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Roy ministry takes oath
Advani a victim of dichotomy: Vajpayee
Cong slams Budget |
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Govt can’t mend or end N-deal, says Pranab
Raj Thackeray plans Mumbai rally
SC ruling on Muslim marriages
Govt rejects recommendation on DRDO
Dalai Lama’s Delhi visit worries govt
Second shaadi: A hope for second-timers
Child marriage prevented
Actor Raghuvaran dead
Judicial custody of terror suspects extended
One more non-Manipuri shot
Bhimsen Joshi stable
Trai ready for unsolicited calls
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Roy ministry takes oath
Guwahati, March 19 The new ministers, who were sworn in, included Conrad K Sangma (NCP), Paul Lyngdoh (KHNAM), advisor Pariong (HSPDP), Al Hek (BJP), Manas Chaudhuri (Independent), Donkupar Masser (Independent). The new ministry will be expanded soon to the full strength of 12 members. In a day that witnessed hectic political activities in Shillong, Lapang had submitted his resignation to the Governor immediately after the Congress Legislature Party’s meeting in the morning saying his party did not have the requisite number in the House to face the trial of strength. He had been allowed to form the government by Governor S S Sidhu on March 10 after the Congress emerged as the single largest party in the Assembly following the March 3 election. The Congress, which has 25 MLAs in the newly elected Assembly, could muster support of only three more Independent legislators and hence failed to acquire the magic figure of 31. The Governor handed over the letter appointing Donkupar Roy as the new Chief Minister when the latter along with other MLAs of the MPA went to meet him at the Raj Bhawan after the 10-day-old Lapang ministry quit office. Roy (54) is president of the United Democratic Party (UDP), a constituent of the MPA that was formed after the election at the initiative of former Lok Sabha chairman and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader P A Sangma. Roy, who has been elected to the state Assembly for fifth time in a row since 1987, has been chosen as the Chief Minister by the MPA for the first two-and-a-half years after which the mantle will be passed on to NCP leader P A Sangma as per the agreements struck by the MPA constituents among themselves. Roy had first won the Shella Assembly seat bordering Bangladesh as an independent candidate in 1987. He was backed by the then Alliance for Reconstruction of Meghalaya. He was re-elected in 1993 and then joined the UDP just before the 1998 state Assembly elections. Lapang, in reference to the new MPA government, said: "It is a bundle of contradictions and an opportunist alliance that will last only three months. The Congress will be back in power."
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Advani a victim of dichotomy: Vajpayee
New Delhi, March 19 In a foreword in Advani's new book 'My country my life' released today, Vajpayee said the BJP leader had made an "enduring contribution" to a vigorous debate on "genuine secularism". Vajpayee, who has been ailing for sometime and keeping out of public gaze, sought to allay impression of Advani as a hardliner in the party. "During the course of his long, and inarguably eventful, political life, Advani ji has, at times, been misunderstood and as a result become a victim of the dichotomy between image and reality," he wrote. Vajpayee said those who had worked or interacted with Advani know him as a man who had never compromised on his core belief in nationalism, and yet has "displayed flexibility in political responses whenever it was demanded by the situation". Vajpayee candidly admitted that there have been differences on issues with Advani during their long association. He said it was not possible for two individuals to always have an identical response while working together for over half a century within an organisation. "However, it is not the differences, but the unity of purpose and action, that marked our relationship," Vajpayee said seeking to put a lid on media speculation about rifts between the two leaders.
— PTI
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Cong slams Budget
Chandigarh, March 19 Former finance minister Lal Singh launched the attack by describing Budget as a lacklustre affair without any substance, direction and goal. Lal Singh said taxes had been imposed on the public by the government in the form of entry tax, enhanced fee for trucks and other vehicles, etc. The state had been burdened under the additional loan of Rs 9,033 crore during the current fiscal year. The government was being run with borrowed money. He said taking loan was not a bad thing but it should be used for development works and not as a consumptive loan. The state economy was in a bad shape. The previous Congress government had a vision for the development of the state and it entered into several long-term power purchase agreements. Lal Singh said while the previous NDA government starved the state of funds, the UPA government had flooded the state with hard cash. During the UPA regime, the state had got a grant of Rs 14,382 crore whereas the NDA government gave only Rs 5,240 crore. Jassi Khangura said: “The finance minister is a person capable of high-level thinking. I cannot match his nobility, humility and calmness. Intellectually, I cannot match his understanding of Greek mythology, ancient philosophy, the rise and fall of the Roman empire or migration of mass civilisation from sub-Saharan Africa. “Much was expected from the minister this year. However, like fakes of paintings by the old masters like Flowers by Van Gogh, Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci and Water Lillies by Monet, this Budget has been readily exposed as a fraud”. “It is a deliberate attempt by the government to fool the people. The PR Act amendment could have been brought in the last session. Why not? Because it would have been challenged. Today’s announcement of the postponement of elections by the Chief Minister is not for the reasons stated by him, but it is because of the realisation that the amendment is unconstitutional,” he said. Partap Singh Bajwa, Congress MLA, said it was a matter of serious concern that Punjab was going down in dumps on economic front. He urged the finance minister to exhibit some boldness to set the economy of the state right or quit the department. “I know you are intelligent person but you are fighting with your hands tied behind”, he told the finance minister. “Let us work together for the betterment of Punjab.” He quoted from The Tribune’s news that appeared today on the front page regarding Punjab economy.
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Govt can’t mend or end N-deal, says Pranab
New Delhi, March 19 Speaking on the situation in Tibet, he advised the Dalia Lama and his followers “not to indulge in political activities that can jeopardise our relationship with any friendly country.” Under attack from the BJP for having a “feeble, ineffective and invisible foreign policy”, the external affairs minister clarified India’s stand on foreign policy related issues, including challenges in the neighbourhood China, Pakistan, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. Speaking particularly about India’s relationship with China, he said, “We believe in following basic tenants of the foreign policy. There have been some adjustments and reallocations due to various formations and combinations depending upon that point of time, which is quite natural. We believe in moving together for peace, prosperity and development and making progress... there is a place for both India and China to grow.” He also took this opportunity to pass on a message to Tibetan leader Dalai Lama and his followers not to indulge in any political activities that could affect India’s relations with its neighbour. “They are advised not to indulge in any political activity that can jeopardise our relationship with any friendly country,” he said, without naming China. Participating in discussion on the statement made by the external affairs minister in the House on March 3, Leader of Opposition in the House Jaswant Singh specifically charged the government of pursuing an invisible and unassertive foreign policy. The Left also charged the government of diluting India’s independent foreign policy. “The foreign policy describes the character of the government. Are we succumbing to pressures to shift our foreign policy,” CPM member Sitaram Yechury questioned. Responding to concerns raised by members on the Indo-US civil nuclear deal during the discussion, Pranab Mukherjee specified that there were some advancement in talks with regard to India-specific safeguards agreement at the IAEA. He added that in the event of any major development on the Indo-US civil nuclear deal, Parliament would be informed. “We are in a stage where we can neither mend it nor end it. There is nothing to spell out at the moment. Whenever any one of its three stages get completed, I will come and share it with the House. Let the stage come,” Mukherjee told the Rajya Sabha, rejecting the BJP demand for a joint parliamentary committee on the deal. Mukherjee said, “There are differences in terms of Arunachal. Arunachal Pradesh is an integral part of our country.”
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Raj Thackeray plans Mumbai rally
Mumbai, March 19 The Maharashtra government, which issued Thackeray a show-cause notice earlier this month asking him to explain why the gag order against him should not be extended, has quietly allowed the MNS to hold the rally at Mumbai’s Shivaji Park. Sources say, Thackeray has not yet responded to the notice but would send a reply in the next couple of days. The gag order on Raj Thackeray ensured that the MNS did not celebrate its annual day late last month. While the party was denied permission to hold the celebrations in
Mumbai, plans to hold a grand rally in Pune was called off after the state government refused to relax the gag order against
Thackeray. Should Raj Thackeray speak at the rally, it would be the first time in two months that the MNS leader would be speaking in public. In January Thackeray’s statement against North Indian migrants in Mumbai and prominent members of the community like Amitabh Bachchan provoked MNS workers to run riot in
Mumbai, Pune, Nashik and other cities of the state. With the issue being raised in Parliament, the Maharashtra government swung into action and cracked down on
Thackeray. The MNS, however, remains unapologetic about its pro-Marathi agenda and the public celebration of Shiv Jayanti is one more example. “It will be celebrated in traditional style and prominent Maharashtrian personalities will be present on the occasion," Shirish
Parkar, MNS spokesman, said today. Meanwhile, sources in the Maharashtra Home Department say no decision has been yet taken on extending the gag order against Thackeray.
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SC ruling on Muslim marriages
New Delhi, March 19 The fact that the marriage was not solemnised as per the customs and was “irregular” cannot be a ground for depriving the woman or the children from that marriage of the maintenance claims as provided under Section 125 CrPC, a bench of Justices Altamas Kabir and J.M. Panchal has ruled. “As far as Muslims in India are concerned, an irregular marriage continues to subsist till terminated in accordance with law and the wife and the children of such marriage would be entitled to maintenance under the provisions of Section 125 of the Code of Criminal Procedure,” the apex court observed. It rejected the argument of a Muslim man that the proviso of the CrPC cannot override the community’s personal law. The marriage of a Muslim with his wife’s sister is “irregular” and “not void” and in such circumstances, the husband has to pay maintenance to the wife and her children until the marriage is terminated in accordance with the law, the apex court said interpreting the Islamic Hanafi Law with Section 125 CrPC. Under Section 125 CrPC, a duty is cast upon a person to maintain his wife, minor children, handicapped children (even if major) besides aged parents if either of them is unable to fend for himself.
— PTI
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Govt rejects recommendation on DRDO
New Delhi, March 19 The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Defence wanted it to concentrate solely on development of country's strategic weapons systems. It called for complete reorientation of the DRDO by providing it autonomy and making it accountable for its critical defence projects. Saying that the DRDO had run into heavy time and cost over-runs on strategic projects, including missiles, tanks and indigenous fighters, it wanted a complete overhaul to be undertaken. The committee, as part of the review, recommended life science research to be offloaded to private sector and other users. Conveying that the government was considering a revamp of the
DRDO, Defence Minister A K Antony said this would be carried out after a careful consideration was made of the independent review
committee headed by eminent scientist P Rama Rao which submitted its report earlier this month. Antony, however, rejected suggestions that the DRDO be barred from carrying out research in life sciences asserting that the research was directed towards " defence critical products". This includes handling
technologies like "nuclear, biological and chemical warfare, bio-terrorism and problems related to high altitude and battle stress", Antony said.
— PTI
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Dalai Lama’s Delhi visit worries govt
New Delhi, March 19 The Dalai Lama is scheduled to hold a two-day prayer meeting at the Ashok Hotel but will be spending a week in Delhi, his office confirmed here today. The UPA government is squirming at the Chinese premier Wen Jiabao’s statement on Tuesday in which he appreciated the “position and stance of the Indian government in handling the activities of the Dalai Lama clique”. Beijing has blamed the Dalai Lama for orchestrating the violence in Tibet and has urged India to persuade the Dalai Lama not to pursue with these activities. Highly placed sources pointed out that the “words of appreciation” by the Chinese were essentially designed to create a wedge between the New Delhi establishment and the Dalai Lama’s government-in-exile headquartered in Mcleodganj. While the UPA government is under pressure from the international community and a section within the ruling combine on taking a more proactive position on this issue, New Delhi opted for a “measured” response. As it is, the Chinese Premier held out a veiled threat to India today, pointing out that the Tibet issue remains a sensitive one in China’s relationship with India.”
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Taslima leaves India
Kolkata, March 19 Talking to PTI from Heathrow Airport before taking a connecting flight after she left New Delhi today, the 46-year-old author refused to disclose where she was heading saying she did not want to "compromise" on her security. "If I disclose my destination, my security will be compromised. My face has now become recognisable and I could be target of religious fundamentalists," she
said. Taslima, whose India visa was extended for further six months last month, alleged her human rights was infringed in the last four months when she was brought to Delhi after being hounded out from
Kolkata. Taslima said she would not hesitate to discuss the traumatic experience she allegedly went through during various international seminars lined up in Europe in the next few months. "I was put under tremendous stress but I could not speak out as I was under their (government) surveillance and could be harassed by them," she said.
— PTI
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Corruption: India ranks 72
New Delhi, March 19 "The government is fully committed to implement its policy of zero tolerance against corruption. It is moving progressively to eradicate corruption by improving transparency and accountability," the minister of state for the ministry of parliamentary affairs Suresh Pachouri said in Lok Sabha. "Measures for strengthening the Anti-Corruption Bureau in various states are taken by the concerned governments while the Centre has decided to strengthen the CBI and the departmental vigilance organisations," he said.
— PTI
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Ex-armyman held for espionage
New Delhi, March 19 Kumar revealed that Javed used to sell the documents to his ISI ‘contact’ at the price depending upon their sensitivity. “The documents that had been recovered from his possession were related to combat tactics of the Indian Army for which he was to get a sum of Rs 15,000,” said
Kumar. Javed Ahmed, resident of Hapur, Ghaziabad, had retired from the Indian Army as a sepoy in 2001. In 2006, he came in contact with
Salaudin, also a resident of Hapur who got him introduced to an ISI agent in Delhi. Javed was instigated by the duo to work for the Pakistani intelligence in lieu of regular payment of money. On the directions of his handler, Javed visited various army establishments in the country and collected sensitive information and passed the same to his handler. According to Kumar, in January Javed’s handler had directed him to collect secret/restricted books from the Army training centre in
Roorkee, UP. As per directions, Javed visited Roorkee several times and managed to collect sensitive information. The police has not ruled out involvement of others and further investigation is on. This is the first arrest in an espionage case this year after the special cell had arrested three spies last year.
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Second shaadi: A hope for second-timers
New Delhi, March 19 With matrimonial websites finetuning their services to provide personalised assistance to men and women looking to tie the knot yet again, finding partners a second time has just got easier. Matrimonial websites are now offering their services exclusively to help widows/widowers, single, separated and divorced individuals wanting to start a second innings anad are getting good response. "We help people to overcome social, cultural and intra-personal apprehensions and start a new life. Our efforts are to eliminate the taboo associated with second marriage in India," says Ankur Warikoo,managing director of secondshaadi.com, a matrimonial website exclusively developed to help people in getting married for second time. Revealing that as many as 35,000 people were already registered, Ankur says the website was drawing tremendous response across the country. The rate of divorce in India has gone up alarmingly during the last decades, according to the study posted on a website.
— PTI
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Child marriage prevented
Perambalur, March 19 The police said that based on the information given by South Indian Consumers Protection Society State Women's Wing deputy secretary Mumtaj, they swung into action and prevented the child marriage. The police said the girl Selvarani hailed from Selliyampalayam village, near here, and was studying in seventh standard at a Government higher secondary school. Her father, Pandiyan, and Palayathar of Renganathapuram, who were thick friends, decided to get their wards married.The boy Karthick, who lost his mother recently, was studying in the sixth standard at a school at Palayam. The girl had informed this to her classmates yesterday, who in turn reported the matter to their teachers. On information, Mumtaj and other members of her organisation rushed to the spot and handed over the girl to an all women's police station here yesterday.
— UNI
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Actor Raghuvaran dead
Chennai, March 19 He was 59. The tall actor, who had been suffering from diabetes and other complications, was rushed to a private hospital this morning, where he collapsed. His family members were at the bedside when the end came around 8.30 a.m. The body was later shifted to his residence at T Nagar where the Tamil film world paid its last respects. Most of his roles were of villain or supporting actor. He became famous with his role as the protagonist of a Tamil soap opera, "Oru Manidhanin Kadhai," the story about a well-to-do man who becomes an alcoholic and faces the consequent difficulties. Raghuvaran, who had taken a sabbatical from active films due to ill-health, made a comeback last year in the film ''Sivapathigaram'' and later acted in big films, including Rajnikanth's blockbuster "Sivaji-The Boss." His last film was "Sila Nerangalil" and "Bheema," which were released recently. The tall and handsome Kollywood star was a student of the Film Institute.
— UNI
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Judicial custody of terror suspects extended
Hubli (Karnataka), March 19 The duo were arrested in Davangere district in January for riding a stolen two-wheeler from Goa. Investigations revealed their terror links. They were brought to the sub-jail here yesterday from Hyderabad and Bellary Jails, respectively. The terror suspects told the judge that jail inmates tried to attack them and voiced demand to be lodged in Dharwad Jail. Judge K.B. Patil said the jail authorities would do the needful in the matter and if necessary, provide medical aid to the accused. The JMFC I Court had already remanded, on March 14 last, terror suspects Asif Mohammad, Allabaksha Yadavad, Sameer Siddiki, Shakeel Mali and Yayha Mammukutti in judicial custody till March 27. COD sources said it would seek the custody of both Asadullha and Mohammad Ghous in a couple of days for further investigation. — UNI
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One more non-Manipuri shot
Imphal, March 19 Fifteen workers have been shot dead so far since Monday night. The militants today drove up and shot dead the non-Manipuri labourer at Kumbi market area, 50 km from here, where he was working, official sources said. Seven non-Manipuris were gunned down by militants on Monday night in Imphal west district and another seven in Imphal East and Thoubal districts yesterday. Papers saying ‘go back to your state’ were attached to some victims.
— PTI
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Bhimsen Joshi stable
Mumbai, March 19 Joshi, 87, a doyen of the Kirana Gharana school of music, was admitted to Sahyadri hospital in Pune after he complained of breathing trouble earlier this week. He was shifted to the ICU as he was frail and weak, sources said. Since then Joshi’s condition had improved slightly.
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Trai ready for unsolicited calls
New Delhi, March 19 "There is no question of rolling back the decision. If the operators move to court challenging the move, we are ready to fight them," a Trai official said here on the sidelines of Convergence India, an ICT exhibition.— PTI
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Army man pushed out of train Russian alleges molestation ICICI Bank fined
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