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Army thumbs up to Arjuna tank
Can’t order probe into politicians’ misdeeds, says SC
Maoists blast police building in Bihar
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Whistle remark deliberate: Mulayam
Krishna’s China visit to bolster ties
Quota: Relief for AP Cong
Police Complaints Authority for UT
BSP displays Sonia photo with currency garland
Expect mercury to fall in April
Didn’t know Bachchan was there, says Chavan
LoC now open 4 days for trade
Pallam Raju’s convoy hits auto, 5 dead
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Army thumbs up to Arjuna tank
New Delhi, March 25 An officer, part of the week-long comparative trails conducted in the Mahajan firing ranges in Rajasthan, said the performance of Arjuna was “satisfactory”. Sources said Arjuna was only expected to beat the T-90. The Ministry of Defence could order more of the tanks that are currently produced from the existing facility at Avadi, Tamil Nadu. Two regiments, each of 62 tanks, of the Arjuna have been ordered in the past and the first one has almost finished induction under the 12 Corps, Jodhpur. The Ministry does not want to depend entirely on the Russian platform and the minister AK Antony had ensured a “shoot-out” between the two tanks. The Arjuna project was approved in 1974 and even after the Army agreed to buy 124 of these it was opposed to further orders. Minister of state for Defence in the previous UPA term, Rao Inderjit Singh, went on record to state that earlier trials for the Arjuna were “rigged” to downplay the product. Army sources say this was not a trial to replace any of the two tanks. Both, Arjuna and Bhishma (the Indian name for the T-90), will co-exist and be deployed in different battle arenas. The trial was to identify the role of the tanks. For the trials, 14 Arjuna tanks faced the T-90s. Each squadron was given three tasks: Driving more than 150 km in the deserts, shooting at a set of targets while being stationary as well as on the move and the ability to drive through a water channel. At 58.5-tonnes, the Arjuna is much heavier than the 46.5 tonne T-90 but with more powerful engines it moved faster.
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Data Superhighway
Setting up the network was an important recommendation of the National Knowledge Commission (NKC) which suggested inter-connectivity of all knowledge institutions through high-speed data communication network. This would encourage sharing of knowledge, specialised resources and collaborative research. The decision to set up such a network was announced by the Finance Minister in the Budget of 2008-09. An initial amount of Rs 100 crore for FY 2008-09 was allocated to the Department of Information Technology, Ministry of Communications and IT for establishing the NKN. A high-level committee was set up under the Chairmanship of Dr R.Chidambaram, Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, to coordinate and monitor its establishment. The network will be scalable and the network will consist of an ultra-high speed core (multiples of 10 Gbps and upwards). The core shall be complemented with a distribution layer at appropriate speeds. The participating institutions can connect to the network at speeds of 1 Gbps or to the distribution layer through a last-mile connectivity bandwidth. The network will provide nation-wide ultra high-speed backbone/data-network highway. Various other networks in the country can take advantage of this with national and international reach to create independent and closed user groups. NKN will have about 25 core Point of Presence (PoPs) and 600 secondary PoPs. It will connect around 1500 institutions. The Physical Infrastructure (setting up of core network) is expected to be completed in a span of 24 months. It will enable scientists, researchers and students from across the country to work for advancing human development in critical and emerging areas. Bettter than T-90
For the trials, 14 Arjuna tanks faced the T-90s. Each squadron was given three tasks: Driving more than 150 km in the deserts, shooting at a set of targets while being stationary as well as on the move and the ability to drive through a water channel. At 58.5-tonnes, the Arjuna is much heavier than the 46.5 tonne T-90 but with more powerful engines it moved faster.
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Can’t order probe into politicians’ misdeeds, says SC
New Delhi, March 25 “This court cannot sit in judgment over whether investigations should be launched against politicians for alleged acts of corruption.” Also, “it is not viable” for any other writ court (High Court) to order the initiation of an investigation in such cases, a three-member Bench headed by Chief Justice KG Balakrishnan held. The Bench, which included Justices P Sathasivam and JM Panchal, clarified while dismissing public interest litigations (PIL) demanding a CBI probe into charges of amassing of wealth by Sikkim Chief Minister Pawan Kumar Chamling and his family members causing a huge loss to the state exchequer. Asking the petitioners, mostly belonging to a rival political party, to approach the investigating agencies, the court further clarified that it was “only on the exhaustion of ordinary remedies that perhaps a proceeding could be brought before a writ court and in any case the Sikkim High Court would be a far more appropriate forum” in the present case. The apex court said corruption fell under the statutory offences category and the onus of launching an investigation in such matters “is clearly on investigating agencies” such as the state police, CBI or the Central Vigilance Commission, among others.
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Maoists blast police building in Bihar
Chapra (Bihar), March 25 Over 50 ultras surrounded the building at around 11.45 pm last night and fired indiscriminately besides triggering dynamite blast that razed the building to the ground, they said. Bhelbi police station, which was to shift in the under-construction building, is around 2.5 kms away. No casualty was reported in the incident, the police said. The Naxals left behind a handbill demanding the state government to immediately halt ‘Operation Green Hunt’ and release its top leaders lodged in jails. Raids were on in the area to apprehend the ultras.
CoBRA jawan hurt
Midnapore: A jawan of the elite CoBRA battalion was injured in a fierce gunbattle with Maoists at Hatipota village in West Midnapore district, while armed encounters took place at Dharampur, Silda and Kalsibhanga areas during combing operations in the district today.Police said Awal Singh of CoBRA 200 battalion was critically injured and rushed to Midnapore Medical College and Hospital. “Situation at Jangalmahal is very tense now,” police said. Maoists also blasted two powerful landmines at Dharampur, and another at Kalsibhanga village at Salboni to resist a combing operation by the combined forces but none was injured in either of the incidents.— PTI
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Whistle remark deliberate: Mulayam
Lucknow, March 25 Two days ago on March 23, while addressing a meeting of party workers on the occasion of Dr Ram Manohar Lohia’s birth anniversary Yadav said: “With the introduction of the reservation bill the daughters and wives of senior officers and industrialists would enter Parliament and the youth would have no option but whistle at such women.” Addressing a state-level meeting of party workers MPs and MLAs here, the SP president said he had intentionally made the remark to make poor farmers and workers angry and provoke a debate on the women’s quota bill.Yadav once again reiterated his theory of the bill being part of an international conspiracy to undermine Indian democracy by gradually phasing out experienced men from decision-making positions in the government.
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Krishna’s China visit to bolster ties
New Delhi, March 25 Krishna would meet Chinese President Hu Jintao and Premier Wen Jiabao. The two countries have been trying to find a permanent settlement of their border dispute. Another issue would be the Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama’s visit to Arunachal Pradesh in November. China, which lays claim on most part of Arunachal Pradesh, objected to the Dalai Lama’s visit. India, however, rebuffed Beijing’s objection.
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Quota: Relief for AP Cong
Hyderabad, March 25 After facing a string of legal setbacks, it heaved a sigh of relief today with the Supreme Court giving a nod for four per cent reservation for socially and economically backward Muslims. In tune with its key poll manifesto, the Congress government had issued an ordinance, two months after coming to power in May 2004, providing for five per cent reservation for Muslims in jobs and educational institutions. The quota policy hit legal hurdles soon after. It was struck down by High Court in September 2004 as “unconstitutional and arbitrary.” Later, the government constituted a four-member Backward Classes Commission and based on its report issued another ordinance in June 2005, categorising entire Muslim community as Backward Class. The High Court again quashed the ordinance in November 2005, saying the total reservations exceeded 50 per cent limit set by the Supreme Court. The government then amended the ordinance, reduced the quota to four percent and got the legislation passed by the Assembly in July 2007. However, several BC organisations moved the court again contending that the government identified backward classes in the community without gathering scientific data. Agreeing with the argument, the court again struck down the legislation in February this year. It found fault with the way the survey was conducted by the panel, whose recommendations had formed the basis for the quota policy. The government moved the Supreme Court challenging the High Court judgement. Allowing the quota through an interim order, the apex court, however, said that a constitution bench would be set up to decide on the larger issue of constitutionality of Muslim reservation. The quota has been made applicable to 15 Muslim groups, identified by the A P Backward Classes Commission as socially and educationally backward. They were categorised as BC-E Group for the purpose of providing reservation. Meanwhile, political parties, barring BJP, welcomed the Supreme Court’s order and said it would go a long way in ameliorating the miseries of Muslim community. “We are determined to implement the quota for Muslims and will take all possible legal steps towards this direction," the Chief Minister K Rosaiah said.
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Police Complaints Authority for UT
New Delhi, March 25 The Authority will inquire into allegations of “serious misconduct”, including death in police custody, grievous hurt, rape or attempt to commit rape, arrest or detention without due process of law, extortion, land/house grabbing or any incident involving serious abuse of authority against police personnel. The authority can take suo motu notice or act on a complaint received by the victim or any person on his behalf. The National or the State Human Rights Commission, the police, or any other source can also lodge a complaint. The inquiry into the complaint will start only if the authority is prima facie satisfied about the veracity of the complaint. In suo motu cases the Authority on completion of the inquiry, can communicate its findings to the police officer heading the police force in the UT with a direction to register a FIR or initiate departmental action based on such findings. The evidence will be handed over to the police. An important clause in the order is that the directions of the Authority shall ordinarily be binding, unless the UT Administration disagrees, in writing. The Authority will be bound and will get 60 days to submit a report. A delay, if any, will have to be recorded in writing. The ministry today said the Authorities at Daman & Diu, Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Lakshdweep, respectively, will have a single member each. In the case of Chandigarh, Puducherry and the Andaman Nicobar islands, there will be a chairperson and two members each. In case of Delhi, the authority will have a Chairperson and three members. To ensure autonomy, these members can be removed only after giving them an opportunity to be heard and after prior approval of the Central Government. —
TNS
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BSP displays Sonia photo with currency garland
Lucknow, March 25 The display of Gandhi’s picture here was the highlight of the BSP’s statewide protest in the party-ruled state against what they termed as “petty politicking by all opposition parties”. Addressing a rally of BSP workers at the Lucknow Collectorate, Mayawati’s multi-portfolio minister Naseemuddin Siddiqui also displayed pictures of two other opposition leaders donning similar “royal” gear. While a picture of BJP veteran LK Advani showed him donning a silver crown on his head, another one was of Samajwadi Party chief Mulayam Singh Yadav swinging a silver ‘gada’ (mace). “No one raises even an eyebrow if Sonia receives a currency note garland; no one talks about Advani wearing a silver crown; and even when Mulayam Singh Yadav flaunts a silver ‘gada’, no one minds that. But all hell breaks loose if a Dalit’s daughter is offered a garland of currency notes,” Siddiqui said. —
IANS
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Expect mercury to fall in April
New Delhi, March 25 Temperature during the month has hovered between four to ten degrees Celsius above normal across the country and there appears to be no immediate relief in sight. IMD chief Ajit Tyagi told The Tribune today that a decline in temperature can only be expected after there is a good western disturbance, likely in the first week of April. A fresh western disturbance is likely to affect western Himalayan region from tomorrow, but Tyagi apprehends it may not be very strong. The good news is that Tyagi does not expect temperatures to rise any further. It is good news because high temperature, if they continue for too long, can affect the wheat crop, both quantitatively and qualitatively. Fortunately for wheat growers, high temperatures occurred when the grain filling is at advanced stage. High temperatures can cause damage to the wheat grain and affect the yield and above normal temperatures at this time of the year are particularly harmful for some early sown varieties. Low temperatures, particularly during the night, help in healthy grain formation. “Any variation from the normal is a cause for worry. Higher temperatures mean more power consumption,” says Tyagi. The IMD chief singles out the decreased western disturbance activity in March as the main culprit, resulting in scanty rainfall and snowfall.
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Didn’t know Bachchan was there, says Chavan
Mumbai, March 25 Immediately after the event, Mumbai Pradesh Congress Committee president Kripashankar Singh called up local newspapers to say he had boycotted the event because he could not share the dais with Bachchan. Few would have taken notice of Singh’s remarks had Chief Minister Ashok Chavan himself not called a late night press conference to explain his stand. “I did not know Bachchan would be there or I would not have attended the function… I was busy in preparing the state budget and I found Bachchan when I reached the venue,” Chavan told reporters. Immediately, the word went out that Chavan had been reprimanded by the Congress party leadership since Bachchan and party president Sonia Gandhi do not enjoy a good relationship. Kripashankar Singh further rubbed in today saying he deliberately stayed away from the function. “I could not share the dais with Amitabh Bachchan who is the brand ambassador of Gujarat,” Singh said. Incidentally, the actor himself was aware that his presence at the venue would give rise to a controversy. In a post on his blog hours before the event, Bachchan wrote that he would be at the inauguration of the sea link. “Time for media to start finding fault in that as well,” Bachchan wrote. He also defended his decision to become a brand ambassador for Gujarat. “You take umbrage at my association with Gujarat, but never have the guts or courage to stop a Ratan Tata, or an Ambani from investing in the state and running successful factories and ventures there,” Bachchan wrote. After that, the actor has maintained a steady silence on the issue except accusing the media of “manufacturing a controversy”. Meanwhile, the Nationalist Congress Party has owned up to inviting Bachchan for the event. Deputy Chief Minister Chagan Bhujbal said Bachchan was invited because he was one of Mumbai's most important celebrities.
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LoC now open 4 days for trade
New Delhi, March 25 The CCS allowed trade to be carried out for four days a week instead of the existing two days. The trade points and the number of items will remain the same, sources said. At present, 21 items can be traded through Salamabad and Chakan-da-Bagh in Baramulla and Poonch districts of Jammu and Kashmir. The trade had started in October 2008. The CCS also allowed a major relief for traders as it allowed a banking system in place. The Jammu & Kashmir Bank has been authorised to tie up and open a letter of credit account in banks in PoK. It was found recently that some portion of the trade money might have been siphoned off to fund the activities of the Laskhar-e-Toiba. Total Rs 13 lakh was allegedly distributed among terrorists and others associated with the LeT in the Valley, the security agencies said.
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Pallam Raju’s convoy hits auto, 5 dead
Hyderabad, March 25 Seven persons, including three policemen, were also injured. They have been admitted to a government hospital in Kakinada. The Minister, who was on his way to attend an official programme at a village near Kakinada town, was unhurt, the police said. He, however, had to face the ire of the relatives of the victims who rushed to the scene after learning about the mishap. —
IANS
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‘Resentment over Modi’s friend Amitabh’ Maharashtra ATS chief shifted Kolkata fire: Two in 14-day police custody
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After years of dithering, the Indian Army has finally given a “thumbs-up” to the indigenously built Arjuna tank. Following the conclusion of the field trials with the Russian built T-90 tank, well-placed sources in the Indian Army confirmed to The Tribune today that the Arjuna performed satisfactorily.
New Delhi, March 25
Mumbai, March 25
New Delhi, March 25
