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Kosi floods: Rs 1,000-crore World Bank loan for Bihar
Legal eagles out to defend deemed varsities
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RIVER DOLPHIN SURVEY
Elite white-collar criminals getting away scot-free, says Murthy
Delay in deporting prisoners to Pak shocking: SC
SC: Gurdwara Granth Sahib is not Sikh shrine
Ban on onion export
Govt likely to announce steps to curb price rise today
MLA booked for rape
Shore up ranks, Thackeray tells Sena-BJP
Villagers to boycott R-Day celebrations
Somali pirates seize vessel with 14 Indians
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Kosi floods: Rs 1,000-crore World Bank loan for Bihar
Patna, January 12 Announcing the decision at a press conference here today, World Bank Group President Robert B Zoellick said the money was being given to Bihar to provide homes to about 1 lakh families that were rendered roofless during the Kosi floods in 2008. The fund would also be utilised for restoration and expansion of livelihood opportunities and reconstruction of 290 km of roads and 90 bridges damaged in five districts of the state. The government would also utilise the money to strengthen its flood management capacity, including flood forecast, and improving its emergency-response capacity. Zoellick said the credit was from the International Development Association (IDA), the World Bank’s fund for the poorest and the loan were not only interest-free, but with a 35-year maturity (repayment period) and 10-year grace period. The World Bank chief was on a two-day visit to the state during which he also undertook a cruise along the Ganga river with Union Minister of Environment and forest Jairam Ramesh to observe the Gangetic dolphins whose conservation project was being funded by the World Bank. He praised Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar as an extraordinary leader and was highly appreciative of the works being done by his government for the development of the state. More than 35 lakh families were affected by the worst-ever deluge witnessed in eastern Bihar post-Independence due to the breach in Kosi embankment in adjoining Nepal. Around 500 persons were washed away alive and thousands of cattle head perished in the sudden floods in 2008. The state government had, with the help of the Army, launched a major rescue and relief operation during which around 10 lakh persons were rescued and 4.6 lakh provided food and shelter in the Mega relief camps for more than a month. The Bihar Government had prepared an ambitious project to reconstruct the homes and infrastructures damaged in the floods and rehabilitate the victims. The state had sought a financial assistance of Rs 14,600 crore from the Centre besides a soft loan from the World Bank for the project named “Bihar Kosi Recovery Project”. Although, the Centre was yet to respond to the state’s demand despite the fact that Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh accompanied by AICC president Sonia Gandhi had made an aerial survey of the flood-affected areas and declared it to be a national calamity.
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Legal eagles out to defend deemed varsities
New Delhi, January 12 A day after the Supreme Court directed the government (read the Human Resource Development Ministry) to issue notices -- not show-cause notices -- to these universities and seek their reply, The Tribune today procured some details of the case file to know who were the people defending these universities. So you have the illustrious 80-plus Fali Nariman defending Yenepoya University, Mangalore, recognised as deemed on February 27, 2008. Nariman, one of the top 10 lawyers in the country, is known to charge Rs 2.5 to 3 lakh for a five-minute argument. For day-log hearings, the cost per hour multiplies several times over. Another high-profile defence lawyer in the deemed varsity case is Abhiskeh Manu Singhvi, also the Congress spokesperson, who was the youngest Additional Solicitor General of India at age 37. He is defending the Modi Institute of Technology, Rajasthan. For the “deficient” Graphic Era University, Dehradun, and Sumandeep University, Vadodhara, acclaimed senior Supreme Court lawyer Ashok Desai is appearing. He has to his credit several top cases. Also, on the list of defence counsels is the famous criminal lawyer Ram Jethmalani. All these lawyers reportedly charge Rs 3 to 5 lakh for a five-minute hearing. Among the other defence lawyers hired by deemed varsities are PS Narasimha, who appeared on behalf of Karnataka’s mining barons -- Reddy brothers -- when the Andhra Pradesh Government took on the latter for mining operations along the Karnataka-Andhra border. Uday Lalit, another senior lawyer, who recently hit headlines for securing bail for former Haryana DGP SPS Rathore accused in the Chandigarh teenager Ruchika Girhotra molestation case, is defending Manav Rachna International University, Faridabad. Another top lawyer appearing for Jain University and Sri Balaji Educational Trust is K.V Vishwanathan while former additional Solicitor General of India L Nageswara Rao is representing Vignan College of Education, Hyderabad. Another highly paid lawyer -- Rajeev Dhawan -- is appearing for Vel Tech Technical University, Chennai. Another top SC lawyer Ranjit Kumar -- who had earlier replaced KTS Tulsi as the counsel for the Gujarat Government in the Sohrabuddin fake encounter case -- is defending the Maharishi Markandeshwar University group,
Haryana.
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RIVER DOLPHIN SURVEY
“A more sophisticated technology will be helpful in detecting river dolphins through recording the delicate clicking sound emitted by species during a survey that is being planned in Brahmaputra River system later this year. We are basically trying to have access to a refined Japanese acoustics technology,” said Dr Abdul Wakid, International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) dolphin specialist and programme head of Gangetic dolphin research and conservation programme of Aaranyak. He said river dolphins were usually found at four to six metre depth under the water. However, during one of the earlier surveys, we had recorded river dolphins at the depth of about 38 m in the Brahmaputra. The Gangetic river dolphin is primarily an inhabitant of the Ganga and Brahmaputra river systems of India and Bangladesh which presently habitats less than 2,000 dolphins surviving in the world. The species was declared a national aquatic animal by the Government of India on October 5, 2009. Aaranyak had earlier conducted two river dolphin surveys along the course of the Brahmaputra and its tributaries in Assam in 2005 and 2008. The third survey is being planned in the Kulsi, Subansiri and the Brahmaputra mainstream with the help of more sophisticated technology and permission is being sought from the Assam Forest Department for the purpose. The Brahmaputra river system has been identified as one of the last habitats of the species by scientific communities. Although there was a gradual decline of the species over the past few decades, currently the population has shown an increase. In the 1993, 1997 and 2002 surveys, 266, 218, and 198 dolphins were recorded in the Brahmaputra mainstream. However, in the 2005 and 2008 surveys, Aaranyak has recorded 197 and 212 dolphins, respectively, on the same river stretch (Assam-Arunachal border to India-Bangladesh border). A community-based dolphin conservation network has been formed by the Aaranyak team headed by Dr Wakid under the Gangetic dolphin research and conservation programme to monitor important dolphin habitats at 30 sites in Assam. The mortality rate of the species has declined from 16 deaths in 2008 to five in 2009 because of intensive monitoring.
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Elite white-collar criminals getting away scot-free, says Murthy
When his reaction was sought on “large-scale white-collar crimes taking place in the country,” the Chief Mentor of Infosys Technologies Ltd said there should be quick investigation based on data and facts and the media should not play it up. “And there should be very heavy punishment which is commensurate with the benefit that those people have indeed gained. If you have quick, commensurate punishment, then things will be alright.” “Today, we have so many cases where elite...they just don’t get punished even though they have committed huge crimes. That’s the problem with this society,” Murthy said. He made the comments responding to questions from the media after a panel discussion on entrepreneurship and social change, organised by the Hyderabad-based Indian School of Business (ISB), on entering its 10th year, at Infosys campus here last night. Murthy did not discuss specifics but his remarks come at a time when corruption issues continue to dominate the country’s political landscape. He emphasised the need for all businesses to enforce code of ethics. “Whether there are scams or not, it’s extremely important to run your business legally, ethically. That’s the only way to run the business. It has to be done like that. There is no other way,” Murthy said. He said it’s “absolutely mandatory” to follow code of ethics because “that’s the only way.” “It’s like saying: should I follow the rules of the road when I am driving. It’s good for you, good for others, for everybody.” On tackling corruption in general, Murthy said: “We will have to get more transparent, fairer and have more open set of rules and implementation of rules so that you know that there is no chance for corruption.” He also said that those who occupy positions in the eye of the public – whether they are corporate leaders, or academic leaders or politicians or bureaucrats or journalists – have to conduct themselves as good role models. — PTI
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IndiGo orders 180 Airbus aircraft New Delhi/Mumbai, Jan 12 The airline will begin international operations later this year, when it completes five years. The company plans flights to West Asia, South-East Asia and the SAARC countries, trade travel sources say. Under IndiGo's Memorandum of Understanding with the European consortium of aircraft maker, the airline will take delivery of 159 A-320 aircraft with a built-in New Engine Option (NEO). The NEO will be more fuel-efficient than older versions of engines and would be available from 2016, an Indigo statement said. Other features of the new aircraft include improved design for fuel optimisation. IndiGo expects to save 15 per cent on fuel costs, according to the airline. Co-founders Rakesh Gangwal and Rahul Bhatia said this order for fuel-efficient aircraft would allow IndiGo to continue to offer low fares. “This order positions IndiGo to take full advantage of the predicted growth in Indian air travel," John Leahy, Airbus, COO said. IndiGo also indicated it may raise funds through an IPO to raise funds for the aircraft purchase. Aviation industry analysts say IndiGo has consistently increased market share to emerge as a major player despite offering low fares. The Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation (CAPA) estimated that IndiGo enjoys the highest passenger load factor among India’s airlines. According to CAPA, IndiGo’s load factor, or the number of seats filled in an average flight, rose to 91 per cent in November 2010, while its competitors reported load factors of around 80 per cent. However, the order has evoked some sceptical reactions. Industry insiders term the massive order as part of the ongoing ‘plane war’ between aviation majors Boeing and Airbus. The sceptical response stems from the rationale that while airlines are seeking to return to expansion mode to meet growing demand, questions remain on how seats will be filled on the new aircraft. “Is there a demand for this capacity? Indian economy is overheating and with current level of inflation, it is unlikely that people will move from trains to aircraft,” an expert said. India’s airlines have just about managed to emerge from two years of turbulence due to surging costs, excess capacity and intense competition.
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That Patiala peg won’t keep chill away! New Delhi, January 12 The drink that you may be so lovingly sipping in the evening to ward off the chilling cold only gives a false sense of warmth. And, who else can confirm this better than the physician entrusted to take care of the Indian team that undertook the 4,400-km return journey from India’s permanent station at Maitri to South Pole in sub zero temperatures, ranging from -20°Celsius to -54°Celsius. Expedition doctor Pradeep Malhotra, a member of India’s first scientific endeavour to the southernmost tip of the world and an Antarctica veteran, says alcohol is a vasodilator that causes blood vessels to expand. “Alcohol dilates blood vessels, including the tiny capillaries located just below the skin's surface. The dilation allows a greater amount of warm blood to rush to the skin’s surface. The warm blood cools down after coming in contact with the outside colder temperature and in turn cools the viscera, spleen and the liver. Alcohol makes the body’s core temperature go down and in case of extreme cold weather, a person may also suffer hypothermia,” Malhotra explains. A better way to keep warm in chilly weather conditions would be a cup of hot coffee, tea or milk. In case you cannot find either of these, even a cup of nice warm water will do. A warm cup of nutritious liquid also has therapeutic qualities. Malhotra explains that when a person is cold, he starts shivering. Shivering drains the body of energy and a nutritious cup of hot liquid would be of some help.
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Delay in deporting prisoners to Pak shocking: SC
New Delhi, January 12 “We are really shocked it is taking years for their release and deportation. This is a very serious issue. We cannot overlook it,” a Bench comprising Justices Aftab Alam and RM Lodha remarked. Solicitor-General Gopal Subramanium said the Centre was already according utmost importance to the issue and was evolving a mechanism to deal with such cases. “We deeply appreciate your efforts. But we feel a little more urgency is required” in the matter as it involved the fundamental rights of people guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution, Justice Alam remarked, pointing out that India had a better track record on such issues as compared to other countries. The Solicitor-General said of the 22 persons, the cases of whom had been raised by Prof Bhim Singh, 21 had already been deported to Pakistan, while the process was on with regard to a suspected Afghan national Abdul Qadir Kwaja. The Pakistani nationals, sentenced by Indian courts for various offences, are being held in various jails across the country due to security reasons that have arisen following the hijacking of an Indian Airlines plane to Kandahar and the subsequent release of JeM terrorist Maulana Masood Azhar. The SG sought four weeks’ time for filing a detailed status report in respect of the 61 Pakistani prisoners, upon which the court passed an order clarifying that they could be released and deported during this period without any further approval from the Bench.
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SC: Gurdwara Granth Sahib is not Sikh shrine
New Delhi, January 12 The tribunal had declared the shrine as a Sikh gurdwara at the instance of the SGPC. “In our view, in the absence of any evidence to show that the institution was established for use by Sikhs for the purpose of public worship, the tribunal did not have the jurisdiction to declare it to be a Sikh gurdwara by simply relying upon the entries in the revenue records,” the SC observed. The HC had committed a “serious error” by dismissing the appeal filed by Mahant Jawala Singh challenging the tribunal’s ruling that the gurdwara was a Sikh shrine, the apex court held. The tribunal had not accepted the Mahant’s plea that the gurdwara was built in memory of the visit of the Tenth Guru. “We also find that the tribunal and the high court have not given due weightage to the evidence, oral and documentary” produced by Jawala Singh and seven others that the Dera was established by Nirmala Faquir and Baba Bishan Singh was its first Mahant. The order passed by the then Maharaja Sahib in 1956 showed that Maharaja Bharpur Singh had given 56 ghumaons of land to Bhai Bir Singh in Sammat 1913. It was also borne out that in 1914, the land in both the “patties” was given by Maharaja Bharpur Singh to Bhai Bir Singh on periodical lease. “The last order passed by the Maharaja shows that entry regarding ownership of the Dera was to be made as proposed at the time of the settlement. Unfortunately, the high court brushed aside the documentary evidence produced by the appellant by recording a one-line observation that his counsel could not establish its relevance,” the SC ruled.
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Ban on onion export
Amritsar, January 12 According to Rajdeep Uppal, MD of Naraim Exim, a leading firm here, there has been no breakthrough in the talks between the Pakistani exporters and the government there over the issue of lifting ban on onion export via Wagah border. He said the Pakistan government, after holding a dialogue with the exporters there, had told them that it would get back to them with its decision, but till now no positive word has come from the side of the government. Meanwhile, a section of Pakistani media reported that there has been a bumper onion crop despite devastating floods in Sindh province. "Fertility of the onion growing land in the aftermath of floods has gone up many times, spelling massive financial reward for the farmers and growers alike," it said.
— TNS
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Govt likely to announce steps
to curb price rise today New Delhi, January 12 The measures will now be discussed at a Cabinet meeting, slated around 11 am in the South Block tomorrow. A day after Prime Minister Manmohan Singh chaired a high-level meeting on the issue, Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee went into a huddle with Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar and Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission Montek Singh Ahluwalia to discuss measures suggested in Tuesday's discussions. During the meeting a slew of measures emerged to check high inflation, particularly of food items. These decisions were also brought to the notice of the Prime Minister. Sources say measures suggested included withdrawing some of the government's earlier decisions related to food items like delaying the export of 5 lakh tonnes of sugar under open general licence announced by the Agriculture Minister last month. A curb is also likely in futures trading of some essential commodities, like wheat pulses sugar. To control inflationary figures, the government may also decide not to go ahead with the proposed hike in prices of wheat and rice sold through the public distribution system to families above the poverty line. Analysts also expect the RBI to raise key interest rates in order to pull down inflation, a move which could have an adverse impact on industrial output that slowed down to an 18-month low in November. Among other possibilities include a complete ban on export of milk products, including eggs, and extension of ban on non-basmati rice. India's food inflation has soared to over 18 per cent, led by onions which are selling in most parts of the country at Rs.55-60 per kg. Meanwhile, opposition parties have scheduled a series of public rallies to highlight the price spike, particularly of essential food items. Left parties, have been demanding that petrol and diesel prices be lowered. That is, however, unlikely to happen with losses mounting on the books of oil companies on account of selling subsidised fuel.
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MLA booked for rape
Lucknow, January 12 Addressing the media, state Cabinet Secretary Shashank Shekhar Singh said as soon as the investigation report was submitted to state DGP Karmveer Singh, an FIR under Sections 354 (assault or criminal force to woman with intent to outrage her modesty) and 376 (Punishment for rape), IPC, was registered at the concerned police station in Banda in Bundelkhand. Dwivedi represents Naraini assembly segment in Banda. On the basis of the January 10 complaint of rape victim Sheelu Nishad before the Banda judicial magistrate, orders for the arrest of the MLA’s three associates has also been issued. They are Raj Shukla, Surendra Neta and Ravan Garg. According to the Cabinet Secretary, the CB-CID report has confirmed that Sheelu was living safely at the residence of the MLA during December 8 to 10, 2010. “It was only during the night of December 11-12 that the MLA indulged in indecent behavior,” said Shashank Shekhar Singh. Defending the arrest of the girl, the Cabinet Secretary said this was on the complaint that the girl had stolen a mobile phone belonging to the MLA’s daughter-in-law and Rs 5,000 in cash from the MLA’s house. “She had made 150 calls from that mobile,” said the Cabinet Secretary. Pending probe into the charges of rape, the BSP had suspended Dwivedi from the party on January 2. On Janaury 1, the BSP government had ordered a CB-CID inquiry into the case following allegations that the local police was shielding the MLA who had framed the girl in a case of theft after rape.
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Shore up ranks, Thackeray tells Sena-BJP
Mumbai, January 12 For the past several weeks, Shiv Sena’s Sureshdada Jain had been locked in a battle with Eknath Khadse, BJP’s leader of the opposition in the state legislature. Jain had accused Khadse of masterminding the defeat of his son Nikhil in the recent Maharashtra Legislative Council election. After initially denying his role, Khadse had admitted that he had indeed played a role in the defeat of the younger Jain. With the Thackerays seen as backing the resourceful Jain, senior Maharashtra BJP leaders warned that the alliance between the two saffron parties would snap if things did not cool off between the two. Thackeray, who was not in a mood to compromise, agreed to do so only because his party faced a greater threat from NCP’s Ajit Pawar, say sources. Pawar who is keen on enlarging the NCP’s footprint is seen as breaking away Shiv Sena leaders active in Mumbai ahead of the elections to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation next year.
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Villagers to boycott R-Day celebrations
Mumbai, January 12 According to a resolution adopted by the villagers yesterday, they would stay away from Republic Day celebrations in all educational
institutions in the villages where land is to be acquired for the project. “Primary, secondary and higher secondary schools in 20 villages will be shut on Republic Day,”
Pravin Gaonkar, an activist leader opposed to the project, told reporters.
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Somali pirates seize vessel with 14 Indians New Delhi, January 12 The dhow (a slow-moving vessel) was sailing off Oman, about 800 nautical miles from the Somali coast when the pirates attacked, taking hostage all 14 Indian crew members on board, the official said. Last year, the Somali pirates carried out several strikes, capturing 11 dhows with over 100 Indians on board. — PTI
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