The Cabinet meeting on Thursday witnessed a row between the Chief Minister, Mr K. Rosaiah, and a group of ministers over the ‘leakage’ of secrets which deteriorated into offers of resignations from both sides.
An angry transport minister, Mr S. Vijayarama Raju, offered to quit if the Chief Minister did not trust him and added that several ministers were willing to follow suit. In a sharp response, Mr Rosaiah is believed to have said that he would be the first to step down. “Ok. Welcome. I will quit first if at all someone has to resign,” he quipped.
The trouble started when the Chief Minister made a sarcastic comment that the issues discussed in the Cabinet were leaked despite every minister claiming to be honest. Mr Raju then got up and told Mr Rosaiah that there was no meaning in the ministers continuing in the cabinet when the Chief Minister did not trust them.
“It seems you have no confidence in us,” he said. “We are branded as YSR group. I think our resignations will end this suspicion.” Mr Raju said several ministers were of the same view and will quit enabling the CM to fill the Cabinet with people of his choice.
The actual grouse of Mr Rosaiah was no minister was condemning reports published by Sakshi, a Telugu daily owned by Kadapa MP Mr Y.S. Jaganmohan Reddy showing the government in poor light.
Showing posts with label Latest News. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Latest News. Show all posts
Friday, May 7, 2010
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Gill to slug it out with IOC
The government reacted strongly on Wednesday to the objections raised over their controversial guideline to limit the tenure of office-bearers of the Indian Olympic Associations and National Sports Federations, offering to depute a senior official to resolve the issue with the International Olympic Committee.
Earlier in the day, a 20-member delegation led by the IOA president, Mr Suresh Kalmadi, met the Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh, seeking his intervention in the issue.
The sports ministry, however, sought a direct interaction with the IOC on the matter. The government said it would send a detailed response and offered to send an official to IOC headquarters in Lausanne, Switzerland, to discuss the matter. “The PM told us that he will look into the matter and get back to us,” Mr Kalmadi told reporters.
Mr Kalmadi again lashed out at the sports minister, Mr M.S. Gill, for the timing of the move and said he should have up with this idea after the Commonwealth Games.
Earlier in the day, a 20-member delegation led by the IOA president, Mr Suresh Kalmadi, met the Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh, seeking his intervention in the issue.
The sports ministry, however, sought a direct interaction with the IOC on the matter. The government said it would send a detailed response and offered to send an official to IOC headquarters in Lausanne, Switzerland, to discuss the matter. “The PM told us that he will look into the matter and get back to us,” Mr Kalmadi told reporters.
Mr Kalmadi again lashed out at the sports minister, Mr M.S. Gill, for the timing of the move and said he should have up with this idea after the Commonwealth Games.
SC bans truth tests
The Supreme Court, placing the fundamental rights of citizens on a higher pedestal, ruled that any attempt by police agencies to forcibly carry out narco, polygraph and brain-mapping tests of accused persons was “illegal and unconstitutional”.
In an order with far-reaching consequences for these agencies, a three-member bench headed by Chief Justice K.G. Balakrishnan held that the “compulsory administration of these techniques” violated the individual’s right against self-incrimination. “The underlying rationale of (this) right is to ensure the reliability (and) voluntariness of statements admitted as evidence,” the bench held.
In a 250-page order allowing the appeals of nine accused facing criminal cases as their narco, polygraph or brain-mapping tests were ordered by trial courts or high courts, the bench said: “We hold that no individual should be forcibly subjected to any of these techniques, whether in the context of investigation in criminal cases or otherwise. Doing so would amount to an unwarranted intrusion into personal liberty.”
The bench, which also comprised Justices R.V. Raveendran and J.M. Panchal, settled a raging debate by human rights activists on whether investigating agencies should be allowed to intrude on an individual’s liberty.
In an order with far-reaching consequences for these agencies, a three-member bench headed by Chief Justice K.G. Balakrishnan held that the “compulsory administration of these techniques” violated the individual’s right against self-incrimination. “The underlying rationale of (this) right is to ensure the reliability (and) voluntariness of statements admitted as evidence,” the bench held.
In a 250-page order allowing the appeals of nine accused facing criminal cases as their narco, polygraph or brain-mapping tests were ordered by trial courts or high courts, the bench said: “We hold that no individual should be forcibly subjected to any of these techniques, whether in the context of investigation in criminal cases or otherwise. Doing so would amount to an unwarranted intrusion into personal liberty.”
The bench, which also comprised Justices R.V. Raveendran and J.M. Panchal, settled a raging debate by human rights activists on whether investigating agencies should be allowed to intrude on an individual’s liberty.
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
State will cut property registration fee to 5%
The municipal administration minister, Mr Anam Ramanarayan Reddy, on Tuesday announced that the state government will be bringing the property registration fee down from nine per cent to five per cent in the current financial year.
Speaking to mediapersons here, Mr Ramanarayan Reddy said the Centre had stopped the release of Rs 950 crore under the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM) for not adhering to the mandatory condition of lowering the registration fee.
The minister said the Centre also wants the space earmarked for the economically weaker sections in the new layouts to be enhanced. The state government had introduced a rule that 10 per cent of the space should be kept for the economically weaker sections in all layouts of 10 acres or more.
In the case of multi-storied complexes taken up on land measuring one acre or more, 10 per cent of the built-up space should be kept aside.
“The Centre insists that the space left for economically weaker sections should be increased to 20-25 per cent,” the minister said.
The Chief Minister, Mr K. Rosaiah, will soon convene a meeting with the officials concerned and take a final decision on implementing the two conditionalities, the minister said.
Mr Reddy also said that 14.32 lakh property owners had utilised the extension of the deadline to pay property tax without penalty by a month.
While Rs 115 crore was collected in the GHMC area, Rs 133 crore was collected in the remaining municipal areas in the state, he said. Mr Ramnarayan brushed off the Telugu Desam leader, Mr S. Chandramohan Reddy’s criticism of the Chief Minister and the adviser, Mr K.V.P. Ramachandra Rao. He also listed out various developmental activities initiated by Mr Rosaiah in Nellore.
Speaking to mediapersons here, Mr Ramanarayan Reddy said the Centre had stopped the release of Rs 950 crore under the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM) for not adhering to the mandatory condition of lowering the registration fee.
The minister said the Centre also wants the space earmarked for the economically weaker sections in the new layouts to be enhanced. The state government had introduced a rule that 10 per cent of the space should be kept for the economically weaker sections in all layouts of 10 acres or more.
In the case of multi-storied complexes taken up on land measuring one acre or more, 10 per cent of the built-up space should be kept aside.
“The Centre insists that the space left for economically weaker sections should be increased to 20-25 per cent,” the minister said.
The Chief Minister, Mr K. Rosaiah, will soon convene a meeting with the officials concerned and take a final decision on implementing the two conditionalities, the minister said.
Mr Reddy also said that 14.32 lakh property owners had utilised the extension of the deadline to pay property tax without penalty by a month.
While Rs 115 crore was collected in the GHMC area, Rs 133 crore was collected in the remaining municipal areas in the state, he said. Mr Ramnarayan brushed off the Telugu Desam leader, Mr S. Chandramohan Reddy’s criticism of the Chief Minister and the adviser, Mr K.V.P. Ramachandra Rao. He also listed out various developmental activities initiated by Mr Rosaiah in Nellore.
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Rail drivers’ strike paralyses Mumbai
Suburban train services in Mumbai continued to be disrupted on Tuesday on the second day of motormen’s strike even as 20 of them were dismissed for refusing to report for work.
“Ten motormen of Central and Western railway each have been dismissed as they refused to work,” railway officials said here.
The western and eastern express highway also continued to be jammed with commuters opting for road transport to reach their destinations.
Railway authorities on Tuesday said only 20 per cent suburban trains were operating as a result of the hunger strike by motormen demanding hike in pay scales and allowances.
Maharashtra Home Minister R.R. Patil said the State government will take up the issue with the Centre, seeking its intervention to provide relief to Mumbai commuters.
The State government is also reviewing if provisions of the Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA) could be invoked in this case, he said.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Ashok Chavan has called an emergency meeting to discuss the situation arising out of the motormen’s strike. Police, railway and transport officials will attend the meeting, official sources said.
Mr. Chavan had on Monday met Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and requested his intervention to end the strike, the sources said.
The Chief Minister also spoke to Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee and requested her to take stringent action against the striking motormen, they said.
“Ten motormen of Central and Western railway each have been dismissed as they refused to work,” railway officials said here.
The western and eastern express highway also continued to be jammed with commuters opting for road transport to reach their destinations.
Railway authorities on Tuesday said only 20 per cent suburban trains were operating as a result of the hunger strike by motormen demanding hike in pay scales and allowances.
Maharashtra Home Minister R.R. Patil said the State government will take up the issue with the Centre, seeking its intervention to provide relief to Mumbai commuters.
The State government is also reviewing if provisions of the Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA) could be invoked in this case, he said.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Ashok Chavan has called an emergency meeting to discuss the situation arising out of the motormen’s strike. Police, railway and transport officials will attend the meeting, official sources said.
Mr. Chavan had on Monday met Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and requested his intervention to end the strike, the sources said.
The Chief Minister also spoke to Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee and requested her to take stringent action against the striking motormen, they said.
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
HC: Return Shoaib’s passport
The AP High Court on Monday directed the thirteenth additional chief metropolitan magistrate in Nampally, Hyderabad, to immediately release and return the passport of Shoaib Malik, the Pakistani cricketer who is awaiting closure of the case registered by the city police.
Justice C.V. Nagarjuna Reddy passed the orders after the Advocate-General, Mr D.V. Seetharama Murthy, and the senior counsel, Mr T. Bal Reddy, who had appeared on behalf of Ms Ayesha Siddique — the divorced wife of Shoaib Malik — did not oppose the return of the passport.
Mr Murthy told the court that the Hyderabad Central Crime Station authorities had filed a final report before the magistrate after Ms Siddique submitted an application to withdraw her case against Shoaib
Malik. Mr C. Padmanabha Reddy, senior counsel appearing for the cricketer, submitted that the closure of the case in pursuance of the final report by the magistrate would take time and that the petitioner was required to leave for Pakistan in connection with post-marriage ceremonies.
He urged the court to direct the magistrate to release the passport and hand it over to Mr Javed Razak, the counsel appearing for Shoaib at a lower court. The judge directed that the lower court hand over Shoaib’s passport to Mr Razak and disposed of the petition.
Justice C.V. Nagarjuna Reddy passed the orders after the Advocate-General, Mr D.V. Seetharama Murthy, and the senior counsel, Mr T. Bal Reddy, who had appeared on behalf of Ms Ayesha Siddique — the divorced wife of Shoaib Malik — did not oppose the return of the passport.
Mr Murthy told the court that the Hyderabad Central Crime Station authorities had filed a final report before the magistrate after Ms Siddique submitted an application to withdraw her case against Shoaib
Malik. Mr C. Padmanabha Reddy, senior counsel appearing for the cricketer, submitted that the closure of the case in pursuance of the final report by the magistrate would take time and that the petitioner was required to leave for Pakistan in connection with post-marriage ceremonies.
He urged the court to direct the magistrate to release the passport and hand it over to Mr Javed Razak, the counsel appearing for Shoaib at a lower court. The judge directed that the lower court hand over Shoaib’s passport to Mr Razak and disposed of the petition.
Karnataka for rise in Almatti height
The Karnataka government made a strong case of increasing the height of the Almatti dam on Monday and pointed out that the dam’s water-holding capacity had been reduced due to silt formation.
Replying to objections raised by Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra, Karnataka explained that it had constructed the dam within the guidelines given by the Bachawat Tribunal.
Presenting its views before the Krishna Water Disputes Tribunal in New Delhi, Karnataka pointed that the state had been given permission from concerned authorities in 1970. It showed the approved design of the dam and clarified that the same had been presented in the Supreme Court.
The state said that the 1970 design, prepared for 524.256 metres, had been agreed upon by the then governments of AP and Maharashtra. Denying the charges made by AP that it had increased the height of the dam after the Supreme Court judgment, Karnataka made it clear that it had not violated any rules laid down by the earlier Tribunal and the Supreme Court.
Karnataka also requested the Tribunal to set up a supervising authority on river Krishna as inter-state disputes were on the rise.
It argued that distribution of water among the three riparian states should be monitored by the authority. It also requested for re-sharing of surplus water among the three states in such a way that more drought-prone areas would get higher quantity.
Karnataka argued that most of its areas down the Almatti were drought-prone and needed higher water allocation to sustain cultivation. AP will present its reply on the objections raised by other states on Tuesday and Wednesday. With that the final hearings of the Brijesh Kumar Tribunal will conclude and a judgment will be pronounced in August or September. Meanwhile, the Tribunal is also waiting for the Centre’s permission to extend the term till September.
Replying to objections raised by Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra, Karnataka explained that it had constructed the dam within the guidelines given by the Bachawat Tribunal.
Presenting its views before the Krishna Water Disputes Tribunal in New Delhi, Karnataka pointed that the state had been given permission from concerned authorities in 1970. It showed the approved design of the dam and clarified that the same had been presented in the Supreme Court.
The state said that the 1970 design, prepared for 524.256 metres, had been agreed upon by the then governments of AP and Maharashtra. Denying the charges made by AP that it had increased the height of the dam after the Supreme Court judgment, Karnataka made it clear that it had not violated any rules laid down by the earlier Tribunal and the Supreme Court.
Karnataka also requested the Tribunal to set up a supervising authority on river Krishna as inter-state disputes were on the rise.
It argued that distribution of water among the three riparian states should be monitored by the authority. It also requested for re-sharing of surplus water among the three states in such a way that more drought-prone areas would get higher quantity.
Karnataka argued that most of its areas down the Almatti were drought-prone and needed higher water allocation to sustain cultivation. AP will present its reply on the objections raised by other states on Tuesday and Wednesday. With that the final hearings of the Brijesh Kumar Tribunal will conclude and a judgment will be pronounced in August or September. Meanwhile, the Tribunal is also waiting for the Centre’s permission to extend the term till September.
SC upholds lifer for Manu in Jessica case
The Supreme Court on Monday brought down the curtain on the much-publicised Jessica Lall murder case, confirming the conviction and life sentence awarded to Sidhartha Vashisht alias Manu Sharma, son of a former Haryana minister, for the horrific 1999 shooting at point-blank range of an upcoming model at a South Delhi restaurant.
The case, which saw several ups and downs with the trial court setting Manu free in December 2006, got finality on Monday with a bench of Justices P. Sathasivam and Swatanter Kumar finding no illegality in the 2007 verdict of the Delhi High Court setting aside the trial judge’s acquittal order and sending the accused to jail to serve a life sentence.
Manu has been in jail since 2007 and had remained in judicial custody for nearly three years during trial before being released on bail. He altogether has already served jail time of six years. Since the HC order did not specify, a life term would normally mean 14 years actually spent behind bars, after which a convict would be entitled to assessment of his conduct during imprisonment to claim release.
The Supreme Court also upheld the conviction of two of Manu’s friends — Vikas Yadav, son of former Rajya Sabha MP Mr D.P. Yadav, now a BSP leader; and Amandeep Singh Gill, an MNC executive — for helping Manu to destroy evidence. Both were sentenced to four years’ imprisonment by the HC.
The Supreme Court also took into account the “conduct” of Manu Sharma immediately after the crime, saying “it proved his guilt beyond reasonable doubt.”
The case, which saw several ups and downs with the trial court setting Manu free in December 2006, got finality on Monday with a bench of Justices P. Sathasivam and Swatanter Kumar finding no illegality in the 2007 verdict of the Delhi High Court setting aside the trial judge’s acquittal order and sending the accused to jail to serve a life sentence.
Manu has been in jail since 2007 and had remained in judicial custody for nearly three years during trial before being released on bail. He altogether has already served jail time of six years. Since the HC order did not specify, a life term would normally mean 14 years actually spent behind bars, after which a convict would be entitled to assessment of his conduct during imprisonment to claim release.
The Supreme Court also upheld the conviction of two of Manu’s friends — Vikas Yadav, son of former Rajya Sabha MP Mr D.P. Yadav, now a BSP leader; and Amandeep Singh Gill, an MNC executive — for helping Manu to destroy evidence. Both were sentenced to four years’ imprisonment by the HC.
The Supreme Court also took into account the “conduct” of Manu Sharma immediately after the crime, saying “it proved his guilt beyond reasonable doubt.”
Modi may be sacked
With several Central agencies vying to haul the IPL commissioner, Mr Lalit Modi, over the coals in the controversy regarding the Indian Premier League, it could possibly be the end of his innings in cricket: his wings are likely to be clipped by the BCCI panel. Sources said the BCCI president, Mr Shashank Manohar, could be the man to replace Mr Modi as the head of the IPL.
Mr Modi may be asked to step down at a meeting of the IPL governing council likely on April 26. It has been learnt that if he refuses to step down, the BCCI will convene an emergency AGM and pass a resolution to oust the IPL commissioner. Mr Modi has reportedly not been invited for that meeting.
Meanwhile, apart from the income-tax department, officials from the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) will question Mr Modi, sources said. The move comes in the wake of reported allegations that a few IPL officials might be engaged in betting on international websites.
Mr Modi, who had been to Dubai to meet the Kochi franchise consortium chairman, Mr Harshad Mehta, on Sunday, was to meet I-T officials at his Worli office in Mumbai on Monday.
Mr Modi may be asked to step down at a meeting of the IPL governing council likely on April 26. It has been learnt that if he refuses to step down, the BCCI will convene an emergency AGM and pass a resolution to oust the IPL commissioner. Mr Modi has reportedly not been invited for that meeting.
Meanwhile, apart from the income-tax department, officials from the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) will question Mr Modi, sources said. The move comes in the wake of reported allegations that a few IPL officials might be engaged in betting on international websites.
Mr Modi, who had been to Dubai to meet the Kochi franchise consortium chairman, Mr Harshad Mehta, on Sunday, was to meet I-T officials at his Worli office in Mumbai on Monday.
Monday, April 19, 2010
Abhi-Ash are off on a romantic holiday
Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan are one dedicated couple. They may be neck deep in assignments and tight schedules all the time, but they always make it a point to be together on special occasions. Buzz has it that Ash and Abhi are currently enjoying a holiday together at an undisclosed location.
“Ash and Abhishek are all set to ring in their anniversary on April 20. The couple will spend some quality time together. This is one occasion they have been looking forward to. The couple will be back before April 24 in Mumbai to attend the music release of Mani Ratnam’s Raavan,” said a source.
Lately, the two have been very busy. While Abhishek was earlier busy with Khelein Hum Jee Jaan Se, he is now shooting for Dum Maaro Dum. Ash too is shooting for a couple of films.
MIM MLA arrested for slapping policeman
A legislator of Majlis- Ittehadul-Muslimeen (MIM) was arrested on Sunday for allegedly slapping a policeman on duty, police said.
Karwan MLA Afsar Khan was arrested on charge of “slapping” constable Shiva Prasad, attached to Humayunnagar Police Station, near Shakina complex last night, they said.
The constable Shiva Prasad had gone to the complex along with a Sub-Inspector Nagender Rao following a complaint of quarrels on a petty issue between two groups, Asifnagar division Assistant Commissioner of Police L. T. Chandra Sekhar said.
When police tried to pacify the groups, Mr. Khan along with his supporters reached the place and picked up arguments and “slapped” the constable by holding his collar, police said.
“We have booked a case against the MLA under section 353 of IPC (Assault or criminal force to deter a public servant from discharging duty),” he said.
Tension prevailed in the area as the news of arrest of Karwan MLA spread, as his supporters assembled in large numbers and staged a sit-in raising anti-police slogans in front of Humayunnagar Police Station.
Mr. Khan was previously involved in three assault cases including the attack on Bangladeshi writer Taslima Nasreen at Press Club here in 2007.
Karwan MLA Afsar Khan was arrested on charge of “slapping” constable Shiva Prasad, attached to Humayunnagar Police Station, near Shakina complex last night, they said.
The constable Shiva Prasad had gone to the complex along with a Sub-Inspector Nagender Rao following a complaint of quarrels on a petty issue between two groups, Asifnagar division Assistant Commissioner of Police L. T. Chandra Sekhar said.
When police tried to pacify the groups, Mr. Khan along with his supporters reached the place and picked up arguments and “slapped” the constable by holding his collar, police said.
“We have booked a case against the MLA under section 353 of IPC (Assault or criminal force to deter a public servant from discharging duty),” he said.
Tension prevailed in the area as the news of arrest of Karwan MLA spread, as his supporters assembled in large numbers and staged a sit-in raising anti-police slogans in front of Humayunnagar Police Station.
Mr. Khan was previously involved in three assault cases including the attack on Bangladeshi writer Taslima Nasreen at Press Club here in 2007.
Corporator ‘carries' pistol into NTR Bhavan
A breach in the security set up at NTR Bhavan, headquarters of TDP, was detected by the security personnel of party president N. Chandrababu Naidu on Saturday.
According to party sources, TDP corporator from Vanasthalipuram J. Rajashekar Reddy carried his licensed pistol without being detected by the metal detectors at the entrance of the building.
The corporator was proceeding towards the chambers of Mr. Naidu as part of his appointment when the security personnel found the weapon during physical frisking.
Party sources stated that the corporator was carrying the weapon only to check the security system. The matter was informed to the police but no complaint was lodged.
According to party sources, TDP corporator from Vanasthalipuram J. Rajashekar Reddy carried his licensed pistol without being detected by the metal detectors at the entrance of the building.
The corporator was proceeding towards the chambers of Mr. Naidu as part of his appointment when the security personnel found the weapon during physical frisking.
Party sources stated that the corporator was carrying the weapon only to check the security system. The matter was informed to the police but no complaint was lodged.
Love couple leaped to death in Hyderabad
A love couple leaped to death from the fourth floor of a prominent mall allegedly over a tiff about their affair here on Sunday, police said.
Vinod Ravikumar (24) and B Sridevi (19), both the employees of the mall and natives of Bidar in Karnataka and Nepal respectively who had been in a love-affair for quite some time, jumped down from the fourth floor of the building at around 9 am, they said.
Vinod died on the spot while Sridevi succumbed to her injuries in a corporate hospital, a police officer said.
On the basis of a suicide note purportedly written by Vinod, an investigating officer said that Vinod was jilted over Sridevi’s friendly relation with another young man.
“In the suicide note Vinod said he will kill the girl for neglecting him,” the investigating officer said.
We suspect Vinod might have pushed the girl down before ending his life. However, there are no eye-witnesses to prove that the girl was pushed, he said.
Sridevi was staying with her sister in Rahamath Nagar while Vinod was a resident of Jagathgirigutta here. Both the bodies were sent for post-mortem and further investigations were underway.
Vinod Ravikumar (24) and B Sridevi (19), both the employees of the mall and natives of Bidar in Karnataka and Nepal respectively who had been in a love-affair for quite some time, jumped down from the fourth floor of the building at around 9 am, they said.
Vinod died on the spot while Sridevi succumbed to her injuries in a corporate hospital, a police officer said.
On the basis of a suicide note purportedly written by Vinod, an investigating officer said that Vinod was jilted over Sridevi’s friendly relation with another young man.
“In the suicide note Vinod said he will kill the girl for neglecting him,” the investigating officer said.
We suspect Vinod might have pushed the girl down before ending his life. However, there are no eye-witnesses to prove that the girl was pushed, he said.
Sridevi was staying with her sister in Rahamath Nagar while Vinod was a resident of Jagathgirigutta here. Both the bodies were sent for post-mortem and further investigations were underway.
Youth kills self after pushing girl to death
A jilted youth pushed an 18-year-old girl to death from the fourth floor of Life Style mall in Begumpet here and later committed suicide by jumping from it on Sunday morning, police said.
Twenty-year-old D. Vinod, a resident of Jagadgirigutta, asked the girl to come to the mall where she was working as a salesgirl in a cosmetics parlour to discuss an “important issue.”
They met at the parking space in the cellar and went to the fourth floor.
Multiple fractures
A few minutes later, the housekeeping staff heard some sound and found both Vinod and the girl on the ground with multiple fractures. Vinod died on the spot, while the girl succumbed to her injuries while undergoing treatment at a corporate hospital at Jubilee Hills, according to the police. Vinod was working as a sales executive in a private bank.
A suicide note purportedly written by Vinod in Hindi and mentioning his affair with the victim for the past three years was also recovered from him.
“She started distancing herself from me over the last three months and asked me to marry another girl. Recently, I came to know that she had developed friendship with another person. Then I decided to teach her a lesson,” the suicide note said, according to Punjagutta Inspector M. Malla Reddy.
Request to parents
Vinod requested his parents — Ravi and Anuradha — to forgive him for taking such a drastic step and urged his two sisters to take care of the parents.
“I want to be your son even in the next birth,” he told his parents in the note.
Vinod and the girl became friends when they were staying at Punjagutta. Later, the girl's family, originally from Nepal, shifted to Rehamathnagar and the boy's family, hailing from Bidar, shifted to Jagadgirigutta but they continued to meet.
The grief-stricken mother of the youth told journalists at the Gandhi Hospital mortuary that her son did not appear to be interested in marrying her even when she broached the topic.
“He left the house around 6.30 a.m. wearing new clothes saying that he had a meeting in the office and within three hours we came to know about the incident,” she said, sobbing.
She pointed out that the Punjagutta police had even counselled the duo when the girl's sister lodged a complaint five months ago. However, one of the girl's sisters feigned ignorance about the affair.
Twenty-year-old D. Vinod, a resident of Jagadgirigutta, asked the girl to come to the mall where she was working as a salesgirl in a cosmetics parlour to discuss an “important issue.”
They met at the parking space in the cellar and went to the fourth floor.
Multiple fractures
A few minutes later, the housekeeping staff heard some sound and found both Vinod and the girl on the ground with multiple fractures. Vinod died on the spot, while the girl succumbed to her injuries while undergoing treatment at a corporate hospital at Jubilee Hills, according to the police. Vinod was working as a sales executive in a private bank.
A suicide note purportedly written by Vinod in Hindi and mentioning his affair with the victim for the past three years was also recovered from him.
“She started distancing herself from me over the last three months and asked me to marry another girl. Recently, I came to know that she had developed friendship with another person. Then I decided to teach her a lesson,” the suicide note said, according to Punjagutta Inspector M. Malla Reddy.
Request to parents
Vinod requested his parents — Ravi and Anuradha — to forgive him for taking such a drastic step and urged his two sisters to take care of the parents.
“I want to be your son even in the next birth,” he told his parents in the note.
Vinod and the girl became friends when they were staying at Punjagutta. Later, the girl's family, originally from Nepal, shifted to Rehamathnagar and the boy's family, hailing from Bidar, shifted to Jagadgirigutta but they continued to meet.
The grief-stricken mother of the youth told journalists at the Gandhi Hospital mortuary that her son did not appear to be interested in marrying her even when she broached the topic.
“He left the house around 6.30 a.m. wearing new clothes saying that he had a meeting in the office and within three hours we came to know about the incident,” she said, sobbing.
She pointed out that the Punjagutta police had even counselled the duo when the girl's sister lodged a complaint five months ago. However, one of the girl's sisters feigned ignorance about the affair.
Volcanic ash may cause hazards for asthma patients: WHO
People suffering from asthma and other respiratory disorders must wear masks and stay indoors to avoid hazards caused by the volcanic ash erupting from Iceland, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has warned.
Daniel Epstein, spokesman of this UN agency explained that effects will begin to be felt when the ash descends and falls on several countries across Europe.
The most endangered are persons with respiratory problems who are warned to stay at home and use masks when outside, the experts said referring to a report of the UN news centre, Prensa Latina reported.
The volcanic ash, which contains ammonium, sulphates, sodium, carbon, several minerals and water, can reach bronchial periphery and cause difficulties in persons with asthma or other respiratory disorders, he said.
Meanwhile, the World Meteorological Organisation said it is unable to forecast the duration of the ash cloud in the atmosphere while eruptions of the Icelandic volcano still continue.
However, he said, the effects of this phenomenon on climate will be low due to temporary fall of temperatures because the ash blocks sun rays.
Now see 3D movies without glasses
The huge success of 3D movies like “Avatar”, “Clash of the Titans” and “Alice in Wonderland” has led scientists to explore possibilities of developing 3D technology that does not require glasses. Japanese companies supplying 3D technology and services to Hollywood production houses have said they hope to see their goods having an impact on people’s day-to-day lives within the next few years, and that further development in the technology will lower prices and makes the experience affordable for commoners, Xinhua reported on Saturday.
However, before that happens, there are still a few problems that need to be solved. A ‘glasses-free’ 3D technology produced by a Japanese company has induced headaches, even if they were impressive.
The latest technology sends different signals to each eye, creating the illusion of 3D images, and a company representative has argued that future developments will lead to sharper images and less eye fatigue. “In may be five years, when the technology has further advanced and the price of the hardware has become more affordable, I think you will see 3D sets in households,” Kazuo Kaneyama was quoted as saying.
At present, the technology boasts of a 65-inch set at around 3 million yen ($32,000) - about three times more than the price of a 2D television of the same size.
There are also problems for people with visual impairment. If one eye is stronger than the other, then the 3D image will suffer.
“People with visual impairment will not be able to enjoy 3D using this technology,” Kaneyama said. Over the next few years, television sets are likely to be installed at exhibitions, department stores and on streets that grab our attention like never before, with the images seeming to jump out of the screens and at passers-by.
“I believe 3D is just around the corner,” said Kiyoto Kanda, representative of another company. “Photo frames that use the technology are already available at an affordable price, and other equipment is going to get cheaper in the near future.” With Hollywood already beginning to invest in fully developing 3D entertainment, opportunities to test out the new way of watching movies, sport and other programmes are likely to increase.
In Britain, a recent football game between Manchester United and Chelsea was made available in 3D. Though these experiments have used the glasses technology, people have not looked favourably at the idea of wearing uncomfortable glasses for two or more hours at a time, opening up huge potential for companies offering glasses-free technology.
Chargers rides into semifinals
Deccan Chargers held its nerves to pull off its fifth win in a row and the reward was a semifinal slot in the DLF Indian Premier League-III.
The 11–run win over Delhi Daredevils came on the strength of a splendid team effort at the Ferozeshah Kotla here on Sunday.
Three sensational catches by Rohit Sharma; A brilliant knock by Man-of-the-Match Andrew Symonds; astute leadership by Adam Gilchrist; a crafty spell by Pragyan Ojha and a tight final over by Chaminda Vaas drove home the essence of collective effort. A pity, Daredevils relied too much on Paul Collingwood to take it home.
It was a knockout match following Chennai Super Kings' entry to the semifinals in the afternoon. Daredevils had its task cut out but the opposition turned out to be determined too. Runs had to be earned the hard way in the second half of the contest as the slow pitch demanded batting skills of a high order.
The scores:
Deccan Chargers: A. Gilchrist c Gambhir b Nehra 10 (9b, 2x4), M. Mishra (run out) 25 (19b, 2x4, 1x6), T. Suman b Yadav 5 (6b, 1x4), Rohit Sharma c Karthik b Yadav 11 (9b, 2x4), A. Symonds c Manhas b Mishra 54 (30b, 3x4, 5x6), M. Marsh c Manhas b Nehra 13 (19b), B. Sumanth (not out) 7 (12b), C. Vaas c Nehra b Collingwood 3 (8b), Rahul Sharma (not out) 14 (8b, 2x4), Extras (lb-2, w-1) 3; Total (for seven wkts. in 20 overs) 145.
Fall of wickets: 1-11, 2-32, 3-47, 4-66, 5-116, 6-121, 7-128.
Delhi Daredevils bowling: Nannes 4-0-22-0, Nehra 4-0-32-2, Yadav 4-0-24-2, Mishra 4-0-28-1, Collingwood 3-0-23-1, Dilshan 1-0-14-0.
Delhi Daredevils: D. Warner c Rohit b Marsh 5 (4b, 1x4), V. Sehwag c Rohit b Vaas 8 (6b, 2x4), T. Dilshan lbw b Harmeet 11 (11b, 2x4), G. Gambhir c Rohit b Ojha 4 (9b), M. Manhas (run out) 23 (22b, 2x4), P. Collingwood (not out) 52 (42b, 1x4, 3x6), D. Karthik b Ojha 1 (2b), A. Mishra b Harmeet Singh 4 (9b), A. Nehra (not out) 21 (16b, 2x4, 1x6), Extras (lb-2, nb-1, w-2) 5; Total (for seven wkts. in 20 overs) 134.
Fall of wickets: 1-9, 2-19, 3-25, 4-39, 5-68, 6-72, 7-86.
Deccan Daredevils bowling: Vaas 4-0-19-1, Marsh 2-0-19-1, Harmeet 4-0-41-2, Symonds 2-0-8-0, Ojha 4-0-16-2, Sharma 4-0-29-0.
The 11–run win over Delhi Daredevils came on the strength of a splendid team effort at the Ferozeshah Kotla here on Sunday.
Three sensational catches by Rohit Sharma; A brilliant knock by Man-of-the-Match Andrew Symonds; astute leadership by Adam Gilchrist; a crafty spell by Pragyan Ojha and a tight final over by Chaminda Vaas drove home the essence of collective effort. A pity, Daredevils relied too much on Paul Collingwood to take it home.
It was a knockout match following Chennai Super Kings' entry to the semifinals in the afternoon. Daredevils had its task cut out but the opposition turned out to be determined too. Runs had to be earned the hard way in the second half of the contest as the slow pitch demanded batting skills of a high order.
The scores:
Deccan Chargers: A. Gilchrist c Gambhir b Nehra 10 (9b, 2x4), M. Mishra (run out) 25 (19b, 2x4, 1x6), T. Suman b Yadav 5 (6b, 1x4), Rohit Sharma c Karthik b Yadav 11 (9b, 2x4), A. Symonds c Manhas b Mishra 54 (30b, 3x4, 5x6), M. Marsh c Manhas b Nehra 13 (19b), B. Sumanth (not out) 7 (12b), C. Vaas c Nehra b Collingwood 3 (8b), Rahul Sharma (not out) 14 (8b, 2x4), Extras (lb-2, w-1) 3; Total (for seven wkts. in 20 overs) 145.
Fall of wickets: 1-11, 2-32, 3-47, 4-66, 5-116, 6-121, 7-128.
Delhi Daredevils bowling: Nannes 4-0-22-0, Nehra 4-0-32-2, Yadav 4-0-24-2, Mishra 4-0-28-1, Collingwood 3-0-23-1, Dilshan 1-0-14-0.
Delhi Daredevils: D. Warner c Rohit b Marsh 5 (4b, 1x4), V. Sehwag c Rohit b Vaas 8 (6b, 2x4), T. Dilshan lbw b Harmeet 11 (11b, 2x4), G. Gambhir c Rohit b Ojha 4 (9b), M. Manhas (run out) 23 (22b, 2x4), P. Collingwood (not out) 52 (42b, 1x4, 3x6), D. Karthik b Ojha 1 (2b), A. Mishra b Harmeet Singh 4 (9b), A. Nehra (not out) 21 (16b, 2x4, 1x6), Extras (lb-2, nb-1, w-2) 5; Total (for seven wkts. in 20 overs) 134.
Fall of wickets: 1-9, 2-19, 3-25, 4-39, 5-68, 6-72, 7-86.
Deccan Daredevils bowling: Vaas 4-0-19-1, Marsh 2-0-19-1, Harmeet 4-0-41-2, Symonds 2-0-8-0, Ojha 4-0-16-2, Sharma 4-0-29-0.
New film rating system proposed
India's film rating system is set for a revamp, with the draft Cinematograph Bill, 2010 adding more age-specific categories of certification, in line with international norms.
Under the draft Bill, which could see the light in the next session of Parliament, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting is proposing five categories of ratings.
The Central Board for Film Certification (CBFC), better known as the Censor Board, will now be asked to certify films under the U, 12+, 15+, A and S categories. This translates to films meant for unrestricted viewing (U), those unsuitable for children below 12 years (12+), those unsuitable for children below 15 years (15+), and those meant only for adults, or people above 18 years (A). The S rating is for films restricted to certain professions or classes.
Under the current Cinematograph Act, 1952, there are three categories — U, A and UA, the last of which calls for parental discretion and guidance on whether the film is suitable for children under 12 years.
The new draft Bill also acknowledges the importance of women's perspectives on the films to be released and mandates that one-third of the members of the CBFC, as well as the regional advisory boards, must be women.
If the applicant for certification is the producer of the film, the certificate will be deemed to be evidence that he owns the copyright of the film, according to the draft Bill. It also stipulates that the Board must disclose the reasons for its decisions either to refuse certification or to restrict the film under any of the categories except the U rating.
The draft Bill also aims at dealing with the issue of piracy by introducing penalties for those who make duplicate prints or issue unauthorised copies or negatives. The punishment ranges from a fine between Rs.5 lakh and Rs.25 lakh and imprisonment from one to three years.
Under the draft Bill, which could see the light in the next session of Parliament, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting is proposing five categories of ratings.
The Central Board for Film Certification (CBFC), better known as the Censor Board, will now be asked to certify films under the U, 12+, 15+, A and S categories. This translates to films meant for unrestricted viewing (U), those unsuitable for children below 12 years (12+), those unsuitable for children below 15 years (15+), and those meant only for adults, or people above 18 years (A). The S rating is for films restricted to certain professions or classes.
Under the current Cinematograph Act, 1952, there are three categories — U, A and UA, the last of which calls for parental discretion and guidance on whether the film is suitable for children under 12 years.
The new draft Bill also acknowledges the importance of women's perspectives on the films to be released and mandates that one-third of the members of the CBFC, as well as the regional advisory boards, must be women.
If the applicant for certification is the producer of the film, the certificate will be deemed to be evidence that he owns the copyright of the film, according to the draft Bill. It also stipulates that the Board must disclose the reasons for its decisions either to refuse certification or to restrict the film under any of the categories except the U rating.
The draft Bill also aims at dealing with the issue of piracy by introducing penalties for those who make duplicate prints or issue unauthorised copies or negatives. The punishment ranges from a fine between Rs.5 lakh and Rs.25 lakh and imprisonment from one to three years.
Police recover more explosives near Bangalore stadium
Some explosive materials were recovered from near a gate of Chinnaswamy stadium — near the site of two low intensity blasts — a few hours after an unexploded crude bomb was detected at M.G. Road area of the city Sunday morning, police said.
“Besides the unexploded bomb, found some 150 metres away from the stadium, some explosive materials were also found near gate number one,” Police Commissioner Shankar Bidari told reporters here.
The explosive materials were concealed in a flex column and did not have a detonator or timer, he said. “We discovered it while searching all the flex boards” a senior officer said.
“There are over 1000 flex boards near the stadium and in the vicinity and we are checking all the flex boards around the stadium and 500 metres away. Each flex board is being thoroughly checked,” he said.
The explosive material was found when the flex column was opened during search operations. It appeared that the explosive had been stuffed through the bottom of the column, he said, adding that the material would be subjected to chemical analysis.
Police began combing operations in the area and were checking all billboards after two low intensity crude bombs exploded outside the stadium minutes before an IPL match between Royal Challengers Bangalore and Mumbai Indians was to begin on Saturday, leaving 17 people injured.
At least eight to ten people are being questioned in connection with the explosion, police said. However, no arrest has been made so far. “The interrogative process is very much on,” they said. Meanwhile, police have tightened security in and around the area.
Bomb disposal squad were conducting combing operation and sniffer dogs have been pressed into service to detect suspicious objects.
“Besides the unexploded bomb, found some 150 metres away from the stadium, some explosive materials were also found near gate number one,” Police Commissioner Shankar Bidari told reporters here.
The explosive materials were concealed in a flex column and did not have a detonator or timer, he said. “We discovered it while searching all the flex boards” a senior officer said.
“There are over 1000 flex boards near the stadium and in the vicinity and we are checking all the flex boards around the stadium and 500 metres away. Each flex board is being thoroughly checked,” he said.
The explosive material was found when the flex column was opened during search operations. It appeared that the explosive had been stuffed through the bottom of the column, he said, adding that the material would be subjected to chemical analysis.
Police began combing operations in the area and were checking all billboards after two low intensity crude bombs exploded outside the stadium minutes before an IPL match between Royal Challengers Bangalore and Mumbai Indians was to begin on Saturday, leaving 17 people injured.
At least eight to ten people are being questioned in connection with the explosion, police said. However, no arrest has been made so far. “The interrogative process is very much on,” they said. Meanwhile, police have tightened security in and around the area.
Bomb disposal squad were conducting combing operation and sniffer dogs have been pressed into service to detect suspicious objects.
Sunanda's surrender of sweat equity seen as "admission of guilt"
In what was seen as a last-ditch effort to save Minister of State for External Affairs Shashi Tharoor from getting the sack, Sunanda Pushkar, his executive friend said in a statement, that was read out in Dubai by her lawyer Ashish Mehta, that she was “deeply distressed at the vile and malicious reporting of recent days surrounding her role in Rendezvous, the successful bidders for the Kerala IPL team.''
The statement, accessed by The Hindu, said: “As a woman professional, I am shocked to find how easily certain parties with vested interest questioned my credentials merely because I am a woman. I, therefore, voluntarily offer to return to Rendezvous the sweat equity they had offered me.''
Mr. Tharoor had denied the charge that he had any financial stake in the Kochi team and claimed that he was only “mentoring'' it being an MP from Kerala.
Mr. Tharoor, MP from Thiruvananthapuram, was once the country's candidate for the position of the secretary-general of the United Nations.
“Only appropriate”
PTI reports:
The Opposition on Sunday night hailed Shashi Tharoor's resignation as Union Minister saying his position had become “untenable” in the wake of the Kochi IPL ownership controversy.
“Tharoor's position had become untenable and it was only appropriate that he resigned. There was so much evidence against him. The lady giving back her equity does not absolve him of the charges,” said BJP spokesperson Nirmala Sitharaman.
CPI leader D. Raja said the exit of Mr. Tharoor became inevitable and the Congress should have taken a decision long back when the controversy exploded.
The reported decision of Ms. Sunanda surrendering her stake is itself “an admission of guilt,” he said.
The entire IPL functioning and its accountability needed to be probed and the role of the Sports Ministry will have to be redefined so that a regulator is created to monitor the IPL, Mr. Raja demanded.
Congress spokesperson Jayanti Natarajan said the government had taken the “correct moral stand.”
“The Congress has nothing to do with the IPL. It was an issue of an individual Minister. The party has acted with the utmost restraint. It went through a very decent process by which it collected facts and a final view was taken by the Prime Minister,” she said.
The statement, accessed by The Hindu, said: “As a woman professional, I am shocked to find how easily certain parties with vested interest questioned my credentials merely because I am a woman. I, therefore, voluntarily offer to return to Rendezvous the sweat equity they had offered me.''
Mr. Tharoor had denied the charge that he had any financial stake in the Kochi team and claimed that he was only “mentoring'' it being an MP from Kerala.
Mr. Tharoor, MP from Thiruvananthapuram, was once the country's candidate for the position of the secretary-general of the United Nations.
“Only appropriate”
PTI reports:
The Opposition on Sunday night hailed Shashi Tharoor's resignation as Union Minister saying his position had become “untenable” in the wake of the Kochi IPL ownership controversy.
“Tharoor's position had become untenable and it was only appropriate that he resigned. There was so much evidence against him. The lady giving back her equity does not absolve him of the charges,” said BJP spokesperson Nirmala Sitharaman.
CPI leader D. Raja said the exit of Mr. Tharoor became inevitable and the Congress should have taken a decision long back when the controversy exploded.
The reported decision of Ms. Sunanda surrendering her stake is itself “an admission of guilt,” he said.
The entire IPL functioning and its accountability needed to be probed and the role of the Sports Ministry will have to be redefined so that a regulator is created to monitor the IPL, Mr. Raja demanded.
Congress spokesperson Jayanti Natarajan said the government had taken the “correct moral stand.”
“The Congress has nothing to do with the IPL. It was an issue of an individual Minister. The party has acted with the utmost restraint. It went through a very decent process by which it collected facts and a final view was taken by the Prime Minister,” she said.
