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MNS hate campaign: All of us are Indians, says apex court
New Delhi, Nov 6 (PTI) In the wake of Raj Thackeray-led MNS party's hate campaign against north Indians and non-Marathis, the Supreme Court today struck a patriotic note by saying that "all of us are Indians" and there is no difference between people coming from various regions.
"What's the difference between north Indians and Indians. All of us are Indians," a bench of Justices B N Aggrawal and G S Singhvi quipped, while posting for Monday, a PIL seeking judicial inquiry into the killing of a Bihari youth Rahul Raj in a police encounter and the murder of another north Indian in Mumbai last month.
On Tuesday the apex court had observed that if there was a "political will" such hate campaign would not occur in the country. It had also cited Article 355 to drive home the point that the Union Government had adequate powers to give necessary directions to the State to prevent such incidents.
The bench of Justices Aggrawal and Singhvi said it would hear the matter along with another related PIL which had earlier sought appropriate directions to the Government to ensure that the country's unity was not threatened by vested interests fomenting regional chauvinism.
Incidentally, the apex court had directed the petitioners in both cases to suitably amend their petition and come before it when the matter is taken up for further hearing.
During the brief arguments today, the petitioner Sanjeev Kumar Singh submitted that he was compelled to approach the Supreme Court as the authorities in Maharashtra had failed to respond to his request for providing adequate protection to north Indians in the state. PTI
Rising prices of essential goods push inflation up to 10.72 pc
New Delhi, Nov 6 (PTI) Halting the five-week downward streak, inflation today inched up to 10.72 per cent on account of rising prices of essential commodities like vegetables, pulses and cereals, and some manufactured items.
After declining to 10.68 per cent, inflation rose by 4 percentage points for the week ended October 25 even as prices of edible items including rice, wheat, potato, tea, butter and salt firmed up.
"Inflation of 30 essential commodities (taken together) marginally increased to 7.51 per cent as on the week ending October 25, 2008, from 7.47 per cent reported in the earlier week," a Finance Ministry statement said, adding that prices of six out of 30 items increased during the week.
Although the index of the 'fuel and power' group remained unchanged, the primary articles group index increased to 11.41 per cent as compared to 10.92 per cent a week ago, the statement said.
Commenting on the inflation figure, Crisil Principal Economist D K Joshi said, "The declining trend would continue. The spike in inflation this week is just an aberration." The increase in inflation is not due to steps taken by the RBI to infuse liquidity in the system, he said, adding "the infusion in liquidity is non-inflationary as demand in the economy is coming down." Interestingly, broking house Edelweiss Securities said it expected the country to have near zero inflation in certain periods of the second half of 2009 on account of economic slowdown and falling commodity prices.
"Given the possibility of a further strong softening in commodity prices amid a marked global slowdown, domestic inflation can be zero or near zero during the second half of 2009," the report said. PTI
BJP demands CBI probe into Rahul Raj killing
New Delhi, Nov 6 (PTI) The BJP today demanded a CBI inquiry into the killing of Bihar youth Rahul Raj in a shootout with Mumbai Police, saying there were indications of "foul play" in the incident.
"The postmortem report and the comments of the medical experts clearly indicate that there was foul play in the killing of the youth. Our party demands a CBI inquiry into the incident so that the truth is known," party spokesperson Rajiv Pratap Rudy told reporters here.
Asked if the party would follow suit of ally JD(U) which has asked its MPs to resign over the issue, Rudy said, "resignation can never be a solution." "It is time for all of us to keep aside our political priorities to ensure peace in society and security of North Indians in Maharashtra," he said.
"We differ on the approach with our ally JD(U) on resignation. The JD(U) has taken this decision without any consultation," he added.
Raj, a resident of Patna, was killed in a shootout with the police after he held a bus with 12 passengers hostage in Mumbai suburb Kurla on October 27. The killing sparked a furore with several parties demanding a judicial probe into the incident.
The autopsy of the youth was performed at the J J Hospital and was recorded on video before the body was sent to Patna for cremation. A doctor involved in the autopsy has said one of the bullets may have been fired from a close range.
Maharashtra Chief Secretary Johny Joseph is conducting an independent probe into the incident while the Mumbai Police Crime Branch is also carrying out an internal inquiry. PTI
I could not have asked for more, says debutant Krejza
Nagpur, Nov 6 (PTI) Debutant Australian off spinner Jason Krejza had two catches of Sachin Tendulkar dropped off his bowling on his first day of Test cricket, but sounded pleased overall with his end-of-the-day haul of three wickets in the fourth and final Test against India here today.
"It was good to have a chance to bowl. Initially I had a bout of nerves but kept it down. I have been here for six weeks (as part of the visiting team) and was prepared to play," he said.
"It was an enjoyable to get a couple of wickets. I couldn't have asked for more," said the bowler who became a spinner after a stress fracture put paid to his hopes of bowling fast when he was 13.
Tendulkar was dropped at deep mid off when on 85 and 96 off Krejza before the Indian master batsman completed his 40th Test ton (109) on the first day of the series decider.
Krejza, preferred in the team in place of pacer Stuart Clark to take advantage of the track at the newly built VCA stadium that is already aiding spin, said he was prepared for the assault he faced from the Indian batsmen, especially Virender Sehwag, when he came on to bowl.
"I expected them to come after me in the first over itself. Once I got over it I managed to keep my head on my shoulders," said the Tasmanian player, who ended the first day with figures of 3 for 138 in an Indian score of 311 for five.
Krejza said he took advantage of some footmarks while ending up with a three-wicket haul.
"It's a difficult pitch. Initially it was difficult to bowl on but there were a couple of footmarks that helped me. Still I had to be patient. There's some spin and bounce (on the wicket)," said the player who has also played rugby. PTI
Tendulkar notches up 40th Test century as India recover
S S Ramaswamy
Nagpur, Nov 6 (PTI) Sachin Tendulkar gave glimpses of his vintage form by cracking his 40th Test century which had eluded him for long as India recovered from early jolts to push for a big total in the fourth and final cricket Test against Australia here today.
The 35-year-old Tendulkar stole the limelight with a flurry of strokes and capitalised on two dropped catches to pull the team out of the pits and steer the hosts to a comfortable 311 for five at close on the opening day.
Electing to bat, the Indians were cruising along comfortably at 98 for no loss but lost three quick wickets in the span of 18 runs to slip to 116 for three just before the lunch break with rookie spinner Jason Krejza scalping the prized wickets of Virender Sehwag (66) and Rahul Dravid (0).
But Tendulkar performed the salvage job alongwith the stylish VVS Laxman (64) as the experienced duo put on a vital 146-run fourth wicket partnership to bring the hosts back into the game on a flat track at the newly-built VCA stadium.
Sourav Ganguly was batting on 27 and captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni was on 4 at stumps on the opening day which saw both teams more or less sharing the honours. PTI
India 311-5 on day-1 of fourth Test against Australia
Nagpur, Nov 6 (PTI) Electing to bat, India were 311 for 5 in their first innings on the opening day of the fourth and final cricket Test against Australia here today.
Brief scores: India 1st innings: 311 for 5 in 87 overs (Sehwag 66, Vijay 33, Tendulkar 109, Laxman 64; J Krejza 3-138). PTI
Three killed, over 40 injured in Pak blast
Islamabad, Nov 6 (PTI) At least three people were killed and more than 40 others injured today in a bomb attack targeting a meeting of tribal elders who were discussing measures to flush out local Taliban militants from Pakistan's restive northwestern region.
A 'jirga' or council of the Salarzai tribe in Bajaur region was discussing ways to deal with the militants when the attack occurred. It was not immediately clear if the blast was caused by a suicide attacker, officials said.
Three persons died instantly while over 40 people were injured, TV channels reported. At least 14 injured, some of them in critical condition, were taken to a local hospital in private vehicles.
Local residents said the number of dead and injured could be much higher. They said it was difficult to get details as the blast had occurred in a remote area of Bajaur Agency.
No group claimed responsibility of the attack.
Local residents said the jirga was convened to step up an armed drive by the Salarzai tribe against the Taliban.
An emergency was declared in the hospital at Khar, the headquarters of Bajaur Agency, and appeals for blood were made on loudspeakers, witnesses said. A large number of people rushed to the hospital to donate blood.
The Salarzai tribe is one of the major tribes in Bajaur and was among the first to form a tribal 'lashkar' or militia to take on the local Taliban.
The government and the army have backed the 'lashkars' but opposition political parties have warned that their actions could lead to civil war and more bloodshed.
The security forces are engaged in a major offensive against the Taliban in Bajuar since mid-August. The army claims to have killed over 1,500 militants during the offensive but this has been rejected by the Taliban. PTI
Lankan forces capture strategic area in LTTE stronghold
T V Sriram
Colombo, Nov 6 (PTI) Sri Lankan Army today captured a strategic area in the rebel stronghold of Kilinochchi following three days of intense fighting and attacked LTTE bunkers elsewhere in the embattled north of the country, the defence ministry said.
The attack at Kilinochchis strategic Akkarayankulam forward lines was undertaken by troops attached to the Sri Lanka Light Infantry (SLLI), Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment (SLSR) and the Gajaba Regiment (GR) in the 571 Brigade under 57 Division, it said.
"After fighting bitter battles with the Tigers for three consecutive day and night, the army finally captured the entire Akkarayankulam built-up territory that houses the Akkarayan base hospital, school, maternity home, a post office, Teachers Quarters, Bazaar buildings and basically everything by this morning," the army said.
Most of the LTTE fighters were said to be minors or teenagers, the army said quoting ground troops.
In the other LTTE stronghold of Mullaittivu, troops said they killed two LTTE cadres during a confrontation in Terumurikandy yesterday. The territory is located south of the crucial LTTE area of Iranamadu.
"Pockets of LTTE concentrations were exposed to intense military assaults at Andankulam at the Mullaittivu battlefront yesterday as the LTTE were forced to flee with heavy casualties," the ministry quoted military sources as saying.
"Security forces are operating in close perimeters of the LTTE's Mullaittivu forward defences further denying LTTE escape routes, following the outfit's humiliating debacles at the western and eastern Kilinochchi battlefronts," it said. PTI
Taliban asks Obama to end war in Afghanistan
Islamabad, Nov 6(PTI) Hoping that a new era of peace will dawn with the election of Barack Obama as the US President, the Taliban has asked the President-elect to change his country's policies towards it and end the war in Afghanistan.
Reacting to Obama's victory in the American polls, top Taliban spokesman Qari Muhammad Yousaf Ahmadi told reporters: "We want to tell the world and the West to pull out their troops from Afghanistan as the (party of US President George W Bush) has lost the race because of their flawed polices." Another Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said it would be "unwise" if Obama tried to solve the Afghan problem militarily. He said it would be "wrong thinking" if Obama tried to increase US forces in Afghanistan to "make Afghans slaves".
Mujahid pointed out that the Russians too tried to suppress Afghans by deploying thousands of soldiers but could not succeed.
"We are hopeful that Obama will withdraw forces from Afghanistan. The US should try to solve its financial crisis instead of keeping troops in Afghanistan," he said.
Ahmadi said the new President should bring an end to fighting and begin a new era of peace in the world. "The US President should end the continuing era of war and begin a new era of peace," he said.
Asked whether he thought Obama would pull out troops, Ahmadi said: "We do not have much expectations. But despite that we will see. If Obama sends more troops to the war-ravaged country, jehad and resistance will be continued." Ahmadi said there was neither joy nor sorrow in the Taliban ranks over the election of Obama.
Obama should respect the mandate from the public and spend the taxpayers' money on social welfare and development rather than weapons and war, Pakistani Taliban spokesman Muslim Khan said. PTI
Sensex sheds another 386 pts, closes below 10k level
Mumbai, Nov 6 (PTI) The bourses extended their losses to second consecutive day, pulling down the bellwether Sensex below 10k today in sync with slipping global markets amid heightened worries about a global recession, coupled with domestic inflation rate rising marginally.
Market participants said concerns over a slowdown took the centre-stage in global markets after yesterday's dismal US economic data.
In an otherwise choppy trade, the Bombay Stock Exchange 30-share barometer settled the day at 9,734.22, a net fall of 385.79 points or 3.81 per cent from its previous close.
The broader 50-share Nifty of the National Stock Exchange also dived by 102.30 points or 3.42 per cent to close at 2,892.65 from its last close.
In Asian markets, South Korea's Kospi ended down 7.56 per cent, Hang Seng 7.08 per cent, Nikkei 6.53 per cent, Taiwan's index 5.71 per cent and Shanghai Composite 2.44 per cent.
European markets were sharply lower by about 3.0 to 3.5 per cent in their early trade.
They said bears began to tighten their grip on the market as inflation rose to 10.72 per cent for the week ended October 25 and the credit flow remained tight despite a slew of measures by the government and financial market regulator.
Metal sector was the day's worst hit segment with the BSE metal index falling by 8.41 per cent after world's largest steel maker ArcelorMittal reported poor earnings outlook for the fourth quarter.
Also, RIL's denial on the closure of its five polyester and petrochemical plants failed to prevent further slide in its stocks, which tumbled by 7.7 per cent, in addition to yesterday's 12.76 per cent fall. PTI
Gold tumbles on global trend, silver gains Rs 280
New Delhi, Nov 6 (PTI) Tracking weak global cues gold prices today plunged by Rs 150 per ten gram in the bullion market here as stockists off-loaded part of their holdings amid buyers postponing their purchase anticipating even lower prices.
However, emergence of buying by industrial units mainly pushed up silver prices by Rs 280 at Rs 17,130 per kg.
Marketmen said weakening trend was strong and even discounted the current demand for the ongoing marriage season.
"Tired stockists indulge in selling in the market to avoid any further losses," said Delhi-based bullion merchant Ravi Jalan.
Trading sentiment turned bearish following reports of crude oil, gold and copper falling on signs demand for fuel and commodities will be eroded as the global economy slumps. The worst financial crisis since the Great Depression has curbed demand from builders and carmakers, damped prices.
Standard gold and ornaments fell by Rs 150 each at Rs 11,850 and Rs 11,700 per ten gram respectively. Sovereign also fell by Rs 100 at Rs 10,400 per piece of eight gram.
In London, the gold fell to 737.65 dollar an ounce from the previous level of 754 dollar.
While, silver prices rose on emergence of buying by industrial units gaining by Rs 280 to settle at Rs 17,130 per kg.
Silver ready rose by Rs 280 at Rs 17,130 per kg and weekly based delivery by Rs 220 at Rs 17,660 per kg. Silver coins were down by Rs 100 at Rs 26,700 for buying and Rs 26,800 for selling of 100 pieces. PTI
Sensex sheds over 385 points, tumbles below 10k level
Mumbai, Nov 6 (PTI) The Bombay Stock Exchange benchmark Sensex today once again dipped below 10,000 points level after losing over 385 points on the funds' selling spree on concerns of deepening global recession fears, coupled with a moderate rise in inflation rate.
The Sensex, which had lost 511 points in previous day's trading, fell by another 385.79 points at 9,734.22 after touching the day's low of 9,635.22, following a steep fall in blue-chip stocks led by Reliance Industries.
The wide-based National Stock Exchange index Nifty also fell below 2,900 points level to trade at 2,892.65, reflecting a loss of 102.30 points. It hit the lowest level of 2,860.25 points during the day.
Inflation rose to 10.72 per cent for the week ended October 25 on account of higher prices of cereals and vegetables.
Besides, a weakening trend in global stock markets influenced by global financial crisis fears also dampened the trading sentiment on the domestic bourses.
While heavyweight stocks led by Reliance Industries, Infosys Technologies and ICICI Bank fell sharply on brisk selling, a smart recovery in realty and healthcare sector stocks saved the market from further fall.
"The stock markets are trapped in a global sell-off on fears of a deep recession in the US," said Rajiv Malik of RNM Financial Services.
He said the market was still struggling to recover as even the last cushion of short-covering was not visible after most of the pending long positions were cleared in view of the volatile movements. PTI
Cheque bouncing case against Sunny Deol withdrawn
Indore, Nov 5 (PTI) A local court here has disposed a petition against actor Sunny Deol in connection with a cheque bouncing case after the complainant withdrew the case.
Deol had given two cheques of Rs five lakh each to Mahendra Singh Bedi for a movie production. However, the cheques bounced following which Bedi moved the court two years ago, Deol's advocate Chandrashekhar Raikwar said.
Judicial Magistrate First Class Shamroj Khan disposed off the case two days ago after both the parties submitted in writing that they have reached a compromise on the issue. PTI
B R made socially relevant films catering to popular sentiment
Mumbai, Nov 5 (PTI) Substance was the hallmark of B R Chopra's films but the legendary filmmaker who passed away here today at the age of 94 always felt that the rise of money and stardom have vitiated the image of Indian cinema.
The eminent producer-director was of the view that a film is not just about jugglery with money. He believed that a film addresses itself to the society and it is the duty of filmmakers to make healthy and wholesome films, preferably with good story and social significance.
Chopra practised what he preached. Whether it was adultery (Gumraah), the politics of rape (Insaaf Ka Tarazu), Muslim matrimony laws (Nikaah), rehabilitation of prostitutes (Sadhana), widow remarriage (Ek Hi Raasta), Chopra always had a sharp, clear and effective non-formula tale to tell.
Baldev Raj Chopra gave great importance to story because he himself had started his career as a writer.
An MA in English literature, he would have continued to work as a film journalist with the Cine Herald had it not been the partition of India. Post Independence, he came to Mumbai and after a stint in production, made his first directorial venture with 'Afsana' (1951).
The story was about good and evil featuring twin brothers, both played by Ashok Kumar in a double role. 'Afsana' was a success and Chopra's narrative cohesion was widely admired.
When Chopra entered the film business after coming from Lahore, he had no experience of filmmaking and did not know how to contact stars.
He wanted to sign Ashok Kumar for 'Afsana' and had to use the good offices of J P Tiwari, Chairman of Bombay Talkies. PTI
Of Gandhi, spirituality and sexuality!
New Delhi, Nov 6 (PTI) To Mahatma Gandhi the greatest obstacle in his spiritual striving was the promptings of his sexuality, says psychoanalyst Sudhir Kakar.
"The manner in which he conceived the struggle and the weapons he chose to employ in a lifelong conflict with the god of desire have earned him the derision of many, especially in the West, who have discerned crankishness, if not worse, in his ideas that relate to sexuality," writes Kakar in "Mad And Divine: Spirit And Psyche In The Modern World".
"For an explanation of his failure to influence people and the course of events, Gandhi would characteristically probe for shortcomings in his sexual abstinence, seeking to determine whether Kama, the god of desire, has perhaps triumphed in some obscure recess of his mind, depriving him of his spiritual powers," the book, published by Penguin, says.
According to the author, in the midst of widespread political turmoil and religious frenzy, Gandhi wrote a series of five articles on celibacy in his weekly newspaper.
"But more striking than his public evidence of his preoccupation were his private experiments wherein the aged Mahatma sought to reassure himself on the strength of his celibacy by having close women associates (his 19-year-old granddaughter among them) share his bed and try to ascertain in the morning whether any trace of sexual feeling had been evoked, either in himself or in his companions.
"In spite of criticism by his co-workers, Gandhi stubbornly defended these experiments which he regarded as exercises in self-purification and tests of his celibacy and insisted that they be public even if they met general condemnation from his close associates." Besides the contemplative and ecstatic spiritual traditions, Gandhi was a pioneer of a new spirituality, Kakar writes. PTI
Daniel Craig - Bond actor and now Executive Producer
New Delhi, Nov 6 (PTI) Actor Daniel Craig is keeping his fingers crossed as two major releases starring him in lead roles are scheduled for simultaneous release tomorrow.
Apart from playing 007, the legendary spy in Bond movie 'Quantum of Solace,' Craig also stars as an actor in British drama 'Flashbacks of a Fool (FOF),' which has been written for him and is also Craig's debut as an Executive Producer. Both films have entirely different themes.
Ahead of the film's release here Craig says, "Yes this is my first foray into producing. It's a gentle way in and I've been very closely connected to the project, which is the way I like to work. My heart has to be in my work, or it doesn't make a great deal of sense to me." Flashbacks... Marks also the feature debut of writer- director Baillie Walsh who says he wrote the script only for Craig. Says Walsh, "Actually, I wrote the script for Daniel Craig, who is my friend. We have gone on a creative adventure together and it has been so exciting".
The plot is about a 40 plus Hollywood actor whose hedonistic lifestyle of sex and drugs leads him to a direction less life. Only when confronted by tragedy is he forced to face up to the ghosts of his past. Various events in the flashback, set in 1970's England lay the foundations for the Hollywood dream he goes on to experience including his budding sexuality, his boyhood camaraderie, the untoward advances of a voluptuous older woman, and his teenage actions which lead to unforeseen, tragic consequences.
"The essence of the film has to do with getting yourself together, realising the value of what you've got, understanding who you are, where you've come from and learning to accept yourself and your past," explains Daniel Craig in a statement. PTI
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1 Euro = 60.703 INR
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