Wednesday, December 30, 2009
New sexual offence law soon: Veerappa Moily
India has decided that teenager Ruchika's tormentor ex-DGP SPS Rathore will not have the last laugh.
The government's top ministers are now directly overseeing the case. They are monitoring and advising at every step so that Rathore is aptly punished for molesting his daughter's classmate.
Law Minister Veerappa Moily has told NDTV that the Centre is quickly processing the sexual offences act so that no other girl suffers like Ruchika Girhotra did.
"In the long run, we would like to see rigorous law is enforced particularly on sexual offence committed by people. We are contemplating laws like sexual offences special course act. It can fast track within six months or one year. This is what we are trying to do," he said.
The new law will ensure that cases like Ruchika's are tried within six months and could be introduced as early as the budget session of Parliament.
Among other provisions planned are that the police can start acting on a complaint without a first information report (FIR) and can arrest without a warrant. The new law would not allow anticipatory bail for the accused and would ensure that the government appoints a special public prosecutor, not just any lawyer.
The Law Minister had earlier said he would like to charge the cop who molested Ruchika Girhotra with abetment of a minor's suicide. If SPS Rathore does indeed face those charges, and is found guilty, he could face the death penalty. (Read & Watch: Ruchika case: Law Minister wants tougher charges)
Ruchika was 14 when she was molested in 1990; she killed herself in 1993 when she was 18.
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The government's top ministers are now directly overseeing the case. They are monitoring and advising at every step so that Rathore is aptly punished for molesting his daughter's classmate.
Law Minister Veerappa Moily has told NDTV that the Centre is quickly processing the sexual offences act so that no other girl suffers like Ruchika Girhotra did.
"In the long run, we would like to see rigorous law is enforced particularly on sexual offence committed by people. We are contemplating laws like sexual offences special course act. It can fast track within six months or one year. This is what we are trying to do," he said.
The new law will ensure that cases like Ruchika's are tried within six months and could be introduced as early as the budget session of Parliament.
Among other provisions planned are that the police can start acting on a complaint without a first information report (FIR) and can arrest without a warrant. The new law would not allow anticipatory bail for the accused and would ensure that the government appoints a special public prosecutor, not just any lawyer.
The Law Minister had earlier said he would like to charge the cop who molested Ruchika Girhotra with abetment of a minor's suicide. If SPS Rathore does indeed face those charges, and is found guilty, he could face the death penalty. (Read & Watch: Ruchika case: Law Minister wants tougher charges)
Ruchika was 14 when she was molested in 1990; she killed herself in 1993 when she was 18.
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Soren sworn in as Jharkhand CM for third term
Shibu Soren, heading a five-party coalition, was on Wednesday sworn in as Jharkhand chief minister for the third time by Governor K Sankanarayanan.
65-year-old Soren was administered oath of office and secrecy by the Governor at the Morabadi ground in Ranchi.
BJP Jharkhand unit president Raghubar Das and AJSU chief Sudesh Mahato were sworn in as ministers along with Soren.
Soren had staked claim to form the government on December 25 with the support of the BJP-JD(U) combine, AJSU and Jharkhand Janadhikar Manch (JJM) having a total of 44 MLAs in the 81-member Assembly and was invited by the Governor the next day to form the government.
He has been asked to prove majority on the floor of the House by January 8.
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Smirk gone as SPS Rathore seeks bail in Ruchika case
Panchkula: The decision on the anticipatory bail plea of former Haryana director general of police SPS Rathore in the Patiala District Court has been deferred with District and Sessions Judge SP Singh reserving his order.
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Justice Singh will take up matter on January 1.
Rathore had on Wednesday morning moved the court of Justice Singh seeking anticipatory bail in the Ruchika Girhotra molestation case.
A grim-faced Rathore came to Patiala District Court to seek the bail and refused to speak to the media despite repeated attempts to get his version of the story.
Abha Rathore, counsel for Rathore, said that section applied in the two new FIRs registered go back 18-19 years and various higher courts including the Supreme Court have already given their ruling on them.
She claimed that the entire case was standing on media hype because the complainants had used forged and manipulated documents with reports of various agencies pertaining to alleged torture of Ashu Girhotra having been added.
Abha added that all allegations against Rathore were baseless an
d malicious.
She also said that they would also challenge the sentence awarded by the CBI Judge in Chandigarh on January 4, 2010.
Rathore's six-month jail sentence and Rs 1,000 fine have been suspended upto January 20, 2010.
The noose around Rathore has been tightening with the Central Bureau of Investigation lawyers are likely to meet Home Ministry officials on Wednesday to ask for reopening of the Ruchika molestation and suicide case.
Two new FIRs have been filed against Rathore and other police officials for allegedly slapping false cases against Ruchika's brother Ashu.
There were two complaints made by the family and based on all the information FIRs were registered against Rathore and other police officers.
The first FIR relates to tampering of evidence and forgery while the second was on behalf of ashu who was allegedly tortured by Rathore and Haryana Police.
A public interest litigation seeking death for Rathore has also been filed by a lawyer Ranjan Lakhanpal.
Even Ruchika's school Sacred Heart Convent is in trouble with authorities asking it explain why she was expelled without proper procedure.
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Sunday, December 27, 2009
Andhra Pradesh Governor N D Tiwari resigns over sex scandal
Hyderabad: Andhra Pradesh governor N D Tiwari resigned from his chair on Saturday, a day after a TV expose showing the senior Congress leader allegedly indulging in sexual escapades in the Raj Bhavan here.
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However, according media reports, Tiwari said he is resigning on 'health grounds'. But it is being assumed that the 85-year-old's alleged "sexcapedes" exposed on Friday is the actual reason behind today's move.
Andhra Governor N.D. Tiwari denies involvement in 'sex scandal'
It was obvious on Saturday that the Centre would remove Tiwari from his post.
The Andhra Pradesh government is likely to send a report on the incident to the Centre. The Union Home Ministry has sought a report from the Andhra Pradesh government, media reports said.
Tiwari was shown in a compromising position with "call girls" by a local TV channel on Friday.
Tiwari has taken an appropriate decision: Cong
The images in possession of ABN Andhra Jyoti channel allegedly showed "N D Tiwari" lying without clothes in bed with three women.
Later, the Andhra Pradesh High Court has stopped the telecast after the counsel of the governor filed a PIL in the court.
FROM IN.COM
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Bangladesh Cricket Tri-series ODI squad announced
Dec 26
The ODI squad for the cricket Tri-series in Bangladesh beginning from January 4 to 13 has been announced. Sachin Tendulkar is rested while pacemen Ishant Sharma and Praveen Kumar are dropped from India's 16-member squad. Dashing left-hander Yuvraj Singh speedster S Sreesanth and Bengal pacer Ashok Dinda have been included. Apart from India, hosts Bangladesh and Sri Lanka are the two other teams. This was announced by the BCCI Secretary N Srinivasan after a selection committee meeting in New Delhi. He said, Sachin Tendulkar has desired to be rested for the Tri-series at Bangladesh. He will however play the two match Test series in Chittagong and Dhaka which will be held after the Tri-series. Squad for the Tri-series---M S Dhoni (Captain), Virender Sehwag (Vice-Captain), Gautam Gambhir, Virat Kohli, Suresh Raina, Rohit Sharma, Ravindra Jadeja, Harbhajan Singh, Zaheer Khan, Ashish Nehra, Yuvraj Singh, Sudeep Tyagi, Dinesh Karthik, S Sreesanth, Ashok Dinda and Amit Mishra.
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India to take on Lanka in 5th ODI at New Delhi on Sunday
Dec 26
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Rupee appreciates by 22 paise, against $
Dec 24
The rupee appreciated 22 paise, to 46.65 against the dollar. Gold surged 290 rupees, to 16,990 rupees per ten grams in Delhi, on festive demand. And crude oil futures rose 21 cents, to 76.88 dollars a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange.Share This
Gold prices regain 17k level in national capital
Dec 26
Gold prices regained the 17,000-level in the national capital today. The precious metal, which dipped below 17,000 level four days ago, rose by 80 rupees to trade at 17,040 per 10 gram on fresh buying for festivals like Christmas and New Year celebrations. Silver gained 100 rupees and silver ready traded at 27,900.Share This
Indian fishermen released from Pak Jails reach Wagah
Dec 27
Pakistan has released Indian 100 fishermen including 9 children. All of them belong to Kutch in Gujarat. They had inadvertently entered into Pakistan waters while fishing. They were received by SDM-One, Amritsar after they crossed over to India via Attari-Wagah Joint Check Post on Saturday evening. They have been released after spending more than three years in Pakistan jails.Share This
Death toll in Rajasthan bridge collapse rises to 28
| DEATH TOLL IN RAJASTHAN |
Dec 27 |
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Andhra Governor N.D. Tiwari resigns on health grounds
Dec 27
Andhra Pradesh Governor N.D.Tiwari has resigned. He submitted his resignation to the President on health grounds. The resignation comes close on the heels of the controversial sex tape case allegedly involving him. A statement issued by the Raj Bhavan described the tapes as fabricated and far from truth.Earlier, a local TV channel played visuals showing alleged involvement of N.D. Tiwari in the case. The tape was stopped from being shown following directions by the Andhra High Court. Congress has welcomed the resignation of Andhra Pradesh Governor N.D. Tiwari. AICC Media Department Chief Janardhan Dwivedi told reporters that it is an appropriate decision keeping in view the high standards of public life. He said that Mr.Tiwari does not want to hold on to an office till it is proved that the video is false. Opposition parties including BJP, CPIM ,CPI and TDP had earlier demanded his resignation.
from in.com
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Thursday, December 24, 2009
Govt proposes national counter terrorism centre
New Delhi: Calling for a radical restructuring of India's security architecture, Home Minister
P Chidambaram on Wednesday proposed the setting up of a National Counter Terrorism Centre.
"As the name suggests the goal is to counter terrorism. Such an organisation does not exist today; it has to be created from scratch. I am told that the US was able to do it within 36 months of 9/11," Chidambaram said.
"India cannot afford to wait for 36 months. India must decide now to go forward and succeed in setting it up by the end of 2010," he added.
He was delivering the 22nd Intelligence Bureau Centenary Endowment lecture here.
Chidambaram asked state governments to recruit more policemen and women.
"In my estimate states would have to recruit over 400,000 constables this year and over the next two years to fill the vacancies."
He also wanted 24x7 police control rooms in all districts.
Chidambaram added that the central government had decided to set up a National Intelligence Grid (Natgrid).
"Under Natgrid, 21 sets of databases will be networked to achieve quick seamless and secure access to desired information for intelligence and enforcement agencies," he said.
The project will be completed in 18 to 24 months.
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BSP MLA's son opens fire at South Delhi bar
New Delhi: The son of a BSP leader from Uttar Pradesh, who allegedly opened fire in a South Delhi bar On Wednesday over a minor altercation with the staff, surrendered to police in the evening.
Vikas Singh, son of BSP leader Chandraveer Singh, allegedly fired from his pistol following an altercation with the staff of the Mocha resto-bar in Nehru Place around 11.45 am, police said.
Vikas had purportedly gone to the bar to recover a handbag of his sister which was lost the night before when they were dining there.
Vikas surrendered to police around 7.30 pm after which he was arrested, Additional DCP Virender Singh said. He was accompanied by his father Chandraveer to the police station.
Preliminary inquiry revealed that Vikas' wife and sister had first gone to the bar asking for their purse and the staff told them that they could not trace it.
After this, Vikas went in with them and had an altercation with the manager and a scuffle with the guard following which he fired from his pistol, police said adding that the bullet hit a wooden board inside the bar.
Later he fled the spot, police said adding the two women were detained for interrogation.
However, Chandraveer told reporters that though his son was present at the resto-bar, he had not opened fire.
"My son, daughter and daughter-in-law had gone there to eat when someone misbehaved with my daughter. Following this, she slapped that person.There was no firing," he said.
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Vikas Singh, son of BSP leader Chandraveer Singh, allegedly fired from his pistol following an altercation with the staff of the Mocha resto-bar in Nehru Place around 11.45 am, police said.
Vikas had purportedly gone to the bar to recover a handbag of his sister which was lost the night before when they were dining there.
Vikas surrendered to police around 7.30 pm after which he was arrested, Additional DCP Virender Singh said. He was accompanied by his father Chandraveer to the police station.
Preliminary inquiry revealed that Vikas' wife and sister had first gone to the bar asking for their purse and the staff told them that they could not trace it.
After this, Vikas went in with them and had an altercation with the manager and a scuffle with the guard following which he fired from his pistol, police said adding that the bullet hit a wooden board inside the bar.
Later he fled the spot, police said adding the two women were detained for interrogation.
However, Chandraveer told reporters that though his son was present at the resto-bar, he had not opened fire.
"My son, daughter and daughter-in-law had gone there to eat when someone misbehaved with my daughter. Following this, she slapped that person.There was no firing," he said.
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Ruchika verdict: Experts to examine what went wrong
How could a senior policeman be asked to serve just six months in prison for molesting a teenager? As national outrage builds in the Ruchika Girhotra case, an expert panel of lawyers will try to figure out what went horribly wrong.
SPS Rathore, who retired as Haryana's top police officer, the Director General of Police, in 2002, was found guilty of molesting 14-year-old Ruchika in 1990. Three years later, Ruchika committed suicide. Earlier this week, Rathore was sentenced to six months in prison, and then granted bail immediately.
The National Commission of Women has announced that a panel will look into the loopholes that led to this mild sentence, one that many have attacked as a travesty of justice. The panel will submit its report in two months.
Among the many concerns: Why was Rathore not charged with a more serious offense like abetment of suicide amounting to murder? The CBI, which handled the case, says it's tough to link Rathore to Ruchika's death because she committed suicide three years after being molested by the policeman.
However, its own chargesheet against Rathore explains that the teenager suffered depression and committed suicide because of her sexual abuse.
The court's verdict attributes its light sentence to Rathore's age and to the lengthy trial - it lasted nine years and was transferred between three courts. The CBI blames Rathore for using technicalities to stretch out the trial.
NCW chairperson Girija Vyas said the commission was also looking at filing an appeal against the verdict in the Ruchika case. And that it had already taken up the matter with the Haryana Chief Minister.
The panel had also raised the issue of a proposed bill on sexual assault at work places with the Home Minister, she said.
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Saturday, December 12, 2009
What Tiger Woods wrote on his website
Here is the full text of a statement by golfer Tiger Woods issued on his website, www.tigerwoods.com
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"I am deeply aware of the disappointment and hurt that my infidelity has caused to so many people, most of all my wife and children. I want to say again to everyone that I am profoundly sorry and that I ask forgiveness. It may not be possible to repair the damage I've done, but I want to do my best to try.
"I would like to ask everyone, including my fans, the good people at my foundation, business partners, the PGA Tour and my fellow competitors, for their understanding. What's most important now is that my family has the time, privacy and safe haven we will need for personal healing.
"After much soul searching, I have decided to take an indefinite break from professional golf. I need to focus my attention on being a better husband, father and person.
"Again, I ask for privacy for my family and I am especially grateful for all those who have offered compassion and concern during this difficult period."
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All Andhra, Rayalseema cabinet ministers to quit
Hyderabad: Andhra Pradesh on Saturday plunged into an unprecedented political crisis with all the ministers from the Andhra and Rayalaseema regions deciding to resign to protest the Central Government's decision to grant separate statehood to Telangana.
At a meeting in Hyderabad, all 20 ministers from the two regions decided to submit their resignations to Chief Minister K Rosaiah.
Minister for Municipal Administration Anam Ramnarayana Reddy told reporters that they would meet Rosaiah to convey their decision and submit their resignations.
"There is pressure on us from the people to join the movement for a united Andhra Pradesh and hence we have decided to quit," he said amid the growing unrest in the two regions.
Three ministers later met the Chief Minister and conveyed their decision to him. Rosaiah, however, advised them against taking a decision in haste.
A visibly upset Rosaiah told reporters at the state secretariat that Minister for Revenue Dharmana Prasada Rao and Minister for Home Sabita Indra Reddy were designated to speak to the ministers.
Rosaiah, who had taken over as Chief Minster on September 3, 2009 after the death of Y S Rajasekhara Reddy in a helicopter crash, is now looking at the Congress central leadership to resolve the crisis, triggered by the decision of the Centre to bifurcate the state.
Earlier, Rosaiah said he was "anguished" over the statement of Union Home Minister P Chidambaram that a resolution for formation of Telangana state would be moved in the state Assembly.
He said despite his expressing apprehensions over the issue, the Central Government had gone ahead with the announcement.
Rosaiah has also ruled out moving the resolution in the current winter session of the Assembly.
Rosaiah, who heads a 34-member cabinet, hails from the coastal Andhra region and is a member of the legislative council.
The state cabinet is divided over the issue, with 13 ministers from Telangana region holding a separate meeting to discuss their future course of action amid demands from various quarters that the legislators and ministers from Telangana should also resign to protest the "blackmailing" by their counterparts from other regions.
Minister for Information Technology K Venkatrama Reddy from Telangana said if the state was put under President's Rule, the ministers and legislators from Andhra and Rayalaseema would be responsible.
As many as 130 legislators from the two regions, including 76 from the ruling Congress, have submitted their resignations to the Assembly Speaker. Legislators of the opposition Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and Praja Rajyam Party (PRP) have also submitted their resignations.
Speaker Kiran Kumar Reddy has not yet accepted the resignations of the legislators.
In the 294-member Assembly, 175 members come from Andhra and Rayalaseema regions while 119 are from Telangana.
Cutting across party lines, legislators from Telangana are also contemplating to resign. "If necessary we will sacrifice our posts for a separate Telangana state," said senior TDP leader and legislator N Janardhan Reddy.
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Thursday, December 10, 2009
Obama brushes off Nobel criticism
Barack Obama, the US president, has acknowledged criticism of his Nobel Peace Prize, which he is being awarded just days after he ordered an additional 30,000 troops to Afghanistan.
The wartime president said he hoped success in his goals of cutting nuclear weapons and tackling climate change would reduce criticism of his prize being premature.
Speaking in Norwegian capital Oslo on Thursday, he admitted he was surprised at receiving the award.
"I have no doubt that there are others that may be more deserving. My task here is to continue on the path that I believe is not only important for America but important for lasting peace in the world," he said.
The US president is receiving the award for his "extraordinary efforts to strengthen international diplomacy".
Controversial nominee
The Nobel committee announced its decision in October, when Obama had barely carried out nine months in office, recognising his aspirations to reshape the way the US deals with the world more than his actual achievements.
Obama has been seen as a controversial nominee for the award because of the United States' engagement in wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Todd Kent, a US government professor at the Texas A&M University in Qatar, told Al Jazeera that Obama had not expected to receive the award. "He didn't expect it, he didn't ask for it, so I think it was difficult for him and I think they spent a lot of time trying to downplay the whole award." Kent added Obama was likely to speak about the situation in Afghanistan upon receiving the prize. "I expect he will talk about what peace means to the world and the aspirations of the world and maybe what's happening in Afghanistan can lead to that. "It brings up the interesting question of if he was to do nothing in Afghanistan would that give us a better long-term prospect for peace? "Or does this [situation] in Afghanistan give us better hope for the future? I think he's going to have to address some of those things." After less than a year in power, and with public opinions polls showing his popularity fading at home, Obama faces a sensitive task during a day of solemn ceremonies in Oslo. Jon Favreau, a senior speechwriter for Obama, said the president would speak about the odd coincidence of accepting the revered prize a week after ordering the troop increase in Afghanistan. "The president is receiving a peace prize as the commander-in-chief of a nation that is in two wars," Favreau said. Many critics have suggested that Obama has not had a long enough or successful enough period in office to stand with other Nobel peace laureates, but aides say the president will seek to deflect attention from himself during his acceptance speech. "He sees this as less of a recognition of his own accomplishments and more of an affirmation of a desire for American leadership in the 21st century," Favreau said. Award 'justified' Geir Lundestad, the secretary of the Norwegian Nobel Committee, told public radio NRK this week that most US presidents face conflicts and wars - but the new mood in US foreign policy justified awarding Obama the peace prize. Obama will be in Oslo for just over 24 hours to pick up the award, and will join a list of laureates that include Nelson Mandela, Mother Teresa and Aung San Suu Kyi. Events related to the formal Nobel Peace Prize ceremony normally run over three days, but the president has shortened his visit and excluded the traditional lunch with the king and a Friday night concert in his honour. Obama will watch the traditional torchlight procession on Thursday evening from the balcony of the Grand Hotel, where bullet-proof glass has been installed. Other Nobel laureates in the fields of medicine, physics, chemistry, economics and literature will receive their awards at a gala ceremony in Stockholm, the Swedish capital, on Thursday.
Award criticised
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Vineet Nayyar is Satyam’s chief
HYDERABAD: Mahindra Satyam has announced the appointment of Vineet Nayyar as the company’s chairman. Nayyar was so far heading the comp
any as vice-chairman.
Announcing this after the company’s board meeting, a Mahindra Satyam statement also said that the company had appointed former Sebi chairman M Damodaran and Gautam Kaji as additional directors with immediate effect, expanding its board to eight members.
Meanwhile, the company said it had appointed Deloitte Haskins & Sells as the company’s statutory auditor for fiscal year ended March 31, 2009 as well as fiscal year ended March 31, 2010. Deloitte Haskins & Sells, one of the two audit firms roped in by the postscam Satyam Board to restate accounts, will vet the accounts of Mahindra group company for the 2008-09 and 2009-10 fiscals as statutory auditor.
The company, which was acquired by Tech Mahindra in April, has secured time until June 2010 from the Company Law Board to file financials, including quarterly results.
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Chidambaram defends Telangana announcement
NEW DELHI: The Telangana issue rocked the Rajya Sabha twice Thursday with the Bharatiya Janata Party
(BJP) accusing home minister P. Chidambaram of breach of propriety for having made a public announcement on the issue when parliament was in session.
Calm was restored only after Chidambaram said he had no option but to make the late night announcement on Wednesday, setting in motion the process of carving a Telangana state out of Andhra Pradesh.
"When he (M. Venkaiah Nadu of the BJP) raised the issue in the house yesterday, the government was not in a position to respond as consultations were still underway. When the consultations were completed very late at night, we couldn't brook any delay (in making the announcement)," Chidambaram said after the BJP raised the issue for the second time during zero hour after having raised it during question hour.
"What I said (Wednesday night) is a restatement of the earlier stand of the government which is well known. It was necessary to persuade (Telangana Rashtra Samiti chief) K. Chandrasekhar Rao to call off his fast and to restore normalcy in the state. I am glad to report that normalcy has been by and large restored.
"Shri Chandrasekhar Rao has spoken to me and thanked the house for its concern (over his deteriorating condition on the 11th day of his fast unto death Wednesday to demand a separate Telangana)," the home minister added.
Chidambaram prefaced his remarks by saying that he was prepared to make a statement "if that will be the end of the matter. I am not ready for a debate on this".
Raising the issue during zero hour, Naidu said: "I wish to draw the attention of the house to a question of propriety. He (Chidambaram) should have taken parliament into confidence. Is this the way of showing respect to parliament?"
"I am saying this with all humility that it is the duty of every member of the house to raise the issue when there is a breach of propriety. What for is this house there? Everything can be discussed outside."
Deputy Chairman K. Rahman Khan said: "You have raised a point. Serve notice and I will examine it. What (else) do you want me to do?"
"Advise the minister (to make a statement)," Naidu retorted. "The government has taken note (of your sentiments)," Khan said.
Chidambaram then got up and offered to make a statement. When Naidu had spoken in similar vein earlier when the house assembled, Chairman Hamid Ansari told him: "Members are well aware of the constitution. Nothing will be done without the consent of this house... There can be no legislation without the consent of this house."
The protest continued for five minutes before Ansari managed to restore order in the house and proceeded with the question hour. The BJP had forced 15 minutes adjournment of the house on the issue Wednesday.
Following pressure and fearing for the deteriorating condition of the TRS chief, who had been on a fast-unto-death for 11 days, the central government late Wednesday pledged to form a separate Telangana state carved out of 10 districts of Andhra Pradesh.
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(BJP) accusing home minister P. Chidambaram of breach of propriety for having made a public announcement on the issue when parliament was in session.
Calm was restored only after Chidambaram said he had no option but to make the late night announcement on Wednesday, setting in motion the process of carving a Telangana state out of Andhra Pradesh.
"When he (M. Venkaiah Nadu of the BJP) raised the issue in the house yesterday, the government was not in a position to respond as consultations were still underway. When the consultations were completed very late at night, we couldn't brook any delay (in making the announcement)," Chidambaram said after the BJP raised the issue for the second time during zero hour after having raised it during question hour.
"What I said (Wednesday night) is a restatement of the earlier stand of the government which is well known. It was necessary to persuade (Telangana Rashtra Samiti chief) K. Chandrasekhar Rao to call off his fast and to restore normalcy in the state. I am glad to report that normalcy has been by and large restored.
"Shri Chandrasekhar Rao has spoken to me and thanked the house for its concern (over his deteriorating condition on the 11th day of his fast unto death Wednesday to demand a separate Telangana)," the home minister added.
Chidambaram prefaced his remarks by saying that he was prepared to make a statement "if that will be the end of the matter. I am not ready for a debate on this".
Raising the issue during zero hour, Naidu said: "I wish to draw the attention of the house to a question of propriety. He (Chidambaram) should have taken parliament into confidence. Is this the way of showing respect to parliament?"
"I am saying this with all humility that it is the duty of every member of the house to raise the issue when there is a breach of propriety. What for is this house there? Everything can be discussed outside."
Deputy Chairman K. Rahman Khan said: "You have raised a point. Serve notice and I will examine it. What (else) do you want me to do?"
"Advise the minister (to make a statement)," Naidu retorted. "The government has taken note (of your sentiments)," Khan said.
Chidambaram then got up and offered to make a statement. When Naidu had spoken in similar vein earlier when the house assembled, Chairman Hamid Ansari told him: "Members are well aware of the constitution. Nothing will be done without the consent of this house... There can be no legislation without the consent of this house."
The protest continued for five minutes before Ansari managed to restore order in the house and proceeded with the question hour. The BJP had forced 15 minutes adjournment of the house on the issue Wednesday.
Following pressure and fearing for the deteriorating condition of the TRS chief, who had been on a fast-unto-death for 11 days, the central government late Wednesday pledged to form a separate Telangana state carved out of 10 districts of Andhra Pradesh.
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Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Have patience on Telangana: Sonia tells Cong MPs
New Delhi: Congress President Sonia Gandhi today told party MPs from the Telangana region in Andhra Pradesh to have "patience" on the separate statehood demand as she is seized of the matter.
She made the remarks to a group of MPs from the state who called on her to greet on her 64th birthday here.
The MPs also told her that the people of Telangana are "hoping that the Congress President will come to their rescue and take steps for the creation of Telangana."
"We told her about the Telangana demand. She asked us to be patient and that she is aware of the issue completely and will take a decision," Malkajgiri MP Sathyanarayana Sarvey told news agency.
Besides him, several MPs, including Karimnagar MP Ponnam Prabhakar was also present during the meeting.
Sarvey said the MPs also apprised the Congress President about the situation in the state and also the protests demanding a separate Telangana state.
"Madam asked us to be patient. We are hopeful that the High Command will take a decision soon," he said.
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She made the remarks to a group of MPs from the state who called on her to greet on her 64th birthday here.
The MPs also told her that the people of Telangana are "hoping that the Congress President will come to their rescue and take steps for the creation of Telangana."
"We told her about the Telangana demand. She asked us to be patient and that she is aware of the issue completely and will take a decision," Malkajgiri MP Sathyanarayana Sarvey told news agency.
Besides him, several MPs, including Karimnagar MP Ponnam Prabhakar was also present during the meeting.
Sarvey said the MPs also apprised the Congress President about the situation in the state and also the protests demanding a separate Telangana state.
"Madam asked us to be patient. We are hopeful that the High Command will take a decision soon," he said.
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Telangana issue figures in Parliament, RS adjourns briefly
With passions running high in Andhra Pradesh over the Telangana issue, Parliament today expressed concern over TRS chief K Chandrasekhar Rao's deteriorating health as Rajya Sabha witnessed an adjournment after BJP pressed for an immediate response from government.
BJP members forced adjournment of the Upper House for a brief period pressing for government's response on the issue of Telangana and the health of Rao. They stormed the well and raised slogans after M Venkaiah Naidu demanded that Home Minister P Chidambaram should make a statement.
In Lok Sabha, Speaker Meira Kumar was joined by Leader of Opposition L K Advani and several other leaders in expressing concern over the health of Rao, whose fast-unto-death for a separate state entered the 11th day today. "It is the wish of the entire House that he regains good health soon," she said.
Several leaders appealed Rao to end his fast.
The occasion was also utilised by some of these leaders to demand that Prime Minister Manmohan Singh convene an all-party meeting and intervene immediately to resolve the issue in view of the "highly volatile" situation in Andhra Pradesh.
Kumar said Rao is an honourable member of the House, which is concerned over his health that has become "quite serious" in the wake of his fast.
Advani said his party colleague Venkaiah Naidu met Rao last evening and felt his condition was deteriorating.
Urging the government to immediately intervene in the matter, he said "the health of Rao is as important as the issue of Telangana".
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BJP members forced adjournment of the Upper House for a brief period pressing for government's response on the issue of Telangana and the health of Rao. They stormed the well and raised slogans after M Venkaiah Naidu demanded that Home Minister P Chidambaram should make a statement.
In Lok Sabha, Speaker Meira Kumar was joined by Leader of Opposition L K Advani and several other leaders in expressing concern over the health of Rao, whose fast-unto-death for a separate state entered the 11th day today. "It is the wish of the entire House that he regains good health soon," she said.
Several leaders appealed Rao to end his fast.
The occasion was also utilised by some of these leaders to demand that Prime Minister Manmohan Singh convene an all-party meeting and intervene immediately to resolve the issue in view of the "highly volatile" situation in Andhra Pradesh.
Kumar said Rao is an honourable member of the House, which is concerned over his health that has become "quite serious" in the wake of his fast.
Advani said his party colleague Venkaiah Naidu met Rao last evening and felt his condition was deteriorating.
Urging the government to immediately intervene in the matter, he said "the health of Rao is as important as the issue of Telangana".
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Antisocial elements or Maoists in Telangana movement?
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister K. Rosaiah Wednesday said "anti-social elements" had joined the movement for a Telangana state. Police believe Maoists have penetrated the movement through students and other sympathisers.
While Rosaiah told reporters in the assembly premises that his government had received information about "anti-social elements" and was looking into it, a senior police official pointed out that Maoists always supported the demand for separate Telangana state.
"Everybody knows the problems in states like Jharkhand. Telangana is their (Maoists) birthplace and naturally they will try to take advantage of the situation," said Inspector General of Police A.R. Anuradha.
The police crackdown on students at Osmania University also came following intelligence reports that Maoists had joined the movement for a separate state and might use the situation to recruit students.
Telangana was a traditional stronghold of Maoists but they were almost eliminated from the region in police operations during the last few years.
Telengana Rashtra Samiti (TRS) leaders have alleged that a section of Congress leaders opposed to Rosaiah were trying to foment trouble in Hyderabad by bringing people from outside.
Addressing the assembly, Telugu Desam Party (TDP) chief N. Chandrababu Naidu told the government that it was responsible for protecting the lives and property of people.
Rosaiah has said he would be in New Delhi Wednesday to greet party president Sonia Gandhi on her birthday and would discuss the Telangana issue with her.
Continue reading...
While Rosaiah told reporters in the assembly premises that his government had received information about "anti-social elements" and was looking into it, a senior police official pointed out that Maoists always supported the demand for separate Telangana state.
"Everybody knows the problems in states like Jharkhand. Telangana is their (Maoists) birthplace and naturally they will try to take advantage of the situation," said Inspector General of Police A.R. Anuradha.
The police crackdown on students at Osmania University also came following intelligence reports that Maoists had joined the movement for a separate state and might use the situation to recruit students.
Telangana was a traditional stronghold of Maoists but they were almost eliminated from the region in police operations during the last few years.
Telengana Rashtra Samiti (TRS) leaders have alleged that a section of Congress leaders opposed to Rosaiah were trying to foment trouble in Hyderabad by bringing people from outside.
Addressing the assembly, Telugu Desam Party (TDP) chief N. Chandrababu Naidu told the government that it was responsible for protecting the lives and property of people.
Rosaiah has said he would be in New Delhi Wednesday to greet party president Sonia Gandhi on her birthday and would discuss the Telangana issue with her.
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Tuesday, December 8, 2009
TRS chief's condition serious, asked to end fast
Hyderabad, Dec 8 (IANS) The health of Telangana Rashtra Samiti (TRS) chief K. Chandrasekhara Rao, who is on fast-unto-death demanding a separate Telangana state, has begun deteriorating and doctors have warned that continuing the hunger strike could endanger his life.
KCR, as Rao is popularly known, continued the hunger strike for the 10th day Tuesday at the state-run Nizam Institute of Medical Sciences (NIMS).
NIMS director Prasada Rao told reporters that the reports of KCR's blood tests show signs of deterioration and asked him to immediately call off the fast.
If he continues the fast, this would lead to serious problems. 'What sort of problems we can't say but this could endanger his life,' he said.
A team of doctors monitoring KCR's health has asked his family members to convince him to end the fast.
Currently he is on support therapy. But after a certain stage even the medicines will not work. He has to start taking food immediately, said Prasada Rao.
The doctors had so far maintained that KCR was stable but weak.
The Mahabubnagar MP has made it clear that he would call off the fast only after the government gave a categorical assurance on carving a separate Telangana state. He was also ready to end the fast if the state assembly passes a resolution urging the centre to grant statehood to the Telangana region, which comprises 10 districts including Greater Hyderabad.
KCR was arrested Nov 29 near Karimnagar town when he was heading to Siddipet town in Medak district for launching fast unto death.
He was taken to Khammam town, where a court sent him to jail for 14 days. The TRS chief launched the fast in jail and he was shifted to a government hospital in the town the next day.
He broke the fast the same day saying he did not want people to lose their lives in protests.
Angry reaction by the sympathisers of the Telangana movement forced KCR to resume the fast. He alleged that the government forcibly administered him saline drips. He was shifted to Hyderabad Dec 3.
Continue reading...
KCR, as Rao is popularly known, continued the hunger strike for the 10th day Tuesday at the state-run Nizam Institute of Medical Sciences (NIMS).
NIMS director Prasada Rao told reporters that the reports of KCR's blood tests show signs of deterioration and asked him to immediately call off the fast.
If he continues the fast, this would lead to serious problems. 'What sort of problems we can't say but this could endanger his life,' he said.
A team of doctors monitoring KCR's health has asked his family members to convince him to end the fast.
Currently he is on support therapy. But after a certain stage even the medicines will not work. He has to start taking food immediately, said Prasada Rao.
The doctors had so far maintained that KCR was stable but weak.
The Mahabubnagar MP has made it clear that he would call off the fast only after the government gave a categorical assurance on carving a separate Telangana state. He was also ready to end the fast if the state assembly passes a resolution urging the centre to grant statehood to the Telangana region, which comprises 10 districts including Greater Hyderabad.
KCR was arrested Nov 29 near Karimnagar town when he was heading to Siddipet town in Medak district for launching fast unto death.
He was taken to Khammam town, where a court sent him to jail for 14 days. The TRS chief launched the fast in jail and he was shifted to a government hospital in the town the next day.
He broke the fast the same day saying he did not want people to lose their lives in protests.
Angry reaction by the sympathisers of the Telangana movement forced KCR to resume the fast. He alleged that the government forcibly administered him saline drips. He was shifted to Hyderabad Dec 3.
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Monday, December 7, 2009
The World's Most Powerful People
"I love power. But it is as an artist that I love it. I love it as a musician loves his violin, to draw out its sounds and chords and harmonies." --Napoleon Bonaparte
Power has been called many things. The ultimate aphrodisiac. An absolute corrupter. A mistress. A violin. But its true nature remains elusive. After all, a head of state wields a very different sort of power than a religious figure. Can one really compare the influence of a journalist to that of a terrorist? And is power unexercised power at all?
The Editor Of 'Forbes Russia' Picks The Seven Most Powerful People In Russia
In Pictures: The World's Most Powerful People
Elias Zerhouni Picks The Seven Most Powerful People In Medicine
Howard Dean Picks The Seven Most Powerful People In Washington
Meredith Whitney Picks The Seven Most Powerful People In Finance
In compiling our first ranking of the World's Most Powerful People we wrestled with these questions--and many more--before deciding to define power in four dimensions. First, we asked, does the person have influence over lots of other people? Pope Benedict XVI, ranked 11th on our list, is the spiritual leader of more than a billion souls, or about one-sixth of the world's population, while Wal-Mart CEO Mike Duke (No. 8) is the largest private-sector employer in the United States.
Then we assessed the financial resources controlled by these individuals. Are they relatively large compared with their peers? For heads of state we used GDP, while for CEOs, we looked at a composite ranking of market capitalization, profits, assets and revenues as reflected on our annual ranking of the World's 2000 Largest Companies. In certain instances, like New York Times Executive Editor Bill Keller (No. 51), we judged the resources at his disposal compared with others in the industry. For billionaires, like Bill Gates (No. 10), net worth was also a factor.
Next we determined if they are powerful in multiple spheres. There are only 67 slots on our list--one for every 100 million people on the planet--so being powerful in just one area is not enough to guarantee a spot. Our picks project their influence in myriad ways. Take Italy's colorful prime minister, Silvio Berlusconi (No. 12) who is a politician, a media monopolist and owner of soccer powerhouse A.C. Milan, or Oprah Winfrey (No. 45) who can manufacture a best-seller and an American President.
Lastly, we insisted that our choices actively use their power. Ingvar Kamprad, the 83-year-old entrepreneur behind Ikea and the richest man in Europe, was an early candidate for this list, but was excluded because he doesn't exercise his power. On the other hand, Russian autocrat Vladimir Putin (No. 3) scored points because he likes to throw his weight around by jailing oligarchs, invading neighboring countries and periodically cutting off Western Europe's supply of natural gas.
To calculate the final rankings, five Forbes senior editors ranked all of our candidates in each of these four dimensions of power. Those individual rankings were averaged into a composite score, which determined who placed above (or below) whom.
U.S. President Barack Obama emerged, unanimously, as the world's most powerful person, and by a wide margin. But there were a number of surprises. Former President George W. Bush didn't come close to making the final cut, while his predecessor in the Oval Office, Bill Clinton, ranks 31st, ahead of a number of sitting heads of government. Apple's Steve Jobs easily made the list, while Arnold Schwarzenegger, the movie star governor of California (alone, the world's fifth largest economy) did not.
This ranking is intended to be the beginning of a conversation, not the final word. Is the Dalai Lama (No. 39) really more powerful than the president of France (No. 56)? Do despicable criminals like billionaire Mexican drug lord JoaquÃn Guzmán (No. 41) belong on this list at all? Who did we overlook? What did we get wrong? Join the conversation by commenting now.
FROM FORBES.COM
Continue reading...
Power has been called many things. The ultimate aphrodisiac. An absolute corrupter. A mistress. A violin. But its true nature remains elusive. After all, a head of state wields a very different sort of power than a religious figure. Can one really compare the influence of a journalist to that of a terrorist? And is power unexercised power at all?
The Editor Of 'Forbes Russia' Picks The Seven Most Powerful People In Russia
In Pictures: The World's Most Powerful People
Elias Zerhouni Picks The Seven Most Powerful People In Medicine
Howard Dean Picks The Seven Most Powerful People In Washington
Meredith Whitney Picks The Seven Most Powerful People In Finance
In compiling our first ranking of the World's Most Powerful People we wrestled with these questions--and many more--before deciding to define power in four dimensions. First, we asked, does the person have influence over lots of other people? Pope Benedict XVI, ranked 11th on our list, is the spiritual leader of more than a billion souls, or about one-sixth of the world's population, while Wal-Mart CEO Mike Duke (No. 8) is the largest private-sector employer in the United States.
Then we assessed the financial resources controlled by these individuals. Are they relatively large compared with their peers? For heads of state we used GDP, while for CEOs, we looked at a composite ranking of market capitalization, profits, assets and revenues as reflected on our annual ranking of the World's 2000 Largest Companies. In certain instances, like New York Times Executive Editor Bill Keller (No. 51), we judged the resources at his disposal compared with others in the industry. For billionaires, like Bill Gates (No. 10), net worth was also a factor.
Next we determined if they are powerful in multiple spheres. There are only 67 slots on our list--one for every 100 million people on the planet--so being powerful in just one area is not enough to guarantee a spot. Our picks project their influence in myriad ways. Take Italy's colorful prime minister, Silvio Berlusconi (No. 12) who is a politician, a media monopolist and owner of soccer powerhouse A.C. Milan, or Oprah Winfrey (No. 45) who can manufacture a best-seller and an American President.
Lastly, we insisted that our choices actively use their power. Ingvar Kamprad, the 83-year-old entrepreneur behind Ikea and the richest man in Europe, was an early candidate for this list, but was excluded because he doesn't exercise his power. On the other hand, Russian autocrat Vladimir Putin (No. 3) scored points because he likes to throw his weight around by jailing oligarchs, invading neighboring countries and periodically cutting off Western Europe's supply of natural gas.
To calculate the final rankings, five Forbes senior editors ranked all of our candidates in each of these four dimensions of power. Those individual rankings were averaged into a composite score, which determined who placed above (or below) whom.
U.S. President Barack Obama emerged, unanimously, as the world's most powerful person, and by a wide margin. But there were a number of surprises. Former President George W. Bush didn't come close to making the final cut, while his predecessor in the Oval Office, Bill Clinton, ranks 31st, ahead of a number of sitting heads of government. Apple's Steve Jobs easily made the list, while Arnold Schwarzenegger, the movie star governor of California (alone, the world's fifth largest economy) did not.
This ranking is intended to be the beginning of a conversation, not the final word. Is the Dalai Lama (No. 39) really more powerful than the president of France (No. 56)? Do despicable criminals like billionaire Mexican drug lord JoaquÃn Guzmán (No. 41) belong on this list at all? Who did we overlook? What did we get wrong? Join the conversation by commenting now.
FROM FORBES.COM
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TRS chief firm on Telangana issue, spurns Rosaiah's plea
Hyderabad, Dec 7 (ANI): Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister K Rosaiah paid a visit to Telangana Rashtriya Samiti (TRS) chief K Chandrasekar Rao in hospital here last night and asked him to end his fast-unto-death, which has entered its third week.
Rao said he was firm about his demand for a separate Telangana state and indicated that only an assurance from the Prime Minister could change his decision.
Meanwhile, the shutdown called by the Telangana Rashtriya Samiti for a separate Telangana State entered its second day today.
Earlier on Sunday (December 6), the State Government withdrew charges filed against Rao that had resulted in his arrest.
As per the latest reports, a delegation of Congress ministers from the Telangana region will visit New Delhi today.
There are reports that the assembly session scheduled to start next week, may also be cut short due to the ongoing protests.
The state has been put on high alert due to the shutdown. (ANI)
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Rao said he was firm about his demand for a separate Telangana state and indicated that only an assurance from the Prime Minister could change his decision.
Meanwhile, the shutdown called by the Telangana Rashtriya Samiti for a separate Telangana State entered its second day today.
Earlier on Sunday (December 6), the State Government withdrew charges filed against Rao that had resulted in his arrest.
As per the latest reports, a delegation of Congress ministers from the Telangana region will visit New Delhi today.
There are reports that the assembly session scheduled to start next week, may also be cut short due to the ongoing protests.
The state has been put on high alert due to the shutdown. (ANI)
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Rahul Gandhi to kick off 'Mission UP 2012' today
Bahraich (UP), Dec 7 (ANI): Congress General Secretary Rahul Gandhi will kick off his "Mission UP 2012" in Bahraich today.
Youth Congress president Ashok Tanwar has said Gandhi would address 600 youth who have been shortlisted in the district.
During his two-day visit, he will visit to the Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) and meet potential candidates for organisational elections of the Youth Congress in the state.
According to a Youth Congress press release, Rahul will visit six districts, including Aligarh, Etah, Lakhimpur, Bahraich, Sitapur and Hardoi.
He will attend a weavers' conference at Aliganj in Etah district besides a meeting with OBC delegates in Sitapur.
On Tuesday, he will participate in a convention of the Pradesh Congress Committee representatives before leaving for Ambedkar Nagar where he will attend a Scheduled Castes convention.
In Kanpur, Rahul will attend meetings of organised labourers and young industrialists besides reviewing the membership campaign of Youth Congress.
Besides attending other programmes, he will attend the young women's convention at Avadh School, Gomtinagar. (ANI)
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Youth Congress president Ashok Tanwar has said Gandhi would address 600 youth who have been shortlisted in the district.
During his two-day visit, he will visit to the Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) and meet potential candidates for organisational elections of the Youth Congress in the state.
According to a Youth Congress press release, Rahul will visit six districts, including Aligarh, Etah, Lakhimpur, Bahraich, Sitapur and Hardoi.
He will attend a weavers' conference at Aliganj in Etah district besides a meeting with OBC delegates in Sitapur.
On Tuesday, he will participate in a convention of the Pradesh Congress Committee representatives before leaving for Ambedkar Nagar where he will attend a Scheduled Castes convention.
In Kanpur, Rahul will attend meetings of organised labourers and young industrialists besides reviewing the membership campaign of Youth Congress.
Besides attending other programmes, he will attend the young women's convention at Avadh School, Gomtinagar. (ANI)
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Life remains paralysed for second day in Telangana
Hyderabad: Normal life remained paralysed in Telangana region of Andhra Pradesh Monday for the second successive day as the 48-hour shutdown called by the Telangana Rashtra Samiti (TRS) demanding a separate state of Telangana evoked total response.
Hyderabad and nine other districts of the region continued to be tense as TRS chief K. Chandrasekhara Rao's fast-unto-death entered the ninth day.
For the second day, buses of state-owned Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC) remained off the roads while road blockades by the protestors affected vehicular movement on the highways.
All educational institutions, shops, business establishments, cinema theatres and petrol bunks remained closed in Hyderabad and other parts of Telangana, causing severe inconvenience to the public.
Tension prevailed on the campus of Osmania University here Monday morning as armed policemen and personnel of Rapid Action Force (RAF) were mobilised in huge numbers to prevent students from taking out a rally to the state assembly.
Police entered the Arts College on the campus and the university hostel to evict students, who planned to lay siege to the assembly to demand that it pass a resolution on a separate Telangana state.
The Joint Action Committee (JAC) of students and teachers of Osmania University has protested the police action and demanded that the government withdraw all forces from the campus. The JAC leaders have warned the government of serious consequences otherwise.
Suicide by five Telangana sympathizers, sporadic incidents of violence, widespread protests across the region and road blockades marked the shutdown on the first day Sunday.
Meanwhile, KCR, as the TRS chief is popularly known, continued his fast-unto-death at the Nizam's Institute of Medical Sciences (NIMS) here demanding separate statehood to the Telangana region.
Doctors at NIMS said KCR, who was in judicial custody, was running high temperature and had turned very weak as he has not been taking food for the past nine days.
Chief Minister K. Rosaiah personally went to NIMS Sunday night to persuade KCR to end the fast but the latter made it clear that he would not call off the fast unless a decision was taken on carving out a separate Telangana state.
Rosaiah, who was accompanied by Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) president Ajit Singh and health minister D. Nagender, told KCR that the central government was seized of the Telangana issue but the TRS chief demanded that at least the state assembly pass a resolution.
KCR was arrested Nov 29 by the police near Karimnagar town when he was heading to Siddipet town in Medak district for launching a fast unto death. He was taken to Khammam town, where a court sent him to jail for 14 days.
IANS
Continue reading...
Hyderabad and nine other districts of the region continued to be tense as TRS chief K. Chandrasekhara Rao's fast-unto-death entered the ninth day.
For the second day, buses of state-owned Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC) remained off the roads while road blockades by the protestors affected vehicular movement on the highways.
All educational institutions, shops, business establishments, cinema theatres and petrol bunks remained closed in Hyderabad and other parts of Telangana, causing severe inconvenience to the public.
Tension prevailed on the campus of Osmania University here Monday morning as armed policemen and personnel of Rapid Action Force (RAF) were mobilised in huge numbers to prevent students from taking out a rally to the state assembly.
Police entered the Arts College on the campus and the university hostel to evict students, who planned to lay siege to the assembly to demand that it pass a resolution on a separate Telangana state.
The Joint Action Committee (JAC) of students and teachers of Osmania University has protested the police action and demanded that the government withdraw all forces from the campus. The JAC leaders have warned the government of serious consequences otherwise.
Suicide by five Telangana sympathizers, sporadic incidents of violence, widespread protests across the region and road blockades marked the shutdown on the first day Sunday.
Meanwhile, KCR, as the TRS chief is popularly known, continued his fast-unto-death at the Nizam's Institute of Medical Sciences (NIMS) here demanding separate statehood to the Telangana region.
Doctors at NIMS said KCR, who was in judicial custody, was running high temperature and had turned very weak as he has not been taking food for the past nine days.
Chief Minister K. Rosaiah personally went to NIMS Sunday night to persuade KCR to end the fast but the latter made it clear that he would not call off the fast unless a decision was taken on carving out a separate Telangana state.
Rosaiah, who was accompanied by Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) president Ajit Singh and health minister D. Nagender, told KCR that the central government was seized of the Telangana issue but the TRS chief demanded that at least the state assembly pass a resolution.
KCR was arrested Nov 29 by the police near Karimnagar town when he was heading to Siddipet town in Medak district for launching a fast unto death. He was taken to Khammam town, where a court sent him to jail for 14 days.
IANS
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Pollution vs progress: India's dilemma at Copenhagen
Korba: A thin coat of coal dust covers everything from trees to houses in Korba, a coal mining town which lies at the heart of the India's struggle to balance economic growth with climate change concerns.
The air is heavy with smoke and dust spewing out of numerous mines and power plants in a region that powers hundreds of factories in the country's industrial west and lights up millions of homes.
Although government has announced a new climate plan which identifies renewable energy such as solar power as key elements, coal remains the backbone of energy supply in a country where almost half the 1.1 billion population still has no electricity.
"Coal-fired power will stay for the next 20-25 years at least," said R D Sonkar, chief engineer at one of Korba's many thermal power stations.
"Look at the high cost of solar and wind energy. Can we afford? Power from renewable energy will have to wait, I think."
As the world meets in Copenhagen for crucial negotiations on a global pact to fight climate change, part of the debate will be on how developing countries such as India tackle the use of fossil fuel without hampering their growth.
India, the world's fourth largest greenhouse gas emitter though still low on per-capita emissions, is under pressure to cut pollution to battle climate change while demand for power increases as its middle class clamours for more cars, TVs and housing.
The government set a goal on Thursday for slowing the growth of greenhouse gas emissions, saying it was willing to rein in "carbon intensity"--the amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) emitted per unit of economic output -- by between 20 and 25 percent by 2020, from 2005 levels.
The big emerging economies have often insisted that rich nations have caused global warming by spewing out greenhouse gases since the Industrial Revolution, and want to see deep cuts by these rich nations before joining the effort.
Current global pacts do not require developing nations to cut emissions, but rich countries are obliged to do so.
The December 7-18 UN talks in the Danish capital are aimed at settling a legally binding deal after arguments between rich and poor nations about who should cut emissions, by how much and who should pay.
As the world discusses the implications of climate change and plans to cut emissions, experts say it is coal towns such as Korba that will shape the country's efforts to eradicate poverty.
"There is a lot of focus on clean coal and super critical technology to increase efficiency, but coal will remain central," said Sunita Narain, member of the Prime Minister's council on climate change.
"There are two aspects -- affordability of coal in a country where there is a lot of poverty and largescale generation that is required to reach power to a huge portion of the population."
Coal is seen as the solution to the country's power shortage, a daunting barrier to development where massive rural poverty means people cannot afford costly electricity produced from renewable sources.
Last year, the country faced a 16.6 percent shortfall during hours of peak consumption and a 9.9 percent gap for energy generation, World Bank figures show.
The country has 10 percent of the world's coal reserves, the biggest after the United States, Russia and China, but it also imported about 70 million tonnes of high grade coal this fiscal year, mostly for making steel.
The country plans to add 78.7 gigawatts of power generation during the five years ending March 2012, most of it from coal, which now accounts for about 60 percent of India's energy mix.
Renewables
In comparison, renewables such as wind, solar and bio-mass contribute only 8.8 percent to generation and, though there are plans to scale up solar power generation to 20 gigawatts by 2022, it depends on international finance and technology.
A landmark nuclear deal with the United States may herald a new chapter in clean energy in the country, but long gestation periods for nuclear reactors and high cost are a deterrent.
Even if the country is on track with its renewable energy plans, coal will still account for about 55 percent of its power supply by 2030, according to government figures.
"Clearly, it's not a question of choice for India. Coal will remain at the core but what will change is there will be more thrust on clean coal technology," said Ashok Sharma, climate change expert at Halcrow Consulting India.
The government issued a national climate change policy last year, identifying renewable energy like solar power, and energy efficiency as key elements.
Already, its carbon and energy use per unit of GDP are both below that of the United States and China. And India had only about 12 vehicles per 1,000 people in 2007 compared to over 800 in the United States.
India's industrial electricity tariffs are, on average, the highest in the world, a measure aimed at deterring wastage.
"India's focus is a combination of improved coal, enhanced efficiency, some use of gas, solar and wind power ... eventually it's about positioning yourself for the future technology," said Nitin Desai, one of the architects of India's climate policy.
"You can't immediately say I won't use coal -- you have to look at the balance of energy security."
Continue reading...
The air is heavy with smoke and dust spewing out of numerous mines and power plants in a region that powers hundreds of factories in the country's industrial west and lights up millions of homes.
Although government has announced a new climate plan which identifies renewable energy such as solar power as key elements, coal remains the backbone of energy supply in a country where almost half the 1.1 billion population still has no electricity.
"Coal-fired power will stay for the next 20-25 years at least," said R D Sonkar, chief engineer at one of Korba's many thermal power stations.
"Look at the high cost of solar and wind energy. Can we afford? Power from renewable energy will have to wait, I think."
As the world meets in Copenhagen for crucial negotiations on a global pact to fight climate change, part of the debate will be on how developing countries such as India tackle the use of fossil fuel without hampering their growth.
India, the world's fourth largest greenhouse gas emitter though still low on per-capita emissions, is under pressure to cut pollution to battle climate change while demand for power increases as its middle class clamours for more cars, TVs and housing.
The government set a goal on Thursday for slowing the growth of greenhouse gas emissions, saying it was willing to rein in "carbon intensity"--the amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) emitted per unit of economic output -- by between 20 and 25 percent by 2020, from 2005 levels.
The big emerging economies have often insisted that rich nations have caused global warming by spewing out greenhouse gases since the Industrial Revolution, and want to see deep cuts by these rich nations before joining the effort.
Current global pacts do not require developing nations to cut emissions, but rich countries are obliged to do so.
The December 7-18 UN talks in the Danish capital are aimed at settling a legally binding deal after arguments between rich and poor nations about who should cut emissions, by how much and who should pay.
As the world discusses the implications of climate change and plans to cut emissions, experts say it is coal towns such as Korba that will shape the country's efforts to eradicate poverty.
"There is a lot of focus on clean coal and super critical technology to increase efficiency, but coal will remain central," said Sunita Narain, member of the Prime Minister's council on climate change.
"There are two aspects -- affordability of coal in a country where there is a lot of poverty and largescale generation that is required to reach power to a huge portion of the population."
Coal is seen as the solution to the country's power shortage, a daunting barrier to development where massive rural poverty means people cannot afford costly electricity produced from renewable sources.
Last year, the country faced a 16.6 percent shortfall during hours of peak consumption and a 9.9 percent gap for energy generation, World Bank figures show.
The country has 10 percent of the world's coal reserves, the biggest after the United States, Russia and China, but it also imported about 70 million tonnes of high grade coal this fiscal year, mostly for making steel.
The country plans to add 78.7 gigawatts of power generation during the five years ending March 2012, most of it from coal, which now accounts for about 60 percent of India's energy mix.
Renewables
In comparison, renewables such as wind, solar and bio-mass contribute only 8.8 percent to generation and, though there are plans to scale up solar power generation to 20 gigawatts by 2022, it depends on international finance and technology.
A landmark nuclear deal with the United States may herald a new chapter in clean energy in the country, but long gestation periods for nuclear reactors and high cost are a deterrent.
Even if the country is on track with its renewable energy plans, coal will still account for about 55 percent of its power supply by 2030, according to government figures.
"Clearly, it's not a question of choice for India. Coal will remain at the core but what will change is there will be more thrust on clean coal technology," said Ashok Sharma, climate change expert at Halcrow Consulting India.
The government issued a national climate change policy last year, identifying renewable energy like solar power, and energy efficiency as key elements.
Already, its carbon and energy use per unit of GDP are both below that of the United States and China. And India had only about 12 vehicles per 1,000 people in 2007 compared to over 800 in the United States.
India's industrial electricity tariffs are, on average, the highest in the world, a measure aimed at deterring wastage.
"India's focus is a combination of improved coal, enhanced efficiency, some use of gas, solar and wind power ... eventually it's about positioning yourself for the future technology," said Nitin Desai, one of the architects of India's climate policy.
"You can't immediately say I won't use coal -- you have to look at the balance of energy security."
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How India reached the top
India's ascent to the No.1 position in the ICC Test ratings is largely due to their improved performances overseas. There used to be a time, not very long ago, when India hardly won anything when they went abroad - in the 1990s, India played 39 Tests overseas, and their win-loss record was a miserable 1-15, with their only win coming in Sri Lanka. In the 2000s, though, they've won as many games as they've lost, with series wins in England, New Zealand, Pakistan and West Indies, and Test wins in Australia and South Africa.
India's decade-wise win-loss record overseas
Period Tests Won Lost W-L ratio
1960s 16 3 13 0.23
1970s 30 6 12 0.50
1980s 39 3 12 0.25
1990s 39 1 15 0.06
2000s 56 19 19 1.00
During this period, their home record has remained pretty solid, with 21 wins and eight losses. In the 1990s their win-loss ratio was slightly better, but their hopeless stats overseas meant they were hardly ever taken seriously as a contender for one of the top spots. In the 2000s, though, their record is more well-rounded, and their stronger displays overseas have helped them gain respect among the pundits and rating points in the ICC rankings.
India's decade-wise win-loss record at home
Period Tests Won Loss W-L ratio
1960s 36 6 8 0.75
1970s 34 11 7 1.57
1980s 42 8 9 0.88
1990s 30 17 5 3.40
2000s 47 21 8 2.62
The table below indicates India's batting and bowling have both contributed to their improved displays overseas. In the earlier decades the batting lacked the consistency and depth to cope with the extra bounce and seam movement in conditions generally prevalent in England, New Zealand, South Africa and Australia. The lack of depth in fast bowling meant opposition batsmen scored off the Indian bowlers pretty comfortably.
In the 2000s, the batting has moved up a notch, while the bowlers have stepped up as well. In the 1990s, the difference between the batting average (30.78) and the bowling average (40.78) was exactly ten runs; in this decade, the difference has come down to 1.50, with both the batsmen and the bowlers contributing almost equally.
India's decade-wise stats in overseas Tests
Period Bat ave 100s/ 50s Bowl ave Strike rate Diff in ave
1970s 29.76 24/ 71 39.38 88.0 -9.62
1980s 30.12 30/ 91 39.79 84.9 -9.67
1990s 30.78 43/ 66 40.78 88.5 -10.00
2000s 34.43 56/ 134 35.93 65.2 -1.50
The four batsmen who've led the batting display overseas have been Rahul Dravid, Sachin Tendulkar, VVS Laxman and Virender Sehwag. Dravid averages 57.08, with 37 fifty-plus scores in 56 Tests. Tendulkar's average is slightly lower, though he has scored as many hundreds as Dravid. Laxman and Sehwag both average in the late 40s, with runs scored all over the world.
Among the bowlers, the difference has primarily been in the pace attack. Many of them have done better overseas than at home, which has made the attack more potent abroad. Zaheer Khan averages almost 38 at home, but his away average drops to 32.08. Sreesanth's average of 35.47 in India drops to less than 29 overseas. Irfan Pathan averages less than two wickets per Test at home, but takes almost five per Test abroad (though some of those away games have been played in Bangladesh and Zimbabwe).
Indian fast bowlers home and away since 2000 (Qual: 25 wickets)
Bowler Home Tests Wickets Average AwayTest Wickets Average Home - away ave
Zaheer Khan 27 71 37.91 41 149 32.08 5.83
Irfan Pathan 14 27 50.33 15 73 25.57 24.76
Javagal Srinath 12 31 30.90 12 43 31.30 -0.40
Ashish Nehra 1 1 66.00 15 42 40.61 25.39
RP Singh 2 0 - 11 40 33.22 -
Sreesanth 7 21 35.47 9 37 28.86 6.61
Ajit Agarkar 8 10 63.00 15 35 50.25 12.75
Ishant Sharma 9 33 27.41 10 21 45.42 -18.01
Munaf Patel 4 13 33.23 8 21 38.00 -4.77
During the 2000s, India's win-loss ratio in overseas Tests is third-best, with only Australia and South Africa doing better. Pakistan and England, teams which have traditionally done pretty well abroad, have both slipped below India.
The numbers are slightly different in the last three years, which also indicates Australia's fall from their lofty heights. During this period South Africa have by far the best win-loss ratio, while India and Australia have both won as many Tests as they've lost.
Win-loss ratios in overseas Tests in 2000s
Team Tests Won Lost W-L ratio
Australia 53 31 13 2.38
South Africa 54 21 18 1.16
India 56 19 19 1.00
Pakistan 44 14 19 0.73
England 57 16 22 0.72
Sri Lanka 43 13 20 0.65
New Zealand 38 8 18 0.44
West Indies 54 6 37 0.16
from Crickinfo
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India's decade-wise win-loss record overseas
Period Tests Won Lost W-L ratio
1960s 16 3 13 0.23
1970s 30 6 12 0.50
1980s 39 3 12 0.25
1990s 39 1 15 0.06
2000s 56 19 19 1.00
During this period, their home record has remained pretty solid, with 21 wins and eight losses. In the 1990s their win-loss ratio was slightly better, but their hopeless stats overseas meant they were hardly ever taken seriously as a contender for one of the top spots. In the 2000s, though, their record is more well-rounded, and their stronger displays overseas have helped them gain respect among the pundits and rating points in the ICC rankings.
India's decade-wise win-loss record at home
Period Tests Won Loss W-L ratio
1960s 36 6 8 0.75
1970s 34 11 7 1.57
1980s 42 8 9 0.88
1990s 30 17 5 3.40
2000s 47 21 8 2.62
The table below indicates India's batting and bowling have both contributed to their improved displays overseas. In the earlier decades the batting lacked the consistency and depth to cope with the extra bounce and seam movement in conditions generally prevalent in England, New Zealand, South Africa and Australia. The lack of depth in fast bowling meant opposition batsmen scored off the Indian bowlers pretty comfortably.
In the 2000s, the batting has moved up a notch, while the bowlers have stepped up as well. In the 1990s, the difference between the batting average (30.78) and the bowling average (40.78) was exactly ten runs; in this decade, the difference has come down to 1.50, with both the batsmen and the bowlers contributing almost equally.
India's decade-wise stats in overseas Tests
Period Bat ave 100s/ 50s Bowl ave Strike rate Diff in ave
1970s 29.76 24/ 71 39.38 88.0 -9.62
1980s 30.12 30/ 91 39.79 84.9 -9.67
1990s 30.78 43/ 66 40.78 88.5 -10.00
2000s 34.43 56/ 134 35.93 65.2 -1.50
The four batsmen who've led the batting display overseas have been Rahul Dravid, Sachin Tendulkar, VVS Laxman and Virender Sehwag. Dravid averages 57.08, with 37 fifty-plus scores in 56 Tests. Tendulkar's average is slightly lower, though he has scored as many hundreds as Dravid. Laxman and Sehwag both average in the late 40s, with runs scored all over the world.
Among the bowlers, the difference has primarily been in the pace attack. Many of them have done better overseas than at home, which has made the attack more potent abroad. Zaheer Khan averages almost 38 at home, but his away average drops to 32.08. Sreesanth's average of 35.47 in India drops to less than 29 overseas. Irfan Pathan averages less than two wickets per Test at home, but takes almost five per Test abroad (though some of those away games have been played in Bangladesh and Zimbabwe).
Indian fast bowlers home and away since 2000 (Qual: 25 wickets)
Bowler Home Tests Wickets Average AwayTest Wickets Average Home - away ave
Zaheer Khan 27 71 37.91 41 149 32.08 5.83
Irfan Pathan 14 27 50.33 15 73 25.57 24.76
Javagal Srinath 12 31 30.90 12 43 31.30 -0.40
Ashish Nehra 1 1 66.00 15 42 40.61 25.39
RP Singh 2 0 - 11 40 33.22 -
Sreesanth 7 21 35.47 9 37 28.86 6.61
Ajit Agarkar 8 10 63.00 15 35 50.25 12.75
Ishant Sharma 9 33 27.41 10 21 45.42 -18.01
Munaf Patel 4 13 33.23 8 21 38.00 -4.77
During the 2000s, India's win-loss ratio in overseas Tests is third-best, with only Australia and South Africa doing better. Pakistan and England, teams which have traditionally done pretty well abroad, have both slipped below India.
The numbers are slightly different in the last three years, which also indicates Australia's fall from their lofty heights. During this period South Africa have by far the best win-loss ratio, while India and Australia have both won as many Tests as they've lost.
Win-loss ratios in overseas Tests in 2000s
Team Tests Won Lost W-L ratio
Australia 53 31 13 2.38
South Africa 54 21 18 1.16
India 56 19 19 1.00
Pakistan 44 14 19 0.73
England 57 16 22 0.72
Sri Lanka 43 13 20 0.65
New Zealand 38 8 18 0.44
West Indies 54 6 37 0.16
from Crickinfo
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From no one to No 1, Team India comes of age
Mumbai: I am very proud to be part of this Indian team today. We have achieved what we were aiming to do for the last 18 months. The feeling of being the best is great. There is also the satisfaction of having contributed to the team's success in a small way.
What stands out for me in this side, compared to the ones I have played in before, is togetherness. We back ourselves and each member is fiercely motivated.
I know the difficult job starts now. We have to live up to expectations and remain No 1. It is unfortunate that we will be playing only two more Tests till November next year. We know some other sides may play well in this period and may overtake us but we will have to give our best in every Test from now on. We can't rest on our laurels. The real hard work starts now.
I have been asked how I compare my 293 with the No 1 ranking. The ranking is the biggest thing to have happened to the Indian team and my 293 is no match in comparison. Individual performances do not matter here. You may score 100, 200 or 293 and the team loses; that knock has no value. The rank is a team achievement, supported well by the coaching staff. Hopefully, we will keep playing good Test cricket from now on.
The key to achieving is all-round contribution. We can't win Test matches by scoring triple hundreds. A lot of credit is due to the bowlers, particularly the pacers who have worked hard on not-so-helpful wickets and kept taking five-wicket hauls. And the spinners were always on the ball. We have also improved as a fielding side. We work hard at the nets and that is another important factor.
Having said that, if any individual or a group of individuals who deserve credit for this achievement, then it is Mahi (skipper MS Dhoni) and Gary (coach Gary Kirsten). I think Mahi is a tremendous captain and a leader. He has led the side brilliantly since he took charge. As for Gary, I can say he is not just one of the best but the best coach in the world. India is lucky to have him.
Then there is Gautam Gambhir. I missed him very badly in this Test. His contribution to the team's success is immense. It is amazing the way he has been performing for the last two years. Scoring seven centuries in nine Tests is no mean achievement. He has been the pillar of the Indian team.
The success, however, has not come overnight. We have been planning this for the last few years. There have been discussions on this in the team meetings. We talk strategy on how to do certain things to achieve our goal.
Personally, I'm happy that I got 293. There are not many players who have this kind of scores. Yes, 300 would have been great but I'm equally proud of 293. The most satisfying thing was the team's win, rather than my innings. Since that knock, I have been asked questions about similarities in my style of batting with Vivian Richards. It is a great honour to be compared with such a great player. I hope I will live up to the expectations.
as told vijay Tagore
Continue reading...
What stands out for me in this side, compared to the ones I have played in before, is togetherness. We back ourselves and each member is fiercely motivated.
I know the difficult job starts now. We have to live up to expectations and remain No 1. It is unfortunate that we will be playing only two more Tests till November next year. We know some other sides may play well in this period and may overtake us but we will have to give our best in every Test from now on. We can't rest on our laurels. The real hard work starts now.
I have been asked how I compare my 293 with the No 1 ranking. The ranking is the biggest thing to have happened to the Indian team and my 293 is no match in comparison. Individual performances do not matter here. You may score 100, 200 or 293 and the team loses; that knock has no value. The rank is a team achievement, supported well by the coaching staff. Hopefully, we will keep playing good Test cricket from now on.
The key to achieving is all-round contribution. We can't win Test matches by scoring triple hundreds. A lot of credit is due to the bowlers, particularly the pacers who have worked hard on not-so-helpful wickets and kept taking five-wicket hauls. And the spinners were always on the ball. We have also improved as a fielding side. We work hard at the nets and that is another important factor.
Having said that, if any individual or a group of individuals who deserve credit for this achievement, then it is Mahi (skipper MS Dhoni) and Gary (coach Gary Kirsten). I think Mahi is a tremendous captain and a leader. He has led the side brilliantly since he took charge. As for Gary, I can say he is not just one of the best but the best coach in the world. India is lucky to have him.
Then there is Gautam Gambhir. I missed him very badly in this Test. His contribution to the team's success is immense. It is amazing the way he has been performing for the last two years. Scoring seven centuries in nine Tests is no mean achievement. He has been the pillar of the Indian team.
The success, however, has not come overnight. We have been planning this for the last few years. There have been discussions on this in the team meetings. We talk strategy on how to do certain things to achieve our goal.
Personally, I'm happy that I got 293. There are not many players who have this kind of scores. Yes, 300 would have been great but I'm equally proud of 293. The most satisfying thing was the team's win, rather than my innings. Since that knock, I have been asked questions about similarities in my style of batting with Vivian Richards. It is a great honour to be compared with such a great player. I hope I will live up to the expectations.
as told vijay Tagore
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Babri demolition planned, a shame: Left
New Delhi: The demolition of the Babri Masjid mosque in December 1992 was “meticulous planned” and it could have been prevented, said CPI MP Gurudas Dasgupta, beginning a debate in the Lok Sabha on the M S Liberhan commission’s report on the incident.
“I am ashamed to say that the demolition was a result of a meticulous planning,” said Dasgupta. Why the disaster could not be prevented? Why the criminals could not be held in jail?Why did the political system fail?”
Dasgupta claimed BJP leader L K Advani, who has been blamed in the Liberhan report for the mosque’s destruction, had said in a Parliament debate in 1992 that he didn’t want Babri Masjid demolished but wanted to shift the structure and build a Ram temple there.
The two-day debate in the Lok Sabha began on Monday just a day after nation observed the 17th anniversary of Babri Majid being demolished.
The Liberhan commission report has not recommended punitive action against anyone for the demolition of the Babri Masjid and calls for a new law to punish people using religion for political ends.
The commission indicts 68 people for the demolition of the Babri Masjid on December 6, 1992 in Ayodhya.
Kalyan Singh, who was the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh during the mosque’s demolition, has come for the harshest criticism in the report. He is accused of posting bureaucrats and police officers who would stay silent during the mosque’s demolition in Ayodhya.
Senior BJP leaders Atal Behari Vajpayee, Lal Krishna Advani and Murli Manohar Joshi are called “pseudo-moderates”. The report holds them intellectually and ideologically responsible for the mosque’s destruction. The report says that they gave false assurances to court, people and the nation.
IBN live
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Sunday, December 6, 2009
TRS leaders on fast arrested
Hyderabad, Nov 29 (IANS) Telangana Rashtra Samiti (TRS) legislator Harish Rao, who launched a 'fast unto death' following party chief K. Chandrasekhara Rao's arrest early Sunday, was taken into custody by police in Medak district.
Hundreds of policemen swung into action and arrested Harish Rao and other TRS leaders who had gone on fast after Chandrasekhara Rao was arrested near Karimnagar town as he was heading towards Siddipet to launch his 'fast unto death' demanding a separate state of Telangana.
Tension prevailed in Siddipet as Harish Rao threatened to commit suicide if police arrested him. He had even doused himself with kerosene.
However, armed policemen, including personnel from Rapid Action Force (RAF), foiled his attempt and physically lifted him into a waiting police vehicle.
Dozens of others accompanying Harish Rao were also taken into custody.
The arrests have led to tension and sporadic incidents of violence in parts of the Telangana region.
@ Copyright 2009 Indo Asian News Service.
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Hundreds of policemen swung into action and arrested Harish Rao and other TRS leaders who had gone on fast after Chandrasekhara Rao was arrested near Karimnagar town as he was heading towards Siddipet to launch his 'fast unto death' demanding a separate state of Telangana.
Tension prevailed in Siddipet as Harish Rao threatened to commit suicide if police arrested him. He had even doused himself with kerosene.
However, armed policemen, including personnel from Rapid Action Force (RAF), foiled his attempt and physically lifted him into a waiting police vehicle.
Dozens of others accompanying Harish Rao were also taken into custody.
The arrests have led to tension and sporadic incidents of violence in parts of the Telangana region.
@ Copyright 2009 Indo Asian News Service.
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TRS president arrested ahead of 'fast unto death'
Hyderabad, Nov 29 : Telangana Rashtra Samiti (TRS) president K. Chandrasekhara Rao was arrested Sunday in Andhra Pradesh's Karimnagar district when he was heading to Medak district to launch a 'fast unto death' to demand separate statehood for Telangana region, police said.
Chandrasekhara Rao was taken to Warangal. But in view of the tense situation, he was taken to Khammam district, a police official said.
KCR, as Rao is popularly known, was going to Siddipet town in Medak, about 100 km from here, when he was taken into custody by the police on the outskirts of Karimnagar town amid high drama.
The Mahabubnagar MP had vowed a fight to the finish by sitting on a fast unto death from 11 a.m. near the Martyrs Memorial at Siddipet.
TRS ideologue Jayashankar, TRS floor leader in assembly E. Rajender and party legislator and KCR's son Tarakarama Rao were also arrested.
Police personnel, including the Rapid Action Force (RAF), used force to disperse and arrest dozens of KCR's supporters who had squatted on the road to prevent his arrest. Two workers also doused themselves with petrol in an attempt to immolate themselves.
Police held hundreds of party leaders and workers in different districts of Telangana when they were heading towards Siddipet.
Tension prevailed in Karimnagar, Warangal, Medak and other districts of Telangana as TRS workers took to the streets, damaging buses to protest KCR's arrest.
Fearing more violence, police have sounded an alert in Telangana region, comprising 10 districts including Hyderabad. Personnel of the elite anti-Maoist force, Greyhounds, have also been deployed to deal with the situation.
In Siddipet, TRS legislator Harish Rao and other leaders launched a fast unto death after hearing about the arrest of the party chief.
"The arrest of KCR will not stop the movement. He will continue his fast even in jail and we will continue our fast here," Harish Rao told reporters.
TRS, which was floated by KCR in 2000 to revive the movement for separate statehood to Telangana, has given a call for the shutdown in the region Monday.
In Hyderabad, KCR supporters damaged the statue of former chief minister Kasu Brahmanand Reddy, who is blamed by Telangana protagonists for suppressing the violent Telangana movement in 1969.
Tension also prevailed in Osmania University here Saturday night as students supporting the demand for separate Telangana tried to take out a rally. Police used force to arrest several students.--IANS
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Chandrasekhara Rao was taken to Warangal. But in view of the tense situation, he was taken to Khammam district, a police official said.
KCR, as Rao is popularly known, was going to Siddipet town in Medak, about 100 km from here, when he was taken into custody by the police on the outskirts of Karimnagar town amid high drama.
The Mahabubnagar MP had vowed a fight to the finish by sitting on a fast unto death from 11 a.m. near the Martyrs Memorial at Siddipet.
TRS ideologue Jayashankar, TRS floor leader in assembly E. Rajender and party legislator and KCR's son Tarakarama Rao were also arrested.
Police personnel, including the Rapid Action Force (RAF), used force to disperse and arrest dozens of KCR's supporters who had squatted on the road to prevent his arrest. Two workers also doused themselves with petrol in an attempt to immolate themselves.
Police held hundreds of party leaders and workers in different districts of Telangana when they were heading towards Siddipet.
Tension prevailed in Karimnagar, Warangal, Medak and other districts of Telangana as TRS workers took to the streets, damaging buses to protest KCR's arrest.
Fearing more violence, police have sounded an alert in Telangana region, comprising 10 districts including Hyderabad. Personnel of the elite anti-Maoist force, Greyhounds, have also been deployed to deal with the situation.
In Siddipet, TRS legislator Harish Rao and other leaders launched a fast unto death after hearing about the arrest of the party chief.
"The arrest of KCR will not stop the movement. He will continue his fast even in jail and we will continue our fast here," Harish Rao told reporters.
TRS, which was floated by KCR in 2000 to revive the movement for separate statehood to Telangana, has given a call for the shutdown in the region Monday.
In Hyderabad, KCR supporters damaged the statue of former chief minister Kasu Brahmanand Reddy, who is blamed by Telangana protagonists for suppressing the violent Telangana movement in 1969.
Tension also prevailed in Osmania University here Saturday night as students supporting the demand for separate Telangana tried to take out a rally. Police used force to arrest several students.--IANS
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Violence in Osmania University following TRS chief's arrest
Hyderabad, Nov 29 - At least 10 students were injured Sunday as clashes broke out between police and students at Osmania University here following the arrest of Telangana Rashtra Samiti (TRS) president K. Chandrasekhara Rao in Karimnagar before he was to begin a 'fast unto death' demanding separate statehood for the Telangana region.
Tension prevailed on the Osmania University campus as students supporting the demand for a separate Telangana fought pitched battles with police.
Police said some students climbed onto the terrace of one of the hostel buildings and threatened to jump down. Another student was seen pouring petrol on himself, demanding that the police stay away from the building.
As the news of KCR's arrest broke out, students took to the streets in the campus and pelted stones at policemen deployed in large number since Saturday.
Some students were injured when the police chased them into one hostel building and beat them up. Protesting the police action, students gathered at other points in the campus.
A student leader said they would take a rally to the state secretariat to protest both KCR's arrest and the police action against thestudents. (IANS)
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Tension prevailed on the Osmania University campus as students supporting the demand for a separate Telangana fought pitched battles with police.
Police said some students climbed onto the terrace of one of the hostel buildings and threatened to jump down. Another student was seen pouring petrol on himself, demanding that the police stay away from the building.
As the news of KCR's arrest broke out, students took to the streets in the campus and pelted stones at policemen deployed in large number since Saturday.
Some students were injured when the police chased them into one hostel building and beat them up. Protesting the police action, students gathered at other points in the campus.
A student leader said they would take a rally to the state secretariat to protest both KCR's arrest and the police action against thestudents. (IANS)
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Andhra Police arrests TRS chief, foils fast unto death plan
andhra-police-arrests-trs-chief-foils-fast-unto-death-plan
Karimnagar (Andhra Pradesh), Nov 29 : Andhra Pradesh Police arrested Telangana Rashtra Samiti (TRS) president K. Chandrasekhara Rao here on Sunday while he was on his way to Siddipet in Medak District.
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Karimnagar (Andhra Pradesh), Nov 29 : Andhra Pradesh Police arrested Telangana Rashtra Samiti (TRS) president K. Chandrasekhara Rao here on Sunday while he was on his way to Siddipet in Medak District. Rao was scheduled sit on a fast unto death for demanding for creation of a separate Telangana state.
According to police, Rao was first taken to Warangal, but later was shifted to Khammam for security reasons.
TRS ideologue Jayashankar, legislative party leader E Rajender and Rao’s son Tarakarama Rao were also arrested.
Earlier in the day, police arrested hundreds of TRS activists from different parts of Telangana region on their way to Siddipet.
The incidents of stone throwing, and damaging public property have been reporting from Karimnagar, Warangal, Medak and other parts of Telangana region.
Meanwhile, the state government has deployed the Rapid Action Force (RAF), Greyhounds in the ten districts of Telangana region to prevent any further untoward incidents.
In Hyderabad, a group of TRS activists damaged the statue of former Chief Minister K. Brahmanand Reddy, who is blamed by Telangana protagonists for suppressing the violent Telangana movement in 1969. (ANI)
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Saturday, December 5, 2009
Gold suffers biggest fall of the year
Gold suffered the biggest fall of the year to trade below Rs 18,000 per ten gram in the national capital as stockists sold the precious metal on weak global cues and jewellers refrained from buying at existing rates.
Gold prices tumbled by Rs 510 to Rs 17,760 per ten gram as the yellow metal lost its sheen in overseas markets as a safe haven investment on a firming dollar.
The selling pressure mounted with the commodity heading for its biggest decline since July as a rising dollar spurred investors to sell bullion after a record rally. And jewelers avoided any purchases, waiting for more correction in prices.
Gold prices, which normally move in tandem with the global trend, dipped below record high levels of USD 1,226 to trade near USD 1,162.40 an ounce on reports of a better-than-expected US job data.
Silver prices also recorded a free-fall on frantic selling by stockists amid a fall in demand from industries.
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Sangakkara holds the fort as India close in
Mumbai: India were on the threshold of becoming the No. 1 team in Test cricket as they closed in on an emphatic victory in the third and final Test against Sri Lanka despite captain Kumar Sangakkara's gritty unbeaten century here on Saturday.
After conceding a mammoth 333-run first innings lead, the visitors were struggling at 274 for six at close on the penultimate day which was marked by Sangakkara's resillient unbeaten 133 under immense pressure.
The Lankans are still trailing by 59 runs at the end of the day and will have to bat out of their skins to achieve the near-impossible task of saving the game on a last-day Brabourne track which is expected to assist the bowlers.
The Indians, on the other hand, will look to wrap up the remaining four wickets quickly and clinch the three-match Test series with a 2-0 margin.
Sangakkara and Nuwan Kulasekara (9) were at the crease at stumps on an absorbing fourth day's play which saw a keen contest between the bat and the ball.
The Sri Lankan captain Sangakkara notched up his 21st Test century, his maiden one in India, to anchor the innings brilliantly but none of the other top order batsmen could stitch a substantial partnership with him to save the visitors.
Sri Lanka's hopes of staving off defeat entirely rest on Sangakkara who has to bat out the entire day along with the tailenders or take a big enough lead which will take the game out of India's grasp.
The Sri Lankan captain, who had never scored even a half-century in India, began cautiously but played some delightful strokes at the fag end of the day.
Resuming at the overnight score of 11 for no loss, the Lankans needed a solid start from their openers but that did not happen.
The home team struck a major blow in the ninth over when Dilshan (16) was sent back through a dubious umpiring decision.
The right-hander, who was unlucky to be given out when in full bloom at 109 in the first innings, suffered at the hands of the umpires for the second time in the match as he offered no shot to a sharply spinning ball from Harbhajan Singh that was also rising after pitching.
TV replays suggested the ball was not only missing the leg stump but was also climbing above the bails but Daryl Harper thought otherwise after an animated appeal by the bowler and his team-mates.
In the first innings, Nigel Long was the umpire who declared Dilshan out caught at short leg, again off Harbhajan, when the ball seemed to have gone off his pads without touching the bat.
It also brought together two left-handers Paranavitana and Sangakkara to the crease who remained unconquered at the lunch break.
The second wicket duo eschewed risks so the scoring rate fell to under three an over and the first hour's play realised only 37 runs in 14 overs.
Sangakkara and Paranavitana raised the 50 of the innings in the 19th over and after 81 minutes of play since last evening.
Sreesanth got the first break for the home team after lunch by sending back opener Paranavitana in his first over of a fresh spell as Lanka slumped from 119 for one to 137 for four.
Zaheer, brought back for a new spell from the Churchgate end, sent back Mahela Jayawardene (12) and Thilan Samaraweera (0) in the space of 15 balls for one run.
And just as the visitors were hoping to go into tea without further loss, Ojha turned a ball across the face of all rounder Angelo Mathews' bat and India skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni accepted the edge.
Sreesanth and Zaheer delivered the blows in the very first overs of their new spells in the post-lunch period to send back Paranavitana and former Lanka skipper Mahela Jayawardene respectively.
Sreesanth, getting some reverse-swing, brought a ball back into Paranavitana who injudiciously tried to play it to leg and was trapped plumb in front after striking eight fours in 144 balls. His partnership with Sangakkara was worth 90 in 220 balls.
Sangakkara and Jayawardene, who scored 275 in the opening drawn Test at Ahmedabad, forged together a stand of 16 runs before India struck three quick blows to bring the visitors on to their knees.
Zaheer sent back Mahela when the batsman poked at a ball that moved away a shade and edged behind the wicket for Dhoni to take an easy catch.
Then the left-arm pacer induced an edge from Samaraweera (0) which was caught at second slip by Venkatasai Laxman to leave Lanka tottering at 137 for four.
Ojha then struck another blow by having Mathews caught at the wicket.
Prasanna Jayawardene and his captain Sangakkara took the score past 200 before Ojha struck again by getting rid of Prasanna, trapping him leg before wicket.
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Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Info on foreign visas will be shared instantly: Centre
Stung by the controversy over issuance of visa to terror suspect Tahawwur Rana, the government has decided to link all offices dealing with providing travel documents to foreigners to ensure sharing of information on a real-time basis.
Under this proposal, the offices of Foreigners' Division, Foreigners' Regional Registration Office, Ministry of External Affairs and all its Missions abroad will be interlinked, Home Minister P Chidambaram said on Tuesday.
"This project is to ensure that (real-time) kind of connectivity takes place so that information is shared instantly on a real-time basis and decisions can therefore be taken on a real-time basis," he said.
Chidambaram said the FRROs, FROs and the foreigners' division are all now on a "stand-alone" basis with no real-time information sharing when a visa is issued.
"As it was issued by Counsel General in Chicago, there was no real-time information. So what we need is real-time sharing of information among all the offices which are dealing with foreigners," he said.
The move comes in the wake of the reports that the Indian Consulate in Chicago had issued visa to Rana, a Pakistani-Canadian, without referring his case to the Ministry of Home Affairs.
However, the consulate had claimed that there was no need to refer cases where an individual was a Pakistani citizen but had become a citizen of another country and surrendered his citizenship of Pakistan.
"It will be the connectivity between all the foreigners immigration offices, the MEA and all the missions abroad so that they will all be on real-time connectivity that is primarily is the whole purpose," Home Secretary G K Pillai said while describing the revamp of foreigners' divisions.
Rana was arrested by the FBI along with David Coleman Headley, a US citizen, for plotting terror attacks in India and Denmark. Indian officials also suspect their involvement in the 26/11 Mumbai terror strikes.
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Under this proposal, the offices of Foreigners' Division, Foreigners' Regional Registration Office, Ministry of External Affairs and all its Missions abroad will be interlinked, Home Minister P Chidambaram said on Tuesday.
"This project is to ensure that (real-time) kind of connectivity takes place so that information is shared instantly on a real-time basis and decisions can therefore be taken on a real-time basis," he said.
Chidambaram said the FRROs, FROs and the foreigners' division are all now on a "stand-alone" basis with no real-time information sharing when a visa is issued.
"As it was issued by Counsel General in Chicago, there was no real-time information. So what we need is real-time sharing of information among all the offices which are dealing with foreigners," he said.
The move comes in the wake of the reports that the Indian Consulate in Chicago had issued visa to Rana, a Pakistani-Canadian, without referring his case to the Ministry of Home Affairs.
However, the consulate had claimed that there was no need to refer cases where an individual was a Pakistani citizen but had become a citizen of another country and surrendered his citizenship of Pakistan.
"It will be the connectivity between all the foreigners immigration offices, the MEA and all the missions abroad so that they will all be on real-time connectivity that is primarily is the whole purpose," Home Secretary G K Pillai said while describing the revamp of foreigners' divisions.
Rana was arrested by the FBI along with David Coleman Headley, a US citizen, for plotting terror attacks in India and Denmark. Indian officials also suspect their involvement in the 26/11 Mumbai terror strikes.
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Madhu Koda arrested
RANCHI: The Jharkhand Vigilance Bureau on Monday arrested former chief minister Madhu Koda in the multi-crore mining and money laundering case.
He has been remanded to 14-day judicial custody. A joint team of Jharkhand Police and state vigilance bureau arrested Mr Koda after he repeatedly refused to respond to summons from the Enforcement Directorate for questioning. Mr Koda described his arrest as part of Congress’ conspiracy to keep him away from election campaigning. “My electorate will give a fitting reply,” he said. The arrest is considered a significant step towards cracking down on alleged money laundering and corruption network in Jharkhand. The ED has informed the Lok Sabha secretariat about his arrest as Mr Koda is currently a member of the 15th Lok Sabha. The ED has already filed an ECNR against him under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act. Sources in ED said it would interrogate Mr Koda to find about the large monetary transactions that were made allegedly on his behalf within the country as well as outside. Mr Koda was arrested in Chaibasa, about 175 km from Ranchi, and was brought here later by a police team. He is likely to be taken to New Delhi for questioning. A final decision to this effect, however, is yet to be taken as ED and vigilance officials can also question him in Ranchi. Mr Koda had earlier said that he would be available for questioning only after the completion of Jharkhand assembly polls on December 18. The former Jharkhand CM has fielded his wife Geeta Koda, besides four more candidates in the ongoing assembly polls in Jharkhand. Mr Koda is alleged to have laundered thousands of crores during his stint as the chief minister between 2006 and 2008. ED’s probe into the money laundering operation, which is spread from Singapore to Thailand and from Dubai to Liberia, is set to balloon into one of the biggest bribery and corruption scandals in the country. Incidentally, Mr Koda’s arrest also spells trouble for his three former cabinet colleagues including Bandhu Tirkey, Kamalesh Singh and Bhanu Pratap Shahi. All three have been accused in disproportionate asset cases.
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He has been remanded to 14-day judicial custody. A joint team of Jharkhand Police and state vigilance bureau arrested Mr Koda after he repeatedly refused to respond to summons from the Enforcement Directorate for questioning. Mr Koda described his arrest as part of Congress’ conspiracy to keep him away from election campaigning. “My electorate will give a fitting reply,” he said. The arrest is considered a significant step towards cracking down on alleged money laundering and corruption network in Jharkhand. The ED has informed the Lok Sabha secretariat about his arrest as Mr Koda is currently a member of the 15th Lok Sabha. The ED has already filed an ECNR against him under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act. Sources in ED said it would interrogate Mr Koda to find about the large monetary transactions that were made allegedly on his behalf within the country as well as outside. Mr Koda was arrested in Chaibasa, about 175 km from Ranchi, and was brought here later by a police team. He is likely to be taken to New Delhi for questioning. A final decision to this effect, however, is yet to be taken as ED and vigilance officials can also question him in Ranchi. Mr Koda had earlier said that he would be available for questioning only after the completion of Jharkhand assembly polls on December 18. The former Jharkhand CM has fielded his wife Geeta Koda, besides four more candidates in the ongoing assembly polls in Jharkhand. Mr Koda is alleged to have laundered thousands of crores during his stint as the chief minister between 2006 and 2008. ED’s probe into the money laundering operation, which is spread from Singapore to Thailand and from Dubai to Liberia, is set to balloon into one of the biggest bribery and corruption scandals in the country. Incidentally, Mr Koda’s arrest also spells trouble for his three former cabinet colleagues including Bandhu Tirkey, Kamalesh Singh and Bhanu Pratap Shahi. All three have been accused in disproportionate asset cases.
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Madhu Koda sent to 14-day Judicial Custody
Madhu Koda sent to 14-day Judicial Custody Mumbai: Breaking News! Former Jharkhand CM Madhu Koda, who was arrested from Chaibasa yesterday, was sent to 14-day judicial custody by the Special Vigilance Judge in Ranchi. Koda was arrested after repeatedly avoiding appearance before the Enforcement Directorate (ED).
Koda is the prime accused in a Rs 2,000 crore money laundering scam. He was arrested by the State Vigilance Bureau yesterday. Koda is facing investigations from the Vigilance Department, Income Tax Department and Enforcement Directorate (ED).Madhu Koda is currently a Lok Sabha MP from Jharkhand and has been supporting the UPA Government ever since he was installed as the Chief Minister of Jharkhand by the Congress, RJD and JMM. He was later asked to resign as the CM to pave the way for Shibu Soren. However, Soren had to resign after losing the by-polls.Koda is charged with having large scale illegal investments in Steel, Mines, Cement, Agro, Power and Tourism both in India and abroad.
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Koda is the prime accused in a Rs 2,000 crore money laundering scam. He was arrested by the State Vigilance Bureau yesterday. Koda is facing investigations from the Vigilance Department, Income Tax Department and Enforcement Directorate (ED).Madhu Koda is currently a Lok Sabha MP from Jharkhand and has been supporting the UPA Government ever since he was installed as the Chief Minister of Jharkhand by the Congress, RJD and JMM. He was later asked to resign as the CM to pave the way for Shibu Soren. However, Soren had to resign after losing the by-polls.Koda is charged with having large scale illegal investments in Steel, Mines, Cement, Agro, Power and Tourism both in India and abroad.
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HRD Minister seeks detailed report on CAT fiasco
New Delhi: HRD Minister Kapil Sibal on Tuesday said the ministry has sought a detailed report into the server crash during the online Common Admission Test (CAT) examination. "We have sought a detailed report on the virus problem during the CAT examination," Sibal told reporters outside Parliament.
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H e said as per the information collected by the HRD ministry, a total of 8,297 examinees out of 45,367 students could not appear in the test that started on Saturday due to crashing of server. Asked about the date of re-examination for the affected students, Sibal said the government is not involved in the process and the IIMs would have to decided on it as a large number of students could not take the entrance test due to the virus problem. Expressing his concern over the issue, he said steps should have been taken before to ensure that the examination does not face any technical glitches. "We want that such glitches do not occur again," he added. The HRD Ministry yesterday sought a report from the Convener of CAT Satish Deodhar on the disruption of the CAT test being conducted by American firm Prometric for nearly 2.41 lakh candidates for admission into IIMs and a few other B-Schools. The computer-based test has been marred by technical glitches from the very first day on Saturday. Students faced problems in opening the computers at the exam centres in Delhi, Mumbai, Pune, Chennai, Bangalore, Kolkata and Bhopal.
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H e said as per the information collected by the HRD ministry, a total of 8,297 examinees out of 45,367 students could not appear in the test that started on Saturday due to crashing of server. Asked about the date of re-examination for the affected students, Sibal said the government is not involved in the process and the IIMs would have to decided on it as a large number of students could not take the entrance test due to the virus problem. Expressing his concern over the issue, he said steps should have been taken before to ensure that the examination does not face any technical glitches. "We want that such glitches do not occur again," he added. The HRD Ministry yesterday sought a report from the Convener of CAT Satish Deodhar on the disruption of the CAT test being conducted by American firm Prometric for nearly 2.41 lakh candidates for admission into IIMs and a few other B-Schools. The computer-based test has been marred by technical glitches from the very first day on Saturday. Students faced problems in opening the computers at the exam centres in Delhi, Mumbai, Pune, Chennai, Bangalore, Kolkata and Bhopal.
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