»  Rajasthan cricket association owes Rs.4.5 crore to police
New Delhi |Friday, 2012 1:05:06 AM IST
The Rajasthan Cricket Association owes the state government Rs 4.5 crore as security charges for different matches organised by it, an RTI reply has revealed.

 »  Maldives' ousted president seeks global intervention (Third Lead)
New Delhi |Thursday, 2012 11:35:05 PM IST
The Maldives' ousted president Mohamed Nasheed Thursday appealed to the world community to help restore democracy in his country, claiming that he was toppled by a small group of police officers and that police and the military were brutally suppressing people.

 »  Maldives' ousted president seeks global intervention (Second Lead)
New Delhi |Thursday, 2012 11:05:05 PM IST
The Maldives' ousted president Mohamed Nasheed Thursday appealed to the world community to help restore democracy in his country, claiming that he was toppled by a small group of police officers and police and the military were brutally suppressing people.

 »  BJP defends Modi, questions timing of SIT report (Lead)
New Delhi |Thursday, 2012 11:05:05 PM IST
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Thursday questioned the timing of the special investigation team (SIT) on Gujarat riots, even as senior leaders advocated a clean chit for Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi in the 2002 riots.

 »  Man gets life term for killing boy over loan
New Delhi |Thursday, 2012 10:35:05 PM IST
A Delhi court has awarded life imprisonment and imposed a fine of Rs.1 lakh on a man for killing a young boy in east Delhi for not repaying a petty loan of Rs.2,000.

 »  Poll panel censures Khurshid for quota announcement (Second Lead)
New Delhi |Thursday, 2012 10:35:05 PM IST
In an embarrassment to the Congress during the assembly polls in Uttar Pradesh, the Election Commission Thursday censured Law Minister Salman Khurshid for his nine percent job quota promise to minorities and said that as a minister he had the responsibility of ensuring the model code of conduct in "letter and spirit".

 »  Boy dies imitating TV suicide scene (Lead)
New Delhi |Thursday, 2012 10:35:05 PM IST
A 12-year-old boy died here when he reportedly tried to imitate a suicide scene he had seen in a movie, police said Thursday.

 »  CWG case: Lawyer doubts fair trial, judge defers hearing (Lead)
New Delhi |Thursday, 2012 10:35:05 PM IST
A special CBI court hearing a corruption case related to the 2010 Commonwealth Games Thursday put off the proceedings till an order from the district judge after lawyer for an accused doubted he would get fair trial.

 » Mughal Gardens open to public from tomorrow
New Delhi | February 09, 2012 12:01:13 AM IST
The historic Mughal Gardens of Rashtrapati Bhawan, including the musical garden, the spiritual garden, the herbal garden, bonsai garden and the bio-diversity park, will open to the general public from Friday for the month-long annual festival christened as Udyanotsav.

 » MHA, J and K Govt. and Jamia Milia Islamia sign MoU for construction of hostels
New Delhi | February 09, 2012 12:01:13 AM IST
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Ministry of Home Affairs, Jammu and Kashmir Government and Jamia Milia Islamia, Delhi, for the construction of hostels to accommodate students from Jammu and Kashmir at Jamia Milia Islamia here today.

 »  Court reserves order on dropping charges against Salem (Lead)
New Delhi |Thursday, 2012 9:35:05 PM IST
The Delhi High Court Thursday reserved its order on a Delhi Police plea seeking withdrawal of charges under the stringent Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) against don Abu Salem in a 2002 extortion case here.

 »  Five held with tiger, leopard skins
New Delhi |Thursday, 2012 9:35:05 PM IST
Five men involved in an international wildlife racket were arrested with one tiger and four leopard skins from Bijnor district of Uttar Pradesh, officials said Thursday.

 »  Relief for scheduled caste/tribe victims up 150 percent
New Delhi |Thursday, 2012 9:35:05 PM IST
The United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government has increased the minimum amount payable to the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe victims of atrocities by 150 percent, it was announced Thursday.

 »  26/11 was attack on India's sovereignty, says apex court
New Delhi |Thursday, 2012 9:35:05 PM IST
The Supreme Court Thursday said that the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack was worse than waging a war against the Indian government, as it was targeted at the unity, integrity, and sovereignty of the country.

 »  Poll panel censures Khurshid for quota announcement (Lead)
New Delhi |Thursday, 2012 9:35:05 PM IST
The poll panel Thursday censured Congress leader Salman Khurshid for his nine percent job quota announcement for minorities in Uttar Pradesh, and said that as law minister he has the responsibility of ensuring the model code of conduct is observed in "letter and spirit".

 »  2G: Supreme Court to hear Essar Tech's plea Feb 17 (Lead)
New Delhi |Thursday, 2012 9:05:06 PM IST
The Supreme Court Thursday said it will hear Feb 17 Essar Technologies Ltd's plea that the cheating case against the company in the 2G scam be heard by a magistrate and not the Special CBI court judge dealing with other corruption matters related to the scam.

 »  Narendra Modi among BJP's PM candidates: Gadkari
New Delhi |Thursday, 2012 9:05:06 PM IST
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president Nitin Gadkari Thursday said Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi was one of the party's contenders for prime minister.

 »  CWG case: Lawyer doubts fair trial, judge defers hearing
New Delhi |Thursday, 2012 9:05:06 PM IST
A special CBI court hearing a corruption case related to the 2010 Commonwealth Games Thursday put off the proceedings till an order from the district judge after lawyer for an accused doubted he would get fair trial.

 »  CJI to decide bench for hearing death row convict's plea
New Delhi |Thursday, 2012 9:05:06 PM IST
The Supreme Court Thursday asked Chief Justice S.H.Kapadia to decide which bench will hear the petition by a death row convict seeking the commutation of his sentence to life imprisonment due to the long delay in deciding his mercy petition.

 »  Court reserves order on charges against Salem
New Delhi |Thursday, 2012 9:05:06 PM IST
The Delhi High Court Thursday reserved its order on a Delhi Police plea seeking withdrawal of charges under the stringent Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) against don Abu Salem in a 2002 extortion case here.

 » Army Chief places additional documents in Supreme Court on age row
New Delhi | February 09, 2012 12:01:13 AM IST
Chief of Army Staff, General V.K. Singh, has placed additional documents before the Supreme Court to support his case for restoring his date of birth as May 10, 1951.

 » Orissa excise minister quits over Cuttack hooch tragedy
New Delhi | February 09, 2012 12:01:13 AM IST
Orissa's Excise Minister A U Singhdeo resigned on Thursday accepting moral responsibility for the hooch tragedy in Cuttack.

 » Dedicated freight corridor project to be given highest priority
New Delhi | February 09, 2012 12:01:13 AM IST
The Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, has directed that the dedicated freight corridor project costing nearly one lakh crore rupees should be given the highest priority by central ministries and urged the state governments to also do so.

 » Gadkari accuses Centre of harassing Modi Government over Godhra case
New Delhi | February 09, 2012 12:01:13 AM IST
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) President Nitin Gadkari on Thursday said the Congress-led UPA Government must stop harassing the Narendra Modi Government in Gujarat.

 »  Coldest Feb 9 in five years, chill to continue Friday (Second Lead)
New Delhi |Thursday, 2012 8:35:06 PM IST
The winter sun failed to provide any warmth as icy winds blew through the day as Delhiites were caught by surprise Thursday, the coldest Feb 9 in the last five years.

 »  Poll panel censures Khurshid for quota announcement
New Delhi |Thursday, 2012 8:35:06 PM IST
The Election Commission Thursday censured Law Minister Salman Khurshid for his announcement that if the Congress came to power in Uttar Pradesh it would provide nine percent job quota to minorities.

 »  India has the will to bring change: Desmond Tutu
New Delhi |Thursday, 2012 8:35:06 PM IST
India has the political will to bring change that can help abolish evils like child marriage, Nobel laureate and South African anti-apartheid icon archbishop Desmond Tutu said here Thursday.

 »  Maldives' ousted president seeks global help for democracy
New Delhi |Thursday, 2012 8:35:06 PM IST
The Maldives' ousted president Mohamed Nasheed Thursday appealed to the world community to help restore democracy in his country while stating that he was toppled by a small group of police officers.

 »  Vodafone Group's quarterly India revenue grows 6.3 percent
New Delhi |Thursday, 2012 8:35:05 PM IST
Britain-based telecom firm Vodafone Group Thursday reported a 6.3 percent rise in its India revenue at 1.02 billion pounds ($1.62 billion) for the quarter ended Dec 31 owing to the increase in the customer base.

 »  Boy dies imitating TV suicide scene
New Delhi |Thursday, 2012 8:35:05 PM IST
A 12-year-old boy died here when he reportedly tried to imitate a suicide scene he had seen on a television show, police said Thursday.

 » Congress a private limited company: Gadkari
New Delhi | Thursday, Feb 9 2012 IST
BJP national president Nitin Gadkari today alleged that the Congress has been functioning like a private limited company of the Gandhi family. ''The Congress is working around a single family. The Congress is a private limited company of the Gandhi family,'' Mr Gadkari told reporters here when asked about Congress' star campaigner Priyanka Gandhi who had brought her two children during a poll campaign in Uttar Pradesh. Asked about Karnataka Advocate General B V Acharya resigning citing ''pressure from the government'' to do so, Mr Gadkari refuted allegations that the party pressurised anyone. Mr Gadkari had also told a news channel that Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi was one of the party's prime ministerial candidates for the next Lok Sabha elections in 2014. His comment assumes significance after the Supreme Court-appointed Special Investigation Team (SIT), probing the 2002 post-Godhra riots cases, submitted its final report in connection with the complaint filed against Mr Modi and others by Zakiya Jafri, wife of slain Congress MP Ehsan Jafri. UNI KK SW RP1950 NNNN

 » Preparation adequate for shifting to digital: I&B Ministry
New Delhi | Thursday, Feb 9 2012 IST
Information and Broadcasting Ministry today said adequate preparations were underway for shifting to the digital from the analogue mode of broadcastinbg from July 2012. In a high-level review meeting, it was confirmed that orders had already been placed by major service providers for about 8.79 million set-top boxes that would take care of the projected need of 10 million boxes for the first phase of digitalisation for which the cut-off date is June 30 in the four metros. From July 1, it would be obligatory for every cable operator to provide signals in digital addressable mode. ''The above figures indicates that major service providers have taken cognizance of the notification issued by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting regarding the sun set date of conversion from analogue to digital services in the four metro cities,'' the Ministry said, adding that ''This would also dispel reports that adequate preparations were not in place that would lead to blackout of services.'' The digitalisation would provide a bonanza for the consumers in terms of picture quality, availability of wide range of channels and freedom of choice for selection of channels as against poor picture quality, limited channels selection and forcible promotion of bouquets by some service providers at present, it said. UNI NAZ SW 1931 NNNN

 » Hostel to set up for J&K students at Jamia
New Delhi | Thursday, Feb 9 2012 IST
Union Home Ministry, Jammu and Kashmir government and the Jamia Milia Islamia today signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for constructing hostel facility for students from the state at the university. Joint Secretary (Kashmir) S Skandan, Jammu and Kashmir Higher Education Commissioner/Secretary Tanveer Jahan and Jamia Milia Islamia Registrar Prof S M Sajid signed the MoU in the presence of Union Home Minister P Chidambaram, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Jama Milia Islamia Vice-Chairman Najeeb Jung and Union Home Secretary R K Singh. Speaking on the occasion, Mr Chidambaram described it as a very positive step for providing higher education to students from the state. Mr Abdullah said the step would help in providing accommodation and also further integration of the students from J and K. This is part of the initiatives taken by the Central government to enhance confidence building measures for the people of the state. The proposed hostel facility will be for 400 students of postgraduate, graduate and school-level students (separate for boys and girls). The estimated cost of the project is Rs 16.22 crore and is expected to be completed within 24 months from the date of construction. Funds will be released in installments by the state government to the Jamia Milia Islamia. The amount will be reimbursed by the Home Ministry. After construction of the building, hostel facility for 400 students from J and K will be available in addition to those who obtain hostel accommodation under the regular system. UNI RB SW 1926 NNNN

 » Deliberate attempt to understate Central assistance to WB: Singhvi
New Delhi | Thursday, Feb 9 2012 IST
Reacting to statement by West Bengal Finance Minister Amit Mitra that no central funds were received by the state government, Congress spokesperson Abhishek Manu Singhvi today alleged that there was a deliberate attempt to understate and suppress central assistance to West Bengal. Issuing a further clarification on his statement in Kolkata that the Centre had approved central assistance of about Rs 8,750 crore to West Bengal under the Backward Regions Grant Fund(BRGF) scheme, Mr Singhvi said, ''On my trip to Kolkatta on Sunday to inaugurate a party newspaper, I had only said, and that too in response to one question amongst many others by several reporters, that in the 2011-12 financial year, the Centre had approved central assistance of about Rs 8,750 crore to WB (under BRGF scheme). I had talked only about allocation/approvals, not disbursals. ''Dr Mitra attacked the statement as untrue, doubted my ability to understand economics and deliberately chose to speak of disbursals instead of allocation, which alone I had mentioned.'' Mr Singhvi said on February 7, he had, in response to a question, said such criticism (by Dr Mitra) was unwarranted and distorted the facts since he had not controverted my statement reallocation/approval of the above figure but instead talked of something totally different -- disbursals. Citing facts and figures obtained from the Union Finance Ministry, Mr Singhvi said thet facts ''demonstrate not only the complete error of West Bengal's Finance Minister's statement but also show that there appears to be a deliberate attempt to understate and suppress central assistance to WB''. More UNI AR SW 1919 NNNN

 » Delhi shivers as minimum drops to 4 deg C
New Delhi | Thursday, Feb 9 2012 IST
Mercury dropped to four degrees Celsius in the Capital this morning, the lowest in recent years. The Met Department said the minimum temperature was recorded at four degrees, five degrees below normal. Though sunny weather gave people some respite, chilly winds sent them shivering. The maximum temperature was recorded at 19 degrees, three degrees below normal. There is likely to be no respite from chilly weather with the forecast that the minimum would drop to around three degrees in the next 24 hours. The maximum would be around 20 degrees. UNI NY/AR SW RP1910 NNNN

 »  Anil Ambani was not chief of Tiger Traders, two firms: 2G witness
New Delhi |Thursday, 2012 8:05:06 PM IST
Reliance Group chief Anil Ambani was not the chairman of any of the three companies, including Tiger Traders, which were allegedly linked to 2G case accused Swan Telecom, a witness Thursday told a CBI special court here.

 »  Give top priority to dedicated freight corridor project: PM
New Delhi |Thursday, 2012 8:05:06 PM IST
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Thursday asked central government ministries and departments and state governments to give top priority to Rs.1 lakh crore dedicated freight corridor project that will substantially reduce infrastructure bottlenecks.

 »  Chilly day in Delhi (Lead)
New Delhi |Thursday, 2012 8:05:06 PM IST
It was a cold day for Delhiites Thursday, with chilly winds keeping the minimum temperature five notches below average at 4 degrees Celsius -- the coldest Feb 9 in the last five years. The city will see similar weather Friday, the Met office said.

 »  Maruti Suzuki crosses 10 million sales mark
New Delhi |Thursday, 2012 8:05:06 PM IST
Maruti Suzuki Thursday said it has evolved to meet the demands of a changing India and crossed the 10 million cumulative domestic sales mark.

 »  Etisalat writes off $827 mn, evaluates India options
Mumbai/New Delhi |Thursday, 2012 8:05:06 PM IST
Abu Dhabi-based telecom firm Etisalat Thursday wrote off its investments worth $827 million in the mobile company Etisalat DB and said the company is evaluating its strategic options in India.

 »  Manmohan to meet key ministers over 2G verdict
New Delhi |Thursday, 2012 8:05:06 PM IST
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh is likely to hold a meeting with his key ministers in the next few days to discuss the Supreme Court order cancelling 122 2G (second generation) spectrum licences, official sources said Thursday.

 »  Concerns on food bill to be addressed: Thomas
New Delhi |Thursday, 2012 8:05:06 PM IST
The United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government Thursday said it will address the concerns expressed by the states over the proposed National Food Security Bill.

 »  Jamia to build hostel for Kashmiri students
New Delhi |Thursday, 2012 7:35:06 PM IST
The Jamia Millia university is building a hostel for students from Jammu and Kashmir as part of confidence building measures for the people from the troubled-state.

 » BJP launches 'Yuva' internet channel for youth
New Delhi | Thursday, Feb 9 2012 IST
BJP today launched a internet channel 'Yuva' with an aim to provide a platform for the youth to communicate, engage and motivate on various political, economical, cultural and other social issues. ''BJP has always pioneered the use of internet and technology in communicating and engaging with the masses specially the youth in India,'' BJP national president Nitin Gadkari told reporters here while launching the channel. He said after a very successful foray in social media, mobile applications and being the first party to offer online memberships, BJP has now launched this internet TV channel for the youth. With the channel the saffron party aims to create a content rich, experiential and innovative platform to communicate, engage and motivate the youth on various political, health, economics, current affairs and cultural issues and most importantly the voice of 'young India'. The party would also provide live webcasts of its rallies and other events. ''BJP believes that today's young generation is the catalyst of future growth and is committed to providing them platforms for positive and active participation in India's political process,'' Mr Gadkari said. UNI KK SW 1846 NNNN

 » Army Chief to visit Britain from Feb 13
New Delhi | Thursday, Feb 9 2012 IST
In a bid to bolster defence relations between India and Britain, Army Chief Gen V K Singh will make a five-day visit to United Kingdom beginning February 13. Besides holding talks with senior military leaders on ways to strengthen bi-lateral defence ties between the two countries, Gen Singh will be visiting training institutes and watch a defence exercise, according to official sources. He will also call on the British Secretary of Defence to discuss ways to further strengthen cooperation between the defence forces of the two sides, and also meet the British Chief of General Staff Gen Peter Wall. The high point would be his visit to the Royal Military Academy in Sandhurst, considered the nursery of Indian Army's leadership during the pre-Independence era, and interaction with the world renowned 'Special Forces' of Britain. Gen Singh is scheduled to return on February 20. India and the UK share a healthy defence relationship, despite a wrinkle or two in recent days, mostly due to India choosing the French 'Rafala' fighter aircraft over the European consortium's (of which UK is a major player) 'Eurofighter' in search for a 'perfect' MMRCA -- a deal considered one of the world's largest in recent years. UNI AN SW 1841 NNNN

 » PM calls for giving top priority to Freight Corridor Project
New Delhi | Thursday, Feb 9 2012 IST
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has asked all Central Ministries and state governments to give the highest priority to the Dedicated Freight Corridor Project, costing nearly Rs one lakh crore. The project would connect a land mass of over 3300 Km and prove to be the 'backbone' of India's economic transport facility, a spokesman of the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) said today. The Western corridor from Dadri in Uttar Pradesh to Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust near Mumbai will be 1499 Km long and will connect Haryana, Rajasthan, Gujarat and Maharashtra with an exclusive high-speed railway track. The Eastern Dedicated Freight Corridor from Ludhiana to Dankuni will be 1839 Km long and will connect Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and West Bengal. A major part of the Western corridor would be funded by the Japanese and nearly two-third of the Eastern corridor would be built with World Bank assistance. The Sonnagar-Dankuni section would be executed on PPP mode. More UNI RB BDP SD 1839 NNNN

 » India has potential to tap growing health care sector: Walia
New Delhi | Thursday, Feb 9 2012 IST
Delhi Health Minister A K Walia today said India has all the potential to tap the growing health care sector having relevant skills with adequate human resources to become the preferred healthcare player in the world. ''Quality and safe practice further promote medical tourism in India. In fact, the new wave of patients coming to India from the West to highly sophisticated surgeries like hip resurfacing, cardiac and spinal surgeries will not only provide great relief to patients and their families across the world but will also accelerate India's march towards becoming a global economic leader,'' Dr Walia said at a conference on quality and safety in health care. He pointed out that in recent times, the quality and safety in health care has become all the more important due to emergence of the patients from developing countries such as the US and UK coming to India for high-end cost effective surgeries. Dr Walia said building a culture of patient safety in the Delhi government hospitals was top priority. He said providing ultra-modern and most accurate diagnostic facilities and treatment at the right time, in a cost effective manner to the satisfaction of patients and their families were of utmost concern to the city government. ''With this and in view, we are bringing more and more hospitals within the ambit of quality control. As a result of our emphasis on better patient care and quality control, the four major hospitals of the Delhi government have been granted accreditation by the National Accreditation Board on Health (NABH),'' he added. The hospitals are Maulana Azad Institute of Dental Sciences (MAIDS), Chacha Nehru Bal Chikitsalaya (CNBC), Institute of Liver & Biliary Sciences (ILBS) and Institute of Human Behaviour & Allied Sciences (IHBAS). Dr Walia emphasised the need for creating awareness to practice quality and safe medical care. He expressed hope that India would achieve high success rate in improving quality and safety of healthcare system in the coming years. UNI KK BDP 1823 NNNN

 » Amitabh Bachchan to undergo surgery on Saturday
New Delhi | Thursday, Feb 9 2012 IST
Superstar Amitabh Bachchan is to undergo surgery on Saturday, necessitated by a pain in the abdomen, the actor said in a posting on his blog at BigAdda.com last night. While not disclosing the nature of the surgery, the Big B said it was not too complicated. ''There were some medical procedures today, a surgery that I shall be undergoing on the 11th morning. I do not wish to talk much on my medical condition, but trust and faith in my FmXt allows me to do so. The surgery they say is not too complicated. ''There has been a dosage of injections intravenous that began today and shall continue for a few days... a pain in the abdomen has to be investigated tomorrow under a CT Scan and then and only then shall the ok for the surgery be given.'' The actor, who suffered a near fatal intestinal injury while filming a fight scene in 1982 movie 'Coolie' which confined him to hospital for many months, has a history of stomach ailments. Writing on his blog, the superstar said, ''My stomach which has already been the bed of many complicated battles in the past, shall have to entertain this as well. Its a war zone, my body, and one which has been through a great deal and still does.'' Delving behind the stomach problem, the Big B said, ''The doc who looks after me was furious at my late night appearances... but what does one do.. it is this time of the night or the day when there is freedom and solitude to assuage what I must convey or not. But I do understand his concern and shall abide by it....'' Talking about his health problems, the superstar said, ''I sometimes lament the fact that I do not have the benefit of a complete and ailment free body structure, and I wonder how wonderful it would be to be normal again. But this was my fate and I shall accept it with a smile. I just feel blessed that despite all the encumbrances the Almighty gave me the courage to keep going has been undiluted. That courage, wrapped as it were, in the love and prayers of well wishers has pulled me through on several occasions and on this one too I solicit similar.'' It is notable that after the 'Coolie' incident, he was again admitted to hospital in 2005 and underwent bowel surgery. UNI AR SW 1807 NNNN

 »  Sab TV's new show focuses on Indian value system
New Delhi |Thursday, 2012 7:05:06 PM IST
Sab TV, known for making comedy shows, is now coming up with a new daily soap I Love My India which will show what happens when West meets East.

 »  Take your Valentine to vineyards for a treat
New Delhi |Thursday, 2012 7:05:06 PM IST
Instead of the usual wining and dining, take your partner to a vineyard this Valentine's Day and make her/him feel special by arranging a romantic candle-lit dinner on the hilltop.

 »  India, Pakistan trade can reach $10 bn by 2015: CII
New Delhi |Thursday, 2012 6:35:05 PM IST
Bilateral trade between India and Pakistan can reach $10 billion by 2015, from $2.7 billion registered in 2010-11, if tariff and non-tariff barriers are removed, the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) said Thursday.

 »  Copper surfaces reduce hospital infections: Experts
New Delhi |Thursday, 2012 6:35:05 PM IST
Hospital Acquired Infections (HAI) can be reduced by more than 70 percent by using copper alloys on surfaces which come frequently in contact with microbes, say experts.

 » Ashish Soni completes 20 years in fashion world, set to celebrate
New Delhi |Thursday, 2012 6:35:05 PM IST
Designer Ashish N. Soni completes two decades in the fashion industry this year and to mark the occasion he will showcase a retrospective of his work.

 »  Nippy Thursday across north India (Roundup)
New Delhi |Thursday, 2012 6:35:05 PM IST
The cold wave continued unabated across north India Thursday as temperatures dipped across the region. Bright sunshine in most places could not provide respite from the big chill as icy breezes blew throughout the day.

 » HC issues notices to Centre, Delhi govt on plea that KVS violated
New Delhi | Thursday, Feb 9 2012 IST
Delhi High Court today issued notices to Union and Delhi governments and Kendriya Vidyalaya Sanghathan on a PIL filed by an NGO, challenging the constitutional validity of introduction of a quota within quota in the 25 per cent reserved seats under the Right to Education Act, 2009 for children belonging to disadvantaged group and economically weaker sections (EWS). A bench comprising acting Chief Justice A K Sikri and Justice Rajeev Sahay Endlaw directed the respondents to file their reply by February 22. According to Ashok Agrawal, counsel appearing on behalf of NGO Social Jurist, the Kendriya Vidyalaya has reserved 25 per cent seats for SC/ST, EWS, disabled and others. A total of 10 seats were reserved under the 25 per cent quota. Out of these 10 sets 9 have again been reserved for SC/ST class leaving only one seat to be shared by EWS, handicapped and other disadvantageous groups, which is violation of the RTE Act. According to the RTE guidelines, the reserved category of 25 per cent should have equal weightage for SC/ST, OBC, disabled or children from EWS, and they form one homogeneous class and is entitled to equal treatment. No class can have preference over the other, the petitioner contended. The categories mentioned in Section 2(d) and 2(e) of RTE Act, 2009 form one group/class for the purpose of 25 per cent reservation of seats in KVS for children belonging to disadvantaged group and EWS in terms of Section 12(1)(c) of RTE Act, 2009 and cannot be legally sub-divided or sub-categorised but the KVS has introduced quota within quota thereby 90 per cent of seats in 25 per cent seats have been provided to SC/ST students, the NGO submitted. Such a sub-classification or micro classification of the categories mentioned in Section 2(d) of RTE Act, 2009 which already takes care of the SC/ST children is impermissible under the Constitution and contrary to the law, the NGO contended. UNI SNG SWRP1755 NNNN

 » Dikshit urges people to conserve natural resources
New Delhi | Thursday, Feb 9 2012 IST
Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit today urged the people to concentrate more on conservation of natural resources as the efforts in this regard have not yet reached the peak. ''The people of India at large are environment conscious and there has been a rich tradition of conservation of natural resources, which was affected due to fast urbanisation,'' Ms Dikshit said at the inaugural function of a three-day annual eco-meet here. She said the school children have been playing a vital role in greening Delhi. Ms Dikshit said green area in Delhi has expanded from 32 sq km to 300 sq km during the past 13 years. The Chief Minister lauded the role of the people in making Delhi a pollution-free city upto some extent. About 2000 eco-clubs in the city are participating in this meet. NGOs and corporate bodies have also set up their stalls along with schools and colleges depicting different aspects of the environment. UNI KK SW 1730 NNNN

 » Age row: SC to hear Army Chief's petition tomorrow
New Delhi | Thursday, Feb 9 2012 IST
The Supreme Court will hear tomorrow the petition of the Army Chief Gen V K Singh on his date of birth (DoB). Justices R M Lodha and H L Gokhale will be on the bench. Gen Singh has filed additional documents in the Supreme Court to make his case watertight. The Army chief is claiming that his DoB as per his matriculation certificate is May 10, 1951 while the government has declared his DoB as May 10, 1950. Gen Singh will have to retire in May this year if the claim of the government is accepted and if his pettion is allowed by the apex court then he will retire next year. Gen Singh is the first Army Chief to drag the government to the court on the issue of his DoB. On the last date of hearing, the apex court had told Attorney General of India G E Vahanvati, who appeared for the Ministry of Defence that the procedure adopted by the government while rejecting the statutory complaint of the Army Chief on December 30, 2011 was vitiated and violated the principle of natural justice. The judges had made it clear on February 3 that either the government should withdraw its December 30, 2011 order or else the court would quash it. The Army Chief filed additional documents yesterday following media reports that the government was not inclined to settle the matter out of court and has taken a tough stand to contest the case in the court on merits. Army Chief has obtained the legal opinions of four former Chief Justices of India in his favour. The former CJIs are Justices J S Verma, V N Khare, G B Patnaik, and R C Lahoti. UNI SC BDP RP1740 NNNN

 » DoNER Minister emphasises prevention, early detection of cancer
New Delhi | Thursday, Feb 9 2012 IST
Development of North Eastern Region minister Paban Singh Ghatowar has emphasised on prevention and early detection of cancer through public education saying awareness can be spread through liberal distribution of information, education and communication materials through gram panchayats. For the purpose, the minister chaired a meeting of board of directors of Dr B Borooah Cancer Institute, Guwahati, and finalised a five-year revitalisation plan on January 30, an official statement said here today. Funding was expected at a total cost of Rs 197 crore, the majority of which would be through the Ministry and the rest through the Department of Atomic Energy and the Assam government. Mr Ghatowar also underlined the need to bring the hospital at par with international standards to meet the future needs of the patients. The fourth tripartite agreement involving NEC, DAE and the Assam government was signed by Mr Ghatowar as NEC chairman. Mr P P Varma, the Additional Chief Secretary, Health and Family Welfare Department, signed the agreement on behalf of the Assam government. During the period, a PET CT Scan machine, Radiation Medicine Centre, Bone Marrow Transplantation Unit, Second CT Simulator Machine, Micro-Vascular Surgery facilities would be introduced. The statement said the second unit of 100 bedded guest house for patients would be constructed for the benefit of patients coming from the distant places of the North-Eastern Region. Additional quarters for grade-III employees and nurses and deluxe paying cabin would be constructed to further augment the infrastructure facilities. UNI BKS SW RP1743 NNNN

 » 72% increase in Visa on Arrivals issued in January 2012
New Delhi | Thursday, Feb 9 2012 IST
There has been a 72 per cent growth in the number of Visa on Arrival (VoA) issued in January this year compared to last year, a Tourism Ministry spokesperson said today. During the month of January 2012, a total of 1,359 VoAs were issued as compared to 790 VoAs issued during January 2011, registering a growth rate of 72 per cent, excluding the nationals of Indonesia, Laos and Myanmar for which no VoAs were issued in January 2011. The highest number of 360 VoAs issued under the scheme during January 2012 were for New Zealand, followed by 263 for Japan, 220 for Indonesia, 206 for Phillipines, 173 for Singapore and 95 for Finland. During this month, the maximum number of VoAs were issued at Delhi airport ( 737), followed by Mumbai (339), Chennai (188) and Kolkata (100). As a facilitative measure to attract more foreign tourists to India, the government launched a scheme of 'Visa on Arrival' in January, 2010 for citizens of five countries -- Finland, Japan, Luxembourg, New Zealand and Singapore -- visiting India for tourism purposes. The government has now extended this scheme for the citizens of six more countries, namely, Combodia, Indonesia, Vietnam, Philippines, Laos and Myanmar from January 2011. UNI AR SW 1725 NNNN

 »  DGCA to conduct surprise checks to catch drunk pilots, crew
New Delhi |Thursday, 2012 6:05:06 PM IST
The Indian aviation watchdog Thursday said it will carry out surprise checks and enforce stricter norms to stop pilots and cabin crew getting tipsy while at work.

 »  Army chief's age plea before Supreme Court Friday
New Delhi |Thursday, 2012 6:05:06 PM IST
The Supreme Court will hear Friday a plea from Indian Army chief General V.K. Singh to maintain his birth date as May 10, 1951, instead of 1950, and against the orders of the defence ministry rejection of his statutory complaint in this regard.

 »  Falak case: Two accused have prostitution racket links
New Delhi |Thursday, 2012 5:35:05 PM IST
A driver and tailor arrested here earlier this week in the baby Falak case were involved in a prostitution racket for a long time and their network was spread across several cities, police said Thursday.

 »  Kashmiri students on 'mission' know the nation
New Delhi |Thursday, 2012 5:35:05 PM IST
For most of them, it was their first experience of travelling beyond the 2.5-km-long Jawahar tunnel through the Pir Panjal mountain range which links the Kashmir Valley with the rest of India.

 »  Manpower shortage in business aviation affecting safety: DGCA
New Delhi |Thursday, 2012 5:35:05 PM IST
An acute shortage of trained manpower in general (business) aviation is affecting flight safety in the fast growing sector, the industry regulator said Thursday.

 »  Hindalco Industries quarterly net profit drops 2 percent
New Delhi |Thursday, 2012 5:35:05 PM IST
Hindalco Industries Ltd Thursday posted a decline of 2 percent in net profit at Rs.450.7 crore for the quarter ended Dec 31 against Rs.460.34 crore during the same period of the previous financial year.

 » Coast guard wives assist patients and attendants at AIIMS
New Delhi | February 09, 2012 12:01:13 AM IST
As the prevailing cold conditions continue to increase the hardships and sufferings of the patients reaching the Trauma Centre, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), for their treatment; the Coast Guard Wives Welfare Association (CGWWA) extended a helping hand to the relatives and patients on Wednesday by distributing eatables and other essential items of daily use to them.

 » European leaders Rompuy and Barroso to participate in India, EU Summit
New Delhi | February 09, 2012 12:01:13 AM IST
European Council President Herman Wan Rompuy and European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso will arrive here on a four-day visit beginning today to participate in the annual India-EU Summit scheduled to take place on Friday.

 » Designer duo Shantanu and Nikhil to open for WIFW A/W 2012
New Delhi | Thursday, Feb 9 2012 IST
Designer duo of Shantanu and Nikhil, known for their elegance and sophistication, will open the Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week Autumn/Winter 2012 with their show. In their opening show at the WIFW A/W 2012, which kickstarts on February 15 at Pragati Maidan, the designer duo will showcase their impressive bridge line (S&N Drape) for the coming season. Announcing the line up of shows at the WIFW A/W 2012, Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI) president Sunil Sethi said, ''FDCI is thrilled to have ace designer duo Shantanu and Nikhil to open for WIFW 2012, that so befits the glitz and glamour that they are known for and hence the apt choice to unveil the biggest fashion event of the year. We wish them the very best for their show.'' On being chosen to open the fashion week, Shantanu and Nikhil said, ''We are extremely excited to open the show at WIFW 2012, the country's largest and most significant fashion platform.'' The 19th edition of WIFW, being organised by the FDCI, will kick off with 138 designers featuring their creations at the five-day event. UNI AR SW 1607 NNNN

 » Carrying original ID proof to be compulsory in train journey in
New Delhi | Thursday, Feb 9 2012 IST
In a move aimed at preventing misuse of reserved train tickets and reduce cases of travelling on transferred tickets, the Railways Ministry has decided that passengers are required to carry original one of the nine prescribed identity proofs during the journey. Passenger or anyone of the passengers booked on the ticket issued from computerised passenger reservation system (PRS counters) and internet (i-ticket) or undertaking journey in AC-3 tier, AC-2 tier, first AC, AC chair car and executive classes will have to carry one of the nine prescribed proofs of identity, with effect from February 15, an official spokesperson said today. The passengers of these AC classes would be required to produce the identity card in original as and when required failing which all the passengers booked on that ticket would be treated as without ticket and charged accordingly. However, the identity card -- in original or its photocopy -- would not be required at the time of purchase of reserved AC tickets from PRS counters or i-ticket. These instructions are valid for all categories of trains, with these classes of travel, he added. In case of passengers who are automatically upgraded by the system from sleeper class to air-conditioned class and in case of passengers who are upgraded by on-board ticket checking staff on realisation of difference of fare, the condition of carrying identity proof during the journey would not be applicable. More UNI AR SW 1605 NNNN

 » Parliamentary Committee invites public view on PRB Bill
New Delhi | Thursday, Feb 9 2012 IST
Standing Committee on Information Technology has invited suggestions on the Press and Registration of Books and Publications Bill, 2011. The bill, introduced in the Lok Sabha on December 16, 2011, has been referred to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Information Technology, headed by Mr Rao Inderjit Singh, MP, for examination and report to Parliament. The bill had to be brought into effect chanages in The Press and Registration of Books and Publications Act, 1867, as existing provisions of the Act are not adequate to cater to the phenomenal growth of the print media sector in view of the liberalised policy of the government. The Act has been amended several times in the past too. UNI NAZ SW 1535 NNNN

 » NCM to seek report from Delhi Police over Amir
New Delhi | Thursday, Feb 9 2012 IST
National Commission for Minorities(NCM) is seeking an explanation from Delhi police for arresting an 18-year-old boy and implicating him in 20 cases of murder, terrorism, and waging war against the nation, from all of which except the two, he has been acquitted. The NCM has taken a suo motu cognizance of a report published in the Hindu of February 7 about the story of Mohammad Amir who had to spent 14 years of his precious life in jail for the charges which were proved to be false. The Commission has taken a very serious note of press report and was going to seek an explantion from the Delhi police, NCM chairman Wajahat Habiullah told UNI today. He said the Commission has been persuing such cases had got success in getting bail for the accused youth in the Malegaon blasts. According to the press report, Mohammad Amir was picked up by police in 1998 when he was just 18 years old. He was thrown into Tihar jail and was released only in January this year. Amir, who once visited Pakistan to see her sister, has also been accused of having got terror training in Pakistan. The report said it was rarest of rare cases that an 18-year-old had been named the mastrermind and executor in 20 bomb blast cases on the thinnest of evidence. UNI NAZ SW 1534 NNNN

 »  Heineken extends partnership with James Bond films
New Delhi |Thursday, 2012 5:05:05 PM IST
After collaborating with five James Bond films, beer brand Heineken has extended its 15-year-long partnership with the popular franchise. The company has plans to launch a global campaign for the upcoming spy movie "Skyfall".

 »  India's exports up 10.1 percent to $25.4 bn in January
New Delhi |Thursday, 2012 5:05:05 PM IST
India's exports grew by 10.1 percent to $25.4 billion in January, while imports surged 20.3 percent to $40.1 billion, leaving a trade deficit of $14.7 billion, Commerce Secretary Rahul Khullar said here Thursday.

 »  BJP a supermarket of immorality, irregularity: Congress
New Delhi |Thursday, 2012 5:05:05 PM IST
The Congress party Thursday described the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) as a supermarket where a "spectrum of immorality and irregularity is available under one roof".

 »  India should be worried over Maldives turmoil: Expert
New Delhi |Thursday, 2012 4:35:05 PM IST
India "should be worried" over the quick-paced developments in the Maldives that saw the president quit and violence spread across the country, said an expert here.

 »  Mughal Gardens unfold floral carpets, 120 rose varieties
New Delhi |Thursday, 2012 4:35:05 PM IST
Floral carpets adorning immaculately manicured lawns, palette of colours and range of flowers in the sprawling Rashtrapati Bhavan -- 'Careless Love', 'Kiss of Fire', and 'Lady X' are here to capture the visitor's imagination at the Mughal Gardens that will be open to the public Friday.

 »  Renting a cot and quilt as winter chill continues (Feature)
New Delhi |Thursday, 2012 4:35:05 PM IST
Behind the 17th century Jama Masjid in Old Delhi, an auto-parts market thrives by day, but on winter nights, the area is thronged by thousands of homeless who rent a quilt or a cot.

 » Tom Cruise's son Connor rants at loss of Patriots at hands of Giants
New Delhi | February 09, 2012 12:01:13 AM IST
Connor Cruise, a die-hard fan of the New England Patriots and the DJ son of Tom Cruise, lashed out at one of his reps, Todd Krim, for a tweet he found offensive after his team lost to the Giants.

 » Congress will have no truck with Samajwadi Party: Sriprakash
New Delhi | Thursday, Feb 9 2012 IST
Congress leader and Union Coal Minister Sriprakash Jaiswal today ruled out the possibility of any truck with Samajwadi Party in the Uttar Pradesh post-poll scenario. Talking to newspersons here, Mr Jaiswal made it clear that Congress youth leader Rahul Gandhi would not be the Chief Minister but would certainly ensure through a remote control that the state was governed properly and all poll promises were fulfilled. Asserting that the high polling percentage in the first phase of elections yesterday was an indication of people's mood to vote for Congress party's developmental agenda, Mr Jaiswal refused to be drawn in the issue of the party's CM's candidate if voted to power and said the elected MLAs would decide their leader in the house. Asked to comment on the raging war of words between senior leaders Beni Prasad Verma and PL Punia who has been described as an 'outsider in the state' by the former, Mr Jaiswal asserted that it was wrong to say that Mr Punia was an outsider as the latter was associated with the state's bureaucracy for last 40 years. Mr Jaiswal also doubted the reported statements and said he was not aware of the context of these comments. UNI NB RP1522 NNNN

 »  No idea of Nasheed's whereabouts: Maldives envoy
New Delhi |Thursday, 2012 4:05:05 PM IST
Calling the violence that swept through the island nation following the ouster of Mohamed Nasheed as "unlawful and unfortunate", Maldives High Commissioner to India Abdul Azeez Yoosuf Thursday said he has not heard anything about the former president.

 »  Court notice to Kendriya Vidyalayas on admitting poor students
New Delhi |Thursday, 2012 4:05:05 PM IST
The Delhi High Court Thursday issued notice to the Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan (KVS), the ministry of human resource development and the Directorate of Education on a petition challenging the legality of KVS admission guidelines for economically weaker students.

 »  Cabinet nod for cold chain centre as society (Second Lead)
New Delhi |Thursday, 2012 4:05:05 PM IST
The National Centre for Cold Chain Development (NCCD), tasked with establishing infrastructure and logistics to preserve fruits, vegetables and other perishables, will be notified as a registered society.

 » Govt. approves setting up of National Centre for Cold Chain Development
New Delhi | February 09, 2012 12:01:13 AM IST
The Union Cabinet on Thursday gave its ex-post facto approval for registering the National Centre for Cold Chain Development (NCCD) as a society under the Societies Registration Act, 1860 with its memorandum of association and rules and regulations.

 » Govt. approves guidelines for establishing joint venture companies by DPSUs
New Delhi | February 09, 2012 12:01:13 AM IST
The Union Cabinet on Thursday approved guidelines for establishing joint venture companies by Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs).

 »  2G: Supreme Court to hear Essar Tech's plea Feb 17
New Delhi |Thursday, 2012 3:35:05 PM IST
The Supreme Court will hear Feb 17 Essar Technologies Ltd's plea that its case in the 2G scam be heard by a magistrate and not a special CBI court.

 » SP says no question of taking other parties' support
New Delhi | Thursday, Feb 9 2012 IST
Samajwadi Party today asserted it would not need the Congress or any other party to form government in Uttar Pradesh where Assembly elections were underway. It also sought to clarify that there was no question of anyone else being considerd for the post of chief minister except party president Mulayam Singh Yadav. Party general secretary Naresh Agrawal said after the first phase of polling, which saw a heavy turnout of voters, his party was absolutely sure of his party getting full majority to form the government on its own. ''This heavy turnout of voters indicates the revolt in people against the present government, and this desire for change is going to benefit only the SP,'' said Mr Agrawal, who had recently been inducted in the SP and made its general secretary. He was addressing a press conference here after welcoming into the party over 3,000 traders from Western Uttar Pradesh. Besides, some Congress office bearers of Delhi and RLD members from Ghaziabad also joined the SP. When suggested that the change in the people's mood might benefit other parties like the Congress as well, Mr Agrawal said the people had seen the Congress rule too. Regarding Congress general secretary Rahul Gandhi's claim that no development had taken place in UP under the SP and BSP rule, Mr Agrawal said, ''It was only the Congress which was in power before the BSP and SP rule, then who stopped it from developing the state.'' The fact was that all sections of the society had turned against both the BSP and the Congress, and badly wanted a change. The SP leader claimed that his party would definitely emerge into a position to give this change to the people, and it would form government on its own without taking the support of any other party. Asked who would be the chief minister, Mr Agrawal said there was no doubt that it would be only party chief Mulayam Singh Yadav, and dismissed the suggestion that his son and state party chief Akhilesh Yadav might also be considered for the top job in the state. Replying to a question on reservation for minorities, SP secretary Kamal Farooqui, who was also present in the press conference, said his party was committed to implementing the Rangnath Misra Report on the matter. UNI NAZ SW 1443 NNNN

 » Floral carpets, cactus corner, bonsais at Mughal Gardens herald
New Delhi | Thursday, Feb 9 2012 IST
Floral carpets, cactus corner and bonsais are the main attractions of the Mughal Gardens which will open to the public from February 10 to March 15, heralding the advent of spring. A new concept of making of floral carpets on the lawns has been introduced to delight the garden lovers. ''The credit for making these floral carpets goes to gardeners of Rashtrapati Bhavan. This is the work of their imagination and creativity,'' said Christie Fernandes, Secretary to President while briefing reporters here today. Two more gardens have been added- Nakshtra garden and Bonsais. ''Like last year, vertical gardens were the main attractions, this year we have cactus corner and bonsais. To enrich the variety of collections and styles, a new Bonsai garden with about 200 Bonsai plants has been established,''Mr Fernandes added. President Pratibha Devisingh Patil in her message appealed to public to live in harmony as these flowers in nature give a message of unity in diversity. ''Like the fragrance of flower spreads everywhere we also have to be a messenger of harmony,'' the President said. The Mughal Gardens of Rashtrapati Bhavan also includes the Musical Garden, the Spiritual Garden and the Herbal Garden. Dahlias, Tulips, Asiatic Lilies and other seasonal flowers add beauty to the Mughal Gardens. A cactus corner has also been created. The Mughal Gardens, contiguous to the main building of Rashtrapati Bhavan, cover an area of 15 acres comprising Rectangular Garden, Long Garden and Circular Garden. The Rectangular Garden has several winter seasonal bulbous and flowering beds, with the prominence of varieties of roses such as Mrinalini, Taj Mahal, Modern Art, Oklahoma, John F. Kennedy, Mr Lincoln and Folklore. The second one is the Long Garden which is predominantly a rose garden. It has popular roses with names such as Christian Dior, Queen Elizabeth, Iceberg. The last one is Circular Garden also known as 'Pearl or Butter Fly or Sunken'. It is planted with varieties such as Marigold, Stock, Violas. As many as 30 varieties of seasonal flowers are at bloom to welcome guests. However, the 'Udyanotsav' shall remain closed on every Monday, during this period on account of maintenance activities. The entry and exit into the Gardens will be from Gate No. 35 of the President's Estate, which is located at the extreme end of the Church Road, about 300 meters West of Cathedral Church. UNI DJK RP1450 NNNN

 » Ramkinkar Baij colours Delhi's spring canvas
New Delhi |Thursday, 2012 3:05:05 PM IST
The canvas of spring in the capital has been set ablaze by the colours of Ramkinkar Baij, the founding father of modern Indian sculpture, at a mega retrospective at the National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA).