Akali factions unite
Patiala,Friday, June 13, 2003: In a move having significant impact on Punjab politics, two major factions of Akali Dal led by Parkash Singh Badal and Gurcharan Singh Tohra today formally announced unity and agreed to work under the banner of Shiromani Akali Dal.
After a meeting with Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Badal, Sarv Hind Shiromani Akali Dal (SHSAD) chief Gurcharan Singh Tohra announced that he was dissolving his party.
Tohra read out a brief unity draft in Gurmukhi after Badal met him at the residence of his son-in-law and former minister Harmel Singh Tohra this morning.
The draft, signed by both Badal and Tohra, says "keeping in view the sentiments of Sikh community, party rank and file, political need and the serious challenges faced by Punjab and the party, we declare the unity of SAD."
"We appeal to all workers to forget the past differences, ill will and hatred if any and cooperate whole-heartedly to achieve the goals of the panth (community)," it said.
Both the leaders hugged each other and exchanged sweets burying the differences which surfaced between the two Akali stalwarts about six years back.
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India living in a "tough neighbourhood."
Chicago,Friday, June 13, 2003: Deputy Prime Minister L K Advani hsa said that India is living in a "tough neighbourhood."
To its north, Maoist insurgents operate with impunity in Nepal which had implications for the security of both the countries and to the east, insurgent groups from India have sought refuge in Bangladesh and Myanmar and receive support from some elements in these countries who are inimical to India, he said at a function here on Thursday.
Advani said India was "cautiously optimistic" of the peace process in Sri Lanka but the threat of terrorism had not receded in the island nation.
"We are cautiously optimistic of the peace process in Sri Lanka but the threat of terrorism in that country has not receded," he added.
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Advani, others exempted from personal appearance in Babri case
Rae Bareilly,Friday, June 13, 2003: The special CBI court hearing the Babri Masjid demolition case today fixed June 19 as the next date of hearing and exempted Deputy Prime Minister L K Advani and seven other accused from personal appearance.
Special judge Justice Vinod Kumar Singh exempted Advani and seven others including some top BJP leaders from personal appearance on the submission made by their counsel.
Besides Advani, the seven accused in the case include HRD minister Murli Manohar Joshi, Uma Bharati, Vinay Katiyar and VHP leaders Ashok Singhal, Giriraj Kishore, Vishnu Hari Dalmia and Sadhvi Ritambra.
The copies of supplementary chargesheets submitted by the CBI during the last hearing were made available to the counsel of Advani and others.
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Rao Government's action banning VHP correct: Centre
In a surprise action, the Centre today termed as "correct" the Narasimha Rao Government's decision to ban the VHP on the basis of Justice Bahri Commission findings that the organisation's leaders had made "provocative speeches" during the demolition of the disputed structure at Ayodhya.
"It was a correct measure of the Centre as it was based on provocative statements made by Ashok Singhal, Sadhvi Ritambara and Acharya Dharmendra Dev," Centre's counsel Lala Ram Gupta told Liberhan Commission probing the events leading to demolition of the disputed structure on December 6, 1992.
Ruling out any conspiracy in the demolition, he said at the most it may have been a "plan" devised by any person.
"If at all there was any conspiracy, it would have been limited to 605 Shiv Sainiks, who allegedly had plans to hold Kar Seva at Garbh Griha (sanctum sanctorum)," he said.
However, Shiv Sena leader Moreshwar Save had ruled out any role of the party or its leaders in the demolition, he pointed out.
Though there were intelligence reports that this group had a meeting on November 28, 1992 at Faizabad and decided to do the Kar Seva, there was no evidence to corroborate this, Gupta added.
Denying that security arrangements around the disputed structure were not "proper", he, however, admitted that these proved to be insufficient as it failed to stop the mob frenzy.
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Terrorists in JK and Chechnya get aid from same source: Russia
Moscow,Friday, June 13, 2003: Russia views the terrorists operating in Jammu and Kashmir and in Chechnya are aided and abetted by one and same sources, Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Losyukov has said.
"The terrorist bands active in Russia's Chechen Republic and in Jammu and Kashmir are receiving finances from one and the same sources, ring-leaders of these bands have got training from one and the same instructors, including on the territory of Afghanistan," Losyukov told in an interview to PTI and the Hindu.
He said Russia, as well as India are of the view that terrorist acts cannot be justified by any political, ethnic, religious, socio-economic or other considerations.
"Here the policy of double standards is inadmissible. All terrorists should be equally treated. The terrorists wherever they are located, must know that justice will reach out to them." Losyukov said.
The minister stressed that the fight against terrorism must also be directed against those, who give sanctuary, financial and other backing to them.
Expressing satisfaction at the level of India, Russia cooperation in countering international terrorism and other forms of trans-national crimes including illegal drug trafficking, Losyukov said that both countries opine that the main task today is to strengthen international anti-terror coalition and its legal framework.
"No doubt, the adoption of Russian draft convention on combating acts of nuclear terrorism and Indian draft of the global convention on combating international terrorism will contribute to this," he added.
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Russia not for ties with Pak at the cost of traditional allies
Moscow,Friday, June 13, 2003: Russia would not go for any improvement in relations with Pakistan at the cost of Moscow's traditional allies in the region, Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Losyukov has said.
"Russia intends to further advance the joint work with the Pakistani side to remove existing differences, move towards development of multi-plan and mutually beneficial ties, but of course, not at the cost of our traditional partners," Losyukov said in an interview to PTI and the Hindu ahead of Foreign Minister Igor Ivanov's South Asia tour.
Ivanov is leaving for the sub-continent tomorrow night during which he is scheduled to spend a day in Islamabad and two nights in New Delhi. This would be first visit of Russian foreign minister to Pakisan in 10 years, since Andrei Kozyrev visited Islamabad in 1993.
"During talks in Islamabad the Russian side will reiterate its known concerns regarding threats of terrorism, extremism and illegal drug trade emanating from the direction of Afghanistan and Pakistan," Losukov said.
According to Losyukov, Russia gives 'its due' to Pakistan for its participation in US-led anti-terror operation in Afghanistan and steps taken by President Pervez Musharraf's administration to neutralise the activities of miltant Islamists in the country.
"Moscow (however) expects Islamabad to consistently fulfil all the obligations taken by it for combating terrorism and religious extremism," he said.
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Alleg of cross-border terrorism a dishonest portrayal of facts
Islamabad,Friday, June 13, 2003: Nothwithstanding India's fresh peace initiative, Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf has talked about the just struggle of Kashmiris and said terming it as "cross border terrorism" is a "dishonest portrayal of facts."
Jammu and Kashmir is a disputed territory and recognised as such by the United Nations, he said in an interview to a Saudi Daily Okazm which was published coinciding with his visit to Saudi Arabia yesterday.
Referring to the new peace process between India and Pakistan, Musharraf was quoted as saying by official newsagency APP that Pakistan wants a peaceful and just resolution of the Kashmir issue and hoped a similar spirit will prevail in India.
Musharraf said Pakistan welcomed Indian Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee's recent offer of dialogue to settle all outstanding issues, including Jammu and Kashmir.
"We are and will remain optimistic about achieving a negotiated settlement to the dispute," he said and hoped that "a similar spirit will eventually prevail on the other side and we will make progress towards a lasting peace in South Asia".
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FIIs lead the pack for Maruti IPO
New Delhi,Friday, June 13, 2003: Reflecting confidence in the strength of Indian economy and ability of car major Maruti Udyog, foreign investors are believed to have accounted for majority of the bids totalling over 105 mn shares for MUL's maiden public offer.
Domestic financial institutions like IDBI, IFCI, UTI and other major players are yet to approach the issue, sources close to MUL's IPO process indicated saying only one or two Indian Banks have so far put in their applications.
The trend on day one of the IPO on Thursday clearly indicated that the car major, which accounted for 60 per cent of the domestic market share last month, recorded an unprecedented success with oversubcription to the issue by about 45 per cent, without the help of domestic FIs, which are largely under government's control, sources said.
With an overwhelming majority of over 85 per cent bids being placed at Rs 120 per share and above against the floor price of Rs 115 a share of Rs five face value, the sources said the initial response could only fuel greater demand for the scrip, thus belying speculation that the IPO was being overpriced by the company.
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US opposed to restrictions on outsourcing
Washington,Friday, June 13, 2003: The US is opposed and trying to resist restrictions on outsourcing of call centres and IT services as proposed by some American states, according to US Trade Representative Robert Zoellick.
Zoellick, at an intensive three-hour session with Commerce Minister Arun Jaitley here on Thursday, told Jaitley the Federal Government's stand on restrictions on outsourcing as proposed by New Jersey and four or five other States.
Jaitley informed Zoellick about Indian "concerns and sensitivities" at the level of both public and political opinion. India feels that such restrictions are "completely contrary to the spirit of market access," Jaitley said.
Jaitley also raised with Zoellick what is technically called restrictions on "the movement of natural persons" -- the right of skilled and unskilled labour to move freely across borders to take advantage of job opportunities-- pointing out that trade in services is as important as trade in goods, with India specially interested because it is becoming a "knowledge economy."
Jaitley, who had met Commerce Secretary Don Evans the previous day, also raised with Zoellick several other issues of concern to India, which, if met, will benefit both India and the United States.
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Cyber sex costs Abu Dhabi man Rs 96 lakh
He does not know much about computer hacking, yet 51-year-old cyber criminal Pranab Mitra has stunned even the cyber crime investigation cell of Mumbai police with his bizarre fraud on the Net.
Mitra, a former executive of Gujarat Ambuja Cement, was arrested on Monday for posing as a woman and seducing online an Abu Dhabi-based man, thereby managing to extort Rs 96 lakh from him.
Investigating officer, Assistant Commissioner of Police, J.S. Sodi, said Mitra has been remanded to police custody till June 24, and has been booked for cheating, impersonation, blackmail and extortion under sections 420, 465, 467, 471, 474 of the IPC, read with the newly formed Information Technology Act.
Mitra posed as a woman, Rita Basu, and created a fake e-mail ID through which he contacted one V.R. Ninawe. According to the FIR, Mitra trapped Ninawe in a ‘‘cyber-relationship’’ sending emotional messages and indulging in online sex since June 2002.
Later, Mitra sent an e-mail that ‘‘she would commit suicide’’ if Ninawe ended the relationship. He also gave him ‘‘another friend Ruchira Sengupta’s’’ e-mail ID which was in fact his second bogus address. When Ninawe mailed at the other ID he was shocked to learn that Mitra had died.
Then Mitra began the emotional blackmail by calling up Abu Dhabi to say that police here were searching for Ninawe. Ninawe panicked on hearing the news and asked Mitra to arrange for a good advocate for his defence.
Ninawe even deposited a few lakh in the bank as advocate fees. Mitra even sent e-mails as high court and police officials to extort more money. Ninawe finally came down to Mumbai to lodge a police case.
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Naik, Munda seek US investments in Coal Bed Methane
Washington,Friday, June 13, 2003: India has invited investments in exploration and Production of Coal bed Methane in the country that would go a long way in supplementing gas requirements.
Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas Ram Naik and Minister of Coal Karia Munda are currently in Houston for the CBM-II Promotional Road Show to invite investments for the exploration and production of Coal Bed Methane in India.
Investment in CBM will help in meeting the gas requirements of India, they said in a release.
The Ministers are accompanied by their senior officers. J.M.Mauskar, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas made a presentation on the "attractive fiscal and contractual terms" offered by the Government of India under CBM-II.
Avinash Chandra, Director General, Hydrocarbons, made a presentation on the technical features of the 9 blocks on offer.
Naik and Munda expressed happiness at the "excellent response" to the Roadshow by CBM companies in the U.S.
A total of 85 delegates from over 30 companies, oil and gas field service providers and other organisations participated in the Houston Roadshow.
The companies which participated in the Roadshow included Chevron Texaco, Occidental Petroleum, CDX Gas, El Paso Production, Duke Energy and Burlington Resources, Inc. Large size seismic companies were also represented.
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India to draft 3 foreign coaches to shore up prospects in TT
Bangalore,Friday, June 13, 2003: India is close to recruiting three new foreign coaches to shore up its prospects in Table Tennis on the international arena, a top Federation official said today.
"We are inviting three new foreign coaches", Table Tennis Federation of India Secretary General Mool Chand Chowhan told reporters after inaugurating the Mayor's Cup All India Table Tennis Championship here.
One coach is for the Petroleum Sports Control Board-run TT academy at Ajmer, another for the Centre of Excellence at Kolkata and the third for the national team, he said.
He said the Academy would get a new Chinese coach as the incumbent is leaving after an eight-year stint, while a North Korean coach would soon join the Centre of Excellence as the incumbent from that country was sent back after he developed heart ailment.
Yugoslavian coach's one year contract with the national team has ended and the Government is now considering a new coach from that country, Chowhan said.
"Government is keen that we should have results in table tennis", Chowhan said. "Once the coaches come, I can assure you that in the near future, we will bring laurels to the country".
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Five gold haul for India, Vietnam win one
Kozhikode,Friday, June 13, 2003: India capped their superlative performance in the Asian Youth chess championships here today by winning five of the six gold medals at stake, their clean sweep being prevented by the triumph of a Vietnam player in the under-12 boys' category.
India, who had ensured three gold medals at the end of the sixth and penultimate round itself yesterday, won the top positions in the boys' under-10 and girls' under-14 categories.
Ravi Teja pipped five of his teammates to win the under-10 boys' title. In the seventh and final round match today, he defeated second seed N Srinath in a Kings Indian defence game.
In the under-14 girls' category, J Rajasurya needed only a draw to clinch the title and she did the needful, splitting points with Raghavi. Rajasurya employed queen's pawn opening which was countered by Sicilian Pelican defence from Raghavi. The players agreed for a draw after just 10 moves.
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Brit claims to be the first to run around the world
Robert Garside of England today claimed to have become the first man to run around the world, having covered more than 35,000 miles in about five and half years before finishing his run at the India Gate here.
The 36-year-old began his history making run from the same spot back on October 17, 1997. And after running through the continents of Asia, Australia, South America, Africa and North America he touched India's southern tip Kanyakumari on April 12 to embark on his last leg to New Delhi.
"I wanted to make history by becoming the first man to run around the world," Garside told PTI here proudly recalling his feat.
Garside said he will compile a detailed report and submit it with photographs to the Guinness Book of World Records authorities who will verify his claim before officially acknowledging his achievement.
The Brit, who dropped out of London University into the third year of his Honours degree in Psychology, said he had earlier failed in his attempt to perform the feat.
"That was in December 1996 when I started from London but was forced to quit in March 1997 after covering more than 3000 miles to reach Moscow," said Robert who spent an estimated 250,000 dollars to complete the run.
>>From Delhi, he ran to North-East before entering Nepal and from there to Tibet.
"It was one of the toughest of all the circuits," he said recalling his run through Tibet.
"At altitudes touching 5500 metres and tempreatures which dipped to minus 35 degree celcius it was really tough. Plus I had to survive on stale sweets and Yak tea - made by mixing Yak fat and hot water - and without any fruits".
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