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Differences with Left over N-deal will be resolved: Pranab
Chandigarh, Mar 15 (PTI) Ahead of the UPA-Left coordination committee meeting on Indo-US nuclear deal, government today expressed hope that the differences with the supporting allies on the issue will be resolved.
External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee told reporters here that he was engaged in talks with the Left on the deal to sort out the matter.
"I am hopeful of sorting out the issue (with the Left)," Mukherjee, who is a member of the UPA-Left coordination committee on the nuclear deal, said.
The UPA-Left committee meeting will take place on Monday during which the government will present the draft safeguards agreement finalised with the IAEA for endorsement of the panel.
On his forthcoming visit to Washington, Mukherjee said nuclear deal is not the only issue to be discussed with USA.
"There are other bilateral issues, including trade and commerce and investment etc which can be discussed between the two countries," added the minister who will travel to Washington on March 23.
Mukherjee said the US was the single largest trading partner with India and the two nations share common perceptions on many issues.
The Minister declined to make any comment on the Nandigram violence, saying it was an "internal matter" of the state. PTI
Parties agree to restore peace in Kannur
Kannur, Mar 15 (PTI) An all party meeting today decided to work for lasting peace in the trouble-torn areas here, following killing of seven persons in attacks by RSS-BJP and CPI(M) workers recently.
Reading out the resolution adopted at the meeting, chaired by Kerala Chief Minister V S Achuthanandan, Home Minister Kodiyeri Balakrishnan said government would take timely precautionary measures to tackle violence in the event of retaliatory attacks by workers of any political party in its bid to restore lasting peace in the district.
As part of peace initiative, District Collector and Superintendent of Police would hold meetings every month with political parties and review the situation, he said.
The government would view any kind of provocative actions that tend to vitiate the atmosphere of peace as "serious" and would take legal steps against perpetrators of violence, the resolution said.
The meeting was attended among others by Union Minister E Ahmed, Opposition Leader Oommen Chandy, KPCC President, Ramesh Chennithala, CPI-M state secretary Pinarayi Vijayan, BJP State chief P K Krishnadas, RSS leader Valsan Thillankeri, A P Abdulla Kutty, MLA. PTI
Tibetans try to storm Chinese embassy; 50 detained
New Delhi, Mar 15 (PTI) Around 50 Tibetans were detained in the national capital this morning as they tried to storm the Chinese Embassy building here to protest the violent crackdown on monks in Tibet's capital Lhasa.
The protestors, including women, tried to march towards the embassy in high-security Chanakyapuri area but were stopped by police personnel near the building at around 11 a.m.
Shouting anti-China slogans, enraged Tibetans tried to break the security cordon but their attempts were foiled as a large number of police personnel removed them from the area.
"We have detained around 50 Tibetan protestors who tried to stage a protest in this prohibitory area," a senior police official said.
Police had last night placed 50 Tibetans under preventive detention for trying to barge into the embassy premises after reports that a number of monks were killed and several injured in Lhasa following clashes with Chinese soldiers.
Thirty-six Tibetan women activists were detained on March 12 on the 49th Tibetan uprising Day after they tried to storm the Chinese Embassy.
At least 10 people were killed in riots in Lhasa during the fiercest pro-independence protests in two decades led by Buddhist monks. PTI
Gilchrist felt like "a cow," but does not mind playing IPL
New Delhi, Mar 15 (PTI) Adam Gilchrist may have felt like 'a cow' after being auctioned at the cash-rich Indian Premier League, but the just-retired Australian wicketkeeper-batsman says he does not mind being part of the "unique and interesting" venture.
Gilchrist admitted that his name being auctioned was an unusual experience for him and he would wait and watch what the IPL had in store for the players.
"There was a little element of feeling like a cow. But it's interesting and unique. There is a slight uneasiness. But let us allow it to settle down," Gilchrist said at the 'India Today' conclave here today.
Gilchrist, who was bought by the Hyderabad franchise of IPL, said playing for an unfamiliar team was not an issue with him as he had switched sides in domestic cricket in Australia.
"I was born and bred in New South Wales. But I had to shift to Western Australia from where I got into the Australian team.
"IPL has financial benefits and it's only about six weeks," he said.
But, the wicketkeeper-batsman said the youngsters playing IPL should guard against getting carried away with the monetary benefits and lose focus on cricket.
"Any youngster looking at dollar signs and not cricket is not good. In IPL there is great money. But there should be respect for cricket. Actually, it's upto the individual. PTI
Chappell faces demonstration in Kolkata
Kolkata, Mar 15 (PTI) The discontent against former Indian coach Greg Chappell over his bad blood with local hero Sourav Ganguly today made him face a demonstration here when he was on a talent hunt.
Chappell, the director of the Cricket Star and Rajasthan Cricket Academy, here on a talent hunt launched by 'Emerging Media', the owners of the Jaipur IPL team Rajasthan Royals, ironically chose a young protege of Ganguly's cricket academy.
Chappell faced the demonstration after emerging from a cricket coaching centre in south Kolkata, where he had gone amidst tight security.
The demonstrators, all from Ganguly's neighbourhood, carried posters 'Go back Chappell' and 'Chappell quit city' and shouted slogans.
"He conspired against Sourav. We don't want him here. Our protest is as much against him as against those who have brought him here," said one of the demonstrators.
There was, however, a good response to the talent hunt with 487 applicants from West Bengal, Orissa, Bihar, Jharkhand and Uttar Pradesh turning up to present their mettle before the legendary cricketer.
Chappell short-listed eight batsmen and 12 bowlers, as also two wicket-keepers after the first round. PTI
Sehwag insists he has a balanced team sans Ishant
New Delhi, Mar 15 (PTI) Delhi Daredevils captain Virender Sehwag today insisted that his is a balanced side even though they could afford the Australian tour hero Ishant Sharma because of his "high price".
Sehwag said the gangling fast bowler was among players he listed but decided not to bid for him because the franchisee would not have got other top players the team wanted.
"We wanted Ishant but the team budget forced us to decide against going for him. His bid price had soared up. We have to spend a lot more on the icon player (Sehwag himself) and had we bid for him and we would not have got some other big stars," Sehwag said.
"I would not call it (not getting Ishant) a loss but it would have been great if he was in our team. I am happy that he was taken by Kolkata on a big sum," the dashing batsman said at a press conference to announce Hero Honda as official partner and sponsor.
Kingfisher will be the associate sponsor and sports shoes major Adidas the apparel sponsor.
Delhi Daredevils also approached local player left-arm seamer Ashish Nehra who was acquired by Sachin Tendulkar's Mumbai Indians.
"We approached him but I think he was offered more money by the Mumbai team than we had offered to him." Sehwag shot down suggestions that Delhi Daredevils was comparatively a weak team than others.
"Our team combination is good, it is a balance side. We have very good batsmen, brilliant bowlers and excellent all-rounders. It is young side. Leaving a few, most of the players are young and I think we have the best fielding side of all the IPL teams," he said. PTI
Dhoni & co gave significant lift to Indian cricket: Roebuck
New Delhi, Mar 15 (PTI) Celebrated cricket writer Peter Roebuck today said the rise of limited overs captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni and his side marked the latest phase of India's elevation in world cricket.
Roebuck said Dhoni and his young team-mates heralded a new era for Indian cricket, which has emerged as a force which wanted to prove its worth.
"The first major stage was Sunil Gavaskar. He was seen as the voice of protest, 'we will do it the Indian way.' The next stage was Sachin Tendulkar, 'I am comfortable with what I am.' He is a great player who is graceful as well.
"The third phase was in Sydney (Test) with Dhoni, (Irfan) Pathan, Ishant (Sharma) and such people, who came from villages, backyards and outstations. It was an expression of democratic, passionate, committed and self-dependent India. It was a sense of true independence, not any protest against anybody," Roebuck said at the India Today Conclave here.
The Australia-based Englishman said the Aussies and the Indians have a lot of things in common.
"They are rivals but also partners. They speak the same language." PTI
Sensex ends 6-month low on slew of negative reasons
Mumbai, Mar 15 (PTI) Stocks: The stock markets continued to be in correction mode during the volatile week under review due to a slew of negative global as well as domestic reasons and the benchmark Sensex dropped further by 1.35 per cent to end the week at six-month low.
Lingering fears of recession despite a rescue package of USD 200 billion announced by US Federal Reserve, rising world crude oil prices to record peak and on local front, a steep fall in industrial growth and spiralling inflation upwards above the central bank's tolerance level of 5 per cent in the two straight week weighed on the bourses.
Had there not been a smart recovery in select blue-chip stocks after Finance Minister's positive statement on Friday, the losses in the indices were much more pronounced.
In the week to March 15, the 30-share Sensex dropped by 215.00 points to end the week at 15,760.52 from last weekend's close of 15,975.52. It gyrated in a wide range of 16,683.37 and 15,228.99 during the week. It had plunged by a massive 1,603.20 points or 9.12 per cent in the preceding week.
The 50-issue Nifty of the National Stock Exchange also moved down by 25.80 points or 0.54 per cent to end the week at 4,745.80 from last weekend's close of 4,771.60.
Traders said the markets surged after US Fed's Tuesday's announcement of a latest bailout package to the credit markets to salvage further damage of the world's largest economy.
But global weakness due to concerns over the efficacy of the US Fed's efforts to assist nervous credit markets and the feeble industrial growth in India pulled the Sensex sharply down to 6-1/2 month closing low of 15,357.35 in its sixth biggest fall of 770.73 points on Thursday. PTI
Gold glitters to new peak in Mumbai
Mumbai, Mar 15 (PTI) Gold today scaled a new peak of Rs 13,110 per ten grams on the bullion market here on persistent buying by stockists on the back of firm global trend.
Silver prices also shot up to an all-time high of Rs 25,225 per kg on sustained industrial demand coupled with rising trend in international market.
Gold futures extended historic highs in New York yesterday as the metal functioned as a safe haven and alternative currency, while the US dollar continued to weaken and fresh credit-market turmoil emerged.
Most-active April gold rose USD 5.70 to settle at USD 999.50 an ounce after extending its reach to USD 1,009 on the Comex division of the New York Mercantile Exchange.
Follow-through buying from the continued credit and subprime linked financial problems at major firms supported gold, a dealer said.
Comex May silver rose 23.5 cents to settle at USD 20.655 an ounce.
In the local market, standard gold (99.5 purity) firmed up by Rs 80 per ten grams to Rs 13,110 from Rs 13,030 previously and pure gold (99.9 purity) moved by the same margin to Rs 13,170 from Rs 13,090.
Silver ready (.999 fineness) shot up to Rs 25,225 from Rs 25,020 previously, showing a rise of Rs 205 per kilo. PTI
US dollar ends barely steady against rupee
Mumbai, Mar 14 (PTI) The US dollar ended barely steady against the rupee at Rs 40.4350/4450 per dollar but the pound sterling turned lower at Rs 81.84/86 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 40.4350/4450 US Dollar Rs. 40.45 Pound Sterling 81.84/86 Euro Rs. 63.20 Euro 62.90/92 Japanese Yen (100) 40.22/24 ---- PTI
Govt clears 18 FDI proposals to bring in Rs 1,553 cr
New Delhi, Mar 14 (PTI) Government today announced it has approved 18 foreign direct investment proposals that will bring in Rs 1,553.26 crore, including Rs 560 crore by Essar Capital Limited.
The Finance Ministry approved the proposals at a meeting held on March 7.
Among the approved proposals, Essar Capital Limited would invest Rs 560 crore to acquire the status of holding company for downstream investments. Cyprus-based Melbrook Ltd would bring in an FDI of Rs 125 crore for changing its status from operating company to operating cum holding company.
Redington India Limited would bring in Rs 195 crore by way of foreign equity by holding company, while Ortel Communications would effect a compulsory convertible for Rs 60 crore.
JSW Energy would induct FDI of Rs 63.23 crore in a holding company through IPO.
The government has, however, rejected four FDI proposals. These were from Red Fort India Realty Fund, Azorim International Holdings Ltd, Wadhwa Associates Realtors and Xcel Telecom Pvt Ltd.
Seven proposals have been deferred, including those from Singapore-based Singtel Australia Pte Ltd, and KNOX Holding Pte Ltd. Singtel's proposal was to set up long distance telephony services.
Besides, two FDI proposals have been recommended for consideration of the Cabinet Committee for Economic Affairs. These were from Chennai-based Rakindo Developers Pvt Ltd and Agam SPV Ltd from Caymen Islands. PTI
Hu re-elected Chinese Prez; likely successor Xi becomes deputy
Raghavendra
Beijing, Mar 15 (PTI) Hu Jintao, China's ruling party chief, was today re-elected President for a second five-year term in an overwhelming vote by the Communist giant's Parliament that also sealed the appointment of his likely successor Xi Jinping as Vice President.
The confirmation of the top Chinese leadership for the next five years came as Tibetan capital Lhasa witnessed the fiercest pro-independence street protests in two decades leading to rioting that left at least 10 people dead in the remote Himalayan region yesterday.
China's top legislature, the National People's Congress (NPC), also re-confirmed Hu, the former Communist Party of China (CPC) Secretary for Tibet, as head of the Central Military Commission (CMC), a powerful organ which controls the two million-plus Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA).
65-year old Hu was the only candidate for the Presidency. He received 99.7 per cent of the vote cast by the delegates at the annual session of Parliament.
He was chosen for a second-five year term by the CPC in October last year as its General Secretary, a position that automatically takes the incumbent to the Presidency. Today's election only cements the formality.
As widely expected, 54-year-old rising political star Xi, a former Shanghai CPC boss and son of a former Vice Premier and so considered a princeling, was chosen for the Vice President's post, a largely ceremonial role, a position Hu occupied in 1998 before his ascent to the presidency. Xi received 98.5 per cent votes. PTI
10 killed in Tibet riots
Raghavendra
Beijing, Mar 15 (PTI) China today said at least 10 people were killed in riots in the Tibetan capital Lhasa during the fiercest pro-independence protests in two decades led by Buddhist monks in the remote Himalayan region, blotting the Communist nation's image ahead of the Olympics in August.
"The victims (who died yesterday) are all innocent civilians and they have been burnt to death," an official with the regional government was quoted as saying by China's state-run Xinhua news agency.
The victims include two hotel employees and two shop owners, the report said.
No foreigner was among the dead, it said, a day after the widespread violence rocked the mountainous capital following the largest demonstrations in two decades.
"We have not received any report that foreigners suffered injuries or death in the beating, smashing, looting and burning on Friday (yesterday)," an official with the Foreign Affairs Office of the regional government said.
Violent protests came ahead of the August 8-24 Beijing Olympics, which human rights organisations want to link with improvement in the Communist nation's rights situation and have been pressing the West to take up the issue with China.
China accused the groups associated with the Dalai Lama of having "masterminded" the violence in Lhasa.
The government of Tibet Autonomous Region said it had "enough evidence" to back its claim of "sabotage" and that it was "organised, premeditated and masterminded" by the Dalai "clique". PTI
Ten killed in Tibet riots
Beijing, Mar 15 (PTI) Ten people have been killed in riots in the Tibetan capital Lhasa, which has witnessed days of protest by Buddhist monks against the Chinese rule, the official media said here today.
"The victims (who died yesterday) were all innocent civilians and they have been burnt to death," an official with the regional government was quoted as saying by Xinhua news agency.
Updating the death toll to 10 from the previous seven, the agency said the victims include two hotel employees and two shop owners. No foreigner was among the dead.
Violence erupted in Lhasa yesterday when protesters led by Buddhist monks clashed with Chinese troops and burnt vehicles and shops in the biggest and angriest demonstrations in two decades against the Chinese rule.
Security forces used gunfire to quell the protests in the remote mountainous region as Tibetan activists yelled for independence after days of peaceful marches with anti-riot police patrolling the streets. PTI
Digest of domestic news for the week March 8-14, 2008
Saturday
Kohima: The Democratic Alliance of Nagaland (DAN)emerges as frontrunner to form the next government in the state with the conglomerate bagging 29 of the 57 seats, results for which were declared, and needing just two more to match the required numbers.
Shillong: The race for power in Meghalaya takes a new turn with the opposition NCP-UDP combine appearing to have stitched up a simple majority and staking claim to form the government to thwart Congress plans.
Panaji: The second autopsy on British teenager Scarlette Eden Keeling claims that the girl was raped and murdered in Goa even as her family members lodged a complaint a police official for misguiding them.
Sunday New Delhi: Clashes between CPI(M) and Sangh Parivar outfits in Kerala has violent fall-out here when RSS-BJP activists attack the marxist party central headquarters triggering a battle between the rival sides that leaves 15 people including five senior CPI(M) leaders injured.
New Delhi: Arms dealer Suresh Nanda, already under scanner in defence deals, is arrested along with his son and two others for allegedly manipulating evidence in his favour in an income tax case, climaxing a chase-and-catch operation seen in Bollywood flicks.
Panaji: Nearly three weeks after a British teenaged girl was found dead on a beach here, police arrest a man on the charge of raping her and filed a case of murder in connection with the death following a second autopsy report.
Monday Siliguri/Kolkata: Facing stiff opposition from agitating Gorkha Janamukti Morcha (GJM), Subash Ghising steps down as caretaker administrator of Darjeeing Gorkha Hill Council after ruling it unchallenged for 20 years and triggering a split in his party's legislature wing.
Shillong: Senior Congress leader D D Lapang is sworn in as Meghalaya Chief Minister by Governor S S Sidhu who rejected the claim of the newly-formed NCP-led Meghalaya Progressive Alliance (MPA) saying the decision was aimed at preventing horse-trading.
Tuesday New Delhi: Government invokes ESMA against employees who threatened to go on strike at Delhi airport and positioned 479 Air Force personnel at 21 airports across the country to deal with any contingency in the wake of the proposed agitation.
New Delhi: The Lok Sabha passes the Rail budget for 2008-09 with minister Lalu Prasad stating that the cumulative surplus in the UPA government's tenure will touch a whopping Rs.1,00,000 crore next year and announces the much-awaited Kolkata-Dhaka service from April 14.
Wednesday New Delhi: The President's Rule imposed in Nagaland over two months ago is revoked paving the way for the formation of the next government.
Chennai: A racket involving South Indian film actors and directors in which they allegedly helped an unspecified number of people get US visas through illegal means has been busted with the arrest of a small-time actress.
Shillong: A day after three independent MLAs extended support to the Congress government in Meghalaya, Chief Minister D D Lapang rewards them with ministerial berths in an apparent signal to fence-sitters ahead of the crucial trust vote on the floor of the assembly. New Delhi/Ahmedabad: In incidents of alleged negligence, two babies were charred to death in hospitals in Delhi and Ahmedabad following a short-circuit in incubator.
Thursday New Delhi: After it failed to make any impact, airport employees call off their two-day-old nationwide agitation claiming that government has assured them that no more airports would be closed down without consulting them.
Panaji: Facing intense criticism, Goa police claims to have cracked the case of myserious death of Scarlette Keelin with the arrest of a second suspect and charges two men with murder of the British teenager.
Friday New Delhi: The Supreme Court issues notices to the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) Chief and former Union Minister Shibu Soren and the CBI on a petition challenging his acquittal in the Shashi Nath Jha murder case.
New Delhi: Hollywood actor and anti-AIDS campaigner Richard Gere who was involved in a kissing row with actress Shipa Shetty gets reprieve from the Supreme Court which stays his arrest warrant issued by a Jaipur court and allows him to visit India freely.
New Delhi: A 10-year-old boy, who protested against his bicycle being damaged, is burnt alive here allegedly by a group of men belonging to a marriage party. PTI
Young people getting attracted to classical music: Hema Malini
Ashwini Shrivastava
Gwalior, Mar 14 (PTI) Witnessing a renewed interest among youngsters in the country for Indian classical dance and music, actress turned politician Hema Malini says it emphasises the need for greater promotion of such art forms in the country.
"Classical music is getting popular among the next generation. The need is to promote classical dance and music in the appropriate way," says the 'Dream Girl' of Bollywood, who was here to perform at the closing ceremony of the three-day-long Gwalior heritage festival.
The actress along with her younger daughter Ahana also put up a performance at the festival.
Asked whether she would continue doing films, she said, "I love working. I would act in the films provided I like the scripts." Pointing out that the country has all that is required to appear as a tourists paradise on the world map, she said "We need to explore places to promote tourism in the country, so that people can understand the great Indian culture." The festival at Gwalior had a number of classical and fusion performances including that of Amjad Ali Khan, noted Hindustani vocalists Pandit Laxman Krishna Rao, Mita Pandit and Begum Parveen Sultana. Renowned sarod maestro Amjad Ali Khan along with his sons Amaan and Ayaan Ali Khan mesmerised the audience during the second day while the tone of the last day was set by iconic Ustad Rashid Khan, doyen of Hindustani vocal music. PTI
MIT designs better fit for the Jaipur Foot
New Delhi, Mar 12 (PTI) A team of students at MIT, including an Indian, has come up with an improved and better fitting design for the Jaipur Foot, an artificial leg for amputees.
The new method uses a hand-powered system to build the prosthetic that is expected to last longer than the ones currently being built and sold in the country by the Rajasthan-based charity, Jaipur Foot Organisation, according to news from MIT.
The modified design that eschews dependence on electricity is also expected to bring down the cost of the artificial limbs and benefit more patients in rural areas. The present electrically powered fitting system often requires bringing along a bulky generator.
The JFO, also known as the Bhagwan Mahavir Viklang Sahyata Samiti, claimed to be the world's largest provider of prosthetics, currently manufactures artificial legs using electric power to create the mould with Plaster of Paris.
The new design of the custom-built limbs is the result of a year-long project by the Mechanical Engineering wing of the MIT, the four participants of which spent two weeks in Jaipur in January this year and conducted one test run of a fitting.
"The personnel at the JFO were really pleased with the results," says engineering student Maria Luckyanova, who was in the country for testing the device.
"They liked the fact that the new system produced less waste, required no electricity and seemed to produce a better fit that might lead to a longer-lasting prosthetic. That's because the plaster of paris in the traditional method shrinks slightly as it hardens, making the fit less exact," says Luckyanova. PTI
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