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US cautions Musharraf against curbing media freedom
Sridhar Krishnaswami
Washington, June 6 (PTI) With Pakistan issuing a decree to control media, the US has cautioned the Pervez Musharraf regime against reversing the "advances" towards greater freedom, including that of the press, in that country.
Washington said it was watching the developments in Pakistan closely, particularly in the context of how the new decree 'Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority' (PEMRA) would be used.
"... We're watching very closely the events in Pakistan," State Department spokesman Sean McCormack told a media briefing here yesterday.
He said the Pakistani government "is going to need to come to terms with new freedoms that are emerging in Pakistani society, concerning freedom of expression and the media as well." Contending that there have been advances in bringing greater freedom, including that of the press in Pakistan over the years under Musharraf's regime, McCormack said "certainly, nobody would want to see those openings reversed".
The new decree empowers the PEMRA to suspend licenses, seal premises and confiscate equipment of any media organisation that would be found violating the rules.
"We would just encourage our friends in Pakistan to look at the role of free media in a society as one that ultimately strengthens a society. It's a critically important function that the media serve all around the globe," McCormack said.
Referring to the issue relating to suspension of Chief Justice Iftikhar Chaudhry, the State Department spokesman noted that Musharraf's decision had been "quite controversial" within Pakistan. PTI
For some in BJP, it was credibility problem in Goa
New Delhi, June 6 (PTI) After its crushing defeat in Uttar Pradesh over allegations it was hand-in-glove with the Samajwadi Party, the BJP is pondering over its performance in Goa, with some in the party blaming a similar credibility decline in the state for the electoral loss.
As they reflect on the Goa results, they say the party was quite weak in its attack on the government over the tiny state's regional plan, seen as a recipe to promote land mafia.
"An impression gained ground that there was a secret understanding between the BJP and Goa's former town and country planning minister Atansio Babush over his regional plan," a party source said.
In Uttar Pradesh too, the BJP suffered debacle over charges it had a covert understanding with then chief minister Mulayam Singh Yadav.
The BJP, whose tally in the Goa assembly has come down from 17 to 14, has announced it will sit in the Opposition as the Congress and the NCP were set to form the government again with support from independents. PTI
Economy is going through cyclical overheating: Rangarajan
Mumbai, June 6 (PTI) Prime Minister's Economic Advisory Council chairman C Rangarajan today said the economy was witnessing "cyclical overheating" but expected inflation to soften in coming months with good monsoon this year.
"Yes, to some extent there is cyclical overheating... inflation would soften this year partly because of factors operating in the current year and monsoon leading to a good agricultural season this year," he told reporters on the sidelines of a conference.
He described cyclical overheating as one that occurs when the existing capacity was fully utilised and the demand was still increasing.
"We should really see that cyclical overheating doesn't get translated into structural overheating, that means there are no structural imbalances in the economy," Rangarajan said.
Rangarajan said inflation would soften partly because of the factors operating in the current year as well as because of the larger base of the previous year.
"The inflation rate last year picked up very strongly from June onward last year and so there is a base effect also, ...If monsoon is good and the agricultural season turns out to be as good as last year or even better, then the expectations will have a dampening effect," he said. PTI
Three more sentenced in 1993 Mumbai serial blasts case
Mumbai, Jun 6 (PTI) The TADA court today sentenced three more convicts in the 1993 serial blasts case, including Ibrahim alias Baba Moosa Chauhan who had supplied AK-56 rifle and hand grenades to film actor Sanjay Dutt.
Gangster Abu Salem's associate Ibrahim, who was convicted of giving one AK-56 rifle, hand grenades and ammunition to Dutt and deceased accused Salim Kurla, was given ten years rigorous imprisonment (RI) and was slapped with a fine of Rs three lakh.
He was also held guilty of possessing illegally one AK-56 assault rifle and 25 hand grenades which were recovered from him after the blasts.
Sardar Shahab Ali Khan, who had attended conspiracy meeting and took part in preparation of RDX vehicle bombs, was also given two concurrent life sentences and was directed to pay a fine of Rs one lakh.
Hawala operator Moolchand Shah, an associate of blasts mastermind Tiger Memon, was given five years' RI and was penalised with a fine of five lakh for rendering financial assistance to Memon for the purpose of blasts conspiracy.
Through Shah's account, Rs 1.09 crore was distributed to the conspirators.
Today's sentencing takes the total number of convicts sentenced in the case to 71 while 29 more are yet to be awarded punishment.
In March 1993, a series of blasts ripped through different locations in the city, including the Bombay Stock Exchange, which killed 257 people and injured over 700. PTI
Presidential election: TN CM going to Delhi next week
Chennai, Jun 6 (PTI) Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi today said he would go to Delhi next week for consultations on the selection of the UPA candidate for the Presidential election.
Talking to reporters at the secretariat here, Karunanidhi, whose DMK is a key constituent of the Congress- led coalition at the Centre, said he would be in Delhi for three days from June 13.
"I've received a communique from Delhi to make my travel plans accordingly so that I can be present in the national capital from June 13 to 15," he said.
Karunanidhi has already held preliminary discussions with UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi on the issue during his visit to Delhi last week. PTI
Sidhu favours Indian coach for cricket team
Chandigarh, Jun 6 (PTI) Even as Cricket Board has invited two foreign candidates for discussion before deciding the next coach, former cricketer Navjot Singh Sidhu today said he favoured an "Indian mind" for the job.
"We need an Indian mind for a better coordination with the players," Sidhu told reporters.
The cricketer-turned-commentator said Ravi Shastri, who was the team manager for the recent tour of Bangladesh, was the perfect choice.
"Ravi is perfect to coach the team. He is an experienced man and understands the cricketers of the sub continent well," Sidhu said despite the former all rounder having made clear that he would not continue with the job.
Sidhu also said Cricket Board was giving more importance than required to the coach.
"Captain of a team is more important than its coach. The coach is only 10 per cent responsible in the performance of the team," he said.
Sidhu said the players must be made mentally strong. PTI
Chappell joins Australian academy as consultant coach
Melbourne, June 6 (PTI) Former Team India coach Greg Chappell has been contracted by Cricket Australia (CA) to work as consultant coach at its Centre of Excellence in Brisbane.
According to 'Sydney Morning Herald', Chappell, along with his Team India predecessor John Wright and former Australian pacer Bruce Reid, has been roped in to work part-time in the academy.
Incidentally, Reid too had a stint with the Indian cricket team as its bowling coach during the side's Down Under tour in 2003.
Wright was in fact CA's first choice to fill the void created after Tim Nielsen left the head coach's job to succeed John Buchanan with the Australian team.
But Wright, who has a successful 2000-2005 stint with the Indian side, was not ready to relocate his family and withdrew from the race. PTI
John Wright turns down Australian academy role
Melbourne, June 6 (PTI) Former Team India coach John Wright has turned down the offer to take up the head coach's job at Cricket Australia's (CA) Centre of Excellence.
Wright said he was keen to take up the Australian offer but eventually withdrew because he wanted to spend time with his kids.
"It didn't quite work out. I haven't been back in New Zealand long, and I was away for 4-1/2 years. I've got teenage kids (aged 15 and 13). It's just not the right time," he was quoted as saying by New Zealand Press Association (NZPA).
The affable Kiwi admitted he was impressed by the academy.
"It's an enormously impressive facility. I've always been a great admirer of Australian cricket and the way they do things. They're a great example for anyone else that plays the game," he said.
Wright had a successful stint with Team India from 2000-2005 and his visit to the Brisbane academy last month fueled speculation that the former Kiwi captain would succeed Tim Nielson, the current Australia coach, at the Centre.
Wright, who describes himself as "between jobs", did not rule out a role with New Zealand Cricket (NZC) in the future.
"Who knows? I wouldn't rule anything out," he said.
Current Kiwi coach John Bracewell's contract is being reviewed and NZC is also toying with the idea of having separate coaches for the Test and one-day sides. PTI
Ghei leads Indian challenge at Bangkok Airways
Koh Samui, June 6 (PTI) In-form Gaurav Ghei will spearhead the Indian challenge at the Bangkok Airways Open, which tees off at the Santiburi Samui County Club here tomorrow.
Ghei, seventh on the UBS Asian Tour Order of Merit, heads an eight-member Indian squad which also comprises Rahil Gangjee, SSP Chowrasia, Amandeep Johl, Digvijay Singh, Arjun Singh, Amardip Malik and Gurbaaz Mann.
The star-studded field will also include two-time Asian Tour No. 1 Thongchai Jaidee, the 2005 No. 1 Thaworn Wiratchant and Singapore's Mardan Mamat, who finished tied second in the Wales Open on Sunday.
Ghei, who won the Pine Valley Beijing Open, came close to winning once more at Macau open, where he ultimately finished third in a rain-hit tournament.
Oozing confidence, the seasoned campaigner said he was looking forward to another good outing here.
"I am playing well and it is always a nice feeling to know you have won and can do it again," said Ghei.
Meanwhile, Gangjee, who has not been able to recapture the form that took him into Asian top-20 for the first time in 2006, will be trying hard to improve on the lone top-10 finish he has had this season at the Pakistan open, where he tied for fifth.
Over the last six starts on Asian Tour, he missed four cuts in a row from the Volvo China Open to Maekyung Open. PTI
Shiv Kapur lone Indian in BA-CA Open in Austria
Vienna, June 6 (PTI) Shiv Kapur has been making regular cuts but his finishes have been from satisfying and the Delhi golfer hopes to set things right when he tees off in the BA-CA Golf Open, presented by Telekom Austria this week at the Fontana Golf Club in Vienna.
Kapur finished second at Enjoy Jakarta Astro Indonesia Open and since then, he has not broken top 40. At the start of the 2007 European Tour season, he was 18th at HSBC and then 20th in Abu Dhabi and 27th in Qatar, but over the last three weeks he has made the cut and still struggled.
Lone Indian in the fray, Kapur will be hoping for better fortunes in Austria this week.
Meanwhile, Markus Brier returns to Fontana Golf Club here to defend his title. The 38 year old Austrian, who is attached to the golf club, will once again be aiming to make full use of the local knowledge.
Brier had won at Fontana twice when it was a Challenge Tour event and his 18-under total of 266 was the first instance of an Austrian golfer winning on The European Tour International Schedule.
Brier now is aiming to become the first Austrian golfer to play in The Ryder Cup.
Others in the field this week are three members of Europe's last Ryder Cup Team -- Darren Clarke, Colin Montgomerie and Lee Westwood. PTI
Sensex plunges by 279 points to one-week low of 14,255.93
Mumbai, Jun 6 (PTI) Blue chip stocks dragged the country's key stock market index BSE Sensex down by 279.08 points - its biggest fall in over a month - as foreign and domestic investors booked profits.
After an early rally to the day's high of 14,590.82, the Sensex turned weak and gradually moved downwards to a low of 14,234.07. It later ended the day at 14,255.93, a 1.92 per cent fall from yesterday's close of 14,535.01.
This is Sensex's biggest fall since April 27, when it fell by 320.30 points.
The broader S&P CNX Nifty of the National Stock Exchange (NSE) also tumbled by 86.40 points or 2.02 per cent to 4,198.25 from previous close of 4,284.65.
Sensex heavyweights RIL dipped by 3.31 per cent, SBI by 3.35 per cent, HDFC by 3.5 per cent, HDFC Bank by 2.83 per cent, ICICI Bank by 3.02 per cent, ONGC by 3.3 per cent, NTPC by 2.35 per cent, Tata Steel by 3.66 per cent, Tata Motors by 3.37 per cent and BHEL by 3.09 per cent.
IT counters, however, registered handsome gains as the rupee showed signs of weakness against dollar during the day.
Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs), who were net buyers in the past several days, turned sellers and pulled out sizeable chunk of funds during the session. They were net sellers to the tune of Rs 148 crore yesterday.
Taking a cue from FII negative activity, other investors generally preferred to pull out funds with an eye on upcoming IPOs this month, brokers said. PTI
India asks Russia to ease visa procedures
Moscow, Jun 6 (PTI) India has asked Russia to ease its "cumbersome and outdated" visa procedures to facilitate travel for businessmen as part of measures to enhance bilateral trade and investment ties.
"Russian procedures with regards to visas are very cumbersome and outdated. We are trying to impress on them (Russian authorities) that we must find a way to ease business travel," India's ambassador Kanwal Sibal said in an interview to 'Russia Profile' magazine.
Sibal, a former foreign secretary, said while Russia wanted visa-free travel with the European Union, India was only looking for easier procedures.
He allayed apprehensions a liberal visa regime could be an immigration problem, saying there were very few Indians wanting to migrate to Russia and there was no common border. The scope of illegal immigration was very small, he added.
Sibal noted the EU and the US had worked out systems where they were generally cautious about issuing visas, but were ready to issue visas to genuine Indian businessmen.
"We want to create similar mechanism with Russia, but Russia remains unyielding. But I do not think it's discriminatory," he said.
Sibal said India wanted an agreement with Russia for all kinds of travel, including for tourists.
"Indian tourists are travelling in very large numbers, and the outflow of Indian tourists exceeds the inflow of foreign tourists coming to India," he added. PTI
GAIL agrees to infuse Rs 500 cr in Dabhol
New Delhi, Jun 6 (PTI) State-run gas utility GAIL (India) Ltd has agreed to infuse an additional Rs 500 crore into Ratnagiri Gas and Power Pvt Ltd to enable the owner of the beleaguered Dabhol plant to clear pending dues of contractors.
The GAIL Board has cleared infusion of additional funds to enable RGPPL to pay Punj Lloyd and its British partner Whessoe, the contractors for completing the unfinished LNG terminal adjacent to the plant, industry sources said.
The board had earlier objected to GAIL, a promoter of RGPPL, lending Rs 500 crore to RGPPL on grounds that a public sector firm can only give loan to a sister PSU or a rated firm - RGPPL lacking both the qualification.
However, late last month the board approved the infusion in lieu of rights to match the highest bid for the five million tons LNG import terminal if it is sold after hiving off from the 2,150 MW power plant, sources said.
The Empowered Group of Minister (EGoM) headed by External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee, had asked GAIL to infuse additional funds to clear outstanding bills of contractors who had threatened legal action in case of default.
GAIL and power utility NTPC had invested Rs 500 crore each to take 28.33 per cent stake in RGPPL at the time of taking over Dabhol assets. Maharasthra State Electricity Board and IDBI-led lenders own the remaining equity in the company.
RGPPL had in May 2006 hired Punj Lloyd and UK's Whessoe to complete the LNG terminal but work had almost come to halt since December as RGPPL was not paying bills. Dutch marine contractor Van Oord too had been hit by unpaid bills.
The Punj Lloyd-Whessoe joint venture was given a Rs 500 crore contract to complete three LNG storage tanks, jetty and regassification facilities, while Van Oord was assigned a Rs 66 crore task of dredging the Dabhol port and channel to allow LNG tankers to berth. PTI
TRAI to consider policy for spectrum sharing
New Delhi, Jun 6 (PTI) Telecom regulator TRAI today said it will consider a policy for allowing sharing of spectrum among telecom companies.
"After sharing of active and backhaul infrastructure is accepted, the next step will be sharing of scarce resource - spectrum," TRAI Chairman Nripendra Misra told reporters here.
The new policy may come into effect in the next two years, he said.
Misra said TRAI would also consider giving incentives to telecom companies for their performance in rural areas.
"In the next 2-3 days, TRAI will come out with a consulation paper, which will look into various issues such as mergers and acquisitions, substantative equity holding in telecom companies, use of two technologies by a telecom company and roll out obligations," he said.
Misra said the regulator would also look how to give incentives to telecom companies for rural performance in the roll out obligations. The next phase of growth in telecom sector would come from rural areas, he added.
The government has fixed a target of achieving 250 million subscribers by the end of this year and 500 million by 2010.
Misra said 'affordability' has pushed the growth in this segment, which is likely to continue for the coming years. PTI
Telemarketers told to register with operators, DoT
New Delhi, Jun 6 (PTI) As part of measures to curb unsolicited commercial calls, the government today asked telemarketing companies to register themselves with telecom service providers and with the Department of Telecom.
Telemarketers will have to apply in the prescribed proforma and a processing fee of Rs 1,000 per centre to access service providers, an official statement said here.
The application would be acknowledged on receipt and would be treated as provisional registration for a period of three months for providing service by telemarketer, it said.
Subsequently, a registration would be issued by Department of Telecom to the telemarketer, which would be valid for 10 years.
Existing telemarketers, without any registration, should register themselves by August 31, the statement said.
National Informatics Centre has been authorised to set up a National Do Not Call Registry within three months, which will maintain a record of users who do not want unsolicited commercial calls.
Telecom regulator TRAI yesterday decided to impose a fine of Rs 500 on telemarketers for each unsolicited commercial call or message to users who would be registered with the registry. PTI
Musharraf to target print media after clampdown on TV channels
K J M Varma
Islamabad, June 6 (PTI) Unfazed by the mounting criticism over the crackdown on the electronic media, the Musharraf regime is planning to introduce another gag order which will restrict publication of "objectionable" editorial comments and cartoons in newspapers in Pakistan.
The National Security Council (NSC) which met here with President General Pervez Musharraf early this week had decided to promulgate an ordinance to restrict publication of objectionable cartoons or articles in newspapers and magazines that may defame the armed forces or other state institutions, Daily Times reported.
The NSC has directed the Law and Justice Ministry to draft the ordinance restricting print media, the newspaper said.
Already, an ordinance promulgated by Musharraf which gives sweeping powers to Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) officials to seal premises and seize equipment of electronic channels that break law has drawn flak in the country and abroad.
Owners of TV channels have demanded that the government amend the PERMA laws do that they are in consonance with the principle of natural justice "that nobody should be condemned unheard, which was a basic fundamental and constitutional right of every citizen".
Several TV channels were blacked out by cable operators this weekend for "showing anti-Pakistan propaganda". However, the government's threat to media to rein in the coverage of the crisis over the suspension of Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry is already having an affect as almost all channels appeared to have "modulated" their coverage to reduce friction with the authorities. PTI
US non-committal about return of Benazir, Sharif
Islamabad, June 6(PTI) Supporting Gen Musharraf, Unites States said that the military ruler had taken the country in the right direction and the issues relating to the suspension of Supreme Court Chief Justice should be settled by the court itself.
Preferring to be non-committal about the return of former Prime Ministers Benazir Bhutto and Nawaz Sharif to Pakistan to take part in general elections scheduled this year, US Assistant Secretary of State Richard Boucher told Pakistan' newly launched Dawn News TV, that it was not concerned with the individuals' participation but transparency of the polls.
He was replying to a question about the US stand on the plans of Bhutto and Sharif to return home.
Boucher's comments assumed significance as the prevailing perception was that Bhutto was being persuaded by Washington to work out a deal with Musharraf to jointly share power after the next elections.
For his part Musharraf has been saying both Bhutto and Sharif would not be allowed to return and openly hinted that Bhutto's return linked to finalising a rapprochement which she apparently delayed due to prevailing political and judicial crisis over the suspension of Chief Justice Iftikar M Chaudhry. PTI
Bangla govt plans to try Hasina on treason charge: report
Dhaka, June 6 (PTI) Bangladesh's interim government plans to try former prime minister and Awami League chief Sheikh Hasina on treason charges after security agencies seized some "sensational documents" from the residence of one of her top advisers, a media report said here today.
Quoting unidentified "sources", the Manovjamin tabloid claimed that the treason charge could be brought against her, particularly on the basis of a letter written by her to US President George W Bush.
The report came a day after an injured Awami League (AL) activist filed a case accusing BNP leader Khaleda Zia, her son Tarique Rahman and 26 others for masterminding the August 21, 2004 grenade attack on an AL rally which left 24 dead.
Hasina narrowly escaped the attack but it was widely believed to be an attempt on her life.
A magistrate in Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate Court recorded the case and ordered police to take legal action after investigations against the accused including former state minister for home Lutfuzzaman Babar of BNP and Matiur Rahman Nizami, the chief of the fundamentalist Jamaat-e- Islami.
Complainant Badar Aziz Uddin, who himself was injured in the attack, also named the then police chief and the former director general of National Security Intelligence among others in the case, alleging he tried to file the case long ago but no police station recorded it as the BNP-led alliance was in power at that time.
Until now the investigators could not pinpoint the culprits. PTI
Lanka refuses to accept 11 bodies handed over by LTTE
Colombo, June 6 (PTI) Sri Lankan army has refused to accept 11 of the 13 bodies handed over to them by the Tiger rebels, saying they were not of its personnel, the defence ministry said today.
It said the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) returned a total of 13 bodies yesterday through the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), but the military accepted only two.
"The army took over two bodies after identification and confirmation that they were of two army soldiers missing since the attack," the ministry said adding that "the other bodies were returned to the ICRC as they were not of army personnel." Heavy fighting since Saturday has killed scores on both sides in the northern districts of Mannar and Vavuniya.
The Tigers said they killed 30 soldiers and captured 15 bodies. The military claimed killing 52 bodies, but did not say they captured any bodies of the rebels. PTI
India, Russia have compatibility of geopolitical interests
Moscow, June 6 (PTI) India and Russia have retained a steady and stable relationship for so many decades as there is no perceptible divergence of strategic interests of the two countries, the Indian envoy to the country has said.
"I genuinely think that we have long-term compatibility of our national and geopolitical interests," Kanwal Sibal said in an interview to Russia's 'Profile' magazine.
Noting that Russia does not put any pressure on India's foreign policy and doesn't interfere in its domestic politics, he said "it's not pursuing policies in our neighbourhood that would create problems for us." "Additionally, Russia is our strongest defence partner. Overall, there is no perceptible divergence of strategic interests of the two countries," Sibal underscored.
He, however, pointed that it doesn't mean that India and Russia agree 100 per cent with everything they do. "But the things we do disagree on are not particularly significant within the broader relationship". PTI
The Employment Exchange, no jobs!
Anurag Sharma
New Delhi, Jun 6 (PTI) Established after the Second World War in 1945 with the main objective of resettling soldiers returning from the war, the Delhi's Employment Exchange (DDE) today suffers from an identity crisis and is facing an uphill task ahead to survive in a market driven by competition by private job sites.
One of the biggest exchanges in the country, the DDE has a network of nine district exchanges and five zonal offices all of them falling under Delhi Government's Directorate of Employment, which handles the network and works with a total staff of 250.
The success rate of exchange, however, is almost next to nothing, a lowly 0.5 per cent, which is less than the national average, says K C Aggarwal, Joint Director, DDE.
On the contrary, a leading online job website, Timesjobs.Com, claims they have a database of 6.5 million job seekers and the success rate of giving placement in a month is 10-15 per cent. "More than 20,000 recruiters visit our resume pool daily to choose the best suitable candidate," says Rajat Gandhi, head of marketing, Timesjobs.Com.
To track Employment Exchange in Delhi is itself a full time job! Even those who live in the vicinity are not aware of its existence. 'Rozgar Karyalaya' for them sounds more familiar. At the Pusa Road Exchange, youth and a few school children taking vocational classes are found seeking to try their luck. There are no queues and no huddles of people and officials are surprisingly overenthusiastic to help and provide counseling to aspirants. PTI
Newsletter-Maharashtra: Sugarcane glut leads to bitterness
Mumbai, June 5 (PTI) Excess sugarcane crop has become a major political issue in Maharashtra, with the government failing to get all sugarcane crushed during the ongoing season.
Indications that around 30 lakh metric tonne sugarcane would be left uncrushed as the crushing season ends with the onset of monsoon, has resulted in a spate of protests by opposition BJP-Shiv Sena against the DF government's `apathy' on the issue.
During the recent budget session of the state legislature, Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh announced a compensation of Rs 25,000 per hectare for sugracane which is left uncrushed this season `despite all efforts'.
BJP general secretary Gopinath Munde, who earlier this month led a `oos jala' (burn sugarcane) agitation to highlight the issue of uncrushed sugarcane, has blamed Union Agriculture minister and old political foe Sharad Pawar, for `failing to handle farmers issues'.
"Pawar claims that he works 15 hours daily for farmers but does not take a single decision in the interest of farmers", he said.
Munde's party colleague and MLC, Pasha Patel, also blamed Pawar for the 'mess' in agriculture sector. "Had not Pawar banned sugar export when there was demand abroad and even the prices were good, we would not be facing the fall in domestic sugar prices now", he said. PTI
New Delhi, Jun 5 (PTI) Anger and consternation are what a majority of commuters encounter if they happen to include 50 paise coins in the fare for public transport vehicles in the capital.
"Yeh aap apne paas hi rakhiye,(Keep this for yourself)" retorts the bus conductor refusing to accept the sum of Rupees two one frequent commuter in the capital hands over in fifty paise coins.
Veena, a government official who has to change two buses daily to get to her workplace says she frequently has to deal with such conductors who do not accept 50 paise coins.
Conductors say they have a tough time exchanging the paise coins into currency notes. "Even beggars throw a contemptuous look at 25 and 50 paise coins. When the buses are crowded, we find it easier to manage the coins of two and five rupees and 50 paise coins unnecessarily fill up the space, says Sonu a conductor. He adds that passengers also prefer to take the rupee notes rather than its half and quarter paise coins.
The RBI had recently issued a press release which states that all coins are legal tender and cannot be refused. The Central bank says the 50 paise as well as the 25-paise coins are as much valid as are the hexagon-patterned 20 paise coin or the zig-zag frilly edged 10-paise.
"It is very clear, the RBI has issued no such guidelines to let the coins out of circulation. There is no such policy," Alpana Killawala, Chief General Manager, Press Relations, RBI, told PTI from Mumbai.
The situation is not so in other metros like Mumbai, Chennai and Kolkata where there seems to be no difficulty in transacting with such small denomination coins. PTI
Newsletter-Bihar: Where is Ankit? Kidnapped on Apr 12, the kid is still missing
Ajay Kumar
Patna, PTI) "Kahan hai ankit (Where is Ankit?) It is still a question crying for an answer in Bihar with police groping in dark whether the six-year-old son of a trader, who was kidnapped from Alamganj area here on April 12, is alive or dead.
Ankit, a prep student of St. Paul School, was last seen while taking ice cream with a fellow pupil with an unidentified person on April 12 at his school and is untraceable since then.
Police raided several places and carried out digging operations on the information provided by Balram Paswan, servant of the businessman family and alleged kingpin of the abduction case, who had later retracted his 'confession' having strangled the boy to death and burying his body in a riverine near Sarinchak-Rahat road in Chapra.
Police teams from Patna, Siwan, Muzaffarpur and Saran districts had carried out the digging operations for five days in the mid of this month but could not trace the body.
What they did discover during the operations were Ankit's half-pant and socks.PTI
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The sensex closed at 14255.93, down 279.08
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1 Euro = 54.880 INR
1 Qatar Rial = 11.161 INR
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