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

STUdenT aGe
MONDAY, JANUARY 21, 2013

JKENG/2012/41612 Vol. 2 No: 19

BJP to launch toll-free number to attract people in UP

Shinde alleges RSS, BJP for promoting Hindu terrorism

France, Africa seeks support for Malian crisis

IN BRIEF
Jaya orders check dam to store Krishna river water
CHENNAI: Tamil Nadu government on Sunday proposed Rs 98.60 crore worth infrastructure-related projects on the water front including a check dam to store Krishna river water released by Andhra Pradesh to meet the drinking water requirements of the city. As per the measures contd on page 2

Chintan Shivir: Congress came out 56-page draft declaration

JAIPUR: At the final day of the Congress' Chintan Shivir in Jaipur, the party came out with a 56-page draft declaration in which it stated that the Congress will boldly and fearlessly take on political parties which are elitist, parochial, sectarian or exclusionary. The declaration said that the party will go into elections on the basis of nationalism, social justice and economic growth for all - especially the aam aadmi and the middle class, and secularism. It also claimed that the party will not allow economic growth to be undermined by vested interests. Calling on all secular and progressive forces to unite, the declaration added that the Congress will try and strengthen

'Congress should lead struggle against corruption': Sonia 'Youth has more expectations from Congress': PM
its support base, especially with those it has lost favour with. Blowing the bugle for the 2014 Lok Sabha elections at the Chintan Shivir today in Jaipur, Congress president Sonia Gandhi told party members to not indulge in nepotism and show unity to face the challenge of 2014 Lok Sabha elections. "Only 15 months are left for elections. If we work with unity and discipline there is no reason why we won't get people's mandate again," she said. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Sunday said the Congress

Karunanidhi congratulates Rahul Gandhi

CHENNAI: DMK president M. Karunanidhi Sunday congratulated Rahul Gandhi on his elevation as the Congress vice-president Saturday. In a faxed letter to Rahul Gandhi Karunanidhi said: "Your abiding interest in the youth of our country and your earnest commitment to the advancement of rural areas and farmers are all well- known." "During your tenure as the (Congress) vice-president, I am sure that you will take the party to a new height," he added.

'Change the unaccountable, centralised system': Rahul Gandhi

JAIPUR: The Congress party Sunday wholeheartedly endorsed the decision to officially name Rahul Gandhi the party's no.2 and voiced optimism it could emerge victorious in 2014 if it worked in "the right way" and is "united". needs to convey its dreams for the future and strive to fulfill expectations of the youth. He said the youth today were more informed and had more expectations from Newly-appointed Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi Sunday stressed the need to change the "centralised system" which is unaccountable to the people, and respect the youths' demand for a greater role in decision-making. the Congress."Our duty is to understand their expectations," the prime minister said at an All India Congress Committee meeting here. He said the party should conThe Congress Working Committee (CWC), the party's highest decision making body had Saturday approved that Rahul Gandhi be made the party's vice president keeping in mind the huge contd on page 2 vey how it would fulfill those expectations through its programmes. "We need to tell what our dreams for the future are and how contd on page 2

AICC endorses Rahul as Congress vice president

Sri Lanka destroying Tamil culture: Karunanidhi

CHENNAI: India should take efforts to stop Sri Lanka from destroying Tamil culture and Hindu religion in the island nation, DMK president M. Karunanidhi has said. In a letter to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Congress chief Sonia Gandhi Saturday, copies of which were released to the media here contd on page 2

Prof. Bamezai completes his tenure as VC of SMVDU

JAMMU, JAN 20: On completion of his three year tenure as Vice Chancellor of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University, Prof. R. N. K. Bamezai is relinquishing charge on 21st January, 2013 and returning to Jawaharlal Nehru University from where he had come on deputation. As per the Statutes of the University, Mr. N. N. Vohra, Governor, who is Chancellor of the University, has constituted a Search Committee headed by contd on page 2

Home delivery of LPG cylinders in Srinagar by March 31: Omar

SRINAGAR, JAN 20: Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah Sunday directed for ensuring home delivery of LPG cylinders to the consumers in Srinagar city fixing 31st March, 2013 as dead line. He also directed for initiating a time bound road map for putting in place this mechanism in towns and rural areas. "LPG dealers should take immediate necessary action in this regard and give due publicity to the schedule of home delivery so that people are well aware about it and do not face any inconvenience", he emphasized and said that the practice of delivering LPG cylinders to consumers on identified points in various areas should be done away with by ensuring home service by March 31. He asked the divisional administration to take all necessary measures in this regard and sensitize LPG dealers accordingly. Chairing a high level meeting to review the status of restoration of essential services which were hit due to recent heavy snow fall, the Chief Minister also obtained details about the arrangements made by the administration for Eid-i-Milad-unNabi (SAW) and Republic Day celebrations. The Chief Minister was given full account of the status of restoration of power and water supply, road clearance, stock and supply of essentials and preparedness of the contd on page 2

Six Naxals killed in Maharashtra's Gadchiroli district

G A D C H I R O L I , MAHARASHTRA: Six Naxals, including two women cadres, were killed in an encounter in the wee hours of today near here in eastern Maharashtra, police said. The exchange of fire took place in the forests near Govindgaon village in Aheri taluka contd on page 2

Tunnel on Agra Jaipur highway opened

JAIPUR: UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Sunday inaugurated Ghat ki Guni tunnel at Jaipur. This 870 meter long tunnel will ease the heavy road traffic on Jaipur-Agra national highway. Chief Minister of Rajasthan Ashok Gehlot was also present on the occasion. The contd on page 2

Jammu-Srinagar national highway reopens after three days

SRINAGAR: The JammuSrinagar National Highway, the only road link between Kashmir and rest of the country, was today reopened for one-way traffic after remaining closed for three days due to heavy snowfall on either side of the Pir Panjal range. "One way traffic in a regulated manner has been restored on the National Highway," a traffic department spokesman said. He said vehicles from Jammu have been allowed to move towards Srinagar following improvement in weather and road condition. However, the vehicles intending to ply towards Srinagar were required to cross Nagrota by 9.00 am, Udhampur by 12 noon and Banihal highway town by 5.00 pm, the spokesman said. He said the decision was taken to prevent any vehicles getting stranded in areas where there are no facilities available for night stay. The Highway was closed on Jan contd on page 2

Manali record season's lowest temperature

SHIMLA: The most popular tourist destination of Himachal Pradesh, Manali Sunday saw the season's lowest temperature of 6.2 degrees Celsius below freezing point. The temperatures remained below the freezing point in many places in the state, an official of the meteorological office said. Keylong, headquarters of Lahaul contd on page 2

Centre to counter Naxals through development efforts

BJP issues notification for presidential poll

'ADVANI BATS FOR SUSHMA, RSS FAVOURS GADKARI'

Flu epidemic grips the US-29 children dead

WASHINGTON: In the United States, 29 children have died due to influenza infection in the country. Chief of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Tom Frieden in Washington said a flu epidemic gripping the nation is more severe than usual. He said 30 states and New York City are reporting high influenza rates. In New York a state contd on page 2

Heartiest CONGRATULATIONS TO Ravinder Raina

on being elected as State BJYM President, J&K

NEW DELHI: Notwithstanding repeated attacks by Maoists, the Centre has decided to counter ultras through its development efforts in Naxal-affected areas as it believes such efforts will weaken the Red base. "We are making a special effort to bring development in the Naxal-affected areas. We are hoping that it will pay contd on page 2

NEW DELHI: The BJP on Sunday issued the notification for its Presidential election. Sources said that Nitin Gadkari is likely to file his nomination papers on January 23, and will be elected unopposed if no other nomination is received. Sources had earlier claimed that LK Advani had proposed the names of Sushma Swaraj and Narendra Modi for the post. However, they say now that both the leaders have not shown any keenness in holding the post. contd on page 2

BJP

BJP
BEST WISHES FROM: Fayaz Ahmad BJYM, Srinagar

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Delhi, Sonia said people were right in demanding answers and actions in the case as safety of women was a fundamental right. The sacrifice of the girl who was brutally raped and assaulted in a bus in December, 2012 would not be in vain as it has shaken the conscience of the nation, she said in her address. Gandhi said the young gangrape victim was "tragically the symbol of women and children who suffer similar fate" in the wake of denial of justice. She also said the atrocities on women and children was a reflection of "shameful" social mindset which needed to be changed. In her opening remarks, she deprecated the "shocking remarks" made by public figures in the wake of the rape incident and said they were unacceptable. Sonia said the UPA government has drafted laws for women's empowerment like providing them protection against sexual harassment at workplace and providing them better representation in panchayats. The Congress president said she would personally press for the passage of the Women's Reservation Bill pending in the Lok Sabha. She made a strong pitch for electoral reforms and political funding saying people are getting disillusioned with the political process and there is a need to address the issue with sensitivity. "We have to admit that people are getting disillusioned with the political process. We have to understand what the causes of this disillusionment are and we have to do away with this with sensitivity," Sonia said striking an introspective note. She also wanted that the attempts to tarnish the image of political politicians and democratic institutions should be countered. Sonia also announced setting up of a special group within the party which would consider all suggestions and come out with a programme at the earliest. "We have to make now time bound programmes to do it," she said.

Contd. from page 1...

Chintan Shivir....
we will implement them," he said. He said the Congress should also give correct information about the United Progressive Alliance government's achievements of the past eight years. Sonia added that there was a need to be sensitive towards people to bring change in the country. She told party leaders to work for the welfare of all and not restrict themselves to their "favourites". Sonia said that there was a need to explain to people why the government took some tough economic reform decisions recently. "Government took few tough decisions due to economic downturn. We need to explain to public why those decisions were necessary," she said in her address on the last day of two-day Chintan Shivir in Jaipur. India wants friendly relations with Pakistan, but it will not be possible unless Pakistan makes equal efforts, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said here Sunday. He said the killing of two Indian soldiers by Pakistani troops near the Line of Control may have an effect on bilateral relations. "The inhuman act of Pakistan along the Line of Control on January 8 is known to all. We are constantly reviewing our relations with Pakistan and we have made it clear this incident may have bad influence on the bilateral relations," Manmohan Singh at the All India Congress Committee meet. "Whatever action we will take, it will be after consideration and with great care. We want friendly relations with Pakistan but they will also have to try for it. Unless there are efforts from their side, our efforts or wishes will not make it possible," he said. Calling corruption a "deep rooted malice", Congress president Sonia Gandhi Sunday said the party must lead the 'struggle' to counter its effect. "Let me reiterate corruption at all levels is a deep rooted malice and all sections of society are affected by it. As a party we must lead struggle to combat its effect," Sonia Gandhi said at the party's 'Chintan Shivir' here. The 'Chintan Shivir', the Congress' introspective meet, began here Jan 18 and will conclude Sunday. The Congress president said corruption was the main concern of the nation when the party held its session at Burari in July 2011. Sonia Gandhi said that a five-point agenda to deal with corruption was given and the party has moved on with it. The key among the steps taken was introducing Lokpal bill in the parliament and introducing more transparency in process of allocating natural resources, said the Congress president. "We have introduced path breaking legislation for grievance redressal, whistle blowers, and historic 'apka paisa apke hath' (your money in your hands, the direct cash transfer scheme) initiative," she said. Congress has been under severe attack from opposition and civil society groups for several major corruption cases that surfaced during the tenure of United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government led by the party. Congress president Sonia Gandhi Sunday said here the central government was forced to take some "harsh steps" because of the global economic slowdown. "When the whole world was dealing with financial crisis, India was not that badly affected. But today even India is affected with global economic situation. That has forced our government to take some harsh steps," Sonia Gandhi said on the last day of the Congress meet here. The 'Chintan Shivir', the Congress party's introspective meet began here Jan 18 and will conclude Sunday. "I know that (economic slowdown) has caused some problem to the common people, but our government should explain to the people the steps they have taken to deal with inflation," she said. Her statement comes days after the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government announced a partial deregulation in diesel prices, which has been met huge opposition from political parties and key allies. The government had earlier been criticised on its decisions of approving foreign direct investment in retail, routine hike in petrol prices, and a cap on subsidised cooking gas. The Congress here appealed to the country's secular forces to join its ideological battle against the divisive forces in the society and condemned the opposition's "obscurantist philosophies". The draft Jaipur Declaration, being debated by the All India Congress Committee delegates here, "calls on all secular and progressive forces of the country to unite in this ideological battle against those who polarise and divide our society." "The Congress rejects the outdated ideologies and obscurantist philosophies of the opposition parties and recommits itself to the principles of economic growth and social justice which have come to define the inclusive growth model of the Congress-led UPA government," said the draft declaration. The draft declaration has emerged from the two days of brainstorming (Jan 18-19) by cabinet ministers and party leaders at a brainstorming session, 'Chintan Shivir', to draw a roadmap for the 2014 general elections. The Congress rejected opposition's ideologies and said it was committed to economic growth which led to social welfare defining the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government's model of inclusive growth. Under attack over slow response to public protests in the wake of the gangrape incident in

Home delivery....
administration to face eventualities on account of weather vagaries and heavy snow fall. Omar Abdullah directed the administration for providing all facilities to the people on and during the days of Holy Eid-i-Milad-un-Nabi (SAW). "You should ensure adequate transport, electricity, water supply and essentials to the people", he directed the administration. Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, Dr. Asgar Samoon presented resume of the restoration works and said that all arrangements have been made for Eid-i-Milad-un-Nabi (SAW) and Republic Day celebrations across the Valley. Responding to issues relating to the coaching centres brought to his notice in the meeting, the Chief Minister said that while sensitizing the coaching centres about fulfilling legal requirements for registrations, the education of the students should not get hampered. He said the owners of coaching centres should be made fully aware of the requirements they are required to fulfill under the law without telling upon the education of students. The Chief Minister also reviewed the functioning of health institutions and received complete brief about their functioning and service delivery to the people. Those who participated in the meeting included Minister for R&B, Abdul Majid Wani, Minister of State for Industries and Commerce, Sajad Ahmad Kitchloo, Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, Dr. Asgar Samoon, IG Kashmir, S. M. Sahai, Heads of the Departments, divisional officers and representatives of BEACON and Oil Companies.

the RSS to arrive at a consensus candidate. According to the sources, Advani had reservation about Gadkari getting a second term because of charges about dubious funding of Purti Group with which he was associated. RSS has been pitching for a second term for Gadkari with Sangh chief Mohan Bhagwat himself backing him. It feels that Gadkari who took over soon after the BJP's second consecutive Lok Sabha poll defeat should lead the party in the next elections.

Australia, UK signs Treaty for Defence and Security Cooperation

LONDON: Australia and the UK have signed the Treaty for Defence and Security Cooperation strengthening their long-standing relationship. Australian Minister for Defence Stephen Smith and United Kingdom Secretary of State for Defence, The Right Honourable Philip Hammond sign the treaty during the AustraliaUnited Kingdom Ministerial Consultations in Perth, Western Australia. The treaty formalised the longstanding and extensive defence cooperation between Australia and the United Kingdom, the Australian MoD said in a statement. The treaty will see the two countries working together in areas such as cyber security, defence reform, personnel exchange, equipment, and science and technology, it said. With both Britain and Australia due to build new frigates in the coming years, UK's Defence Secretary agreed with his Australian counterpart to explore the possibility of cooperation over mutual design work for the Royal Navy's new type 26 global combat ship - a design that could meet the needs of the Royal Australian Navy, the UK MoD said. AUKMIN is the premier forum for Australian and UK foreign and defence ministers to discuss strategic, foreign, security and defence matters of common concern.

Jaya orders ...

announced by Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa, the check dam will be constructed across river Kotralai in neighbouring Tiruvallore district at an estimated cost of Rs 35 crore to store Krishna water. Under an agreement, Tamil Nadu is entitled to get annually 12 TMC of Krishna water from Andhra Pradesh. Besides, she ordered implementation of various other projects including desilting and deepening of lakes, approach canals, check dams, lake-renovation and water projects across Vaigai and Cauvery rivers for Sivaganga and Srirangam would be taken up, an official release said.

Sri Lanka ....

Sunday, Karunanidhi said: "As the world's largest democracy and a country of diverse languages and religions, India has a moral obligation to stop this atrocity immediately by using its good offices." Sri Lankan is carrying out an intensive and systematic programme of erasing the Tamil language, culture, religion and diluting the concentration of Tamils in areas where they had historically been predominant, Karunanidhi alleged. He said the Sri Lankan government is renaming Tamil villages and redrawing village, district and town boundaries while Hindu temples are being razed. Karunanidhi said the Sri Lankan government is not allocating funds for resettlement and rehabilitation of internally displaced Tamil families. The Sri Lankan government is promoting "Sinhala settlements on Tamil land and Sinhala takeover of the economic life of Tamil areas, which improvises the Tamils and the deployment of army camps to intimidate the Tamils" According to him, 89 Tamil villages have been renamed with Sinhala names, 367 Hindu temples have been demolished and there are 148 mini and 13 army camps in the war-ravaged Mullaitivu district alone.

Six Naxals....
of the district, about 200 km from Nagpur, in south eastern Vidarbha. A police team was on a routine anti-Naxal operation in the jungles of Govindgaon last night when they were fired upon by the rebels. The patrolling party returned fire and in the ensuing gunfight at least six Maoists, including two women, were killed, police said, adding they are yet to be identified. All the bodies have been brought to Aheri police headquarters in the district, they said. The encounter continued for a few hours and ended at around 2.30 am, according to reports received here. Some senior members of a local dalam (armed unit) may be among those killed, police said. This is the first time that so many Naxals have been killed in Gadchiroli, the district worst affected by Left-wing extremism in the state.

CIA likely to get more exemption to continue drone strikes

WASHINGTON: The Obama administration is nearing completion of a detailed counterterrorism manual that is designed to establish clear rules for targeted-killing operations but leaves open a major exemption for the CIA's campaign of drone strikes in Pakistan, U.S. officials said. US Central Intelligence Agency will be allowed to continue its campaign of drone strikes in Pakistan for a year or more under a new detailed counter-terrorism manual, according to a media report. The document, which is expected to be submitted to President Barack Obama for final approval within weeks, marks the culmination of a year-long effort by the White House to codify its counter-terrorism policies and create a guide for lethal operations through Obama's second term, the influential daily said. "The decision to allow the CIA strikes to continue was driven in part by concern that the window for weakening Al Qaeda and the Taliban in Pakistan is beginning to close, with plans to pull most US troops out of neighbouring Afghanistan over the next two years," it said. CIA drones are flown out of bases in Afghanistan. Among the proposed stringent rules are requirements for White House approval of drone strikes and the involvement of multiple agencies - including the State Department - in nominating new names for kill lists, the Post said. None of those rules applies to the CIA drone campaign in Pakistan, which began under President George W. Bush, it said.

AICC endorses ....

demand from workers to give him a bigger role in the run up to the 2014 general elections. A day after the Congress Working Committee, the party's highest policy-making body, unanimously passed a resolution naming Rahul Gandhi the vice president, over 1,200 delegates of the All India Congress Committee at the 'Chintan Shivir' here raised their hands to endorse the decision. Giving his maiden speech after being elevated to the post of vice president, Rahul thanked Congress leaders and all his supporters. "This is a huge honour for me. Over the past 8 years the party has taught me tremendously. I have learnt from seniors, youngsters and thanks to all the help which I got from botton of my heart," Rahul told the Congress gathering. Speaking at the All India Congress Committee (AICC) meeting here, the Gandhi scion raised the issue of youth anger spilling on the streets. "There is a young and impatient India demanding voice in decision making and politics," Rahul said. Raising the deficiencies in the India's political system, the Congress vice president asked, "Why do handful of people occupy political space. Power is centralised in system. We don't believe in empowering people." "People who are corrupt talk about eradicating corruption, people who disgrace women in daily life talk about women development," he added. Emphasising on empowering people who have immense knowledge but are deprived of positions, Rahul said that the time has come to question decision making in politics as only a handful are being empowered. Rahul Gandhi who will be leading the Congress campaign for upcoming 2014 General elections, came down heavily on the Opposition parties and criticized them for terming the Aadhar scheme as bribing the people. Rahul underlined the benefits of schemes like MNREGA, Food Bill, Right to Education, Direct cash transfer scheme. On an emotional note he reminisced the time when his grandmother, Indira Gandhi was killed and how his father had cried then. He also said that he was aware of the huge responsibility that had been bestowed on his shoulders. Rahul revealed that his mother, Sonia Gandhi had cried when they were together yesterday night because she knew that power was akin to poison.

Tunnel on ....
state government has spent 178 crore rupees on the construction of this tunnel. It is interconnected at two places and well equipped with modern security and safety technology. It is first toll project of Jaipur but light motor vehicle will be exempted from the toll.

Jammu-Srinagar....
17 as a precautionary measure in view of the expected snowfall. However, all the stranded vehicles were allowed to proceed to their respective destinations yesterday afternoon. The 294-km arterial road, the only all weather link connecting Kashmir to rest of the country often gets closed during winter due to snowfall.

Manali record...
and Spiti, was the coldest at a minimum temperature of minus 12.5 degrees Celsius. Kalpa in Kinnaur district recorded a low of minus 10 degrees Celsius, while the temperature was 0.3 degrees Celsius in Shimla and 4.6 degrees in Dharamsala, the venue of the fifth and final ODI between India and England Jan 27. Himachal Pradesh Road Transport Corporation has started a bus service for Rohru and Chopal areas in Shimla district via Vikasnagar in Dehradun district in Uttarakhand. Officials said vehicular traffic on Theog-Rohru road via Kharapathar, the shortest route, remained snapped on the third day as a thick blanket of snow covered the road. For Rampur town and Kinnaur district from Shimla town, buses were plying via Dhami and Basantpur. It would take another two to three days to restore traffic to upper Shimla towns, officials said. The road connectivity on the Kullu-Manali highway too remained snapped near Patlikuhl, some 20 km before Manali. District Tourism Officer Balbir Thakur said electricity in Manali town was restored Saturday evening and the traffic from Kullu to the town would be restored soon. The Met department's forecast said a feeble western disturbance - storm systems originating in the Caspian Sea and moving across the Afghanistan-Pakistan region - would again be active Jan 23.

Centre to counter ....

dividend," Rural Development Minister Jairam Ramesh said. Ramesh's contention comes just days after Naxalites planted a bomb inside the stomach of a dead CRPF jawan after killing 11 of them in Jharkhand's Latehar district last week. They also stunned the nation by firing at an IAF helicopter in the dense Dantewada forests in Chhattisgarh, injuring one policeman onboard. The government is particularly enthused by the recent revelation of a surrendered Naxal that its strategy to facilitate development in addition to frequent combing operations have hit the very base of the Maoists hiding in "liberated Red corridors" of the forests. "We have made an effort... We have started special plans like Saranda Development Plans in such areas. It will take at least 5 years to bring peace in these areas," Ramesh said while reacting to surrendered Maoist Badarpu Mallaiyya's reported revelation that the CPI Maoist leadership was worried over security operations and development efforts undertaken by government. Saranda Development Plan is the government's first systematic experiment in combining a security-oriented and developmentfocused approach in Maoist-affected areas on a large scale. It was implemented after CRPF and the state police jointly "liberated" Saranda of West Singbhum district of Jharkhand in August, 2011 from 11 years of Maoist control. Centre has now decided to replicate the model in other tribal-dominated areas in the country, said Ramesh, who has already travelled 40 Naxal-affected districts in the country to assess the implementation of development programmes. Government initiatives like giving tribals the right to sell their forest products like bamboo have also started paying dividend, he claimed.

1st round of Pulse Polio programme begins in Doda

DODA, JAN 20: Like other parts of the country, the 1st round of Nationwide Pulse Polio Programme from 20th to 22nd of January 2013 for the children between 0-5 years of age started in Doda today, District Development Commissioner Doda Mr. Farooq Ahmed Khan kick started the programme at New District Hospital Doda by administering Polio drops to the children. Chief Medical Officer Doda besides Doctors and senior functionaries of the Health Department were present in the programme. While speaking on the aims and objectives of the programme, DDC said that Polio Immunization programme is a Campaign by the Government of India to eradicate Poliomyelitis (Polio) in India by vaccinating all children under the age of five years against Polio virus. DDC said that 610 Pulse Polio Immunization Booths have been established to provide vaccine to 78518 children. He also revealed that 2440 workers have been engaged for Booths and house to house activities which comprises of 680 workers from health department, 520 from ICDS, 975 ASHA workers and Voluntary workers, and 265 from Education Department. DDC said to ensure achievement of the desired targets 122 supervisors and 4 Zonal Monitors have been engaged in the District to monitor the 3 day vaccination programme effectively so that every child in the age group of 0-5 years gets Polio vaccine for healthy life. DDC enjoined upon the people of the District to bring their children who are of 0-5 years old to the nearest Pulse Polio Booth and immunize them against the Polio virus for their safe and secure growth.

Prof. Bamezai...
Dr. S. S. Bloeria, Vice Chancellor of the Central University, Jammu, to recommend a panel of candidates for the selection of a suitable successor of Prof. Bamezai. The selection process is at an advanced stage and the new Vice Chancellor of SMVDU is likely to take over shortly. In the meantime, to run the affairs of the University, the Chancellor has directed his Principal Secretary, Mr. Navin K. Choudhary, to officiate as the Vice Chancellor of the University with Prof. M. L. Garg, School of Computer Sciences and Engineering, functioning as Coordinator, to help the officiating VC in dealing with Academic issues, till the new Vice Chancellor takes over. Reacting to reports in a section of media, Dr. Mandeep Bhandari, Additional CEO of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board maintained that the University is run in the best professional manner as per its Statutes, with the Vice Chancellor taking all required decisions and, as in other Universities, the University Council of the SMVDU is its supreme policy decision making body.

Flu epidemic....
of emergency has been declared over the crisis. Frieden said more than five thousand people have required hospitalization to treat their flu symptoms.

Militant hideout busted in Baramulla, arms recover

SRINAGAR,JAN 20: Security forces on Sunday busted a militant hideout in north Kashmir's Baramulla district and recovered a cache of arms and ammunition, police said. Police carried out a joint operation with the army and busted the hideout in Sangri forests of Magam area, a police spokesman said. Two AK 47 rifles, one AK magazines, 15 AK rounds, three Chinese pistol rounds, two RPG rounds, two grenades and four UBGL rounds were recovered from the hide out. No arrests have been made so far, he added.

BJP issues ....

Sources said that Gadkari remains the consensus candidate, with even Modi throwing his weight behind him. Advani, however, remained doubtful of his renomination especially after the string of corruption charges against him.Till last week, there was an exercise between Advani's camp and

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STATE
SRINAGAR, JAN 20: In connection with the first phase of Pulse Polio Immunization campaign as many as 10,48,369 children were administered Pulse Polio drops at various district and Tehsil headquarters of Valley today. In Pulwama, the Deputy Commissioner, Mr. Shafaat Noor Barlas administered pulse polio drops to the children upto 5 years of age at Old District Hospital Pulwama and Chief Medical Office Pulwama. Addressing after launching the drive, the Deputy Commissioner Pulwama said that as many as 64,723 children of 0-5 years are being administered Pulse Polio drops today for which 1616 officials of Health department have been deployed at 404 Pulse Polio Centres in the district. Mr. Noor emphasized that

NEWS IN BOX

Nasir meet health minister, raised various demands

JAMMU,JAN 20: Prominent Congress leader from Kishtwar and former president DYCC Sheikh Nasir Hussain Advocate meet health minister Shabir Ahmad Khan and extended his gratitude to him on assuming the charge of health department. While congratulating the new health minister, Sheikh Nasir expressed his hope that Shabir Ahmad Khan being young and dynamic leader will bring reforms in the department. Sheikh Nasir also raised various demands pertaining to health sector in mountainous district Kishtwar. Besides posting of specialist doctors at district Hospital Kishtwar, he also demanded engagement of more doctors for rural areas. Sheikh Nasir has expressed hope that the new Minister for Health Shabir Ahmed Khan would positively look into their genuine demands. Shabir Ahmad Khan after patiently hearing him assured that the genuine and justified demands will be looked into and every possible steps will be taken to provide better health care facility in the area.

Pulse Polio immunization campaign kicks off in Kashmir Valley

Meanwhile, Pulse Polio vaccination campaign was kicked off in Budgam district by Deputy Commissioner, Khurshid Ahmad Shah. As many as 578 Polio booths have been set up in the district to administer the drops to about 1,05,375 children in age group of 05 years. The Chief Medical Officer, Budgam informed that 2,312 booth workers and 116 Supervisors were deputed at these Polio booths across the district. Similar Pulse Polio Immunization campaign was organized at Anantnag, Kulgam, Ganderbal, Baramulla, Kupwara, Leh, Kargil and Bandipora. Large numbers of children were given Pulse Polio Immunization drops in these districts. The Deputy Commissioners of the respective districts were personally monitoring the campaign.

Children being administered Pulse Polio drops in Kashmir Valley. healthy society guarantees a developed nation depending on healthy and sound children. He called upon the people to come forward and avail medicare facilities kept available for them in Health institutions free of cost and ensure immunization against dreaded disease to safeguard their children. Earlier the Deputy Commissioner Shopian, Mr. Javid Ahmad Khan also launched Pulse Polio at District Hospital Shopian and administered Pulse Polio drops to the children. The Deputy Commissioner Shopian after launching the drive said that as many as 51,510 children of 0-5 years age are being administered Pulse Polio drops today in district Shopian for which 1064 officials of Health department & Supervisors have been deployed at 266 Pulse Polio Centres. Mr. Javid exhorted upon the medical fraternity to work with missionary spirit to administer the pulse polio drops to the children of the district and achieve the targets in full.

Lone grieved over sad demise of NC block president Sumbal

JAMMU, JAN 20: Minister for higher education Mohammad Akbar Lone today expressed his grief and sorrow over the sad demise of Senior Block President J&K National Conference, block Sumbal Mr. Ghulam Mohammad Reashi who passed yesterday at his native place Nasibal. In his condolence message, the Minister said that late Reashi was a social worker and throughout his life he fought for the cause of the people. Mr. lone further said that his contribution to the party are remarkable and will be remembered always. The Minister also expressed his sympathy with the bereaved family and prayed for eternal peace to the departed soul.

Five day 5th Science Camp concludes

JAMMU,JAN 20: The five day 5th Science Camp Under Innovation in Science Pursuits for Inspired Research (INSPIRE) Program of Department of Science and Technology ( DST) (Govt. Of India) concluded at Brig. Rajinder Singh Auditorium, University of Jammu here today. The five day Camp was organized by Department of Science and Technology, Govt. of India in collaboration with PG Department Of Geology University Of Jammu for the School children's of 11th of Science stream who secured more then 80% marks in their Board examination. More than 265 Students from 24 Schools of Competition was also organised in which 12 Schools took part and out of which four teams reached to the final. KC Public School bagged the Winner Up Trophy while as Presentation Convent won the Runner up Trophy. The Quiz Competition was conducted by Mrs. Nishima and Mr. Jawaz Iqubal. All the participants were given certificates. The proceeding of the function was conducted by Ms. Rajni Magotra. Among others Prof S.K Pandey, Prof Yashpal Sharma, Prof S.K Pandita, Prof KK Kapoor, Principals of different Schools, teachers, Scholars and Students were also present on the occasion

Jan Skinder hails Rahul Gandhi's elevation as AICC Vice President

JAMMU, JAN 20: J&K Youth Congress State Secretary, Jan Skinder today hailed Youth Icon Rahul Gandhi's elevation as the Vice-President of the All India Congress Committee (AICC). He gave hearty congratulations on his taking over as the VicePresident of the AICC". "Your abiding interest in the youth of our country and your earnest commitment to the advancement of the rural areas and the farmers are well known", he said adding "During your tenure as the AICC Vice-President, I am quite sure that you will take the Congress Party to new heights".

Kishtwar Congress hails induction of Wani and Vikar

KISHTWAR, JAN 20: District Congress Committee Kishtwar has hailed the induction of Abdul Majeed Wani and Vikar Rasool Wani in the council of ministers. In a statement issued to the press the Congress leaders including District President Pardeep Singh Parihar, Block Presidents Nek Ram Manhas, Haji Ghulam Hassan Mir, Sadiq Wani, Ab. Salam Malik, Master Kashmiri Lal, Mohd. Hussain Akhoon, Former President DYCC Sheikh Nasir Hussain Advocate, senior leaders Brij Lal Sharma, Prakash Ram Bhagat, Prakash Ram Sharma, Ghulam Mohd, IYC President Kishtwar assembly Nadeem Iqbal, Tauseef Iqbal Butt, PCC Labour Cell President Suresh Sharma, and Altaf Hussain Malik have expressed gratitude to the party high command, PCC President Prof. Saif-ud-Din Soz and union minister Ghulam Nabi Azad for inducting two MLAs of Congress in the council of minister from Chenab region. The leaders have said that Abdul Majeed Wani is a man of caliber and during his previous tenure as MOS he has displayed excellent piece of work and by his induction the party has taken a very wise decision. They have further said that Vikar Rasool Wani being young , dynamic and energetic leader will also come to the expectations of the public in general and the party in particular. While praising former CM and union health minister Ghulam Nabi Azad and PCC president Prof Saif-uddin Soz, the leaders have said that both the leaders have taken a very wise decision by nominating two honest and dedicated MLA from Chenab region for the ministerial berths. Expressing faith over the leadership, Kishtwar Congress leaders have said that they are hopeful that in future also both the leaders will take further decision in strengthening the party in Chenab region. However the Congress leaders have also extended their congratulations to the local MLA of coalition partner NC Sajad Ahmad Kichloo on his induction in the council of ministers.

VC, Jammu University presenting momento to student participating in the camp at Jammu. Jammu Province participated in Brar, Vice Chancellor Guru Nanak Dev University, Prof this Camp. Experts from all over the coun- Shalabh, IIT, Kanpur, Prof try shared their knowledge with Avinash Khare, DU, Prof V Sri the students participating in the Nivas, TIFR, Mumbai and many Camp which include Prof. A.S others. An inter-School Quiz

Shabir directs distt. Adm. Rajouri, Poonch for early restoration of snow damaged infrastructure
JAMMU, JAN 20: Minister of State for Health, Mr. Shabir Ahmed Khan today asked District Development Commissioners, Rajouri and Poonch to gear up administration and put in place men and machinery for rapid snow clearance especially from main roads of the Districts. "Roads leading to remote areas should also be cleared to ensure free vehicular movement for convenience of the people", he instructed. Mr. Shabir today rang up to District Development Commissioner, Rajouri and instructed him to direct concerned Power Development Department functionaries to ensure early restoration of power supply to the consumers affected due to heavy snow fall. The Minister also asked the DDCs to ascertain damages caused to transmission lines and other public utilities due to recent snow fall in Rajouri and Poonch districts so that necessary action from the government would be taken for immediate facilitation of the inhabitants of these areas. The Minister also called upon the district administration of these Districts to ensure adequate ration, health care and drinking water facilities to the people.

2nd day of Pre-Budget discussions

JAMMU, JAN 20:Saying that formulation of roadmap for faster, sustainable and more inclusive growth is the fulcrum of State's planning and budgeting, the Minister for Finance & Ladakh Affairs, Mr. A.R. Rather on Sunday said that all the possibilities and opportunities will be pooled to make the budget proposals for ensuing financial year representative to the needs and aspirations of the people. Speaking to the members and representatives of PHDCC, Institute of Public Opinion, Industrial Associations of IGC Samba, Bari Brahmana, Kathua Gangyal and various Transport Associations of Jammu on the second consecutive day of pre-budget discussions, Mr. Rather said while it was endeavor of the Government to make the budget proposals pro-people and business friendly, the trade and Industry too has an obligation to cooperate with the tax enforcing agencies at various levels, keeping in view the revenue interests of the State and ensure that there is zero tax evasion. "Revenue mobilization is pivotal for development and progress of a resource starved State like J&K and it should be the joint responsibility of all the stake holders including trade, industry and the Government in itself to make no compromise in this regard." Mr. Rather asserted and asked the business community to aspire for more tax concessions and incentives only proportionate to the State's revenue resources. He said despite having meager resources, the Government has extended unprecedented tax relief to the people especially trade and industry during last 3 years, which is in itself a record in the history of the State. He said instead of levying fresh taxes, it has been preferred to bring further reforms and improvements in the existing tax and fiscal management system which has paid rich dividends, resulting in two fold increase in tax revenue of the State in 3 years, from Rs. 2600 Crore in 2009 to Rs. 5500 Crore in 2012-13. The Economic Advisor to the Government, Mr. Jalil Ahmed Khan, Financial Commissioner Finance, Mr. Iqbal Khandey, Commissioner Commercial Taxes, Kifayat Hussain Rizvi, Additional Commissioner Commercial Taxes (Adm.) Jammu, Mr. P.I. Khateeb, Special Secretary Finance, Mr. Zubair Ahmed, Deputy Commissioner Commercial Taxes (HQ) Mr. Showkat Aijaz, Deputy Commissioner Commercial Taxes (Audit), Ms. Anoo and Deputy Commissioner Commercial Taxes Executive, Ms. Anuradha were also present in the meeting. The Minister said, with a view to mitigate hardships of the business community on account of traffic jams and wastage of time in tax clearance, the Government has recently commissioned one of the best in the country, fully computerized New Toll Plaza at Lakhanpur hoping that it will prove a turnaround in the promotion of trade and industrial growth in the State. "But traders shall have to abide by the rules and regulations to ensure zero percent tax evasions and law violations adding that it was disheartening to note that 24000 suspected violations have been reported at the Toll Post in last fiscal against only 2% seizures, though Government follows the policy of "no seizures" at all. He said only random 4-5 vehicles are presently detained for physical checks at the Toll Plaza, Lakhanpur, adding that the Government endeavors to further minimize such checks for convenience of the business and transporters fraternity. He said taxable imports recorded at Commercial Taxes Checkpost Lakhanpur have increased from Rs. 4275 Crore in the year 2000-2001 to Rs. 21544.26 Crore upto ending November of the current financial year whereas exports during the same period rose from Rs. 904 Crore to Rs. 8598 Crore. The delegations presented their memoranda of demands and raised various issues which mainly included VAT remission extension, annual assessment of raw material/finished goods for toll tax exemption, 3% interest subsidy to industrial units set up prior to 2002 also, reduction in electricity duty, amnesty scheme by PDD, creation of new industrial estates and marketing support to local SSI Units.

Clear all snow bound village roads: Saifullah directs district administration
JAMMU, JAN 20: Minister for Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, Mir Saifullah has directed the district administration Kupwara to press all men and machinery to open all the snow bound interior roads of the district that are still closed due to the recent heavy snowfall. Appreciating the administration for acting swiftly to clear all the main roads of the district on day first, the Minister stressed upon the administration to clear all the link roads of the border district particularly the far off roads of the area of Budnambal, Jumgund, Kralpora, Dardsun, Panzgam of Kupwara, Kalaroos,Tikipora, Haithpora, Kurhama, Lalpora of Lolab, Mawar, Nowagam of Langate and Viilgam , Zachaldra area of Handwara so that stranded movement of people is restored at the earliest. He said the clearance of all road communications particularly rural areas of the district is priority of the administration to ensure hassle free movement of the local populace otherwise the roads could become slippery due to dry weather and freezing temperature. Mr. Mir also asked the Bacon authorities to accelerate their men and machinery for immediate reopening of Kupwara- Tangdhar road. The Minister directed the Deputy Commissioner Kupwara to monitor personally the restoration of electricity particularly in far off villages and ensure availability of ration, K.Oil, Cooking gas and other essentials in every area of the district so that people could not face any inconvenience. He further directed that Disaster Management Committees at district level need to be operationalize to set the defected public delivery system back on rails.

Rs. 82.32 Cr being spent on bridges of Bye Pass road project

SRINAGAR, JAN 20: The Minister for Works, Mr. Abdul Majid Wani inspected the execution of work on five major bridges on Bye Pass road project at a cost of Rs. 82.32 crore. The projects include Tengpora Fly Over bridge, Hyderpora, Chanapora, Padshahi Bagh and Lasjan bridges. The Minister was informed that Rs. 20.72 crore are being spent on Tengpora bridge, Rs. 34.84 crore on Hyderpora bridge, Rs. 8.97 crore on Chanapora Bye Pass bridge, Rs. 4.76 crore on Padshahi bridge and Rs. 13.21 crore on Lasjan bridge are being spent judiciously. Besides, Rs. 9.90 crore project of bridge at Convent School was also inspected by the Minister where 80 percent work has been completed and 100 percent target will be completed by March, 2013. The Minister was apprised that 80 percent work has been completed n these projects. The Minister impressed upon the engineers to complete all the projects in a stipulated time frame so that people in general are benefited. The Minister was accompanied by Chief Engineers, R&B, Mr. Mushtaq Ahmad, Chief Engineer, Mechanical Engineering, Superintending Engineer, R&B and other officers.

Pranav distributes winter material among distressed

JAMMU, JAN 20: Vice President J&K Pradesh Youth Congress Mr. Pranav Shagotra distributed winter material among the distressed and coldstricken people, in Jammu east. Mr. Pranav handed over the winter material, including blankets, among hundreds of distressed people at Bawe wali gali in Jammu east. Pranav Shagotra was the chief guest of the distribution programme arranged by State President Youth INTUC Mr. Prikshit, youth leaders Dansih Mir, Arif Wani, Adil Khan and Manjeet Singh. On this occasion Mr. Pranav was accompanied by Abid Kashmiri General Secretary PYC. The distressed people, including women and children, received the winter blankets from Vice President PYC Pranav Shagotra in a disciplined manner. At that time, Mr. Pranav embraced the distressed people and enquired about their wellbeing. Pranav also heard the problems being faced by the locals and assured that the same will be projected before the concerned authorities for redereesal. Speaking on this occasion Mr. Pranav Shagotra said that Congress party is aware about the sufferings of the people and is committed for the betterment and welfare of "Aam Admi". He said that the Congress party and Sh. Rahul Gandhi is very keen to uplift the down trodden and distressed people. He said that in future more such welfare programmes will be organized. He further said that Congress is committed for overall development of the far flung areas and various policies have been framed at the central and state level to usher a new era of peace and development and to uplift the poors. He said that Congress is the only party which is committed for the development of all regions of the state. He said that UPA has launched several welfare schemes for the down trodden and poors like MGNREGA, IAY, NRHM and TSC besides pumping huge funds to the state. Besides Pranav Shagotra, Abid Kashmiri, Sheikh Nasir from Kishtwar, Anoop Gupta, Jagjyot, Amit Gandotra, Nitin Sharma, Anil Kumar, Vishal Gupta, and Irfan also spoke on the occasion and appreciated the efforts of the organizers for arranging the welfare programme.

Special Transits booth setup at Katra for PPI

KATRA, JAN 20: Commandant 6th Battalion CRPF Sunil Kumar in presence of Deputy CMO Reasi Dr. K. C. Dogra and BMO Katra Dr. Gopal Dutt inaugurated Ist round of pulse polio immunization. BMO Katra informed that besides covering local population, special transits booth and mobile team are engage to cover the children of visiting pilgrims. There are total 64 booth in whole block, six transits teams and two mobile teams in block Katra to cover the children's of visiting pilgrims under this national programme. He said that transits team will work round the clock for three days and will immunize children of the visiting pilgrims.

Taj kicks off Pulse Polio immunization programme

JAMMU, JAN 20: Minister for Medical Education, Youth Services and Sports, Mr. Taj Mohi-ud-Din this morning kicked off the pulse polio immunization programme at SMGS hospital Jammu. The Minister reached the pediatric block of the hospital in the morning and formally kick started today's pulse polio programme by administered two drops to a young baby. Principal GMC, Jammu, Dr. Anece Chowdhary, Medical Superintendent SMGS, Dr. Dara Singh and other faculty besides large number of parents of the young kids were present on the occasion.

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EDITORIAL & STATE WATCH

India-Pak peace process in a shambles

By PK Ghosh he Visa regime relaxation, a possible game-changer in South Asia, was kept in the ice box while hockey players and singers were asked to pack up and leave. Manmohan Singh's subscription to war rhetoric confirmed how easily hard-won gains are given up by leaders who can't see beyond their noses The January 6 incident in which two Indian soldiers were killed in the Mendhar sector of the LoC in Jammu & Kashmir, one of whom, Lance Naik Hemraj was decapitated brutally, has led to national responses from India and Pakistan more or less on predictable lines. An incident that gathered the Indian media spotlight due to the associated brutality - assumed larger proportions as it reinforced the perception that India was a weak state endowed with self-serving political elite unable to take "hard decisions" against the repeated transgressions of the adversarial neighbour Pakistan. Tapped efficiently by the media - the issue snowballed with government caught largely offguard with the sheer intensity of the outburst of nationalistic, and, often jingoistic sentiment. Predictably, the Army and the Air Force spoke in terms of militaristic solutions and advocated a tit-for-tat response that stood short of escalating to a conflict (but could willy-nilly do so). Fortunately, External Affairs Minister Salman Kurshid displayed a mature outlook. While condemning the issue he also advised restraint in the same breath. Thus India spoke with differing voices sending mixed signals. While some talkative hot heads demanded nothing short of war - a fairly outrageous demand given the circumstances and the known Pakistani first-use policy on nuclear weapons, others demanded ten heads of Pakistani soldiers as an apt retaliatory measure.

As is his tendency, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh took his own time coming out with a statement defining the Indian official position. The Indian PM, after a delay, sent out negative signals to those with hopes of peace. Nobody missed the hardline stance which was tucked into it. His statement was probably made at the instance of the jingoistic groundswell that had emerged thanks to the uni-dimensional reports put out by the Army. However, while this sabre rattling (regrettably initiated by India) led to the suspension of the new visa regime, the picture was quite different on the other side. In Pakistan this week, developments far more significant to the existence of the nation were consuming everybody's attention. Fears of a "judicial coup" coup swept the nation as the Prime Minister was ordered arrested. Military-backed hardline cleric Tahir-ul Qadri, tried to do an Anna Hazare act, putting governance on a tailspin. The Pakistani media, logically enough, had better things to do than match word for word with its Indian counterpart. The tragedy in Quetta, Balochistan, where Sunni extremist suicide bombers killed nearly 100 people, mostly Hazara Shias, in a bombing claimed by Lashkar-e-Jhangvi, combined with the 'cliff' situation in the polity, reduced the drama along the LoC to a Bgrade Bollywood movie. Thus proving that Pakistan was deeply engrossed with its own internal disturbances and that the border issue was a fringe element in their current occupation. Had the Indian media over hyped a local incident? This, after all, is not unusual in a "hot and active" LoC. So, no wonder, the media's obsession was a centrality. After all it is well known that both the Indian and Pakistani armies are deployed eyeball to eyeball along the

LoC - terrain that is hostile and at times unforgiving. In such conditions, when peace prevails, there is a sense of sympathy - even friendliness between the two sides. However, often, especially when conditions are conducive, the desire to push infiltrators into the Indian territory leads the Pakistani Army to provide covering fire which in turn makes the border "hot and active" with retaliatory fire and casualties . In such conditions both sides charge each other with "transgressions" into each other's territory and placing of mines as had been done by the Pakistanis in the recent case. These are predictably followed by flag meetings that see the trading of charges, counter charges and complete denials of any wrong doing that are often de rigour. Once these meetings are over, its business as usual. Grisly dimension Despite this, cases of beheading and other such brutal actions are relatively rare though not unknown. A similar beheading case happened with two Indian soldiers (Havildar Adhikari and Lance Naik D Singh) in Khupwara dist in July 30, 2011. In the current case the reason of this viciousness lay with the commandoes of the Pakistani Special Services Group (SSG) (also called the "Black Storks") who are more prone to brutality, given their compulsion to maintain the aura of "terror" and invincibility around themselves. This commando unit was earlier involved in the savage torture of Lt Kalia and other Indian soldiers who were captured in the early days of the Kargil conflict. As the sequence of incidents unfolded, Pakistan has blinked first, asking for comprehensive talks at the foreign minister level while sending orders for restraint among Army units deployed. The question however remains as to how

long this correctional effort would last. It must be remembered that the ceasefire along LoC has not really solved any of India's problems. While it has lulled the political elite in India with a false sense of complacency - the fact is that peace along the active LoC has become a mirage. The desire to retaliate is often overpowering especially when the firing is "unprovoked" . During the mandatory flag meetings which follow, efforts are made to open a channel for communication and reiterate confidence building measures, but the reality is that they produced less than tangible results. Far from ensuring lasting peace, they only lead to regurgitation of old rhetoric. The developments of the past fortnight have reinforced the cynicism which has crept into the conflict rubric. Pakistan denies transgressions, while India breathes fire and brimstone. After the wearisomely familiar exchange of polemics, both sides return to the status quo ante. Hence, there exists a dire need to look beyond the existing CBMs of providing advance warnings for military exercises and ballistic missile tests which are relatively "high level" issues. To solve the border ceasefire violation issue, the weekly telephonic discussions between the DGMOs and flag meetings are inadequate in keeping pace with the number of violations. India needs to propose a framework for high-level consultations and a definite agreeable methodology for prevention of escalation and proposing de escalation in case the issue goes out of hand. A regular review of the situation on the LoC would prevent a repeat of the prescriptive chronology of events and manage the problems before they escalate. Since a conflict with a trigger happy nuclear armed Pakistan will upset the developmental agenda of entire South Asia and not only India and Pakistan.

Hike in diesel price comes at wrong time

Even experts from within the Government know that the programme, which has an annual outlay of roughly Rs 40,000 crore, merely provides a platform for middlemen to siphon off funds. It does nothing to boost the economy or generate sustainable employment. Instead, it only serves to perpetuate a culture of entitlement based on handouts and doles. And now, the Centre is pushing through its disastrous National Food Security Bill, 2011. Once it is implemented, this new populist policy will cost the national exchequer a whopping one lakh crore rupees. This, however, is not to say that there is no merit in the Government's contention per se that the energy subsidy bill needs to be trimmed. After all, this year alone, the three public sector oil marketing companies show a combined operating loss of Rs 1,66,800 crore in their halfyearly results. To some extent, yes, this is because the companies currently sell diesel at a loss of Rs 10.16 per litre, kerosene at Rs 32.17 a litre and LPG at Rs 490.50 per 14.2 kg cylinder. But it is also because of the inefficient manner in which these companies are run that is responsible for the mess. Additionally, the daily Rs 384 crore loss in revenue is due to the 14 per cent fall in the value of the rupee against the dollar. This brings our argument back full circle to the point of UPA's fiscal mismanagement. Even the Reserve Bank of India appears to be unsure about the Government's ability to put things in order. That is the reason why the RBI, despite the Centre's persistent prodding over the last many months, has held on to its decision until now of not bringing down interest rates.

y partially de-regulating diesel prices in a desperate bid to contain India's burgeoning fiscal deficit, the Congressled UPA regime has in effect used the wrong instrument at the wrong time. The Union Government may like to defend its decision to allow state-run oil marketing companies to increase the price of subsidised diesel by 50 paisa every month as a bold reform measure, but that argument holds no water. The fact of the matter remains that, instead of exploring other fiscally prudent possibilities, the Government has merely passed on the burden of its own failure to manage the economy on to the aam aadmi. The decision is illtimed given that inflation has already sky-rocketed and the common man is reeling under the pressure of high prices. De-regulating the price of diesel at this point only adds to miseries of the people. For example, the hike will immediately lead to an increase in the price of the fruits, vegetables and other farm produce as transportation costs will go up. Similarly, also be prepared for the prices of industrial goods to rise as well. The resultant domino effect is bound to hurt across almost all sections of society, including the poorest of poor. But this clearly does not affect the apathetic UPA regime that would much rather squeeze the public dry than tighten its own belt. Nor does the projection that the hike will add 120 basis points (or 1.2 per cent) to the inflation rate. In fact, if the Government really wishes to augment the country's monetary resources, it would do much better to pull the plug on wasteful welfare projects such as the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme.

STATE WATCH

Former CPS Jagdish Sahni may re-join BJP soon

CHANDIGARH: Former BJP chief parliamentary secretary Jagdish Sahni, who joined Punjab Congress last year after a bitter and public feud with the state party leadership, may return to the party fold soon. Informed sources indicated on Sunday that the newly elected state BJP president Kamal Sharma has established contact with Sahni in this regard and the response has been positive. While Sahni himself is maintaining a discreet silence on this issue, sources close to him said that it will be like a 'home-coming' for Sahni. State BJP leadership feels that after the exit of Jagdish Sahni from the BJP, the party has suffered a serious setback in Batala constituency, which has been a traditional stronghold of the party. His return would help the party to re-establish itself at the grassroot level in the constituency. It may be recalled that Sahni and the-then state health minister and BJP leader Laxmi K a n t a Chawla were involved in a prolonged public spat after Chawla organized a raid by health officials on a nursing home run by the son-in-law of Jagdish Sahni in Batala. Both sides refused to call a truce despite intervention by party high command. Finally, Sahni resigned as chief parliamentary secretary in protest and the portfolio of Chawla was changed. While Chawla announced that she would not assembly polls held last year, Sahni was denied re-nomination from Batala leading to his resignation from BJP.

PUNJAB

WEST BENGAL GJM to decide on Gorkhaland movement today

NEW DELHI: The Gorkha Janmukti Morcha on Sunday is expected to decide on how to push its demand for a separate Gorkhaland. The party is likely to renew its agitation in the Darjeeling hills. The leadership has also threatened to take up arms to ensure that a separate state is formed. "From GJM we want to make it clear that the time has come for Gorkhaland. We will move ahead with our movement for Gorkhaland. Time has come for us to restart our movement," party general secretary Roshan Giri said. "This is our final battle and the time has come for us to come on the front," said Giri. The GJM has planned a rally and public meeting in Darjeeling on Sunday and Kurseong on January 27 during which it will announce its future course of action regarding the movement. The GJM's threat to revive the Gorkhaland agitation comes in the wake of union Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde's remarks after the December 28 all-party meeting in Delhi that a decision on carving out a new state of Telangana would be made within a month. "We had told Shinde that he should consider the country's oldest demand -Gorkhaland. We welcome the way the centre is going to create Telangana but the demand of Gorkhaland should also be considered," said Giri. The agitation over a separate state out of the northern West Bengal hills has led to loss of many lives over the past two decades, besides hitting hard the region's tea, timber and tourism sectors. On July 18 last year, a tripartite agreement was signed between the GJM, and the state and central governments for setting up a new autonomous, elected Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA), a hill council armed with more powers than its predecessor, the Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Council formed in the late 1980s. The GJM now runs the GTA after sweeping its maiden elections last July. The tough stance of the GJM, ahead of chief minister Mamata Banerjee's proposed visit to Darjeeling January 29, is also related to its "unhappiness" over the slow pace of transferring powers to the GTA. "Except the name of Gorkhaland Territorial Administration, what else have we got" Giri said.

MADHYA PRADESH

MP govt proposes 15 eco-sensitive zones around wildlife parks, sanctuaries

BHOPAL: The Madhya Pradesh government has proposed 15 eco-sensitive zones around its wildlife sanctuaries and parks, where illegal commercial activities including mining will be prohibited. A site specific proposal recommending eco-sensitive zones around Ken Gharial Sanctuary (Chhattarpur), Pachmari Sanctuary and Satpura National Park (Hoshangabad), Nauradehi Sanctuary (Sagar) and Karera Sanctuary (Shivpuri) among others has been approved by the state government, according to a document accessed by wildlife activist Ajay Dubey through RTI Act. The move came after the state government was given a "last chance" to send a site specific proposal to identify eco-sensitive zone by the Ministry of Environment and Forests before February 15. The state government has already decided to declare such zones around 17 wildlife sanctuaries and parks including Kanha National Park (Mandla), Pench National Park (Seoni), Bandhavgarh National Park (Umaria), Panna National Park (Panna) and Kuno Palpur Sanctuary (Seopur) among others. The proposal would soon be sent to the Environment Ministry which would declare the eco-sensitive zones. According to the ministry's norms, land falling within 10 km of a park or sanctuary has to be declared as eco-sensitive zone. The norms prohibit setting up of industries and commercial projects like hotels and resorts besides checking on mining activities among others. The MoEF has said in the letter that it will declare ecosensitive zones around 10 km of national parks and sanctuaries if it fails to get the response from the state government before February 15 thus barring commercial and other activities harmful to environment. Madhya Pradesh, a tiger state, has 35 national parks and wildlife sanctuaries.

BJP to launch toll-free number to attract people in UP

LUCKNOW: To regain its lost base in politically sensitive Uttar Pradesh ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha polls, BJP will launch a tollfree number to get suggestions and complaints from people and party workers. "The party will launch a tollfree service on January 21 through which complaints and suggestions lodged by the people, especially the party workers, will reach the national leadership," party spokesman Vijay Bahadur Pathak told. Pathak said that the aim of the exercise was to take the party closer to the people as well as the workers. He also said that on the start of 'Atal Sankalp Yatra' on January 21, the party of former UP Chief Minister Kalyan Singh would merge with the BJP. "On the same day, the party will start an ambitious toll free number on which any person from the state can lodge his complaint or suggestion," Pathak said. He said that to launch the service, conceptualised by the state president Laxmi Kant Bajpai, the party has tied up with a private telecom operator. The service would be launched by the party president Nitin Gadkari. Pathak said that the dialer would have several options, "whether the caller wants to lodge a complaint related to the party or give a suggestion. Whether he has any problem with the government and local authorities and needs help," he said. The spokesman said that if the complaint, suggestion or request would be of local level, then it would be forwarded to the concerned leader within 15 minutes. He said that if the complaint or suggestion was of state or national level then it would be forwarded to the concerned leadership accordingly. He said that the senior party leaders have already started reaching Lucknow for the yatra, which would mark Kalyan's unofficial entry into BJP. In Assembly polls held last year, the BJP, despite bombarding the state with its top level leaders failed to win the confidence of the electorates and it could manage only 47 seats. The major cause behind the party's poor display was cited to be the workers disenchantment.

UTTAR PRADESH

HARYANA Cold conditions persist to sweep several parts in Haryana

CHANDIGARH: Cold conditions on Sunday continued to sweep most parts of Punjab and Haryana, with mercury hovering below the normal levels. Chandigarh, where residents woke up to foggy conditions, recorded a low of 7.6 degree Celsius. In Haryana, Narnaul was the coldest place at a low of 3.2 degree celsius, while Bhiwani, too experienced a cold night at 4.8 degree celsius, the MeT said here. Hisar and Karnal registered minimums of 5 and 8.2 degree celsius respectively. In Punjab, Amritsar braved the chill at 4.2 degree celsius. Ludhiana and Patiala recorded respective minimums of 6.7 and 9.2 degree Celsius respectively. The MeT in its forecast said that cold conditions would prevail in the region over the next two days.

District judge in TN suspended for attending AIADMK meeting

NAMAKKAL (TN): A judge of a subordinate court in Tamil Nadu has been suspended by the Madras High Court for allegedly attending the meeting of ruling AIADMK's local unit. The order suspending principal district judge N Velu was issued by the Madras High Court Registrar General on January 18 pending inquiry into complaints, high court sources said. The judge had on December 15 attended Namakkal AIADMK Parliamentary Constituency consultancy meeting here in which five ministers participated. When reporters had asked him about his presence at the party meeting, the judge had said he attended the meeting beyond his duty hours. Photographs of his presence at the meeting and messages were sent to the High Court which suspended the judge pending an inquiry. The sources said the Karur principal district judge, given additional charge of Namakkal, has assumed charge.

Tamil Nadu

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STUDENT AGE MONDAY, JANUARY 21, 2013

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nce upon a time there was a boy whose name was Jack, and he lived with his mother on a common. They were very poor, and the old woman got her living by spinning, but Jack was so lazy that he would do nothing but bask in the sun in the hot weather, and sit by the corner of the hearth in the winter-time. So they called him Lazy Jack. His mother could not get him to do anything for her, and at last told him, one Monday, that if he did not begin to work for his porridge she would turn him out to get his living as he could. This roused Jack, and he went out and hired himself for the next day to a neighbouring farmer for a penny; but as he was coming home, never having had any money before, he lost it in passing over a brook. "You stupid boy," said his mother, "you should have put it in your pocket." "I'll do so another time," replied Jack. On Wednesday, Jack went out again and hired himself to a cow-keeper, who gave him a jar of milk for his day's work. Jack took the jar and put it into the large pocket of his jacket,

Lazy Jack

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spilling it all, long before he got home. "Dear me!" said the old woman; "you should have carried it on your head." "I'll do so another time," said Jack. So on Thursday, Jack hired himself again to a farmer, who agreed to give him a cream cheese for his services. In the evening Jack took the cheese, and went home with it on his head. By the time he got home the cheese was all spoilt, part of it being lost, and part matted with his hair. "You stupid lout," said his mother, "you should have carried it very carefully in your hands." "I'll do so another time," replied Jack. On Friday, Lazy Jack again went out, and hired himself to a baker, who would give him nothing for his work but a large tom-cat. Jack took the cat, and began carrying it very carefully in his hands, but in a short time pussy scratched him so much that he was compelled to let it go. When he got home, his mother said to him, "You

silly fellow, you should have tied it with a string, and dragged it along after you." "I'll do so another time," said Jack. So on Saturday, Jack hired

himself to a butcher, who rewarded him by the handsome present of a shoulder of mutton. Jack took the mutton, tied it to a string, and trailed it along after him in the dirt, so that by the time he had got home the meat was completely spoilt. His mother was this time quite out of patience with him, for the next day was Sunday, and she was obliged to make do with cabbage for her dinner. "You ninney-hammer," said she to her son; "you should have carried it on your shoulder." "I'll do so another

time," replied Jack. On the next Monday, Lazy Jack went once more, and hired himself to a cattle-keeper, who gave him a donkey for his trouble. Jack found it hard to hoist the donkey on his shoulders, but at last he did it, and began walking slowly home with his prize. Now it happened that in the course of his journey there lived a rich man with his only daughter, a beautiful girl, but deaf and dumb. Now she had never laughed in her life, and the doctors said she would never speak till somebody made her laugh. This young lady happened to be looking out of the window when Jack was passing with the donkey on his shoulders, with the legs sticking up in the air, and the sight was so comical and strange that she burst out into a great fit of laughter, and immediately recovered her speech and hearing. Her father was overjoyed, and fulfilled his promise by marrying her to Lazy Jack, who was thus made a rich gentleman. They lived in a large house, and Jack's mother lived with them in great happiness until she died.

FAMOUS LEADERS: Charan Singh

Dal due to a few problems that sprung up in the government. However, he proved his capabilities when, with the support of just sixty four MPs, he was sworn in as the Prime Minister in 1979. He led the country for just a few months but continued to lead the Bhartiya Lok Dal till his last breath. As the Prime Minister of India, Charan Singh was forced to step down due to the withdrawal of support by the Indian National Congress. A memorial was made for him in New Delhi which was called the Kisan Ghat, thus paying tribute to all the farming communities that he helped. Early Life Charan Singh was born in the year 1902 in Noorpur which falls within the boundaries of the Meerut district of Uttar Pradesh. He belonged to an extremely poor peasant family which descended from the kinsmen of a prominent freedom fighter of the 1857 revolt. Not many people know this but as a youngster, he excelled in academics at all stages. Career With a clean record in academics, in the year 1925, Charan Singh got his master's degree in Arts. He then acquired a degree in law in the year 1926 post which he decided to join the Indian National Congress. In 1929, Charan Singh shifted to Meerut and joined the Congress. He was first elected to the U.P. Legislative Assembly in 1937 from Chhatrauli and represented this constituency repeatedly in 1946, 1952, 1962 and 1967. The year 1951 saw Charan Singh being made the Cabinet Minister of U.P., with the Departments of Justice and Information being handed over to him. Due to a split in the Congress, he was chosen as the Chief Minister of U.P. in 1970. He was known for being an extremely gifted parliamentarian and a level-headed pragmatist. He was responsible for bringing the Land Holding Act 1960 during his reign as Chief Minister for he was an extremely dedicated public worker and a staunch believer in social justice. Charan Singh authored several books including 'Abolition of Zamindari', 'Co-operative Farming X-rayed', 'India's Poverty and its Solution', 'Peasant Proprietorship or Land to the Workers' and 'Prevention of Division of Holdings below a Certain Minimum'. In the year 1979, Charan Singh was chosen as the Prime Minister of India, although his reign did not last for too long owing to lack of support from the INC (Indian National Congress). Roles Played In Politics Charan Singh, under the influence of Mahatma Gandhi, joined the freedom struggle in his initial days as a politician. Later, in 1952, he was made the Revenue Minister of Uttar Pradesh and one of his major contributions includes steps taken against the Zamindari system which also helped bring about the Land Reform Acts. Charan Singh was a strong opponent of Nehru's socialism which made him fall out with the Congress. He left the Congress in 1967 to form his own independent party known as the Bharatiya Lok Dal (BLD). He then became the Parliamentary Secretary in Pandit Govind Ballabh Pant's government and in the year 1951, he was made Cabinet Minister with full charge of the Departments of Justice and Information under him. Later, he took over as the Minister for Revenue and Agriculture in the Cabinet of Dr. Sampurnanand. In Shri C.B. Gupta's ministry he was made the Minister for Home and Agriculture (1960). Charan Singh also served as Minister for Agriculture and Forests (1962-63) in Smt. Sucheta Kripalani's ministry. He gave up the Department of Agriculture in 1965 and assumed charge of the local self-government department in 1966. After the Congress split, he became the Chief Minister of U.P. in February 1970 with the support of the Congress Party. However, President's rule was imposed in the State on October 2, 1970 and his authority was diluted. Charan Singh served Uttar Pradesh in various capacities and won himself the reputation of a taskmaster who would not tolerate disorganization, favoritism and dishonesty in his administration. Death He died on the 29th of May, 1987 after adding his own twist to the world of politics.

Mary's Lamb
By- Sarah Josepha Hale Mary had a little lamb, Its fleece was white as snow, And everywhere that Mary went The lamb was sure to go; He followed her to school one day-

Born On: December 23, 1902 Born In: Noorpur District, Uttar Pradesh Died On: May 29, 1987 Career: Politician Nationality: Indian A poverty stricken childhood did not destroy Charan Singh's winning instincts - this in spite of growing up in conditions of extreme scarcity. Charan Singh belonged to the Jat community and established his political base in Western Uttar Pradesh and Haryana. After leading Bhartiya Lok Dal - that made for a major part of the Janatha coalition - he was appointed as the Deputy Prime Minister in 1977. Later, Charan Singh was forced to quit the governing wing of the Bhartiya Lok

That was against the rule, It made the children laugh and play To see a lamb at school. And so the teacher turned him out, But still he lingered near, And waited patiently about, Till Mary did appear. And then he ran to her and laid His head upon her arm, As if he said, "I'm not afraidYou'll shield me from all harm." "What makes the lamb love Mary so?" The little children cry; "Oh, Mary loves the lamb, you know," The teacher did reply, "And, you, each gentle animal In confidence may bind, And make it follow at your call, If you are always kind."

Jokes
1.Sardar : (To a friend) Aap kitna padhe ho? Friend : B.A. Sardar : kamal karte ho yaar! Sirf do word padhe, aur woh bhi ulte 2.Ek samay do bahut milne wale dost rahte thay. Lekin ek din ek dost ka maut ho gaya aur police investigate karne ke liye aaya aur uske dost ko sawal poochne laga Police: "Tumhara dost kaise mara?" Sardar: "Pata nahi sahab, woh bola mere pet mein chuhe kud rahe hai toh maine usko chuha marne ki dawa khila di." 3.Aman bought a car by bank loan. But he did not pay loan amount. So they took the car from him. After seeing that the man is thinking, "If I knew before, than I would have taken a loan for my marriage also. 4.Captain of Military : Naujawanon aage bado Santa aage nahin bada. Captain : Tum aage kyun nahin bade? Santa : Apne kaha 9 jawanon aage bado, mein 10 number pe tha. 5.Teacher: U idiots! At your age Einstein ranked first in class. What about you? Student: Sir at your age Hitler committed suicide..! What about you? 6.Prospective husband: Do you have a book called 'Man, The Master of Women'? Salesgirl: The fiction department is on the other side, sir.

SPOT THE DIFFERENCE

THOUGHT OF THE DAY

"Man has lost the capacity to foresee and to forestall. He will end by destroying the earth." ~ Albert Schweitzer

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NATIONAL

Shinde alleges RSS, BJP for promoting Hindu terrorism

NEW DELHI: Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde on Sunday kicked up a storm by alleging that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) are promoting Hindu terrorism in their training camps. "After investigations we have seen that be it the BJP or the RSS, their training camps are promoting Hindu terrorism," he said. "They are talking about infiltration but we have this report that whether it is the BJP or the RSS, their training camps are promoting Hindu terrorism," Shinde said. Speaking at the All India Congress Committee (AICC) meeting here, Shinde said, "We are keeping a strict eye on it. The Samjhauta Express blast, Mecca Masjid (blast), Malegaon blast -- they are planting bombs and blaming

'We didn't want to leave UPA, were forced to do so': Mamata

KOLKATA: Months after her party quit the Congress-led UPA government, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee claimed she had wanted to remain in the government, but was forced to pull out as the Centre did not accede to her demands. "We did not want to leave the UPA. We were forced to do so since the Centre did not accept our demands for withdrawal of hike in diesel price, LPG cap and FDI entry in retail," Banerjee, the Trinamool Congress supremo, told a party rally here. "We can never allow FDI in multi-brand retail. TMC has guts. What it says it does. We do not have lust for ministerial positions," she said. "Till I am alive I will not ditch the people to enjoy power," she said, adding, she had no family but the people. Dwelling on bulk purchase of diesel becoming costlier by Rs 11 and creating an additional burden of Rs 40 crore on state transport undertakings, she called for processions and meetings every evening in localities from tomorrow. Banerjee, however, reiterated her opposition to bandhs and blockade, in an apparent erant, said, "There was a time during the CPI (M) regime when people could not dare to criticise them. But a section of the media and the CPI (M) are spreading canards against us, since democracy has been restored in the state." Alleging were working as stooges of the CPI(M) and Congress, Banerjee said, "They are accusing us of not taking action against chit funds, but are taking advertisements from the chit funds. I have asked Finance minister Amit Mitra to inquire into this." Banerjee said the Nandigram and Singur movements were not the only factors which catapulted the Trinamool Congress to power. "So many people have been killed and tortured in Bengal. The struggle has been immense. We want the people of Bengal to look at the future with hope," she added.

Congress defends Shinde on Hindu terror remark

JAIPUR: The Congress on Sunday defended Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde who provoked the BJP by saying its ideological mentor RSS was promoting Hindu terrorism in its training camps. "After investigations, we have seen that be it the BJP or the RSS (Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh), their training camps are promoting Hindu terrorism. This is a matter of concern," Shinde said at the All India in connection with the particular blasts case, but suddenly in the recent times things have changed and Hindu youths are being wrongly arrested. "This is all about Congress Committee session here. "We have known this for long. Shinde had the courage to say it," Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar told reporters. "There is no Hindu or Muslim terrorism. What he meant was right wing terrorism," said Minister of State for Parlianmentary Affairs Rajeev Shukla. The BJP said Congress leaders should apologise for making the statement. playing vote-bank politics", he said. Advocating Shinde's views, Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar said that the Home Minister is 100 percent right in what he has said.

minorities for it. We need to be careful for safety of our country." Strongly reacting to Shinde's statement, BJP said Home Minister's statement is irresponsible and unfortunate. BJP leader Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said the Home Minister is trying to disrupt the peaceful environment of the country. Meanwhile, RSS spokesperson Ram Madhav

also termed Shinde's statement as highly irresponsible. "If a Congress leader had said something like this it wouldn't had matter that much, but if a Home Minister of the country is saying something like this it is highly irresponsible." The RSS leader further questioned government's motive and said that they first arrested Muslim youths

Soldiers' killing: Response to Pak not Centre to conduct study on RTI influenced by any country, says Khurshid Act, gauge its implementation
NEW DELHI: India said its response to the Pakistani cross border provocation and the killing of Indian soldiers was not "influenced" by any country, including the US. External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid also said that the Indo-Pak dialogue process has inbuilt review system, indicating that the current situation will not push for any fresh review. "We are not influenced by anybody including the US. Neither does America pressurises us nor does it have any expectations that it can do so. "But it is true that whether America, Russia, China, Canada, Iran, Saudi Arabia or Malaysia, we speak to everybody," Khurshid said when asked whether India was influenced by America in matters concerning Pakistan. here for the Indian Hockey League, he said both the Congress and BJP were united on the issue. "It is the society's decision, and the government accepts the decision of society, because it is a democratic government," he said. He also said India will not relent on its demand for the handing over of 20 terrorists who are believed to have sought shelter in Pakistan. "There is no way that we will let go of the pressure. In all our talks with them, we maintain these demands as a part of our strategy," Khurshid said. NEW DELHI: The Centre has decided to conduct a study on RTI Act to assess its implementation across the country and find ways to address bottlenecks faced by various stakeholders. The study will analyse public perception about the extent of reduction in corruption as a result of the functioning of the RTI Act and to calculate cost to the government in providing information under the transparency law among others. Besides, it will determine the level of satisfaction among the people with the functioning of the transparency law, assess type of information sought by people, record experience of public authorities at different levels and assess trends in filing of RTI applications or appeals. The Right to Information Act was enacted in 2005 to further the objectives of making governance more transparent and accountable. "In order to strengthen both the 'demand' and 'supply' side of RTI regime, several initiatives have been taken by Government of India to generate awareness amongst public regarding their rights under the Act and how to exercise those and also to train Public Information Officer in handling the RTI requests fairly and expeditiously... "To further strengthen the RTI regime, it has been decided to carry out a 360 degree study of the implementation of the RTI Act. The implementation of the provisions of the Act has to be studied from the perspective of both the demand and supply side," an Expression of Interest (EOI) floated by the Department of Personnel and Training, said. The study will cover both states and central government, across various sectors, and will cover public authorities at centre, state, district and panchayat level. "The time frame for the study is six-nine months," it said. Interested firms can reply to the EOI by January 28. Earlier, the DoPT had decided to re-tender an RTI Call centre and portal project, aimed at further simplifying the process to facilitate easy access to government information, in November last year following unfavourable response.

hint at the February 20-21 general strike called by trade unions and Left parties. She claimed Congress and CPI(M) had teamed up against the Trinamool Congress. "Both in Delhi and here, there are continuous attempts to belittle the TMC by spreading canards against us." Banerjee who has been often attacked by her political rivals of being intol-

Info on ceasefire violations, Infiltrations from Pak cannot be disclosed: CIC

NEW DELHI: Information related to ceasefire violations along the LoC and infiltrations from Pakistan in Jammu and Kashmir cannot be disclosed as it may adversely affect India's relation with other countries, the Central Information Commission has held.The transparency panel agreed with the contention of Central Public Information Officer of the army and held that disclosure of the information may also have adverse effect on the strategic and security interests of the country.The Commission, however, allowed the RTI applicant to peruse the documents pertaining to the information from the army but directed the respondent not to provide copy of them. Exercising his right to information, the applicant had in 2011 asked the army to provide details of infiltrations or infiltration attempts from the IndoPakistan border and the Line of Control in Jammu and asked the Army CPIO to collect and collate information for two calender years (i.e. 2009-10 and 2010-11) so that its disclosure, partial or full, could be decided. "I do not agree with the view taken by the CPIO and Appellate Authority. Some part of requested information keeps on appearing in the mass media from time to time and, therefore, it cannot be said that its disclosure would be prejudicial to the security of India... "It is ordered that an attempt may be made to collect and collate information for two calender years i.e. 2009-10 and 2010-11 only relating to the Indian Army...He will produce the information before the Commission to determine whether it is to be disclosed fully or partially," Information Commissioner M L Sharma has held in an order dated August 17 last year.

Asked if there was a need to review the dialogue process between the two countries, he said, reviews periodically happen as these are inbuilt in the dialogue process. On sending back Pakistani players who were

Union Ministries roped in to safeguard interests of elderly

NEW DELHI: The Social Justice Ministry has asked some of the key Central ministries to take necessary steps to safeguard the interests of senior citizens and ensure their financial, health and personal securities. The move comes following recommendations of the ministry's first 'National Conference on Ageing' in this regard. The Social Justice and Empowerment Ministry has forwarded its recommendations to Union ministries such as Home Affairs, Finance, Health and Rural Development to take steps for providing all forms of safety and security to the senior citizens, a ministry official said. "The ageing conference especially dealt with the subject of financial, health and physical security of senior citizens and a consensus was evolved there to rope in ministries and departments concerned with the task. We have specially asked Home, Finance, Health and Rural Development Ministry to initiate measures for security of older people," the official said. While the MHA has been roped to inform state governments and their police forces to give more emphasis on security needs of senior citizens, the Finance Ministry has been asked to ensure timely disbursement of funds for schemes for older people. "The Health Ministry has been asked to ensure availability of geriatric care and medicines at hospitals and health centres. The health and medicare needs of senior citizens are different from others and there is serious dearth of specialists in this field currently," the official said. Similarly the Rural Development Ministry has been asked to increase the money provided to senior citizens under Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme (IGNOPS). The Social Justice Ministry also plans to review initiatives undertaken by other government departments to take stock of the work done for empowerment of senior citizens. The first ever National Conference on Ageing was organised by the ministry last November. It was attended by representatives of various ministries, departments and state governments. The conference dwelt upon four different themes of social and economic security of older persons, health care, family and community care, and focused on elderly groups consisting of senior citizens above 80 years.

Kashmir. The Army CPIO, who was also asked to give details of ceasefire violations and casualty of security force personnel, had declined to share the information citing an exemption clause of the transparency law. Aggrieved over the response from the CPIO and First Appellate Authority, the applicant had approached the Commission. In its first hearing held last August, the Commission

BJP approves nine candidates for Meghalaya elections

SHILLONG: BJP approved the list of nine candidates out of 30 names sent for central leadership's approval for the February 23 elections in Meghalaya, officials said in Shillong. "Chaired by Nitin Gadkari, the Central Election Committee of the party which met today in the national capital approved the names of nine candidates," state BJP Secretary D Chakraborty said. "BJP is fielding candidates for city constituencies of East Shillong, West Shillong, Nongthymmai and Pynthorumkhrah segments," Mr Chakraborty said. According to the party officials, BJP has approved A L Hek, who joined the Congress even as he was elected on party tickets in the 2008 poll. In keeping with the reservation for women, the party has also allotted ticket to a female candidate, Veecare Nicia Lamare, who is contesting from Nartiang constituency in Jaintia Hills district. Romeo Phira Rani is contesting against two cabinet ministers- Deputy CM B M Lanong (UDP) and Urban Affairs Minister Ampareen Lyngdoh whose constituencies were delimitated. Augustine Lakiang would be the party candidate from Shillong South constituency and he would have to compete with Deputy Speaker Sanbor Shullai (NCP) and journalist-turned politician Manas Choudhury (Congress). The party has also approved the names of Ehkupar Nongrum (Nongthymmai), Fairly Bert Kharrngi (Nongkrem), Philip Sangma (Rajabala), Bhupendra B Hajong (Salmanpara) and Sisir Marak from Dalu. Among those who attended the party meet today were L K Advani, Chairman, BJP Parliamentary Party, Sushma Swaraj, Leader of Opposition (Lok Sabha), Arun Jaitley, Leader of Opposition (Rajya Sabha) and all the members of the Central Election Committee of the BJP.

Andy Lyngwa as its candidate to contest against Water Resources Minister

Students in rural India learn more from tuitions than schools: Reports
NEW DELHI: Reflecting the dwindling standard of education across schools in rural India, a report has claimed that students required additional help of tuitions to achieve better learning outcomes. The Annual Status of Education Report (ASER), based on a survey covering about six lakh children in 567 districts of rural India, has said tuition-going students were much clearer with their arithmetic concepts. "The influence of additional inputs in the form of tuition on the children's ability to read or do arithmetic is clear. Whether enrolled in government school or private school, children receiving this addition support have better learning outcomes than those who do not," it said. The report also revealed that enrolment in private schools had jumped by 10 per cent in the last three years. It said that in 2012, of all the children enrolled in standard I to VIII, close to 45 per cent were going to private schools or taking to private tuitions. Enrolment among the 6-14 age group in private schools has gone up from 18.7 per cent in 2006 to 28.3 per cent in 2012, the report said while raising a big question mark on the quality outcomes especially in the RTE regime. It said if the current trend of enrolment in private school continues, "Then by 2018 India may have 50 per cent children attending private schools even in rural areas". In fact, more than 40 per cent of the children in Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Goa and Meghalaya were enrolled in private schools, it said. In Kerala and Manipur, the figure was more than 60 per cent. The ASER report also found that only five out of 10 students studying in class V in rural India could solve simple arithmetic problems. It said that while in 2010 more than half of class V students were able to read class II level texts, the proportion came down to 46.8 per cent in 2012. "The decline in reading levels is more visible among children in government schools as compared to those in private schools... It has fallen from 50.7 per cent in 2010 to 41.7 per cent in 2010," it said. Barring Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Kerala, it said every major state has shown signs of a "substantial drop" in the arithmetic learning levels. Incidentally, 2012 was designated as the year of mathematics in India. The report also sought to put a big question about the outcome of Right To Education (RTE) noting that though compliance with norms and standards specified by RTE has improved since 2010, "most children in schools today are at least three grade levels behind where they should be". Learning deficit from primary school influence learning outcome at the secondary school level too, it said.

Trains to have braille stickers for visually-challenged

NEW DELHI: In a first initiative of its kind, Indian Railways is likely to introduce Braille stickers in trains for visually-challenged passengers to facilitate their travel. "We are planning to provide Braille stickers inside the coaches for assisting visually impaired passengers," a senior Railway Ministry official said. "We are in the process of finalising details of introducing Braille stickers. This is the first time that Indian Railways is exploring such initiative," the official added. The initiative is likely to be announced in the Rail Budget 2013-14, he said. Braille is a writing system which enables visually challenged and partially sighted people to read and write through touch. Recognising the needs of physically challenged persons, the Railways have also decided to provide special arrangements in all mail and express trains to facilitate their travel. "Railways is manufacturing coaches with specially designed compartments and toilets for passengers with disabilities. Now second class luggage room coaches are being modified to facilitate boarding of trains by the differently abled travellers," he said. All mail and express trains with modified coaches, known as SLRD (second class luggage rake for disabled) coaches, will have reserved seats for physically challenged persons, official said. Doors of SLRD coaches are being widened to facilitate the boarding of passengers using wheel-chairs. Railways had made a commitment to a parliamentary committee to make special provision for facilitating train boarding for physically challenged passengers. There are total four seats in unreserved category in SLRD coaches and now these have been earmarked exclusively for the physically challenged passengers and their escorts.

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INTERNATIONAL & ECONOMY

weeks. A total of 5,000 African soldiers are expected to join them, up from the planned 3,300. said French and Malian forces had entered Diabaly after it was abandoned by the insurgents on Friday following a number of French air strikes. A Malian officer said that there would be a pause in operations as Malian and French forces awaited the deployment of the African regional mission. "We are waiting for them to get here before we launch a bigger and wide-ranging offensive," he said. President Francois Hollande said France's military intervention would last as long as it takes to "vanquish terrorism" in the region. "This is not about us conquering territory or boosting our influence, or serving some form of trade or economic interest. That era is over," Hollande said. "However, France must come to help to a friend country, one of the poorest in the world, which has been a victim for too many months, not to say years, of an ever more dreadful form of terrorism."

France, Africa seeks support for Malian crisis

BAMAKO: France and West African leaders called on Saturday on other world powers to commit money and logistical support for African armies readying their troops to join French soldiers already battling al Qaeda-linked militants in Mali. The appeal came as African leaders met in Ivory Coast to hammer out details of a regional mission that is due to take over from French forces but is dispatching soldiers while still short of financing, planning and even ammunition. The stakes rose dramatically this week when Islamist gunmen cited the French intervention as a pretext to attack a desert gas plant in neighboring Algeria and seize hostages. Algeria's army carried out a "final assault" on Saturday to end a siege in which it said 23 hostages - many of them believed to be foreigners - and 32 militants were killed. Amid fears there could be similar attacks elsewhere, African nations have accelerated their own planned mission to Mali, which was originally not expected before September. Mali's north has been occu-

Japan talks tough keeping an eye on disputed islands

TOKYO: Japan says it could take hard line measures measures to keep foreign aircraft from violating its airspace in the latest verbal blast between Tokyo and Beijing that raises concerns that a contested islands over hotly contested islands could spin out of control. Japanese officials made the comments after Chinese fighters tailed its warplanes near the islands recently. The incident is believed to be the first scrambling of Chinese fighters since the tensions began to rise last spring. According to Chinese media, a pair of J-10 fighters was scrambled after Japanese F-15s began tailing a Chinese surveillance plane near the disputed islands in the East China Sea. China has complained the surveillance flight did not violate Japanese airspace and the F-15s were harassing it. It was the first time the Chinese media has reported fighters being mobilized to respond to Japanese air force activity in the area and comes amid what Japan says is a rapid intensification of Chinese air force activity around the islands, where brightly to get the attention of a pilot who may have missed other warnings due to a radio malfunction, while also indicating that the aircraft firing them is prepared to take further action. "Every country has procedures for how to deal with a violation of its territory that continues after multiple cautionary measures," Japanese Defense Minister Itsunori Onodera said Wednesday when asked if tracer shots would be fired against intruding aircraft that refuse to change course. "We have response measures ready that are consistent with global standards." The escalation of tensions has worried the United States, with Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton saying Friday that while the U.S. doesn't take a position on who has sovereignty over the islands, it opposes "any unilateral actions that would seek to undermine Japanese administration." That brought a sharp retort from the Chinese Foreign Ministry on Sunday. The comments "ignore the facts" that the islands are China's inherent territory, spokesman Qin Gang said in a statement that urged the U.S. to adopt "a responsible attitude." In Beijing last week, a Foreign Ministry spokesman said China is on "high alert" and suggested Japan is escalating the tensions over the islands, called the Diaoyu in China and the Senkaku in Japan. Taiwan also claims the small isles, which are uninhabited but may be surrounded by valuable underwater natural resources. "Chinese planes and ships are exercising normal jurisdiction in the waters and airspace surrounding the Diaoyu Islands," spokesman Hong Lei said. "We are opposed to the operations of Japan's planes and ships, which violate our rights around Diaoyu. We are on high alert against this escalation."

pied by a mix of gunmen since rebels bolstered with weapons seized from Libya after the 2011 fall of Muammar Gaddafi took up arms last year. Separatist rebels who launched the fighting were soon sidelined by the Islamist alliance of al Qaeda's North African wing AQIM and home-grown Malian groups Ansar Dine and MUJWA. France has some 2,000 troops in Mali, a number due to rise by 500 in coming

The bombing of a rebel column by French war planes and helicopters has halted an advance towards the central towns of Mopti and Sevare. Air raids and the deployment of French ground troops have helped Mali's disorganized army fight back. The town of Konna was seized back from the insurgents earlier this week, but there were conflicting reports on Saturday about the situation in another town, Diabaly. Malian military sources

Nepal SC summons Bhattarai over murder probe

KATHMANDU: Nepal Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai has been summoned by the Supreme Court on contempt of court charges, over his alleged attempt to intervene in an ongoing case related to the 2004 killing of a journalist in which Maoist cadres have been arrested. Besides Bhattarai, the apex court also summoned Attorney General Mukti Narayan Pradhan in connection with the case. The court has sought a written explanation from Bhattarai, who is also the law minister, and Pradhan within a week. A single bench of Justice Sushila Karki ordered the duo yesterday to clarify whether their move to intervene in the ongoing investigation in the killing of journalist Dekendra Raj Thapa could be regarded as contempt of court. "Both the prime minister and attorney general are directed to clear the air in writing within seven days," said court spokesperson Shrikant Paudel. The bench was responding to a contempt of court case jointly filed by the lawyers' and journalists' associations on January 13. Thapa, a reporter of staterun Radio Nepal, was abducted by alleged Maoist rebels from Dailekh district in 2004 during the civil war. The Maoists allegedly tortured him in captivity for about a month before burying him alive. His body was found in a jungle near Dwari village four years later in 2008. The police last week had arrested five Maoist cadres in connection to the abduction and murder. Bhattarai, who himself is a Maoist leader, had expressed dissatisfaction over the arrest of the Maoist cadres in the case, saying resurrection of civil war era cases was against the spirit of the peace accord. Earlier on January 15, the Apex Court had issued a stay order against the Attorney General's letter to Dailekh district attorney and police to halt investigation into the murder. Under the Nepalese law, those held guilty on the contempt of court charge would be liable to face a oneyear jail or a fine of Rs 10,000 or both. Sources said

Japanese and Chinese coast guard ships have squared off for months. Though there have been no outright clashes, the increased sea and air operations have fueled worries that the situation could spin out of control. Such concerns have grown over official comments suggesting new Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and his Cabinet are considering the use of "tracer" fire as a means of responding to airspace incursions. Tracer rounds are designed to burn

Amid sheer tussle with Kachin rebels prez Thein call for dialogue process to resolve conflict
NAYPYIDAW :The Burmese army has launched a fresh attack on rebel Kachin forces in the north of the country, breaking a short-lived government ceasefire. Burmese troops attacked a Kachin base just a few kilometres from Laiza, the capital of Kachin state, near the Chinese border.Hundreds of Burmese troops could be seen crawling through the trees up the slopes, says a report. Kachin fighters are fighting for greater autonomy in Burma. The base was hit by sustained mortar and artillery fire, sources said If the base falls, there are few defences left to prevent the fall of Laiza, should the Burmese military decide to take it, he adds, and a Burmese military advance would certainly force the flight of many thousands of civilians. The government announced a ceasefire on Friday, but the Kachin Independence Army claimed that attacks continued regardless. The Kachin Independence Army is the only major ethnic rebel group not to have agreed a longstanding ceasefire with the government. The rebels are seeking greater autonomy within Burma for ethnic Kachins who have had de facto control over a part of northern Burma for more than 50 years. Burma's new military-backed civilian government has pledged to resolve conflicts in border areas with ethnic minority groups. But the Burmese army began a new offensive last month, after a 17-year truce with the rebels ended in mid2011. The latest fighting flared after the Kachin rebels refused to stop attacking Burmese army convoys delivering supplies to a base near Laiza. On Sunday the Burmese president Thein Sein repeated his call for dialogue with rebels to resolve the long-running conflict.

ECONOMY

India-China trade declines by over 10 per cent to $66.47 billion in 2012

BEIJING, JAN 20: After posting impressive growth in the past few years, IndiaChina bilateral trade declined by 10.1 per cent to $66.47 billion last year. According to the figures released by the Chinese Commerce Ministry, India's trade deficit mounted to $28.87 billion due to steady decline of export of iron ore. The deficit grew by $1.79 billion compared to 2011, it showed. The bilateral trade touched $61.74 billion in 2010 posting a high growth at 42.66 per cent followed by 19.71 per cent in 2011 with $73.9 billion. This is the first time in recent years the bilateral trade registered negative growth, which according to officials was in consistent with the decline in global trade. Indian exports to China declined by 19.6 per cent to $18.8 billion last year compared $23.41 billion in 2011 and $20.86 billion in 2010. Significantly China's exports to India, which in the past had a high volume of growth, declined by 5.7 per cent to $47.67, the data showed. China's exports touched $50.49 billion in 2011 from 40.88 billion in 2010. While the two countries were confident that the trade volumes would pick up, there is a great deal of scepticism about Indian exports making much headway as China has not opened up much on IT, andPharmaceuticals fronts despite high voltage campaigns by India. Top Chinese leaders also have been openly acknowledging that the high trade Indian deficit is a matter of concern for bilateral trade, that is aimed at reaching the $100 billion target in 2015. "China pays close attention to the trade imbalance. We have already encouraged Chinese companies to import more from India and will continue to do so," China's top negotiator with India Dai Bingguo, had said in a recent interview to PTI. He was confident that $100 billion set by both the countries for 2015 would be achieved. "As neighbours and large emerging countries, China and India enjoy huge potential and broad prospects for economic cooperation. We are confident that, by working together, we will reach the goal of $100 billion of two-way trade by 2015," he said. The two countries held high level strategic dialogue in December last year raising the prospects of increase in trade and investment between both the countries this year.

Reliance Industries ends PSUs may not be allowed to lobbying activities in US issue tax-free bonds in FY14
WASHINGTON: Amid a huge uproar over lobbying by American firms to gain access to Indian market, India's leading corporate house Reliance Industries has terminated its lobbying activities among the US lawmakers after having spent nearly 2 million dollars (over Rs 10 crore) to its lobbyist here in the past four years. Mukesh Ambani-led Reliance Industries (RIL) began lobbying among the US lawmakers through leading lobbyist firm, Barbour Griffith & Rogers LLC (BGR), in January 2009 for its business activities and other causes. However, the company had put on hold its lobbying activities here for the past five quarters and it has now terminated its lobby registration itself in the US. The company, which has been expanding its presence in global markets, including the US, in the recent years and has interests in businesses ranging from energy, polyester and retail to telecom back in India, has paid a total amount of USD 1.88 million (over Rs 10 crore) to its US lobbyist since January 2009. According to its latest lobbying disclosure report dated January 18, filed with the US Senate through BGR, it terminated its lobbying registration with the US authorities on January 11. The disclosure further mentioned that there was "no lobbying issue activity" during the last quarter, which ended on December 31, 2012. This was the fifth consecutive quarter when BGR reported 'no lobbying activity' for its client RIL among the US lawmakers. NEW DELHI: The Finance Ministry may not allow state-owned companies to float tax-free bonds in the forthcoming Budget as they have not been utilising the funds raised through these instruments for infrastructure development. Although the primary objective of tax-free bonds is to encourage state-owned companies to invest in longterm infrastructure projects, they are mostly parking the funds in debt instruments to earn interest income. "Instead of directing the funds raised from tax free bonds towards infrastructure development, public sector companies issuing these bonds park the money into fixed deposits and earn interest," a senior Finance Ministry official said. The existing practice of parking the funds in debt instruments defeats the purpose of according tax benefit tobonds, the official said, adding that the Ministry may not allow PSUs to raise funds from such issuances. The Finance Ministry, sources said, has already raised the issue with the heads of PSUs which were granted permission to float such instruments. Besides, the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) too has opposed these bonds as they result in revenue loss. The government had in 2012-13 allowed stateowned financial institutions to raise about Rs. 60,000 crore from tax-free bonds, as compared to Rs. 30,000 crore in the previous fiscal year.This included Rs. 10,000 crore for NHAI; Rs. 10,000 crore for IRFC; Rs. 10,000 crore for IIFCL; Rs. 5,000 crore for Hudco; Rs. 5,000 crore for National Housing Bank; Rs. 5,000 crore for Sidbi; Rs. 5,000 crore for ports and Rs. 10,000 crore for power sector. Sidbi's name was later removed from the list.

Banking system shows signs of instability on rising NPAs: RBI

MUMBAI: The banking system has recently shown signs of moderate rise in instability due to increase in non-performing assets (NPAs), the Reserve Bank has said in a working paper. "The movements in the banking stability indicator...that there are symptoms of a moderate rise in instability of the banking sector in recent periods perhaps due to the rise in the NPA," it said in a working paper on Banking Stability A Precursor to Financial Stability. The NPAs, or bad loans, of the Indian banking sector rose sharply to 1.28 per cent in 2011-12 from 0.97 per cent in the previous year, because of high interest rate and slowdown in the global economy. For public sector banks, it rose to 1.53 per cent in 201112 from 1.09 per cent a year ago. Though private lenders reduced their NPAs to 0.46 per cent from 0.56 per cent. The paper said there is a need to exert precautionary measures to improve the overall performance of the banking sector and initiate regulatory measures appropriately. It said policymakers will need to work towards strengthening the banking sector to enable the banks to bear the shocks resulting from an adverse turn in the real sector environment. Also, it said there is a need to build enough safeguard in the banking sector to avoid the negative feedback loop between the banking sector and the real sector which could lead to the germination and aggravation of a financial crisis. Referring to the recent global economic crisis that began in 2008-09, the paper said, "the real act of the financial crisis was enacted in the courtyard of the banking sector where the trigger of financial crisis initially took place." However, concerted efforts are being made by various organisations such as the IMF, BIS and World Bank as well as individual central banks to evolve various leading indicators of the financial stability, including banking sector, in order to make an informed judgement about the evolving risks to the financial system and initiate corrective policy measures. The paper also observed that banking instability has immediate adverse effect on the financial markets stability as well as real sector output. "...stability in the banking sector is a necessary condition for maintaining financial stability," it added. It further said deterioration in the banking stability indicator has adverse impact on the real sector and similarly deceleration in the real sector performance will adversely affect banking sector.

Tata AIG General Insurance introduces claim approval service within 4 hours
MUMBAI: Tata AIG General Insurance has introduced a service where it will settle health claims within four hours of filing for a claim. "Normally it takes over six hours for claims approvals due to processing. We thought to tighten the procedure further and bring down the time to only four hours. We introduced this feature to prevent a medical emergency from becoming a financial burden on our customers," Tata AIG General Senior Vice-President, Consumer Lines, Ramesh Ramani said. This fast-track approval feature is available for existing customers as well as the new ones, he added. The private insurer is relatively a new entrant into the health space and launched its first product in the segment around 10 months ago. "Being a new player in the health space we are planning to introduce innovative features and products that will not only establish our brand but also help us increase our customer base," Ramani said. The firm, a joint venture between the Tata Group and American International Group Inc (AIG), has eight health policies under its portfolio. It has sold over 20,000 health polices between April-December 2012. Going ahead, the private insurer is looking to launch segment specific products under the health category. "We already have filed few segment specific health products with the regulator IRDA (Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority). We hope to launch our first such product in the next six months," Ramani said.

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MISC

Sharapova races into Australian Open quarterfinals

MELBOURNE: Second seed Maria Sharapova raced into the Australian Open quarterfinals on Sunday as she beat unseeded Belgian Kirsten Flipkens in straight sets. The world number two, a finalist at Melbourne Park last year, blitzed to a 6-1, 6-0 win and will next face fellow Russia's 19th seed Ekaterina Makarova, whom she beat in the last eight in 2012. Sharapova has been in rampant form here and has only dropped five games in four matches so far in her bid for a second Australian title, after lifting the trophy in 2008. She had met Flipkens twice before and won both times and they tested each other in the first game, which the Belgian finally won. Sharapova, who needs to reach at least the final to have a chance of returning to world number one, ner, who defeated Venus Williams in the third round, was starting to get the measure of her opponent on a hot Melbourne day and a sizzling crosscourt backhand put her 4-1 in front. She held serve and wrapped up the set when Flipkens sent a forehand long in the next. Ahead of the match, Sharapova said she was wary of the Flipkens slice, but the Belgian rarely used it and she lost confidence in the second set as the Russian raced through it in just 25 minutes. Flipkens, who is currently without a coach but takes advice from fellow Belgian and good friendKim Clijsters, is battling back up the rankings after a blood clot hampered her progress in the first half of last year. Despite losing Sunday, she is projected to move inside the top 35, which would be a career-best ranking.

BCCI names unchanged squad for last two ODIs

RANCHI: The BCCI on Saturday named an unchanged 15-member squad for the remaining two ODIs of the five-match series against England to be played at Mohali and Dharamsala respectively.India spanked England by seven wickets in the third one-dayer on Saturday to take a 2-1 lead in the series."The All-India Senior Selection Committee has retained the team that has taken a 2-1 lead in the ongoing Airtel ODI series against England, for the last two matches of the series, to be played at Mohali and Dharamsala on 23 January 2013 and 27 January 2013 respectively," a release from the BCCI said. Squad: Mahendra Singh Dhoni (c), Gautam Gambhir, Ajinkya Rahane, Cheteshwar Pujara,Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Yuvraj Singh, Suresh Raina, R Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Amit Mishra, Ishant Sharma, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Ashok Dinda and Shami Ahmed.

India returns to top position in ICC ODI rankings

NEW DELHI: With an emphatic seven-wicket win against England in Ranchi One day International, the Indian cricket team has returned to the top position in ICC ODI rankings. Team team dominated the English team in all departments of the game. The Indian team seems to have taken the pride back after the humiliating test series defeat against England. Now, India leads the series 2-1 with two matches yet to be played. The Indian team tops the chart with 119 rating points in the ICC ODI rankings followed by the England with 118 rating points. The South African team holds third spot with 166 rating points. Indian team will be able to retain the top slot if it wins at least one of the remaining matches in the ongoing ODI series against England.

Maria Sharapova will next face fellow Russia's 19th seed Ekaterina Makarova held serve then helped by some loose Flipkens shots got the break for 2-1 with a blistering crosscourt forehand winner. Flipkens had two break point chances in the next game but failed to convert and Sharapova held after a game that went for some 12 minutes on Rod Laver Arena. The four-time Grand Slam win-

Australian Open: Bhupathi-Nestor in men's doubles 3rd round, Paes-Vesnina also advance
MELBOURNE: Mahesh Bhupathi and his Serbian-born Canadian partner Daniel Nestor cruised into third round round while Leander Paes and Rohan Bopanna progressed to the mixed doubles second round with their respective partners, here. Bhupathi and his Canadian partner Daniel Nestor, seeded fifth, defeated Romania's Victor Hanescu and Slovak Martin Klizan 6-1 7-6 (8) to enter the third round. They next face unseeded Italian combination of Simone Bolelli and Fabio Fognini, who shocked 12th seeds Rohan Bopanna and Rajeev Ram 6-2 7-6 (3). Paes and Elena Vesnina overcame a stiff resistance from unseeded team of Pakistan's Aisam-Ul-Haq Qureshi and Sofia Arvidsson of Sweden in the first round. The second seeded IndoRussian pair came from behind to edge past the unseeded rivals 6-7 (8) 6-4 10-7 in one hour and 48 minutes contest. They next take on Australian pair of Jarmila Gajdosova and Matthew Ebden. Bopanna crashed out of the men's doubles but advanced to the second round of the mixed doubles. Bopanna and Chinese Taipei's Su-Wei Hsieh defeated Australian-American pairing of Ashleigh Barty and Jack Sock 6-3 6-3.The Indo-Taipei pair will now be up against the winner of the match between the Slovak-Italian duo of Daniela Hantuchova and Fabio Fognini and the RussianAmerican combine of Natalie Grandin and Rajeev Ram.

Viswanathan outsmarts Van Wely in Tata Steel Chess tournament

WIJK AAN ZEE : World champion Viswanathan Anand outsmarted Loek Van Wely of Holland to come back in joint lead after the seventh round of the 75th Tata Steel Chess tournament. After two draws against Magnus Carlsen of Norway and compatriot P Harikrishna post the first rest day, Anand broke through the defences of Van Wely in style showing fine technique to take his points tally to five. Magnus Carlsen played out a draw with Hungarian Peter Leko to match Anand on points and the two leaders are now followed by Hikaru Nakamura of United States and Sergey Karjakin of Russia a half point behind. With six rounds still to come in the 14players round-robin tournament, Harikrishna shares the fifth spot with Levon Aronian of Armenia on four points. Left with some catching up to do is Fabiano Caruana of Italy on three points sharing the eighth spot with Van Wely and Chinese Wang Hao while Dutch duo of Anish Giri and Erwin L'Ami along side Yifan Hou of China are in 11th spot with 2.5 points apiece.Ivan Sokolov of Holland, who drew with Harikrishna in seventh round, is at the bottom of the tables on just two points from his seven games. After two days of many decisive games, the lull was back and as only Anand and Nakamura scored victories. The American was quite happy to beat his nemesis Wang Hao.Aronian came close to winning his third game in a row but Sergey Karjakin got off the hook in the final hour. Yifan Hou pressed but could only share the point with Caruana while L'Ami and Giri played an easy draw between themselves. Anand was surprised early as Van Wely went for the Scandinavian defence and apparently equalised in the early stages of the middle game.However, on his 18th turn, the Dutch GM missed the thread of the position and went for a breakthrough that seriously weakened key squares. Anand knocked down a pawn in quick time thereafter and entered a rook and minor piece endgame. Another error by Van Wely sealed the game in Anand's favour in 37 moves. Harikrishna played out a draw with Sokolov from a Nimzo Indian defence where the latter played white. Sokolov secured advantage but could not go beyond that as Harikrishna's position remained solid.The rook and minor piece endgame had no chance for either players and the draw was a just result in 45 moves. Results round 7: V Anand (Ind, 5) beat Loek Van Wely (Ned, 3); Ivan Sokolov (Ned, 2) drew with P Harikrishna (Ind, 4); Peter Leko (Hun, 4) drew with Magnus Carlsen (Nor, 5); Wang Hao (Chn, 3.5) lost to Hikaru Nakamura (Usa, 4.5); Sergey Karjakin (Rus, 4.5) drew with Levon Aronian (Arm, 4); Erwin L'Ami (Ned, 2.5) drew with Anish Giri (Ned, 2.5); Yifan Hou (Chn, 2.5) drew with Fabiano Caruana (Ita, 3).

LONDON: England left-arm spinner Monty Panesar, who had impressed in the recent Test series in India, has been cleared by his county side Sussex to take part in next month's auction of the cash-rich IPL. Panesar is among three England players to have been given permission to appear in this year's IPL auction. The other two are, his Sussex team-mate Matt Prior and Essex's Ravi Bopara. The off-spinner, however, may not play the whole IPL season, which begins on April 3, if he is selected in the Test team for the home series against England starting May 16. The England and Wales Cricket Board has asked any of the players involved in IPL and who may be selected in the Test team to return to England in time to appear in the final round of Championship matches, ahead of the first Test against New Zealand that begins on May 16. That means that Sussex could be without Panesar - in case he is bought by IPL franchises -- for two games and he may have to be back in England before the end of April. Sussex' last game before the first Test begins on May 1. All players are required to obtain No Objection Certificates from their counties or national boards to take part in the IPL.

Monty Panesar cleared for IPL auction

AB de Villiers suspended for two ODIs

NEW DELHI:AB de Villiers will be forced to miss the next two ODIs against New Zealand after he was suspended for South Africa's slow over-rate in the first one-dayer in Paarl. South Africa were adjudged to be six overs short of their target and de Villiers pleaded guilty to the offence. The entire South African team was also fined 100% of their match fees. This was deemed a serious over-rate offence, for which de Villiers got two suspension points. That results in a ban of either one Test or two ODIs. The other players are fined 10% of their match fees for each of the first two overs short and 20% for every additional over their side fails to bowl in the allotted time. The loss of de Villiers is a big Duminy, leaving them light on experience in the batting. David Miller will be brought in as a replacement for the remaining two ODIs. There are two contenders to be captain in de Villiers' absence, and it is still not confirmed who will take the job. Hashim Amla is the vice-captain, and is expected to be asked whether he will lead the side; the other candidate is Faf du Plessis, who led South Africa in the Twenty20 series against New Zealand earlier in this tour. New Zealand lead the series 1-0 after James Franklin's unbeaten 47 took his side to a one-wicket win in a low-scoring thriller in Paarl.

blow for South Africa, especially as they are already without Jacques Kallis and the injured JP

Saurashtra beat Punjab by 229 runs to enter Ranji Trophy final

RAJKOT: Riding on a splendid bowling performance led by off-spinner Vishal Joshi, Saurashtra on Sunday thrashed Punjab by 229 runs to enter the Ranji Trophy final for the first time in 75 years. Saurashtra scored 477 in the first innings and took a vital 178-run lead over Punjab by dismissing them for 299. In the second essay, the hosts were dismissed for 170, setting Punjab a victory target of 349 to win the semi-final match.However, the visitors were skittled out for 119. Saurashtra took just 21 overs to clean up the eight remaining wickets on the fifth and final day.. Joshi, who scalped four wickets in the first innings, again proved to be the wrecker-in-chief, taking five wickets conceding only 43 runs. He was ably supported by Dharmendra Jadeja (3/25) and Jaydev Unadkat (2/30). Resuming the day at 45 for 2, Punjab batsmen failed to negotiate Joshi and left-arm leg spinner Dharmendra Jadeja. The visitors surrendered meekly and the entire team was bundled out for a paltry 119 off 40 overs.Overnight batsmen Mandeep Singh was the first man to be dismissed, outclassed by a beauty from Joshi, and then the rest of the batting order collapsed like a house of cards. Joshi and Jadeja were simply unplayable on a track that started assisting bowlers from the final session of the fourth day. Mandeep (33) was the highest scorer for his team in the second essay as half a dozen Punjab batsmen failed to even reach the double digit mark. Ravi Inder Singh contributed 25 runs. Joshi, who finished the match with 9 for 102 runs, was declared man of the match. Saurashtra's earlier avatars Navanagar and WISCA (Western India State Cricket Association) have played in the final of the prestigious domestic tournament. In 2006, Saurashtra had won the Ranji Plate division title by beating the Ajay Jadeja-led Rajasthan here. Brief scores: Saurashtra 477 and 170 beat Punjab by 229 runs. Punjab 299 and 119 (Mandeep Singh 33, Ravi Inder Singh 25, Vishal Joshi 5-43, Dharmendra Jadeja 3-25 and Jaydev Unadkat 2-30).

Ugandan Jackson, Kenyan Kipketerset new Mumbai Marathon marks

MUMBAI: Pacemaker Jackson Kiprop of Uganda and rookie Valentine Kipketer of Kenya set new course records on their way to the men and women's titles respectively in the USD 350,000 10th Standard Chartered Mumbai Marathon on Sunday. Debutant Kiprop, who was supposed to set the pace in the closing stages, overcame a strong field that included defending men's champion Laban Moiben of Kenya to storm to the finish line in 2 hours, 9 minutes and 32 seconds, thus dipping under the two-year-old course mark of 2:09:54. The victory made the 26-year-old richer by USD 55,000 which included the USD 15,000 bonus for breaking the record. In second place was Jacob Cheshari of Ethiopia who, too, bettered the previous course mark by finishing in a fast 2:09:43, while Elijah Kemboi came third in 2:10:03.Last year's winner and pre-race favourite Moiben was 5th in 2:10:55. Kiprop, who is the training partner for London Olympics men's marathon champion Stephen Kiprotich, said he came here straight after his three-month-long training stint with the Olympic gold medallist in Kenya and it stood him in good stead. Asked about the conditions, Kiprop said the weather was cool initially and became a bit hot towards the end. The men's race, in comparison to the women's in which 20year-old Valentine Kipketer destroyed the field with front running from 20km out, was a close one with the bunch of nine, including Moiben, leading the field from the halfway stage -- the Rajiv Gandhi Sea Link in Bandra. Kiprop and Cheshari stepped on the pace just after Kemp's corner flyover on the return leg and the former pushed further ahead of the rest on the Marine Drive stretch before breasting the tape well ahead of the Ethiopian.Both Cheshari and third-placed Kenmboi said the weather was good. Women's champion Kipketer, for whom this is her second marathon after the Hamburg race in April 2012, said she had no complaints about the weather or the course.

'Beaming' Mona Lisa 'over the Moon'!

WASHINGTON: As part of the first demonstration of laser communication with a satellite at the moon, scientists with NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) beamed an image of the Mona Lisa to the spacecraft from Earth. The iconic image travelled nearly 240,000 miles in digital form from the Next Generation Satellite Laser Ranging (NGSLR) station at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Md., to the Lunar Orbiter Laser Altimeter (LOLA) instrument on the spacecraft. By transmitting the image piggyback on laser pulses that are routinely sent to track LOLA's position, the team achieved simultaneous laser communication and tracking. NASA Goddard scientists transmitted an image of the Mona Lisa from Earth to the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter at the moon by piggybacking on laser pulses that routinely track the spacecraft. "This is the first time anyone has achieved one-way laser communication at planetary distances," David Smith, LOLA's principal investigator from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology said. "In the near future, this type of simple laser communication might serve as a backup for the radio communication that satellites use. In the more distant future, it may allow communication at higher data rates than present radio links can provide," Smith said. Typically, satellites that go beyond Earth orbit use radio of 152 pixels by 200 pixels. Every pixel was converted into a shade of gray, represented by a number between zero and 4,095. Each pixel was transmitted by a laser pulse, with the pulse being fired in one of 4,096 possible time slots during a brief time window allotted for returning the image to Earth using the spacecraft's radio telemetry system. Turbulence in Earth's atmosphere introduced transmission errors even when the sky was clear. To overcome these effects, Sun and colleagues employed ReedSolomon coding, which is the same type of error-correction code commonly used in CDs and DVDs. The experiments also provided statistics on the signal fluctuations due to Earth's atmosphere. To clean up transmission errors introduced by Earth's atmosphere, Goddard scientists applied Reed-Solomon error correction, which is commonly used in CDs and DVDs. Typical errors include missing pixels and false signals. The white stripe indicates a brief period when transmission was paused. "This pathfinding achievement sets the stage for the Lunar Laser Communications Demonstration (LLCD), a high data rate laser-communication demonstrations that will be a central feature of NASA's next moon mission, the Lunar Atmosphere and Dust Environment Explorer (LADEE)," Goddard's Richard Vondrak, the LRO deputy project scientist, said.

waves for tracking and communication. LRO is the only satellite in orbit around a body other than Earth to be tracked by laser as well. "Because LRO is already set up to receive laser signals through the LOLA instrument, we had a unique opportunity to demonstrate one-way laser communication with a distant satellite," Xiaoli Sun, lead author of the paper, said. Precise timing was the key to transmitting the image. Sun and colleagues divided the Mona Lisa image into an array

laser tracking. The complete image was transmitted at a data rate of about 300 bits per second. The laser pulses were received by LRO's LOLA instrument, which reconstructed the image based on the arrival times of the laser pulses from Earth. This was accomplished without interfering with LOLA's primary task of mapping the moon's elevation and terrain and NGSLR's primary task of tracking LRO. The success of the laser transmission was verified by

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