|
|
|
|
|
m’rashtra polls
Assam flood toll mounts to 21
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
fake encounters
Apna Ghar case: Charges framed against all accused
Explore all options to bring back PoWs from Pak, SC tells Centre
ChopperGate
Modi to leave for US on Sept 25, no plans to meet Pak PM so far
SC refuses bail to Asaram
ISRO orbiter inches closer
to Red Planet and history
At Chumar, Army holds ground with more aggression
Indian films high on sexualisation of women: UN report
Domestic violence
|
|
BJP, Sena close to deal on seats; NCP-Cong talks on
Vibha Sharma & Shiv Kumar Tribune News Service
New Delhi/Mumbai, September 23 After days of bickering, old allies BJP and Shiv Sena today gave firm indications that a mutually acceptable formula had been derived. An official announcement of the new formula has not yet been made, but BJP leaders in New Delhi said several proposals were under consideration and it was now a “matter of time” before it was revealed. “The situation in Maharashtra is good. The horses of Sena-BJP are running fast and are unstoppable,” said an editorial in Sena mouthpiece ‘Saamna’. Later in the day, Shiv Sena and BJP leaders Sanjay Raut and Vinod Tawde came together in public in Mumbai to say their alliance was intact. Both said the details would be announced shortly. It so seems the Sena will contest 151 seats and may give one seat from its quota to a smaller ally apart from seven already earmarked for them. The BJP may land 130 seats and hand out five to seven to Mahayuti partners — the RPI, Shetkari Sangathna, Rashtriya Samaj Paksha and Shiv Sangram — from its share. BJP general secretary in-charge for Maharashtra Rajiv Pratap Rudy and senior leader Om Mathur are expected to iron out the remaining chinks. Shortly after the press conference by the Shiv Sena-BJP leaders, spokespersons for the ruling Congress-NCP front in Mumbai said the national leaderships of their respective parties were working out the seat-sharing arrangement. The filing of nominations will only start from September 25 — the beginning of Navratras, the auspicious period. The last date of filing of nominations is September 27. If the Shiv Sena manages to contest around 150 seats, it would mean Udhhav Thackeray has been able to have his way — managing the lion’s share of the 288-member Assembly. In 2009, Sena contested 169 seats and BJP’s initial demand was that both partners should contest equal number of seats — 135 each — and leave 18 constituencies for the rest of the Mahayuti. The BJP may end up contesting between 124 and 126 seats, depending upon how much it is able to convince the smaller allies with the promises it makes. It is a climb down for the BJP, but sources say their choices had become limited after bypoll drubbing. Even though BJP’s state unit wanted to go it alone, some preliminary surveys indicated Sena was in a better form and position. Besides, for party president Amit Shah, it is crucial that the BJP forms the next government in Maharashtra and comes in the kissing distance of forming one in Haryana. PM Narendra Modi and party’s ideological fountainhead — the RSS — played a key role in saving the alliance. But if it does hand out five to seven seats out of its quota to smaller allies, the BJP would end up fighting only a few more seats from the 119 it contested last time. Likely scenario
|
|
Assam flood toll mounts to 21
Guwahati, September 23 Two more persons died due to landslide in two localities — Kahilipara and Lalmati — in Guwahati city, taking the toll to five, while eight persons were reportedly killed due to flood in Goalpara district alone. The rest of the deaths were reported from other parts of the state, including Kamrup district. Many people from various parts of Goalpara and Kamrup districts went missing following the flash flood yesterday. The road communication between Guwahati and Goalpara along the National Highway 37 (old) has been disrupted as flood water has submerged the highway at various points, besides damaging several bridges in Goalpara district. Union Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju said the Centre had already sent National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) personnel to Assam. “Over 60 per cent of the NDRF personnel are now deployed in flood-ravaged Jammu and Kashmir. The rest of the personnel has been sent to Assam,” he said. The Army has been deployed to rescue marooned people in Guwahati city and Goalpara district in addition to the NDRF and State Disaster Response Force personnel. Thousands of residents in worst-affected Anil Nagar, Tarun Nagar, Lachit Nagar, Rajgarh bye-lanes, R G Baruah road, Dhirenpara areas in Guwahati city have remained stranded for about 48 hours. DC M Angamuthu said the authorities were trying to arrange for some country boats and expedite the rescue operation.
|
|
|
No awards for cops until gallantry proven, says SC
R Sedhuraman Legal Correspondent
New Delhi, September 23 Further, policeman involved in encounters will not get out-of-turn promotions or awards until it is established that they had really shown gallantry. Prompt disciplinary action must be taken against policemen involved in fake encounters by first suspending them, a Bench comprising Chief Justice RM Lodha and Justice RF Nariman ruled. The SC has issued 16 guidelines, many of them with several sub-clauses, and directed the authorities to strictly abide by them “treating them as law declared under Article 141 (under which SC can lay down laws) of the Constitution”. The ruling came on a batch of petitions — PILs as well as appeals — against a Bombay High Court verdict on a PIL by People’s Union for Civil Liberties, citing 99 encounters between the Mumbai police and alleged criminals during 1995-97 in which 135 persons were killed. Pointing out that there were no guidelines in the country to deal with such cases, the SC said it was its constitutional duty to step in to bring to book all erring policemen. Citing a series of cases, the Bench said “killings in police encounters affect the credibility of the rule of law and the administration of the criminal justice system”. The SC acknowledged that the police were performing a difficult and delicate task of maintaining law and order by effectively dealing with criminals, terrorists, and smugglers.
|
|
|
Apna Ghar case: Charges framed against all accused
Panchkula, September 23 Jaswanti and her son-in-law, Jai Bhagwan, face charges under Sections 120B read with 376 (conspiracy in rape), 313 (causing miscarriage without woman’s consent), 325, 354 and 23 of the Juvenile Justice Act and 3,4,5 of the Immoral Trafficking Act, besides others. Other accused in the case are Child Protection Officer Angrezpur Hooda who allegedly concealed facts of wrongdoings in Apna Ghar, shelter home’s clerk RP Saini, Sushma, Sheela, councillor Veena, Roshni, Jaswant and Satish. The shelter home landed in a controversy when a team of the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights raided it and rescued its inmates. Apna Ghar is a shelter home run by Bharat Vikash Sangh, an NGO headed by Jaswanti Devi in Shrinagar Colony of
Rohtak.
|
|
|
Explore all options to bring back PoWs from Pak, SC tells Centre
New Delhi, September 23 “Don’t presume that Pakistan has a negative attitude and will not respond,” a Bench headed by Chief Justice RM Lodha told senior advocate K Radhakrishnan who appeared for the Centre which has challenged the Gujarat High Court verdict directing the government to move the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on the issue. “Since the matter is serious, sensitive and grave, all options should be explored, meritorious or otherwise,” the Bench, which included Justices Kurian Joseph and RF Nariman, remarked. The SC acknowledged the Centre’s logic behind challenging the HC verdict by stating that the judiciary had little role in matters involving two nations. “Leave aside legal and constitutional issues. Tell us, how will you take the issue forward? Our soldiers are in enemy custody for more than 40 years,” the Bench asked. Radhakrishnan said consistent efforts being made by the government through different channels had not yielded any positive results. Approaching the ICJ was fraught with the risk of similar step by Pakistan on the Kashmir issue. “We understand the seriousness. But our options are limited. We want to adopt a reasonable approach,” he said. At this, the Bench said the scope for judicial intervention in such matters was limited. “It is for you to weigh the pros and cons.”
|
|
|
Bizman Gautam Khaitan held
New Delhi, September 23 The agency, which is trying to track the alleged kickbacks of Rs 360 crore from the deal, arrested Khaitan, a businessman and advocate, after searches were conducted on two of his premises in Delhi yesterday. “Khaitan has been arrested under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). He is required for further detailed interrogation in the case,” ED sources said. The agency had seized jewellery worth Rs 1 crore and impounded some “key” financial papers from his premises. This is the first big action by the ED in the case after it registered a criminal FIR in the deal in July against Khaitan, former IAF chief S P Tyagi and 19 others in the VVIP chopper deal to probe the alleged kickbacks of Rs 360 crore. — PTI
|
|
|
Modi to leave for US on Sept 25, no plans to meet Pak PM so far
New Delhi, September 23 Having been denied visa by the US as the Gujarat CM during the past decade, Washington moved in swiftly to extend a hand of friendship after Modi led the BJP to a never-before triumph in the Lok Sabha elections this summer and then sent senior leaders to pave the way for the visit. The PM’s trip will include a visit to New York for the United Nations General Assembly and then for two days (September 29-30) he will be in Washington for a bilateral meeting with President Barack Obama, senior US administration leaders and top corporate honchos. India today characterised Modi’s visit as a signal of India’s abiding commitment to multi-lateralism. Modi’s address to the UN General Assembly on September 27 will include India’s permanent membership of the United Nations Security Council. In New York the PM will have bilateral meetings with Sri Lanka President Mahinda Rajapaksa, Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina and Nepal PM Sushil Koirala, the spokesperson for the MEA said. He said there were no plans to meet Pakistan PM Nawaz Sharif. Incidentally, the Pakistan PM is scheduled to arrive in New York on September 23 and leave on September 26, the day Modi reaches there. Obama is scheduled to host a private dinner for Modi on September 29 and hold a meeting the next day, when Vice-President Joe Biden and Secretary of State John Kerry will host lunch for him. Since trade and investment continues to be the focus area, Modi is scheduled to meet six CEOs/Chairmen, including those of Boeing, Blackrocks, IBM, GE and KKR individually.
Action-packed tour
|
|
|
SC refuses bail to Asaram
New Delhi, September 23 The medical report received from Jodhpur medical college showed that there was no need for any urgency in granting bail to Asaram and this relief could await examination of critical witnesses by the trial court, a Bench headed by Justice TS Thakur said. In the Gujarat case, the apex court directed him to approach state high court with his bail plea. The rape case has been filed by a Surat-based woman, naming Asaram’s wife Lakshmi, daughter Bharti and his four women followers as well as accused. The victim accused Asaram of sexually assaulted her for 10 years when she was living in his ashram. — TNS
|
|
|
ISRO orbiter inches closer
to Red Planet and history
Bangalore, September 23 “The first pictures are expected to arrive at 16 hours (4 pm). The resolution should be good,” V Kesava Raju, mission director of the Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM) of Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), told the Tribune today. Launched on November 5 from Sriharikota with the help of a PSLV, the Mars orbiter is all set for insertion in the Martian orbit tomorrow morning. The successful execution of the Mars orbit insertion operation tomorrow will make ISRO the only agency in the world to achieve the feat in its maiden attempt. India will also be the only Asian country with a successful Mars mission under its belt. According to information posted on ISRO’s website, the burn of the main liquid engine of the spacecraft shall start at 07-17 hours and will end at 7-41 hours. The reverse manoeuvre will start at 07-42 hours and continue for 10 minutes. The reverse manoeuvre is to slow down the spacecraft to enable its capture in the Martian orbit. “At 08-15 hours we will know for certain whether the spacecraft has been successfully inserted in the Martian orbit. We will make an announcement then,” said SK Shivakumar, director of the ISRO Satellite Centre in Bangalore. PM Narendra Modi, who has landed in Bangalore today, will witness the event.
Haryana students to watch live telecast today
|
|
|
At Chumar, Army holds ground with more aggression
JAMMU, September 23 “Against the backdrop of China’s aggressive posture in Chumar sector, 15 battalions of the Army’s Fire and Fury Corps and eight battalions of the ITBP have been put on an alert all along the LAC,” said a top Army source. After 13-day face-off in Eastern sector of Ladakh, the Army is calling the latest step of increasing the number of troops along the border as more than “tit-for-tat” response to the People’s Liberation Army (PLA). As a result, the 804-km LAC, which includes the international border with China, in otherwise vast and silent land of Ladakh has turned “active”. Refusing to go soft this time, a source said: “While an infantry battalion has a total strength of 836, we go by an average of 500 men and there are more than 15 battalions of the Army in Ladakh as of today. The Army has deployed nearly 1,500 troops in Chumar, while the PLA has around 900 soldiers.” China’s ‘bonhomie’ exhibited by its President Xi Jinping in his recent visit to Delhi has certainly not matched the deeds of the PLA and back home Jinping reportedly asked the PLA to remain prepared for a regional conflict. The PLA has not backed off as yet. “Efforts at the diplomatic level might be on but we have been told to hold the ground,” a source said. Sources said this time the Army’s response was ‘more than adequate’. “Our troops are also aggressive and committed to their task,” said a senior Army source. “The Army is closely monitoring the situation. Reinforcements and relocation of troops are indispensable part of any military force,” the source said. The source, however, didn’t agree that Army chief General Dalbir Singh Suhag had to cancel his Bhutan visit due to Chumar stand-off. “There could have been some diplomatic compulsions to it.”
|
|
|
Indian films high on sexualisation of women: UN report
United Nations, September 23 The study, commissioned by the Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media, with support from UN Women and The Rockefeller Foundation, reveals discrimination, stereotyping, sexualisation of women and their underrepresentation in powerful roles by the film industry. Indian films, the study finds, have higher prevalence of sexualisation of female characters and score low in depicting women in significant speaking roles. While women represent nearly half of the world’s population, less than one third of all speaking characters in films are female and UK-US collaborations and Indian films are at the bottom of the pack. Both, the American/British hybrid films (23.6%) and Indian films (24.9%) show female characters in less than one-quarter of all speaking roles. Even the frontrunners (UK, Brazil and South Korea) feature female characters in 35.9-38% of all speaking roles on screen. Indian films are third behind German and Australian movies in showing females in “sexy attire” and at 25.2% India tops the chart in showing attractive females in its movies. — PTI
|
|
Domestic
violence New Delhi, September 23 “The monetary relief as stipulated under Section 20 (of the Domestic Violence Act) is different from maintenance, which can be in addition to an order of maintenance under Section 125 of the CrPC or any other law. “Such monetary relief can be granted to meet the expenses incurred and losses suffered by the aggrieved person and his/her child as a result of the domestic violence,” a Bench comprising Justices SJ Mukhopadhaya and SA Bobde held. The verdict has come on an appeal filed by a Muslim woman, Juveria Abdul Majid Patni, challenging the Bombay High Court’s rejection of her case under the Act as she had obtained an ex-parte “Khula” (divorce) from a Mufti under the Muslim Personal Law in May 2008.
|
||
|
| 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/Mumbai, September 23
New Delhi, September 23
Bangalore, September 23
