nation,' he said.
BJP president Nitin Gadkari, on the other hand, alleged that in 2010, scams worth Rs.2.50 lakh crore had hit the country and said the amount was worth three percent of the country's GDP.
Gadkari also fired a Bofors salvo and said that the Congress needed to come clean on on the relationship between Italian businessman Ottavio Quattrocchi and the Gandhi family.
Taking on the Congress-Nationalist Congress Party government in Maharashtra, Shiv Sena executive president Uddhav Thackeray dared Chief Minister Prihviraj Chavan to crack down against the builders of Lavasa Lake City project near Pune.
'The decision on demolisihing Adarsh (housing society's 31-storey building in Mumbai) has been proposed but what about Lavasa? If Chief Minister Chavan has the courage, he will crack down on Lavasa too,' Thackeray said.
The BJP leaders also demanded prompt action against the accused in the Adarsh scam. 'If the government is not willing too take action against Adarsh, our cadre will go and demolish the building ourselves,' said BJP leader Kirit Somaiyya.
Janata Dal-United's Sharad Yadav and Akali Dal's Rattan Singh Ajnala were also present at the rally, the third NDA meeting to be held on corruption. The two earlier ones were held in Delhi and Guwahati.
Similar meetings will be held at Kanpur (Uttar Pradesh-Feb 5), Rohtak (Haryana-Feb 6), Hyderabad (Feb 9) and Jaipur (Feb 17).
Sabarimala tragedy: probe begins, police insist security adequate
Vandiperiyar : The accident site was still strewn with victims' belongings and offerings to Lord Ayyappa Sunday as police began its probe into the stampede near Kerala's Sabarimala temple that claimed 102 lives. Quashing reports of inadequate security, police insisted that 279 personnel were deployed in the area.
The Crime Branch led by Superintendent of Police S. Surendran reached the accident spot Sunday morning, beginning investigations into the cause of the accident Friday night at Pulumedu near Vandiperiyar town where about a lakh of pilgrims had gathered to watch the revered Makara Jyothi light on the Sabarimala hills.
Congress general secretary Rahul Gandhi, who was to visit the accident spot, cancelled his trip due to bad weather.
'He was supposed to come by helicopter from Kochi, but due to rain and bad weather, the visit was cancelled because no one wanted to take the risk of landing the helicopter. He has since gone back to Delhi from Kochi,' a Congress leader said.
The state police department said there were 97 policemen under the charge of a deputy superintendent of police in Pulumedu alone while a senior official said as many as 279 personnel were deployed 'in and around' the area.
'There were 279 police officials in and around various places of Pulumedu. I saw the deployment plan that was prepared by the local superintendent of police. The inquiry has begun to find out what the real cause of the accident was,' Additional Director General of Police A. Hemachandran told IANS.
Hemachandran said he had checked out the detailed plan of action prepared by police with regard to security.
The stampede occurred around 8 p.m. Friday when the pilgrims were returning after watching the celestial Makara Jyothi light, the most important event of the two-month pilgrimage, from a hillock some 30 km from the Sabarimala temple in Pathanamthitta district, dedicated to Lord Ayyappa.
Congress MP P.T. Thomas had first raised the issue of police not providing a proper security cordon at the accident site where over a lakh pilgrims gather to see the celestial light.
'We had raised the issue of providing adequate security cover at Pulumedu at the review meeting held to discuss the pilgrimage amenities to be provided last year. But to the best of my knowledge at the crucial day, only a handful policemen were there and this is a crucial lapse,' Thomas told IANS.
While the blame game continued, 12 unidentified bodies were sent to the Kottayam Medical College hospital to be kept in the mortuary, while the rest of the bodies have been handed over to their relatives.
Around 60 people were injured in the incident.
UAE to participate in 16 international trade fairs
UAE to participate in 16 international trade fairs Posted on: 17 Jan 2011Abu Dhabi : As part of its efforts to attract more foreign investments, the United Arab Emirates will participate in 16 international trade fairs and exhibitions across the globe, including one in India, this year.
The Ministry of Foreign Trade (MFT) is also busy in arranging promotional tours to many countries this year.
Abdullah Ahmad Al Saleh, the undersecretary of the MFT, said that the ministry's plans include the participation in over 16 international trade fairs and exhibitions that are scheduled to take place around the world this year.
The ministry also aims at boosting the export of UAE products to important global markets and at promoting various investment opportunities in the country with the aim of attracting more foreign capital, he added.
The list of fairs and expos that the ministry plans to participate in includes: The UAE-Spain Forum in Spain, which is scheduled from Jan 31 to Feb 1; the 19th International Engineering & Technology Fair in New Delhi, India, from Feb 10-12; the GCC Economic Forum in Romania from March 8-10; the Australia Arab Business Forum & Expo 2011 in Australia from May 5-6; Africa's Big Seven in Johannesburg and Cape Town from July 17-18; and the Trade Expo - Indonesia in Indonesia from Oct 19-23.
Disclaimer
Manorama English
News Update !!!
Subscribe To The Keral
Posts
All Comments
New Delhi Time
