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"Centre can review all Goa SEZs," Nath told reporters after meeting Goa Chief Minister Digambar Kamat here.
Nath said there was "absolute provision" in the SEZ Act for everything, including review of the notified zones.
Commerce Secretary Gopal Pillai had said yesterday the Centre cannot de-notify three SEZs from Goa since they had become "legal entities" after their notification.
Kamat said the state government would send the formal communication to the Centre by next Monday. "Ground realities are different. By and large, people (of Goa) do not want SEZ," Kamat said, adding the state government would go as per law.
Goa government had on December 31 scrapped all 15 SEZs, including the notified ones, following widespread protests from the ruling Congress and opposition BJP. PTI
TRAI can regulate broadcasting services: SC
New Delhi, Jan 3 (PTI) The Supreme Court today refused to interfere with telecom regulator TRAI's authority to also regulate broadcasting services, saying there was "no conflict" in letting it do both the jobs.
Dismissing private broadcaster Star India's petition challenging the role of TRAI, which was set up by an Act of Parliament, a bench comprising Justices H K Sema and Markandey Katju said: "We cannot question Parliament and we should respect Parliament. Judiciary should not interfere in it." The broadcaster had approached the apex court against the amendment to the Telecom Act that empowered the government to bring broadcasting services within the ambit of TRAI.
The court, however, said there was "no conflict" in allowing Telecom Regulatory Authority of India to regulate broadcasting services as well.
Star's counsel Fali S Nariman contended that the amendment to the Telecom Act was unconstitutional and the proviso introduced in the Act was contrary to what was envisaged in the original Act.
"Telecom Act had excluded broadcasting services, but after amendment the services were allowed to be regulated by TRAI," Nariman said, adding that "the amendment amounts to re-writing the Act." Not satisfied with Star India's contention, the bench said: "There does not seem any conflict between the original Act and the proviso introduced in it after amendment." "The proviso says that the Centre can bring other services within the ambit of Telecom Act and the government has issued the notification for regulating broadcasting services by TRAI. It is very simple," the Bench observed. PTI
Eight Army officials summoned in Siachen Pilferage scam
Eight Army officials summoned in Siachen Pilferage scam
Sumir Kaul
New Delhi, Jan 3 (PTI) The Jammu and Kashmir Police has summoned eight army officials, including a Lieutenant Colonel of Leh-based 14 Corps, in connection with the alleged pilferage of food and clothes meant for troops at the Siachen glacier.
Sources in the state Home Department said that summons were issued after three local shopkeepers, arrested in connection with the pilferage, recorded their "confessional statement" under Section 164 of criminal procedure code before a magistrate.
The sources said in view of the confessional statement, six army officials of Third Infantry Division, who had performed their duties as Officer Commanding, and two Army officials, including a Lieutenant Colonel of the Corps headquarters, were required for questioning for their alleged role in embezzlement and pilferage of special ration, clothings and equipments meant for Siachen sector.
This is the third and final notice and after this the police will approach court for issuing non-bailable warrant against the officials which include four Majors and two Captains, besides seeking its direction for the Army to provide details about the scam, they said.
Defence Minister A K Antony had informed Parliament in December 2007 that after an internal probe by the Army into the pilferage scam, the authorities had initiated administrative action against three officers and three junior commissioned officers.
The entire scam came to light after the police found special rations meant for soldiers serving in Siachen Glaciers being sold in open market. PTI
Norway hints at pull out of truce monitors from Lanka
T V Sriram
Colombo, Jan 3 (PTI) Peace broker Norway today warned of escalation in ethnic conflict in Sri Lanka following the government's decision to scrap the six-year-old ceasefire with the Tamil Tigers and indicated that the Scandinavian monitors could be withdrawn from the island nation.
"I regret that the Government is taking this serious step," said Norwegian Minister of the Environment and International Development, Erik Solheim.
"This comes on top of the increasingly frequent acts of violence perpetrated by both parties, and I am deeply concerned that the violence and hostilities will now escalate even further," he said in a statement.
Norway had facilitated the 2002 Ceasefire Agreement (CFA) between the Sri Lankan government and Liberation Tigers of Tamil Ealam (LTTE). The government last night decided to scrap it amid stepped up violence in the island's embattled north.
The termination of the agreement will primarily affect the Nordic Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission (SLMM), as its mandate is set out in the pact, Solheim said, adding it may, therefore, be necessary to withdraw the mission.
"This would weaken efforts to protect the civilian population, which would be most regrettable," said Solheim said.
In 2000, Norway was formally invited by then Sri Lankan President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga and the LTTE to act as facilitator for the peace process in the country. The invitation was renewed by President Mahinda Rajapakse in January 2006.
Despite the escalation of violence, Norway is maintaining a close dialogue with the parties, the statement said. PTI
Australia not thinking about 16 in a row: Lee
Sydney, Jan 3 (PTI) Australia may be just one shy of equalling the world record of 16 consecutive Test wins, but speedster Brett Lee today said the team was not wavering in its focus against the Indians at the Sydney Cricket Ground.
"We don't want to lose our focus. It's important we go out and enjoy ourselves in the middle and try to do our best. If we play well and enjoy, we might still see the 16th Test win happen," Lee said after India finished the second day at 216 for three in reply to the hosts 463.
VVS Laxman was the player largely resposible for the Indian fightback and Lee was lavish in his praise for the stylish Hyderabadi batsman.
"He has made a habit of scoring well against Australia and we all hold him in a very high esteem. He batted brilliantly in the middle." However, he noted that Laxman and Dravid, who made 53 in a second wicket stand of 175, were reprieved by wicketkeeper Adam Gilchrist.
"Yeah, he (Gilchrist) dropped a few but everyone can have an off-day. Like a batsman or a bowler, even a wicketkeeper can have an off-day.
"But I am sure he wouldn't be thinking a lot about it tonight and come back to do well tomorrow," the fast bowler said. PTI
Oz media gets behind India on umpiring shockers
Sydney, Jan 3 (PTI) Known to be hostile to visiting teams, even the Australian media could not help commiserating with the Indian cricketers, who bore the brunt of the most shocking umpiring blunders in the second cricket Test against Ricky Ponting's side here.
In a hard-hitting column, 'Sydney Morning Herald' cricket writer Peter Roebuck said Steve Bucknor and Mark Benson spoilt what was a superb day of cricket.
"Alas, their errors changed the mood of the match. As usual, the weaker side suffered the rough end of the stick. It is hard enough to win in Australian without standing helpless as players of the calibre of Ricky Ponting and Andrew Symonds are given a second opportunity to build a substantial score," he wrote.
Umpires made four blunders yesterday and India were the worst hit with three of them going against them.
Roebuck wrote that Bucknor was past his prime and should have retired after the World Cup in West Indies.
"Indeed, he was expected to retire after the World Cup. Those responsible for allowing him to linger were also partly responsible for a decision that changed the course of the day and possibly the match and series," The 'Herald Sun', meanwhile, said yesterday's incidents brought the "dwindling umpiring standards" into focus. PTI
Indian campaign ends at Hopman Cup
Perth, Jan 3 (PTI) Indian hopes of making the final of the Hopman Cup ended when the United States defeated hosts Australia to top Group B here today.
India, knowing that even a win in the last league encounter was not enough to make the title clash, later lost 1-2 to the Czech Republic.
When the day started, India needed a win against Czech Republic combined with a US defeat in their last Group B tie, to make their first Hopman Cup final.
Sania Mirza and Rohan Bopanna were outplayed in singles though they were succesful in stretching their unbeaten run in the mixed doubles as Indians finished second in the group.
Sania went down fighting against world number 23 Lucie Safarova and Bopanna failed to counter the class of Tomas Berdych.
Sania recovered from a sloppy first set but failed to sustain the momentum and eventually lost 2-6 6-4 3-6 in 110 minutes to hand the Czechs a 1-0 lead.
All the responsibility of a comeback fell on the shoulders of Bopanna, who was outclassed by Berdych 6-4 6-0 in just 58 minutes.
The Indians, however, combined well to earn a 6-3 6-2 win in the dead mixed rubber.
The Indian pair's victory was their sixth on the trot in the Hopman Cup having won all their three mixed doubles ties last year.
India lost 1-2 to United States, won 2-1 against Australia before today's defeat.
Sania managed just one singles victory this year while Bopanna is yet to win one at the event. PTI
US dollar ends cheaper against Rupee
Mumbai, Jan 3 (PTI) The US dollar ended cheaper against the rupee at Rs 39.39/40 per dollar and the pound sterling also finished lower at Rs.77.86/88 per pound at the close of the Interbank Foreign Exchange (FOREX) market here today.
Following are Interbank Forex and RBI Rates. (In Rupees per Unit) Unit Interbank RBI Reference rates US Dollar 39.39/40 US Dollar Rs. 39.45 Pound Sterling 77.86/88 Euro Rs. 58.04 Euro 58.14/16 Japanese Yen (100) 36.28/30 PTI
Ford names Tata Motors as preferred bidder for J-LR
London, Jan 3 (PTI) Tata Motors was today named the preferred bidder for Ford's British marquees Jaguar and Land Rover, but a final decision for the sale was yet to be taken.
"Ford is committed to focused negotiations at a more detailed level with Tata Motors concerning the potential sale of the combined Jaguar, Land Rover business," Premier Automotive Group and Ford of Europe, Ford Motor Company Executive Vice-President Lewis Booth said.
He said detailed discussions would be held with Tata Motors over the coming weeks. PTI
Gold soars by Rs 260 on high global cues
New Delhi, Jan 3 (PTI) Gold prices surged by Rs 260 to reach at Rs 11,020 per 10 gram in the bullion market today on increased buying by stockists and jewellery fabricators amid reports of high global trends.
Standard gold and ornaments shot up by Rs 260 each to Rs 11,020 and Rs 10,870 per 10 gram and sovereign reached new peak of Rs 9,050 per piece of 8 gram by rising Rs 150.
Buying activity picked up following reports of a firming trend in global bullion markets amid heavy seasonal demand by stockists and jewellers.
The yellow metal, which normally moves with the international trend, gained momentum as prices in overseas markets held new record as crude oil gains and the dollar declined against major currencies boosted demand for alternative investments.
Bullion in other Asian markets crossed a 28-year high level, after trading at 860.10 dollar an ounce, a level last seen on January 21, 1980, when Iran restricted oil supply and the US inflation rose over 12 per cent.
Silver too joined the rally and gained substantial ground on emergence of buying. Silver ready spurted by Rs 500 to Rs 19,700 per kg and weekly-based delivery by Rs 480 to Rs 20,030 per kg.
Silver coins were higher by Rs 300 at Rs 25,500 for buying and Rs 25,600 for selling of 100 pieces, a level never seen before. PTI
Newsletter: Groupism to the fore in Puducherry Congress
Puducherry, Jan 3 (PTI) With intra party squabbles leading to criticism by Congress functionaries of their own government, the opposition is blaming the government of inaction on the development front.
AICC General Secretary V Narayanasamy, a Rajya Sabha MP pointing at the development in the Thattanchavady Assembly constituency represented by the Chief Minister N Rangasamy has been saying that Thattanchavady alone was not the whole Puducherry and asserting that all constituencies should develop on equal footing.
His latest act was dashing a letter to the Chief Secretary seeking details of the job opportunities available to those from Thattanchavady, welfare schemes implemented there and other particulars with comparative details of picture of progress in other segments.
The PCC president and senior congress leader of Puducherry P Shanmugham has expressed anguish at such open spats from the functionaries in the party.
Shanmugham has appealed to the rank and file in the party and also office bearers not to wash their dirty line in the public and said that any grievance or complaint should be placed before him or before the high command.
He told a recent meeting held to celebrate the 122nd anniversary of the party that it was indeed a matter of concern that most of the functionaries in the party were going to the press to criticise the government and its policies. This would not help the party in any way, he said. PTI
Rane rattles Deshmukh
Mumbai, Jan 2 (PTI) Barely a month after the Maharashtra Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh celebrated completion of his three year tenure as chief minister of this state, his own cabinet colleague Narayan Rane gave him a massive jolt when he publicly revolted against him.
Though the epicentre of this revolt was in New Delhi where Rane held a press conference questioning Deshmukh's ability to lead the state, its tremors rattled his throne in Maharashtra.
Rane while addressing a press conference in New Delhi without naming Deshmukh after meeting Margaret Alva, AICC general secretary in-charge of Maharashtra said the government was not working for the 10 crore people of the state but only for 'one person'.
While it is an open secret that Rane, a former Shiv Sena Chief Minister had quit the party in 2005 following his differences with the Sena and joined the Congress was nursing an ambition to become the chief minister, his open revolt was surprising if not shocking to political observers.
After Rane was expelled from Sena he joined the Congress with a one point agenda of reoccupying the chair of Chief Minister. Interestingly Rane fired his salvo against Deshmukh after meeting the AICC incharge of Maharashtra, Margaret Alva, a strong Deshmukh baiter. This is being interpreted in the political circles that Rane had her tacit support though neither of them admitted it.
What seems to have made things difficult for Deshmukh is the fact that even after such an outburst against Deshmukh, Rane managed to get an audience with the Congress President Sonia Gandhi. This has given grist to the rumour mills that Deshmukh's days as Chief Minister of Maharashtra are numbered and that there could be a change of guard. PTI
Ancient cave paintings in new light
Annie Samson
New Delhi, Jan 1 (PTI) Stunning murals by fifth-century painters in dimly lit man-made caves in India have found place in the latest edition of the renowned magazine, National Geographic.
The monthly has featured photographs by art-historian Benoy Behl, who uses a long, light-soaking photography exposure technique to bring out the true-colours of the ancient paintings and murals inside the dark confines of caves and temples.
The feature, 'Faces of Divine,' is an interview of Behl by the magazine's writer Tom O Neill who accompanied Behl and his team as they criss-crossed the length and breadth of the country.
"We are reminded in the ancient paintings that the stated purpose of art was not to present photographic reality but to convey the essence and harmony which underlines all of creation," says Behl who had visited Ajanta caves 16 years ago with the challenge of photographing murals using only natural light.
"For 15 years the National Geographic team followed my work and earlier this year, their photographer and writer accompanied me and my team in our travels across India. They realised that ancient Indian art was one of the most sublime in the world," says Behl.
The technique of photography is one that Behl has used in all his works, that of extremely long exposure in dim light. "Not only are they perfectly captured they are also very much better. Several renowned archaeologists have commended the picture quality and said the paintings were much clearer," he says. PTI
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