Mumbai, Jun 20 : A 36-year-old engineer with a private firm has been diagnosed as the first patient of swine flu in Maharashtra, health officials said today.
He is suspected to have contracted the disease during a recent visit to Honduras in Central America, they said.
"We have received the medical reports of the patient, which confirmed that he has swine flu," Dr Pradeep Awate, who is heading the state health department's influenza cell, told Zeack.
The patient has been quarantined at the Kasturba Hospital and his condition is presently "normal", he said.
"His condition is normal and he has only mild fever and running nose. He is responding to treatment," Awate said.
The engineer had gone to Honduras on June 8 and returned to India on June 15 via New Jersey in the US.
After his arrival, the engineer suffered from a mild fever and cough and consulted a physician at Kokilaben Ambani Hospital in suburban Andheri. The physician referred him to Kasturba Hospital in central Mumbai, the nodal centre for treatment of H1N1 viral infection in the city.
The results of his throat swab tests were received yesterday which confirmed Swine flu, Awate said. Zeack
11:50 PM
11:20 PM
Obama confident that Pak N-weapons secure
planetInfo
Lalit K Jha
Washington, Jun 20 : US President Barack Obama today exuded confidence that the nuclear weapons of Pakistan are safe and secure, about which a lot of concerns have been expressed in the recent past.
"I have confidence that the Pakistani government has safeguarded its nuclear arsenal. It is Pakistan's nuclear arsenal," Obama told the Dawn television of Pakistan in an interview.
"I won't engage in hypotheticals like that," Obama said when asked: "Do you actually see the possibility that one day the Taliban may take over those weapons? And if you see that happening, would you actually try to seize those weapons before the Taliban?" However, Obama said he is concerned about growing extremism in the region. "What I do have concerns about is making sure that the Taliban and other extremist organizations aren't taking root in South Asia, in Afghanistan, in the Middle East," he said.
The US president underlined the need for global cooperation to see that the "cancer" of terrorism does not take root.
"We want to partner with everybody to make sure that this cancer does not grow. One of the things that I said in my speech in Cairo is that Islam has an extraordinary tradition of tolerance and peaceful coexistence and that tradition is being distorted and being warped," Obama said. Zeack
Washington, Jun 20 : US President Barack Obama today exuded confidence that the nuclear weapons of Pakistan are safe and secure, about which a lot of concerns have been expressed in the recent past.
"I have confidence that the Pakistani government has safeguarded its nuclear arsenal. It is Pakistan's nuclear arsenal," Obama told the Dawn television of Pakistan in an interview.
"I won't engage in hypotheticals like that," Obama said when asked: "Do you actually see the possibility that one day the Taliban may take over those weapons? And if you see that happening, would you actually try to seize those weapons before the Taliban?" However, Obama said he is concerned about growing extremism in the region. "What I do have concerns about is making sure that the Taliban and other extremist organizations aren't taking root in South Asia, in Afghanistan, in the Middle East," he said.
The US president underlined the need for global cooperation to see that the "cancer" of terrorism does not take root.
"We want to partner with everybody to make sure that this cancer does not grow. One of the things that I said in my speech in Cairo is that Islam has an extraordinary tradition of tolerance and peaceful coexistence and that tradition is being distorted and being warped," Obama said. Zeack
11:20 PM
Ashish Shukla
London, Jun 20 : West Indies skipper Chris Gayle has warned India that his side could "sting like a bee" in the one-day series starting next week in the Caribbean following their agonising Twenty20 World Cup semifinal defeat to Sri Lanka.
"We might fly like butterflies but we can sting like a bee," said Gayle, mocking at Indian skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni's assertion that his side would look to compensate for their T20 World Cup debacle with series-win in the Caribbean.
Dhoni, before he left for the Caribbean, had vowed to bring cheer back to the Indian fans and triumph in the four-match one-day series, the first one starting at Kingston, Jamaica on June 26.
Dhoni has more or less reiterated his desire in Kingston after his arrival at the Norman Mailey airport on Thursday.
"In 20/20, once you lose the initiative at the start, it's very difficult to come back... So that's one big difference when it comes to T20 and 50-over cricket," said Dhoni.
"The team that plays consistent cricket over the series will come out as winners. We have to play consistent cricket and I think that will be the key for us," he said.
The one point though on which both Gayle and Dhoni appeared to be sharing the same platform was the reaction of the fans. Zeack
London, Jun 20 : West Indies skipper Chris Gayle has warned India that his side could "sting like a bee" in the one-day series starting next week in the Caribbean following their agonising Twenty20 World Cup semifinal defeat to Sri Lanka.
"We might fly like butterflies but we can sting like a bee," said Gayle, mocking at Indian skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni's assertion that his side would look to compensate for their T20 World Cup debacle with series-win in the Caribbean.
Dhoni, before he left for the Caribbean, had vowed to bring cheer back to the Indian fans and triumph in the four-match one-day series, the first one starting at Kingston, Jamaica on June 26.
Dhoni has more or less reiterated his desire in Kingston after his arrival at the Norman Mailey airport on Thursday.
"In 20/20, once you lose the initiative at the start, it's very difficult to come back... So that's one big difference when it comes to T20 and 50-over cricket," said Dhoni.
"The team that plays consistent cricket over the series will come out as winners. We have to play consistent cricket and I think that will be the key for us," he said.
The one point though on which both Gayle and Dhoni appeared to be sharing the same platform was the reaction of the fans. Zeack
11:20 PM
CPI(M) Central Committee meet begins
planetInfo
New Delhi, June 20 : The crucial meeting of the CPI(M) Central Committee, the first after the party's electoral debacle, began here today in the backdrop of the Maoist siege of Lalgarh in Left-ruled West Bengal.
The meeting is being attended by all top CPI(M) leaders, including West Bengal Chief Minister Buddhdev Bhattacharjee.
The CPI(M) Politburo yesterday held detailed discussion on the emerging situation in Lalgarh, where an operation is on to flush out the Maoists, besides reviewing its organisational problems that led to its worst-ever poll performance.
The "self-critical" review of the party's electoral performance, which saw its Lok Sabha strength declining from 42 to 16, was taken up at the Politburo meeting, party sources said. The findings of the review would be placed before the two-day meeting of the Central Committee.
The Central Committee would finalise measures to rectify the drawbacks so as to enable the party to confidently face assembly polls in its bastions of West Bengal and Kerala in 2011. Zeack
The meeting is being attended by all top CPI(M) leaders, including West Bengal Chief Minister Buddhdev Bhattacharjee.
The CPI(M) Politburo yesterday held detailed discussion on the emerging situation in Lalgarh, where an operation is on to flush out the Maoists, besides reviewing its organisational problems that led to its worst-ever poll performance.
The "self-critical" review of the party's electoral performance, which saw its Lok Sabha strength declining from 42 to 16, was taken up at the Politburo meeting, party sources said. The findings of the review would be placed before the two-day meeting of the Central Committee.
The Central Committee would finalise measures to rectify the drawbacks so as to enable the party to confidently face assembly polls in its bastions of West Bengal and Kerala in 2011. Zeack
10:50 PM
London, June 20 : 'Matrix' star Keanu Reeves has been described as a "gentle giant" by his co-star Robin Wright Penn.
Robin who was most recently in news after her husband actor Sean Penn filed for divorce and then promptly withdrew the request, said that Reeves who stars with her in the upcoming 'The Private Lives Of Pippa Lee' was a kind person who put her at ease quickly, reported Mirror online.
"I thought he was quite good actually, he's perfect for it, he's a gentle giant. I feel like we were blessed to have him do it, because it didn't feel strange. The dynamic was already there," said the actress who was a part of the jury at this year's Cannes Film Festival.
Robin and Reeves play a quirky couple in the film which also stars Winona Ryder, Julianne Moore and Blake Lively and the 43-year-old actress said that the actor bonded well with the cast which was dominated by women.
"He's very comfortable around girls, thank God because it was a full set of girls!" added Robin. Z
Robin who was most recently in news after her husband actor Sean Penn filed for divorce and then promptly withdrew the request, said that Reeves who stars with her in the upcoming 'The Private Lives Of Pippa Lee' was a kind person who put her at ease quickly, reported Mirror online.
"I thought he was quite good actually, he's perfect for it, he's a gentle giant. I feel like we were blessed to have him do it, because it didn't feel strange. The dynamic was already there," said the actress who was a part of the jury at this year's Cannes Film Festival.
Robin and Reeves play a quirky couple in the film which also stars Winona Ryder, Julianne Moore and Blake Lively and the 43-year-old actress said that the actor bonded well with the cast which was dominated by women.
"He's very comfortable around girls, thank God because it was a full set of girls!" added Robin. Z
10:50 PM
Kathmandu, June 20 : Nepal has underlined the key role of India in its landmark peace process as a top Indian official is set to meet senior leaders in the country today.
"We need India's cooperation and support to move the peace process forward," Foreign Minister Sujata Koirala said.
Ahead of of Indian Foreign Secretary Shivshankar Menon's visit today, the Foreign Minister stressed that the new the CPN-UML led coalition government wanted to strengthen bilateral relations.
"Nepal government wants to strengthen bilateral relations with neighbouring countries, especially India," Koirala told Zeack in an interview.
She also underlined the "high priority" to the peace process by the new coalition.
"The CPN-UML led coalition government has accorded high priority to taking the peace process to its logical end and to draft the new constitution on time," the 55-year-old daughter of former premier and Nepali Congress patriarch Girija Prasad Koirala said.
Menon, who is expected to arrive in Kathamandu today on a two-day visit, will impress upon the Nepalese leadership the need to take the peace process forward.
Menon is also expected to discuss the maiden India tour by Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal. The Foreign Secretary will meet President Ram Baran Yadav, Vice President Parmananda Jha, the Prime Minister, Foreign Minister as also Home Minister Bhim Bahadur Rawal. Z
"We need India's cooperation and support to move the peace process forward," Foreign Minister Sujata Koirala said.
Ahead of of Indian Foreign Secretary Shivshankar Menon's visit today, the Foreign Minister stressed that the new the CPN-UML led coalition government wanted to strengthen bilateral relations.
"Nepal government wants to strengthen bilateral relations with neighbouring countries, especially India," Koirala told Zeack in an interview.
She also underlined the "high priority" to the peace process by the new coalition.
"The CPN-UML led coalition government has accorded high priority to taking the peace process to its logical end and to draft the new constitution on time," the 55-year-old daughter of former premier and Nepali Congress patriarch Girija Prasad Koirala said.
Menon, who is expected to arrive in Kathamandu today on a two-day visit, will impress upon the Nepalese leadership the need to take the peace process forward.
Menon is also expected to discuss the maiden India tour by Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal. The Foreign Secretary will meet President Ram Baran Yadav, Vice President Parmananda Jha, the Prime Minister, Foreign Minister as also Home Minister Bhim Bahadur Rawal. Z
10:20 PM
Yoshita Singh
Chicago, Jun 20 : US Senator Roland Burris will not be charged with perjury for statements he made before an Illinois investigative committee probing his appointment by impeached governor Rod Blagojevich to the Senate seat vacated by President Barack Obama.
Illinois prosecutor John Schmidt said the review into Burris' testimony before the House Special Investigative Committee is complete and there is insufficient evidence to charge him with perjury.
"A review of the evidence, consisting of numerous interviews and documents, indicates there is insufficient evidence to prove Senator Burris made a statement he knew to be false. Some of his statements were vague, but vague statements cannot support a perjury charge," Sangamon County State's Attorney Schmidt said in a statement.
Reacting to the verdict, Burris said he was pleased with Schmidt's decision and termed the investigation "thorough and fair".
"This matter has now been fully investigated. I cooperated at every phase of the process, and as I have said from the beginning, I have never engaged in any pay-to-play, never perjured myself, and came to this seat in an honest and legal way. Today's announcement confirms all that," Burris said in a statement. Z
Chicago, Jun 20 : US Senator Roland Burris will not be charged with perjury for statements he made before an Illinois investigative committee probing his appointment by impeached governor Rod Blagojevich to the Senate seat vacated by President Barack Obama.
Illinois prosecutor John Schmidt said the review into Burris' testimony before the House Special Investigative Committee is complete and there is insufficient evidence to charge him with perjury.
"A review of the evidence, consisting of numerous interviews and documents, indicates there is insufficient evidence to prove Senator Burris made a statement he knew to be false. Some of his statements were vague, but vague statements cannot support a perjury charge," Sangamon County State's Attorney Schmidt said in a statement.
Reacting to the verdict, Burris said he was pleased with Schmidt's decision and termed the investigation "thorough and fair".
"This matter has now been fully investigated. I cooperated at every phase of the process, and as I have said from the beginning, I have never engaged in any pay-to-play, never perjured myself, and came to this seat in an honest and legal way. Today's announcement confirms all that," Burris said in a statement. Z
10:20 PM
London, June 20 : Hollywood superstar George Clooney has hired a psychic to help him contact his favourite pet, a black pig named Max who died three years ago.
The 'Ocean's Thirteen' star is still mourning the loss of the swine whom he fondly called 'Max the star' and wants to keep in touch with his pet of 18 years from beyond the grave, reported Contactmusic.
"The psychic told me Max had a great life with me. He is very happy in spirit and still hangs out with me sometimes. I am not sure she was telling the truth but I do want to believe her," the star reportedly told a friend.
The 48-year-old hunk who is one of the most eligible bachelors of Hollywood was shattered with the death of the potbellied pig who died while the actor was away from home promoting his film 'The Good German'.
Clooney regularly took Max to interviews and photo shoots and joked it was his longest-running relationship.
"He was as old a pig as the vets had ever seen. He was a big part of my life. It's strange how animals become a big part of your family. They really become a big issue with you," the actor had said after the death of his pet.
The 'Intolerable Cruelty' star vowed never to have a pet again after the death of the pig. Ze
The 'Ocean's Thirteen' star is still mourning the loss of the swine whom he fondly called 'Max the star' and wants to keep in touch with his pet of 18 years from beyond the grave, reported Contactmusic.
"The psychic told me Max had a great life with me. He is very happy in spirit and still hangs out with me sometimes. I am not sure she was telling the truth but I do want to believe her," the star reportedly told a friend.
The 48-year-old hunk who is one of the most eligible bachelors of Hollywood was shattered with the death of the potbellied pig who died while the actor was away from home promoting his film 'The Good German'.
Clooney regularly took Max to interviews and photo shoots and joked it was his longest-running relationship.
"He was as old a pig as the vets had ever seen. He was a big part of my life. It's strange how animals become a big part of your family. They really become a big issue with you," the actor had said after the death of his pet.
The 'Intolerable Cruelty' star vowed never to have a pet again after the death of the pig. Ze
10:20 PM
Kathmandu, June 20 : Nepal has underlined the key role of India in its landmark peace process as a top Indian official is set to meet senior leaders in the country today.
"We need India's cooperation and support to move the peace process forward," Foreign Minister Sujata Koirala said.
Ahead of of Indian Foreign Secretary Shivshankar Menon's visit today, the Foreign Minister stressed that the new the CPN-UML led coalition government wanted to strengthen bilateral relations.
"Nepal government wants to strengthen bilateral relations with neighbouring countries, especially India," Koirala told Zeack in an interview.
She also underlined the "high priority" to the peace process by the new coalition.
"The CPN-UML led coalition government has accorded high priority to taking the peace process to its logical end and to draft the new constitution on time," the 55-year-old daughter of former premier and Nepali Congress patriarch Girija Prasad Koirala said.
Menon, who is expected to arrive in Kathamandu today on a two-day visit, will impress upon the Nepalese leadership the need to take the peace process forward.
Menon is also expected to discuss the maiden India tour by Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal. The Foreign Secretary will meet President Ram Baran Yadav, Vice President Parmananda Jha, the Prime Minister, Foreign Minister as also Home Minister Bhim Bahadur Rawal. Z
"We need India's cooperation and support to move the peace process forward," Foreign Minister Sujata Koirala said.
Ahead of of Indian Foreign Secretary Shivshankar Menon's visit today, the Foreign Minister stressed that the new the CPN-UML led coalition government wanted to strengthen bilateral relations.
"Nepal government wants to strengthen bilateral relations with neighbouring countries, especially India," Koirala told Zeack in an interview.
She also underlined the "high priority" to the peace process by the new coalition.
"The CPN-UML led coalition government has accorded high priority to taking the peace process to its logical end and to draft the new constitution on time," the 55-year-old daughter of former premier and Nepali Congress patriarch Girija Prasad Koirala said.
Menon, who is expected to arrive in Kathamandu today on a two-day visit, will impress upon the Nepalese leadership the need to take the peace process forward.
Menon is also expected to discuss the maiden India tour by Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal. The Foreign Secretary will meet President Ram Baran Yadav, Vice President Parmananda Jha, the Prime Minister, Foreign Minister as also Home Minister Bhim Bahadur Rawal. Z
12:26 PM
Mumbai, June 19 : A military cargo aircraft AN-124 of Russian origin carrying ammunitions and five persons on board tonight intruded into Indian airspace and landed at the international airport here.
IAF PRO Wing Commander T K Singha said the plane, which entered the Indian airspace at around 2000 hrs, did not have the permission to fly over the Indian airspace.
The plane was then asked to land at the Mumbai airport which the aircraft did at 2240 hrs, he told CNN-IBN.
Singha described as "untrue" earlier reports that the plane was escorted by Indian Air Force planes up to the airport here.
IAF officials and central intelligence sleuths were questioning the people on board the aircraft.
IAF sources said the plane apparently belonging to the United States took off from Diego Garcia island, a military base near Mauritius in the Indian Ocean, and was headed for Kandahar in Afghanistan. Ze
IAF PRO Wing Commander T K Singha said the plane, which entered the Indian airspace at around 2000 hrs, did not have the permission to fly over the Indian airspace.
The plane was then asked to land at the Mumbai airport which the aircraft did at 2240 hrs, he told CNN-IBN.
Singha described as "untrue" earlier reports that the plane was escorted by Indian Air Force planes up to the airport here.
IAF officials and central intelligence sleuths were questioning the people on board the aircraft.
IAF sources said the plane apparently belonging to the United States took off from Diego Garcia island, a military base near Mauritius in the Indian Ocean, and was headed for Kandahar in Afghanistan. Ze
11:56 AM
Mumbai, June 19 : A Russian military cargo aircraft AN-24 rpt AN-24 with six passengers and two crew members tonight intruded into Indian airspace from Pakistan and landed at the international airport.
As the plane entered into Indian airspace without the right code, it was escorted to Mumbai airport by Indian Air Force planes, a spokesman of Mumbai International Airport Limited told Zeack here.
The MIAL spokesman said the plane with Russian markings came from Pakistani airspace carrying six passengers and two crew and was escorted over the Mumbai airport by IAF planes.
The cargo aircraft landed at the airport at around 2240 hours after being allowed by the Air Traffic Control.
Security forces have surrounded the aircraft. Ze
As the plane entered into Indian airspace without the right code, it was escorted to Mumbai airport by Indian Air Force planes, a spokesman of Mumbai International Airport Limited told Zeack here.
The MIAL spokesman said the plane with Russian markings came from Pakistani airspace carrying six passengers and two crew and was escorted over the Mumbai airport by IAF planes.
The cargo aircraft landed at the airport at around 2240 hours after being allowed by the Air Traffic Control.
Security forces have surrounded the aircraft. Ze
10:56 AM
Brussels, June 19 : President Asif Ali Zardari today met German Chancellor Angela Merkel during which the latter pushed for early resumption of dialogue between Pakistan and India.
The two leaders also discussed a number of issues, including Pakistan's war against terror and situation in the troubled region.
Asserting that terrorism was not only threatening Pakistan but the whole world, Zardari said that the cooperation of European Union and international community was needed to fight the menace.
The president also informed the German leader about the situation in Swat and Malakand, Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi was quoted as saying by APP.
On resumption of talks with India, the President said Pakistan wants normalization of relations with its neighbour in the interest of not only two countries but the whole region.
At a breakfast meeting at an upscale hotel in downtown Brussels, Zardari told Merkel his country wants improvement of trade and economic ties with Europe and asked for German support for a free trade agreement with EU.
Zardari said Germany was a friend of Pakistan and sought German support for access of Pakistani goods to European market. Ze
The two leaders also discussed a number of issues, including Pakistan's war against terror and situation in the troubled region.
Asserting that terrorism was not only threatening Pakistan but the whole world, Zardari said that the cooperation of European Union and international community was needed to fight the menace.
The president also informed the German leader about the situation in Swat and Malakand, Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi was quoted as saying by APP.
On resumption of talks with India, the President said Pakistan wants normalization of relations with its neighbour in the interest of not only two countries but the whole region.
At a breakfast meeting at an upscale hotel in downtown Brussels, Zardari told Merkel his country wants improvement of trade and economic ties with Europe and asked for German support for a free trade agreement with EU.
Zardari said Germany was a friend of Pakistan and sought German support for access of Pakistani goods to European market. Ze
10:26 AM
New Delhi, Jun 19 : The CPI(M) today suggested that a dual-strategy of law and order management and political solution be adopted to resolve the Naxal menace.
"As far as our party's stand is concerned, we have always said that a dual strategy has to be adopted to tackle the Maoists activities -- it is a law and order problem and needs a political solution," CPI(M) leader Sitaram Yechury told reporters here after the party's politburo meeting.
"If this dual strategy is not adopted, no final solution can be achieved. Whatever decision the Centre takes on this matter, we cannot comment on it," Yechury said.
Describing the Naxal violence as "a grave matter," he said the violence in Lalgarh in West Bengal, ruled by the party-led coalition, should not be "pitied or politicised." Asked why the CPI(M) in West Bengal was reluctant to ban the Maoists or declare them as terrorists, he said, the issue fell in the realm of centre-state relations and both the governments were seized of the matter.
"This question will be taken up by the State government with the Centre. The operations to flush the Maoists out of Lalgarh has begun and beyond that I do not think anybody else should opine on this matter," he added.
Yechury also pointed out to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's remarks last year that the Naxal violence was a bigger threat to internal security of the country. Z
"As far as our party's stand is concerned, we have always said that a dual strategy has to be adopted to tackle the Maoists activities -- it is a law and order problem and needs a political solution," CPI(M) leader Sitaram Yechury told reporters here after the party's politburo meeting.
"If this dual strategy is not adopted, no final solution can be achieved. Whatever decision the Centre takes on this matter, we cannot comment on it," Yechury said.
Describing the Naxal violence as "a grave matter," he said the violence in Lalgarh in West Bengal, ruled by the party-led coalition, should not be "pitied or politicised." Asked why the CPI(M) in West Bengal was reluctant to ban the Maoists or declare them as terrorists, he said, the issue fell in the realm of centre-state relations and both the governments were seized of the matter.
"This question will be taken up by the State government with the Centre. The operations to flush the Maoists out of Lalgarh has begun and beyond that I do not think anybody else should opine on this matter," he added.
Yechury also pointed out to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's remarks last year that the Naxal violence was a bigger threat to internal security of the country. Z
10:26 AM
New Delhi/Chennai, Jun 19 : The DMK today asked External Affairs Minister S M Krishna to prevail upon the Sri Lankan Government to allow unloading of a ship carrying relief materials sent by overseas Tamil diaspora for civilians displaced due to the war in the island nation.
The Vessel -- MV Captain Ali -- which set sail from Britain on April 20, is currently anchored outside Chennai port as it was turned away by the Lankan Navy on June nine after detaining it for several days.
Union IT Minister A Raja and Tamil Nadu School Education Minister K Ponmudy met Krishna in New Delhi and asked him to intervene and persuade the Government of Sri Lanka to allow unloading of the relief materials sent through the Vessel.
The ministers also handed over a letter written by Chief Minister M Karunanidhi to Krishna in which the DMK leader said the ship carrying humanitarian aid collected by Tamils in Europe for the internationally displaced Tamils in Sri Lanka was turned away by the island nation's Navy.
It is carrying about 884 tonnes of food, medicine and other relief materials.
"The External Affairs Minister listened to us carefully and he assured us that he will take up the matter with authorities concerned," Raja told Zeack after the meeting.
He said they also asked Krishna to tell the Sri Lankan Government to distribute the items to displaced Tamil civilians currently living in camps in northern Sri Lanka through international aid agencies and ICRC. Ze
The Vessel -- MV Captain Ali -- which set sail from Britain on April 20, is currently anchored outside Chennai port as it was turned away by the Lankan Navy on June nine after detaining it for several days.
Union IT Minister A Raja and Tamil Nadu School Education Minister K Ponmudy met Krishna in New Delhi and asked him to intervene and persuade the Government of Sri Lanka to allow unloading of the relief materials sent through the Vessel.
The ministers also handed over a letter written by Chief Minister M Karunanidhi to Krishna in which the DMK leader said the ship carrying humanitarian aid collected by Tamils in Europe for the internationally displaced Tamils in Sri Lanka was turned away by the island nation's Navy.
It is carrying about 884 tonnes of food, medicine and other relief materials.
"The External Affairs Minister listened to us carefully and he assured us that he will take up the matter with authorities concerned," Raja told Zeack after the meeting.
He said they also asked Krishna to tell the Sri Lankan Government to distribute the items to displaced Tamil civilians currently living in camps in northern Sri Lanka through international aid agencies and ICRC. Ze
8:56 AM
Pirakata (WB), Jun 19 : Maoists triggered a landmine blast on a police vehicle this evening at Pirakata bazar, 18 km from troubled Lalgarh area, in which two policemen were injured.
The blast occurred as the vehicle, which was preceded by one belonging to the media, crossed the area.
The vehicle reportedly belonged to the sub-divisional police officer, but there was no official word on it.
The injured policemen were rushed to hospital.
This was the first landmine blast triggered by Maoists since yesterday's operation by the police and central forces to reclaim Lalgarh from the tribals. Ze
The blast occurred as the vehicle, which was preceded by one belonging to the media, crossed the area.
The vehicle reportedly belonged to the sub-divisional police officer, but there was no official word on it.
The injured policemen were rushed to hospital.
This was the first landmine blast triggered by Maoists since yesterday's operation by the police and central forces to reclaim Lalgarh from the tribals. Ze
7:56 AM
North perspires; mercury floats above normal
planetInfo
New Delhi, June 19 : Temperature soared by two-three notches above normal in most places in the northern region today as mercury continued its upward surge after remaining at bearable levels for a few days.
Maximum temperature soared by about two degrees in Punjab and Haryana with hottest Hisar sweltering at 41.6 degrees. Amritsar had a high of 40.8 degrees, one notch above normal, Bhiwani recorded 40.2 degrees, Patiala and Ludhiana 39.8 degrees each and Chandigarh 39.4 degrees.
As the high-intensity squall subsided in Rajasthan, temperature rose with Kota reeling at 43 degrees.
Due to pre-monsoon activity and cloudy weather, humidity levels ranged between 20-38 per cent leaving people perspiring.
Jaipur, Barmer, Jaisalmer and Sriganganagar recorded a maximum of 42 degrees each, followed by Ajmer 40 and Udaipur 39 degrees. Bikaner was, however, drenched by 2 mm rains.
In Uttar Pradesh, maximum temperature hovered over 40 degrees at most of the places. In hottest Varanasi, mercury rose five degrees above normal to an unbearable 44.2 degrees.
Lucknow was simmering at 42.7 degrees -- four degrees above normal, while Allahabad recorded a high of 42.5 degrees. Ze
Maximum temperature soared by about two degrees in Punjab and Haryana with hottest Hisar sweltering at 41.6 degrees. Amritsar had a high of 40.8 degrees, one notch above normal, Bhiwani recorded 40.2 degrees, Patiala and Ludhiana 39.8 degrees each and Chandigarh 39.4 degrees.
As the high-intensity squall subsided in Rajasthan, temperature rose with Kota reeling at 43 degrees.
Due to pre-monsoon activity and cloudy weather, humidity levels ranged between 20-38 per cent leaving people perspiring.
Jaipur, Barmer, Jaisalmer and Sriganganagar recorded a maximum of 42 degrees each, followed by Ajmer 40 and Udaipur 39 degrees. Bikaner was, however, drenched by 2 mm rains.
In Uttar Pradesh, maximum temperature hovered over 40 degrees at most of the places. In hottest Varanasi, mercury rose five degrees above normal to an unbearable 44.2 degrees.
Lucknow was simmering at 42.7 degrees -- four degrees above normal, while Allahabad recorded a high of 42.5 degrees. Ze
7:20 AM
New Delhi, Jun 19 : Government cannot withhold pension of its employees for being involved in a relative's business during service, the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) has said.
The Tribunal held that although it was not desirable for a government employee to be involved in business during his service, it cannot be termed a grave misconduct to justify punishment by witholding or reducing pension.
"It may not be desirable for a government servant to assist his wife and daughter and their business or to actually participate in the same and the same may be misconduct as well but it does not appear to be a case of grave misconduct," a bench comprising Chairman V K Bali and Member Ramesh Chandra Panda said.
The Tribunal's directions came on the plea of a retired IPS officer whose pension was reduced by 25 per cent as a punishment for running a business on behalf of his wife during his service.
"We are allowing this application on the ground that if the allegations regarding subject matter of the charge are not stated to be grave in departmental proceedings, the government has no right whatsoever to stop or make a cut in pension of retired IPS officer Harish Kumar," the CAT said. Ze
The Tribunal held that although it was not desirable for a government employee to be involved in business during his service, it cannot be termed a grave misconduct to justify punishment by witholding or reducing pension.
"It may not be desirable for a government servant to assist his wife and daughter and their business or to actually participate in the same and the same may be misconduct as well but it does not appear to be a case of grave misconduct," a bench comprising Chairman V K Bali and Member Ramesh Chandra Panda said.
The Tribunal's directions came on the plea of a retired IPS officer whose pension was reduced by 25 per cent as a punishment for running a business on behalf of his wife during his service.
"We are allowing this application on the ground that if the allegations regarding subject matter of the charge are not stated to be grave in departmental proceedings, the government has no right whatsoever to stop or make a cut in pension of retired IPS officer Harish Kumar," the CAT said. Ze
6:50 AM
New Delhi, Jun 19 : The delay in monsoon now appears worrisome as the weather office today said the country had received just over 50 per cent of the normal rainfall so far this season.
Of the 36 meteorological sub-divisions, 28 reported deficient or scanty rainfall while eight received excess or normal rains.
"Actual rainfall for the country as a whole is 39.5 mm against a normal of 72.5 mm with a deficiency of 45 per cent," India Meteorological Department Director B P Yadav told Zeack.
Southwest monsoon, which had brought cheer to the farming community due to its early onset on May 23, had stopped in the tracks over Konkan region of Maharashtra since June seven.
Cyclone Aila, which razed parts of Orissa and West Bengal, struck a devastating blow to the monsoon system by sucking away moisture from the winds and weakening the annual rainfall system.
However, the weatherman said that monsoon is expected to advance over some more parts of Maharashtra, including Mumbai in the next two-three days.
But central India may not receive rains any soon in the absence of a strong surge, the weather office said.
Under normal conditions, monsoon should have reached Mumbai by June 10 and covered entire Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and parts of Uttar Pradesh by June 15. Ze
Of the 36 meteorological sub-divisions, 28 reported deficient or scanty rainfall while eight received excess or normal rains.
"Actual rainfall for the country as a whole is 39.5 mm against a normal of 72.5 mm with a deficiency of 45 per cent," India Meteorological Department Director B P Yadav told Zeack.
Southwest monsoon, which had brought cheer to the farming community due to its early onset on May 23, had stopped in the tracks over Konkan region of Maharashtra since June seven.
Cyclone Aila, which razed parts of Orissa and West Bengal, struck a devastating blow to the monsoon system by sucking away moisture from the winds and weakening the annual rainfall system.
However, the weatherman said that monsoon is expected to advance over some more parts of Maharashtra, including Mumbai in the next two-three days.
But central India may not receive rains any soon in the absence of a strong surge, the weather office said.
Under normal conditions, monsoon should have reached Mumbai by June 10 and covered entire Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and parts of Uttar Pradesh by June 15. Ze
4:50 AM
New Delhi, Jun 19 : The Commission set up to take a fresh look at Centre-State relations was today given a nine-month extension up to March 31 next year.
This was decided at a meeting of the Union Cabinet, Home Minister P Chidambaram told reporters here after the meeting chaired by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.
The Commission, headed by Justice M M Punchhi, was set up in 2007 to look into new issues of Centre-State relations in view of the sea changes that have taken place in the polity and economy since the Sarkaria Commission had last looked into the matter.
The Punchhi panel, which was asked to submit its report within two years, was given the task to review the working of the existing arrangements between the Centre and the states as per the Constitution and study various pronouncements of the courts with regard to powers, functions and responsibilities in all spheres. Ze
This was decided at a meeting of the Union Cabinet, Home Minister P Chidambaram told reporters here after the meeting chaired by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.
The Commission, headed by Justice M M Punchhi, was set up in 2007 to look into new issues of Centre-State relations in view of the sea changes that have taken place in the polity and economy since the Sarkaria Commission had last looked into the matter.
The Punchhi panel, which was asked to submit its report within two years, was given the task to review the working of the existing arrangements between the Centre and the states as per the Constitution and study various pronouncements of the courts with regard to powers, functions and responsibilities in all spheres. Ze