New Delhi, Jun 18 : In an effort to blend information technology with higher education, Delhi University is working on a project to develop e-content for seven subjects.
The project is part of a Rs 5,000 crore scheme under the National Mission of Education Through Information and Communication Technology.
"Under this project we are developing e-content for seven subjects. The material will be in multi-media format which will include online quizzes, animations, virtual laboratories and audio-video clips," Prof A K Bakshi, Director of the Institute of Life Long Learning (ILL), told Zeack.
Bakshi said the endeavour is also in consonance with the varsity's motto of providing students with "blended learning" with a combination of technology and conventional methods.
At present, ILL, which is handling the project, is developing e-content for chemistry, botany, zoology, history maths, economics and commerce. The project is expected to be completed by December.
The HRD ministry launched the National Mission on Education through ICT this February to encourage integration of information technology in the field of education. Z
11:29 PM
11:29 PM
Lalit K Jha
Washington, Jun 18 : The White House has expressed satisfaction over the productive meeting between Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Pakistan President Asif Ali Zarari in Russia early this week.
"We are glad to hear the (two) leaders had a productive meeting in Russia and hope that they will continue to talk and meet regularly," White House National Security Council spokesman Mike Hammer told Zeack.
Singh and Zardari met on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Russia for the first time after the Mumbai terror attacks which killed 183 people and stalled the composite dialogue process.
"The (Obama) Administration welcomes dialogue between the leaders of India and Pakistan, which we feel is essential to reducing bilateral tensions," Hammer said.
Announcing his new Af-Pak policy, US President Barack Obama on March 27 stressed on the need to engage both India and Pakistan in constructive diplomacy so as to reduce the tension between the two countries.
In the aftermath of the Mumbai terrorist attacks, India had stopped peace dialogue with Pakistan. Z
Washington, Jun 18 : The White House has expressed satisfaction over the productive meeting between Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Pakistan President Asif Ali Zarari in Russia early this week.
"We are glad to hear the (two) leaders had a productive meeting in Russia and hope that they will continue to talk and meet regularly," White House National Security Council spokesman Mike Hammer told Zeack.
Singh and Zardari met on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Russia for the first time after the Mumbai terror attacks which killed 183 people and stalled the composite dialogue process.
"The (Obama) Administration welcomes dialogue between the leaders of India and Pakistan, which we feel is essential to reducing bilateral tensions," Hammer said.
Announcing his new Af-Pak policy, US President Barack Obama on March 27 stressed on the need to engage both India and Pakistan in constructive diplomacy so as to reduce the tension between the two countries.
In the aftermath of the Mumbai terrorist attacks, India had stopped peace dialogue with Pakistan. Z
11:29 PM
Prasun Sonwalkar
London, June 18 : The Labour government has turned down the demand of the recession-hit Indian restaurant industry to raise the threshold at which small companies pay VAT, spreading gloom among thousands of owners and employees.
Buffeted by steep fall in revenues, nearly 150 Indian restaurants that tickled palates across Britain have closed down since last Christmas and many more are likely to shut shop in the next six months.
Owners of Indian restaurants in the east Midlands town of Leicester, which has a large minority of Indian origin, started a campaign at the local and national levels to urge the government to come to their rescue in the same way it had supported failing banks.
But in a letter to the campaign organisers, Treasury minister Angela Eagle said: "The Government cannot change the UK VAT registration threshold without prior agreement with the EU." She added that the current UK threshold of 68,000 pounds was already the highest in Europe and that other businesses in the country were calling for it to be made lower, not higher.
Indian restaurant owners want the threshold to be raised to 95,000 pounds. Z
London, June 18 : The Labour government has turned down the demand of the recession-hit Indian restaurant industry to raise the threshold at which small companies pay VAT, spreading gloom among thousands of owners and employees.
Buffeted by steep fall in revenues, nearly 150 Indian restaurants that tickled palates across Britain have closed down since last Christmas and many more are likely to shut shop in the next six months.
Owners of Indian restaurants in the east Midlands town of Leicester, which has a large minority of Indian origin, started a campaign at the local and national levels to urge the government to come to their rescue in the same way it had supported failing banks.
But in a letter to the campaign organisers, Treasury minister Angela Eagle said: "The Government cannot change the UK VAT registration threshold without prior agreement with the EU." She added that the current UK threshold of 68,000 pounds was already the highest in Europe and that other businesses in the country were calling for it to be made lower, not higher.
Indian restaurant owners want the threshold to be raised to 95,000 pounds. Z
11:19 PM
New Delhi, Jun 18 : Microbiologists in Maharashtra have found 'magnetic bacteria' in the ancient Lonar lake formed due to meteorite impact, a finding that might open a vista for searching extra-terrestrial life.
The magnetotactic bacteria, which are object of interest of scientists from various fields world over, were isolated from the lake in Maharashtra's Buldana district which is the only impact crater formed in basaltic rock.
The bacteria are unique as they swim along geomagnetic field lines because they contain tiny magnetic crystals called magnetosomes, said Mahesh Chavadar, a microbiologist at the Yashwantrao Chavan College of Science in Karad.
The fact that the bacteria was found in the lake has thrown open doors for research on life outside universe.
"This seems to hint at a certain correlation between these bacteria and meteorites, and that could have tremendous implications on the search for extra-terrestrial life. We need to explore if life outside the earth existed in this form," Chavadar said reporting his findings in a recent issue of 'Current Science'.
The bacteria was first discovered in 1975 and only a few cultures of the micro-organisms are available in laboratories across the world. Z
The magnetotactic bacteria, which are object of interest of scientists from various fields world over, were isolated from the lake in Maharashtra's Buldana district which is the only impact crater formed in basaltic rock.
The bacteria are unique as they swim along geomagnetic field lines because they contain tiny magnetic crystals called magnetosomes, said Mahesh Chavadar, a microbiologist at the Yashwantrao Chavan College of Science in Karad.
The fact that the bacteria was found in the lake has thrown open doors for research on life outside universe.
"This seems to hint at a certain correlation between these bacteria and meteorites, and that could have tremendous implications on the search for extra-terrestrial life. We need to explore if life outside the earth existed in this form," Chavadar said reporting his findings in a recent issue of 'Current Science'.
The bacteria was first discovered in 1975 and only a few cultures of the micro-organisms are available in laboratories across the world. Z
11:19 PM
Sensex sheds 72 points in volatile trade
planetInfo
Mumbai, June 18 : The Bombay Stock Exchange benchmark Sensex today opened nearly 72 points down, after registering fourth biggest single-session fall this year yesterday, as funds and investors indulged in liquidating their positions, tracking weak overseas markets.
The Sensex, which had lost 435.07 points in yesterday's session, fell by 71.62 points at 14,451.22 in the first five minutes of trade.
The wide-based National Stock Exchange index Nifty was also down 17.15 points at 4,339.
Stock brokers said trading sentiment was mainly dampened because of sustained pullout by foreign funds in the past few trading sessions, triggering selling by retail investors.
Shares of capital goods, oil and gas auto sectors, continued to face selling pressure at prevailing higher levels, they said.
Among major losers were, the most-weighted RIL down 0.43 per cent at Rs 2,042, Grasim Industries by 1.91 per cent at Rs 2,272.20, HDFC Bank by 1.55 per cent at Rs 1,523, HDFC Ltd by 1.68 per cent at Rs 2,243.15, ACC by 1.64 per cent at Rs 813 and Larsen and Toubro by 0.72 per cent at Rs 1,456.
However, bucking the trend were Infosys up 1.10 per cent at Rs 1,729.30 and TCS by 1.49 per cent at Rs 384.65.
The US Dow Jones Industrial Average had ended 0.09 per cent down yesterday, while Hong Kong's Hang Seng is down almost 2 per cent and Japan's Nikkei 1.75 per cent in the morning trade today. Ze
The Sensex, which had lost 435.07 points in yesterday's session, fell by 71.62 points at 14,451.22 in the first five minutes of trade.
The wide-based National Stock Exchange index Nifty was also down 17.15 points at 4,339.
Stock brokers said trading sentiment was mainly dampened because of sustained pullout by foreign funds in the past few trading sessions, triggering selling by retail investors.
Shares of capital goods, oil and gas auto sectors, continued to face selling pressure at prevailing higher levels, they said.
Among major losers were, the most-weighted RIL down 0.43 per cent at Rs 2,042, Grasim Industries by 1.91 per cent at Rs 2,272.20, HDFC Bank by 1.55 per cent at Rs 1,523, HDFC Ltd by 1.68 per cent at Rs 2,243.15, ACC by 1.64 per cent at Rs 813 and Larsen and Toubro by 0.72 per cent at Rs 1,456.
However, bucking the trend were Infosys up 1.10 per cent at Rs 1,729.30 and TCS by 1.49 per cent at Rs 384.65.
The US Dow Jones Industrial Average had ended 0.09 per cent down yesterday, while Hong Kong's Hang Seng is down almost 2 per cent and Japan's Nikkei 1.75 per cent in the morning trade today. Ze
11:19 PM
Natasha Chaku
Melbourne, June 18 : A new study has revealed that people with foreign or indigenous-sounding name have less chance of landing a job in Australia.
However, applicants with Italian sounding name or if they are Melbourne-based, it can prove to be of an advantage.
The study was undertaken by Australian National University researchers Alison Booth, Andrew Leigh and Elena Vargonova who sent out 4000 fake job applications to employers advertising on the internet for entry-level hospitality, data entry, customer service and sales jobs, changing only the racial origin of the supposed applicants' names.
The study revealed that applicants with Chinese names were the least preferred having only a one-in-five chance of getting interview calls compared to applicants with Anglo-Saxon names whose chances exceeded one-in-three.
Typically a Chinese-named applicant would need to put in 68 per cent more applications than an Anglo-named applicant to get the same number of calls back and a Middle Eastern-named applicant needed 64 per cent more, an indigenous-named applicant 35 per cent more and an Italian-named applicant 12 per cent more, the study published in 'The Age' said.
However, the results varied by city.
Taking a comparison of other cities the study said, Sydney employers were generally more discriminatory than those in Melbourne or Brisbane, except when it came to indigenous names, where they were more accepting. Ze
Melbourne, June 18 : A new study has revealed that people with foreign or indigenous-sounding name have less chance of landing a job in Australia.
However, applicants with Italian sounding name or if they are Melbourne-based, it can prove to be of an advantage.
The study was undertaken by Australian National University researchers Alison Booth, Andrew Leigh and Elena Vargonova who sent out 4000 fake job applications to employers advertising on the internet for entry-level hospitality, data entry, customer service and sales jobs, changing only the racial origin of the supposed applicants' names.
The study revealed that applicants with Chinese names were the least preferred having only a one-in-five chance of getting interview calls compared to applicants with Anglo-Saxon names whose chances exceeded one-in-three.
Typically a Chinese-named applicant would need to put in 68 per cent more applications than an Anglo-named applicant to get the same number of calls back and a Middle Eastern-named applicant needed 64 per cent more, an indigenous-named applicant 35 per cent more and an Italian-named applicant 12 per cent more, the study published in 'The Age' said.
However, the results varied by city.
Taking a comparison of other cities the study said, Sydney employers were generally more discriminatory than those in Melbourne or Brisbane, except when it came to indigenous names, where they were more accepting. Ze
11:19 PM
Fire in Bandra slum; 15 people injured
planetInfo
Mumbai, June 18 : A fire broke out in a slum adjoining the suburban Bandra railway station here in the wee hours today, leaving 15 people injured and gutting about 200 shanties.
The fire broke out around 0400 hours in the Garibnagar area, disaster management officials said, adding the cause is yet to be ascertained.
"Twenty five fire engines, 16 water tankers and four ambulances were sent to the spot to aide fire fighting operations. So far about 14-15 people have sustained injuries and two have been admitted to Bhabha hospital in Bandra," they said.
The fire is still to be put out but officials said the situation is under control.
Train services on the Western Railway were largely unaffected by the fire. Z
The fire broke out around 0400 hours in the Garibnagar area, disaster management officials said, adding the cause is yet to be ascertained.
"Twenty five fire engines, 16 water tankers and four ambulances were sent to the spot to aide fire fighting operations. So far about 14-15 people have sustained injuries and two have been admitted to Bhabha hospital in Bandra," they said.
The fire is still to be put out but officials said the situation is under control.
Train services on the Western Railway were largely unaffected by the fire. Z
11:19 PM
DiCaprio to star in poker film
planetInfo
London, June 18 : 'Titanic' star Leonardo DiCaprio is taking his love for poker to the next level.
The actor, who is a die hard fan of the the game and has even participated in high-stakes poker tournaments with his actor friend Tobey Maguire, is all set to explore the murkier side of on line gambling in a new movie.
DiCaprio has signed a film about Costa Rica-based Internet casinos. The script of the film has been written by 'Ocean's Thirteen screenwriters Brian Koppelman and David Levien, the Hollywood Reporter said.
The duo behind the as-yet-unnamed film also penned the script for 1998's Rounders, which saw Edward Norton and Matt Damon star as underground poker players. Ze
The actor, who is a die hard fan of the the game and has even participated in high-stakes poker tournaments with his actor friend Tobey Maguire, is all set to explore the murkier side of on line gambling in a new movie.
DiCaprio has signed a film about Costa Rica-based Internet casinos. The script of the film has been written by 'Ocean's Thirteen screenwriters Brian Koppelman and David Levien, the Hollywood Reporter said.
The duo behind the as-yet-unnamed film also penned the script for 1998's Rounders, which saw Edward Norton and Matt Damon star as underground poker players. Ze
11:19 PM
Clinton fractures her right elbow
planetInfo
Lalit K Jha Washington, Jun 18 : US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton fractured her right elbow today, hours after she delivered her first major foreign policy speech on India.
"On the way to the White House late this afternoon, Secretary Clinton fell and suffered a right elbow fracture," her Chief of Staff Cheryl D Mills said.
"She was treated at The George Washington University Hospital before heading home. She will undergo surgery to repair her elbow in the upcoming week," Mills said.
62-year-old Clinton appreciates the professionalism and kindness she received from the medical team who treated her and looks forward to resuming her full schedule soon, Mills said.
During her speech, Clinton said she is looking forward to visit India next month. Ze
"On the way to the White House late this afternoon, Secretary Clinton fell and suffered a right elbow fracture," her Chief of Staff Cheryl D Mills said.
"She was treated at The George Washington University Hospital before heading home. She will undergo surgery to repair her elbow in the upcoming week," Mills said.
62-year-old Clinton appreciates the professionalism and kindness she received from the medical team who treated her and looks forward to resuming her full schedule soon, Mills said.
During her speech, Clinton said she is looking forward to visit India next month. Ze
11:19 PM
Three injured in CPI(M)-TC clash
planetInfo
CoochBehar(WB), June 17 : Three persons, including a Zilla Parishad member, were injured when activists of Trinamool Congress and CPI(M) clashed at a village in Cooch Behar district today, police sources said.
Local CPI-M leader Dwijen Barman alleged a gang of armed Trinamool supporters attacked a house at Gherkuthi village at around 11 am and assaulted two CPI-M supporters Shahidul Mian and Naresh Roy and Zilla Parishad member Parameswar Roy who were in that house at that time.
Trinamool Congress leader Khokan Mian claimed a number of CPI(M) men joined Trinamool recently and the number was increasing day by day. Following this development, CPI(M) activists had unleashed a reign of terror in the area, he alleged.
The Trinamool Congress leader denied the CPI(M) allegation that their men were involved with the attack on CPI(M) activists.
A large police contingent went to the area to control the situation, Superintendent of Police D P Singh said adding the situation in now under control. Ze
Local CPI-M leader Dwijen Barman alleged a gang of armed Trinamool supporters attacked a house at Gherkuthi village at around 11 am and assaulted two CPI-M supporters Shahidul Mian and Naresh Roy and Zilla Parishad member Parameswar Roy who were in that house at that time.
Trinamool Congress leader Khokan Mian claimed a number of CPI(M) men joined Trinamool recently and the number was increasing day by day. Following this development, CPI(M) activists had unleashed a reign of terror in the area, he alleged.
The Trinamool Congress leader denied the CPI(M) allegation that their men were involved with the attack on CPI(M) activists.
A large police contingent went to the area to control the situation, Superintendent of Police D P Singh said adding the situation in now under control. Ze
11:19 PM
Lalit K Jha
Washington, Jun 17 : US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton today welcomed dialogue between India and Pakistan, but said the scope and character of such a dialogue needs to be decided by the leaders of the two countries.
"We believe that India and Pakistan actually face a number of common challenges, and we welcome a dialogue between them," Clinton told a gathering if US and Indian corporate leadership on the occasion of 34th anniversary celebration of the US-India Business Council.
"As we have said before, the pace, scope and character of that dialogue is something that Indian and Pakistani leaders will decide on their own terms and in their own time," Clinton said, agreeing with New Delhi's stand in this regard.
"But as Pakistan now works to take on the challenge of terrorists in its own country, I am confident that India as well as the United States will support those efforts," Clinton said.
Her comments came a day after Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari met for the first time since the Mumbai terror attacks. During the meeting, Singh had bluntly told Zardari to take action to stop terrorism against India emanating from his country's soil. Ze
Washington, Jun 17 : US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton today welcomed dialogue between India and Pakistan, but said the scope and character of such a dialogue needs to be decided by the leaders of the two countries.
"We believe that India and Pakistan actually face a number of common challenges, and we welcome a dialogue between them," Clinton told a gathering if US and Indian corporate leadership on the occasion of 34th anniversary celebration of the US-India Business Council.
"As we have said before, the pace, scope and character of that dialogue is something that Indian and Pakistani leaders will decide on their own terms and in their own time," Clinton said, agreeing with New Delhi's stand in this regard.
"But as Pakistan now works to take on the challenge of terrorists in its own country, I am confident that India as well as the United States will support those efforts," Clinton said.
Her comments came a day after Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari met for the first time since the Mumbai terror attacks. During the meeting, Singh had bluntly told Zardari to take action to stop terrorism against India emanating from his country's soil. Ze
11:19 PM
Bhubaneswar, June 17 : One more person succumbed to the heat wave in Orissa today even as weather office predicted no let up in the searing conditions for two more days.
The victim died of sunstroke in Angul district, officials said adding the number of suspected heat related deaths remained at 174.
Highest number of eight deaths due to sunstroke were reported in Khurda and Dhenkanal districts, they said.
A large part of the state including the state capital today recorded temperatures above 40 degree Celsius. The highest 45 degree Celsius was reported at Sambalpur.
The capital city was sizzling at 41.6 Degree Celsius and relative humidity touching 89 per cent.
Hirakud which recorded 44.4 Degree Celsius was followed by Jharsuguda (44.3), Bolangir (43.3), Talcher (43.2), Titlagarh (43), Malkangiri (42.4), Bhawanipatna (42.3), Angul (42.1) and Cuttack (41.1).
Though there was little bit rainfall at Paradip and Champua in Keonjhar district, most parts of the state experienced dry and hot climate, Met office sources said. Ze
The victim died of sunstroke in Angul district, officials said adding the number of suspected heat related deaths remained at 174.
Highest number of eight deaths due to sunstroke were reported in Khurda and Dhenkanal districts, they said.
A large part of the state including the state capital today recorded temperatures above 40 degree Celsius. The highest 45 degree Celsius was reported at Sambalpur.
The capital city was sizzling at 41.6 Degree Celsius and relative humidity touching 89 per cent.
Hirakud which recorded 44.4 Degree Celsius was followed by Jharsuguda (44.3), Bolangir (43.3), Talcher (43.2), Titlagarh (43), Malkangiri (42.4), Bhawanipatna (42.3), Angul (42.1) and Cuttack (41.1).
Though there was little bit rainfall at Paradip and Champua in Keonjhar district, most parts of the state experienced dry and hot climate, Met office sources said. Ze
11:19 PM
Srinagar, June 17 : Over 4500 pilgrims today braved incessant rains and light snowfall to pay obeisance at the Amarnath cave shrine in South Kashmir, even as a landslide on way to it left two porters dead and three others injured and the yatra remained suspended from Jammu for the second day.
The landslide struck Kanchi Morh near Brari Marg, 110 kms from here, around 6 AM when a group of porters were going towards the 3,880 metre high shrine to bring the pilgrims back from there, official sources said.
While Ghulam Rasool Wani, a resident of Ganderbal, died instantly, another porter identified as Riyaz Ahmad of Rajouri succumbed to injuries at Soura Medical institute, they said.
Three other porters who were also injured in the incident were discharged after first aid, the sources said.
Brari Marg was lashed by snowfall yesterday forcing authorities to stop 4,000 pilgrims from proceeding to the cave shrine and ensure their return to the base camp at Baltal.
The sources said the debris of the landslide was cleared immediately and the second batch of 8000 pilgrims were allowed to proceed from the base camp.
However, only 4540 of them could make it to the cave shrine and pay obeisance as the rest of them returned to the base camp due to inclement weather and are expected to resume their journey towards the cave tomorrow, the sources said.
As many as 7,592 pilgrims visited the cave shrine yesterday and offered their prayers, a spokesman of the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB) said. Ze
The landslide struck Kanchi Morh near Brari Marg, 110 kms from here, around 6 AM when a group of porters were going towards the 3,880 metre high shrine to bring the pilgrims back from there, official sources said.
While Ghulam Rasool Wani, a resident of Ganderbal, died instantly, another porter identified as Riyaz Ahmad of Rajouri succumbed to injuries at Soura Medical institute, they said.
Three other porters who were also injured in the incident were discharged after first aid, the sources said.
Brari Marg was lashed by snowfall yesterday forcing authorities to stop 4,000 pilgrims from proceeding to the cave shrine and ensure their return to the base camp at Baltal.
The sources said the debris of the landslide was cleared immediately and the second batch of 8000 pilgrims were allowed to proceed from the base camp.
However, only 4540 of them could make it to the cave shrine and pay obeisance as the rest of them returned to the base camp due to inclement weather and are expected to resume their journey towards the cave tomorrow, the sources said.
As many as 7,592 pilgrims visited the cave shrine yesterday and offered their prayers, a spokesman of the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB) said. Ze
9:19 AM
M Zulqernain
Lahore, June 17 : Pakistan today announced the arrest of a terrorist allegedly involved in the attack on the Sri Lankan cricket team here and said that Taliban commander Baitullah Mehsud's group was behind the audacious strike.
Identifying the arrested person as Zubair alias Nek Mohammad, Lahore police chief Pervaiz Rathore told a crowded news conference here that the March 3 attack was carried out by "Punjabi Taliban" militants, affiliated to Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan of feared terrorist leader Mehsud.
Rathore said Zubair had carried out the attack with six accomplices. All seven terrorists who took part in the assault belonged to the "Punjabi Taliban", he said.
Zubair had identified Aqeel alias Arslan alias Dr Usman as the mastermind of the attack, the police chief said.
Rathore identified the other five terrorists involved in the attack as Samiuallah alias Ijaz, Adnan alias Sajjad, Ajmal alias Ehsan, Farooq Ahmed and Omar alias Abdul Wahab.
Most of them hailed from Dera Ghazi Khan. Samiullah, who belonged to Nankana Sahib, arranged transportation that was used by the terrorists to escape after the attack.
Eight persons were killed and over 20 others, including several Sri Lankan players, injured when the terrorists ambushed the team's motorcade at the busy Liberty traffic roundabout near the Gaddafi stadium here. Z
Lahore, June 17 : Pakistan today announced the arrest of a terrorist allegedly involved in the attack on the Sri Lankan cricket team here and said that Taliban commander Baitullah Mehsud's group was behind the audacious strike.
Identifying the arrested person as Zubair alias Nek Mohammad, Lahore police chief Pervaiz Rathore told a crowded news conference here that the March 3 attack was carried out by "Punjabi Taliban" militants, affiliated to Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan of feared terrorist leader Mehsud.
Rathore said Zubair had carried out the attack with six accomplices. All seven terrorists who took part in the assault belonged to the "Punjabi Taliban", he said.
Zubair had identified Aqeel alias Arslan alias Dr Usman as the mastermind of the attack, the police chief said.
Rathore identified the other five terrorists involved in the attack as Samiuallah alias Ijaz, Adnan alias Sajjad, Ajmal alias Ehsan, Farooq Ahmed and Omar alias Abdul Wahab.
Most of them hailed from Dera Ghazi Khan. Samiullah, who belonged to Nankana Sahib, arranged transportation that was used by the terrorists to escape after the attack.
Eight persons were killed and over 20 others, including several Sri Lankan players, injured when the terrorists ambushed the team's motorcade at the busy Liberty traffic roundabout near the Gaddafi stadium here. Z
9:19 AM
M Zulqernain
Lahore, Jun 17 : Pakistan today shut down the Peshawar Airport for all domestic and international flights for an "indefinite period" owing to terror threats as well as planned military operation in Waziristan to hunt down Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan chief Baituallah Mehsud.
The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), however, has cited "technical" reasons for its closure.
"We have some technical issues and sooner they will be done away the airport will be reopened for flights," CAA spokesman Georg Pervez told Zeack.
The Pakistan International Airline and other foreign and domestic operators have announced diverting their operations to and from Islamabad.
"We will now be operating to and from Islamabad till we get clearance from the CAA," PIA spokesperson Yasmin Haroon said.
Last week some 18 people, including two employees of United Nations and pilot of Pakistan International Airline, where killed when a van loaded with explosives rammed into Pearl Continental Hotel in Peshawar, the capital of North West Frontier Province.
The Pakistan Air Force has started its operation with a strike on Makeen a key trade centre of Mehsud tribe in South Waziristan last week to avenge the suicide bombing in Lahore that killed ant-Taliban cleric Dr Sarfraz Naeemi. Ze
Lahore, Jun 17 : Pakistan today shut down the Peshawar Airport for all domestic and international flights for an "indefinite period" owing to terror threats as well as planned military operation in Waziristan to hunt down Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan chief Baituallah Mehsud.
The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), however, has cited "technical" reasons for its closure.
"We have some technical issues and sooner they will be done away the airport will be reopened for flights," CAA spokesman Georg Pervez told Zeack.
The Pakistan International Airline and other foreign and domestic operators have announced diverting their operations to and from Islamabad.
"We will now be operating to and from Islamabad till we get clearance from the CAA," PIA spokesperson Yasmin Haroon said.
Last week some 18 people, including two employees of United Nations and pilot of Pakistan International Airline, where killed when a van loaded with explosives rammed into Pearl Continental Hotel in Peshawar, the capital of North West Frontier Province.
The Pakistan Air Force has started its operation with a strike on Makeen a key trade centre of Mehsud tribe in South Waziristan last week to avenge the suicide bombing in Lahore that killed ant-Taliban cleric Dr Sarfraz Naeemi. Ze
8:39 AM
Action plan to check terror strikes
planetInfo
Bangalore, Jun 17 : An action plan to combat terror activities and to enhance intelligence sharing among police forces across the country, was chalked out at an inter-state meeting of top police officials here today.
At the meeting, Police Commissioners of Bangalore, Mumbai, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Hyderabad and Chennai, agreed to exchange intelligence inputs on a regular basis.
"An action plan to combat terrorism has been chalked out at the inter-state meeting of Police Commissioners," Bangalore City Police Commissioner Shankar Bidari told Zeack.
The meeting also deliberated upon various measures to strengthen the police force, he said. Ze
At the meeting, Police Commissioners of Bangalore, Mumbai, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Hyderabad and Chennai, agreed to exchange intelligence inputs on a regular basis.
"An action plan to combat terrorism has been chalked out at the inter-state meeting of Police Commissioners," Bangalore City Police Commissioner Shankar Bidari told Zeack.
The meeting also deliberated upon various measures to strengthen the police force, he said. Ze
8:09 AM
New Delhi, Jun 17 : Amid reports of Naxals starting laying of land mines in trouble-torn areas of West Bengal, the Centre today dispatched the Command Battalions for Resolute Action (COBRA), a specialised anti-naxalite force to deal with the situation.
The Centre has decided to handover the first assignment to the newly raised COBRA by sending four units of the force comprising about 120 personnel to the trouble-torn areas in West Midnapore district and its adjoining areas, a top Home Ministry official said.
The troops have been airlifted from Orissa, where they are currently based.
The force will begin operations only after a thorough recce of the area where the Naxals reportedly have started putting land mines, the official said.
Agitating tribals of West Midnapore and adjoining areas have been protesting police "atrocities" on them in the wake of the landmine blast at Salboni, which was believed to target the Chief Minister.
The tribals, numbering 2000 under the banner of People's Committee Against Police Atrocities, stopped paramilitary forces from reaching the trouble-stricken areas.
The Centre has already dispatched about 1,600 troops of Central Paramilitary forces to the spot. Ze
The Centre has decided to handover the first assignment to the newly raised COBRA by sending four units of the force comprising about 120 personnel to the trouble-torn areas in West Midnapore district and its adjoining areas, a top Home Ministry official said.
The troops have been airlifted from Orissa, where they are currently based.
The force will begin operations only after a thorough recce of the area where the Naxals reportedly have started putting land mines, the official said.
Agitating tribals of West Midnapore and adjoining areas have been protesting police "atrocities" on them in the wake of the landmine blast at Salboni, which was believed to target the Chief Minister.
The tribals, numbering 2000 under the banner of People's Committee Against Police Atrocities, stopped paramilitary forces from reaching the trouble-stricken areas.
The Centre has already dispatched about 1,600 troops of Central Paramilitary forces to the spot. Ze
8:09 AM
Jalandhar, June 17 : Concerned over the detection of swine flu cases among students, who recently visited NASA in the US, the state government has ordered mandatory check-up of students returning from foreign tours.
State Government has issued instructions to all District Education Officers (DEOs) for mandatory check-up of students returning from educational tours abroad, Punjab Health Minister Laxmikanta Chawla who visited the Civil Hospital here to enquire about the health of swine flu positive students quarantined there told reporters.
Seven students after their return here from an education trip to the US, tested positive for swine flu on Monday. Just a day later five others belonging to the same group were hospitalised after they developed symptoms of the disease.
The 12 were part of a group of 30 students and three teachers who had gone on an education trip to NASA in the US recently. Ze
State Government has issued instructions to all District Education Officers (DEOs) for mandatory check-up of students returning from educational tours abroad, Punjab Health Minister Laxmikanta Chawla who visited the Civil Hospital here to enquire about the health of swine flu positive students quarantined there told reporters.
Seven students after their return here from an education trip to the US, tested positive for swine flu on Monday. Just a day later five others belonging to the same group were hospitalised after they developed symptoms of the disease.
The 12 were part of a group of 30 students and three teachers who had gone on an education trip to NASA in the US recently. Ze
8:09 AM
On Board PM's Special Aircraft, June 17 : Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today said his government "fully appreciates" and recognises the seriousness of the naxal problem and asserted that effective action would be taken to counter the menace.
He said the government has "good ideas" on dealing with the problem but refused to go public on these.
"I have said many times that naxalism is a great danger to our polity," Singh told accompanying journalists while returning from Yekaterinburg after a three-day visit.
"The Home Minister has good ideas. We will take effective action and we have plans," he said.
Refusing to spell out the strategy, Singh, however, said "its seriousness is fully appreciated and recognised by our government." Ze
He said the government has "good ideas" on dealing with the problem but refused to go public on these.
"I have said many times that naxalism is a great danger to our polity," Singh told accompanying journalists while returning from Yekaterinburg after a three-day visit.
"The Home Minister has good ideas. We will take effective action and we have plans," he said.
Refusing to spell out the strategy, Singh, however, said "its seriousness is fully appreciated and recognised by our government." Ze
8:09 AM
New Delhi, Jun 17 : With violence in Lalgarh escalating, Congress today stepped up its attack on the Left Front Government in West Bengal saying it should resign if it was unable to run the affairs of the state in accordance with the Constitution.
"If the Left Front government is unable to run the affairs of West Bengal in accordance with the Constitutional mandate and duties, it should seriously consider stepping down," party spokesman Manish Tewari told reporters here.
Asked whether Congress was demanding invocation of Article 356 in the state, he said, "I have made no suggestion for Article 355 or 356 (for imposition of President's rule) or any other Constitutional measure." Tewari also rejected Left Front allegations that Trinamool Congress and Congress were behind the tribal violence in Lalgarh in East Midnapore district of the state.
"I reject it with the contempt it deserves," Tewari said, adding that Congress is a non-violent party which cannot support any kind of violence.
Accusing the Left Front government for indulging in a rule by the cadre (of the Left) instead of rule of law, Tewari said, "When you sow the wind, you reap the whirlwind". Ze
"If the Left Front government is unable to run the affairs of West Bengal in accordance with the Constitutional mandate and duties, it should seriously consider stepping down," party spokesman Manish Tewari told reporters here.
Asked whether Congress was demanding invocation of Article 356 in the state, he said, "I have made no suggestion for Article 355 or 356 (for imposition of President's rule) or any other Constitutional measure." Tewari also rejected Left Front allegations that Trinamool Congress and Congress were behind the tribal violence in Lalgarh in East Midnapore district of the state.
"I reject it with the contempt it deserves," Tewari said, adding that Congress is a non-violent party which cannot support any kind of violence.
Accusing the Left Front government for indulging in a rule by the cadre (of the Left) instead of rule of law, Tewari said, "When you sow the wind, you reap the whirlwind". Ze
8:09 AM
M Zulqernain
Lahore, Jun 17 : A Taliban militant has been arrested for his involvement in the brazen terror attack on the visiting Sri Lankan cricket team in this eastern Pakistani city in March this year, police said today.
Lahore police chief Pervaiz Rathore told reporters that Zubair alias Nek Mohammad has been arrested on suspicion of involvement in the attack.
Zubair had killed a traffic policeman during the attack here on March three in which terrorists ambushed the bus of Sri Lankan cricket team.
Rathore said seven terrorists were involved in the attack which claimed eight lives and wounded several others, including some Sri Lankan players. He identified Aqeel alias Dr Usman as the mastermind of the attack.
Usman, a resident of Kahuta in Punjab province, was trained by Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan chief Baitullah Mehsud and was also believed to have been involved in an attempt on the life of former president Pervez Musharraf.
Officials said all the terrorists involved in the attack were linked to the local unit of the Taliban. Ze
Lahore, Jun 17 : A Taliban militant has been arrested for his involvement in the brazen terror attack on the visiting Sri Lankan cricket team in this eastern Pakistani city in March this year, police said today.
Lahore police chief Pervaiz Rathore told reporters that Zubair alias Nek Mohammad has been arrested on suspicion of involvement in the attack.
Zubair had killed a traffic policeman during the attack here on March three in which terrorists ambushed the bus of Sri Lankan cricket team.
Rathore said seven terrorists were involved in the attack which claimed eight lives and wounded several others, including some Sri Lankan players. He identified Aqeel alias Dr Usman as the mastermind of the attack.
Usman, a resident of Kahuta in Punjab province, was trained by Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan chief Baitullah Mehsud and was also believed to have been involved in an attempt on the life of former president Pervez Musharraf.
Officials said all the terrorists involved in the attack were linked to the local unit of the Taliban. Ze
8:09 AM
Death toll in ethnic violence rises to 15
planetInfo
Guwahati, June 17 : Three more people died today taking the toll in the ethnic clash between the tribes of Dimasa and Zemi-Naga in strife-torn North Cachar Hill district of Assam to 15.
Two of the injured in yesterday's attack by Dimasa miscreants on Mechidui, a Zemi-Naga village, about 23 km from the district headquarter of Haflong, are being treated in the Haflong Civil Hospital.
At least 12 people, including eight children, were charred to death yesterday when the miscreants torched more than 50 houses in the village.
The incident could be in retaliation to the attack by Zemi-Nagas on two Dimasa-inhabited villages on June eight and June 10 when nearly 50 houses were set ablaze.
Several persons have been killed in the ongoing ethnic clash between the rival Dimasa and Zemi Naga community members for the past few months.
The hill district has also been rocked by violence with the militant groups Dima Halam Daoga (DHD-J) and both the factions of the NSCN, IM and Khaplong, targeting trains, persons and public installations. Ze
Two of the injured in yesterday's attack by Dimasa miscreants on Mechidui, a Zemi-Naga village, about 23 km from the district headquarter of Haflong, are being treated in the Haflong Civil Hospital.
At least 12 people, including eight children, were charred to death yesterday when the miscreants torched more than 50 houses in the village.
The incident could be in retaliation to the attack by Zemi-Nagas on two Dimasa-inhabited villages on June eight and June 10 when nearly 50 houses were set ablaze.
Several persons have been killed in the ongoing ethnic clash between the rival Dimasa and Zemi Naga community members for the past few months.
The hill district has also been rocked by violence with the militant groups Dima Halam Daoga (DHD-J) and both the factions of the NSCN, IM and Khaplong, targeting trains, persons and public installations. Ze
8:09 AM
Madhubani/Darbhanga, Jun 17 : Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar today asked the Centre to grant special status to the state without delay as it "fulfils each and every criteria".
"The demand is not an issue of any particular party but that of the common man and is in the larger interest of Bihar," Kumar said.
He asked the various political parties in the state to aggressively pursue the demand and put pressure on the Centre for the special status, which will make the state eligible for development grants.
Kumar said: "I am awaiting a positive response from the Centre in this regard. Bihar fulfils each and every criteria for getting the special category status." He was addressing people during his "Dhanyavad (Thanksgiving) Yatra" for the massive mandate the NDA alliance in Bihar received in the Lok Sabha elections.
"The Congress had indicated its willingness to accept the demand on May 15 and now when it had returned to power at the Centre, it should honour its promise and announce granting of special category status," Kumar said. Ze
"The demand is not an issue of any particular party but that of the common man and is in the larger interest of Bihar," Kumar said.
He asked the various political parties in the state to aggressively pursue the demand and put pressure on the Centre for the special status, which will make the state eligible for development grants.
Kumar said: "I am awaiting a positive response from the Centre in this regard. Bihar fulfils each and every criteria for getting the special category status." He was addressing people during his "Dhanyavad (Thanksgiving) Yatra" for the massive mandate the NDA alliance in Bihar received in the Lok Sabha elections.
"The Congress had indicated its willingness to accept the demand on May 15 and now when it had returned to power at the Centre, it should honour its promise and announce granting of special category status," Kumar said. Ze
6:39 AM
New Delhi, Jun 17 : The case pertaining to disclosure of documents relating to Indian citizenship of Sonia Gandhi under the RTI Act will now be decided in a Division Bench of the Central Information Commission.
The move follows a decision of the Chief Information Commissioner to withdraw himself from the case because of his proximity to Gandhi.
Chief Information Commissioner Wajahat Habibullah who was hearing the case decided to transfer it to a Division Bench because of his association with Sonia Gandhi -- he worked as secretary of Rajiv Gandhi Foundation under her Chairmanship.
"The case is therefore transferred to a Division Bench comprising Information Commissioner S N Mishra and M L Sharma for hearing and disposal," Habibullah said.
Exercising his Right to Information, an applicant Milap Choraria sought copy of all documents and file noting from the respective files relating to the application for Indian citizenship submitted by Sonia Gandhi and the approval by Government of India, from Home Ministry.
His application was turned down by the ministry citing a clause of RTI Act, prohibiting disclosure of personal information of a third party which serves no public interest.
But the Ministry provided sketchy information to him saying that Gandhi had applied for citizenship on April 2, 1983 for Indian citizenship and was granted the same on April 30, 1983.
Unsatisfied with the response, Choraria appealed before the CIC to facilitate him in getting the information. Ze
The move follows a decision of the Chief Information Commissioner to withdraw himself from the case because of his proximity to Gandhi.
Chief Information Commissioner Wajahat Habibullah who was hearing the case decided to transfer it to a Division Bench because of his association with Sonia Gandhi -- he worked as secretary of Rajiv Gandhi Foundation under her Chairmanship.
"The case is therefore transferred to a Division Bench comprising Information Commissioner S N Mishra and M L Sharma for hearing and disposal," Habibullah said.
Exercising his Right to Information, an applicant Milap Choraria sought copy of all documents and file noting from the respective files relating to the application for Indian citizenship submitted by Sonia Gandhi and the approval by Government of India, from Home Ministry.
His application was turned down by the ministry citing a clause of RTI Act, prohibiting disclosure of personal information of a third party which serves no public interest.
But the Ministry provided sketchy information to him saying that Gandhi had applied for citizenship on April 2, 1983 for Indian citizenship and was granted the same on April 30, 1983.
Unsatisfied with the response, Choraria appealed before the CIC to facilitate him in getting the information. Ze
6:39 AM
Moscow, June 17 : Russia will hand over an Akula class nuclear attack submarine to India by the end of the year, Deputy Defence Minister Vladimir Popovkin has said, amid reports here that the deal between Moscow and New Delhi provides for supply of two N-submarines on lease.
"The Nerpa submarine should finish all its sea-trials by June 20. We are planning to hand over the nuclear submarine to India by the end of this year," Popovkin was quoted as saying by the Interfax news agency.
The Nerpa class submarine met with an accident during trials in the Sea of Japan last November when its fire fighting system went off by accident filling the vessel with toxic gas which killed 20 sailors.
The Russian Minister said fresh sea trials would be completed by June 20. Russian officials have said earlier that Nerpa might be briefly inducted in the Russian Navy to undretake training of Indian naval personnel Meanwhile, media reports here said that under the deal for the transfer of nuclear subs, India would pay to Russia USD 2 billion for two submarines with an option to buy them when the lease runs out.
Though, the details of the tenure of the lease were not published, media reports said it could be for as long as 10 years.
The induction of the Nerpa class submarine would reintroduce the nuclear vessel handling technology to the Indian Navy. Ze
"The Nerpa submarine should finish all its sea-trials by June 20. We are planning to hand over the nuclear submarine to India by the end of this year," Popovkin was quoted as saying by the Interfax news agency.
The Nerpa class submarine met with an accident during trials in the Sea of Japan last November when its fire fighting system went off by accident filling the vessel with toxic gas which killed 20 sailors.
The Russian Minister said fresh sea trials would be completed by June 20. Russian officials have said earlier that Nerpa might be briefly inducted in the Russian Navy to undretake training of Indian naval personnel Meanwhile, media reports here said that under the deal for the transfer of nuclear subs, India would pay to Russia USD 2 billion for two submarines with an option to buy them when the lease runs out.
Though, the details of the tenure of the lease were not published, media reports said it could be for as long as 10 years.
The induction of the Nerpa class submarine would reintroduce the nuclear vessel handling technology to the Indian Navy. Ze
5:39 AM
London, Jun 17 : Prakash Amritraj kept himself in contention for a singles berth in the Wimbledon main draw after scoring an easy straight set win over local hope Daniel Cox in the second round of the qualifying event.
The 28th seed Indian defeated the unseeded Briton 6-3 6-3 to set up a final round clash with American Michael Yani.
Prakash, himself, was the last Indian to figure in a singles competition of a Grand Slam event. He had played in the 2002 US Open, where he had made a first round exit.
"The conditions were ideal. I forced myself to focus from the start and so came out strong. But I let him back in the match," he said after the match. Ze
The 28th seed Indian defeated the unseeded Briton 6-3 6-3 to set up a final round clash with American Michael Yani.
Prakash, himself, was the last Indian to figure in a singles competition of a Grand Slam event. He had played in the 2002 US Open, where he had made a first round exit.
"The conditions were ideal. I forced myself to focus from the start and so came out strong. But I let him back in the match," he said after the match. Ze
5:39 AM
Tokyo, June 17 : Lawmakers in Japan, the only country attacked with nuclear bombs, have asked the government to step up its global campaign to eliminate atomic weapons.
Japan's House of Councillors unanimously adopted a resolution today recommending the government to strengthen its efforts toward eliminating nuclear arms in the world.
This follows the previous day's endorsement of a similar resolution on the part of the House of Representatives.
Parliamentary endorsement of these resolutions was prompted by US President Barack Obama's call in April for a nuclear-free world and then by North Korea's nuclear test on May 25.
The upper house resolution says Japan, as the only country attacked with atomic bombs, has spearheaded an anti-nuclear movement and "has the responsibility to further step up the campaign." On North Korea's second nuclear test on May 25, it says the UN Security Council presented "steadfast refusal" by adopting Resolution 1874 to impose a broad range of additional sanctions.
Against this backdrop, Japan should "put forth efforts on nuclear arms reduction and nonproliferation, and work proactively toward establishing an effective inspection system," the resolution says. Z
Japan's House of Councillors unanimously adopted a resolution today recommending the government to strengthen its efforts toward eliminating nuclear arms in the world.
This follows the previous day's endorsement of a similar resolution on the part of the House of Representatives.
Parliamentary endorsement of these resolutions was prompted by US President Barack Obama's call in April for a nuclear-free world and then by North Korea's nuclear test on May 25.
The upper house resolution says Japan, as the only country attacked with atomic bombs, has spearheaded an anti-nuclear movement and "has the responsibility to further step up the campaign." On North Korea's second nuclear test on May 25, it says the UN Security Council presented "steadfast refusal" by adopting Resolution 1874 to impose a broad range of additional sanctions.
Against this backdrop, Japan should "put forth efforts on nuclear arms reduction and nonproliferation, and work proactively toward establishing an effective inspection system," the resolution says. Z
5:19 AM
Shiney appears to be remorseful: Police
planetInfo
Mumbai, June 17 : Bollywood actor Shiney Ahuja, arrested on the charge of raping his domestic help appeared to be remorseful during interrogation, police claimed today.
"He is completely shattered and is repenting for what he had done," Assistant Police Commissioner Dilip Suryavanshi said.
Ahuja's lawyer, Srikant Shivade, said if the actor has given any statement to police on his alleged role in the crime, it would not have evidential value in the court.
"We will wait until the chargesheet is filed," he said.
Another police officer said "Ahuja has not been sleeping well in Andheri lock-up and even skipped dinner on Monday night.
Ahuja had told police that it never occurred to him that the crime he was committing was "so much serious".
"He thought the victim would keep quiet and not complain to anyone," the officer said.
"Though the actor was uncomfortable during interrogation, yet he answered many of our questions," the officer added.
Ahuja, arrested on Monday, is in police custody till June 18. Z
"He is completely shattered and is repenting for what he had done," Assistant Police Commissioner Dilip Suryavanshi said.
Ahuja's lawyer, Srikant Shivade, said if the actor has given any statement to police on his alleged role in the crime, it would not have evidential value in the court.
"We will wait until the chargesheet is filed," he said.
Another police officer said "Ahuja has not been sleeping well in Andheri lock-up and even skipped dinner on Monday night.
Ahuja had told police that it never occurred to him that the crime he was committing was "so much serious".
"He thought the victim would keep quiet and not complain to anyone," the officer said.
"Though the actor was uncomfortable during interrogation, yet he answered many of our questions," the officer added.
Ahuja, arrested on Monday, is in police custody till June 18. Z
5:19 AM
New Delhi, Jun 17 : Nearly two battalions (2000 personnel) of central para military force will be required for providing security cover to the refinery of Reliance group at Jamnagar in Gujarat.
Sources in Union Home Ministry said that on receiving sanction from the Government for proving security to the refinery, a thorough survey of the installation was conducted after which a strength of nearly 2000 personnel was recommended.
The Ministry's clearance came following intelligence inputs suggesting that Pakistan-based terrorists might try to target these installations launching a surprise attack similar to the one in Mumbai last year.
The sources said the security cover would include setting up of crack commandos and Quick Reaction Teams for the petroleum refinery. An Air Defence Mechanism would also be placed, they said.
The Centre has enlarged the role of CISF from guarding government establishment to providing security to installations in the private sector in the wake of the 26/11 attack.
Jamnagar refinery of Reliance is close to Indo-Pak border in Gujarat which makes it vulnerable to terrorist attack from the neighbouring country. Z
Sources in Union Home Ministry said that on receiving sanction from the Government for proving security to the refinery, a thorough survey of the installation was conducted after which a strength of nearly 2000 personnel was recommended.
The Ministry's clearance came following intelligence inputs suggesting that Pakistan-based terrorists might try to target these installations launching a surprise attack similar to the one in Mumbai last year.
The sources said the security cover would include setting up of crack commandos and Quick Reaction Teams for the petroleum refinery. An Air Defence Mechanism would also be placed, they said.
The Centre has enlarged the role of CISF from guarding government establishment to providing security to installations in the private sector in the wake of the 26/11 attack.
Jamnagar refinery of Reliance is close to Indo-Pak border in Gujarat which makes it vulnerable to terrorist attack from the neighbouring country. Z
5:19 AM
Advani expressed regret, I apologised: PM
planetInfo
On Board PM's Special Aircraft, June 17 : Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today said BJP leader L K Advani had called him up to express "regret" over his utterances during the elections and that he reciprocated the gesture by apologising.
Seeking to put the recriminations behind, Singh also wished BJP well.
"I was compelled to reply him (Advani). I did say something which Mr Advani said hurt him.
"When he (Advani) rang up on May 16 to congratulate on the election results, he expressed regret. I also conveyed my apologies if I had hurt him," the Prime Minister told journalists when asked whether the bitterness of poll campaign had been forgotten and whether he had forgiven the BJP leader.
Singh said he was now looking forward to "close" relations with Advani as the Leader of Opposition.
To a question about problems in BJP after its poll debacle, Singh refused to comment, saying he was "not in favour of gloating over difficulties of other political parties. I wish them well".
Singh was talking to journalists while returning from Yekaterinburg after a three-day visit during which he attended the Summits of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) and Brazil-Russia-India-China (BRIC). Z
Seeking to put the recriminations behind, Singh also wished BJP well.
"I was compelled to reply him (Advani). I did say something which Mr Advani said hurt him.
"When he (Advani) rang up on May 16 to congratulate on the election results, he expressed regret. I also conveyed my apologies if I had hurt him," the Prime Minister told journalists when asked whether the bitterness of poll campaign had been forgotten and whether he had forgiven the BJP leader.
Singh said he was now looking forward to "close" relations with Advani as the Leader of Opposition.
To a question about problems in BJP after its poll debacle, Singh refused to comment, saying he was "not in favour of gloating over difficulties of other political parties. I wish them well".
Singh was talking to journalists while returning from Yekaterinburg after a three-day visit during which he attended the Summits of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) and Brazil-Russia-India-China (BRIC). Z
3:59 AM
Koshiyari quits RS, more problems in BJP
planetInfo
New Delhi, Jun 17 : Already battling a crisis at the top, BJP was hit by a fresh problem with former Uttarakhand Chief Minister Bhagat Singh Koshiyari quitting his membership of the Rajya Sabha, pushing further his campaign against Chief Minister B C Khanduri.
"I have quit as a member of the Rajya Sabha. I have sent my resignation to the Chairman," he told reporters here capping his days of campaign against Khanduri in the wake of the party's rout in the Lok Sabha elections where it lost all the 5 seats.
The senior BJP leader said he had resigned from the Upper House to devote more time to "resurrect" the party in the hill state where it lost all the five Lok Sabha seats.
"I will work like an ordinary party worker to resurrect the BJP in Uttarakhand and take it to the victory path in the 2012 assembly elections," he said.
Koshiyari's resignation comes on top of voices of dissent in the party over the Lok Sabha debacle with leaders like Yashwant Sinha and Jaswant Singh questioning the way the organisation was being run and nominations were made to the parliamentary party posts.
Sinha, who himself quit as Vice President, has demanded that all the office bearers should resign owning moral responsibility for the defeat. Z
"I have quit as a member of the Rajya Sabha. I have sent my resignation to the Chairman," he told reporters here capping his days of campaign against Khanduri in the wake of the party's rout in the Lok Sabha elections where it lost all the 5 seats.
The senior BJP leader said he had resigned from the Upper House to devote more time to "resurrect" the party in the hill state where it lost all the five Lok Sabha seats.
"I will work like an ordinary party worker to resurrect the BJP in Uttarakhand and take it to the victory path in the 2012 assembly elections," he said.
Koshiyari's resignation comes on top of voices of dissent in the party over the Lok Sabha debacle with leaders like Yashwant Sinha and Jaswant Singh questioning the way the organisation was being run and nominations were made to the parliamentary party posts.
Sinha, who himself quit as Vice President, has demanded that all the office bearers should resign owning moral responsibility for the defeat. Z
3:29 AM
New Delhi, Jun 17 : UGC has found certain private universities running off-campuses outside their territorial jurisdiction and illegally granting affiliations to colleges in a blatant violation of its norms.
The educational regulatory body has directed them to close-down such campuses immediately, a senior UGC official told Zeack.
"We have found that certain state private universities are running off-campus centres outside their territorial jurisdiction besides giving affiliation to colleges. This is in violation of UGC regulations," he said.
It was also noticed that certain state private universities are granting franchise to private parties to run off-campus centres.
The errant universities include Institute of Chartered Financial Analysts of India (ICFAI) and Dheradun-based Hemgiri Nabh Vishwavidyalaya (HNV).
While UGC has already directed HNV to close down the off-campus centre it had opened in Goa, in other cases the Commission was in the process of taking similar action.
"As per the norms, private universities can neither affiliate any institution or college nor set up off-campus centres," the official said. Z
The educational regulatory body has directed them to close-down such campuses immediately, a senior UGC official told Zeack.
"We have found that certain state private universities are running off-campus centres outside their territorial jurisdiction besides giving affiliation to colleges. This is in violation of UGC regulations," he said.
It was also noticed that certain state private universities are granting franchise to private parties to run off-campus centres.
The errant universities include Institute of Chartered Financial Analysts of India (ICFAI) and Dheradun-based Hemgiri Nabh Vishwavidyalaya (HNV).
While UGC has already directed HNV to close down the off-campus centre it had opened in Goa, in other cases the Commission was in the process of taking similar action.
"As per the norms, private universities can neither affiliate any institution or college nor set up off-campus centres," the official said. Z
2:55 AM
London, Jun 17 : Scientists have created what they claim is an artificial black hole that traps sound in a bid to find out whether eminent physicist Stephen Hawking's radiation actually exists in theory.
According to the theory proposed by Hawking 30 years ago, radiation causes black holes to evaporate over time.
Astrophysical black holes are created when matter gets so dense that it collapses to a point called a singularity. In fact, physicists have been developing 'black holes' for sound. They do this by coaxing material to move faster than the speed of sound in that medium.
Now, a team, led by Jeff Steinhauer of Technion-Israel Institute of Technology is the first to document an experiment directly aimed at producing Hawking radiation in Bose-Einstein condensates (BEC), the 'New Scientist' reported.
The scientists cooled 100,000 or so charged rubidium atoms to a few billionths of a degree above absolute zero and trapped them with a magnetic field.
Using a laser, they then created a well of electric potential that attracted the atoms and caused them to zip across the well faster than the speed of sound in the material. Ze
According to the theory proposed by Hawking 30 years ago, radiation causes black holes to evaporate over time.
Astrophysical black holes are created when matter gets so dense that it collapses to a point called a singularity. In fact, physicists have been developing 'black holes' for sound. They do this by coaxing material to move faster than the speed of sound in that medium.
Now, a team, led by Jeff Steinhauer of Technion-Israel Institute of Technology is the first to document an experiment directly aimed at producing Hawking radiation in Bose-Einstein condensates (BEC), the 'New Scientist' reported.
The scientists cooled 100,000 or so charged rubidium atoms to a few billionths of a degree above absolute zero and trapped them with a magnetic field.
Using a laser, they then created a well of electric potential that attracted the atoms and caused them to zip across the well faster than the speed of sound in the material. Ze
2:55 AM
Prasun Sonwalkar
London, Jun 17 : Mahatma Gandhi's imposing statue arrived in the British town of Leicester where it will be officially unveiled on June 26 near a busy road passing through the hub of Asian business and culture.
The east Midlands city of Leicester has a large Indian-origin population and despite opposition by a section of the local community, the city council last year cleared the proposal of local charity organisation Samanwaya Pariwar to install Gandhi's statue.
The seven-and-a-half-feet bronze statue, depicting Gandhi walking with a stick, has been created by Kolkata-based sculptor Gautam Pal and has been recently shipped to Britain.
The statue has now been lowered on to the plinth at the corner of Belgrave Road and Donaldson Road. Until its opening, the statue will be protected by a wooden fence and tarpaulin, officials said.
Jitendra Acharya, spokesman for Samanwaya Pariwar, said: "I am ecstatic and delighted that we have got to this point on what has been a long road. The statue was flown in last week from India and was stored in a warehouse in Leicester until now. We wanted it installed as soon as we possibly could." The proposal to install the statue has been largely welcomed but there is considerable opposition within the local population, who say that Gandhi did not have any links with Leicester and that the statue of a local hero would be more appropriate. Ze
London, Jun 17 : Mahatma Gandhi's imposing statue arrived in the British town of Leicester where it will be officially unveiled on June 26 near a busy road passing through the hub of Asian business and culture.
The east Midlands city of Leicester has a large Indian-origin population and despite opposition by a section of the local community, the city council last year cleared the proposal of local charity organisation Samanwaya Pariwar to install Gandhi's statue.
The seven-and-a-half-feet bronze statue, depicting Gandhi walking with a stick, has been created by Kolkata-based sculptor Gautam Pal and has been recently shipped to Britain.
The statue has now been lowered on to the plinth at the corner of Belgrave Road and Donaldson Road. Until its opening, the statue will be protected by a wooden fence and tarpaulin, officials said.
Jitendra Acharya, spokesman for Samanwaya Pariwar, said: "I am ecstatic and delighted that we have got to this point on what has been a long road. The statue was flown in last week from India and was stored in a warehouse in Leicester until now. We wanted it installed as soon as we possibly could." The proposal to install the statue has been largely welcomed but there is considerable opposition within the local population, who say that Gandhi did not have any links with Leicester and that the statue of a local hero would be more appropriate. Ze
2:55 AM
New Delhi, Jun 17 : The Australian High Commissioner in India has admitted that some assaults on Indian students there have "racist motive" and said the government has taken effective steps to bring those to an end.
John McCarthy said majority of attacks against Indians in the past one month have taken place in "poorer" areas in Melbourne where the crime rate is already high.
"There have been a series of bad crimes, particularly in Melbourne and not all of them have resulted into serious injuries, but have taken place in very poorer areas of Melbourne. We are seeking to end those attacks as quickly as possible by intensifying police actions," he told Karan Thapar on CNBC-TV 18.
"There is no question that all these are criminal acts. For some of the acts the motivation might have a racist element. I will not rule out that some of the attacks were racist," he said while responding to a question on the nature of the assaults on Indian students.
The High Commissioner said both the federal and state governments have taken steps to see that such attacks don't take place in the future and added that police presence has been doubled in areas where students were attacked. Z
John McCarthy said majority of attacks against Indians in the past one month have taken place in "poorer" areas in Melbourne where the crime rate is already high.
"There have been a series of bad crimes, particularly in Melbourne and not all of them have resulted into serious injuries, but have taken place in very poorer areas of Melbourne. We are seeking to end those attacks as quickly as possible by intensifying police actions," he told Karan Thapar on CNBC-TV 18.
"There is no question that all these are criminal acts. For some of the acts the motivation might have a racist element. I will not rule out that some of the attacks were racist," he said while responding to a question on the nature of the assaults on Indian students.
The High Commissioner said both the federal and state governments have taken steps to see that such attacks don't take place in the future and added that police presence has been doubled in areas where students were attacked. Z
2:55 AM
New Delhi, Jun 17 : Former Uttarakhand Chief Minister Bhagat Singh Koshiyari today quit as Rajya Sabha member in an apparent bid to push for leadership change in the BJP-ruled state where the party fared miserably in the Lok Sabha elections.
"I have quit as a member of the Rajya Sabha. I have sent my resignation to the Chairman," he told reporters here.
The senior BJP leader said he had resigned from the Upper House to devote more time to "resurrect" the party in the hill state where it lost at all the five Lok Sabha seats.
"I will work like an ordinary party worker to resurrect the BJP in Uttarakhand and take it to the victory path in the 2012 assembly elections," he said.
Voices of dissent grew louder in the Uttarakhand BJP following the defeat of the party in the recent Lok Sabha elections. The Koshiyari camp has been demanding resignation of Chief Minister B C Khanduri.
The BJP high command, which is grappling with the situation arising out of dissenting voices from some prominent central leaders, has been in favour of maintaining status quo on the issue of chief ministership.
With an atmosphere of political uncertainty prevailing in the state, the opposition Congress has demanded imposition of President's rule saying infighting in the ruling BJP was hampering development process. Z
"I have quit as a member of the Rajya Sabha. I have sent my resignation to the Chairman," he told reporters here.
The senior BJP leader said he had resigned from the Upper House to devote more time to "resurrect" the party in the hill state where it lost at all the five Lok Sabha seats.
"I will work like an ordinary party worker to resurrect the BJP in Uttarakhand and take it to the victory path in the 2012 assembly elections," he said.
Voices of dissent grew louder in the Uttarakhand BJP following the defeat of the party in the recent Lok Sabha elections. The Koshiyari camp has been demanding resignation of Chief Minister B C Khanduri.
The BJP high command, which is grappling with the situation arising out of dissenting voices from some prominent central leaders, has been in favour of maintaining status quo on the issue of chief ministership.
With an atmosphere of political uncertainty prevailing in the state, the opposition Congress has demanded imposition of President's rule saying infighting in the ruling BJP was hampering development process. Z
2:55 AM
New York, Jun 17 : A new study has suggested that human intellect has a very ancient history -- after scientists found that individual monkeys perform consistently on numerous different tests of intelligence.
A team at the Harvard University, led by Indian-origin scientist Konika Banerjee, has found that some traces of human intelligence such as a sense of numbers, or the ability to use tools, lurk in primates, the 'New Scientist' reported.
"We were essentially looking for evidence of a general intelligence factor -- something that would be an evolutionary homologue of what we see in humans," Banerjee said.
Working with 22 cotton-top tamarins, the scientists tested all the monkeys on a wide range of cognitive tasks, 11 in total. "What we did here was, very crudely, create a monkey IQ test," Banerjee said.
In most tasks, the monkeys ended up in clear-cut groupings -- above average, average, and below average.
For instance, in one test, animals had to reach around a plastic barrier to obtain a raisin placed right in front of them, but behind the barrier. The smartest quickly figured out the trick, another group went straight for the raisin before realising a reach-around was needed. Ze
A team at the Harvard University, led by Indian-origin scientist Konika Banerjee, has found that some traces of human intelligence such as a sense of numbers, or the ability to use tools, lurk in primates, the 'New Scientist' reported.
"We were essentially looking for evidence of a general intelligence factor -- something that would be an evolutionary homologue of what we see in humans," Banerjee said.
Working with 22 cotton-top tamarins, the scientists tested all the monkeys on a wide range of cognitive tasks, 11 in total. "What we did here was, very crudely, create a monkey IQ test," Banerjee said.
In most tasks, the monkeys ended up in clear-cut groupings -- above average, average, and below average.
For instance, in one test, animals had to reach around a plastic barrier to obtain a raisin placed right in front of them, but behind the barrier. The smartest quickly figured out the trick, another group went straight for the raisin before realising a reach-around was needed. Ze
2:55 AM
Jammu, Jun 17 : The annual Amarnath yatra was suspended from Jammu base camp today as inclement weather left thousands of pilgrims stranded for the second day at Baltal.
"No fresh batch was allowed to go to Baltal base camp from here today because of bad weather. The yatra was suspended yesterday for similar reasons," police said.
As the yatra remained suspended for the second day today, over 2,500 pilgrims remained stranded at the base camp here. Besides, over 1,000 pilgrims were stopped at Kathua.
The Jammu and Kashmir government and Shri Amarnath Shrine Board (SASB) has set up three base camps at Bhagwati Nagar in Jammu, Nunwan in Pahalgam and Baltal for providing food and lodging facilities to pilgrims visiting the cave shrine.
The yatra started yesterday from Baltal after 'Pratham Pooja' was performed by Additional CEO of SASB Madan Mantoo.
Over 6,000 pilgrims, who could leave in the first batch, paid obeisance at the holy ice lingam of Lord Shiva in the cave shrine this morning.
Although, over 10,000 devotees had yesterday left from Baltal base camp for the cave shrine, over 4,000 pilgrims had to return from Brari Marg area as only 5,000 persons can walk through the narrow track at a time.
Over 20,000 pilgrims have reached Baltal till last evening and authorities are trying to clear the rush so that the yatra can be resumed, SASB officials said. Z
"No fresh batch was allowed to go to Baltal base camp from here today because of bad weather. The yatra was suspended yesterday for similar reasons," police said.
As the yatra remained suspended for the second day today, over 2,500 pilgrims remained stranded at the base camp here. Besides, over 1,000 pilgrims were stopped at Kathua.
The Jammu and Kashmir government and Shri Amarnath Shrine Board (SASB) has set up three base camps at Bhagwati Nagar in Jammu, Nunwan in Pahalgam and Baltal for providing food and lodging facilities to pilgrims visiting the cave shrine.
The yatra started yesterday from Baltal after 'Pratham Pooja' was performed by Additional CEO of SASB Madan Mantoo.
Over 6,000 pilgrims, who could leave in the first batch, paid obeisance at the holy ice lingam of Lord Shiva in the cave shrine this morning.
Although, over 10,000 devotees had yesterday left from Baltal base camp for the cave shrine, over 4,000 pilgrims had to return from Brari Marg area as only 5,000 persons can walk through the narrow track at a time.
Over 20,000 pilgrims have reached Baltal till last evening and authorities are trying to clear the rush so that the yatra can be resumed, SASB officials said. Z