Mahajan to file criminal defamation against Sharma
New Delhi,Friday, August 16, 2002: Federal Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pramod Mahajan will file a criminal defamation case against Madhu Sharma for making "false allegations" against him in the Shivani Bhatnagar murder case, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) said Friday.
Party spokesman Arun Jaitley said the party has advised Mahajan to take this action.
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Advani to the rescue of Mahajan
New Delhi,Friday, August 16, 2002: Indian Deputy Prime Miniter L K Advani Friday came to the rescue of Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pramod Mahajan describing allegations against him in the journalist Shivani Bhatnagar murder case as "malicious" intended to derail the probe.
Reacting to allegations made by Madhu Shama, wife of Ravi Kant Sharma, a senior IPS officer and the prime suspect in the case, that Mahajan was involved in it, Advani said "It was all baseless allegations against a valued colleague, coming as it does from a suspect who is absconding".
Strongly condemning the allegations, he said "It was a malicious campaign unleashed by vested interests to derail the probe which is on the right path".
He declined to take questions from reporters saying it would not do justice with the probe.
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Officials swoop down on cargo of rare birds
(Indian Express)
A cargo of exotic South American birds, headed for a politician’s farmhouse in Delhi, was intercepted at Mumbai airport on Wednesday by customs and central wildlife officials.
The cargo, loaded at Singapore in a flight bound for Delhi, is estimated to be worth over Rs 5 lakh in the illegal market. The birds have now been moved to Byculla Zoo under the custody of the Regional Wildlife Conservation Department.
According to airport sources, the birds (which included rare, endangered species of parakeets) were to be delivered to a former minister of Bihar at his posh Sainik Farmhouse on the outskirts of Delhi. However, his name is not being revealed immediately.
According to a customs official, the cargo which somehow managed to even bypass the mandatory quarantine check (under the ministry of agriculture) at Mumbai airport, violates the EXIM (export-import) policy and the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
Also, no import license was obtained from the Director General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), which is essential for the import of any animals or birds into the country.
The birds, numbering 20 in all, are of South American species: Red Crown Conure, Eclectus Parrot, Golden Maina, Yellow Collared Macau, Cardinal, Canary Winged Parakeet, and also four males of the Lord Derbyan Parakeet which is of Indian orgin.
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Amisha flags off BMC’s cleanliness drive
Bollywood star Amisha Patel and talk-show host Shekhar Suman on Thursday flagged off a three-month-long BMC cleanliness drive that aims to rid the city of its garbage woes through awareness campaigns, civic-corporate partnership and punitive fines.
Mayor Mahadeo Deole, deputy mayor Babubhai Bhavanji, civic chief K.C. Srivastava, corporators and members of non-governmental organisations took an oath to keep the city clean.
Later, NCC cadets and personnel of State Reserve Police took part in a marathon race from CST to August Kranti Maidan. Similar such events were held in the wards to launch the drive.
Earlier, at a function in the historic civic corporation hall, Mr Suman pointed out that the small city-state of Singapore had fared better and managed to achieve higher standards of cleanliness than Mumbai. “We, ourselves are responsible for the dirty look of Mumbai," he commented.
The BMC will clear garbage from 5,600 places in the city at least once a day and has identified 50 spots such as the Gateway of India, Hutatma Chowk, CST and Chowpatty, where cleanliness would be maintained on round-the-clock basis.
The BMC has set up control rooms, where residents can lodge their complaints. Central control room-1916, control room (city)-4935689, control room (western suburbs)-6182251, control room (eastern suburbs)-5113509.
At the closing ceremony, AGNI-Jaag D-ward awards were presented to the winners of the marathon.
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Independence Day celebrated in US
Washington,Thursday, August 15, 2002: Independence Day was celebrated with the traditional unfurling of the tri-colour and rendition of patrotic songs here at the Indian Embassy where countrymen pledged making India a developed nation.
Indian Ambassador to the US, Lalit Mansingh hoisted the flag and read out the President's Independence Day message urging Indians to be true to their ideals and develop a second vision to make India a developed country.
Certificates were distributed to children of embassy staff who have done extremely well in local schools.
After a patriotic songs by school children and the local Indian community, had a special treat -- songs by Ghazal singer Anup Jalota.
Striking a discordant note on the occasion, anti-India slogans were raised outside the emabassy by pro-Khalistani demonstrators.
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Pak Supreme court releases blasphemy accused sentenced to death
Islamabad,Thursday, August 15, 2002: In a major judicial intervention, Pakistan Supreme Court Thursday set aside a Lahore High Court judgement and released an accused who was awarded death sentence on the charges of committing blasphemy by insulting Islam.
A three-member full bench of the apex court ordered that the accused, Ayub Masih, who has appealed against the High court judgement sentencing him to death be released forthwith if not required in any other case.
Masiah's lawyers argued that the allegations of blasphemy were levelled against him by people who were interested in getting his land.
He said the complainant Muhammad Akram, after getting the accused arrested forcibly evicted his family from the premises they were occupying and within two months applied for the transfer of ownership of land belonged to Masiah, official APP newagency said.
An FIR was registered against accused Ayub Masih on October 14, 1996 and he was awarded death sentence by session Judge Sahiwal on April 27, 1998.
Besides capital punishment the trial court also imposed a fine of Rs one lakh or two-year imprisonment.
The accused appealed to the Lahore High Court which also upheld the capital punishment wide its judgement of July 24, 2001.
Masiah has denied uttering any word against Islam or Prophet Muhammad. He said he had studied Islamiat as a subject till matriculation and could not even think of doing this as he had high regrad for the Prophet and Islam.
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California felecitates eminent Indians
Sacramento (California),Friday, August 16, 2002: In an unprecedented gesture, the American state of California has honoured actor Anupam Kher, venture capitalist Kanwal Rekhi, publisher Ramesh Murarka and 37 other prominent Indians.
Those honoured by the legislative assembly of California on the occasion of India's 55th Independence Day yesterday also included Ashok Kumar Bhatt, R K Kachru, Kishor Kirplani and Jim Naik.
This is the first time in the history of California that members of the Indian community have been honoured in the assembly.
The Indian tri-colour flew in California assembly as the state senators and assembly members passed a resolution joining the Indian-American community in celebrating the Day.
The resolution passed in both houses stated that California had been greatly influenced by achievements of Indian Americans in diverse areas such as agriculture, high technology industry, medicine and social leadership.
Of the 400,000 H1-B visa holders, half are from India, and about 300,000 Indian Americans work in technology firms in California's Silicon Valley, who account for more than 15 per cent of high-tech startups in that region, it said.
The event was a tribute to the strength and courage of people of India, said California Governor Gray Davis in a message to the Indian community.
"I commend California's Indo-American community for its valuable contributions to our history and culture. They are a vital part of the unique diversity that defines our state," he said.
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New Act gives teeth to right to information
(Times News Network)
The Maharashtra Right to Information Bill, 2002, provides for a new comprehensive and transparent law to ensure effective and quick enforcement of the right to information in the state. In addition it makes public officials accountable if they fail to extend the information demanded “without reasonable cause."
The bill was adopted by the state legislative council at its recently concluded monsoon session without any discussion.
The bill is considerably different from the earlier Maharashtra Right to Information Act, 2002, which has been revised by bringing in several new provisions. These include a right to approach the Lok Ayukta (or the Up Lok Ayukta) through an appeal by a member of the public.
The new legislation, in addition to allowing for the appointment of a public information official (PIO), makes it obligatory for the PIO to extend the information sought within 15 working days, instead of the previous 30 days’ time.
Clause 12 of the bill states that a PIO can be imposed with a penalty of Rs 250 for each day’s delay in providing the information by the apellate authority. Providing wrong or incorrect information by PIO may attract a penalty of up to Rs 2000, after the offence is established before the apellate authority.
A member of the public can apply to the PIO concerned in the prescribed manner and by paying appropriate fees, as decided by the government, for any information, which is not classifed under the proposed legislation.
The list of such offices and authorities will be published by the government in its gazette at the time of implementing the Act.
The new legislation, in addition to allowing for the appointment of a public information official (PIO), makes it obligatory for the PIO to extend the information sought within 15 working days, instead of the previous 30 days’ time.
Clause 12 of the bill states that a PIO can be imposed with a penalty of Rs 250 for each day’s delay in providing the information by the apellate authority. Providing wrong or incorrect information by PIO may attract a penalty of up to Rs 2000, after the offence is established before the apellate authority.
A member of the public can apply to the PIO concerned in the prescribed manner and by paying appropriate fees, as decided by the government, for any information, which is not classifed under the proposed legislation.
The list of such offices and authorities will be published by the government in its gazette at the time of implementing the Act.
The new legislation, in addition to allowing for the appointment of a public information official (PIO), makes it obligatory for the PIO to extend the information sought within 15 working days, instead of the previous 30 days’ time.
Clause 12 of the bill states that a PIO can be imposed with a penalty of Rs 250 for each day’s delay in providing the information by the apellate authority. Providing wrong or incorrect information by PIO may attract a penalty of up to Rs 2000, after the offence is established before the apellate authority.
A member of the public can apply to the PIO concerned in the prescribed manner and by paying appropriate fees, as decided by the government, for any information, which is not classifed under the proposed legislation.
The list of such offices and authorities will be published by the government in its gazette at the time of implementing the Act.
The new legislation, in addition to allowing for the appointment of a public information official (PIO), makes it obligatory for the PIO to extend the information sought within 15 working days, instead of the previous 30 days’ time.
Clause 12 of the bill states that a PIO can be imposed with a penalty of Rs 250 for each day’s delay in providing the information by the apellate authority. Providing wrong or incorrect information by PIO may attract a penalty of up to Rs 2000, after the offence is established before the apellate authority.
A member of the public can apply to the PIO concerned in the prescribed manner and by paying appropriate fees, as decided by the government, for any information, which is not classifed under the proposed legislation.
The list of such offices and authorities will be published by the government in its gazette at the time of implementing the Act.
The Maharashtra Right to Information Act 2002 will make it obligatory for government and its designated authorities to publish all relevant facts concerning important decisions and policies that could affect the public.
Before initiating a project, the government or its authorities would have to make the facts public or let the affected persons know about them.
The new bill requires the government to set up a commission of records to advise it on the release of old records for public information.
The government has reserved the right to withhold any information which, in its opinion,would affect the sovereignty and integrity of India, the security interests of the state, relations with foreign countries or which could lead to incitement of an offence.
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Oil PSUs launch 5 kg LPG cylinder as Independence Day gift
Shimla,Friday, August 16, 2002: National oil companies including Indian Oil Corporation Friday launched five kg cooking gas cylinders in 12 states as 'Independence Day gift', for which consumers would have to pay about Rs 90 per refill.
Launching IOC's mini cylinders at Shimla, Petroleum Minister Ram Naik said "the concept of five kg cylinder has been developed by my ministry so that LPG reaches hilly and rural areas as well as slums in urban areas where the poor reside."
These would be available at a security deposit of Rs 350 a cylinder with distributor's commission at Rs 8 per cylinder, he said, adding "the cost of a refill cylinder would be around Rs 90 in Shimla. A customer will get a further discount of Rs 4.5 per cylinder on direct delivery from distributor on cash and carry basis."
The cylinders were simultaneously being launched in 42 districts in Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, J&K, Uttar Pradesh, Urraranchal, Jharkhand, Rajasthan, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal and Maharashtra by IOC, Hindustan Petroleum, Bharat Petroleum and IBP Co., he said.
In a bid to reach consumers where distributors could not reach, BPCL would market these cylinders through Rural Marketing Vehicles, which would refill these in the villages, Naik said.
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Rupee strengthens against US dollar
Mumbai,Friday, August 16, 2002: The rupee strengthened against the US currency on strong dollar supplies from exporters and foreign fund inflows accumulated over Thursday's Independence day holiday in moderately active trade at the Interbank Foreign Exchange market here Friday.
Opening on a firm footing at Rs 48.5850/5950 per dollar, the rupee firmed up further to Rs 48.5775/5850 in late morning deals, sharply higher from Wednesday's finish of Rs 48.6000/6050.
Heaped up dollar supplies from trade flows gave the rupee good underlying support while corresponding import demand remains negligible.
A lingering weak dollar against major global currencies due to economic slow down in the US was also benefitting the rupee, dealers said.
In cross currency trades, the Euro was quoted at Rs 47.66/69, Pound Sterling at Rs 74.48/50 and Japanese Yen (100) at Rs 41.28/31.
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BSE:Sensex opens firm on fresh support
Mumbai,Friday, August 16, 2002: The sensex opened firm and moved further upward on the back of a smart rally in technology stocks at early stages on the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) Friday on fresh buying support prompted by a two-session winning streak on Wall Street.
The BSE Sensitive Index opened on a strong footing at 3031.24 as against Wednesday's close of 3020.70 and later improved further to a high of 3047.33 before being quoted at 3044.59 at 10.30 am.
Software counters including heavyweights like Infosys Technologies, HCL Tech and Satyam Computers were in the limelight scoring impressive gains in response to a stocks rally on Wall Street on Aug 14 and 15.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose by about 260 points on Aug 14 and 74.83 points on Aug 15. The Nasdaq Composite Index was up by 65 points and 10.71 points in two sessions.
Old economy stocks like Dr Reddy's Lab, HLL, RIL, Telco and few others showed handsome gains. Zee Telefilms were also quoted sharply up on fresh buying.
Among the top gainers, Indian Rayon were quoted up by 3.42 per cent, Zee Telefilms by 2.91 per cent, Titan Ind by 2.56 per cent, Polaris Software by 2.55 per cent, McDowell by 2.55 per cent, Hinduja TMT by 2.46 per cent, Hughes Software by 2.42 per cent, Moser Baer by 2.41 per cent, Apollo Hospital by 2.29 per cent and Hero Honda by 2.26 per cent.
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Indian team opposes ICC's ambush policy
LONDON: The Indian cricket team has opposed the International Cricket Council's insistence on signing its marketing deal for next month's ICC Champion's Trophy in Sri Lanka.
"The players are united in their opposition to ICC's ambush policy which they feel will adversely affect their financial interests," the manager of the touring Indian cricket team, Ranga Reddy, said in the first comment on the raging controversy.
Reddy, according to a press release by BBC, said "we could have got the new players to sign the deal (of ICC) but they too feel that the new policy is not just. For us, the more important thing is team unity."
"The players are of the view that it is not the Indian cricket board but the ICC which is to be blamed fully for the controversy," he said.
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