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PIL filed in SC seek protection to Sikhs and Dera followers
New Delhi, May 24 (PTI) A public interest litigation (PIL) seeking protection to the lives and properties of both Sikhs and followers of the Sacha Dera Sauda cult has been filed before the Supreme Court.
The PIL filed by an advocate Harvinder Kaur has urged the apex court to restrain the Dera chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh from indulging in "provocative" acts and the para-military forces from resorting to "atrocities" against the local people.
In her petition, Kaur has claimed that she was participating in a legal literacy programme in the state and was a witnesses to the last week clashes which erupted after the Dera chief reportedly attired himself as the revered Sikh Guru Gobind Singh.
Kaur has sought compensation to the family of 28-year-old Kanwaljit Singh who was killed in firing by the security personnel at Sangrur, Punjab.
She submitted that Singh was married only one-and-half year ago and was survived by his widow and a six months old child.
In her petition, Kaur had alleged that the para military forces like RAF (Rapid Action Force) and BSF was taking advantage of the clashes and indulging in excessess against the innocent Sikh families.
It was claimed that in several cases, the para military personnel entered the houses of the Sikhs and raped/molested the women. PTI
India to work for balancing interests in WTO talks
New Delhi, May 24 (PTI) India today said it will work toward creating a balance of "give-and-take" among the developing and developed countries for ensuring the success of the Doha Round of trade talks.
"I intend to continue working with my colleagues in order to create that balance of give-and-take across the Doha work programme as a whole that will make winners of each of us," Commerce and Industry Minister Kamal Nath said at the Nikkei 'Future of Asia Conference' in Tokyo.
He said the unity of the developing countries in the World Trade Organisation has "withstood all pressures to undermine the development promise of the Doha Round", an official release quoting the Minister said here.
However, he said there was no recognition as yet by some developed countries that the basic premise of the ongoing trade talks was the development dimension and not market access for the rich countries.
He talked of a double speak by the rich countries who want subsidies to continue for their own farmers but do not want them for industries in the developing countries.
"We are told that subsidies are bad for industrial sectors but on agricultural subsidies the only thing we hear is that we will get back to you," Nath said.
Referring to the economic policies of the UPA government, Nath said policies have been moulded to ensure that the benefits of growth accrue to the common man.
"A few years ago we sensed that the rapid growth without inclusive development can pose dangers to the social polity... for the last three years we have been moulding policies," Nath said. PTI
Govt to tighten norms to check misuse of tax sops by NGOs
New Delhi, May 24 (PTI) The government plans to tighten administrative and penal provisions to discourage misuse of tax concessions by voluntary organisations (VOs).
"The government will consider tightening administrative and penal procedure to ensure these incentives are not misused by paper charities for private financial gains," according to the National Policy on Voluntary Sector unveiled by deputy chairman of Planning Commission Montek Singh Ahluwalia today.
The Policy, however, made a case for continuing fiscal concessions for VOs and suggested the government should simplify and streamline the system for granting tax exemption to charitable projects under the Income Tax Act.
Ahluwalia said donors should also be allowed to gift stocks and shares, which have become a significant form of wealth in the country, to such organisations.
The Policy also suggested simplification of related provisions of Foreign Exchange Contribution (Regulation) Act apply in consultation with joint consultative groups to be set up by relevant central departments.
The government is in the process of amending the FCRA to facilitate inflow of foreign contribution for legitimate voluntary activities.
The Policy also suggested encouraging government agencies to ensure proper accountability and monitoring of public funds distributed to the VOs. PTI
1993 blasts: 6 sentenced for role in landing arms, ammunition
Mumbai, May 24 (PTI) The special TADA court today sentenced six persons, including two associates of prime accused Tiger Memon, to prison terms ranging from five to fourteen years' rigorous imprisonment for their role in landing arms, ammunition and explosives prior to 1993 serial blasts.
Sharif Parkar, who was convicted on charges of having participated in the landing of arms, ammunitions and explosives at Shekhadi in Raigad district on February 3 and 9, 1993, was sentenced to 14 years' rigorous imprisonment and ordered to pay a fine of Rs three lakh, failing which he would have to undergo an additional three years jail term.
While sentencing Parkar, who was a associate of Tiger Memon, the court observed that "he was not the main man" but despite knowing that the contraband landed was arms and ammunition and not silver, he decided to continue, which therefore warranted a harsher punishment for him.
"His age has been taken into consideration, that is why he has been given fourteen years. Else, he might have been given life," Special Judge P D Kode said while sentencing Parkar, a senior citizen.
Another associate of Memon, Raju Jain, who had provided jeeps to transport contraband after the landing was sentenced to seven years' rigorous imprisonment and ordered to pay a fine of Rs one lakh, failing which he would have to undergo a jail term of three years.
Jain was also found guilty of having provided a scooter to Tiger which was later used in the Katha Bazaar blast. PTI
Indian challenge ends at World TT Championship
New Delhi, May 24 (PTI) India's campaign in Table Tennis World Championship lasted barely a day with the last remaining pair in fray -- Achanta Sharath Kamal and Soumyadeep Roy -- bowing out in the second round of doubles event.
Sharath Kamal and Roy lost to the Serbian pair of Aleksandar Karakasevic and Grujic Slobodan 12-10 11-5 11-6 11-3.
In mixed doubles, Soumyadeep and Mouma Das went down to Chiang Peng-Lung and Yun-Feng Lu of Chinese Taipei 4-11 8-11 8-11 8-11 yesterday.
Another mixed doubles pair of Shubhajit Saha and Kumaresan Shamini lost to the Australian pair of William Henzell and Miao Miao 11-8 10-12 13-11 12-10 13-11.
It was a pathetic display from the Indian paddlers and apart from Soumyadeep and Sharath Kamal in doubles, nobody could progress beyond first round.
The performance of the men's team is particularly disappointing as they had a special training camp in Germany to prepare for the World Championship and the upcoming Commonwealth Championship in Jaipur.
While Sharath Kamal got a direct entry into the main draw, the other players' competition were limited to the qualifying stage of the prestigious event. PTI
Sania, Chan reach Istanbul Cup semis
New Delhi, May 24 (PTI) Top-seeded Sania Mirza and her Taipei partner Yung-Jan Chan today staged a brilliant fightback to reach the doubles semifinals of USD 200,000 Istanbul Cup in Turkey.
After conceding the opening set, the Indo-Taipei pair rallied to beat the unseeded pair of Sandra Kloesel and Anna Koumantou 2-6, 6-1, 10-7 in a quarterfinal clash of the WTA event.
The first set was dominated by Kloesel and Koumantou, who after going down 0-2, won six games in a row to gain early advantage.
The second set belonged to Sania and Chan, who won the first five games on the trot and held their serve in the seventh game to stretch the match into super tie-breaker.
The Indo-Taipei duo held their nerves in the decider, which was fought neck and neck, and advanced to the last four stage. PTI
India look to wrap up tour with victory
By Sirshendu Panth
Dhaka, May 24 (PTI) India would look to brush aside the minor concern about opener Wasim Jaffer's form and finish off their Bangladesh tour with a flourish by clinching the Test series with a victory in the second and last match beginning here tomorrow.
While the unproductive first Test ended India's all-win record against Bangladesh after having won each of the three matches played before, a victory in the coming encounter would enable Dravid return home with a double triumph the Test conquest adding further lustre to the 2-0 win in the preceding ODI series.
But despite their successes in the trip so far, the Indian team management need to put their thinking cap on, as far as the opening combination is concerned after Jaffer's pair in the Chittagong Test.
There are two factors weighing in Jaffer's favour. Firstly, he is the sole specialist opener in the squad, and secondly he struck a hundred against South Africa at Capetown India's last Test prior to Bangladesh tour.
However, if the tourists choose to keep out the Mumbai right hander from the playing 11, then stylish left hander Yuvraj Singh could make a comeback.
Yuvraj has the experience of having opened for India earlier, while the think tank could also consider last match centurion Sourav Ganguly for the slot. Another option would be for skipper Rahul Dravid himself. PTI
Sharma, Pawar fighting for final slot
Dhaka, May 24 (PTI) VVS Laxman and Yuvraj Singh were left out in the cold once again while young pacer Ishant Sharma and left-arm spinner Rajesh Pawar were fighting for a place in the Indian eleven for the second and final cricket Test against Bangladesh starting here tomorrow.
The Indians dropped Punjab pacer VRV Singh while including Pawar in the shortlisted 12, retaining the option of playing either three fast bowlers or as many slow bowlers.
Should they be picked, it will mark their India debut - in either form of the game - for both Sharma and Pawar.
Explaining the rationale for keeping out seasoned campaigner Laxman and the talented Yuvraj Singh, Dravid said that there were five batsmen fighting for only three slots in the middle order.
"On this tour, after seeing the conditions, we were very keen on playing five bowlers. Laxman is fighting for one of the three slots in the middle order," Dravid said.
"Between myself, Sachin, Sourav, Laxman and Yuvraj we are fighting for three slots, while its true that in some situations during some tours we do have four slots in the middle. PTI
World Youth chess: Parimarjan loses to Nepomniachtchi
By our chess correspondent Kirishi
(Russia), May 24 (PTI) Parimarjan Negi lost his joint lead in the World Youth Stars chess tournament after an agonising defeat to Russian Ian Nepomniachtchi in the seventh round here on Wednesday.
The loss proved costly for Negi as he slipped to joint third spot in the standings and will now have to score heavily in the remaining rounds to draw level with Nepomniachtchi who shot into sole lead following his victory.
As things stand with four rounds to come, Nepomniachtchi on 5.5 points is followed by World Junior champion Zaven Andriasian of Armenia on 5 while Parimarjan is joint third on along with Armenian Avetik Grigoryan and Ukrainian Yuriy Kuzubov on 4.5 points.
Playing the black side of an English opening Negi was outsmarted as Nepomniachtchi coasted to his fourth win on the trot in the event.
Early piece-trade saw the game drifting towards a queen and rook endgame wherein Negi's king was a little too exposed compared to its white counterpart.
Nepomniachtchi took his time in luring Negi in to making some mistakes and when that did not happen, the Russian pushed his corner pawn to create more threats after which it became very difficult. The game lasted 45 moves.
"I made a few mistakes in the middle game that gave Nepomniachtchi some advantage," Negi said matter-of-factly after the game. PTI
DoT raps Bharti, BSNL for violation of user norm verification
New Delhi, May 24 (PTI) Department of Telecom has issued showcause notices to two operators - Bharti Airtel and state-run BSNL - alleging violation of subscriber verification norm, a mandatory license condition.
The licensor in a letter to Bharti earlier this month said that in Andhra Pradesh circle, during a sample check by the vigilance cell of DoT in April, it was noticed that out of 1750 samples taken, only 878 forms were found with correct documents.
It further said, it appears that the licensee company has failed to comply with the license condition and the extent instruction on the subject.
"Accordingly the licensee company is hereby required to show cause within 15 days of the issue of this notice as to why necessary action, including imposition of penalty shall not be taken against the company for the violation", it said.
When contacted, Bharti Airtel said it is still waiting for details of this audit from the government and has complied with the directives on verification.
"We are still awaiting details from the Government on this audit for us to evaluate and take any action if necessary. We would like to reiterate that Bharti Airtel has completed the process and complied with the directives from DoT on verification of its subscriber base." DoT in its letter to BSNL has said that subscriber verification norms have not been followed by it in the Chennai Metro service area. PTI
Sensex, Nifty down by about one per cent
Mumbai, May 24 (PTI) The Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) Sensex today fell by 145 points in volatile trade as investors squared up positions in derivatives ahead of the expiry of May contract amid weak global cues.
Terming the roll over of positions to next series as normal, market players said operators and retail investors generally follow this process to avoid margin calls.
The Sensex opened weak and gradually moved downward to the intra-day low of 14,174.05. It later ended at 14,218.11, a net fall of 145.15 points or 1.01 per cent from yesterday's close of 14,363.26.
The broader S&P CNX Nifty of the National Stock Exchange (NSE) dropped by 41.30 points or 0.97 per cent to close at 4,204.90 from previous close of 4,246.20.
Taking a cue from weakness in Asian markets, Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) and domestic funds resorted to selling pressure while operators were engaged in roll over of outstanding positions in derivatives.
Some brokers, however, attributed heavy selling pressure at the fag end of session to speculation that the NSE may impose extra margins on derivatives positions.
Top heavyweight Reliance Industries, which has remained in the limelight in the last couple of weeks, bore the brunt of selling pressure and fell sharply.
Other heavyweights like SBI, Tata Steel, REL, Reliance Comm, HDFC Bank, HDFC, ACC, Bharti Airtel and L&T also showed substantial losses due to the sell-off.
NTPC, however, rose on keen buying interest. PTI
Vodafone directors resign from Bharti Airtel board
New Delhi, May 24 (PTI) British mobile giant Vodafone's two nominees on the Board of Bharti Airtel have resigned, following its takeover of Hutch-Essar and stake sale in the Sunil Mittal-led company.
Bharti Airtel chairman and managing director Sunil Mittal said at a CII meeting both the directors - Gavin Darby and Paul Donovan - have resigned. A Vodafone spokesperson also said the two directors have quit.
In January, the Vodafone directors had abstained from the Board meeting when the company was in the race to acquire Hong Kong-based Hutchison Telecom International's stake in India's fourth-largest mobile operator Hutch Essar Ltd.
Donovan is CEO Eastern Europe, Middle East, Asia Pacific and affiliates, while Darby is CEO for America, Africa, China and India. Donovan was inducted on Bharti Board in April 2006.
Vodafone held 9.9 per cent stake in Bharti Airtel. After the Hutch Essar deal in February, Vodafone sold 5.6 per cent direct stake in Bharti Airtel to the promoters for 1.6 billion dollars on a deferred payment basis.
But Vodafone still retains a 4.4 per cent indirect stake in the Indian telecom firm. The two companies have also signed a Memorandum of Understanding relating to a comprehensive range of infrastructure sharing options in India, with an emphasis on rural areas. PTI
Sensex dips 145 points on profit-booking
Mumbai, May 24 (PTI) The benchmark BSE Sensex fell 145 points today as funds and retail investors booked profits in heavy-weight stocks, influenced by weak trends in other Asian markets.
The BSE-30 share Sensex, which had lost 90.46 points yesterday, fell 145.15 points, or 1.01 per cent at 14,218.11 at the close of trading today. Earlier, it touched the day's high of 14,389.66 and a low of 14,174.05.
Similarly, the wide-based index NSE Nifty fell 41.30, or 0.97 per cent, to 4,204.90 points. The index moved between 4,250.85 and 4,189.05 in intra-day trading.
Market observers said the reported remarks of former US Federal Reserve chairman Alan Greenspan warning of a possible "dramatic contraction" in Chinese share prices triggered a sell-off in heavy-weight stocks on domestic bourses.
They said selling by retail investors at higher levels to raise funds for the forthcoming big IPOs from several companies including real estate major DLF, also negatively impacted trading sentiments.
The draggers were oil and gas, metals and banking sector stocks.
The stocks of Reliance Industries Ltd, the country's most valuable company, fell by Rs 30.35, or 1.7 per cent to Rs 1,725.40 while ONGC, the country's largest oil producer, dropped by Rs 9.85, or 1.1 per cent to Rs 902.80. The two stocks account for about 18 per cent of the Sensex's weight. PTI
Foreign investment should not be restricted: FM
New Delhi, May 24 (PTI) At a time when the rupee is appreciating against the dollar on rising capital inflows, the government today said high flow of foreign investment should not be restricted even if it leads to some problems.
"There are of course some problems associated with copious flow of foreign investment, but that cannot become a ground to reject foreign investment," Finance Minister P Chidambaram said at a CII function here.
He said the country should learn to manage flow of foreign investment as was being done by China.
"We must learn to manage these inflows, but we must not do anything that will restrict investment - domestic and foreign and both private and public," he said.
Rupee rose for the fourth consecutive day yesterday to 40.56 against the dollar as global funds increased purchases of local equities. "The rupee's rate is directly related to capital flows we are seeing," an analyst said.
The Indian currency has appreciated nearly 14 per cent since August 2006. Although it is hitting exporters, the Reserve Bank has refrained from taking steps to stop the rise as this also makes imports cheaper and helps check inflation.
The government, howerver, did tighten the flow of foreign funds recently, restricting External Commercial Borrowings by real estate companies.
It had barred companies to raise ECBs for developing integrated township, built on at least 100 acres of land. It had also made it difficult for small players to raise ECBs by lowering ceiling on interest rates to be paid on such debts.
The move was aimed at slowing down flow of foreign debt into the real estate sector, Chidambaram had said earlier. PTI
PPP Sr leader says Musharraf must quit
Islamabad, May 24 (PTI) A senior leader of former Premier Benazir Bhutto-led PPP has said President Pervez Musharraf must quit and hand over power to a caretaker government.
"All doors have been closed for Musharraf and no other power can save him," Ghulam Mustafa Khar was quoted as saying by 'Daily Times' He said in Lahore yesterday that the only support for Musharraf came from his Army uniform which, he alleged, the General would use politically to victimise his opponents.
Musharraf, he said, must quit and hand over power to a caretaker government after which Bhutto or another former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif should be in power for five years to stabilise democracy in Pakistan.
Khar claimed that Musharraf used Altaf Hussain, the chief of MQM which is part of the ruling coalition and whose workers clashed with supporters of suspended Chief Justice Iftikhar M Chaudhry in Karachi leading to major clashes, to instigate violence in the southern port city on May 12.
He said the violence which left several people dead had politically confined the MQM to Karachi only.
Khar also said he supported the 'Mohajirs', but not Hussain as he was "not sincere" to the Karachiites.
About Chaudhry, he said no power could put pressure on the Chief Justice and the entire nation supported him.
He said that at this critical juncture, there was a need for national unity and that Pakistani politicians, workers and institutions were needed to be strengthened. PTI
Israel arrests 33 Hamas members
Harinder Mishra
Jerusalem, May 24 (PTI) Stepping up its offensive against Hamas, Israel has arrested 33 of its senior members from the West Bank, including Palestinian Education Minister Nasser al-Deen Shaer.
The army confirmed the arrests, saying the Hamas members have been taken for questioning, but gave no further details.
Four Mayors of West Bank towns and three Hamas parliamentarians were among those apprehended in the morning raid.
Shaer was also arrested in August after the kidnapping of Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit by Palstinian militants, but was released the following month.
"Five army jeeps arrived and asked for his ID. He identified himself and they took him," the Education Minister's wife, Huda, said. "I asked them, 'Why are you taking him'. The officer said, 'We have orders'." Much of Hamas' leadership was arrested by the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) after Shalit's abduction and some are still imprisoned.
In Israel, officials hinted that no one in the Islamic faction should see himself immune as the movement against Qassam rocket attacks from Gaza intensified.
The Israeli government authorised stepping up measures against the groups launching Qassams, including possible strikes against Hamas and Islamic Jihad leaders.
At least two people were injured in the latest Israeli attacks in Gaza, which targeted money transfer stores. Israel said they were being used by militants to channel money from abroad. PTI
China calls for early resumption of talks on Iran N-issue
Beijing, May 24 (PTI) China today said it was "carefully studying" the UN nuclear watchdog's report on Iran's nuclear programme and urged all sides to show a "constructive" attitude to find an "enduring and proper" solution to the issue.
"China is carefully studying the report submitted by the IAEA," Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Jiang Yu told reporters when asked about the latest report on Iran's nuclear programmes by the UN's nuclear watchdog.
The IAEA said yesterday that Iran was making substantial advances in uranium enrichment in defiance of world demands, opening the way to harsher sanctions against Tehran over fears it is seeking atomic bombs.
Jiang said China was confident that the IAEA report would be "objective and professional" and urged all sides to strengthen efforts to end the diplomatic standoff.
"We believe that the relevant resolutions of the IAEA and the UN Security Council should be implemented," she said.
"In the meantime, all parties must strengthen diplomatic efforts and demonstrate a constructive approach so as to resume the talks at an early date and arrive at an enduring, comprehensive and proper solution. This serves the interests of all," she added.
The latest findings by the IAEA came on the day nine US warships sailed into the Gulf for manoeuvres to demonstrate American impatience with Tehran. PTI
West should not teach us how to fight terrorism: Musharraf
Toronto, May 24 (PTI) Under attack for not doing enough to quell Taliban and Al-Qaeda militancy, Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf has bluntly told the West not to "teach" him how to fight terrorism.
The embattled President also criticised the West for undermining the casualties suffered by the Pakistani forces in dealing with terrorism.
"You sitting in the West don't know anything. So, don't teach me, come and learn from us. Come and understand the environment. And then decide on what has to be done and what doesn't have to be done. We are doing more than any other country in the world," said Musharraf.
"I would tell everyone: Come and learn from us. We are sitting here knowing exactly what is happening on ground," he said in an interview to Canadian daily Globe and Mail.
He referred to the casualties suffered by Pakistani forces and said, "Unfortunately the people in the West think that their lives are more important than our lives. They think the gun fodder should be from these countries like Pakistan and developing countries. If their soldiers, one soldier, dies, there is a problem, but 500 of ours have died. And yet Pakistan is blamed for not doing enough." President Musharraf, facing growing domestic opposition for his handling of the crisis arising from the suspension of the Supreme Court Chief Justice Iftikhar M. Chaudhry, insisted that Pakistan was the only country that had a military, political, developmental and administrative strategy for defeating extremism.
On Afghanistan there has to be "a multi-pronged strategy...It is only the military strategy which is working now, the General said. PTI
Bush administration flayed for supporting Musharraf
New York,May 24 (PTI) Slamming the Bush administration for clinging on to Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf even as he becomes more and more "unpopular" at home and less willing to fighting Taliban, a leading US daily has asked Washington to prop up democracy in the country rather than the "military dictator".
In an editorial, the New York Times also asks the US Congress to insist that future payments be linked to actual counterterrorist activity and results, as some American military officials now recommend.
"A succession of uniformed dictators have misruled Pakistan for more than half of its 60-year history. All have advertised themselves as great friends of Washington, but all have fanned extremism while discrediting America's reputation among ordinary Pakistanis. There is no security with General Musharraf. The US belongs on the side of Pakistani democracy," the editorial "Propping UP the General" stresses.
Noting that Washington is afraid, "and entirely not without reason," that nuclear armed Pakistan's next ruler could be even worse, the Times says the answer is not to stand by while the general cranks up his repression. "That only feeds the fundamentalist and anti-American passions that Washington fears." Instead of propping up the general, it says Washington should use the leverage it gets from roughly 2 billion dollar a year in aid to encourage an early return to democratic rule. PTI
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