 |
|
|
Trinamool fades CPM’s red
Sibal meets deans of US varsities
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
India, Seychelles sign investment & protection pact
Mirchpur Dalits manhandle Hisar DC
DGCA issues fresh directive to airlines
Ruchika case: High court reserves order
Helicopter crashes, naval pilot killed
India to launch its first indigenous H1N1 vaccine today
AoL Foundation resent PC remark
Tejas aircraft takes its first flight
Wasnik replaces Tytler as Bihar Cong in charge
Gujjars’ stir over quota from June 16
Gujarat on alert as ‘Phet’ intensifies
|
|
Trinamool fades CPM’s red
Since then, green has been the preferred colour in Bengal and not red, as was the case for 33 years. Today was no exception with Trinamool sweeping Kolkata civic polls and decimating the Left in civic body elections in the state. Faced with embarrassing losses -- TMC won over 90 wards in the 141 seat Kolkata Municipal Corporation while Left won 30 -- the CPM leadership back in the Capital was quick to accept defeat and said Bengalis voted “not so much for Mamata as against the Left”. This confession sets the tone for introspection of losses in the civil polls, which the CPM plans this weekend when its Politburo, the highest policy-making body, meets in the Capital on June 5 and 6. Under scrutiny would be party’s yearlong rectification course, which doesn’t seem to have paid off well. The correction comprised getting the complacent cadres to go back to the people. In the meantime, senior CPM leaders, including party’s Rajya Sabha leader Sitaram Yechury, today snubbed Mamata for her demand to advance assembly polls in the state. “We have the majority in the state Assembly and will complete our term. Nowhere in India’s history has any state government resigned due to losses in civic polls. These are no semifinals to the 2011 Assembly polls, as is being projected. Let’s not forget, politics is not cricket. You never know who wins the finals. There’s still a year to go,” senior CPM leader and Politburo member MK Pandhe today told The Tribune.
CPM, he added, may have lost electoral base in comparison to 2005 polls but had actually recovered some ground over last Lok Sabha polls. Pandhe credited the party’s correction course for this recovery. “The self-assessment we initiated after losing General Election last year has paid off and we have recovered base even in Kolkata. But Bengal’s poor are not with us anymore and we must win them back,” he admitted, blaming today’s loss partly on red cadres’ complacency in Bengal and partly on the hate campaign Mamata launched against the Left. “She told peasants that the Left would snatch their lands, she told voters that it would create communal disharmony. The CPM must urgently find a way to counter Mamata’s false campaigns,” Pandhe said, while ruling out any alliance with the Congress. Party’s stand can’t change, he said, with senior CPM leader Sitaram Yechury also rubbishing reports mentioning the party was ready to back a Congress Mayor for Kolkata if the Trinamool did not win decisively today. “This is not possible. This is false,” Yechury said. The most silent of all CPM leaders today was general secretary Prakash Karat. He sufficed to state that the party would analyse today’s defeat and formulate the future approach accordingly. It’s a long road ahead for the Left Front, especially for its senior-most partner CPM, which is not such a cohesive unit in Bengal after all. Meanwhile, post-poll violence left six TMC workers injured at Chandannagar in Hooghly district when bombs were allegedly thrown at a gathering of Trinamool Congress supporters, the police said.
|
|
Sibal meets deans of US varsities
New Delhi, June 2 Aware that the Foreign Education Providers’ law is in the Lok Sabha back home, the foreign players are lining up to tap Indian markets. Speaking to The Tribune from the US, Sibal said the foreign universities were readying varied plans for educational collaborations with India. Virginia Tech, George Town and American University have already announced preferred sectors for entry in India. Asked why top US universities like Yale and Harvard were not showing interest in setting up campuses in India, Sibal said, “Precisely because they are number one US universities. They may not be setting up campuses yet but they are collaborating with us in any case. Many other universities are keen to come. It is important that they make multifarious investments in India to further academic research and skill development here. Educational partnership with the US is not just India’s agenda. The reverse is also true.” Virginia Tech today said it wanted to set up a facility near Chennai for research in bio-informatics, nano sciences and transportation studies. They also want to start select masters' and doctoral degree programmes. The university team, led by President Charles Steger, met Sibal and expressed hope in the passage of Foreign Educators Bill in Parliament. Asked if the law would become real any time soon, Sibal said it would be in place by the next academic session. “There will be no hassle in passing the law. We are not giving preferential treatment to foreign providers. So there would be no problem,” said Sibal, when asked if foreign providers were concerned about the absence of legal structures that enabled their entry to India. Later today, the minister is meeting US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and US Education Secretary Arne Duncan. Meanwhile, Senior Vice President and CEO of Georgetown University told Sibal about their interest in projects aimed at social science research. “He also suggested professional and executive development for policy makers and business leaders and research in emerging areas of climate change and sustainability as other possible areas for collaboration,” Sibal said. American University has already signed a MoU with Manipal University to develop a program in national security studies -- something that was reiterated today by Louis Goodman, Dean of the School of International Service, American University, another leading foreign education provider who met the HRD Minister. Meanwhile, India has plans to increase its gross enrollment ratio in higher education from 12.4 per cent to 30 per cent by 2020. And if that happens, 150 million youth would need to be skilled. Therefore, the invitation to foreign universities to come to India.
|
|
India, Seychelles sign investment & protection pact
New Delhi, June 2 After talks between Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and the visiting leader, the two countries also signed a bilateral investment promotion and protection agreement that is expected to go a long way in enhancing trade and commercial ties between them. Official sources said the two leaders discussed a wide-range of issues, including bilateral ties as well as international developments. Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee, Defence Minister AK Antony and National Security Adviser Shiv Shankar Menon were part of the high-level Indian delegation at the talks. Officials said security and defence collaboration were key areas for discussions between the two sides since the Indian Ocean country faces persistent threat of piracy. India has already gifted Coast Guard vessels and deputed experts to help Seychelles counter the threat of piracy. India is also in the process of setting an IT centre in the strategically situated country. President Michel, who arrived here yesterday, received a ceremonial welcome at the Rashtrapati Bhawan this morning. In a brief chat with reporters at the Rashtrapati Bhavan, he said security matters, particularly piracy in the Indian Ocean, were issues of common concern for the two nations, adding that building up further cooperation and enhancing relations between India and Seychelles was of prime importance. “This visit is primarily to further enhance the excellent relations that exist between India and Seychelles. We are neighbours and India is our natural partner and I think it is only natural that we extend visits and share our experiences and also build on future cooperation and enhance our relationship,” he said.
|
|
Mirchpur Dalits manhandle Hisar DC
New Delhi, June 2 Yudhvir Singh had come following the Supreme Court directions on the safety of Dalits. Some eyewitnesses said slogan-shouting protesters pushed him, lambasting him for assurances that they had no threat and the government was ready to provide them safety and other facilities. According to eyewitnesses, the situation worsened when a woman asked the DC whether he could bring back those who lost their lives. This charged up the emotions. Yudhvir Singh was not allowed to board his car and things could be brought under
control only when about 20 police officials from the Mandir Marg police station reached the spot. As protesters’ anger grew and they became more threatening, Yudhvir Singh abandoned his official vehicle and rushed to the other side of road and sought lift from a motorcyclist. “He ran from here to the other side of the road and tried to take lift from a motorcyclist. However, the protesters toppled the motorcycle. It was only when the police arrived that agitators withdrew,” said an eyewitness to the incident. The Delhi Police, however, played down the incident and S Dash, Additional CP (New Delhi), said some miscreants indulged in slogan-shouting but the DC was not assaulted. “There was no violence. We brought the DC to the police station later,” said Dash. Yudhvir Singh did not pick up his mobile despite several calls made at his number. On April 21, scores of Dalit families from Mirchpur village fled to the Capital following attack on them by some Jats. Two persons were killed and many houses were burnt.
The families are camping at Valmiki Mandir in Harijan Basti in New Delhi area ever since and the Hisar DC had come to meet these people after SC instructions to provide them adequate security.
|
|
Mangalore Crash Vibha Sharma/TNS
New Delhi, June 2 And in case of an “unstabilised approach” (an approach that is not as per laid down parameters or timely corrected) pilots, it reiterated that pilots should “go-around” and attempt another safe approach. Along with correct landing procedures, directions also list the protocol to be followed by pilots and crew on board. As per the instructions issued a senior cabin crew should always be present in the cockpit in case one of the pilots has to go out. The guideline asking pilots to ensure correct landings rather than aiming for soft landings is significant since airlines are thought to have issued instructions, asking pilots to go in for soft landings for passengers comfort and also since hard landing with a side load may result in damage to the air frame. Moreover, every pilot tries for soft landing since his or her expertise as a flier is judged by how smooth the landing is. But the danger of soft landing is that an aircraft uses up more of the runway to come to a complete halt. As per preliminary report, in the Mangalore crash the pilot overshot the table top runway by 2,000 feet, resulting in India’s worst aviation disaster in more than a decade. Incidentally, manufacturers recommendation is “Fly it(the jet) into the ground”. The DGCA said a large percentage of incidents and accidents occur during the approach and landing or take off phase. This is also the phase where there is transition from automated flight to manual flight, instrument to visual reference and vice versa. Therefore it is critical that standard operating procedures are followed meticulously in these phases of flight. “Pilots need to keep in mind that a good landing is the result of a good approach which is built on adherence to SOPs. A good landing is not one that the passengers perceive as a soft landing, but one that is made at the correct point on the runway with the correct flight parameters. While the approach can be controlled to achieve a good standard through adherence to SOPs and should result in safe landing, an attempt to cushion a “decent” landing to make a soft landing could result in a delayed touchdown that would need harsh deceleration to maintain the aircraft on the runway or even worse a runway excursion with possible catastrophic results.” The civil aviation regulator said in case of an “unstabilised approach”, pilots should make a go-around so that they get another opportunity to conduct a safe approach.
|
|
Ruchika case: High court reserves order
Chandigarh, June 2 In her enthusiasm to drive home the message, Abha Rathore actually asked Justice Tewari to order the reproduction of the events of the past, while indicating at the reader and the stenographer sitting across the table. Of course, Justice Tewari did not pass any such order. Countering the arguments, the Central Bureau of Investigation counsel Anmol Rattan Sidhu said it was a “lion and the lamb case”. As the case on the suspension of sentence awarded to Rathore came up for resumed hearing at about 11 am, Abha opened the arguments. She primarily confined her submissions to five legal issues. Abha said admission of Rathore’s petition by the high court cast a shadow on the judgment of the courts below. As the petition stands admitted, he should be enlarged on bail. She also claimed the court, currently hearing the matter, has the powers to acquit him. Abha also raised the issue of non-consideration of the site plan. Senior police functionary, looking into the matter, refused to go to the site, despite their application, though it would have brought out the improbability and impossibility of the occurrence. The room-converted-into-office was open from both ends, had windows and 15 labourers were working at that time. Reiterating her stand on Rathore’s implication being an aftermath of inimical relationships, she said Ruchika’s signatures on the memorandum were forged by complainant Madhu Parkash’s husband Anand Parkash and others, as his father was found indulging in gambling, when Rathore was superintendent of police. Moreover, he was dismissed on grounds of corruption. Her father too was facing a court case; and had demanded money from them. Abha also asserted the non-examination of defense witnesses put their case in danger. The coach, ball-picker, Paltu, and a guard remained unexamined. In an attempt to assail the arguments, Sidhu assisted by counsel Ajay Kaushik refuted the allegations on non-examination of site plan and the prosecution witnesses. They said Paltu could not be examined as he was untraceable.
|
|
Helicopter crashes, naval pilot killed
Hyderabad, June 2 The mishap, involving a Chetak helicopter, occurred near coastal town of Anakapalle, about 50-km from Visakhapatnam, the police said. The chopper, which left Visakhapatnam on a routine training sortie, crashed into a rivulet after it got entangled in high tension electric wire while flying low, the Deputy Inspector General (Visakhapatnam range) Sowmya Mishra said. Soon after the crash, the helicopter broke into two but did not catch fire. The seriously injured pilot, co-pilot and two other Naval personnel were rushed to a nearby hospital. The pilot, Krishnan, died during treatment while the co-pilot Deepika Misra, Rishikesh and Trushara were said to be out of danger, the police said.
|
|
India to launch its first indigenous H1N1 vaccine today
New Delhi, June 2 From next year, the indigenous H1N1 vaccine will have the potential to serve as a seasonal influenza vaccine. Till then, it will be marketed for targetting swine flu patients. It was H1N1 that inspired India to create its own influenza vaccine. So long, the urgency was never felt. Health Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad will launch the vaccine here tomorrow, with Cadilla already having secured the permission to market it. The vaccine was readied in record time of under a year, with Cadilla Healthcare taking the lead. Four more companies engaged in vaccine development are Serum Institute, Bharat Biotech, Panacea Biotech and Cadilla Pharmacy. Dr VM Katoch of the Indian Council for Medical Research (nodal agency for the vaccine) today told The Tribune that the launch of vaccine would place India on the world map in terms of indigenous capability for influenza vaccines.“We expedited regulatory processes to create the vaccine in time. Already we have produced 12 lakh doses for health workers dealing with H1N1 patients. Now anyone suffering from the swine flu can take the vaccine.”
|
|
AoL Foundation resent PC remark
Bangalore, June 2 “We express our displeasure over the hasty and damaging statement of Union Home Minister P Chidambaram. Without any basis, one cannot jump to conclusions that there are conflicting groups or there was a brawl. Such a statement from a person holding such a responsible position was unwarranted. This has hurt the sentiments of millions of followers,” the organization has said in a statement. In another statement released here today, AoL said Ravi Shankar was present on the spot near the satsang venue when the bullet was fired at his car. A young gentleman by the name of Vinay Mallikarjun discovered that his leg was bleeding and that a bullet had grazed him. Karnataka DGP Ajai Kumar Singh, speaking to reporters in the morning of May 31, also categorically stated that Ravi Shankar was not in the spot when the single bullet was fired. The AoL said it vehemently and strongly denies any allegations suggesting that the firing was due to a dispute between devotees. “It is regrettable that conclusions such as these were drawn without proper investigation,” the statement said.
|
|
Tejas aircraft takes its first flight
Bangalore, June 2 Test pilot, Group Captain Suneet Krishna, flew the aircraft to an altitude of 11 kms and went supersonic, touching 1.1 Mach speed. Test director, Group Captain D Chakravorty, guided him from the telemetry facility of National Flight Test Centre (NFTC) here. A fighter plane flies in supersonic speed when it has already accomplished its mission and is being chased by enemy aircrafts. For testing, there was a plane chasing the Tejas LSP-4 during its first test flight. The chase aircraft (Tejas LSP-3) was flown by chief test pilot of NFTC, Group Captain RR Tyagi with Wing Commander Prabhu as the test director. The test flight was supervised by Air Cmde Rohit Varma, Project Director (flight test) at NFTC. The flight was also witnessed by Commodre BS Prahar of the Navy. The Navy has a considerable stake in the Tejas programme as they want to replace their ageing fleet of Sea Harriers with the indigenous fighter. Importantly, the Tejas for the first time flew in the configuration that would be finally delivered to the Indian Air Force.
|
|
Wasnik replaces Tytler as Bihar Cong in charge
Patna, June 2 Sharma and Tytler were good friends few months ago and it was believed that both drew their strength by the virtue of their close proximity to one V George. As a matter of fact Sharma’s detractors were very much disappointed with the appointment of Tytler as in-charge of the Bihar state. But certain developments within the party made them fall apart and gradually it became a no-holds-barred scrap between the two for one up man ship in the
BPCC.
|
|
Gujjars’ stir over quota from June 16
Jaipur, June 2 Addressing mediapersons, Samiti leader Ramvir Singh Bidhuri dubbed the Bainsla-state government agreement a “fraud” and said they would launch a fresh agitation from June 16. In the first phase, community members will stage protests outside offices of the DCs. Besides, the samiti has also demanded withdrawal of cases registered against Gujjars during agitations, release of the arrested Gujjars, allocation of Rs 500 crore to the Devnarayan Development Board and constitution of Gujjar regiment in the Army.
|
|
Gujarat on alert as ‘Phet’ intensifies
Jamnagar, June 2 Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea and 'Distant Ports Warning 2' has been hoisted at all ports in the state, an IMD official said. "Eight teams of National Disaster Response Force have been deployed in the coastal districts of the state along with five companies of the State Reserve Police," Relief Commissioner Poonamchandra Parmar said. The weather department has forecast that under the influence of 'Phet', fairly widespread rainfall with isolated heavy to very heavy rainfall is likely over coastal areas of Gujarat from June. Meanwhile, CM Narendra Modi held a review meeting to access administration's preparedness in case the cyclonic storm hits the state. — PTI
|
||
|
|
| HOME PAGE | |
Punjab | Haryana | Jammu & Kashmir |
Himachal Pradesh | Regional Briefs |
Nation | Opinions | | Business | Sports | World | Letters | Chandigarh | Ludhiana | Delhi | | Calendar | Weather | Archive | Subscribe | Suggestion | E-mail | |
New Delhi, June 2
