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

STUdenT aGe
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2013

JKENG/2012/41612 Vol. 2 No: 47

Nagaland Home Minister detained for carrying arms, 1 cr cash

The Indian democracy will take decades to improve

US protesters urge Obama to act on global warming

Iqbal Khanday to be new J&K Chief Secretary
JAMMU, FEBRUARY 18:The Cabinet which met here under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today appointed Mohammad Iqbal Khanday as the new Chief Secretary of Jammu and Kashmir. Following the appointment of Mr. Madav Lal as Secretary, Micro Small and Medium Enterprises Government of India, the Cabinet approved the appointment of Mr. Khanday IAS (JK:1978) as the new Chief Secretary. Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister, Mr. B. B. Vyas will hold the charge of Finance Department in addition to his own duties till further orders. The Cabinet also approved revised financial delegation of works to be allotted to JKPCC. Now all civil works costing more than Rs.700 lakhs as against 100 lakhs shall be allotted to the JKPCC Ltd in respect of all Government Departments and Government corporations. Cabinet approved enhancement of honorarium from existing rate of Rs. 1500 and Rs. 2000 to single tier of Rs.3000 per month in favour of ReT Teacher. Further the Cabinet approved adjustment/absorption of surplus Staff of Integrated Rural Energy Programme (IREP) Science and Technology Department in some other departments. The Cabinet also approved the establishment of State Bio-diversity Board. The Cabinet also accorded sanction for reconstituting of Cabinet Sub Committee to examine the recommendations of the Working GroupV headed by S. Sagir Ahmad regarding strengthening relation between the State and the Centre. The Cabinet Sub Committee will comprise of Minister for Finance and Ladakh Affairs as Chairman, Minister for Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Minister for Sports and Youth Services, Minister for Urban Development and Local Bodies, Minister for PHE, Irrigation and Flood Control, Minister for CAPD and Transport, Minister for Planning & Development, Labour and Employment, Minister for Housing, Horticulture and Culture as Members.

Editorial

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IN BRIEF
Govt. orders honorarium hike of Lambardars, Chowkidars
JAMMU, FEB 18- In a significant move, the Government today ordered the enhancement in honorarium of Lambardars and Chowkidars of Revenue Department. The proposal to this effect was approved by Minister of State for Revenue, Relief & Rehabilitation, Mr. Ajaz Ahmad Khan today. The honorarium of Lambardars has been hiked from Rs. 501 to Rs. 751 and that of Chowkidars has been raised from Rs. 500 to Rs. 750. The enhancement of honorarium would contd on page 2

J&K MLC Elections: 12 candidates file nominations

Rana, Showkat and Majeed in the fray
Mohammad Ramzan, JAMMU,FEB 18: Twelve candidates today filed their nomination papers for the elections to vacant seats of Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Council before the Secretary Legislative Assembly here. Those who filed the papers include Davinder Singh Rana, Showkat Hussain and Abdul Majeed from National Conference, Muzaffar Ahmad Parray , Naresh Gupta and Ms Rani Baloria from Congress and Naeem Akhtar Andrabi and Yashpal Sharma from PDP. Other candidates who filed their nomination papers include Shuban Krishen Dudha, Mohammad Iqbal, Sardar Kaaloo Khan Hamdard and Mohammad Amin Bhat . secutively for the second time. Prominent among those present were Minister for Planning, Labour and Employment, Ajay Sadhotra, Minister for Higher Education, Mohammed Akbar Lone, Minister for Social Welfare, Sakina Itoo, Minister for Law Mir Safiull-ah, Minister for Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution Choudhry Mohammed Ramzan, Vice Chairman, Board for Development of Pahari Speaking People, Kafil-ulRehman besides Ministers of State Nazir Ahmed Khan Gurezi, Sajjad Ahmed Kitchloo, Feroz Khan, besides senior leaders, including Provincial President Kashmir Nasir Aslam Wani, legislators Surjit Singh Slathia, (State Vice President) Abdul Gani Malik, Kanwar Rachpal Singh, Mohammed Yasin Shah, Aijaz Jan, Dr Shahnaz Ganai, Javed Dar, Ali Mohammed Dar, Bimla Luthra and party functionaries. After filing their papers, the three leaders were profusely greeted and garlanded by the senior party leadership besides host of workers and supporters. They were driven in a cavalcade to Sher-iKashmir Bhavan amid slogans. The three candidates expressed their gratitude to the party high command, particularly National contd on page 2

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah along with Rana, Showkat and Majeed during nominations for MLC in Jammu Flanked by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and the Finance Minister Abdul Rahim Rather, Rana, Showkat and Majeed filed their nominations before Secretary of the Legislative Council and presiding officer for the elections. Amid enthusiasm and fervour, the three leaders filed their nominations, Rana con-

SC stays execution of Veerappan aides

NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Monday stayed the execution on four aides of Sandalwood smuggler Veerappan, whose mercy petition was rejected by President Pranab Mukherjee last week. Acting on a petition filed by contd on page 2

British PM arrives on 3 day visit to India

Pitches for Mumbai-Bangalore corridor dream
Kicking of his three-day MUMBAI: British Prime Minister David Cameron arrived here on Monday morning on a three-day India visit during which will he meet captains of industry and hold talks with top leaders who are likely to seek more information on the VVIP helicopters scam involving an Anglo-Italian firm. Having arrived in India with the largest trade delegation taken abroad by a British Prime Minister, David Cameron today pitched forth a mega plan to unleash the 'potential' of the 1000 km corridor between Mumbai and Bangalore. forming lives and putting British businesses in prime position to secure valuable commercial deals." C a m e r o n wants British companies to help India develop the corridor, generating investment projects worth up to $25 billion. And he has come prepared. "With me I've got architects, planners and finance experts who can work out the complete solution," he said. contd on page 2

Ela Bhatt conferred 2011 Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament & Development
NEW DELHI, FEB 18:President Pranab Mukherjee today conferred the 2011 Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament and Development to renowned Women social worker Mrs. Ela Ramesh Bhatt at a glittering ceremony at the Rashtrapati Bhavan this morning. Mrs. Ela Bhatt was honoured for her life time achievements in empowering women, promoting grassroot level entrepreneurship and for her contribution towards promoting equitable development and peace. Speaking on the ocassion President Pranab Mukherjee said Ela Bhat's orgainisation SEVA has today become synonymous with rural inclusiveness and a vehicle of self employment and self reliance for women. The President said, Ela Bhatt worked for bringing women out of poverty and through the promotion of Self Help Groups empowered them with the freedom to choose and attaining financial self- reliance. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh noted that, inspite of developments, it is a matter of shame that incidents of violence and sexual offences against women are on the increase. Dr. Singh said, to deal with this, the UPA government has adopted a mix of legislative, institutional and procedural reforms. Dr. Singh said, the Justice J.S Verma committee have resulted in the promulgation an ordinance, amending and strengthening the criminal law to deal with sexual offences against women. Speaking on the ocassion, Indira Gandhi Memorial trust Chairperson, Sonia Gandhi said, Ela ben has seen women as the true nurturer of prosperity. She put women at the centre of economic devlopment. Mrs. Gandhi said, in the contd on page 2

Marginal hike in helicopter fares in SMVDB

JAMMU, FEB 18 - The Chief Executive Officer, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, Monday approved a marginal increase in the helicopter fare on KatraSanjichhat-Katra Sector from the existing Rs. 699/- one way per passenger to Rs. 800/- per passenger for one journey with immediate effect. This increase has been allowed in view of the escalation in the cost of the inputs, particularly fuel costs. Disclosing this, Dr. Mandeep K. Bhandari, IAS, Addl. Chief Executive Officer, contd on page 2

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7,500 students in Jammu perform 'Suryanamaskar'

JAMMU: Over 7,500 students on Monday performed 'Suryanamaskar', a special sequence of yoga postures, here as part of Swami Vivekananda's ongoing 150th birth anniversary celebrations. "Over 7,500 students in over 90 institutes in Jammu performed Suryanamaskar, a special sequence of yoga postures with 10 steps", NorthIndia Samiti coordinator, Gain Chand told news sources This was organised as a part of the ongoing 150th birth anniversary celebrations of Swami Vivekananda, with a view to propagate the ideals of Swamiji among school students, he added. Reports from other districts are still awaited as a target of 16,000 students from over 240 schools has been fixed for the Suryanamaskar programme in Jammu and Kashmir, Chand said. A nation-wide Suryanamaskar programme is being carried out as part of Vivekananda's 150th birth anniversary celebrations with the aim to create awareness and interest among students to practice the Yogic exercise.

visit at a meeting with business people and workers at Hindustan Unilever Limited, Cameron said, "It would unleash India's potential along the 1,000 km from Mumbai to Bangalore, trans-

India, US, Afghanistan to hold trilateral meet tomorrow

NEW DELHI: India, US and Afghanistan will hold their second trilateral meet here tomorrow to discuss all aspects of the situation in Afghanistan, especially in the backdrop of US' announcement of withdrawing 34,000 American troops from the war-torn country in the next one year. The official-level meet will discuss ways to enhance cooperation to deal with common challenges and opportunities, including combating terrorism and violent extremism and increasing regional trade and investment, sources said. Afghan Deputy Foreign Minister Jawed Ludin, Y K Sinha, Additional Secretary (PAI) and Vikram Kumar Doraiswami, Joint Secretary (Americas) from India and Assistant Secretary for South and Central Asian AffairsRobert Blake from the US will lead their respective delegations. Coming within days of US President Barack Obama announcing the specific troop withdrawal plan for Afghanistan, the meeting is also expected to focus on its impact and future strategy. Announcing that 34,000 American troops will be withdrawn from war-torn Afghanistan in the next one year, Obama showed confidence of ending a decade-long war by the end of 2014. "This spring, our forces will move into a support role, while Afghan security forces take the lead. Tonight, I can announce that over the next year, another 34,000 American troops will come home from Afghanistan," he said in his annual State of the Union Address to the Congress. "This drawdown will continue. And by the end of next year, our war in Afghanistan will be over," he said. The first India-US and Afghanistan trilateral was held in the US last September during which the three sides had free flowing and frank discussion on all aspects of the situation in Afghanistan. Meanwhile, top government sources said India was still "studying" the details of meeting hosted in the UK by British Prime Minister David Cameron for presidents of Pakistan and Afghanistan. The meeting was also attended by top spies and military generals from the three countries contd on page 2

DPSC harassing me: S.A.R Geelani

SRINAGAR, FEB 18:Delhi Police Special Cell (DPSC) Monday cordoned the residential quarter of Delhi based Kashmiri Professor and human rights activist, S.A.R. Geelani and directed him to hand over his mobiles and other belongings. "DPSC is not allowing me to move out. They are at my door and asking me to hand over my mobile sets and other belongings which I am refusing so far," contd on page 2

Jammu University to host global yoga meet from Feb 21

JAMMU: Jammu University is set to host a two-day global conference on Yoga and meditation from February 21 here. "The University of Jammu is organising World Yoga Conference from February 21 to February 23," said Vinay Thusoo, Jammu University's Public Relations Officer. J&K Governor and the university's Chancellor N N Vohra will be the chief guest at the conference, he added. The conference will be on the theme 'Global peace and harmony through holistic approach of Yoga and meditation' and is likely to be presided by university's Vice Chancellor Mohan Paul Singh Ishar. Professor Swatantra Kumar, vice-chancellor of Gurukul Kangri University in Haridwar, will be the guest of honour while Lee contd on page 2

Oil minister Moily rules out roll back in petrol, diesel prices
Petrol price in Delhi went by Rs 1.80 to Rs 69.06 per litre from February 16. Diesel rates went up by 51 paise to Rs 48.16 a litre. "I think everybody would appreciate that we have not put a lot of burden on consumers. It is only small doses," Moily said. The increase in auto fuel prices, which come on back of a similar small hike in diesel price last month, is expected to fuel inflation that stood at three-year low of 6.2 percent in January. And there has been demands for a rollback. "The money (to pay for oil import) can be either found by raising taxes or passing it on to the consumers," he said. Indian Oil Corporation (IOC), the nation's largest fuel retailer, announced an increase of Rs 1.50 per litre in petrol price as international benchmark oil prices climbed 7.5 percent. The diesel rate was raised in line with last month's government decision to allow oil firms to raise prices in small doses every month till over Rs 10 a litre loss on sale of India's most consumed fuel is totally eliminated.

Two crore children create Surya Namaskar record

PATNA: 'Surya Namaskar' programmes were organised on Monday across the country on the occasion of Swami Vivekananda's 150th birth anniversary. Report suggests that around 2 crore school students performed 'Surya Namaskar' across different states. The School Education Department and NGOs in many states had made elaborate arrangements for ensuring grand presence in the event. In Bihar, a controversy had erupted over making 'Surya Namaskar' mandatory in contd on page 2

Life normal after nine days, Rail service resumed

SRINAGAR, FEB 18:Life returned to normal in Kashmir valley on Monday after nine days of complete shutdown and curfew following the execution of Kashmir youth Mohammad Afzal Guroo in Delhi's Tihar Jail on 9th of this month. Shops, other businesses, educational institutions and public transport started normally in the morning while the roads and markets of Srinagar and other parts of the Valley including Apple Town Sopore bustled with activity today as private and public transport plied after nine days. Transport on all routes was plying normally and railway also resumed its normal run connecting south with north Kashmir via Srinagar. Usual traffic jams on almost all routes, particularly in the uptown and civil lines, was seen as signs of normalcy with all shops and business establishments doing normal business. The streets of Srinagar witnessed heavy rush and shopkeepers were seen busy. In old city, police and CRPF personnel were seen deployed to thwart any protest demonstration. "I have run out of rice during the days of curfew imposed by government, so today I went to market and purchased it. Because you contd on page 2

BENGALURU: Oil minister M Veerappa Moily on Monday ruled out a rollback in the Rs 1.50 a litre hike in petrol and 45 paise per litre increase in diesel rates saying only a small raise has been passed on to consumers. "No, No," was his refrain when asked if the government will consider rolling back last week's increase. "Our country imports 73-75 per cent of oil. We need to pay Rs 7 lakh crore for the imports. Where do we find that kind of money," he said. The first hike in petrol price in over threeand-a-half months and the second rise in diesel rates in one month exclude local sales tax or VAT, making the cost for consumers even higher.

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withdraw money. Long queues of customers were witnessed at ATMs of JK Bank on old Srinagar. "I am waiting for my turn for past half an hour. Due to strikes and curfew for nine days people have run short of money and they now want to withdraw money from the bank accounts. You never know what will happen in Kashmir where situation turns from normal to violent in no time," Neyaz Ahmed, a JK Bank customer at Jawahar Nagar said. An official of JK Bank told CNS that crore's of rupees were disbursed from the different ATM booths of the bank with more than 70000 hits by the customers. Railway services from south to north Kashmir via Srinagar resumed today after remaining suspended for nine days. After the execution of Afzal Guroo, Hurriyat (G) and other separatist groups had called for strike to mourn his death while as the State Government had imposed unabated curfew all across the Kashmir.

Contd. from page 1...

J&K MLC Elections...
Conference President Dr Farooq Abdullah and the Working President Omar Abdullah for reposing trust in the three leaders. Rana pledged that he will strive hard for coming up to the expectations of the people by raising issues confronted to them in the highest democratic institution of the State. Rana exhorted party rank and file to gear up for elections scheduled in 2014 and steering National Conference to grand success. He mentioned that the party has a glorious history of public service and sacrifice. "National Conference is not a party but a movement that has withstood test of times and upheld the cause of the people of the three regions of the State", he said, while cautioning the party workers to remain vigilant against those who have been conspiring, in one garb or the other, to weaken this party of masses. He stressed the need for maintaining unity and called upon the workers to fan out in their areas for further strengthening their rapport with the people. "Sincerity of purpose and good intentions are strong tools to fight for the just cause of the people", he maintained. He also asked Sarpanchs and Panchs to redouble their efforts in serving the people, whom he described real fountain head of power. The Provincial President welcomed the contestants from the Valley on behalf of the party leadership of Jammu, saying the unity between the three regions is a real strength of National Conference. Also present were, State Vice Presidents, Rattan Lal Gupta and Mushtaq Ahmed Bukhari, Provincial President NC Women Wing, Vijay Laxmi Dutta, ex MP Mirza Abdul Rasheed, ex legislators, Sheikh Bashir Ahmed, Ram Paul, Thakur Kashmira Singh, M R Querishi, Haji Mohammed Hussain, Brij Mohan Sharma, Rahim Dad, Iqbal Bhat, Bushan Lal Bhat and senior leaders Gurdeep Singh Sasan, Jugal Mahajan, Dharamvir Singh Jamwal, Sajjad Shaheen, Surinder Singh Bunty, Rakesh Chib besides District, Block Presidents and other functionaries. Earlier, stream of National Conference functionaries, workers and a large number of people visited the residence of the Provincial President to greet him for being the National Conference nominee to the LC elections again.

Cameron announces same-day visa for Indian biz, no cap on students

MUMBAI, FEB 18:Out to woo Indian businesses and students, British Prime Minister David Cameron today announced his country would introduce same-day visa services for investors and said there would be no limit on the number of students from here studying there. "We have the biggest visa operations anywhere else in the world right here in India. I announce that we are going to introduce for businesses a same-day visa service to those who want to come to our country and invest...," Cameron told India Inc at Hotel Taj, the country's hospitality icon. On the issue of Indian students in Britain, he said there is "no limit" on the number of Indian students who can come and study in universities there and also no cap on the length of time they can stay and work in graduate-level jobs after they qualified. Cameron, who is accompanied by the largest-ever trade delegation, also said India should continue to reduce trade barriers to create better opportunities for British companies. "Britain is looking to take down the (trade) barriers ...we want the Indian government to continue to open up trade barriers and make it easier to do business here...We have to make sure that just as we welcome Indian investments into Britain, it is easier for British companies like banking, retail etc to invest in this vibrant and fast growing economy," he said. The British premier also said there are great opportunities for Indian companies to invest in Britain. "When I see Indian investment into Britian, I only see hope...investment like Jaguar and Land Rover, which is a massive international success story...We welcome that sort of investments," Cameron said, adding his country seeks to be the most investor-friendly market. On his second state visit to the country in under three years, Cameron also called for the need to forge greater partnership with India as the British economy is starting to recover from recession. "The time to forge partnership is now as the British economy has started to recover from difficulties of last two years and the Indian economy powers ahead (to become) one of the great powers," he said.

Govt. orders...
take effect from April, 2012. It is pertinent mention here that soon after his taking over, Mr. Ajaz had vowed to redress the grievances of field staff of Revenue Department and facilitate their work and field operations and today's decision has come in this backdrop only.

Empowering women can tackle gender disparity: President

Parliament to soon pass bill to prevent sexual harassment: PM
is indeed a matter of shame that notwithstanding the gains we have made, incidents of violence and sexual offences against women are on the increase," Manmohan Singh said here. He was speaking at a function where the Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament and Development 2011 was awarded to Ela Ramesh Bhatt, founder of the Self-Employed Women's Association of India (SEWA). While the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Bill, 2012 has been passed by the Lok Sabha, it is yet to be approved by the Rajya Sabha. "While more women are now joining the formal economy as a result, a corollary of these developments has been the heightened risk to their safety and security," Manmohan Singh added. The president also shared statistics and said the overall sex ratio remains "disappointing" and the literacy rate of women was "lagging behind". "Women comprise 48.5 percent of our population. Though the overall sex ratio has increased during 2001 and 2011, the ratio of 940 females per 1,000 males in 2011 is a disappointing figure and reflects the distance that remains in achieving true NEW DELHI: Speaking at the presentation of the Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament and Development for 2011 to Ela Ramesh Bhatt of Self Employed Women's Association (SEWA), President Pranab Mukherjee emphasised that empowerment of women is the key for gender equality and to elicit full participation from citizens in nation-building. President today said here that gender disparity can be tackled only through economic empowerment of women and improving their role in governance. "Gender disparity in our country can be covered only through pro-active intervention in areas such as economic empowerment of women, building adequate social and physical infrastructure and improving women's role in governance," Mukherjee said. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Monday said Parliament would pass the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Bill, 2012 to cope with increasing violence and sexual offences against women. "It is our hope that parliament will urgently pass the necessary legislation to enact a comprehensive law in this regard. It equality," Mukherjee said. "The literacy rate amongst women has increased from 53.7 per cent in 2001 to 65.5 per cent in 2011. However, female literacy still lags behind male literacy by 16.7 percent," he noted. "Poor women are often incapacitated to act individually. Social mobilisation for their economic redemption is a critical necessity. To lend true meaning to empowerment, we have to expand their freedom of choice," Mukherjee added. Giving the Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament and Development for 2011 to Ela Bhatt, Mr. Mukherjee said, "Self-help groups have been found to be one of the most effective tools for the empowerment of women in developing countries." The prize is awarded annually to a person or group in recognition of their creative efforts towards enlarging the scope of freedom and enriching the human spirit. The prime minister also announced schemes mooted for rape victims like national financial assistance, support services, women's national helpline and "One Stop Crisis Centre" in 100 public hospitals under the aegis of the National Mission for Empowerment of Women.

SC stays ...
lawyer and human rights activist Shamik Narain through senior counsel Colin Gonsalves in which they sought the cancellation of the death penalty awarded to the convicts as there has been an inordinate delay in President deciding on their mercy plea. The plea sought the reduction of the sentence to life imprisonment. Veerappan's elder brother Gnanaprakash, Simon, Meesekar Madaiah and Bilavendran were awarded death sentence in 2004 in connection with a landmine blast at Palar in Karnataka in 1993 in which 22 police personnel were killed. While the court on Monday rejected the petition on technical grounds - the convicts have to themselves appeal to the court - it also stayed the execution till Wednesday (Feb 20). Their mercy petition was rejected by President Pranab Mukherjee on February 13. The four convicts are lodged in a jail in Belgaum in Karnataka. A TADA court in Mysore had in 2001 sentenced them to life term which was enhanced to death sentence by the apex court. Gang leader Veerappan was killed in an encounter with the Tamil Nadu police in October 2004.

British PM arrives...
As per reports, British and Indian officials had been working with business representatives from the two countries on the Mumbai-Bangalore project since last year. By 2030, if realised, the project could generate close to half a million jobs, while indirect jobs could bring the total in the region to two million, Cameron's office was quoted as saying. The first phase of the project would involve investment in physical infrastructure, such as transport networks, telecommunications and power generation. Later construction would concentrate on social infrastructure such as welfare and education. India is already developing 24 new industrial cities along a 1,483 km (920 mile) railway line between New Delhi and Mumbai with Japanese funding, however, the project has progressed at a slow pace. Cameron is likely to be pressed for more information on the Rs 3,600 crore helicopter scam involving AgustaWestland during his meetings with the leadership tomorrow. The helicopters, three of which have already been delivered, were manufactured in southwest England. The visit also comes in the wake of India taking steps to scrap the contract after Italian investigators probed allegations that aerospace group Finmeccanica, the parent company of AgustaWestland, had broken the law by paying bribes to foreign officials. This would be his second visit to the country since he took over the mantle, with the first being soon after assuming office in May 2010. In Delhi, Cameron will hold comprehensive talks with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on a wide range of bilateral, regional and international issues. Besides the defence deal, other major issues expected to figure during Cameron's visit would include the Rs 12,000- crore Vodafone tax matter and the UK hosting a meeting between the Pakistan and Afghanistan Presidents.

Marginal hike...
SMVDSB, informed that both the Operators viz. Pawan Hans Helicopters Ltd. and Global Vectra Helicorp Ltd. had, for the past several months, been asking for an increase in the helicopter fare in terms of the Board's Agreement with both the Operators. Their demand is based on the increase in the cost of inputs, particularly the Aviation Turbine Fuel. Pertinent to mention here that the current fare of the heli tickets, during the present contract period of April, 2011 to March, 2014, is substantially lower than that which was in vogue earlier. Earlier, a one way ticket for an adult passenger used to cost Rs. 1225/-; this had come down to Rs. 699/- per side w.e.f. 1-4-2011. Dr. Bhandari also informed that after due examination and appreciation of the requests made by the heli service providers by a Committee which reached conclusion that the fare of the heli tickets is low and the rates need to be rationalized in view of the overall inflationary trend in the market and the cost of inputs including manpower, fuel and transportation etc. has gone up substantially in last one year. It was noted that even the charges for traveling by pony from Katra to Bhawan are higher i.e. Rs. 700/-, as per the order of Dy. Commissioner Reasi dated 26.12.2012. This nominal hike would somewhat offset the price increase of various inputs which has come about over last one year. Dr. Bhandari stated that the new rates shall be applicable w.e.f. 19.02.2013. All the tickets booked on-line w.e.f 19.02.2013 as well as the tickets available on current basis from 19.02.2013 shall be priced at Rs. 800/- per passenger per side. However, those who have booked tickets in advance, need not pay any extra amount.

Nasheed Maldives' Court UP govt orders judicial probe into Feb 10 Allahabad stampede ask police to present
MALE, FEB 18: A Maldivian Court today ordered the police to produce Mohamed Nasheed before it, prompting them to approach the Foreign Ministry to talk to the Indian High Commission where former President is holed up for the sixth day. "We have received court orders asking us to produce former President Nasheed before it by 4 PM on Wednesday," Police spokesman Hassan Haneef told PTI. He said they department, through the Attorney General, has approached the Foreign Ministry asking it to get in touch with the Indian High Commission, where Nasheed has taken refuge since February 13 to evade a similar arrest warrant issued by the court in a case concerning the detention of Chief Judge of the Criminal Court during his Presidency in January last year. "We have asked the Foreign Ministry to ask the Indian Mission to arrange and facilitate Nasheed's arrest so that he could be produced before the Court," Haneef said. Maldives' President Mohamed Waheed's Press Secretary Masood Imad said the arrest warrant would expire at 4 pm on Wednesday. "The police have been directed by the Court to bring Nasheed before it. The warrant would expire at 4 PM Wednesday," he said. If Nasheed is found guilty in the case, he could be barred from standing in a presidential election that is scheduled for September 7. His party - Maldivian Democratic Party - says the trial is an attempt to exclude him from the contest and has challenged the court's legitimacy. NEW DELHI,FEB 18:The Uttar Pradesh government has ordered for judicial probe into the stampede at Allahabad Railway station on February 10th claiming lives of 38 Kumbh pilgrims and injuring many. Retired Justice of Allahabad High Court Justice Onkareshwar Bhatt will conduct the probe. He has been asked to complete the probe within two months. Earlier, the government had asked the Chairman Board of Revenue Jagan Mathuews to conduct the probe within one month. He was supposed to visit Allahabad today to initiate the probe. Sate Principle Secretary Home Rajendra Mohan Srivastav told our correspondent this morning that the government has also decided to scrap the Chairman Board of Revenue probe and order about it is being issued today. Two Public Interest Litigations are filed in the Allahabad High Court and its Lucknow bench seeking judicial probe into the incident. Railway has also set up an inquiry committee headed by the Additional member traffic Railway Board to probe into the incident. Meanwhile the Bharatiya Janata Party has demanded a special audit by the Comptroller and Auditor General CAG into the expenses made in the name of Kumbh preparations. Party`s senior leader and chairman of Public Accounts Committee of Parliament Dr Murli Manohar Joshi also alleged that state government as well as Railways had not made adequate arrangements for the Kumbh pilgrims. State BJP has also set up a committee to probe into the incident of stampede.

Ela Bhatt conferred...

foot steps of late Prime Minister Indira Gandhi's vision, Ela Bhat has touched and changed the lives of million of people especially uplifting the vulnerable and most marginalised sections of the society.

DPSC harassing...
Geelani told CNS on phone and added that Delhi Police Special Cell personnel are not accompanying any formal order in this regard and on these basis he has refused to hand over his mobile sets to them. He further said that he is being continuously harassed by DPSC personnel after the execution of Afzal Guroo and this time also his quarter has been cordoned and he is not being allowed to venture out.

Investigation into chopper deal on at 'many levels': Khurshid

NEW DELHI, FEB 18:Holding that investigation into the Rs 3,600-crore VVIP helicopter deal was on at "many levels", India today said Letters Rogatory is the "best and strongest method" available to it for seeking details from Italian courts on the case. External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid also said a CBI team from here has gone to Milan in Italy to get material and details about the case. "Our courts have to issue them and they have to be addressed by Italian courts. But it (Letters Rogatory) is the best and strongest method available to us and hope that will work," he told reporters here. He was responding to a question on whether Letters Rogatory would be the best way to get details from Italian authorities after a court in Milan had last week refused to share any details with India on the case. A Letters Rogatory or letter of request is a formal request from a court to a foreign court for some type of judicial assistance. Khurshid said the Indian Government has not been able to get "concrete materials" from Italian authorities. "We are not able to get concrete materials from Italians. So far whatever they have done, we have reacted and responded. But up to this point they have not indicated anything. They are unable to share with us anything," he said. The Minister said it was little premature to get to any conclusion on the issue as the CBI team from India is there to get details. "Our team is there to gather information and materials which can be analysed when they come," he said.

Jammu University to ....

Halina Majewski, a yoga scholar from Canada, has been invited as a special guest. The keynote address would be delivered by acclaimed Yoga teacher and Padma Shri recipient, Bharat Bhushan.

Meira Kumar to hold all-party meet on Feb 20 for smooth session

NEW DELHI,FEB 18:The Lok Sabha Speaker Mrs Meira Kumar has convened an all-party meeting on Wednesday to ensure smooth functioning of the Budget Session of Parliament starting on February 21. Our correspondent reports, the Speaker will be meeting leaders of all parliamentary parties a day before the threemonth-long session starts. The session is expected to be tumultuous with the Opposition all set to attack the government on a number of issues including the VVIP chopper deal. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kamal Nath has already met secretaries of various ministries to firm up the legislative agenda for the session that will continue till May 10 with a month-long recess from March 23. The Budget Session begins with the Address of President Pranab Mukherjee to the joint sitting of Parliament. The Rail Budget will be presented on February 26 and economic survey will be tabled the next day. Finance Minister P Chidambaram will present the General Budget on February 28.

Life normal after...

don't know what will happen in future, so it is better to be safe and stock items," Mohammad Sultan, a resident of Nowhatta said. Huge rush of consumers was witnessed outside ration depots of Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution Department in various areas of the Valley with people waiting in long queues to purchase ration. Even LPG cylinders were in demand, with people eagerly waiting for the truckload of gas cylinders at different points earmarked by gas companies. People were also seen thronging the ATMs to

Two crore children...

schools. Prominent Muslim groups had asked Nitish Kumar government to make changes in the notice issued and add the provisions of "optional or voluntary" so that the minority students could stay away from the programme. Later, the Bihar government adhered to the demand of the Muslim groups and changed the provision in the circular. Earlier, around 50 lakh students across Madhya Pradesh on January 12 took part in 'Surya Namaskar' ignoring Opposition protests and fatwa by Muslim clerics even as Congress leader Digvijay Singh saw nothing wrong in the yogic exercise and said it should not be equated with religion.

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Several deputations calls on Tourism Minister

3
Execution of Afzal was a Judicial murder

NEWS IN BOX

Madni reviews arrangements for budget session

JAMMU, FEBRUARY 18:- Deputy Speaker, Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, Mohammad Sartaj Madni, today reviewed arrangements for smooth conduct of upcoming budget session commencing from February 28 while chairing a meeting of senior civil and police functionaries. The Deputy Speaker directed the executing agencies, Estates department to speed up the pace of work and ensure repair and renovation besides checking bottlenecks, if any, in construction of the Assembly complex particularly in the central hall, house and VIP chambers within a week's time. Threadbare, discussion was held on arrangements made by the Security, Traffic, Fire Services, Hospitality and Protocol, Power Development Department, Municipality, JKTDC, Health and Medical, Information, and Floriculture departments. Besides, a detailed deliberation was also held on issuance of entry passes, stay and provision for parking facilities for media persons. Among others, Divisional Commissioner Jammu, Pradeep Gupta, ADGP, Security, Dr. Ram Lubhaya, IGP Traffic, Munir Khan, Secretary Law and Parliamentary Affairs, Ghulam Hassan Tantrey, Secretary Assembly, M. Ramzan,, Deputy Inspector General IRP, T. Punchok, Deputy Inspector General Traffic Jammu, Shakeel Ahmed Baig and other concerned officers attended the meeting.

Better basic amenities, tourism promotion priority of Govt: Mir

JAMMU, FEBRUARY 18Minister for Tourism, Mr. Ghulam Ahmed Mir today said that the government was committed to provide better basic amenities to the people of state adding that in this regard a massive infrastructure development programme was underway across the state. Interacting with several deputationists from valley here today, the Minister said that tourism being the backbone of state's economy, the present government was paying focused attention for its promotion. He said Tourism Department was making strenuous efforts to develop new potential spots besides creating world class tourism infrastructure in the state. The deputations who met the Minister were from Shangus, Dooru, Arikushipora, Qazigund, Batagund, besides Migrant Teachers Association. The deputations put forth their chatter of demands before the Minister and urged for early redressal. A deputation led by restoration of power supply from the transformer Batagund, led by Mukhtar Ahmed Bhat, demanded

CM was well aware about the facts: S.A.R Geelani

SRINAGAR, FEB 18: Terming the trial of Afzal Guroo as flawed and a farce, Kashmiri human rights activist based in Delhi, Professor S.A.R.Geelani Monday claimed that Chief Minister Omar Abdullah was well aware of the fact that Afzal Guroo will be hanged soon after Ajmal Qasab." Remember the day when Kasab was hanged? The secrecy was maintained. Go and see what Omar Abdullah tweeted then. He said that if this can be done in secrecy, others could be done as well. He was hinting at Afzal Guru. There is no reason not to believe that Omar Abdullah was not aware about it or rather, knew about it," Geelani told Srinagar based News gathering agency CNS and added that execution of Guroo was not judicial but a political decision. Stating that the hanging of Afzal was a politically motivated gimmick and an example of vote bank politics Geelani said that to pave for its victory in 2014 Parliament Elections, Congress party murdered Afzal He lamented that Afzal was not given a chance to prove his innocence. "Afzal Guroo gave requests at least five times, seeking legal aid. He gave the names of the lawyers. Neeraj Bansal was made his counsel. If you see the records, you will find that Neeraj Bansal gave an application to the court saying that he doesn't want to be Afzal's advocate. The court asked him to do the job for assisting the court. So, he was not fighting the case for Afzal, he was assisting the court. It is completely a case of justice denied and today I can say that an innocent man was hanged," Geelani said. Geelani claimed that it was not only Omar Abdullah but other mainstream parties were also taken into confidence on the Afzal issue. "It is irony that despite knowing everything the Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister is singing a different tune in Valley now. These political leaders are all responsible for the murder of Afzal Guroo. Their crocodile tears will not work anymore. They have got fully exposed.'' He said. Lashing at Indian media for repeatedly airing the confession statement of Afzal Guroo on their channels, Geelani said the even Supreme Court maintained that this statement was under duress. "They go on lying to the people till they are convinced that what they hear is the truth. They say that we should have respect for the courts, but do they have? The Supreme Court has declared the confession by Afzal illegal but they are showing it repeatedly even after his death. They are like vultures who want their pound of flesh from a dead man," Geelani said and added that no institution is coming forward to help Kashmiri people who are being suppressed and whose voice is being muzzled.

Minister for Tourism, Ghulam Ahmed Mir nteracting with several deputationists at Jammu District Congress President Anantnag, Mr. Gulzar Ahmed Wani demanded constitution of separate development authority for Acchabal-Chattapal. The members also urged for upgradation of tourism infrastructure in Shangus constituency, besides development of Public Park at Dathinag. Another deputation from Arikhushipora demanded installed previously for lifting ground water in the area. They said that the ground water lifting supply scheme was not functional since a long time as the transformer at the site was not in use. The deputation of contractors association Qazigund pleaded for pending payment of the works already completed on Omoh- Jawahar tunnel road. Another deputation from construction of water supply scheme in the area. The Migrant Teachers Association requested for inclusion of their services from the day of their appointment. The Minister gave a patient hearing to the deputationists and said that their genuine demands would be taken up with the concerned authorities for early redressal.

Meditation Guru Raj Kumar Dogra presents his art in Jail at Kot Bhalwal
JAMMU:Continuing with his mission of reaching the needy and depressed people of the society, renowned Meditation & Spiritual Musiic Therapy Guru Raj Kumar Dogra once again reached the Central Jail at Kot Bhalwal in outskirts of Jammu for live presentation of his art. Over 400 jail inmates, including hard core militants, criminals, drug addicts and those in jail for various other social crimes, attended the special session. Raj Kumar Dogra said that during his research work of last 15 years and the workshops, seminars, presentations in India and aborad, has invited wide spread appreciation and proved to be a medicine to cure the ailments, relieve stress and strain, bring peace of mind and develop positiveness. Dogra said that the Meditation Therapy can prove to be beneficial to even those people who have taken gun in hand and adopted the path of militancy. As this therapy produces positive attitude, their minds get spiritual thinking and they can once again return to the society as normal peave loving citizens. Raj Kumar Dogra said although there has been a number of self styled and self claimers of being the experts in the line still one should prefer to contact the real and experienced person if he or she want to enjoy the fruits of original therapy. Speaking about the significance of the Meditation & Spiritual Music Therapy, Raj Kumar Dogra said that the Indian music has the long history of its journey. In the old days, there were special raagas for particular occasions, events, religious ceremonies and social events. The power and the effect of the music could be well judged from the fact that a particular raga caved in the name of Agni or Megha could create fire or bring clouds and rain. Jail Superintendent Madam Rajni Sehgal thanked Dogra for giving live presentation in the premises of the jail and expressed hope that the medicine of this music therapy will obviously bring good results in the jail inmates. Meenakshi and Payal Dogra gave the vocal support to Raj Kumar Dogra and Shalini Chouhan conducted the programme. Swarangan Meditation Charitable Trust Members Sanjay Kumar and Swaransh Dogra also accompanied Raj Kumar Dogra.

Govt keen to revive pristine glory of heritage sites: Bhalla

JAMMU, FEBRUARY 18The 3rd meeting of J&K Heritage Conservation & Preservation Authority was held under the chairmanship of Minister for Housing, Horticulture & Culture, Raman Bhalla, to review the progress on restoration work being done on various heritage sites across the State. Commissioner/Secretary Tourism and Culture, Atal D u l l o o , Commissioner/Secretary R&B, Tanveer Jehan, Secretary JKAACL Khalid Bashir Ahmed, Consultant Tourism and Culture, K. A Qadri, Special Secretary PWD, Special Secretary Revenue, Deputy Director Archives besides other senior officers of Tourism, Culture, Planning, Revenue, Industries, Housing, Law, Agriculture Department attended the meeting. Bhalla informed the meeting that the Government has earmarked corpus fund of Rs. 50 crore for meeting the expenditure on conservation and preservation of rich heritage assets of the State, against which Rs. 2 crore stands released, vation plans for these sites. The Minister stressed upon the concerned authorities to take all necessary steps for making the authority more vibrant and result being made for preservation of states' cultural legacy, adding that the enactment of Heritage Conservation and Preservation Act would further help in conserving the distinct heritage assets of the State. Bhalla said that the Ancient Monuments Preservation Act was also updated after a gap of 19 years and rules and regulation for both the Acts are in force for the purpose. The Minister emphasized speedy start of work on revival of the pristine glory of Zorawar Singh Palace Vijaypur Reasi, Chamba Rock Cut Sculpture Kartsaye Kargil, Poonch House Talab Tilloo Jammu, Heritage Building SPS College Srinagar. He said the detailed project reports on these projects have been approved for early start of work.

Govt. enhancing Kashmir's pain by repression, denial of Guru's remains: Mehbooba

SRINAGAR, FEB 18: Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has said the Congress NC coalition was only enhancing the pain caused by the unholy haste and secrecy adopted in the execution of Mohammad Afzal Guru through its heartless response to people's sentiment and use of brute force. In a statement condemning the death of a widow in Kaimoh as a result of reportedly harsh intrusion by government forces into her house, party president Mehbooba Mufti said the refusal by government to hand over the remains of Afzal to the family was a gross violation of their rights and added a new chapter of callousness to the sad Kashmir story. Reiterating the party view that Afzal was sacrificed for the political interests of ruling coalition Mehbooba said the party stood by its demand for return of his body for burial in Kashmir. "Not just the fundamental human rights of the family are being violated but even the religious requirement of proper and decent last rites have been denied which will leave a deep scar on the psyche of people in the state" she said. Mehbooba said the intervention of the Supreme Court in the case of Veerapan's associates and staying of their execution even after the rejection of mercy petition by the President of India has established beyond doubt that Afzal was denied a legal option because of UPA's political temptations or a deliberate disregard for the rights of a citizen of Kashmir and sentiments of its people. She said the entire sequence of events regarding Afzal reinforces the feeling among the people that Kashmir was treated differently and unjustly, which understandably feeds the larger political imbroglio. Mehbooba said NC and Congress have shown that whenever they get together to share power the people of the state have to pay a heavy price. "If on previous occasions their lust of power resulted in mass destruction of Kashmir, this time they have capped their four year disastrous rule with an event that would define the psyche of generations and impact course of history as few other events have done" she said. The least the government could do to atone its sins in Afzal affair is to return the body for its proper burial by the family, she added. Strongly condemning the use of force by government to silence voices of protest Mehbooba said the level of fear created by it is unprecedented. If the youth prefer to drown rather than face arrest by police as happened in Ganderbal, a lady Nazira Begum died of a heart attack in Kaimoh. She said the government is trying to enforce peace of graveyard in the state after provoking the people through its atrocious policies. She said the mass arrest of youth resorted to by the government has no parallel even in the tragic history of J&K itself. "This government is again creating the same atmosphere in which before 2002 the NC and its infamous task force and SOG pushed a gentleman of great qualities like Mohammad Afzal Guru into a situation that led to his underserved execution" she said. Therapy Guru Raj Kumar Dogra once again reached the Central Jail at Kot Bhalwal in outskirts of Jammu for live presentation of his art.

Death of women sparks protests in Kulgam

Stone pelting and shut down in Pulwama
SRINAGAR, FEB 18: Heavy Protests trigger South Kashmir's Khudwani and its adjacent areas of District Kulgam over the death of a woman who according to people was beaten and harassed by Special Operation Group (SOG) and Army personnel from 9 RR during nocturnal raids in the area. Police resorted to aerial firing and tear gas shelling to disperse the agitated protestors while curfew was imposed when the youth in large numbers assembled on roads and started pelting stones on police and Para-military troopers deployed in strength on roads. Meanwhile, in Pulwama agitated protestors attacked Police Station in main market demanding the release of youth who according to protestors had been arrested during nocturnal raids. According to reports, during the intervening night of Sunday and Monday, Army and SOG personnel raided the house of Haji Ali Mohammad Dar and Ghulam Mohammad Gani residents of Cheder, Kulgam. Locals alleged that Army and Special Operation Group personnel raided many houses in the village including that of Late Ali Mohammad Dar. During the nocturnal raid, inmates were asked to assemble in their respective courtyards, they added. "When the search operation was going on and nothing objectionable was found in the housed, some army men threatened a youth and Nazira Banoo of dire consequences. She was slapped and harassed to the extent that she lost her life probably due to fear," a resident said. When on Monday morning people in the nearby villages heard about the news they assembled in Cheder and marched towards the Army camp situated in Khudwani in the building of Agricultural University along with the body of Nazira Banoo. Protestors chanted anti-India slogans and demanded stern action against the guilty. In order to disperse the agitated protestor's, police and Para-military troopers resorted to heavy tear gas shelling and lathi charge which resulted in the injuries of dozens of persons. Meanwhile a Police official said they are in the process of collecting details. "It seems that the woman died of cardiac arrest but it will be premature to say anything. Investigation is going on and soon the reality will come to surface," he said.

Jora reviews progress on JNURM projects

Rs. 548 cr expended, work on 108 projects in progress
1312.64 crore. The meeting was further informed that under urban transport Rs. was in progress with expenditure of Rs. 26.80 crore. Under Integrated housing

which would be invested as long and short term measures for the purpose. Bhalla said that initially three heritage sites one each in Kashmir, Jammu and Ladakh regions would be taken up for conservation by the Authority. In this regard, he directed concerned to prepare conser-

oriented. He said Jammu and Kashmir is proud to have 5000 years of living traditions with enormous number of monuments, heritage places archeology sites and their preservation is on focused attention of the Government. He said during past four years strenuous efforts are

JAMMU FEBRUARY 18: Emphasizing on close coordination among departments and executing agencies, the Minister for Urban Development and Local Urban Local Bodies, Mr. Nawang Rigzin Jora has asked the concerned functionaries to speed up work to ensure timely completion of the projects taken up under the Centrally sponsored Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JnNURM} programme for the state. The Minister was reviewing the status on the projects taken up under JnNURM in the state at an officers meeting here today Commissioner Secretary Housing and Urban Development, Mr Jeetlal Gupta, senior officers of SMC, JMC, ULD, Kashmir and Jammu and STRC were present on the occasion. The meeting was informed that 108 projects have been sanction by the Centre under this programme, while Rs. 548 crore stands expended against the total sanctioned cost of Rs.

warned and asked officers monitoring the progress of the projects to seek help and

Urban Development and Local Urban Local Bodies, Mr. Nawang Rigzin Jora discussing the working on on the projects taken up under JnNURM at Jammu 26.40 crore has been approved for procurement of 150 buses 75 each for Jammu and Srinagar cities. It was given out that under urban infrastructure development for small and medium towns (UIDSSMT), Rs. 217 crore have been incurred so far out of the sanctioned funds of Rs. 424.42 crore approved for 47 projects, while work on five projects of Rs. 162.39 crore taken up under basic services to urban poor (BSUP) programme and slum development programme (IHSDP), the Centre has approved 50 schemes costing Rs. 147.60 crore against which Rs. 66.07 crore have been expended so far. The minister asked officers to include all the expenses while preparing detailed project reports (DPRs), including cost required for shifting of utilities to avoid delay in completion of the works. "No excuse would be accepted in taking forward the projects", the Minister advice of the administrative department in removing bottlenecks, if any. Mr. Jora asked the concerned officers to hire the consultants where required and ensure that consultant shall remain present at construction sites till the projects are completed. He asked officers to take necessary guidance and advices of administrative department and ensure that projects are completed in time bound manner.

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Time limit for clearance of industrial units to be brought under PSGA: Omar
'No requirement of mortgage, guarantee for loans less than Rs. 10 lakh under SKEWPY'
all concerned need to work with a commitment and dedication for obtaining targeted results'. After patiently hearing the experience of entrepreneurs who have established or are in the process of setting up economic units under SKEWPY at marathon interaction session organized by Jammu and Kashmir Entrepreneurship Development Institute (JKEDI) here this afternoon, the Chief Minister said that success attained by the entrepreneurs taking advantage of SKEWPY would serve as an important motivating factor for others to follow the suit. "I am happy that you narrated full account of your success stories frankly and truthfully in this interaction session", he told the entrepreneurs adding that the experience shared by them will serve as 'food for thought' to the government departments, Jammu and Kashmir Bank and other organizations associated with SKEWPY to address the areas identified by the entrepreneurs in focused manner. "In order to make SKEWPY more productive, effective and fast track, it is essential that the issues regarding clearance of cases under SKEWPY are brought under PSGA", he stressed and said that hassle-free clearance of cases and disbursement of loans in a time bound manner has to be ensured so that youth find level play field to venture upon. Describing budding entrepreneurs as explorers of SKEWPY initiative, the Chief Minister said that they would act as role models for others to utilize SKEWPY initiative and earn substantial livelihood for themselves and others. He said hand holding of entrepreneurs by all the concerned agencies is key to the progress and growth of SKEWPY. The Chief Minister said that SKEWPY categorically provides for advancing of loans less than Rs. 10 lakhs without any mortgage or guarantee by entrepreneurs and similar initiative has been put in place by the Centre Government to encourage micro and small industrial sector and address unemployment problem. "There is need to drive this point home to the lower level bank officers by the Jammu and Kashmir Bank so that entrepreneurs are not asked for such requirements for the cases involving less than Rs. 10 lakhs", he said and directed the Jammu and Kashmir Bank authorities to educate their officials accordingly. The Chief Minister said that he would constitute a Committee of Secretaries to re-examine operational mechanism, scale of financJAMMU, FEBRUARY 18 :Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah Monday while expressing satisfaction over the popularity of SKEWPY among educated youth, underlined the need for bringing the clearance process for launch of economic units under Public Service Guarantee Act (PSGA) to make it time bound and hassle-free. Saying that SKEWPY is right answer to address unemployment problem and generate wide-ranging economic activities in industrial and business sectors, the Chief Minister said, 'in the success of the budding entrepreneurs in this field is the success of SKEWPY, as such ing, expansion, enhancing of age limit and lowering of qualification for the youth intending to take advantage of SKEWPY so that its orbit is further expanded and more and more youth provided opportunity to earn their livelihood under this scheme. Minister for Planning and Development, Ajay Sadhotra in his speech highlighted the efficacy of SKEWPY and said that Jammu and Kashmir State is the first State in the country which has implemented the historic initiative of Sher-iKashmir Employment and Welfare Programme for and Youth (SKEWPY) under the stewardship of Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah.

Panun Kashmir demands white paper on separatists' visit to Pak

JAMMU: Panun Kashmir, an organisation representing displaced Kashmiri Pandits on Monday demanded a white paper by the central government on visits of Kashmiri separatists to Pakistan. "We demand that the government of India issue a white paper on visits of Kashmiri separatists to Pakistan," president of Panun Kashmir, Ashwani Kumar Chrungoo said at a conference here today. This comes in the wake of JKLF founder Yasin Malik sharing a dais in Pakistan with 26/11 mastermind Hafiz Saeed recently. He said Panun Kashmir views with serious concern the visit of Kashmir separatists to Pakistan over the years. "There is a need for the Indian state to review the whole process of engagement with Pakistan and make a paradigm shift from its current policy paralysis on Kashmir," Chrungoo said. It has been observed that secessionists have used these visits to meet forces that are inimical to the sovereignty and security of India, he claimed. J&K Liberation Front leader Malik and Saeed came together to mourn the execution of Parliament attack case convict Afzal Guru in Pakistan. Former Chief Information Commissioner A N Tiwari said the Section 24 must be read in accordance with definition of 'information' and the Right to Information given under the transparency law. According to RTI Act, 'information' is any material in any form held by or under the control of a public authority. He said the section says "the information (any material in any form held by or under the control of a public authority) pertaining to allegations of corruption does not come under exemptions given to security and intelligence agencies". Tiwari said when an information seeker applies for the information pertaining to alleged corruption, it can be disclosed. CBI has pleaded before the High Court that its primary job is to probe corruption cases and disclosing information about them would make the exemption given to agency infructuous. In his order, Chief Information Commissioner Satyananda Mishra had clarified the point saying RTI Act neither makes distinction between the exempted organisations on the basis of the functions they perform nor between allegations of corruption on the basis whether it is made against the employees of the exempt organisation or others. RTI activist Subhash Agrawal cited a Madras High Court order in a case of Directorate of Vigilance and Anti- Corruption (an exempted organisation of Tamil Nadu Government similar to CBI) Vs R Karthikeyan and V Madhav where it ordered disclosure of information related to corruption.

Work on JU Kishtwar Campus to begin soon: Kichloo Ghulam Nabi Gauhar presents
Academic block, Girls & Boys Hostels to be constructed in Phase
JAMMU, FEBRUARY 18 Minister of State for Industries & Commerce and Home, Sajjad Ahmad Kichloo, today stated that work on the Kishtwar campus of Jammu University will be taken up shortly and in Phase I, Academic Block and Girls & Boys Hostels will be constructed. In a statement, the Minister thanked Vice Chancellor Jammu University, Sardar Mohan Pal Singh Ishar and Director, JU Kishtwar Campus, Dr. Shohab Inayat Malik for prioritizing work on the Campus, estimated to cost Rs. 19 crore, for which 26 kanals of land has already been acquired. "We have identified another 101 kanals of land for which Rs. 6 crore compensation is required," he said, adding work on Phase II of the project will begin as soon as the identified land is made available to the executing agency. The Minister said the Government is working to strengthen the higher education network in the State so that we make our educational institutions seats of excellence and learning. He added that Kishtwar Campus will have state-of-the-art infrastructure and required faculties so that it emerges as a seat of great learning. Kichloo also said that he will request VC JU to establish Department of Persian Studies once the Campus is commissioned as it will compliment the people of Kishtwar for their liking for literature. He added that hunger of younger generation for knowledge should not diminish for country's bright future and prosperity

his latest book to Governor

JAMMU, FEBRUARY 18 Mr. Ghulam Nabi Gauhar, a well known writer of the State, presented to Mr. N. N. Vohra, Governor, a copy of his latest book titled "Torch Bearer in Dark Circle", at Raj Bhavan, here today. Briefing the Governor about this volume, Mr. Gauhar said that he had originally written this novel in Kashmiri titled "Argi Ashud', which he later recreated in English, titled "Torch Bearer

in Dark Circle". The theme of the book is the history of Jammu and Kashmir in the 20th century through the medium of fiction. During the past about six decades, Mr. Gauhar has written 12 books each in English and Kashmiri and 3 in Urdu language, ranging from novels, poetry, research and Kashmir mystic thought. The Governor wished Mr. Gauhar good health and continuing success in his literary pursuits.

State Judicial Academy organizes refresher course

JAMMU, FEBRUARY 18- Refresher course on the topic "Settlement of Disputes outside the Court under Section 89 CPC : its juxtaposition within the ambience of judicial justice system" was organized by the State Judicial Academy for Sub-Judges and Munsiffs. The course was organized under the directions of the Chief Justice and was presided over by Justice Mansoor Ahmad Mir, Judge Incharge, State Judicial Academy. Dr. Virender Kumar, formerly founding Director, Chandigarh Judicial Academy, Prof & Chairman, Department of Laws Punjab University Chandigarh and UGC Emeritus Fellow in law was invited as Resource person. Justice Mansoor Ahmad Mir highlighted the effectiveness of Alternate Dispute Resolution mechanism contemplated by Section 89 which includes arbitration, conciliation, judicial settlement including settlement through Lok Adalat and mediation. He said that Section 89 CPC is an attempt to blend the judicial and non-judicial dispute mechanism in order to envisage equal rights of every person in the eyes of law. The Section was amended to bring the Alternate Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanism into main stream of judicial system. Keeping in mind the laws delays and limited number of judges which are available, it has now become imperative to resort to alternate dispute resolution, mechanism with a view to end litigation between the parties at an early date. Referring to mediation as one of the effective mode of ADR mechanism, Justice Mansoor said that it is voluntary and confidential process by which through the intervention of a person called mediator who is a neutral and impartial person, the parties are helped to come to voluntary and mutually acceptable resolution of their dispute. The Mediator only guides the process but cannot impose any decision on the parties. Justice Mir stated that there is a need of time to institutionalize the ADR mechanism and to train the judicial officers and volunteers objectively on ADR techniques. Eminent academician, Dr. Virender Kumar made an eloquent presentation on the topic and referred to origin and history of Section 89 CPC in the light of case law developed on ADR mechanism. He referred to the number of reasons as impediment to the growth of arbitration as an effective dispute resolution process as observed by Apex court in a case in 2012. He underlined the need for sensitization of judges in arbitration matters. He posed a question as to, "what is the universe of settlement of disputes outside the courts?" The universe of "outside the court"" settlement legislatively extends to include under Section 89 CPC arbitration, conciliation, settlement through lok adalat or mediation. These specifically enumerated four modes of redressal are cumulatively and collectively called Alternate Dispute Resolution process. He stated that while make a reference, judge becomes "critical connect" between conciliation forum. The judge is not obliged to make reference in every case for arbitration, conciliation, lok adalat or mediation, though Malimath Committee made a recommendation for compulsory. He explained in detail as to how ADR mechanism could be made workable. In this regard, he laid emphasis on sensitization of judges about the basic understanding and appreciation of the philosophy of ADR for its realization. Equally, the Presiding Officers of the Forum require orientation and re-orientation especially the retired judges who continue to treat lok adalats as if they were appellate courts by proxy.

Ajaz for modernization of Rev records, pitches for infrastructure strengthening of Department
JAMMU, FEBRUARY 18Minister of State for Revenue, Relief & Rehabilitation, Mr. Ajaz Ahmad Khan has underlined the need for modernization of revenue records to streamline revenue operations in the State. Chairing a high level meeting of the Revenue Department here today, the Minister asked the officers of Revenue Department to ensure computerization of Revenue records in the State within five years to enable people hassle free access to these records. Mr. Ajaz also asked the officers to work for effective implementation of National Land Records Modernization Programme in the State. The programme is aimed at computerizing the revenue records of the entire State in a phased manner. The Minister also reviewed the implementation of disaster management authority in the State and asked the officers to take it all across the state for its efficient execution. Mr. Ajaz stressed the need for infrastructure strengthening at field level to ensure that the officers of the Department deliver without any problem of mobility or space. He asked for making a detailed plan for constructing office accommodations at Niabats and tehsils. He also stressed the need for building disaster proof record rooms which can house the revenue records without any problem. The Minister asked the officers to ensure speedy disposal of cases of the Department in courts to ensure that pendency is minimized. The meeting also discussed issues of staffing including promotions, seniority and transfers in the Department. Mr. Ajaz impressed upon the officers to hold regular promotions to ensure that the motivation and dedication of the employees remains high.

Incentive of Rs. 1.18 Cr distributed among Saffron growers of Srinagar district

SRINAGAR, FEBRUARY 18: Incentive cheques worth Rs. 1.18 crore under "National Mission on Saffron" were distributed among 220 Saffron growers of Zewan, Balhama & Khunmoh at Lal Mandi Srinagar today. On the occasion, Director Agriculture Kashmir, Dr. Farooq Ahmad Lone said that the "National Mission on Saffron" is aimed to increase productivity, maintaining quality & improving marketing facilities of saffron. He said that country has to import saffron to meet the domestic demand of 20 metric tons per year & Government has launched this programme to increase saffron production in the State, so that country's demand is met. He said that need of hour is to initiate steps for protection of saffron crop besides increasing productivity & improving its quality. He said that Spice Park worth Rs. 22.6 crore would be established at Drusoo Pampore to facilitate growers online national & international marketing of their produce at doorsteps besides provide quality control facilities to them. He said that 5 Bore-wells at the cost of Rs. 2 crore were established at Khunmoh, Balhama for irrigation facilities to saffron areas. He directed officers and officials of the department to put their efforts & utilize modern technology in boosting the production & enhance the quality of saffron. Chief Agriculture Officer Srinagar said that during current year 54 Hectors of land was covered under replanting of corms programme and the remaining area will be covered under rejuvenation programme in next year. As many as five Vermi-Compost Units were established by providing Rs. 1.50 lakh as subsidy component to saffron growers.

Broader public interest, necessity to be the criteria for new projects: Wani
Pradesh Congress Committee, M. A. Malik, Chairperson, Mrs Sonia Gandhi and Union Minister he will address their grievances on merit instead of any

Mechanism put in place to ensure empowerment of PRIs: Sagar

JAMMU, FEBRUARY 18:Retreating Government's commitment for effective decentralization of powers to grass-root level, Minister for Rural development and Panchayati Raj, Ali Mohammad Sagar has said that the necessary mechanism has already been put in place to ensure that the orders of empowerment of Panchayati Raj Institutions are implemented in letter and spirit. The Minister was speaking at an interaction organized by the department of Rural Development to oversee the implementation of the orders of empowerment of Panchayati Raj Institutions at satwari block. District Development Commissioner Jammu, Mr. Sanjeev Verma, Director Rural Development Jammu, Mr. Shafiq Raina, Additional Development Commissioner, Ms. Rehana Batool, Panchs/ Sarpanchs and officers of different departments were present. Mr. Sagar said that the present government has already issued the orders for vesting the supervisory powers of 14 vital departments to Panchayats and any official should not violate the same. He said that the Additional District Development Commissioner of every district has been nominated as the nodal officer to ensure the implementation. The Minister said that by ensuring the democratic decentralization of powers the people at grass root level are being involved in the day to day governance which forms the basis of democratic setup. He asked the officers to involve the Panches and Sarpanches in the formulation and implementation of various welfare programmes.

JAMMU, FEBRUARY 18 Minister for R&B, Abdul Majid Wani today said that broader public interest and necessity has been kept as the criteria for sanctioning and execution of Road and Bridges (R&B) department projects. The Minister was responding to various demands put forth by deputations from various districts of Jammu Province regarding provision for proper road connectivity, especially in hilly and remote areas of Kishtwar, Reasi, Poonch, Rajouri, Doda, etc. Mr. Wani reiterated that the districts and areas with low road connectivity percentage would be given top priority so that the dream of equitable development of all regions and sub-regions of the State is realized. A Deputation from district Kishtwar, led by Member

Minister for R&B, Abdul Majid Wani interacting with the deputations from various districts of Jammu Province at Jammu Block President Palmar, Dev Raj alongwith Sarpanches from Marwah, Warwan and other areas Monday felicitated Mr. Wani for taking over as the R&B Minister in the coalition government. The members of the Deputation expressed their gratitude to UPA for Health and Family Welfare, Mr Ghulam Nabi Azad for the decision. Describing Mr. Wani as true public friend, who understands and knows ground realities and hardships faced by people, especially in rural and hilly areas of the state, they hoped that other consideration. The deputation highlighted various demands and sought early redressal. The demands included upgradation of roads from Dacchan to Marwa, Warwan to Marwa, Gulabgarh to Machil, bridge on Warwan Marwa road, and upgradation

of Ishaan Nowapachi road, upgradation and widening of Malipeth Dakbunglow Road etc. Thanking the deputation for reposing faith in him, R&B Minister said that equitable development with special focus on earlier unattended areas has been put high on agenda. Maintaining that as Public representatives all Ministers are entrusted to serve the public, Mr wani assured the deputations that he will very shortly visit and tour all these hilly and border districts to facilitate rapid progress on road connectivity programme in these areas. The R&B Minister further assured the delegation that their genuine demands would be given due consideration. He directed the concerned authorities to examine the demands and start the execution process at an earliest.

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EDITORIAL
By S.L. Rao The world lauds us as the largest democracy. Yet, how much of a democracy are we and where must we improve? lections and their consequences: We have regular elections. They are supervised with increasing effectiveness as far as booth capturing, bogus voters and violence are concerned. The influence of money has not waned; if anything, it has increased. It is not as it used to be, for paying voters only. Voters are also more sophisticated and are not above taking money, but voting as they prefer. The money is for advertising, banners, ferrying crowds to meetings, and for 'paid news'. The Press Council of India's report prepared by Paranjoy Guha Thakurta and K. Sreenivas Reddy had laid this bare. But the practice has not stopped. Both the print and visual media appear to engage in this practice. The paid news comes in different stages. The simplest is to give name and picture recognition. The highest is where laudatory references are made to the candidate and objectionable parts of the opponent's life and career, as well as of his party, are publicized, sometimes even created. The Election Commission has so far not been able to stop or even control this. With elections being expensive to fight, winners have to recoup their expenses soon. They do so by peddling influence. The growing instances of corruption show that economic growth has led to major illegal earnings from the sale or lease of natural resources, land, infrastructure contracts, and from leakages in large social welfare programmes like the public distribution system or the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme. Any democracy requires candidates for election. There is data to show that a significant number of our corporators, legislators and parliamentarians have been jailed on criminal charges or have criminal charges pending against them - some of the charges are of rape and murder - but, so far, there has been no bar on their standing for elections, being elected or participating in the framing of legislation. It was interesting that the Lok Pal debate saw such a parliamentarian active in framing the legislation that was intended to curb people like him who had faced charges or have been in Our electorates include large numbers of the deprived, from among scheduled castes and tribes, and Muslims. However, there is a larger section of the deprived and oppressed, namely women. They are killed as foetuses, at birth, and for dowry. They are sexually harassed at work. Rape is a common occurrence among all classes and parts of India. The government has done little to make women and other functional and costly. Law and judiciary: In spite of being the bulwark of the people's expectations of fairness and justice, the judiciary is understaffed, underpaid, with little infrastructural support, and some corruption. An essential element of our democracy is the obedience of the executive to judicial orders. Prime ministers have stepped down, top politicians have been charged and arrested. In most critical matters,

ast assembly elections were a land mark for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the State of Jammu and Kashmir. The electorate returned eleven members of the party to the State legislature. It was by no means a small thing. At least for the first time a political party projecting itself as a nationalistic to the core got such a large number of seats. Riding merrily on the post Sri Amarnath agitation the party was able to cash on the injured and anguished sensitivities relating to the matter of faith. The Amarnath agitation was a watershed in the history of the State. The then government had mishandled the situation in such a way that the people had no way out but to come on roads to protect their rights regarding the matter of faith. The statement of the then Chief Minister in the Parliament that he was not prepared to part even an inch of land for Sri Amar Nath Board proved grave provocation which forced the people to put their faith in BJP. It was for the first time that the party won eleven seats and emerged as a force to reckon with. On the national scene the National Democratic Alliance had lost the national elections but it had done well in the State of Jammu and Kashmir where despite the unique political permutations it had created history of sorts. The nationalists in the State hoped that BJP would play its role in a more effective way so that the problems of the people would be addressed. Despite being in the opposition the BJP was the second largest group in the Assembly and could have opposed any move of the Government inimical to the social, economical or political future of the State. Sadly this was not to happen. The internal squabbles and factionalism took a heavy toll of the party which once proudly claimed to be a Party with a difference. A sad day in

BJP needs a hard thinking The Indian democracy will take decades to improve to regain lost ground
the history of the State BJP arrived when seven of its MLAs rebelled against the wishes of the party and voted for the members who did not belong to their party. This was the low point of the political future of the party. The surprising element in this whole episode was that the rebellion within the party was led by one of the stalwarts of the party and who was the face of the party for a long time. This leader had also served as a minister of the State in the NDA rule. This is now history. The damage has been done but the future lies ahead. It is now a sheer waste of time to cry over the things of past. No doubt what happened to the party has put it in a very precarious position. The future lies ahead. Now the time for hard introspection has come. The State BJP has got its new leader. The man is experienced and has weathered many a storm. It is high time for the party to regain its prestige. The only way ahead is to carry everybody along and leaving aside political ambitions the leaders have to put their act together. The party has got a new President and a new chief in the State legislature. It is heartening to see that the recently organized Karya Karta Sammelan In which the BJP National General Secretary also attended in which the participants were full of optimism. The leaders of the BJP have to prove that they have left behind the bad times of past and are now looking ahead with a new vision and promise. The State is suffering from multifarious problems. The discrimination with Jammu has not ended. Same is the case with other minorities in the State whose genuine problems have not been addressed. If the party takes up these issues in right earnest and succeeds in creating a mass awareness cutting across region, caste or creed then there is hope that the party can regain its effective political space.

India has some of the forms of democracy, but not the content. The present United Progressive Alliance government has done more than any other government to improve matters. But it has barely scratched the surface of what needs to be done. Our democracy will take decades before its form and substance improve.
jail. Some successes: The ruling coalition has introduced measures that are transforming society. The Right to Information Act is bringing greater transparency in public policy and action. It has exposed many misdeeds and corruption in government. The MGNREGS has, despite vast leakages, improved livelihoods for millions of families. The RTI Act has significantly increased the number of children in school. Various other schemes have, in varying degrees, helped the poor with housing, health services, nutrition programmes, unemployment benefits and the like. The constitutional amendments forpanchayats have brought many women into public life and improved matters to some extent in villages. The road construction programmes introduced by Atal Bihari Vajpayee have continued and have made a difference in connectivity, providing work for many. If all these had been implemented more effectively, reaching most eligible beneficiaries, and with little leakage, the Congress could have taken credit and won the forthcoming elections without difficulty. marginalized sections of society much better off than they are. This is despite much election propaganda for the minorities, and reports of various commissions and committees. The status and treatment of women remain quite appalling in spite of the many women in positions of leadership in all sectors. After initial success in reforming the economy and achieving high growth, the Congress has now got bogged down by populism. Growth has faltered badly. Inequalities have risen greatly. An unaccountable executive: The second leg of our democracy, the executive, has also become suborned by the immense financial powers and low levels of accountability of ministers and government officials. Until there is true administrative reform, with clear definitions of responsibilities, individual accountability, impartial appointments, stopping of transfers meant as punishments, transparency in financial decision-making and decisions involving large sums of money, speedy investigations and severe penalties for proven misuse of office, this part of our democracy will become increasingly dysour judiciary has been wise and balanced. It has been able to moderate or overrule the ideologies of lower courts. But justice is inordinately delayed. There are too many adjournments, for little good reason. The adage, "Justice delayed is justice denied", seems to miss our judges. Some judges also display a paternalistic, feudal, indeed casteist, mindset. The superior courts in most instances are able to correct them. The courts do little to follow up on the execution of their decisions by the government, for example, the inordinate delay in executing the assassins of Rajiv Gandhi, Beant Singh and the masterminds of the attack on our Parliament. We also have the misbehaviour of lawyers. They go on strike, indulge in violence as part of their 'protests', or refuse to appear for clients whose ideologies they do not support (for example, of terrorists, religious fundamentalists and the like). As officers of the court, they cannot refuse to appear for a person who asks for their service. The J.S. Verma committee on the gangrape of a 23-yearold Delhi girl also raises the issue of the behaviour of armed forces and other police authorities. The Armed

Ties with France have stood the test of time

s French President Francois Hollande's maiden trip to India concluded this past Friday, it may have appeared to some that it was just another staid visit by yet another head of state. After all, no new treaties have been signed and no path-breaking deals struck. Yet, those who have been following the trajectory of the India-France relationship over the past two decades will know that this is really not the case. This bilateral relationship has never really been particularly highprofile or glamorous. But it has nevertheless been strong, stable and reliable. And it is exactly these characteristics that were reiterated during Mr Hollande's two-day visit to India last week. Take for instance, the multi-billion dollar deal to supply 126 Rafale medium multi-role combat aircraft to the Indian Air Force, which has been in the works for several months now. While there was none of the crossing of the T's and dotting of the I's on that one, negotiations surrounding the deal received a huge push forward as both President Hollande and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh expressed their satisfaction with the amount of progress that had already been made. The cherry on the cake was the announcement by the two leaders that negotiations for the procurement of Short Range Surfaceto-Air missile worth six billion dollars had been concluded. Similar progress was also made in the field of civil nuclear energy cooperation. In 2009, India and France agreed to set up six nuclear reactors in Jaitapur, but negotiations are still on regarding the contentious issue of technology transfer. Also, India's nuclear liability law has been a prick-

ly matter - not just while collaborating with the French but also with the Americans and even the Russians. Against this backdrop, Mr Hollande's statement that he understands why India would have such a stringent law - "the country that has witnessed catastrophes like the Bhopal gas tragedy", he said - goes a long way in enhancing mutual trust. It is this understanding of one another that makes the India-France relationship so very special. One of the first countries to acknowledge India's rise in the new world order, France has been a staunch supporter of New Delhi's global aspirations. Therefore, it comes as no surprise that in the course of his visit, President Hollande also called for India's inclusion in the United Nation Security Council as a full-time member. Additionally, he also urged New Delhi to play a greater role on the international stage, as the "security of the world needs India's presence". But apart from them improving strategic relations and selling war planes (both essentially, Government to Government concerns), what was uppermost on the French President's priority list was boosting bilateral trade (primarily in the private sector where the Indian growth story is really playing out). Currently, trade between India and France is at a modest eight billion dollars but it has the potential to go up to $12 billion. Also, there are several French investors and businesses - such as Carrefour, for example who are keen on entering the huge Indian market but have held back because of policy bottlenecks. Hopefully, both New Delhi and Paris will resolve the issues sooner than later.

Forces (Special Powers) Act is intended to protect the armed forces from accusations of brutality in insurgency. But why allow them the licence of rape and murder of innocents, without any civilian oversight? The same applies to the police. For example, the violence against unarmed protesters at India Gate and Jantar Mantar in Delhi by the Delhi Police has not been investigated and disciplinary action has not been taken against the policemen involved. There are far too many of such incidents where the police and the armed forces are a law unto themselves and not answerable even when they commit unlawful acts. State governments show even less respect for the law and public opinion too often. Some are worse than the others. The chief minister of West Bengal acts decisively against cartoonists who lampoon her. Gujarat encourages protesters who forced the withdrawal of M.F. Husain's paintings of nude Indian goddesses, although they do not protest against similar depictions at Konark, Khajuraho and many other places. In Chhattisgarh, the State armed civilians to fight insurgent Maoists, resulting in mass killings. In Haryana, the government permits khap panchayats to inflict punishments on innocent lovers. In Mumbai, the police, led by a senior officer, go around smashing bars and other such places. In Karnataka, the government allows loutish fanatics to intervene when they see boys and girls together. There are cases like these all over the country. Democracy would demand that this is not permissible. India has some of the forms of democracy, but not the content. The present United Progressive Alliance government has done more than any other government to improve matters. But it has barely scratched the surface of what needs to be done. Our democracy will take decades before its form and substance improve.

North Korea: Third Nuclear Test

Rajaram Panda n the most audacious defiance of UN warnings, North Korea conducted its third nuclear test on 12 February 2013. What does this imply for both regional and global security? With Pyongyang having taken a crucial step towards its goal of building a bomb small enough to fit a missile capable of striking the US, what could be the likely response of the Obama administration? What course would China, its main ally, now take to rein in North Korea? Pyongyang claimed to have used a "miniaturised and lighter nuclear device with greater explosive force than previously" and that the test "did not pose any negative impact on the surrounding ecological environment". Given North Korea's behaviour, such claims appear dubious and unacceptable. Indeed, following the country's successful rocket launch in December 2012, there were speculations that a nuclear test was on the cards. The test is estimated to have been larger than the previous two conducted by the country, though probably less powerful than the first bomb the US dropped in Hiroshima in 1945.

US President Barack Obama termed the act as "highly provocative", adding that it "undermines regional stability, violates North Korea's obligations under numerous United Nations Security Council resolutions, contravenes its commitments under the 19 September 2005 Joint Statement of the SixParty Talks, and increases the risk of proliferation". Indeed, North Korea's nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles programme constitute a threat to US national security, therefore warranting the US' remaining vigilant towards North Korea's provocations. In his response, Obama not only reiterated his stand to defend his own country, but also pledged to defend its allies. In the same vein, US Defence Secretary, Leon Panetta, expressed concern regarding the kind of activities that "rogue" states like North Korea and Iran engage in, and the serious threat they pose to the US and the world. The US announced sanctions against four Chinese entities, and multiple others, for trading in prohibited items with North Korea, Syria and Iran. The others named included two entities from Belarus, two from Iran, two from Sudan, and one each from Syria and Venezuela.

Reactions from China, North Korea's close ally, were equally harsh. China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated it "resolutely opposes" the test and "strongly urge(s) North Korea to abide by (its) promise to denuclearise" and not take "further action that will worsen the situation". The statement further added that China is firm in its stand for denuclearising the Korean peninsula, preventing nuclear proliferation, and safeguarding peace and stability in Northeast Asia. Though the country cautioned North Korea on it being susceptible to paying a "heavy price" if it proceeded with the test, it is unclear how China would act if the UN Security Council announces further measures. Similarly, the UNSC, the NATO, Japan, South Korea, Britain, France, Germany, Australia and India condemned North Korea's actions. The question remains, however, what further sanctions could the UN impose to hurt North Korea? The truism is that there are few. The only penalty that would truly hurt the country would be a complete cut-off of oil and other aid from China. But will it work and will China really resort to such harsh meas-

ures? Even the threat from the US may be largely empty, given that trade is limited and the US and its allies have refrained from a naval blockade or other steps that could revive open conflict; which has been avoided on the Korean Peninsula since an armistice was declared 60 years ago. India's Reaction India expressed its concerned over North Korea's nuclear test and said that Pyongyang acted "in violation" of its international commitments. It called upon the country "to refrain from such actions which adversely impact peace and stability in the region". India - North Korea Pakistan Nexus No country is more interested in the results of North Korea's nuclear programme, or the West's reaction to it, than Iran, which is pursuing its own uranium enrichment programme. The two countries have long cooperated on missile technology, and many intelligence officials believe they share nuclear knowledge as well, though so far there is no hard evidence of the same. At the Conference on Disarmament, India drew attention to the close links shared between North Korea and Pakistan in developing

nuclear weapons, especially after Pakistan restated its opposition to the Fissile Material Cut-Off Treaty and the suspected nexus that enabled Pyongyang to proceed on the route towards armament. New Delhi has reason to worry if Pyongyang indeed used enriched uranium in the nuclear explosion, as that would demonstrate Islamabad's imprint and establish former Pakistan Prime Minister, Benazir Bhutto, as the key player in furthering clandestine nuclear linkages between the two countries by personally taking compact discs to and from North Korea. Pakistan's "proliferation linkages" and AQ Khan's role in transferring the technology for enriching uranium to weapon grade, in exchange for the knowhow on missile development, to offset its imbalance with India's integrated missile development programme; then led by APJ Abdul Kalam, now seems to be established. This is a matter of serios concern for India. Pyongyang's audacious move thus continues to destabilise the security of the region and therefore, demands measured responses from the powers having a stake in the peace and stability of the region.

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NATIONAL

Nagaland Home Minister detained Cauvery row: Shettar led allparty delegation to meet PM for carrying arms, 1 cr cash
KOHIMA: Nagaland Home Minister Imkong L Imchen was on Monday detained near Wokha district for allegedly carrying a cache of arms and ammunition and Rs 1.10 crore in cash in a vehicle, official sources said. Imchen was going to his constituency Koridanga in Mokokchung district from Kohima when Assam Rifles personnel conducting search of vehicles near Wokha district found the arms and ammunition, liquor and cash, the sources said. Mokokchung district. The NPF has put up 10candidates in Mokokchung district. On February 16, an Election Commission surveillance team had seized Rs one crore cash from a helicopter allegedly being used by a candidate of the Nagaland Peoples Front (NPF) in Nagaland. A team of EC-appointed observers seized the cash from a chopper, which was allegedly hired to ferry Nyemli Phom, who is contesting the Assembly polls from a constituency in Longleng district.

The Assam Rifles personnel handed him over to the district administration and police. Imchen is the

Nagaland People's Front (NPF) candidate from Koridanga and is also the NPF campaign in-charge of

HC orders CBI probe into death of women at govt shelter in WB

KOLKATA: The Calcutta High Court has ordered a CBI probe into death of three women at a government shelter for the mentally ill in Gurap. This came after it found the CID probe into the case to be unsatisfactory. The court has ordered compensation to be given to the families of the deceased women. Three bodies were found buried inside the government-funded shelter on july 11, 2012. Eleven people were arrested in the case. It later came to light that mentally ill women at the shelter were allegedly being sexually assaulted and exploited.

Govt unlikely to hand over Afzal Guru's body to his family: sources
NEW DELHI: The government is unlikely to hand over slain Parliament attack convict Afzal Guru's body to his family in Jammu and Kashmir. Sources in the Home Ministry say they are not considering handing over the body to his family as this may lead to security issues in the valley. Sources said that the government is wary of a fragile situation erupting in Jammu and Kashmir if his body is handed over to his family. Sources have added that the government is open to the option of Afzal Guru's family visiting the Tihar jail and paying their respects to him. However, Afzal Guru's family reportedly does not want to visit Tihar and want the body to be sent to Jammu and Kashmir. Meanwhile, new details have emerged of Afzal Guru's last moments in the jail. In the eight line letter Afzal asked his family to not feel a sense of loss and asked them to feel proud of his sacrifice. The letter written in Urdu was released by his family on Sunday evening. In the letter which was written at 6.25 am on February 9, "Allah is ally and protector," were the closing words of the letter penned by Afzal. Just before Afzal was to be hanged he had asked for a pen and paper to write the letter to his wife. Afzal Guru's wife had earlier said she had full right over his body and demanded that the mortal remains be handed over to her for "proper burial" in his home state of Jammu and Kashmir. Afzal was buried inside the Tihar jail soon after his hanging in a secret operation on February 9 alongside Kashmiri separatist leader Maqbool Bhat, who was also buried in the jail complex after his hanging in 1984. The government has already said it will allow close relatives to visit Afzal's grave, an offer rejected by the family saying they want nothing but his body.

BANGALORE: Karnataka Chief Minister Jagadish Shettar will lead an all-party delegation to meet Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Monday over the Cauvery water issue. The delegation aims to convince the PM against notifying the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal's final award. Shettar will appraise the Centre about the water shortage faced by the state

and its inability to share water resources with Tamil Nadu. Karnataka is opposing the notification as it would take away its supervisory powers over the Cauvery basin reservoirs with the constitution of the Cauvery Management Board. The all-party delegation will include all union ministers representing the state, MPs and other senior leaders.

Karnataka commenced release of Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu from February 9 complying with the Supreme Court order directing it to release 2.44 tmc to save standing crops. The release triggered protests by farmers' outfits. Karnataka has moved the Supreme Court seeking review of its order citing depleted storage in its reservoirs. However, Shettar later said that It is not possible for Karnataka to release Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu "for now" as the state is facing drought and acute drinking water scarcity. "For now, it is not possible for the government to release Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu as the state is reeling under drought and acute drinking water problem," he said.

2G 'collusion' tape to be produced in SC today

NEW DELHI: The audio tape purportedly containing voices of CBI prosecutor AK Singh, who has since been removed from the 2G scam investigation, and accused Unitech Managing Director Sanjay Chandra, will now be a part of the status report. The status report will be presented here in the SC on Monday. An inquiry sought by the CBI revealed that Singh was colluding with Chandra by sharing legal information and strategy of the case. Meanwhile, sources said that a forensic examination of the CD purportedly carrying conversation between Singh and Chandra discussing ways to allegedly weaken the 2G case had showed it was authentic. Suspecting corporate rivalry behind the audio tape leak, the CBI had earlier questioned its own officials to find whether Singh had advised them to suppress any information during court hearings. Unitech had rejected the allegations saying Chandra had never met the prosecutor in the 2G case outside the court or had any phone conversation with him. The company has also denied that Chandra's voice was on the tape and said it appeared a fabricated voice recording sent anonymously to CBI.

Geetika suicide case: Police to question Kanda, Chaddha today

DELHI: Delhi Police is likely to question former Haryana Minister Gopal Kanda and his employee Aruna Chaddha in Geetika Sharma suicide case. Both have been implicated in Geetika's suicide note and are lodged at the Rohini Jail. The police is also expected to record statement of Geetika's family. Former air hostess Geetika's mother had also committed suicide on Friday inside her house in New Delhi. In a suicide note, Geetika's mother alleged her family was being harassed by the same

people that her daughter had named in the notes she had left.

Rahul Gandhi begins two-day Odisha visit

BHUBANESWAR: Thousands of party workers and leaders greeted Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi and gave him a rousing welcome in Odisha, where he arrived on Monday on a twoday tour, police said. The leaders and workers of the party greeted him at Jamadarpali air strip near Sambalpur town, a senior district police official told a news agency. Party men raised slogans: "Desh ka neta kaisa ho? Rahul Gandhi Jaisa ho!" (How should a leader of the nation be? Like Rahul Gandhi!) and "Zindabad! Long live Rahul Gandhi!" This is the first time that the 42-yearold Gandhi is visiting Odisha after assuming charge as vice president of the Congress. He is scheduled to interact with party leaders and workers at Sambalpur, about 320 km from here. After a night halt at Sambalpur, Gandhi will leave for Cuttack. He is likely to hold a meeting with office bearers of all district organisations of the party before leaving for Delhi Tuesday. The Congress has been sitting in the opposition in the state since 2000. In

Court to hear arguments on March 7 on summoning Shinde

NEW DELHI: A Delhi court on Monday fixed March 7 for hearing arguments on whether to summon Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde in a defamation case filed against him for his remarks linking BJP and RSS to Hindu terror. Metropolitan Magistrate Amitabh Rawat fixed the date for arguments after the court took on record all evidence submitted so far in the case. Earlier, it had recorded the pre-summoning evidence of petitioner V P Kumar after it heard his counsel Monika Arora, who had alleged that the Home Minister had "wilfully" made the "derogatory" remarks to cause "ill will and hatred among communities". Kumar, in his petition, has alleged that Shinde's remarks were aimed at "polarising minority votes" in the 2014 general elections. "The impugned statement is not only defamatory in its natural meaning but also contains the imputation and insinuation that Hindu religion is involved in antinational and terrorist activities," the petition said, adding the minister "has used the word saffron as synonyms of terrorism, which is totally absurd, wrong, mischievous and defamatory". According to the petition, Shinde, while addressing an

recent months, it has intensified organisational and political activities across Odisha in a bid to win power back.

AICC meeting at Jaipur last month, had said, "...We have got an investigation report that be it RSS or BJP, their training camps are promoting Hindu terrorism. We are keeping a strict vigil on all this".

No politics at High Commission in Male: India Air pollution in India reaches 'critical' level
MALE: With no signs of resolution to the situation arising out of former Maldivian president Mohamed Nasheed taking refuge in the Indian mission for the sixth day, India and Maldives on Monday engaged in a war of words with the former denying that its High Commission was being used for holding political meetings to incite violence here. A day after Indian High Commissioner D M Mulay was summoned and issued a strong protest note on Nasheed's stay in the mission, India said, "It is reiterated that no political meetings and activities have been allowed in the mission premises during the presence of former president". "Only limited visitors are allowed to meet the former President on strict need basis," the Indian High Commission here added. According to Maldivian President Mohamed Waheed's office, the note was issued to the High Commissioner to protest "harbouring a fugitive in the embassy premise from where Nasheed is inciting and calling for unrest and violence in the streets". Significantly, this is the first time that a High Commissioner has been summoned by the Maldivian Foreign Ministry, reports said. Nasheed took refuge in the Indian High Commission on February 13 to evade arrest warrant issued by a court in a case concerning the detention of Chief Judge of the Criminal Court during his Presidency in January last year.

'Fifth leading cause of death in India'

NEW DELHI: Even as China deals with crippling levels of air pollution, a new report has discovered that air pollution is the fifth leading cause of death in India. Delhi has been rated as one of the most critically polluted cities, and Chief Minister Sheila Dixit has admitted that the situation is out of control. Air pollution is the cause of 6.2 lakh million premature deaths, which is a sixfold rise since 2000, according to a study in the medical journal 'Lancet'. It follows high blood pressure, indoor air pollution, tobacco smoking and poor nutrition as the other big killers in the country. The most highly polluted areas, according to the study, are Delhi, Ghaziabad,

Gwalior, Jharkhand's West Singhbhum district, and Raipur. "Out of the 180 cities that Central Pollution Control Board monitors today, more than 50 per cent have particulate levels that have officially been classified as critical and that translates into nearly 60 per cent of India's urban population living in those critically polluted cities," said Anumita Roychowdhury, Executive Director, Research, Centre for Science and Environment. Air pollution is now causing more than 25 per cent of all stroke cases, a whopping 48.6 per cent heart disease cases and more than 17 per cent of Chronic OPD cases. It is also leading to more than 6 per cent of all lower respiratory infections.

VVIP chopper scandal: Team of CBI, govt officials to reach Italy on Tuesday
NEW DELHI: Days after the government ordered an official probe into the Rs. 4,000 crore VVIP chopper deal, a CBI team along with a top Defence Ministry official, will leave for Milan in an attempt to unearth the money trail. The three-member team will arrive in Italy on Tuesday. The team will be led by a senior Defence Ministry official and will also comprise of a DIG of the CBI besides a law officer. Official sources said the departure of the team was delayed by a day due to some last-minute formalities which required to be fulfilled before traveling abroad for the purpose of investigation. They said the team will try to meet Italian prosecutors to ascertain the details of the case. The team comprises a CBI DIG, a law officer of the agency, a Joint Secretary level officer of Defence Ministry and an official of the External Affairs Ministry, the sources said. The decision by the CBI came as it virtually drew a blank from the Defence Ministry in getting some official inputs regarding alleged kickbacks of Rs. 217 crore in the case, they said. The CBI was handed over a letter from the Defence Ministry seeking a probe by it in the case which has triggered a storm in the country. Attached with the letter were some Indian and Italian press clippings, which the CBI said, could not form the basis for registering a case. The CBI had sought help of Indian Mission in Rome which too has not been able to provide any authenticated court documents to the agency, the sources said.This was followed by CBI seeking help of Interpol which also expressed inability to provide any help in the absence of any regular case not having been registered by the agency, they said. The Defence Ministry had on Friday sent a team led by Joint Secretary and an Air Commodore of Indian Air Force, who gave a presentation to the CBI about the tendering procedures and various stages while finalising the helicopter deal with AgustaWestland. However, when pressed by the CBI officials about the kickback allegations, the team could not provide any answers to the sleuths, the sources said.

UP orders judicial probe into Allahabad stampede

LUCKNOW: Fearing further furore during the ongoing budget session of the state assembly, the Uttar Pradesh govt. ordered a judicial probe into the stampede at the Allahabad railway station Feb 11, which left 37 dead. A state spokesman said CM Akhilesh Yadav had appointed retired Allahabad High Court judge Justice Onkareshwar Bhatt to hold the probe. He is expected to submit a report to the state government within two months. "The probe into the Mauni Amavasya stampede at the railway station has been handed over to a retired high court judge and we expect the report to be tabled within the next two months," R.M. Srivastava, principal secretary (home) said. The state govt. had earlier ordered the chairman of the revenue board Jagan Mathews to probe the incident but the official, after a week, had not initiated any proceedings in the probe. The oppostion parties, including the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Congress, Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) and the Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) had attacked the state government for failing to save precious lives during Kumbh. In protest, the opposition had not allowed Governor B.L. Joshi to speak at the inaugural session of the state assembly last Uttar Pradesh government swung into action and after a political nod to the judicial probe, announced a time-bound probe. Senior officials said that the decision to order a judicial probe was taken after a "threadbare scrutiny of its own arrangements at the Kumbh." With more than 30 million people gathering for the ritual bath on Mauni Amavasya day, arrangements for crowd control at the city railway station had collapsed, leading to a stampede at a foot overbridge and staircase connecting platforms 5 and 6, when panicky passengers rushed to board a train whose arrival was announced on the public address system. While 36 people died on the spot, one succumbed to injuries later.

week. Fearing that the parties will now not allow the budget speech of the chief minister, the

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"Lost." "We want to challenge president Obama to be a main actor as opposed to being a puppet of the big oil companies," Lilly said. "It's about telling him his speech did not fall in deaf ears." Organizers claim the event will be the largest climate rally in US history, and includes protesters who have arrived aboard buses from 28 states. The crowd rallied at the National Mall, and was then set to march to the White House. "I will direct my cabinet to come up with executive actions we can take, now and in the future, to reduce pollution, prepare our communities for the consequences of climate change, and speed the transition to more sustainable sources of energy," Obama said.

US protesters urge Obama to act on global warming

WASHINGTON: Tens of thousands of protesters gathered in Washington yesterday to urge President Barack Obama to take concrete measures to fight global warming. Waving banners and signs with slogans like "What will be your climate legacy?," the protesters called on Obama to reject the Keystone XL pipeline that would bring oil from Canada to Texas, and order the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to set carbon standards for power plants. "It's time for the country to wake up, the US has been dragging its feet too long," said Mimi Body, one of the protesters. The event was organized by local and national environmental groups, including the Sierra Club, under an umbrella

Landslides and Flood in BBC journalists on 24hr Indonesia kill 17 People strike over job cuts
MANADO: Four children were among 17 people killed over the weekend in central Indonesia after heavy rains triggered floods and landslides, officials said on Monday. The children, aged between two and nine, died along with 13 adults when flooding and landslides hit the northern part of Sulawesi Island early Sunday, provincial disaster management agency spokesman Howke Makawarung said. "We recorded 17 people killed. All bodies were found dead," he said, adding that heavy rains had hit three areas, including the North Sulawesi provincial capital of Manado which saw water levels up to four meters (13 feet). Water, which inundated around 5,000 houses in Manado, had receded by Monday and residents had begun cleaning up their homes. A landslide which hit the city killed LONDON: BBC journalists began a 24hour strike in protest at compulsory redundancies, causing possible disruption to the broadcaster's television and radio output. Members of the National Union of Journalists (NUJ) walked out at midnight local time (00:00 GMT) over job cuts which are expected to affect BBC Scotland, Five Live, the Asian Network and the World Service. NUJ general secretary Michelle Stani Street said: "NUJ members across the BBC are taking action to defend jobs and quality journalism at the corporation. "They are angry and frustrated at the poor decisions being taken at the top of the BBC decisions that are leading to journalists being forced out of their jobs and quality journalism and programming compromised." A BBC spokesperson said the organization understood "how frustrating and difficult situations involving redundancies can be'', but said it was disappointed by the walkout. The NUJ said that 7,000 jobs had been lost at the BBC since 2004 and is demanding a six-month moratorium in redundancies.

group named Forward on Climate. The Sierra Club said that 30,000 demonstrators were at the event. "It's a big deal because the world is watching us," said Canadian-born actress Evangeline Lilly, star of TV's

Pakistan Shias demand protection from Sunni Militants

QUETTA: Thousands of Pakistani Shias furious over a sectarian bombing that killed 89 people protested on Monday, demanding that security forces protect them from hard-line Sunni groups. The attack, near a street market in the southwestern city of Quetta on Saturday, highlighted the government's failure to crack down on militancy in nuclear-armed Pakistan just a few months before a general election is due. The death toll climbed to 89 on Monday, said provincial health secretary Nasibullah Bazai. While the Taliban and al-Qaida remain a major source of instability, Sunni extremists, who regard Shias as non-Muslims, have emerged as another significant security threat. In Quetta, some ethnic Shia Hazaras are refusing to bury their dead until the army and security forces go after Lashkar-e-Jhangvi (LeJ), the group which claimed responsibility for the latest bombfour bags of remains, with photographs of the dead on top. Grown men wept beside a hand-written list of victims "We will not bury the bodies unless our demands are met." The paramilitary Frontier Corps is largely responsible for security in Baluchistan province, of which Quetta is the capital, but Shias say it is unable or unwilling to protect them. Authorities boosted security as protesters blocked roads, disrupted rail services to other parts of the country and torched vehicles. Protesters clashed with police who stopped them entering the airport. The roughly 500,000strong Hazara people in Quetta, who speak a Persian dialect, have distinct features and are an easy target. The LeJ has had historically close ties to elements in the security forces, who see the group as an ally in any potential war with neighboring India. Security forces deny such links.

a six-year old boy. "He was taking a bath in the morning when a landslide suddenly struck his house," the capital deputy mayor Harley Mangindaan said. Indonesia is regularly affected by deadly floods and landslides during its wet season, which lasts for around six months. Environmentalists blame logging and a failure to reforest denuded land for exacerbating flooding. Heavy rains caused flooding in the capital Jakarta in January that left 32 people dead and at its peak forced nearly 46,000 to flee their homes.

Five killed as militants storm political office in Pakistan

South Africa academic forms new party

and former World Bank managing director accuse the governing party of undermining democracy, abusing power and corruption. Ramphele said on Monday that her party will serve millions of South Africans who want a new beginning. "Join me in building the South Africa of our dreams," she said. Her party joins several in the opposition at a time South Africa is burdened by a growing chasm between rich and poor, massive unemployment, and increasingly violent protests against job losses, utility shortages and an education and health system in crisis.

ing. Around 4,000 men, women and children placed 71 bodies beside a Shia place of worship. Muslim tradition requires that bodies are buried be soon as possible and leaving them above ground is a potent expression of grief and pain. Some coffins contained three of

hanging on a wall. Protesters chanted "stop killing Shias". "We stand firm for our demands of handing over the city to army and carrying out targeted operation against terrorists and their supporters," said Syed Muhammad Hadi, spokesman for an alliance of Shia groups.

PESHAWAR: At least five people have been killed and several more injured in an apparent attack on the office of the Pakistani government's political agent in the northwestern city of Peshawar. Officials said that two suicide bombers entered the compound, where a meeting of tribal and government officials was being held. After shooting was heard, two large explosions rattled the com-

pound. "We were holding a meeting and some others were joining us when firing started inside the political compound, and then there was a heavy blast, and again heavy firing began," Niaz Ahmad Khan, a tribal politician, said. There was no immediate claim of responsibility for Monday's Peshawar attack. But the Pakistani Taliban has carried out similar operations.

JOHANNESBURG: Academic and Black Conscious Movement cofounder Mamphela Ramphele has announced the creation of a new political party and is urging citizens to turn their backs on the 101year-old African National Congress of Nelson Mandela. The 65-year-old medical doctor, social anthropologist

ECONOMY

UAE to invest $2 billion in Indian infrastructure sector

NEW DELHI, FEB 18: India and UAE have agreed to take their trade and investment relations to another level. UAE has decided to invest $2 billion in Infrastructure Sector projects in India and the two countries have decided to work for and support Strategic Oil Reserve in India. A slew of decisions were taken at the first meeting of India-UAE High Level Task Force on Investment in Abu Dhabi on Monday. The meeting was co -chaired by the Union Minister of Commerce, Industries and Textiles, Anand Sharma and Sheikh Hamid Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Court. Commerce Minister Anand Sharma said that there has been an express response to investment in infrastructure sector projects in India and to begin

Trade unions protest: Govt warns employees against participation

NEW DELHI: Ahead of the proposed two-day strike by Central trade unions beginning Wednesday, the Government has warned employees of "consequences" including deduction in wages and disciplinary action if they take part in the protest. In a stern directive, the Department of Personnel and Training has written to secretaries of all central government ministries not to sanction any kind of leave to employees during the period of the proposed strike. It has also asked the concerned departments to make a report indicating the number of employees who take part in the proposed strike and convey it to the DoPT on the evening of the day. The instructions issued by the DoPT prohibit a government servant from participating in any form of strike including mass casual leave, go-slow etc. Or any action that abet any form of strike in violation of Rule of the Central Civil Services (Conduct) Rules, 1964. "As to the concomitant rights of an association after it is formed, they cannot be different from the rights which can be claimed by the individual members of which the association is composed. It follows that the right to form an association does not include any guaranteed right to strike. There is no statutory provision empowering the employees to go on strike," it said in the directive. The Supreme Court has also agreed in several judgements that going on a strike is a grave misconduct under the Conduct Rules and that misconduct by the government employees is required to be dealt with in accordance with the law. "Any employee going on strike in any form would face the consequences which, besides deduction of wages, may also include appropriate disciplinary action," the DoPT said. Protesting against government's "inaction" on price rise and alleged violation of labour laws, 11 Central trade unions and workers' federation have called for a two-day nationwide strike on February 20 and 21. The DoPT has asked the secretaries of government departments to inform employees working under them about the provisions of Conduct Rules to prohibit them from participating in the strike.

with UAE will invest $2 billion in Infrastructure Sector projects in India. The two countries have decided to work for and support Strategic Oil Reserve in India. Five high level sub committees will be set up to promote investment in infrastructure and energy, trade and investment, manufacturing and technology, Information and communications technology and aviation sectors. India and UAE have also decided to work together for third country projects, including

Africa aimed at collaborating in the infrastructure sector and oil and gas exploration. The two countries have also agreed to put in place Bilateral Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement. Referring to the concerns raised by the UAE government about the issues related to investments by the UAE based companies in India ; he said that a joint committee with terms of reference will be set up to address the outstanding issues within the parameters of Indian law.

India allows 4G airwave holders to offer voice;boost for RIL

NEW DELHI: India will allow wireless broadband airwave holders to provide voice services if they pay an additional $306 million, a senior government official said on Monday, a move likely to boost billionaire Mukesh Ambani's Reliance Industries Ltd. Reliance Industries, controlled by India's richest man, is the only company with nationwide fourthgeneration (4G) broadband airwaves. The company re-entered the fiercely competitive sector by buying airwaves in a 2010 auction and has so far invested at least $3.5 billion. Firms which own the broadband wireless access (BWA) airwaves can provide voice services along with high-speed Internet if they pay a fee of 16.58 billion rupees, R Chandrashekhar, the top bureaucrat at the telecommunications ministry, said. "There is no restriction on the technology that is being used (to provide voice services)," he said. A move by Reliance Industries, which is still preparing to launch high-speed 4G Internet services, into the voice market would intensify competition and hurt rivals such as Bharti Airtel Ltd and the Indian unit of Vodafone Group Plc. Reliance Industries shares extended gains to as much as 1 per cent after the news, while shares in Bharti Airtel, the country's top telecommunications carrier, were down nearly 1 per cent at 2.50 pm. The Telecom Commission, the highest decisionmaking body within the ministry, approved the move on Monday, but it must to be formally signed off by the Telecommunications Minister, Mr Chandrashekhar said.

Sharad Pawar favours raising sugar excise duty to decontrol industry

NEW DELHI: Agriculture ministry has favoured the Food Ministry's Cabinet proposal to increase excise duty on sugar to offset the financial burden on the Centre if it decides to buy the sweetener from the open market for ration shops, Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar said on Monday. In October 2012, the expert panel headed by PMEAC Chairman C Rangarajan had recommended immediate removal of two major controls - regulated release mechanism and levy sugar obligation. Under the levy sugar system, mills are required to sell 10 per cent of their output to the Centre at cheaper rates to run ration shops, costing Rs 3,000 crore to industry annually. "Food Ministry has moved a Cabinet proposal on removal of levy sugar and continues supply of subsided sugar in PDS. Currently, government buys sugar at Rs 17 per kg from millers and sells it at Rs 13.50 per kg in PDS. Once levy system is removed, the government has to buy it at open market price. "To reduce financial burden and continue supply of subsidies sugar, the Food Ministry has proposed increase in excise duty.... We have supported the proposal," Pawar said. At present, the excise duty on sugar is about 70 paise per kg. The Centre requires 27 lakh tonnes of sugar annually for public distribution system (PDS). nism under which the Centre fixes the sugar quota that can be sold in the open market. Asked about the possibility of any farm loan waiver proposal in the Budget, Pawar said: "I have read about it in newspaper. I don't know. If Finance Ministry is doing something, I don't know. There is no discussion either inter-department nor at cabinet level on this issue". On some states opposing Food bill, he said the Centre should address it as full co-operation of all the state governments is required to implement the food law. "One has to see what Parliamentary panel has recommended. Definitely, we have to go in detail. If we have to implement the food bill, we need full cooperation of all states. If states have serious objection, it is our duty to address them," the Minister said.

Unilever to invest 50 million euros to set up deodorant plant in India

MUMBAI: Anglo-Dutch consumer goods company Unilever Plc said it will invest 50 million euros ($66.71 million) to set up an aerosol deodorant manufacturing plant in Maharashtra. The investment will be spread over three years and production capacity will be gradually scaled up, the company said in a statement. The plant will service demand from India and other South East Asian countries such as Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore and Vietnam. Unilever operates in India through its arm, Hindustan Unilever, the country's largest consumer goods maker.

The Rangarajan panel had also suggested doing away with the regulated release mecha-

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Viswanathan wins Grenke Classic Rafael Nadal wins first title since return from injury after thrilling last-round triumph
NEW DELHI: Viswanathan Anand notched up his first title of the year when he scored an emphatic victory over German Arkadij Naiditsch to lift the Grenke Chess Classic trophy. In what turned out to be a nailbiting finish, Anand had to wait for Fabiano Caruana to go wrong once again as the Italian misplayed a highly promising position and drew with Daniel Fridman of Germany to give the Indian ace a clear victory. "After Bilbao 2011 my big problem was getting interesting positions where I had chances. This year the new problem has been exploiting those chances...I've been gifting people half points," Anand said "If it wasn't for that my results would be much better. Still, it's a hundred times better to have the England and Georg Meier of Germany also ended in a draw. The much-needed tournament victory for Anand came after a long time and it could serve as a perfect prelude to the World Championship match he is slated to play later this year. The Indian finished with 6.5 points in all and ended half a point ahead of Caruana. Adams and Meier tied for the third spot with five points apiece while after another debacle, Naiditsch remained on four points for his fifth place finish. Despite playing solidly for the most part of the tournament, Fridman ended last on 3.5 points.

second problem! I need to work on my technique," he added referring to the high number of draws that he

has been playing out. The other game of the final round between Michael Adams of

After a seven-month layoff to heal his left knee, Rafael Nadal defeats David Nalbandian to win the Brazil Open. SAO PAULO: Rafael Nadal's comeback from a seven-month injury layoff gathered pace as he brushed aside Argentine David Nalbandian 6-2, 6-3 to win the Brazil Open on Sunday, his first title since the 2012 French Open. The Spanish world number five, playing

No Indian in ICC Women's World Cup Team of the Tournament

NEW DELHI: Not a single Indian cricketer featured in the ICC Women's World Cup team of the tournament even as players from Australia and England dominated the list announced on Monday. Sri Lanka's Eshani Kaushalya was the lone Asian representative in the team. Finalists Australia and West Indies contributed a total of six players to the team, which was announced on Monday with Player of the Tournament, New Zealand's Suzie Bates, named as captain. "Chosen by a select group of experts, the team was aimed at being suited for India conditions on the basis of performances in the tournament only. Statistics were used but were not the sole basis for selections," the ICC said in a statement. The side features not only players from Australia and West Indies, but also sees four England players, one New Zealander and one Sri Lankan in the side. The panel struggled with deciding the final 12 for the women's team and players who were considered included Arran Brindle and Sarah Taylor of England, Amy Satterthwaite and Sian Ruck of New Zealand, Shashikala Siriwardena of Sri Lanka, Erin Osborne of Australia and South Africa's Shabnim Ismail. On being named captain of the team, Bates said: "It's obviously a great honour that the panel not only thought to bestow title of Player of the Tournament on me but also the captaincy of the Team of the Tournament. "It's been a great event here in India and I, of course, would have loved to have led my team to the final but it wasn't to be for us this year." ICC Women's World Cup India 2013 Team of the Tournament (in batting order): Suzie Bates (New Zealand - captain), Charlotte Edwards (England), Rachael Haynes (Australia), Stafanie Taylor (West Indies), Deandra Dottin (West Indies) Eshani Kaushalya (Sri Lanka), Jodie Fields (wicketkeeper - Australia), Katherine Brunt (England), Holly Colvin (England), Anya Shrubsole (England), Megan Schutt (Australia), 12th Player: Holly Ferling (Australia).

Azarenka beats Serena to win Qatar Open

DOHA: Defending champion Victoria Azarenka beat Serena Williams 7-6 (6), 2-6, 6-3 to win the Qatar Open on Sunday, earning her 16th title and ending a 10match losing streak against the American. Azarenka will give up the No. 1 ranking to the second-ranked Williams on Monday but extended her current winning streak to 14 matches, which included her second Australian Open title. More importantly, she may have turned around what has been a one-sided rivalry against Williams. Azarenka had not beaten Williams since 2009 in Miami, and had a 1-11 record against the American going into Sunday's final. "It feels incredible," Azarenka said. "You know, this tournament is really great. ... It had such a strong field going into it, and I'm really glad that in the end of the week I'm the one who's holding the trophy." Azarenka broke to go up 2-1 when an erratic Williams hit one of her four double-faults in the first set, but the American ensured it was back on serve after eight games. Williams struggled with her first serve throughout the first set and hit 26 unforced errors, but still had a set point at 6-5 in the tiebreaker. However, she hit a poor forehand into the net, and Azarenka then converted her first set point with a great return. Williams dominated the second set with her powerful serve and forehand, while Azarenka could only hit 39 percent of her first serves. Azarenka fell behind 0-30

only his second tournament following his return from injury, broke twice in the first set and recovered from 3-0 down in the second to win in 78 minutes. The 11-times grand slam champion, who said he still suffers pain in his troublesome knees, has chosen to return to action on the clay courts he favours as he tries to work his way back to match fitness. Nadal made his comeback in Chile last week but lost the final to another Argentine, Horacio Zeballos. But there was to be no repeat of that setback this week as the 26-year-old Spaniard overran the hapless Nalbandian. Although he was clearly a long way from his best, Nadal showed the same swashbuckle that took him to the top of the game. In a reference to his first title here in 2005, the year he burst on to the world scene, he said he hoped this win would mark a new beginning for him. "Brazil will always be in my heart, this is the second time I have been here," he told fans after the game. "In 2005, big things started to happen for me after winning here and I hope this time again it is the start of something good." The Spaniard is expected to play in the Mexico Open in Acapulco later this month as he prepares to defend his French Open title in May.

Shiva gets IOC scholarship, Winter Games dream still alive

NEW DELHI: Left in lurch after denial of government funding, Indian luge competitor Shiva Keshavan has found support from the IOC, which has granted him the Olympic Solidarity Scholarship to compete in the qualifiers for the 2014 Sochi Winter Games. The scholarship was granted to him on the recommendation of India`s IOC member Randhir Singh. The Asian Champion, who has been training in Europe to qualify for the Sochi Winter Games after retaining his Asian title and setting a new continental record, was struggling to raise funds for particiThe Asian Champion, Shiva Keshavan, was struggling pating in qualifying events. to raise funds for participating in qualifying events The IOC has now stepped in to ensure that Shiva gets to travel and participate in the and the Asian Championships, where Shiva Olympic test event and the World Cup final, a retained the gold medal for the second consecmandatory race for qualifying for the apex utive time for India. sporting event which will be held in Sochi, However thanks to IOC`s intervention, Russia in 2014. Shiva`s Olympic dream has remained alive. Keshavan`s Coach Yann Fricheteau, a forThis is the first time that an athlete has been mer Olympian, had quit this year due to the directly supported by the IOC, as it is generally non-payment of his salary by the Government the prerogative of the Sports Ministry and the under the NSDF Scheme for sportspersons. NOC of each country to bear the costs of The Government had earlier also refused to national teams participating in international fund Shiva`s participation in the World Cups competition

Azarenka of Belarus poses with her trophy after defeating Serena Williams of the United States in the final match at the Qatar Open tennis tournament in Doha in the first game of the decider but recovered and took a 3-0 lead. Williams then saved a match point at 5-2 to stay the match, but Azarenka clinched the win on her next service game when Williams hit a forehand wide.

South Africa to retain ICC Test mace

DUBAI: South Africa has been guaranteed the number-one position on the ICC Test Championship table at the April 1 cut-off date after victory in the Cape Town Test against Pakistan. It means their place cannot be overtaken by closest rivals England, Australia and India. South Africa only needed to draw the series against Pakistan to retain the Test mace. But victory in the Cape Town Test by four wickets means even if they lose the third and final Test at Centurion, the Proteas will still gain one ratings point and will finish on 125 ratings points, which will be more than sufficient to give them the top spot at the cut-off date irrespective of how the IndiaAustralia and England-New Zealand series pan out. If England win all the three Tests against New Zealand, the maximum they can achieve is 119, while India can rise to as high as 112 (if they defeat Australia 4-0) and Australia can move to 121 (if they win all four Tests against India). The Proteas will not only retain the prestigious Test Championship mace but will also earn $450,000 for this achievement. This is a significant increase in prize money, as, until last year, the side topping the Test or ODI Championship table received $175,000. The battle for second, third and fourth positions is very much on, and is not only intense but close, as only 13 ratings points separate second-ranked England from fifth-ranked India. The side that claims second position at the April cut-off date will earn $350,000 while the side finishing third will collect $250,000 and the side ending fourth will win $150,000.

Afghanistan Board seeks BCCI support to develop cricket

MUMBAI: Afghanistan Cricket Board stay at the wicket for a long time, build innings (ACB) officials have sought support from the and be consistent in performance. They can hit BCCI for development of the sport in their the ball very well but need to learn to stay at war-torn country. the wicket." The officials held a meeting with the BCCI He elaborated the road map drawn for officials on Sunday and discussed various development of the game in his country and issues such as coaching, umpiring and scoring. wished for bigger support from the other Asian "We had a good meeting with BCCI member boards like BCCI. Honorary Secretary (Sanjay Jagdale) and Asked about BCCI's approach on inclusion General Manager for Game Development of Afghan players in the IPL auction in future, (Ratnakar Shetty). It's in the initial stage. We Stanekzai said this idea germinated in their want to build up good relations with BCCI. mind after four of their players did well in the We want help to develop technical staff, ongoing Bangladesh Premier League. coaches, umpires, scorers and video analysts," We are hopeful that BCCI or any of the said Shahazadah Masood, Advisor Minister franchise teams of IPL would give them a and Chairman of ACB. chance. Also present at the meeting held at the Cricket Club of India (CCI) was ACB's High Performance Programme Manager, Basheer Stanekzai. "We are preparing a new Under 19 team as the last World LIC Cup team is over-aged. We have selected a 20-member squad. We are working on it and preparing for the ACC (Asian Cricket Council) Under 19 Cup to be held in Malaysia from Revive May 1 to 12. That's the qualification round for the next U-19 Address Change Nominee Change World Cup. We need good LIC coaches, especially in terms of batting," said Stanekzai. Advisor "We have weaknesses in batting. As compared to it we have good fast bowlers and have chased 400-run target. They have the talent but are not confident. We want them to learn to

Biodiversity protects amphibians against diseases and deformities

WASHINGTON: The richer the assortment of amphibian species in a pond, the more protection that community of frogs, toads and salamanders has against a parasitic infection that can cause severe deformities, including the growth of extra legs, a study has found. The findings support the idea that greater biodiversity in large-scale ecosystems, such as forests or grasslands, may also provide greater protection against diseases, including those that affect humans. A larger number of mammal species in an area may curb cases of Lyme disease, while a larger number of bird species may slow the spread of West Nile virus. "How biodiversity affects the risk of infectious diseases, including those of humans and wildlife, has become an increasingly important question," Pieter Johnson, an ecologist and evolutionary biologist at the University of Colorado Boulder, and the lead author of the paper said. Researchers have struggled to design comprehensive studies that could illuminate the possible connection between disease transmission and the number of species living in complex ecosystems. Part of the problem is the enormous number of organisms that may need to be sampled, and the vast areas over which those organisms may roam. This study overcame that problem by studying enough replicate systems to differentiate the influence of diversity from background 'noise,'" Johnson said. The researchers buttressed field observations with laboratory tests designed to measure how prone to infection each amphibian species is, and by creating pond replicas using large plastic tubs stocked with tadpoles that were exposed to a known number of parasites. All the experiments told the same story. Greater biodiversity reduced the number of amphibian infections and the number of deformed frogs. The results showed that ponds with half a dozen amphibian species had a 78 percent reduction in parasite transmission compared to ponds with just one amphibian species. The reason for the decline in parasitic infections as biodiversity increases is likely related to the fact that ponds add amphibian species in a predictable pattern, with the first species to appear being the most prone to infection and the later species to appear being the least prone. Therefore, in a pond with greater biodiversity , parasites have a higher chance of encountering an amphibian that is resistant to infection, lowering the overall success rate of transmission between infected snails and amphibians.

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smaller, easier-to-sample ecosystems, the scientists said. "The research reaches the surprising conclusion that the entire set of species in a community affects susceptibility to disease," Doug Levey, program director in the National Science Foundation (NSF)'s Division of Environmental Biology, which funded the research said. Johnson and colleagues visited hundreds of ponds in California, recording the types of amphibians living there as well as the number of snails infected by the pathogen Ribeiroia ondatrae. Snails are an intermediate host used by the parasite during part of its life cycle. "One of the great challenges in studying the diversity-disease link has been collecting data from

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