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

STUdenT aGe
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 9, 2013

JKENG/2012/41612 Vol. 2 No: 9

Mining Lease of Willful royalty defaulter to be cancelled: Slathia

MIM leader Akbaruddin Owaisi arrested

Obama nominates U.S. defense secretary, CIA chief

IN BRIEF
House panel for 100 pc allowance to teaching staff
JAMMU,JAN 8: A Jammu and Kashmir Assembly panel has suggested sanctioning of 100 per cent allowances during winter and 45 per cent in summer to teaching staff working in far-flung areas of the state. The recommendation was made by the House Committee headed by MLA Nazir contd on page 2

Pak troops slit throats of two Indian soldiers, tension heightens

JAMMU, JAN 8 : Pakistani soldiers entered into Indian territory Tuesday and slit the throats of two Indian soldiers at a post on the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir, officials said. Poonch Deputy Commissioner A.K. Sahu said the Pakistanis raided a post in Sona Gali area, killed the two Indians and wounded a third. The gory incident took place in the border district of Poonch. Sahu said: "(The) Pakistani soldiers ... slit the throats of two army soldiers." He said the 29 Baloch regiment is said to be involved in the attack. Army sources told IANS that the raiding Pakistani troops took away the weapons of the dead Indian soldiers: Sudhakar Singh and Hemraj of 13 Rajputana Rifles. The sources said the Pakistanis reached the post since it was located close to the fence near the LoC, which divides Kashmir between India and Pakistan. The army has erected a three-tier fence in Indian territory running along the LOC. The fence is about 500 metres to two kilometres inside Indian territory and seeks to prevent Pakistani intrusion. But the Pakistanis took advantage of the thick fog in the forested area to sneak in, an army spokesman said. "The (Indian) patrol spotted them and engaged the intruders" for about half hour after which the Pakistani troops retreated, he said. The official termed the intrusion and killings as "yet another grave provocation by the Pakistan Army". He said the latest attack was being taken up "sternly through official channels". The Indian Army has

India denies breaching truce along LoC

NEW DELHI, JAN 8: India denied Tuesday it had broken the ceasefire in Jammu and Kashmir and said it was committed to the sanctity of the Line of Control (LoC). The external affairs ministry also urged Pakistan "to ensure that the sanctity of LoC is maintained". "We deny Indian troops violated the ceasefire," a ministry spokesman erected a three-tier fence in Indian territory running along the LOC. The fence is about 500 metres to two kilometres inside Indian territory and seeks to prevent said, a day after Pakistan lodged a strong protest over what it alleged was a breach by New Delhi of the truce along the LoC. "India is committed to the sanctity of LoC in Jammu and Kashmir," he said, calling it the most important part of the India-Pakistan confidencebuilding measures. He said the director generals of military operation of India and Pakistan were in touch over the firing along the LoC, which divides Kashmir between the two countries. Pakistan claims that Indian firing in one of the sectors wounded two Pakistani soldiers, one of whom died. The Indian spokesman said: "(We) call upon Pakistan to ensure the sanctity of LoC ... and such incidents of unprovoked firing do not recur." another grave provocation by the Pakistan Army". He said the latest attack was being taken up "sternly through official channels". The report of the contd on page 2

Jawan injured in land mine blast along LoC in Poonch

POONCH,JAN 8: A jawan was injured in a land mine blast along the Line of Control (LoC) in Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir. The blast occurred when Sepoy Harvir Singh, during patrolling of the LOC, stepped on a anti-personal mine in forward belt of Krishna contd on page 2

Pakistani intrusion. But the Pakistanis sneaked in using the fog in the forested area as a cover, an army spokesman said. "The (Indian) patrol spot-

ted them and engaged the intruders" for about half hour after which the Pakistani troops retreated, he said. The official termed the intrusion and killings as "yet

Munda resigns, wants Jharkhand assembly dissolved

RANCHI: Jharkhand Chief Minister Arjun Munda resigned Tuesday after recommending the dissolution of the assembly following the withdrawal of support to his government by the JMM. The Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), which took the decision Monday, formally handed over a letter to Governor Syed Ahmad saying it was pulling out of the BJP-led coalition government. Following the development, Munda submitted his resignation to the state Governor. He met Governor at 11.30 am and formally recommended the dissolution of the Legislative Assembly. Jharkhand Governor Syed Ahmed has asked Arjun Munda to continue as the

Shop, restaurant gutted in major fire in Jammu

JAMMU,JAN 8: A major fire today gutted a sweet shop and a restaurant in Jammu city, officials said today. There was, however, no loss of lives, they said. The fire broke out due to a short circuit in Quality sweets shop and restaurant in a shopping complex in Canal road area in the contd on page 2

JHARKHAND APPEARS HEADED FOR BRIEF SPELL OF PRESIDENT'S RULE

RANCHI/NEW DELHI: Jharkhand appears headed for a brief spell of President's rule after Chief Minister Arjun Munda resigned on Tuesday and recommended dissolution of the assembly and Congress showed no hurry to support caretaker chief minister till a final decision, Raj Bhavan sources said. Munda was asked to continue as caretaker CM Munda earlier resigned and recommended dissolution of the 82member Assembly. According to reports, JMM MLAs led by Hemant Soren today submitted a formal letter to Governor Syed Ahmed informing him about formation of an alternative government. The decision of the BJPled government to seek dissolution of the assembly and the Chief Minister's resignation left the situation wide open for Governor Syed Ahmed to decide the future the party's decision to withdraw support to the BJP-led government. Meanwhile, backdoor consultations have also begun between the JMM leadership and the Congress party on the possibility of forming a new political alliance to form a government in the tribal state. Rajya Sabha MP and Congress state president course of action. He was said to be consulting constitutional experts. BJP's ruling coalition partner JMM, in a letter to the Governor, formally withdrew its support to the 28month-old government pushing it into a minority. Pradeep Kumar Balmuchu said that the party was not in favour of President's Rule in the state, adding they would consider any offer made by the JMM. Ahead of the meeting between JMM MLAs and the state's Governor, Chief Minister Munda recommended the dissolution of the Legislative Assembly. The tribal state's Chief Minister made the recom-

Youth held for raping neighbour in Anantnag

SRINAGAR,JAN 8: A 20year-old girl was allegedly raped by a youth from her neighbourhood in the Pahalgam area of south Kashmir's Anantnag district, police said today. According to the complaint filed by the victim, the accused Mushtaq Ahmad Hajam(20), a resident of Frislan village, sneaked into the girl's house and raped her on contd on page 2

mendation after his Cabinet approved the decision to dissolve the state Assembly. The Cabinet meeting was attended by ministers from the BJP, All Jharkhand Students Union and Janata DalUnited. JMM ministers did not attend the meeting, according to reports. JMM, led by Shibu Soren, yesterday withdrew support to the Munda government and reduced it to minority after talks between two the sides failed to reach an agreement. The decision to pull out was taken after a meeting of JMM leaders at Ranchi yesterday even though Arjun Munda met Shibu Soren and his son Hemant at their residence. The JMM chief had been asking Munda to hand over contd on page 2

Cotton exports to dip 60% this year: USDA

NEW DELHI,JAN 8: India's cotton exports are likely to tumble by 60 per cent to 5.7 million bales in the marketing year ending July compared to last year level, a USDAreport said. India, the world's secondlargest exporter, is estimated to have shipped a record 14.7 million bales in the last marketing year, it said. One bale has 170 kg of cotton. "The 2012-13 export estimate is unchanged at 5.7 million bales (of 170 kg)," the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) said in the report. China, the world's biggest cotton consumer, continues to be the major export market for Indian cotton. Indian cotton prices are trading slightly lower to world prices. Exports have also been aided by a weak rupee, it added. The USDA did not give any specific reasons for a decline in cotton exports. The domestic traders and experts said shipments could slow down due to lower Chinese purchases in the wake of huge inventories. According to the USDA report, cotton exports in the country have reached an estimated 2 million bales during August-December period of the ongoing marketing year. "Preliminary data suggest that exports surged during November and December at nearly 1.65 million bales. Cotton exports during December were an estimated 950,000 contd on page 2

Drive against encroachments on temple, Hindu Trust

SRINAGAR,JAN 8: Authorities here have started a drive against removing encroachments from lands belonging to temples and Hindu Trusts and registered cases against two violators so far, official sources said. Revenue authorities assisted by a squad of Srinagar Municipal Corporation and police stopped contd on page 2

Jammu, at 6.7, has lowest J&K govt employees on Army CoI indicts 56 personnel in Nyoma face-off case day temperature in 30 year strike over retirement age
JAMMU,JAN 8: Jammu and Kashmir recorded 6.7 degrees Celsius as the maximum temperature on Monday, making it the lowest day temperature in 30 years. Sonam Lotus, Director of the regional meteorological department, said Srinagar recorded minus 5.5 degrees Celsius, Pahalgam minus 9.2 degrees, Qazigund minus 6 degrees and Gulmarg minus 10 degrees as the minimum night temperatures. Kargil in Ladakh was the coldest town on Tuesday at minus 20 degrees while Leh recorded minus 17.8 degrees. Higher reaches of the Kashmir Valley are likely to receive light snowfall on Wednesday, he said. "Slight cloudiness in the evening tomorrow (Wednesday) would give some relief from the intense cold wave as we are expecting light snowfall in the higher reaches," Mr Lotus said. Jammu and Kashmir has been reeling under contd on page 2 JAMMU,JAN 8: Jammu and Kashmir government employees on Tuesday began a threeday-long 'Kaam Chor Hartal' across the state demanding enhancement of retirement age to 60 years and a policy on regularisation of daily wagers. Work in government offices was affected as employees of various departments responded to the strike call given by the Joint Consultative Committee (JCC), an apex body of various unions of government employees. "State government employees have commenced 3-day-long Kaam Chor Hartal from today to protest against the failure of the government to fulfil their demands and press for immediate implementation of the demands," senior JCC leader Gafoor Dar told reporters. The main demonstration was held in front of the Divisional Commissioner's office at Railhead area in the city in which over 300 protesters took part. All the employees have observed strike in most of the offices, he claimed. He also threatened that indefinite strike would be considered if their demands were not met. These include increasing retirement age from 58 to 60 years for the around 4.5 lakh government employees, and to come up with a policy on regularisation of daily wagers to remove any pay anomaly. The employees will sit on a 'dharna' at the gates of government contd on page 2 NEW DELHI,JAN 8: An Army Court of Inquiry (CoI) has indicted 56 personnel including the Commanding Officer of an artillery unit, whose officers and men clashed in Nyoma in Ladakh in May last year. 56 personnel have been indicted by the CoI held under Brigadier Ajay Talwar and disciplinary action has been recommended against more than 10 of them, sources said here today. The indicted personnel, who include five officers,

will face either disciplinary or administrative action for failure of command and control, assault, indiscipline and other lapses, they said. The CoI was completed in the first week of December and its findings have been submitted to the 14 Corps Headquarters in Leh, which is going through it, Army sources said here. The CoI had examined 220 witnesses, including officers, JCOs and other ranks, besides five civilians. In May last year, three contd on page 2

President urges nation to honour women

LUCKNOW: Amid rising incidents of violence against women in society, President Pranab Mukherjee Tuesday urged people to honour women and said that a country which fails to do so cannot be considered decent. Addressing the concluding session of the 125th anniversary celebrations of the Uttar Pradesh Assembly, Mukherjee said women should get their rightful place in the society. His remarks came even as the nation was outraged over the gang-rape in Delhi last month of a young woman hailing from the state. The victim later succumbed to her injuries in a Singapore hospital. Mukherjee also lamented the growing instances of walkouts and interruptions in parliament and state legislative assemblies saying that the forums should be used as a means to address and raise the problems faced by the people. "It is the responsibility of the elected public representatives to conduct themselves in a way it behoves them and they should work to highlight the issues faced by the people and to sort them out," he added. He pointed out that without the sanction of the legislature, the executive cannot even spend a penny. Referring to the maiden budget of the country, all of Rs.197 crore, Mukherjee wondered how at that time there were no taxes like customs, excise, sales or gift tax. The house had deliberated for long and passed it after due discussions. The last budget, Mukherjee pointed out, was worth Rs.12 lakh crore but was passed without proper discussions. In the 14th Lok Sabha, he rued, the house ran only for 1,992 hours and 416 hours were wasted to pandemonium. He also released a special postal stamp to commemorate the momentous occasion of the contd on page 2

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Contd. from page 1...

Pak troops....
Pakistani attack -- which has the potential to derail India-Pakistan relations -came soon after India told Pakistan "to ensure that the sanctity of LoC is upheld at all times". Also Tuesday, Pakistani army chief General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani visited Sialkot and asked the army to remain "fully prepared to respond to the full spectrum of threats, direct or indirect, overt or covert". He said Pakistan was putting in place a new concept of war fighting "evolved and validated in the Azm-e-Nau (New Resolve) series of war games and exercises", the Associated Press of Pakistan reported. The Indian external affairs ministry denied that Indian troops crossed the LoC in Rampur sector or violated the ceasefire in force since 2003 in the area as claimed by Islamabad. "India is committed to the sanctity of LoC," he said, calling it the most important part of the India-Pakistan confidence-building measures. "We call upon the Pakistan authorities to ensure that the sanctity of the LoC is upheld at all times and to ensure that such incidents of unprovoked firing do not recur." The spokesman was referring to an earlier incident which Pakistan says involved firing by Indian troops that left one of their soldiers dead. India says that the director generals of military operation of both countries were in touch over the earlier firing. New Delhi says it were the Pakistani who triggered the earlier gun battle. Their "unprovoked firing on Indian troops" damaged the roof of a house in Churunda village. "Indian troops undertook controlled retaliation in response." their supplies of imported cotton and the domestic cotton they had in place to cover their pre-harvest needs, it added. At present, harvesting is underway and the pace of cotton arrival continues to lag from over last year period. Weak domestic prices have prompted the Cotton Corporation of India to begin procurement under minimum support price (MSP) operations, mainly in Andhra Pradesh where the crop was affected by a cyclone a few weeks ago, the report said. The government has fixed the MSP at Rs 3,850 per quintal for the long staple shankar 6 variety.

Govt determined to create healthy environment for people's comfort: Bhalla

JAMMU, JAN 08: Minister for Revenue, Relief and Rehabilitation, Raman Bhalla, has said that Government is making all out efforts to beautify all the open spaces by developing recreational parks and walkways to make the localities more attractive. This was stated by the Minister while interacting with the locals after inspecting ongoing modernization work of recreational park at Gandhi Nagar, here today. Bhalla said that the park would be developed with the facilities of walkway, landscaping, illumination, drinking water besides irrigation facilities. He asked the executing agency to complete all the works within stipulated time frame for its early completion. Bhalla said instructions have been issued to Floriculture and JMC departments to gear up their men damaged walkways. He called upon the people of Gandhi Nagar and Shastri Nagar not to dump waste material in parks, adding that such practices are not only creating hindrances for executing agencies but also dampens the beauty of parks. He said 'it is the duty of every citizen to maintain cleanliness at nearby parks. Later, Bhalla also visited R S Pura and enquired about the condition of a local girl Roman Lata D/O Yash Paul of R S Pura on whom a local boy threw acid. Describing the act as ghastly and inhumane, Bhalla assured the family of the victim that the government would provide every possible help besides financial assistance for her early recovery. He asked the Chairman Red Cross Society to provide immediate financial assistance to the affected family.

Army CoI ....

officers and eight jawans, including the Commanding Officer of 226 Field Regiment, were injured in the fracas at Mahe firing range near Nyoma on May 26. 215 witnesses including five officers, 21 JCOs and 189 jawans have been examined as witnesses in the Nyoma case in which officers and jawans were involved in a face-off. The men and the officers had clashed during a firing practice session where women were also present without proper authorisation.

Minister for Revenue, Relief and Rehabilitation, Raman Bhalla interacting with the locals after inspecting ongoing modernization work of recreational park at Gandhi Nagar. and machinery to maintain and renovate all the recreational parks situated in Gandhi Nagar and Shastri Nagar localities. The Minister said the Government was committed to develop healthy environment in cities by developing more and more greener patches on the open spaces. For the purpose, a comprehensive plan has been prepared to develop all the parks with facilities like seating, drinking water, sprinkle irrigation, illuminated walkway, landscaping and fencing. He called upon the people to avoid littering inside the parks and help in maintaining these clean. The Minister asked the officers to remove bushes besides renovating

J&K govt.....
offices, schools and other establishments across the state tomorrow, Dar added. He also asked Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Finance Minister A R Rather to intervene in the matter. Two major rallies have been planned in Jammu and Srinagar on January 10, he said.

Several join congress in Inderwal

KISHTWAR,JAN 8: Saroori thanks Congress high command for taking initiative in the developmental works in Inderwal Constituency. Jammu, January 8: Prominent workers of different parties joined the Indian National Congress (INC) party from Inderwal Constituency. Whereas Mohd Shafi Malik, Ghulam Mohd Sheikh, Ghulam Mohd Malik, Dilawar Baksh, Abdul Qayoom Malik, Bashir Ahmed, Fatah Mohd, Ghulam Qadir Malik, Ghulam Mohammad Gujjar, Jaffar Hussain, Mohd Riyaz, Mohd Yasin Malik and other prominent persons who joined the Congress party in presence of Senior Congress Leader J&K Ghulam Mohammad Saroori. Welcoming the new entrants into the Congress party fold, Senior Congress Leader and MLA Inderwal G M Saroori assured them to come up to their expectations and continue the developmental works and the welfare of the poor or down trodden people initiated by the Former Chief Minister Jammu and Kashmir and Union Health Minister and Family Welfare Jenab Ghulam Nabi Azad. Saroori said that the doors of the party are always open for all those who believe in the programme and polices of the Indian National Congress and have faith in its leadership. He thanked Prime Minister of India Dr Manmohan Singh, UPA Chairperson Smt. Sonia Gandhi Ji and Union Health Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad for taking an initiative in the developmental works in all sectors in Inderwal Constituency. The new incumbents attributed the reasons of their joining the Congress to their disenchantment with the performance and policies of PDP, NC and BJP. They added that they are impressed with the performance, spirit of public service and the immaculate character of Mr Saroori. They also pledged that they would work for the welfare of the people and will take the policies and programmes of the party to every nook and corner of the area. They said that they would put in their sincere efforts in highlighting the problems and issues of the people.

Jammu, at....
cold wave conditions for a fortnight. Minimum temperatures in the valley and Ladakh have failed to rise above the freezing point. A foggy weather and unprecedented cold have thrown life out of gear in Jammu where authorities have extended school holidays to January 13.

Munda resigns....
power to someone from his party if he wanted the BJP-JMM government to continue. Soren had earlier threatened that his party would walk out of the alliance if the chief minister's post was not handed over to the JMM as part of the power sharing deal under which the two parties had agreed to share it for 28 months each. However, the ruling BJP maintained that no such deal was reached between the two sides and stood firmly behind Munda, whose 28-month tenure ends on January 10. Both the BJP and JMM have 18 MLAs each in the 81-member Jharkhand Assembly and, after Soren's decision to pull out, the Munda government is in minority. JMM leader and Deputy Chief Minister Hemant Soren yesterday told reporters that the decision to withdraw support was taken "unanimously" and after talking to several BJP leaders, including its Jharkhand affairs in-charge Dharmendra Pradhan. "After a series of meetings, JMM has decided to withdraw support to the (BJP-led) government," Soren told the media here after the party's executive committee meeting. "The JMM MLAs would Tuesday hand over a letter conveying to Governor Syed Ahmed its decision to withdraw support to Munda government," Hemant Soren said. He further said that a senior BJP MP from Santhal Pargana has been giving baseless statements against the JMM leadership, which is intolerable. There is no coordination in the alliance, he added. Relations between the two coalition partners have been worsening ever since Chief Minister Arjun Munda, in a written reply to the JMM on January 03, denied that there was an agreement between them on "rotation of power" after 28 months in office. The JMM has five ministers in the BJPled Cabinet, including Deputy CM Hemant Soren. The BJP-led government headed by Arjun Munda was formed in September 2010 with the support of the JMM, which has 18 legislators in the 81-member Assembly. Apart from the BJP's own 18 legislators, the party also has the support of six All Jharkhand Students Union (AJSU) members and two Janata Dal-United (JDU) members.

House panel...
Ahmed Gurezi at its meeting here to discuss the assurances pertaining to Education Department. The Committee asked the Sarva Shiksha Abhyan (SSA) to work with dedication and complete all ongoing construction work of school buildings in a stipulated time frame.

Jawan injured ....

Gati belt of Poonch sector last evening, defence spokesman said today. In the blast jawan was injured and later admitted to a hospital for treatment, he said.

Shop, restaurant....
city around 0200 hours today, they said. Fire tenders pressed into service could not save the shop and the adjoining restaurant but controlled it from spreading to other shops in the complex.

JAMMU, JAN 08: The House Committee (HC) of Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Council today reviewed the status of acquisition of land for Industrial Growth Centre (IGC), Phase-III Samba. The Committee, which met here today under the Chairmanship of Mr. Ajatshatru Singh, was attended by the Legislators, Mr. Vijay Bakaya and Mr. Ravinder Kumar Sharma, besides senior officers of the Industry and Commerce Department. The Committee examined the report on the present status of land acquisition process for the Industrial Centre submitted by the Deputy Commissioner Samba and Managing Director SIDCO, in pursuance to the directions of the committee given after its members inspected the site in recent past. The Committee was informed that 125 kanals of land has been acquired, while negotiations are on with the locals whose land falls in the area identified for the Industrial Growth Centre. After threadbare discussion, the Committee permitted Revenue/Industrial department to go

LC panel reviews progress on land Water supply acquisition process for IGC Samba sector receives
ahead with the acquisition process under section-17 as already authorised by the government. The Committee also directed to furnish the details of the acquisition of the land belonging to the local people for its scrutiny. . The Commissioner Secretary, Industries and Commerce Mr. Shantmanu, Commissioner Secretary, Revenue Mr. B. A. Runyal, Divisional Commissioner, Jammu Mr. Pradeep Gupta, Deputy Commissioner, Samba Mr. Mubarak Singh, Director, Industries and Commerce Mr. Gulzar Ahmed Qureshi, Director, Agriculture, Jammu Mr. Ajay Khajuria, Managing Director, SIDCO Mohammad Mouzzam, Executive Engineer, SIDCO Mr. Parveen Pandoh and other concerned senior officers attended the meeting. The Secretary Legislative Council Mr. Mohammad Ashraf Mir, Deputy Secretary Legislative Council Mr. Mohammad Ashfaq Wani, besides officers and officials of the Council secretariat were also present in the meeting.

considerable thrust
DRINKING WATER

3,000 HABITATIONS PROVIDED SAFE

JAMMU, JAN 08 : Jammu and Kashmir witnessed considerable progress in the sector of Public Health Engineering during last four years and the process of coverage of uncovered areas under the protected drinking water supply schemes received remarkable fillip. As many as 3,000 habitations were provided drinking water by incurring an expenditure of over Rs. 645 crores during the last four years of the current coalition dispensation besides completion of 1031 water supply schemes in this period more than 10,000 hand pumps were drilled in water scare areas to benefit the inhabitants. In a drive to provide safe drinking water to educational institutions, the PHE Department in an outstanding performance covered 4,360 schools under this scheme and the process continues with full swing. In order to ascertain the safety of drinking water being supplied to the people through various schemes, as many as 43 water testing laboratories have been established in the State besides putting in place 214 treatment plants for treating chloride, iron, salinity, turbidity, calcium and sulphur affected water resources at an estimated cost of over Rs. 44.87 crores have been launched and 45 have been completed. The prestigious drinking water supply project for Jammu involving Asian Development Bank funds to utilize Chenab water and meet the demand of Greater Jammu up to 2030 has been approved. The first phase of the project is likely to cost over Rs. 500 crores. Similarly, augmentation schemes for Srinagar city are also in progress. During the last four years 556 sustainable schemes of check dams, percolation tanks, wells and other structures have been taken up for execution at a cost of Rs. 178 crores. The provision safe drinking water in kandi and scare areas is being focused through special schemes and coverage of more and more population under water supply schemes is going on with full swing. Similarly in the Irrigation sector 10 major projects have been taken in hand and put on fast track execution. An amount of Rs. 500 crores have been spent on these schemes so far out of the total estimated cost of Rs. 670 crores. As many as 11 major and medium irrigation projects have been completed and AIBP ceiling for the current financial year has been enhanced from Rs. 350 crores to Rs. 421 crores in respect of I&FC sector. Under the minor irrigation sector 751 projects have been taken up in hand during the last four years and an amount of over Rs. 1630 crores stands incurred on these. Over 405 minor irrigation schemes have been completed by the end of this year. The first phase of Tral Lift Irrigation Scheme has been completed and the project is on fast track at a cost of Rs. 140.76 crores to cater to the area of about 6000 hectares for which irrigation potential has been created. Work on Rs. 70.20 crores Rajpora Lift Irrigation Schemes, Rs. 49.59 crores Dadi Canal and Construction of Tawi Lake is under full swing besides 20 flood protection and anti-erosion works involving Rs. 301 crores.

Div Com reviews Republic Day arrangements

SRINAGAR, JAN 08: Republic Day2013 arrangements were reviewed at a high level officers meeting held here today under the Chairmanship of Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, Dr. Asgar Hassan Samoon. Among others, Deputy Commissioner, Srinagar, Mr. Baseer Ahmad Khan, Commissioner, Srinagar Municipal Corporation, Dr. G.N. Qasba, Deputy Inspector General of Police, Srinagar and other senior functionaries of various departments attended the meeting. Threadbare discussions were held for ensuring all types of arrangements to celebrate the Republic Day-2013 with gaiety and fervour. It was decided that the function shall begin with Shahnai Wadan besides colourful and mesmerizing cultural programmes shall be presented by the students of various educational institutions. Contingents of J&K Police, JKAP, CRPF, Fire and Emergency Services, Home Guards, National Cadet Corps and school children shall participate in the march past. Arrangements regarding health care facilities availability of ambulances, fire fighters, cleanliness besides availability of drinking water was also discussed in the meeting. It was also decided that illumination of government buildings shall also be made. The Divisional Commissioner enjoined upon the officers to ensure that fool proof arrangements for smooth conduct of the event and also shall ensure their participation in the function.

Youth held ....

the intervening night between December 31-January 1, SHO Pahalgam Tariq Ahmad said. Hajam has been arrested, Ahmad said, adding that further probes are on.

Drive against ....

construction work on two plots belonging to a Hindu Temple trust in Barzulla estate last week, they said. Officials seized the equipment of the workers and sealed the plots to prevent any further construction. They also initiated legal proceedings against the violators. According to various court rulings and a subsequent government order, sale, lease or encroachment upon lands belonging to temples in Kashmir has been banned. The Revenue authorities are also mulling demolition of several structures in the area which have come up on such lands since eruption of militancy in 1990, the sources said. Srinagar Municipal Corporation has launched a drive against illegal constructions in the city. More than two dozen structures have been demolished since the drive was launched late last year.

Oath ceremony organized at SJA

JAMMU, JAN 08: Jammu and Kashmir State Judicial Academy (SJA) today organized an oath taking ceremony and distribution of Advocates' license in Jammu campus of Academy for the new entrants to the legal profession under the guidance and instructions of Chief Justice (Chief Patron) and Justice Mansoor Ahmad Mir, Judge Incharge, State Judicial Academy. The function was presided over by Justice Mansoor Ahmad Mir, Judge Incharge, SJA. Before delivery of enrolment certificates (Advocate license) to the Advocates of Jammu Province, they were administered oath by Abdul Wahid, Director, SJA. Justice Mansoor Ahmed Mir welcomed newly enrolled advocates and to the fraternity of legal profession and enlightened them on the professional ethics and conduct, court craft and art of Advocacy etc. In his address, he explained in detail the professional ethical values which every advocate should imbibe. To maintain ethics, one has to conduct oneself as dictated by one's morals or conscience. He exhorted them to learn the art of advocacy and also reminded the advocates of their duties - duty towards their client, duty towards Court, duty towards the opposing counsel and duty towards the justice delivery system to which they are part of.

Cotton exports....

bales, the highest monthly level since April," the report said. Other major markets for Indian cotton exports include Bangladesh, Vietnam and Pakistan. The USDA maintained its estimate on cotton production at 32.5 million bales and domestic consumption at 26.4 million bales for the current year. Domestic demand for cotton has been weak of late, but is expected to improve over the next few months as mills work off

President urges....
125th anniversary celebrations of the UP state assembly. Earlier, he was welcomed by Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav, Samajwadi Party chief Mulayam Singh Yadav, speaker of the state assembly Mata Prasad Pandey, and state Parliamentary Affairs Minister Azam Khan, among others. Also present at the function were Rajya Sabha MP and actress Jaya Bachchan and union Telecom Minister Kapil Sibal.

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STATE

NEWS IN BOX

NSPU holds protest march over new recruitment policy in J&K

JAMMU,JAN 8: Strongly opposing the implementation of new recruitment policy in Jammu and Kashmir, the youth wing of the Jammu and Kashmir National Panthers Party(JKNPP) on Tuesday held a protest march here against the policy. Over 100 activists of National Students Panthers Union (NSPU) took out a protest rally in the city against the state government's new recruitment policy. "We strongly oppose the new recruitment policy of the state government. The new policy is anti-youth and unconstitutional," one of the students leader told reporters here. According to the new recruitment policy, a fresh recruit would get only 50 per cent of basic pay for the first two years and 75 per cent for the next three years without any allowances. In 2011, the Jammu and Kashmir High Court had stayed implementation of the new recruitment policy introduced by the state government in 2010, but the stay was later vacated by the court.

Mining Lease of Willful royalty defaulter to be cancelled: Slathia

JAMMU, JAN 8: The Minister For Industries and Commerce, Mr. S.S. Slathia todaly called upon the mining Industries to pay royalty dues as early as possible adding that mine lease deeds of all the willful defaulters will be cancelled shortly. Interacting with a delegation of Federation Chamber of Industries (FCI), Kashmir at Civil Secretariat on Tuesday, Mr. Slathia said some Industrialists have become habitual of retaining royalty due with them without any reason or logic despite repeated reminders which is causing loss to the State Exchequer. He said the Government will now act tough against all such willful defaulters. Mr. Salathia said Government has initiated a process to revisit the existamnesty on loans in favour of the viable sick units, who want to clear their out standings in one go. The delegates also demanded allotment of suitable pieces of land at Jammu and Kashmir to the FCI,J and FCI,K for construction of Guest Houses for the use of its members and entrepreneurs during their visit to the twin cities in connection with their tours. The Commissioner/ Secretary, R&B Department, Mrs. Tanveer Jehan, President, FCI(K) Mr. Zahoor Ahmad Bhat, senior Vice President, Mohammad Ashraf Mir , Vice President Javid Ahmad Bhat, Secretary General, Nazir Ahmad Sheikh and District President Anantnag G.M. Tramboo were also in the meeting.

Minister For Industries and Commerce, Mr. S.S. Slathia interacting with a delegation of Federation Chamber of Industries (FCI), Kashmir at Civil Secretariat at Jammu. ing State Industrial Policy, which is expiring in 2015, to form a broad based blue print for a new Industrial policy, in which all the stake holder including members of the FCI(K) and FCI(J) will also be taken on board. He assured the delegates that the price preference to SSI units in purchases and supplies through J&K SCIOP will be ensured and the relevant circular in this regard shall be enforced with full vigor. He said Government will explore all available channels to provide marketing cover to the SSI units of the State. He said that every possible effort will be made to provide modern fire control systems in each Industrial Estate including the Industrial estate of Lassipora, Pulwama. A modern fire station have already been established in Industrial Estate Rangreth. The FCI delegates, particularly, made a reference about construction of large number of school buildings under RAMSA, through single tender system by (PWDD), R&B which goes against the interest of the SSI sector and sought option for SSI units also in these works. They are sought

Malhotra Chairs Estate deptt meeting

JAMMU, JAN 08: The Chairman of Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Council, Mr. Amrit Malhotra today convened a meeting of Estate Department here today. During the meeting some important issues related to the Council Secretariat building, Council Hall etc. in the wake of upcoming budged session of February-March, 2013 were discussed. Director Estates Mr. R. K. Koul assured the Chairman that all necessary arrangements will be made before the session regarding necessary repair/cleanliness of the Council Secretariat etc. Dy. Director Estates Mr. Manhas, Executive Engineer Estates Mr. Rashid Mustafa, besides Dy. Secretariat Legislative Council, Mr. Mohammad Maqbool Bhat, officers and officials of the Council Secretariat were present in the meeting.

NC-led govt has NPP Supremo calls on Railways & Home Ministers failed to conduct ULB polls in J&K: Mufti
J A M M U , J A N 8:Slamming the National Conference led coalition government in the state for its alleged failure to conduct Urban Local Bodies (ULB) polls, PDP patron Mufti Mohammad Sayeed said it has deprived the people of their democratic rights. Eroding sanctity of democratic institutions is the only noticeable achievement of the four-year tenure of the present regime, he said while addressing a meeting of senior party leaders and office bearers of Jammu district yesterday. He targeted the state government for delaying ULBs polls which were due in February 2010. The elections of ULBs, including Jammu and Srinagar Municipal Corporations, were scheduled to be held in February 2010 but the government has been postponing these polls without any valid reason, Mufti said. "I failed to understand why government is shying away from its duty to conduct these elections. Formation of ULBs are must to empower the people of urban areas," he said adding, in a democratic system it was necessary to make representative character of all democratic institutions to ensure peoples' participation in these institutions. Taking a dig at coalition regime for not fulfilling its promises to conduct local bodies polls, Mufti pointed out that during the last three years this government has repeatedly declared to conduct these polls but these announcements remained only on papers. "The way government is hesitating from these polls it substantiates our apprehensions that this regime is not interested in conducting local bodies elections," he said. The Centre has blocked grants worth crores for urban development because the state government has failed to constitute the elected local bodies, the PDP leader said. Mufti said, "Due to prevailing system in the ULBs there is no accountability and transparency and this situation suits the ruling coalition so the government is creating hurdles in conducting ULBs elections." "Priority of this regime is not to empower people by strengthening democratic institutions," he said. NEW DELHI, JAN 8:Prof. Bhim Singh, Chief Patron of National Panthers Party met the Union Home Minister, Shri Sushil Kumar Shinde and Union Railway Minister, Shri Pawan Kumar Bansal separately today and sought urgent intervention of ministers in their respective departments for ensuring safety and security of the political activists as well as appropriate intervention in the state. NPP Chief Patron impressed upon the Union Home Minister to ensure that the balance amount of relief due to the Jammu (Talwara) migrants is released without any delay. He told the minister that Rs.21 crores of relief due to the Jammu Migrants hailing from Doda, Ramban, Kishtwar, Poonch, Rajouri, Udhampur and Reasi has not been paid in spite of the affidavit filed by the Govt. of India and Govt. of J&K in the Supreme Court to clear the balance. He also regretted that relief amount in respect of Kashmiri migrants was doubled in 2004 whereas the Jammu Migrants were kept in the old scale. He accused both governments for the discrimination against the Jammu migrants which was apparent on the face of it. Prof. Bhim Singh also sought intervention of the Union Home Minister to ensure that appropriate security cover is provided to the Panthers Party leaders in the militancy-effected areas to ensure their movement in public in connection with Panthers Party activities. He charged both National Conference & Congress for discriminating with the Panthers Party activists for the reason that this is only secular, nationalist and democratic state party in opposition in J&K which has been irking the National Conference-Congress alliance. Shri Shinde assured that he shall sort out the issues accordingly. Prof. Bhim Singh during his meeting with the Railway Minister, Shri Pawan Kumar Bansal urged the Railway Ministry to ensure that Railway construction lines work between Udhampur and Katra, Katra and Banihal is taken up on war-footing without any delay. He told the Minister that the Railway line between Udhampur and Banihal was in the greater national interest and security

Gul visits residence of Mohammad Syed

JAMMU, JAN 08: Advisor to Chief Minister Mr. Mubarak Gul visited to the residence of Ex MLA, Mohammad Syed at Kargil who passed away recently, to pay condolence to the bereaved family. Mr. Gul expressed condolence to the family members of the deceased leader and said that he always worked for the upliftment of the society, particular for the people of Kargil. Mr. Gul also conveyed sympathises to the bereaved family on behalf of Chief Minister and prayed for the eternal peace of departed soul.

Shabir condoles demise of Alama Dil Mohammad

JAMMU, JAN 08: Minister of state for Power, Mr. Shabir Ahmed Khan has expressed deep grief and sorrow over the demise of Alama Dil Mohammad, a renowned religious leader of Poonch and Rajouri who passed away this morning. The Minister, on hearing about the demise of Alama, visited Fatehpur Rajouri to attend funeral ceremony of the deceased religious scholar, late Alama Dil Mohammad. He also visited to the residence of deceased and expressed his heartfelt sympathies with the bereaved family. He prayed for eternal peace to the departed soul.

than constructing the railway tunnel between Qazigund and Banihal. Connecting Qazigund in Banihal without connecting the railway track with the national railways would mean nothing except sending a dangerous signal to the enemies of the state. He accused National Conference leadership for trying to revive outdated an anti-India 'Oven Dixon Plan' in J&K by dividing Jammu Pradesh on communal lines. The Railway Minister assured his cooperation so that the Udhampur-Banihal Railways are built at the earliest. He also demanded that Jammu City should be connection with Poonch as well as with Kishtwar and Bhaderwah so that the people may share the benefit of railways.

A large number of youth joined NCSU

JAMMU, JAN 08: National Conference Students Union organized awareness programme to educate their Students & People about the PSG and RTI Act. PSG and RTI actsare the big achievements of the Young and dynamic Chief Minister Omar Abdullah ledCoalition Government. On the occasion a large number of youth joined NCSU. Addressing the gathering Provincial President NCSU Rakesh Singh Chib, said the Omar Abdullah led coalition government in the state is committed to empower the people and make governance more energetic, responsive, transparent and accountable. He said that the legislations like the Public Services Guarantee Act along with the State Accountability Commission Act, Right to Information Act and the State Vigilance Commission Act are visionary initiatives of Omar Abdullah to ensure transparency and to guarantee delivery of public services to the people in a time bound manner. Rakesh chib Provincial President NCSU said that the four years of the Omar led coalition has ushered the state in an era of peace, progress and prosperity resulting in unprecedented, overall, all round development which is unparallel in the history of the state and has brought in economic resurgence and opened new vistas of employment opportunities for the unemployed youth of the state. Qadir Khan Sr Vice President also throws light on PSG ACT and said initially Revenue, PHE, Power, CA&PD, Social Welfare and Transport Departments have been brought under the ambit of PSG Act to ease the problems of the people. They will be able to get certain facilities within a time bound manner. Gunjan Sharma said that the Omar Abdullah Government is committed to give comfort to common faith in the leadership of President J&K National Conference Dr Farooq Abdullah and Chief Minister Omar Abdulla, who is working for the welfare of the people and youth.

Red Ribbon Express arrives at Kathua

KATHUA, JAN 8: Minister of state for Cooperatives, Finance and Planning, Dr Manohar Lal Sharma, called for people initiative to share the message of Red Ribbon Express to discourage the casual approach towards HIV/AIDS. Dr Sharma said this after inaugurating the arrival of red ribbon express at Govindsar Railway Station, Kathua here today. Dr Sharma further said awareness is the only way to help reduce cases of AIDS. He said if diagnosed and treated at an early stage, HIV infected persons can lead a normal life. He said each citizen bears equal responsibility to play its role to create awareness to eradicate the dreaded disease. The Minister said that RRE has proved as an effective mobile multimedia supported campaign cum exhibition on this dreaded disease. He said the person aware of health is a literate in true sense. Dr Sharma appreciated the efforts of district administration for organizing the function successfully. Pertinent to mention here that Red Ribbon Express has a comprehensive information with respect to the AIDS, TB, Dengue, Malaria and other dreaded diseases and other ailments, to aware people towards their health. The train will remain stationed at Govindsar Railway Station for two days for the public. The function was organized, as a joint initiative, by the Jammu and Kashmir State AIDS Prevention and Control Society, NRHM and Indian Railways and District Administration Kathua. MLA, Kathua, Charanjit Singh said HIV/AIDS is a big challenge, and prevention is the only way to keep away from this killing disease. He appealed the students to avail maximum knowledge from the red ribbon express and disseminate it further to the fellow citizens. District Development Commissioner Kathua Ms Zahida Parveen Khan also gave detailed note on HIV/AIDS on the occasion. A cultural programme based on the theme of HIV/AIDS was presented by artists and school students. The Project Director, J&K State AIDS Prevention and Control Society, Dr Rakesh Khajuria gave detailed information about the Red Ribbon Express. Among others Ex MLA, Kathua Dhian Chand, Ex MLA Hiranagar Mr Girdhari Lal Chalotra, Ex MLC Chunni Lal, ADDC Kathua Mr Ajay Jammwal, Chief Medical Officer, Kathua, Medical Superintendent Dr J.P Singh, a large number of school students, Asha workers and people from surrounding areas were present on the occasion.

Shabir reviews achievements under power sector

JAMMU, JAN 08: Minister of state for Power, Mr. Shabir Ahmed Khan today reviewed the functioning of the Power Development Department (PDD) at a high level meeting here on Tuesday. Principal Secretary, PDD, Mr. Arun Kumar Mehta, Development Commissioner Power, Mr. M. A. Salroo, Secretary Technical Power, Mr. Asgar Ali Majaz, Chief Engineers, Superintendent Engineers and Executive Engineers of various wings of the department attended the meeting. The Minister took a detailed review of various ongoing works, including status of RGGVY projects, upcoming grid stations and High Transmission Lines. Taking brief about various projects, the Minister emphasized the need to speed up the work on infrastructure up-gradation works aimed at improvement of power scenario in the state. He said the up-gradation of the infrastructure would facilitate uninterrupted power supply and its distribution, besides drawing of power from the power stations under construction in the region. He also reviewed the measures

Stresses on full tariff realization, plugging of power pilferage

cerned to closely monitor the power system across the division and directed that damaged transformers should be replaced immediately to avoid resentment among masses. Principal Secretary, PDD, Mr. Mehta directed concerned engineers to complete all under execution power works well in time for reducing power losses in the division. He directed for re-activating the services of field staff to check and control power pilferage. He stressed for brining all consumers on record and agreement with the department for actual power consumption. He also instructed that preventive maintenance of power infrastructure should be taken first before damages and asked them not to wait till the minor damage to the power infrastructure becomes a big problem. Mr. Mehta directed concerned authorities to ensure scheduled power supply to the consumers as they have the right to get proper electricity. He stressed upon all the wings of the department to work in coordinated manner for achieving good results.

Minister of state for Power, Mr. Shabir Ahmed Khan during a high level meeting at Jammu. taken by the department to improve the revenue realization across the Jammu division. Mr. Shabir urged for achieving cent percent physical and financial targets set for various wings under the power sector. He warned the concerned Heads against any kind of laxity in accomplishing the assigned physical and financial targets in full, observing that there was urgent need to enforce more transparency and efficiency in the working of implementing agencies at ground level. "Failure, if any, on account of achieving physical as well financial targets will be viewed seriously", the Minister warned and said that erring officers shall have to face strict action. He said achievement on account of physical and financial targets will be viewed as the benchmark for assessing the performance of the officials. The Minister issued directions for immediate restoration of damages caused to power infrastructure due to recent snowfall in Rajouri, Poonch, Doda, Kishtwar and other affected areas of the division. He also directed concerned for early recharging of Barn-AkhnoorSiot-Kalakote Transmission Line for mitigating power crisis in Rajouri and Poonch districts. He also instructed early augmentation of Thannamandi Receiving Station . Mr. Shabir instructed the con-

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EDITORIAL
India''s External Intelligence - Secrets of Research & Analysis.The author was a Joint Secretary in RAW. In recent times, many others have also recounted their experiences in these two organisations and in the CBI. Among them are: Inside IB and RAW - The Rolling Stone That Gathered Moss by K Sankaran Nair, former chief of RAW; The Kaoboys of R&AW - Down memory Lane'by B Raman, former head of Counter-Terror Division of RAW, who retired as Additional Secretary, Cabinet Secretariat; Open Secrets - India's Intelligence Unveiled by Maloy Krishna Dhar, former Joint Director, Intelligence Bureau. We also have rare insights into the working of CBI and governmental interference in the organisation's working in Who owns the CBI - The Naked Truth by the BR Lal, former Joint Director, CBI. At this rate, the Government may even ban retired officials from speaking about their experiences. The Government's paranoia is inexplicable because we are in the RTI age in which transparency is the mantra. Let the Government also not forget the advice of the Second Administrative Reforms Commission, while reviewing the RTI Act. It said the Government must move "from the prevailing culture of secrecy to a new culture of openness". How can we usher in the era of "openness" if Union Ministers hold such illiberal views when a former Director of CBI does some plain speaking? Individuals like Mr Misra demand our respect because they are far and few, and any hope of cleaning up the system depends wholly on the willingness of such individuals to speak up. One only hopes more retired officials join his ranks. Meanwhile, even though the judiciary has ensured that the Central Vigilance Commission has a supervisory role vis--vis the CBI, this does not appear to be enough. That is why Comptroller & Auditor-General Vinod Rai has sought constitutional status for the CBI and the CVC. In his view, the CBI and the CVC are not independent and are often described as handmaidens of the Government. We now have it from a former Director of the CBI that the Government interferes in the organisation's working. We must act on the CAG's suggestion if we wish to end the farce that goes on in the name of investigations by the country's premier probe agency.

UPA cannot hide the truth all the time

BY: A SURYA PRAKASH former CBI Director has revealed that the probe agency has faced political pressure in high-profile cases over the last few years in this regime. The Congress has denied the charge. But people know the reality Some weeks ago, the former Director of the Central Bureau of Investigation, Mr US Misra, admitted that he faced political pressure while dealing with the disproportionate assets case of Ms Mayawati, the former Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh. He thus turned the spotlight on the worst kept secret in Delhi that the Government often misuses the CBI to harass political opponents or to win over political leaders when it is short of numbers in Parliament. Mr Misra told a news channel that, when the CBI investigates cases against prominent political leaders, "there are some influences to keep the progress report pending or present in a certain way". His revelations must be seen in the context of the opposition's allegation that the CBI was misused by the Government in order to browbeat the leaders of the Bahujan Samaj Party and the Samajwadi Party and to secure their support in Parliament for the Government's policy of allowing FDI in multi-brand retail. Strangely, by sheer coincidence, the lawyers of Mr Mulayam Singh Yadav, the Samajwadi Party supremo who is facing the charge of having disproportionate assets, also told the Supreme Court that it was not a good idea for the CBI to report to the Government about the progress of the case because the Government could use this as a tool to politically blackmail him. They told the court that Mr Yadav was a victim of political vendetta and the petitioner in this particular case was a known Congress activist. The history of Mr Yadav's case lends credence to Mr Misra's comments that the CBI is subject to Government pressure. In October, 2007, the CBI sought the court's permission to file additional evidence against Mr Yadav's family. However, in December 2008, the same agency told the court that it wanted to withdraw the application which it had filed the previous year "in view of the legal advice and direction of the Union of India". Why did the Union Government want the CBI to backtrack? What transpired between October 2007 and December 2008 to warrant such a volte face? The case of Mr Yadav and Ms

Mayawati are just two of many such instances where the Government's intervention has prevented a free and fair investigation and timely prosecution of persons on corruption charges. The most infamous case of Government's interference in the working of the CBI relates to Ottavio Quattrochchi. This Italian businessman and friend of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi and Congress chairperson Sonia Gandhi, knocked off a commission of US$7.343 million from Bofors, the Swedish gun manufacturer, when we purchased guns for our Army. The story of how and when Quattrochchi got the money was fully documented by the CBI after it obtained Swiss bank records. The Atal Bihari Vajpayee Government even got the Government of UK to freeze Quattrochchi's account which had this money. Yet, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh asked the Government of UK to de-freeze the account and directed the CBI to withdraw the case against Quattrochchi. He even ensured that the CBI did not act promptly when Quattrochchi was detained in Argentina and eventually made sure that the red corner Interpol alert that had been issued in respect of this fugitive was withdrawn. In fact, such is the persistent interference of the Government in this case that it stands as a monument to gross governmental interference in the working of the CBI. But, this is not the only one. There are dozens of such cases. However, despite such mounting evidence of the misuse of the CBI, Union Ministers have tried to rubbish Mr Misra's claims. Union Minister of State in the Prime Minister's Office V Narayanasamy took a dig at Mr Misra and said, strangely, that wisdom dawns on individuals after their retirement. But the really strange thing about truth is that it has an uncanny knack of coming out into the open, however much one may try to suppress it. But the Government is forever uncomfortable with truth. That is why it issued a gag order some time ago, prohibiting officials in intelligence and security agencies from penning their memoirs. This order came after several persons, who held senior positions in the Intelligence Bureau and the Research & Analysis Wing, decided to recount their experiences while handling sensitive responsibilities and assignments in these organisations. The ban was imposed after the release of Maj Gen VK Singh's book

Don't reveal rape victims' identity A

t a time when the country is still to recover from the horror of the December 16 incident, many entirely needless controversies have erupted over revealing the gang rape victim's identity. Not only do these issues disrespect the memory of the victim but they also make the process of recovery more difficult for her loved ones who are going through untold trauma themselves. Moreover, in this situation there are unambiguous guidelines, repeatedly reiterated by the highest court of the land, that allow absolutely no scope for such controversies and debates. Section 228A of the Indian Penal Code makes it amply clear that giving out the identity of a rape victim is illegal. However, in sub-section two it also mentions that the identity may be revealed either by the victim herself or, if she is dead, by her next-of-kin. In the case of the latter, the next-of-kin must provide the information to the chairman or the secretary of a social welfare institution recognised by the Union or State Government concerned. It is against this backdrop that the revelation of the victim's identity by a foreign newspaper must be viewed. The UK tabloid published the name of the victim after an interview with her father. He reportedly gave his consent to make public his daughter's name, but since then has claimed to the contrary. Either way, it is clear that protocol was not followed - the father doesn't seem to have given the information in writing to any Government-recognised social welfare organisation. This alone should be enough to end any debate over naming the victim. But even before the British tabloid published the victim's name, an Indian news channel was already in the midst of a similar row after it showed an interview with the victim's male friend, the sole eye-witness in the case. In the interview broadcast last Friday, the friend talks about the trials and tribulations which he and the victim faced after their tormentors threw them out of the moving bus. He speaks of the apathy of the passersby who didn't care to stop by and help; he describes an ineffectual police force that not only took 45 minutes to reach them but after that quarreled over jurisdiction issues; and finally, he also mentions the apathy of the hospital staff whom he had to plead for a piece of cloth to cover his body. The interview should have served as an opportunity for society in general and the authorities in particular to look within and

introspect. Instead, the authorities are now pursuing legal remendies against the channel. This serves no purpose - much like the demand for naming the anti-rape law after the victim does little to further justice. First, it would be an act of empty symbolism. Second, penal laws in this country are not named after any person. Finally, this victim was not the only one to have suffered such heinous crime. And, even though her case has indeed aroused nationwide passions unlike any other, those who have suffered similarly before her cannot be ignored. Erecting a memorial for the victim and such other victims is perhaps a better option. Of course, the best way to truly honour her memory (and that of countless others like her) is to ensure that those who tormented them are brought to justice without further delay.

Here's Why We Believe That One Hand Can "Definitely" Clap

BY AKHIL KUMAR t a time when our traditional decadent culture is speaking from a thousand mouths, we need to treat the abscesses lest more pus should ooze out reeking of deep seated patriarchy. Yes, the reference is to the 'honourable' Asaram Bapu's allegation that "Only 5-6 people are not the culprits. The victim daughter is as guilty as her rapists She should have called the culprits brothers and begged before them to stop This could have saved her dignity and life. Can one hand clap?

I don't think so". Besides abusing the sanctity of the relationship of a brother and sister by suggesting that she should have addressed the rapists as her brother; he has also unknowingly appealed to the nation to hammer the final nail in the coffin of the school of thought of these God men (read con men) and celebrities/politicians who, in the guise of representing the masses, have laughed right in our faces. At a time when women are asserting their rights after innumerable years of suppression and oppression,

their patriarchal fiefdom is threatened resulting in the manifestation of their true character through such condemnable hate speeches. Every other day, we see another politician jumping on the bandwagon setting new lows for the limits of misogyny. There seems to be a peculiar competition to outdo their counterparts.We need to defeat such politics of hate by openly and blatantly criticizing such mockery of gender sensitization as they stand for the most outrageous and humiliating regressive values in our soci-

ety. We should not let these nincompoops overshadow our struggle for gender justice and the spirit of resistance the girl led us to, by letting them get away with derogatory remarks about women and the victim in particular. Let us all stand in solidarity with the women who are fighting for equal rights as the liberation of our society is inherently bound to theirs. Our society will not be free until every single woman is. Let us all join in their slogan "For half the earth and half the sky, we shall fight, we shall win!"

Costs of lowering our guard

BY ABHIJIT IYER-MITRA here is lack of vision and financial management on the part of the Defence Ministry and the Armed Forces. As a result, the country ends up squandering most of its defence budget on wasteful peacockery and socalled big-ticket reforms There are several way of looking at the recently announced five per cent cut in the defence allocation for this budgetary year amounting to some Rs10,000 crore. The negatives are obvious - most of the cuts will be to the capital account. This means most acquisitions will be the most hard hit. Indications are that the Rafale deal for the Air Force, the light helicopter deal for the Army and the raising of the mountain strike corps, will be severely affected. Besides this cut, the additional Rs40,000 crore reportedly being sought for modernisation will also in all probability not be had. Consequently the three services have reportedly been asked to prioritise their acquisitions. As the saying goes, history repeats itself usually as a tragedy. Historically the militarily relevant period here, when defence was starved of funds, dates back to the China war of 1962 for much the same reasons. Then, as now, reckless spending on ill-conceived socialist projects saw to it that defence never really got what it wanted in terms of finances. Historians give Jawaharlal Nehru a clean chit for this, claiming quite rightly that then Union Minister for Finance Morarji Desai did not give what then Union Minister for Defence Krishna Menon asked for. All this conveniently ignores the fact that the precarious economic situation was precisely one of Nehru's making. Then, as now, tainted Ministers - and Krishna Menon

As the saying goes, history repeats itself usually as a tragedy. Historically the militarily relevant period here, when defence was starved of funds, dates back to the China war of 1962 for much the same reasons. Then, as now, reckless spending on ill-conceived socialist projects saw to it that defence never really got what it wanted in terms of finances. Historians give Jawaharlal Nehru a clean chit for this, claiming quite rightly that then Union Minister for Finance Morarji Desai did not give what then Union Minister for Defence Krishna Menon asked for. All this conveniently ignores the fact that the precarious economic situation was precisely one of Nehru's making. Then, as now, tainted Ministers - and Krishna Menon was seriously tainted due to his involvement in the purchase of defective Army jeeps - survived merely because of their loyalty to the dynasty, despite their proven incompetence. If history repeats itself as a tragedy, it is also equally prone to repeating itself as a farce. A case in point is the acquisition of the Rafale. Whatever the Rafale does, the Sukhoi also does - and much better usually. It fights at the same altitude, has a much bigger radar, and flies anywhere between three and six times the distance the Rafale can. A host of Israeli systems, including jamming and reconnaissance pods, active electronically scanned array radars et al, means that Western quality can be combined with a cheap Russian platform with relative ease, given the enormous onboard power of the Sukhoi and its onboard space. Yet, for some strange reason, the Sukhoi is yet to be indigenised. This process was to be completed by the time at least half the airframes were acquired of a planned total of 230. Yet, in 2011, the Government had to sign a deal to procure an additional 42 airframe kits from Russia for local assembly.
was seriously tainted due to his involvement in the purchase of defective Army jeeps - survived merely because of their loyalty to the dynasty, despite their proven incompetence. This, however, is one side of the story. The other side is the lack of proper vision or financial management on the part of the Defence Ministry and Armed Forces themselves, which means that India squanders most of its defence budget on wasteful peacockery and big-ticket items. A lot of this has to do with the complete lack of a strategic vision. Notably, self-defeating obstinacy usually masquerading under the guise of 'strategic autonomy' would be the main culprit. In the narrowest sense, strategic autonomy would mean the ability to hit Pakistan with US weapons free from US reproach or the threat of sanctions. In the broadest sense, this could mean that India should be able to mount an independent invasion of Lichtenstein hidden high in the Alps. The problem of course is that a generalist bureaucracy guiding a generalist Minister simply cannot narrow down the scope of strategic autonomy to something tangible and workable. What this means is that the Armed Forces are required to spread their resources very thin over a broad spectrum of threats. What this results in is that India chooses by its own volition to be a jack of all trades and master of none. The jack-of-all-trades state comes about largely because of inter-Service rivalry - jockeying for scarce resources. Given that we trumpet civilian supremacy in this country, it falls to the civilian bureaucrats and their civilian Minister to then prioritise acquisition. The problem here is that defence specifically the nature of modern warfare and the complexity of the acquisition process - is a heavily technical subject requiring knowledge of the industry, technology and its processes and of war. One just needs to look at the service directory to see that none of the 'civvies' in the Ministry have any such experience. Prioritisation, therefore, falls prey to a substandard debate based on half-baked facts and half-baked knowledge. The second issue, however, lies with Armed Forces themselves and their own idiosyncrasies. Even within their own ranks they seem completely unable to define their roles. The lack of political direction is obvious, but the lack of vision and leadership within the Armed Forces needs to be acknowledged. Start, for example, with the Jaguar and the MiG-27 procurements, each totalling about 120 plus airframes. The only real difference was that the former was made by an Anglo-French combine and the latter by the Russians. Both performed the exact same role, and yet the Air Force in its infinite wisdom chose to waste its money duplicating capacity. The Air Force gained two separate logistics chains, two separate engines, two separate sets of weapons, two separate sets of communication equipment, two separate training protocols and two separate sets of tactics. None of this has translated into local expertise of any sort, as evidenced by the fact that we were unable to master the production of either. Local assembly was passed off as local production. If history repeats itself as a tragedy, it is also equally prone to repeating itself as a farce. A case in point is the acquisition of the Rafale. Whatever the Rafale does, the Sukhoi also does - and much better usually. It fights at the same altitude, has a much bigger radar, and flies anywhere between three and six

times the distance the Rafale can. A host of Israeli systems, including jamming and reconnaissance pods, active electronically scanned array radars et al, means that Western quality can be combined with a cheap Russian platform with relative ease, given the enormous onboard power of the Sukhoi and its onboard space. Yet, for some strange reason, the Sukhoi is yet to be indigenised. This process was to be completed by the time at least half the airframes were acquired of a planned total of 230. Yet, in 2011, the Government had to sign a deal to procure an additional 42 airframe kits from Russia for local assembly. Now, despite this, the Air Force chooses 126 Rafales - a plane that is inferior to the Sukhoi in every sense of the word. The Air Force has a lot of explaining to do. But the babus too have some explaining of their own to do, given that this inferior Western platform costs twice as much as its Eastern analogue. In reality, the Rafale was severely underpriced to win the contract. When Dassault does submit the final bid, expect the price to rise anywhere between 200 per cent and 400 per cent. Given that the service directory lists French as the spoken language of several Defence Ministry babus, it is curious that none of them bothered reading French Senate reports indicating a per unit price upwards of 200 million euros a pop and rising - nowhere close to the 80 million euros quoted. So, the Government bears serious blame for financial mismanagement and the bureaucracy for incompetence. But our sense of gratitude for those who defend us must not prevent us from calling the Armed Forces out when they go so far astray.

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Contd... he Princess did so, and brought him what he desired. The following evening the Prince dressed himself for the tournament. Before he went he said to his wife, 'Now mind you do not say when you see me that I am the Crab. For if you do this evil will come of it. Place yourself at the window with your sisters; I will ride by and throw you the silver apple. Take it in your hand, but if they ask you who I am, say that you do not know.' So saying, he kissed her, repeated his warning once more, and went away. The Princess went with her sisters to the window and looked on at the tournament. Presently her husband rode by and threw the apple up to her. She caught it in her hand and went with it to her room, and by-and-by her husband came back to her. But her father was much surprised that she did not seem to care about any of the Princes; he therefore appointed a second tournament. The Crab then gave his wife the same directions as

The Golden Crab

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before, only this time the apple which she received from the black man was of gold. But before the Prince went to the tournament he said to his wife, 'Now I know you will betray me to-day.' But she swore to him that she would not tell who he was. He then repeated his warning and went away. In the evening, while the Princess, with her mother and sisters, was standing at the window, the Prince suddenly galloped past on his steed and threw her the golden apple. Then her mother flew into a passion, gave her a box on the ear, and cried out, 'Does not even that prince please you, you fool?' The Princess in her fright exclaimed, 'That is the Crab

himself!' Her mother was still more angry because she had not been told sooner, ran into her daughter's room where the crab-shell was still lying, took it up and threw it into the fire. Then t h e poor

Princess cried bitterly, but it was of no use; her husband did not come back. Now we must leave the Princess and turn to the other persons in the story. One day an old man went to a stream to dip in a crust of bread which he was going to eat, when a dog came out of the water, snatched the bread from his hand, and ran away. The old man ran after him, but the dog reached a door, pushed it open, and ran in, the old man following him. He did not overtake the dog, but found himself above a staircase, which he descended. Then he saw before him a

stately palace, and, entering, he found in a large hall a table set for twelve persons. He hid himself in the hall behind a great picture, that he might see what would happen. At noon he heard a great noise, so that he trembled with fear. When he took courage to look out from behind the picture, he saw twelve eagles flying in. At this sight his fear became still greater. The eagles flew to the basin of a fountain that was there and bathed themselves, when suddenly they were changed into twelve handsome youths. Now they seated themselves at the table, and one of them took up a goblet filled with wine, and said, 'A health to my father!' And another said, 'A health to my mother!' and so the healths went round. Then one of them said:

'A health to my dearest lady, Long may she live and well! But a curse on the cruel mother That burnt my golden shell!'
And so saying he wept bitterly. to be contd.....

IMAGE TO COLOUR

FAMOUS LEADERS: PURUSHOTTAM DAS TANDON

and found time to be a part of some activities undertaken by the party for the welfare of India. In 1906, when Purushottam Das Tandon also started practicing law, he represented his native Allahabad at the All India Congress Committee. He was also involved in the workings of the Lok Sevak Sangh and the committee instituted for studying the Jallianwala Bagh incident of 1919. After he left law practice in 1921, Purushottam Das Tandon courted arrest because of his involvement in the Non Cooperation Movement of the 1920s and the Satyagraha incident of the 1930s. Purushottam Das Tandon was elected the president of the Provincial Kisan Sabha in Bihar in the year 1934 and it was during his term and leadership that several farmers' movements started in pre independent India. Purushottam Das Tandon was elected to the Constituent Assembly of India in the year 1946 and remained in office of the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of Uttar Pradesh for a period of 13 years, spanning pre and post independence times from July 31, 1937 to August 10, 1950. After Independence Politics Purushottam Das Tandon contested for the post of President of the Congress party in the year 1948 but lost to Pattabhi Sitaramayya. However he was successful in securing the same position after two years in 1950 defeating Acharya Kriplani to head the Nagpur session of Congress the same year. Purushottam Das Tandon became a member of the Lok Sabha in the year 1952 and joined the Rajya Sabha in 1956. After 1956, Purushottam Das Tandon gradually became ill and had to quit from active politics to take care of his health. Controversies & Contradictions As mentioned earlier, the career of Purushottam Das Tandon was marked with many a controversy. Firstly, though it was the freedom fighter himself who spoke about the similarities between the Hindus and the Muslims, his actions showed that Purushottam Das Tandon was inclined towards the Hindus, a fact which also resulted in securing for him the name of 'soft Hindu nationalist'. He was associated with the Radha Soami cult and always tried to incorporate Hindu religious ideals in politics. Purushottam Das Tandon was one politician who spoke out vehemently against the concept of religious conversion, even voicing his thoughts in the constituent assembly of the country. Purushottam Das Tandon also spoke out against the partition of India after independence. He was one of the rare members of the AICC who protested before ratifying the resolution that would lead to partition. However many people were of the opinion that his unwillingness to share power with the Muslim League after the 1937 elections actually led to the partition of India after 1947. The relationship between Jawaharlal Nehru and Purushottam Das Tandon was good as long as the former commended the latter on his 'No Tax' campaign. It was during the 1940s that the first signs of dissent began to appear. Purushottam Das Tandon's success in bagging the post of president of the Congress party against favorite Acharya Kriplani annoyed Jawaharlal Nehru more and destroyed their relationship further. Advocating the Hindi Language Purushottam Das Tandon worked furtively with the Hindi Prachar Sabhas to bring the Hindi language at the forefront and establish it as the official language of the country. However, in his efforts to promote Hindi, Purushottam Das Tandon completely ignored other Indian languages and was labeled a chauvinist. While leaders like Mahatma Gandhi voted for Hindustani, a mixture of Hindi and Urdu to be declared the national language, Purushottam Das Tandon spoke against the Urdu script, voting for the Devanagari script instead. This was a further cause for the deterioration of his relationship with Jawaharlal Nehru. Purushottam Das Tandon was for the Sanskritisation of the Hindi language and his argument while promoting the Hindi language in the constituent assembly was that the mother tongue should be used as the medium of instruction. It was largely due to Purushottam Das Tandon's efforts that Hindi became the national language of India. Anecdotes on Purushottam Das Tandon Purushottam Das Tandon was always different from the other freedom fighters during his time in terms of his pattern of work and attitude. Here are some popular anecdotes which made the rounds on Purushottam Das Tandon: * He was a staunch believer of ahimsa or non violence and therefore used only rubber chappals instead of leather ones. * While Speakers used to avoid party meetings in order to maintain their stance of impartiality, Purushottam Das Tandon attended all of them and also said that he would resign from his position as Speaker if the house lacks confidence in his actions. No members of the house dared speak about this issue. * Purushottam Das Tandon was also known for his philanthropic nature. He often asked a clerk responsible for handling the salaries of the members of parliament to drop his cheques to a public service fund. His argument was that he got enough money from his seven sons, all of whom were earning and all of whom sent him one hundred rupees per month. Therefore he did not require his own salary and could thus use it for the welfare of the needy. His complete disinterest in money and possessions earned him the title of 'Rajarshi'. Awards and Recognition + Purushottam Das Tandon earned the tile 'Rajarshi' which means 'Royal Saint' in Sanskrit for his giving and unselfish nature. + He was presented the Bharat Ratna, the highest civilian award of India in the year 1961, just a year before his death. Timeline 1882: Purushottam Das Tandon was born on August 1. 1899: Became a member of the Congress party. 1906: Started practicing law. 1908: Joined the bar of Allahabad High Court. 1908: Joined as a junior to lawyer Tej Bahadur Sapru. 1919: Joined as part of the Congress party committee to study the Jallianwala Bagh insicent. 1921: Gave up law practice to join active politics. 1934: Elected president of Bihar Provincial Kisan Sabha. 1937: Elected Speaker of Legislative Assembly of Uttar Pradesh on July 31. 1946: Elected to Constituent Assembly of India. 1947: Refused to sign partition of India resolution on June 14. 1948: Was defeated in Congress party President Election against Pattabhi Sitaramayya. 1950: End of his term as Speaker on August 10, Was successful in Congress party President Election against Acharya Kriplani. 1952: Became member of the Lok Sabha. 1956: Became member of the Rajya Sabha. 1961: Was awarded the Bharat Ratna. 1962: Left for the heavenly abode on July 1.

FUN TIME
1. Two Sardars looking at an Egyptian mummy. Sardar1: Look so many bandages, pakka truck accident case! Sardar2: Aaho, truck nambar bhi likha hai :BC-1760!!

2. Robert: Bass is gaddar ka kya karen? Ajeet: Ise sui chubho chubho kar mar daalo pulees samjhegi ki sui-cide hua hai. 3. Sardar enters kitchen and opens the sugarbox. Sees inside and closes it. Wife observes the whole episode. Again he comes and does the same stuff. Wife askes : Why are you doing this? Sardar replies : Doctor told to check sugar level regularly. 4. Train mein TT Sadhu se bola : Kahan jana hai? Sadhu : Jahan Ram ka janam hua tha. TT : Ticket hai? Sadhu : Nahin TT : Chalo Jahan Krishan ka janam hua tha.. Jail mein

Ferdinand Frog And The Flea

Ferdinand Frog found a flip-flopping flea frolicking cheerfully. "What's this that I see? Frogs don't get fleas! This should never happen to me. Flee little flea. Be away with thee." "We'll see," said the flea, sitting on the frog's knee. "If first you'll do something for me." "What," asked the frog, "could I possibly do for thee?" "Well," said the flea. "Go find me a dog." "Or a big bellied hog." "Yes, there, I might live quite happily."

Born On: August 1, 1882 Born In: Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh, India Died On: July 1, 1962 Career: Lawyer, Politician, Freedom Fighter Nationality: Indian urushottam Das Tandon, the Punjabi Khatri from preindependent Uttar Pradesh in India, was one of the most popular advocates of freedom for the country from British rule. Purushottam Das Tandon worked in association with the Congress party and took part in several events to show his protests against the British rulers. He was dedicated to the well being of his country even after independence and thus, remained attached with politics after August 1947. However, his years within the folds of the Congress were not free of controversies, largely because of his deteriorating relationship with Jawaharlal Nehru after India's independence. Purushottam Das Tandon is best remembered for his contribution towards helping to make Hindi the official language of India and for his participation in party meetings held at the Lok Sabha in spite of the fact that he was the Speaker and was expected to remain neutral and impartial in his opinions and views. Early Life Purushottam Das Tandon was born on August 1, 1882 in the city of Allahabad in Uttar Pradesh in British-dominated India. After completing school, Purushottam Das Tandon obtained a degree in Law and another masters degree in History before setting on a professional life. The year 1906 was his first year in law practice after which Purushottam Das Tandon joined the bar of the Allahabad High Court. In the year 1908, he joined as a junior to prominent lawyer Tej Bahadur Sapru. For the next few years Purushottam Das Tandon practiced law before finally quitting in the year 1921 to concentrate on politics and freedom struggle. Role in Freedom Struggle Purushottam Das Tandon was dedicated towards achieving freedom for India since his student days. Even while he was studying, he became a member of the Congress party in the year 1899

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STUDENT AGE WEDESDAY, JANUARY 9, 2013

NATIONAL
BJP accuses Congress for playing communal politics in Owaisi case
NEW DELHI: The BJP Tuesday accused the Congress of playing "communal politics" and trying to make Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (MIM) leader Akbaruddin Owaisi a hero by not arresting him over his hate speeches. Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) spokesperson Prakash Javedakar told media persons here that Owaisi should have been arrested immediately on his arrival from London. "Congress is providing him protection. There is insincerity in their intent," he alleged, claiming that the Congress, the ruling party in Andhra Pradesh, needed support of the MIM in Hyderabad Municipal Corporation and was "paying the cost". He said according to the procedure, if an accused complained of ill-health, he should be presented before the court first, and then taken to the hospital. "Why this was not done?" asked Javadekar. Akbaruddin Owaisi Tuesday went for medical tests at a government-run hospital in Hyderabad on the directions of police to ascertain if he was fit to face questioning in a case of making hate speeches. He returned from London early Monday and sought four days' time to appear before police, citing illhealth. Javadekar said Owaisi was given "a hero's welcome" on his return from London and police were providing him protection instead of arresting him. He said the state Congress government was not arresting him to allow him to try and get relief from court against police action. "That is the Congress's communal politics," he said. Javadekar said that in contrast, police had conducted a "midnight swoop" on supporters of yoga guru Baba Ramdev in the capital and social activist Anna Hazare was prevented from going to the site of his fast. "They will arrest a youth who tweets against Chidambaram's son... but not arrest Owaisi," he said.

MIM leader Akbaruddin Owaisi arrested

HYDERABAD: Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (MIM) leader Akbaruddin Owaisi was finally arrested on Tuesday in a hate speech case. He was arrested one month after he made the controversial speech. He has been charged under section 122 and 153 (A). Earlier in the day, Owaisi was subjected to medical tests to ascertain if he was fit to face questioning. A team of doctors at the government-run Gandhi hospital conducted more than 10 tests on Owaisi. As per the medical report, Owaisi has adhesions and hernia in the abdomen and a bullet in right thigh pressing on sciatic nerve. The MIM MLA in Andhra Assembly was at the hospital since around 11 am today. The police whisked the MIM leader from a separate entrance from where his supporters and the media had gathered at the hospital. Earlier in the day, Owaisi's supporters reportedly attacked vehicles outside Gandhi hospital. Many areas of Old Hyderabad are supposedly tense. Owaisi had moved the High Court, seeking orders to restrain police from arresting him and also to quash cases

ED attaches Jagan's assets worth Rs 143 cr

HYDERABAD/NEW DELHI: The Enforcement Directorate has attached assets worth Rs 143.74 crore in connection with its probe in the money laundering case against YSR Congress party chief Jagan Mohan Reddy. The attachment order, under criminal provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), is the third by the agency after it issued two separate attachment orders of Rs 51 crore and Rs 71 crore earlier, in this case. The agency, according to sources, has few more similar orders in the pipeline as it plans to build a water tight case against Jagan and his associates. "Immovable properties and movable assets worth Rs 143.74 crore under section 5(1) of PMLA are being attached. The properties attached are from Ms Ramky Pharma City (India) Limited are approximately 135.46 acres of land and deposit of Rs 3.20 crore in mutual funds and fixed deposits for Rs 10 Crore from Jagati Publications Private Limited (held by Jagan Reddy)," the attachment order said. The agency is probing the case on the basis of the FIR filed by CBI to investigate alleged disproportionate assets amassed by Jagan especially during the tenure of his father-- the late Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y S Rajasekhara Reddy. An ED attachment is an enforcement action under anti-money laundering laws to restrict the accused from taking benefit out of the properties or assets they have created through illegal means. The accused parties can appeal against the order at the Adjudicating Authority of the PMLA based here.

booked against him in various police stations over his alleged hate speeches. Hours after Owaisi, who returned from London early Monday, cited illhealth and sought four days' time to personally appear for questioning before police in Nirmal town, the investigation officer visited the MIM leader's house to ascertain his condition. Police in Nizamabad had also directed Akbar to appear before them on Tuesday in connection with a similar case in that town. In his petition, Owaisi also sought directions to police to stop registering cases. He argued that cases can't be registered in many police stations over his one or two speeches.

Notice to police against curbs at India Gate

NEW DELHI: The Delhi High Court Tuesday issued notice to Delhi Police on a plea challenging the imposition of restrictions on the gathering of people at and around India Gate during anti-rape protests. A division bench of Chief Justice D. Murugesan and Justice V.K. Jain sought a response from police within two weeks and posted the matter for Feb 6. "How can a special executive magistrate extend the period to impose Section 144 of CrPC when the power lies only with the state government to extend the period," asked the bench. "Whether this section can be imposed without applying the mind (by special executive magistrate), we have to look into that," said the bench, hearing a public interest litigation by advocate Anand K. Mishra challenging imposition of Section 144 of Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) prohibiting assembly of five or more people at and around India Gate. The bench asked police "to explain as to how a special executive magistrate can be vested with the power to impose prohibitory orders under Section 144 of the CrPC for up to six months despite the same being contrary to the fundamental rights of citizens". "You can't uniformly, just like that, extend the operation of section 144 as it is in contrast with the fundamental rights of the citizens," it said. Refusing to frame guidelines on the issue, the bench said: "We will certainly look into the delegation of power to the special executive magistrate to impose section 144 of CrPC." Meanwhile, counsel appearing for Delhi Police told the court that the prohibitory orders imposed on Dec 22 at and around India Gate will lapse on Jan 14. Mishra's plea said there were "unreasonable restrictions" on peaceful assembly and movement of public.

Tripura suggests stricter laws for RSS chief Bhagwat crimes against women must apologise to the nation: Ajit Jogi
AGARTALA: Denial of bail, lowering the juvenile age to 15 from 18 and imprisonment till death are among the key proposals made by the Left Front government in Tripura to curb crimes against women, a top official said here Tuesday. "The state cabinet headed by Chief Minister Manik Sarkar today (Tuesday) finalised proposals to be sent to the Justice Verma Commission. Denial of bail, lowering the juvenile age to 15 from the existing 18, and imprisonment of the convict till death are among the major suggestions decided by the council of ministry," Tripura Chief Secretary S.K. Panda told reporters. Panda said the Tripura government has proposed tough laws and setting up of fast-track courts to deal with crimes against women. "The probe relating to crimes against women has to be completed within three months. During this period the accused should not be given bail," Panda said. The state government has also suggested banning advertisements that harm the image of women, introduce moral education in schools and colleges and massive awareness campaigns about safety, security and respect to women. The central government has recently constituted a three-member committee of jurists -- headed by former chief justice of India J.S. Verma -- to give recommendations on amending laws to provide speedier justice and enhanced punishment in sexual assault cases against women. The Justice Verma Commission has sought suggestions from the state governments, the public in general, eminent jurists, legal professionals, NGOs and women's groups on reviewing the existing laws to provide quicker justice and stringent punishment in cases of sexual assault. RAIPUR: Reacting to Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat's recent controversial remark terming marriage as "social contract" between husband and wife, senior Congress leader Ajit Jogi said that "He was trying to distort Indian culture". Jogi, asserted that the statement hurt the sentiments of crores of people and demanded that Bhagwat tender an apology to the nation. "RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat is trying to destroy India's rich culture," former chief minister Ajit Jogi said today, referring to the controversial remark. "Marriage is a very sacred institution in India and the RSS chief's statement has hurt the sentiments of the people. He must apologise to the nation for his remark," Jogi said. Earlier Bhagwat had made the controversial statement terming marriage as social contract between husband and wife at a function in Indore on Saturday.

SC pulls up Centre on manual scavenging

NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court Tuesday pulled up the Centre for its failure to enact a law to ban manual scavenging despite giving assurances many times earlier that it would soon amend the relevant act. The government, however, assured the bench of justices H L Dattu and C K Prasad that it would soon be able to enact the law as the bill has already been introduced in Parliament and it is pending before a Standing Committee of Social Justice and Empowerment. The Attorney General said the committee has already held a meeting and the second meeting is to take place on January 11. He said that the committee would submit its report to the Lok Sabha at the commencement of the Budget Session. The bench was hearing an appeal filed by the Centre challenging a Madras High Court order, which said if the Centre failed to amend the law to prevent manual scavenging in two months, the court would be constrained to direct the personal appearance of any of the high dignitaries. It had earlier stayed the order and issued notice to A Narayanan on whose PIL petition the high court issued the directions.

Plea reaches court against Asaram Bapu; Congress hits out Bapu
Bapu for his controversial remarks against the Delhi gang-rape victim and then against the media saying they "reflect a very sick and unhealthy mind". Party spokesperson PC Chacko rued that at a time when the whole nation is outraged over this heinous crime, these "so-called spiritual leaders" are "aggravating the problem" with such utterances, which no civilised society can endorse. "He made a statement and today he is blaming the media... the statement is condemnable and atrocious. It reflects a very sick mindset of these leaders. They should refrain from making such utterances," Chacko said. Unfazed by the outrage sparked by his remark against the Delhi gang-rape victim, Asaram Bapu today sought to justify the comments and compared all those criticising him to "barking dogs". Asaram also compared himself to an elephant who will not respond to "barking dogs" and said his remarks in connection with the December 16 gangrape incident were misconstrued by the media and his critics. He was at the centre of a controversy yesterday after he suggested that the 23year-old gang-rape victim was equally responsible for the ghastly crime and said the girl could have called her assailants brothers and begged them to stop. Chacko also criticised Chhattisgarh Home Minister Nanki Ram Kanwar, who reportedly said that crimes against women were happening as their stars were in adverse positions. The Congress spokesperson said it was unfortunate that people are making "irresponsible" statements saying these coming from any quarter have to be condemned as they affect the country's image. The words of the spiritual leader were deplorable not only for the victim, but for entire womanhood, he alleged. In the petition, Shukla also said he wrote a letter to the Director General of Police, but allegedly no action was taken. The CJM court has sought a report from Hazratganj police on the application and fixed January 22 as the next date of hearing. Asaram Bapu recently courted controversy for suggesting that the victim of the brutal sexual assault in Delhi was equally responsible for the crime and saying she could have called her assailants brothers and begged them to stop. The young woman was gangraped on the night of December 16 in a moving bus and died nearly a fortnight later at a Singapore hospital.

'Karnataka can become world's largest tech cluster'

BANGALORE:Karnataka ICT Group Chairman T V Mohandas Pai today said the state has the potential to become world's largest technology cluster in next five years provided the government implemented infrastructure projects here and other emerging cities. "Karnataka could be world's largest technology cluster in next five years provided the government especially implements infrastructure projects in Bangalore and other emerging cities like Mangalore, Mysore and HubliDharwad," Pai said after presenting the ICT Group Report to Chief Minister Jagadish Shettar. Shettar said necessary budgetary provisions would be made in phases over a period of four to five years. Short-term initiatives would be implemented immediately and continue in 2013-14 financial year, he said. Pai said the government should address the issue of infrastructure development here as it contributes 35 per cent of India's ICT revenues.

Gangrape: 3 accused to plead not guilty, says lawyer

NEW DELHI, JAN 8 : Three of the five accused in the gangrape and murder of the 23-year-old girl in a bus will plead not guilty to the charges and claim trial, advocates seeking to represent them said today. Advocate M L Sharma, who appeared in the Metropolitan Magistrate's court yesterday and offered to defend the accused amidst protests from the Saket bar, has been engaged by prime accused Ram Singh, his brother Mukesh Singh and Akshay Kumar Singh alias Thakur. Another advocate V K Anand, who had also showed up in the court wanting to be an amicus curiae, has also been engaged by the Ram Singh. "They will plead not guilty to the charges levelled against them in the charge sheet. They want to face the trial," said Sharma and Anand echoed a similar stand. Magistrate Namrita Aggarwal had yesterday posted the matter for Jan 10 after ordering that proceedings will be held in camera and media should not report them. A senior Tihar jail official said the accused were illiterate undertrial prisoners. "Generally in a sensational case, many advocates come forward to represent the accused. Being illiterate and already scared, the accused might have signed even more than two advocates. It is an issue between the advocate and the prisoner," he said. Sharma claimed that he was approached by the family of the prime accused Ram Singh, Mukesh and Akshay, who have signed him to defend them. Anand maintained he would be defending Ram Singh. He said he had yesterday also met the accused in the Tihar jail but could not get the vakalatnama signed. Sharma said, this morning, the accused themselves asked himto represent them in the court. He refused to take the case for the other two accused-- Pawan Gupta and Vinay Sharma--saying, "Gupta's father had visited him in Tihar. Since one of their relatives is also a practising advocate, he would be representing him." The five accused, Ram Singh, his brother Mukesh and their accomplices Pawan Gupta, Vinay Sharma and Akshay Thakur have been charge sheeted for murder, gangrape, attempt to murder, kidnapping, unnatural offences, dacoity, hurting in committing robbery, destruction of evidence, criminal conspiracy and common intention under the Indian Penal Code. The charge sheet against the sixth accused, who is being proceeded against separately before the Juvenile Justice Board, is yet to be filed.

LUCKNOW: An application was on Tuesday moved in a local court here seeking direction to lodge a criminal case against spiritual leader Asaram Bapu for his remarks in connection with the Delhi gang-rape case. The application was moved in the court of Chief Judicial Magistrate Rajesh Upadhyaya by social activist Madan Lal Shukla. The applicant has alleged that Asaram Bapu made the statement to insult women, which was an offence under the Indian Penal Code (IPC), his counsel Pramod Kumar said. Meanwhile, Congress hit out at spiritual leader Asaram

Maharashtra, Goa may resolve water dispute

PANAJI: The dispute between Maharashtra and Goa over the waters of Tillari River will soon be resolved, a minister said here Tuesday. Maharashtra Water Resources Minister Sunil Tatkare told reporters that the issue of blockage of a canal from the Tillari Dam reservoir due to protests from Maharashtra villagers was in the process of being resolved. After a meeting with top water department officials from both the states, he said the issue will be resolved by the end of this financial year (March 31). "There is nothing to worry about. We are in talks with the protestors and are in the process of working out a one-time settlement with them along with the Goa government," Tatkare said. The Rs.1,612-crore Tillari Dam project on Tillari river located in the Sindhudurg district of Maharashtra is a joint undertaking by both the state governments and was commissioned in May 2009. It aimed at fulfilling the potable water needs of south Maharashtra and north Goa regions. The canal provides water for three sub-districts in north Goa - Bicholim, Pernem and Bardez. The latter two are key contributors to Goa's tourism industry. The construction of the dam, which was delayed considerably, resulted in displacement of 11 villages comprising 5,276 people. One of the Maharashtra villages affected by the construction of the dam was even relocated across the border in the Bicholim taluka of Goa. Goa has been deprived of water from the dam for the last few months due to the protests.

Goa scientist arms women with pepper spray

PANAJI, JAN 8: Even as the country debates ways to rein in sex offenders, a pharmacology research scientist here has hit the streets of Goa equipping women with a weapon to beat perverts at their own game. Lanky Sudeep Dalvi has started a campaign in the state to sell cans of pepper spray to women at cost price. The cans, Dalvi says, will be made available at all bus stations and colleges across Goa and will be sold only to women and girls. "It's not all about handing over pepper spray cans to women. If they cannot use it at the right time, the purpose will be defeated," Dalvi said, adding that live demonstrations would also be conducted whenever a can of pepper spray is sold. The charged Dalvi has called this pepper spray campaign 'Operation Dusht Daman'. And Dalvi takes "vanquishing the evil" seriously. "Along with pepper spray cans, the counter will also have video screening of precautions women and girls can take to handle potential molesters," he said. "Pepper spray is very effective. Its stun effect is such that an assaulter can be effectively put out of action for a good 20 minutes, during which his victim can slip away or call for help," he said.

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STUDENT AGE WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 9, 2013

INTERNATIONAL & ECONOMY

Iran's oil revenues plummet '45 pc' amid sanctions

LONDON, JAN 8: Iran's oil revenues have dropped by 45 percent in the last nine months in the wake sanctions imposed by the West, a top official in the country has said. Gholam Reza Kateb, an MP on the national planning and budget committee, said the country's economy as a whole was in trouble. Kateb said the steep export drop was revealed in a parliament report by Oil Minister Rostam Qasemi, the BBC reports. According to the state-run media, he said that on the basis of the report, oil sales are down 40 percent and income has dropped 45 percent in the last nine months. International sanctions on Iran include a UN embargo on arms exports and nuclear technology as well as EU bans on most financial transactions as well as the purchase of crude oil. The United States prohibits almost all trade with Iran.

Obama nominates U.S. defense secretary, CIA chief

WASHINGTON, JAN. 8: U.S. PresidentBarack Obama on Monday announced that he will nominate former Republican senator Chuck Hagel as the next defense secretary, and his counterterrorism adviser John Brennan to lead the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). At a formal announcement event at the White House, Obama called Hagel "the leader our troops deserve," and urged the Senate to move quickly on the confirmation process. "As I saw during our visits together to Afghanistan and Iraq, the troops see a decorated combat veteran of character and strength," said the president, stressing that Hagel "knows that war is not an abstraction." Sitting Defense Secretary Leon Panetta also commended Obama's choices at the event, saying that Hagel has a "deep understanding of national security issues." In his brief comments on the nomination, Hagel said that he was grateful for the opportunity to serve the troops and to help " strengthen our country and our country's alliances." His possible nomination has been rumored for weeks and sparked criticism. Republican lawmakers have already stood in line to voice their opposition to Obama's selection of Hagel, raising questions over whether the former senator would be a strong ally of Israel and be tough enough on Iran. U.S. House Majority Leader Eric Cantor issued a statement on Monday, calling Hagel "the wrong man for the job at such a pivotal time." Hagel and Brennan, along with veteran Democratic Senator John Kerry, Obama's nominee for secretary of state announced last month, would form the centerpiece of the president's secondterm national security team. But unlike Kerry who has won bipartisan support, the nominations for Hagel and Brennan could face controversy and even a confirmation fight at the Capitol Hill. Brennan, a 25-year CIA veteran, withdrew from consideration for the CIA 's top position in 2008 amid questions about his alleged connection to harsh interrogation techniques used during the George W. Bush administration. If confirmed by the Senate, Brennan would succeed retired General David Petraeus, who resigned abruptly days after Obama won the re-election due to a scandal over his extramarital affair with his biographer.

US journo refuses to visit Pak to testify against Musharraf in Benazir murder case
RAWALPINDI, JAN 8: An American journalist, who is a key witness in the Benazir Benazir Bhutto , to appear in person before the court as a prosecution witness against former president General (retd)Pervez Musharraf , reports The Express Tribune. According to an earlier statement of Siegel, Musharraf had threatened Benazir with "dire consequences" if she returned home before the 2008 elections. Siegel had alleged that Musharraf knew of the assassination plot and had personally ordered the destruction of evidence in the case. Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) prosecutor Chaudhry Zulfiqar Ali informed the court that Siegel was reluctant to come to Pakistan to record his statement over security concerns, adding that Siegel prefers to record his statement via a video link.

Fairer nation' China can teach UK 'about happiness', says Archbishop of York
LONDON, JAN 8 : China could teach Britain a lot about happiness because it is a more "equal" society, the Archbishop of York has said. Dr John Sentamu said that problems such as homelessness showed that it was time to reassess the basic values on which our society is based. He argued that it is clear that the British is "not happy" and that "fairer" countries such as China, Japan and Netherlands also have more contented populations, the Telegraph reports. The Archbishop said that it was possible to judge how healthy a society is by how it treats the most vulnerable people, adding that a more equal society is also proven to be a happier society. He pointed out that on the basis of global figures, China is happiest, then Japan, then the Netherlands, because they are the most equal societies, the paper said.

Hagel, 66, a decorated Vietnam War veteran and a moderate Republican, is expected to be a trusted ally of Obama on the issue of exit from Afghanistan. He served for two terms from 1997 to 2009 as U.S. senator for Nebraska, and was a leading Republican critic of the Iraq War. He is now chairperson for the President's Intelligence Advisory Board and a professor at Georgetown University.

Bhutto murder case, has refused to come to Pakistan to record his statement before an Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) citing security concerns. An ATC on January 6 had directed Mark Siegel, who was also a close friend and the speech writer of assassinated former prime minister

killed, 4 injured in two US drone strikes in NW Pakistan

ISLAMABAD, JAN 8: At least eight people were killed and four others injured in two separate U.S. drone strikes launched in the wee hours of Thursday morning, according to local media reports. The first strike took place shortly after 12:00 a.m. local time when U.S. drones reportedly fired eight missiles at a house suspected to be a militant hideout in Haider Khel village in Mir Ali area of North Waziristan. At least five people were killed and four others injured in the strike and an important Taliban leader was believed to be living in the house, said local media. The identities of the victims are not immediately known. The house was completely leveled to ground and caught fire after the strike, said eyewitnesses, adding that the death toll could further rise as some people were feared buried under the debris of the destroyed house. Shortly after the first strike, media reports said that U.S. drones launched another strike at a house in the Eissu Khel village in the same area, which killed at least three people. Local media quoted unidentified sources from Inter-Services Public Relations, an army mouthpiece in the country, as saying that ten missiles were fired and eight suspected militants were killed in the strikes. Tuesday morning's strike is the fifth of its kind launched by U. S. drones in Pakistan in 2013. So far at least 38 people have been killed in such strikes. They include some important Taliban commanders like Wali Muhammad, chief of Pakistan Taliban's suicide wing.

Can France opt for nuclear exit?

PARIS, JAN 8 : Experts believe that phasing out Frances' civilian nuclear program would entail costs both to military funding streams, and to the nation's identity, a report has said. Nuclear arms experts Patrice Bouveret, Bruno Barrillot, and Dominique Lalanne, in their provocative article, "Nuclear chromosomes: The national security implications of a French phaseout," explained that weapons channels are distinct from the power industry. However, as civilian and military nuclear programs have been intertwined for decades, cutting financing for civilian nuclear research projects would increase the cost of maintaining the nuclear arsenal. The extent to which the military and civilian budgets are shared and expenses transferred between them is impossible to quantify, a deliberate move by defense staff to maintain secrecy. "From its beginnings after World War II, the French nuclear effort has occupied an exalted position in the country's national identity. In fact, one could reasonably argue that it would take a reimagining of that identity, and a reconsideration of France's nuclear deterrent, before a French exit from civilian nuclear power could become a serious possibility," Bouveret said. According to the report, France's nuclear program has been closely linked to the idea of a strong and economically independent France since its introduction following World War II. State-controlled Electricite de France SA (EDF) provides threequarters of the country's electricity via nuclear power plants; another majority-state-owned firm, Areva SA, is a supplier of nuclear reactors and other nuclear technologies, such as nuclear submarines, worldwide. As a result, France has invested heavily in nuclear infrastructure, and has not yet followed its neighbor Germany in moving to reduce reliance on nuclear power in the wake of Fukushimanuclear disaster.

RBI eases norms for corporate bond repo market Leakages will be small in cash
MUMBAI, JAN 8: The Reserve Bank of India has eased the norms for trading in corporate repo markets by making short-term debt securities also eligible for it, and by widening the credit default swaps basket, moves traders describe as small step towards deepening the bond markets. The central bank said short-term corporate debt could be traded in the repo market, where holders of securities pledge them to borrow funds with a promise to buy them back at a future date. "Repo in short-term securities will take off, unlike corporate bonds. In shortterm securities (CPs,CDs), the liquidity of the underlying is higher, so the price discovery will be better," said Shashikant Raathi, head, debt capital markets at Axis BankBSE -0.75 %. "To start with, the hair cut is reasonable and, after this, one will need to see how the price moves. We may see some action in the AAA-rated bonds category." The RBI has also reduced the minimum discount, or hair cut, that lenders have to withhold while lending against a security. For AAA Securities, it is 7.5% now from 10%, and for AA+ bonds, it is 8.5% from 12%. "Repo in corporate debt shall also be permitted on commercial papers, certificates of deposit and non-convertible debentures of less than one year of original maturity," the central bank said in a notification. The Indian bond market has been shallow because of tight regulations. The central bank has been talking of the need to make it vibrant for nearly two decades. Furthermore, other regulators such as the Securities and Exchange Board of India, which monitors mutual funds, and theInsurance Regulatory Development Authority of India, which supervises insurers, have been holding a tight leash on them when it comes to investing and leveraging. "These steps are in the right direction," said B Prasanna, chief executive officer and managing director at ICICIBSE -0.19 % Securities Primary Dealership. "The corporate bond market was concentrated in the short term, so this will help improve trading volumes." But for this move to lead to higher trading volumes, Sebi has to permit mutual funds to borrow against their assets to meet at least their temporary payment needs. "If the regulator allows us to borrow up to 20%, then we can avoid borrowing costly funds from the banking system or not indulge in distress sales to meet redemptions," said a fund manager who did not want to be identified. RBI also permitted credit default swaps, an insurance against default, on unlisted corporate debt securities and those with less than one year maturity. "In addition to listed corporate bonds, CDS shall also be permitted on unlisted but rated corporate bonds even for issues other than infrastructure companies," the RBI said. "CDS shall be permitted on securities with original maturity up to one year like commercial papers, certificates of deposit and non-convertible debentures with original maturity less than one year as reference/deliverable obligations."

ECONOMY

transfers: James A Mirrlees

KOLKATA,JAN 8: Nobel prize winning economist James A Mirrlees today said that providing direct cash transfers to the poor as opposed to subsidies would result in small leakages as experienced in other countries. "The experience with US, Mexico and Brazil showed that the leakages are small in cash transfers provided to the poor by the government," Mirrlees told reporters on the sidelines of a seminar at the Indian Statistical Institute here. Mirrlees said that the Indian government was trying to manage the subsidies well by introducing direct cash transfers to the poor. "I hope that this will work well as the leakages are quite small. Indirect transfer is

more prone to leakages than direct transfer," the Scottish economist said. Asked that whether there was a possibility that after getting the money at hand, the poor would have a tendency to spend it on unimportant items of consumption, Mirrlees said that in many countries the government was

transferring the money directly to the hands of women. "The women tend to be more reliable when it comes to good use of money," he said, expressing doubt whether such a system would work in India. "I hope the people will act in the best interest," he said. Asked whether such cash

transfers would add to inflationary pressures in the economy, Mirrlees said that it depended on how the government was financing it. "But it doesn't seem so," he said. Mirrlees suggested imposition of 100 per cent marginal tax rate on low incomes. "It is very difficult to apply taxes on low-income people in India. So far, leakages in the transfers to the poor are reasons for low marginal tax rates," he said. The UPA government has decided to launch direct cash transfers as a pilot project in select districts across the country from January 1 this year. On the issue of FDI on multi-brand retail, Mirrlees said that the small shopkeepers might face problems, but it would bring in more valueaddition.

Budget interest payments on refunds: PAC

NEW DELHI,JAN 8: The Union finance ministry pays more than Rs 10,000 crore every year as interest on delayed IT refunds . In the five years till 2010-11 , it had paid over Rs 37,000 crore as interest, and without the approval of Parliament or any budgetary provision. The Parliament's Public Accounts Committee (PAC) - the watchdog that reviews all expenditure made by the government out of the Consolidated Fund - has now finalized a report on this issue asking the government to take Parliament's prior approval for making any expenditure of this kind. The payment of interest on refunds of excess tax lies with the Consolidated Fund of India, and is payable only after having been authorized by Parliament. Sources said the PAC has called the expenditure illegal , saying the government cannot make such huge payments unless it is provided in the Budget and Parliament's approval is taken for it. The PAC report is likely to be tabled in the Budget session. This is only going to make the job of revenue department officials difficult as even during the current fiscal, the I-T department has only been clearing refunds below Rs 5 lakh. Refunds of bigger amounts have been delayed to show the net tax mop up positive. The PAC recommendations have been made over a report of the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) on the Union Accounts for 2010-11 tabled in Parliament last year. The CAG report had said that CBDT violated provisions of Article 114(3) of the Constitution which stipulates that no money shall be withdrawn from the Consolidated Fund except under appropriation made by law. The excess expenditure, as pointed out by the auditor, works out to over 2.3 times of the total expenditure budget of CBDT (Rs 4,522 crore) for 2010-11 , and the trend was similar in past financial years as well. Sources said by not making a budgetary provision for interest payments, the government has been trying to avoid a debate in Parliament over such a huge expenditure. The revenue department sources said the average growth of 8% in gross direct tax collection in the current fiscal may result in the shortfall in Budget target exceeding Rs 30,000 crore. An average growth of 15% was required to meet budget estimates of Rs 5.70 lakh crore for 2012-13 . The situation is all that rosy on the indirect tax front either. Against an average growth of 27% required to meet the budget estimate of Rs 5.07 lakh crore, the indirect taxes collections have grown at an average of 15% so far. The shortfall estimated could exceed Rs 45,000 crore, say sources.

Govt likely to hike levy price of sugar by Rs 2 per kg for this year
NEW DELHI,JAN 8: The government is likely to raise the levy price of sugar - the rate at which it buys the sweetener from mills to sell through ration shops - by over Rs 2 to about Rs 22 per kg for the current year. For the 2011-12 marketing year (OctoberSeptember), the levy price of sugar was 19.04 per kg. "We have proposed increasing levy price of sugar by over Rs 2 from last year," a senior government official told. The proposal is under the consideration of the Finance Ministry. The rise in levy price would entail additional subsidy of Rs 400-500 crore, the official added. The sugar sector is under government control. Sugar mills are obliged to sell 10 per cent of their production to the government to meet the demand of ration shops. The levy price of sugar is calculated on the basis of Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP), which stands at Rs 170 per quintal for the 201213 marketing year. The government buys at a below market price from sugar mills and sells at a much cheaper rate of Rs 13.50 per kg through ration shops. The government sells 2.7 million tonnes (MT) of sugar every year to poor through ration shops. The official said the levy price of sugar is increasing every year but the retail price has been unchanged since 2002. The government has pegged sugar output for the current year to be 23 MT, as against 26 MT last year. However, the production is expected to be sufficient to meet domestic demand of 2122 MT. The official said the government is expected to revise the sugar output estimates after taking into account the second advance estimate of sugarcane production in the next month.

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STUDENT AGE WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 9, 2012

MISC
KUALA LUMPUR: World No.2 Luke Donald has confirmed his participation for the 2013 Maybank Malaysian Open golf that will be held here March 2124. The Maybank Malaysian Open 2013 is regarded as the most prestigious golf event in the country and a leading national open in the region. The event has hosted some of the best international and regional professional golf players. This year, the tournament ups the ante with a prize purse of $2.75 million, an increase of $250,000 from last year's tournament. Donald, a native of Hertfordshire, England, will be making his debut in the tournament. The 35-year-old is deter-

No end to tennis row, players reject AITA proposal

NEW DELHI: The crisis that has rocked Indian tennis escalated on Monday with the players rejecting the compromise formula offered by the AITA, which in turn has now decided not to bend its back any more. The eight revolting players, led by Somdev Devvarman, sent their response to the national tennis body this evening and demanded that all their demands be fulfilled. The AITA, however, is no mood to listen to the players and has warned that the national tennis body would not mind going ahead with the South Korea tie without them. It has also been learnt that the players are not happy with the AITA sharing its proposal with the media. "They want us to reconsider our proposal. They want us to agree to all of their demands. But whatever we have had to offer we have. We have extended out maximum support," AITA CEO Hironmoy Chatterjee said. "They are trying to enter area to which they have no obligation and prerogative. A player cannot be administrator, selector and a player at the same time," a fuming Chatterjee said. The senior AITA official said they cannot offer more to the players and will field only those for the South Korea tie, who will make themselves available. "We have a selection meeting on the 11th and if players want to play they will have to make themselves available. If they do not want to play, it's their choice," Chatterjee said, sending out a stern warning to the players. The AITA, on Sunday, accommodated many of the players' demands by replacing coach Nandal Bal with Zeeshan Ali. It also removed Dr Vece Paes and physiotherapist Sanjay Singh and promised to seek their replacements from the Sports Authority of India (SAI). The AITA also increased the players share in the Davis Cup prize money. If the crisis does not end, it would mean that barring Leander Paes, none of the other top players Mahesh Bhupathi, Rohan Bopanna, Somdev Devvarman, Yuki Bhambri, Sanam Singh, Vishnu Vardhan, Divij Sharan and Saketh Myneni - would not play the tie, beginning February 1. The option before AITA are few as the next best available players are national hard court champion Jeevan Nedunchezhiyan, who is ranked 423, N Sriram Balaji (324), Ranjeet ViraliMurugesan (517), Vijayant Malik (542) and Purav Raja (155 in doubles). It is for the second time in six months that the players and the All India Tennis Association have sparred over some or other issue. Ahead of London Olympics, Bhupathi and Bopanna had taken on the AITA by rejecting the team selection. They refused to pair with Paes and insisted on being paired together. AITA was forced to agree to their demands but later axed both Bhupathi and Bopanna from the Davis Cup tie against New Zealand in September. AITA also handed them a two-year ban but the players challenged it in the court and had it stayed.

Donald to play in Malaysian Open

World No.2 Luke Donald mined to regain the World No.1 spot this year from Rory McIlroy, one of his team-mates in Europe's thrilling success at the 2012 Ryder Cup. Maybank chairman, Tan Sri Dato' Megat Zaharuddin Megat Mohd Nor, said: "The confirmation of Luke Donald is indeed another boost for the Maybank Malaysian Open. Since we took over the title sponsorship of this tournament in 2006, we have endeavoured to bring world class golfing personalities to Malaysia."

Messi wins record 4th world's best player award

ZURICH: Lionel Messi added yet another record to his stellar list of achievements over the past 12 months when he won an unprecedented fourth, consecutive, Ballon d'Or at a FIFA gala in Zurich. The accolade on Monday seals Messi's status as the greatest player of his generation after he saw off Real Madrid rival Cristiano Ronaldo and Barcelona teammate Andres Iniesta for the prize. Messi received a vote share of 41.60 percent to 23.68 for Ronaldo and 10.91 for Iniesta. Messi and former French star, UEFA president Michel Platini, had prior to Monday been the only players to win three straight Ballon d'Or awards while Dutch greats Johan Cruyff and Marco Van Basten both won the accolade on three occasions. Spain's Vicente del Bosque was named coach of the year for 2012, seeing off competition from Real Madrid's Jose Mourinho and former Barcelona coach Josep Guardiola. Messi's success crowned another landmark year for the Argentine who is already the top scorer in La Liga for the ongoing season with 25 FC Barcelona's Argentinian striker Lionel Messi poses with the trophy after being goals, having also awarded the FIFA Men's World Player of the broken Gerd Year during the FIFA Ballon d'Or Gala 2012 Mueller's 40-year held at the Kongresshaus in Zurich, record for the most Switzerland. goals in a calendar year.He finished 2012 with this prize once again and it's an astonishing 91 goals in all impressive it makes it four in a row. Each one is special. competitions. But Messi has insisted his You never come here thinkscoring records will mean ing you are going to win. "I would like to share this nothing if Barcelona do not go on to take the La Liga title with my Barca teammates off Real or fail to win the particularly with Andres, who is here with me," said Champions League. "It is incredible to receive the ever unassuming Messi.

Centre eyeing to harness rural Rising India need to be more organised, disciplined: Ric Charlesworth sport talent: Sports minister
also," he said. Observing that sports needed to be connected with livelihood and career progression "which was not seen as of now", he said, "We need to connect sports with various courses, various corporate houses that a good sportsman gets a job also after he performs. So, that is the main thrust in improving sports in the country." The Centres of Excellence were in process of upgradation, he said. "Over four or five centres have fully been equipped. The facility in Delhi, Jawaharlal Nehru stadium is functioning very well. Haryana is coming up. Kolkata SAI centre is also functioning." Asked if the Ministry was eyeing a particular sport for grooming medal prospects, he said, "We want to concentrate on all sports. But, there are some disciplines where India has done well in the past, those will be given due importance." NEW DELHI: Legendary Australian coach Ric Charlesworth feels that the recent success in international events proves that India are fast improving but to become a force to reckon with again in world hockey, the past masters of the game need to be more "organised and disciplined". After a disastrous Olympic campaign in London where they finished last, the fourth-place finish at the prestigious Champions Trophy in Melbourne and the second spot in the Asian Champions Trophy in Doha came as a soothing balm for Indian hockey, trying to regain its footing after a steady decline during the past decade. But Charlesworth said India need time to return to the top in world hockey. "India is improving but it will not suddenly happen that India is at the top of the podium," Charlesworth said. "India can be better organised and disciplined. They have skill but some of it is soft skill rather than being more robust. The rules have changed and India needs to adjust," observed the Aussie, who had a tumultuous 10-month association with the Indian hockey team as technical advisor in 2008. Charlesworth said "hard work and patience" are key to Indian hockey`s revival. "Work hard, be patient, build the game at every level both men and women and always watch and learn from others. Given the potential and numbers in India anything is possible," he said. He also lauded countrymate and chief coach Michael Nobbs for his work with the Indian hockey team since taking up the pressure cooker job in June 2011. Charlesworth is one of the coaches in the upcoming Hockey India League, and feels the franchise-based IPL-style event has the potential to do wonders for Indian hockey. "The chief benefit of HIL will be for the Indian players and the game in India. Of course, the foreign players will enjoy the experience as all hockey players enjoy the challenge of competing with the best," said the Aussie who will coach the Mumbai Magicians in January 14February 10 league. Under Charlesworth`s guidance, Australia has won every major title in world hockey except for the 2012 London Olympics, where the Kookaburras had to be content with the bronze medal. After Charlesworth took over the charge in 2009, the Kookaburras went on to win the 2009 Champions Trophy in Melbourne; the 2010 World Cup in New Delhi; the 2010 Champions Trophy in Mnchengladbach, Germany; and the gold medal in 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi.

CHENNAI: Aiming to clinch more medals in international events like the Olympics, the government's new 10-year plan would identify talent from rural areas, Sports minister Jitendra Singh said on Tuesday. "We have made a 10-year plan in the Ministry of Sports, where we are going to identify talents from rural areas, send them to districts and give them training," he said. "Those doing well during the training would be sent for 'world class' coaching at Sports Authority of India centres of excellence. We are developing 28 centres of excellence, where world class coaching will be given," he said here. "We will be strengthening our National Institute of Sports, Patiala, to churn out more coaches. Along with that, we will be taking a lot of foreign coaches over the next few years. And we will be sending our players abroad

Services stun Uttar Pradesh, enter Ranji Trophy semi finals

INDORE: A spirited Services stunned favourites Uttar Pradesh by five wickets to enter the semifinals of the Ranji Trophy on Tuesday. Chasing a small target of 113 to win in the second innings, Services were rocked by UP pacer Ankit Rajpoot's fiery spell (5/36) to be reduced 54 for five before skipper Soumik Chatterjee and Rajat Paliwal came to the Armymen's rescue to pocket the five-day match well inside three days. Services managed to chase the remaining target without further hiccups, courtesy first-innings centurian Rajat Paliwal's unbeaten 32 and injured Chatterjee unconquered 34. Not before young UP pacer Rajpoot, after bagging a five-for in the first innings, created flutter in the opposition camp as Services slumped from 29 for no loss to 54 for five. He removed Services' top-order to bring UP back into the game. The 19-year-old, however, could not prevent Paliwal and Chatterjee, unable to walk with a badly injured left knee, from driving Services home and book a semi-final berth. The injured skipper finished the run-chase in style with a huge six over mid-on off spinner Ali Murtaza. The duo shared an unbeaten partnership of 62 runs for the sixth wicket to ensure the memorable victory for Services. Earlier, resuming day on 138 for four, UP were bowled out for 241 in 78 overs. Overnight batsmen Arish Alam and Eklavya Dwivedi added 40 runs before being dismissed. Right-handed Alam (50), however, completed his half-century before getting run out. UP paceman Imtiaz Ahmed played an aggressive cameo of 40 runs off just 37 deliveries during which he hit two boundaries and four sixes. However, wickets continued to tumble at the other end for UP as their innings folded for 241 runs, giving their bowlers a paltry 112 runs to defend. For Services, right-arm pacer Suraj Yadav accounted for seven UP batsmen and ended the match with careerbest match figures of 9/106.Brief Scores: UP 134 & 241 (Tanmay Srivastava 55, Arish Alam 50; Suraj Yadav 7/71) lost to Services 263 & 116/5 (Soumik Chatterjee 34 not out, Rajat Paliwal 32 not out; Ankit Rajpoot 5/36).

Tendulkar to be present at Gujarat Kensville Challenge golf

NEW DELHI: Star cricketer Sachin Tendulkar will attend the Gujarat Kensville Challenge golf tournament as its brand ambassador, the organizers said. Tendulkar, who recently retired from the One-day cricket, is one of the brand ambassadors of the Kensville Golf and Country Club and the veteran batsman will attend the event on January 30 when Pro-am event will be played. Indian golf icon Jeev Milkha Singh, who is hosting this European Challenge tour event, said Tendulkar's presence will give a boost to the event and also hoped that the senior cricketer will take up golf after retiring from Tests. "It is good to have Sachin in the event. He is a brand ambassador besides me and Amitabh Bachchan and I hope he likes the sport and starts play-

Now, flexible 'paper tablet' that can be twisted and dropped

LONDON: Researchers have developed a revolutionary tablet screen as thin as a sheet of paper that can be twisted and dropped without damage - and it could replace your laptop within five years. Developed by Queen's University in Canada in collaboration with Plastic Logic and Intel Labs, it could lead to revolutionary new gadgets that are virtually unbreakable - and as thin as a piece of paper.The PaperTab is fully interactive with a flexible, high-resolution 10.7-inch plastic display developed by Plastic Logic, a flexible touchscreen, and powered by the second generation Intel CoreTM i5 Processor. Instead of using several apps or windows on a single display, users have ten or more interactive displays or 'PaperTabs', with each being a different app. They can also be used as e-books, with users simply bending the screen to turn pages. For example, PaperTab allows a user to send a photo simply by tapping one PaperTab showing a draft email with another PaperTab showing the photo. The photo is then automatically attached to the draft email. The email is sent either by placing the PaperTab in an out tray, or by bending the top corner of the display. Similarly, a larger drawing or display surface is created simply by placing two or more PaperTabs side by side. Intel claims the technology could eventually replace traditional screen altogether. "Within five to ten years, most computers, from ultra-notebooks to tablets, will look and feel just like these sheets of printed colour paper," said Ryan Brotman, Research Scientist at Intel.The developers claim it could even replace paper altogether.

ing golf and join the likes of Kapil Dev, Madan Lal and Ajay Jadeja. He is a winner and I am sure he will do well," Jeev said. Cricketers taking interest in golf is not new. In fact, international stars such as Brian Lara, Shane Warne and Ian Botham have taken up the sport and recently former Sri Lankan captain Mahela Jayawardene bought a franchise in Golf Premier League which will be launched this month.

Milky Way may host 17 billion Earth-size planets

WASHINGTON: At least 17 billion Earth-size planets may inhabit the Milky Way galaxy, RIA Novosti reported citing a new study by US astronomers. According to space.com website that carries news related to space and the NASA, a US research team has conducted an analysis of data collected by NASA's Kepler Space Telescope, and "determined that about 17 percent of stars in our galaxy harbour a roughly Earth-size exoplanet in a close orbit". That translates to a minimum of 17 billion planets as there are about 100 billion stars in the Milky Way. "These kind of rocky objects are everywhere," space.com quoted team member Francois Fressin, of the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics, as saying during a presentation of the study at the American Astronomical Society Monday. The study, based on a simulation of Kepler telescope's work, has been accepted for publication in The Astrophysical Journal. Launched March 6, 2009, NASA's Kepler mission simultaneously observes more than 156,000 stars and detects planets by looking for tiny dips in the brightness of a star when a planet crosses in front of it. NASA reported that the number of candidates discovered in the Kepler data has increased by 20 percent since the last Kepler catalogue was released in February 2012 and now totals 2,740 potential planets orbiting 2,036 stars. Over a hundred candidates have been confirmed as planets so far, NASA said. If Earth-like planets are found to exist everywhere, the next phase will start with scientists looking for traces of oxygen and water vapour in their atmospheres. This is the aim of the next NASA project, which will make regular spectral analysis of the atmospheres of Earth-type exoplanets.

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