Your World Connected

Vol. 2 Issue 23 10.00 24 Pages RNI Reg. No.: PUNMUL/2012/45041 Postal Reg. No. PB/JL-047/2013-15

SUNDAY 09 June 2013

www.facebook.com/uconnectt

Weekly Newspaper
Celebrity 14

Page 14

National 4

Ordinance or Special Session

International 6

Campus 11

Leisure 16

Business 20

Sports 22

Banned In The Time Of Extremes

Page 3

Kundra has admitted to betting, say Delhi Police

Its time to put the bill

Page 12 Page 22

Vladimir and Lyudmila announce divorce

Moscow Russian President Vladimir Putin and his wife Lyudmila announced Thursday on national television that their marriage was over, ending years of media speculation about the couples relationship. They have been married for under 30 years. Yes, you could say this is a civilised divorce, Lyudmila said in response to a journalists question, following the Putins joint outing to a ballet performance - the first time they had been seen in public since the presidents inauguration in May 2012. Both Putins said the reason for their split was the presidential work, which consumes most of his time and requires a very public lifestyle. All my activity, all (my) work is connected to being in the public eye, the president said. Some people like this, some dont, but there are people who are completely incompatible with this, he said, adding that Lyudmila had borne the burden of being a first lady for nine years. This really was our mutual decision, Lyudmila added. I really do dislike life in the public eye and air travel is very difficult for me. And we hardly see each other. In the interview, which was broadcast on state television and clearly did not catch the couple off guard, both were amicable, smiled often and referred to each other with the polite Russian form of address, using both names and patronymics. The Putins pointed out that their two daughters are grown up, but that the family remains close. We all have very good relations, and Im very grateful to Vladimir Vladimirovich for still being supportive of me, and the children, Lyudmila said. He takes very good care of the children, and the children always feel this. Lyudmila Alexandrovna and I will always remain very close, Im sure of it, forever, the president said. Presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov said no official divorce had been drawn up yet, and he did not know when it would be, but he attached little importance to the formality.

2 Sunset Boulevard for Mr Advani

defence. Modi owes his power and aura in Gujarat to past munificence of Advani. Gratitude is not equal to servility. Modi is well aware of his debt to Mr Advani but that cannot be construed as him making way for Advani before 2014 Lok Sabha elections. Advanis contribution to his party and Indian politics is undeniably huge but whether that contribution merits the post of Prime Minister is a question that was settled by the Indian electorate in the 2009 Lok Sabha elections. Mr Advani should perhaps take heart

OPINION
EDITORIAL DESK
Manu Sharma
from another lifelong aspirant to the post of Prime Minister, President Pranab Mukherjee. Pranab Mukherjee was veritable second in command to all Congress PMs Indira Gandhi onwards. His claims to the post became a victim of internal party politics of Congress and at one point he became a junior to his one time junior at Finance Ministry, Dr Manmohan Singh. Mr Mukherjees hard work paid off in the end and how! If a politician must fade away, he should do so in style. You owe it to yourself Mr Advani!

CHANDIGARH SUNDAY 09 June 2013

LOUD & CLEAR

That 90s Feeling

A seemingly mundane facebook post has gone viral that best encapsulates the zeitgeist of India, a return to where it all began. Back in the 90s Dalmiya headed the Indian Cricket, economic growth hovered around upper 5% or so and Nawaz Sharief was the Pakistani permier. Deja vu is best described by the set of circumstances that have taken over the collective imagination of public. However the return of a specific set of personalities and issues also marks the return of the problems that plagued India and were thought to long gone.

Politicians do not die they just fade away. Living true to this adage the doyen of Indian right and patriarch of BJP Lal Krishan Advani has taken up what may be his last stand. An increasing probability of Modi ascending the pinnacle of BJP has seen Advani fulminate and prop up sock puppets at party fora. When Modi was in trouble post 2002 riots it was Advani who saved his post and protected him against an angry Vajpayee. Infact when 2004 defeat of BJP at centre was blamed on Modis divisive image, Advani again rose to his

S.K. Sinha

See Eye See (CIC) but who cares

The khadi clad , the topi wearing , in white kurta pajama, the folded hands, and many more such trademarks symbolize the league of our political leaders of today. Their humility overflows every five years or whenever they are faced by the formality of election as they are our own we shower them with our blessings .In their humility they declare all that they posses no matter after few years in power their riches cross all barriers of multiplicity .Though the political leaders are all social workers and the political parties social entities but they dont shy away from raising funds. The functioning of these political parties have started smelling like an industry as if the theory of heredity practiced so far was not enough to eulogize them. These days it is called a political venture rather than a venture into politics, it is called investment in elections rather than efforts and hard work, it is called influencing votes rather than winning them. It was no surprise that in such times they all are united in their dissent towards the order passed by the CIC . How can they bare all before the people they rule upon ? How can anyone dilute their powers by asking them to show all their books ?because they all have one thing in common and that is they are all mired in the great art of corruption . Barring a few who do not have much at stake all most all leaders have refused to give the Right To Information to those very people who choose them . Only if the people understand that though we are a democracy , our leaders are -by the people but they fail miserably when the question comes to being -of the people or for the people. Jai Hind

The 90s marked the flowering of our republic towards a new future of confident India. Today however the same set of conditions evoke despondency, anger and sadness for opportunity lost. The Indian story has come into question chiefly on account of some wrong policy turns and a government headed by a bureaucrat. It is well known that dynamism and Indian bureaucracy just do not mix well. So when a bureaucracy dominated government took reins of India in 2004 it was to be expected that emphasis will be on preserving the

status quo rather than aspire for a leap forward. The UPA lived upto its billing and duly worked on preserving and elongating the term of the government by deft usage of instruments at its disposal. However there was one lacunae in the political management by UPA, the management of the children of the reforms ie the neo middle classes. The aspirational lot in India is impatient, the same anger that ended the Soviet regime. Even the most powerful bureaucracies should fear the public sentiment.

Congress dilemma: focus on Maoist insurgency or election?

By Saeed Naqvi

IPL saga: Indias gladiator games

By Biswajit Choudhury

If terrorism is uncontrolled, if leftwing extremism continues to flourish in important parts of our country which have tremendous natural resources of minerals, that will certainly affect the climate for investment. This is Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on June 9, 2009. His position has remained unchanged. Finance Minister P. Chidambaram is yards ahead of him. The Congress and the BJP have the same economic policies, he says. It follows therefore that the Congress join hands with Raman Singh, the BJP chief minister in Chhattisgarh, and hammer the Maoists. But on the eve of the assembly elections, the Congress sought to make tactical adjustments to the strategic vision and got hammered in Bastar. This is the backdrop to the drama being played out between the Maoists and the government across the tribal belt spanning eight states. Manmohan Singhs statement cuts to the heart of the matter. The state must have access to mineral wealth for the economy to zoom to 10 percent. The gunfight in Sukma is the latest battle in the long drawn war. On May 25, a detachment of the Peoples Liberation Guerrilla Army conducted a massive attack on the 20 plus vehicle convoy of the Congress which resulted in wiping out at least 27 Congress leaders, activists and policemen including Mahendra Karma, the bitter enemy of the oppressed people of Bastar... This is the opening of a 3,000 word press note from the Communist Party of India-Maoist. It makes it clear that the principal target was Karma, founder of Salwa Judum, a mercenary force of adivasis raised since 2005 to be pitted against adivasis mobilized by Maoists. How distant the state and the Maoists are becomes clear at the manner of Karmas death. In the convoy studded

with Congress stars, Karma had the highest form of security: Z category. Yet, the Maoists, mostly women, surrounded him. They riddled him with bullets, plunged knives into his cold body and danced around it. The Congress ran around trying to hide its shame. Earlier it was only whispered that it supports Salwa Judum, against which there are Supreme Court strictures. It turns out that the Salwa Judum is in fact a large part of the state Congress. The manner of his killing should leave no one in any doubt where Karma stood in Maoists esteem: a bleak and shoddy villain of history. Since he was the numero uno in the Congress convoy, one would expect the party to deify him as something of a martyr at some appropriate date. The prime ministers vision is straightforward. His eyes are not on the adivasis but on the mineral that lies buried in their lands and to which the multinational miners must have unhindered access. Maoists are spoiling the party by citing the indigenous peoples interests. Can mere adivasis be allowed to obstruct the path paved with good intentions? In this land of startling contradictions, the Adi Shankara stands on the highest social pedestal, but the adivasi or the original inhabitant has no station, not even the lowest. The adivasi, in millennia past, was pushed into the forest by those who displaced him in the plains. Ancient texts describe the dwellers of the forests as Rakshas or demons. If these demons can be subjugated, (goes one theory) they will be amenable to better management within the caste framework. Yes, they will be transformed into brooding Dalits at the outset but who may, at some later stage, erupt as durable political entities like, say, Mayawati. That may not be the happiest of outcomes, but draw what comfort you can from the fact that Mayawati is at

least part of the caste pyramid. The adivasi is challenging the pyramid from the outside. He is asking for a fair deal from an equal. Another complication. A Congress chief minister in Bhopal would have seen Chattisgarh differently from the UPA which sees the mine belt from its New Delhis vantage point. The Manmohan Singh-Chidambaram line is to seek cooperation of the BJP for the economic policies which will end up clawing at tribal lands. Since independence, New Delhi and Bhopal have only talked of development but in effect sought to subdue regions like Bastar with force. In 1966, Dwarka Prasad Mishra, the powerful chief minister of Madhya Pradesh, was infuriated by the immense popularity of Pravir Chandra Bhanj Deo, the king of Bastar who obstructed the state machinery from encroaching on tribal lands. In a dramatic showdown, paramilitary forces killed the king and his guards who waged a quaintly symbolic battle with bows and arrows. The states list of grievances against the Maoists includes the fact that they dont accept Western, liberal democracy for transiting from their current dismal state to civilization. But Bastars king had accepted the democratic model and won by a record margin the 1957 assembly election from Jagdalpur. The state killed him, nevertheless. Remember Chidambarams lamentation as home minister after the Dantewada humiliation? He said he was having to fight the merciless Maoists with his hands tied behind his back. The home ministry had in those days floated the line that chief ministers of West Bengal, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Chattisgarh and Orissa were asking for air support to fight Maoists. Congress leader Keshava Rao and a host of others had opposed the line as did Defence Minister A.K. Antony.

The nature and scale of the crisis engulfing Indian cricket, the countrys passion and also described as its only secular religion, makes one cast the mind back to the origin of games as a spectacle - to ancient Rome and the massive Colosseum, its rear stands still standing high in the heart of the eternal city. A recent recreation of those times was British director Ridley Scotts film Gladiator. The Roman Empire by that time had come to include various groups of people in the Mediterranean region while the gladiatorial blood sport spectacles also served to unite these diverse people under Rome in a common pastime. The utter popularity of the games, where the gladiators were slaves and criminals and the spectacles served to instill the virtues of order and discipline of a militarized society, had provoked the Roman satirist Juvenal to comment: The people, who once bestowed imperium, fasces, legions, everything, now forgo such activities and have but two passionate desires: bread and circus games. Juvenal was speaking of the use of sport as spectacle to keep the populace content. Like the Indian Premier League (IPL) when it appeared six years back, taking cricket to new heights of popularity. Also, like the IPL, ancient Roman gladiator games had their sponsors in the provinces, while the Emperor was the biggest of them all presiding over the arena in Rome. All major political parties as well as the National Conference are present in the persons of members of the Board of Control for Cricket in India

(BCCI). Its composition ensures the ruling class oversees Indias most popular sport, whose early patrons were the princely families. Thus it is also understandable that the BCCI members tread softly in speaking against their president, when he has done no wrong in managing a sport that plays such a vital role in social life. However, the initial silence, now broken, will continue on its inexorable logic till the issue of N. Srinivasans conflict of interest in crickets governing body is resolved and professional principles and practices are finally instituted in the organising of cricket in India. This is the heart of the present darkness - that things have been undefined for long, or never been clarified. To the extent that many of the alleged wrongdoers perhaps also feel that they havent done much wrong by selling an over, some balls or runs to bookies. In fact, the authorities are now scrambling to enact laws to deter corruption in sport. The criminal investigations apart, principles have to be defined for the BCCI once and for all, and the conflict of interest of the president as an IPL team owner has to be resolved. The criminality surrounding cricket provides the opportunity to establish principles of professional management, leaving no scope of conflict of interest or generalizations based on the phenomenon of corruption in Indian life. Srinivasans dogged refusal to relinquish hold can also be explained by his belief in having done no wrong. The struggle to establish principles is generally long, but the countdown to his exit has begun.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR Letters may be emailed to the editoruconnect@gmail.com ,with full postal address and the full name or the name with initials.

CHANDIGARH SUNDAY 09 June 2013

Banned In The Time Of Extremes

axed the famed bikinis from this years pageant in Indonesia, replacing the skimpy swimsuits with conservative beach sarongs amid mounting protests from hard-line Muslim groups. All of the more than 130 contestants will be required to wear Balis traditional long sarongs instead of the sexy bikinis that are historically part of the competition.Parts of the pageant will take place on the resort island of Bali and the final round will be held Sept. 28 near the capital, Jakarta. The chairwoman of the Miss World Organization, Julia Morley, has confirmed that none of the 137 contestants would wear a bikini. The pageant began in the 1950s, and the first winner was crowned in a two-piece bathing suit. Controversy over the pageant has been mounting in Indonesia, which has a reputation as a tolerant, pluralist society that respects freedom of expression.

Miss World organizers

Clerics of the Indonesian Council of Ulema, or MUI, said they would send a letter to President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono to demand that the beauty pageant be cancelled. Hizbut Tahrir Indonesia, a hardline Islamic group, said it planned to stage a protest and called for the competition to be moved elsewhere. Most Muslims in Indonesia, a secular country of 240 million people, are moderate, but a small extremist fringe has become more vocal in recent years. They have pushed through controversial laws including an antipornography bill and have been known to attack anything perceived as blasphemous, from transvestites and bars to deviant religious sects. Lady Gaga was forced to cancel her sold-out concert in Indonesia in May following threats by Islamic hardliners, who called her a devil worshipper. Jennifer Lopez toned down her sexy outfits and dance moves during a show in Jakarta last December.

Indonesia is the host of the Miss World beauty pageant world in 2013, it needs to be appreciated as a form of international confidence in the wealth of tourism and culture of Indonesia. Province of Bali will be temporary home for the contestants during the first full month in the Miss World 2013. Many of the countries that host the world beauty contest, hold this activity on behalf of the government of that country. While in Indonesia, this step has been taken by the private sector. This event will provide added value for the countrys tourism industry. If nothing gets in the way, Miss World 2013 will be held in September with the involvement of participants no less than 132 countries with coverage broadcast to 170 countries. Islamic hard-liners have vowed to stop the immoral Miss World beauty pageant taking place in Indonesia even after organizers agreed this years contestants would not wear bikinis. The liberals disapprove the stand

taken by the clerics, they say, While Indonesia is the worlds most populous Muslim country, and most people follow a moderate form of the religion. The clerics feel that the uncovered flesh provokes inner wrong feelings in men and it has the power to block mens minds with filthy lusty thoughts. Showing a little skin is offensive to them, while it is perfectly fine to stone someone to death.

Mumbai civic body to ban mannequins displaying lingerie

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation has endorsed a controversial plan to ban mannequins displaying lingerie, annoying most shopkeepers and businesses involved in such trades. The proposal was unanimously passed by the 227 member strong civic body and is currently under active perusal of BMC CEO Sitaram Kunte. The latest measures are viewed as an example of how morally conservative politicians and orthodox bureaucrats are aiming to solve Indias problems in their own muddled manner. Incidentally, it was a lady corporator of BMC, Ritu Tawde, who undertook this crusade against display of shapely mannequins to display womens wear including lingerie. Mannequins wearing lingerie and undergarments, which are the underwear of a woman, are being placed in the open. It is ironical that Mannequins wearing two-piece are placed on the roadside or inside a store, this must be stopped because firstly, it affects the children and secondly the minds of all the perverts in the society gets fuelled by them and they commit crimes on women, said Tawade. However, the traders deemed such a move by the civic body as ridiculous. Sharing his concern over possible adverse impact on their trade, Viren Shah, President of the Federation of Traders Welfare Association in Mumbai questioned the logic behind this dictum issued by the City Fathers. Further he observed that the mannequins are inert moulded plastic figures whereas coloured advertisement with semi-clad models posing in more aggressive and provocative postures are featured in the newspapers and magazines and other media. This is completely wrong because this kind of display of undergarments on mannequins has been there for many years. This resolution that has been passed by the BMC Standing Committee in the general body, but it is wrong to say that mannequin makes dirty remarks and mannequins make people lead to crime

The Mumbai Connection

and rapes. There are so many other items like posters, hoardings, which are there. There are big newspaper advertisements for lingerie and they are with live model. This is only mannequin and plastic bodies and this does not affect anything, said Viren Shah, President, Federation of Traders Welfare Association. Sex crimes are common in India. The National Crime Records Bureau says more than 24,200 rapes were reported across the country in 2011 -- about one every 20 minutes. The latest shocking incident that hit the headlines was about an American tourist being gang raped in Manali region of the hilly state of Himachal Pradesh in northern India. The gang rape of a 23-year-old Indian para-medic student in a moving bus on December 16 last year in New Delhi brought thousands of people onto the streets in protest, demanding better policing to prevent sex crimes. The trainee physiotherapist later died from the grievous injuries inflicted upon her by the five brutal rapists.

We are living in the 21st century where these kinds of things, all porn, the movies, the pictures are available on websites, available on mobiles. Then how can a bikini round make any difference to the people? Beauty is quality, grace, humility, and Spirit. Good Morals and religious values contribute to beauty but I dont think the bikini being banned has as much to do with religion .

NATIONAL NEWS
New Delhi A cabinet reshuffle to fill vacancies in the union council of ministers could take place by June 15 as consultations were on among the top leaders of the party, Congress sources said. The sources said some ministers were likely to be relieved of their dual charges. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had indicated Friday that a cabinet reshuffle was being contemplated. While returning from his Japan and Thailand visit, the prime minister had told media persons that a cabinet expansion is being considered. The party does not have to do firefighting for now. The leadership is paying attention to pending issues, including the Food Security Bill and Telangana. There is a possibility that a cabinet expansion and reshuffle would take place before June 15 after discussions are completed, a party leader told. He said the proposed reshuffle was likely to be the last one before the Lok Sabha polls next year and that some ministers may be drafted for party work. He said consultations were being held between the prime minister and Congress president Sonia Gandhi. Party sources said an early reshuffle would give ministers time to face parliament on questions related to

CHANDIGARH SUNDAY 09 June 2013

Pawar set to reshuffle party at government, Cabinet reshuffle may take organisational levels place by June 15
Mumbai In a surprise move, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad Pawar has secured the resignations of all his party ministers at the centre and in Maharashtra, a top party official said. He has simultaneously taken the resignations of certain other key party functionaries, including the state NCP Presidents, after a party convention. The NCP chief is likely to soon carry out a major party reshuffle the official, requesting anonymity, said. Top party officials, when contacted Friday night, declined to comment on the developments on-the-record. The exercise of securing the resignations would pave the way for possible changes of representatives who would occupy cabinet posts. While on one hand, some ministers may by drafted for party work prior to next years Lok Sabha and Maharashtra assembly elections, other key party functionaries may be inducted into the cabinet, the official said. This is an internal matter of the NCP. The party chief will decide whether new faces should be inducted into the central and Maharashtra their ministries during the monsoon session. The BJP has demanded that the monsoon session should be advanced to consider the Food Security Bill. The past few months have been troublesome for the Congress. It lost the DMK, a major ally in United Progressive Alliance (UPA), in March. Five ministers from the DMK resigned from the UPA government following differences with the Congress on the Sri Lankan Tamils issue. Congress ministers P.K. Bansal and Ashwani Kumar had to resign last month following allegations of impropriety. While Bansal quit as railways minister in the wake of bribery allegations involving his nephew and a Railway Board member, Kumar stepped down as law minister following controversy over vetting of a CBI probe report concerning coal-block allocations. The second half of the budget session was almost washed out over the oppositions demands concerning coal-block allocations and the ouster of two ministers. Following the resignations of the ministers, the railways portfolio was given as an additional charge to Road and Highways Minister C.P. Joshi and the law ministry was handed over to Communications and IT Minister Kapil Sibal.

cabinets, and assigning fresh responsibilities to various leaders, the official added. The developments assume significance amid speculation of cabinet reshuffles both at the centre and in Maharashtra. Founded in 1999, the 14-year old NCP is a key constituent of the ruling United Progressive Alliance at the centre and is a partner in the Democratic Front government in Maharshtra. The NCP has nine Lok Sabha Members and seven Rajya Sabha members, plus three cabinet ministers

at the centre - Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar, Heavy Industries Minister Praful Patel and Minister of State for Agriculture Tariq Anwar. In Maharashtra, the NCP has 15 cabinet ministers, including the post of deputy chief minister occupied by Ajit Pawar, and five ministers of state. It has 62 legislators in the state. The development was followed by reports of meetings among Congress leaders in the state and at the centre and the possibility of Maharashtra Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan travelling to New Delhi Saturday to meet top party leaders.

Plea filed to make PM, Sonia witnesses against Shinde

The complainant, right to information (RTI) activist Vivek Garg, also sought to call Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar and Chandrabhan of the Rajasthan Pradesh Congress as witnesses in the case. Metropolitan Magistrate Harun Pratap asked Garg to explain why was it relevant to summon the prime minister and Sonia Gandhi as witnesses. Counsel for the complainant told the court that he wanted these VIPs to be summoned as witnesses as all of them were present in the Chintan Shivir of the Congress at Jaipur where Shinde made the alleged remarks. A complaint was filed seeking registration of an FIR against Shinde for his alleged comments at Jaipur in January. The court had earlier dismissed the plea for registering the FIR, but allowed the complainant to lead evidence in support of his allegations in the private complaint. At the Congress Chintan Shivir in Jaipur, Shinde had accused the Bhrataiya Janata Pary (BJP) and its mentor, the Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh (RSS), of conducting terror training camps and promoting Hindu terrorism. Garg filed a complaint seeking registration of first information report (FIR) against Shinde for his remark against the BJP and the RSS. The complaint accused Shinde of making imputations prejudicial to national integration, uttering words with deliberate intent to wound religious feelings of Hindus, defaming them, and insulting their religion and beliefs.

NHRC issues notice to UP for cops beating woman

New Delhi The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) Thursday asked the Uttar Pradesh government to explain the alleged beating of a woman by policemen at a police station in Aligarh. She had gone to the police station to inquire about her son who allegedly was kept in illegal detention. The commission issued a notice to the chief secretary and the state police chief, calling for a report within four weeks, said an official of the NHRC. According to some news reports May 31, the womans son was among six minors who were allegedly detained in the police station since May 27 in connection with complaints of thefts. When she confronted police, the police station chief hurled abuses on her and asked his subordinate to thrash her, the reports said. The woman was slapped, punched and kicked before being pushed out of the premises, the reports said.

Government to call all-party in terror cases meet on strategy against Maoists Lucknow
New Delhi The government has decided to call an all-party meeting to fine tune its strategy to deal with the Maoists in the wake of brutal attack on a Congress convoy in Chhattisgarh, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kamal Nath said. Kamal Nath said after a meeting of UPA coordination committee here that political parties were being contacted for the all-party meeting. The brutal Maoist attack May 25 killed 28 people including senior leaders of the Congress in Chhattisgarh. It is an attack on democratic system. All parties must be engaged, Kamal Nath told reporters after the meeting of constituents of United Progressive Alliance. The UPA coordination committee meeting, which lasted almost 90 minutes, took place at the residence of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. Kamal Nath said that date of allparty meeting will be decided in consultation with other parties. He said Maoist attack in Chhattisgarh was discussed in detail at the meeting. We cannot minimize what has happened in Chhattisgarh, he said. Chhattisgarh Congress chief Nand Kumar Patel, his son Dinesh, party leader Mahendra Karma and former legislator Uday Mudliyar were among those killed in the Maoist attack in Sukma district. The injured included former union minister Vidya Charan Shukla. On a question about the food security bill, he said there was no discussion on the issue. Asked if a special session of parliament will be called to discuss food security bill, the minister said all options were open to pass the legislation. In a major blow to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav, the Lucknow bench of the Allahabad High Court Friday blocked the state government move to withdraw cases against people accused of terrorist strikes. While suspending the Uttar Pradesh government order, the high court fixed the next hearing after six weeks. A larger bench would then hear the case. Hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) Wednesday, the court had given the state government two days to respond. The state government did not submit any record Friday, and could not furnish any details to support its move. Unsatisfied with the government response to queries raised by the petitioner on the need for a tearing hurry to withdraw the cases, without waiting for the courts to first decide on them, the high court stayed the move.

New Delhi A Delhi court was petitioned Thursday for its nod to summon Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Congress President Sonia Gandhi as witnesses in a case filed against Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde for his alleged Hindu terror remarks made at Jaipur.

Court blocks Akhilesh move to free accused

The Samajwadi Party had promised, in its poll manifesto last year, that it would release all those accused of acts of terrorism who were innocent and had been framed. A Barabanki court had earlier turned down a move to withdraw the case against those accused of involvement in the 2007 serial blasts in Lucknow, Faizabad and Gorakhpur, and rapped the state government for attempting to withdraw cases against Tariq Qasmi and Khalid Mujahid.

Reacting to the decision of the Allahabad High Court, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) said that the court has vindicated its stand that the Samajwadi Party government in the state was indulging in vote bank politics and minority appeasement. This is a slap on the face of the Akhilesh Yadav government, and it is time they realise that national security cannot be compromised for narrow electoral gains, state BJP chief Laxmikant Bajpai said.

CHANDIGARH SUNDAY 09 June 2013

NATIONAL NEWS
India, New Zealand bilateral talks include FTA Soldiers throw
New Delhi India and New Zealand held discussions on strengthening bilateral ties, including inking a Free Trade Agreement (FTA). Addressing a joint press conference here, the foreign ministers of the two countries listed the FTA as one of the priorities for relations between the two countries. New Zealand Foreign Minister Murray McCully said: The Free Trade Agreement is an immediate goal for us because it has been our experience that the other elements of the partnership always succeed in pursuing a Free Trade Agreement and we believe that the potential of the relationship between New Zealand and India will be unlocked through an FTA. External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid said: We have had a very good conversation and dialogue on a host of issues of interest to us of bilateral, regional and multilateral nature. We have enormous convergence, agreement on issues of great importance, desire that our people-to-people contacts continue to grow, that we establish much more important institutions and arrangements for enhancing our trade relations, looking at much greater interface as far as the

5
six youth out of moving train
Lucknow Six young men who had, by mistake, occupied a coach reserved for army personnel were thrown off a moving train by soldiers in Uttar Pradesh, police said. The incident occurred on board the Avadh Assam Express near Moradabad, about 340 km from the state capital. While five of the young men sustained minor injuries, one - Imtiaz Ali - suffered severe head injuries. The youngsters told police that they rushed into the train as it was about to leave and unknowingly boarded a coach meant exclusively for army soldiers. By the time they realised they were in the wrong coach, the train had pulled out of the station. The injured youth said the soldiers refused to heed their pleas that they would get off at the next station, and thew them out of the moving train, one by one. The injured were identified as Imtiaz Ali, Guddu, Rauf, Pankaj, Patvai and Ravi. A police official said the injured youth did not want to press further action, fearing even more trouble.

India, Singapore sign agreement on training facilities for army

New Delhi India and Singapore have signed a fresh agreement to extend the use of training and exercise facilities in India by the Singapore Army for another five years beginning August this year. According to an official release, the agreement was signed Monday night by Defence Secretary Radha Krishna Mathur and the Singapores Permanent Secretary of Defence Chiang Chie Foo. The agreement was signed in presence of Defence Minister A.K. Antony and Singapores Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen. Antony arrived in Singapore Monday evening as part of his three-nation visit. He will also visit Australia and Thailand. The release said that a bilateral agreement for utilisation of facilities in India by the Singapore Air Force and the Indian Army was signed in October 2007 and August 2008, respectively. The agreement for training and exercises of Singapore Air Force in India was extended up to October 2017 during the visit of Singapores permanent secretary of defence to India in July last year. The release said Singapore is the only country to which India is offering such facilities. The two sides held wide ranging talks on defence cooperation. They also exchanged views on global and regional security issues including security in Asia-Pacific region.

field of education is concerned, and to cooperate and collaborate in key areas in multilateral events, he said. Khurshid said McCully would soon meet Commerce Minister Anand Sharma on the FTA. Khurshid said: We need to push forward the FTA which was targeted for eight to ten months at the time of the last meeting between the trade ministers. But it has already been over a year and a quarter and I think it is time that we push forward quickly. Khurshid praised New Zealand for being one of the few countries to immediately respond after the 2008 terror attacks in Mumbai. We will continue to work closely on the fight against international terrorism, he said.

New Zealand has also become, as you know, a favourite destination for location shooting for Bollywood film producers and I am sure that this will bring us closer together and I hope that some stories that bring together our two countries as part of the movies itself will soon be written, he said. McCully said though the two countries are very different in terms of size and in terms of geography, there are so many areas in which we cooperate internationally. We are at this stage looking forward to an opportunity through the Free Trade Agreement, through sport, through education and tourism, to bring the ties between our two countries even closer together, he said.

Assam-Nagaland border still tense, forces deployed

Guwahati The situation on the Assam-Nagaland border in Assams Jorhat district continued to be tense Tuesday and forces were deployed after the killing of a labourer there, an official said. The man was killed at Naginijan area after suspected miscreants from the Nagaland side fired on a group of labourers. Local groups, including the All Assam Tea Tribe Students Association (AATTSA), started an indefinite economic blockade Tuesday at three places along the Assam-Nagaland border in Jorhat, Sivsagar and Golaghat, protesting the killing. The blockade left many Nagalandbound trucks stranded on the Assam side. The Assam government has deployed additional forces along the border in the area, particularly in Mariani area, to stop recurrence of similar incidents. There has been no fresh incident since yesterday (Monday). We have deployed additional forces in and around the area, said an official of Jorhat district. The Assam government has announced an ex-gratia payment of Rs.5 lakh to the next of kin of Sanjay Bhumij, who was shot dead. Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi said the Nagaland government has assured the state government to book the culprits involved in the killing and that they would be handed over to Assam Police soon. A delegation of Assams opposition party Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) visited the Mariani area Tuesday and took stock of the situation. The AGP, which protested outside the office of Jorhat deputy commissioner Tuesday, submitted a memorandum to Assam Governor J.B. Patnaik demanding an inquiry into the incident and punishment for the culprits.

41 fakes detected in 1984 anti-Sikh riots death claims

Man presumed dead 11 years ago found alive

Bhubaneswar A man who was declared dead by his father 11 years ago in Odisha was Tuesday found alive, police said. The bizarre incident came to light after the crime branch of Odisha Police traced Gajendra Kumar Kar in his home town of Berhampur in Ganjam district, about 180 km from here and arrested him. He was arrested as his fathers complaint that he was kidnapped and murdered was found false, he said. According to crime branch police, Kars father Bhikhyakari had filed a petition in the local court seeking a probe alleging that his son had been kidnapped and murdered by a gang of four people Nov 14, 2002. He had also accused Gajendras wife Geetanjali of being a member of the gang, a senior official of the crime branch told IANS. On the direction of the court, the local police lodged a criminal case March 12, 2007, he said. The crime branch announced a cash reward of Rs.50,000 for furnishing information about the whereabouts of Gajendra. Based on credible information, a team of the crime branch traced Gajendra and arrested him Tuesday, he added

Dawood, Chhota Shakeel prime suspects in spot fixing: Police

New Delhi Underworld dons Dawood Ibrahim Kaskar and Chhota Shakeel are prime suspects in the Indian Premier League (IPL) spot fixing scandal and Delhi Police will be naming the duo in their chargesheet. Dawood and Chhota Shakeel are the prime suspects. We will name them when we file the chargesheet in the case six months from now, a police official told IANS. Earlier, Maharashtra Police had charged tainted Rajasthan Royals players S. Sreesanth, Ajit Chandila and Ankeet Chavan under the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) for their involvement in spot fixing in the IPL. The three cricketers were arrested May 16 in Mumbai by Delhi Police for their alleged involvement in spot fixing for payments up to Rs.60 lakh each for giving away a pre-determined number of runs in an over. Rajasthan Royals owners have lodged a criminal complaint against the players while the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has suspended them. Delhi Police have arrested 26 people in connection with the IPL scandal. Of these, 18 have been sent to judicial custody, including the Rajasthan Royals players. Chavan was granted interim bail May 30 by a Delhi court to get married June 2. He has to surrender June 6. After slapping stringent MCOCA against all the accused, Delhi Police Tuesday claimed that bookies like Ashwani Aggarwal alias Tinku Mandy were working at the behest of Dawoods gang. Police claimed that they have enough evidence, including telephonic intercepts, to prove that the bookies used the underworld network in fixing IPL matches. We have telephonic intercepts in which some of the bookies had made calls to Dubai, Karachi and other cities of Pakistan to fix and alter betting rates, said the official. We got information in March that some people in India and abroad were involved in betting, said the official. The official added that they have a fit case to invoke MCOCA. There is an organised crime syndicate linking underworld connection with bookies and players, said the official. According to the official, one of the arrested bookies, Sunil Bhatia, is involved in criminal activities. The official said one of the arrested bookies had threatened a player. The bookie told a player that he would teach him a lesson when he comes to Mumbai, the official said, adding that the same bookie has two cases against him, of which the court has taken cognizance. Police also moved court seeking a production warrant of Ramesh Vyas, arrested by Mumbai Police in connection with a case of betting. As Delhi Police had ensured that the accused would not get bail by slapping MCOCA, they were investigating leads to nab Hyderabad-based Mohammed Yahya, who could lead to another cricket team whose players were allegedly involved in spot fixing.

New Delhi A criminal case was registered against unknown people who tried to fraudulently claim compensation for 41 people by getting their names added to the list of the dead during the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, a police source said. The Economic Offences Wing of Delhi Police registered the case almost 10 days after the fraud came to light in a screening committee meeting of the police anti-riot cell and the Delhi governments revenue department, the source informed. The government had planned to give compensation to the residents of north Delhis Sultanpuri and Mangolpuri area who were killed during 1984 Sikh riots. The anti-riot cell was instructed to check on the 41 names enlisted among those who were killed in the riots, sources said. During investigation, it was found that all the 41 mentioned people were alive. The list of names of these people was submitted after a forged verification letter of anti-riot cell, said the source. As per the anti-riot cells record, the number of dead people was 1,553. But, around 2,200 people received compensation, said a police officer. The families of those killed in the riots were given Rs.7 lakh each. The case for the fraud was registered on the basis of complaint filed by the deputy commissioner of police, antiriot cell.

INTERNATIONAL
Moscow President Vladimir Putin said he would sign a law banning adoption of Russian children by foreign samesex couples if parliament passed such a legislation. So far, I have no such bill, I have not seen this. But if such legislation is adopted by the countrys parliament, I will sign it, Putin said at the Russia-EU summit which opened Tuesday in the Urals city of Yekaterinburg. Alexei Levchenko, an aide to Olga Golodets, a Russian deputy premier overseeing social issues, said last week an amendment restricting foreign same-sex couples from adopting Russian children will be introduced in Russia. Russias ombudsman for childrens rights, Pavel Astakhov, said Moscow should impose a moratorium on adoptions by French citizens now France allows same-sex couples to marry and adopt children. The Russian-French agreement on adoptions should be reconsidered

CHANDIGARH SUNDAY 09 June 2013

Obama calls for eliminating Putin ready to approve same-sex couples the stigma of mental illness adoption ban
Washington President Barack Obama issued a call to eliminate the stigma and the shame surrounding mental illnesses during a conference to push for a national dialogue on the issue. (W)e all know somebody - a family member, a friend, a neighbour - who has struggled or will struggle with mental health issues at some point in their lives, said Obama in inaugurating the National Conference on Mental Health in the East Room of the White House. The event gathers representatives of state and local government, educators, health professionals, religious leaders and people who have suffered from mental health problems. Too many Americans who struggle with mental health illnesses are still suffering in silence rather than seeking help, and we need to see to it that men and women who would never hesitate to go see a doctor if they had a broken arm or came down with the flu, that they have that same attitude when it comes to their mental health, the president said. He cited figures showing that in any given year, one in five adults in the US suffers from some sort of mental problem. Obama especially emphasized war veterans, who often return to the country from their service abroad

May was Iraqs deadliest month in over five years: UN

Baghdad May was the deadliest month in Iraq in more than five years with 1,045 people killed in acts of terrorism and violence, up from 712 violent deaths in April, the United Nations mission in that country said in a statement. A total of 2,397 people were wounded in May due to escalating sectarian violence. Baghdad was the hardest-hit province in terms of numbers of victims and attacks, according to the UN Assistance Mission for Iraq, which did not indicate the casualty figures for the capital city. The UNs special envoy for Iraq, Germanys Martin Kobler, described the toll as a sad record and urged

bearing invisible wounds and have a high rate of suicide. Today, we lose 22 veterans a day to suicide - 22. Weve got to do a better job than that of preventing these all too often silent tragedies, he said. He also highlighted the importance of identifying mental problems in children and said that less than half of the kids with difficulties of this type are receiving treatment. Part of the reason for that, he said, lies in peoples reluctance to discuss issues of mental health. Weve got to get rid of that embarrassment; weve got to get rid of that stigma, Obama said.

French Senate honours Sulabh founder with Legend of Planet award

Paris Ahead of World Environment Day, the French Senate has honoured Indian social reformer and Sulabh movement founder Bindeshwar Pathak with the Legend of Planet award for bringing about a toilet revolution in his country and for liberating manual scavenges from the inhuman practice. Senate vice president Chantal Jourdan decorated Pathak and five others from across the globe with the honour at a reception the at Palais du Luxembourg Monday night. Hundreds of environmentalists from all over the world have gathered in the city for a three-day Green Games Congress organised at Unesco headquarters in Paris to discuss burning environmental issues. While accepting the honour, Pathak termed it a recognition of his 40 years of service for the society Its honour for Indi, he said.

because Frances endorsement of gay marriage directly contradicts Russian legislation, he said. French President Francois Hollande signed the gay marriage bill into the law May 18. France has become the ninth European nation and the 14th country in the world to legalise marriage for all. The bill has sparked mass protests throughout France. Speaking at the summit, Putin said:

I believe we all should be more tolerant and show less aggression. This concerns both people of traditional and non-traditional (sexual) orientation. Less aggression and touting of these problems. This will be better for everybody. Putin warned late last month that Russia could change its adoption agreements with countries that allow gay marriage, which goes against traditional Russian values.

China slaughter house fire toll rises to 120

Beijing The toll in Mondays fire at a slaughterhouse in northeast Chinas Jilin province has risen to 120, authorities said. The fire broke out around 6 a.m. at a poultry processing workshop owned by the Jilin Baoyuanfeng Poultry Company in Mishazi township in the city of Dehui, about 100 km northeast of the provincial capital Changchun. Over 300 workers were in the plant when the fire began, survivors told Xinhua, adding they heard a sudden bang and then witnessed dark smoke. About 100 workers managed to escape from the plant, the gate of which was locked when the fire broke out, they added. Established in September 2009, Jilin Baoyuanfeng Poultry Company has 1,200 employees and an annual output of 67,000 tonnes of chicken products.

Iraqi leaders to act immediately to stop this intolerable bloodshed. Earlier this week, Kobler had warned that Iraq was headed for an uncertain future if it did not adopt urgent measures to remedy the current situation. He, therefore, called on Iraqi politicians to launch an immediate dialogue to resolve the political impasse and not let terrorists benefit from their political differences. Iraq has been plunged into a serious political and security crisis, exacerbated by Sunni protests against the government of Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, a Shiite. The protesters say Sunni-majority provinces are suffering discrimination.

Pathak is the founder of Sulabh International Social Service Organisation which is spearheading a toilet revolution in India using indigenouslydeveloped, cheaper and eco-friendly technology. The eco-friendly Sulabh Sauchalya invented by him requires only one litre of water, thus directly conserving the environment. Pathak is known around the world for his wide-ranging work in the sanitation field to improve public health, advance social progress and improve human rights in his home nation and other countries. The Indian sanitation expert has previously been awarded the prestigious 2009 Stockholm Water Prize. The award, akin to a Nobel Prize on environmental issues, was presented to him by Prince Carl Philip of Sweden. He was awarded with Padma Bhushan by the Indian government, besides several other international and national awards.

Stockholm Rabindranath Tagores Nobel Prize centenary celebrations began here with Bollywood icon Sharmila Tagore, who is from the same family and on her first visit here, saying that there will be readings of Tagore poetry and prose. The opening ceremony took place in central Stockholm. Rabindranath Tagore won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1913. Sharmila Tagore was assisted by London-based producer Sangeeta Dutt, who is currently promoting her debut film Life Goes On. Sharmila brings in a troupe that will highlight Rabidranath Tagores literary life and other achievements. There will be readings of Tagore poetry and prose..., Sharmila Tagore told IANS in an interview in Stockholm. It includes his Nobel Prize-winning masterpiece Gitanjali. There will be much song, music and dance.

Tagores Nobel prize centenary celebrated in Sweden

NATO defence ministers focus on cyber security

Brussels NATO defence ministers convened to examine cyber security as a collective defence issue amid mounting concerns over the threat posed by cyber attacks. We will have our first ministerial discussion dedicated to cyber defence. I believe we can do more to assist individual allies if they come under attack. That would show NATO solidarity, NATO Secretary General Ander Fogh Rasmussen said at his arrival of the two-day meeting. In 2007, NATO member Estonias Internet network came under massive attacks, which prompted the alliance to set up a cyber defense centre one year later in Tallin, the small Baltic countrys capital. In 2011, the alliance approved a revised cyber defense policy and an action plan to strengthen cyber defence. However, according to Rasmussens article that was published by The Wall Street Journal Sunday, cyber defence is still primarily a job for individual nations and governments while NATOs role is largely limited to protect its internal networks. But as the threats continue to evolve, NATO should be prepared to consider an enhanced role. NATO protected its members during the age of the Berlin Wall. We must be prepared to protect them during the age of the firewall, it said. The NATO defence minister are also expected to endorse the concept for NATOs new mission in Afghanistan after 2014, when all NATO combat troops are scheduled to leave. We will adopt what we call a concept of operations and a concept means broad guidelines for how we will shape the future Resolute Support mission from 2015, Rasmussen told reporters. It will be very different mission; it will be a non-combat mission. The number of troops and trainers will be significantly lower than in the current ISAF mission and its also our intention to ensure a regional foot-print, that is a number of regional training centers, he said.

This is Sharmilas first visit to Sweden, but her name evokes much nostalgia and among the Swedes. Sharmila Tagore is the first Bollywood personality to appear on screen clad in bikini. To a query on how she felt about a demand to ban bikini-clad mannequins in Mumbai, with a ghost of a

smile Sharmila Tagore said: Well, India is a composite of many things, that includes tolerance and intolerance in various proportions. That is the price of democracy. By its sheer size, Indian democracy bears great responsibility of see through things palatable - unpalatable.

CHANDIGARH SUNDAY 09 June 2013

INTERNATIONAL
Nawaz Sharif back as Pakistan PM
income generation, thereby they can be self reliant on their own, he said. Other officials say prostitutes who want to quit should have priority in accessing these kinds of services because their work contributes to the spread of HIV/AIDS. Yusuf Arrigasiyyu is the executive director of Muslim League of Accountability in Nigeria, an organization that is calling for government and international assistance in setting up programs to help women who want to leave prostitution. He says, ultimately, these programs could help save the country money. If they dont leave prostitution, government spends more. Through them you can have HIV, you can have sexually transmitted disease and other diseases that are related to prostitution. Now government spends more in providing health care for people that are contracting that disease, he said. Prostitutes say the idea of calling for assistance is relatively new to them and to date they have been entirely neglected by aid organizations and the government. But Kaduna State Commissioner of Information Alhaji Saidu Adamu says this is not true. He says the local government would support women who want to leave prostitution, but its their job to seek help. They have to make the initiative. If they initiate leaving that profession we are ever ready and willing and we will be happy knowing fully that our people now will be more functional, they will be more healthy. We are also going to reduce the spread of AIDS in our society, he said. Adamu says prostitutes usually dont seek government help because they fear they will be arrested. He promises women will not be incarcerated or harmed if they come forward now. At the complex, the women say they are arrested and harassed constantly. They say they find the state governments promise hard to believe.

7
317 votes cast in Wednesdays poll. Of Nawaz Sharifs two rivals, Makhdoom Amin Fahim of Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) secured 42 votes and Javed Hashmi, of Pakistan Tehrik-e-Insaf (PTI) party, bagged 31 votes. Sharif required 172 votes in the 342-member National Assembly. Sharifs Pakistan Muslim League (PML-N) won 186 seats in the May 11 general elections and he also received support from other parties and independent members. A comprehensive plan has also been finalized to resolve the issue of power load-shedding and other problems of the country, Nawaz Sharif told the National Assembly. Pakistan faces power shortage of thousands of megawatts, which has badly affected the countrys economic activities. Analysts say that the outgoing ruling Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) suffered defeat as it could not solve the power problem. Corruption will not be tolerated at any level and those found involved in it will be made accountable, Nawaz Sharif said. He said corrupt elements will have to face harsh accountability. Sharif becomes Pakistans first ever leader to serve as prime minister for the third time following the victory of his Pakistan Muslim League (PML-N) in the May 11 general elections. He has already served as prime minister for two non-consecutive terms -- the first from Nov 1, 1990, to July 18, 1993, and the second from Feb 17, 1997, to Oct 12, 1999. Nawaz Sharif was sent into exile in 2000 by then military ruler Pervez Musharraf following the dismissal of his elected government in October 1999. One of the main tasks of Sharifs government will be presentation of the new budget in the coming few days as Pakistans new financial year begins from July 1.

Nigerian Sex Workers Call for Help

Abuja In recent years, commercial sex workers in several countries, like South Korea, Kenya and France have held public protests against strict anti-prostitution laws. In Nigerias conservative north, sex workers are not marching on the streets or calling for more rights. They are calling on the government to help them get out of the business. In this complex in Kaduna, a city in northern Nigeria best known for sectarian violence and ever-deepening poverty, about 30 women pay a little over $8 a day for a spot in a corner of a room. After they pay their rent, the most money they can make in a day as prostitutes is $10. Some days they make nothing. One woman, who didnt want to give her name, says the worst part is that besides being desperately poor, they are shunned by their communities. The majority dont have respect for us because they think we are not among the living in the society. They feel we are not supposed to be among them because we are here. They discriminate us. While some still take us to be human, the majority dont really respect and regard us as human, she said. She said she wants out of the business and that the government and aid agencies should help. Other women in the complex agree, saying as little as $180 would be enough to get them out. Poverty alleviation in Nigeria, which is rare, usually takes the form of micro-loans or training that helps people start small businesses. Idris Mussa is a member of the Kaduna State HIV/AIDS department. He says the department is planning to expand its services to include former prostitutes. Once they have the basic training you will be able to give them the small-scale micro-finance. Something that they can be able do, some

Islamabad Nawaz Sharif, who was sworn in as Pakistans prime minister after spending nearly 14 years in political wilderness, vowed to resolve the countrys acute energy crisis and asked the US to stop drone strikes in the northwest tribal region. The oath of office was administered by President Asif Ali Zardari, making Nawaz Sharif the first third-time prime minister in the history of the country. In his maiden speech shortly after his election by parliament, 63-year-old Nawaz Sharif said: We respect the

sovereignty of other countries and they should also reciprocate us. We all have to devise a common strategy to overcome this issue also, he said of the drone attacks that have bugged all Pakistani parties. The US frequently used pilotless aircraft to launch missile attacks on what it said were the hideouts of militants blamed for cross-border attacks in Afghanistan. Pakistan insists that the US drone strikes are counterproductive and cause civilian casualties. Nawaz Sharif won the prime ministers slot by securing 244 of the total

Turkish Deputy PM Apologizes to FBI to track hate crimes against Sikhs, Hindus Protesters
Istanbul Thousands of Turkish anti-government protesters marched again Tuesday, even after the deputy prime minister said the government has learned its lesson. Demonstrators filled central Ankara and the main square in Istanbul as night fell Tuesday, defying government appeals to end their protests. Deputy Prime Minister Bulent Arinc said it was wrong to use excessive force against the marchers. But he refused to apologize to those who he says have destroyed property and interfered with peoples freedom. He said he was apologizing to the environmentally-minded protesters injured by police during a demonstration against government plans to demolish Gezi Park, adjacent to Istanbuls Taksim Square. The nationwide unrest was sparked last Friday after police violently evicted demonstrators who were peacefully protesting against the planned redevelopment of one of the few parks in central Istanbul. The deputy prime minister also said he was prepared to meet with protestors. He said he would find an opportunity to meet the youngsters who held the initial protest. The first reactions from demonstrators on Twitter and other social media Washington Ten months after six worshippers died in the gurdwara shooting in Oak Creek, Wisconsin, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) will begin formally tracking hate crimes against Sikhs, Hindus and Arabs. An FBI advisory board meeting in Portsmouth, Virginia, voted Wednesday to expand standard hate-crime incident reports used by police departments across the US to include crimes motivated by bias against the two religious groups as well as Arabs. The changes, which go into effect by 2015, follow years of pressure from civil rights groups and lawmakers. Sikh, Hindu and Arab advocates have praised the FBI decision, saying it would avoid underreporting of hate crimes and increase awareness among law enforcement personnel of their religions and cultures. The new changes will strengthen diagnostic and deterrence efforts; increase awareness about Sikhs among law enforcement officials nationwide; and encourage Sikhs to

have generally been skeptical. Many criticize the deputy prime minister for only condemning the polices initial response to the protests and not the ongoing crackdown. There were clashes in both Istanbul and the capital Ankara Monday night, with police using tear gas, water cannon and, according to some reports, plastic bullets. A 22-year-old protestor was shot dead in the southern city of Antakya near the Syrian border. Many protestors are calling on Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan to apologize. Much of the protesters anger of the protests is direct against Erdogan, whom they accuse of acting in an increasingly authoritarian way. On Monday, during a visit to Morocco, the Turkish prime minister

repeated his tough stance against the protestors, calling them marginal and claiming calm was returning to the country. But pressure on the government continues to grow, with members of Turkeys 240,000-strong public sector workers union launching a two-day nationwide strike Tuesday. The leftist union is a strong critic of the government. Earlier this year, police raided its national offices, and dozens of its officials are on trial under the countrys anti-terrorism law. Observers warn the growing unrest has started to unnerve financial markets, and Turkeys stock market plunged on Monday. With no signs that the protesters are ready to quit, that nervousness could well continue.

begin reporting hate crimes to local, state, and federal authorities, said Rajdeep Singh, director of Law and Policy for the Sikh Coalition. While this is a monumental step forward, our work cannot end here, said Democrat Representative Joe Crowley who had, in April 2012, led a signature campaign that saw 93 members of Congress sign a letter urging the FBI to update the Hate Crime Incident Report Form to include crimes committed against SikhAmericans. After the ruling, Crowley, along with the lone Indian American House member Ami Bera, the first Hindu-American legislator Tulsi Gabbard and five other lawmakers, circulated a letter to FBI director Robert Mueller among their House colleagues urging the FBI to urgently enact the Boards recommendation. According to Sikh Coalition surveys in New York City and the San Francisco Bay Area, approximately 10 percent of Sikh adults claim they have experienced physical violence or property damage because of their religion.

POLITICS

CHANDIGARH SUNDAY 09 June 2013

QUOTE FIRE

RTI & The Political Parties

Salman Khurshid, External Affairs Minister There is a logic of RTI and this is reflected in its orders. The logic will be tested at various levels including by the courts. I think we should be overtly sensitive to the evolving nature of RTI but it is also important to keep a practical control of RTI objectives.

Janardan Dwivedi, Congress It is not acceptable. We totally disagree with it. Such adventurist approach will create lot of harm and damage to democratic institutions. Getting political parties entangled in such unnecessary things will damage the democratic process. We simply cannot accept it.

Capt. Abhimanyu, BJP spokesman BJP is not against anything that brings transparency and accountability which is equally applicable to all. We will follow the law.

Sharad Yadav, JD(U) It is not practical to share resolutions of the parties, which are made in the executive committee meetings and also to share the process of selection of candidates for the party organizations.I fail to understand the logic behind the CIC order.

CAMP UPA

POLITICAL CAMP NEWS

Bangalore Setting the agenda for the new Congress government, Governor H.R. Bhardwaj said there was an urgent need to regain the lost glory and pride of Karnataka. In recent years, we have witnessed a decline in our treasured legacy of unity in diversity. Instead of going into reasons for such a state of affairs or blaming anyone, it is important to correct the damage in right earnest, Bhardwaj said .Asserting that the people had voted for change, the governor regretted that in the past few years the state had been held in very low esteem on account of a large number of corruption cases. Public money has been swindled and developmental works have come to a halt. Consequently, people have lost faith in political parties. The growing public cynicism has proved detrimental to

Prakash Karat, CPM If such a procedure is adopted, it will harm the very mode of innerparty functioning. Within a party, discussions are held and it is on the basis of confidentiality that certain decisions are taken. To demand that such deliberations be made available will be a serious infringement on the nature of inner-party discussions.

Manish Tewari, Information and broadcasting Minister This is a very curious attempt to try and stretch the scope of the act. The legislative attempt was clear that government authorities should come under the act. If political parties were to come under the act, it would have been stated explicitly.

Gurudas Dasgupta, CPI If we want government to be transparent then political parties who often run the government should themselves be transparent and accountable. The grip of the black money on the political system is increasing, so people have a right to know from where political parties are getting their funds and building their properties.

Need to regain lost glory of Karnataka: Governor

democratic traditions. My government is determined to regain the lost confidence of the people by ensuring a clean and accountable administration, Bhardwaj said. Noting that a lax administration invariably paves way for corruption, he said the new Congress government would endeavour to provide an efficient, effective and transparent administration.A centre for good governance and innovation will be set up to spearhead administrative reforms. E-governance initiatives such as mobile governance, e-district, eprocurement and citizen service centres will be promoted across the state.The governor said the infrastructure policy of 2007 would be reviewed and the public-private partnership (PPP) mode of implementation would be encouraged to create an investor-friendly environment across the state.

CAMP NDA

Amit Shah to begin UP innings June 12

Lucknow Amit Shah, a close aide of Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi and national general secretary of the BJP, will begin his innings as party in-charge of Uttar Pradesh June 12. Sources in the Bharatiya Janata Party state unit said the controversial former Gujarat minister would be taking part in a meeting of office bearers at the Lucknow headquarters to feel the pulse of the party. As part of his daylong engagements here, Shah would interact with grassroots workers and hold deliberations with the top brass of the party, including state president Laxmikant Bajpayi. Shahs visit assumes significance as it would be days after the BJPs national executive in Goa June 7-9. Important decisions about the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections of 2014 are likely to be taken in Goa. State BJP spokesperson Vijay Bahadur Pathak told IANS that Shah would be engaged in meetings that would have significance for the state organisation of the party. The June 12 meeting will be a high-level one, involving regional presidents, general secretaries and state presidents of all wings, and is likely to strategise on many things, including the Lok Sabha polls, Pathak said. Observers say Shah could be a polarising factor in Uttar Pradesh, where the BJP positions itself as the principal opposition and attempts to corner the Akhilesh Yadav government on issues like power tariff hike and appeasement of minorities. Shah was Gujarat home minister at the time of the killing of Sohrabuddin Sheikh in a staged shootout on Nov 26, 2005. He is an accused in the case and is out on bail.

Howrah by-poll result a lesson for Mamata: CPI-M

realised they cannot continue walking the terror path, Communist Party of India-M (CPI-M) leader Surjya Kanta Mishra told . The Trinamool retained the Howrah Lok Sabha seat, with former international footballer Prasun Banerjee defeating the CPI-Ms Sridip Bhattacharya by over 27,000 votes. The by-poll was necessitated by the death of Trinamool MP Ambica Banerjee April 25. He had polled 37,392 votes over the CPI-M nominee in 2009. I dont think it will bolster Trinamools confidence, rather it is a positive sign for us, said Mishra. Attributing the Trinamools victory to the Bharatiya Janata Partys lastminute decision to withdraw from the polls, Mishra said the tacit understanding between the two parties will become apparent with the approach of the next general election. Mishra also ridiculed Trinamool su-

Kolkata Claiming that the party has gained in its vote share, the CPI-M said West Bengals Howrah Lok Sabha by-poll result should come as a lesson for the ruling Trinamool Congress. Despite the terror tactics of the Trinamool, we have gained over 4.5 percent of the vote share, though we could not win. The poll result should come as a lesson for the Trinamool. Its high time they

premo and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee who described the victory as an endorsement of her decision to go it alone, without its former ally Congress. Congress candidate Sanatan Mukherjee finished a distant third. She often sings ekla cholo re, but she cant remain alone for long. Either the Congress or the BJP, she keeps taking sides, said Mishra, adding that Banerjee was becoming a burden for her party.

Jagan aide Vijay Sai Reddy back in jail

Hyderabad Vijay Sai Reddy, a close aide of YSR Congress president Y.S. Jaganmohan Reddy, surrendered before a special court here in a case related to charges of disproportionate assets against the political leader. Vijay Sai, auditor of the companies owned by the jailed leader and a key accused in the case, surrendered before the CBI court following last months orders by the Supreme Court cancelling his bail. The CBI court sent Vijay Sai to judicial custody till June 17. He was subsequently shifted to Chanchalguda Central Jail, where Jaganmohan Reddy and the other accused have been lodged for over one year. The auditor moved a petition, seeking special category status in jail. The hearing on the petition was adjourned to Thursday. The Supreme Court on May 9 quashed the order of the Andhra Pradesh High Court which upheld the bail granted to Vijay Sai in April last year by the trial court. The CBI had argued that Vijay Sai was granted bail on irrelevant considerations. The Supreme Court agreed with the CBI that Vijay Sai was not an ordinary chartered accountant but the main brain behind the scam. Vijay Sai, accused number two in the case, was arrested in January last year.The CBI has opposed the bail petition of former minister Mopidevi Venkatramna, also an accused. The investigating agency, in its counter affidavit filed in the court, said investigations were still on and Mopidevi, if granted bail, could influence the witnesses. Jagan, as the MP from Kadapa is popularly known, and Mopidevi were arrested in May last year. Jagan is accused of amassing wealth through illegal means .

CHANDIGARH SUNDAY 09 June 2013

POLITICS
Gandhinagar The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) was a major gainer in Wednesdays Lok Sabha by-poll vote count as it wrested two seats in Gujarat from the Congress, which drew a blank in two other states as well. Putting up a spectacular show in the western state, the BJP also made a clean sweep in the assembly by-polls snatching four seats held by the Congress in Morva-Hadaf, Limbdi, Dhoraji and Jetpur. The Lok Sabha by-polls, coming about a year before the nation is scheduled to hold fresh general elections, saw the Trinamool retaining Howrah in West Begnal while the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD had its candidate re-elected in Bihars Maharajganj. But Gujarat threw the biggest surprises with the BJP snatching both the Porbandar and Nansarkantha seats from the Congress. In Porbandar, former Congress legislator and BJP nominee Vithal Radadiya secured a massive 1.34 lakh margin, defeating his nearest Congress rival Vinu Ampara. The Banaskantha by-poll saw BJPs Hari Chaudhary notching a 71,000 vote victory against Congress Krishna Gadhvi, the widow of former sitting party legislator Mukesh Gadhvi. Chief Minister Narendra Modi said the people had rejected the Congress wholesale. These victories clearly show (that) people are fed up with the Congress. This indicates how people have lost trust in the centre and want change desperately, he tweeted. In the Congress bastion Morva-Hadaf, BJPs Nimisha Suthar defeated Bhupendra Khant of Congress by nearly 18,000 votes. Congress Satish Patel bit the dust as the BJPs Kiritsinh Rana trounced him by over 24,000 votes at Limbdi. Dhoraji also voted the BJP way when its Pravin Mankadiya wrested the seat from his Congress rival Hari Patel by a margin of over 11,000 votes. Jetpur also nodded for the BJPs Jayesh Radadiya who trounced his nearest Congress rival Jagdish Pambhar by over 52,000 votes. The BJP strength in the assembly has now risen from 115 to 119 and its Lok Sabha tally from Gujarat from 15 to 17. In West Bengal, ruling Trinamool Congress retained Howrah, with former international footballer Prasun Banerjee defeating Left Front spearhead CPI-Ms Sridip Bhattacharya by 27,015 votes. The Trinamool now has 19 members in the Lok Sabha. Congress candidate Sanatan Mukherjee finished a distant third in the June 2 by-election necessitated by the death of Trinamool MP Ambica Banerjee. Gloating over her partys success, Trinamool chief and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said: jo jita wo sikandar (the victorious is the king) and described the Howrah by-poll results as a new chapter in West Bengal politics. She also claimed voters have endorsed her decision to go it alone. Bihars ruling Janata Dal-United

Set aside differences to fight BJP sweeps Gujarat, Congress suffers terror, PM tells CMs in by-polls

New Delhi Prime Minister Manmohan Singh urged the chief ministers to set aside their political and ideological divides and collectively fight terrorism, communal violence and Leftwing extremism. I also believe that time has now come to view the challenges of terrorism, communal violence and Left-wing extremism in a holistic manner, the prime minister said at the Chief Ministers Conference on internal security here. I think each one of us needs to be completely objective in our approach to these issues, acting in national interest, rising above narrow political and ideological divides, he said. He said capacity building and modernisation of police forces were essential for meeting the emerging challenges to internal security. I would appeal to all political parties and all sections of society to work together to find effective ways and means of meeting these grave challenges, the prime minister told

CMs express reservations over NCTC

New Delhi Chief ministers of parties not belonging to the ruling dispensation at the centre expressed strong reservations over the proposed National Counter Terrorism Centre. Some Congress chief ministers too expressed concern. Chief ministers said they feared the move would violate the principle of federalism. Some Congress-ruled states too shared this concern. The NCTC is proposed as a federal anti-terror agency. The proposal for its setting up came in the wake of the Nov 26, 2008 terrorist strike in Mumbai. Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi said: On the NCTC, I think the new draft circulated has taken into consideration some of the concerns raised by the states. However, even on the new draft, some concerns remain. We have strong reservations about the proposed structure and functioning of the NCTC. He said: The proposed structure of the NCTC is not in congruence with the principles of federalism and the clear division of powers between the union and the states as envisaged under the constitution, as it essentially creates a federal police, a concept totally alien to our country. Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar stuck to the apprehensions he had expressed on the NCTC last year. I had expressed serious apprehensions about the structure, powers and functions of the proposed NCTC. The draft order still suffers from several serious flaws, he said at the chief ministers meet on internal security here. Tripura Chief Minister Manik Sarkar said: The state government fully appreciates the need for an effective mechanism for sharing of intelligence by the centre and the states. However, the state government had expressed opposition to the manner in which the Ministry of Home Affairs had sought to set up the NCTC. While some Congress chief ministers welcomed the proposed anti-terror agency, saying it was needed in the present context, they also sought clarity on the operational efficacy and respective roles of the centre and the state in case of joint operations. Agreeing about the relevance of data- and intelligence-sharing and planning anti-terrorist activities, Karnataka Chief Minister K. Siddaramaiah said: Some safeguards are necessary before setting up the NCTC so that they are not given unbridled powers to encroach upon the states domain. However, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Kiran Kumar Reddy described NCTC as a well planned initiative to counter terrorism.

the chief ministers. Manmohan Singh asked the conference to explore how we can achieve even better coordination between the centre and states. Having underlined need for collective assault on the extremism of all hues, the prime minister stressed on the indispensability of modernisation of police forces. Capacity building and modernization of state police forces are absolutely essential for meeting the emerging challenges to internal security, which range from terrorism to urban policing, the prime minister said, adding that the centre remained committed to supporting states on the issue. The conference was told that the scheme for modernisation of police forces has been extended for five years with a total outlay of about Rs.12,000 crore. An amount of Rs.433 crore has been additionally provided for Mega City Policing in the six cities of Kolkata, Mumbai, Chennai, Bangalore, Ahmedabad and Hyderabad.

(JD-U) suffered its first ever by-poll loss in eight years when RJDs Prabhunath Singh won the Maharajganj Lok Sabha seat in a by-election by a whopping 137,000 votes. Prabhunath Singh defeated P.K. Shahi of JD-U. The seat fell vacant after the death of RJD MP Umashankar Singh. The Congress had fielded Jitendra Swami, who lost his security deposit. In Uttar Pradesh, ruling Samajwadi Party retained the Handia assembly seat in Allahabad, with its candidate Prashant Kumar defeating his nearest opponent Bahujan Samaj Partys Pankaj Tripathi by over 26,000 votes. The by-poll was necessitated after the death of Prashants father Mahesh Narayan Singh. The BJP candidate came third, while the Congress was fourth with its candidate losing his security deposit. The Congress claimed success in the Yavatmal assembly seat in Maharashtra, where its candidate Nandini Parvekar defeated the nearest BJP candidate Madan Yerawarby over 15,000 votes to retain the seat for the party.

Lokayukta summons UP minister, three SP legislators

Lucknow Uttar Pradesh Lokayukta Justice N.K. Mehrotra has issued summons to four legislators of the ruling Samajwadi Party (SP), including a state minister, with regard to allottment of work to a defunct nongovernment organisation. According to information available, the Lokayukta has asked the Minister of State for Agriculture Manoj Kumar Pandey to present himself before it June 10, and explain why work was allotted to an NGO from his legislators fund when the NGO ceased to exist in 2011. Notices have also been issued to SP legislators Ram Lal Akela, Devendra Pratap Singh and Surendra Vikram Singh. This is the first time that members of the ruling dispensation have come under the radar of the Lokayukta. In his previous tenure, the ombundsman had given adverse reports on many ministers of the Mayawati government, after which the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) supremo was forced to sack several ministers. The Lokayukta said Wednesday that the papers pertaining to giving away work to the State Construction and Development Federation (SCDF) had been put under scrutiny and a decision to summon the SP legislators for questioning have been sent after that. While Agriculture Minister Manoj Kumar Pandey and SP legislator Ram Lal Akela have been asked to present themselves before the Lokayukta June 10, the other two, Surendra Vikram Singh and Devendra Pratap Singh, have been sent summons for June 11.

RTI plea on BJPs spend on Goa meeting

Panaji Goa BJP leaders have repeatedly dodged questions related to the expenditure on preparations for the three-day national executive meeting beginning here June 7 but an activist has filed an RTI plea to get the details. Spurred on by Mondays landmark order by the Chief Information Commissioner bringing political parties under the Right to Information (RTI) Act, an application filed by an information activist might just do the trick. Kashinath Shetye, a former government employee, has sought to know from the hosts, the BJPs Goa unit, how much money was being spent in the lavish preparations. The meeting will not only see the crme de la crme of the BJP leadership, but also host over 300 office bearers who will huddle together to strategically chart out a course for the 2014 Lok Sabha election. The meeting could also throw up the name of the partys prime ministerial candidate. Shetyes application seeks to know BJP on a similar national executive meeting held in 2002, when Atal Behari Vajpayee was the prime minister. BJP leaders here have been dodgy about sharing the details involving the events finances. Former state president and national executive member Laxmikant Parsenkar said: We do not know, but it will be a great event. Party president Vinay Tendulkar too evaded queries related to the funding of the mega event, saying the details had not been furnished to him yet. The BJP has virtually taken over two five star hotels in the city, apart from booking assorted accommodation in a range of other hotels in the capital, where party leaders according to their designation and rank will be lodging. While the Goa Marriott has been selected as the venue and main residential facility for several of its top leaders, the Vivanta by Taj, also located nearby, will host a nearly 300-strong media contingent.

the estimate of (national) executive meet on June 7, 8 and 9 as well as the amount of money spent by the

10

REGION
Yamunanagar: The BJP won eight seats, INLD four while the remaining eight seats were shared by Congress and BSP supported candidates. Karnal: The BJP won three and INLD two seats of Karnal municipal corporation while as many as 14 independent candidates who had the backing of the Congress won while one candidate supported by the Haryana Janhit Congress managed to win. Panipat: The BJP won six seats and the INLD two while all the remaining nine seats were won by Congress candidates . Seven seats went to independents, without any any political backing. Panchkula: 20 wards of Panchkula Municipal Corporation were declared on Tuesday. While INLD and BJP managed to get three seats each, Congressbacked candidates won 14 seats, out odf the 20 seats ,thus , a Congressnominated member will be the mayor . Chandigarh Terming it aggressive and incentive-based, the Punjab government Monday unveiled its new industrial policy to facilitate investment in the state. Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal gave a detailed presentation on Fiscal Incentives for Industrial Promotion in Punjab and described it as an aggressive, incentive-based policy that would change the paradigm of industrial development and facilitate investment in the state. Badal said that Punjab has taken a proactive step to facilitate investment in the state by offering maximum incentives, compared to other states. He said that the new industrial policy focused on incentives, simplifying procedures and facilitation. Badal claimed that the government would ensure surplus power, besides 24-hour power to the IT industry, world class infrastructure, regulation free regime and self-attested proposals without any site verification. The new policy has been approved by the state cabinet, Badal said. He said that Punjab needed an incentives-based policy as industrial investment had been taken away by neighbouring states like Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir due to tax exemptions offered by them in the past few years. Punjab being a landlocked state that had tax haven hilly states as neighbours suffered to attract industry, he said. He said that Punjab was divided into two zones for industry with incentives, including VAT (value added tax) and CST (central sales tax) for each zone. The VAT and CST exemptions range from 25 percent to 80 percent. In addition, these units would have 100 percent exemption in electricity duty, stamp duty and property tax, he added. Badal said that certain categories of industries will get further incentives and tax exemptions, besides the above. Promising to revolutionise investment pattern in Punjab, Badal said that he has getting queries from industrial houses for investment in the state. He said that Punjab would soon hold an investment summit and road shows in different parts of the country to attract investment. Punjab is the first state that has simplified the all procedures and documents, ensured transparent workflow, online application and approval, self-attestation of documents, third party certification of building plans, stability and safety etc, and

CHANDIGARH SUNDAY 09 June 2013

Congress makes a mark Punjab unveils new industrial policy in Haryana civic polls
Panchkula The ruling Congress claimed victory in most of the seats where they had extended support to candidates. The results in the seven municipal corporations in Haryana the two main opposition political parties of the state INLD and BJP had fielded official candidates in the polls but failed miserably.The BJP won 25 seats and INLD won 16 seats while 102 seats were won by independents. According to the Congress all the district civic bodies would get mayors supported by them. Rohtak: The congress has claimed that 17 out of the 20 seats had been won by their workers. Hisar: Excepting four seats won by the INLD, Congress-backed independents won all the rest of the 20 seats. Ambala: Congress-affiliated contestants won 16 seats of the MC Ambala. BJP won four seats while INLD could not win any seat.

Hooda takes a potshot at Modi

New Delhi Taking a dig at his Gujarat counterpart Narendra Modi on the issue of the National Counter Terrorism Centre e (NCTC), Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda Wednesday said national security should not be subjected to a partisan approach. Supporting the central governments move to set up the NCTC, Hooda speaking at the Chief Ministers Conference on internal security here, Hooda said: I wish my friend Mr Narendra Modi had appreciated this; because national security cannot and should not be a subject matter of partisan approach. Modi was sitting close to him when Hooda made the remark. Urging states to unanimously support the NCTC, Hooda said this was a strategic instrument of our national effort to defeat terrorism.

payment gateway for online payments, Badal said. He said Punjab is looking for investment in sectors like biosciences, consumer electronics, micro biotech, export promotion units, agro based units and textile sector, that have maximum employment potential. Industries minister Anil Joshi said that the new industrial policy was the most comprehensive policy notified by any state of the country and would give big boost to investment climate in the state. However, the Congress rejected the new policy saying that it would spell disaster for industry in Punjab. State Congress president Pratap Singh Bajwa said that the policy had nothing for the existing industry in Punjab.

Court asks J&K minister to be From hospital, Chautala booked for slapping official
Jammu A Jammu and Kashmir court directed police to register a case against Minister of State for Home Sajjad Ahmad Kichloo for allegedly slapping an official. Kishtwar Chief Judicial Magistrate Ajay Kumar Gupta directed police to register a first information report (FIR) against Kichloo for allegedly slapping Riyaz Ahmad Choudhary, chief executive officer of the Kishtwar Development Authority, April 18. The court told Kishtwar station house officer (SHO) to register the FIR and proceed in accordance with the law. Kichloo was not available for his comment. The court reprimanded police for not registering the case and said: The basic principle to be followed by the SHO was that as soon as he received the application (written complaint by Choudhary), he should have registered the FIR... The SHO earlier submitted a status report denying the occurrence of the incident, which was also rejected by the court. Choudhary earlier sent a written complaint to the SHO to register an FIR against Kichloo. He said he was a few minutes late for a meeting called by Kichloo ahead of Chief Minister Omar Abdullahs visit to Kishtwar April 18, and for this he was allegedly slapped by the minister. He (minister) first abused me and then gave me three slaps. When I resisted his men started beating me. It was on intervention of police that I got saved or else I would have been in serious condition, said the official. Zulernain Sheikh, advocate for Choudhary, said the court directed the deputy inspector general and superintendent of police of Kishtwar to monitor the investigations.

addresses partymen via video link

It is reflective of our commitment to safeguard and protect our country. The revised draft of the MHA (ministry of home affairs) on NCTC has taken care of the concerns and the apprehensions of the states and envisages the states as equal functional partners in the battle against terrorism, Hooda said.

Gurgaon is staring at a water crisis

Gurgaon Gurgaon may be heading for a water crisis. Not only are ground water levels dropping alarmingly, but a lot of wastage of water in the high rise office and residential complexes is going unchecked in the absence of proper urban laws or their implementation. Haryanas groundwater department points out that the water table has already sunk by nearly a metre during this season alone in Gurgaon, a business hub that has become a happening commercial and residential suburb of New Delhi. The annual rate of decline of the water table is four feet, according to the Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA). For water, Gurgaon depends on Basai Canal, which in turn gets water from the Western Yamuna Canal. Unless the people of Gurgaon pay for water, water will always be taken for granted, Puri said. Prasanto K. Roy, a green activist and editorial advisor to CyberMedia, which publishes scientific journals, said thousands of taps in high-rise residential complexes may be contributing to the overall waste. Each of these taps delivers water at 15 litres per minute, all unmetered. Under such high pressure, a 10-minute shower would consume 150 litres; a 20-minute utensil wash 300 litres; a flush between six and eight litres, Roy told. A minimum of four such showers and two times of washing dishes daily, not to speak of leaky taps, in a single housing unit would collectively end up using 1,200 litres on the average or even more, according to conservative estimates. Each apartment, Roy estimates, wastes between 500 and 1,000 litres daily, which adds up to approximately 500,000 litres for a single complex. The groundwater department has written to the Haryana Urban Development Authority (HUDA), the Municipal Corporation of Gurgaon and other civic bodies, suggesting a consolidated plan for groundwater renewal ahead of mo-nsoon. The recommendations include building rainwater harvesting units throughout Gurgaon, and creating catchment areas around the Aravali foothills, says Puri. Rainwater harvesting could take care of some of the surplus rainwater that ends up flooding low-lying areas, besides flowing unchecked into the Najafgarh drain. A great disparity exists in the distribution of water.

Builders could save scarce underground water by using 110 million gallons of sewage, generated daily in Gurgaon, after treatment, for construction and tree plantation, according to a Gurgaon First study. We must come up with a viable and realistic water harvesting plan, both at a micro level and the macro level, Nisha Singh, municipal councillor said. In the row of houses that I live in, we pay to the builder (DLF) water charges at the rate of 90 paise per square yard on a monthly basis as part of the maintenance charges. There is no separate charge for water, says Puri, a Gurgaon resident. The builder recently directed the residents to instal meters. Residents oppose this, saying that the HUDA should be sending the directive, not the builder, adds Puri.

Chandigarh Former Haryana chief minister and Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) chief Om Prakash Chautala, jailed in the teachers recruitment scam, Wednesday addressed party workers in Jind via video-conferencing from Gurgaons Medanta Hospital. Chautala, who is admitted in hospital for heart treatment after the court gave him permission, linked to the INLD leaders through video-conferencing from his hospital room, said his grandson Dushyant Chautala. Former army chief General V.K. Singh, who went to meet Chautala, was also present when the videoconferencing took place. At the INLD Jind office, four INLD legislators and scores of party workers were present to hear him. Chautala, who was convicted and jailed January this year by a CBI special court in Delhi in the teachers recruitment scam, spoke to the INLD leaders after over four months. Olympic medal-winner boxer Vijender Singh and several other people also met Chautala in hospital, an INLD statement said here.

CHANDIGARH SUNDAY 09 June 2013

CAMPUS

11

New Delhi On day one of registration to Delhi Universitys four-year undergraduate programme (FYUP), over 42,000 admission forms were sold, a university official said. There has been a record sale this year as 42,860 forms were sold compared to last year where the figure stood approximately at 30,000, Avinashi Kapoor, professor and joint dean, students welfare, south campus, Delhi University said. The admission process at the university began Wednesday. DU has made arrangements for both online and offline registrations with the introduction of FYUP. The online registration number touched 7,385, almost three times that of last years figure, Kapoor said. The newly-launched online registration provided by the university allows the students to register themselves without the otherwise mandatory payment of Rs.100 for the prospectus and the optical mark registration (OMR) forms. To help candidates, the students union has been demanding the opening of more admission windows and making offline registration free for students visiting the different centres for admission. We have submitted a memorandum to the dean of students welfare demanding the opening of more admission windows and making offline registration free of cost, said Arun Hooda, president, Delhi University Students Union (DUSU). DU has enhanced the duration of its three-year undergraduate course to four years from this academic session, making it compulsory for students to study 11 foundation courses during the first two years.

42,000 forms sold on first day of DU registration

Admission News
XLRI PGPCEM admissions 2013 XLRI School of Management, Jamshedpur issued notification for admission to full time 6 month Post Graduate Programme for Certificate in Entrepreneurship Management (PGP-CEM) for the academic session 2013-2014. Interested candidates can apply online till 12 June 2013. Program Details: Name of the Program: Post Graduate Programme for Certificate in Entrepreneurship Management (PGPCEM) Program Duration: 6 months (full time) Educational Qualification: Graduate from a recognized University Last date to apply online: 12 June 2013 Last date for receipt of printout of application: 19 June 2013 Admission Procedure: Admission will be given on the basis of performance in the Personal Interview and, if required, Group Discussion. Application fees: Non-refundable application fee of Rs 600 is to be paid through a demand draft drawn in favour of XLRI, Jamshedpur payable at Jamshedpur. How to apply: For admission to PGP-CEM 2013-14, candidates have to submit the Application Form both online and offline (post the Hardcopy of the online submitted form) To register Online, candidates are required to visit XLRI website www. xlri.ac.in/edc and click Apply for Registration till 12 June 2013. Anna University announces Distance Education Admissions 2013 Anna University Chennai has come out with an advertisement for admission to Distance Education Courses for MBA, MCA and M.Sc courses for the session 2013-2014 Admission to these courses will be done through distance education entrance test (DEET) conducted by Anna University The last date for applying is 2nd July 2013 and the date for Distance Education Entrance Test is July 28, 2013 Application form can also be obtained in person from the following Study Centres located outside Chennai on payment of Rs 650/- in cash. IGNOU Admission For July 2013 Session For admission to the various academic programmes for the July 2013 Admission cycle of Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), student should visit the main official IGNOU Website- www.ignou.ac.in or contact nearest IGNOU Regional Centre/Study Centre. Prospectus can be obtained from Regional Centres in person in Rs.200/, or by post by sending a DD of Rs.250/- in favour of IGNOU, New Delhi, to Registrar (Student Registration Division), IGNOU, New Delhi-68.It can be downloaded from the university website www.ignou.ac.in. The University is offering its various Distance Education Programme viz; Masters Degree Programmes, Bachelors Degree Programmes, PG Diplomas & Diplomas, PG Certificate & Certificates and Online Programmes. Last Date for receipt of Applications is 15th June 2013.

Universities should curb erosion of values in society:Mukherjee

all, tolerance for pluralism, respect for women and elderly, truth and honesty in life, discipline and self-restraint in conduct, and responsibility in action as some of the values that need to be promoted among youngsters. Acknowledging the importance of Hindi, Mukherjee said the language should be encouraged. Hindi has always played an important role in the national integration. It is symbol of Indias social and cultural unity. We should encourage Hindi and other regional languages, he said. Language has an important role between the government and people. Success of social welfare and development programme depends on language, he added. A newsletter called Atal Samvad was released on the occasion and its first copy was presented to the president.

IGNOU offers course on tourism

New Delhi The Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) is offering a masters programme in tourism from the 2013 session, an official said. The Master of Arts in Tourism Management (MTM) consists of four semesters. The course is designed for students interested in a career in tourism at the managerial level, a statement said. The last date to apply is June 15. Students who have completed graduation in any field along with a Diploma in Tourism, which is recognised in the university system or by All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), are eligible for the course, it added. The prospectus form is available at IGNOU for Rs.200 and at all its regional centres. For further information, aspirants can log on to website www.ignou.ac.in IGNOU is the worlds largest open university system with a pan-India and international reach with flexible entry qualifications and a wide range of academic programmes at affordable costs.

Bhopal Taking note of the rise in crimes against women, President Pranab Mukherjee called on universities to take the lead in starting a sustained programme for meeting the contemporary moral challenges. The recent rise in crimes against women and children is a cause for deep concern. It not only calls for effective measures for their safety and security, but also requires us to urgently introspect and find ways to

arrest the erosion of values in our society, Mukherjee said. He was speaking at the foundation laying ceremony of Atal Bihari Vajpayee Hindi University here. The president called on universities to take the lead in starting a programme for meeting the contemporary moral challenges and ensuring that our civilisational values are inculcated fully in the young minds. He listed love for motherland, performance of duty, compassion for

Hyderabad-based film school offers new media degree courses

industry will need to recruit many additional trained professionals in order to expand and to explore new opportunities. We have designed these courses with significant industry consultation to ensure that the students meet employers needs, Nagarjuna, president of AISFM, told.We understand that talent lies in all areas of our country, so we are launching scholarships of up to 75 percent of the course fees, to support students from financially-weaker backgrounds, said Nagarjuna, a popular Telugu actor. This academic collaboration is an exciting step in creating the future of media education in India. The industry is changing quickly and students now need a combination of creative, technical and professional skills in order to build their careers. JNAFAU and AISFM can provide these skills, said P. Padmavathi, in-charge vice chancellor of JNAFAU. Geetika Tondon, vice president, academics of AISFM, said they have been developing the curriculum for the course over the last two years, combining input from leading international media schools with input from the Indian media industry.

Hyderabad Annapurna International School of Film and Media (AISFM) and Jawaharlal Nehru Architecture and Fine Arts University (JNAFAU) here have signed an MoU to offer new four-year undergraduate and twoyear postgraduate degrees with specializations in media. Under the agreement signed Thursday, AISFM and JNAFAU will offer the degrees with specializations in advertising, digital marketing, jour-

nalism, public relations, graphic, multimedia design, photography and digital imaging. Admissions are open to the courses, which begin next month. All classes will be conducted inside Annapurna Studios - a 22-acre campus featuring production facilities, studios, postproduction, outdoor shooting locations and classrooms. The Indian media industry is growing at double the speed of the overall economy. Every sector of the media

12

COVER STORY

CHANDIGARH SUNDAY 09 June 2013

Ordinance or S
Its time to

A BILL to provide for food and nutritional security in human life cycle approach, by ensuring access to adequate quantity of quality food at affordable prices to people to live a Indias high economic growth rate in the past decade has not been fully reflected in the health status of its people, with 22 per cent of its population undernourished. According mass index below normal and 78.9 per cent of children in the age group of 6-35 months are anaemic. These are disturbing statistics which point to nutritional deficiencies. The

THE NATIONAL FOOD

two women and one member each from Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes). The main function of the State Commission is to monitor and evaluate the implementation of the act, give advice to the states governments and their agencies, and inquire into violations of entitlements (either suo motu or on receipt of a complaint, and with all the powers of a civil court while trying a suit under the Code of Civil Procedure 1908). State Commissions also have to hear appeals against orders of the District Grievance Redressal Officer and prepare annual reports to be laid before the state legislature. The State Commission may forward any case to a Magistrate having jurisdiction, who shall proceed as if the case has been forwarded under Section 346 of the Code of Criminal Procedure 1973. 5. Transparency and Grievance Redressal The Bill provides for a two-tier grievance redressal structure, involving the District Grievance Redressal Officer (DGRO) and State Food Commission. State governments must also put in place an internal grievance redressal mechanism which may include call centres, help lines, designation of nodal officers, or such other mechanisms as may be prescribed. Transparency Provisions Mandatory transparency provisions include: (1) placing all PDS-related records in the public domain and keeping them open for inspection to the public; (2) conducting periodic social audits of the PDS and other welfare schemes; (3) using information and communication technology (including end-to-end computerisation of the PDS) to ensure transparent recording of transactions at all levels; (4) setting up vigilance committees at state, district, block and fair price shop levels to supervise all schemes under the act. District Grievance Redressal Officers DGROS shall be appointed by state governments for each district to hear complaints and take necessary action according to norms to be prescribed by state governments. If a complainant (or the officer or authority against whom an order has been passed by the DGRO) is not satisfied, he or she may file an appeal before the State Food Commission. Penalties and Compensation The Food Commissions have powers to impose penalties. If an order of the DGRO is not complied with, the concerned authority or officer can be fined up to Rs. 5,000. The Commission can authorise any of its members to act as an adjudicating officer for this purpose. In case of non-supply of the entitled quantities of foodgrains or meals to entitled persons, such persons will be entitled to a food security allowance from the state government, as prescribed by the central government. 6. Other Provisions PDS Reforms In Chapter VII, the Bill states that central and state governments shall endeavour to progressively undertake various PDS reforms, including: doorstep delivery of foodgrains; ICT applications and end-to-end computerisation; leveraging aadhaar (UID) for unique identification of entitled beneficiaries; full transparency of records; preference to public institutions or bodies in licensing of fair price shops; management of fair price shops by women or their collectives; diversification of commodities distributed under the PDS; full transparency of records; and introducing schemes such as cash transfer, food coupons or other schemes to the targeted beneficiaries in lieu of their foodgrain entitlements as prescribed by the central government. Obligations of Government and Local Authorities The main obligation of the Central Government is to provide foodgrains (or, failing that, funds) to state governments, at prices specified in Schedule I, to implement the main entitlements. It also has to provide assistance to state governments to meet local distribution costs, but on its own terms (as may be prescribed). The Central Government has wide-ranging powers to make Rules. The main obligation of state governments is to implement the relevant schemes, in accordance with the guidelines issued by the Central Government. State governments also have wide-ranging powers to make Rules. They are free to extend benefits and entitlements beyond what is prescribed in the Bill, from their own resources. Local Authorities and Panchayati Raj Institutions are responsible for proper implementation of the act in their respective areas, and may be given additional responsibilities by notification. 7. Schedules The Bill has three schedules (these can be amended by notification). Schedule 1 prescribes issue prices for the PDS. Schedule 2 prescribes nutritional standards for midday meals, take-home rations and related entitlements. For instance, take-home rations for children aged 6 months to 3 years should provide at least 500 calories and 12-15 grams of protein. Schedule 3 lists various provisions for advancing food security, under three broad headings: (1) revitalization of agriculture (e.g. agrarian reforms, research and development, remunerative prices), (2) procurement, storage and movement of foodgrains (e.g. decentralised procurement), and (3) other provisions (e.g. drinking water, sanitation, health care, and adequate pensions for senior citizens, persons with disability and single women).

1. Preliminaries The Bill seeks to provide for food and nutritional security in human life cycle approach, by ensuring access to adequate quantity of quality food at affordable prices to people to live a life with dignity and for matters connected therewith and incidental thereto. It extends to the whole of India and shall come into force on such date as the Central Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette appoint, and different dates may be appointed for different States and different provisions of this Act. 2. Entitlements Public Distribution System (TPDS) Priority households are entitled to 5 kgs of foodgrains per person per month, and Antyodaya households to 35 kgs per household per month. The combined coverage of Priority and Antyodaya households (called eligible households) shall extend up to 75% of the rural population and up to 50% of the urban population. The PDS issue prices are given in Schedule I: Rs 3/2/1 for rice/wheat/ millets (actually called coarse grains in the Bill). These may be revised after three years. Childrens Entitlements For children in the age group of 6 months to 6 years, the Bill guarantees an age-appropriate meal, free of charge, through the local anganwadi. For children aged 6-14 years, one free mid-day meal shall be provided every day (except on school holidays) in all schools run by local bodies, government and government aided schools, up to Class VIII. For children below six months, exclusive breastfeeding shall be promoted. Children who suffer from malnutrition will be identified through the local anganwadiand meals will be provided to them free of charge through the local anganwadi. Entitlements of Pregnant and Lactating Women Every pregnant and lactating mother

Extracts from the bill

is entitled to a free meal at the local anganwadi(during pregnancy and six months after child birth) as well as maternity benefits of Rs 6,000, in instalments. [Notes: (1) Meal is defined in the Bill as hot cooked meal or ready to eat meal or take home ration, as may be prescribed by the Central Government. All meals have to meet nutritional norms specified in Schedule II. (2) The entitlements of women and children are to be delivered by state governments through schemes in accordance with the guidelines, including cost sharing to be prescribed by the Central Government. (3) Every school and anganwadi is to have facilities for cooking meals, drinking water and sanitation. (4) For purposes of issuing ration cards, the eldest woman in the household (not less than 18 years of age) shall be considered head of the household.] 3. Identification of Eligible Households The Bill does not specify criteria for the identification of households (Priority or Antyodaya) eligible for PDS entitlements. The Central Government is to determine the state-wise coverage of the PDS, in terms of proportion of the rural/urban population. Then numbers of eligible persons will be calculated from Census population figures. The identification of eligible households is left to state governments, subject to the schemes guidelines for Antyodaya, and subject to guidelines to be specified by the state government for Priority households. The lists of eligible households are to be placed in the public domain and displayed prominently by state governments. 4. Food Commissions The Bill provides for the creation of State Food Commissions. Each Commission shall consist of a chairperson, five other members and a member-secretary (including at least

No differences with Pawar on food bill: Congress

New Delhi The Congress said there were no differences with Agriculture Minister and NCP leader Sharad Pawar, who said that the National Food Security Bill should be debated in parliament even as the government weighed the pros and cons of bringing it through an ordinance. There is no division (in the UPA government). We have great regard for Pawar, Congress spokesperson Renuka Chowdhury told reporters when asked for the partys response on Pawars statement on the bill. The bill, United Progressive Alliance (UPA) chairperson Sonia Gandhis pet legislation, is stuck in parliament as the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) did not allow it to be debated in the Lok Sabha during the budget session, which ended May 8. The BJP wanted Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to resign over the faulty allocations of coal blocks and did not allow the bill to be debated until he quits. Since then, a section of the government has been pushing the idea of implementing the provisions of the bill through an ordinance, which too will have to pass parliaments scrutiny. Pawar said in Mumbai Friday that he favoured the bill but wanted it to be debated in parliament, indicating his opposition to an ordinance. I am in favour of approving the food bill through discussion in parliament, which is the highest forum, Pawar told reporters. However, he clarified: The issue is how, whether through ordinance or debate in parliament. I am not opposed to the bill, he said. In the past, Pawar has expressed his reservations on the bill, saying it would entail a huge subsidy burden on the exchequer, and could harm the interests of the farmers. The bill aims to provide subsidised grains to around 67 percent of Indias 1.2 billion people numbering around 800 million. It is seen as a big ticket legislation of the Congress-led UPA government and could prove to be a game changer ahead of the 2014 general elections. The government has also been toying with the idea of calling a special session of parliament to pass the bill but the BJP has shot down the idea saying it would rather prefer advancing the monsoon session, scheduled July-Aug, for this. Congress sources said since the bill has a large number of amendments (71) and has to be implemented by the state governments, parliament is the best forum to approve it rushing it through via the ordinance route. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kamal Nath has been holding informal talks with opposition leaders to evolve a consensus on the bill.

Special Session
put the bill
BJP wants proper debate on food security bill Show resolve to ensure
Voicing concern over the ruling United Progressive Alliance (UPA) governments plan to bring ordinances to enact the legislation, he said the government should not play a cruel joke on the people. Referring to the proposal to convene a special session of parliament to pass the bills, the BJP chief said the monsoon session should be advanced. Responding to party leader Yashwant Sinha describing the Food Security Bill as a disaster and an assault on the federal system of India, Rajnath Singh said the bill should be debated and passed with certain amendments. In Delhi, BJP general secretary Rajiv Pratap Rudy said the party was prepared to support the Food Security Bill after a debate in parliament. He said the government should not promulgate an ordinance on the bill. He said the Congresss ally Nationalist Congress Party had expressed reservations over aspects of the bill. Rudy said the bill should be debated to ensure that the government does not bring it only to earn brownie points. Rudy claimed that some of flagship programmes of the government, including the national rural employment guarantee scheme, had failed to meet their stated objectives. The government should not betray people again to get political brownie points (through the bill). We do not want the bill to be passed without debate. There should not be an ordinance. If the government is in a hurry, it can call session of parliament this month, Rudy said. Rajnath Singh took exception to the governments allegation that the BJP was stalling parliament and said it was the governments responsibility to run parliament smoothly. Had the ministers for railways and law resigned when the BJP demanded it during the budget session, the food security and land acquisition bills would have been passed, he said. Why did the two ministers resign later if our demand was not justified? he asked. The BJP chief accused the UPA government of failure on all fronts and wondered why it was celebrating completion of its nine-year rule. He alleged that the Congress party was politicising even the Maoist attack on its leaders in Chhattisgarh by holding the states BJP government responsible. The state government is responsible for law and order and not Maoist activity, which is a national problem, he said. Rajnath Singh, who is in Hyderabad to address a public meeting on Telangana Monday evening, said the BJP would ensure formation of a Telangana state within a year if voted to power in New Delhi. Claiming that the party delivered whatever it promised, he said it had carved out three states in north India to fulfill its promise. He accused the Congress of repeatedly betraying the people of Telangana by going back on its word for formation of a separate state. New Delhi The CPI-M asked the government to show special resolve -- instead of convening a special session of parliament -- to ensure food security to the people. What is required is not a special session of parliament; what is required is a special resolve by the government to provide genuine food security to the people, the Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) said. An editorial in the partys mouthpiece Peoples Democracy demanded that adequate allocation must be made to make the public distribution system or PDS universal to help the poor in the country. It pointed out that when the UPA-II government took office in 2009, then president Pratibha Patil had, on behalf of the government, pledged to legislate the Food Security Bill within 100 days. More than four years have passed since then. The government has not managed to bring such a bill (in) parliament. There was nobody to stop the government from doing so. In other words, the government has nobody to blame but itself for not fulfilling its own promise to the country and the people.

CHANDIGARH SUNDAY 09 June 2013

13

D SECURITY BILL, 2013

New Delhi The government has remembered the food security bill just as elections have neared, the BJP said while stressing that it was opposed to an ordinance and wanted an early monsoon session to debate the issue. Amid speculation that the government had prepared a draft ordinance on the food security bill, BJP vice president Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said the government had itself delayed the passing of the bill and wanted to avoid a discussion. The government could have got the bill passed when it was pushing FDI (foreign direct investment) in retail. For the past nine years, the government has been working for corruption security. Now when the elections have come near, it has remembered the food security bill, Naqvi told IANS. They must hold the monsoon session early to pass the bill, he said. The move to bring an ordinance on the issue would mean that the government wants to avoid the debate and go for early polls. We want a healthy discussion; why is the government running away from discussion? There is no consensus in the UPA on the bill, Naqvi said. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) wants the monsoon session of parliament to be advanced to debate and pass the food security and land acquisition bills with some amendments. BJP president Rajnath Singh told reporters in Hyderabad that the party was ready for debate on both the bills. We want the bills to be passed with some amendments, he said.

a life with dignity and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto. g to the National Family Health Survey 2005-06, 40.4 per cent of children under the age of three are underweight, 33 per cent of women in the age group of 15-49 have a body e National Advisory Council (NAC) proposal for a National Food Security Bill is perhaps the most important national effort yet to address these deficiencies in India.

food security, CPI-M says

The CPI-M accused the government of trying to derive political capital by making the issue of convening a special session of parliament to enact the legislation on food security an agenda for media speculation. It said the government decision to provide 25 kg of foodgrain in all -rice at Rs.3 a kg, wheat at Rs.2 a kg and millets at Re.1 a kg -- was simply inadequate to eliminate hunger and malnutrition. Any meaningful food security is only possible when all families in the country -- at least 90 percent -- are provided 35 kg of foodgrains at prices not exceeding Rs.2 per kg. Any measure short of this cannot provide comprehensive food security for our people. The editorial also found fault with the government move to provide cash to the poor to buy foodgrains. This, it said, would render the the public distribution system superfluous. This is because the government would ask the people to buy their requirements from the open market against the cash that has been delivered to them. This is the classic recipe for the dismantling of the public distribution system.

Congress core group discusses food bill, Telangana

New Delhi The Congress core committee met to discuss ways to pass the National Food Security Bill, which is stuck in parliament, said party sources. According to party sources, the core committee, including Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and party chief Sonia Gandhi, will meet again next week to further review the issue. The core group discussed whether to bring an ordinance or to debate the bill in parliament. The bill, Sonia Gandhis pet legislation, is stuck in parliament as the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) did not allow it to be debated in the Lok Sabha during the budget session, which ended May 8. The BJP wanted the Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to resign over the faulty allocations of coal mines. The core group also discussed the vexed issue of creating a separate Telangana out of Andhra Pradesh, said the sources. The Congress has lost three leaders over the issue, who have joined the Telangana Rashtra Samithi. Chances of government formation with the help of Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) in Jharkhand, which is under presidents rule, also came up for discussion at the core group but no decision was taken, said the sources. Earlier in the day Jharkhand state unit chief Sukhdeo Bhagat and leader of Congress legislative party met party general secretary in charge Shakeel Ahmed. Congress MLAs from the tribal state have earlier suggested to the central leadership to form a government with JMM support but there are different opinions on the issue, said party sources.

14
Mumbai They were a couple who parted ways but mended their relationship and reunited as friends. No one really knows what exactly happened between them but Deepika Padukone candidly admits that her exboyfriend Ranbir Kapoor has always been very special to her. The two have reunited in real life and reel life after five years and, interestingly, their second film together, Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani (YJHD), is reaping gold at the box office and audiences are loving their on-screen chemistry too. I have always believed that chemistry cant be created between two people. You either have it or you dont. The script can only enhance it. I am glad that Ranbir and I do, said Deepika, who was seen with Ranbir in 2008 hit Bachna Ae Haseeno. He has been a very special person for me in my life. I am glad that we share an on- screen chemistry. I am looking forward to doing more films with him, the 27-year-old told in an interview. Among the newcomers, Deepika is one of the top notch actresses in Bollywood but she believes in competiting with herself. I think it completely depends on what each ones understanding of competition is. For me, competition is good; that is what keeps me on my toes and keeps me going. I am always trying to better my own work, do better than my earlier films...do films that are challenging and exciting for me. That is my competition, she said. What does success mean to her? At some level, I feel it is nice to know that a film of yours is doing well at the box office and has also got great reviews. That feels like success, she explained. The best feeling is when you are remembered for the character you play on the screen and people associate you with that character. There is no better feeling than that feeling, added the actress of hits like Love Aaj Kal, Housefull, and Cocktail. Coming from a sports background, the actress, who started her career in Hindi films with runaway 2007 hit Om Shanti Om, says that the position she enjoys in the industry didnt just land in my lap. I have worked really hard with a lot of commitment, dedication and sacrifice. But it is not like a race. I am not looking at the finishing line. The opportunities in this industry are limitless and the idea is to always do something new and exciting and enjoy your work, she added. In most of her films, Deepika has portrayed roles that are close to todays youth. If her character Veronica in Cocktail was appreciated by the audiences, her popularity has multiplied manifold after her performance as Naina in Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewnani. In terms of what was more challenging, it was Veronica. But I think I have got more appreciation for this film (Yeh Jawaani...), she said. While I feel like a lot of people

CELEB
have loved me as Veronica, they love this (Naina) even more, which I find surprising as for me Veronica was more challenging and is completely against the type of person I am. For me, Naina Talwar is the person I am. I completely identify with that character, she said. The actress is playing special roles in her forthcoming films Chennai Express and Ram Leela. The next two films are very special. I play a south Indian girl in Chennai Express and a Gujarati in Ram Leela. I wont go into the details of the characters or the films. These two films will be different from what we have done before, she said, and signed off saying: I want to enjoy t h e success of YJHD.
IANS

CHANDIGARH SUNDAY 09 June 2013

Ranbir has been very special for me: Deepika Padukone Actress Esther
Williams dies

Lapataganj back on public demand

Los Angeles Actress Esther Williams, known as The Mermaid of Hollywood, died Thursday at her home in Beverly Hills, California, her publicist announced. She was 91. The star of classic films such as Ziegfeld Follies (1945), Neptunes Daughter (1949) and Take Me Out to the Ball Game (1949), but above all Bathing Beauty (1944), Williams was one of the great stars of MGM Studios. The specialty of Williams, a swimmer who aspired to participate in the Olympic Games, were the aquatic movie ballets of the 1940s and 50s, very popular for their mixture of romance, music, a little comedy and not much in the way of a plot. Her bathing suit-clad publicity photo was one of the favourite pin-ups of US soldiers during World War II. Over the course of her career, she appeared in films along with movie icons such as Gene Kelly, Frank Sinatra, Red Skelton, Ricardo Montalban and Howard Keel. After the demise of the big studios and the costly musicals, she tried to reinvent herself as an actress in nonswimming roles, although without much success. After her 1962 marriage to Fernando Lamas, her co-star in Dangerous When Wet, she decided to withdraw from public life. Williams had been confined to a wheelchair for years after a fall, but she remained active and enjoyed taking dips in her swimming pool heated by solar power, according to what her fourth husband, Edward Bell, told EFE in August 2011.

Nasha director: Poonam effortless in front of camera

New Delhi After a successful 850 episodes, Lapataganj went off the air. The comedy show is now back with a leap of six years and the makers say they have brought the second season at viewers request. The new season is titled Lapataganj Ek Baar Phir! and it will show residents of the town getting access to facilities like water, electricity and mobile phone and how in spite of the minimal supply, they continue to live a contented life. The beloved couple Indumati (Sucheta Khanna) and Mukundi (Rohitashv Gaur) will continue to play the protagonists alongside popular characters such as Kachua Chacha (Vineet Kumar), Chukundi (Sanjay Chaudhury), Eiji and Biji Pandey (Abbas Khan), Surili (Aditi Telang), Mishri Mausi (Subhangi Gokhale), Chotu Mama (Anoop Upadhyay), Elizabeth Yadav (Krishna Bhatt) and Lallanji (Rakesh Shrivastav). Anooj Kapoor, EVP and business head, SAB TV, said: The show is back on public demand. We received numerous requests from our viewers to bring back the show and the characters that had won them over with their performances. The show will have a leap of six years. We now have ATM and mobile phone and there are a few new characters added to it but it will have the same old flavour, Kapoor added. In the new season, Rohitashvs character gets a promotion. He gets a new scooter and adds a new floor to his old house. Rohitashv said: I always knew the show would be back. The show relates to every household in some way. Sucheta, excited with the comeback of the show, said: This is the most successful character of my career. I am delighted to be part of the show again. The show will go on air June 10 at 10 p.m. on SAB TV.

Mumbai Director Amit Saxena praises Poonam Pandey for being effortless in front of the camera and says she made his work easier while shooting Nasha. Poonam, who made headlines during the 2011 Cricket World Cup when she offered to go nude before Team India if they won the trophy, is making her Bollywood debut with Nasha. I was completely blown by the tal-

ent she (Poonam Pandey) has, by the talent that was on display and it was effortless. She was absolutely effortless, Saxena said here Wednesday during the first look launch of the film. There was not a single moment when I felt that I am working with a newcomer or I have to be extra careful - nothing! She made it such a wonderful ride for me, added Saxena, who had earlier helmed erotic thriller Jism.

Produced by Aditya Bhatia, Nasha, an adult film, is a passionate love story between an 18-year-old boy and a 25-year-old girl. Saxena calls Nasha a coming of age movie. The whole film is from the point of view of an 18-year-old boy. It is as innocent and as sensuous as an 18-year-old boy would imagine it to be. Nothing more, nothing less, Saxena said. Nasha is slated to release July 26.

CHANDIGARH SUNDAY 09 June 2013

CELEB

15

Gulaab Gang team celebrates womens triumphs

Too young to go, Bollywood mourns Jiah Khans death

New Delhi The team of forthcoming movie Gulaab Gang, which is based on the real life story of womens grit and determination, has launched BELIEVE, a campaign that celebrates the triumphs of womens heroism. Gulaab Gang, directed by Soumik Sen, is loosely based on Uttar Pradesh-based social activist Sampat Pal and her Gulabi Gang, which works towards liberation of women in the state. Madhuri Dixit and Juhi Chawla, who play pivotal roles in the film, believe their work should inspire audiences. As a creative artist, my job has been to inspire audiences with art and films Im part of. And the campaign allows me to present before you stories that are inspiring for us all. I look forward to saluting the unknown heroines of the country, Madhuri said in a statement. An initiative by Benaras Mediaworks in association with Gulaab Gang, the campaign will bring forth stories of valour from across the country and talk about unheard stories and unsung heroines. The campaign will invite entries of

women across the country who have battled odds and emerged victorious. The entries will be analysed by a panel of eminent personalities from varied walks of life, who will select 20 stories of inspiration that the nation must hear of. These inspiring stories will be adapted into short films. Juhi Chawla said: BELIEVE ties in beautifully with the theme of the film - in life too, women managing homes, families and careers, face challenges and discrimination everyday. Its always inspiring and uplifting to know a real story of real women who have overcome hardships, extreme hardships and come out as winners. Producer Anubhav Sinha says that Gulaab Gang is an attempt to inspire women to fight for their freedom from social injustice or stigma. Women continue to be oppressed, marginalised, and violated every single day. However, despite adverse climes that women in this nation are subject to, we see shining examples of some who have blazed the trail and against all odds have emerged victorious to show us that the term weaker sex is an absolute mistake, said Sinha.

Mumbai The full of life Nafisa alias Jiah Khan was too young to go, tweeted the Nishabd actress Bollywood colleagues, wondering what led the 25-year-old to take the extreme step of committing suicide. The Britain-born actress was found hanging at her flat in Sagar Sangeet Building in the posh Juhu area of northwest Mumbai around midnight. Having made her Hindi film debut in 2007 opposite Amitabh Bachchan in the controversial Nishabd, she went on to feature in films like Ghajini and Housefull. Megastar Amitabh Bachchan called the news unbelievable, while actress Dia Mirza, who was among the firsts to tweet about Jiahs death, posted: This is no way to go. Heres what her friends and colleagues from showbiz posted on Twitter: Amitabh Bachchan: WHAT ...!!! Jiah Khan??? What has happened? Is this correct? Unbelievable! Dia Mirza: I was too shocked to say more last night. This is NO WAY to

go! Life is too precious. The worst phases pass. THEY DO. Never give up! #Jiah Sonam Kapoor: Terrible tragedy. Very very shocking and disturbing news. Nobody should be in so much pain and a state of such hopelessness. I hope her soul finds some respite in death. Shruti Haasan: RIP Jiah Khan - so sad to hear this news this morning. May she find her happiness somewhere. Anupam Kher: Jiah Khan was full of life when I worked with her long time back. So sad that something drove her to take this extreme step. Riteish Deshmukh: Worked with Jiah in Housefull. She was full of life and had incredible sense of humour. She was a friend and will miss her. Am deeply saddened Shahid Kapoor: Shocked and saddened to hear about Jiah Khan. Very disturbing. Bipasha Basu: RIP Jiah Khan! God bless her soul! Amrita Arora RIP Jiah khan... Too young too beautiful to be gone so

soon! Celina Jaitly: Cannot fathom what led her to such an unfortunate end... what must she be going through. Rest in peace in arms of God Jiah. Adieu! Sonu Sood: Shocked by Jiah Khans news. Had met her recently, was full of life...too early to go. RIP. Manoj Bajpayee: Its shocking to hear that a young one has commited suicide. May your soul rest in peace Jiah Khan! Too young to go. Neha Dhupia: Shocked and saddened by the news. Gone way too soon. RIP Jiah Khan Kunal Kohli: What she mustve gone through to take such a step well never know. May her soul rest in peace. Jiah Khan. Aditi Rao Hydari: Very sad news about Jiah khan. Makes me feel vulnerable. Its a strange world. Rohit Roy: Woke up to the terribly sad news about Nafisa. Such a sweet girl. No age and surely no way to go. Arshad Warsi: Shocked to hear about Jiah Khan, she was too young to give up on life.

My first failure in Bollywood affected me: Neha Sharma

Mumbai After making a successful debut in southern cinema with Chirutha, Neha Sharma was disappointed when her Bollywood debut Crook bombed at the box office. She says she was in denial after that. Honestly, my first (southern) film was a huge hit, so I didnt expect my first film here (in Bollywood) to fail. I had seen that high in life and didnt know that this was a possibility too. When it didnt do well, I was in denial and disappointed. I was obviously living in a cocoon, Neha told IANS in an interview. I want to do good work. The first failure affected me. That is why I did Kyaa Super Kool Hain Hum, said the actress and added that she wouldnt have done the adult comedy had her first film worked. Its something that I would not have done as it is like going out of my comfort zone. But I was like if this is what works, then why not do this, she explained. It is important for newcomers, who dont have film background, to have box office success. You have to have box office success then only people will show interest in you. This is something, which surprises me. I dont think it is about talent or looks, it is primarily about box office success, she said. But she doesnt take success or failure seriously any more. I have done four films and I understand it is not something that you can control. It is part of the business. No actor can just have failures and no actor can just have successes, she said. I dont get af fected whether a film does well or it doesnt. But you do want your films to do well as you put in a lot of hard work, she added. Her next is Deols Ya m l a P a g l a Deewana 2, which is coming out June 7. Directed by Sangeeth Sivan, the film also stars Dharmendra as well as his two sons - Sunny and Bobby. She nurtured the dream of being a fashion d e s i g n e r and acting just happened along the way. I always wanted to be a designer and I loved clothes and everything to do with it. When I got a Telugu film, it happened out of the blue ... at that point of time, I didnt realise how big it was. I really enjoyed my journey. Then I was like this was exactly what I want to do, she said.

Will Smiths wife wont let gossip ruin marriage

Los Angeles Actress Jada Smith, who is married to actor Will Smith, says gossip has destroyed marriages and she has been affected too. But now she takes it with a pinch of salt. I have been affected by gossip and I know people who have been too. Ive seen marriages destroyed by gossip. It is cruel, Redbook magazine quoted Jada as saying. At the end of the day, all that matters is do you love what you see when you look in the mirror? That is it, baby, she added. Jada, who married Will in 1997, also said that they trust each other and made those vows for life, reports entertainmentwise.com. What is the thing that Will could do to make me not love him? That would make me abandon him? I cant think of one. Im sorry. Except if he did something bad to the kids, said the Matrix actress. She also tends to find magic in day-to-day activities. Elaborating on them, she said: Picking Willow (daughter) up from her girlfriends house at 9:30 p.m., and enjoying that ride together, then stopping at 7-Eleven to get some ice cream as a family.

16
w E E K L Y H O
Though mental strain cannot be ruled out, but week starts with improvement in financial situation. Avoid litigation at all cost. Hot ARIES temper can ruin your Mar 21-Apr 19 mood so try to maintain calm. Your siblings will be supportive. Communication is the key to success. Try to maintain cordial relations with spouse and business partners. Remedies for Ketu and Rahu is suggested.

LEISURE
R O S C O
Some good news will cherish your mood. Health will be good. Govt. related matters will be solved. People TAURUS in hospitality and Apr 20 - May 20 artistic field will have a good week. Gain from property and buying of vehicle is also indicated. Servants may give you some trouble. Remedy for Ketu is suggested. Focus on health. Avoid any kind of illegal activity. Your enemies will be defeated. Financial position will improve SCORPIO a Oct 23 - Nov 21 bit. Single can expect good marriage proposals this week. People in government jobs can expect promotion. Be cautious about hidden enemies. Remedy for Sani and Rahu is suggested. All is well this week for the Gemini people. Good health, good income and good luck and good What GEMINI business. May 21 - Jun 20 more can you ask for. Expenses can be high on luxury. Avoid speculation. Minor stomach upset is seen. Remedies for Rahu and Sani is suggested.
Health will be good, mood will be happy, job status will rise. Hurdles will be removed. Your enemies will be deSAGITTARIUS feated. Teachers Nov 22 - Dec 21 can expect a very good week. People in government and Authority will be very supportive. Business will improve. Avoid short cuts to gain money. Strengthening of Jupiter and remedies for Sani and Rahu is indicated.

CHANDIGARH SUNDAY 09 June 2013

Panchang in Brief: Moon, Sun and Mars in Taurus, Venus, Jupiter and Mercury in Gemini, Ketu in Aries, Sani and Rahu in Libra. Nakshatra is Mrigshira.
If planning to go overseas, time is good. Venus and Jupiter in you twelfth house indicate comforts. Sun CANCER and Mars in eleventh Jun 21 - Jul 22 are highly beneficial for any govt. related matter, property etc. Property related matter could be solved amicably. Remedies for Rahu and Ketu is suggested. Gain from speculation is seen. Transfer in job cannot be ruled out. If single proposal for CAPRICORN marriage is on the Dec 22 - Jan 19 cards. Yoy might spend on luxury and property. Health of mother could be of concern. Medico professional can expect a good week. Remedies for Ketu and Rahu is suggested. Rise in status is seen. Income will improve with promotion. Friends will be very supportive. People in government jobs Jul 23 - Aug. 22 and Medical industry can expect a good week. Property matters will yield good results. Buying of vehicle or property is indicated. Worshiping of Sun and Remedies for Sani and Ketu is suggested. If planning to relocate or buying property or new vehicle, time is good. Promotion is indicated. Elders and friends will be very supportive. TeachVIRGO ers and can expect a good Aug. 23 - Sep 22 week. Litigation will be in your favor. Take care of your valuables. Remedies for Sani and Rahu is suggested.
People in import-export business can expect a good week. Health is good and so will be the income, but you must take utmost care of your as theft or PISCES valuables Feb 19 - Mar 20 misplacement is seen. Buying of property or vehicle is indicated. People in hotel industry and education can expect good week. Communication will yield good results. Strengthening of Jupiter and Remedies for Ketu is suggested.

LEO

Do not do anything illegal, otherwise you can land into trouble. Avoid litigation at all cost. LIBRA Foreign contacts Sep 23 - Oct 22 will be helpful. A foreign journey also cannot be ruled out. Gain from property is seen. Business will be average. Some gain from inheritance. Remedies of Rahu and Ketu is suggested.

Foreign contacts and friends will be very supportive this week. Your siblings will do well. Gain in speculaFinance will imAQUARIUS tion. Jan 20 - Feb. 18 prove. Business will be good. Love life will be good. A visit to a holy place or a foreign journey is on the cards. Property related matters need attention. Remedy for Sani and Rahu is indicated.

V. Kumar (Scientific Horoscope Consultant) You can consult him with Appointment on: 9855150789; 9592095234
DOWN 1. Levin and Gershwin 2. Fender-bender result 3. Shoestring 4. Came forth 5. ______ span 6. Portal 7. Above, in verse 8. UFO pilot 9. Classical composition 10. Hastened 11. 14th letters 16. Cut 19. Misdeed 21. Worried 22. Lament 23. Poker bet 24. Seeded breads 25. Roof part 26. Beast 27. Promissory note 31. Limber up 33. Hit lightly 34. Tortoises opponent 36. Cindy Crawford, e.g. 39. Assistant 40. _______ code 41. Budget item 42. Gels 43. Quiet! 44. Baked dessert 45. Companion

ACROSS 1. At leisure 5. Turmoil 8. Farm unit 12. Paper measure 13. Babys piggy 14. Mortgage 15. Forefather 17. Small hotels 18. Stricter 19. Dry, as wine 20. Card game 21. Movie house 24. Party after a wedding 28. Director_____ Howard 29. Houses lot 30. Charged particle 31. Right now! 32. Adams companion 33. Type of phone (hyph.) 35. Sailor 37. Pitcher handle 38. Apex 39. In_____ ( late with payment) 43.Potato 45. Coniferous evergreen (2 wds.) 46. Give a job to 47. Refreshing drink 48. Copper coin 49. Loaf end 50. Was ahead 51. Sombreros

Crossword Solution 02 June, 2013

1 T 12 A 15 L 18 E 2 A L A S 3 P E R S 21 P I R E 4 E R R 5 S T Y 19 H 22 A S I N 36 I 38 P 45 A 49 P 52 A 39 A C E D 40 I R A S N E 46 A 40 B 53 E 23 R E E D S 34 S L 41 O S A N 37 A R E A S 35 N N E 47 S 51 H 54 E 48 T A N E S 6 S 13 N 16 A I L 7 T A T T L 27 E 24 E N 32 D E D 8 A P T 17 E 20 N L A R G E 28 C O A R 42 S E S T 29 T N T 30 S E E 9 A 14 C M E 10 R I P S 11 M A T T

1 12 15 18

4 16

5 13

8 14 17 19

10 11

20 24 25 26 29 32 35 38 43 44 46 49 45 47 50 36 39 33 30 27

21 28 31 34 37

22 23

25 A 31 M 33 A

26 R A M

43 P E T E

44 A P E R

40 41 42 48 51

Never argue with an idiot. They drag you down to their level then beat you with experience.

Sudoku Solution 02 June, 2013

Paralysed but not helpless - And The Fight Goes On

Thiruvananthapuram Paralysed from the neck down for the last 25 years, this former fighter pilot has become an inspiration for many. The story of M.P. Anil Kumar, who has refused to give up on life, is now out in a documentary fittingly called And The Fight Goes On. Anil met with a road accident in 1988 and has since been at the militarys Paraplegic Rehabilitation Centre in Pune. But Anil held out. Over the years, he learned to use a computer with a special stick that he holds in his mouth and now writes articles. An initiative by his classmates, the 30-minute documentary tells the world that nothing can beat determination. I had no clue who this person was when I was told that I have to make a film Socrates Valath, director of the documentary, told IANS. The producer told me on our way to Pune that only his neck can move. When I saw him, all I did was to look at his eyes and nowhere else. We felt instant liking for each other. The director is proud that he made the film because it tells the tale of a really determined character who has fought his way in the worst of his times. I will never speak about the creativity part of the film, even though I am a director because the film talks about a super personality and this should be seen by all, on how simple he makes his life look, added Valath. Anil, from the 1981 batch of the Sainik School in Thiruvananthapuram, was always good in academics. He passed the 65th Course in NDA, Khadakvasala, with flying colours - being adjudged the best Air Force cadet and also won a gold medal for aerobatics before becoming a fighter pilot. The Maharashtra government had included Anils journey in a Class 10 English textbook, while the Kerala government included it in the Class 7 English textbook.

Sudoku 09 June, 2013

His classmate and producer K.S. Haridas said it was not easy to convince Anil to face the camera for the documentary. It was with great difficulty we convinced him for the film because he is not so keen about any sort of publicity, said Haridas, who has decided to send the film to as many documentary film festivals as pos-

sible. Made in both English and Malayalam, his classmates want to premiere it at their alma mater Old Boys Association reunion meeting at the end of the month. In December, we are planning to have our batch get-together at Pune so that Anil can attend, said Haridas.

CHANDIGARH SUNDAY 09 June 2013

REVIEW
Movie

17 Lootera Music A Romantic journey

tacharya in a beautiful, magical way. The song can be enjoyed best while alone. There is no glamour in the song and it touches the listener in a romantic way. Shikayatein brings a sense of freedom. The duet by Mohan Kanan and Amitabh Bhattacharya brings novelty in the music scene. The chorus has been giving a lot of attention and space in the song and the drums join in to make it foottapping.

Yamla Pagla Deewana 2

Sufi flavour marks 14th Annual Sangeet Mahotsav

Music

Director: Sangeeth Sivan Producer: Dharmendra Cast: Dharmendra, Sunny Deol, Bobby Deol as Gajodhar Singh, Neha Sharma, Kristina Akheeva, Anupam Kher Yamla Pagla Deewana 2 movie is the sequel to the 2011 hit film, Yamla Pagla Deewana. `Yamla Pagla Deewana 2` has something for everybody, the sequel to this mad comedy has abundant doses of action and romance. The twisted trios are back with a bang except they are funnier, crazier and make tigers look like whimpering cats. The film opens in Scotland, travels to Varanasi and eventually makes its way to UK. Apart from the Deol brothers and Dharmendra, `YPD` stars Neha

Sharma, Kristina Akheeva, Anupam Kher, Annu Kapoor, Johny Lever, Sucheta Khanna and Gulshan Grover in supporting roles. Story The super-hit trio of Dharam (Dharmendra), Paramveer (Sunny Deol) and Gajodhar (Bobby Deol) reunite, this time in the United Kingdom! Paramveer opens up the Yamla Pagla Deewana club and re-encounters a visit with Dharam and Gajodhar, after their last presence in Canada. Now, the trio are back with double the masti, double the fun, double the action, with the presence of an fool (Johnny Lever), and double the romance, with the Suman (Neha Sharma), and Paramveers love Reet (Kristina Akheeva).

New Delhi Singer Kavita Seths soulful voice and percussionist Bickram Ghoshs talent gave Delhi audiences a flavour of Sufism at the Legends of India 14th Annual Sangeet Mahotsav. The two-day musical extravaganza, held at the Kamani Auditorium from June 1-2 here, saw the two artists enthralling the audience with their performances. The opening day was marked by Seths rendition of compositions like Iktara and Tum hi ho Bandhu. Ghosh, on the second day, introduced a Sufusion first time concept at the fest. Sufusion, a jamming session, was set on perfectly by Ghosh, who teamed up with a new find, Sufi singer Parvati Kumari, for it. This fusion had different Sufi styles merged with riveting rhythms and age-old traditions reinterpreted through the help of technology-induced sound designing. The evening was dedicated to the late sitar maestro Ravi Shankar and filmmaker Rituparno Ghosh, who died recently.

Composer: Amit Trivedi Singers: Monali Thakur, Amitabh Bhattacharya, Mohan Kanan, Swanand Kirkire, Amit Trivedi, and Shilpa Rao The music of director Vikramaditya Motwanes Lootera is like a breath of fresh air. With six tracks in its kitty, the album has been composed by Amit Trivedi with time and patience. Not for once does the music go out of tune. Sawaar loon opens the album. Sung by Monali Thakur, the song becomes more interesting as it progresses. Melodious and rhythmic, it talks about a girls dreams. The composer tries to break away from the usual music by using a lot of different instruments. The lyrics weave a melodious story. Ankahee, sung by Amitabh Bhat-

Monta re by Amitabh and Swanand Kirkire gives a regional and classic, Infused with Bengali lyrics, the song talks about an innocent heart which has lost its way. An interesting composition. Zinda, a song that has mass appeal as it talks about melancholy in a very poetic and beautiful way with Amit Trivedi behind the mike. It has a strong guitar riff, which brings passion to the song. Towards the end, it turns grandiose with the music going to a higher notch. Manmarziya sung by Shilpa Rao, Amitabh and Amit, the romance is toned down in the song. A soothing track, it does not lack in melody. Lootera has fine compositions. No item numbers, no discotheqsue peppy tracks. It is a relaxed compilation of songs. It may not appeal to those looking for upbeat numbers, but it finds a connect with lovers of soft and romantic music. All the songs are high on imagination and have a story to tell. Trivedi meets the expectations of his fans.

It Started With A Friend Request Realize emotions like never before

when it ends?Akash is young, single, and conservative with a preference for girls with brains than in miniskirts. One day, he runs into freespirited Aleesha at a local discotheque. A Mass Media student, Aleesha is a pampered brat, the only child of her parents who dote on her. This brief meeting leads them to exchange their BlackBerry pins and they begin chatting regularly. As BlackBerry plays cupid, they fall in love. When they hit a rough patch in their life, Aditya, Akashs close pal, guides them through it.But just when they are about to take their relationship to the next level, a sudden misfortune strikes. Can Aditya bring Akashs derailed life back on track? It Started with a Friend Request is a true story which will make you believe in love like you never knew before.

Book

Amitabh Bachchan to star in TV fiction show

About the Author

Author : Sudeep Nagarkar Publisher: Random House Why dont we feel the moment when we fall in love but always remember

Sudeep Nagarkar is the author of two bestselling novels - Few Things Left Unsaid (2011) and Thats the Way We Met (2012). Sudeeps books are inspired from real life incidents. They have been translated into regional languages and continue to top the bestseller charts. He has a degree in Electronics Engineering from Mumbai University and is currently pursuing management studies from Welingkar Institute of Management. He is also a motivational speaker and has given guest lectures in various institutes and organizations. He resides in Mumbai.

Mumbai Megastar Amitabh Bachchan will soon be seen acting in a TV fiction show. The actor views this as another opportunity to connect with the audiences. I look at this as another chance to connect with audiences, he said at the launch of the show .The

show has been directed by Anurag Kashyap and will be produced by Bachchans Saraswati creations and Endemol. We wanted to do something different and we are still figuring it out right now. It is too early for me to say anything about the story, Kashyap said, who was also present at the event.

18

SCIENCE AND TECH

CHANDIGARH SUNDAY 09 June 2013

Lower brightness of smartphones to get good sleep

Washington A recent study has shown that dimming the brightness of lit devices like smartphones and tablets could facilitate a good nights sleep. The study by research group Mayo Clinic suggests that dimming the smartphone or tablet brightness and holding the device at least 14 inches from the face while using it can reduce its potential to interfere with melatonin and impede sleep, reports Science Daily. Melatonin is a hormone that helps control the natural sleep-wake cycle. The findings are part of several other studies by Mayo Clinic, which are being presented at SLEEP 2013, the annual meeting of Associated Professional Sleep Societies, underway in Baltimore. Earlier, people would go to bed and

Tablet for intermediate students launched

Scientists to retrace 100-year old Antarctica expedition

read a book. Well, now much more commonly people go to bed and they have their tablet on which they read a book or they read a newspaper or theyre looking at material, said study co-author Lois Krahn, a psy-

chiatrist and sleep expert at Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale, Arizona. The problem is that it is a lit device, and how problematic is the light source from the mobile device, the researcher adds.

Group searches for two ships lost near Peru in 1615

Sydney Scientists will retrace Sir Douglas Mawsons 1911-14 expedition to gthe Antarctica in November, the University of New South Wales (UNSW) announced Tuesday. A team of 46 researchers and wouldbe explorers will set out from Hobart, the capital of Australias southern Tasmania island state, for a six-week journey to repeat measurements made by Mawsons team 100 years ago, including observations of the ocean, wildlife, weather, geology and ice cover, reported Xinhua. Antarctica remains one of the last, great unexplored regions on thr Earth. It is a unique place to monitor the health of our planet. We want to discover just how much has changed since Mawsons time, said Chris

Turney, professor at the UNSW Climate Change Research Centre. The 1.5 million AU dollars ($1.46 million) privately-funded expedition also aims to recapture and share the excitement of scientific exploration and discovery, using the latest technologies to communicate with school children and the public back home in Australia. The researchers will take measurements of the ocean water, visit subAntarctic islands where they will collect sediment cores from lakes and peat bogs, and study the wildlife. They will also drill ice cores and take geological samples to study the changing shape of the ice sheet. A drone will survey from the air and some adventurous scientists hope to venture under the ice.

Joint mentoring programme of ICFOSS, ASF

Thiruvananthapuram State-owned International Centre for Free and Open Source Software (ICFOSS) will have a joint mentoring programme with the Apache Software Foundation (ASF) to identify talented software developers from Kerala. The ASF is one of the largest and most reputed producers of Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) in the world. The programme targeted at young developers with demonstrable programming skills -including students and fresh graduates - will start off with a three-day boot camp June 1719. The programme will be led by Luciano Resende, ASF vice president, Community Development. At the end of the workshop, the participants will identify an ASF project of their interest, and then produce a software project proposal which will be short-listed for the mentoring programme by the ASF. During the three-month project-implementation phase, the participants will interact with the ASF volunteers who will help them and bring them up to speed in areas where they require support. The ASF has been participating in several mentoring initiatives around the world, and for the first time in India, its now partnering in a pilot project with ICFOSS, said Resende. ICFOSS director Satish Babu said the larger objective of the programme is to create a group of FOSS developers in Kerala who will be able to fit well into global teams.

Lima A group of researchers headed by maritime historian Jorge Ortiz Sotelo is continuing the search for two Spanish vessels that went missing along the coast south of Lima in 1615. Sotelo Monday presented a preliminary summary of his work so far, a project he began in 2010 and for which he has the support of the National Geographic Society and the Peruvian Ministry of Culture. Ortiz consulted Peruvian and Spanish archives to identify the possible locations of the ships and established a search area where four research expeditions have been undertaken with a magnetometer, a device that measures magnetic fields, and a metal detector. Eleven magnetic anomalies were found in the area that could be the remains of one or both ships, and although a visual inspection of the ocean floor has been conducted in the area no visible evidence of those wrecks was found, he said. Ortiz says that underwater archaeology still has not advanced very far in Peru. The work thats been done up to now has been ... to recover objects or search for treasure, something that, in reality, constitutes a sort of submarine grave-robbing that destroys many times more evidence than it could contribute to a better understanding of our maritime past, he said. The Santa Ana and the San Francisco were sunk in July 1615 in a clash with the fleet of Dutch pirate Joris van Spilbergen, a battle that resulted in 400 deaths.

Hyderabad IT software startup company AppThoughtz has launched an innovation tablet, iTopper, which helps students of Class 11 and 12 develop insights into various subjects, a company official said here Tuesday. Announcing the launch, Vijay Kallepalli, managing director of AppThoughtz, said: iTopper comes with a bundle of in-built applications that not only enables students to access quality content from top class publishers but evaluate their own performance through self-test

Scientists gather in Galapagos Islands to discuss evolution

method. The Hyderabad-based company said the content was aligned specifically to the teaching curriculum and approved by Cambridge University Press. Students can also prepare and take unlimited mock tests and perform better in the real time environment while preparing for intermediate, JEE, EAMCET and NEET. Priced at Rs.10,000, the product comes in four versions. The SIM version allows the students to make calls and text messages.

Quito More than a dozen scientists from the Americas and Europe gathered in Ecuadors Galapagos Islands to discuss evolution in the place that inspired 19th-century British naturalist Charles Darwin to develop his theory of the evolution of species. The scientists are attending the 3rd World Summit on Evolution on the Pacific archipelago, organizers told EFE. Spains Francisco Baquero, of the Instituto Ramon y Cajal de Investigacion Sanitaria, and Roderic Guigo, who leads a research team at the genomics center of Univer-

Glitch puts off Indian navigation satellite launch

sidad de Pompeu Fabra, are among the scientists making presentations at the conference. The summit was organized by Quitos Universidad San Francisco and is being held in Puerto Baquerizo, which is on San Cristobal Island and serves as the provincial capital. The Galapagos Islands are located about 1,000 km west of the coast of continental Ecuador and were declared a World Natural Heritage Site in 1978. Some 95 percent of the territorys 8,000 sq km constitutes a protected area that is home to more than 50 species of animals and birds found nowhere else on the planet.

Russia launches European telecom satellite

Moscow A Russian launch vehicle carrying an SES-6 telecommunications satellite Monday lifted off from Kazakhstans Baikonur space centre. The launch took place at the scheduled time - 01.18 p.m. Moscow time (09.18 GMT), a Khrunichev space company spokesperson said. The separation of the SES-6 satellite from the Briz-M booster is expected in 15.5 hours, at 04.49 Moscow time (00.49 GMT) Tuesday, he said. Built by Astrium for global satellite operator SES World Skies on Eurostar 3000 platform, the SES-6 is equipped with 43 C-band and 48 Kuband transponders and has a service life of 15 years. The satellite will enable the delivery of next generation broadcast services, including HD video distribution and mobile services, to customers in North America, Latin America, Europe and the Atlantic region, the SES

Bangalore An electrical glitch in the rocket Saturday forced the Indian space agency to put off its first regional navigation satellite (IRNSS-1A) launch June 12 by two weeks. During the checks of the polar launch satellite vehicle (PSLVC22), an anomaly was noticed in one of the electro-hydraulic control actuators in the second stage, the state-run Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) said in a statement here.

As the replacement of the actuator will need two weeks of activity at ISROs spaceport at Sriharikota off the Bay of Bengal, about 90 km from Chennai, the launch of the satellite has been delayed by a fortnight to June 26. Though the satellite has gone through all electrical checks after it was fully integrated with the rocket and ready for propellant filling, the timely detection of the glitch has made us revisit the critical component, the statement added.

said on its website. SES-6 will be the 53rd satellite in SES global fleet.

CHANDIGARH SUNDAY 09 June 2013

KIDS
IBL launches Shuttle Express

19

National spelling bee champion

Arvind, who is from New York, won the contest by correctly spelling German word knaidel, which means a small mass of leavened dough

Arvind Mahankali

hirteen-year-old Indian- American Arvind Mahankali scripted history by winning this years Scripps National Spelling Bee as children from the community dominated the prestigious contest for the sixth year in a row, grabbing the top three slots. Arvind, who is from New York, won the contest by correctly spelling German word knaidel, which means a small mass of leavened dough, to win the 86th version of the competition. The bee tested brain power, composure and, for the first time, knowledge of vocabulary. The words were extremely hard. It means that I am retiring in a good mood, Arvind said. This is the sixth consecutive year that an Indian-American has won the contest, which was watched live by millions of people in the United States. Arvind is also the first boy to win the Scripps National Spelling Bee since 2008. He will take home USD 30,000 in cash and prizes along with a huge, cup-shaped trophy. Arvind, the eldest son of an IT consultant father and a physician mother, had placed ninth in 2010, then third in 2011 and 2012. More often than not, it was words of Germanic words that denied him the championship. The German curse has turned into

a German blessing, he said after besting eight other finalists in a nailbiting finale to a three-day nationally televised competition that started with 281 contestants from eight nations. An aspiring physicist who admires Albert Einstein, Arvind said he would spend more time studying physics this summer now that hes retired from the spelling bee. Arvind becomes the sixth consecutive Indian-American winner and the 11th in the past 15 years, a run that began in 1999 when Nupur Lala captured the title in 1999 and was later featured in the documentary Spellbound.A grade eight student, Arvind loves maths and science and plans to pursue a career as a physicist. A speaker of Telugu and Spanish, Arvind enjoys tennis, basketball and drama, and counts Novak Djokovic and Shaquille ONeal among his favourite athletes. Last three contestants were IndianAmericans. Another thirteen-yearold Indian-American boy Pranav Sivakumar of Tower Lakes, Illinois, finished second while the third place was grabbed by Sriram Hathwar from New York. This year about 15 Indian-Americans, including six girls, had made it to the semifinals.

New Delhi The Indian Badminton League School Programme (IBLSP) launched Shuttle Express, the biggest school championship to promote the sport across India. Under IBLSP, badminton icons like Olympic medallist Saina Nehwal, former all-England champion Pullela Gopichand, Jwala Gutta, Ashwini Ponnappa, Parupalli Kashyap and P.V. Sindhu will visit school campuses across India to promote badminton and encourage around five lakh students from more than 120 schools in six different cities. The Shuttle Express will offer Rs.10 lakh in prize money to the winners in both the boys and girls singles events. The events will be held in Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Lucknow and Pune. The finalists will also be given an opportunity to train at the Pullela Gopichand Academy in Hyderabad.

The programme will be held in three phases to scout talent and will be an intra-school competition July 12-14 while the national finals will be conducted in Mumbai Aug 2831. Speaking about Shuttle Express, president of Badminton Association of India (BAI) Akhilesh Das Gupta said: As a former player who benefited enormously from an active school environment for badminton, I am confident that Shuttle Express will provide a great platform and opportunity to thousands of badminton-loving children to fulfill their aspirations and motivate them to take the sport as a career. Shuttler Saina Nehwal said: It is nice to see that badminton as a sport is being promoted among kids. Shuttle Express will not only generate huge interest amongst the young but also give them the opportunity to get their talent recognised.

Here we are giving your child an opportunity to enjoy our funny tongue twisters for kids and have fun trying to say some of the most difficult sentences . To get the full effect of a tongue twister you should try to repeat it several times, as quickly as possible, without stumbling. Robert Rolly rolled a round. If Robert Rolly rolled a round roll round. Where is the round roll, Robert Rolly rolled around? The big fat cat sat on the rat. Green glass globes glow greenly. I wish you were a fish in my dish The crow flew over the river with a lump of raw liver. Certified certificates from certified certificate certifies.

The Puffy Pufferfish

Put your puzzle solving skills to the test with our Adjective word scramble. Unscramble a range of letters to form adjectives with this fun word puzzle. HTO TFSA EWN AHCPE LDO WLSO

Help Johny to reach the bottom of the tree

Diet: Carnivore Size: Up to 3 ft (1 m) Why Pufferfish? These fish got their name as puffer fish because when alarmed they puff themselves up with air or water.They are also a delicacy in Japan even though people have died from eating them. Where do they live? The majority of the puffer fish inhabits in the estuarine waters and inshore and according to a study more than 25 species are known to live their entire lives in freshwater. They are also found in tropical zones of South America, Southeast Asia, and Central Africa. Interesting Facts about Puffer Fish are as follows Puffer fish (puffer fish) is one of the most poisonous animals on earth. They contain a poison called tetrodotoxin which is 1200 times deadlier than cyanide. Sharks eat puffer fish but they are not affected by its poison Puffer fish only have four teeth. They are fused together and resem-

ble a beak Puffer fish usually rely on a diet of algae. The Puffer fish can extend its razor sharp poisonous spikes when threatened; these are highly toxic to humans and other animals. Moreover they have a poisonous gallbladder which makes them potentially dangerous to other predators When threatened, the puffer fish can inflate itself up to three times its normal size. There are more than 120 different species of puffer fish throughout the world. One puffer fish contains enough tetrodotoxin to kill 30 adult humans. About 100 diners die each year after eating puffer fish. If you touch the skin of a puffer fish, you will feel that it has rough and thick textures. Such skin is used by this animal as protection against the natural predator on the habitat.
Answers to Word Scramble Hot, Fast, New, Cheap, Old, Slow

Fritter Meaning- to slowly lose or waste Example- My mom said I should not fritter my time away, by reading comic books all day. Gaudy antly bright or showy Example- Grandma thinks that bright dress with the sparkles and sequins is beautiful, but I think its quite gaudy. Hooligan Meaning-A violent young troublemaker Example- The young hooligan graffitied the entire wall. Idyllic Meaning-Simple and carefree Example- They spent an idyllic vacation in a seashore cottage. Jest Meaning-a prank or an joke Example-Even if statements seem to be made in jest, employees need to understand that such jokes are not appropriate.

20

BUSINESS
United Nations The UN has reported encouraging, but still-fragile signs of improvement in emerging and developing economies, while a lot of advanced economies continue to face high or even rising unemployment and increasing inequalities. The International Labor Organization (ILO) made the statement in a report released Monday, UN spokesman Martin Nesirky told reporters here. According to the World of Work report 2013, income inequalities rose between 2010 and 2011 in 14 of the 26 advanced economies surveyed, including France, Denmark, Spain and the United States, Nesirky said at a news briefing here. The report shows that middleincome groups in many advanced economies are shrinking, fuelled in part by long-term unemployment,

CHANDIGARH SUNDAY 09 June 2013

Clarity on number of new bank licences Advanced economies face high or rising unemployment: UN by October
New Delhi The issue of new bank licences would be clear by October after scrutiny of applications by the Reserve Bank of India, Financial Services Secretary Rajiv Takru said Tuesday. The Reserve Bank of India has set July 13 as the last date for the submission of applications. Asked how much time would be taken for the entire process to be completed and how many banking licenses could be given out, Takru said: There is a lot of scope for new banks. We have to look at the economies of scale and number of branches and the capacity of the person who gets the license, how many branches they can open, what kind of time-frame they would need. So you need to wait at least till the interim scrutiny by the first committee of RBI gets over which would be around September-October. By the time they know how many meet the minimum benchmark after scrutinising applicants, we would be able to react to that. Giving numbers prematurely at this time would be silly, he

told a television channel. We would need to work backwards depending on what kind of banking coverage is available in India at the moment. The figures are around 6.3 per lakh or around 7 lakh branches. We are considerably under banked. This is going to be a considered decision which is going to be made and firmed up only once we know the really good applicants from those who have applied. The Reserve Bank of India Monday

said it had extended the validity of in-principle approval for new banks to 18 months from one year. In the clarification on draft norms, the banking regulator made it clear that track record of all group companies, including non-financial ones, would be considered while vetting the applications. Takru said the clarifications issued by the Reserve Bank of India were clear and the regulator has been as fair as possible in its clarifications.

Tata Communications global telepresence extends to Shanghai

New Delhi Tata Communications has added a state-of-the-art virtual meeting telepresence suite to its global network in downtown Shanghai. It has been launched in partnership with China Mobile and JW Marriott Hotel Shanghai, the company said here in a statement Tuesday. Telepresence is the next generation of video-conferencing that provides a fully life-like and high definition virtual meeting experience, which helps to improve all sorts of business interaction through better and more frequent meetings. China is currently the worlds second largest economy and one of the fastest growing markets globally. In partnership with China Mobile and JW Marriott Hotel Shanghai, the addition of Shanghai to our telepresence community provides companies doing business with China - and Chinese companies doing business

weakening job quality and workers dropping out of the labour market altogether, Xinhua quoted him as saying. As the global economy continues a slow recovery from the financial crisis, most emerging and developing countries are experiencing rising employment and narrowing income inequalities compared to their highincome counterparts, the report said. However, the gap between rich and poor in most low and middle-income countries remains wide, the report said, adding that many families who have managed to rise above the poverty line are at risk of lapsing back. By contrast, income inequalities have increased in advanced economies over the past two years, against the backdrop of increasing global unemployment -- predicted to rise from the current 200 million to nearly 208 million by 2015, said the report.

Fake products cause Rs.100,000 crore loss to industry: FICCI

New Delhi Counterfeit and smuggled products and tax evasion caused an annual sales loss of Rs.100,000 crore to the Indian industry, a study by the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) showed Wednesday. The report was released on World Anti-counterfeiting Day. According to the FICCI CASCADE (Committee against smuggling and counterfeiting activities destroying the economy) report, the sale of counterfeit and smuggled products and tax evasion in seven key sectors that include auto, fast moving consumer goods (FMCG), alcohol and tobacco, resulted in a loss of Rs.26,190 crore loss to the exchequer in 2012. The study on the socio-economic impact of counterfeiting, smuggling and tax evasion in seven key industry sectors has pegged the annual sales loss to industry due to circulation of fake products at Rs.72,969 crore. The seven sectors covered under the study were - auto components, alcohol, computer hardware, FMCG (personal goods), FMCG (packaged foods), mobile phones and tobacco. This estimate does not include the loss to pharmaceutical and other FMCG sectors. However, a rough estimate based on limited assessment demonstrates a loss of Rs.29,307 crore from pharmaceutical and other FMCG sectors, said the FICCI CASCADE statement. Government on its part said that consumer awareness is key to stem the sale of counterfeit and smuggled products which are potentially harmful to the personal health and financial stability of the country. The consumer needs to be made aware of the risks of buying these (counterfeit or smuggled) goods that are dangerous to their health and a risk to their safety, Pankaj Agarwala, secretary, department of consumer affairs, said at an event here organised by FICCI CASCADE .

Government to take steps to Make money while networking online reduce gold imports on WorldFloat
New Delhi The government may take more steps to reduce gold imports such as banning sale of gold coins by banks. An apex regulatory organisation of the government Monday voiced concern over the significant increase in the precious metals imports in recent months, which will negatively effect the current account deficit (CAD) and trade balance. More steps will have to be taken to reduce gold imports. Exportimport policy on gold will have to be reviewed. May consider banning gold coin sale by banks, Arvind Mayaram, secretary, Department of Economic Affairs in the Finance Ministry told reporters after the seventh meeting of the Financial Stability and Development Council (FSDC) held here. The CAD, the difference between the outflow and inflow of foreign currency, touched a record high of 6.7 per cent in the October-December quarter on the back of rising oil and gold imports. The RBI last month imposed curbs on import of the yellow metal by banks. It also put restrictions on banks and NBFCs for providing loans against gold coins as well as units of gold ETFs. New Delhi Indias homegrown networking site WorldFloat has started a new gaming feature that allows users to make money, even as plans are afoot for another add-on to help people source money from large numbers of people for their projects. Founder of WorldFloat.com Pushkar Mahatta said the new feature called treasure hunt was already gaining popularity among users in India as well as in other countries. He said the games offered at the WorldFloat site were skill-based, and one can make up to Rs.10,000. These are not chance-based. You get to make more money, if you spend more time and have the skills. Drawing comparison with other social networking sites, Mahatta said that while Facebook has emphasis on oldness of friends, WorldFloat lays stress on newness of friends. People from different cultures and cities get to network along with social gaming. Very soon we are also entering the crowd-funding space where people in need of money for their projects will be able to lift money via the crowd-funding method, he said. According to Mahatta, WorldFloat has increased its presence in 62

internationally - with a powerful collaboration tool and a great way to accelerate and enhance all manner of relationships. Peter Quinlan, vice president, Integrated Business Video Services, Tata Communications, said. The Shanghai telepresence facility will be connected to Tata Communications Global Meeting Exchange Telepresence inter-exchange network. Tata Communications Global Meeting Exchange Telepresence inter-exchange network also serves as a gateway to its public room telepresence network with more than 40 rooms across five continents.

Mayaram added that the government may even consider banning the sale of gold coins by banks. Gold and silver imports jumped by 138 percent during April 2013 and stood at $7.5 billion. Increase in the gold imports will put pressure on the current account deficit and balance of trade which has already widened to $17.8 billion during April. The FSDC also discussed regulating chit funds in view of the Saradha scam in West Bengal and similar ponzi schemes elsewhere in the country to protect small and medium investors.

countries across the world, including the US, China, Europe and Gulf countries, and is eyeing 10 million users by the end of June. He said the site was becoming increasingly popular and would give competition to the global leaders like Facebook and Twitter. The site has expanded its presence across the world within a year of its launch, he said about WorldFloat, launched in June last year. In the months to come, WorldFloat will be spreading into more and more countries around the world and embracing more diverse cultures, he said.

Explaining the game, in which virtual money is being given to the winners, Mahatta said: Players have to just click on the notes seen on screen. The player with maximum clicks is the one with highest score and the winner of treasure hunt. The prize money is transferred to the winners bank account or given in egift vouchers. The treasure hunt game can easily become the online version of the famous TV show Kaun Banega Crorepati (the Indian take on Who Wants to be a Millionaire), where people can actually win real money, Mahatta said.

CHANDIGARH SUNDAY 09 June 2013

BUSINESS
Mumbai The two telecom ventures headed by the Ambani brothers, Mukesh and Anil, Friday announced yet another accord - this time to share the nation-wide telecom towers infrastructure of Reliance Communications. The aggregate value is at over Rs.12,000 crore (more that $2 billion) during the lifetime of the deal, the companies said. Under the terms of the agreement, Reliance Jio Infocomm will utilise up to 45,000 ground and rooftopbased towers across Reliance Communications nationwide network for accelerated roll-out of its stateof-the-art 4G services, a company statement said. The agreement provides for joint working arrangements to configure the scope of additional towers to be built at new locations to ensure deep penetration and seamless delivery of next generation services. This accord follows the inter-city optic fiber sharing agreement already signed in April as part of a comprehensive framework of business co-operation between Mukesh Ambani-led Reliance Jio Infocomm and Anil Ambani-led Reliance Communications. The $220-million agreement was seen as helping Reliance Jio Infocomm to accelerate the roll-out of fourth generation (4G) telecom services. Reliance Group of Anil Ambani last month said consortium led by Samena Capital was in last stages of due diligence to buy into its global communications arm Reliance Gobalcom - a deal, which market sources said, could value the company at $1-1.2 billion. Reliance Communications has a customer base of over 130 million, including

21

South Koreas GDP growth revised down

Seoul South Koreas gross domestic product (GDP) growth for the first quarter was revised down to 0.8 percent amid the still fragile consumer spending, central bank data showed. Real GDP, the broadest measure of economic performance, rose 0.8 percent in the first quarter from three months earlier, down from a preliminary estimate of a 0.9 percent growth unveiled around a month ago, according to the Bank of Korea (BOK). The figure was downgraded from an earlier forecast, but it was up from a 0.3 percent increase in the prior quarter, marking the highest growth in four quarters, reported Xinhua. The downward revision came amid the lingering concerns over the global economic conditions. The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) lowered its 2013 economic growth outlook for South Korea from 3.1 percent to 2.6 percent, the same as the forecast made by the BOK. To boost the sluggish economy, the central bank cut its benchmark interest rate by 25 basis points to 2.5

Ambani brothers in new deal, this time for telecom towers

more than 2.5 million individual overseas retail customers. The companys corporate clientele includes 35,000 Indian and multinational corporations, and over 800 global, regional and domestic carriers. Reliance Jio has broadband wireless spectrum in 22 out of 23 telecom circles in India, capable of offering 4G services. The pacts with Reliance Communications is expected to help it offer services soon.

percent in early May, and the finance ministry unveiled the 17.3 trillion won ($15 billion) worth of extra budget plant in mid-April. The ministry slashed its 2013 growth outlook to 2.3 percent. Exports, which account for around half of the South Korean economy, increased 3 percent on-quarter in the first quarter, rebounding from a 1.1 percent fall in the prior quarter. The export rebound offset a reduction in private consumption that declined 0.4 percent in the first quarter. The consumer spending expanded 0.8 percent in the previous quarter.

Rupees fall, improving US market bring smiles to apparel exporters

Kolkata The recent fall of the rupee against the dollar has brought more smiles to the faces of Indias apparel exporters who have been upbeat over rising consumer confidence in the US, one of the major export destinations. Indias apparel exports fell 5.76 percent to $12.92 billion in 2012-13 due to the slowdown in Europe and the US, which together account for more than 65 percent of Indias garment exports. I am positive about the US. It seems that they are out of recession, Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC) senior vice chairman H.K.L. Magu told. I believe this will positively impact our apparel export to this country, Magu said. According to him, the exporters were already getting a good number of orders from the US. What made the exporters happier is the recent fall in rupee as their goods are now cheaper in dollar terms in the international markets. The rupee Thursday hit the one-year low of 56.85 against the dollar on persistent dollar demand from importers and banks. Federation of Indian Export Organisations(FIEO) president As the items would be more attractive abroad on the price front, it would lead to an increase in the quantity of export items, he explained. Ahmed said apparel exporters also get some additional business with the US market looking up. Our garment exporters will get some benefit as the demand situation is improving in that country. Some business will come to India, he averred. He, however, said the benefit to the exporters in terms of higher margins following the rupee fall would be in the short-term. As overseas customers also know that the rupee has fallen, they demand price discounts. So exporters gain from higher margins due to a fall in local currency would be shotterm, Ahmed pointed out. But former FIEO chief Ramu S. Deora said the government should not intervene and should allow the market forces to determine the value of the rupee. Let the rupee run free. Rupee depreciation will result in more exports for our country. Cheap local currency is going to boost Indias apparel exports, among other items, Deora added.

Mahindra launches compact sedan Verito Vibe

New Delhi Mahindra and Mahindra Thursday launched its maiden sub-four metres compact sedan Verito Vibe, priced between Rs.5.69 lakh and Rs.6.55 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi), and said it is looking forward to bring in an electric powered version on the Verito platform. This a part of our strategy in which we introduce new models for new segments on already proven platform at an attractive price points, Pravin Shah, chief executive, automotive division, Mahindra and Mahindra, said at the launch here. This allows us to enter into new segments and providing the customers with more choices. This new launch allows us to enter into the highly competitive compact car segment. According to Shah, the company which was already present in the super compact segment which has an off-take of 2.30 lakh vehicle per annum with Verito sedan, will now get an opportunity to tap the eight lakh per annum compact sedan segment. We now have an opportunity to cater to one million passenger car market (super compact and compact). This will bring in more options to first-time buyers and customers who wish to upgrade from a hatchback to compact sedan, Shah said. The new compact sedan will directly

Rafique Ahmed said that rupee devaluation would help garment exporters increase shipments.

US trade group lobbies for free entry of Indian techies

Washington With an eye on Indias vast market, a leading US trade group has engaged two powerful firms to lobby for changes in the proposed comprehensive immigration reform bill to attract skilled technical professionals from India. The US-India Business Council (USIBC) has retained top lobby firm Patton Boggs for lobbying at the scale of the US-India civil nuclear advocacy effort, augmented by a public relations campaign to be spearheaded by APCO Worldwide. Two former US ambassadors to India, Frank Wisner and Tim Roemer, will lead the effort at Patton Boggs and APCO respectively. USIBC supports the free movement of technical professionals. This freedom of movement is essential to US job creation, and is at the heart of our future economic prosperity, said USIBC President Ron Somers. USIBC endorses immigration reform, but the legislation as currently written restricts a companys ability to source skilled talent, which hamstrings American competitiveness, Somers added. Meanwhile, USIBC also announced the establishment of the Coalition for Jobs and Growth to help ensure that American businesses of all types have access to the international expertise they need to continue to drive

compete with Maruti Suzukis Dzire and Hondas Amaze. The passenger car is powered by Renaults 1.5 litre dci diesel engine which gives a milage of 20.8 km per litre. The car also has 330-litre of boot space and a large back seat area. Shah added that the company planned to bring in an electric powered passenger car on already proven Verito platform. During the last fiscal, the auto maker has sold a total of 15,000 units of Verito sedan, of which 90 percent

vehicles were diesel-powered. Asked whether the firm has a plan to rollout a petrol version of Vibe in the coming days, Ravindra Shahane, senior general manager, marketing, automotive division, told newspersons in Kolkata: Not in the immediate future. The company, which is popularly known for its sports and utility vehicles, has created a small portfolio of passenger cars that includes, Vertio sedan, Verito Vibe and the electric powered e2O vehicle.

forward economic growth and job creation. The USIBC-led Coalition for Jobs and Growth believes that an open American economy helps give the United States the influence it needs to ensure that other economies stay open as well, it said in a media release. Indias vast market can only be encouraged to open to global trade, facilitating greater American exports and investment, setting the standard for the protection of intellectual property, if the American market maintains highest standards and remains reciprocally open, it said. As the US economy recovers, the US is relying on high technology requiring skilled professionals to drive efficiencies and spur growth, USIBC said. Until the US can produce sufficient numbers of skilled professionals domestically, talent must be sourced from around the globe so US firms can outpace global competition, it said. The Coalitions members are drawn from the nearly 400 businesses, trade associations and public policy members of the USIBC.

22

SPORTS
New Delhi Some of the worlds top football stars David Beckham, Thierry Henry, Michael Owen and Raul Gonzalez could soon be seen in action during a franchise-based tournament to be launched by the All India Football Federation (AIFF) and its commercial partner IMG-Reliance early next year. Beckham, Henry and Raul are closely working with IMG in different projects to promote the game and the sports management group is pursuing them to be a part of the eightteam tournament that will be played in India Jan 14-March 13. IMG has professional contracts with some stars like Beckham, Raul and Henry and there is a high possibility that they can be seen either playing or promoting the new league that will be held next year, a top AIFF official told. Former England captain Beckham, who recently retired from football, is contracted with IMG to promote football in China as its brand ambassador while ex-Real Madrid legend Raul, who is playing with Qatari club Al Sadd, and Henry work with the IMG Academy on a regular basis. IMG are also consultants to the Qatar Football Association for the 2022 World Cup. IMGs senior vice-president (football) Jefferson Slack is in talks with the international players to convince them to play in the league. IMG have started targetting some of the just retired international stars to play in the tournament. According to the joint venture between Reliance and IMG, the sports management group has to get some international stars for the league, the official said. Each of the eight teams in the new league is expected to have a squad

CHANDIGARH SUNDAY 09 June 2013

Kundra has admitted to betting, say Delhi Police

IMG pursuing Beckham, Henry, Raul for AIFFs new tournament

of 25 players, including half-a-dozen foreign recruits. The official also said that teams will be up for grabs through a bidding process by August. The franchise-based football tournament is expected to glamourise the sport in the country, like what the Indian Premier League (IPL) did to cricket. But the AIFF is yet to decide on the players transfer and club registration rules and may have to ring in some changes in its constitution for the tournament. The AIFF wants all the eight clubs to be centrally registered but according to current rules clubs can only be registered with state associations. IMG-Reliance will also have to take players on loan from the I-League clubs for two months and players transfer rules also have to be amended.

Sochi to finish Olympic lanes construction by year end

Moscow Lanes specially reserved for the Sochi 2014 Olympic Games will be prepared by the end of the year, a steering committee official said. Only accredited vehicles will be able to travel in the some 370-km long Olympic lanes, Andrei Zhukov, who is in charge of transport issues with the organising committee, was quoted as saying by Xinhua. Special signs referring to the Olympics will be implemented on the roads and those who breach the rules will face penalties of $160 -$320, the official added. The lanes will appear on the coastto-mountain road that connects the Olympic Park coastal cluster with the skiing and sledding venues as well as all routes around Adler train station, which serves the Olympic Park. It is unclear if they will stretch some

New Delhi Delhi Police said that Raj Kundra, the co-owner of Rajasthan Royals, had admitted to placing bets on his own team in the IPL over the last three years, a charge denied by his wife Shilpa Shetty. Police said his film star wife, a part owner of the Jaipur-based team, had also bet on at least one match. This was revealed by Ahmedabadbased industrialist Umesh Goenka, said to be Kundras business partner who acted as his bookie. Goenka, whose passport was also seized, said Shilpa Shetty had spent money on betting in one IPL match but he could not recall the game, the official said. Police sources told that she bet on the match between Kolkata Knight Riders and Delhi Daredevils in Jaipur. But she vehemently denied the accusation. She tweeted that speculation about her involvement in betting was complete nonsense. Reacting to media reports, Shetty tweeted: For those who care, my apparent involvement in betting is complete nonsense and I have never bet on any cricket match ever. Truth will prevail. We love cricket, its the passion for the sport that made us a part of IPL. Its extremely disheartening to keep clarifying that, she added. Just to reiterate, we will do all it takes to reach to the bottom of this spot fixing case and be of complete help till that happens. Police officials said Kundras admission came during his 10-hour grilling. Kundra has admitted that he used to bet on his own team Rajasthan Royals and revealed that he lost money at times, an official told. Earlier in the day, Kundra, who has business interests in Britain, Dubai, Ukraine and Botswana, claimed he was helping Delhi Police Special Cell in the IPL spot fixing investi-

gation. Kundra told us that he along with Goenka was involved in betting for the last three years. We have seized Kundras passport so that he doesnt leave the country till the probe is over. We will be questioning him further, an official added. Kundra told police that Goenka had been a close friend since they met in London in 2008. After getting a stake in the Rajasthan Royals in season three of IPL in 2010, Kundra and Goenka have been regulars at the matches played by the team. Kundra has been betting since 2011 and has so far lost around Rs.1 crore, said the official. The source added that the entire money used in betting by Kundra seemed to have been transacted through Hawala. Since Kundra is a key official of Royals, we need to question him further before deciding on his arrest, said the official. As of now we are not giving him and Goenka a clean chit, he added. The official said police will approach the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to act against Kundra as he had broken the norms by betting despite owning an IPL team. Delhi Police have arrested 26 people, including S. Sreesanth, Ajit Chandila and Ankeet Chavan, from the Rajasthan Royals team. While 24 people have been sent to judicial custody, Sreesanths friend Abhishek Shukla is on bail and bookie Tinku Mandy has been handed over to Mumbai Police. The 26 people were Tuesday booked under the stringent Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act. Altogether, 60 people have been arrested across the country in connection with the spot fixing scam.

10 km northwest into downtown Sochi. President Vladimir Putin slashed the

delayed infrastructure construction work in an inspection to the Olympic cluster earlier this year.

Narine plans to stay on top of ODI rankings

Birmingham West Indies off-spinner Sunil Narine, who has eclipsed Pakistani Saeed Ajmal to become the number one-ranked ODI bowler in the world, says he plans on maintaining his position. The Trinidadian climbed to the number one spot in just 28 games to become the first West Indian to top the list in ODIs since Curtley Ambrose in 1997, reports CMC. Whatever success you get you just look to enjoy it. I never set out to be Number 1 in the rankings, stated Narine, who is also number one in the ICC T20 rankings. But I will look to maintain my position and do well for the team all the time. Narine bowled with control and accuracy to grab two wickets for 26 runs off ten overs as the West Indies defeated Sri Lanka by 17 runs Tuesday in their second and final warmup match for the Champions Trophy. The Windies, who were defeated by Australia last Saturday, now look forward to Fridays opening Group B match against Pakistan at the Oval. Being able to have a good performance in this game has given me the

confidence going into the first game Friday. Hopefully, I can continue with this good form I am having, said Narine. The 25-year-old was asked to bowl in the crucial final stages of the innings and pegged back the batsmen. I think (Dwayne) Bravo did a good job of captaining the team - he knew when to attack and when to hold back. Bravo wanted me to keep it tight at the end in my final two overs and when I came back at the end I

just looked to do that, said Narine who has played 28 matches and taken 47 wickets at an average of 21.68 runs per wicket since his debut in December 2011 in India. I am getting some purchase off the wicket and Im hoping to help the West Indies to some more victories in this tournament. The wickets last year didnt offer much turn but this year I am getting a bit more turn, they suit me a bit more and Im trying to make the most of it.

CHANDIGARH SUNDAY 09 June 2013

SPORTS
With the inclusion of one new team in the 2014 season, the HIL promises to add a lot of energy, cut-throat competition and an exciting opportunity for the upcoming talent to leave their mark in this tournament. S t a r Sports, broadcast partner of the HIL, will telecast live all the matches. We are pleased to announce the dates for Hero Hockey India League 2014. After the enormous success in the inaugural season, we are expecting more spectacular hockey for the fans during next season. We hope that the second season will see the toughest battles among the six teams, Narinder Batra, Chairman HIL said. Cardiff Shikhar Dhawans maiden ODI ton powered India to a winning start in the Champions Trophy beating South Africa by 26 runs in their first Group B match at Sophia Gardens here Thursday. Put in, India rode on Dhawans 114 and Rohit Sharmas 65 to put up a massive 331 for seven in 50 overs. Ravindra Jadeja also came up with a cameo of unbeaten 47 from 29 balls. Skipper AB de Villiers (70) and Robin Paterson (68) raised hopes with their 124-run stand for the third wicket but then South Africa suffered a middle-order collapse losing four wickets for 33 runs and their innings folded up for 305 runs in 50 overs. Indias pace trio Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Ishant Sharma and Umesh Yadav went for runs but got two wickets each. The pick of the Indian bowlers was Jadeja, who also starred with his left-arm spin bagging two for 31 while offie Ravichandran Ashwin went wicketless and gave away 47 runs from his 10 overs. Chasing a huge total, South Africa suffered early set-backs after openers Colin Ingram (6) and Hashim Amla (22) were back in the pavilion for 31 runs on board in the fourth over. Peterson, who was promoted up the order, and De Villiers then consolidated the innings with their century run stand that also kept South Africa in the hunt. Petersons measured 72-ball innings was studded with six fours while De Villiers hit seven fours in his 71-ball knock. They were aggressive in their approach but avoided any risk. Peterson gifted away his wicket in a

23

HIL second edition to start from Jan 23

New Delhi Hockey India Friday announced the dates for the 2014 Hero Hockey India League (HIL). The second edition of the hockey league will be played from Jan 23, 2014, with the final sated for Feb 23. The first edition of the HIL saw more than 41 million fans in India watching the tournament and its reach was ahead of the UEFA Euro 2012. The inaugural season was telecast in 146 countries across the globe. The 2013 season was won by the Ranchi Rhinos in front of a packed stadium in Ranchi. The six franchise based teams will feature in the second edition of the league to make the battle more fiery.

Dhawans maiden ODI ton gives India a winning start

NBA player to represent Jamaica

Kingston Jamaica has recruited the services of Los Angeles Clippers centre Ryan Hollins for this years Federation of International Basketball Associations (FIBA) World Championships. We have confirmed that he is Jamaican and his agent Todd Ramsarar has told us that it is okay for him to represent Jamaica, said Ajani Williams, president of the Jamaica basketball Association (JBA). We are now moving forward with his paperwork in terms of registration for the championships. The Americas qualifiers will be held in Caracas, Venezuela, from Aug 30 to Sep 11. The 28-year-old Hollins, who stands at 7ft, averaged 3.4 points and 2.3 rebounds per game in 60 games for the Clippers this season. He will be a great fit for us. He is a seven-foot centre and the fact of the matter is that he is an NBA (National Basketball Association) player, and is a centre, Williams told the Gleaner You cant buy the height, and the fact that he has made it to the NBA is a great achievement, and so we know that he can play the game.

Emergency BCCI meeting to discuss Kundra issue

refused to announce a timeframe for the panel to submit its report. The commission originally had three members. However, Jagdale quit last week. The emergency working committee meeting on the Kundra issue would be held in Delhi. After we have all the details, look into all the details... and if it demands any strict action, we will look into it, Dalmiya said. Delhi Police officials grilled Kundra for 10 hours Wednesday, and later claimed he had admitted to betting in the IPL. Kundra claimed he was just helping Delhi Police Crime Branch in the IPL spot fixing investigations. Though Delhi Police claimed Kundras film star wife Shilpa Shetty, a part owner of the Jaipur-based team, had also bet on at least one match, Dalmiya said he had no such knowledge. When a journalist quoted Clause 11.3 (C) of the BCCI-IPL franchise agreement that calls for annulling the agreement with a franchisee if its owner brought the board or IPL to disrepute, Dalmiya said: How do you come to a decision unless you look into it? Dalmiya said retired high court judges T. Jayaram Chouta and R. Balasubramaniam appointed earlier would constitute the probe commission. After Jagdale resigned, it has be-

freak run out and that triggered a batting collapse and from 155 for three South Africa slumped to 188 for six. Ryan McLaren came up with a cameo of 71 off 61 balls, hitting 11 fours an a six, but didnt get any support from the other end. Earlier in the day, Dhawan struck a flamboyant 114 off 94 balls, laced with 12 fours and a six, to guide India to a mammoth total of 331/7. Dhawan and Rohit set the foundation for the onslaught with their opening

stand of 127 runs in 128 balls. But India let go a good start with a middle order collapse as from comfortable 201 for one they slumped to 260 for five. But despite McLarens triple-strike towards the end of the innings it was Jadejas blitzkrieg that took them to a mammoth total. Jadeja, who remained unbeaten on 47 off 29 balls, hit the South African bowlers to all parts of the ground slamming 7 boundaries and a single six to lead the Indian run charge.

BCCI to look into Dhonis conflict of interest

Kolkata The Indian cricket board would look into the alleged conflict of interest issue concerning Indian captain M.S. Dhonis stakes in a sports management firm after the ongoing Champions Trophy tournament, an official said here Thursday. Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) interim chief Jagmohan Dalmiya promised there would be no cover up. As far as Dhoni is concerned, you have seen it in the papers, so have I. At this juncture, when we are in the midst of Champions Trophy, nothing we are going to earn by disturbing him. But at the same time, we are not going to cover it up. Please wait and see, Dalmiya told a media meet. Dhoni courted controversy recently following reports that he held 15 percent stake in Rhiti Sports Management, which manages cricketers Suresh Raina, Ravindra Jadeja and Pragyan Ojha, besides the Indian skipper. The company claimed that Dhoni held the shares for a brief while, and those were transferred back to the company in April after the payments to the India captain were cleared. As on date, MSD has no shares in Rhiti Sports Management. However, some shares were allotted to MSD on March 22, only to secure certain old outstandings that were due for more than a year, Arun Pandey, chairman and managing director of Rhiti Sports, has said in a statement.

Kolkata An emergency working committee meeting of the BCCI will be held June 10 to discuss the issue of Rajasthan Royals co-owner Raj Kundras alleged involvement in betting in the Indian Premier League (IPL), boards interim chief Jagmohan Damiya announced and promised strict action if warranted. Iterating that no board member should be part of the commission formed to probe the allegations of betting in the IPL against BCCI chief N. Srinivasans son-in-law and Chennai Super Kings chief executive officer Gurunath Meiyappan, Dalmiya said it would now be a twomember body, comprising retired judges appointed earlier. He also

come a two-member commission. I have decided that let it be a twomember commission. We would not like it to curtail it by saying the time limit starts now, and finishes now. Assuring that the probe would not be an eye-wash, he said: We want cricket to be cleaned, run properly. Asked whether Rajasthan Royals would come under the ambit of the probe, Dalmiya said: That is what we have to wait (for). Lets see how the panel proceeds and what outcome it comes out with. Dalmiya said the BCCI has sought information from the Mumbai and Delhi Police regarding an interim report submitted by boards Anti-Corruption and Security unit chief Ravi Sawani on the spot fixing scandal, but neither of them has responded so far. On the conflict of interest issue concerning Dhoni, he said: At this juncture, when we are in the midst of Champions Trophy, nothing we are going to earn by disturbing him. But at the same time, we are not going to cover it up. Please wait and see. Dhoni courted a controversy recently following reports that he held a 15 percent stake in Rhiti Sports, which also manages Suresh Raina, Ravindra Jadeha and Pragyan Ojha, besides the Indian skipper. Dalmiya said a new BCCI treasurer would be named in a day or two. The posts had fallen vacant after Jagdale and then treasurer Ajay Shirke quit to protest Srinivasans refusal to step down after his son-inlaws arrest.

Sanjay Patel is new BCCI secretary

Kolkata Sanjay Patel has been appointed the new secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India, the boards interim chief Jagmohan Dalmiya announced here Thursday. A new treasurer would be named in a day or two. The posts had fallen vacant after Sanjay Jagdale quit as secretary and Ajay Shirke as treasurer last Friday in protest against cricket board chief N. Srinivasan refusing to step down after his son-in-law Gurunath Meiyappan was arrested for allegedly betting in the Indian Premier League (IPL). There were two vacancies. Today we have filled up only the secretarys position by appointing Sanjay Patel from the Baroda Cricket Association. For Shirkes replacement, we will take a day or two, Dalmiya said. The working committee and Dalmiya had requested Jagdale and Shirke to reconsider their decision. But Jagdale flatly refused to change his mind. Shirke, on the other hand, had not communicated with the board and was given time till Tuesday last to get back to the BCCI. Srinivasan stepped aside at the BCCI working committee meeting Sunday till the pendency of the spot fixing probe for which the board has formed a commission. The working committee has entrusted Dalmiya the task of running the day-to-day affairs of the board.

24

CHANDIGARH SUNDAY 09 June 2013

Crop tops, ruffled dresses and kimonos - the retro styles are back as holiday wear and designers declare them must haves for trendy women keen to look feminine and sensuous while unwinding themselves.What should be packed for a holiday? Although jumpsuits and kaftans are all-time favourites, dig into your mommys auntys or even your grannys wardrobe to put your fashionable foot forward this holiday season. Holidays mean comfort and the wardrobe should complement the mood. So pack flared long dresses, well-fitted shorts teamed with loose crop tops as they combine comfort with style. One can never go wrong with them, said designer Astha Narang. If being different is your motto, try kimonos, a popular style of the 1980s, with stripes and Mediterranean motifs. Kimono dresses with stripes and motifs are a good option. They give a very summerish feel and the motifs make the mood and your look very light and summerish, which is perfect for a holiday, Styles popular between the 1960s and 1980s have made a comeback to the holiday wardrobe, says Mumbai-based designer Aniket Satam. Rewind and replay the 1980s pinup drama by sporting midriff-revealing crop tops and bralets, he said. The best way to wear them is by teaming them with high-waisted skirts revealing a little bit of your skin, Satam told. With retro fashion influencing summer dressing, a lot more swinging patterns like smocks, sheaths and pinafore shifts are trending, he said. Team them with stockings and stack on some plastic accessories to complete the look, Satam added.

Crop tops, ruffled dresses

Giving more options, he added: Also, jumpsuits, sun dresses, shorts and scarves work well. Go for floral trousers in wide-legged or cropped silhouettes. Boxy silhouettes in lightweight fabrics and bright colours are in vogue this season. Kaftans in bright colours and prints teamed up with trousers or jeans look the best as holiday wear. Its comfortable and chic, Amit told Remember ruffled dresses associated with Boho-chic movement of the 1970s? They are making a huge comeback in the holiday wardrobe this season. The feminine detail has made a major comeback this season in the form of huge curvy structural element instead of delicate decorated details. Internationally, the trend has been incorporated in the form of rustling skirts and uneven hems, said Satam. No look is complete without the right accessories. Large chunky jewellery looks good as holiday wear, he added. Funky neckpieces help converting a casual look into stylish one; so pick your accessories accordingly. Footwear is important too. Amit informed that wedges, espadrilles, deck shoes and, importantly, running shoes are very important for the holidays. Dont go for your regular slippers as colourful options are available in the market, he added. Just remember: The best part is that no one will be there to judge you, so you can wear anything comfortable as you can never go wrong.

One Bedroom Super Area 734.36 Sqft

(Approx.)

Two Bedroom Super Area 1237.52 Sqft

(Approx.)

ThreeBedroom Super Area 1550 Sqft

(Approx.)

FLATS AT SUNNY HEIGHTS AND NRI RETREATS

Bajwa Developers Limited

For more details please contact

Corporate Office: SCO 17-18,Desu Majra, Sunny Enclave, Kharar, Sector 125, Mohali,140 301 (Punjab) Phone: 0160-5009525-26,9914328235,9914328327,9914328827 Chandigarh Office: SCO 6 & 7, 2nd Floor,8 C Phone: 0172-2713222,9914328235 Email: js_bajwadevelopers@yahoo.com

Printer, Owner and Publisher: Manu Sharma, Editor: Manu Sharma, RNI Reg. No.: PUNMUL/2012/45041 Postal Reg. No. PB/JL-047/2013-15. Published at Central Town, Jalandhar Printed at: Tej Mohan Nagar Jalandhar