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Rains hamper culling operations in West Bengal
Kolkata, Jan 26 (PTI) Inclement weather conditions today hampered culling in West Bengal with the operations yet to begin in Purulia and Howrah districts where outbreak of avian influenza has been confirmed.
Culling operations which was to begin at 10 am this morning has been delayed by a few hours in Purulia due to the unseasonal rains.
Culling will be taken up at Kotaldi and Ramchandrapur villages of Santuri block of the district after some time, official sources said.
Four teams, each comprising of ten members, have reached the blocks, district magistrate Dipak Ranjan Kar said.
In Howrah district, where samples from Sankrail block tested positive for birdflu, two teams with a total 11 members have been formed for culling operations at Manickpur area.
The first team which was to begin work at 6 am and continue upto 11 am have not been able to start culling.
The bird flu was confirmed in Purulia and Howrah districts by the High Security Animal Disease Laboratory in Bhopal yesterday. The bird flu has gripped 11 out of the 19 districts of West Bengal.
The affected districts are Birbhum, South Dinajpur, Murshidabad, Nadia, Burdwan, Bankura, Malda, Coochbehar, Hooghly, Purulia and Howrah.
Culling was over in Hooghly, Burdwan, Bankura and South Dinajpur districts.
Nadia district magistrate Omkar Singh Meena said of the total culling target of 2 lakh birds, 1.53 lakh birds were culled in the district till last evening. It was expected to be over within a short time, he said.
The target of completing culling operations in the district was hampered due to rains, reports said. PTI
Salwa Judum is second independence movement: Narasimhan
Raipur, Jan 26 (PTI) Chhattisgarh Governor E S L Narasimhan today said that 'Salwa Judum', the anti-naxal operation is the second independence movement launched by the tribals of the state to save democracy.
Unfurling the tri-colour, the Governor saluted the impressive ceremonial parade here in the Police Parade Ground, and said the salute was to honour the Salwa Judum (meaning 'Peace Campaign' in tribal dialect), which transformed into a torch from a small light, enlightening minds.
"Salwa Judum will be imprinted in history as a success against the violent elements," he said.
The villagers have also unleashed the movement in the tribal areas of Bastar region of the state to save democracy, the Governor said, adding the sacrifice of the people involved in it would not go waste.
It was also the duty of not only the government but also of all the people to increase the morale of those involved in Salwa Judum to counter naxalism, he said.
Started on June five 2005, the villagers of Dantewada district raised their voice against the naxal violence and with the active support of the state BJP government, the movement later spread to other areas creating a difficult situation for the Left-wing extremists. PTI
Ansari, Shah among Hurriyat leaders detained in Srinagar
Srinagar, Jan 26 (PTI) Several leaders of moderate faction of Hurriyat Conference, including acting chairman Moulana Abbas Ansari and Shabir Ahmad Shah were detained along with their supporters today after they submitted a memorandum to the UN observers' office here, official sources said.
Ansari, Shah, Fazl Haq Qureshi, Nayeem Khan, Aga Syed Hassan and Zafar Akbar Bhat were among 30 Hurriyat activists detained at Sonawar for violating the orders which prohibits assembly of four or more persons at public places, they added.
The Hurriyat leaders and their supporters were taken to Ram Munshi Bagh police station, they said.
Shah condemned the detention, saying "we were not holding any rally or an unlawful gathering. We just had to submit a memorandum to UN Secretary General Ban-ki moon through the local office." He also alleged that the leaders were "roughed up" by the police personnel.
In the memorandum, the Hurriyat Conference sought the world body's attention towards Kashmir issue.
Meanwhile, a strike called on the Republic Day by separatist outfits, including the Hurriyat Conference, evoked a mixed response in Kashmir valley.
Shops and business establishments remained closed and most of the residents of the valley chose to remain indoors.
Snowfall in the morning and the accompanying chill also ensured that there was little movement on the roads of the city and elsewhere in the valley.
Private vehicles started plying on the roads here after snowfall stopped and security arrangements were eased after the end of Republic Day function at Bakshi stadium. PTI
Winning Padma Vibhushan is dream realised: Tendulkar
Adelaide, Jan 26 (PTI) Sachin Tendulkar may have won countless awards but the master batsman today said all those trophies pale in comparison to India's second highest civilian honour, the Padma Vibhushan.
"I have won many awards and trophies but this is right at the top," Tendulkar said after the third day's play in the ongoing fourth and final Test against Australia.
"... I came to know about it yesterday through my wife. I was extremely excited by it but since I was in the middle of the match, it was important to keep my focus on the game," he added.
Tendulkar said being conferred the second highest civilian honour was like a dream realised for him.
"It's truly a great honour to accept this award as this is recognized by the government of India. I have played for so many years and when government of India recognises your effort, gives you the second highest civilian award in the country, it's very, very special," he gushed.
"It means a lot to me to get this award alongside such great personalities. It's truly something which I can only dream of," he said.
The champion batsman also congratulated the other awardees.
"I want to take this opportunity to congratulate other awardees. It's fantastic to be in the same list," he said.
Tendulkar was among five other top sportspersons, including chess Grandmaster Viswanathan Anand, to have been selected for the Padma awards yesterday. PTI
Gilchrist announces retirement
Adelaide, Jan 26 (PTI) Australia's Adam Gilchrist, one of the greatest wicketkeeper-batsmen the game has ever produced and who led his team to a historic Test series win against India in 2004-05, today announced his retirement from international cricket ending his illustrious career spanning over 12 years.
The 36-year-old Gilchrist, who had come under scrutiny for a series of wicketkeeping blunders during the ongoing series against India, chose to hang his gloves a day after breaking South African Mark Boucher's record of highest dismissals by a wicketkeeper.
The ongoing fourth and final Test will be his last appearance in the longer version of the game while he will end his one-day career after the subsequent tri-series.
The stumper, who is currently playing his 96th Test, will finish his career while at the top of the table of the game's leading wicketkeepers by dismissal, having so far taken 414 dismissals (377 caught, 37 stumped), at an incredible 2.178 scalps per innings.
"It is with great pride and happiness that I make the decision to retire from Test and One-day cricket. I've come to this decision after much thought and discussion with those most important to me," Gilchrist said in a statement issued by Cricket Australia.
"I am now ready and excited to move into the next phase of my life," said Gilchrist, who has so far compiled 5556 runs in 95 Tests for an average of 47.89 and 9297 runs in 277 ODIs for an average of 36.03. PTI
Hayden slams century as Australia fightback
Adelaide, Jan 26 (PTI) Australia fought their way back in the fourth and final cricket Test against India with an unusually sedate batting response to take their first innings total to a comfortable 322 for three, largely built around Matthew Hayden's 30th century here today.
Resuming at the overnight score of 62 for no loss in reply to India's mammoth first innings total of 526, the generally fast-scoring Australians adopted a cautious approach as they curbed their natural stroke-making instincts to give a suitable response to the visitors.
Captain Ricky Ponting, who hung in resolutely with a laboured unbeaten 79 and Michael Clarke (37) were at the crease at close on the third day with the hosts still trailing by 204 runs.
With the Adelaide Oval track expected to deteriorate to some extent in the remaining two days, the home team has still some work to do to feel completely safe in this crucial Test which India desperately needs to win to level the series 2-2.
After the towering opener Hayden (103) had done the spadework with his sixth century against the Indians, skipper Ponting, who has been struggling to find peak form in the series, held the innings together with his painstaking knock which came off 150 balls.
The Aussies managed to score just 260 runs today, which is quite a slow rate for their standard, but they ensured that they still have plenty of wickets intact.
Hayden and fellow opener Phil Jacques (60) provided the platform for the Australians with a 159-run partnership on a day which saw the Indians bowling well in patches. PTI
Australia 322/3 at close on day three
Adelaide, Jan 26 (PTI) Australia were 322 for three in their first innings at close of the third day's play in the fourth and final cricket Test against India here today.
Brief scores: India 526 all out Australia 322 for 3 in 111 overs (M Hayden 103, R Ponting 79 batting, P Jaques 60; I Sharma 1/47, I Pathan 1/70). PTI
Mullah Omar sacks Mehsud for fighting Pakistan Army: report
Islamabad, Jan 26 (PTI) Taliban chief Mullah Omar has removed the wanted militant leader Baitullah Mehsud as the commander of Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) for fighting the Pakistani army, a news report has said.
Asia Times Online quoted Mullah Omar as telling other Taliban commanders to turn their focus on NATO forces stationed in Afghanistan even as President Pervez Musharraf has ordered intensified military operations against the pro-Taliban militants in South Waziristan.
Mehsud, appointed by Omar as the chief of the Pakistani Taliban, was expected to provide support to the Taliban in Afghanistan, but instead directed all his fighters against Pakistani security forces. Now, Omar has sacked Mehsud for fighting against the Pakistan Army instead of with NATO forces, said the report of the Hong Kong-based online.
"The Afghan front is quiet because the Taliban and al- Qaeda militants are heavily engaged in fighting Pakistani security forces in Waziristan. Therefore, Mullah Omar has put his foot down to reset goals for the Taliban: struggle in Afghanistan and not against Pakistan, as was being done by Baitullah Mehsud," the report said.
It quoted intelligence sources as saying that the top Taliban cleric appointed Maulvi Faqir Muhammad as TTP chief. However, Faqir has refused to accept the post, after which the local Taliban were trying to find a replacement for Baitullah.
With the reported isolation of Baitullah, who has already been named by the government as the main suspect behind former premier Benazir Bhutto's assassination, his loyalists are on their own to fight against the Pakistani forces.
Mehsud rose through the ranks of the Taliban after becoming acquainted with Mullah Dadullah (killed by US-led forces in May 2007), suppling him with many suicide bombers. Mehsud was soon appointed by Omar as the chief of the Pakistani Taliban. PTI
Pak polls will be fair: Musharraf
London, Jan 26 (PTI) Dismissing concerns about possible rigging of the February 18 general elections, Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf has insisted that the polls would be held in a "free, fair and peaceful" manner.
"I would ask anyone to give me how (the polls) can be rigged, and if anyone gives me any suggestion, I would be too glad to pass it onto the Chief Election Commissioner for implementation," Musharraf said addressing the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI), a British think tank, shortly after his arrival here yesterday on a three-day visit.
"The election will be free, fair, transparent and peaceful," Musharraf said, adding "whatever bugs remained in the system... Have been removed by me and my government." Rejecting suggestions that US troops could be brought in Pakistan to root out al-Qaeda militants or guard the country's nuclear assets, he said his government's success in fighting terrorism was critical.
"We are in the forefront fighting terrorism and extremism, our success is critical. We have to win because if we lose I think it will have an impact on the region and the world, maybe in the streets of Europe.
"So therefore we have to be together and we have to reinforce each other, encourage each other, support each other, instead of criticising and insinuating," he said.
On the probe into the killing of ex-premier Benazir Bhutto, Musharraf said Pakistan was capable of carrying out a full investigation into her assassination on December 27.
He said the Scotland Yard assistance was sought into the investigation because "there may be some weaknesses in our forensic capabilities, in our technical capabilities". PTI
Indian High Commissioner under suicide attack threat: report
Islamabad, Jan 26 (PTI) Security has been beefed up for Indian diplomats in Pakistan after authorities received intelligence warning that suicide bombers have entered the capital to target High Commissioner Satyabrata Pal.
Pakistan's Interior Ministry has directed the Islamabad chief commissioner, acting police inspector general (IG), and Islamabad Diplomatic Enclave Security (DES) police superintendent to make foolproof security arrangements for the Indian High Commission in Islamabad after intelligence agencies reported threats of suicide attacks on Indian diplomats, sources said yesterday.
The sources said that according to a letter written by National Crisis Management Cell Director (Operations) Lieutenant Colonel Muhammad Imran Yaqoob to the Islamabad administration, the government had received intelligence reports warning that one out of three women suicide bombers, who have entered Islamabad, would target the Indian High Commissioner Satyabrata Pal.
The Interior Ministrys Foreigners Security Cell officials directed security agencies to send a report after tightening Indian diplomats security, the Daily Times newspaper said today quoting sources.
An additional force of the Diplomatic Security Police has been deployed outside the Indian High Commission. The Indian diplomats have limited their movement after they were informed about the threat, the report said. PTI
India not playing any military role in Sri Lanka: envoy
Sridhar Krishnaswami
Washington, Jan 26 (PTI) India does not play any military role in the Sri Lankan conflict, the country's envoy to the US has said, while hailing New Delhi's role in the "political context".
"In the current military campaign there has been no role of India. But in a political context it has been a very positive role they have played and we are very appreciative of that. And from understandable reasons India does not get involved in the military campaign," Ambassador Bernard Goonetilleke said in response to a question from PTI.
He was speaking here at a discussion on the "Ceasefire Agreement, the Peace Process and the International Community".
The ambassador said Sri Lanka will not return to the negotiating table with the LTTE unless the rebels give up their demand for a separate state, while maintaining that it was under no pressure to restart peace talks.
"If the LTTE demand for a separate state is non-negotiable, what exactly are we going to negotiate with them? ....How can a democratically elected government hand over a part of its sovereign territory to an undemocratic entity like the LTTE, which engages in terrorism?" he said.
"No, No," the top envoy replied when asked if there is pressure from the US to negotiate with the rebels.
Goonetilleka accused the LTTE of using peace talks as a "ploy" to regroup and replenish their supplies, and said countries who repeatedly call for a return to peace talks are failing to understand the nature of the conflict. PTI
Film Review: Comedy saves Sunday
Film: Sunday
Director: Rohit Shetty
Cast: Ajay Devgan, Ayesh Takia, Irfan Khan and others
Shambhu Sahu
'Sunday' is a suspense-cum-comedy film. But, some how, its USP is comedy and not the thriller plot, which is a tad too-over-stretched and not really new.
The film is about mysterious Sehar (Ayesha Takia), a dubbing artiste who has a habit of forgetting things. One fine day, a contract killer attacks her after which she approaches ACP Rajveer Randhawa (Ajay Devgan) for help. Incidentally, this chilled-out but corrupt-cop is the guy Sehar's mother has chosen for her.
The problem begins when she can't recall anything related to the incident. So police has no clue how to go about this case until the cops find some voices recorded in her cassette recorder. From there on, the cops reach to one suspect to another to another... But as one nears the climax he knows the film is one of the typical 'who-done-it' type.
The film (and the search for the culprits) slows down and is further hampered by two songs. It makes you lose interest in the suspense part of the film but thank God, Ballu (Arshad Warsi) and Kumar (Irfan Khan) are around. The duo who play a crook cab driver and a wannabe star respectively - don't let one lose interest in the film.
They offer plenty of fun while taking rides through 'Dilli di galiyan'. Arshad's fun acts - like fooling a traffic cop or reacting after getting shot at in his bum, etc. - coupled with Irfan's hilarious dialogues - while wanting to play Ravana or the Don in 'DonIII' or to turn a singer-composer to bag a lead role in some film ala Himesh Reshammiya are a complete 'paisa vassol'.
Ajay Devagn is good as a typical Dilli Policewala. He sings love songs, eats lots of Sundaes and makes you laugh. Ayesha has acted well in a character that seems to have many layer, not actually as you know in the end. Vrajesh Hirjee as Chakki, a South Indian karate trainer, is also good but has a comparatively shorter role.
Director Rohit Shetty has a knack for humour and he had a big success with his earlier film 'Golmaal: Fun Unlimited', a surprise hit in 2006. In 'Sunday' he offers comedy, action and suspense but it's the funny side of it that you enjoy the most than anything else. However, a few scenes like the chase in Chandini Chowk and Arshad's fight sequence are good and show his capability and talent which he inherited from his father, famous Bollywood fight master Late Shetty.
The film, which is shot mostly in Delhi, has a nice cinematography by Aseem Bajaj whose presentation of city locals and action scenes is a treat. A good one-time watch. PTI
Tunics and naughty bell bottoms to be hot this year
Snehesh Alex Philip
New Delhi, Jan 25 (PTI) With fashion changing faster than the time taken to make a cup of hot coffee in this winter, fashion-conscious, suave urban Indians are facing the ever increasing dilemma of what to wear and what not.
Forecasting trends for Year 2008, Delhi based fashion designer Chiarg Joshi says, "Tunics which sold like hot cakes last year will continue to hold grip among all age-groups. This year the terrific tunics will reign, when worn with churidars, with back zips. Chic Arabian pattern of Harem pants would be trashed out, making way for naughty bell bottoms. Also time to bid farewell to dear wedges, as platforms are set to strike the market with great velocity." Joshi who worked with top-notch designers like Ritu Kumar and Ritu Beri before setting up his own designer label adds, "An exorbitant use of vegetable dyes would add finesse to the apparels. Shades of pastels and earthy colors like blue, orange, golden, and browns shall rule the fashion kingdom.
He adds, "The influence of nature would be visible in the form of floral prints. Prints of leaves and flowers mixed together will stand out strongly." Betting on cotton fabrics for the hot Indian summer, Joshi says, "Seeing the long summer season prevalent in our country, it would be safe to bet upon the cottons. The fabric suits, all body types and will be a must in everybody's wardrobe. Flowy, flamboyant silhouettes in cotton can never go out of vogue." PTI
Book: ICT, yet to conquer the last mile!
New Delhi, Jan 24 (PTI) It may have touched the lives of billions in every nook and corner of the world over but information and communication technology- ICT- in short is yet to conquer the 'last mile' when it comes to reaching crucial information to the needy at the times of natural disasters, say experts.
Over 3600 inhabitants in a remote village in Pudducherry were lucky in 2004 to have escaped certain death when the Tsunami struck, thanks to the timely warning that was disseminated and the villages evacuated.
Lives of over 40,000 who perished in Sri Lanka, however, could not be saved as the warning, though available with the Lankan Authorities, could not be disseminated quickly, says a research paper in 'Digital Review of Asia Pacific 2007-2008', a compilation of reports on 31 economies.
Sri Lanka's celebrated resident Arthur C Clarke remarked:the Asian Tsunami's death toll could have been drastically reduced if the warning was disseminated quickly and effectively to millions of coastal dwellers on the Indian Ocean rim.
"It is appalling that our sophisticated global Communication system simply failed us on that day", the paper quotes him saying.
Importance of risk communication in averting many public crises and natural disasters cannot be overstated. Yet risk communication has received attention only in recent years.
Moreover, ICTs (information and communication technology)has not been harnessed to their full potential to mitigate risks from natural disaster's and public health emergencies, says the paper on 'Role of ICTs in risk communication in Asia Pacific' by Krishnamurthy Sriramesh, Chanuka Wattegama and Fredrick John Abo.
(About the book: 'Digital Review of Asia Pacific 2007-2008, Sage, pages 373, price Rs.950/-) PTI
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