|
|
|
|
|
Ministers in Modi govt take charge
Najma Heptulla for overall development of minorities
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Man who batted for Arjun tank is back in Ministry of Defence
Piyush Goyal: Synergy in power, coal sectors vital
Safety top priority for Raliway Minister Gowda
Harsimrat for reducing post-harvest losses
Smriti sole undergrad to head HRD ministry
Jitendra’s take on Art 370 sparks row
Will ensure transparency in dealings: Health Minister
Rajnath to take charge tomorrow
Vadnagar celebrates Modi’s elevation to the top post
Cong takes swipe at Modi Cabinet
Kejri signs bond, released from Tihar
Samjhauta
Express blast
NBW against U’khand CM
Not granted leave, IAF guard kills two colleagues in Mumbai
K’taka ADGP held for clicking woman’s pics
|
|
Ministers in Modi govt take charge
New Delhi, May 27 The NDA government would also focus on taking prompt steps to bring back the black money stashed in Swiss and other foreign banks, Prasad told reporters after taking charge of the Law Ministry. The Centre would also constitute a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to go into the issue as directed by the Supreme Court, he said. Prasad pointed out that the BJP had made commitments in its election manifesto on black money and appointment and transfer of judges. The government would take a fresh look at the failed initiatives taken in the past, both by the NDA in 2003 and the UPA in 2013, for establishing the NJC and make changes and improvements wherever necessary. Under the present system, devised by the SC in 1993 to ensure judicial independence, judges to the apex court and HCs are appointed on the advice of collegiums of senior judges, both in the HCs and the SC. Prior to that, the government was appointing judges.
|
|
Najma Heptulla for overall development of minorities
New Delhi, May 27 Just after taking over the charge of the ministry, Najma said she would work for the educational, economical, social and political development of the minority communities. Saying that development was one of the main slogans of her party during the election campaign, Najma said she would look into the difficulties faced by the minorities. Talking about reservation for the minorities, Najma, the only minority face in the Narendra Modi government, said: “Reservation is not solution to the problems faced by the minorities. I believe in spirit of competition and providing equal opportunity to everybody on level playground,” she said. Najma said the schemes started by the previous UPA government would continue. When asked about Sachar Committee recommendations for minorities, Najma said she would discuss it with the Prime Minister. She said implementing all the recommendations of the committee were not necessary.
|
||
|
Man who batted for Arjun tank is back in Ministry of Defence
New Delhi, May 27 Rao today joined as the Minister of State (MoS) for Defence. His work allocation will be decided by Defence Minister Arun Jaitley. Rao Inderjit Singh, who was elected for the fourth time as the MP, is an old hand at the MoD. He was a MoS between 2006 and 2009 in the first term of the Congress-led UPA regime (2004-2009). In 2008, he famously batted for the Arjun tanks when the Army had rejected the DRDO product. Rao was not made a minister in the second term of the UPA (2009-2014) and he openly questioned land deals in Gurgaon benefiting Robert Vadra. He quit the Congress and joined the BJP and
was re-elected as the MP from Gurgaon. It was due to his efforts a total of 124 Arjun tanks were ordered and delivered to the Army. However, by then, Rao Inderjit Singh, was not in the ministry to see this. Now, as he takes over, the next version of the Arjun tanks is being developed. It may need another push from this former international-level shooter. He secured a bronze in the Commonwealth Shooting Championship.
|
||
|
Piyush Goyal: Synergy in power, coal sectors vital
New Delhi, May 27 The Modi government’s decision to merge the three ministries—- coal, power and renewable energy—- will ensure coordinated decision-making and faster implementation of projects and benefit the coal and the power ministries as there will now be fewer instances of the relevant policies being at cross purposes. Assuming the charge of Coal Ministry, Goyal said establishing a synergy between the power and the coal sector was important and making the energy sector more vibrant was the government’s priority. Goyal hoped that his ministry would work in tandem with the Environment Ministry to ensure faster clearance of mining projects, keeping in mind the environmental interests of the nation.
|
||
|
Safety top priority for Raliway Minister Gowda
New Delhi, May 27 “Safety is one of the important factors that need to be taken care of by the Railway Ministry. My priority is three Ses—safety, security and speed,” Gowda said. His comment comes in the backdrop of the Gorakdham train mishap which claimed 25 lives. The death toll in the train mishap, which took place near Sant Kabir Nagar in UP, has risen to 25 with a preliminary report suggesting that a fracture in the tracks could have led to the accident. Gowda said there were many challenges confronting the Railways. The minister said he had to study all issues in detail and discuss with the PM the goals ahead. “I should discuss with the PM what is his idea and which aspect we should give focus...I need another 10 days to come before the public to explain what is the roadmap before me,” he said.
|
||
|
Harsimrat for reducing post-harvest losses
New Delhi, May 27 Talking to mediapersons after taking over as the minister, she said, “My mission will be to find new and innovative ways to reduce post-harvest losses by facilitating efficient storage and transportation as well as finding methods to increase the shelf life of food products.” “I would welcome all ideas from farmers, industry, consumers and other stake holders to put our country at par with the top countries in the area of food processing.” “The farmers of this country, especially the farmers of Punjab, have been at the forefront in providing food security to the nation. Now, their incomes are stagnant. The time has come to give boost to their income through innovative value additions to the farm produce.” Harsimrat represents the Bathinda constituency in the newly constituted 16th Lok
Sabha.
|
||
|
Smriti sole undergrad to head HRD ministry
But Smriti, the 31st HRD minister, hardly seemed daunted by the stature of her predecessors or the fact that she is the only undergraduate ever to head this critical ministry.
Her plans
BJP backs Smriti
Her education (as declared in
affidavit)
Qualification on RS website Her affidavit to the Election Commission, submitted during the recent Lok Sabha elections, she unsuccessfully contested against Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi from Amethi, shows her educational status as an undergraduate. In the affidavit, Irani pledged on oath about her educational background stating herself to be “B Com Part-1, School of Open Learning (Correspondence), University of Delhi, 1994”. There’s no description of Irani as a graduate considering she dropped out of college to pursue acting. In the days that followed, she participated in beauty pageants, later landing herself valuable commercials before bagging the dream role of “Tulsi” in Ekta Kapoor’s, TV soap “Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi”. The project was to change Smriti’s life forever and give her a foothold in politics which she began by joining BJP under Modi’s tutelage. Soon Smriti was called to challenge Congress leader Kapil Sibal from Chandni Chowk in 2009. Though she lost her deposit, she earned herself the sobriquet of a valiant fighter with the BJP rewarding her with the chairperson-ship of its women’s wing. That wasn’t all. In 2011 the former actor landed herself the coveted Rajya Sabha berth from Modi’s Gujarat. Only in her third year as MP, she was again asked by her mentor to fight Gandhi scion. Asked how she felt heading an exalted ministry such as HRD, Irani said after assuming charge today: “I am grateful to the organisation which found me capable of handling this responsibility. For me, it’s a position of service, not politics.”
|
||
|
Jitendra’s take on Art 370 sparks row
New Delhi/Srinagar, May 27 Terming Article 370 as more of a psychological barrier, Jitendra said the Modi-led government was open to debate with all stakeholders, including youths. It was looking at the pros and cons of retaining or withdrawing the Article. Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and the opposition PDP president Mehbooba Mufti have strongly reacted to Jitendra’s remarks. “Art 370 is the only constitutional link between J&K and the rest of India. Talk of revocation is not just ill informed, it's irresponsible”, Omar tweeted. Jitendra repeated the stand of Prime Minister Narendra Modi at a rally in December last. “His (Modi's) intention and that of the government is that we have a debate so that we can convince the unconvinced about the disadvantages of Article 370...If we do not have debate and discussion how would you be able to tell those who have been unable to understand what they have been deprived”, he said. “So the new MoS PMO says process/discussions to revoke Art 370 have started”, Omar further said in his tweet. “Mark my words and save this tweet - long after Modi Government is a distant memory either J&K won't be part of India or Art 370 will still exist”, Omar added. Describing it as disruptive, the PDP, which has won three of the six Lok Sabha seats from Jammu and Kashmir, urged the BJP leadership to rein in the minister “before his utterances cause serious damage”. “The PMO must clarify the statement to reassure the people of J&K that no mischief is on its way”, Mehbooba said.
Repealing Art 370 will lead to anarchy, says NC
The state's ruling National Conference on Tuesday said the Minister of State (MoS) Jatinder Singh's statement on repealing Article 370 puts a "question mark" on Jammu and Kashmir's accession with the Union of India and warned of anarchy if it is repealed. NC spokesman said Singh's statement was apparently a policy statement of the BJP government. The spokesman warned that repealing Article 370 would lead to anarchy in the state and was wrought with divisive and communal overtones which could lead to unrest in the entire state.
|
||
|
Will ensure transparency in dealings: Health Minister
New Delhi, May 27
Earlier in the day before assuming charge, he tweeted: "My innings as Union Health Minister commences today. Joining Nirman Bhawan. Need the good wishes and blessings of INDIA. Wish you good health." Vardhan shot to fame as Delhi health minister in the early 1990s when he launched the Oral Polio Vaccine driven polio eradication campaign in the state. — TNS
|
||
|
Rajnath to take charge tomorrow
New Delhi, May 27 “The BJP has won three Lok Sabha seats (out of six) in Jammu and Kashmir. The PDP bagged the remaining three. We have secured a 50 per cent vote share,” Singh said. Meanwhile, Rajnath Singh was among the few who did not assume charge today. Sources in the Home Ministry said Rajnath Singh and his deputy Kirean Rijiju, from Arunachal Pradesh, would assume charge on May 29.
|
||
|
Vadnagar celebrates Modi’s elevation to the top post
Not only his old classmates, friends and relatives, but almost everyone in the town was in a joyous mood while distributing sweets among themselves to celebrate the occasion. Several sweetmeat shopkeepers even sold their merchandise at a concession or almost free to announce their participation in the celebrations. The streets of the “usually sleepy” small town were decorated with colourful lights and as Modi rose to take the oath, the entire town reverberated with the sounds of bursting crackers. A huge screen was installed near the famous Sharmistha Lake, where people gathered to watch the historic moment live. “Young Narendra bhai used to swim in Sharmistha Lake despite the risk of crocodiles. One day, he brought home a hatchling (baby crocodile) from the lake,” an old associate of Modi pointed out. Ignoring the summer vacation, Modi’s alma mater BN Vidyalaya summoned its students for a special celebration. At night, special “garba” (famous Gujarati dance) sessions were organised at various street corners. Though after becoming the Chief Minister of Gujarat Modi was fondly called “NaMo”, for his childhood friends he is still ND (Narendra Damodardas). “We are not disheartened that we could not attend his swearing-in. It is a matter of pride for us that our ND has taken guard of the nation,” Modi’s classmate Jasood Pathan said. “The atmosphere in Vadnagar is like that of Diwali,” said Vadnagar municipality president Sunil
Mehta.
|
||
|
Cong takes swipe at Modi Cabinet
New Delhi, May 27 In a series of tweets, Congress general secretary in-charge of communications Ajay Makan asked the media to conduct an assessment of Modi’s Cabinet considering they had “gone into an overdrive to analyse UPA ministries”. In his tweets, Makan first raised the issue of an important portfolio such as defence being given to Arun jaitley as an additional charge. “What a Cabinet of Modi? In almost every election speech he challenged China, Pakistan, etc., but could not find a Defence Minister!” swiped Makan in his tweets. The party leader questioned the appointment of Smriti Irani as HRD Minister given her undergraduate status. “What a Cabinet of Modi? HRD Minister (looking after education) Smriti Irani is not even a graduate! Look at her affidavit at ECI site pg 11!” Makan wrote. This tweet was retweeted more than 300 times by 9 pm. Slamming the BJP for failing to give adequate representation to various states and UTs, Makan wrote, “What a Cabinet of Modi? 10 States and 6 UTs unrepresented!” He said the Cabinet had no minister from Himachal Pradesh, West Bengal, Uttarakhand, Kerala, Meghalaya, Manipur, Nagaland, Tripura, Sikkim and six Union Territories. The Congress leader also added that Gujarat which elected BJP MPs in all 26 Lok Sabha seats managed only one MoS berth. Makan made similar observations about Gujarat. He went on to say that Modi had kept the defence portfolio secure for Jaswant Singh to neutralise the rising influence of Vasundhara Raje, who won all Lok Sabha seats for him.
|
||
|
Kejri signs bond, released from Tihar
New Delhi, May 27 The bond was accepted by the Metropolitan Magistrate Gomati Manocha in the lower court in compliance with the order passed by the Delhi High Court after hearing to his Habeas Corpus petition earlier during the day. The AAP national convener, who was greeted by a crowd of volunteers at gate No. 4 of the jail, had to spend six days in judicial custody as he refused to file either a bail bond or personal bond and insisted on an oral undertaking for bail. His counsels had argued that such a bond was not mandatory in similar cases and was subject to judge’s discretion under Section 88 of the CrPC. The former Delhi CM submitted a consent in writing and a bond of Rs 10,000 that was collected by senior lawyers Shanti Bhushan and Prashant Bhushan who met Kejriwal in jail before 1 pm. The AAP eyes to affect judicial reforms through the “test case” with the Delhi HC agreeing to hear to its writ petition against requirement of such pre-trial bail/bond in summons case wherein the accused is present and is accompanied by a lawyer. The matter has been fixed for final disposal on July 31. The HC Bench of Justices Kailash Gambhir and Sunita Gupta ticked off Kejriwal and said he could raise whatever legal issues he wanted to once he came out of jail and that he should not make it a “prestige issue”. The Bench, which also issued notices to Nitin Gadkari and the Delhi government on Kejriwal’s plea for his immediate release, allowed the Bhushans to visit him after they sought permission for the same. The Bench suggested that Kejriwal should furnish bail bond and challenge the magisterial orders once he comes out of jail. The petition challenged the May 21 and 23 orders of a magisterial court remanding Kejriwal in judicial custody for not furnishing bail bond, saying it was not mandatory and he should have been allowed to give a written undertaking instead. Meanwhile, a local court today issued notices to AAP leaders Manish Sisodia and Gopal Rai on a contempt plea filed by advocate Pankaj Mendiratta seeking action against them for their comments regarding the court order sending Kejriwal to judicial remand. Metropolitan Magistrate Gomati Manocha has fixed the matter for hearing on July 11.
|
||
|
Samjhauta
Express blast Tribune News Service
Chandigarh, May 27 Appearing before the Division Bench of Justices Satish Kumar Mittal and Kuldip Singh, counsels Anil Mehta and Padamkant Dwivedi argued that Aseemanand’s name did not figure in the initial FIR lodged on February 19, 2007, by the Railway Police. In fact, the FIR was lodged against one Ajmat Ali, arrested on the basis of a sketch prepared on the basis of description given by two passengers. When the case was handed over to the NIA in July 2010, names of all accused were changed and the list included Aseemanand. In his petition, Swami Aseemanand submitted that he was in custody for the past four years and there were nearly 300 witnesses. It would, under the current circumstances, take years to complete the examination of all witnesses. “Keeping him in the custody for so many years would be injustice. He deserves to be released on bail,” his counsel told the court. The bomb blasts in the Samjhauta Express near Panipat, Haryana, on February 18, 2007, and the consequent fire in the train coaches had killed 68 people and injured 12 others. Most of the victims were from Pakistan.
|
||
|
Tunda produced in Sonepat court; next hearing on July 23
SONEPAT, MAY 27 The court scheduled the next date of hearing for July 23. He was brought here from Tihar Jail by the Haryana and Delhi police. Tunda, 70, was allegedly involved in two bomb blasts at two places in Sonepat on December 28, 1996, in which many people were injured, seven seriously. The police had arrested two persons whose interrogation revealed the involvement of Tunda, an expert in bomb making. — TNS
|
||
|
NBW against U’khand CM
Dehradun, May 27 The case was filed by the then inspector of Manglore kotwali, GS Rawat, on March 30, 2009 over violation of the model code of conduct during the General Election. Rawat was then a Congress candidate from Haridwar. During campaigning, Rawat, Agarwal and Pranav Singh allegedly distributed sweets to lure voters.
|
||
|
Not granted leave, IAF guard kills two colleagues in Mumbai
Mumbai, May 27 The Nirmal Nagar police said the incident happened around 1 am when RS Yadav, employed as a constable with the Defence Security Corps, who was on duty at the IAF station opened fire from his service weapon at his immediate boss and other colleagues. Police officials told this reporter later in the day that Yadav was upset at not being granted leave. Those dead have been identified as Som Datta and HK Singh. The condition of another guard was critical, while a fourth man suffered injuries in the leg. The two injured have been admitted to the KEM Hospital, the police said. While other guards on duty snatched Yadav’s weapon, the accused fled the premises. The authorities at the station raised the alarm and the police set up roadblocks around the area. A police team on patrol identified Yadav with his uniform and arrested him from the suburban Goregaon.
|
||
|
K’taka ADGP held for clicking woman’s pics
Bangalore, May 27 However, his resignation was not accepted. Karnataka Home Minister KJ George said action would be initiated only after the police investigation into the complaint was completed. Speaking to reporters, the accused, Ravindranath, Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) of the Karnataka State Reserve Police (KSRP), denied that he was trying to take photographs of the woman. He said his mobile phone could be checked to find out the truth. “But I was bundled off to the nearest police station by officials, despite saying that I was a senior police official. They put me in the lock up and accused me of assaulting the woman,” he alleged. Deputy Commissioner of Police (Central) Ravikante Gowda said the police had received a complaint from the woman who alleged that the IPS official had pushed and assaulted her after she questioned why he was taking her photos in the coffee shop. “We have seized the mobile phone and investigation is being carried out,” he said without confirming whether photographs of the woman were indeed taken.
|
|
| HOME PAGE | |
Punjab | Haryana | Jammu & Kashmir |
Himachal Pradesh | Regional Briefs |
Nation | Opinions | | Business | Sports | World | Letters | Chandigarh | Ludhiana | Delhi | | Calendar | Weather | Archive | Subscribe | E-mail | |
New Delhi, May 27
New Delhi, May 27
AHMEDABAD, May 27