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8 Pages Rs: 1.00 Jammu Edition www.thestudentage.com

STUdenT aGe
SATURDAY, JANUARY 5, 2013

JKENG/2012/41612 Vol. 2 No: 5

Indo-Bangla Special Forces to hold joint drills

Gadkari front-runner for second term as BJP president

Hindu Congress woman takes oath on Bhagavad Gita

Govt rejects Oppn's demand for special Parliament session: Sources
NEW DELHI: The government on Friday rejected the Opposition's demand to convene a special session of Parliament to discuss antirape laws, according to sources. The sources added that the discussion is likely to take place during the Budget Session. The three-member Justice Verma Committee's report may now come around the Budget Session, said sources. The committee was set up on December 23 with a mandate contd on page 2

IN BRIEF
CBSE to introduce gender studies in schools
NEW DELHI: Amid demands for sensitization of youths following the national outrage over Delhi gang rape incident, CBSE has decided to introduce 'human rights and gender studies' for students from the coming academic session. The subject will be offered as an elective course in classes XI and XII. The contd on page 2

CRIME AGAINST WOMEN SC notice to centre on fast-tracking sexual abuse cases

SC declines to hear plea on disqualification of MPs, MLAs chargesheeted
NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court Friday issued notice to the central government on two PILs seeking fast-tracking of all cases of sexual abuse against women and awarding them compensation. The court also issued notice on the plea seeking creation of additional courts, improving judicial infrastructure and filling of existing vacancies. In response to the Supreme Court seeking a reply on fast-tracking of rape cases and implementation of existing laws for safety of women, the government pleaded that a mechanism be put in place to monitor crimes against women by khap panchayats. The Supreme Court added that the khap panchayats can come and express their views on issues relating to inter-caste marriage before the apex body. The Supreme Court sought the government's reply while hearing the public interest litigation matters related to this issue on Friday. The Supreme Court today declined to hear a plea for disqualification of MPs and MLAs chargesheeted for crime against women but agreed to go into issues of fast track trial of rape cases and implementation of laws for safety of women. The apex court, which was hearing two PILs filed after the December 16 gangrape incident, said it can only give notice to the government on limited issues as some of the prayers made in the petitions were beyond its jurisdiction. "The issue of disqualification of MPs and MLAs is not in our jurisdiction," a bench comprising justices KS Radhakrishnan and Dipak Misra said. "What is our power on MPs and MLAs? Obviously, such a sweeping relief can't be sought," the bench said referring to the prayer made for a direction for suspension of MPs and MLAs who have been chargesheeted for crime against contd on page 2

Former Prez Kalam to inaugurate Kolkata Children's Science Congress

KOLKATA: Former President Dr APJ Abdul Kalam will inaugurate the Children's Science Congress in Kolkata today. The three-day event is being organised as a part of Indian Science Congress. In the afternoon, Union Science & Technology Minister S. Jaipal Reddy will open Women's Science Congress.

Govt launches CCTNS project Acid attack victim from Kashmir admitted to Delhi to enhance policing efficiency
NEW DELHI,JAN 4: A 30year-old school teacher, who suffered severe burns on her face in an acid attack in Jammu and Kashmir, was on Friday flown to Delhi and admitted to a private hospital where doctors said she will require multiple reconstructive surgical procedures. The school teacher, who was attacked with acid in Parraypora locality of Hyderpora in Srinagar on Wednesday, was being treated at the Sri Maharaja Hari Singh Hospital till this morning. The woman was flown to the capital this afternoon and was rushed to Indraprastha Apollo Hospital for further contd on page 2

Expenses on treatment of acid victim to be borne by Govt: Sham

JAMMU, JAN 04: Expressing concern over the tragic incident of acid throwing on a girl at Srinagar the other day, Minister for Health, Mr. Sham Lal Sharma has said that such incidents are inhuman and unfortunate and need to be condemned by one and all. He said the culprits indulging in such incidents deserve severe punishment. In a statement, the Minister has expressed sympathies with the victim and her family and extended contd on page 2

Two hour shutdown observed to protest acid attack

SRINAGAR, JAN 4: The commercial hub of Lal Chowk and adjoining areas on Friday observed a twohour shutdown against the acid attack on a woman here earlier this week. All the shops and other commercial establishments in Lal Chowk and surrounding areas downed their shutters from noon as a mark of protest against the acid attack on the 30year-old woman in Parraypora area of the city on Wednesday. A jilted lover contd on page 2

Govt looking after medical treatment of acid victim

JAMMU, JAN 04 :State Government has put in place all required arrangements to seek best medical treatment to the acid victim girl of the State at New Delhi. On the directions of the Chief Minister, Minister of State for Home, Nasir Aslam Wani is personally overseeing these arrangements at New Delhi. He said that government would provide all possible medical treatment to the affected girl. He said police has already contd on page 2

Crimes against women are unacceptable: Shinde

NEW DELHI: Home Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde launched a pilot project of Crime and Criminal Tracking Network and Systems, CCTNS, Friday in New Delhi. It aims at creating a comprehensive and integrated system for enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of policing. Launching the project, in Delhi, Mr Shinde said it will be extended to the entire country soon. The Home Minister added that zero tolerance level is needed to reduce any crime in the country. He said that important citizens' services against women like rape are unacceptable, the government on Friday said they need to be curbed with an iron hand. Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde said the role of the law enforcement agencies and the criminal justice system have come in for critical comment after the December 16 brutal gangrape and assault here of a 23year-old woman, who died in a Singapore hospital last week. "These kinds of incidents and rage against women and weaker sections of our society are unacceptable to our democracy. contd on page 2

Himachal slightly warmer, dry weather prevails

SHIMLA: The hills of Himachal Pradesh Friday saw a marginal rise in temperatures owning to long sunny days, but large parts reeled under the biting cold with the minimum temperature staying be Keylong, headquarters of Lahaul and Spiti, being the coldest at a low of minus 7.4 degrees Celsius, contd on page 2

28 Shia pilgrims killed in Iraq suicide bombing

DAMASCUS: In Iraq, at least 28 Shiite Muslim pilgrims were killed in a suicide car bomb explosion in the town of Mussayab. The toll is likely to go up with many wounded in critical condition. No group has claimed responsibility for the blasts but the security agencies have pointed the role of militants affiliated to Al Qaeda outfit contd on page 2

like online registration of complaints, tracking of FIRs and service requests will be launched by April, 2013. The project includes the creation of a nationwide networking infrastructure for IT-enabled state-of -the-art tracking system for investigation of crime and detection of criminals. Maintaining that crimes

India, Mauritius to intensify Azad reviews progress on SSHs in J&K anti-piracy measures
NEW DELHI: India and Mauritius, the strategically located Indian Ocean island nation, Friday decided to intensify counter-piracy cooperation and explored ways to scale up bilateral trade and investment. External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid called on visiting Mauritius President Rajkeswur Purryag and discussed a host of bilateral issues. Purryag, who is of Indian origin, Thursday began a week-long visit to India. In his discussions, Khurshid voiced India's keen interest in enhancing bonds with the Indian Ocean littoral through the interface of the Indian Ocean Rim for NEW DELHI, JAN 4: Minister of Health & Family Welfare, Ghulam Nabi Azad, on Friday chaired a meeting to review the progress on upcoming Super Specialty Hospitals in Jammu and Kashmir. Minister for Medical Education, Technical Education, Youth Services & Sports, R S Chib was present in the meeting. The Commissioner Secretary, Health & Medical Education, M.K. Diwedi, who was also present in the meeting, briefly explained various aspects regarding completion of infrastructure, installation of equipments and availability of specialized manpower to run these hospitals effectively. Union Minister impressed upon the State Government to initiate steps to engage Senior qualified Super Specialists in order to provide best

SSC to recruit around 85,000 personnel this year

NEW DELHI: The Staff Selection Commission is making efforts to recruit around 85 thousand personnel this year. Announcing this at the conference of Regional Directors in New Delhi Friday, the Minister of State for Personnel V. Narayanasamy said that the number of applications for the government jobs this year is likely contd on page 2

medicare to the needy patients. He also directed the concerned agencies i.e. CPWD and HLL authorities to make up the pending deficiencies at the earliest. He further said that in order to overcome the shortage of faculty in the medical colleges of the State, it has become mandatory to enhance the retirement age of the existing Faculty to prevent exodus as has been done in other states of the country. Besides, contd on page 2

Regional Cooperation (IORARC). The two sides also exchanged views on an Indian proposal at the IORARC for Indian Ocean University, said official sources. They also explored new areas of cooperation, including anti-piracy measures in the Indian Ocean. Mauritius has established

a court to try pirates. India has stepped up patrolling in the area and is committed to freeing from captivity more than 30 Indian citizens in the custody of pirates. Mauritius reiterated its support for India's claim for a permanent seat in the United Nations Security Council. Mauritius also indicated it was contd on page 2

Centre approves Rs 356 crore for upgradation of Dal Lake

JAMMU,JAN 4: The Union government has approved a Rs 356 crore plan for upgradation of the Dal Lake in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir deputy chief minister Tara Chand said today. "Rs 356 crore have been approved by the Government of India for the upgradation of Dal Lake," he said, chairing a high-level meeting of officers to review the progress of different works and timely completion of various projects in the state. He asked officers for early rehabilitation of Dal dwellers so that the upgradation and beautification work of Dal Lake is completed in a time-bound manner.

EC for zero environment pollution, eco-friendly engineering in 4-lanning of NH

JAMMU JAN 4: The Committee on Environment of J&K Legislative Assembly has enjoined upon central and state construction agencies to ensure strict implementation of various labour welfare laws besides following environment norms while executing the ambitious 4-lanning project of Srinagar - Jammu National Highway. The Committee, which met here this afternoon under the Chairmanship of MLA, M.Y Tarigami, urged for strict implementation of workmen's Compensation Act, payment of wages Act and Employees Provident Fund, which was imperative for contd on page 2

Woman cop commits suicide in Jammu and Kashmir

JAMMU,JAN 4: A woman police constable allegedly committed suicide by hanging herself from a ceiling fan at her residence in Rajouri district of Jammu and Kashmir, police said on Friday. The constable, identified as Afsana Kousar, was found hanging by her family members at her residence at Dudasan Bala in the district yesterday, SSP Rajouri Mubassar Latifi said. A case has been registered in this regard contd on page 2

'Lokpal to come up in Budget Session of Parliament'

NEW DELHI: The Government has agreed on most of the recommendations of a Parliamentary select committee on Lokpal Bill and the legislation is likely to come up in the Budget Session of Parliament, Union Minister V Narayanasamy said on Friday. The Minister of State in the Prime Minister's Office said that the amended Bill will first be approved in the Union Cabinet following which it will be brought in Parliament. "It is likely to come up in the Budget session of Parliament. Most of the select committee's view, we have agreed," Narayanasamy said on the sidelines of a conference here. When asked to elaborate on the points on which the Government has disagreed with, the Minister said they were "minor ones". "First it will go to the cabinet. I cannot tell contd on page 2

Court has banned use of curtains in all type of vehicles

JAMMU, JAN 04:The Inspector General of Police Traffic (IG) Mr. Munir Ahmad Khan today said that the Hon'ble Court has already banned the use of curtains in all type of vehicles including Government vehicles. The Public in general and the vehicle owners including drivers in particular has been advised to remove curtains from contd on page 2

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STUDENT AGE SATURDAY, JANUARY 5, 2013

Indo-Bangla Special Forces to hold joint drills

NEW DELHI: Elite Special Forces of India and Bangladesh will hold joint exercise in Agra starting January-end as part of efforts to deepen military ties and cooperation in counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency operations. Under the exercises codenamed 'Operation Sampriti', Special Forces of India and Bangladesh will engage in two-week exercise in Agra starting in the last week of January till first week of February, Army officials said. The first phase of 'Op Sampriti' was held at Jorhat in Assam from November 1-4, 2010 while the second edition was held at Sylhet, Bangladesh in 2011. Under the joint exercises, the two sides would practice counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency operations under the UN mandate. Military ties between the two countries received a boost recently when Indian Army Chief Gen. Bikram Singh visited Dhaka in October this year. India and Bangladesh share a long standing cooperation in the area of defence. While India trains its Gentlemen Cadets, the two countries have also organised joint training and exercises in the last few years.

India, Mauritius to intensify anti-piracy measures

NEW DELHI: India and Mauritius, the strategically located Indian Ocean island nation on January 4 decided to intensify counter-piracy cooperation and explored ways to scale up bilateral trade and investment. External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid called on visiting Mauritius President Rajkeswur Purryag and discussed a host of bilateral issues. Purryag, who is of Indian origin, on January 3 began a week-long visit to India. In his discussions, Khurshid voiced India's keen interest in enhancing bonds with the Indian Ocean littoral through the interface of the Indian Ocean Rim for Regional Cooperation (IOR-ARC). The two sides also exchanged views on an Indian proposal at the IORARC for Indian Ocean University, said official sources. They also explored new areas of cooperation, including anti-piracy measures in the Indian Ocean. Mauritius has established a court to try pirates. India has stepped up patrolling in the area and is committed to freeing from captivity more than 30 Indian citizens in the custody of pirates. Mauritius reiterated its support for India's claim for a permanent seat in the United Nations Security Council. Mauritius also indicated it was ready to consider the possibility of sharing taxrelated information Mauritius is the singlelargest foreign direct investment (FDI) source for India, accounting for over 42 per cent of foreign equity flows into the country. The Mauritius president will be the chief guest at the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas in Kochi in Kerala from Jan 79. He will also visit Patna, Tirupati and Kochi. In Bihar, he will visit his ancestral village, Bojeetpore near Patna. Persons of Indian origin account for over 60 per cent of the 1.3million people in Mauritius.

DC for mass sensitization to ward off animal cruelties

KULGAM JAN 4: In a measure step towards animal welfare, District Kulgam took a lead in constituting District Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals with Deputy Commissioner Jahangir Mir as its chairman. The society first of its kind in the entire state aims at taking holistic measures to prevent cruelties of all kinds to animals and work out an efficient mechanism to create enabling environment for balanced development of all species in their natural habitats. It was decided that the society constituted Vide SRO 298 of 2011 will chalk out a practicable plan to sensitize the people in general about the importance of balanced growth and development of animals and their interdependence on one another. Speaking on the occasion, the Deputy Commissioner called for creating a data base of all the animals especially in the towns and their suburbs. This information, he said will help in working out an efficient and humanistic mechanism to take care of animals as well as take on difficulties posed by certain animals like dogs in a humanistic manner. He said the society will be got registered under Societies' Act following which it will meet periodically for working out plans to safeguard the animal population and ensure balanced ecosystems. He called for urgent attention for warding off brutalities to animals in the growing consciousness of animal rights round the globe. Among others, Superintendent of Police, Chief Animal Husbandry Officer, Major V. K. Gode from Army, Assistant Wild Life Warden, Executive Officers of Municipal Committees attended the meeting.

Contd. from page 1...

SC notice to....
women. The bench, during the hearing, suggested that the PIL petitioners should have taken a ground that if the investigation into the cases was not upto the mark, it should be treated as "misconduct" on the part of the investigating officer. The bench also asked the government to apprise it about the terms and references of Justice JS Verma Committee, which was set up to review and strengthen the existing law on rape and offences against women. While the submission was made about the disqualification of politicians facing criminal cases, the bench observed that without going into the status of a person in life, they should be put on fast track trial. The bench was told that out of 4835 MPs and MLAs in the country, 1448 are facing criminal cases. However, the bench said at the moment it was not concerned with the issue and decided to hear the PIL on the limited issues.

Tirupati and Kochi. In Bihar, he will visit his ancestral village, Bojeetpore near Patna. Persons of Indian origin account for over 60 percent of the 1.3-million people in Mauritius.

'Lokpal to come....
you anything more unless it is taken up in cabinet," Narayanasamy said declining to give any possible dates of a meeting of cabinet ministers on it. The anti-corruption Lokpal Bill, which was passed by Lok Sabha in 2011, faced opposition hurdle in the Rajya Sabha on various provisions, including the one making it mandatory for states to set up Lokayuktas. In view of the sharp divide, the Bill was referred to the Select Committee. The Committee has tabled its recommendations in Rajya Sabha in November last year. The Bill, along with the select committee's recommendations, will have to be considered by the Union Cabinet. Once the Bill is passed in the Rajya Sabha, it will travel back to Lok Sabha for approval of the amended version.

reconstructive surgical procedures and her left eye has sustained significant damage," a medical bulletin issued by the hospital said. The hospital said a multi-disciplinary team of doctors was assessing the patient, who has suffered significant burn injuries. A jilted lover poured the acid on the face of the woman, who was returning home from a coaching centre where she used to teach. The youth, Reyaz Ahmad Nath, who had been harassing the girl for last three years, and his accomplice Mudassir Ahmad have been arrested. Meanwhile, the commercial hub of Lal Chowk and adjoining areas in Srinagar today observed a two-hour shutdown against the acid attack on the woman.

Expenses on....
financial and moral support as well. He said that entire expenses on her specialized treatment outside the State in any hospital will be borne by the Government. Instructions in this regard have been passed on to the concerned, the Minister maintained.

Govt rejects ....

to review the present statute so as to provide for speedier justice and enhanced punishment in cases of aggravated sexual assault. The committee has to submit its report in 30 days. Anti-rape laws will be given priority in the Budget Session of Parliament, which is likely to begin mid-February, sources said. They could be taken up on the first day of the session itself, the sources added. The government had, amid demands from the Opposition for convening of a special session of Parliament to pass stringent laws on crime against women, on Monday said the decision could be taken after Justice Verma Committee, set up for the purpose, submits its recommendations. The main Opposition, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), had on Monday reiterated its demand for a special session of Parliament, asking the government to devote 2013 to strengthen all laws related to the safety of women. Trinamool Congress party supremo and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had also favoured a special session dedicated to strengthening antirape laws. This comes even as protests have broken out across the country against the heinous gangrape of a 23-year-old paramedic student, who lost her battle for life on December 29 due to massive injuries inflicted upon her by half-a-dozen men in a moving bus in New Delhi.

Two hour....
poured the acid on the face of the woman, who was returning home from a coaching centre where she used to teach. The youth, Reyaz Ahmad Nath, who had been harassing the girl for last three years, and his accomplice Mudassir Ahmad have been arrested. Meanwhile, Mudasir has told police that he was not aware about Nath's intention to attack the girl with acid and has decided to turn approver in the case. A senior police officer said Mudasir turning a prosecution witness will help in the case against the accused.

CBSE to ....
National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) had also pressed for the inclusion of human rights education (HRE) in the school curriculum taking note of the deteriorating human rights situation of children. Sources said the National Curriculum Framework of 2005 also notes that gender concerns need to be addressed in terms of making the perspectives of women integral to the discussion of any historical event and contemporary concern. CBSE had already prepared a blueprint of the syllabus for the subject. The PMO is also understood to have written the HRD Ministry to include chapters on value education in textbooks so that gender sensitivity and respect for women is taught right from the start. Recently, the CBSE had even brought out a handbook on value education for teachers, guiding them to impart values through innovative means including use of meaningful cinema.

Govt looking ....

apprehended the culprit and would be brought to justice for severe punishment. MoS Home said Additional Resident Commissioner of the State at New Delhi and Medical officer at New Delhi have been made liaison officers to keep liaison with affected family for any kind of support it requires at New Delhi. Earlier, Minister for Social Welfare, Sakina Itoo visited the affected family and assured them that the person responsible for the heinous crime will be handed severe punishment. She also assured all help for latest medical treatment to the girl. Chairperson Women commissions Mrs. Shamim Firdous also visited the affected girl's family, expressed solidarity with it and assured all help from the government for the treatment of the girl. Meanwhile government is working on making laws relating to crimes against women more stringent and Minister for Law has already set Law Department in motion for formulating comprehensive proposal in this regard for enactment.

Himachal slightly ....

up from Thursday's minus 9.9 degrees. Most of the prominent tourist towns such as Shimla, Kasauli, Narkanda, Kufri, Manali, Dharamsala, Palampur and Dalhousie have been witnessing long sunny days, a meteorological official said. State capital Shimla experienced the minimum temperature at 2 degrees Celsius, a marginal rise from Thursday's 1.2 degrees. Kalpa in Kinnaur saw a minimum temperature of minus 2.5 degrees Celsius, while it was 0.4 degrees below freezing point in Manali and 5.2 degrees in Dharamsala. These towns Thursday saw a low of minus 4.6 degrees Celsius, minus 3 degrees and 4.4 degrees respectively. The entire tribal belt in Kinnaur, Lahaul and Spiti, Kullu and Chamba districts have been experiencing extremely cold conditions with mercury staying between minus 10 and 15 degrees Celsius. The Met office has predicted mainly dry weather till Sunday.

ting across Political ideologies, to ensure that all the viable development initiatives in the State go ahead with full vigour and without any hiccup, but there should be Zero Compromise on environment pollution adding that development can take place at any time but environment once polluted is very difficult to retrieve again. "Environmental Pollution is detrimental for the living being and there should not be any compromise on it", Mr. Tarigami asserted. He called upon the Central as well as State agencies to dovetail their efforts and activities to ensure a strong monitoring mechanism for the environment conservation and asked the Central Organization to get ensure close laison with the State Environment Impact Assessment Committee for this purpose . He asked the PCB to submit the internal management Assessment report before the Environment Committee within fortnight. Tarigami said that the main concern of EC was to know the impact of National Highway widening process on the Environment in the State and various protection measures initiated in this regard. He also urged for taking hydrology of the area into consideration while undertaking road and power projects and expressed his dismay over the perturbing reports that excavated land and earth during various construction activities is flown directly into the rivers and there is not any scientific disposal mechanism in place for the purpose. Mr Tarigami while urging for eco friendly engineering practices stressed for conservation of natural flora and fauna during the execution of various projects with focus on protecting wild life sanctuaries, monitoring of air, noise and water quality to ensure the effectiveness of the environmental management measures. Among others, Chairman Pollution Control Board Mr. Lal Chand, Chief Wild Life Warden Mr. A.K. Singh, Member Secretary PCB Mr. R.K. Tickoo, Director Environment and Remote Sensing Mr. Suresh Chug, Regional Director PCB Mr. Anayat Ullah Dar, Senior Officers and Engineers of R&B, Labour and Employment and other departments besides officers from Assembly Secretariat including Special Secretary Mr. M.R. Singh attended the meeting.

Five day training programme for MOs concludes at IMPA

JAMMU, JAN 04:A five-day training programme on Civil Conduct Rules and Financial Management for medical officers concluded here today. The training programme was organised by the Jammu and Kashmir Institute of Management and Public Administration (IMPA) in collaboration with the National Rural Health Mission, J&K. Manju Kapoor, Assistant Professor, IMPA was the course coordinator for the said training programme. 18 medical officers from the Indian System of Medicines (ISM) and Allopathy took part in the training, which commenced on December 31. The aim of the programme was to introduce latest tools and techniques of civil conduct rules and financial management to the medical officers. The guest faculty highlighted the guidelines and initiatives of NRHM and administrative rules, time management, financial code, secretariat manual and the RTI Act. Later, during the valedictory function, Sunita Anand, Joint Director, IMPA distributed certificates among the participants and expressed gratitude to the Director General, IMPA, BB Vyas and Mission Director, NRHM, DR Yash Pal Sharma for their support and cooperation.

Court has....
their vehicles besides black films/tinted glass or any allied material henceforth. He cautioned that if any vehicle including Government vehicles is found using curtains, black films/tinted glasses shall be impounded. Mr. Khan said the use of black films/tinted glasses/ curtains and other allied material shall not only amount to the violation of the Hon'ble Court directions but will also amount to contempt of the Hon'ble Court.

Govt launches....
These need to be curbed with an iron hand," he said, addressing a conference of country's top bureaucrats and the police brass convened in the wake of the Delhi gang-rape incident. Shinde said even after 65 years of country's independence, crimes against women and Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes have not declined despite having various legislations to check criminals. "We need a reappraisal of the entire system, the role of all our stakeholders, the adequacy of our laws, the effectiveness of enforcement at the cutting edge level, the need for increased awareness and sensitivity starting at the school level and covering all people residing at the margins of our society," he said. The Home Minister said it was apparent that legislations were only one part of the solution but the principal difficulty lies at the implementation level where sometimes the ground realities become a barrier for effective implementation of the law. "Prompt action against all offenders of crime will alone bring about respect of law. Our primary objective is to identify such barriers, suggest modifications required in our law and in the procedures and methodology of investigation, so that the trial concluded early and the guilty punished in a time-bound manner," he said.

Woman cop....
while the further probes are on, the SSP said

Azad reviews.....
steps need to be taken to hire Super Specialists from outside the State on contractual basis by giving them additional allowances under the rules. The meeting among others was attended by P K Pradhan, Union Secretary, Health & Family Welfare, Keshav Desiraju, Special Secretary, Health & Family Welfare, Sandeep Kumar Naik, Joint Secretary and representatives from CPWD and HLL.

RD arrangements reviewed at Billawar

KATHUA, JAN 04: In Order to review the arrangements for Republic Day celebrations 2013, Sub Divisional Magistrate, Billawar Dr. Vikas Gupta convened a meeting at Billawar here today. It was decided in the meeting that the main function will be held at Government Higher Secondary School, Billawar. The contingents drawn from Government as well as private educational institutions will participate in the March past .Cultural Items on the patriotic theme would be presented on the occasion. The flag hoisting ceremony will take place at 10 AM at the venue. The arrangements for security, Drinking water, Power supply Sanitation, Barricading, medical aid were also discussed in the meeting. The SDM, Billawar exhorted upon the officers to make adequate arrangements to make the celebrations a success . Tehsildar, Tehsil level officers, Principals of Educational institutions were present in the meeting.

Record statements upto Jan, 05 Enquiry officer

PULWAMA, JAN 04: Additional District Magistrate, Pulwama who has been nominated as Enquiry Officer to probe into the firing incident at Rajpora Chowk, Pulwama has informed that any person/persons having any knowledge or information about the said incident can record their statements or file their affidavits before the Enquiry Officer by or before January 05, 2013 in his office chamber during working hours.

28 Shia pilgrims....
in Iraq behind these attacks in Iraq.

SSC to recruit around ....

to cross 1.30 crore mark. He also said that the Commission has been proactive in improving the existing methods and practices to ensure availability of best possible talent for jobs in the Government Departments. He informed that the hundred percent e-processing of the applications is expected to take another five years.

EC for zero ....

generating interest among the labourers engaged in the execution of the projects. The meeting took a detailed review of the impact of various construction and building activities on account of ongoing 4-lanning of National Highway including Pathankote - Jammu - Srinagar and Baramulla Highway on the fragile environment of the State and remedial measures taken by the concerned construction agencies/ companies in this regard Legislators, Mr. Mohd. Sharief Niaz, Mr. Mohd. Yaseen Shah and Mr. Charanjeet Singh gave their valuable suggestions for speedy completion of National Highway and protection of environment thereof. Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Tarigami said while it should be the joint effort of all, cut-

Army organizes medical camp at Reasi

REASI, JAN 04:In order to meet the medical needs of the people belonging to the remote areas of Arnas Block in Reasi Distrcit, a Medical Camp was organised by Rashtriya Rifle Battalion (JAT) in village Dharmari. The camp was inaugurated by a village elder in the presence of Commanding Officer of the Battalion. Among Others, SDPO Mahore, number of civil dignitaries including Mr. Mushim Ahmed, Large numbers of people belonging to the remote areas of Arnas, Narlu, Thuroo and Lasooli attended the camp. Block Medical Officer Mahore, Dr. Rachpal Singh also extended his services in helping the army for organizing this camp.

Acid attack...
treatment, doctors said. After conducting initial diagnosis and mandatory procedures on her, doctors said her condition was stable though her left eye has "sustained significant damage". "The patient has been admitted today afternoon with severe acid burns to her face and small patches on her right upper limbs. "The burns are deep and will require multiple

India, Mauritius ....

information. Mauritius is the single-largest foreign direct investment (FDI) source for India, accounting for over 42 percent of foreign equity flows into the country. The Mauritius president will be the chief guest at the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas in Kochi in Kerala from Jan 7-9. He will also visit Patna,

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STUDENT AGE SATURDAY, JANUARY 5, 2013

STATE

NEWS IN BOX

German Ambassador calls on CM

JAMMU, JAN 4: German Ambassador, Michael Steinercalled on Chief Minister Omar Abdullah here last evening. Matters of mutual interests were discussed in an hour log meeting. Omar Abdullah apprised the Germnan Ambassador of the measures taken by the State and the Central Governments for peace and development in the state. He also apprised Germnan Ambassador of the steps taken by the state government regarding public empowerment, transparency in administrative affairs and making public service delivery legally time bound.

204th Birthday of Louis Braille celebrated

JAMMU, JAN 04: Minister of state for Fisheries, Haj and Auquaf and Social Welfare, Mr. Ajaz Ahmed today reiterated the resolve of the government to bring specially challenged children at par with other children in terms of education and personality development. Addressing a function held to mark the 204th birth anniversary of Louis Braille at the residential school of blind today, the Minister said the coalition government, under the leadership of Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah is committed to bring the children with special abilities on the mainstream of

Govt committed to welfare of special children: Ajaz

also assured all possible help to the school. He announced donation of one Omni Van to the school out of his CDF. On the occasion, the Minister also gave away commendations to the alumni of the school. The students of the school on the occasion presented colorful cultural items. The Director Social Welfare, Jammu, Mr. M. H. Bhatti, General Secretary, National Federation of Blind, Mr. R. K. Dubey, Superintendent of the School, Mrs. Khalida and other officers were present on the occasion.

Yasin Malik, other JKLF leaders taken into preventive custody

SRINAGAR,JAN 4: Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) chairman Yasin Malik along with a number of activists and supporters were on Friday taken into preventive custody here as the group kick-started its 10-day 'jail bharo' agitation against awarding of death sentences and lifers to Kashmiri prisoners by various courts. Yasin Malik and others were taken into preventive custody after they took out a march from Maisuma to nearby Budshah Chowk, in violation of prohibitory orders and were lodged in Kothi Bagh police station, a police spokesman said. He said they are being shifted to Srinagar's Central Jail. A JKLF spokesman said over 50 activists and supporters of the group led by Malik courted arrest as part of the 'jail bharo' agitation to lodge protest against awarding of death sentences and lifers to Kashmiri prisoners and torture in jails. Prominent among others who were arrested are Javed Mir, Abdul Majid Mir and Parveena Ahangar (chairperson of Association of Parents of Disappeared Persons), he said.

Minister of state for Fisheries, Haj and Auquaf and Social Welfare, Ajaz Ahmed attending 204th Birthday of Louis Braille at Jammu. education and personality development so that they don't feel deprived of their rights. The Minister said the government would increase the intake capacity of school for blind this year and basic infrastructure would also be strengthened. The Minister asked the Social Welfare Jammu to prepare a note on the introduction of Braille Press and Software at the school so that the same was taken up with Minister for Social Welfare and the Chief Minister for execution. The MLA Domana, Mr. Bharat Bushan, in his address

ABVP holds strong protest demonstration

JAMMU,JAN 4: Responding to its Nationwide Protest , Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) Jammu- Kashmir held a strong protest demonstration across the state demanding speedy justice for Delhi gang- rape victim Nirbhaya, who died on last Saturday in Singapore. A large number of students and ABVP activists today took a strong protest march from parade ground to Governors house against the heinous crime and demanded speedy justice. The protesting ABVP activists were holding placards that read 'We want capital punishment for rapists', stop sexual violence against girls,' Surakshit Nari, Surakshit Desh- ABVP ka yahi hay Sandesh, Damini kay Hatyaron Ko fansi do, fansi do, Delhi kay gunahgaron ko fansi do, fansi do, while another group shouted slogans demanding that the government speed up the punishment process of the rapists with placards like " 'Stop Sexual Violence against girls,' It's not to protest, but to wake the government to pass a law'. Addressing the protesting ABVP activists Kailash Goswami ABVP state joint secretary expressed outrage at the increasing atrocities being committed against women and decried the helplessness of the state in curbing these crimes. He demanded stringent punishment for those found guilty of rape. He further said that these protests should be a wakeup call to the government that is not speeding up the trial. In his address Ankush Rajput ABVP Commerce College Secretary said that we are protesting against the horrific rape held in Delhi and we demand speedy punishment for the rapists. We waited for four years for Kasab's death sentence... justice in this country needs to be dispensed at a quicker pace." He further said that there is a need to open fast track court at every district court for speedy justice to the victims. Arjun Mengi ABVP state office secretary while addressing disclosed that today's protest was ABVP's all India protest against gruesome incident of gang rape held in Delhi and in Jammu- Kashmir similar protest demonstrations were held at Kathua under the leadership of Raghav Sharma ABVP State Secretary and Rahul dev ABVP state Joint Secretary, at Udhampur the protest demonstration was led by Kuldeep Singh ABVP National Executive Member and Sushant Gupta ABVP Udhampur PG College President. More protests were held at R. S. Pura, Reasi, Samba and Poonch. Others who addressed on the occasion include Neeraj Singh, Atul Sharma, Aryaveer Singh, Happy Sharma, Harjeet Singh, Shaksham Kotwal and others.

Finance deptt refutes irregularities in transfers

JAMMU, JANUARY 04: Apropos the news item, titled, '40% ACCOUNTS CADRE OFFICIALS IN SECRETARIAT IMMUNE TO TRANSFER POLICY NORMS'published in a section of press on 24.12.2012, the Finance dept has clarified that there are instances of officials overstaying in a particular post, but there is no truth whatsoever in saying that it is by the dint of their connections with higher ups and political bosses that they are continuing in the Civil Secretariat beyond the normal term of 2 -3 years. It is worthwhile to mention here that the Civil Secretariat is not one office but it comprises of about 30 departments and posting of officials in different departments of the Civil Secretariat can't, by any stretch of imagination, be termed as posting in one place. Secondly, it is difficult to get willing hands to serve in a move office, especially in the Civil Secretariat. Once someone willing to serve in the Civil Secretariat, comes forward and if he also happens to be a good worker, the specialization he attains in the course of time can't be brought to naught only after a particular period of time. His services are gainfully utilized for as long a time as possible in different capacities in the same office of the Civil Secretariat. This phenomenon is more particularly relevant in the Budget, Resources and Codes Sections of the Finance Department.

Saroori calls upon CM Omar

JAMMU, JAN 4: Former Minister and MLA Inderwal G M Saroori today called upon Hon'ble Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, where he demanded that the process for on spot police recruitment at Chatroo, Khara and Bunjawah area of Inderwal constituency may be taken up on priority. Hon'ble Chief Minister gave directions to MOS Home Shri Nasir Aslam Wani and Shri Ashok Prasad (IPS) DGP to go ahead with police recruitment in Inderwal. MLA also demanded release of Rs4 crore for paying land compensation of road projects under NABARD and CRF and Hon'ble Chief Minister assured that the funds for the same will be released shortly. Saroori presented memorandum to Hon'ble Chief Minister regarding sanctioning of 400KV Grid station near Rattle project Drabshallah including 132KV level for upgrading distribution system in Kishtwar and Doda Districts and assured that the matter will be taken up with the Union Power Ministry for sanctioning the same. MLA further demanded medical aid for poor patients, Solar light on subsidy and early sanction of 2nd phase power projects under RGGVK, and Hon'ble Chief Minister took note of these pending demands and assured that the steps will be taken up regarding their redressal at an earliest. Saroori also demanded for introduction of more subjects at the University campus of Kishtwar and up gradation of facilities at Kishtwar campus. MLA Inderwal G M Saroori thanked Hon'ble Chief Minister Omar Abdullah for releasing relief of the accident victims at Bhaderwah.

Shabir chairs civil, army authorities meet at Tac Ponthal

RAJOURI, JAN 4: Minister of State for Power, Forest, CA&PD and Transport, Shabir Ahmed Khan, today chaired a meeting of civil and army authorities held at Tac Ponthal to take stock of people's problems and their developmental needs of the inhabitants of these border villages like Ponthal, Basali, Parran of border Panchayat Block, Ponthal and adjoining areas. GOC Remo Force, Major General, I Narayan, District Development Commissioner, Rajouri, Sougat Biswas, Deputy Inspector General Police, Rajouri and Poonch districts, Brigade of civil administration to redouble their efforts and accelerate the pace of progress on each work for early completion of these for convenience of the locals. He also instructed them for maintaining close coordination with Army authorities for welfare of the people. He hoped that army would also cover all the border villages of the area under the benefits of Sadbhavana programme for holistic development of the area. Later, the Minister addressed public meetings at border villages, Tac Ponthal, Basoli and Parran. He said that all-round development of border areas of the State receiving focused attention of the government. He said that like other border areas of the State, a massive developmental infrastructure programme is under way under core sectors for social -economic transformation of the people of border areas of Rajouri. Mr. Shabir said to upgrade the power facility in ponthal panchyat area, the government has approved construction of receiving Station Shahpora. He said the tecnoeconomic clearance of this project has been received and the construction of this 3.15 MVA receiving station would be taken up at an estimated cost of Rs 4.05 crore at the earliest. He announced Rs. 5.00 lakh for extension of LT line in Chilas village out of CD fund. He said over Rs. 2.63 crore are being utilized on various developmental works in Manjakote and Rajouri Development Blocks under BADP during current fiscal. The Minister said that to connect border areas of Rajouri with urban areas, besides to provide better connectivity facility to the border people of the area, 18 new road projects under PMGSY have been submitted to the Centre for funding.

Nasir for strict adherence to traffic rules to avoid accidents

JAMMU, JAN 04: Minister of State for Home, Mr. Nasir Aslam Wani, today stressed upon the people, especially the younger generation to strictly adhere to the traffic rules to avoid accidents besides having a better traffic management. The Minister said this after inaugurating a painting competition on Road Safety Week Drive at Kala Kendra Jammuorganized by the Motor Vehicles Department in collaboration with J&K Traffic Police. "Government can make and implement rules but those norms cannot yield desired results unless the people rigorously follow the same in a true spirit", the Minister. The Minister exhorted upon the Transport and Traffic Departments to make the Road Safety Week a meaningful exercise by disseminating information and awareness about Road Safety and strict enforcement of rules. He further stated that observance of traffic rules was absolutely imperative for having smooth traffic flow besides safety on roads. Nasir appreciated the collective efforts taken up by the Motor Vehicles Department and the Traffic Department in celebrating various events during the Traffic Week. He stressed on the need to involve the children in road safety campaign as the children can be the right messengers of spreading the message further among their peer group and the elders Terming the painting competition as an informative and educative event, the Minister said such competitions could inspire the young buds about the value of following traffic rules. He was happy to note that the children had very creatively made drawings and sketches highlighting different aspects of road safety rules. He also watched a documentary film made by the traffic department on observance of safety in school buses. Transport Commissioner, Mehraj Ahmed Kakroo, highlighted the role of children in spreading messages of social relevance and assured the Minister that the Transport Department and Traffic Department would carry on the activity of enforcement and awareness throughout the year with equal zeal and fervor as is being done during the traffic week celebrations. DIG Traffic Jammu, Shakeel Beigh, emphasized strict observance of safety measures like helmets and seat belts and also observance of basic road rules like lane driving and adherence to the traffic lights by drivers. Regional Transport Officer Jammu, Arvind Kotwal, assured the department will strive hard to ensure strict observance of traffic rules.

Commander and Commandant 48 RR, Additional SP Nowshara besides other senior officers and engineers of the district attended the meeting. The meeting discussed several public importance

issues and took appropriate decisions for their immediate redressal. The Minister, while reviewing the physical and financial status of ongoing developmental works in the area, stressed on the officers

Red Ribbon Express at Udhampur

UDHAMPUR, JAN 04: Stressing greater need to spread awareness and promote services on HIV/AIDS across the state among common masses, the Minister for Health, Horticulture & Floriculture, Mr. Sham Lal Sharma called upon the officers, local public, representatives, field functionaries of different departments and all other stakeholders to put on their sincere and dedicated efforts to initiate a comprehensive campaign to mobilize people against this life consuming disease. Inaugurating the Red Ribbon Express (RRE), a mobile multimedia supported exhibition on HIV/AIDS at Udhampur Railway station on Wednesday, the Minister said that elected public representatives, Anganwari workers, health functionaries and students should share their noble responsibility in spreading the message regarding prevention and control of dreaded disease, AIDS in their respective jurisdictions. The Red Ribbon express is an initiative of the National

Sham stresses greater need for AIDS awareness

gramme on AIDS awareness was also presented by the folk artists and students of different educational institutions which were highly appreciated by the audience. Earlier, Project Director J&K AIDS Control Society, Dr. Rakesh Khajuria in his welcome address outlined the aims and objectives of the RRE. DIG, Udhampur-Reasi Range, Mr. Jagjit Kumar, Deputy Commissioner, Mr. P.K Pole, Director Indian System of Medicines, Dr. Abdul Kabir, Controller Drugs & Food & Control Organization, Mr. Satish Gupta, Director Health Services, Jammu, Dr. Madhu Kullar, Head of different departments, District Officers, representatives of various political parties sarpanches, panches, prominent citizens, field functionaries of different departments, heads of educational institutional and students were present on the occasion.

Minister for Health, Horticulture & Floriculture, Mr. Sham Lal Sharma lightening a traditional lamp during Red Ribbon express exhibition on HIV/AIDS at Udhampur. Aids Control Organizations (NACO) in collaboration with National Rural Health Mission (NRHM), Ministry of Railways and other key government ministries. The Minister said, "Let us strive together to make our society and country a healthy and prosperous nation by achieving excellence in every field and leading our lives based on moral values". He hoped that Red Ribbon Express at Udhampur Railway Station would prove a great help in disseminating information, developing and understanding about the disease to reduce stigma and discrimination against the people living with HIV/AIDS and help public to adopt preventive health habits and life style. He urged upon the heads of various institutions and parents to facilitate the students to visit the railway station and witness the exhibition in the RRE to gather the awareness on the HIV/AIDS. He said students are the real ambassadors to spread the awareness amongst others; hence they must be educated about this dreaded disease. MLA Balwant Singh Mankotia and Krishan Chander Bhagat also spoke on the occasion and lauded the efforts of National AIDS Control Organization for creating mass awareness about the most challenging disease of the world. They hoped that the innovative initiative through this exhibition train would go a long way in educating the people about the dreaded disease, AIDS. The Train consists of six coaches depicting cause of spreading of AIDS, preventive information and training in health care. The Exhibition on Train would remain open for public for two days at Railway station Udhampur. A colourful cultural pro-

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EDITORIAL & STATE WATCH

Indian industry is already reeling under the pressure of imports from China. There is a total absence of transparency in China's fiscal and economic policies and the obvious subsidies to its exports. Further opening out of the Indian economy to Chinese goods and services must be undertaken only when it includes measures that safeguard the development of Indian industry, particularly in key areas like power, communications, electronics and other employment-oriented areas. Given its strategic partnership with Asean, India can no longer perpetually sit on the fence, on emerging tensions between Asean countries like Vietnam and the Philippines on the one hand and China on the other. Beijing appears ready to use force to enforce its territorial claims, ignoring the provisions of the UN Convention on the Law of the Seas, on its maritime frontiers with South Korea, Japan, Vietnam, the Philippines, Brunei and Malaysia. China is also becoming more rigid on its border claims on the entire State of Arunachal Pradesh and in Ladakh. Vietnam's Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung noted: "I hope India fully supports Asean in the full implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea and the six-point principles on South China Sea, in order to settle disputes peacefully, as per International law." Union Minister for External Affairs Salman Khurshid virtually rejected this appeal asserting: "Sometimes doing nothing about conflict is about not doing something." This may sound glib, but it wins us no friends and is a recipe for appeasing a China that supplies nuclear weapons wherewithal to Pakistan and seeks to undermine Indian influence across its Indian Ocean neighbourhood. Despite recent progress in our relations with our eastern neighbours, very little has been done to utilise our 'soft power' through the promotion of the ancient Buddhist links between India and its eastern neighbourhood. There are between 150 and 190 million Buddhists in South-East Asia, with an estimated 134 million Theravada Buddhists in Myanmar, Thailand and Cambodia. There are 44 million Buddhists in Vietnam, practising Mahayana Buddhism, and an estimated seven million Buddhists, mainly of Chinese origin, in Indonesia, Singapore and the Philippines, who practise a synthesis of Mahayana Buddhism with Confucianism and Daoism. There are an estimated 90 million Buddhist believers in Japan, who also profess adherence to Shinto. In South Korea, there are 11 million Buddhists linked to 26 Buddhist sects. While the Union Government is developing the Nalanda University, the Madhya Pradesh Government has undertaken a commendable initiative, establishing an International University for Buddhist-Indic Studies in Sanchi. It is imperative that New Delhi develops a comprehensive scheme for developing and linking the sites of Buddhist heritage across Madhya Pradesh, Bihar and Uttar Pradesh into a global hub for Buddhist tourism and studies. The scheme, which could be implemented within a decade, should include the development of international airport facilities in Patna and Bhopal. There should also be six-lane highways linking various Buddhist sites, and a range of hotels, rest houses and other facilities, for international and domestic tourists. Countries like Japan should be associated in investment and the development of these facilities. A comprehensive proposal on these lines can perhaps be put forward at the next Asean and East-Asian summits, by the Prime Minister.

Reaching out to Asean: Better late than never

By G Parthasarathy

India's growing economic ties with South-East Asia over the past decades have fashioned a new architecture of cooperation across the 'Indo-Pacific' region, extending New Delhi's profile beyond the Indian Ocean The recently concluded Indo-Asean Summit in New Delhi marked the most notable success of Indian foreign policy over the past two decades. Sadly, no recognition is being accorded to the visionary role of former Prime Minister PV Narasimha Rao, who realised the crucial importance of greater economic co-operation and integration of a liberalised Indian economy, with the dynamic economies of Japan, South Korea and India's South-East Asian neighbours, who are all now members of the Asean regional grouping. Rao's visionary policies have been carried forward imaginatively by successor Governments, headed by Mr Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Mr Manmohan Singh. It has also to be acknowledged that Rao's efforts were successful largely because of the recognition of Singapore's elder statesman Lee Kwan Yew and his successor, Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong, that an economically vibrant India would have an important role in the maintenance of peace and security in Asean's neighbourhood, extending from the Indian Ocean to the shores of South China Sea. India's growing economic ties with Asean over the past 20 years have fashioned a new architecture of dialogue and cooperation across what is now defined as the 'Indo-Pacific' region, extending India's strategic profile beyond the Indian Ocean and across the South China Sea. India's dialogue with Asean is now not limited to annual summits. There are now annual meetings between the Defence Ministers of Asean on the one hand

and its partners like China, Japan, South Korea and India, on the other. Moreover, Asean is today the driving force behind the East-Asian summit, which brings together its 10 members with the US, Russia, China, Japan, South Korea, India, Australia and New Zealand. India has consciously taken a low key posture in Asean forums, stressing the need for Asean to be the driving force for consensual efforts to build peace, security and progress across the entire Indo-Pacific Region, thus linking security in the Indian and Eastern Pacific Regions. Interestingly, the Vision Statement issued at the New Delhi Summit alludes to Asean's appreciation for "India's role in peace and stability". India, in turn, recognises "Asean's centrality" in "economic structures and institutions currently emerging in the region". Whether Asean can retain its traditional unity in dealing with external challenges, in the face of an assertive and domineering China, remains to be seen. While attention is focussed on India's trade relations with China and the US, what is often overlooked is that India's trade with Asean, which reached an estimated $ 79 billion last year and is expected to touch $ 100 billion by 2015, has increased 10 times over the past decade. Investment flows in the same period amounted to $ 43 billion. Moreover, with a virtual 'open skies' policy governing air travel, more and more Indians now visit Asean countries, notably Thailand and Singapore. While economic integration with Japan, South Korea and Asean has been mutually beneficial, India would do well to tread cautiously on its endorsement of the China backed proposal for a 'Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership'. This proposal seeks to convert India's entire eastern neighbourhood including China, into a free trade and investment area.

Can Death Penalty Be Awarded To Rapists In India

By Kush Kalra: "State should not punish with vengeance". Emperor Ashoka Death penalty has been a mode of punishment since time immemorial. The arguments for and against have not changed much over the years. Crimes as well as the mode of punishment correlate to the culture and form of civilization from which they emerge. With the march of civilization, the modes of death punishment have witnessed significant humanized changes. Presently around 11 mercy petitions from 14 convicts are pending before the President following the rejection of a similar plea from Mumbai Terror Attacks convict Ajmal Kasab. According to a RTI filed by Subhash Chandra Aggarwala, Karnataka has the highest number of petitions pending: four from seven convicts on death row. Since 1981, Indian Presidents have considered and disposed of 98 mercy petitions the latest being that of Kasab. India was among the 39 countries that voted against a UN General Assembly draft resolution which called for abolishing the death penalty, saying every nation had the "sovereign right" to determine its own legal system. The nonbinding resolution called for a moratorium on executions with a view to abolishing the death penalty. Recently India hanged Kasab the terrorist who was involved in deaths of many people in Mumbai. The 'Peoples' Movement against Death Penalty' headed by Justice VR. Krishna Iyer described the execution as an "unconstitutional act" of the State. India has retained the death penalty on the ground that it will be awarded only in the 'rarest of rare cases' and 'for special reasons'. In fact, India is one of 78 retentive countries and has even retained the death penalty for political offences. The Supreme Court also has refused to lay down a clear distinction of what constitutes 'rarest of rare cases' and left it to the discretion of judges hearing the case, knowing that this would lead to a differing set of results. India's apex court has recommended the death penalty be extended to those found guilty of committing "honour killings" with the Supreme Court stating that honour killings falls within the "rarest of the rare" category and deserves to be a capital crime. The Supreme Court of India has also recommended death sentences to be awarded to those police officials who commit police brutality in the form of encounter killings. The execution of death sentence in India is carried out by two modes namely hanging by neck till death and being shot to death. The jail manuals of various States provide for the method of execution of death sentence in India. Once death sentence is awarded and is confirmed after exhausting all the possible available remedies the execution is carried out in accordance with section 354(5) of the Code of Criminal Procedure 1973 i.e. hanging by neck till death . It is also provided under The Air Force Act, 1950, The Army Act 1950 and The Navy Act 1957 that the execution has to be carried out either by hanging by neck till death or by being shot to death. The test laid down in Deena v. Union of India provides that the execution of death punishment should satisfy the threefold test viz; 1. The act of execution should be as quick and simple as possible and free from anything that unnecessarily sharpens the poignancy of the prisoner's apprehension. 2. The act of the execution should produce immediate unconsciousness passing quickly into the death 3. It should be decent. 4. It should not involve mutilation. The United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) whereas describes one of the important standard and safeguard against the death penalty enunciated in safeguard No.9 as, "Where capital punishment occurs it shall be carried out so as to inflict minimum possible suffering." People in India are now demanding death penalty for rapists. We have so many mercy petitions pending of people who are involved in murders of many, people with more heinous crimes are not awarded death penalty by state. So is it possible for our legal system to provide death penalty to those involved in rape? Section 376 of the IPC clearly provides that maximum punishment for rape is 7 years to life imprisonment. It is high time to think whether demanding death penalty for rapists is meaningful and purposeful when people with many heinous crimes are roaming free in our society.

STATE WATCH

Intense cold sweeps Punjab, Haryana, 7 dead

CHANDIGARH: Freezing cold conditions in Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh claimed seven lives with mercury dipping three notches below normal in most places even as dense fog continued to throw normal life out of gear in the region. The mercury plummeted to three degrees Celsius below normal in most parts of Punjab and Haryana, the MeT office said, adding that the minimum temperatures would further fall in the days ahead in view of western disturbances adjacent to the region. While five persons lost their lives in Bathinda district of Punjab due to bone freezing cold wave, the cold conditions claimed two lives in Fatehabad district of Haryana in the past 24 hours, official sources said here. With the seven deaths, the total number of people who have succumbed due to bitting cold conditions in Punjab and Haryana rose to 11 during the current winter season. Out of these nine deaths have taken place in Punjab. Most of the people who lost their lives in Bathinda and Fatehabad were labourers and had slept out during night time, sources said. In plains of Punjab and Haryana, Hisar recorded the lowest temperature with a minimum of 1.9 degrees Celsius, three notches below normal. While Narnaul battled a low of two deg Celsius, three notches below normal, the minimum at Bhiwani was 2.4 degrees Celsius. Among other places, Patiala settled at a low of 2.5 degrees Celsius, three notches below normal, followed by 3.4 deg C at Chandigarh, two notches below normal, 3.8 deg Celsius at Ambala, two notches below normal, 4.8 deg C at Ludhiana, one notch below normal and 6.3 degrees C at Amritsar. Chandigarh with a low of 3.4 degrees Celsius recorded the lowest minimum temperature in the on-going winter season, the MeT office said here. Meanwhile, a thick blanket of fog reduced visibility in the region crippling the air, rail and road traffic, officials said here. While motorists on highways were moving at a slow pace with headlights on due to reduced visibility, several trains, including Malwa express, Shatbadi, Howrah mail, Shan-e-Punjab, Tata Moori, and Barmer express are running hours behind their schedule time. Flights from Chandigarh airport remained grounded due to poor visibility, officials said. Besides, tripping of power supply and low pressure of water supply had compounded the problems of the people in the region. The MeT forecast no respite from on-going intense cold wave in the region during the next 24 hours with possibility of further dropping of minimum temperatures and foggy conditions to continue blinding the area.

PUNJAB & HARYANA

ANDHRA PRADESH Congress chief Sonia Gandhi steps up discussions on Telangana issue
NEW DELHI: Close on the heels of all-party meeting on Telangana issue, Congress President Sonia Gandhi on Friday held consultations with senior party leaders as it prepared to take a decision on the vexed matter by the promised month end. Gandhi held consultations with Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde, his predecessor and Finance Minister P Chidambaram as also Union Ministers Ghulam Nabi Azad and Vayalar Ravi, who have been looking after party affairs in Andhra Pradesh. All India Congress Committee general secretary Digvijay Singh, who had been in-charge of the state sometime back, was also present. Defence Minister AK Antony and Ahmed Patel, political secretary to Congress President, were also present at the hour-long deliberations indicating that the party has become pro-active towards a decision on the contentious issue. The meeting comes a day before Congress MPs from Telangana region meet in Hyderabad to decide the future course of action to pressurise the Centre to take a favourable decision on the statehood issue. On the all-party meeting on Dec 28, the Home Minister had announced that a decision on Telangana will be taken within a month. The Congress high command has been for long grappling with problems in Andhra Pradesh - the only major state, where it is in power on its own. Party spokesperson Rashid Alvi had on Thursday sought to delink the issue of Telangana with similar demands in other states. "Please do not link the issue of creation of separate states (in other parts) with that of Telangana. It creates misunderstanding in Andhra Pradesh", Alvi had said noting that it was a "sensitive" matter. The discussions with senior ministers also came a day before Home Ministry's a meeting on issues relating to the safety and security of women in the backdrop of the Delhi gangrape case.

JMM to decide on supporting Jharkhand's BJP-led government

tion of power after completion of 28 months, said a source in the chief minister's Office. The government completes 28 months June 10. The source, quoting the letter, said the issue was agreed upon only in May 2010 when Shibu Soren was the chief minister, but Bharatiya Janata Party was not handed over power. After four months, when the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) formed the new government, no agreement on rotation of power took place, the letter said. "We have received the reply. We will discuss the letter in a party meeting on January 6 and January 10," Hemant Soren, the deputy chief minister and son of Shibu Soren, told reporters Friday. The JMM had sought a written reply from Munda on seven points, including the power-rotation issue. In 2009, after no party won majority in the Jharkhand assembly elections, Jharkhand Mukti Morcha and Bharatiya Janata Party jointly formed the government with Shibu Soren as chief minister. In May 2010, Bharatiya Janata Party withdrew its support and the government fell. Then in September, the BJP formed a government headed by Arjun Munda with the support of JMM's 18 legislators. BJP also has 18 legislators and enjoys the support of six All Jharkhand Students Union and two Janata Dal-United legislators in the 82-member assembly. If JMM walks away, the Munda government will be reduced to a minority.

JHARKHAND

Endless Wait for Goa Lokayukta

PANAJI: The wait for a lokayukta in Goa appears to be as endless and tiring as that in Samuel Beckett's landmark play "Waiting for Godot". After promising to institute a lokayukta in Goa 100 days after coming to power, Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar's government has been unable to appoint a retired judge to head the office of the public ombudsman even after 10 months. And the wait is forcing the opposition as well as civil society to question Parrikar's ability to tackle corruption. "All the chief minister has to do is to write to the chief justice of the Supreme Court and high courts in neighbouring states. But this government does not have the intention of getting an anti-corruption mechanism in place," Aires Rodrigues, a lawyer and Right to Information activist, said. Appointing a lokayukta in 100 days of coming to power was one of the promises of the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) election manifesto. The promise held significance to the electorate, because the preceding Congress-led regime was accused of one scam after another leading to the multi-million dollar illegal mining scam, in which then chief minister Digambar Kamat himself has been indicted in a judicial probe. Parrikar, a self-proclaimed fan of the ombudsman authority, had publicly said he would be the first person to queue up and file complaints of corruption with the lokayukta. But he has also said the reason the ombusman had not come through was because no former judge was willing to take up the position. The delay and the excuses by Parrikar, despite being in power for over 10 months, is not something anti-corruption activist Satish Sonak is unwilling to buy. All Parrikar has to do, Sonak said, is call either social activist Anna Hazare or former Karnataka lokayukta Justice Santosh Hegde and ask them to recommend the name of an honest judge. "I wish the chief minister would write to Anna Hazare or Justice Hegde to nominate a good person for lokayukta. If the chief minister does that, I'm sure he will get the name of a good former judge in 24 hours," he said. According to Congress spokesman Sudip Tamhankar, the non-appointment of the lokayukta was one of the many u-turns the Parrikar-led government had taken. "Whether it is the Lokayukta or casinos or mining issues, the u-turns have been this government's policy -- promise one thing and then not deliver," Tamhankar said. Responding to these charges, the BJP has said its government was open to suggestions from the public on nominations for the lokayukta's position. "The government is open to suggestions. Anyone can suggest names," BJP leader and chairman of Goa Law Commission Narendra Savoikar said. Parrikar has also claimed that corruption from the upper echelons of power had been completely eradicated and that graft in lower bureaucracy was being weeded out. Activist Rodrigues however has a different take on the delay. He said the reason why the appointment of a Lokayukta was not being made was because the BJP-led coalition government was worried about exposing itself to probes. "A number of cases will be filed against this government for acts of fraud and mal-governance. I have a couple of complaints ready for the Lokayukta, when the authority is appointed," Rodrigues said.

GOA

RANCHI: After Chief Minister Arjun Munda denied any agreement on rotation of power, the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha(JMM) Friday said it will take a decision at a party meeting on whether to continue in the BJP-led Jharkhand government or pull it down. Munda, in a written reply to Jharkhand Mukti Morcha chief Shibu Soren, had Thursday said that when the government was formed in September 2010, there was no agreement on rota-

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FAMOUS LEADER: RAJESH PILOT

Born On: February 10, 1945 Born In: Viadpura, Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh Died On: June 11, 2000 Career: Political Leader Nationality: Indian Little did a small guy named Rajesh Pilot realize that the house to which he sold milk on Akbar Road would one day be his own home! With strong views on democracy, honesty, and truth, Pilot never took credit for his success and instead, seized every opportunity to serve his country. Though he entered politics at a later stage, he managed to make a base and get popular amongst the masses instantly. His humble background, in particular, proved to be source of encouragement for the weaker section of the society. It was probably his charisma and passion for the downtrodden that helped him get identified with the aspirations of the people, particularly the poor and needy. Today, the nation remembers this politician as one of the most powerful, dignified, dynamic, and dedicated ministers of his time. Early Life Rajesh Pilot was born as Rajeshwar Prasad Singh Vidhudi in the village of Viadpura in Ghaziabad district of Uttar Pradesh state. He was born to an army man, but was struck by tragedy at the tender age of 11 when his father died. With a mother, two sisters of marriageable age, and a younger brother to take care of, he moved to Delhi to live with his uncle. Bharatpur, Rajasthan in 1980, successfully defeating the former queen of Bharatpur. He, subsequently, won the next Lok Sabha elections from Dausa, Rajasthan in 1984. Pilot served as the minister for Surface Transport from 1985 to 1989. Yet again in 1991, 1996, 1998, and 1999, Pilot contested for Lok Sabha elections from Dausa, Rajasthan and was successfully elected. During this period, he became the Minister of Telecommunications from 1991 to 1993 and Minister of Internal Security from 1993 to 1995 in the Government of India. Under his term as a Minister of Internal Security, Pilot got the famous controversial Indian tantrik Chandraswami arrested and imprisoned. He even visited Jammu & Kashmir and north-east very often as they were very close to him. Pilot considered Kashmir to be an integral part of India and hence, visited to ensure the local people that the government is taking interest in their issue. In June 1997, when elections were held for the post of Congress President, Pilot was defeated by Sitaram Kesri. However, he continued to serve in the party as a first line leader. Death Rajesh Pilot was enjoying his promising career serving in the Indian Government and taking care of Jai Jawan Jai Kisan Trust. However, his career was cut short at the age of 55 when he was killed in a road accident near Bhandana Roadways in Davasa district of Rajasthan on June 11, 2000.

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Rajesh spent his childhood days milking cows and distributing them in the Lutyen bungalows, only to get back home at evening and study under the light of the lamp-post. He even sold newspapers at traffic lights. No matter how hard and taxing life seemed to be, it did not deter the determination of this young gun to take care of his family. His honesty and courage helped him get both his sisters married and also, educate his younger brother, though the latter unfortunately died at the young age of 18. Rajesh joined Air Force and became a pilot, reaching the rank of Squadron Leader. It was at this time that he adopted the word "Pilot" as his last name. Political Career Inspired and influenced by good friend Rajiv Gandhi, Pilot resigned from air Force and plunged into Indian politics. He first stood for Lok Sabha elections from

THE BLUE PARROT

Contd.... When he had finished he turned to the princess, who stood there blushing and angry, and said: 'If it is you whom I have come to marry, I think you are very beautiful, and I am sure if I had even seen your portrait I should have remembered it. Let us have the wedding as soon as possible; and, meantime, I should like to go to sleep, for your country is very different from mine, and I can assure you that after walking over stones and sand for days and days one needs a little rest.' And without waiting for a reply he bade one of the pages conduct him to his room, where he was soon snoring so loud that he could be heard at the other end of the town. As soon as he was out of their sight the poor princess flung herself into her mother's arms, and burst into tears. For fifteen days she had had King Lino's portrait constantly before her, while the letter from their own ambassador speaking of the young man's grace and charm had never left her pocket. True, the portrait was faithful enough, but how could that fair outside contain so rough and rude a soul? Yet this even she might have forgiven had the king shown any of the signs of love and admiration to which she had been so long accustomed. As for her mother, the poor Swan fairy was so bewildered at the extraordinary manners of her new son-in-law, that she was almost speechless. Matters were in this state when King Lino's chamberlain begged for a private audience of her majesty, and no sooner were they alone than he told her that he feared that his master had suddenly gone mad, or had fallen under the spell of some magician. 'I had been lost in astonishment before,' said he, 'but now that he has failed to recognise the princess, and no longer possesses her portrait, which he never would part from for a single instant, my amazement knows no bounds. Perhaps, madam, your fairy gifts may be able to discover the reason of this change in one whose courtesy was the talk of the kingdom.' And with a low bow he took his departure. The queen stood where the chamberlain left her, thinking deeply. Suddenly her face cleared, and going to an old chest which she kept in a secret room, she drew from it a small mirror. In this mirror she could see faithfully reflected whatever she wished, and at this moment she desired above all things to behold King Lino as he really was. Ah! the chamberlain was right! It was not he who was lying on his bed snoring till the whole palace shook beneath him. No, this was her real son-in-law-the man dressed in dirty clothes, and imprisoned in one of Ismenor's strongest towers, and kissing the portrait of Hermosa, which had escaped the wizard's notice, owing to the young king having worn it, for better concealment, tied amongst his hair. Calling hastily to her daughter, she bade her also look, and Hermosa had the pleasure of gazing on Lino, who was behaving exactly as she could have wished. The mirror was still in her hand when the door of the prison opened, and there entered the hideous Riquette, who, from her upraised eyes, seemed to be begging from Lino some favour which he refused to grant. Of course Hermosa and her mother could not hear er it costs us to get it. Only we must be very careful not to let him guess that he has not deceived us, for his skill in magic is greater than mine, and I shall have to be very prudent. To begin with, I must leave you, and if the false king asks why, then answer that I have to settle some affairs on the borders of my kingdom. Meanwhile, be sure you treat him most politely, and arrange ftes to amuse him. If he shows any sign of being suspicious, you can even give him to understand that, on your marriage, I intend to give up the crown to your husband. And now farewell!' So saying, the Swan fairy waved her hand, and a cloud came down and concealed her, and nobody imagined that the beautiful white cloud that was blown so rapidly across the sky was the chariot that was carrying the Swan fairy to the tower of Ismenor. Now the tower was situated in the midst of a forest, so the queen thought that, under cover of the dark trees, it would be quite easy for her to drop to earth unseen. But the tower was so thoroughly enchanted that the more she tried to reach the ground the tighter something tried to hold her back. At length, by putting forth all the power she possessed, she managed to descend to the foot of the tower, and there, weak and faint as she was with her exertions, she lost no time in working her spells, and found that she could only overcome Ismenor by means of a stone from the ring of Gyges. But how was she to get this ring? for the magic book told her that Ismenor guarded it night and day among his most precious treasures. However, get it she must, and in the meantime the first step was to see the royal prisoner himself. So, drawing out her tablets, she wrote as follows: 'The bird which brings you this letter is the Swan fairy, mother of Hermosa, who loves you as much as you love her!' And after this assurance, she related the wicked plot of which he had been the victim. Then, quickly changing herself into a swallow, she began to fly round the tower, till she discovered the window of Lino's prison. It was so high up that bars seemed needless, especially as four soldiers were stationed in the passage outside, therefore the fairy was able to enter, and even to hop on his shoulder, but he was so much occupied with gazing at the princess's portrait that it was some time before she could attract his attention. At last she gently scratched his cheek with the corner of the note, and he looked round with a start. On perceiving the swallow he knew at once that help had come, and tearing open the letter, he wept with joy on seeing the words it contained, and asked a thousand questions as to Hermosa, which the swallow was unable to answer, though, by repeated nods, she signed to him to read further. 'Must I indeed pretend to wish to marry that horrible Riquette?' he cried, when he had finished. 'Can I obtain the stone from the magician?' Accordingly the next morning, when Riquette paid him her daily visit, he received her much more graciously than usual. The magician's daughter could not contain her delight at this change, and in answer to her expressions of joy, Lino told her that he had had a dream by which he had learned the inconstancy of Hermosa; also that a fairy had appeared and informed him

Robin Redbreast
By- William Allinghamn

their words, but from Riquette's angry face as she left the room, it was not difficult to guess what had happened. But the mirror had more to tell, for it appeared that in fury at her rejection by the king, Riquette had ordered four strong men to scourge him till he fainted, which was done in the sight of Hermosa, who in horror dropped the mirror, and would have fallen, had she not been caught by her mother. 'Control yourself, my child,' said the fairy. 'We have need of all our wits if we are to rescue the king from the power of those wicked people. And first it is necessary to know who the man that has taken his name and his face really is.' Then, picking up the mirror, she wished that she might behold the false lover; and the glass gave back a vision of a dirty, greasy groom, lying, dressed as he was, on her bed of state. 'So this is the trick Ismenor hoped to play us! Well, we will have our revenge, whatev-

FUN TIME
1. BOSS: Where were you born? SANTA: Oye Punjab. BOSS: Which part? SANTA: Oye, Kya which part? Whole body born in Punjab. 2. Customer asked to the shopkeeper, "What do you have for graying hair?" The Shopkeeper replied, "Nothing but the highest respect Sir." 3. BANTA: Motor bike se bade jor se aatein hai aur niche gir jate hai. Public sab aakar uper uthake puchne lagte hai, "sardar ji kaise ho?" BANTA: Arre arre chodo bhai aap logon ki dimag kharab ho gaya hai kya. YE MERA UTARNE KA STYLE HAI 4. A woman walked into the kitchen to find her husband stalking around with a fly swatter. "What are you doing?" She asked. "Hunting Flies" He responded. Oh!, Killed any?" She asked. "Yep, 3 males, 2 Females", he replied. Intrigued, she asked. "How can you tell?" He responded, "3 were on a beer can, 2 were on the phone". 5. SANTA: Yaar meri biwi ghar chodkar bhag gaye. MONA: Tune usse pyaar se nahi rakha hoga. SANTA: Nahi yaar sagi behan se bhi badkar rakha tha.

IMAGE TO COLOUR

FAST FACTS
1. The central African forest has more than 8000 species of trees. 2. More than 5000 things are manufactured (such as, houses, furniture, movie tickets, books etc) from trees. 3. The oldest living tree has an age of 4700 years and it's located in US. 4. In less than 100 years half of the entire forest range of the world has been cut. Hence, the whole area is now bare and unprotected. 5. More than 300,000 acres of forests were burnt in Indonesia's East Kalimantan. Many are now suffering from smog related diseases for that. 6. Certain parts of Malaysia are showing a pollution index of over 500. It's tremendously hazardous for human health. 7. 100,000 and 200,000 hectares of the forests of Ethiopia are still cut every year. Still many are unable to cook their foods properly.

Goodbye, goodbye to Summer! For Summer's nearly done; The garden smiling faintly, Cool breezes in the sun; Our Thrushes now are silent, Our Swallows flown awayBut Robin's here, in coat of brown, With ruddy breast-knot gay. Robin, Robin Redbreast, O Robin dear! Robing singing sweetly In the falling of the year. Bright yellow, red, and orange, The leaves come down in hosts; The trees are Indian Princes, But soon they'll turn to Ghosts; The leathery pears and apples Hang russet on the bough, It's Autumn, Autumn, Autumn late, "Twill soon be winter now. Robin, Robin Redbreast, O Robin dear! And what will this poor Robin do? For pinching days are near. The fireside for the Cricket, The wheatsack for the Mouse, When trembling night-winds whistle And moan all round the house; The frosty ways like iron, The branches plumed with snowAlas! in Winter, dead, and dark, Where can poor Robin go? Robin, Robin Redbreast, O Robin dear! And a crumb of bread for Robin, His little heart to cheer.

Treasure Chest
You often must have wondered where to keep remnants of the items that might come in handy in the near future. The problem can besolvedright now and right here. You will need:1) A box of any kind. 2) Thecartoon picturesthat you have been accumulating over many days. 3) Glue and cello tape. 4) Cellophane paper. 5) Scissors. Procedure:Wrap the entire box with the cartooncuttingsin such a way that not even the slightest portion of the box shows itself. Leave the box for sometime forthe glueto dry up completely. Then wrap the entire box with the cellophane paper and you are

ready with your craft.

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NATIONAL

Gadkari front-runner for second term as BJP president

NEW DELHI: With speculations making the rounds over the new potential candidate for the post of Bharatiya Janata Party president, sources on Friday said that there are high chances that Nitin Gadkari gets a second term. BJP President Nitin Gadkari appears to be frontrunner for a second term in office as the party weighs its options for the crucial decision which is likely to be taken by the middle of this month, said informed sources. The sources said that Gadkari has an edge in the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) presidential sweepstakes as he continues to have backing of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) despite some demands from within the party against giving him a second term in the wake of allegations relating to financial wrongdoing in Purti Group linked to him. "He is the frontrunner as no other name has emerged so far. There is no unanimity on any alternate name so far," a party leader, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said. Party sources said discussions on the issue of presidential choice had been going on at individual level among senior leaders so far and a collective view is yet to be taken by the leadership. "Party's core group is yet to meet on the issue though there have been discussions between individual leaders," party's choice of next president is expected to be clear by the middle of the month," the party functionary said. He said there was "no tension or cross-cutting" in the party on the issue of presidential poll. "There is an overall consensus that there should be a good team for the 2014 Lok Sabha polls and everyone should get a role and respect. All are agreeable to face the challenge in a united manner," he added. While a section of the party continues to feel that the public perception on Gadkari's linkage to controversy surrounding the Purti Group has not radically changed, there is also a strong view that the issue was not serious. "The issue is not as serious as the media wanted us to believe," a BJP leader said and added that there was no case. The party has already given a clean chit to Gadkari on the alleged wrongdoings in investments in Purti Group, based on the probe done by S. Gurumurthy, a financial analyst considered close to the RSS. The sources said Gadkari's continuation is likely to suit prime ministerial contenders of the party, including Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi. They said that the party's national council meeting was likely to be held by March, and it will be addressed by the newlyelected BJP president.

Italian Marines, facing murder charges, return to Kerala

KOCHI: After celebrating Christmas with their families, the two Italian Marines, facing murder charges in Kerala, returned to Kochi in a special chartered plane Friday morning, officials said. Massimiliano Latorre and Salvatore Girone were allowed to go home for two weeks by the court, came by a special flight for Kochi at 7.50 am, airport sources said. They will soon leave for Kollam court to surrender their passports. The marines were arrested on February 19 last year for shooting to death two Indian fishermen - Ajesh Binki (25) and Jelestine (45) - from onboard merchant vessel 'Enrica Lexie' off Alapuzha coast, 'mistaking' them for Somali pirates. Stringent conditions had been laid down by the court, which had asked them to return by January 10. The Kollam sessions court had asked them to be present for the trial on January 15. The Italians had also executed Rs. 6 crore bank guarantee as directed by the Kerala High Court for allowing them to leave for two weeks. The Kerala government had opposed the marines plea in the high court by saying it was a ruse to "smuggle them out" and would "torpedo" the ongoing trial.

said a party functionary. The BJP is, at present, going through organisational elections which will lead finally to the election of the party president. The sources said elections of office-bearers of about 22 state party units are expected to be completed by Jan 10, setting

the stage for issuing notification for the presidential poll. They said the party constitution makes it mandatory for at least 50 percent of state units to complete the process of their elections before the notification for the party's presidential poll is issued. "The picture on the

SC: Need for sensitisaton of authorities towards women's problems

NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court has said that there has been a phenomenal rise in the crime against women in society and it can be curbed only when the authorities are sensitised towards women's problems. The apex court yesterday strongly disapproved of a trial court order which had held that wife beating is a normal facet of married life and termed the judgement as perverse. A bench headed by Justice Aftab Alam has said while referring to sessions court's judgement that there is a phenomenal rise in crime against women and protection granted to women by the Constitution and other laws can be meaningful only if those who are entrusted with the job of doing justice are sensitised towards women's problems.

Ten BJP MLAs attend Govt defends decision to issue visa to Javed Miandad meeting called by BSY 'BJP, Shiv Sena condemn move'
BANGALORE: In yet another indication of gradual weakening of the ruling BJP government in Karnataka, ten of its MLAs on Friday attended a meeting called by Karnataka Janata Party (KJP) chief BS Yeddyurappa. According to reports, the BJP MLAs are attending the meeting that is being held at Yeddyurappa's Bangalore residence. BSY, as Yeddyurappa is popularly known, had yesterday threatened to stall presentation of an election budget by the Jagadish Shettar Ministry. The KJP chief also called the first meeting of its executive committee to finalise 'an action plan' to bring down the first BJP government in the south. "We may not allow this government to present the budget. We will finalise an action plan to bring down the Shettar government at the KJP Executive meeting slated for tomorrow", Yeddyurappa told reporters. According to sources close to the Chief Minister's secretariat, Shettar plans to present the 2013-14 election budget on Feb 8 ahead of the Assembly polls due in May this year. Yeddyurappa, who quit BJP last month after being upset over his neglect by the party leadership, has been working overtime to ensure that more than 20 MLAs and a few ministers, loyal to him, resign en masse. NEW DELHI: The government of India has defended the decision to grant visa to former Pakistan cricketer Javed Miandad. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) official is scheduled to arrive in India on Jan 5 and will watch the final match of the ongoing cricket series between India and Pakistan in New Delhi on Jan 6. The decision to grant him visa is being criticised by leaders from the BJP and the Shiv Sena who cite his ties with underworld don Dawood Ibrahim. Mr Miandad's son Junaid is married to Mahrukh, the daughter of Dawood Ibrahim, who is wanted in India in connection with the 1993 Mumbai case. "He is a well-known cricketer. His visa application papers were in order and valid and that is why the government has decided to give him visa," Minister of State for Home, RPN Singh, told reporters yesterday. When asked if Mr Miandad was not on India's "negative list", Mr Singh said "no, nothing like that". "He was given visa when his visa papers were found valid," he said. But dissatisfied with the response, the BJP and the Shiv Sena have lashed out at the government. "This country loves the game of cricket but does not love terrorists. Dawood Ibrahim has been the mastermind of several terror acts. Pakistan has refused to hand him over to India despite several efforts. India should not allow any relative of Dawood to come to India," BJP VicePresident Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said. His party maintained that Pakistan should hand over Dawood before Mr Miandad is allowed to visit India. Dawood had allegedly masterminded the 1993 Mumbai blasts. He fled to Pakistan after the attacks and is said to be based there. Meanwhile the Shiv Sena, which had opposed renewing of cricketing ties with Pakistan, said the whole country should condemn the move. "He's a relative of Dawood Ibrahim and you lay out a red carpet for him.... The whole country should oppose it," Sena MP Sanjay Raut said. Due to Mr Miandad's family ties with India's most-wanted terrorist Dawood, there had been reports before a series in 2005 that any requests for a visa by the batting great could be turned down by the Indian government. When asked about his reaction over the controversy, External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid said, "It's a decision that has been taken by the Home Ministry. And I am sure they would have taken inputs from all concerned agencies and from our mission in Pakistan. I am sure they would have followed all procedures." The Pakistan Cricket Board has so far maintained silence over the issue. Mr Miandad is the DirectorGeneral, cricket in the PCB.

Women who cross limits, will be Police notice posted at Akbar Owaisi's house US offers India help in combating violence against women punished: BJP leader
NEW DELHI: At a time when the clamour for stringent laws for dealing crime against women has become louder, a senior BJP leader from Madhya Pradesh has stirred a fresh controversy by saying that those women, who cross their limits, pay huge price. He suggested that if women breach their moral limits, they ask for punishment. Reports, Friday, claimed that Kailash Vijayvargiya, a BJP leader and Cabinet Minister in the MP government, said quoting Ramayana, "Ek hi shabd hai Maryada. Maryada ka ulanghan hota hai, toh Sita-haran ho jata hai. Laxman-rekha har vyakti ki khichi gayi hai. Us Laxmanrekha ko koi bhi par karega, toh Rawan samne baitha hai, woh Sita-haran karke le jayega." However, such remarks from Indian politicians are not new. Aspersions are cast on the character of victims of sexual harassment repeatedly. Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee had dismissed the Park Street rape as a CPM conspiracy against her. One of her party leaders Kakoli Ghosh recently remarked that the incident was not a rape, but a "misunderstanding" between the HYDERABAD: Andhra Pradesh Police have pasted a notice at the residence of Majlis-eIttehadul Muslimeen (MIM) leader Akbaruddin Owaisi, who has been booked for delivering alleged hate speeches and is away in London. A day after registering the cases, police in Adilabad and Nizamabad districts served the notices on the legislator, who is in London for treatment. As nobody was available at his house in Banjara Hills here, police pasted the notices on the wall of the main entrance. Akbar Owaisi has been asked to appear before police on Jan 8 at Nirmal town and on Jan 9 at Nizamabad. The police would question him with regard to the speeches he delivered during public meetings at Nirmal and Nizamabad towns last month. Akbar Owaisi, who is leader of MIM in Andhra Pradesh assembly, faces arrest as the police have booked him under non-bailable sections of the Indian Penal Code. The police registered cases under Section 121 (waging or attempting to wage war against the state), Section 153 (A) (promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion, race, language and doing acts prejudicial to maintenance of harmony) and Section 295A (for deliberate and malicious acts, intended to outrage religious feelings or any class by insulting its religion or religious beliefs). A separate case against him is likely to be registered in Hyderabad Friday. On a petition by a citizen, a city court had Thursday directed Osmania University police station to book the legislator. Police officers said a case would be booked after receipt of court orders. Another city court has adjourned to Jan 7 hearing of petition by an advocate, seeking action against Akbar Owaisi for making hate speeches. Director General of Police V. Dinesh Reddy said they may also seek Interpol's help if the legislator is found to be deliberately delaying his appearance before police. He denied any soft peddling of the issue and attributed the delay to seeking legal opinion before proceeding against a legislator. Akbar Owaisi, who represents Chandrayangutta assembly constituency, is the younger brother of MIM chief and MP from Hyderabad, Asaduddin Owaisi.

woman "and her clients". At a time when the whole country is demanding change in the mindsets, the least the elected representatives of the people can do is be cautious and guarded in their statements. The culture of blaming the victims and not the perpetrators of the crime is only going to encourage the latter to harass and humiliate women more.

RSS defends Bhagwat, says 'have great respect for women'

NEW DELHI: At a time when ensuring women's safety has become a top priority for the government, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat has kicked-off a fresh controversy by saying that cases of rapes take place in India and not in Bharat (rural India). Defending Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat's controversial remark that rapes hardly take place in ''Bharat'', but they occur frequently in ''India'', RSS spokesperson Ram Madhav on Friday said "we have great respect for women." "The statement of RSS chief should be taken in proper perspective. He (Bhagwat) has already demanded strict punishment for rapists and even called for death penalty if required," Madhav said. "All that he said is that in Indian tradition we have great respect for women and we should learn to uphold this tradition. If one goes away from this tradition it will result in rise of crime against women,'' he added. Addressing a citizens' meet here on Tuesday during his four-day visit to Silchar, Bhagwat criticized ''western'' lifestyle of people in urban areas and said, without empirical evidence to back such a claim, that rape is prevalent mainly in cities where Indians are deeply influenced by western values and not by rural India. "You go to villages and forests of the country and there will be no such incidents of gang-rape or sex crimes. They are prevalent in some urban belts. Besides new legislations, Indian ethos and attitude towards women should be revisited in the context of ancient Indian values," he added. However, Bhagwat said he wanted stringent laws in sexual crimes against women and will favour capital punishment for those convicted of rape.

WASHINGTON: In the wake of the gang-rape of an Indian woman, the United States has offered to help India strengthen public and private organizations working to combat violence against women. "Our goal is, whether it's in India or anywhere else, to help strengthen all of the public and private organizations that are working to combat violence against women," State Department spokesperson Victoria Nuland told reporters Thursday. The US has worked very hard around the world to combat violence against women and will continue to make it a strong tenet of its foreign policy wherever there is a problem, she said when asked about the gangrape in Delhi and subsequent death of the victim Delhi that sparked huge protests in India. US Ambassador to India Nancy Powell had put out a statement on Dec 29 "after the victim died from this assault, offering our heartfelt condolences and our absolute abhorrence of these events", Nuland noted. "Obviously, we have as

a govt. worked very hard around the world with regard to combating violence against women," she added. "We have a number of programmes, including programmes in India in public education, in support for NGOs, that help women who are victims of violence, including domestic violence," she said. And we will continue to make this a strong tenet of our foreign policy wherever there is a problem, and unfortunately, there are problems in countries around the world, including our own." "Obviously, if the result of the investigation into this case indicates that the Indian Government wants to make changes or go in a different set of directions with regard to those programmes, we'd be interested in talking to them about it," Nuland said. "Our goal is, whether it's in India or anywhere else, to help strengthen all of the public and private organizations that are working to combat violence against women," Nuland added. Asked if Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, recovering from a clot in her head, was aware of the issue in India, the spokesperson said: "I'm sure she's aware of it. It's, as you know, had enormous press and it's a subject that is very close to her heart."

North India shivers, temperature dips to 2.7 degrees Celsius in Delhi

NEW DELHI: Cold wave and dense fog disrupted normal life across India with plummeting temperatures and low visibility, forcing the people to stay within the confines of their houses. The national capital continued to be in the grip of an intense cold wave with minimum temperature dropping to 2.7 degrees Celsius on Friday. Friday proved to be the coldest January morning for Delhi in last five years as mercury dropped to 2.7 degrees Celsius, 4 degrees below normal. The fog in the early morning hours affected road, rail and air traffic in the national capital, affecting schedules of around 50 flights. The maximum temperature on Thursday also rose to 12.7 degree Celsius, which is eight degrees below normal and the minimum was recorded at 4.4 degree Celsius that is three degrees below normal. The Delhi Government has ordered all schools under it to remain closed until January 12. The biting cold and icy winds have aggravated the agony of several homeless people, who are living on the streets and warmed themselves by sitting around the bonfire. Traffic was snarling on the roads due to poor visibility in wake of the dense fog, which had enveloped New Delhi. Indian met department has predicted improvement in visibility as dense fog engulfed many regions across India. The scientist and in-charge of the regional weather observatory in Delhi, M Duraisamy, said that the weather condition has improved in the coming days. Duraisamy also said that dense fog condition would disrupt air and rail services. "During morning hours, fog will occur and then after 9'o clock, 10'o clock it will be lifted. This foggy condition will occur over parts of northwest India in the coming days. But this fog condition will not create any problem for public. Only air traffic problem will be there and some problem might occur in train services also. In general there is no problem for public," he added. In Uttar Pradesh, cold wave has claimed 15 more lives. The death toll in the state during this season has gone up to 107. An unabated cold wave swept through the Kashmir valley with further decline in night temperature in Srinagar. Jammu region is facing bone-chilling cold coupled with foggy conditions. The mercury fell overnight in Himachal Pradesh, but it registered an upswing in the day temperature. Clear sunshine gave little respite from extreme cold to people in the state.

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STUDENT AGE SATURDAY, JANUARY 5, 2013

INTERNATIONAL & ECONOMY

"Following discussions with Malala and her medical team, we decided that she progress outside the hospital. A number of QEHB's multi-specialist doctors have been working alongside colleagues from Birmingham Children's Hospital to treat her. The medical team included clinicians from Neurosurgery, Imaging, Trauma and Therapies, the QEHB statement said. Meanwhile, Malala is now likely to secure permanent residence in the UK after her father was granted a job with the Pakistani consulate in Birmingham. Ziauddin Yousafzai has been appointed education attach for three years, with the option of an extension for a further two years afterwards. Both he and his daughter have had threats made against their lives by the Taliban, since the shooting. Malala's case won worldwide recognition for the struggle for women's rights in Pakistan. Time magazine had shortlisted her for its 'Person of the Year' in 2012. WASHINGTON: Tulsi Gabbard from Hawaii has created history by not only becoming the first Hindu ever to be sworn in as a member of the US House of Representatives, but also being the first ever US lawmaker to have taken oath of office on the sacred Bhagavad Gita. Tulsi, 31, was administered the oath of office by the John Boehner, Speaker of the House of Representatives. "I chose to take the oath of office with my personal copy of the Bhagavad-Gita because its teachings have inspired me to strive to be a servant-leader, dedicating my life in the service of others and to my country," Gabbard said after the swearing in ceremony yesterday. "My Gita has been a tremendous source of inner peace and strength through many tough challenges in life, including being in the midst of death and turmoil while serving our country in the Middle East," she said explaining the reasons for taking the oath of office on Gita. "I was raised in a multiracial, multi-cultural, multifaith family. My mother is Hindu; my father is a Catholic lector in his church who also practices mantra meditation. I began to grapple with questions of spirituality as a teenager," Gabbard said. "Over time, I came to believe that, at its essence, religion gives us a deeper Early during the Democratic National Convention, Gabbard spoke from stage along with Nancy

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the Brahma Madhva Gaudiya Sampradaya. She is a disciple of Jagad Guru Siddhaswarupananda Paramahamsa who is disciple of AC Bhaktivedanta Swami. Jagad Guru Siddhaswarupananda Paramahamsa is a cofounder of the World Vaishnava Association, an umbrella organization of over 30 India-based and world-wide missions adhering to and promoting Vaishnava teachings. Notably Hawaii is comprised of a majority of Christians with a significant number of Buddhists (10-15 per cent of the population). The number of Hindus living in Hawaii is relatively small, with only two Hindu temples in the entire state, the Iskcon Temple on Oahu and the Aadheenam Temple on Kauai. Her religion, Tulsi said was not an issue for the election, neither it has been a negative factor in her electoral campaign, she noted. Tulsi was born in 1981 in Leloaloa, American Samoa, the fourth of five children born to a Hindu mother and a Christian (Catholic) father. At the age of two, the family moved to Hawai'i, the 50th state of the US, also known as the "Aloha State"; which is also the birth place of the US President Barack Obama.

Malala Yousafzai discharged from UK hospital Hindu Congresswoman takes oath on Bhagavad Gita
LONDON: Malala Yousafzai, the Pakistani teenage activist, who was shot in the head by Taliban for advocating girls' education, has been discharged from a British hospital treating her, the hospital said on Friday. Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham said 15-yearold Malala would continue her rehabilitation at her family's temporary English home before undergoing major reconstructive surgery in a few weeks. Malala was shot in Pakistan's conservative Swat Valley on October 09 and airdashed to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital on October 15 for further specialist treatment. She received bullet wounds just above her left eye. "Malala Yousufzai was discharged from Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham as an inpatient yesterday to continue her rehabilitation at her family's temporary home in the West Midlands," the hospital said in a statement. She "is well enough to be treated by the hospital as an outpatient for the next few

weeks", it said. She is still due to be readmitted in late January or early February to undergo cranial reconstructive surgery as part of her long-term recovery and in the meantime she will visit the hospital regularly to attend clinical appointments. Dr Dave Rosser, the medical director at University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, said: "Malala is a strong young woman and has worked hard with the people caring for her to make excellent progress in her recovery."

would benefit from being at home with her parents and two brothers." "She will return to the hospital as an outpatient and our Therapies team will continue to work with her at home to supervise her onward care," Rosser said. The statement also said that over the past couple of weeks Malala has been leaving the hospital on a regular basis on "home leave" to spend time with her family. During those visits assessments have been carried out by her medical team to ensure she can continue to make good

US offers India help in combating violence against women

WASHINGTON: In the wake of the gang-rape of an Indian woman, the United States has offered to help India strengthen public and private organizations working to combat violence against women. "Our goal is, whether it's in India or anywhere else, to help strengthen all of the public and private organizations that are working to combat violence against women," State Department spokesperson Victoria Nuland told reporters Thursday. The US has worked very hard around the world to combat violence against women and will continue to make it a strong tenet of its foreign policy wherever there is a problem, she said when asked about the gang-rape in Delhi and subsequent death of the victim Delhi that sparked huge protests in India. US Ambassador to India Nancy Powell had put out a statement on Dec 29 "after the victim died from this assault, offering our heartfelt condolences and our absolute abhorrence of these events", Nuland noted. "Obviously, we have as a government worked very hard around the world with regard to combating violence against women," she added. "We have a number of programmes, including programmes in India in public education, in support for NGOs, that help women who are victims of violence, including domestic violence," she said. "And we will continue to make this a strong tenet of our foreign policy wherever there is a problem, and unfortunately, there are problems in countries around the world, including our own." "Obviously, if the result of the investigation into this case indicates that the Indian Government wants to make changes or go in a different set of directions with regard to those programmes, we'd be interested in talking to them about it," Nuland said. ". Asked if Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, recovering from a clot in her head, was aware of the issue in India, the spokesperson said: "I'm sure she's aware of it. It's, as you know, had enormous press and it's a subject that is very close to her heart."

purpose in life than just living for ourselves. Since I was a teenager, I have embraced this spiritual journey through the teachings of the Bhagavad-Gita. "..In so doing, have been blessed with the motivation and strength to dedicate my life in service others in a variety of ways," she said. Proud of her Hindu religion, she is not Indian or of Indian heritage. Her father Mike Gabbard, is currently Hawaii State Senator and mother Carol Porter Gabbard is an educator and business owner. At 21, she became the youngest person elected to the Hawaii Legislature. At 23, she was the state's first elected official to voluntarily resign to go to war. At 28, she was the first woman to be presented with an award by the Kuwait Army National Guard.

Pelosi, the Democratic Party leader in the US House of Representatives. Currently, a Company Commander with the Hawaii Army National Guard, who has volunteered to serve on two deployments to the Middle East, Gabbard served as Hawaii's youngest state representative in 2002 and is the youngest woman in the USA to be elected into such a position. She was endorsed by the US President Barack Obama during the election campaign. Having never visited India so far, Tulsi says she is looking to make her first trip to India as an elected member of the House of Representatives. "As a Vaishnava, I especially look forward to visiting the holy sites of Vrindavan," she had told PTI in an earlier interview. Tulsi's spiritual lineage is

About 1,000 ships stuck in East China Sea ice

BEIJING: About 1,000 vessels are stranded in the water as a cold snap has created a layer of thick sea ice on Laizhou Bay in China's Shandong province. The ice expanded to 291 square km this week and is continuing to grow, said Zheng Dong, Xinhua quoted an official with State Oceanic Administration as saying. The ice this year is the worst the area has experienced in three years, he said. According to aquafarmers, the ice is thicker than it was witnessed in the past years. It may lead to heavy losses, as the farmers are unable to penetrate the ice to provide adequate ventilation for sea cucumbers and other aquatic organisms. Coastal police have warned the ice may cause damage to vessels passing through deeper sea areas near the Bohai and Yellow seas, in the northern East China Sea.

ECONOMY

Tax the super-rich at a higher rate: C Rangarajan, PMEAC chairman

NEW DELHI,JAN 4: C Rangarajan, a key economic advisor to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, has said the government could consider imposing a marginal taxrate higher than the current 30% on those with "substantially higher income", becoming the first Indian policymaker to contemplate higher taxes after the US raised taxes on the wealthy for the first time in two decades. "We must debate unconventional ideas. Fiscal deficitcannot be contained by curbing expenditure alone; we must raise revenue as well. We have to think of not just administering existing taxes better, but also of new ones. Why can't we think of having a rate of tax higher than the current peak of 30% on substantially higher incomes?" Rangarajan said in an interview. The veteran economist, a former RBI governor, also called for rethinking the current policy under which dividends were tax-free in the hands of investors, though companies pay a dividend distribution tax of 16%. In the conversation with this paper, Rangarajan questioned the logic of taxing dividends at a rate lower than the top marginal tax rate. But these leaps of taxing innovation, he cautioned, will have to wait till sentiment has revived and the economy has resumed its growth momentum. "I am not saying that we should rush in as sentiment is just now picking up, and we should not create a situation where what we have gained is lost. But at the same time, we need to look at the various possibilities of raising revenues," he said. India taxes income at three rates - 10%, 20% and 30% - though the actual top rate is higher, at around 33%, due to various surcharges. These rates were fixed in 1997 by Finance Minister P Chidambaram, who held the portfolio at the time. At a lecture to honour Raja Chelliah, a function presided over by Rangarajan, Chidambaram called for a debate on inheritance tax. Earlier this week, the US Congress voted for raising taxes on rich Americans, as part of the resolution of the crisis over the so-called fiscal cliff. The US legislation raises taxes on individuals earning more than $400,000 per year, and on couples earning more than $450,000.

India-EU FTA to create jobs, boost trade: IEBF

NEW DELHI,JAN 4: Implementation of the freetrade agreement between India and EU will help in creating lakhs of jobs besides boosting two-way trade, a London-based non-profit organisation has said. Indo-European Business Forum (IEBF), a non-government organisation involved in promoting trade between the two sides, said that both the regions are facing problems related with unemployment. India and the 27-nation EU are negotiating the free trade agreement, officially dubbed as Bilateral Trade and Investment Agreement (BTIA), since June 2007 and are aiming to conclude negotiations soon. Gupta said that due to economic recession, the EU is experiencing high levels of unemployment. According to EU's official statistical agency Eurostat, EU's unemployment rate was 10.7 per cent in October 2012, up from 10.6 per cent in September. It was 9.9 per cent in October 2011. "The FTA would certainly help in creating more employment opportunities. The increase of business and growth of economies would result in creation of more jobs and uplift the standard of living in the EU and India," Gupta added. The BTIA seeks to liberalise trade in goods and services. The negotiations for the pact has missed several deadlines. Differences between the two sides on the level of opening of the market came in the way of the conclusion of the pact. India has been seeking a single visa for its professionals on short-term contractual visits to the European Union. On the other hand, the 27nation bloc has been asking for significant reduction in customs duty on cars,wines and spirits on their exports to India. Further, Gupta said that to explore business opportunities in India and the EU, IEBF is launching its Indian chapter in the national capital on January 9. "We are organising a India-EU business conference on this occasion, which will be attended by top business and corporate captains from both the regions," he said. Among those attending the conference include, Hinduja group Chairman S P Hinduja, Managing Director Hinduja Group G P Hinduja, Dabur IndiaBSE -0.54 % Managing Director Mohit Burman, CMD IIFCL S K Goel among others, he said. "The conference will help in providing a platform for companies of both the sides," he added. Another major issue that will figure in the conference will be on how Indian and EU companies operating here make their CSR initiatives more meaningful, Gupta explained. The two-way trade between India and EU increased to USD 110.26 billion in 2011 from USD 83.37 billion in 2010. "The EU is India's largest trading partner and with the passing of the FTA the trade between both the partners can touch record highs," Gupta added. According to a report by industry body Ficci, the trade between India and EU is likely to more than double to exceed $ 207 billion by 2015, if the trade pact is formalised.

Service PMI jumps to three-month high in December

BANGALORE, JAN 4: Service sector grew at its strongest pace in three months during December, as company order books filled at the quickest rate since last February, a survey showed on Friday. Services, ranging from banks to restaurants, make up nearly 60 per cent of India's economic output and a recovery brightens the outlook for Asia's thirdlargest economy. The sector has been the lone bright spot in an otherwise slowing economy. The HSBC services Purchasing Managers' Index, a survey of around 400 companies, rose to 55.6 in December from November's 52.1. The 50 mark separates growth from contraction and the index has held above that level for over a year now. "The service sector provided some holiday cheer with activity fully recovering after two months of deceleration, led by a sharp rise in new business," said Leif Eskesen, economist at HSBC. The new business sub-index jumped to 57.1 in December from 54.9 in the previous month. While there is strong overseas demand for Indian services, the big questions remain about major export markets. The U.S. economy will remain sluggish in 2013, underscoring a very fragile world economic outlook, according to a Reuters poll. Firms were still optimistic about the year ahead, although the business expectations sub-index nudged lower in December from the previous month. The Indian economy grew 5.3per cent from a year earlier in the quarter to September, extending a slowdown that began at the start of this year. It is now headed for its weakest full year growth in a decade. The survey showed both input and output prices rose at a slower pace during the month. That should take some steam off the headline inflation rate, which at 7.24per cent in November is well above the Reserve Bank of India's commonly perceived 5per cent comfort level. "Inflation readings, meanwhile, eased a bit. With growth showing signs of recovery and inflation still elevated, the case for a policy rate cut is not yet convincing," Eskesen added. "However, the RBI has clearly teed up for rate cuts in January-March." The central bank has held interest ratessteady since April, citing high price pressures, even as financial markets and the government have clamoured for rate cuts. But after the RBI's meeting last month and in October, it said it was likely to ease policy rates in the January-March quarter, as inflation pressures are expected to ease. A majority of economists polled by Reuters last month expect a total of 50 basis points of cuts in the benchmark repo rate by March, citing weak growth and a generally declining inflation trend. A PMI survey released on Wednesday showed India's manufacturing activity surged to a sixmonth high in December, boosted by strong factory output and a spike in new orders.

'Hike in gold import duty may help smugglers'

MUMBAI, JAN 4 : An apex trade lobby of Indian gems and jewellery industry Friday flayed moves by the government to effect further hike in import duty on gold, saying it would "affect the sector badly and encourage smuggling". All India Gems and Jewellery Trade Federation (GJF) chairman Bachhraj Bamalwa said the organisation has submitted its recommendation to reduce the import duty on gold from the existing four percent to two percent. "Now, there is news that the government plans to increase the import duty on gold from four percent to five percent," he said. Bamalwa said that in the last budget (2012-13), the import duty was hiked from one percent to four percent, which led to an increase in gold smuggling activity. "Gold worth Rs.942 crore was seized during a brief period of three months and further increase in import duty will encourage smuggling. The income generated from these activities might be used in various illegal activities, threatening national security as well as to destabilize the overall Indian economy," Bamalwa said. He added that despite a steep hike in the import duty, around 600 tonnes of gold imported in the first three quarters of the current fiscal, the country's trade gap has not reduced and the forex reserves have depleted. Bamalwa said that Indian households hold an estimated 25,000 tonnes gold since generations, which the government must try to bring out and utilize it by lending to jewelers at nominal rates of interest. The GFJ chief said that even if 10 percent of this domestic household gold was brought out under an amnesty scheme and lent to jewelers as working capital, the country would not require to import any gold for at least three years, help balance the trade gap and also bring down gold prices. In this regard, Bamalwa sought a ban on banks selling gold coins which again becomes idle investment for years as also trades in ETF, e-gold and gold mutual funds backed by physical gold till the country's trade deficit reduces to satisfactory levels. The GJF encourages promotion and growth of trade in gems and jewelery across India through its over 300,000 members comprising manufacturers, wholesellers, retailers, distributors, laboratories and allied services.

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to cut Herath for 87. Sri Lankan players gave Hussey a guard of honour to the crease amid acclaim from the SCG crowd in his 79th and final Test after announcing his retirement from international cricket. The 37-year-old veteran lasted 51 balls before he was needlessly run out in possibly his final Test innings for 25 when he could not make his ground as Clarke took off for a quick single. Karunaratne scored a direct hit with his throw at the striker's end and a diving Hussey failed to make his ground. Clarke looked back in horror from the bowler's end as he sacrificed the wicket of his batting partner amid the emotion of his farewell Test. Opener Ed Cowan ran himself out for four inside the opening half hour when he hesitated going for a second run and was beaten to the bowler's end by Nuwan Pradeep's throw. It was the third time in Tests that Cowan has been involved in a run out and twice he himself has been run out.Warner put on 130 runs for the second wicket with Hughes in just 122 minutes. Hughes also looked on course for his fourth century in his 20th Test before he went for the cut shot once too often. The diminutive left-hander, who faced 143 balls, played at Herath away from his body and edged to wicketkeeper Dinesh Chandimal. Clarke, back at the SCG where he scored 329 not out against India a year ago, also looked in fine touch, lofting Herath for six and next ball went aerial again for four before his false stroke. Mitchell Johnson, selected in an all-rounder role at number seven after his unbeaten 91 in Melbourne, was out caught behind off Pradeep for 13. Pradeep halved his bowling average from 406 to 203 with his second Test wicket.

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Javed Miandad calls off India tour

Aircel ATP Tennis: Bhupathi, Nestor bow out

CHENNAI: The Indian challenge in the Aircel ATP Chennai Open tennis tournament effectively ended when top seeded duo of Mahesh Bhupathi and Canadian Daniel Nestor, playing in their first event together, went down 4-6, 5-7 to South African Raven Klaasen and American Nicholas Monroe in the doubles quarter-finals here Thursday. Earlier, third seeds Rohan Bopanna and his American partner Rajiv Ram, also playing together in their first tournament, went down 60, 4-6, 1-10, to the French-Swiss combination of Benoit Paire and Stanislas Wawrinka.

3rd Test: Australia lead Sri Lanka by 48 runs at stumps on Day 2

SYDNEY: Australia made hard work of grabbing a narrow lead over tenacious Sri Lanka on a second day tarnished by reckless run outs and rash shot-making in the third Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground. The home side, with the series already clinched after wins in Hobart and Melbourne, edged to a 48-run lead over the tourists on a Friday. But it proved tough going and the Australians failed to get away to a bigger lead after a run-a-minute start. At the close, Australia were 342 for six with Matthew Wade on 47 and Peter Siddle not out 16. Wade lived dangerously late in the day, surviving two reviews and a dropped catch close in while on 22. Australia selfdestructed with two run outs while David Warner, Phil Hughes and Michael Clarke threw away their wickets with false strokes. The top order carelessness was accentuated by Australia's

Former Pakistani cricketer Javed Miandad. NEW DELHI: Former Pakistani cricketer Javed Miandad has called off his proposed visit to India amidst controversy over granting him visa to watch ongoing India-Pakistan ODI series. Notably, Miandad was scheduled to arrive in New Delhi on Jan 5 after visa clearance to watch the third India-Pakistan ODI match slated on Jan 6. A Pakistan Cricket Board PCB official said that the board did not want the focus to move away from cricket to other matters. Ever since news came out that Miandad, whose son Junaid married the fugitive Mumbai don Dawood Ibrahim's daughter Mahrukh in Dubai in 2005, a controversy broke out in India over government giving him visa for the visit. Opposition parties like BJP and Shiv Sena were redfaced over this and vehemently criticised the government for allowing visa to the former Pak cricketer. Reacting to the reservations of the opposition parties, Minister for External Affairs, Salman Khurshid, on Thursday defended the decision to grant visa to Miandad saying, "Miandad was not on the 'negative list' of those not to be given visas. No Pakistani VISA gets cleared without MHA clearance. Inputs from all agencies were taken into consideration before this move. It is an internal procedure." Minister of State for Home RPN Singh had said, "He is a well known cricketer. His visa application papers were in order and valid and that is why the government has decided to give him visa."

Australia's Matthew Wade (left) and Sri Lanka's Dinesh Chandimal both try for the ball on Day 2 of their third Test match in Sydney. decision to go into the third Test with four pace bowlers and promote wicketkeeper Wade to number six ahead of an elongated tail. Warner and Hughes both missed out on centuries and Clarke, aghast at his part in the run out of the retiring Mike Hussey, was out attempting to slog sweep left-arm spinner Rangana Herath. The Australian skipper's top edge was taken by Dimuth Karunaratne at mid-wicket and exposed the broader tailend to the Sri Lanka bowlers after batting for 136 minutes for his 50. Free-scoring Warner perished when he took on part-time spinner Tillakaratne Dilshan only to be well caught over his shoulder by Dhammika Prasad, back-pedalling at long-on, for 85 off 84 balls. Hughes followed Warner back to the pavilion seven overs later, caught behind attempting

Five Indians in quarters of British Open squash

SHEFFIELD: Indians enjoyed a successful outing at the British Junior Open squash championship here with as many as five players making the quarterfinals in various categories. Mahesh Mangaonkar (Under-19), Kush Kumar (U-17) and Velavan Senthil Kumar (U15) in the boys section, and Aparajita Balamurukan and Lakshya Ragavendran in the Girls Under-19 section entered the round of eight with contrasting victories Thursday. Unseeded and first time British Junior entrant, Lakshya fought back from a 0-2 deficit to win her pre-quarterfinal match against 5/8 seed Emilia Soini from Finland. Lakshya squandered 7-5 and 10-7 leads in the first game and saw herself facing defeat after dropping the second game 9-11. However, after a convincing third game performance, Lakshya saved three match balls in the fourth that she won 15-13. The fifth game saw fortunes swing when Soini led 5-0 playing some delightful drops. Lakshya came back roaring and took control of the game winning the next seven points. An error from Lakshya got Soini back one point, but the Indian, playing with total aggression, won the next four points. The biggest upset of the day was when 9/16 seed Aparajitha knocked out 3/4 seed Salma Esmat (EGY) 7-11, 11-9, 11-5, 6-11, 11-9 to reach the quarterfinals. Aparajitha started very tentatively, but grew in confidence as the match went on. Dropping the fourth game was critical for Aparajitha as Salma took control playing some exquisite drops and lobs. In the fifth game, the players went neck and neck until 8-8. At that juncture, Aparajitha broke open and took the lead. Salma saved one match point due to a volley drop error from Aparajitha. A forehand boast from Aparajitha sealed the historic victory for the Indian who qualified for the quarterfinals for the first time in seven tournament appearances. There was further joy for India. Mangaonkar scored a comfortable victory while Kush Kumar had to sweat it out before overcoming 9/16 seed Youseff Soliman (EGY) and Velavan played brilliantly to win a five-game tussle against Charlie Lee from England. "This is my 10th year at the Open and for the first time ever we have five players in the quarter finals" said National Coach Cyrus Poncha.

LeBron named US Basketball Athlete of Year

Victoria pulls out injured, Serena into final

BRISBANE: Top seed Victoria Azarenka has withdrawn from her much-anticipated Brisbane International semifinal against Serena Williams on Friday after failing to recover from an infected right big toe. Azarenka was due to play Williams in a rematch of last year's thrilling US Open final, which Williams won 75 in the third set. However, after undergoing a medical procedure on her toe on Thursday, Azarenka decided she could not take to the court for her clash with Williams. "It's been there for the last 10 days and it's been getting worse," the world number one said. "I had to take action, which I did yesterday, and I didn't have enough time to recover." Azarenka said the toe became infected after a pedicure and said she had tried taping it and playing through

Miami Heat`s LeBron James. NEW YORK: Miami Heat`s LeBron James has been named the 2012 US Basketball Male Athlete of the Year after a successful year with one Olympic gold medal and the 2012 NBA championship. The US basketball governing body announced the award at Colorado Springs, Colorado, on Thursday, James is one of just two players in the history of the game to win MVP (Most Valuable Player), the NBA championship and the Olympics in the same year, along with Michael Jordan. "It`s an honour that I have been named the 2012 USA Basketball Male Athlete of the Year," James said. "It`s always an honour to represent my country. " "I never do it to be recognized or to receive an award. I do it because I love my country and the game of basketball." James is now one of three US players to participate in three Olympics. He has two Olympic gold medals (2008, 2012) and one bronze (2004).

After undergoing a medical procedure on her toe, Azarenka decided she could not take to the court for her clash with Williams. the pain. But after it failed to improve she decided to undergo medical treatment. "It's just something that I had to do to make sure that I can be fully recovered and ready for the Australian Open," she said."It's a compromise I had to make. "It's just very unfortunate timing, because I was really looking forward to playing. But I'm also quite happy I had two matches here already, which was kind of the point, to come here and get some matches." Williams will now play either Russian Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova or Ukraine's Lesia Tsurenko in the final. Azarenka's withdrawal is the second high profile casualty to hit the Brisbane tournament after second seed Maria Sharapova pulled out with a collarbone injury before her first match.

1st Test: Brownlie hits hundred India's Mars exploration mission to begin in October in New Zealand fightback
CAPE TOWN: Dean Brownlie hit a maiden Test century as New Zealand continued their fightback on the third day of the first Test against South Africa at Newlands on Friday. Brownlie made 109 before falling to the second new ball four minutes before lunch. New Zealand were 232 for five at lunch, 70 short of avoiding an innings defeat. The Australian-born batsman reached his century with two sixes in successive overs off leftarm spinner Robin Peterson and earned a congratulatory tweet from former captain Ross Taylor, who was unavailable for the tour after a controversy over his captaincy. South Africa took the second new ball immediately it was due and Morne Morkel made the breakthrough with his fifth delivery when Brownlie cut a short ball to Peterson at deep backward point. Wicketkeeper BJ Watling (31 not out) provided doughty support as he and Brownlie defied the South African bowling attack in a partnership of 74. Brownlie and Watling showed superb discipline as they blunted some tight, hostile bowling. Only 63 runs were added in 30 KOLKATA: India's tryst with Mars will begin in October to explore the red planet's atmosphere and search for life-sustaining elements, a top space official said on Friday. "We are trying very hard and by mid-October we are expecting to launch the Mars mission," said J.N. Goswami, in-charge of the exploration mission. Speaking on the sidelines of the Indian Science Congress here, Goswami said the mission is yet to get an official name. The Rs.470-crore mission will demonstrate India's capability to launch a spacecraft on a 55 million km journey from earth and look for life-sustaining elements from 500 km over the Martian surface. "The mission has a very specific science objective as we want to study the atmosphere of Mars. This mission will explore things which have not been done previously by other countries," said Goswami, director of Physical Research Laboratory, Ahmedabad. The Indian space agency plans to use a high-end rocket (PSLV-XL) to launch the 1.4-tonne Martian spacecraft from its Sriharikota spaceport, about 80 km northeast

Indo-Pak Players facilitated at Eden Gardens

KOLKATA: Euphoria reached its peak at the Eden Gardens here on thursday as cricket crazy fans went down the memory lane when a number of former players from India and Pakistan were felicitated to mark the 25 years of IndoPak ODI matches. The group of around 19 former cricketers including Wasim Akram, Intikhab Alam, Rameez Raja, Kapil Dev, Sunil Gavaskar and Anil Kumble went around the stadium in openair jeeps waving at fans during the 45-minute innings break of second ODI between the two neighbouring countries. Planned by the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB), the felicitation was done by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee who gave Rs one lakh each to the cricketers. Former Pakistani players like Wasim Akram, Intikhab Alam, Sadiq Mohammad, Imtiaz Ahmed, Mushtaq Mohammad, Rameez Raja were taken around the field on a golf cart. They were accompanied by former India cricketers like Bishan Singh Bedi, Sunil Gavaskar, Kapil Dev, Dilip Vengsarkar, Krishamachari Srikkanth, Ravi Shastri, Anil Kumble and VVS Laxman. Kolkata's favourite son Sourav Ganguly was the only one to go around solo in the jeep as the fullhouse Eden responded to the gesture with a thunderous applause.

New Zealand batsman Dean Brownlie is sent walking for 109 runs during day 3 of the first Test match between South Africa and New Zealand, in Cape Town at Newlands, on January 4, 2013. overs but it gave New Zealand hope of avoiding an innings defeat which had seemed a distant prospect when they were bowled out for 45 on the first morning. Brownlie, whose previous highest Test score was 77 not out against Australia in Brisbane in 2011/12, played a contrasting innings. His first fifty was scored off only 44 balls, during which time he was twice dropped at gully. His second half-century was far more measured. His hundred was raised off 160 balls with 13 fours and two sixes. With his score on 92, Brownlie took advantage of a short ball from Peterson to pull it for six over midwicket. In the next over he went down the wicket and hit the spinner for a straight six to raise his hundred. He was dismissed after batting for 272 minutes. He faced 186 balls and did not add to his boundary tally.

of Chennai, with five instruments to study various aspects of the red planet. The Mars mission will allow India to join the elite club of five top nations comprising the US, Russia, Europe, China and Japan which have launched similar missions. As the fourth planet from the Sun and smallest celestial object in the solar system, Mars is terrestrial with breath-taking valleys, deserts, craters and volcanoes in a thin atmosphere. Named after the Roman god of war, the red planet has many similarities with Earth like the rotation period and seasonal cycles.

11 bn dollars-worth Twitter likely to float in 2014: Report

LONDON: Micro blogging site Twitter is now worth around 11 billion dollars, and is likely to make its market debut next year, analysts have predicted. Twitter was valued at 8 billion dollars at its last funding round in 2011, but saw the growth in its valuation slow after the dismal flotations of Facebook and games company Zynga dented confidence in technology businesses. The social network was thought to have gone cold on the idea of IPO after the disastrous market debuts of some of its Silicon Valley peers. However, Max Wolff at Greencrest said the company had started firming up its management team and was likely to start preparations for the hotly-anticipated IPO towards the end of this year. The micro-blogging network is worth around 11 billion dollars based on trading of unofficial shares in the company on the secondary markets, Wolff said. According to the paper, Twitter has seen its user base grow rapidly over the last few years, but it has historically struggled to translate that into profits.

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