» K'taka government to celebrate Shivaji Jayanti as govt programme
Bangalore | Thursday, Feb 9 2012 IST
The Karnataka government has decided to celebrate Shivaji Jayanti (birth anniversary) as a government programme on April 23 in is bid to respond to feelings of all sections of the people. A government release said here today that the government intend to promote diversity and the decision was taken in view of lakh of Marathi people living in the border districts of north Karnataka. Incidentally, Maharashtra government has declared government holiday for Basaveshwara Jayanti, in memory of the 12th century social reformer from Karnataka. UNI RS SB SB2314 NNNN

 »  Ayurveda, unani to be promoted through rural health scheme
Bangalore |Thursday, 2012 11:35:05 PM IST
The government will promote Indian systems of medicine, including ayurveda, siddha and unani, and therapies like yoga and naturopathy through its National Rural Health Mission (NRHM).

 » NRHM to promote Indian system of medicine: Gandhiselvan
Bangalore | Thursday, Feb 9 2012 IST
With Yoga and naturopathy gaining worldwide acceptance, the Centre will promote Indian Systems of Medicine (ISM), including Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani, and therapies such as Yoga and Naturopathy, through the ambitious National Rural Health Mission (NHRM) to address the health issues among all sections of society. Union minister of state for health S Gandhiselvan, Union minister of state for health and family welfare today said the union government has decided to give special impetus to Yoga and Naturopathy so that the objectives of NRHM are met through the ISM. Yoga and Naturopathy can prevent and cure various forms of ailments. He said in the last three decades, Yoga, in particular, has become popular all over the world as an effective disease management strategy. Speaking after inaugurating the 'Arogya Expo 2012' on the eve of the 'International Conference on Yoga and Naturopathy' (ICYN) here he said NRHM was significant for ISM, as it is capable of meeting the objectives of India's health requirements. The government intends to introduce ISM at the primary health centres and community health centers all over the country shortly. Yoga and Naturopathy have been accepted by for effective disease management because of their unique and holistic healing approaches. It is time we also took advantages of the same by introducing them through public health system, the minister added. Mr Gandhiselvan pointed out that there were six lakh practitioners of ISM and Homeopathy in the country. However, the number was still insufficient to address the health issues plaguing the country. ''The government is evolving a broad policy to promote ISM and Ayush colleges. At present, there are 488 Ayush colleges in the nation. But the quality of education is a concern. We will make suitable suggestions after consulting experts in the field to improve the quality of education,'' he explained. The five-day Arogya Expo 2012 will conclude on February 9. UNI RS VV NVN2110 NNNN

 »  Antrix case against Devas' arbitration adjourned (Lead)
Bangalore |Thursday, 2012 10:05:05 PM IST
A local court Thursday adjourned the case of the Indian space agencys commercial arm, Antrix Corporation, seeking injunction against Devas Multimedia Services Ltd. proceeding in the International Court of Arbitration over its annulled S-band spectrum deal.

 » BRAI Bill is inadequate on biosafety and liability: Greenpeace
Bangalore | Thursday, Feb 9 2012 IST
On the occasion of the first year anniversary on the moratorium of Bt Brinjal, Greenpeace along with other organisations, today launched the campaign report,''BRAI Bill: A threat to our food and farming'' at Russell vegetable market in the city. The endeavor was supported by Russell Market traders, GM Free Karnataka, KRRS, Chetana and Samvada. The report is a legal assessment of the Biotechnology regulatory Authority of India (BRAI) Bill, 2011 which was authored by Ritwick Dutta, Supreme court lawyer and coordinator of Legal Initiative For Forest And Environment (LIFE). The legal assessment comes in wake of the growing discontent in the scientific as well as civil society on the tabling of the BRAI bill that shall ensure a single window clearance for genetically modified (GM) crops in the country. The report suggests that the BRAI bill fails to meet India's international obligations under the Convention on Biological Diversity 1992 and the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety 2000. Speaking on the occasion, Neha Saigal, Sustainable Agriculture Campaigner, Greenpeace India said the current BRAI Bill reduces the role of the State governments to a recommendatory capacity and takes away their decision making powers to reject the release of any Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) in the environment through field trials, though agriculture is a state subject. ''At the time of the introduction of Bt Brinjal, 13 states had at different points of time formally opposed its introduction in their various states. This played a key role in the moratorium of Bt Brinjal. MORE UNI RS VV NVN2035 NNNN

 » Remove BJP's tainted trio as MLA's: Former PM
Bangalore | Thursday, Feb 9 2012 IST
Janata Dal (Secular) President H D Deve Gowda today demanded the sacking of the three Karnataka ministers who had to resign after being. caught watching porn films on their mobiles while the Assembly session was on February 7. Speaking to reporters here he said 'mere resignation Laxman Savadi, C C Patil and Krishna Palemar is no, punishment''. They should be removed from their assembly membership. He said Assembly was a sacred place which is held in high esteem by the people. On certain occasions, Speakers of Lok Sabha some Assemblies in other states had handed out severe punishments by even disqualifying MLAs for their ill-acts. But the present Speaker K G Bopaiah lacks conviction,he charged. 'I remember one such incident wherein the Lok Sabha Speaker had dismissed a Parliamentarian for accepting bribe,' he recalled. Expressing deep sorrow over the incident, Mr Gowda said he had not seen such unpardonable behavior by elected members in his 60 years of his political career. He said with ruling BJP in doldrums, JD(S) was anticipating polls anytime. It will soon launch a statewide tour named 'Janapara Janata Jatha' in three phases which would focus on strengthening the party at grassroots level, Mr Gowda said. UNI RS VV KSR1945 NNNN

 »  BJP's troubles mount: Karnataka advocate general quits (Lead)
Bangalore |Thursday, 2012 8:05:06 PM IST
The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Karnataka, already battling debilitating scandals, is now caught in a new controversy. State advocate general B.V. Acharya has resigned accusing the party of pressuring him to quit as prosecutor in a corruption case against Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa.

 » Antrix moves local court
Bangalore | Thursday, Feb 9 2012 IST
Antrix, the commercial arm of Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), has moved a local court here seeking directions to restrain Devas multi-media from proceeding with the arbitration petition it has filed against it in an international court at Paris in frances on the cancellation of agreement on S band spectrum allocation. In its petition before the Additional City Civil and Sessions Court, Antrix, which cancelled its agreement with Devas, has sought an interim injunction against Devas. Judge D B Patil, after hearing the counsels for Antrix, posted the matter for February 25 for further hearing. The case is to restrain Devas from proceeding with the arbitration at International Court of Arbitration in Paris. Devas has approached the ICC Tribunal challenging the cancellation of agreement by Antrix with it on S band spectrum allocation. The Government, after cancelling the Antrix-Devas deal for reasons of national security, also debarred four ISRO scientists, including former ISRO Chairman G Madhavan Nair from holding any government posts for acts of commission in the deal. Mr Nair and others have questioned the government decision. UNI MSP VV KSR1815 NNNN

 » Karnataka advocate general quits post over Jayalalithaa disproportionate assets case
Bangalore | February 09, 2012 12:01:13 AM IST
Karnataka Advocate General B V Acharya has reportedly resigned from his post after he refused to tow the state government's line on the disproportionate assets case linked to Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J.Jayalalithaa

 »  Antrix moves court to stall Devas' arbitration bid
Bangalore |Thursday, 2012 6:35:05 PM IST
Antrix Corp, the Indian space agencys commercial arm, has moved a court here to restrain Devas Multimedia Services Corp Ltd. from proceeding ahead with its case in the Paris-based International Court of Arbitration against the $300-million scrapped S-band spectrum deal, an official said Thursday.

 » Sasikala appears in Spl Court
Bangalore | Thursday, Feb 9 2012 IST
Special Court Judge B M Mallikarjunaiah hearing the disproportionate assets case against Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa today posted it for further hearing to February 18. Second accused in the case, Sasikala Natarajan,the forver close aide of Ms Jayalathaa appeared before the court and pleaded for adjournament since her appeal in the Supreme Court was pending. Ms Sasikala, has moved the apex court after her application for permission to reply to questions by the prosecution in Tamil was rejected by the Special Court and Karnataka High Court. UNI MSP VV KSR1715 NNNN

 » Congress, JD(S) demand dismissal of BJP govt
Bangalore | Thursday, Feb 9 2012 IST
Opposition Congress and Janata Dal (Secular) today urged Karnataka Governor H R Bhardwaj to dismiss the ruling BJP government headed by D V Sadananda Gowda as it has failed to upkeep the dignity of the Legislature. Speaking to newsmen after submitting a memorandum to the Governor, JD (S) floor Leader in the Assembly H D Revanna said ''we have appealed to the Governor to recommend for invoking Article 356 of the Constitution since the governance of the State cannot be carried on in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution since this BJP government forfeited the legal and moral authority to govern the State.'' He said the recent incident of viewing porn video by the Ministers in the Assembly when it was in session had degraded the morality of the members and the sanctity of the House had been demolished. ''The ruling party instead of taking action by disqualifying the culprits-- Lakshman Savadi, C C Patil and Krishna Palemar, has decided to appoint a House Committee to unearth the truth which is crystal clear of the offence committed,'' he alleged JD(S) Floor leader in the Legislative Council M C Nanaiah said ''the ugly and obscene up seen incident involving three former Ministers is sufficient proof of the constitution of the failure of rule of law and governance of the State of and the entire parliamentary system in Karnataka is in a State anarchy.'' Mr Nanaiah said since the Supreme Court has upheld the Governor's recommendation for dismissal of the Government in October 2010 for disqualifying 16 MLAs by the Speaker and as the situation is continuing in the similar pattern there is ample scope under the Constitution to dismiss the government. Moreover, the Apex Court has also passed severe stricture against the Speaker for his action to safeguard the then Yeddyurappa government and without giving sufficient time for the affected members to explain their stand. MORE UNI MSP VK AKM KSR1529 NNNN

 »  Sleazegate: BJP, opposition spar over three ministers
Bangalore |Thursday, 2012 4:35:05 PM IST
The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Karnataka and opposition parties Thursday stepped up their attack on each other over action against three sleazegate ministers caught watching a porn clip on a cell phone in the assembly.

 »  BJP in another row: Karnataka advocate general quits
Bangalore |Thursday, 2012 3:35:05 PM IST
For the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Karnataka, nothing seems to be going right as the state's advocate general B.V. Acharya has quit citing "pressure from the government" to do so.

 » Belgaum AP records lowest temperature of 14.4 deg Celsius
Bangalore | Thursday, Feb 9 2012 IST
Following is a summary of observations recorded by the weather office at 0830 hours today. Dry weather prevailed over the State. Minimum temperatures rose at a few places over South Interior Karnataka and changedlittle over Coastal Karnataka and North Interior Karnataka. They were above normal at many places being appreciably so at a few places over South Interior Karnataka; however, they were appreciably below normal at a few places over North Interior Karnataka and normal over Coastal Karnataka. Belgaum Airport recorded lowest minimum temperature of 14.4 degree Celsius in the plainsof the State. Forecast valid until Saturday morning: Mainly dry weather would prevail over the State. Farmers Weather Bulletin: Mainly dry weather would prevail over all the districts of Coastal Karnataka, North InteriorKarnataka and South Interior Karnataka. Forecast for Bengaluru city: Partly cloudy sky. Fog/mist would occur in some areas during morning hours. Minimumtemperature would be around 17 degree Celsius. UNI SKB1424 NNNN

 » Council adjourns sine die amidst Opposition dharna
Bangalore | Thursday, Feb 9 2012 IST
The Karnataka Legislative Council was adjourned sine die today by Chairman D H Shankaramurthy amidst dharna by the Opposition members led by the Congress demanding discussion on the prongate scandal involving three ministers of the BJP government. The Opposition parties continued dharna for the second day when the House resumed its session for the day with Leader of the Opposition Motamma demanding that the chair should give them opportunity to speak on the notice for an adjournment motion on the issue of three ministers watching porn clippings while the Assembly was in session. The Chairman said the House could discuss it only after the Question Hour. However, with the opposition persisting with their demand and continuing the dharna, he adjourned the house for half an hour. When it met again there was no let up in the protest by the opposition members and amidst noisy scenes he asked the government to table the questions and also sought Chief Minister D V Sadananda Gowda to move the motion of thanks to the Governor's address to the joint sitting and adopted it through voice vote. He later adjourned the house sine die. The Assembly was also adjourned by Speaker K G Bopaiah in a similar fashion yesterday with the House adopting the motion of thanks to the Governor's address without any discussion and amidst dharna by the Opposition parties which were demanding disqualification of resigned ministers Krishna Palemar, C C Patil and Laxman Savadi following the exposure by local news channels of their viewing Porn MMS in their mobiles on February 7. UNI MSP VK AKM KSR1256 NNNN

 » Congress stages demo in front of Vidhana Soudha
Bangalore | Thursday, Feb 9 2012 IST
Congress, the main opposition to the ruling BJP Government in Karnataka, today staged a dharna in front of the Vidhana Soudha demanding action against the three former ministers on porngate scandal. A Congress delegation is also to call upon Governor H R Bharadwaj at the Raj Bhavan seeking his intervention. Senior party leaders including Leader of the Opposition in the Assembly Siddaramaiah and his counterpart in Legislative Council Motamma, Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) President G Parameshwar joined the dharna by squatting in front of the statue of former Chief Minister Kengal Hanumanthaiah. Talking to newsmen, Mr Siddaramaiah said prima facie it was established that the three ministers-- Mr C C Patil, Mr Krishna Palemar and Mr Laxman Savadi -- were watching blue film inside the House as they themselves had accepted it. Besides there were also documentary evidences to prove this and hence Speaker K G Bopaiah should have taken direct action of disqualifying them, instead of ordering a House Committee probe, he added. Meanwhile, Chief Minister D V Sadananda Gowda dismissed the Congress' demand and said the opposition party was raising the issue as they did not have other issue. He said a House Committee probe had been ordered and it would reveal the truth. He also retaliated the Congress' charges stating even in the past there were several sex scandals in which Congress leaders were involved. UNI VK AKM KSR1147 NNNN

 » 3 held for alleged murder of jeweller from Vishakapatnam
Bangalore | Thursday, Feb 9 2012 IST
A jeweller from Vishakapatnam, reported to be missing from the city since early this week with Rs three crore worth diamond in his possession, has been allegedly murdered and his body traced in Sakaleshpur in Hassan district. Police said today that the jeweller, Manoj, who failed to board a flight on Tuesday was reported missing after he had checked out of a local hotel. He was said to be a relative of Tamil Nadu Governor K Rosaiah. Police had arrested three cab drivers in connection with the crime and on interrogation one of them revealed the crime. The arrested drivers were-- Anil Kumar, Krishna Gowda and Ravi Kumar. Police had formed two special squads to trace the jeweller. Police said a team of police have rushed to Sakleshpur to identify the body. UNI VK AKM KSR 1145 NNNN

 » Diamond merchant from Vizag goes missing
Bangalore | Wednesday, Feb 8 2012 IST
A 44-year-old diamond merchant from Vishakhapatnam, who came to the city in connection with business, is reportedly missing from the Bangalore International Aiport (BIA) since yesterday, police said today. Police said according to a complaint, he was carrying Rs three crore in cash. The merchant, identified as Manojkumar Gandhi, who came to Bangalore on February 6 and was supposed to board the flight to Mumbai last evening, but went missing. Owner of noted Vaibhav Jewellers in Vishakhapatnam, Manoj came to Bangalore and checked into a five-star hotel. Subsequently, he was moving in the city along with his friends for buying a site. Yesterday morning, he visited various places in Jayanagar and Koramangala areas to see some sites. In the evening, he proceeded to BIA to board his flight which he never took and has been missing since then, police said. His family friend Satish later lodged the complaint in airport police station. 'We have constituted two special squads to trace Manoj and hope to crack the case soon,' Deputy Commissioner of Police (North-East Division) Ravikantegowda said. UNI RS TS SB SB2200 NNNN

 » Medha Patkar Turns Down Basava Award
Bangalore | Wednesday, Feb 8 2012 IST
Social activist Medha Patkar today said she would refuse the Karnataka Government's 'Basava Award' in the wake of controversies surrounding the government. 'It would have been an honour to receive this award in the name of revolutionary saint poet, philosopher Shri Basaveshwara of 12th century who had promoted social change, reform and communal harmony. However, the collective opinion of movements I am associated with suggests that Karnataka Government has not been able to deal with the mining scam and other scandals,'' she said at a public meeting in Belgaum, about 600 km from here, yesterday. She said the Lokayukta controversy was not yet ended and there were disagreements with people's movements on certain policies related to farmers, workers, unorganised sector workers, slum dwellers and government's attempt at privatisation and corporatisation of scarce natural resources - land, water, forests and minerals. I, therefore, would like to state with humility my inability to accept the award which you may be free to give to any other deserving activist. Department of Kannada and Culture, Government had announced bestowing the Basava Puraskar 2010 to Medha Patkar by a government notification in December. Award contains a citation and Rs 10 Lakh for contribution towards social change and promotion of the principles which Saint Basaveshwara championed. UNI RS VV ADB2025 NNNN

 » Volvo India chief Akash Passey promoted
Bangalore | Wednesday, Feb 8 2012 IST
Chairman of Volvo Buses,India, Mr Akash Passey has been promoted as the Chairman of Board of Volvo Buses in India and a member of Volvo Bus Executive Committee. Volvo Bus Corporation With 50 per cent of the Volvo Buses' business planned to come from Asia by 2015, the company today said in a press release here. He will report to Per Carlsson, President, Volvo Bus Corporation. In his new role Akash will now focus more on the strategic aspects of the business in the country. This would imply greater interactions with external bodies and stakeholders in the arena of bus industry. The Swedish bus maker has planned the two specific engines of growth -- India & China, where India will target revenues of USD one billion. Akash joined Volvo in 1997 and has been part of the companys journey in India since its initial days. The company has completed ten years in India. Manish Sahi, currently the Chief Operating Officer, will be the Operational Head for the company. UNI RS VV KSR2030 NNNN

 » Brown Sugar worth Rs 60 lakhs seized, a foreigner & two arrested
Bangalore | Wednesday, Feb 8 2012 IST
Central Crime Branch sleuths today seized Brown Sugar worth about Rs 60 lakh and arrested three people, including a foreigner in this connection. Police said the arrested were identified as Banvari Lal of Rajasthan, Chetan Saxena of Madhya Pradesh and Maldivson Ajuhad Mohamad of Maldavis. Besides, 500 gm of brown sugar, six mobile phones, and Rs 14,000 cash were seized from them. Banvari Lal who had served ten year jail term in Bhopal on charges of drug smuggling, developed friendship in the prison with Chetan Saxena undergoing sentence on a cheating case. They befriended Ajahad who sought them supply of brownsugar stating that there was huge demand for it back home.. As per agreement the trio had assembled at a lodge in the city and planning to smuggle the drug to Maldavis when the police nabbed them. UNI MSP VK VV ADB1955 NNNN

 » Telenor writes down NOK 4.2 billion related to Indian business
Bangalore | Wednesday, Feb 8 2012 IST
According to IFRS accounting standards Norway's state-owned telecom player Telenor today said it was committed to continuously assess its book value of assets and liabilities in Uninor in India eventhough it had written off its investments in India as per IFRS accounting stanards. Following the current developments regarding the award of 2G licenses, Telenor ASA has decided to write down NOK 4.2 billion related to its investments in India, a company release said here today. The write down is an accounting exercise and has no impact on the running of Uninor's operations and the fact that the Uninor operations will continue. ''Telenor Group intends to protect its lawful investments in the country and we are looking to the Government to arrive at a fair solution,'' a company spokesperson said. UNI RS VV KSR1950 NNNN

 » Curtain comes down on 12th edition of Bangalore India Bio
Bangalore | Wednesday, Feb 8 2012 IST
The 12th Edition of Bangalore INDIA BIO, country's biggest biotech show organized by the Karnataka government concluded today with experts stressting that biotechnology could address the global challenges of Food aand health security, energy and environmental sustainability. Speaking at the conclusion of the event, IT and BT secretary M N Vidyashankar said the event generated' the critical mass' to be showcased as the largest and the most business relevant biotech event in this part of the world. Dr Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw - Chairperson, Karnataka's Vision Group on Biotechnology, Chairman & Managing Director, Biocon Limited said the global challenges of food security, health security, energy and environmental sustainability was addressed at the event by thoughtful leaders and experts from across the globe. She expressed confidence that India had reached the status for driving the emerging Bio-Economy. ''India The Emerging Bioeconomy'' was the focal theme of Bangalore INDIA BIO 2012 and consisted of Multi-Track Conference, International Trade Show, BioPartnering India, CEO Conclave, the annual Bio Excellence Awards, Bio Quiz, Poster sessions and vision talks from industry thought leaders. UNI RS VK VV ADB1950 NNNN

 » Allow safe extraction of magnetite in Western Ghats: FIMI
Bangalore | Wednesday, Feb 8 2012 IST
The Federation of Indian Mineral Industries (FIMI) today advocated safe extraction of huge deposits of magnetite iron ore in Karnataka, estimated to be in the range of 7.8 billion tonnes almost four times the haematite resource now being exploited. FIMI Director (South), D V Pichamuthu, talking to newsmen here said mining could be carried out with minimal damage to the environment as most of the deposits were in the ecologically fragile Western Ghats. He said underground mines were being worked beneath cities like Johannesburg in South Africa and Stockholm in Sweden. ''This is an option the government has to consider seriously. Expertise is available in Sweden and FIMI can assist in bringing the technology,'' he said. He said on the plea of shortage of resources, exports of iron ore were also being banned. What is overlooked is that the material exported is not consumed domestically. As per Indian Bureau of Mines (IBM), the resources of iron ore in Karnataka as on 2005 was 1.68 billion tonnes which has gone up to 2.16 bt as in 2010 in spite of over 200 mt having been extracted during this period. This has happened because exploration during this period has expanded the resources base. Therefore, the key is to lay emphasis on exploration. MORE UNI RS VK VV ADB1915 NNNN

 » Oppn. stage dharna despite Govt announcing House Committee
Bangalore | Wednesday, Feb 8 2012 IST
Karnataka Assembly Speaker K G Bopaiah today announced a six-member House commitee to probe the viewing of porn MMS in the house by three ruling BJP ministers amidst pandemoneum with the entire opposition staging a dharna demanding immediate action against them. The Speaker later adjourned the house sine die amid din. The Assembly could not transact any business today with the opposition firm on its stand on the resignation of the government following the private kannada news channels exposure of three ministers -- Lakshman Savadi, CC Patil and Krishna Palemar viewing porn MMS in their mobile phones while the house was in session yesterday evening. The Ministers to avoid embarassment to the BJP government quit today and their resignations were immediately accepted by Governor H R Bharadwaj. But the opposition was not satisfied with the resignation and demanded sterner penalisation of the ministers. While announcing House Committee, the Speaker said notices to the minsiters would be issued today itself and they would need to reply on or before February 13. The house commitee had been asked to submit its report by March 12. MORE UNI MSP VK VV ADB1845 NNNN

 » Avesthagen signs MoU with leading Japanese Consortium
Bangalore | Wednesday, Feb 8 2012 IST
Avesthagen Limited, a leading sytems biology biotechnology company, has signed a MoU with KUTLO-NITT, a Niigata-based consortium of 11 Japanese universities and two technology licensing organisations. Through the MoU Avesthagen will gain access to a suite of cutting-edge consortium technologies related to biopharmaceuticals and biomarkers for use in cancer and heart disease. The company and KUTLO-NITT will jointly develop and commercialise the technologies, a company press release said. Dr Villoo Morawala-Patell, Founder & CMD of Avesthagen Ltd said, ''The association with KUTLO-NITT will bring important diagnostics and therapies to patients throughout the world. Avesthagen continues its commitment to deliver the best therapeutic and diagnostics solutions.'' The consortium was represented by Mr Yoji Yuki, Senior Vice-President, Tech-Transfer Specialist, KUTLO-NITT and Dr. Hiroko Sato, Techology Transfer Specialist. UNI RS VV ADB1832 NNNN

 » B V Acharya's resignation as Advocate gen accepted by governor
Bangalore | Wednesday, Feb 8 2012 IST
Karnataka Governor H R Bharadwaj today accepted the resignation of B V Acharya as Advocate General of Karnataka. A Raj Bhavan communique here said the resignation of Mr Acharya has been accepted on the recommendation of Chief Minsiter D V Sadananda Gowda. UNI VK VV ADB1830 NNNN

 »  How TV cameras captured BJP ministers watching porn
Bangalore |Wednesday, 2012 6:35:05 PM IST
Allowing TV channels to cover the legislature proceedings from the visitors gallery cost the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government in Karnataka dear, as their video cameras caught its two ministers watching porn in the assembly.

 » Thank BJP for ushering 'barah khoon maaf' culture: HDK
Bangalore | Wednesday, Feb 8 2012 IST
The ruling BJP has set such a bad precedent in Karnataka that its leaders, even if they commit the worst type of crime like rape or watching pornographic MMS in Assembly, will get away scott free, Janata Dal (S) leader H D Kumaraswamy alleged today. Speaking to reporters after the state-level meeting of the JD(S) Minority cell here, he said the BJP had become such insensitive towards correcting its erring leaders that whatever they commit they go scot free. He accused the BJP leaders of ushering in a very bad culture in the Assembly. ''They (the BJP leaders) can even get away by committing a dozen murders,'' he said referring to Speaker K G Bopaiah's 'failure' to immediately act on the three former ministers who were caught in TV camera while witnessing porn film during the Assembly session yesterday. He said there was no need for any enquiry into the incident as the crime the three leaders committed was most evident and people of the entire state had watched it. ''If the speaker thinks what the trio did was right and do not believe in rule of law, let the BJP change the rules and the law prevailing in the state and make committing crime a non-cognizable offence,'' he remarked. He said yesterday's incident had led to people feel disgusted over the legislators and the dignity of the august assembly to the ''lowest ebb''. MORE UNI RS VK VV ADB1745 NNNN

 » Commandant from Embarkation HQ visits MCO in Bangalore
Bangalore | Wednesday, Feb 8 2012 IST
Commodore MS Raghunathan, Commandant Embarkation Headquarters visited the Movement and Control Organisation (MCO) in the city today. On his arrival, the Commandant was received by Group Captain Rakesh Nanda, Commanding Officer of MCO Bangalore. During his visit, Commodore Raghunathan took stock of the functional activities of the MCO. He held discussion with the Commanding Officer and reviewed the welfare activities of the Unit and appreciated the facilities provided. He also visited the public sector BEML and hold discussion with Mr Ramesh, Deputy General Manager. Movement Control Organisation (MCO) is responsible for the movement of defence personnel and defence consignment. The MCO Bangalore won the Best MCO Trophy and First in Order of Merit in 2009, a defence department release said today. UNI RS VV ADB1750 NNNN

 »  BJP's roll of dishonour in Karnataka keeps growing
Bangalore |Wednesday, 2012 6:05:05 PM IST
At least 15 of 120 Bharatiya Janata Party legislators in Karnataka are facing various charges of wrong doing - from rape to corruption and illegal land deals to viewing porn in the assembly.

 »  Speaker bars sleazegate ministers from assembly
Bangalore |Wednesday, 2012 5:35:05 PM IST
Three Bharatiya Janata Party ministers who quit Wednesday over viewing porn in the assembly Tuesday were barred from taking part in the house proceedings till a panel gives its findings on their action, Speaker K.G. Bopaiah announced.

 »  Porngate: Caught minister wanted dress code for women!
Bangalore |Wednesday, 2012 5:35:05 PM IST
In a case of the pot calling the kettle black, C.C. Patil, who quit as Karnataka's women and child development minister Wednesday for viewing porn in the assembly, had donned the role of the moral police just about a month back.

 » Congress demands suspension of tainted trio from Budget session
Bangalore | Wednesday, Feb 8 2012 IST
Leader of the Opposition in Karnataka Assembly Siddaramaiah today demanded the Speaker K G Bopaiah to suspend the three former ministers, who quit the cabinet after being caught watching sleazy clippings on a mobile phone for the remaining period of the current session. Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the session, he said the Speaker should also initiate ''criminal action'' against Lakshman Savadi,, C C Patil and Krishna Palemar for their act. ''If such action is not initiated, then it will mean that the Speaker is supporting such immoral acts that took place on the floor of the Assembly yesterday,'' he said. He said if the Speaker did not heed to the Congress' demand, the party would have no option but to lodge a complaint with Legislature Secretary. ''There are still black sheep in Sadananda Gowda cabinet. While the cabinet is responsible for protecting the dignity of the house, the BJP leaders have damaged it beyond repair,'' he accused. Mr Siddaramaiah took strong objection for the BJP legislators disrupting his speech over the porn clipping issue despite the Speaker allowing him to do so. This is against the law and the Speaker had failed to take action against such unruly members of the ruling party, he said. ''The act of these legislators since this morning shows that they was to suppress the truth and agreeing with yesterday's incident which has demoralised the house,'' he added. UNI MSP RS AKM ADB1310 NNNN

 »  BJP's moral halo is fading rapidly (News Analysis)
Bangalore |Wednesday, 2012 3:35:05 PM IST
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) must be ruing coming to power in Karnataka and holding up the state as a gateway to rule south India. In the last four years, the party has been facing a series of scandals centred around money, land and sex.

 » Karnataka ministers caught watching obscene clips quit cabinet
Bangalore | February 08, 2012 12:01:13 AM IST
Following the directive issued by the central leadership of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), three Karnataka BJP ministers today resigned from the state cabinet after they were engulfed in a row over watching sleazy clippings during the Assembly proceedings.

 » Indian govt has assured us of all help: Uninor Chief
Bangalore | Wednesday, Feb 8 2012 IST
State-run Norwegian telecom operator Telenor, which has a 67 per cent stake in its Indian venture Uninor, today said the Union Government had assured it of its''full backing'' on re-bidding of 2G licences in 22 circles which was cancelled by the Supreme Court. The apex court had cancelled 123 2G licences, including those held by Uninor that were allocated in 2008 on a first come first basis that had led to the 2G scam. Speaking to reporters Uninor Managing Director Sigve Brekke said here today that Union Communication Minister Kapil Sibal had assured Telenor that it had not committed ''any wrong'' in its Indian operations and it would continue to operate in India. He said Uninor would aggressively bid during the re-auction of 2G Spectrum and the company did not want it to be left out. ''Even if we don't get the spectrum we are not quitting India,'' he said. He said ''Mr Sibal, who had a meeting with our IT Minister Rigmor Aasurd yesterday, had assured to do his best to steer Uninor out of the present trouble.'' ''We are in India to compete and do aggressive business and have planned our investments for the 20 years in this country. We have so far invested Rs 14,000 in India. What we want the government to do is not to allow major players to bid in for the 123 2G licences that would be auctioned now,'' he said. MORE UNI RS VK AKM AK1348 NNNN

 » Both houses of Karnataka Legislature adourned
Bangalore | Wednesday, Feb 8 2012 IST
The opposition party members in both the houses of Karnataka legislature created a furore and staged a dharna demanding resignation of Chief Minister Sadananda Gowda in the wake of the porn MMS Scandal leading to three involved ministers quitting their posts.

 » Opposition up in arms with BJP Govt in Karnataka
Bangalore | Wednesday, Feb 8 2012 IST
The Opposition parties in Karnataka have renewed their attack against the ruling BJP in the state with the latest scandal of three ministers watching porn MMS in the mobile phones inside the assembly while in session.

 » Yet another scandal rocks BJP govt in Karnataka
Bangalore | Wednesday, Feb 8 2012 IST
Three Karnataka ministers exposed by local television channels while watching porn MMS inside the Assembly hall today resigned to save the Sadananda Gowda government from opposition ridicule. The resignation of ministers -- Laxman Savadi (Cooperation and Agricultural Marketing), C C Patil (Women and Child Development and Krishna Palemar (Envirfonment, Ecology and ports) -- which were forwarded to the Raj Bhavan by Chief Minister D V Sadananda Gowda had been accepted by Governor H R Bharadwaj, a Raj Bhavan communique here said. The ministers claiming that they had done nothing wrong as the footage was seen only in the context of a rave party exposure in Udupi had sought an inquiry by Speaker K G Bopaiah into the episode that happened around 1700 hrs yesterday inside the Assembly. The Ministers held a meeting with senior leaders in the party office here this morning and decided to put down their papers. Emerging out of the meeting, Mr Savadi told newsmen, ''As we do not want to embarrass the party, we have decided to voluntarily resign as ministers. We will be sending our resignation letters to the Chief Minister D V Sadananda Gowda and also request Speaker K G Bopaiah to order a probe into the incident and bring out the truth.'' He said even the opposition parties wanted them to resign and the trio did not wish even to ''embarrass'' the opposition. ''Let them be happy,'' they said. More UNI Team/VK AKM AK1212 NNNN

 »  Governor accepts resignations of three Karnataka ministers
Bangalore |Wednesday, 2012 12:35:06 PM IST
Karnataka Governor H.R. Bhardwaj Wednesday accepted the resignations of three Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) ministers, two of whom were caught on TV camera watching porn on the cell phone of the third in the assembly.

 »  Karnataka sleazegate ministers quit, BJP embarrassed (Second Lead)
Bangalore |Wednesday, 2012 12:05:06 PM IST
Three Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) ministers in Karnataka resigned from their posts Wednesday, a day after two of them were caught watching porn on the third minister's phone in the state assembly. The opposition is already clamouring for their expulsion from the house.

 »  Karnataka sleazegate: three ministers quit (Lead)
Bangalore |Wednesday, 2012 10:35:05 AM IST
Three Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) ministers in Karnataka resigned from their posts Wednesday, a day after two of them were caught watching porn on the third minister's phone in the state assembly.

 » 3 ministers in dock over watching sex footage on mobile resign
Bangalore | Wednesday, Feb 8 2012 IST
The three ministers, who put the ruling BJP in great embarrassment by allegedly watching a porn footage on mobile phone while the Assembly was discussing a serious matter yesterday, tendered their resignation today and sought the Speaker of the house to conduct an inquiry. The three ministers-- Lakshman Savadi, C C Patil and Krishna Palemar-- who are in the dock, however, claimed that they had not committed any wrong and the footage was seen only in the context of the rave party in Udupi that had created controversy. Chief Minister D V Sadananda Gowda immediately forwarded their resignation letters to Governor H R Bhardwaj who also accepted in no time. Speaking to reporters emerging from a hurriedly convened meeting at the BJP office in the city, Mr Savadi said, ''As we do not want to embarrass the party, we have decided to voluntarily resign as ministers. We will be sending our resignation letters to the Chief Minister D V Sadananda Gowda and also request Speaker K G Bopaiah to order a probe into the incident and bring out the truth.'' He said even the opposition parties wanted them to resign and the trio did not wish even to ''embarrass'' the opposition. ''Let them be happy''. Meanwhile, Mr Patil said they had decided to quit as ministers following the ''colourful'' reports in the media and they never wanted to embarrass the party which had provided them their political life and a chance to serve the people. ''The reports are wrong and we will come out clean. We request the Speaker to order a probe and help us clear our names. We are facing certain allegations, but we are confident that will come out clean,'' he said. The incident rocked the political spectrum in Karnataka yesterday when private Kannada news channels beamed visuals of Mr Savadi and Mr Patil watching the porn clipping while Assembly session was on. Incidentally, the house was discussing the incident of miscreants hoisting Pakistani flag atop a government office on the new year day that had caused disturbances in Bijapur district. Later the former had explained that the incident happened in the context of the Udupi rave party that the house had discussed earlier. Mr Palemar, when asked about rave parties by Mr Savadi, he had given his mobile phone in which some one had sent him a clipping of a rave party in a foreign country where a woman was raped by a group of men and later killed, Mr Savadi had claimed. However, the footage shown by the channels showed the two ministers watching a clipping in which a woman featured in the video wearing a black sari and looked like an Indian. UNI RS AKM AK0934 NNNN

 »  Three Karnataka ministers quit
Bangalore |Wednesday, 2012 10:05:05 AM IST
Three Bharatiya Janata Party ministers in Karnataka, Laxman Savadi, C.C. Patil and J. Krishna Palemar, resigned Wednesday, a day after two of them were caught watching pornography in the state assembly.

 »  BJP ministers watch porn in Karnataka assembly; face sack (Second Lead)
Bangalore |Wednesday, 2012 1:05:05 AM IST
Two Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) ministers in Karnataka, Laxman Savadi and C.C. Patil, were Tuesday caught watching porn on a cell phone in the state assembly, prompting speculation that the red-faced party may sack them from the cabinet late Tuesday night.

 » We saw a mobile clipping relating to rave party: Minister
Bangalore | Tuesday, Feb 7 2012 IST
Karnataka Minister Lakshman Savadi, who is in trouble after being caught allegedly watching porn clipping on a mobile phone in the Assembly, today said he had not committed any crime. Protests broke out in several districts by activists who protested against Mr Savadi. Nearly 50 pro-Kannada activists were arrested after they protested vociferously in front of the Minister's quarters on Jayamahal Road. The protestors, rounded up by the police using force, burnt the effigy of the minister. Congress and Janata Dal(S) has called for a bandh at Athani town in Belgaum district, bordering Maharashtra, which is Mr Savadi's constituency. Speaking at a press conference here, Mr Savadi struggled hard to clarify that he was looking to get details of the Rave party in Udupi which was discussed by the house and thought the clipping was related to it. 'I saw in a mobile phone belonging to another Minister a clipping of an incident of rape and murder in a foreign country in a rave party. We were looking for details of the rave party and it was a similar incident in a foreign country. Is this a crime? MORE UNI RS MSP SB BST2252 NNNN

 »  BJP minister found watching porn in Karnataka assembly (Lead)
Bangalore |Tuesday, 2012 10:35:05 PM IST
Karnataka Cooperation Minister Laxman Savadi was Tuesday caught watching a sex act on his cell phone inside the state assembly, leaving the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party shame-faced and scurrying for explanations.

 » 2 ministers caught watching porn film on mobile in Assembly
Bangalore | Tuesday, Feb 7 2012 IST
The ruling BJP today faced a major embarrassment as two ministers were reportedly caught watching a porn film on their mobile phones while the Assembly session was in progress. The disturbing incident came to light when some private news channels caught the two Ministers from their video cameras placed atop the gallery area while covering the Assembly session. Cooperation Minister Lakshman Savadi and Women and Child Development Minister C C Patil were caught watching the clipping. However in his reaction, Mr Savadi denied that he was watching porn film but it was a clipping ''doing the rounds'' in Vidhana Soudha, the State Secretariat. This was the clipping of an incident of the rave party in Udupi, which had created a controversy. ''I know that using mobile phone is wrong in the Assembly. But I was looking to find related information of the incident and I did no wrong doing,'' he claimed. The Ministers watched the sleazy clippings while the House was debating the hoisting of Pakistan flag in Sindagi town of Bijapur District on New Year's day. Mr Patil, the other minister caught in the act, however differed in his claim saying that it was a clipping received on Mr Savadi's mobile about a foreign women being raped. Soon after opening it, he asked Mr Savadi to switch it off. MORE UNI RS MSP AKM AK2046 NNNN

 »  Karnataka initiates process for selecting new Lokayukta (Lead)
Bangalore |Tuesday, 2012 9:05:05 PM IST
The Karnataka government Tuesday initiated the process of selecting another retired judge for the state Lokayukta (ombudsman) post, a day after Governor H.R. Bhardwaj rejected its recommendation to appoint Justice (retired) S.R. Bannurmath.

 »  Karnataka minister caught watching porn in assembly
Bangalore |Tuesday, 2012 8:35:05 PM IST
Karnataka Cooperation Minister Laxman Savadi was Tuesday caught watching blue film clippings on his cell phone in the state assembly, plunging the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party into unprecedented crisis in the state.

 » CM calls for report on rave party at Udupi
Bangalore | Tuesday, Feb 7 2012 IST
Karnataka Chief Minister D V Sadananda Gowda today said that he has sought a report from Regional Commissioner about rave party held at St Maris Island in Udupi district recently. Replying to a question in the Legislative Assembly, he said the event was organised by the District Administration keeping an eye on developing tourism. More than 900 foreign tourists had attended the three day party. But if there was any act against Indian culture, action would be initiated. He said that there are 320 km of coastal area and there is ample opportunity to attract foreign tourists. But at the same time there is also need to preserve local culture. Earlier, the opposition parties took the government to task alleging that the government has allowed such obscene acts in the name of tourism. The rave party has attracted strong criticism by all sections of the society for alleged nudity and vulgar acts by the foreign tourists. UNI MSP RS AKM AK1957 NNNN

 » Municipalities Bill to increase property tax passed
Bangalore | Tuesday, Feb 7 2012 IST
An Amendment to Karnataka Municipalities Act which envisages Municipal Corporation to increase the property tax and also make it mandatory to build rain water harvesting. Moving the Karnataka Municipalities and Certain Other Law (Amendment) Bill in the Legislative Assembly, Minister for Law and Parliamentary Affairs S Suresh Kumar said through this amendment, it has been made compulsory for all buildings with measurement of 60 ft x 40 ft to have rain water harvesting system. He said the amendment also empowers Municipalities to increase the property tax leviable. The tax revision was due since last revision was made three years back. The amendment was in accordance with the 13th Finance Commission recommendation. Congress leader T B Jayachandra said mere amendment was not sufficient. There should be proper rules and its implementation is necessary. Replying to a question, Mr Suresh Kumar said rain water harvesting would be made compulsory in buildings built on smaller 30ft x 40ft sites also. UNI MSP RS VV AK2000 NNNN

 » K'taka provides 50% property tax exemption to defence personnel
Bangalore | Tuesday, Feb 7 2012 IST
The Karnataka government today accorded 50 per cent exemption in property tax to the defence personnel staying in the State. The Karnataka Municipalities and Certain Other Law (Amendment) to this effect was passed by voice vote in the Legislative Assembly today. Moving the Amendment, Minister for Law and Parliamentary Affairs S Suresh Kumar said that it was a long pending demand by the Defence personnel and state considering their service to the country has decided to accord exemption of property tax on building and land belonging to ex-servicemen or member of the family of the ex-servicemen. The minister said the exemption was also meant for CRPF and Paramilitary forces. UNI MSP RS AKM AK1929 NNNN

 » Density of scientists should go up: Official
Bangalore | Tuesday, Feb 7 2012 IST
Union Secretary for Science and Technology T Ramasami today said efforts were on to increase the volume and density of scientists in the country to improve the Research and Development scenario. Compared to China, which has 1.42 million R&D professionals, India could boast of just one lakh scientists, he said, adding, however, and to bridge the gap the government had established 31 learning institutes, which include 13 purely for the life sciences. Speaking at a plenary session at the Bangalore India Bio here, he said the S&T department had been working plans to trigger reverse brain drain by luring Indian scientists who have gone abroad in search of bigger jobs. ''This can be done by providing them with good job opportunities in India,'' he said. Dr Ramasamy said thanks to the private sector, the biotechnology sector had grown by 34 per cent during the last four years. ''India purchases 43 per cent of the vaccines produced in the world out of which two-thirds are children's vaccines. The S&T department is setting a BT regulatory authority to assist in the fields of medical BT and agricultural technology,'' he said. He said innovation was key for the growth of the BT sector and the government was encouraging Public Private Partnerships (PPP) in the R&D so that foreign investments flow into the country. ''This can go a long way in solving the issues in health care, agriculture, water and energy. My department is interconnecting health and business by funding researches in BT,'' he added. UNI RS VK AKM AK1921 NNNN

 » Karnataka spends Rs 1,278 cr in 2011 under NREGA scheme
Bangalore | Tuesday, Feb 7 2012 IST
Karnataka has spent Rs 1,278 crore so far this fiscal, out of an allocated amount of Rs 1,800 crore, under National Rural Employment Guarantee programme, a top Government Official said here today. Last year, the State utilized 77 per cent of funds. Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of felicitation programme for BAIF NGO, which won the National Rojgar Jagrukata Puraskar, Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Principal Secretary Amitha Prasad said 45 per cent of works undertaken through the programme are completed this financial year. She said 45 lakh job cards are issued to job seekers since last three years. Speaking on the occasion Chief Minister D V Sadananda Gowda said Karnataka had increased women participation in the programme from 34 per cent in 2009-2010 to 46 per cent in 2010-11. He shared the view that third party inspection of works undertaken under the programme had improved its implementation. UNI RS AKM AK1918 NNNN

 » Opposition stages walkout over no action on hoisting of Pak Flag
Bangalore | Tuesday, Feb 7 2012 IST
Entire opposition today staged a walkout in the Karnataka Assembly alleging that the ruling BJP government has failed to take action against those who hoisted Pakistan flag at Tasildar office Sindagi in Bijapur District on New Year day. The walkout was also in protest against the state government's failure to take action against RSS leader Prabhakar Bhat for making provocative speech on 22-1-2012 in Uppinaangadi during 'Hindu Samajotsava' in which several RSS leaders and State Ministers had participated. The opposition parties demanded his immediate arrest and debarring him from the state. Leader of the Opposition Siddaramaiah speaking on a call attention notice alleged that though one month had passed after Pakistan national flag was hoisted, the government had failed to take action except for arresting six boys. Though the arrested have given statement to the effect that they belonged to Srirama Sene, no action was taken to ban the organisation which has acted against the country's integrity. Mr Siddaramaiah alleged that when the ruling BJP party failed to take action against those who indulge in anti-national activities and make communal speech, it clearly showed that the party had a hidden agenda to encourage communal elements to disturb harmony and peace in the State. Home Minister R Ashok in his reply said action has already been taken in connection with Pakistan National flag hoisting and enquiry has been added. In fact the communal violence has come down to seven to ten per year after BJP came to power in the State as against 30 to 35 reported earlier, he claimed. MORE UNI MSP VK AKM AK1913 NNNN

 » Kapil Sibal assures help to ailing ITI
Bangalore | Tuesday, Feb 7 2012 IST
Union Communications Minister Kapil Sibal has assured the Centre's help to revive ailing public-sector telecom major ITI. Speaking after inaugurating New Products Lab at the company's facility here last evening, he said his ministry would do everything possible to revive ITI, which was once the backbone of telecom industry. Mr R Chandrashekhar, Secretary DoT and Mr K L Dhingra, CMD of ITI, employees, top officials from Defence, Banks and other PSUs were present on the occasion, a company press release said. Mr Sibal also assured government support to ITI in areas like as defence business, R&D and the company's modernisation drive. UNI RS VV AK1850 NNNN

 » FKCCI expresses concern over low GDP growth
Bangalore | Tuesday, Feb 7 2012 IST
The apprehension of the India Inc on low GDP growth has come true as per the just released advance estimates of GDP by the Central Statistical Organisation, Federation of Karnataka Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FKCCI) said today. The CSO's growth estimate of 6.9 per cent for 2011-12 was lower than the RBI's and other estimates which were around seven per cent growth. FKCCI President J R Bangera expressed his concern for the lower growth, more particularly in agriculture and manufacturing, which is expected to be lower than the growth rates in 2010-11. He urged the Central Government to provide appropriate policy incentives as was done to come out of the financial crisis in 2008, for bringing the manufacturing sector onto good growth path. Agriculture and Mining sectors should also be given appropriate support, a FKCCI release said here today. Mr Bangera hoped that the ensuing budget would look into the issue and take necessary corrective steps to boost the growth. UNI RS AKM AK1820 NNNN

 » 7 goldsmiths die as jeep collides with KSRTC bus
Bangalore | Tuesday, Feb 7 2012 IST
Seven people were killed and seven others seriously injured when a KSRTC bus collided head on with a Cruiser jeep near Itagi in Davangere district, about 400 km from here today. Police said while five died on the spot, two others succumbed to injuries in a hospital. The incident occurred when the speeding bus collided with the jeep at 0135 hrs last night on Shimoga-Hospet state highway. The dead and injured, who were travelling in the jeep, were going to a fair at Tinthani village while the bus was coming from Raichur on its way to Sagar. The dead were identified as Srinivas Pattar (58) Nagaraja Achar (52), Emmi Gopalachar (48), driver Mouneshachar (30) Donachar (45), Mallikarjuna Acharya (52) and Kotresh Acharya (45). The last two named died in C J Hospital in Davangere. In all 14 persons, all of them goldsmiths, were travelling in the jeep. UNI RS VK AKM AK1554 NNNN

 » K'taka govt to look out for new Lokayukta
Bangalore | Tuesday, Feb 7 2012 IST
The ruling BJP government in Karnataka has begun the hunt for the new Lokayukta with former Kerala Chief Justice S R Bannurmath going out of contention for the post. Speaking to reporters at his official residence 'Krishna' Chief Minister D V Sadananda Gowda said the process to appoint the new Lokayukta had begun. ''I have received the letter written by Justice Bannurmath expressing his unwillingness to take over the post and in this backdrop a separate committee is now searching for a suitable law expert,'' he said. He said the government would seek advises from the Speaker of the Assembly, leader of opposition in the two Houses of the legislature and Karnataka High Court Chief Justice before the name is finalised. ''We will soon have a new Lokayukta,'' he added. The delay in the appointment of the new Lokayukta had led to criticism of the BJP government saying that it was not interested in taking steps to curb corruption. Earlier the government had recommended Justice Bannurmath for the Lokayukta post after Justice Shivaraj Patil had quit the post within one month of succeeding Justice Santosh Hegde, over a house site issue. The Governor however had resisted the government recommendation and repeatedly refused to nominate Mr Bannurmath alleging that there were some allegation against the judge. This had led to a virtual conflict between the government and the Raj Bhavan. UNI RS VK VV AK1600 NNNN

 » Bangalore to get 500 MLD water from June
Bangalore | Tuesday, Feb 7 2012 IST
The tech hub of Bangalore will get 500 MLD of Cauvery waters from June 2012 after completion of the most needed Cauvery IV stage Phase II, Karnataka Minister for Law and Parliamentary Affairs S Suresh Kumar said today. Replying to questions by the members in the Legislative Assembly, he said the works of Rs 3,384 crore project, taken up in assistance with Japan International Cooperative Association (JICA) and the Union Government, will be completed by May and after a one month trail, regular water supply will begin from June 2012. He said present availability of Cauvery water to the City was 900 MLD against the total demand for water of 1150 MLD per day. The Cauvery IV stage Phase II would help to large extent to quench the thirst of the people. The Minister said to draw short term and long term plan to meet water problem of the city, a nine-member committee had been set up in 2010 and it had submitted its interim report in December. The Government was studying the report and steps would be taken to adopt the report which also mentions about sources. Mr Kumar said to reduce the increasing demand for water, the State Government had made rain harvest compulsory to all buildings in the city and more than 35,000 buildings have adopted the scheme. He said to popularise the scheme State government had drawn various schemes to create awareness among the public and had spent more than Rs five crore since last three years. Replying to a question, he said no new drinking water project had been taken up since Cauvery IV stage Phase II was in progress and now in the stage of completion. UNI MSP RS AKM AK1544 NNNN

 » Dry weather in Karnataka
Bangalore | Tuesday, Feb 7 2012 IST
Following is a summary of observations recorded by the weather office at 0830 hours today. Dry weather prevailed over the State. Minimum temperatures appreciably rose at a few places over North Interior Karnataka;rose at a few places over South Interior Karnataka and changed little over Coastal Karnataka.They were above normal at most places over Coastal Karnataka; however they were below normalat a few places over North Interior Karnataka and were normal over South Interior Karnataka. Belgaum Airport recorded lowest minimum temperature of 13.8 degree Celsius in the plainsof the State. Forecast valid until Thursday morning: Mainly dry weather would prevail over the State. Farmers Weather Bulletin: Mainly dry weather would prevail over all the districts of Coastal Karnataka, North InteriorKarnataka and South Interior Karnataka. Forecast for Bengaluru city: Partly cloudy sky. Fog/mist would occur in some areas during morning hours. Minimum temperature would be around 16 degree Celsius. UNI SKB1514 NNNN

 »  Karnataka judge Bannurmath denies governors charges
Bangalore |Tuesday, 2012 2:35:06 PM IST
Retired Karnataka judge S.R. Bannurmath, recommended by Chief Minister D.V. Sadananda Gowda as state Lokayukta but rejected by Governor H.R. Bharwaj, said Tuesday that allegations that he owned an additional housing site here against norms were false.

 » India signs MoU with US on Labour, Employment
Bangalore | Tuesday, Feb 7 2012 IST
India has signed an Memorandum of Understanding with United States to facilitate close cooperation and interaction to help bring improvements in the lives of the working class and their working condition. Briefing news persons Union Labour and Employment Minister Mallikarjun Kharge, who was in the US last week to sign the MoU with the US Department of Labour in Washington, said here today the MoU would help India in the areas of skill development, youth employment, occupational safety and health and mines safety. ''We are interested in increasing our know-how in the areas of accreditation systems, self-regulation and auditing through collaboration, exchange and sharing of ideas with the US,'' he said. He said his department would look forward to tie-up for training and information exchange with the US in areas of underground and open cast mining, disaster control and emergency management, statistical analysis and development of a data bank. MORE UNI RS GM ADB1320 NNNN

 » 6 killed in road accident in Bellary, 7 injured
Bangalore | Tuesday, Feb 7 2012 IST
Six people were killed, including five on the spot, in a collision between a Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation bus and a van near Itagi in Bellary District around 0135 hrs last night. Information reaching here from police said one of the injured persons succumbed to injuries at the Government Hospital in Bellary while the other severely injured have been admitted to a hospital in Davangere. UNI VK GM ADB1315 NNNN

 » Bannurmath calls charges baseless, malicious
Bangalore | Tuesday, Feb 7 2012 IST
Retired Kerala Chief Justice S R Bannurmath today accused Karnataka Governor H R Bharadwaj of making ''false, baseless, reckless ''allegations'' motivated by irrelevant considerations against him and said he withdrew his candidature for Lokayukta as he had lost peace and tranquility.

 » Karnataka CM's choice for Lokayukta quits over land scam allegations
Bangalore | February 07, 2012 12:01:13 AM IST
Former Kerala High Court Chief Justice S R Bannurmath has decided to quit the post of Lokayukta in Karnataka.

 » Govt appoints inquiry committee over 'Spring Zouk' party on island
Bangalore | Monday, Feb 6 2012 IST
The Karnataka government today announced an inquiry into the three-day rave party 'Spring Zouk' at St Mary's island off Udupi coast where foreign tourists were accused of acts 'bordering obsenity'.

 » Norway IT Minister to meet Sibal over Uninor licence cancellation
Bangalore | Monday, Feb 6 2012 IST
Union Communications Minister Kapil Sibal today said the Norwegian IT Minister Rigmor Aasrud was likely to meet him to discuss the issue over Supreme Court scrapping 122 2G licences that may deeply affected the European telecom major Uninor. Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of an India Semiconductor Association here, he said as and when the Minister met him, he would have a discussion. The Norweigean player who has joined hands with India's player Unitech will have an impact of the recent Supreme Court verdict cancelling 122 2G licences. Mr Aasrud wants to meet Mr Sibal even as his country gets ready for diplomatic parleys. Mr Sibal said the future course of the government over resolving the issue cannot be discussed in the open. 'It is an important issue. This is something we will have to discuss. But I cannot speak in front of public television,' he said Reacting to UPA alley DMK President M Karunanidhi's reported statement that it's not right to blame only D Raja in the 2G issue, Mr Sibal said he has not blamed anybody. 'I just spoke about the court's verdict. DMK is a very precious ally and a partner in our Government. We have great respect for the DMK. What I was stating was what the court had said and not what I believe,' he said. UNI RS RKM CS2250 NNNN

 » Governor formally rejects Bannurmath's name for Lokayukta
Bangalore | Monday, Feb 6 2012 IST
Even as former Kerala High Court Chief Justice S R Bannurmath withdrew from the race for the Karnataka Lokayukta, Governor H R Bhardwaj today 'formally' rejected the government's proposal. Justice Bannurmath had been recommended for the Lokayukta post after Justice Shivaraj Patil had quit the post within one month of succeeding Justice Santosh Hegde, over a house site issue. The Governor had resisted the government recommendation and repeatedly refused to nominate Mr Bannurmath, leading to a prolonged tiff between the government and the Raj Bhavan. Earlier today, Mr Bannurmath had announced that he would withdraw from the race and requested Chief Minister to withdraw the government's recommendation to the Governor. 'Having considered the proposal received from the Government regarding appointment of Justice Bannurmath as Karnataka Lokayukta and having taken into consideration the contents of subsequent correspondence between himself and the Chief Minister, The Governor has formally rejected the government advise,' a communication from Raj Bhavan said here tonight. In an unprecedented move, the Governor has returned the file to the Government. Usually the Governor is expected to allow the name recommended by the government for the anti-graft Ombudsman's post. UNI RS MSP SB BM2230 NNNN

 »  All websites should operate within Indian laws: Pilot
Bangalore |Monday, 2012 11:05:05 PM IST
All websites, including social media sites, would have to operate within the India laws and be responsible for hosting any content, Minister of State for Communications & IT Sachin Pilot said Monday.

 » Social networking sites must work within laws, says Sachin Pilot
Bangalore/New Delhi | February 06, 2012 12:01:13 AM IST
Minister for State, Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunications, Sachin Pilot today said that internet giant, google and social networking sites like Facebook should work within the ambit of the Indian law.

 »  Bhardwaj rejects BJP government nominee as ombudsman
Bangalore |Monday, 2012 10:05:05 PM IST
Karnataka Governor H.R. Bhardwaj Monday rejected the Bharatiya Janata Party government's nominee S.R. Bannurmath, a former Kerala High Court chief justice, as the state's new Lokayukta (ombudsman).

 » New Jails to come up in K'taka to reduce 'congestion'
Bangalore | Monday, Feb 6 2012 IST
The Karnataka Government has decided to construct new Jails in Bangalore, Mysore and Bellary to reduce the congestion, Minister for Social Welfare Narayanaswamy informed the Legislative Council here today. Replying to a question by Mr Lehar Singh (BJP) he said that since increase in number of prisoners was leading to conflict, the issue has been discussed with the Chief Minister and steps would be taken to construct new jails. He said the state government would deploy 800 Central Industrial Security Force personnel in important jails in the state to prevent trouble. Stating that strict measures, including installing jammers, has been taken up in Jails, Mr Narayanaswamy said more than 5000 mobile phones were seized and steps taken to shift prisoners who have completed 15 years in one jail to another jail. He said action was also initiated against Jail Officers immediately after getting report from intelligence wing about allowing prisoners to use mobile phones in the prison. UNI MSP RS GM AK2020 NNNN

 » Naxals decreasing in Karnataka
Bangalore | Monday, Feb 6 2012 IST
The number of Naxalites belonging to CPI(Maoists) group are on the decrease in Karnataka, Minister for Home R Ashok informed the Legislative Council today. Replying to a question by Ganesh Karnik (BJP), he said that the number has come down to 20 and census has been undertaken in this connection. He said that Rs five lakh compensation was paid to the next of the kin of the police officers who were killed during operation against Naxalites and those Naxals who want to return to mainstream were given Rs two lakh besides additional money was given to those who surrender their weapons to the police. Priority was given in allotment of land if they apply. He said that special training was given in combing operation to 80 police personnel and they were still undergoing training. UNI MSP RS GM NVN2020 NNNN

 »  'Scientists should be accountable'
Bangalore |Monday, 2012 8:35:05 PM IST
India's scientific community should learn to deal with public accountability while doing business with the private sector to avoid a repeat of the controversial Antrix-Devas deal, a top official said Monday.

 » K'taka to conduct Census of leopard
Bangalore | Monday, Feb 6 2012 IST
The Karnataka Government will take up census of Leopards in the State, Minister for Forest C P Yogeshwar informed the Legislative Assembly today. Replying to a question by A Manju (Congress), he said that steps were taken to take up the Census. The Centre has drawn a project to protect Leopards and the State Government will also take measures in this direction. Referring to increasing Leopard menace in the State, he said that efforts were made to capture them and send them to Bennarghatta National Park. UNI MSP GM NVN2000 NNNN

 » Oppn. urges for meeting to select new Lokayukta
Bangalore | Monday, Feb 6 2012 IST
Opposition leader in the Karnataka Legislative Assembly Siddaramaiah today urged Chief Minister D V Sadananda Gowda to convene a meeting to select new Lokayukta instead of insisting on Former Kerala Chief Justice S R Bannurmath whose name has been rejected by Governor H R Bharadwaj. ''Instead of having conflict with the Governor, call a meeting of Opposition leaders in both the Houses, Speaker and Council Chairman and if needed, High Court Chief Justice to pick up a new name,' he said in the State Assembly during the discussion on the Lokayukta report on illegal ironore mining in the state. He said by sticking to a name rejected by the Governor, the State Government is leading to infer that its stand was to shield some political stalwarts who are involved. ''Let us find a solution and put an end to constitutional conflict between the State Government and the Governor, he added. UNI MSP VK GM NVN1950 NNNN

 » K'taka to deport foreign students indulging in criminal activities
Bangalore | Monday, Feb 6 2012 IST
Karnataka Government has decided to deport foreign students indulging in criminal activities and steps were taken to send back 89 such students, Minister for Home R Ashok informed the Legislative Council today. Replying to a question by Mohan Limbikai, he said that there are 10,899 foreign students studying in various colleges in the City and steps were taken to depart 89 students who were involved in creating trouble in drunken mood, drug smuggling and other illegal activities. He said steps were taken to educate foreign students, who come on five-year student visa, about rules and regulation under Law. He said to keep watch on foreign students and their criminal activities, Cyber Crime Police Station have been equipped with trained officers. Mr Ashok said that the students to be deported included those from Iran, Iraq, Nigeria and Mangolia. Embassies of respective countries would be informed by a separate cell to be set up soon he added. UNI MSP VK GM ADB1955 NNNN

 » Justice Bannurmath withdraws from Lokayukta race
Bangalore | Monday, Feb 6 2012 IST
Contentious Karnaaka Lokayukta candidate and Former Chief Justice of Kerala High court Justice S R Bannurmath today withdrew from the race for the Ombudsman post after a prolonged battle between the Government and the Raj Bhavan over his appointment. Sources close to Mr Bannurmath revealed that he had in a letter to Chief Minister D V Sadananda Gowda he had sught the govenrment not to consider his name for the lokayuka post which had been lying vacant following the resignation of Justice Shivraj Patil. The BJP government had been adamant in his appointment though Governor H R Bharadwaj had rejected the recommendation and sought a fresh name from it. Mr Bhardwaj had declined to pass the name of Mr Bannurmath name saying that he had faced certain allegations and the candidate for the post should be ''above suspision''. UNI RS VK VV ADB1935 NNNN

 » Congress demands CBI inquiry into illegal mining issue
Bangalore | Monday, Feb 6 2012 IST
Opposition Congress today made a vociferous demand for a CBI inquiry into illegal ironore mining in Karnataka based on report submitted by Lokayukta last year. Initiating debate in the Assembly, Opposition Leader Siddaramaiah said the exposure by the lokayukta was a fit case for CBI inquiry and if the State Government failed to act upon the exhaustive report it would lead to infer that the ruling party was trying to shield those involved in the scam that has led the loss of more than Rs 16,000 crore to the State exchequer. Taking strong exception for delay in announcing the government's on accepting the report Mr Siddaramaiah said that 'there is no provision under Lokayukta Act to refer back to it the report for any clarification as claimed by the Government. The options are either accept or reject and report to the Lokayukta or Upa Lokayukta about the action taken within three months. It is already six months past after submitting the final report, but no action has been taken.' Mr Siddaramaiah also demanded the State Government to come out with action taken report against officials involved as well as politicians and further action on the report since it was mentioned about the need for investigation with regard to money laundering, violation of RBI act and foreign exchange. When there were objections by the members of the treasury members, Mr Siddaramaiah announced that ' I am not defending anybody. Let there be action against those who are involved whether they belonged to Treasury Bench, Opposition or other party.' MORE UNI MSP VK VV ADB1930 NNNN

 » No vendetta against Nair, says ISRO chief Radhakrishnan
Bangalore | February 06, 2012 12:01:13 AM IST
Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) chief K Radhakrishnan on Monday said that there has been no vendetta behind blacklisting his predecessor G Madhavan Nair and three other scientists in connection with the controversial Antrix-Devas deal.

 » Pennsylvania Bio inks MoU with KBITS
Bangalore | Monday, Feb 6 2012 IST
The US State of Pennsylvania and the Karnataka Governmen today signed a Memorandum of Understanding to promote biotechnology The MoU was signed between Pennsylvania Bio, represented by Chris Molineaux, President and Karnataka Bureau of BT and IT Standards here today. The pact was signed at ''Bangalore INDIA BIO'' the flagship event organised by The Department of IT/BT and Science & Technology. The three-day event was inaugurated today by Union Health Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad. The MoU will enable Pennsylvania Bio and Karnataka to promote biotechnology and sustain as well as support a relationship of cooperation for the betterment of the life sciences industry and the communities that they serve. MORE UNI RS GM 1826 NNNN

 » Sadananda gowda sends wish list to Railways Minister
Bangalore | Monday, Feb 6 2012 IST
Karnataka Chief Minister D V Sadananda Gowda has sent a long wish list to the Union Railways Minister Dinesh Trivedi for taking up various projectes, including a commuter service, to this fast growing metropolis in the railway budget for 2012-13. In a letter to the Union Railway Minister, Mr Gowda complimented the Minister for taking initiative in having frequent meetings with the authorities in the state to hasten various projects. He said ''the pace of projects has picked up and frequent interaction between railway officials and State Govt officials is taking place. As agreed, out of 2,493 acres of land, 2,293 acres of land has already been handed over to Railways, and the remaining 200 acres will be handed over before February 15''. He requested the Railway minister to include Gadag-Wadi and Srinivasapura-Madanapalle new line in ensuing railway budget. Gadag-Wadi line would provide connectivity between Bangalore and Mumbai and he would also like the Hyderabad-Mumbai line. He said the line would be commercially viable as it would traverse through mineral rich areas of the state having thermal, steel and cement plants. With regard to an Integrated Rail Coach Factory promised by the Minister of State for Railways in Kolar, he said necessary land of 1000 acres have been identified and the state was willing to handover the same to the Railways. MORE UNI VK GM KSR1840 NNNN

 »  Drug trials should follow procedures: Azad
Bangalore |Monday, 2012 6:35:06 PM IST
Health Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad said Monday drug trials should be as per laid down procedures.

 »  Spectrum will be sold only through auction: Pilot
Bangalore |Monday, 2012 6:35:06 PM IST
The Indian government has decided that spectrum (radio waves) would hereafter be sold only through auction and not on first-come-first-serve basis, Minister of State for Communications and Information Technology Sachin Pilot said here Monday.

 » Govt won't block social networking websites: Sachin Pilot
Bangalore | Monday, Feb 6 2012 IST
The United Progressive Alliance Government has no intention of censoring social networking and other websites hosting content but they should operate within the Indian law and be accountable to it, Union Minister of State for Information Technology and Communication Sachin Pilot said today. Talking to newsmen on the sidelines of ISA vision Summit here, he said the government would not curb freedom of expression but such websites should act in a responsible manner. 'There is no question of any censorship at all. There is no question of blocking or censorship,' he said when asked about his reaction to proceedings in the Delhi High Court vis-a-vis such websites. He said the government had drafted law relating to websites after interaction with the Companies hosting them. He added that there must be a redressal sysem when individuals or groups of people express their views over certain objectionable content posted on such websites. He said the government propagated the issue of freedom of speech and airing of the views, whether negative or positive but added that the country today has more than 100 million internet users, which is bound to grow exponentially. 'There must be some responsible behaviour by both sides,' he said. UNI VK RS GM ADB1630 NNNN

 » Belgaum AP records lowest temperature of 11.4 deg Celsius
Bangalore | Monday, Feb 6 2012 IST
Following is a summary of observations recorded by the weather office at 0830 hours today. Dry weather prevailed over the State. Minimum temperatures changed little over the State. They were appreciably belownormal at a few places over North Interior Karnataka; below normal at a few places over SouthInterior Karnataka and normal over Coastal Karnataka. Belgaum Airport recorded lowest minimum temperature of 11.4 degree Celsius in the plainsof the State. Forecast valid until Wednesday morning: Mainly dry weather would prevail over the State. Farmers Weather Bulletin: Mainly dry weather would prevail over all the districts of Coastal Karnataka, North InteriorKarnataka and South Interior Karnataka. Forecast for Bengaluru city: Partly cloudy sky. Fog/mist would occur in some areas during morning hours. Minimumtemperature would be around 15 degree Celsius. UNI SKB1528 NNNN

 » Lack of regulatory framework hurting BT industry growth: Expert
Bangalore | Monday, Feb 6 2012 IST
Lack of a proper regulatory framework and other hurdles faced by the Bio-Technology (BT) industry is affecting its growth and the government will have to move fast to pave the way for a fast growth of the Indian BT sector, which has full potential to emerge as a leading player in the world, Biocon Chairperson Kiran Mazumdar Shaw today said. Speaking at the inauguration of the three-day Bangalore India-Bio 2012, that was inaugurated in the city today, she said, ''There are unrealistic expectations from us. But only a proper regulatory framework would help realise these expectations. Regulatory system was quintessential in providing support for innovation in BT.'' India has made strides in new and generic drugs while there has been good progress in vaccine has been made. Agriculture challenges have been addressed and India has emerged as the net exporter of BT cotton and success of BT corron had resulted in pesticide imports come down helping eco sustainability. She said there was enormous opportunity in BT sector in energy sector and this can bring down the dependence on fossil fuels. MORE UNI RS AKM RSS1443 NNNN

 » Learn from mistakes and make calm judgement: Dr Bhan to scientists
Bangalore | Monday, Feb 6 2012 IST
Dr M K Bhan, Union Secretary of Biotechnology, today said the scientific community in the country should learn to deal with the idea of public accountability and doing business with the private sector, though it is important to handle the individual sensitivity of scientists who had made huge contribution to the country. Speaking to reporters over the Antrix-Devas deal that had left the scientific community up in arms against the government for barring four eminent scientists, including former ISRO Chairman N Madhavan Nair, from government work on the sidelines of Bangalore India Bio event which began here today, Dr Bhan said the process of making judgements in terms of Public Private Partnership (PPP) agreements should be made with a calm mind the scientists should not get overexcited. He said there was no need for the scientific community to get disheartened over the ISRO issue and denied that their morale had taken a bad hit. ''There is no controversy over the issue which has been sensationalised. But this (Devas deal) is sure a way for us to learn on how to handle PPP models,'' he said. ''There is no controversy on this (Antrix-Devas deal). It has been sensationalised,''he observed. MORE UNI RS VK AKM RSS1328 NNNN

 » ISRO Chief Radhakrishnan says 'nothing personal' against predecessor Nair
Bangalore | February 06, 2012 12:01:13 AM IST
Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) Chief K Radhakrishnan on Monday said that he had nothing personal against his predecessor, G Madhavan Nair, who has been indicted along with three other scientists on the Antrix-Devas deal.

 » Radhakrishnan says 'nothing personal'
Bangalore | Monday, Feb 6 2012 IST
Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) Chairman K Radhakrishnan today said there is ''nothing personal'' about the action taken against former Chairman G Madhavan Nair by the government in the wake of two adverse reports on the ISRO Devas deal on leasing transponders.

 »  Devas deal: Former ISRO chief, three others blamed; deny charges (Roundup)
Bangalore/Chennai |Sunday, 2012 10:05:05 PM IST
A five-member team probing the Antrix-Devas deal has indicted former ISRO chairman G. Madhavan Nair and three other scientists for the controversial contract that resulted in an estimated loss of Rs.2 lakh crore, while another panel has disputed the CAG's estimation of the loss amount. The scientists Sunday slammed the team for its one-sided report.

 » IAC to take out campaign against graft in S India
Bangalore | Sunday, Feb 5 2012 IST
To create awareness about graft, a team of volunteers from India Against Corruption (IAC) is embarking on a campaign to spread the message about Anti-Corruption Crusader Anna Hazare and demand the government a strong Lokpal Law. The team will be travelling close to 1000 kms by road and the journey would start from the city and reach Kochi in Kerala before emplaning back to Bangalore. They would traverse the distance in a vehicle which runs on solar energy to spread the message ''Stop Corruption and No Pollution''. The team would start the journey in the city tomorrow and reach Kochi on February 11. It would travel back to the city via Coimbatore in Tamil Nadu to reach Bangalore on February 20, an IAC release said here today. The campaign is aimed at creating awareness for larger participation of the people to put pressure on the government to pass a strong Lokpal bill pending before the Parliament. The team will be supported by other organisations fighting corruption in various towns of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Kerala. It will be flagged off by Former Lokayukta Santosh Hegde. UNI RS GM 2041 NNNN

 » Cong prepared for early elections in K'taka
Bangalore | Sunday, Feb 5 2012 IST
With BJP in Karnataka 'reeling under internal bickering' and 'a mid-term Assembly polls on cards', Congress has prepared its machinery to face early Assembly Elections, AICC Secretary V Hanumantha Rao today said. Speaking to reporters here, he said the party leadership had braced itself to face the challenge and workers at grassroots level were enthusiastic than ever to face the election. ''We are eager to come back to power as the BJP government is on its last legs. The party is united and our leaders have committed to work hard. The party is now ready to steam ahead,'' the Congress leader said. Congress in the state has been at the receiving end after its loss in the 2004 polls. This had led to coalition with Janata Dal(S) for two years thereafter. However, the advent of BJP in 2008 and internal fight between leaders had laid the party low. ''We are preparing our cadre for early elections and the party is now on the alert mode throughout Karnataka. 'People will definitely seek a change and we have a good chance to bounce back to power,' Mr Hanumanthappa asserted. He said people were fed up with the 'corrupt and inefficient Governance of the BJP Government'. It even failed to utilise huge allocations made by the Congress-led UPA government at the Centre. 'The Congress leaders in Karnataka will now tour for the next seven days in the northern districts of Koppal, Gadag and Bellary and this is a prelude for our struggle to regain power,' he said. UNI RS GM ADB1820 NNNN

 » Fire destroys LG gowdown in tech hub
Bangalore | Sunday, Feb 5 2012 IST
A raging fire burnt down huge stock of white goods belonging to a Korean multinational at the a company's godown near Nelamangala, on the outskirts of the city, today. The fire broke out at the sprawling godown measuring one lakh square feet, which was hired by South Korean electronic goods major LG. Nearly 20 fire tenders struggled to bring down the raging fire for over six hours. Fire Department officials said there was no loss of life as the godown keepers reached to safety from the facility which was away from Nelamangala Town. Fire fighters battled to subdue the raging fire for over six hours as nearly 20 fire engines were pressed into service. The destruction was said to be extensive. MORE UNI RS GM ADB1723 NNNN